Memorabilia Monday - Bags of Bags

Any of you who have been hanging around this blog for long enough will realise how much I love to collect 'random' things from Disney parks - especially bags! I have a small collection of carrier bags, and I'm always looking to add to them when I visit a park.

Today's Memorabilia Monday, I'm going to share with you my most recent bag 'purchase' - from the Disneyland Paris Resort and celebrating their 15th anniversary. This is the small bag, featuring Mickey Mouse and Lumiere, the mascot for their 15th anniversary celebrations!

"The Son of Skywalker Must Not Become a Jedi"

As it is the final weekend of Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios, I wanted to share with you some of the last meet and greets that we experienced when we visited back in 2005.

One of the best parts of the Star Wars' Weekends is the Streetmosphere - you just walk around the area and you can be truly amazed at the characters that you meet. You can also enjoy special events at the Weekend, such as the parade featuring Star Wars' characters and the special Jedi Training Academy. Of course, I think the Jedi Academy is now a permanent event in the Studios, but back in the day it was a one-off thing!

Possibly the most exciting part of our weekend was when we got to meet Anakin Skywalker. I don't know if you can tell in the picture, but myself and my friend Katie were pretty star struck meeting him... You can probably see the excitement mixed with fear in our eyes!

Do The Robot?

In honour of all of you in North America that will be able to see Wall-E this weekend, I thought I would share with you something my parents picked up for me at the cinema last weekend.

This great 'poster' is actually a mask, where you can cut out the eyes of Wall-E and pretend you're a robot. The back of the 'poster' has some colouring pictures and a maze to get Wall-E to Eve. Lots of fun for children, and adults, alike!

As you can see, us British folk have to wait until 18th July to see this epic movie - but I hope you all enjoy it, if you're lucky enough to see it first. And I am wishing I could be at the North Carolina meet - so does my dad, though, as it means he'd be playing a lot of golf. Let me know what you think of the movie - no spoilers though, please - in the comments box!

Curiouser and Curiouser

For Ryan (and his wife!), and all you other Curious fans out there, I thought we should delve deeper into the maze based on Alice in Wonderland. Of course, while meandering through the Curious Labyrinth, you may bump into the Cheshire Cat. In more ways than one!

Keep an eye out for him - you never know where he might pop up next...

Are You There?

One of the funnest places in Disneyland Parc, Paris, is the Curious Labyrinth - based around the adventures and characters from Alice in Wonderland. Here you can find yonder, hither, tither and there!

Memorabilia Monday - Car Plates

plates
Originally uploaded by df82

In today's Memorabilia Monday, I wanted to show you some of my most prized Disney possessions - number plates. I started collecting these car licence plates on my first trips to America, as they were something you don't get over here in the UK.

I have lots and lots of plates - not only Disney, but from all over the United States. I don't collect any from places I haven't been to, or events I haven't gone too, but they are still one of my favourite things to collect. This small showing of my collection shows my plates from Walt Disney World between 2003 and 2006 - which was the last time I visited the World.

"You are to be the Main Course at a Banquet in my Honor"

Continuing with my Star Wars Weekend related posts, I'd like to introduce you to a couple of my friends:

I managed to meet up with R2-D2 and C-3P0 when I was last at the weekend in 2005. It was great to chat away with them, and of course I learnt some tips about how to keep my brass shiny at home!

I also met Darth Vader - whilst he's not really my 'friend', per se, I couldn't really call him my enemy...well, not to his face anyway. Can you see how nervous I was standing next to him? That smile is forced, let me tell ya!

Fit for Royalty!

Earlier this week, one of my favourite blogs, Imaginerding, added to the growing literature of toilets throughout Walt Disney World and various Disney theme parks. Whilst I tend to focus on Disneyland Paris on this blog, I thought I would join in the fun by showing myself at a simlilar - yet very different - toilet in Magic Kingdom.

You can only imagine my excitement when I see that Disney has created my very own toilet! For moi, Princess Fee! Of course, I was a little confused with everyone else going in and out...hmmm...

Additionally, for toilets read restroom - us Brits are crude and call them toilets, so apologies!

I've Got That Friday Feeling!

What better way to celebrate the start of the weekend than by having a quick look at one of the festivities Disneyland Resort Paris is currently undertaking for it's 15th Anniversary celebrations!

This fun train parades up and down Main Street USA at various points throughout the day, playing a fun tune and full of characters ready to meet you and celebrate the 15th anniversary of Disneyland Paris! Entitled the 'Disney Character Express' (Le Petit Train des Personnages Disney), the train meanders along (playing a tune so catchy that, yes, you will be walking around doing the 'choo choo' actions!) from Town Square to the Castle Hub, where it stops and you can have the opportunity of meeting some of your favourite Disney characters!

The train premiered on March 31st 2007, and appears every day during the 15th celebrations (which have been extended to March 2009!). Fun fact, fact fans, it takes 8 minutes to travel along Main Street USA. But remember, only 15 minutes to meet your favourite Disney friends!

Princess Fee's Note: Speaking of friends, apologies to all of you for not posting enough on this over the past couple of weeks. June is a very busy month at work and at home, but things are calming down and I shall be getting into the swing of things. Remember, please let me know if there are any specific areas of DLP that you would like me to cover! I have plenty more memorabilia for you all too! Additionally, I haven't even been able to browse my favourite blogs recently, but I look forward to making some time and catching up with you all!

Memorabilia Monday - California

In today's Memorabilia Monday post, I thought I would share with you some nice little pieces of memorabilia, along with a nice story. Back in March 2006, my friend Disney Dave and myself went to Disneyland in California, to enjoy some of the 50th Anniversary celebrations. For his birthday, I treated him - and myself, of course - to take part in the Walk in Walt's Footsteps Tour.

The tour was very enjoyable - both of us love the Disney history and heritage, and especially loved exploring the park that started it all. And, of course, somewhere that Walt himself had walked! During the lunch part of the tour, we got friendly with the Cast Members that were taking the tour. When they found out that DD was a Cast Member, and myself a recent Cast Member, at Walt Disney World, they chatted to us for a while. Telling us some more information and showing us around the Disney Gallery (where lunch was held).

After the end of the tour, we accompanied them back to Town Hall, as they told us they had something they could give us. We sat in a small room, just off Guest Relations, where we waited for ages. She showed us the guest book, where celebrities sign when they come to the park, and both got extremely excited to see Julie Andrews in there!

The two Cast Members disappeared for a while, then reappeared and looked very apologetic. She explained to us that she had desperately tried to find the keys to Walt's Apartment - she had wanted to take us up there and show us around - but they couldn't find the keys right now. She said that she thought her manager had it, and they didn't know where they were. We were gobsmacked at the kindness of this Cast Member - although more than a little disappointed we couldn't see the famous apartment.

As a thank you and a sorry, she gave us both a 'goody bag' full of memorabilia from Disneyland - including a full autograph book, a pen, a black and white photograph of Mickey & Walt, and some Cast Member items - such as newsletters, information leaflets, etc. Also in the bag were these 'tags' from various Disneyland Guided Tours. I know they're not much - and to others they are a piece of cardboard - but I love these untouched tags. They remind me of one of my favourite holidays, and also of the kindness of Cast Members. Especially when they go out their way, even for fellow Cast Members.

She also managed to get us priority seating for Fantasmic that evening, on the balcony of the Disney Gallery. I only wish I could remember her, and her co-worker's, names - but I will never forget their kindness.

"You're My Only Hope"

Continuing with the Star Wars themed posts for the weekends in June, today's post shares with you Jedi Mickey, whom you could meet at the various weekends. These were taken in 2005.

And we were also lucky enough to meet Princess Leia, too. It's great when I get to meet another Princess - especially one from a galaxy far, far away! And you can even see in this picture that she is keeping an eyeout for any clones that may be after us...

Race Ya!

The new Toon Studio in Walt Disney Studios Park, Paris, has brought along some fantastic attractions for us guests to enjoy. One of these is the Cars Quatre Roues Rallye - or the Cars Race Rally - described as a 'Spinning ride with vehicles interchanging between two turntables'.

This ride opened in 2007, along with Crush's Coaster (which I will talk about another time), increasing the amount of D and E-Ticket attractions within the theme park. My mum and I went on this ride, seeing as it looks like a children's ride, and it was actually a lot of fun! The cars change between the 'tables' and several times you really think you are going to bump into another car. Sometimes it was actually a little hair-raising, but don't tell anyone I said that.

Another good thing is if you head over to get in line for Crush's Coaster as soon as the Park opens, which may only take about 15-20 minutes, you can exit and go straight to the Race Rally and there probably won't be a wait. Especially during the cooler winter months...

Have a Break...

Phew! It's been a busy week so far in the Royal Household - it's my birthday month and I've been all over the place, hence not so many posts recently. I haven't forgotten you all, I promise!

But sometimes, when we're stressed or busy, all we need is to sit down with a nice drink - a coffee, tea or hot chocolate - sit back, with your feet up and enjoy it. The same can be said when you're spending time in the Parks, running around and getting as much out of your visit as possible! Of course, this being France, hot drinks are a plenty and they are always presented in such a way that even if you don't like coffee, you suddenly get the urge to go and get one of these...

Mmmm delicious! I could go one of these right now, with a nice Krispy Kreme too...

"I Find Your Lack Of Faith Disturbing"

The Star Wars Weekends at the Disney's Hollywood Studios are always funfilled and action packed - a must for any fan of Star Wars, and especially those of us who love Star Wars AND Disney! I was lucky enough to attend one of the weekends in May 2005, and it's an experience I'll never forget. If you'd like to hear a bit more about the weekends, there's a great discussion on the last WDW Radio Show Podcast (June 1st 2008 show) between Master Lou and Jedis George (Imaginerding) and Glenn (Passamaquoddy). One of the highlights for me was getting to meet Mr Potato Head himself - or Darth Tater, as he called himself at the time. I mean, it's not everyday that you get to meet such a famous, and handsome, tater!

Of course, one of the main excitements of the weekend is how characters from Star Wars intermingle with the guests. Especially the Storm Troopers. I seem to remember how difficult it was to get this picture with the Storm Trooper - I had to promise to never utter Darth Vader's name in vain. Luckily I had my fingers crossed at the time...

I just hope they don't read this blog...uh-oh!

Is It A Bird, Is It A Plane? Kind Of...

As a way of celebrating the start of Star Wars' Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios, I wanted to share with you this picture of an X-Wing that stands outside the attraction in Disneyland Parc's Discoveryland.

The Star Tours ride in Paris is the same as the other rides throughout the world - the only difference is that the queue walkthru and the ride itself is in French! It's definitely interesting listening to a French Rex - although, I think it benefits if you have at least heard one of the English versions before (if you are an English speaker, of course!).

Although this blog focuses mainly on Disneyland Resort Paris, throughout the weekends in the month of June, I would like to share with you some of my experiences at the Star Wars Weekend that I had the pleasure of attending, way back in 2005! So check back tomorrow for some photos I will share with you all.

I'll Take Door Number 1, Please!

When you're having a wander around Toon Studio and Animation Courtyard, be on the look out for some Monsters, who may just be testing some of their new Monsters Inc. products on unsuspecting members of the public!

A Magical Experience

Continuing our look around the Walt Disney Studios, I thought we should have a look at an attraction that is very similar to one at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida and California Adventure in Anaheim: The Art of Disney Animation.

Located on the edge of the new Toon Studio in Animation Courtyard (below picture), the exterior of the building encompasses a giant Sorcerer's Hat - although, not as large, grand or 'in your face' as the one in Orlando. Around the top of the hat you can see Peter Pan and Wendy flying, reminding us of some of the Disney Classics. There are also 12 golden statues around the building, similar to those around the Castle Hub in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, featuring Disney characters such as Chip and Dale (or Tic n' Tac, in French) and Pinocchio.

When you enter the building you are greeted with walls full of Disney classic films, drawings, pictures and photos. You can also look at some of the early stages of animation, including the fantastic Zoetrope which helps create an illusion of movement from a series of static pictures.

The main attraction of this show is the 'Drawn to Animation' show, featuring Mushu from Mulan (as you have probably seen at the Disney's Hollywood Studios version). The true treasures, however, are the shows beforehand. The first small feature you are introduced to is Walt Disney, the man himself, paying tribute to some of the European animators that influenced him. Roy Disney soon takes over, talking about the relevance of history in animation. Straight after this, you enter a large theatre in which we are taken on a whirlwind tour of Disney animation, with clips of famous Disney Classics and music to accompany. The second feature never fails to bring a lump in my throat and a tear to my eye. Yes, I'm a sap, but I am a Princess - I believe in Prince Charming and Happily Ever Afters!

After you have seen the 'Drawn to Animation' show, you enter an area where you can voice your own Disney characters, find out which Disney character you are, and even have a go at drawing your own character! Can't you see how much fun mum and I are having?

You can also browse the beautiful Disney Gallery, and figure out how much you could spend on Disney animation merchandise!

Memorabilia Monday - Japan

Welcome to another Memorabilia Monday at DF'82 - and this week we're going to travel across the oceans and continents to have a little look at something fun from Tokyo Disneyland.

I'm not lucky enough to have been to Japan yet, but a friend of a friend managed to get me a couple of lovely items from the Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Seas parks. The first, above, is a lovely postcard with Mickey and Minnie at the Disney Seas. And below is a very cool bag (if you remember, I love my carrier bags!) for the 5th anniversary of the theme park.

Backlot Express Special!

One of the great areas of the Walt Disney Studios Park is the Backlot area, which houses the E-Ticket 'Rock N'Rollercoaster avec Aerosmith', as well as the shows 'Armageddon: Special Effects' and 'Moteurs...Action! Stunt Show Spectacular'. The area has been created to feel like you're in the backlot of a movie studios - the buildings are similar to sound stages, with several props 'thrown' throughout the 'land'. Such as this one, the infamous umbrella from 'Singin' in the Rain'. Here you can see my mum trying to stay dry from the fake, and real, rain!

Just around the corner is a counter service restaurant which I would like to introduce you all to. It's called the Backlot Express - sound familiar? Yes, like its counterpart in Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida, the restaurant is themed like a massive props department. All around you are props from famous and infamous movies, tv shows and pop culture.

The restaurant provides a delightful array of sandwiches, salads, pizzas and baguettes, and with room for up to 500 guests inside, its a fantastic place to get something a little healthier for the family. Certainly more delicious than those beef patties from yesterday!

It's definitely somewhere that you can spend a lot of time. Unfortunately, we didn't spend as much time as we should have, hence my lack of photos. But next time you're visiting Disneyland Resort Paris and have the time to visit the restaurant, spend some time taking in all that Imagineering have created for you.