All I Want for Christmas...

Welcome one and all holiday shoppers to The Magical Mystery Blog.

Christmas time is upon us with seasonal songs, the mysteries of Santa Claus, and of course, Christmas lists. Every child has a Christmas list consisting of the latest and greatest in toys and electronics. I've kept a Christmas list for many years and with every year, I've seen the world release something new into the toy market. Nowadays I find some of the toys amazing because they’re interactive objects I never dreamed of owning as a kid. We have technology that allows us to have a tiger and pet it, items that allow us to reenact some of our favorite movies down to the tiniest detail and have fun with it, toys that enable us to physically get involved with our game and even help us to work out, learn, and do other things. It’s always fascinating to see what people come up with these days for entertainment. Below are my top five modern toys I wish I got for Christmas as a kid.

5) Tetris Link

Most of you are aware of the popular, retro game known as Tetris where you had to stock shape ontop of shape to clear a line. Nowadays it’s been done to death in different formats by means of tablets, ipods, and other pieces of technology that house apps. There’s been tons of reboots of the classic game, including a board game.

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This game is a real life version of the video game where you try to clear your board before the timer goes off and you’re left with unwanted empty gaps. Not only does it transition well from one medium to another but it introduces kids to a classic game they can play with their friends.

4) Pillow Fight Weaponry

As a kid, who didn’t love starting a pillow fight? Whether it was at a sleep over or just to get your mom to play with you while she made your bed, pillow fights were always fun. Back then, we grabbed whatever pillows we could and had at it. But nowadays, there’s pillows designed to look like weaponry for these fluffy onslaughts of war. 

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Prepare yourself for the pillow war of the century.

This just transforms a pillow fight into an all out warfare. Pick your weapon and charge at your opponent, whacking them into victory with laughter and smiles. This isn’t your kid’s pillow fight anymore; this is an all out brawl. There are many pillow weapons out there like a pillow katana and even a pillow lightsaber.

3) Wii/Wii U

The Wii is a system built for interacting with games by means of physical communication. Wii Sports and many other games, encourage you to work out, get your groove on, or simply have fun. As a child, I was curious about everything and loved to dance, so this would have been perfect. Plus with the Wii U out in time for Christmas, classic games from the past are being restored to their full potential.  So old favorites like The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker and many others will be playable with better graphics and sound.

2) Star Wars Force FX Lighstabers

Growing up, Star Wars was a staple of movie night at my house. I recall my dad showing me the movies and I instantly enjoyed the idea of intergalactic wars, tied in with some memorable characters. While his intent was to get me to like Han and Luke, I wound up liking Darth Vader because he is an epic character. How he’s introduced, the theme music, his powers, his overall appearance, and voice won me over like a cat to catnip.

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The nip is strong with this one....

At the time, lightsabers were available for purchase but none of them compare to the Force FX Lightsabers. When you hold a Force FX Lightsaber in your hands, it’s like holding the real deal. It powers down, powers up, aids you in combat, and does it all with the actual movie noises. If that doesn’t win your geeky heart, then its effects will. 

1) Rebelle – The Crossbow for Girls

When I was a little girl, I was introduced to Barbie dolls, tea sets, dollhouses, and many other toys catered to the young, female audience. Boys at the time were playing with trucks, super soakers, and toy crossbows. But over the years, the classification of boy toys and girl toys began to fade. Nowadays, some boys play with dolls while girls aren’t afraid to play with NERF guns. There are even some boy toys designed for girls, like the Rebelle crossbow for girls.

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The Rebelle is a bow and arrow toy that encourages you to practice your archery skills. This toy is basically turning young girls into Merida from Brave and preparing them for high school archery class. This item breaks the mold on stereotypical girls toys and gets them to play outside with this hot toy of the year.

What toys do you see now that you wish you had when you were a kid? Feel free to leave your thoughts below and as always, feedback and followers are welcomed.

There's Room for a 1000

Welcome everyone to another installment of Disney Magic Mondays, here at The Magical Mystery Blog.

The weeks of summer are winding down and there’s still some Disney wisdom to be given.  This week I will be covering something extremely important to all Walt Disney World vacationers.  When booking a Disney trip, you will notice that Disney World has tons of hotel options to choose from. The lodgings are categorized in to fit what you can afford.  Whether this is your first time or your tenth time, you question what hotel will provide you with the best experience. With so many options, it can be a bit overwhelming and confusing.

In my thirteen years at Disney, I've stayed at different resorts because of my curiosity. I always like to stay at new places if I go to the same place year after year. Below are my best hotels for each category.

Best Luxury Resort

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The Contemporary – with tons of rooms to choose from, you’ll be relaxing in a classy, futuristic style.  Just outside the Magic Kingdom, this hotel is ahead of its time with a ultra-modern feel sporting the iconic mouse ears everywhere you go. This was the first hotel I stayed at and it won me over with its sleek interior and unique exterior.

Restaurants – this hotel has a little bit of everything including casual dining, fine dining, character dining, quick service, and grab and go. I've always loved to dine at Chef Mickey’s for breakfast because the first meal of the day should include pancakes, bacon, more bacon, Goofy, and Minnie Mouse. Then at dinner, I loved to dine at the California Grill because nothing says vacation like devouring a steak while watching fireworks from the roof of your hotel.

Transportation – the monorail is always seen darting through this hotel and picking up passengers while shuttles wait for people just outside the entrance. The monorail stops at the other hotels in the Magic Kingdom proximity, the Transportation and Ticket Center, and the Magic Kingdom itself. You can also walk to the Magic Kingdom. 

Something special – at night you can go out onto the pool area (or from your room's window or balcony) and watch the Water Parade. Floating canopies shaped to look like aquatic dragons, Poseidon, seahorses, mermaids, and many others are bejeweled in light. This parade happens every clear night and is a treat for the eyes.  You can also see fireworks over the Magic Kingdom at night from the higher up sections of the hotel, including the California Grill.

Villas – Luxury resorts like the Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and many others include villas. The villas are the crème of the crop when it comes to rooming but they are expensive ranging from $352 at the Animal Kingdom Resort to $540 at the Grand Floridian. Moderate and Value hotels do not have this option. 

Best Moderate Resort

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Port Orleans – staying in the South has never been so wonderful. This is personally my favorite hotel because it gives you two sides to choose from: The French Quarter and the Riverside. Both sides cost the same and are located in the Downtown Disney area.  The Riverside highlights the classic Southern charm while the French Quarter is a regal Mardi Gras.

Restaurants – there are no fine dining or character dining options here. However, there are food courts, lounges, in room dining, and quick service locations aplenty.

Transportation – this hotel has a little dock which you can take a boat to the Downtown Disney section. If you easily get motion sickness or have a phobia of boats, you can also take their buses to any of the parks, and Downtown Disney.

Something Special – not too long ago, some of the rooms at this moderate hotel have received an upgrade to fit royalty. For an extra hundred, the Riverside offers Royal Guest Rooms which are themed to look like a room a Disney princess would relax in. The French Quarter does not have this option because it is already themed to look like a royal Mardi Gras.

Best Value Resort

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Pop Century – staying at this hotel is like vacationing in a time capsule because you’re surrounded by pop culture from the 50s and onward. This blast from the past of a resort is rated as one of Disney’s best Value resorts due to the close proximity of the buildings, excellent bus service, great food, and overall layout.

Restaurants – this resort also has no fine dining, signature dining, or character dining. However, it does offer a food court serving up tons of delicious choices for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. You can also purchase snacks like chips, cereal, and even beer for your room. The Pop Century hotel also presents the option of in room dining where you can order pizza or whatever else your stomach craves.

Transportation – buses offer quick rides to all the parks in Walt Disney World.

Something Special – this resort also ranks as one of the largest accommodations on Disney property. There are five sections to this hotel: 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s. All the rooms, walking areas, pools, and even quick service locations are designed to fit their specific era depending on where they’re located.

All of the resorts I have mentioned include an arcade, a laundry room, and other amenities. These hotels are extremely accommodating and have a unique theme to make them stand out from other resorts. Every hotel is distinct from its food courts to its pools and everything in between.

Since next week is the last Monday of August, I will be covering something that I hope will inspire you to take a Disney trip of your own. Until then, just keep swimming. 

Beauty - A Deeper Look into Belle

Good morning…evening…afternoon, whenever you read this, and welcome to The Magical Mystery Blog.

Once again I apologize for this being such a late post. My planning skills failed me and I worked late on Friday and an early shift today. Because of my work hours, I didn't have enough time to finish this week's entry until later today. But enough of the past, let’s get on to the present shall we?

As my readers know, I love books. If anyone trapped me in the Pandorica or on an island and filled it with books, I’d be content until I felt like escaping.

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What? It's opening? Forget that, I'm still on Act II of Hamlet.

While I have read tons of books, it’s always hard for me to select my favorite one. Asking me to decide what my favorite book is, is like trying to choose between puppies or kittens: it’s just not possible.  However, I often find that thousands of book titles emerge in my head, and battle for the title of being my favorite book. Macbeth tries to murder the competition while Shibumi fights with The Coachman Rat. It’s a giant literary mess that my mind goes through every time that question is proposed. Yet through the quarrels one book always seems to emerge unscathed. This surviving book is none other than Robin McKinley’s Beauty. 

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Not only was this McKinley’s first retelling but it was her debut book. Published in 1993, Beauty is a re-imagining of Beauty and the Beast but with some changes. For starters, the story is told by our Belle character, Beauty. However, it doesn't begin with her singing about her hometown or entering the Beast's palace. Instead it starts with her telling the audience about her childhood and growing up to be a scholarly plain Jane. From her narration we also receive details about her family, especially her siblings, Grace and Hope as well as Beauty herself.  

Another change in Beauty is that the readers never receive a fleshed out description of the Beast character. I enjoyed this greatly because it allows the imagination to do some creating. We can personalize this Beast to how we please as the story goes on. The details of the palace and the vague images of the Beast help us to understand what type of person he is.

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I don't know about you guys, but the Beast comes off as Jack Skellington to me. Tall, immortal, intelligent. Come on, what Beauty doesn't love that?

Since this was McKinley’s first book, there are a few flaws. One issue is that Grace and Hope sometimes feel like the same person. They are easily interchangeable but become more defined with the challenges they face. The second flaw I find is the ending. While I won’t spoil it for you, I will say that it feels very rushed when compared to the rest of the book. Beauty is drawn out, pinpointing each detail about everything, fleshing out the characters, and creating magnificent imagery. When it comes to the end, it’s only in two to three pages where everything major happens.  I feel as though that the events that happen at the end should have been given the same, slow churned experience.

But what I enjoy the most about Beauty is that it has a lesson that can be taught throughout the years. It teaches readers to accept yourself and be yourself, even when you undergo change. This change could be for the better or the worse but in the end, you will still be you. There can only be one you in this universe; no one else can replicate you because they do not have the same qualities that only you have. You must accept yourself and be yourself to your full extent.

Growing up, Beauty accepts herself as the less attractive member of the family who constantly reads. She is thirsty for knowledge and absorbs it like a sponge takes in water. At the palace, she begins to change, and deny mental aspects of herself she discovers with the aid of the Beast. As she sees more of herself, she still remains the same clever, intelligent, and logical woman.

I give this book five out of five stars because of its lesson, its attention to detail and depth, and its ability to stay true to the original story of Beauty and the Beast while giving it a new light. Beauty and the Beast has always been my favorite fairy tale and this book does an excellent job of retelling it.  

My Apologies

It is with my great displeasure that I bring some terrible news. Tonight's entry will be postponed until tomorrow night. I usually finish the posts every Friday night when I get home from work. However, tonight I will be returning home at a later time. I have an early shift tomorrow so I won't have time to finish tonight's entry until tomorrow night. Please forgive me for this inconvenience.

Enough I'm Full!

Greetings everyone and welcome to another Disney Magic Monday here at The Magical Mystery Blog.

Wrapping up the best of eateries is the expensive restaurants. People on vacation like to enjoy their time at their destination and indulge in the finer things. They like to go to the fanciest place and live it up to the best of their ability. Walt Disney World houses tons of expensive eateries in their parks. Most of these places accept the Disney Dining Plan and require reservations by Internet or phone. The reservations are usually made between 90 – 180 days prior to time of visitation. As for attire, it’s best to dress to the nines because it shows classiness and elegance. Plus at some places listed here, it's a requirement.

While there are hotels that have expensive restaurants, this week I will be focusing on the parks. Below are fantastic expensive restaurants in Walt Disney World Parks.

First up is the Magic Kingdom.

                1)      Cinderella’s Royal Table – when dining with royalty, prepare your wallet for its royal burial. Located in the heart of Cinderella’s Castle, this is one of the more expensive character dining experiences. In my thirteen years of Disney I always tried to make reservations at this eatery (because who doesn't love breaking bread with princesses) but I found it was always booked.

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And all these tables are for the royal help. Every single last one.

The menu here is a mix of chicken, fish, and beef at a high price. Included with your dinner is a character meet and greet with Cinderella herself who poses for pictures and signs autographs before dinner is served. There are various package options for the size of your dining party and even the children get a surprise toy from Cinderella. Throughout your dining experience, other princesses and royal beings float about the room creating memories and smiles wherever they go.

Second is Hollywood Studios.

                2)       The Hollywood Brown Derby – get ready to step into the yesteryear of Hollywood in this classy restaurant. Found on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard, this eatery will make you forget you’re dining in Disney. The menu here also has various choices of meat (including bison), fish, and poultry served with a flare of elegance.

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Look at the flare. LOOK AT IT!

However, this restaurant is almost always booked. Like other expensive restaurants at Walt Disney World, it’s best to make your reservations ahead in advance. That way you’ll have a seat at the finest dining location Walt Disney World has to offer. This restaurant is also included in the Fantasmic package. This deal allows you to dine at The Hollywood Brown Derby, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italino, or Hollywood & Vine and receive priority seating for Fantasmic. Fantasmic is an outdoor show that during your stay at Walt Disney World, you do NOT (it's emphasized that much because it's just that great of a show) want to miss. This plan is always offered at a fixed price and you must make your reservations up to ninety days in advance. 


Third is EPCOT.

                 3)      Monsier Paul – bonjour, mon amie and welcome to the classiest French restaurant Disney has to boot. Found in the France section of the World Showcase, this is not your average bistro.  Originally called Bistro de Paris, this eatery changed its name in December 2012 as a homage to Monsieur Paul Bocuse; one of the culinary geniuses behind this restaurant. Unfortunately though, this dining place isn't vegetarian friendly because most, if not all dishes, are served with some sort of meat. Needless to say, the food here is as splendid as the City of Lights itself.

           4)      Le Cellier Steakhouse – considered to be one of Disney’s most booked restaurants, Le Cellier is a Canadian restaurant that strives to satisfy your stomach. Found in the Canada Pavilion of the World Showcase, the menu here specializes in meat, chicken, and fish prepared in a Canadian style.

           5)      Akershus Royal Banquet Hall – remember Cinderella’s Royal Table? That’s basically what this is only in the Norway Pavilion of the World Showcase.  This restaurant also includes meets and greets with princesses and one supercalifragilisticexpialidocious lady. You also receive photo packages based on the size of your party but you can also purchase more photos. Just like Cinderella’s Royal Table, your photos will be delivered to you while you dine.

Fourth is Animal Kingdom.


Sadly, I could find no expensive restaurants here. Some of you may protest and claim that The Rainforest Café is one but I included that in my moderately priced restaurants. Animal Kingdom mostly consists of counter service, fast food, and moderately priced restaurants.


Last but not least, Downtown Disney.

               6)   Fulton’s Crab House – be prepared to go on a seafood diet at this grand restaurant. Floating in the harbor of Pleasure Island, this ferry boat houses the best of lobster, shrimp, flounder, and every other creature under the sea.  While the main food here is seafood, Fulton’s Crab House (or boat in this case) has chicken and meat for those who hate the taste of fish on their tongue. A little trivia for those Disney lovers out there, the riverboat used for Fulton’s was originally a gift from Walt Disney to his wife, Lily. Cause nothing says ‘I love you darling’ like an ivory ferry boat.

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Somewhere, beyond the sea...she's there...waiting for me....

             7)   Wolfgang Puck Café – food created by the famous chef awaits you at this restaurant. Across from the Virgin Megastore and next to Bongo’s Cuban Café, be prepared to taste some excellent cuisine. Fish, meat, and chicken appear on the menu but there seems to be more seafood served in different forms like sashimi and tartare.

            8)     Portobello Country – ciao mi amici, ready to pay a visit to the Old World? Right next door to Fulton’s Crab House, this Italian restaurant will make you believe you’re eating at a villa in Tuscany.  You can request a table by the water where you can stare up at the glimmering lights of Fulton’s while you dine on classic Italian dishes like pizza, pasta, chicken, and more.

And so we've come to the end of yet another Disney Magic Monday entry. If you enjoy what you’re reading, please give feedback and see you Friday.  

We All Have Scissorhands

Thank God it’s Friday because here’s a new entry of The Magical Mystery Blog.

I’m sure most of you are familiar with the famous movie director, Tim Burton. Mr. Burton has created classic hits like Mars Attacks, Vincent, and Corpse Bride. He has even aided in the production of other movies like James and the Giant Peach and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Growing up, I wasn’t too fond of the strange director and producer until I hit my teenage years Or as everyone remembers these years as, the time when puberty struck and life was a mixed up, muddled up, shook up world.

Needless to say, I was in that same boat of confusion. At the age of thirteen I finally watched The Nightmare Before Christmas and was completely fascinated by this director’s work. I loved his work so much I started to watch other movies created by him, including Edward Scissorhands.

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Edward Scissorhands is the story of an Avon saleswoman (Peg Boggs) discovering a leftover, unfinished invention in a deceased inventor’s palace. The invention is none other than Johnny Depp with scissors for hands. Intrigued and concerned by this man made man, Mrs. Boggs invites Edward to stay with her in her cheery little neighborhood.

The rest is a cause and effect story of what happens when you try to introduce something different and new to a town that likes an unchanging routine. How it not only effects the people in that specific location but the lengths they go to, to use this new person to their means. Only then do they reject him for the “wrongs” he has committed, when it was their doing from the start. In the end, they just shrug it off as if nothing ever happened, and return to their daily ritual.

This movie is a treat for anyone who wants to step inside the world of Tim Burton’s early years. As for myself, I've watched this film at every chance I could get because it’s my favorite Burton flick. However, as the years rolled on I began to realize a few things about it.

              1)      It’s easily relate-able to everyone - when I originally viewed this movie, I could easily understand it because I was an outcast much like Edward Scissorhands. I had just transferred from Catholic to public school at that time and despite trying to put my best foot forward, it failed in the end.

At first I didn't realize it, but as I grew older I began to see that everyone could relate to this movie. You may find that notion insane because when people think ‘Tim Burton movies’ they immediately imagine the gothic and/or emo kids who blast Slayer and wear spikes on every single article of clothing they own.

With Edward Scissorhands I find that people can relate to this film because at some point in our lives, everyone is Edward Scissorhands. You’re the new kid changing (or starting) school and know no one, you’re the new person in the office and don’t know how things are. You're strange to the new town, school, or workplace because you're new and different. Some kindhearted people will take you in, show you around, and make sure you're all right. However, there are those out there who will use you to their benefit. It happens to everyone in life, just as it did in Edward Scissorhands.

Even Burton himself has said that he was Edward Scissorhands. In fact, he had created Edward long before the movie was even made.

             2)      The inspiration – in the time that Mr.Burton made this film, he was an unknown producer and director who was still making a mark in the world. He wanted to show Hollywood a new lease on life through his style, stories, and ideas. As a teenager he often drew various things and Edward was one of them. Edward was drawn as a representation of himself growing up and even the film was a symbolization of Burton's time growing up. This movie was an outward expression of Burton’s means of finding himself in the world as the outcast he was.

              3)      The meaning of the end – SPOILER ALERT.

THE FOLLOWING IS A MASSIVE

SPOILER TO EDWARD

SCISSORHANDS. IF YOU HAVE NOT

SEEN IT YET, PLEASE DO NOT READ

ON.


When I viewed this movie, I honestly did not expect to bawl at the end. But I understood why I cried and called Kim Boggs (Winona Ryder’s character) a bitch.

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Get your hands off my man, woman!

It was because she tarnished my hopes for a happy ending for this movie by leaving Edward  alone in the inventor's palace. I was rooting for the underdog in this film so that their romance could blossom and face the challenges of having a partner with scissorhands. It would be something different as opposed to your standard boyfriend/girlfriend relationships.

I was hoping for them to be together forever because it would bridge the gap between the strange and the normal. I believed that if that chasm could never be filled in life, then at least let me have it from a movie I enjoy. This was not the case but then again, I’m rather glad Burton did not give his audience a joyful reprise.


What he gave the audience was life. There will always be the outcasts in life that no one wants to bond with because they interrupt the daily routine. But in the world there are those like Kim, Peg, and the rest of their family who embrace those who are different from them. When Kim sacrificed her future with Edward, she broke the possible idea of bridging the gap between the different and the routine. She could have stayed with Edward and explained what had happened to the crowd but they would have assumed that Edward started it and would have still considered him a villain. Kim knew he was never an enemy to the neighborhood although they believed otherwise. 

Well that about wraps up this week's blog entry. For my readers, I ask you a question: what did you think about the ending to Edward Scissorhands? Would you have preferred a happy ending, why? Or did you like it the way it was and why?

Diggin a Little Deeper into Disney

Welcome to another Disney Magic Monday entry at the Magical Mystery Blog.

While I mentioned I would be restaurant recommendations throughout the remainder of the summer, I decided to take a break from that this week. Rest assured, I will continue the final entry of the most expensive eateries at Walt Disney World. This week, I wanted to address a few things that will definitely bring out the magic in Walt Disney World.

As most of you know, Walt Disney World is the home of pixie dust, one man’s dream, and magic. Within this theme park are legends and secrets abound, most of which people may not know. Today I will be revealing some of Walt Disney World’s myths to you.

          1)        Hidden Mickeys. Hidden Mickeys Everywhere – the Mickey Mouse logo is an iconic image of Walt Disney World; after all, it started with a mouse. This little logo is scattered throughout the parks and rides, most of which you may or may not seen because they’re in plain sight or hidden well. An obvious hidden Mickey is in the Haunted Mansion ride. When passing above the Ballroom section, look down at the center to far left part of the table. Notice something special about those plates? 

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There's always room for one more....any volunteers? 

A second Hidden Mickey is cleverly hidden in the Italy Pavilion of EPCOT. As soon as you enter this specific section, you are greeted with a statue of Poseidon (also known as Neptune) the God of the Seas. Just behind his sculpted frame is a hidden Mickey amongst the rock. Next time you go, try to find as many Hidden Mickeys as you can! 

          2)      Wake Up Tink! – Tinkerbell is the feisty little pixie from Disney’s classic animated film, Peter Pan. She distributes pixie dust to help Peter, Wendy, Michael, and John fly to Neverland. Over the years she has gained popularity throughout the parks and public. She mostly resides in the Magic Kingdom in the shop, Tinkerbell’s Treasures, located in the Fantasyland section.  Every morning, the first person to enter this shop has the special opportunity to wake her up.  

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The person is given a gold bell and is instructed to yell 'wake up Tinkerbell' as loud as they can until the fairy arises. In a matter of minutes, Tinkerbell will flit her way around the store, and appear in a little green window behind the register. It’s a magical moment that will light up your eyes and make you believe in fairies.

          3)      A Home in the Future – when Walt designed his masterpiece theme park, he often envisioned the future as something exciting and grand. He imagined that people would be flying around in electric cars and living in harmony with fellow robots. While working on Walt Disney World, he had an epiphany: what if people could live at his park? In a matter of months, EPCOT (or as Walt called it the Environmental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow) was constructed with the intention of people living there. It would be a model community complete with schools, monorail transportation, and other necessities. It would hold at least 20,000 residents. However, instead of a living area, it is now a theme park.

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When Walt showed his idea of EPCOT to audiences everywhere on TV  he used a model. This same model can be found in the Tomorrowland Transit Authority ride. 

         4)      Maharajah Jungle Trek - If you happen to be roaming around this attraction, you will stumble upon the bird sanctuary. This area houses tons of exotic and beautiful birds from foreign countries. If you happen to be casually looking, a cast member will come up and ask if they could show you around. Say yes to this chance. They will give you a private tour of the birds in their habitat and inform you about everything there is to know about them. This happened to me during my senior trip to Walt Disney World. It was something unexpected, excellent, and of course, magical.

          5)      Tributes in the Tower – looming over Hollywood Studios is the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Glaring down at those who walk the streets, it dares strangers to pass through its doors, and enter the Twilight Zone. As you board this ride and throughout the ride, there are many references to old Twilight Zone episodes. The first one is the shattered glasses in the lobby; this is a nod to the episode, “The Last Man on Earth” who wore glasses and dropped his glasses no sooner he found the treasure trove of books.  

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Damnit and I just found the first issue of Playboy!

The second tribute is in the elevator itself. There is a inspection certificate signed by someone named Cawallader, a character from the episode “Escape Clause.”  Another reference is on that same certificate with the number 10259. 10259 translates to the date of when the first Twilight Zone episode premiered on October 2^nd, 1959. Next time you board this cursed elevator, try to point out as many references as you can.

      This concludes this week’s entry of Disney Magic Monday. Next week I will continue with the most expensive restaurants at Walt Disney World. Once again if there’s anything about Walt Disney World, feel free to comment and as always feedback and followers are welcome. 

Just a Mad Man With a Box

Greetings everyone and welcome to this week’s entry of The Magical Mystery Blog.

This weekend is a weekend that has geeks, nerds, sci fi lovers, and many others buzzing like wasps.  On Sunday August 4^th, 2013 we will find out who will play the twelfth Doctor in the Doctor Who series. For those of you who are unaware to this fantastic series – what is wrong with you? Seriously, go watch it you will not regret it.

It’s basically about an alien traveling in a time machine to various eras, worlds, and even alternate dimensions. This series originated in the United Kingdom but eventually gained more popularity with every episode. It was also aired in the Americas along with other nations. It is considered one of the longest running science fiction series and originally started in the 60s with William Hartnell as the first Doctor.

So far in the series there have been eleven Doctors with the new one regenerating onto our television screens on Christmas Day 2013. Below are the top twelve reasons why everyone should be excited for this new Doctor.

           1)      New Doctor – we have a new Doctor! New Doctors are always fun because it’s like meeting a new friend. They have their quirks, their easily identifiable appearance, and special qualities that make them who they are. Every Doctor has their unique look based on their clothes and overall facial and body features. For example, the tenth Doctor has a pompadour haircut while the fifth Doctor wears a celery stick on his jacket lapel. Sometimes a piece of clothing will become a constant joke or trademark of the character throughout the series. The tenth Doctor insisted his jacket was given to him by Janis Joplin while the eleventh Doctor has claimed that bow ties are cool.

The new Doctor will have a specific outfit he wears along with a distinctive look.

           2)      New sonic screwdriver – with almost every new Doctor there is a new sonic screwdriver. The sonic screwdriver is the Doctor’s tool he uses to analyze life forms, examine materials, repair things, and many other actions. However, it cannot interact with wood. Each sonic screwdriver is unique in appearance, just like the Doctor. The tenth Doctor’s sonic screwdriver is silver, sleek, and has a blue tip. The eleventh Doctor’s sonic screwdriver is a copper shade with a green glow and is a bit bulky.  The new Doctor’s sonic screwdriver could be something we have not seen yet.

           3)      New food –as mentioned each Doctor is unique. This includes their appearance, voice, personality, and even food. Each Doctor has a certain food that they enjoy devouring. The fourth Doctor’s favorite food was Jelly Babies (think gummy bears), the tenth Doctor’s favorite food was cookies, and the eleventh Doctor’s favorite food is fish fingers and custard. Obviously the food can be something ordinary like cookies or something strange like fish fingers and custard. This new Doctor’s favorite food could be a common snack or a meal we’d never think of like bacon wrapped Twinkies. ….what? It could happen.

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Behold the artery clogging goodness....

The food also becomes a part of a running joke throughout the Doctor’s time in which, if the moment is right, they will bring up the food, or even be seen eating it at one time or another.

          4)      Possible gender change – the Doctor has many regenerations, all of which have been male thus far. However, it is possible for him to transform into a woman, but it has never happened. The closest thing we have seen to a female Doctor is the Doctor Donna from the tenth Doctor’s special End of the Universe. With every regeneration, the Doctor takes on new strands of DNA shaping the gender, hair, body, and even skin color. While we’re on skin color….

         5)      Possible skin color change – a while ago various web sites posted lists of actors they would like to see become the next Doctor. Among the selected performers were a few with different skin tones. Up until now all of the Doctors have been Caucasian males. It is extremely possible for the next Doctor to be tan, dark skinned, or another shade due to the regeneration process.

         6)      He could finally be ginger – there is an ongoing joke throughout the Doctor Who universe in which the Doctor has always wanted to be ginger. Ginger is another term for red head but so far, the Doctor has not achieved those glorious locks of crimson hair.  Maybe this new Doctor will finally be a red head. Again, the closest thing we have had to a ginger haired Doctor is Doctor Donna from the episode, End of the Universe.

         7)      New companion – every Doctor has one or more companions. At times throughout the series, the Doctor will even go on adventures by himself or be separated from his companion. The eleventh Doctor had Amy and Rory, a young couple before they met their tragic end. This Doctor also had River Song, a sexy professor who loved the Doctor dearly. Sometimes the companions turn into love interests, like Rose Tyler with the 10.5 Doctor (a clone of the original tenth Doctor who was part human/part alien). With the new Doctor, he (or she) could receive a new companion or stick with the current companion, Clara Oswald until her time runs up.

          8)      New villains – each episode of Doctor Who involves the Doctor running into some sort of villain. Some of the enemies are always returning like the Cybermen, Daleks, and Weeping Angels. Others are new to each Doctor like the Silence to the eleventh Doctor and the Vashta Nerada to the tenth Doctor. The ideas for foes are endless, especially when it comes to Doctor Who. It’s amazing to see what the creators invent for the Doctor to fight. Who knows what evil doers the new Doctor will encounter?

          9)      New Tardis interior – sometimes when a Doctor regenerates they also receive a new Tardis theme. The Tardis (Time And Relative Dimensions In Space (also known as Sexy)) is the time travelling machine that the Doctor roams around in. Over the years, it has been given tons of makeovers. The current look is lonely and cold with the Doctor's companions' names written in his native alien writing.

With the new Doctor inhabiting the Tardis, he (or she) may receive a new Tardis interior changing the somber tones of silver and grey into something brighter or darker.

          10)   The return of old friends – overtime the Doctor has made many friends like Captain Jack Harkness, the Brigadier, the Face of Boe, and many others. These friends would pop in for an episode or two, solve a problem with the Doctor (or were a victim of a crisis that only the Doctor could rescue them from), and leave just as they came.  Since the tenth Doctor, we have not seen Captain Jack Harkness or the Face of Boe appear in any of the episodes. Maybe with the new Doctor we would see some old friends come back for a few episodes with the Doctor.

           11)   New introduction – as a way of regenerating, the producers give the Doctor a new television introduction. The classic theme music is kept but the title sequence is different. The ninth and tenth Doctors' openings were kept the same but the eleventh Doctor’s sequence was changed at least once or twice throughout his time. When the new Doctor comes to life, he (or she) may receive a different opening.

           12)   The End of Doctor Who – the Doctor is only allowed twelve regenerations in which he starts off appearing elderly and slowly descends into youth. While he looks young, he is actually quite old; over 1000 years plus to be exact. However, I remember hearing that twelve is the base number of regenerations for the Doctor but he can keep regenerating many more times afterwards. However, it is a matter of what the writers will do. If they choose to stick to the original limit of twelve regenerations then the entire series will end. But if they decide to go beyond the twelve regenerations, they can continue the series, and the stories of the Doctor.  

      

       As mentioned before, on August 4th on BBC America at 2 pm (Eastern Time) fans across the nation will see the new actor who will play the twelfth Doctor. It will be a half hour to hour program featuring the performer along with some other surprises. For Britain, the reveal will be featured on BBC One at 7 pm (GMT). Until then, Geronimo. 

Course by Course

           Greetings everyone and welcome to another entry of The Magical Mystery Blog.

            As mentioned last week in my Disney Magic Monday entry, I’ll be covering different types of eateries throughout the weeks to come. Today I’ll be focusing on the best fast food aka counter service throughout the parks. Some places will have more than others, just like the last entry. No reservations are needed at these walk in eateries. However, most if not all of these places tend to be crowded on a daily basis.

            Some of these eateries also serve alcohol which is great because who doesn’t love a cold one on a hot day? Below are my top counter service eateries to check out next time you’re in Disney World.

First up is the Magic Kingdom where if you wish hard enough, you may find the food of your dreams.

           1)      Casey’s Corner  - get your foot longs here, foot longs here on Main Street U.S.A.! Just before the Castle on the corner of Main Street U.S.A. lies this small eatery dedicated to America’s pastime. Featuring foods like hot dogs, chili, and everything in between you’ll be having a fantastic lunch.

           2)      Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe – with different bays to order at, you have tons of choices at this food court styled eatery. Located in Tomorrowland, this cafe won’t break your wallet with its different selections of chicken, burgers, and other delicious options.

           3)      Columbia Harbor House – tucked away in the Liberty Square section of the Magic Kingdom, this small eatery houses chicken, seafood, and many other dishes. This colonial themed counter service restaurant also updated its menu not too long ago. It now features lobster roll and grilled salmon.

           4)      Pecos Bill Tale Tall Inn & Café –  you can wrassle up some grub at this popular café out on the dusty streets of Frontierland. With the Country Bear Jamboree to its left, you cannot miss this bustling eatery that houses burgers, salads, and some Tex Mex food.

           5)      Be Our Guest – while this was on last Monday’s entry for being a sit down restaurant, it also doubles as a counter service eatery. Offering the same menus as it does for dinner, this Beauty and the Beast themed restaurant lives to serve.

Next is EPCOT where you get to explore a world of flavors and unique dishes.

      6)  Sunshine Seasons Food Fair – feel like eating healthy while you’re on vacation? Then look no further, because this counter service restaurant has just what you’re looking for. Located in the Future World of EPCOT, this place boasts various types of food like chicken, salmon, and many more.

      7) Tangerine Café – this café in the Morocco section of the World Showcase offers huge portions for little price. Specializing in Moroccan food, this eatery has wraps, salads, and filling dishes for any hungry stomach.

      8) Katsura Grill – across from Teppan Edo in the Japan section of the World Showcase, this café offers your typical Japanese dishes. These include different styles of udon (noodles), spring rolls, sushi, and even dessert.

      9) La Cantina de San Angel – hola amigos e amgias! In the mood for Mexican? Then look no further. Right on the lagoon of the World Showcase is this fresh Mexican eatery, offering your traditional Mexican foods of tacos, nachos, burritos, empanadas, and other options.

     10) Yorkshire County Fish Shop – if you’re looking to sample London’s classic snack then is the place for you. This eatery only serves fish and chips, a cookie, and drinks. That’s it. While that may sound like a bad thing, the food here is actually quite tasty, and draws a good crowd. This eatery is found in the United Kingdom section of the World Showcase, right next to the Rose and Crown Pub.

     11) Kringla Bakeri og Café – offering a ton of options of sandwiches and sweets, this little café will warm its way into your heart and stomach. Located in the Norway part of the World Showcase across from Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, this miniature eatery won’t destroy your wallet, and houses some Norwegian classic pastries like lefse and rullekake.


Third, Hollywood Studios where the food is always the main support to your magic filled day.

     12) Starring Rolls Café – near the Hollywood Brown Derby, this miniature eatery offers sushi, sandwiches, and even unique cupcakes. Not only does this café have food to satisfy your stomach but your sweet tooth as well.

     13) ABC Commissary –along Commissary Lane, this food court offers different options to ease your hunger. Here they serve specialties like quinoa, seafood, and even an Asian salad among other dishes. This eatery also shows clips of ABC sponsored shows like Modern Family, America’s Funniest Home Videos, and many others all to entertain you while you eat.

     14) Fairfax Fare – Beneath the shadowy Tower of Terror lies this eatery, themed to look like an outdoor Californian market. Serving up your typical Americana food of burgers, chicken, barbecue dishes, and more, this restaurant offers shade and tons of seats for you to relax in. Unlike other counter service locations, this one also offers breakfast up until lunch time.

    15) Studio Catering Co – lights, camera, food! Dine beneath the shade of this food court styled eatery located right next to Honey I Shrunk the Kids play set. With different choices of sandwiches, wraps, and salads you cannot go wrong at this inexpensive restaurant.

Fourth, Animal Kingdom where your food is wild.

    16) Flame Tree Barbeque – if you feel like getting in touch with your inner dinosaur, then this is the place to do it. Serving up half a pound of ribs for only $10.49, you’ll tear into the food here like a tyrannosaurus rex through a triceratops. Of course this place offers other options like chicken and much more.

     17) Anadapur Yak and Yeti Restaurant – seated in depths of Asia, this food court restaurant offers ethnic foods such as beef lo mein, sweet and sour chicken, and others. For those who aren’t a fan of foreign foods, this eatery also serves sandwiches and salads.

     18)  Restaurantosaurus – if your stomach isn't roaring at the sound of this eatery, then wait til you step inside. In the heart of Dino Land U.S.A., this food court styled restaurant gives you protection from the monstrous sun. Offering various delicious dishes like cheeseburgers (cause who doesn't love a good cheeseburger in the summer time), po’ boys, salads, and many others, this eatery will calm your carnivorous hunger.

    19) Tusker House Restaurant – I was conflicted to put this on last week’s entry or this week’s entry. I decided to put it here because it’s a buffet, where you do sit down but you get your own food – much like you would at a counter service eatery. This food court style restaurant boasts a combination of African and American foods and drinks.  Foreign foods include curry chicken, seafood stirred with tamarind barbecue sauce, and many others. For those who like to stray away from different foods, they have tons of rotisserie meats, salads, and vegetables.

    20) Anywhere with churros – this is not the name of a restaurant, this is just a word to the wise. Churros taste like the wings of angels if they were plucked from the sky, toasted in cinnamon, and given the texture of clouds. If you see a snack vendor selling churros anywhere in the parks (Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and/or EPCOT), do yourself a favor and get one. Maybe two or three if you really enjoy them.

This concludes this week’s entry on counter service throughout the parks. If you have any comments or questions about anything at Walt Disney World, please feel free to comment. If you also have any suggestions of what you would like to see me write, comment as well. Until the next entry, have a magical week.