Disneyland Photos: Frozen the Musical

I have to admit, I reluctantly went into the Frozen Musical with my parents on our last day at Disney. I was (and still am) upset that Aladdin was closed to move in the new obsession. Yes, Frozen was an AMAZING film, and the songs are not just annoyingly catchy - they're well written and sung. But I have been Frozen-fatigued for over two years now. They are overrunning the parks. Too much of a good thing and all that.

But, I did want to give this show a chance - even if walking into the theater I was wishing we'd get the improv magic of the Genie. I wanted to see the "new technology" in action and so I went in. I was plesantly surprised for the most part. While I still prefer the Aladdin show, the cast of Frozen is equally talented. The technology is impressive (though I disagree that "every seat is a good one" as most of the technology works best when you're sitting in the center),

Below are some of the bajillion photos I took of the show. This is probably the only time I'll watch the show unless the people I'm traveling with want to see it. It's not one that I'd go to multiple showings of in the same visit (like I did with Aladdin multiple times).

Movie Review: Disney-Pixar's Finding Dory

Opening weekend for any highly anticipated summer film is always busy. When it’s a Disney-Pixar film, you can guarantee families will come out in droves to catch a peek at the latest greatest animated film. Funnily enough, however, audiences have had just as many adults as kids attend the showings. Why? Well, aside from it being a Pixar film (they almost always appeal to audiences of all ages) it’s Dory that loveable forgetful blue fish voiced by Ellen Degeneres. When she first swam into our hearts back in 2003 no one imagined her backstory… but oh a story it is.

The film begins with a flashback to Dory’s childhood, she has suffered from Short Term Memory Loss her entire life it seems. In Finding Nemo, Dory says that it runs in her family – however that doesn’t seem to be true in Finding Dory. Her parents try very hard to teach their child little helps to hold on to her memories, but it proves futile when Little Dory is swept away from her family and is lost out in the open ocean.

She swims around looking for her family from childhood into maturity and that’s when she runs into Marlin. The rest of her past is documented in Finding Nemo. We find Dory happily settled into life in the Reef with Marlin and Nemo, when the topic turns to family and legacy and belonging. Dory doesn’t think she has memories of her family – her parents – but she begins having pieces of memories flash through and it’s both confusing and inspiring. Dory decides she must find out who she is and where she comes from.

I’ve seen a lot of reviews online warning that if you are a parent of a foster or adopted child that you should stay away from this film. I am not a parent, and I was not a child in need of a family, but I really didn’t see it as bad for that type of family. It may be with the way that the parents did not give Dory up, that she was just lost and they were waiting, and that can bring up some very difficult emotions, but I don’t think it’s a horrible adoption story. A lot of adoptions are open or otherwise positive to both the biological and adoptive families. I think, like any film, one should go into it knowing their child and what they can handle. If their adoption is a very emotionally confusing part of their life, maybe skip it and wait for the DVD. (But, then, I also did not agree that Tangled was a negative film for families of adoption, but I was told I was wrong then, too.)

I think more disturbing is the somewhat bullying of those that are “different” or “special needs” that was more blatant and kinda sat funny. There are two Seal Lions (both male however with the way they were animated, one should have been female, but I digress) hanging out on a rock. They’re just chillin’ pretty helpful to Nemo and Marlin, and then another Sea Lion swims up to get on the rock. They mention that Gerald has some special needs, and he definitely has a look about him that suggests he’s not “all there”, and the Sea Lions bark at him to get off the rock. They tease him, call him names… now I know this was supposed to be this movie’s version of the Sea Gulls in Finding Nemo (the Sea Lions shout “Get off! Get off! Get off!” and it sounds like the “barking” Sea Lions do), and it’s funny. But why did the one that they didn’t want on their rock have to be the one that was “different”? These two Sea Lions were part of the heroic conclusion. It shouldn’t have been praised.

And I’m not one of those that sees a bully around every corner or thinks that we need to make everything about bullying. I probably classify as a bully half the time. I’m just saying if it made ME come away with a weird feeling, I can’t be the only one to notice it and wonder if Pixar missed the mark a bit with that one.

The third issue that’s made its rounds around the internet that I’d like to address is the Lesbian Couple. Honestly, if there hadn’t been a big stink about it online and throughout certain circles, I’d have never thought that they were a couple. It was not a family – not that I noticed – it was a couple of girls/women at a Sea Life Center. If THAT is what makes them Gay, then I’ve had several “gay days” at the local Sea Life Center in Seward with my girls over the years. So if THAT is what is keeping you from this film – and not the fact that the main character Dory is voiced by a loud and proud Lesbian (who is extremely talented and one part of her life is not enough to suggest otherwise) – then get over it. It was blown WAY out of proportion by all sides.

What was more offensive or wrong about the film was how ridiculous a lot of it was. Some scenes were trying just a little too hard. I think a lot of it was they didn’t want to use the same jokes and plotline as last time, but that fell a little flat. Still, it was a solid Sequel and not the worst film Pixar has put out. I went in expecting to be extremely disappointed, but came away with those lovely Pixar emotions we’ve all come to expect (if you don’t cry for Baby Dory then I don’t know that we can be friends). I laughed so hard I cried in a couple of spots – just like when I first saw Finding Nemo.

Characters that just didn’t work, for me, were the whales. I honestly don’t know why either of them were really there. It was a little too far-fetched how they worked into the climax and conclusion. But that’s just me. I’m sure many more were in love with them. I was excited to see a Beluga, though, I have to admit.

If you haven’t gone to see it, when you go watch through the end of the credits. It’s probably one of the best scenes of the whole movie. I won’t give it away other than to say I was so excited to see the characters they used for that scene. Epic.

This movie deserves a view in the theaters – we saw it in the regular format, not 3D and it was enough. I will admit in 2003 I saw Finding Nemo four times in theaters, but that movie was THAT GOOD. It was a feast for the eyes and the heart. This film takes place mainly in a Sea Life Center and it just isn’t as colorful, bright, nor is it as much fun.

Have you seen the movie? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

We had a bit of Disney for Mothers Day

For mother's day dad and I offered to make dinner. Asking mom what she wanted she came to the decision that she wanted something like the meal we had at Ohana's back in 2013 on our WDW trip. So off to the internet I went in search of copycat recipes (or official ones) as I couldn't find any in the cookbooks I recently acquired from my grandparents (basically all cookbooks I ever got G'ma are now mine).

So we made enough chicken, beef, and shrimp for 5 people and a little person (aka Delaney the almost 7 year old)... along with bacon wrapped asparagus and grilled veggies. It was SO GOOD and we all had more than we should have so there were very few left overs. But yummmmmmmmm!

Movie Review: The Finest Hours

Who doesn't love a good historically based film, especially when it's Disney so you're pretty sure that the outcome will be uplifting and inspiring. The Finest Hours does not disappoint - and I don't feel I have to worry about spoiling anything because, hey, history! But seriously, this is probably one of the most exciting and fascinating Rescue At Sea stories I've ever read up on - so I was excited for the film.

Okay, really I was excited because Eric Bana and Michael Raymond-James both had supporting character roles in the film... but shhhhh! that's not what this is about.

The film is based on the book written by Casey Sherman and Michael Tougias, and follows the heroic story of the Coast Guard rescue of 32 men from the Pendleton which split in two during a blizzard off the coast of Massachussetts in 1952.

In February of 1952, one of the worst storms to ever hit the East Coast struck New England, damaging an oil tanker off the coast of Cape Cod and literally ripping it in half. On a small lifeboat faced with frigid temperatures and 70-foot high waves, four members of the Coast Guard set out to rescue the more than 30 stranded sailors trapped aboard the rapidly-sinking vessel. - Walt Disney Production Company

Chris Pine is our unlikely hero in the story - and if you're expecting his typical pretty boy role you will be shocked. He is by far the standout of this film, he isn't recognizable. He is an unsure, shy, awkward guy from the first scene until he pulls back into the pier after an insane night out in the storm. On the ship side, you also have a solid performance from the de facto leader of the survivors in Casey Affleck. I don't normally care for him in film (can't put my finger on why) but I found myself cheering for him to succeed in getting the group of men working together to keep the stern afloat (literally all that was left of the boat was its butt). Both men had the challenge of some of their coworkers not having much faith in their abilities - not understanding their need to follow rules.

One such character on the Pendleton is D.A. Brown played by Raymond-James. If you know his work, you know this is a character he's played before. Maybe not by that name in that situation, but a hot head with a lot of swagger. He quickly becomes the antagonist and you kinda hope he falls off the boat. Again, a solid performance (but I admit I'm biased), and a very needed voice in the movie.

We get a little bit of a love story with Pine's character, and while some have said that it was what is wrong with the film I disagree. It gave us more backstory for the way Pine's character (Bernie Webber) responds to thing. Webber is as straight laced as they come. He's not confident in himself even though he knows he's good - he just doesn't show that or have the courage to show it. He's a rule follower and if there aren't rules he fumbles around trying to figure out what he can and cannot do.

This comes to a head as the men head out on the rescue mission because they lose contact with the mainland and suddenly he is in control and has decisions to make. Not only is his life in the balance but so are the three other men with him - plus all the potential lives on the Pendleton. Once he realizes that rules and regs are just guidelines, that a lot comes to instinct and sheer determination, he comes into his own.

I really enjoyed the film, and my parents definitely did. My mother was on the edge of her seat with her hands covering her eyes (all the while screaming) during the ocean scenes (so for 90% of the film). My dad said he gave the movie two big thumbs up - and wanted me to tweet the cast that I follow (including MRJ lol) that he cried. It was that good.

Is it Oscar worthy? Probably not - though the graphics of the split ship were impressive (blows Titanic out of the water IMO, but we've come a long way in technology). It's a solid film - it's PG 13 for the intense ocean sequences, there's only one or two curse words that I remember and unless kissing is too graphic for you no sex. So older kids should be okay watching this film.

Definitely make plans to see it - if not in theaters then on DVD. It's worth the couple of hours.

Yup... we have another Disney trip on the horizon!

Okay, so it's not *just* a Disney vacation. It's a family trip to the Southern West Coast of the US (Alaska being the Northern West Coast haha). Seriously though, we're planning an over two week trip that starts in Anaheim/SoCal and ends in Oregon. It's a combination of celebrating mom and dad's 35th wedding anniversary as well as visiting family close to the holidays.

To say I'm excited is an understatement. I know, it's 385 days away, but it's still fun to plan and dream and all that. As it looks now we have 4 full days of Disney fun planned. We'll be going in November so hopefully they'll have the Christmas Decor up (at least some of it) as that's what mom is hoping to see. She's seen the fall/Hallowe'en stuff, so now she wants to see Christmas. We haven't been to Disneyland since 1990 (as a family, I have obviously been multiple times since then). Dad was turned off to Disney parks after our three day trip to the park when I was 5. It was hot, I was cranky (spoiled brat, that's me), and mom didn't want me going on any of the big rides for fear I'd fall out. Lots of whining and arguing. Not his idea of fun.

But we took him to Disney World a couple of times and he's warmed up to the Disney Parks since 1990. With the addition of Carsland dad wants to go and check it out.

The itinerary is a work in progress, we still have to get dad's time off approved... but what we have planned:

Nov 11 - Fly ANC to SNA (John Wayne International Airport)
Nov 12 - Disney!
Nov 13 - Disney!
Nov 14 - Disney!
Nov 15 - Disney!
Nov 16 - Drive to Grass Valley, when in Sacramento eat at Jaime's Broadway Grille
Nov 17 - Girls Trip to San Francisco (take the long route and stop first in Santa Clara before hitting San Fran)
Nov 18 - Grass Valley
Nov 19 - Grass Valley
Nov 20 - Grass Valley
Nov 21 - Drive to Grants Pass
Nov 22 - Grants Pass
Nov 23 - Grants Pass
Nov 24 - Grants Pass (Thanksgiving)
Nov 25 - Fly PDX to ANC


LET THE COUNTDOWN BEGIN!!!

30 Days of Fangirl-ism - Day 15: Favorite fandom collectible that you most cherish

My grandfather is downsizing, hoping to move into a Senior Residency closer to where we live, and so we've been getting a lot of his old stuff. One of the things that I've recently been given is one of the old cookie jars that sat in the kitchen my entire childhood. I'm not sure how old it is, but it's Donald Duck - my absolute FAVORITE Disney Character.

His paint has seen better days, and he's well loved and used, but I just love him. Not only because of it being Disney and Donald, but because of the memories of my grandparents' house... and the cookies... so many cookies... over the years.

So this is the collectible that I will always cherish. I absolutely love it. I'm never giving it up. Ever.

30 Days of Fangirl-ism - Day 1: Favorite all-time fandoms

Oh my, where do I begin. I've been a fangirl of so many movies and TV shows over the years - and many of them have had large fandoms. The first one I was ever a part of was the Star Wars fandom, and while I still love the Original Trilogy, that part of my childhood is all safely tucked away in many boxes. I should really go through it and see if there's anything worth money and part with it. Honestly over that fandom.

But many have stayed with me and new ones are taking its place (it was a big part of my heart, so I've got room!).

So what are the fandoms I'm a part of today? Let me list them and fangirl a bit (after all that's what this 30 day meme is for, right?!).

Arrow - I got into this show last spring. I was talked into giving it a try after I lost my sanity over a character death on another show (if you read my blog you know which one I'm talking about). I don't know if that's what triggered the fangirling, but I do know that I was totally sucked into the story. I like a good story with angst, ha ha! Oliver - when not being the playboy with a new girl every two scenes - was and still is an interesting character. Stephen Amell has done a great job of slowly peeling back the layers/walls in what makes the character accessible to those around him. So much is said with a look or action instead of words that it just makes me love the story even more. 

But even better than Oliver Queen are the characters that make up his team. The awkwardly brilliant Felicity Smoak (Emily Bett-Rickards), the loyal and morally centered John Diggle (David Ramsey), and the young upstart Roy Harper (Colton Haynes) all bring something to the table that "The Arrow" was severely lacking when he came to Starling City. Plus, the foursome offers a lot of hilarity while dealing with serious villains and problems plaguing their city. Felicity and Diggle are my two most favorite characters on any show right now. Dig keeps Oliver in line - calling him on a lot of his crap - and Felicity reminds Oliver that he's so much more than a vigilante killer. They bring out the best in Oliver, who then passes on the wisdom to his protege Roy.

It's just a really fun way to spend an hour. Entertaining, well done, attractive cast - what's not to love?

The Blacklist - Who doesn't love this show?! It's complex, dark, intelligent... and James Spader as Ray Reddington is funny as all get out. He is so twisted and I LOVE it. I haven't gone so far as don a fedora like most of the fandom... but I am obsessed with this show. And mainly due to Red's sarcasm and the fact that I WANT TO KNOW WHO TOM KEEN IS! Ryan Eggold (who plays Tom Keen) has the most fascinating character on Television right now.

Of all the shows I'm actively following/watching, this one has had the longest hiatus and I HATE IT. I want to know what happens next NOW. I can't get enough.

Disney - Duh! Was this ever a question?! This is probably my ultimate fandom. It encompasses a lot, I know. I love the animated films, most of the live action, the parks, the classic Disney TV shows... Walt Disney is my hero... I secretly believe I'm a Disney princess... Yup. I love Disney. I'm obsessed. Scary obsessed (and I'm not even sorry)!

Figure Skating - probably not what this meme was going for but I have to give a shout out to one of my oldest fandoms. I've loved to watch the sport since the age of four, and after trying my hand it and deciding I'm not up for living on my butt on the ice I can say that I have a huge respect for all those that do live their lives on the ice. Scott Hamilton has been my longest standing idol in any form of sport/celebrity. I followed his career religiously as a child (and if I'm being completely honest I still do). He brought his love of skating to thousands over the years, and it grew my interest and love for the sport.

I haven't paid much attention this year - I do not like the new commentary team we're stuck with - and it feels weird that I don't really know what's going on. I'm hoping my interest with renew itself soon. I feel bad ignoring one of my longest loves.

gif by onceland on tumblr

The Flash - I don't want to say DC comics because I'm not a comic book fan. I'm not really even a superhero fan. I loved Batman growing up... and the XMen... but really I couldn't tell you a thing about them other than what I got from the TV shows and movies. I couldn't care less about the whole comic book world thing - or the idea that the men playing the heroes changed every few editions. Kinda ridiculous really.

The Flash is a spinoff of Arrow - so when they introduced Barry Allen last season on Arrow I had to see what the fuss was all about. It's not as good as Arrow - I like that show above most all others. But The Flash has grown on me. The "Flarrow" crossover were the two best episodes of any show I watch this season. Just fantastic! I hope they do more crossovers, and soon!

49er Football - Yes, it counts. Football counts. And 49er football is the driving force. I've been a Niners fan since birth. I wanted to come out the day of the superbowl in 1985, but mom wouldn't let me because she wanted to watch the game. I'm that dedicated (and so is she). I grew up in the Era of Montana, Rice, and Young. I grew up during the height of the teams success... and I watched as that all went away. Then Harbaugh came into our lives and for a few brief years we had some of that magic back.

We're at a crossroads. And as frustrated and upset as I am over what happened this season - I still believe in my team. Win, lose, or tie... Red and Gold till I die! Who's got it better than us?! NOOOOOOOBODY!

Once Upon A Time - I have to admit I've dropped out of most of this fandom since the season 3 finale. For all my talk last year about how I was going to stick with the show, I never really got over them killing off a certain character... and I really was not into rehashing Frozen. I personally feel the more they get away from their original plan the more convoluted and annoying the show becomes. It's really not just the fact that Neal's gone and "dead is dead" when it comes to him - I liked the show before him, and until they killed him off I didn't really care if he was in the show or not. I'm just annoyed with the continuity issues and the fact that they can't seem to stay with a topic for more than two seconds. They don't flesh out anything.

That being said I am a HUGE fan of the cast of the show (past and present) and it's what keeps me interested. They aren't as active on social media these days (there are conspiracies as to why, but I ignore most of the fan talk), but they're still an amazing team.

Reign - This is the newest fandom I'm a part of. I'm playing catch up (honestly when am I not?!) and I apparently have chosen all the wrong characters to love and my "ship" is the wrong one as well (read the less popular one). Go figure. I do that no matter what fandom it is (Arrow, I was totally into Tommy and Laurel and he died... OUAT I love Neal and can't stand Captain Swan - but didn't ship Swanfire either!... The Flash I ship Iris and Barry... yup I'm just always on the wrong side of things).

Normally I don't like creative license taken with historical works, but as Torrence Coombs (who plays Sebastian on the show) describes it the show is more a "historical fantasy" or "historical fanfiction" and I think that fits. The show has a lot of what hollywood considers "romance" which bogs it down, but the characters are complex enough that it keeps me hooked even when it plays out like an episode of a soap opera (a better acted one but still). I'm glad the show got a third season.



So there we have it - the main fandoms I follow at the moment. I could've gone on with some of the ones I've been a part of in the past, but I'm pretty sure that's a prompt later on in this 30 day meme.

31 Days of Film - Day 26: The film that should never have had a sequel

Just about every Disney animated film should not have a sequel - the only exception I can think of is Lilo & Stitch (I love the second film, though I can't watch it after losing Yuka last year).

I just don't understand why Disney thinks this is a good idea. Okay, I get that they're a business and it's an easy buck - but most of these films are total throw aways! They have no real quality of storytelling, characters, or animation. They are cheaply made from start to finish. It's not just disappointing, it's disheartening.

The Walt Disney name deserves better.

I know some of my fellow Disnerds will disagree, but honestly I just don't get how they can ignore the quality factor.

31 Days of Film - Day 19: First film you saw in theaters

It was a double feature, and I honestly don't remember which one is first, so I'll just do both. Which shouldn't be too hard as I adore both movies. The movies were Disney's Oliver and Company and Lucas/Spielberg's The Land Before Time, and I was in love with them. I was obsessed - especially with Land Before Time.  I loved dinosaurs (still do), I dressed up as a dinosaur for several years for Halloween. My aunt made the costume, it was epic!

I loved Little Foot, Cera, Duckie, Peetry and Spike. I loved being scared by SharpTooth, and I cried for Little Foot's mommy. I was 3 or 4 years old when it came out. I had all of the toys, clothes, books. It was a huge fan. I don't know if it was the story or the fact that I saw it larger than life on the big screen, but it impacted my childhood greatly.

I was destined to be a super nerdy kid, I know. I was also very much a tomboy, so while princesses were a big deal to a lot of my friends growing up, I was more into the dinosaur movies, or the princesses male counterparts and sidekicks. They were having more fun than the girls in the frilly dresses. I think I appreciate the princesses more now as an adult than I ever did as a kid (though I did love Belle and Jasmine as a kid).

Oliver and Company was every kid's dream in a way. It was about dogs and cats (getting along). It starred a super cute kitten who just wanted a home and found one with his girl Penny a lonely girl from a rich family. You had a merry band of misfit mutts who team up with the cat to save the girl. It's still adorable, though these days I can't watch it often without tearing up with how Oliver is abandoned as an unwanted kitten.

The music is timeless - I mean it's Billy-freaking-Joel! I don't like him as a person (I think he's smarmy) but I love his music and the songs in this movie don't disappoint (as I type this I'm listening to Why Should I Worry?). Dodger is one cool cat of a dog, and Georgette is the perfect poodle stereotype. Cheech Marin as Tito offers the perfect amount of comic relief...

I had a lot of Oliver & Company swag (including this super cool sweat shirt that had Oliver on it and his eyes where holographic so they moved!) and I was on a mission later that year when I went to Disneyland to find an Oliver doll (I didn't get one, settled for Lady from Lady and the Tramp, and an Eeyore -and a dinosaur!- instead).

There's a lot of humor I didn't get as a child ( isn't that how most Disney movies go? ) but now I can sit and laugh at parts that made no sense in my first viewing.

31 Days of Film - Day 17: Best scene ever in a movie

The original prompt was "most beautiful" scene, but I can't think of one that stands out among all of them (now, TV that'd be easy ha ha). However, my all time favorite scene in any film is easy to choose. I've thought this scene was BRILLIANT since PotC came to theaters in the summer of 2003.

I went into the film thinking it wasn't going to be much of anything and was blown away. I hadn't had a high regard for Disney films in quite some time. Sure, PIXAR movies were good (great!) but they were just partnered with Disney - no run by them. Stories had been lacking for most off my teen years, I expected PotC to be another one of their lame attempts and revitalizing their franchise (I mean, they based a movie off of a theme park attraction).

It started off good enough with the whole crossing of the ocean, and then jumping to Lizzie and Will angst... but it wasn't until the scene that introduced Jack Sparrow that this film went from being another pirate movie to the most amazingly humorous adventure EVER. Curse of the Black Pearl is near movie perfection. Johnny Depp created a fantastic character, and Keira Knightly, Orlando Bloom, Geoffry Rush and Jack Davenport all committed so well to the story and their characters. It was casting made perfect.

I saw it four times in theaters, and this scene NEVER failed to crack me up!


4 weeks until we go searching for Captain Jack in Disneyland!

Favorite Blogs

I have to post my five favorite blogs today... I have a confession, I don't read too many consistently. I spend most of my time on twitter and facebook (which is kinda used like a blog by many, including me, even though it's "frowned upon").

But there are a few that I do enjoy when I read them, so here we go...

1. Disney Parks Blog - the official blog of Disney Parks. It keeps me going as I count down to the next Disney trip (51 days!).

2. Roots Before Branches (Casey Chappell) - I grew up with Casey's family. Casey is the oldest of 9 children, her dad was the pastor of the church that my family was saved and "raised" in. The Nichols' household was a second home to I think every kid at First Baptist Church of Kenai in those days. I love and miss all of them. Growing up as an only child their family was overwhelming and yet such a blessing at the same time. I love Casey's blog (when she has time to share, with 5 kids under 6 she has her hands full!) she is a gifted photographer and her work always inspires me.

3. Nelson Family Journey (Amanda & Darryl Nelson) - Friends from my days at Anchorage Baptist Temple, Darryl and Amanda recently adopted their daughter. Amanda is the main author of the blog, and I LOVE her heart in this journey! Adoption rocks!

4. Disney Tourist Blog - Photography in this blog is so inspiring. They share some of the best photos of the park and considering that's one of my favorite things to do in the parks, too, it really helps get my creative brain working in how to better my shots.

5. Kristin Shyla - Kristin is one of Casey's best friends. I met her in 2010 when we visited the Chappells for a few hours on our road trip to Disney World (aka the Road Trip From Hell). Kristin is a fellow photographer and another inspiration of mine. She shares her heart so openly. She's a beautifully creative person.



And there you have it! My five favorite blogs.

What's in a name?

"Thoughts By Tonichelle", not all that original or creative. I couldn't come up with something quirky that fit what my blog would be - which was just basically the random thoughts that I would have in the years to come. This blog has had many things, with no real concise focus or theme. I'm sure it would drive most bloggers mad as it's just not a well thought out blog (I admit it).

All one has to do is look at my menu at the top of the page and can see that the topics I have are many and they ebb and flow as to how much I talk about any one topic. Speaking of which, I should really update those pages.

So is Tonichelle my real name? No. It's a combination of my first and middle name. I've been called Tonichelle since I was a toddler learning my name. I couldn't say my full name, it came out Tonichelle (Toni-shell) and it stuck. When creating my blog I went with Tonichelle so that it would click with my Twitter and message board accounts. Now it matches my twitter and instagram accounts as I really don't do anything on message boards anymore.



In other (read Disneyland 2014) news, I've booked our next two ADRs - one for all four of us for a breakfast at the Carnation Cafe (my favorite!), and the other is a table for two for Erin and Wess to get away and have a hot date. They're eating at Steakhouse 55. I have one more ADR to book tomorrow and then I'm done with that! Whew!

58 days to go, baby!

Happy Birthday Disneyland!

Disneyland turns 59 today! 59 years of the Happiest Memories in the Happiest Place On Earth! And the really cool thing is - our countdown has hit 59 days! It's a sign! Haha!

Walt Disney opened his dream park to the world on July 17, 1955. They had their share of issues, rides breaking down, a jerk who counterfeited tons of tickets so that the park was over flowing, the concrete hadn't fully set so women in heels were sinking through... it was a mess. Critics believed it a failure. Well, just take a look at them now!

Next year marks Disneyland's Diamond Jubilee - 60 years of magic. And my Aunt wants to spend her 60th at Disneyland. So I might be headed that way a little sooner than I realized. So much for 2014 being the last trip for a while. Ha ha! (I'm not really complaining.) We'll see if it happens. A lot can change in a year.


In other Disneyland news - I made our first ADR today. We decided to go ahead and book a meal at Downtown Disney our first full day there. Aimee gets in in the afternoon so we're going for an early dinner at "Crossroads at House of Blues"! One ADR down, three more to go!

Tomorrow I get to book our breakfast at the Carnation Cafe! Mickey Waffles all around! w00t!

Disneyland 2014 Tentative Itinerary

It's still a work in progress, can't really be sure what we're going to do time wise until we get the ADRs set and the park hours 

September 14, 2014 –Travel Day!!!
Fly into SoCal

September 15, 2014 – Lazy Day and Disney!
Erin gets her feet done tour parks after
Aimee arrives ~ 2pm-ish
Early Dinner @ DTD?  - 

September 16, 2014 – Disneyland!!!
Breakfast @ Carnation Café (Mickey Waffle!)  

Tour parks
Erin & Wess - dinner date

September 17, 2014 – Disneyland Birthdays! (Aimee & Erin)
Early Dinner @ Goofy’s Kitchen for bday girls

September 18, 2014 – Beach & Hollywood
Pick up Rental Car early.
Hollywood first? Beach?

September 19, 2014 -- Disneyland

September 20, 2014 – San Diego Zoo (Aimee leaves :’()

September 21, 2014 – Universal Studios
BubbaGump Lunch/Dinner

September 22, 2014 – Disneyland

September 23, 2014 – Travel Day :’(

5 days till I can make our first ADR. 63 days till we head to DLR.

30 Days of Disneyland - Day 30: Favorite Walt Disney Quote About Disneyland

Day 30 - Favorite Walt Disney Quote About Disneyland

"To all that come to this happy place: welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America... with hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world." - Walt Disney

I don't think this needs any explanation, really.


76 Days to go! Still no idea what July's challenge will be, if I do one.

30 Days of Disneyland - Day 29: Favorite Aspect of Disneyland

Day 29 - Favorite Aspect of Disneyland

Disneyland may be "our land" by Walt's decree opening day, but it is Walt's park. He walked the grounds, he oversaw its completion... he welcomed the world into his kingdom. This is the greatest aspect of Disneyland - Walt Disney lived it. This was his dream that he made a reality. Sure we all joke that it's a people trap built by a mouse, and we whine about the cost and the crowds, but it's so much more than all of that.

Walt was a self made man. He took a dream, a thought, an idea and fought like hell to get to the position that he was in to make Disneyland a possibility. It wasn't his first idea, it came much later when he was at the height of success, but it was yet more proof of his determination and ingenuity.

As much as I LOVE Disney World (it really is in many ways, everything RIGHT and BETTERing of what Disneyland is), it does not have the same *feeling* as Disneyland. DLR has this hard to shake feeling - at least for me - and I can't help but think it's just knowing that we're actually walking in Walt's footsteps.


77 days till I get to walk in his footsteps again! Can't wait!

30 Days of Disneyland - Day 28: Favorite Time To Visit

Day 28 - Favorite Time to Visit

Not sure if it means time of year, or time of day. If it's time of year I have to say any time that isn't peak season. For Disney World I've decided I love November... but for Disneyland I'm not quite sure. I've been in the summer several times and it's been either great or traumatic (great in 2006, traumatic in 1990 - I got stuck to the sidewalk thanks to my jelly shoes melting!) or just super hot and I ended up sick (2012). So August isn't my favorite... February is the only other time I've gone, and the crowd levels were awesome (there were none!) but a lot of things were down for rehab and refurb... of course a lot of the park that was down for those things are now fully functional (construction was for Carsland and the new Fantasyland attractions). So it may not be as bad normally in Feb. So let's just say I don't care when I go so long as I don't melt (or my shoes) and I don't have to deal with crazy crowds.


Time of day that I like to visit is either first thing in the morning because the crowds are less, or once the sun goes down for photographic purposes (I have been known to close down a park just snapping long exposures while most of the crowd is headed home).

So there ya have it... I'm trying to figure out what July's challenge is going to be themed after....

78 Days till Disneyland!

Yup, another MRJ gif I snagged from Google.
Good night my friends.

30 Days of Disneyland - Day 27: Your Dream Job

Day 27 - Your Dream Job

I'm assuming they mean within the parks - otherwise I'd say I want to be a film director ha ha! But my dream Park job would be as a Disney Photographer. Photopass would be fun - but their "fine art" side of that program would be even better. I'd love to do their promotional work. Just to be able to be in the parks when no one is around would be AWESOME.

I love the photopass photogs, though. They are an awesome group of people (for the most part...some think they know more than they really do). It makes it easy for me - the group photog (everyone I travel with know that's my job, doesn't matter what group/family members I go with ha ha) - to be in the photos and we get some great shots and memories that way.

I mean, if I could be a Disney photog I'd get paid to take pictures in the Disney Parks all day every day! What could be better? (of course, come hot and humid parts of the year I'd be miserable no matter what so... that's what's kept me, among other reasons, from applying.)

Oh and this week, I got my photopass+ package in the mail. Ordered it for the trip in September. Yup, I'm a fan.

One of my favorites from our 2012 trip. Haille Rae is awesome. Love her!

Also, we're at another (somewhat) milestone in the countdown. We've left the 80s and are now into the 70s! We are at 79 days till the epic LLP + B Disney trip! I'm super stoked. Chatted with Erin the other night and we have both definitely caught the "OMG"s for this trip. We'll soon be texting and calling each other daily with the "WE'RE TOO EXCITED TO SLEEP!" message. Because we're big dorks like that.

Yes, I did just use an MRJ gif.

In about 20 days I'll be able to make our first ADR! I'm debating if I should call down or if I should just do it online. I may do a combination of both, because it's just not a Disney trip without calling the Disney Travel Company, but at the same time the Disneyland call center isn't as much fun/magical (and their hold music is normally closer to elevator music than actual Disney music. Sadness).

Three weeks till ADR time... three weeks till we're down to the two months mark... It's getting close... but not close enough! Come on September, get here already!

30 Days of Disneyland - Day 26: Favorite Cast Member Costume

Haunted Mansion. 

80 days till I'm back there!

30 Days of Disneyland - Day 25: Favorite Park Picture

Day 25 - Favorite Park Picture

The one above is my most favorite Disney Park picture I've taken so far.

and just because I can, here's my second favorite:

81 days till I'm back there snapping pictures!