Back and ranting!

It has been a long while since I've blogged, this I know. I actually ran into a friend of mine the other day and he told me that he has been reading my blog (Hi Daniel!!). I figured this is as good a time as any to start this thing back up again. Everyone and their mother blogs because they think their opinions matter, so why not continue on this bandwagon? I'm pretty good at ignoring trends and forming my own likes and dislikes, but I think it's important to have an outlet to bitch and complain. I think a website is a good place to go. It can't talk back and won't tell you the things you don't want to hear. Unless someone leaves a comment.

This time around I'm going to really lay my feelings out on the line. Tonight, I need to talk about something very near and dear to my heart. Pleasure Island at Downtown Disney closed this past Saturday night. Let me just tell you that Pleasure Island was the highlight of all my weekend trips to Disney World. I love the theme parks. The whole experience fills me with tons of wonderful memories. I was so excited when I became old enough to go to Pleasure Island. The Adventurer's Club and 8Trax have always been my two favorite places to spend my time. As of Saturday, the memories I'll make in the only area that isn't completely "family friendly" at Disney have come to an end.

Now let me get this straight, one of the most powerful businesses in the world deliberately threw away their nightlife at one of the biggest tourist traps on the planet because survey participants claimed rather than "adult only" clubs, they'd rather have more shops and dining available at Downtown Disney. Let me ask you this, when you talk to people about going to Disney, what is their first complaint? THE PRICE. What the hell would make The Disney Company actually think they'd make more money on shops and restaurants than booze in nightclubs? I believe this is one of the STUPIDEST decisions Disney executives have ever made. God forbid their be one area on Disney property that children aren't allowed in. The problem began when they took away the turnstiles from Pleasure Island. Allowing parents and their children to flow freely through an area full of nightclubs was a stupid idea to begin with. You can't seriously tell me that Disney was losing THAT much money on Pleasure Island that they just decided to close it down. Maybe if they would've designed Downtown Disney a little bit better, they wouldn't have so many problems. Besides, is a store full of magnets really necessary?

I know that the whole premise of what Disney World represents is the family, but not only families go to Disney World. Some of the most loyal disney patrons are single individuals, couples with no children, teenagers and older couples who's children are grown with families of their own. Hell, they even had a commercial with an older couple enjoying Disney World together. Getting rid of PI and catering only to families is going to force loyal parkgoers to head to Universal's CityWalk or Church St. Station, two places I really don't want to go, but since you are basically throwing it in my face that I'm a single female with no children to bring to your parks and spend oodles of money on, I may reconsider. I may also reconsider so much as to not repurchase my annual park pass this year. Call me crazy, but this is how truly upset I am to see PI go. I have never been to anything like The Adventurer's Club. It was one of a kind and now it is gone. I suppose I'll relocate the memories I have of PI to the part of my brain where all the other extinct attractions exist.

So that is my first rant back to the blogosphere. I know I'm not the only person who feels this way and to all of you out there who fought for Disney to keep PI alive and kicking, THANK YOU. Your letters, calls and whatever else you may have done may not have kept such a fun place around for years to come, but it was worth a shot. I sure hope that Disney turns a profit on the millions they are going to spend on more shops and dining at Downtown Disney. Good luck and thanks for showing me how truly spineless you Disney executives really are.


Sincerely,
A Formerly Loyal Disney Patron
-Jackie

So typical...

I haven't posted a blog in a VERY long time... But I figure, it's nice to have a place to vent so I will be sure to post more often. I won't be talking about Disney stuff... Maybe sometimes, but I'm keeping this very general so I can talk about whatever I feel like.

Let's see, what has happened since the last time I blogged? Well, the holidays came and went, so did my birthday and a new semester of school started. So far things are going pretty well. I get so busy sometimes that by saturday morning I'm toast and sleep till 2 in the afternoon. Which is probably the reason I'm still up right now, but I'll be on my way to bed shortly.

Today I did some things around the house and then spent the evening with one of my best friends, JP. We shopped, ate sushi and saw a movie. A very fun night, as always. I spent far too much money at MAC Cosmetics, but it was birthday money and I haven't spent any of it yet, so I guess I'm allowed to treat myself. I'm a make up fiend! What else did we do? Wandered into a few stores, checked out The Disney Store (of course!) and then had dessert. This is so bad, because I really want to watch what I eat, but I couldn't resist when I saw this... neither could JP. The Melting Pot restaurant has a kiosk in the mall called "Dips" and they dunk anything from a list in chocolate for you. I'm a typical female and I believe EVERYTHING is better with chocolate. They had little fondue sundaes. I had seriously died and gone to heaven at that point. So I had a tiny sunday of strawberries, bananas and poundcake covered in milk chocolate, whipped cream and caramel. They weren't very big, but it was filling (and delicious). I wanted to find Mr. Melting Pot and beat him up for coming up with such a tasty treat. Thoroughly enjoyable, I must say.

We were going to see The Spiderwick Chronicles, but when I saw The Eye was still in theaters, plans changed. The worst part of the experience? The loud and incredibly obnoxious teenagers in the theater with us. I really didn't feel like causing a scene, so I just ignored it. I heard this movie didn't get very good ratings, but I actually liked it. It was freaky, but not as bad as some other movies. I actually really liked the story line. It was similar to movies like The Ring and The Grudge, but refreshingly different. The story line was based on real life concept so it gave the plot a bit of realism. Anyhow, I would definitely recommend seeing it.

So that's about it for now... The Flower and Garden Festival is hitting EPCOT soon, so I'm sure I'll be heading over there in the near future.

Goodnight!

Man dies after riding Expedition Everest

I know it's been a long while since I have posted, but with the holidays right around the corner, I'm super busy. A mousefest review will be up later tonight!! In the meantime let's discuss the latest happenings at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

It seems that a 44-year old man by the name of Jeffrey Reed passed away after riding Expedition Everest yesterday morning. He was unconscious and unresponsive after riding the attraction around 11:25am. A patron who is a registered nurse and a cast member performed CPR on the man until the paramedics arrived. He was without a pulse when paramedics had arrived and was proounced dead shortly after arriving at Celebration Hospital. There were no apparent signs of trauma. This is the first death on the Expedition Everest Attraction since it opened in April 2006. The ride will be closed until the attraction has been fully evaulated.

For more info, follow this link:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/orl-bk-disneyaccident12182007,0,7179266.story?track=rss

This is a shame. I love this attraction, but I'm just curious as to why we hear about so many Disney deaths lately. I'm thinking it's because of the internet. Disney knows the story will leak, so they just decide to release it. This is horrible. Why do you think we hear more and more about Disney tragedies? I'm sure they do happen quite often, unfortunately, but it seems we hear about them more often then ever. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and and his family.

Way to go, Helio!!

I have to give it up for Helio Castraneves. I think he did an amazing job this season on Dancing With The Stars. Half way through the season, I wouldn't have known he'd come this far. He has all the charisma that Marie had to offer and the skill Mel had to offer, he was a total package and I'm glad that he won.

Although, does anyone else find it odd that he called off his engagement the night he won? Was his fiance jealous of his relationship (or all of those kisses he shared with) Julianne? We all succomb to a little bit of gossip now and then, but this just caught me a little offguard. I didn't even know he was engaged to begin with, but I know if my fiance was smooching on someone as drooled over as Julianne, I would be jealous. Oh well not very important. What did you guys think of the finals? I thought it was wayyyy too long. Not suprised though..

I hope everyone is having a great week! 1 WEEK UNTIL MOUSEFEST!!

Since The Disney Company owns ABC Network...

Being an avid viewer of Dancing with The Stars.. I feel the need to take a moment and let the ABC Network know that they will lose a viewer if MARIE OSMOND WINS THIS COMPETITION.

I don't watch much TV, but for some reason I really enjoy watching washed up celebrities attempt to dance their way to the top in this energetic and exciting show. I have watched DWTS since the second season and I've always felt that talent as a dancer has been the essential key to winning this show. It seems that is not the case this season.

I'm sorry to rag on you Marie Osmond, but you have no right being in the finals. This is not a popularity contest, it's about TALENT. Her freestyle dance tonight was an absolute joke. I hope all of her doll collecting fans enjoyed it, because I thought I was watching a car crash. Granted, there has been a ton of drama on this season (that I could've done without, frankly, but we all know it makes for good television), I just am sick of the sob stories and the excuses every week. I'm sorry Marie, but you don't hold a candle to Mel & Maks or Helio & Julianne.


Now don't get me wrong, I know I'm coming off like a %$^#& right now. But this is my opinion and if you don't like it, then don't read my blog. I just get very competitive when I am challenged. This is a dancing competition and I want to see the best dancer win, not the most favored person on the cast. I really think that Jenny Garth gave her all on the show this season. She made a truly awesome journey from the shy and modest girl next door to a confident and sassy dancing queen. Watching her transform was so exciting. I'm sure Marie has gained a lot of dancing experience and has made wonderful memories, but she is just not good enough. I'm afraid to watch tomorrow, but I'll be tuning in. What do you guys think?? Let me know if you are a DWTS fan and who you want to win!! I'm rooting for Helio & Julianne!!!


Also... while I'm on a roll here, to the person who felt the need to leave a severely rude and immature review about The Magical Definition Podcast, my co-hosts and myself.... Thank you for listening ;) If you enjoy the show and have any creative criticism or feedback you'd like to share, please leave us a review on itunes!

I hope you all have a great week and I will possibly be blogging tomorrow! See ya real soon!!


-Jackie O.

I've been Enchanted!

First off, I would just like to say that I hope everyone who celebrates Thanksgiving had a wonderful and safe Holiday. Those of you who may not, I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I had a very nice holiday and having 2 days off was like a breath of fresh air.






So... Aside from Holiday shopping and spending time with friends and family this weekend, I got to see Enchanted last night. I cannot say enough good things about this film. I went to see it with high hopes and I left pleased as pie.

So here is your warning: IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN ENCHANTED YET AND ARE NOT INTERESTED IN SPOILERS... SKIP THIS ENTRY!


First of all, the one thing that really implanted in my mind that this would be a great film was the casting. With seasoned actors like Susan Sarandon, Julie Andrews, Patrick Dempsey and Timothy Spall included in the cast, I knew this movie was going to be something special. Susan Sarandon as the wicked stepmother, Narissa, was a perfect fit. Everything about her went into the character, the voice, the facial expressions and her actions. Julie Andrews as the narrator was a wonderful compliment to the movie-going experience (not to mention, she's one of my idols!). Patrick Dempsey as the closed-minded New York attorney and father of one's character cannot help but succomb to Giselle's beauty and kindness.

On that note, this film was a door opener for the lovely and talented, Amy Adams. She was perfect as a Disney princess. Airy, naive and sweet, she did an excellent job as Giselle. I just hope this role doesn't typecast her because I'd like to see her in other roles. I hear she was really good in Junebug, so I'd like to see her expanding talents. She has a voice like an angel and the poise of the most perfect Disney princess. Her sidekick, the adorable, wisecracking Chipmunk, Pip, was a typical sidekick, but irresistibly cute and funny.

I also really like seeing this whole other side of James Marsden. I'm so used to seeing him in action films like X-Men and Disturbing Behavior. But this year he blew me away as Corny Collins in Hairspray. Who would've known he had such a great voice? Seems this is his year to shine. His role as the corny, yet dashing, Prince Edward was great was yet another perfect fit.


Some of my favorite parts of this film were the "That's How You Know" scene in Central Park, "The Working Song" scene, when Giselle goes to work with Robert (Patrick Dempsey's character), Prince Edwards screwy chase to find Giselle and of course, The Ball Scene. The costumes in the final scene were gorgeous.

What I really loved about this film was that though it ended how most of us women would've wanted it to, it wasn't what you would call a "perfect" fairy tale. It was a very cute and light movie, but going on Giselle's evolutionary journey from naive fairy tale princess to a real life individual woman was exciting and refreshing. Going on dates with Prince Edward rather then marrying him after laying her eyes on him was both enlightening and contrary. I found this film had a great twist on the fairy tale stories we all know and love.

I believe that this is a movie for anyone who has ever experienced fairy tales or Disney in their lives. It had many throwbacks to original Disney films including, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White, among many others. Jodi Benson and Paige O'Hara who in the past have voiced famous Disney princesses such as Ariel and Belle, made cameos in this film, which was really cool! They really worked hard to make this film work and they did an amazing job. Having Alan Menken back at work on the fantastic music, it just added to the whole experience. Every element of this film worked for me. I loved the story, the music, the characters, the acting talents and the direction.

This movie gets two big thumbs up from me, so get out there and see it! It's great for the Holiday season. Go see it with your sweetheart, your family or your friends, you won't regret it.

Pics & the "What The Heck?" Moment of the Day

I just want to give a shout out to the e-lurkers... I love you guys!


Here are a couple pics from The Tower of Terror Run if you haven't seen them yet over on www.waltsgirls.com. I know the pics look cut off, but just go ahead and click the pics for better viewing.









And one last pic... Me and Minnie circa 1987!




So today at work, I was telling some co-workers about some Study Abroad programs being offered by the College of Business at my University for next summer. They are offering two separate trips, one to China and the other to Cambodia & Thailand. I think both of these would be blast. I was just mentioning a few details about the trips to my co-workers and I mentioned you get one free day in Hong Kong to do whatever you wish. Of course, I said that I would spend my free day at HK Disneyland, what Disney Nut wouldn't?? The response I got to this? "You mean to tell me, if you had a day to do anything in Hong Kong, you would go to Disneyland?" To which I replied, "Of course! One of my goals in life is to visit every Disney theme park around the world." The response back? "Well, then I guess if that is a goal of yours..." Which was then followed, by an eyeroll and a change of the subject. What the heck is that all about??

I'm a marketing major and not only would I love to go to HK Disneyland, but I would love to see the difference in management and the way the business functions over there. So, what's wrong with this being something that I'd want to do? I'm sure there are wonderful things to see in Hong Kong, but who's to say I'd never go back? I was just a little bothered at the response I was given to this discussion. To each's own, right? Ok, so maybe I shouldn't get so worked up over this, but I felt like she was criticizing me and I didn't like it.

What do you guys think? If you had one day in Hong Kong, would you go to Disneyland or would you do something else? Let's just say, that someday AFTER that you'd have the opportunity to go back. Maybe I'm just an enormous Disney Dweeb. So be it, I say!