Everyone wants to be a pirate!

I like fast rides like Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I like fun rides like the Mad Tea Party and the Jungle Cruise. But hands down my favorite ride at any Disney park is Pirates of the Caribbean. I have wanted to write about this attraction for a long time but I could never figure out why I love this ride. Well, December 15th was Pirate’s 40th anniversary so I thought this would be the perfect time to wax poetic about why I never miss this attraction no matter how long the line is.

The truth is I don’t know why I love this ride. It is not the only ride that uses audio-animatronic characters. It is not the only ride that uses a boat. It is not the only dark ride. The best I can say is that it is the only ride that has pirates, not historically accurate, mean killers, but fun swashbuckling scallywags. I have always liked pirates (who doesn’t?) and often dressed up as a pirate for Halloween. As an adult, acting like a pirate is discouraged, but deep inside I wish I could be as free and fun-loving as a pirate (without the slaying and stealing, of course.)

I don’t know if that is the real reason I love Pirates of the Caribbean and I have decided I’m not going to worry about why it is my favorite. I’m just going to ride it every chance I get. Happiness squared.

Goofy Video: Walt Disney was very involved in the creation of Pirates of the Caribbean and that may be why it is so popular. If you want to hear Walt Disney talk about his ideas for this attraction check out this five minute YouTube video. After watching it I liked the attraction even more. It is amazing how much work goes into making these rides.

The more you like yourself, the less you are like anyone else, which makes you unique. – Walt Disney

Walt Disney said lots of meaningful things but I think this is one we can all take to heart. Walt Disney was certainly unique. I hope we can all spread some happiness in celebration of his 112th birthday. Happiness squared.

Goofy Quote: Here’s another great quote. This one is worth taping on your bathroom mirror.

All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them. – Walt Disney

 

Image from www.amazon.com

When I was a kid my favorite channel on cable was the Disney Channel and for awhile my favorite show on the Disney Channel was Five Mile Creek. Did you ever see this TV show? It ran from 1983 to 1985 and was about a group of people running a stage coach station in the wilds of Australia. It was a very popular show on the Disney Channel and I never missed an episode.

Some shows that we watch as kids we enjoy but they do not influence us much. Others press into the back of our minds and wait to become important many years later. Obviously I am a Disney fan so the Disney Channel influenced my adult life, but Five Mile Creek also had an impact I was not aware of.

A few years ago a friend and I wrote a western together. She hadn’t seen or read a lot of westerns so I rented Five Mile Creek on VHS for her to watch. As I rewatched it for the first time in twenty-five years it seemed really similar to the a Louis L’Amour book we were using as inspiration for our story. When I got to the credits I saw something I’d never noticed before, at least consciously. Five Mile Creek was based on The Cherokee Trail, the Louis L’Amour book we were using.

I was surprised to learn this because except for the stage coach and the women our story was completely different, but it was obvious that Five Mile Creek and the Disney Channel and influenced my ideas for the project. Knowing this didn’t depress me. Instead it encouraged me. I wanted to write a story as fun as Five Mile Creek. I think we succeeded.

So today, I encourage you to take a look at your childhood entertainment. Walt Disney believed that everyone should explore the world as children do and I agree. Maybe there is a TV show or a book that could be the solution or inspiration you need to finish a project. Maybe something that you loved as a child is waiting for you to rediscover it. Happiness squared.

Goofy Quote: (I’m sure this is why I read so many books. No, I probably just like to read.)

“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” Walt Disney

Tomorrow is October 19. It is my birthday but that has nothing to do with dream realization. No, tomorrow is also Goddard Dream Day. Robert Goddard was a pioneer of rocket science. On October 19, 1899 he dreamed that someday he would “fly without wings.” He made his dream come true with rockets and he secretly celebrated the success of his dream every year on October 19.

I want this to become a public holiday. I want everyone to go and live their dreams. If you need inspiration watch Tangled, for this movie has dreams coming true all over the place. So tomorrow, act on your dream. Tell someone your idea, or take one small step toward making it come true. Whatever you do celebrate your dream.

But don’t stop there. Set a goal. (A goal is a dream with a deadline.) Decide what you want to do with your dream by next October 19. Finish this statement “By Oct 19, 2014 I will ______________” Write it down and post it somewhere where you can see it often. Work to make your dream a reality. Then you’ll have something to celebrate next Goddard Dream Day. If you need reassurance I recommend carrying a frying pan. Happiness squared.

Goofy Quote: Walt Disney was a big believer in making dreams come true. Here are some of his inspiring words to help you with your dreams.

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”

“If you can dream it, you can do it.”

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

Image from Wikipedia

The Brave Little Tailor, an adventurous Mickey Mouse cartoon, came out September 23, 1938. I don’t know how many times I have seen this short, but I use the phrase, “seven in one blow” pretty often so this cartoon must be ingrained in me. It is really fun so I encourage you to watch this eight minute film. It can improve any Monday. Happiness squared.

Brave Little Tailor

Goofy Trivia: Walt Disney did the voice of Mickey Mouse in the Brave Little Tailor. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film but lost of Ferdinand the Bull, another Walt Disney cartoon (I like the story of the Brave Little Tailor better but the animation for Ferdinand is pretty amazing.)

The Disney parks are a fun place to play, but they didn’t spring up overnight. A lot of work went in to making them the magical place that they are. Walt Disney liked to work and he liked to have fun in his work. Since today is a work day for most of us I want to share some great quotes that might have you whistling while you work. Or at least looking forward to the play time. Happiness squared.

“Get a good idea, and stay with it. Dog it, and work at it until it’s done, and done right.” Walt Disney.

“People often ask  me if I know the secret of success and if I could tell others how to make their dreams come true. My answer is, you do it by working.” Walt Disney

“I suppose my formula might be: dream, diversify – and never miss an angle.” Walt Disney

Goofy Movie: There are lots of Disney movies that deal with work. From Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Cinderella Disney princesses have had to work for their happiness. However, the princess who worked the hardest was Tiana from Princess & The Frog. If you have not seen this fantastic movie make sure that you do. It is a wonderful story with a great lesson about the problems of all work and no play and all play and no work. Plus it has a wonderful non-traditional Disney princess ending that I adored.

Image from Wikipedia

Roald Dahl, the author of such wonderful books as James and the Giant Peach, Danny Champion of the World, and Matilda, is my favorite children’s author. He was born on September 13, 1916. He led a very exciting life and worked with many fascinating people. One of those people was Walt Disney.

Roald Dahl is known for his whimsical stories, but the first children’s story he wrote was done for Walt Disney Productions. In 1943 he wrote a story about gremlins that sabotage British fighter planes and Walt Disney was going to turn it into a movie. The project eventually fell apart, but I think it led to Roald Dahl creating so many other timeless children’s stories.

I think there is a great lesson here. He could have given up on writing when this project was abandoned, but instead he tried again. I am so glad he did. Walt Disney had the same experience. He could have given up on cartoons when he lost Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Instead he kept drawing and gave the world Mickey Mouse. I am so glad he did.

The message is clear. If you really want to do something you should not let setbacks or total failure stop you. This message rings loud and clear in so many of Roald Dahl’s books. So, I declare today “Perseverance Day” in honor of his birthday. I hope we all celebrate by trying something again. Happiness squared.

A Goofy Quote: (Roald Dahl said this, but I imagine Walt Disney would have thought the same thing.)

“A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.” Roald Dahl

Happy birthday Mom and Disneyland!

On this July 17th I have three birthday wishes to hand out. Happy birthday, Disneyland! Happy birthday, Mom!, Happy birthday, A Goofy Idea! Obviously I have lots to celebrate today.

My mother is older than Disneyland, but I always thought it was awesome that they shared the same birthday. And no, I could never convince my mom to visit Disneyland on her birthday. She didn’t want to share her birthday with thousands of Disney fans. Oh well.

My blog, A Goofy Idea, turns 2 years old today. It has been a blast writing for it and I have learned so much. I hope you have enjoyed the advice and activities that I have shared. I plan to have even more fun in the third year of A Goofy Idea.

Disneyland turns 58 today. Not a milestone, but still worth celebrating. I wish I could visit the park today, but instead I’m going to watch Tangled and look through my many Disney vacation photo albums . Happiness squared.

Goofy Quote: (I like this quote because while it applies to Walt Disney, it also describes my mom. Happy birthday, mom!)

“The more you like yourself, the less you are like anyone else, which makes you unique.” Walt Disney

At first it looks like Disneyland is for families and children. Walt Disney certainly had that in mind when he built the park, but there are still lots of fun things for adults who don’t want to do childish things to experience. The trick is to stay out of certain lands and enjoy the nostalgia that Walt Disney was trying to create.

5 fun activities that adults can enjoy at Disneyland:

1) Visit the right areas. It is impossible to avoid Mickey and the gang at Disneyland, but to limit exposure stay out of certain lands, mainly Mickey’s Toontown. Stay in Adventureland, Frontierland, and New Orleans Square and you’ll get to enjoy great architecture, great food, and great music without many animated characters.

2) Don’t miss certain attractions. Obviously I think you should ride all the rides, but some of the attractions are more grown-up than others. For a lovely relaxed time I would take a ride on the Mark Twain River Boat or the Sailing Ship Columbia. Both of these majestic ships sail around the Rivers of America and take you back in time.

3) Think New Orleans for dinner. For a more sophisticated dinner than just hamburgers and fries head over to New Orleans Square. Café Orleans and the French Market have great food and great music. If you are looking for something more intimate than I recommend the Blue Bayou. And I recommend you make reservations. This restaurant is very popular.

4) Ride the train. Walt Disney loved trains and the Disneyland Railroad is a lovely way to enjoy the park in a relaxing and old-fashioned manner. There will be children around but the train has a way of calming the most active child.

5) Shop Main Street, U.S.A. When people think of shopping at Disneyland they normally think of the Emporium, which is the largest store on Main Street, U.S.A. and filled with all things Mickey Mouse. But if you skip that store and wander through some of the smaller stores you’ll find treasures from watches to dishes and everything inbetween.

Disneyland was built for everyone to enjoy, from the most child-like to the most mature. The trick to enjoying your visit is to look past the obvious and find the pockets of magic. Happiness squared.

Goofy Tip: If you are looking for a very grown-up experience at the parks consider a behind-the-scenes tour. Most of the parks have them and a lot of them don’t allow young children. They are a great way to see the park though the eyes of the imagineers.

Image from Disney Parks Blog

Yesterday, June 23, the Enchanted Tiki Room had its 50th anniversary. This is one of the classic attractions at Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom. Although it did not exist when Disneyland opened in 1955 it was a project that was dear to Walt Disney. He loved audio-animatronic figures and imagined many different ways that the technology could be used. Birds were an ideal format and thus the Enchanted Tiki Room was born.

Lots has been written about this attraction in honor of its anniversary. Disney Parks Blog has done several posts and The Disney Blog provided even more information. Here is some of my favorite Tiki trivia.

5 fun feathery facts about the Enchanted Tiki Room:

1) 225 singing birds, flowers, and Tikis perform during the show. That is a lot of audio-animatronic technology.

2) There are over 60 tropical birds singing in the show. Listening to them is a real tweet.

3) In 2005 the original soundtracks were restored and new speakers were installed so the birds sound more beautiful than they used to.

4) The Tiki Gods who do the pre-show are designed after real Polynesian and Hawaiian gods. Click here to see the list of gods used and where they are from.

5) When the show first appeared in 1963 it was worth more than an “E” ticket. You had to pay 75 cents to see the show. This was cutting edge technology.

I always go see the Enchanted Tiki Room when I visit the parks. I even saw it when it was “Under New Managemant” at the Magic Kingdom although I am so glad that variation no longer exists. Iago was annoying. However, the original show has a timeless quality to it with the punny birds, the lovely music, and the tropical flair. My favorite part is when the gods get upset and do their musical number. I hope that The Enchanted Tiki Room sees another 50 years. Happiness squared.

Goofy Tips: Okay, this may be sacrilegious, but I had my first Dole Whip in 2012 and I have been visiting the parks since 1977. The lines always seemed long and I didn’t know what the big deal was. Don’t make my mistake. Get in the line. It is worth it. If you are in the parks on a sunny day this is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. I didn’t know pineapple was so refreshing. Do not miss this iconic Disney treat. There is a reason why it is famous. Find out for yourself.