The entrance to the Archives exhibit, a large mirrored walk-thru sculpture spells out "100" and I stand in the first 0.

D23 Celebrates 100 Years of the Disney Studio

September 14, 2022, 1 Comment

Last weekend was the long anticipated event, D23 Expo (originally slated for last year, but pushed back due to COVID), return! The three day event celebrates all things Disney and takes place at the Anaheim Convention Center (conveniently located just across the street from Disneyland) and includes exhibits, panels, and shopping. It’s something I’ve attended…

Myself, sitting on the couch, with popcorn and a blanket.

Underrated Treasures on Disney+

April 7, 2020, 2 Comments

Since many of us have a lot more time on our hands with social distancing thanks to COVID-19, I figured it would be a good idea to suggest some of my favorites that are on Disney+. To offer a wide range, I selected five films or television shows from the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and…

Outside of the Anaheim Convention Center, a massive white statue spells out "D23 expo"

D23 – The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience

August 26, 2019, Leave a Comment on D23 – The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience

Over the weekend Patrick and I went to the D23 Expo, a three day event that is best described as Disney convention, but it’s all things Disney, including Star Wars and Marvel. There are exhibits to view, places to shop, and many panels to attend. Some are massive, and cover big announcements for upcoming films…

The book, Walt Disney's Disneyland, features a cover of a crowd watching fireworks from Main Street, sits upon a blanket featuring a drawn make of Disneyland.

Book Review: Walt Disney’s Disneyland

February 26, 2019, Leave a Comment on Book Review: Walt Disney’s Disneyland

So, in case it wasn’t obvious enough, I love Disneyland. And I love any book that really showcases the history of Disneyland, especially when it’s big and includes lots and lots of pictures. So Chris Nichols’ latest book, Walt Disney’s Disneyland was literally a dream come true. Nichols’ book covers Disneyland from its infancy through…

Donald and his arsenal to do his taxes: A range of books (including two law books, a math book, and an algebra book), yardstick, globe, a bottle of paste, a bottle of aspirin, a box of files, two adding machines, a compass, and his piggy bank.

That Time Donald Duck Helped America Pay Their Taxes

February 11, 2019, 4 Comments

For those in the United States, it’s tax season…everyone’s favorite time of the year, right? Well, once upon a time, a little angry duck helped everyone pay their taxes a lot quicker. On December 12th, 1941 Walt Disney received a call from the United States government. Walt had already lent his studio’s services for the…

New Orleans Square, with fanciful wrought iron.

Vintage Disneyland Postcards: New Orleans Square

September 24, 2018, 4 Comments

In 1966 Disneyland debuted its first new land since the park opened in 1955 with New Orleans Square. Inspired by New Orleans of the 1800s, it features gorgeous wrought iron, convincing forced perspective, and originally was going to feature a larger in-park apartment for Walt Disney. From 1966 until 1996 there was the One-of-a-Kind Shop,…

To the right a mural of Snow White seated in the forest, with bunnies and birds around her. To the left a brick wall and a sign reading "Cold Beer Served Here."

Snow White Cafe: Hollywood’s Fairytale Dive Bar

September 11, 2018, 1 Comment

In the heart of Hollywood, right next door to the Hollywood Wax Museum is the Snow White Cafe. Boasting a slice of pizza and a pint of beer for just $7, faux exposed brick walls, and buzzing neon advertising beer, it seems an unlikely setting to have multiple murals that feature Snow White. But not…

Walt Disney Studio Tour

April 10, 2018, 8 Comments

Over the weekend Patrick and I were lucky enough to tour the Walt Disney Studios thanks to our friends Danielle and Anees. Disney offers tours of the Studio in a variety of ways. One is through Adventures by Disney, with their Disneyland Resort and Southern California tour. Another way is through the Disney fan club…

Walt’s Barn at Griffith Park

March 19, 2018, Leave a Comment on Walt’s Barn at Griffith Park

Fans of Walt Disney may know that Walt adored trains. So much so that in 1950 he built a 1/8th scale steam train railroad, which he and his guests were able to ride, at his home in Holmby Hills. Today portions of that train and the barn he built as a workshop live on at…

Christmas in Frontierland

December 29, 2017, 1 Comment

Like spending Christmas Eve at Knott’s Berry Farm as become a tradition, spending Christmas Day at Disneyland is also one for us. It’s one of the few places open on Christmas, and while it’s usually very busy, we always enjoy ourselves. I thought it was also a perfect opportunity to wear my vintage Guatemalan Weavers…