>A Teenager Talks Character Meets

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So, John, How are you doing today?

Tired

How you feeling otherwise?

Good.
Is there something we haven’t talked about yet that the readers should know about in Walt Disney World?

I don’t remember.

Meaning he didn’t remember what Unknwon Disney World Magics we had already talked about. So I tried a different route,

What would you like to talk about in Disney?

I guess the Characters; like meeting the characters.

When he was younger Minnie was good- he didn’t look at the Princesses,but now…

So, at your age, which is 15, do you still enjoy meeting the characters?

Sometimes. The Princesses if they’re around. (Big smile)

Remember this is a family read blog-

I know, I kept it safe.

What is special about meeting the characters?

Little kids get to meet the people they see in the movies, in Disney.

Where does it take place?

Hotels, the Parks, little attractions, restaurants.

So, basically all over?

Yes.

Who was your favorite that you met?

Probably, Stitch.

Why?

Probably, my favorite movies.

How many times do you think you have met him?

A couple times. At different places.

What was your favorite time meeting him?

(Looking to mom for help. She rattled off a few- ‘Ohana, Animal Kingdom Tomorrowland)

Yes, Animal Kingdom (like it was a thought from another world.)

Who is the most unique character you think you have met?

Probably one of the Country Bears, No, the friar from Robin Hood.

Friar Tuck?

Yes.

Where is the obvious place to see the characters?

Character Breakfasts.

Which one is the best for that?

The one in the morning at the Magic Kingdom.

Remember he said he was tired. Then-

The Crystal Palace.

What is the most unique place you have seen a character?

When we saw Flik, the Ant, in a walkway in Animal Kingdom

Is there any character that you’d like to see that you haven’t?

We’ve seen the main ones. Not really.

You mentioned Flik, is there a good opportunity to see Pixar Characters.

At the Animation Studio. That’s where we saw the ‘Up’ Characters.

And when you meet the characters what do they do?

They pose for pictures and sign autographs. Kids can talk to them a little.

Do all of them sign?

Not all of them, but a good majority of them.

Is there any in particular that you know that doesn’t sign.

Buzz Lightyear Stamps.

Instead of actually signing his name, he uses a stamper and King Louis doesn’t sign because he really can’t control his arms.

What else should people know about with getting character autographs and pictures?

Find a schedule so you’re not waiting in the hot sun.

Character times are listed in the time guides that you can get with the park maps. You should also know that the characters will take a five to ten minute break from time to time. When you are in line and they do, stick it out. Most people walk away from the line at that point, but they are rarely gone for more than a few moments.

That’s all I have-

Well, Thanks, then John,

Anytime.

>Who doesn’t like ice cream? I like Ice cream.

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After dinner last night, I asked John, “Tell me something you’d like people to know about in Walt Disney World.”

His Response, “There’s a mouse, some princesses, some rides.” Then Quickly- “Don’t write that.”

So, I try again, John Tell me something you’d like people to know about in Walt Disney World.Maybe an Unknown Magic in Disney World.

A blank stare. Uh. Uh. Uh. I actually don’t know. This is a tough week.

How about a favorite attraction? A favorite place to hang out? A favorite restaurant? A place you’d like me not to put my foot in your ***.

Trying to help, (I think) my wife whispers, “Ice Cream,”

John says “I like Ice Cream!” Then enthusiastically, Beaches and Cream. Again- Don’t write that.

What is Beaches and Cream John?

It is an Ice Cream Parlor, at the Beach Club, that is open to the public.

Who else would it be open to?

It is open to everyone even if you are not staying at the resort. There are some that are like that aren’t there?

No, there aren’t.

No, well, then cut that out. Strike it from the record.

Why do you like, Beaches and Cream John?

Who doesn’t like ice cream? I like Ice cream.

Do they only serve Ice Cream?

I believe they have small lunch items, I believe.

Actually Beaches and Cream is a Soda Shop type restaurant that offers sandwiches, soups salads and many ice cream treats.

What’s so great about this place?

It is hard serve, isn’t it? Yes, it is it comes out of the buckets, so it is hard serve. It is difficult to find good hard serve and they have many different flavors. It is like a 50’s styled pop-shop.

He was asking and answering his own questions throughout our interview. It was as if it was a stream of consciousness or something. I think he meant Soda Shop, which is funny, because I have never heard him say pop to mean soda.

So the inside is…

Bright and colorful, rather retro.

At this I pointed out that a 50’s soda shop would have to be retro and once again he said- cut that out; of course I didn’t cut out anything he said to.

So, you recommend sitting inside?

Usually, but is it is near the pool, so you can walk around. It gets messy.

What does?

Ice Cream, it melts.

My 15 year old honor student ladies and gentlemen, sharing with us that ice cream melts and gets messy. His mother and I are so proud.

So where do you recommend sitting?

Inside, so it doesn’t melt as fast.

Is there anything really special that they serve or have?

The Kitchen Sink.

What pray-tell is that? (he’s not the only one who can be witty)

They give you a kitchen sink, and fill it with lots and lots of ice cream, it is best shared with a group. We haven’t had one yet, but I plan on it.

Have you ever seen a Kitchen Sink?

Yes, once. They make a pretty big deal out of it when they are serving it.

So, was it Huge?



Me and My Kid!



Yes, it was a good size Kitchen Sink; you could do a few dishes in it.

At that I gave him a look and he responded with,

“Hey I’m your kid.”

Touché

So, is there anything else you want people to know about Beaches and Cream?

When the kids are upset take them there it will make things better.

His words not mine. I personally wouldn’t share that part with your kids.

Thanks John.

Sure Dad.

>Being Goofy, Too!

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In my article Oh, How Silly I wrote this past week about how we make our kids look silly in different pictures, when we are in the Walt Disney World Resort. My son is a good sport and gave his permission for me to use the pictures I did, which was nice of him (not that I wouldn’t have used them anyway), but we did have a conversations about him not being the only one that looks silly at times when we are in Disney. So, fair being fair, I decided that I should share some moments when my wife and I have gotten a little Goofy and it was caught by a camera. So, here is to the Unknown Magic of letting it all go and looking Goofy in Disney.
This first two pictures I used in the other article about making my son look silly.

This next picture is a way to make anyone look Goofy. All you have to do is take them on a wet ride and then take them to watch to It’s Tough to be a Bug and have them put on the 3-D glasses.

Yes, a person’s face in a cut out does look goofy, no matter what the gut out is.

And anytime you have baby dolls stuck to an apron you are wearing it is kind of goofy.

When it comes to being in a picture with characters I have a little too much fun, check out my son’s face he isn’t as excited as I am.

This picture probably wouldn’t be silly except for the Tiki God’s butt off of my left shoulder.

I hope you have enjoyed my goofiness, but of course I can’t write about being Silly in Disney without at least one picture of my son.

>It’s Beautiful

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Roy Adzak said, “Good art is not what it looks like, but what it does to us.” In the Magic Kingdom, Disney Hollywood Studios, Epcot and Downtown Disney there are stores that sell Disney Art that stirs many people. With everything from old prints to new collectibles, the art that is in these stores is not only wonderful, but sought after. The funny thing is that these stores are overlooked by many visitors. So, today I present the Unknown Magic of the Art of Disney stores.

The Art of Disney Stores are merchandise stores that specialize in Disney Art. On Main Street USA, the store is located in what used to be the Main Street Cinema. At Epcot, it is located in the very front of the park, to the right of Spaceship Earth as you are coming in and at Hollywood Studios it is connected to the Disney Animation building. At Downtown Disney the Art of Disney Store can be found behind Disney’s Days of Christmas next to the scrapbooking store. While they are all very much the same, the merchandise sold in them may not always be the same.

The Art of Disney store in the Magic Kingdom and in Disney Hollywood studios both have kiosks that sell Disney Posters. You can get prints of Classic Disney movies, Disneyland Attractions, Disney Characters, and Disney World Attractions. These are very neat items because you can get them in different sizes and display your favorite Disney attraction, character or movie for everyone to see.

Some of the other merchandise available at the Art of Disney store is original prints of the Disney characters, and cels from Disney movies. These prints are sold in poster size and 8×10 and smaller sizes. They also sell Figurines made by Disney and Jim Shore; as well as books, CD’s and videos of the parks.

A very neat thing that happens in all of the Art of Disney stores is an artist drawing. A Disney artist sits in each of the stores during the day and draws Disney Characters. They have a lot of their work on display around them and they will sell you what they have and will draw something just for you, if you don’t see a character that you are looking for. Sometimes they have the artists, which made the original art work that is for sale, in the store to sign their work or to talk to you about it. This is a Magical Experience, because some of these artists are very neat people that you would never get to meet otherwise.

Some of the artists they bring in are the creators of the newest thing they are selling at the Art of Disney, the Vinylmations. If you aren’t aware of these they are small vinyl/ rubber Mickey Mouse shaped figures that are decorated in all different kinds of ways. They represent everything from attractions to characters to special events.

The Art of Disney store offers you a chance to own some artwork that will remind you of your Magical Experiences from your trip to Walt Disney World. It can also decorate your home with many objects that will be enjoyed by family and visitors alike.

So, now you know, The Art of Disney stores are located throughout Walt Disney World. These stores can help you to take home some wonderful Pieces of Disney Art that can help you remember Magical Experiences from visits to Walt Disney World.