Disney Sisters: November 2012

Disney Sisters: December to Remember


Disney Sisters: December To Remember
Our family is diving right into the Holiday season around here and our guess is yours is too. The fact that 2013 is just a few weeks away is really blowing our minds. Time flies this time of year and we don't want another minute to pass without taking some time to reflect the Magic in our lives. This season, more than any other brings extra enchantment to all of us so it only seemed appropriate to pair up our love for the holiday with our love for Disney. And we want you to join us!

Every day in December we will share a festive word or phrase paired with a Disney-themed photo from our own collection and we invite you to share yours with us. All you need to do is post your photo at your creative outlet of choice (your BlogFlickrInstagramFacebookTwitterPinterestTumblr) and add your url to the comments for that day’s prompt. etc. You can participate once or the entire month long, it's completely up to you. Anything goes. Each new word and image will be revealed at midnight PT. Our hope is that this will spark your holiday spirit as you infuse your photography with the magic that only #DisneyHolidays can bring!


Here's a button for you to use if you'd like to spread the holiday cheer!


Make sure to use the hashtag on your social media sites so we all can follow along:
#DisneySisters

Leave us a comment and let us know if you'll be joining us this month! (Just have fun with it. No pressure.) We can't wait to see what you're going to share!
*We encourage Disney themed shots but welcome all images that express holiday magic and what it means to you.

Make this a December to Remember! 


52 Weeks of Limited Time Magic at Disneyland and Walt Disney World


There are a lot of BIG things coming to Disneyland and Walt Disney World in 2013.
52 BIG things to be exact! 



While at a Disneyland event recently we heard all about the new Disney Campaign for 2013. We actually met the "Time Keeper" of Limited Time Magic, (who knew there was a time keeper) and he told us all about it. Boy was he a character!


52 Weeks of Limited Time Magic! For each week of year in 2013 Disney has come up with a new experience to share with park-goers! Unique and memorable events are headed our way next year. It's like having a different party each week at Disneyland!


Every year we think, how are they going to come up with another theme to top the last years . . .
But every year we are pleasantly surprised!

Some examples of the weeks of Limited Time Magic, that we can't wait for include:

TRUE LOVE: 
Valentine's week at Disney Parks will be filled with lots of romantic moments especially for lovebirds. We're going to LOVE special menus and more Princesses with their Princes available for meet and greets.

PIRATE WEEK: 
You know how we are totally into Pirates. Well yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum, you can celebrate a week long with Pirate-Paloozas, Pirate bands and Pirate meet and greets. Argh!

DAPPER DANS SING BOY BANDS: 
The boys from Disneyland will be singing popular hits from boy bands this week. Not only will they sing their usual tunes, but they will be adding pop music acapella style that is sure to have all of the teenage girls swooning!

UNLEASH THE VILLIANS: 
On Friday the 13th in September, both Parks are staying open til 1am with a special evil dance party hosted by your favorite Disney Villians like Maleficient and Captain Hook. We can't wait to see what other mischief is in store.

Make sure to keeping checking back with us and the Disney Parks Blog for more information. Also follow @DisneyParks on Twitter and join the conversation with the hashtag #LimitedTimeMagic.


Disclosure: We were invited to a Holiday Blogger Event at the Disneyland Resort which got us into the spirit of the season. This post was inspired by things we saw and heard throughout our magical day. The thoughts shared here are Disney Sisters' only.

Catal Restaurant in Downtown Disney at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim

We've been to the Disneyland Resort a number of times, more than most people we've ever met.  We are always looking for new experiences and great places to eat. Last week we were invited to a hip spot at Downtown Disney District in Anaheim that we had never eaten at. Fine dining right in the heart of Downtown Disney at Catal Restaurant, sounded like a fantastic evening to us.


Since we had never been there, we checked out the menu before we arrived at Cattail, it offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. We couldn't wait to try it. The restaurant has "a relaxed, elegant setting with floor-to-ceiling windows and patio terraces offering spectacular views from it's second story location, perfect for watching the Disneyland night time fireworks shows." Start out with their tapas or appetizers, meats and cheese platters, soups, pastas and specialities, like grilled seafood, and fresh salads. The food that we sampled was great. Jessica's favorite was the Paella. (You've gotta try it!) Her husband's favorite was the cheese platter. The favorite drink of the evening was the Sangria. Although Jessica also recommends the Shirley Temple!

 

Disney Sisters Tip 1: The best seats in the house are out on the patio terrace, overlooking Downtown Disney. It might be a good idea to make reservations, to ensure your spot.

Disney Sisters Tip 2: Catal Restaurant has a great vibe, Jessica brought her husband, it's a great place for Date Night or for a Girl's Night Out! The UVA Bar downstairs is the perfect spot to grab a drink and hang out.

Disney Sisters Tip 3: Gentlemen don't feel left out, there is a full bar upstairs with a TV, which was a nice surprise for our husbands. It's playing any given basketball, baseball, football game on - perfect for the Guys night out too!


We hung out with old friends and met some new ones, wining and dining while watching "Believe in Holiday Magic Fireworks Spectacular." It was a lovely evening sampling cocktails and appetizers. We are often asked by our family, friends and readers where do we recommend to dine while staying at Disneyland resort and we're happy to add Catal Restaurant to that list.

Catal is part of the Patina Restaurant Group whose other eateries include the UVA Bar & Cafe, Naples Ristorante Pizzeria, Tortilla Jo's and Taqueria in Downtown Disney. For private rooms, special events or holiday parties call the Special Events Manager (714) 776-4000.

Disclosure: We were invited to a Media Night for a small sampling of the menu. The thoughts and opinions read on this blog are 100% magical and 100% those of Disney Sisters only.

"Sofia The First: Once Upon a Princess" Premiere Party

Tonight is the BIG night. . .
Sofia the First: Once Upon A Princess Movie premieres on Disney Channel!

Once Upon a Time there was an ordinary girl from the land of Enchancia named Sofia. One day her mother marries a King, and her life changes drastically. Her and her mother become instant royalty. It's not easy being a Princess and adjusting to a new regal life. Sofia also gains an instant family including a new Dad, King Rowland, and two step-siblings Amber and James. Now they all live together in a gigantic home which just so happens to be a castle. Sofia starts school at Royal Prep Academy where she learns everything she needs to know about being a Princess. The three headmistresses are familiar fairies named Flora, Fauna and Merryweather. (Sleeping Beauty anyone?)

Sofia's new adventure will prove to be more magical than she could have ever imagined when her new step-father, King Rowland gives her a "welcome to the family" present. It's a beautiful purple necklace called the Amulet of Avalor. It's powers will be revealed to her and to viewers along the way. Sophia The First: Once Upon A Princess is a wonderful new fairy tale that children are going to love. It's bringing the classic feel of Disney Princesses (animal sidekicks and evil sorcerer) back to this generation with plenty of guest characters and reference to the original Disney Princesses. They have even made Sofia the First into a book for Sofia fans to enjoy it over and over again. There will also be a Sofia series coming too, so stay tuned...

premieres tonight
Sunday, Nov. 18
7pm / 6c 
on Disney Channel

We were thrilled to have attended the Lavender Carpet Premiere with plenty of Celebrities on the Disney Studios Lot and got to screen the movie. We have all of the interviews from the premiere party on our site. We can't wait for you all to see it tonight! You're going to love it. Here are some photos from the day, we hope you enjoy.

Here's the Lavender carpet just before all of the stars arrived at The Walt Disney Studios.

Darcy Rose Byrnes voices the role of "Amber" Sofia's step-sister.

Here is Darcy Rose Byrnes working the Lavender Carpet, her dress was gorgeous.

Zach Callison voices the role "James" Sofia's step-brother.

Zach Callison, "James" posing with Jim Cummings and his adorable daughters who voices two roles, "Wormwood" and "Professor Popov." But you may also know him by one or two of the other characters he plays, "Tigger" and "Winnie the Pooh."

Ashley Eckstein voices the role of "Mia" the bluebird.

Jess Harnell voices the role of "Cedric" the evil sorcerer. Who is really one of the most fun people to interview! Congrats to him and his fiance, who just recently got engaged.

Harley Graham voices the role of "Princess Clio."

Jennifer Hale voices the role of "Cinderella."

Barbara Dirickson voices the role of "Flora."

Meghan Strange voices the role of "Robin."

Look who else we found on the Lavender Carpet, one of our all-time favorite "Disney Moms" Angel Parker, who plays "Tasha" from Lab Rats and her little Prince.

Are you excited to see Sofia the First? 
We'd love to hear!

We are linking up with our friend Jenn at SuperJenn.com
Monday's Magical Moment! Come and join the fun!


Disclosure: We were invited to a media preview and received a gift bag. Thanks to Disney for a day fit for a Princess. The opinions on this site are 100% magical and 100% those of Disney Sisters only.

"Sofia The First: Once Upon A Princess" Movie Premiere Interviews


"Sofia The First: Once Upon A Princess" 
debuts on Disney Channel 
tomorrow!

We are so excited to share the fun and excitement from the
"Sofia The First: Once Upon A Princess" Red Carpet Lavender Carpet Movie Premiere!
Today we've got interviews for you to watch and tomorrow we will share photos from the Premiere!!! The big day is almost here!!!

Darcy Rose Byrnes voices the role of "Amber" Sofia's step-sister.

Zach Callison voices the role "James" Sofia's step-brother.

Jess Harnell voices the role of "Cedric" the evil sorcerer.

Ashley Eckstein voices the role of "Mia" the bluebird.

Travis Willingham voices the role of "King Roland II" Sofia's new step-father.

Sofia The First: Once Upon A Princess 
Premieres 

Sunday, November 18, 7:00-8:00 p.m., ET/PT 
on Disney Channel 
and 
THANKSGIVING MORNING
Thursday, November 22, 9:00-10:00 a.m., ET/PT 
on Disney Junior


Club Penguin: Save the Island from evil Herbert P Bear

The name is Penguin . . . Club Penguin.

If you haven't gotten involved with Club Penguin, here's your chance. 
There's a new VIP (Very Important Penguin) Mission at hand, and it's going to take the help from all of the Disney 007s.


Herbert P. Bear, the Club Penguin villain, has created a solar ray that takes all
the sunlight out of Club Penguin and redirects it to his own tropical headquarters. Club Penguin is calling upon players to enlist as secret agents and save Club Penguin Island before it is too late and Herbert blacks out the entire Island and takes over!


Herbert has a website of his very own ClubHerbert.com
This bear even has an evil twitter account where he has been tweeting all about his sinister plans. His last tweet was:

Make sure to follow him on twitter @ClubHerbert (we are totally following him) and use the hashtag #OperationBlackout


Become part of the Elite Penguin Force and defeat the evil Herbert P. Bear. 
Club Penguin Island is depending on you! 

You can Save the Island 
November 15th - December 4th 


"Sofia The First" Character Description of Baileywick, Clover and Cedric


"Sofia The First: Once Upon A Princess" wants to learn to be the best Princess she can be and she quickly finds many friends to help her on this new adventure.

Helping Sofia in her journey are the three headmistresses of Royal Prep Academy - Fauna, Flora and Merryweather (the beloved fairies seen in Disney's classic "Sleeping Beauty") and royal steward, Baileywick, as well as a group of cute woodland creatures led by a wise-talking rabbit, Clover. Sofia soon discovers that looking like a princess isn't all that difficult, but displaying honesty, loyalty, courage, independence, compassion and grace is what makes one truly royal.  

Craig Gerber, Co-Executive Producer and story editor and Jamie Mitchell, executive producer and director of Disney Junior's animated television movie "Sofia The First: Once Upon A Princess" and the animated series "Sofia The First" introduce a few of the characters that help Sofia along in her new journey to become a Princess.


Clover, is a bunny rabbit voiced by Wayne Brady.

Baileywick, the castle steward is voiced by Tim Gunn, of Project Runway.

Cedric the evil sorcerer is voiced by the totally awesome Jess Harnell. Jess voices many other Disney characters including most the recent Chilly from Doc McStuffins. Cedric's pet raven Wormwood is voiced by Jim Cummings. Jim is also the voice of Professor Popov, Sofia's dance instructor. You may also recognize Jim Cumming's voice as the voice of Tigger!!!
Premieres 
Sunday, November 18, 7:00-8:00 p.m., ET/PT 
on Disney Channel 
and 
Thursday, November 22, 9:00-10:00 a.m., ET/PT on Disney Junior




"Sofia The First" Character Description of Miranda and Roland

All this week we'll be bringing you exclusive interviews and pictures of the cast. We'll even be sharing video footage straight from the Red Carpet Lavender Carpet Premiere!

Introducing... A Blended Royal Family
One of our favorite things about this show is that when Sofia's mom Miranda marries the King, they become a blended family. Sofia gets a whole new family, new step-siblings a brother and sister, James and Amber, who also happen to be twins. Sophia also gets a step-father, King Roland II.


Want to know little known fact about Disney Sisters? There is a Disney Brother!!!!!
Well, he's our brother, our stepbrother actually. Our parents got divorced when we were kids and remarried making our family a blended family too, just like Sophia's. We have a stepparent and a stepsibling. It can be challenging while everyone gets used to all new members of the family and the change in dynamic, but it can also be rewarding like getting bonus members of a family. We are happy that Disney is integrating the blended family into one of their shows. It will definitely help children who are living with steps relate to the story. Another little known fact, the youngest Disney Sister Jessica, is a Stepmom with 3 stepkids. 



Travis Willingham voices the role of King Roland II in Disney Junior's animated television movie "Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess" and series "Sofia the First." Willingham is also the voice of Thor on Disney XD's "Ultimate Spider-Man" and plays The Hulk and The Human Torch in The Hub's animated series, "The Super Hero Squad Show." 


Tony Award-winning actress Sara Ramirez stars as the voice of Queen Miranda, Sofia's confident mother, in Disney Junior's animated television movie "Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess" and series "Sofia the First." Ramirez is best known for her starring role as Callie Torres on ABC's "Grey's Anatomy." 
Premieres 
Sunday, November 18, 7:00-8:00 p.m., ET/PT 
on Disney Channel 
and 
Thursday, November 22, 9:00-10:00 a.m., ET/PT on Disney Junior

"Sofia The First" Character Description of Amber and James

All this week we'll be bringing you exclusive interviews and pictures of the cast. We'll even be sharing video footage straight from the Red Carpet Lavender Carpet Premiere!

"Sofia The First: Once Upon A Princess"
Sofia's royal adventure begins as she prepares to move into the castle with her mom, starting a new family with her step-father, King Roland II, and step-siblings, Amber and James. And in case you didn't know, Amber and James are twins. We love that this show shares the ups and downs of having a blended family! We can totally relate!!!

Our parents divorced when we were young and we have a step mother and a step father and even a step brother! We're sure there will be many families that will relate to the issues Sofia will be dealing with, especially learning get along with her new family!



Getting excited for the movie? Us too!
While you're waiting for the big night, November 18th, you can go to DisneyJunior.com/Sofia to create and personalize your own prince or princess avatar, just like Sofia, Amber and James!


Darcy Rose Byrnes voices the role of Amber, Sofia's new step-sister, in Disney Junior's animated television movie "Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess" and series "Sofia the First." 14-year-old Byrnes most recently starred as Penny Scavo, Lynette's (Felicity Huffman) daughter, on ABC's "Desperate Housewives."


Zach Callison voices the role of Sofia's new step-brother, James, in Disney Junior's animated television movie "Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess" and series "Sofia the First." Now 15, Callison began acting at the age of seven, landing his first feature film role in the movie "Kingshighway." Television credits include Disney Channel's "Hannah Montana," Disney XD's "I'm in the Band" and NBC's "Perfect Couples."

Premieres 
Sunday, November 18, 7:00-8:00 p.m., ET/PT 
on Disney Channel 
and 
Thursday, November 22, 9:00-10:00 a.m., ET/PT on Disney Junior

"Sofia The First" Character Description of Sofia


All this week we'll be bringing you exclusive interviews and pictures of the cast. We'll even be sharing video footage straight from the Red Carpet Lavender Carpet Premiere!

Set in the storybook world of Enchancia, the movie introduces Sofia, an average girl whose life suddenly transforms when her mother marries the king and she becomes a princess, Sofia the First. Sofia must learn to navigate the extraordinary life of royalty while holding on to her own hopes and dreams. Her journey to being the best she can be also paves the way for those around her to realize how special they each are. Disney's Cinderella makes an appearance in the movie to offer Sofia some words of wisdom – princess to princess. 


Create and personalize your own prince or princess avatar, go to DisneyJunior.com/Sofia

In "Sofia The First Once Upon A Princess"
 Sofia gets a very special visit from Cinderella.



The voice of Sofia is the very talented actress Ariel Winter, you may know her from her other role Alex Dunphy on Modern Family.

Premieres 
Sunday, November 18, 7:00-8:00 p.m., ET/PT 
on Disney Channel 
and 
Thursday, November 22, 9:00-10:00 a.m., ET/PT on Disney Junior



"Sofia The First: Once Upon A Princess" Disney Channel Movie


"Sofia The First: Once Upon A Princess" the story of an ordinary girl that became a Princess.
All this week we'll be bringing you exclusive interviews and pictures of the cast. We'll even be sharing video footage straight from the Red Carpet Lavender Carpet Premiere!


Set in the storybook world of Enchancia, the music-filled family movie follows Sofia, an average girl whose life suddenly changes when her mother marries the king and she is whisked off to live in a castle with her mom, new step-father, King Roland II, and step-siblings, Amber and James. Along the way this ordinary girl learns to navigate the extraordinary life of royalty, and in the process makes everyone around her feel special.

Below is video we took at the press event Disney had for "Sofia The First", the first child Disney Princess. Joe D'Ambrosia, Vice President, Original Programming, Disney Junior introduces the creative duo behind "Sofia The First" (aka "creative kings") Craig Gerber is Co-Executive Producer and story editor and Jamie Mitchell is executive producer and director of Disney Junior's animated television movie "Sofia The First: Once Upon A Princess" and the animated series "Sofia The First." Joe D'Ambrosia also gives a brief synopsis of the story of "Sofia The First."

is a Disney television movie, a Family Night Special Event on Disney Channel, and it will be followed by the television series "Sofia The First" to premiere in early 2013 on Disney Junior.
Premieres 
Sunday, November 18, 7:00-8:00 p.m., ET/PT 
on Disney Channel 
and 
Thursday, November 22, 9:00-10:00 a.m., ET/PT on Disney Junior
 "Sofia The First" also has a Facebook Page


Disney Pixar's Brave: A valuable lesson for mothers of daughters

Being a mother to a daughter who's fiercely independent isn't easy. 
(Understatement of the year.)


Before I had children, I dreamed about possibly raising a daughter one day. I had all of these thoughts on who she was going to be and what she was going to be like. So when I got pregnant and found out I was having a girl, the preconceived notions of "my little princess" began. She would be sweet. She would be delicate. She would be made of sugar and spice and everything nice. . . 


Then she was born and my dreams of my days being filled with tea parties and playing dolls fell by the wayside. Her first 5 years of life have taught me many things, especially she is nothing like I had expected. She is rough and tough. She doesn't like wearing frilly stuff the collars, lace and crowns irritate her. She'd much rather play in the dirt than sit and sip tea. She is so independent that it boggles my mind, mostly because she is only 5. Yes she is intelligent, healthy, pretty and has a great sense of humor. She is truly amazing and I am very grateful to call her my own. But she is definitely unique, a true individual. Not to mention she is the exact opposite of me, which has also proven to be a challenge to say the least. One of the most difficult things is allowing her to just be herself and not trying to change her. I never thought I would be "that mother" but I do find myself saying things like, "Why don't you do it this way." or "Are you sure you don't want to choose this thing, not that thing." It may seem small and insignificant, but I have realized that I am unintentionally trying to make her choices, more like my choices. 


The Disney Pixar film Brave deals with similar issues and really looks at the complex relationship between mother and daughter, Queen Elinor and Merida. The film tells the tale of the newest Disney princess, Merida and the ongoing battles she has with her mother. Then one day the headstrong young girl makes a wish that changes her family's fate forever. It's a beautiful movie set in the ancient and magical Highlands of Scotland, but even more gorgeous is Merida's long red curly locks, that like Rapunzel had me completely captivated the entire time. A strong female lead and a story based upon family values are what Disney continues to do so well, and Brave is no exception. It really has me taking a deeper look into my relationship with my own daughter, and letting her be the person that she wants to become instead of the person that I am trying to change her into. ~ Jessica


Brave debuts on DVD on November 13, 2013. 


Just in time for the holidays, it would make a perfect addition to any Disney or Pixar movie collection. (Disney Sisters Tip: Some scenes may be scary for younger viewers. It's a darker film and the angry bear scenes especially had my daughter, 5 covering her eyes.)

Here are some activity pages for your little Brave fans:


Disclosure: We received a copy of Brave to help facilitate this review. Images of film, provided by Disney. The thoughts and opinions read on this blog are 100% magical and 100% those of Disney Sisters only.

If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It -Walt Disney

We are all big dreamers in our family. Our parents have always taught us to dream big and nothing was ever out of our reach. Maybe that's part of love for Disney. Walt Disney believed "If you can dream it, you can do it" We recently had the honor of attending the media preview of Epic Mickey 2, earlier we shared with you our tour of Walt Disney's Apartment in Disneyland, as we took "A Walk In Walt's Footsteps."  Today, we'd like to share what it was like to meet the "men behind the digital mouse." Below are videos of us interviewing Warren Spector, Paul Weaver, and Bill Roper. It was really special hearing about the love for Disney these men have, and the length they go to at Junction Point to deliver a video game that is obvious to us, their dream come true. We especially love the part of the game's name "The Power Of Two" a tribute to the original two partners, Walt and Mickey and the new video game duo Mickey Mouse and Oswald The Rabbit.


We were inspired to hear the stories of their passion for what they do and the love they have for their jobs. They reminded us, you can love what you do. It made us realize as parents how important our job is to instill those simple yet crucial lessons into our children. You can be anything you want, if you work hard and believe in yourself. 


Getting to know Paul Weaver was a highlight of our day! After our interview, we knew we had found a kindred spirit. We spent the rest of the day touring Disneyland together and we even sat at the same table at none other than the famous Club 33, inside Disneyland for dinner. We are grateful to the magic of Disney for putting us together with Paul Weaver, we are thrilled to know such an awesome Disney Fan! Thanks for hanging out with us crazy sisters, Paul!!!


"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." -Walt Disney

Watch the video below as Warren Spector shares his excitement about Epic Mickey 2. His passion is contagious as he talks about all the new adventures that await the player of this new epic game.


“You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.” -Walt Disney

Don't miss this heart warming story:
Epic Mickey's Warren Spector meets Ortensia at Disneyland

Visit Epic Mickey 2 on Facebook          Epic Mickey 2 YouTube Channel 

Epic Mickey 2 Website                         Epic Mickey on Twitter

Disclosure: We were invited to a Media Day preview of Epic Mickey 2, which included the tour and dinner at Club 33. It was a night that we will remember for the rest of our lives. All opinions are 100% Magical and 100% those of the Disney Sisters. 

Learn the Lyrics: "The Great Divide" ~The McClain Sisters~

Take a peek behind the scenes of the McClain Sisters filming their music video for Disney's new Fairy Movie "Secret Of The Wings" then see below for the entire music video.




"The Great Divide"

I never knew I lost you til I found you
And I never guessed how close you were to me
and now I wanna throw my arms around you
Tell a thousand tales that will astound you
Everything about you tells me this was meant to be
Don't you see

I'm on your side
Let's take this ride
And together we're facing the world
doing things nobody's done before
And the great divide
Doesn't seem so wide
Anymore

I can't recall life was like without you
now it feels as though
we've never been apart
Tell me every time you think about you
anything you say I'll never doubt you
We're meant to be together
I can feel it in my heart
It's just the start

I'm on your side
Let's take this ride
And together we're facing the world
doing things nobody's done before
And the great divide
Doesn't seem so wide

And if you'll be there beside me
when I falter
(be there beside me)
Then whatever comes I know
we'll take it all in stride
I'm on your side

The great divide
It doesn't seem so wide

I'm on your side
Let's take this ride
And together we're facing the world
doing things nobody's done before
And the great divide
Doesn't seem so wide
Anymore






There's still time, to enter just visit:


Epic Mickey's Warren Spector meets Ortensia at Disneyland

Have you ever wondered who Oswald's the Lucky Rabbit's girlfriend is? Her name is Ortensia, and in case you didn't know. . . she's a cat!  Fans of Disney Epic Mickey and Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two are very familiar with her. We shared with you about Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse - The Power of Two and our day with Warren Spector and other Video Game royalty.....

Now let us introduce Courtney from Northern California. We had the pleasure of meeting her at Mickey's Halloween Party on the same night we were at the the Epic Mickey 2 Media Event.  A chance meeting that brought two very special Disney fans together, at a very magical place. We loved seeing it unfold right before our eyes. It made our night that much more special. That's the power of Disney. It brings people together who may never have met otherwise, and bonds them together forever with a love for something bigger than themselves. Something that was all started by a mouse.
When things like it happen, we like to call it DISNEY MAGIC! Here's her story:


What made you choose Ortensia for your Halloween costume? 
I had looked at doing Ortensia for a little while, but it wasn't really a serious idea until I finally went onto Facebook and asked friends and family what I should do for Halloween. Option after option came up, but nothing really came across saying, "You can do this, and it'll be amazing!" Ortensia kept coming back to me and in the end, I was extremely passionate about making her come to life!


Tell us about your magical meeting on that special night.
When my family and I got to Disneyland for Mickey's Halloween Party, I knew that the people who would recognize Ortensia would be few and far between. I carried around a small Oswald plush in hopes of some recognition. I even had a few people at the park gate ask me if I was Dot from the Animaniacs or Betty Boop. So when a gentleman came up to our group outside the Main Street Mad Hatter shop and asked if I was Ortensia, I was absolutely ecstatic! Someone had recognized me! And so quickly too! He said, "I saw you across the street and I had to come over. Now, don't freak out, but the creator of Epic Mickey is here in the park tonight and I'd like to introduce you to him". I'm pretty sure my jaw dropped. I said, "Warren Spector? Warren Spector is at Disneyland tonight?" He grins and replies, "Oh, you know of him. Well, that's good". What an understatement. I love following the YouTube videos for both Epic Mickey games and I watch them regularly. I love getting to see the passion that goes into games like this. So Warren Spector's a celebrity to me.


The liaison brings my family and I over to the entrance of the Mad Hatter shop, and out comes Warren Spector with a small touring group and a camera crew. What a once in a lifetime opportunity! He was so taken aback, but I'm fairly sure he was just as excited about seeing me as I was seeing him. I can imagine it's extremely exciting to see one of your creations come to life, especially one you might have thought was overlooked. Oswald himself is only just beginning to come back into the limelight, with little or no mention of Ortensia (or at least until she starts playing a larger role in Epic Mickey 2, which I'm hoping she will).

We shook hands, were introduced, and he asked about my interest in the Epic Mickey franchise, why Ortensia, what do I like about the characters, am I looking forward to the new Epic Mickey 2 game, etc  He wanted some pictures together (so did I!), and almost laughingly asked if someone could take a few pictures with his own cell phone, too. After a few pictures, I also had the opportunity to meet Paul Weaver, another creative mind from Junction Point! What an honor to meet two such great men!


Can you share about the special gift Warren gave you?
After his questions, Warren Spector looked down to his left lapel and took of a pin off of his own shirt. It was a pin with both the faces of Mickey and Oswald together, looking very determined. He wished for me to have it as a token of our meeting and as a thank you to dressing up as one of the characters from his game. It was amazing enough to just meet the man, but to get a gift as well! I honestly didn't know what to say. I found out later, from a very helpful lady, that this pin was not something that I could find around Disneyland in one of the pin shops. This was Warren Spector's personal pin and was one of a kind! I really know my jaw dropped then! I was, and still am, blown away by his generosity and kind nature.

I had the opportunity to be at Disneyland for the next week following and I wore that pin on my collar proudly. And I'm glad to say that when people ask about it, it gives me the opportunity to tell them about Oswald and the Epic Mickey games and encourage a few more gamers to become just as passionate about the games and the characters as I am.
Once I go back home, I intend to treat it like the treasure it is. I'm going to get a display frame with a picture of Warren Spector and myself and display the pin in a place of respect. This experience was too amazing to just have the memories stored on a hard drive and a jewelry box.


 How has the magic of Disney touched your life? 
Disney has played a tremendous role in my life. The movie nights at home, late night trips to the double feature at the drive-in theaters on my Little Mermaid sleeping bag, the hours of sing-a-longs and dress ups, those few trips to Disneyland and the great memories with it. Disney's inspired a lot of my personal costuming and the ideas keep coming. Not to mention sharing my passion for Disney with my husband and in-laws. I even had the chance to bring a little bit of home-made Disney into my wedding. My husband gave me a crystal rose and dome from Beauty and the Beast as a wedding gift. Beauty and the Beast has been a kind of theme throughout our entire relationship.

But you break everything down and Disney is just one word: Family. The memories, the good times, the love, the passion - it's all connected with family. And I intend to share the Disney Connection with my future children. I hope they can truly believe that they are Princes and Princesses, making a wish upon a star means dreams really do come true, Disneyland runs on magic and laughter, and that there's nothing wrong with suddenly bursting out into song and dance and grinning all the while.

Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two comes out in stores November 18th, 2012.

Disclosure: We were invited to the Epic Mickey 2 Media Preview Event. All opinions are 100% magical and 100% those of the Disney Sisters only.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...