It was the 28th of May, 1977. I was a normal 9 year old in the movie theater with her parents. The lights dimmed and the trailers ran. Then the screen went black; stars appeared and those famous words: A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away… And my world opened. I loved…
Author: Natalie Aked
It’s a Small World Holiday
It is the joyous notes of that catchy tune and the giant white and gold façade that draws children and adults alike to the iconic ‘It’s a Small World’ attraction at Disneyland. When we cross the plaza towards one of Walt Disney’s World Expo attractions, we know what we are going to get –…
Forever Young: Celebrating Mickey Mouse on his Birthday
Setting the stage: It was 1928 and Walt Disney, along with his small team at the Disney Studios, had been producing a very popular series of cartoon shorts starring Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. The cartoons and character, though Disney creations, were owned by Charles Mintz and his company – Universal Studios. When Mintz swindled Oswald…
The Rivers of America: Disneyland’s Busy, Quiet Place
We’re embarking on a steam-powered journey along the Rivers of America. On our trip, we’ll visit the magnificent Columbia in the great Northwest, the powerful Potomac in the mid-Atlantic, and the rugged Rio Grande along the border of Texas and Mexico. We’ll hear the voices of the pioneers, the native peoples, and a mischievous…
Traveling with Boots: Best Friends Pet Care at Walt Disney World
There is a moment, when I go to open ‘that’ box, where my breath catches. Inside sit those brightly colored, all powerful bands. I am able to breathe again. I am going home. A trip to Walt Disney World is a cause of anticipation, excitement, and is slightly overwhelming for the primary planner. Those of…
The Bats of Anandapur at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Field Notes from Anandapur The sign warned us that we were entering part of a protected preserve. Absolutely no shooting of anything save with a camera. The Royal Anandapur Forest was once the walled hunting grounds of a maharajah. When this maharajah passed away during a hunting accident, the subsequent rulers developed the area into…
Haunted Mansion Holiday
One of the favorite Disneyland attractions is, undoubtedly, the Haunted Mansion. Its eerie exterior beacons the adventurous to enter and escape its ghostly inhabitants. But for a few months in fall and winter, the mansion plays host to a different sort of adventure – a happily haunted holiday happening. Now hurry along As they…
Halloween Time at Disneyland
This is Halloween; This is Halloween; Halloween, Halloween… ~ The Nightmare Before Christmas ‘Tis the season when ghouls and ghosts go holidaying at Disneyland and Jack, the Pumpkin King, takes over the park. But do not fear, this seasonal event is more spooktacularly silly and frightfully fun than spectacularly scary. This is Disney family fun…
Traveling with Boots: The Disneyland Resort Kennel Club
‘We’re going to Disneyland!’ These are four of my favorite words in the whole wide world. Of course, we have three small problems; their names are Mystique, Bootstrap, and Beru. Leaving the fur kids at home would be as popular with the family as leaving the teen at home. So, when we head out…
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular: A Review
You’re gonna get killed chasing after your [dang] ‘fortune and glory’! ~ Willie, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Maybe, but not today. ~ Indiana Jones, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Thirty-four years ago Raiders of the Lost Ark introduced the world to Indiana Jones – archaeologist, professor, purveyor of ancient artefacts,…
There’s only one way to be a pilot: Piloting the Mark Twain and the Liberty Belle
There’s only one way to be a pilot, and that is to get this entire river by heart. You have to know it just like A B C. – Mark Twain, Life on the Mississippi Secure all cargo, all passenger aboard. Bowman, cast off lines. Engine room, ahead on quarter. Engine room, ahead three quarters….
Experiencing Opening Day: A Disneyland Penny Tour
Sixty years ago the happiest place on earth, Disneyland, opened. By most accounts, it was a difficult day. There were many trials (plumbing strikes, excessive heat of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, a tight building timetable, a live-to-air TV show, and counterfeit tickets that took the anticipated 6,000 guests to an estimated 28,000). This day would…