Disney Around the House

Even though I fight it, the Disney creep continues, and on many occasions, I am the culprit that brings Disney into the house! Here's what I bought on our last trip.

These awesome metal coasters come in their own tin and were created for Walt Disney World Resort’s 40th Anniversary. "SHAG’s" retro collection of Walt Disney World-inspired collectibles, home goods and apparel pay homage to the Magical Kingdom. They are fun, bright and just my style.

Ye-Tea

Mmm, after a hard day of trekking about Everest, it sure is nice to have a steaming hot cup of Ye-Tea.

What Happened to the Eagle?

In 2006, Expedition Everest opened in Disney's Animal Kingdom. This high-speed train adventure combines roller-coaster like thrills with the excitement of a close encounter with the Yeti himself. The ride is an awesome 200 feet high, making it quite an obvious attraction around the park. Riders will discover the legend of the Yeti while walking through the queue at Expedition Everest.

Expedition Everest's adventure begins when you climb aboard a mountain railway destined for Mount Everest. The train passes through forests screaming with peacocks, waterfalls and fields of glaciers. Expedition Everest is a great thrill ride for riders of all ages. The possibility of catching a glimpse of the Yeti is heart pounding! But small changes have been occurring over the years. Like where did the eagle go? Did the Yeti hiding out in the icy caverns below, grab him? Has anyone else missed him? Am I the only one who misses the eagle's scream?

When Dinosaurs Attack

Spaceship Earth

Spaceship Earth, the centerpiece of EPCOT, can be seen from almost anywhere in the park. It is an eighteen story high large geosphere comprised of 60 isosceles triangle faces divided into 16 smaller equilateral triangles. Each of those 960 flat panels is sub-divided into four triangles, each of which is divided into three isosceles triangles to form each point. (In case you were wondering)

The outer shell was designed so that when it rains, no water pours off the sides onto the people below. (How amazing is that? Has anyone ever wondered about that on a rainy day at EPCOT?) Water is channeled through one inch gaps in the facets where the triangles meet and is collected in a funnel system and diverted into the World Showcase Lagoon.

Spaceship Earth contains a ride that takes you on a time machine type experience that shows how advances in human communication have helped to create our future, step by step. The attraction involves a timeline from the origins of prehistoric man to the dawn of the 21st century, where guests can then create a future for themselves on touch screens in front of them.

In celebration of the year 2000, a large magic wand was built next to the sphere. In 2001, the number 2000 was replaced with the word "Epcot." In 2007, Spaceship Earth was restored to its original appearance, in time for its 25th anniversary, in October. Thank goodness, because many people hated that the magic wand spoiled the pristine look of Spaceship Earth and all its glory!

One Man's Dream

Walt Disney's childhood desk, his initials carved into it. Amazing, if you think about it.

Early Disney Character Plush from 1932. As soon as children fell in love with the Disney characters on screen, they wanted to take their favorites home with them. Plush toys allowed children (and adults) to give a hug to Mickey, Minnie and of course, Pluto. Walt Disney Archives Collection

The temperamental but loveble Donald Duck made his debut in 1934 in the animated short "The Wise Little Hen," and soon, his star status began to eclipse even Mickey Mouse. The appeal of a character who could act out his every impulse was so appealing, everyone wanted a duck of their own. Walt Disney Archives Collection

During the 1930's, Walt Disney worked at this very desk while the production of many of the early classics, including Snow White and Silly Symphonies were in the works.

The Perfect Balloon

Looking for the perfect balloon, it is an important decision that takes some thought and wrangling once it has been chosen. These girls spent an inordinate amount of time weighing the pros and cons of each balloon. I understand that angst over a purchase, how it has to be just right. I hope they loved the balloons they ultimately picked out.

Surprise Present

Nick received a package in the mail today. It is a DVD containing nine episodes of Jim Henson's "The StoryTeller," an anthology series featuring both humans and Henson creations retelling classic fables, folk tales and legends. Tucked inside the mailer was an envelope with a little something for me too! Even our mail is Disney related, and boy, life doesn't get much better than that! Thank you to our wonderful friend Tammy! You are so thoughtful. These will be loved!