What Do You Celebrate?

Our last 'What Do You Celebrate?' interview for 2009 is with a current Cast Member at Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure. Her name is Kaitlyn Robrock and we are very happy to welcome her to DF'82! Let's have a look at how and why she celebrates Disney...

How did you become a Disney fan?
Disney fan since birth, [I] have also felt it is "inside" me.

What is your favourite Disney Theme Park?
Tokyo, even though I've never been.

Which is your favourite attraction - past or present - and why?
Fave ride is Indiana Jones, because I pretend to be the heroic driver who saves people in my car!

Is there one show or parade, which you feels best embodies the spirit of Disney?
Fantasmic! best represents Disney's spirit by using excellent music, colours, characters, a simple story, water and fireworks.

What is your Disney "Guilty Pleasure"?
Guilty Pleasure is collecting art books or Imagineering books because I have the hopeless dream of one day contributing to Disney on a very grand scale, and be a household name for it!

How do you bring your love of Disney into your daily life?
Collectibles on display in the house, Disney clothes, music always playing, plush Minnies on my bed, Disney brand food (which is new!), playing the game of recognising voice actors in Disney works, and working in Disneyland as my job!

What Do You Celebrate?

Today's What Do You Celebrate interview introduces us to another Disney fan. This fan is a little different to our previous guests - she is a slightly older fan (although one never reveals a lady's age!) and she makes movies for ABC Family TV. Her name is Jody Brockway and we're very happy to invite her here on DF'82!

How did you become a Disney fan?
I became a fan because of my daughter's love for all things Disney, especially the parks.

What is your favourite Disney Theme Park?
I have only been to Disneyland in Anaheim.

Which is your favourite attraction - past or present - and why?
My favorite attraction is California Soarin because it is so exciting to feel like you are flying and the visual experience is so beautiful.

Is there one show or parade, which you feels best embodies the spirit of Disney?
I love the show Aladdin.

What is your Disney "guilty pleasure"?
My guilty pleasure is Small World. I feel silly because I am an adult singing the song and feeling like a child.

How do you bring your love of Disney into your daily life?
At Disneyland I feel playful which is an important aspect for all of us to retain as we become adults. Disney reminds me of my playful self and that is a good thing.

If you want to know more about Jody, listen to Episode 139 of the All About The Mouse podcast!

What Do You Celebrate?

Today's DF'82 celebrate interview is with a celebrity of sorts! Chuck Canzoneri is a huge Disney fan, with a love for all areas of the company's operations. He has also co-hosted several All About the Mouse Podcasts, so you may recognise him! He resides in California, and is lucky enough to travel to Anaheim on a regular basis.

How did you become a Disney fan?
I lived in Florida as a child, just 90min from WDW. My family would plan trips and not tell me about them. So we'd be woken up super early in the morning, put in the car where I would fall back asleep. And when I woke up again I was at the Magic Kingdom. (How cool is that surprise.) There's a lot of factors that go into making a Disney Fan: the films, the shows, the toys and games. But I'd say all of that was the gunpowder and the surprise trips are what lit the fuse.

What is your favourite Disney Theme Park?
Epcot. Always loved the Future World Half and as I grew up, I became more excited to visit World Showcase. The delicious food is what makes this a no-brainer.

Which is your favourite attraction - past or present - and why?
That changes every year/month/day/hour. It's been Tower of Terror, Thunder Mountain, Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular. Right now I'm really big on Billy Hill and the Hillbillies. And while I deeply miss the original Journey into Imagination, I keep finding my way back to Pirates of the Caribbean (Disneyland Version). The level of detail is beyond belief and I'm impressed by how this slow moving boat ride with very few thrills remains a "must do". It must be the atmosphere which completely transports you away from reality.

Is there one show or parade, which you feels best embodies the spirit of Disney?
Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams. It even contains "To all who come to this happy place... welcome". It features the classic Disney films, past and present and was the perfect mixture of characters and dancers. It didn't need a special angle like Stars n Motor Cars or Jammin Jungle Parade. Disney itself was the hook.

What is your Disney "guilty pleasure"?
Figment, and I'm not guilty about it at all. I love Figment. It's the only character I've met where I was meeting HIM. It's the one who makes me smile whenever I see him.

How do you bring your love of Disney into your daily life?
You'll find your answer here...

What Do You Celebrate?

Continuing with our Celebrate series, here at DF'82, today's interview is with someone who is a big fan of the world of Disney, but would not call herself a geek, like many of us would! I think it is important and interesting to meet all kinds of Disney fans - and remember that there are many who are not as flamboyant or obsessive as us... But what do they love about Disney and, mainly, what do they celebrate?

Myrna Litt is a lover of the Mouse and all things magical. She truly appreciates the creativity of the Walt Disney Company, and especially enjoys Hidden Mickeys!

How did you become a Disney fan?
First went [to Disney] when I was about 5. My husband's dad worked with Roy Disney [and] was invited opening day but did not go.

What is your favorite Disney Theme Park?
Only been to Anaheim but Bill has been to WDW.

Which is your favorite attraction - past or present - and why?
Always loved the Golden Horseshoe Review. I have great memories of Wally Boog and also Skull Rock. We always had ice cream at the carnation plaza. I still see Billy Hill every time I go. My husband likes all the trains past and present.

Is there one show or parade, which you feels best embodies the spirit of Disney?
Main Street Electrical parade. The music alone makes me cry.

What is your Disney "guilty pleasure"?
Buying trivia books.

How do you bring your love of Disney into your daily life?
Love to share with people things they just don't know about Disney.

What Do You Celebrate?

Today's Celebrate interview is with another great friend of mine. She is a newly made friend and without this blog I would never have met her. Leigh Canzoneri currently lives within driving distance of Disneyland and adores all things Disney. She is has a passionate adoration and deep respect for Disney - but let's learn a little bit more about her, and what she celebrates.

How did you become a Disney fan?
I became a Disney fan because when I went to the parks the first time I felt the freedom and acceptance of me being allowed and encouraged to "just be" who I am. No expectations, no demands, no pretenses.

What is your favourite Disney Theme Park?
THUS FAR, from where I've been.... EPCOT. its between Epcot and [Disney]Land really... But none of the other parks compare to such a potentially challenging question. Because the characters are random and rare [at Epcot]. The rides are fun, thrilling, and in variety, the world show case never gets dull walking and eating, the fireworks are in a great setting.... the countries to visit in the show case are ALWAYS fun, the shopping has uniqueness to it, in MY opinion anyway

Which is your favourite attraction - past or present - and why?
Peter Pan
Who doesn't want to feel like they can fly... The story never gets old, the characters never get old: a flying pirate ship you get the feel of both worlds fantasy and adventure. The setting is beautiful both before and after they fly to Neverland. The mermaids I can do without but whatever... they keep pan happy! It's got everything... pirates, fun, flight, fantasy, thrill, story, Indians, a crocodile.

Is there one show or parade, which you feels best embodies the spirit of Disney?
It's the parade at magic kingdom - Share a Dream Come True Parade. It has EVERYBODY and EVERY STORY it feels like. It doesn't ask for participation it doesn't have modern music, its a story within itself, telling you the story of why you came to the parks. From the old to the new. Many of the parades adjust to the new and then get rid of the classic. This one doesn't it feels (whether or not it does) like it ADDS the new, the modern, not "replaces" it and it still has the foundation of STORY.

What is your Disney "guilty pleasure"?
Windows- I like taking pics of windows, looking at what they have IN the window, Whose name is ON the window. The worst thing however is that it is in fact the TOUGHEST thing to take pics of: GLARE, SUN, SHADOW, so I mostly just look.

How do you bring your love of Disney into your daily life?
I surround myself in the story telling atmosphere by purchasing much un-needed merchandise. I take pics and use them as wallpaper and screen savers on my computer.
I look within my home and think of what I need, as often as I can in the functional sense, and then I purchase, but with D in mind. So.. If I need a toaster... Disney toaster, if I need a pencil holder... Disney pencil holder. If I can't find Disney or its too costly than I get it in a colorful form that will enhance whatever Disney is already near by. Like a Car's themed office, colors are based off of what colors are used in "cars"; a nemo bathroom; a Remy kitchen, so I would say I bring the functional magic home.

What Do You Celebrate?

The second interview in the DF'82 Celebrate series is someone that is not from the Disney Blog or Podcast genre. He is actually one of my best friends, and someone I met when I worked at Walt Disney World in the UK Pavilion. I have also never met someone who is so passionate about so many different areas of the Walt Disney Company - and so well informed!

He is my lovely and beautiful friend, Disney David. He currently teaches English in Japan, and so is lucky enough to call Tokyo Disneyland his 'home' Land! I also thought that it would be interesting to hear someone other than a Blog Author or Podcast Hosts' opinions on their love of Disney. So, let's have a look what David has to say!

How did you become a Disney fan?
Watching Disney movies on television at Christmas. Then seeing Disney On Ice in Manchester. My first trip to Walt Disney World in 1987 ignited my love of Disney into something uncontrollable.

What is your favourite Disney Theme Park?
My favourite Disney Theme Parks is Disneyland Park in Anaheim as it is the original and has that indescribable happy feeling whenever you are there. My other favorite parks are Magic Kingdom, Disneyland Paris, Disney's Animal Kingdom and Tokyo DisneySea.

Which is your favourite attraction - past or present - and why?
My favourite attraction is Splash Mountain in any of its incarnations. My favourite extinct attraction is Journey Into Imagination.

Is there one show or parade, which you feels best embodies the spirit of Disney?
Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams (Disneyland)
Jubilation! (Tokyo Disneyland)
Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade - Dreamlights (Tokyo Disneyland)
Main Street Electrical Parade (Disneyland)

What is your Disney "guilty pleasure"?
Show, Parade and Attraction music.

How do you bring your love of Disney into your daily life?
I use Disney terminology at work and bring Disney into my lesson whenever I can.

What Do You Celebrate?

Since I started DF'82, I have been very lucky to meet and/or become friends with some fantastic people throughout the Disney Community. And as I get to know these people and their love for all things Disney, I thought it would be a good idea to introduce you to some of these people too!

From time to time, here at DF'82, we will get to know these Disney Fans a little bit better. I don't know about you, but I love to hear why people love the Disney parks!

Our first interviewee this week is the lovely Ryan from the Main Street Gazette. I have no doubt that you'll have visited his blog, as it is one of the most informative (and regular!) of all the blogs out there. Welcome to DF'82, Ryan!

How did you become a Disney fan?
I was born in central Florida and my first trip to Walt Disney World was when I was two months old, with that kind of a start, is it any wonder that I ended up having this passion for Disney? My father was the driving force behind my love for the theme parks, while my mom was the enthusiast for Disney animated features. So, in the end, Disney has always been a family affair, and I am my parents’ child.

What is your favourite Disney Theme Park? (This can be in any of the Resorts worldwide)
Having only ventured into the parks found in the United States my knowledge of parks worldwide is limited, although there are plenty of fantastic parks that I will find my way to in the coming years. Of the parks I have visited, I must stick with the first Florida park. Disney’s Animal Kingdom, for sheer intrigue and voluminous storytelling, is making up ground, but the Magic Kingdom has so many memories, so many stories, and so many wonderful attractions, that it is still the first place I think of when I think of a Disney park.

Which is your favourite attraction - past or present - and why?
Hands down, I love Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in the Magic Kingdom more than any other attraction. It may not have the best queue or the easiest storyline to grasp from the attraction alone, but for visuals, both of and from the ride, and thrills there are no words more exciting than, “Hang on to them hats and glasses!”

Is there one show or parade, which you feels best embodies the spirit of Disney?
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth may be my favorite spectacular at Walt Disney World, but I cannot help but wipe a tear from my eye whenever I watch Wishes! It is the quintessential Disney experience. With fireworks, the characters who tug on your heartstrings, and just a bit of the fear a proper villain can bring, it is truly a magical experience.

What is your Disney "guilty pleasure"? (for example, here at DF'82 we love floors!)
I must admit, I have taken my share of photographs of floors, walkways, benches, and lampposts, but my favorite guilty pleasure is the restrooms. From the signs on the doors to the lighting fixtures, tile patterns, and other furnishings, the restrooms of Walt Disney World are a never ending supply of entertainment.

How do you bring your love of Disney into your daily life?
Aside from the Main Street Gazette, I tend to read books on Disney history and design, listen to Disney podcasts and theme park audio, especially ambient loops when I am writing, and try to wear a shirt with some type of Disney design once in a while.