When I was in the First Grade I was so shy that I cried to go home nearly every day for the first month… apparently I had reached my limit of social interaction within the first few minutes of each day.  When I was in college I forced myself to meet people and make friends… seriously forced, we’re talking hard work here people!  And when I was at BlogHer 2009 I learned that some things never change.

In a room of 1500 talented writers, all sharing the common thread of blogging, I was overwhelmed… I was in the first grade again.  This was my chance to mingle and network and meet my blogger friends face to face, but without the comfort of this glowing Apple screen in front of me I wasn’t able to say or do any of the things I had set out to accomplish.

That being said, the people at BlogHer were amazing, welcoming, and – when I could make my mouth and my brain work together to form intelligent thoughts – they were awesome people to meet.  I enjoyed the sessions and keynotes… but I really hated not having the courage to strike up a conversation with the person sitting next to me.

So, that’s my big BlogHer revelation… it seems I’ve traded my six-year-old tears for a computer screen and keyboard.  Without either, I’m the quintessential wall-flower.  But… maybe more than that I learned that BlogHer 2010 is going to be a new page for me.  That’s right blogosphere, get your business cards ready because I will be flitting about NYC like the social butterfly I was meant to be!

If it’s okay with my loyal Disney fans, I’ll be sharing more of my BlogHer experiences throughout the coming weeks… I came home with a renewed determination and excitement for my blog and I can’t wait to share that passion with all of you.

Attended BlogHer? Leave a comment and let me know that I should have been brave enough to talk to you! 😉

It’s hard to be a Disney fan(atic) living nearly 1000 miles from the magic.  I have my Disneyland CDs to help pass the time between visits, not to mention the myriad of websites out there that seem to bring the magic and encapsulated in my 15 inch monitor… but nothing compares to the little treat that I afford myself every once in awhile that really brings the magic home.

Shortly after the start of Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary celebration, my favorite podcasters at Window to the Magic revealed their exquisite taping of the festivities.  WTTM released a DVD that included the entire Parade of Dreams, the Remember… Dreams Come True fireworks display, DCA’s Block Party Bash, and a compilation of images from attractions throughout the park.  This is good stuff.

Now, given that I own this DVD, I could watch it anytime time I want… every hour of every day if time would permit… but I don’t.  No, this little treasure I save for the times when nothing will cure what ails me besides an extra special dose of Disney Magic.  Some of my most treasured moments are when I pile up in bed, accompanied by my dogs and other Disney-loving family members, turn the lights off, and hit “play.”  The TV ignites with vividly beautiful fireworks and for 25 minutes I am transported to another place, another time… a magical world.

When the display has ended, I carefully put the DVD back in the case and store up the memories in my heart… enough to last until my next fireworks fix, or, better yet, when I get to see the real thing in person.  What are your favorite Disney memories that you hold in your heart?

When I started this blogging adventure, I knew that I didn’t want to be a writer who simply reacted to whatever was happening in late-breaking Disney news.  I like even less to expound upon big new events and aid in the media over-coverage of those events.  But the death of iconic Michael Jackson has made me reminisce about some really fun memories I have of the Captain EO attraction at Disneyland… so I wanted to share them here.

When my family was planning my first trip to Disneyland at age eight, I knew that Captain EO was a MUST-do.  Decked out in my stretch pants, leg warmers and bangle bracelets, I was a child of the 80s… right down to the adoration for 80s icon Michael Jackson.  I had never seen a real 3-D “movie” before and I knew that anything that had the Thriller star singing, dancing and cavorting with “Muppets” had to be totally rad!  My grandma thought otherwise…

My grandma was accompanying my mom and I to Disneyland and the thought of “the Thriller star singing, dancing and cavorting with ‘Muppets,’ ” had her less than thrilled.  We warned her that it would be loud and that made her even less excited… but, set on making my first trip to Disneyland everything I wanted it to be, she grabbed a set of ear plugs and bravely entered the theater in Tomorrowland. [Read the rest of this entry…]

Hello blogosphere and welcome back to Fantasmic Five Friday on Rays of Disneyland!

1. As I’m watching the new Summer Nightastic events unfold at Disneyland, I’m wishing I could be there this summer and this fall… *sigh* I will have to wait until September.
2. I absolutely cannot wait for the D23 Expo!  I’m so excited to see Disney bring their “A-game” to this first-ever event… Disney DreamStore, Disney Legends, Disney Keynotes… oh my!
3. The Disney Christmas Carol Train Tour will be in Denver this weekend… things are a little crazy, so I’m really hoping I make it… I’ll post updates if I do!
4. I can’t stop thinking about UP! Such a good movie… sad but heartwarming.  I think it falls just behind Wall-E for my favorite Pixar movies… for now 😉
5. In just over a month I’m going to BlogHer!  I can’t wait for this awesome time to learn and meet with fellow bloggers… It’s going to be amazing!

Okay, so it’s not Disney, but it is close to my heart… last weekend I had the opportunity to participate in the Walk MS event at City Park in Denver. A few months ago a close friend was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and this was her first MS event. I was proud to be a part of “Team M” and honored to raise donations in her honor. Meghan is a fighter and I know she will meet this disease head on… but everyone needs a support system and its been terrific to be a part of hers. Meghan’s husband is one of m closest friends and he made an awesome video of the event… watch it below, and if you would like more info about the National MS Society or would even like to donate to the cause, check out my fund-raising page.

Sometimes we get a little glimpse of Disney on rainy Saturday mornings in the middle of a Denver park…

Every year I know that I will plan a great trip to Disneyland, but every year seems to hold a different “theme” for the vacation.  This year I explored lots of opportunities to head to the Happiest Place on Earth, but when Disney Twenty Three evolved into a fan club with its own Disney Expo, I decided to take a chance and jump into the D23 fray.  While I am still weighing the benefits of my membership, I am excited to be a member and can’t wait for the expo.  But, even more than that, I can’t wait to spend NINE days at my favorite place in the world!  

I will be sure to post updates here as I find out more details about the D23 expo… right now I feel like I have taken quite the leap of faith… planning my vacation around an event about which Disney has released relatively few details… but I have a feeling I won’t be disappointed 🙂  

In the meantime, I found this great countdown clock at MickeyPath.com…

Love the Disneyland name tag!

Is anyone else planning on attending the D23 Expo?  Leave your comments about the event here!

I’m excited for Disney 23.  There, I’ve said it… and I can hear some of your responses 😉  But it’s so expensive!… It’s a marketing ploy!… What’s so special about it anyway?!  I know! I’ve said all of those things to myself… repeatedly.  But, the truth is that I think it is neat to be a part of this 21st century Mickey Mouse Club, of sorts 🙂  I LOVE my exclusive lithograph; Im so excited for my “Charter Member” certificate, and, yes, I’ve booked my next Disneyland vacation to coincide with the much touted D23 Expo… and, honestly, I can’t wait!

For me, D23 is somewhat reminiscent of the stories I’ve read about fans gathering at the local cinema – Mickey Mouse doll in hand – and sharing the bond that only Disney can create.

It’s true that this is probably a gaint marketing ploy… but it’s no secret that I’ve never been immune to a Disney marketing “magic.” 🙂  I’m excited to see what Disney has in store for D23… and whether or not it is worth my extra dollars to become a member.  

In the meantime, I will get my daily dose of Disney archives on the D23 website – which even featured my favorite retro showing of Disneyland Showtime with the Osmonds – and the lovely Disney twenty three magazine with it’s stunning photography and interesting articles.  And, I’ll keep you posted on the benefits I reap from membership ;).

Stream of Consciousness Style

Walking, walking, tired feet… it is so worth it! Down the chilly hall and the out the door… such a beautiful stained glass window high above the courtyard. Through the gates and out into a twinkling wonderland. Lights are strung like pixie dust through the trees. Loud music, somehow blends in the background. Not quite to the park but loving every minute. Sephora scents in my nose… rosey perfumes, musk and fancy soaps… My feet know the way, straight in the World of Disney… It’s a tradition, you can’t get to the park without a trip through the giant store… Disney music, Disney fans, tourists, locals, bright lights and shopping magic. I should wait, but who doesn’t need just one more antenna topper? Waiting in line… still worth it… but ready to get to the park.

Walking and walking again… lines, lines, waiting and walking. Lovely sounds of every park attraction caressing the night air, bouncing on the breeze and in my ears. Finally in the turnstyle… thousands of tiny lights glimmering around me. Thousands of tiny fairies flying around this place, landing on Mickey’s floral head and lighting him up in the night… A trip through Downtown Disney on a warm spring night and gently riding the breeze into the Happiest Place on Earth.

After I lost my precious puppy this summer, I wasn’t sure I would ever be ready for another dog. But with healing came a renewed sense of needing something furry around the house again. A couple of months ago we welcomed Wendy Moira Angela Darling into our home from a local animal rescue. Yes… Wendy, like the friend of Peter Pan… and true to her namesake, she doesn’t seem to want to grow up! The vet thinks she is about a year old, but having been taken from a “home” with 74 other dogs, she is still very much a puppy and very curious about her new surroundings. She is a gentle soul though and very sweet. We are looking forward to long life with our new Disney girl.