The year was 1964 and my family had just moved from Florida to California. (Obviously, we've been here ever since, but that's not important right now.) I was nine years old. One of the very first things we did was visit Disneyland. It had captured our imaginations from early on and we were so excited to visit the iconic park. Of course, ...
disney days
For the Love of Olaf
Remember that time I spent the day at the Disney Animation Studio in Burbank? Obviously, being an artist myself, and a techno-geek, and a lover of all-things-Disney made it a fantastically fantastic day for me. (Emphasis on the "fan" part.) We had the priviledge of being immersed in the world of Disney's FROZEN, the latest animated ...
My Big, Fat, FROZEN, Cuban Family
The invitation read as follows: "Come experience some cool things heating up at the long lead Press Day for Disney's FROZEN." In other words, how would I like to spend a day at the Walt Disney Animation Studios and meet the producer, directors, animation team, art directors, and tech geniuses behind the upcoming Disney ...
Lucy and The Wardrobe (and the Mamey Smoothie)
I was in Burbank with my girls recently. Our intention was to get a quick bite (and some provisions to bring home) from Portos. Portos is a divine Cuban Bakery that's not too close to where we live, but very drivable in a pinch. And we had business in Burbank so we weren't even cheating. Of course we were deluding ourselves. A trip to ...
For the love of Belle – Beauty and the Beast in 3D
When my daughter, Amy Kikita was young, she was completely enamored with The Little Mermaid, as probably most 7 year olds were at the time. Ariel was spunky for a princess and went after what she wanted. I think she identified with those qualities. Years later, Disney gave us Beauty and the Beast and when it was available on VHS, we promptly ...
The Circle of Life – Lion King 3D and Eternal Disney Uber-geeks
Back in 1994, I took Amy and Adam to the premiere of the Disney film, The Lion King at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. This was obviously before Lucy and Jonathan were born. We all loved the film so much that we couldn't wait to own it when it was released on VHS. (Yes, this is waaay back in the day.) A few years later, when we added ...
A Pirate’s Life for….you? – A Cool Giveaway
You know how much I love All-things-Disney. And can I just tell you how ready I am for summer? Not just because I'll have lots of down time (yay!), but also because summer is Blockbuster Movie Season. Am I right? First movie on my List of Blockbuster Movies I'm Looking Forward To: PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES which will ...
TANGLED – A Winner.
I realize the times and dates of the TANGLED screening might not have been convenient for many of you, but thanks to those of you who entered the giveaway. The winners will receive One - Admit TWO pass to the pre-screening of the film. I know that sounds confusing, but it still means that 2 people get in. So start looking for a friend to take! ...
TANGLED – A Giveaway.
All four of my kids are grown now, but it wasn't too long ago that we religiously made plans to watch whatever new Disney offering was available. In fact, we haven't missed a Disney film yet. You know that we love All Things Disney (especially Disneyland, see my Disney Scavenger Hunt as proof). That love affair started for me when I was ...
The game’s afoot…
I'm on vacation. Truly I am. We're swimming and relaxing and I'm even doing some scrapbooking and lots of reading. Yes. A perfectly relaxing vacation. However, I'm still connected to the world because we inhabit a world of super-techiness (is that a word?). So, I'm sitting today by the pool and I receive a text ...
The White Picket Fence – Part Deux
If you've ever done any kind of home improvements, you know that it's like knocking down the first in a long line of dominoes. It's the same wedding-invitation-logic that says if you invite so and so, you must invite the next person and so on and so on. In this case it started with the picket fence. (which I absolutely LOVE, but ...
La Gorda y La Flaca
Because my children are obedient in the best possible way, they don't even try to challenge me anymore when I make them take the "Mickey-face" picture. I must have hundreds of these, because I insist we take one EVERY TIME. I know. But one day it will be a very cool thing and they will insist their kids do it too, but that's not ...
In praise of quinceañeras
At Disneyland the other night... Me: "Hey, that blond lady looks like Cristina." Them: (eye-rolling, full-body complaining ensues..) "Not again, Mom! Who's Cristina?" Me: "She's like the Cuban Oprah, but that's not important right now." Them: "Why is there an elaborate platform in front of the castle ...
Be careful what you wish for…
SIGH. My closest, oldest, and dearest friends all live so very far away. And I really wanted to spend time with someone to de-compress from all the frantic let-me-show-you-the-highlights-of-California activity of the past few weeks. (This is a perfect example of my whiny prayer life, but that's not important right now.) My very favorite ...
The word of the day is “Anticlimax”
We love going to Disneyland. It's conveniently located just a few miles from us and we conveniently have annual passes so we can go anytime. And we never get tired of it.It's not just the rides, but we love walking around and seeing things. I love taking my camera because something different and fun will always catch my eye. Even though it ...
