Showing posts with label tinker bell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tinker bell. Show all posts

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Peter Pan...You CAN Fly!


Peter Pan 60th Anniversary Diamond Edition Blu-Ray

 **Note, you're in for a treat! Both Joyce AND Al reviewed Peter Pan...enjoy!


By Joyce - 

I “grew up”  with Disney and just like Peter Pan I have not really grown up.  I first saw Peter Pan when I was 5 years and when it was released on VHS in 1990s, my oldest son was almost the same age as I was when I first saw the movie.  He loved it as much as I did and is now sharing it with his children. This movie has been seen by many different generations. 
Peter Pan, Tinker Bell & Wendy

This classic is one of my all time favorite movies although a view it differently as a adult that I did as a child.  I remember seeing it as a child and did not understand the jealously Tinker Bell had toward Wendy and how this caused trouble for her, Peter, the Lost Boys, and the Darling Children.  As a child I loved Nana the dog and remember being afraid of Captain Hook and Tick-Tock Croc, and also thinking that Peter Pan could magically enter my bedroom and “kidnap” me and I would never see my parents again.  This frightened me as a child but as I watched it recently, I realized that Wendy, Michael and John did not seem to care that they may not see their parents again as they flew away with Peter. It was a dream that they lived while sleeping and they wanted to experience it for real.

“You know that place between sleep and awake, the place where you can still remember dreaming? That’s where I’ll always love you. That’s where I'll be waiting.”

Peter shared with Wendy that she could be a mother to the Lost Boys and this excited her so very much.  Wendy was also upset with her father because she had to leave the nursery the following day.  

I loved the movie and it is a classic but I am not sure that children will understand or appreciate it as I did. Today’s society is also different than it was when I growing up.  There is sensitivity to Indians being referred to as the “Red Man” and "Quite Savage”   
Not PC by today's standards

Things I picked up as an adult seeing the movie that I did not notice when I watched it at the age of 5 and even as a young Mom watching it with my sons. There was lots of violence such as the mermaids trying to drown Wendy and Tinker Bell’s jealously towards Wendy.  In my opinion, even though it is a bit outdated it is ok for children of all ages and parents may need to explain it to the children based on their age and maturity. 

Did you know that the message appearing during the credits: "Walt Disney Productions is grateful to the Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street, London”  JM Barrie gave all the rights to the Peter Pan to the Great Ormond Street Hospital in 1929. 

By Al - 

Ok, I must confess something to you all. I’ve never seen Disney’s classic animated film, Peter Pan. I know what you’re thinking. “But, you’re such a Disney FAN! How could you have NEVER seen this beloved classic?”. Well, I haven’t, ok? I’ve lived a sheltered life, OK? I admit it! I’ve not seen a...few of the Disney Classics out there, but I’m in the process of rectifying that grievous error....

Recently, Joyce and I received a review copy of Disney Peter Pan Diamond Edition Blu Ray and I FINALLY watched it, and I truly loved it. Classic Disney, at it’s very best. Now, I’m pretty familiar with the story of Peter Pan, after all, I DO love Disneyland! I LOVE Disneyland’s Fantasmic show in which Peter and Captain Hook have a daring duel with swords on the Sailing Ship Columbia, while the Hook hungry crocodile is chasing after, waiting for Hook to fall into the river!  And, Joyce LOVES Tinker Bell!! I’ve also seen the myriad of Peter Pan movies over the years including the live action Peter Pan (which I found a bit “dark”), and the Robin Williams big budget Hook, which took a rather interesting look at the Peter Pan story. However, THIS Peter Pan is, in my opinion, the best. 
Tinker Bell
For those of you who’ve never seen this 1953 Disney classic (yes, like I USED to be), Peter Pan is the story of a boy who refuses to grow up and the three Darling kids who, when faced with their fathers disapproval of “all things childish”, embark on an adventure that not only allows them to enjoy being a child, but enables them to better understand the need for a balance between being TOO childish and forever putting those childish ways away. 

Ok, so, what did I think of Peter Pan? Like Wendy, John and Michael Darling, I was drawn into Peter’s ongoing war with the evil pirate Captain Hook and delighted in the many ways Peter outwits Hook. On the surface, Peter Pan is a lighthearted look at the age-old struggle between parents and children, where parents insist on their offspring growing up and facing the “real world”, while the children just want to remain children forever. Unfortunately, parents typically win in this battle, and the result is that too many kids grow to forget how fun it is to be a kid, and end up being like Mr. Darling, who has no patience for games. In that regard, it’s not hard to see why Peter Pan is a classic. In true Disney fashion, we’re entertained by some incredibly enjoyable situations, all the while learning a life lesson that few of us would admit to learning. There MUST be balance in the Force (sorry, wrong franchise), there MUST be a balance between becoming a responsible adult and retaining your child-like side. If you can accomplish that, well, then you’d be Walt Disney!
Peter Pan 

One of the things about Peter Pan that I enjoyed is that although there is a “message” in the film, it certainly isn’t too “deep” or too serious like Bambi. Peter Pan appeals to just about everyone really, from the kid who can relate and yearns to have adventures like Peter and his Lost Boys, to the adults who (almost) remember what it’s like to BE a kid. For an animated film, it is very beautiful. At times the animation almost makes you forget it is indeed a cartoon. And again, in true Disney fashion, our hero is triumphant over the villain and saves the day. Every scene in Peter Pan was familiar to me, mostly because of the Peter Pan attraction at Disneyland and the aforementioned Fantasmic show. 

Of course, there are a few things in Disney’s Peter Pan that made me wince a bit. First off, remember it was done in 1953, a time that we didn’t really understand the term “politically correct”. Certain scenes that portray Native Americans in a rather...stereotypical light, but like I said...1953. And, is it just me or is Tinker Bell NOT very nice in this film? I mean, this is NOT the Tinker Bell I know, this one is mean, vindictive, jealous and well, VIOLENT!  When we watched the film, I mentioned to Joyce that if they had made Peter Pan today, those scenes would have been altered drastically to be certain! Aside from that, Peter Pan is one of my new all time favorites and will be one of our “going to Disneyland” movies. The humor, awesome animation, simple yet poignant message, and a story that has the ability to immediately make us not only remember but FONDLY remember what it’s like to be a carefree child, make Disney’s Peter Pan a must see movie for anyone. And, this film is one of three to boast all nine of Walt’s famous “Nine Old Men” as directing animators! So that fact alone makes Peter Pan an instant classic and an historic piece. 
Tick Tock, Tick Tock 

Celebrate the 60th anniversary of Disney’s classic adventure Peter Pan as it soars to new heights for the first time EVER on Disney Blu-Ray! By the way, we viewed Peter Pan on DVD and on the Blu Ray version and although DVD is nice, the Blu Ray is beautiful! The level of clarity offered by Blu Ray makes the animation even more outstanding and the sound...well, THIS is what surround sound was made for! 

Disney’s Peter Pan Diamond Edition Blu Ray is available now, bonus features include Growing Up With Nine Old Men, Disney View, Disney Intermission, Deleted Songs and Scenes, You Can Fly: The Making Of Peter Pan, Tinker Bell: A Fairy’s Tales, Disney Song Selections, Audio Commentary Hosted By Roy Disney, Music Videos and More!

3-Disc Blu-Ray Combo Pack includes Blu Ray disc, DVD, Digital Copy and Storybook App, SRP $44.99
2-Disc Blu-Ray Combo Pack includes Blu Ray disc and DVD, SRP $39.99






Monday, December 24, 2012

Tales From The Mouse House...Episode 62



Welcome to episode 62 of Tales From The Mouse House Disneyland Podcast! Our 2012 Christmas fun-type-cool-episode! On this episode, we discuss some of the challenges we've had recently during the Holiday Season, like the Christmas yard decorations...man, what a challenge THAT'S been! And, of course, Joyce's challenges getting our annual Christmas tradition ornaments. That was certainly a trial of patience and well, keeping our Holiday Spirit! But, with the aid of a terrific, Magical Cast Member named Chad, well, you'll need to tune in for that outcome!


Disneyland Resort for the Holidays!
In our Attraction Review, Joyce discusses one of the cutest new additions to Disney California Adventure on Buena Vista Street that doubles as a roving musical, and in or Food Review, Al reviews the Trolley Treats on Buena Vista Street for a great place to get your sugar rush on! Plus, we had the awesome honor of interviewing someone how really has little extra time to chat this time of year. We'd tell you his name, but we can't. You'll need to listen for that gem, but we CAN tell you, he's VERY popular this time of year! Oh, and he loves to wear red, has a HUGE white beard and rides around in an unconventional mode of transportation! 

We'd also like to take this opportunity to say Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a VERY Happy, Blessed, Prosperous and Safe New Year to each and every one of you. We truly appreciate you listening to us rant about our favorite place in the entire world - Disneyland! It's because of you that we continue to do this show, because we LOVE sharing our LOVE for Disney with all of you. And to say thank you, we've done up a neat, fun little rendition of The 12 Days Of Christmas...Disneyland style! Joyce wrote the lyrics and Al sang the song - ALL 12 PARTS! Talk about CRAZY!! 

The "Royal" Disneyland Couple
We plan on bringing you much more in 2013. As with Disneyland, Tales From The Mouse House Disneyland Podcast is ever evolving, so we'd LOVE to hear your suggestions. And be sure to keep an eye out on our blog site for more reviews. We'll be reviewing Disney/Pixar films like Frankenweenie, Finding Nemo and many more. Plus, from time to time, we'll have giveaway copies, so be on the look out for Tales Trivia contests! Thanks again for your support and trust in us! 

Oh Christmas Tree, OH Christmas Tree!
As always, If you’d like to send in comments for the show, you can send us an email to talespodcast@cox.net, leave us voicemail on the Hotline at 304-TALES23, leave us feedback in iTunes or leave comments for us on our Twitter account @talespodcast. Heck, you can even find us on FaceBook, just search for Tales From The House House - Disneyland podcast! If you'd like to listen to the show, you can find it on iTunes, on our podcast site at talescast.com, the direct episode link: Episode 62, or on Stitcher Radio now! Just visit www.stitcher.com and search for Tales From The Mouse House - Disneyland Podcast!


Thanks for making us part of your Disney experience and remember…
"Make It A Disney Christmas Day!" ~~ Al & Joyce

For a little Holiday fun, check out the awesome Tinker Bell and the Secret Of The Wings Winter Woods Snow Flakes print and play activity below! And don't forget to pick up YOUR copy of Disney's Secret Of The Wings today!





Sunday, November 18, 2012

Tales From The Mouse House...Episode 58




Welcome to episode 58 of Tales From The Mouse House Disneyland Podcast! On this episode, we have our awesome friend and sponsor Randy Crane join us to discuss his brand new book - Once Upon YOUR Time, 7 Strategies For Gaining Control Of Your Time Through A Tour Of The Magic Kingdom. In Randy's new book, he reinforces his effective strategies by using real-world examples from Disneyland to illustrate key strategies to help you gain, or re-gain control of your most precious possession: your TIME! 

In our Disneyland Resort News, we update you on all the interesting things making news at the Resort, including Thanksgiving at Disneyland, BIG changes to the Candlelight Ceremony and some very important news about Multi-Day Park Tickets you're going to want to know about.

We also cover some pretty cool places in our Review segments. In Attraction Reviews, we introduce you all to one of the brand new attractions in Cars Land - Mater's Junkyard Jamboree! This toe-tapping, downright fun attraction is a great time for the whole family! And we're sure by now most of you have heard that the FIRST EVER Starbucks inside a Disney Park is NOW OPEN in Disney California Adventure! YEAH...well, we give you our take on this long-awaited icon of caffeinated delight and if it's a great addition to the Disneyland Resort or...if it's a bust (right, guess which way WE went on that one!) 


AND...big news...we announce the winner of our totally awesome Secret Of The Wings 3D/Blu Ray/DVD/Digital Download Combo Pack trivia contest! YEAH!!


As always, If you’d like to send in comments for the show, you can send us an email to talespodcast@cox.net, leave us voicemail on the Hotline at 304-TALES23, leave us feedback in iTunes or leave comments for us on our Twitter account @talespodcast. Heck, you can even find us on FaceBook, just search for Tales From The House House - Disneyland podcast! If you'd like to listen to the show, you can find it on iTunes, on our podcast site at talescast.com, the direct episode link: Episode 58, or on Stitcher Radio now! Just visit www.stitcher.com and search for Tales From The Mouse House - Disneyland Podcast!

Thanks for making us part of your Disney experience and remember…
"Make It A Mickey Day!" ~~ Al & Joyce

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Pixie Tales...Story Telling, Through Music


The lyrics to a song can often tell a story or convey the message that one could not put in words.  When I listen to Disney Movie Soundtracks or Disneyland Resort Music it brings back some memories. 

Today I was listening to Pandora and Phil Collins’ you’ll be in my heart, from the Tarzan soundtrack was playing and I thought of the story Tim O’Day told at the D23 Expo.  The story took place shortly after 9/11 attack and he was walking through the Park and saw a crying women sitting in Town Square.  He stopped to talk to her and she shared that the world was in such turmoil, there was so much sadness because of what happened, that she felt she had to be here in Disneyland, had to be in a place that was built for HAPPINESS. Walt will always be with us and bring his magic to the Park.

Always...
I'll be with you
I'll be there for you always
Always and always
Just look over your shoulder
Just look over your shoulder
Just look over your shoulder
I'll be there always


Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite Disney movies and the Chorus of “Be Our Guest” always reminds me of how I feel when I hear the “chirp” as my entry to the Happiest Place on Earth is granted.  “Be our guest! Be our guest! get your worries off your chest....How could anyone be gloomy or depressed?  This describes how I feel when I see the Disneyland Train Depot, the berm and the plaque that reads, “Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy.”  Walt built Disneyland so children and parents could have fun together.

At the young age of 4, I had my first Disneyland experience and from that moment on my life was immersed in everything Disney.  I loved Mickey Mouse, the Mickey Mouse Club, and could not wait for our next trip to Disneyland. Growing up in Indiana, we traveled as often as we could; however, when Disney World opened in 1971 we visited and due to the close proximity it was more affordable for a family of 6 to visit.  Either way, as Ariel from the Little Mermaid Movie sings, Disneyland and Disney World are most definitely “Part of My World” and I visited often until I graduated from HIgh school.  

I wanna be where the people are
I wanna see, wanna see them dancin'
Walking around on those - what do you call 'em?
Oh - feet!
Flippin' your fins, you don't get too far
Legs are required for jumping, dancing
Strolling along down a - what's that word again?
Street
Up where they walk, up where they run
Up where they stay all day in the sun
Wanderin' free - wish I could be
Part of that world

Even after high school, Disney was a huge part of my life even though I was not able to visit the Park. Believe it or not, I spent a quarter of a century away from any Disney Resort Park. I kept dreaming that one day I would be able to return and share the magic of the Park with my Husband, Al. In 2007, that dream came true and I share my Happy Place with the love of my life to makes me the Happiest person in the world.  

A dream is a wish your heart makes
When you're fast asleep
In dreams you lose your heartaches
Whatever you wish for, you keep
Have faith in your dreams and someday
Your rainbow will come smiling thru
No matter how your heart is grieving
If you keep on believing
the dream that you wish will come true

No matter how old I get, I will always be a child at heart and when I visit the place Walt built for you and me, I will always respect and honor him.  His Dedication Day speech has been etched in my memory and Disneyland will always be a source of joy and inspiration to me. I want to share my love for Disney with everyone so they can experience the magic and happiness that I cannot express in words alone.  I hope you enjoyed this story through music. I will leave you with one last thing..Disney, you will always have a friend in me.

And as the years go by
Boys, our friendship will never die
You're gonna see
It's our destiny
You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Happiest Blog On Earth...Tinker Bell & the Secret Of The Wings

Well, Joyce and I had an awesome time on our recent Disneyland Resort vacation! Met up with a few of our good friends, Mr. Daps, Julie and her husband Jason (our favorite Cast Member), and our great friend and Podcast Sponsor Randy Crane. We also (finally) got to visit Cars Land and Buena Vista Street! Two AWESOME new additions to the Disneyland Resort, over in California Adventure. We made many great new memories this trip, but I think that the one memory that will stand above just about everything is something we were blessed to be part of on our last day at the Resort. An event that both Mr. Daps (from Daps Magic) and Lisa Robertson (from Babes In Disneyland blog) asked us to cover for their respective sites: the media event covering the release of Disney's newest Tinker Bell movie - Secret Of The Wings. This was our very first media event, and hopefully, just the start of a wonderful media relationship with the Disney Company and Disneyland. I'd like to share with you our write-up and coverage of this awesome event:


Tinker Bell’s Winter Wonderland Comes to Downtown Disney
By Al Kessel - Tales From The Mouse House Disneyland Podcast

On October 23, 2012, DisneyToon Studios released the fourth installment of their popular straight to DVD animated film series based on the Disney Fairies franchise, starring the mischievous, and lovable, Tinker Bell. This time, Tink ventures into the forbidden world and discovers a Frost Fairy named Periwinkle, who shares some remarkably familiar traits with our Tinker-Talented Fairy. Disney’s Secret Of The Wings introduces fans of this beloved series to their newest Fairy - Periwinkle (voiced by Lucy Hale), who has a talent for creating frost and winter wonderlands whenever and wherever she desires. 



To celebrate the release of this newest film, Downtown Disney has created a brand new guest experience - Ice Skating in Tinker Bells Winter Woods, the Winter Wonderland that Tinker Bell experiences in her new film. 

The ceremony opened with Tinker Bell and Periwinkle performing a brief dance on the small stage set up in the middle of the Ice Rink. As they exited the Rink, Disneyland Resort Ambassador Rene Torrico welcomed guests to Downtown Disney and revealed the premise of Tinker Bells’ latest adventure. Torrico then introduced Vice President of Resorts Daniel Delcourt and Downtown Disney’s General Manager Janet Knox to dedicate the new Ice Rink. Delcourt welcomed guests and thanked Downtown Disney Cast Members for all their hard work in bringing this wonderful new opportunity to Disney Resort guests, followed by Knox’s dedication of the Ice Rink for family and friends to enjoy a piece of Tinker Bells’ Winter Wonderland. Secret Of The Wings director Peggy Holmes, and producer Michael Wigert then described the new film and how Tink learns to ice skate, and with the opening of the new Ice Rink, Resort guests can now experience that same feeling. 


Finally,  Rene Torrico returned to the stage to thank guests for joining them for the event and as he spreads a little Fairy Dust, like magic Tinker Bell and her Pixie Sister Periwinkle return to the stage for a dramatic Fairy dance to officially unveil this newest Resort experience. 


 A first for Southern California’s Downtown Disney District, the Ice Rink is made from real ice, not synthetic ice, which, according to Janet Knox, Downtown Disney’s General Manager, was an important detail to offer guests. Knox stated that there are many who visit Downtown Disney who may never have had the experience of skating on “real ice”.  This attention to detail brings an air of nostalgia to those guests who may have grown up with experiences such as this, allowing them to share with their children the family fun and adventure they had growing up. 


The Rink took about two weeks to assemble and is kept at a chilling six degrees by a massive “Chiller Machine” discreetly hidden behind the rental shacks. Knox also stated that Disney has wanted to offer a family activity to guests such as the Ice Rink for years, but never really had the perfect story to share. However, with the introduction of the new Tinker Bell story, they now had the perfect story to tell. Knox hinted that it may very well be the vision of VP of Resorts Delcourt to eventually expand the Ice Rink to a more elaborate Holiday Village should the Ice Rink prove successful.



The Ice Rink will operate through the beginning of January, 2013, and for the Holidays, Downtown Disney will open several shopping and food chalets for Resort guests to linger through while enjoying the atmosphere of the Ice Rink. 

Each skating session lasts 60 minutes and will cost $15.00 for adults and $12.00 for children ages 2 to 12. The Ice Rink will also offer rental skates for $3.00 and for the younger skaters, Disney offers double-bladed skates. Hours of operation are Sunday through Thursday 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM, Friday and Saturday 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. The Ice Rink does require all skaters to wear an approved helmet for safety reasons. Every 30 minutes the Ice Rink will offer their “WOW” moment, in the form of a whimsically choreographed light display set to the Secret Of The Wings song The Great Divide, by the McClain Sisters. 



After the event, Director Peggy Holmes and Producer Michael Wigert stated that being part of the Disney Fairies franchise is both an honor and terrific opportunity allow fans to learn more about Tinker Bell and her Fairy friends. Wigert also hinted that we have not seen the last of the world of Pixie Hollow.






To view a short video we produced on the event, just click play below!