The Happiest Unofficial Disney Website on Earth

Welcome to my blog. Here you will find lots of great tips on how to have the happiest Disney vacation ever. Explore the side listings to find different topics, free downloadable brochures for you to use in the parks, and great recommendations for websites and other useful items. I am looking for guest bloggers and questions I can answer so feel free to contact me using the above tab. I will be posting new material often so subscribe for free to get the newest Goofy information in your box. Happiness squared.

Meet Me Down on Main Street – Disney Statues

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Jennifer Vandenberg
We’ll pause a while at the popcorn stand
What an evening, ain’t it grand
Our little hometown is a fairyland
Down on old Main Street Old Main Street
Lyrics from “Meet Me Down on Main Street”
 

 Main Street, U.S.A. is often the forgotten land. We might browse through some stores, watch a parade, or grab a baked good, but I think for most of us, the walk up Main Street is simply a way to get to the rides. In my new series, Meet Me Tonight On Main Street I am going to slow us down and take a closer look at the details waiting to be discovered. Come stroll with me as we explore Walt Disney’s dream. Today we are discovering the statues.

It is said that two heads are better than one, and sometimes two brothers are better than one. Walt Disney was a visionary, but he needed his brother, Roy, to raise the money so that his expensive ideas could become reality. Without both brothers there would not be any Disney parks to visit and I would be doing a blog about accounting. (I’m so glad there were two Disney brothers.) It only seems fair that they should both be honored for their distinctive contributions to the Disney parks.

At Disneyland there is one statue on Main Street at the Hub and it is of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse. It appears that Walt Disney is showing Mickey Mouse the amazing world that “started with a mouse.” A similar statue stands at the Hub in the Magic Kingdom. Next to the castles these statues might be the most photographed objects in the parks.

What is less known is that there is a second statue on Main Street, U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom. Between the flag pole and the Train Station in Town Square there is a statue of Roy Disney. He is sitting on a bench with Minnie Mouse. This is my favorite statue. To me it speaks volume about who Roy Disney was. He was just as important to the Disney parks as his brother, Walt, but he worked best in the background while Walt liked to be center stage.

Goofy Trivia: Walt Disney died in 1966, before Walt Disney World was finished. Without Roy stepping in to keep his brother’s dream alive the Florida parks might never have been completed. The area was originally going to be called Disney World, but Roy changed it to Walt Disney World. When the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971 Roy said the following words:

May Walt Disney World bring Joy and Inspiration
and New Knowledge to all who come to this happy place …
a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages
can laugh and play and learn – together.”

 

 

Posted in Disney, Disneyland, Goofy Trivia, Magic Kingdom, Main Street U.S.A., Photography, Things to see, Uncategorized, Walt Disney, Walt Disney World | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Meet Me Down on Main Street – Details

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Jennifer Vandenberg
Oh, the firemen’s band is gonna play
So meet me down on Main Street
They’ll play ta-ra-ra boom-de-ay
Parading down on Main Street
Lyrics from “Meet Me Down on Main Street ” 
 

Main Street, U.S.A. is often the forgotten land. We might browse through some stores, watch a parade, or grab a baked good, but I think for most of us, the walk up Main Street is simply a way to get to the rides. In my new series, Meet Me Down on Main Street I am going to slow us down and take a closer look at the details waiting to be discovered. Come stroll with me as we explore Walt Disney’s dream. Today we are looking at the details.

In a past post I introduced you to the idea of plussing, where great ideas are improved on, or plussed, making the special something extra-special. In most cases the item was fine before it was plussed, but now it truly stands out. The funny thing about plussing is that the Guest rarely recognizes it because we expect that everything at the parks will be amazing. Plussing is normal.

Main Street is a very visual area of the park. There aren’t any fast rides to distract you and the detail on the buildings is worth noticing. The next time you walk along Main Street, U.S.A. don’t just glance at the windows. Stop and notice all the details that were added for your enjoyment.

5 Delightful Details to Notice on Main Street, U.S.A:

1) If you look at your feet you’ll notice that the sidewalk is red. This is not an accident. The Imagineers chose red because it makes the grass look greener since red and green are on the opposite side of the color wheel.

2) When you look at the store windows you may notice that they are lower to the ground than typical windows. Walt Disney decided to do this so that children could easily see into the windows.

3) If you look above your head you’ll notice that there are names and businesses stenciled on the second-floor windows. Imagineers, administrators, and Disney Legends are honored by having their name attached to a window on Main Street, U.S.A. Walt Disney has two windows. Can you find them?

4) At Disneyland see if you can find a wooden Indian. This cigar Indian was originally placed on Main Street when there was a tobacconist shop at that location. Even though times and stores have changed the Indian is still standing tall.

5) At the Magic Kingdom be sure to stop by Tony’s Town Square Restaurant. There is a dog-gone sweet love note carved into the pavement at the entrance. Lady and the Tramp have obviously been enjoying a romantic spaghetti dinner nearby.

Goofy Book: If you are curious about the names on the second-floor windows there is a great book that reveals who belongs to each window. The stories of these talented people are worth learning about and remembering.

Windows on Main Street: Discover the Real Stories of the Talented People Featured on the Windows of Main Street, U.S.A.

Posted in Disney, Disneyland, Goofy books, Magic Kingdom, Main Street U.S.A., Things to see, Walt Disney, Walt Disney World | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Meet Me Down on Main Street – Vehicles

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Jennifer Vandenberg
We’ll take a ride on an old horse car
 I’ll buy you a chocolate bar
And you’ll be the sweetest girl by far
Down on old Main Street  
Lyrics to “Meet Me Down on Main Street”
 

Main Street, U.S.A. is often the forgotten land. We might browse through some stores, watch a parade, or grab a baked good, but I think for most of us, the walk up Main Street is simply a way to get to the rides. In my new series, Meet Me Down on Main Street, I am going to slow us down and take a closer look at the details waiting to be discovered. Come stroll with me as we explore Walt Disney’s dream. Today we are riding the vehicles.

The most direct way to get from one end of Main Street, U.S.A. to the other is by foot, but it is not the most fun way. For a relaxing ride, or an exhilarating trip to the past, try out one of the vehicles that travel up and down Main Street, U. S. A.

There are a variety of vehicles to ride that were around at the turn of the 19th century. Horse-drawn trolleys compete with jitneys (vintage automobiles), and double-decker buses. Hear the siren? The fire truck is coming to the rescue.

Back in the days when Disneyland had tickets for various rides the Main Street vehicles would have been an A ticket, which is the lowest one. What a great value! Pick a vehicle and arrive at the exit or the Hub wind-swept and impressed. Those old vehicles can really move.

Goofy Trivia: There are two cross streets on Main Street, U.S.A. The one closest to Town Square is Center Street, since it is almost dead center in Main Street. The other one, almost at the Hub, is Plaza Street. The streets are not labeled, but take some time to go down them. They hide many curious secrets.

Posted in Disney, Disney Vacation, Disneyland, Goofy Trivia, Magic Kingdom, Main Street U.S.A., Walt Disney, Walt Disney World | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Safari Stars – A Rhino Update

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Jennifer Vandenberg

On March 30, 2012 I wrote a post about Rhinos as part of my Safari Stars series. Today I would like to add an update to that post. On May 4, 2012 a white rhino was born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It doesn’t have a name yet, but the Disney Parks Blog posted some wonderful pictures. (Click here to see them. They are not to be missed!)

 

Photo taken by Gene Duncan for The Disney Parks Blog

I never really thought rhinos were the cutest or cuddliest animals around, but this newborn rhino is just adorable. I am glad to see they are not born with horns, for the mother’s sake.

According to the article, breeding programs for white rhinos have been very successful and Animal Kingdom has helped increase the wild rhino populations in Africa. The rhinos that have been released into the savanna can tell everyone, “I went to Disney World!”

If you would like to read about any of the animals in my Safari Stars series click here.

Goofy Joke: (I only know one rhino joke and I’m sure you’ve heard it before. If you know of any others feel free to go to my website and let me know under the tab that says “Contact Me.”)

Q: How do you stop a charging rhino?

A: Take away his credit card.

 

Posted in Disney's Animal Kingdom, Goofy Jokes, Photography, Safari Stars, Uncategorized, Walt Disney World | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Meet Me Down on Main Street – Town Square

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Jennifer Vandenberg
Main Street, Main Street
Meet me tonight on Main Street
Lyrics from “Meet Me Down on Main Street”

Main Street, U.S.A. is often the forgotten land. We might browse through some stores, watch a parade, or grab a baked good, but I think for most of us, the walk up Main Street is simply a way to get to the rides. In my new series, Meet Me Down on Main Street, I am going to slow us down and take a closer look at the details waiting to be discovered. Come stroll with me as we explore Walt Disney’s dream. Today we are visiting Town Square.

Town Square is the first thing you see on Main Street, U.S.A. once you have passed the train station. It includes the center green with the flag pole and the surrounding buildings. Take a moment when you first enter to wander around Town Square. You’ll notice that the buildings are not stores, but instead represent buildings found in any turn-of-the-century town, such as the Fire Station and City Hall. Be sure to visit City Hall and pick up a free celebration pin. Show off the reason you are taking a Disney vacation.

In the center of Town Square the American flag proudly waves. Every evening at 5 p.m. a flag retreat ceremony is performed with the help of Guests serving in the military. This patriotic moment is worth scheduling into your day.

5 Fun Facts about Town Square:

1) At Disneyland a light shines out of the top window of the Fire Station. This is in honor of Walt Disney. He had a family apartment above the Fire Station and would hang a light in the window whenever they were in residence.

2) At the Magic Kingdom there is a barber shop on the edge of Town Square. The Harmony Barber Shop is open for business and will give you a haircut or just sprinkle you with pixie dust.

3) Town Square is the place to go to get character autographs. By early afternoon there are often three or four characters waiting to meet you.

4) At the Magic Kingdom Town Square is a great place to stand and watch the fireworks show, Wishes. You have a great view of the castle and since you are close to the entrance you can be out of the park and on your way before everyone else.

5) Parades usually start in Town Square so it is an ideal place to stand and watch. You’ll get to see everything and then you’ll be able to shop or ride an attraction while everyone else is still waiting for the parade to reach them. The last time I was there I stood in front of the Harmony Barber Shop. There were very few Guests around and I had great views of the parade.

Goofy Tip: Looking for a backdrop for great family pictures? Most people think of the castle, but consider taking some pictures in Town Square. City Hall has a grand porch with steps so you can group your family together. The Fire Station has old-time fire equipment that makes a unique backdrop. And as mentioned above there are lots of character meet and greets, complete with a Cast Member who will gladly take a picture of your whole group with your camera.

 

 

Posted in Celebrations, Disney, Disney Vacation, Disneyland, Goofy Tips, Magic Kingdom, Main Street U.S.A., Photography, Things to see, Walt Disney, Walt Disney World | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Print Some Mother’s Day Fun

Posted on May 7, 2012 by Jennifer Vandenberg

What mother wouldn’t love to get a handmade card from her children and perhaps an everlasting bouquet of flowers? If your mom likes Disney than a Sleeping Beauty or Bambi card, lovingly colored, would be perfect.

I have talked about Family Fun in past posts. This website has so many cool activities for children and families that you could never do them all in ten lifetimes. I find something exciting to create every time I visit. Since I get updates in my email about new seasonal or holiday ideas I am always getting inspired.

Image from Family Fun

For Mother’s Day they have twenty-five great ideas with a Disney twist. From cards to color, flowers to make, and ear-resistible treats to bake, there are a ton of great gift ideas for Mom. There is even a Queen-For-A-Day kit, complete with a crown. What mom wouldn’t love to be queen?

I love the coupon books and gift cards. They are fun and a gift that keeps on giving. Giving the gift of time to your mom will mean more to her than a dozen red roses and a box of chocolates.

So visit the Mother’s Day craft page at Family Fun and help your kids make Mother’s Day her most special day ever. Happiness squared.

Goofy Tip: Spread the love on Mother’s Day. Make Minnie Mouse paper flowers for a grandmother. Do you have a favorite aunt, or a special neighbor? Strawberry rosebuds would be enjoyed by anyone who is like a mother to you. Mother’s Day is a great time to express your love and affection with a unique gift that you made yourself.

Other posts with great holiday printables from Family Fun:

St. Patrick’s Day

Christmas

Thanksgiving

Halloween

 

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Meet Me Down on Main Street – Train Station

Posted on May 4, 2012 by Jennifer Vandenberg
‘Cause we’ve got a date tonight at eight
 So meet me down on Main Street
 Please don’t be late, don’t make me wait
 Just meet me down on Main Street  
Lyrics from “Meet Me  Down on Main Street”

 

Main Street, U.S.A. is often the forgotten land. We might browse through some stores, watch a parade, or grab a baked good, but I think for most of us, the walk up Main Street is simply a way to get to the rides. In my new series, Meet Me Down on Main Street, I am going to slow us down and take a closer look at the details waiting to be discovered. Come stroll with me as we explore Walt Disney’s dream. Today we are visiting the Train Station.

In Walt Disney’s childhood most towns had a train station so it is only right that Main Street, U.S.A. has one, too. When people arrived to a new town in the 1880s the first building they saw was the train station. The same thing is true at the Disney Parks. After passing through the turnstiles the first thing you see is the train station above you with trains chugging along. I think it might be one of the most photographed buildings in the parks. The historic look of the building gives a hint of what is to come.

I love to ride the train around the park, but I try to arrive a few minutes early so I have time to look around the station. There are lots of details that shouldn’t be missed. And of course, the train stations at each park look alike but there are subtle differences.

5 Fun Facts about the Disney Train Stations:

1) The signs on the front of the stations list the population and elevation of each park. According to the signs the elevation of the Disneyland Train Station is 138 feet and the elevation of the Walt Disney World Train Station is 107 feet.

2) There is a shelf at the Walt Disney World Train Station that has luggage belonging to different Disney characters

3) The Walt Disney World Train Station has a Hidden Mickey in the scroll-work at the roof line.

4) Walt Disney loved trains so much that he had a small train and tracks that ran through his back yard. The cars were large enough that he could give children a ride around his property. The locomotive was named the Lilly Belle for his wife. It is sometimes displayed at the Disneyland Train Station.

5) The Magic Kingdom has three train stations: Main Street, U.S.A., Frontierland, and Fantasyland. Disneyland has four train stations: Main Street, U.S.A., New Orleans Square, Toontown, and Tomorrowland.

Goofy Tip: The busiest time to catch the train at the Main Street station is in the morning. I like to wait until the afternoon and then catch it at whichever station is closest. It is the perfect way to take a break while enjoying a grand tour of the park.

 

Posted in Disney, Disneyland, Goofy Tips, Magic Kingdom, Main Street U.S.A., Things to see, Walt Disney, Walt Disney World | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Meet Me Down on Main Street – Intro

Posted on May 2, 2012 by Jennifer Vandenberg
Main Street, Main Street
Meet me tonight on Main Street
Lyrics from “Meet Me Down on Main Street” 
 

Main Street, U.S.A. is often the forgotten land. We might browse through some stores, watch a parade, or grab a baked good, but I think for most of us, the walk up Main Street is simply a way to get to the rides. In my new series, Meet Me Down on Main Street I am going to slow us down and take a closer look at the details waiting to be discovered. Come stroll with me as we explore Walt Disney’s dream.

Have you every been in a time machine? Well, you get the feeling of traveling in one when you walk through the tunnel under the train station and come out on Main Street, U.S.A. The dim light of the tunnel removes you from the present (the ticketing area) and transports you to the past (Main Street, U.S.A.). The music is lively, the grass is greener, and the hustle and bustle gives you the feeling that you have arrived at a happier time.

While I think of it as a time machine, Walt Disney saw it as the opening of a movie. The movie starts as you enter the tunnel. The posters on the walls are like the opening credits. Scene one starts when you enter Main Street, U.S.A. and continues as you walk toward the castle. Time machine or movie the divide between the everyday world and the magical world of Disney is a great way to build anticipation.

Walt designed Main Street from his memories of growing up in Marceline, Missouri, but like everything in the Disney parks it is more idealistic than realistic. I think this is wonderful. We have to live in reality, with it’s ups and down, every day. I look forward to visiting a place where the glass is always half full. Happiness squared.

Both the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and Disneyland have a Main Street, U.S.A. and at first glance they might seem the same, but there are subtle differences. Since Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom is larger than Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Main Street, U.S.A. at the Magic Kingdom is also larger. The time period of Main Street, U.S.A. at the Magic Kingdom is also set a little closer to the 1900s so there is more use of electricity and new-fangled items.

No matter which park you visit on your Disney vacation take a moment to pause as you walk onto Main Street. Stroll around Town Square. Notice the music, the smells, the colors, and the textures that surround you and take you back in time.

Goofy Book: I recently found a wonderful book called:

101 Things You Never Knew About Disneyland: An Unauthorized Look At The Little Touches And Inside Jokes.

I’ll be including some of the trivia from this book in my Main Street U.S.A. series. I am also referencing:

The Imagineering Field Guide to Disneyland

The Imagineering Field Guide to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World–Updated!.

These books are available through Amazon. If you buy them through my website you help support A Goofy Idea and I thank you for the thought.

Posted in Disneyland, Goofy books, Magic Kingdom, Main Street U.S.A., Things to see, Walt Disney, Walt Disney World | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mickey Mouse Band-Aids? No Way!

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Jennifer Vandenberg

I just have to say it. I think these are the coolest Band-Aids I have ever seen. Now you may think that I am crazy for writing about Band-Aids, but I would argue that Mickey Mouse Band-Aids are a goofy idea, and therefore are the perfect topic for this blog.

It may be hard to see on the box but these Band-Aids are part of a Collector’s Series. I didn’t know anyone collected Band-Aids. I think that would be a cool collection. It’s original, it doesn’t cost a lot of money, and like stamp collecting all you need is an album to keep it in. Hmmm. I like to collect things. I wonder…

Inside the box there are three different designs. One is just Mickey’s head on a grey background and the other two are scenes from vintage Mickey Mouse cartoons. Maybe that is why they are collectible.

I think I will pack some in my traveling kit so I’ll be ready if I need a Band-Aid while on a Disney vacation. I am hoping I get a scrape just so I can wear one right now, although I guess there is nothing stopping me from putting one on without suffering pain first. Or is that cheating?

Okay, I bet you didn’t think I could talk this much about a Band-Aid, but I could go on forever. I won’t though. I’ll just say that if you know someone who is a Disney fan, surprising them with a box of Mickey Mouse Band-Aids would make their day. I know it made mine. Happiness squared.

Goofy Joke: (In case you haven’t laughed enough)

Q: Why did Woody give Bullseye some cough syrup?

A:  Because he was horse.

Do you use character themed Band-Aids? What is your favorite?

I am trying a new comment box. Please feel free to test it out. If you are unable to use it let me know a agoofyidea@gmail.com Thanks.

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5 Fun Friday Goofy Quotes

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Jennifer Vandenberg

I love reading and collecting quotes so I thought I would share some great Walt Disney quotes with you today. They are easy enough to find on the Internet, but in my searching I found a cool Disney website, JustDisney.com. This site lists lots of Walt Disney quotes and has great articles about the Disney parks and other parts of the Disney Universe.

Have a great weekend and be sure to do something goofy.

5 Quotes by Walt Disney:

“When you’re curious, you find lots of interesting things to do. And one thing it takes to accomplish something is courage.”

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”

“Laughter is America’s most important export.”

“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates’ loot on Treasure Island and at the bottom of the Spanish Main … and best of all, you can enjoy these riches every day of your life.”

“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”

Goofy Book Recommendation: If you’re like me and you love quotes and Disney, then I have a great book for you to explore. The Quotable Walt Disney by Disney Editions is filled with insightful quotes by Walt Disney on many topics, not just the parks. In the past I have suggested having a word of the day during your Disney vacation, but why not have a quote of the day, too. It would be like seeing the parks through Walt Disney’s words.

For more great Disney books check out the Recommended Disney Books tab on my website. All the books purchased there help support A Goofy Idea.

 

Posted in Disney, Disney Vacation, Goofy books, Goofy Quote, Walt Disney | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment