Disney Tag

For today's blog post I felt like doing a Disney tag. I found one on tumblr and decided to answer the questions. If you want to have a go too, leave the answers in the comments.

1. Name a character you didn't like at first, but then grew to love.

Ok, so I may get some hate for this one, but let me explain. At first I really didn't like Mulan. Not just the movie, but I didn't connect with the character. As a really girly 6 year old when it came out, I was into my princess and fairy movies. Mulan was the total opposite of what I had grown up with. I don't think I fully understood the story and just saw her as a tomboy who was into fighting. It was only recently I revisited the story and realised how amazing she was. She sacrificed her own life for her father's, who couldn't admire that.

2. Do you prefer CGI or hand drawn animation?

This question is so difficult for me. I adore the hard work and commitment then went into all the hand drawn animation from the early days of Disney. They also remind me of all the amazing techniques Walt himself developed that has made animation what it is today. However, the CGI nowadays is so realistic and makes the movies all that more believable. They can create characters and worlds that Walt wouldn't have been able to imagine back in the day. So therefore I would choose CGI.

3. Which storyline would you choose for the next animated movie?

I feel like Red Riding Hood has been somewhat overlooked by Disney. I have seen a very old short by them that features the story slightly, but I would like to see a full length animated feature based on it, maybe showing a different version of the tale. Although, Hoodwinked kind of got in there first.

4. What is your favourite first meeting scene?

My favourite first meeting scene would have to be when Aurora and Prince Philip meet. She is dancing around in the forest with her animal friends dreaming of her Prince. The animals then steal his clothes and pretend to be a prince, little does she know he's around the corner waiting to step in the dance. It's just so sweet and a very princessy way to meet your dream prince.

5. What would be your ideal Disney career?

I would love nothing more than to work in Disney World. I have a couple of jobs I would love to do, one of them being a character performer. I have recently played Tinkerbell at a Princess Ball in my hometown and it sparked my interest of this role all the more, it was so fun talking to the kids, posing for photos and getting to act like a pixie. I would also adore to be a photopass photographer, as I love photography and seeing families and friends have a magical time would be truly special.

6. Have you ever been to a Disney themed party?

Of course! I had a Disney/Alice in Wonderland themed Sweet 16th themed birthday party. It was amazing. I dressed as the Queen of Hearts and all my friends came as Disney characters. It was perfect.

7. What is your favourite Disney villain song?

I know this answer hands down. I sing it most days and it's my go to Disney track. Poor Unfortunate Souls from the Little Mermaid. Not only is Ursula my favourite Disney villain but this song is perfect. It sets the whole tone for the movie and explains about Ursula and what she does. "I'm a very busy woman and I haven't got all day, it won't cost much, just your voice!"

8. Which movie do you think is the most underrated?

Basil, the Great Mouse Detective is actually one of my favourite Disney movies. It's that movie that you ask people if they enjoy and they respond with "what's that?" I love the detective feel of this movie and it totally leaves the princess/imaginary world behind and focuses more on reality (well as much as you can with talking mice and evil rats!) 

9. Which Disney movie scene makes you cry?

I never cry at Disney movies but I do feel emotional at some moments in films, such as bambi's mother's death, mufasa's death and the last 10 mintues of Toy Story 3. However, the one that really tugs my heartstrings is the first 10 minutes of Up. That story of Ellie and Carl has more feeling in it than most romance movies I have seen.. I just always feel so sorry for Carl, as that unfortunately is real life, people leave you and you have to try and carry on.

10. If you could live in any World from any Disney movie, which would you choose?

Oooh this is so tough! I think I would have to choose the Little Mermaid. I love the idea of being able to live and breathe underwater, especially as a Princess. Mermaid life just seems so cool (even though she traded it in for our life.) Plus her underwater city of Atlantica seems like the perfect home. 

Ok, so here are the 10 questions I have chosen to answer. I have just realised that I didn't even get to mention my favourite movie in any of those answers. 

Hope you enjoyed reading this.

See ya real soon!

Meeting Disney Characters

Meeting characters at any of the many Disney parks around the World is one of the most fun things to do. Each character has their own personality which they are eager to show off to you through chat, photographs and video. Where else can you meet your favourite childhood characters? Whether it's the more modern characters such as Elsa and Anna, or you prefer the traditional Mickey and Minnie Mouse, they are all available to meet in one way or another. However, there are some rules of etiquette that should be taken.

1. DO NOT push in the queues.

The amount of times I have seen rude parents shoving their kids to the front of lines is ridiculous. Everyone wants their child to be able to meet their character and no child (or big kid) deserves that right more than other. So wait your turn, be courteous to other people in the queue, even chat to them, you never know you could make a new friend.

2. DO NOT push autograph books into characters faces.

Once you finally get to the character do not shove an autograph book in their face without saying a word. You have not been waiting a considerable amount of time to just get one signature and no interaction, and neither have they.

3. DO NOT shove or hit characters.

This one should be obvious, but trust me when I say I have seen this first hand. Rowdy children or clever adults who think they can push or pull tails of characters are just plain rude. So don't do it.

4. BE Prepared (yes a little Lion King pun)

Make sure that your children (or yourselves) have your autograph books open to the correct page and the pen ready and turned on. Especially if you're meeting a character like Pooh who has stubby little cubby chubby fingers, hand him the pen in between his thumb and palm, this will help him greatly. Also make sure your cameras are at the ready if you're taking a selfie or if someone is taking a photo for you, characters don't have time to wait around while you faff with your camera settings. And if you are using a photopass, have it handy for the photographer to scan.

5. THINK about poses or conversation

To get the best character interactions you should really think about the character you're meeting. For example, if you're meeting Rapunzel maybe ask her where pascal is or whether Maximus is still keeping away all criminals from the kingdom. Or if you're meeting Tinkerbell ask her about any of her fairy friends etc. Also think about poses, this makes it fun for you and the character. For example if you are meeting Peter Pan maybe you two can crow together, or if you're meeting Ariel, maybe bring along a Dinglehopper (a fork) and brush your hair together. The possibilities are endless and there are always new and inventive ways of interacting with your favourite characters. They will make the best photos and the best memories.

Here are a few of my favourite character photos. Feel free to post your own.

The Plaza Gardens

This was the place I spent my 23rd Birthday tea! Me, 6 friends and one 2 year old. We're quite a bunch of fussy people so finding somewhere everyone was happy was going to be a challenge. However, this place fit the bill! Not only was the decor gorgeous, with its elegant fountains and statues, but the food itself was varied and delicious. 

I particularly enjoyed the carved ham, the creamy potatoes, the fries, the lamb chops, the burgers, chicken, the vegetables and the pasta. There was also pizza, soup, mussels, chicken nuggets and plenty of other options. My friends were in awe. For puddings were things such as ice creams, crepes, cakes, jelly and sweets. It made my birthday perfect, we did reserve a table but only 3 days before and they were more than welcoming for our party of 8. Free refills on drinks was a bonus too.