Might I Recommend...

... reading the Main Street Gazette's post, Do As Dreamers Do. It is a roundtable discussion answering the question, "What is your favorite nighttime spectacular, past or present, in Walt Disney World?" It is a good read.

Five Hundred +1

For the 501st post, I am going to take a bit of a break. You see, I do have this obsessive side that requires that I go into the Parks from time to time. And since it has been just six months since I was last there, I thought it was time. So, this morning, I am flying down to Walt Disney World for a few days.

Actually, I'll be there until mid-afternoon on the 18th. There our several of us from our local gathering of Disney fans who are converging for a few days of fun. Oh, and we'll be enjoying a few trips around the World Showcase to experience the aromas and tastes of the International Food & Wine Festival.

If you are a friend on Facebook, or if you follow me on Twitter, look for a photograph now and then. Better still, if you're going to be in The World anytime between today and next Tuesday, look me up. Maybe we can say hello.

So, until next time, keep breathing!

More to follow...

In Doc's World - PC vs. Mac (The Age Old Question)

So, what do you do when the weather outside is frightful? Why, bundle up and take a walk with the dog. And that is just what Mrs. Doc and I did this morning. Where we live we do not experience a snow of consequence very often so we get out in it and enjoy. At least until we decide it is too cold and that puttering around the house, eating leftover Jet's Pizza and considering an afternoon nap are a better use of time.

I posted a few photographs via my Twitter account earlier today. One was the view from my office. That made me think about how I haven't posted an In Doc's World in quite sometime. I am actually working on something that fits that bill. But it isn't ready yet. So in the interim, here is a bit of Doc's World. This morning there was the picture looking out of one of the windows in my office. This afternoon, here is looking into my office.

First, the PC view...


And then, the Mac view.

As we go on (there is a song in there somewhere), we'll take a closer look at some of the things that make it difficult to walk and work in my office, but provide a great deal of enjoyment and give me cause to recall memories of wonderful trips, times with family, and the friends that I miss all too often.

More to follow...

Remiss...

Pronunciation: \ri-ˈmis\
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French remis, Latin remissus, from past participle of remittere to send back, relax
Date: 15th century

1: negligent in the performance of work or duty: careless
2: showing neglect or inattention: lax

synonyms: see negligent

In writing about "Pals" last week I featured some photographs of the contents of a certain package I received from one of my many pals. But it wasn't long after I hit in the "publish post" button that I realized there was additional art that I could include. You see, I am blessed with a number of wonderful pals; family, friends and co-workers, who from time to time decide that my cluttered upstairs room could use a bit more to see. A few more things that help me to pass the time away from my central Florida home.

So, I was remiss last week in only posting one photo (well, two). This evening, I correct that small oversight, help the stars to realign, contribute to world peace in our generation and hopefully allow for a good nights sleep.You're looking at some park maps from Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea along with a map from a park that I miss nearly as much as I miss Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris. You'll also see a little something with the Fab Four; someone out there knows I love The Beatles. After all, I was a pre-Shea Stadium baby.

Thanks to my pals Lori and Fee for adding a little more sunshine to my days.

This makes me think it may be time to begin something new on The Disney Obsession. I won't go into much about it now, but let me simply share some words scribbled on a nearby Post It note. "Blog idea...'In My World' - photos of Disney around the house" Yeah Doc, that's all we need, photographs of some of your collection.

More to follow...

"Pals"

You may remember some of the films of the Eighties that starred a group of young actors that became known as the "Brat Pack." This group, collectively, gave us some memorable films including two in 1985, The Breakfast Club and St. Elmo's Fire. One actor who starred in both of these films, Emilio Estevez, went on to play William H. Bonney in 1988's Young Guns.

Alongside Emilio, Kiefer Sutherland played Josiah Gordon "Doc" Scurlock. Doc was the poet warrior of this band of outlaws and he narrates the closing scene of the film as he shares the fate of each member of the group. It is the last line of his narration that lends itself to the title of this post. Sutherland says, "The epitaph read only one word...'Pals'."

I want to share with you something that has been said already by many others in this community; this collective of Disney enthusiasts, who proudly wear the badge of "geek". We're a compassionate and caring group! True, we are not the only collection of like minded individuals who celebrate our friendships. There are others can be equally as compassionate and caring. But, we are who we are, so we celebrate the inspiration that we provide and receive from each other. We have each others back in this.

We're a giving group; don't believe me? Have you taken a look at the current Dream Team Project total? We are, in big and small ways, working together to create and share some magic with terminally ill children. Not a bad thing to do.

But we also give each other little bits of magic from time to time; magic beyond our friendships and shared memories. Sometimes these bits of magic arrive in boxes. This was the case for me on yesterday.

I have a friend, a pal, if you will, who knew that I was unable to attend the recent 20th Anniversary celebration at Disney's Hollywood Studios. It is Doc's effort to spread those recession vacation dollars around and experience other parts of the world. (Long story - another post.) So, the post arrives and in it I find:

Thank you Ryan! Pal!

More to follow...

Postscript: you can't tell from the photo, but there are at least four of each park guide map. My pal knows that (for some unknown, idiosyncratic reason) I get four copies of all the ephemera I collect. Strange? Maybe. But its me and my pal(s) look out for me - they have my back.

Out of Pocket...Sort Of.

It has been a few weeks since I updated, you, my loyal reader, with the exploits of Doc. Or as I am sometimes known, "The Other Doc". It all depends on who I am with when screen names are mentioned. But, let this serve as a quick update.

I have been spending the last few weeks getting in shape for an event I am taking part in. No, I am not speaking of the Half Marathon or anything of that nature. No, this is much much bigger than that. But it is something that did require I take my physical health seriously for a change. So, after three and a half weeks, I am happy to report that I have successfully lost (and kept off), 2 pounds, 4 ounces. I have also reduced my waist line by nearly 1/32 of an inch. I know. I know. You're asking, what is his secret? I am not saying.

But I am loving life and feeling good. And that, is a good thing.

So what is this event? Oh, I am a proud member of Team Piranha in the new Survivor: Passamaquoddy! We're taking on Team Sashimi. "Sashimi! It's whats for breakfast." I thought I would share my bio as it posted on Doc Terminus' blog, just to keep you up to date. But really visit Passamaquoddy and read about all the participants and be sure to follow all of our adventures in the weeks to come. You'll be glad you did.

But my Survivor biography...

"A little about me, uh? Well, let me see. I have been in P’quoddy for a little over a year now. You can usually find me at the back table over at Sand Dollar Ella’s enjoying, well, you know, and thinking about how I should write something. I don’t get ‘round to it as often as I should, but when I do, it is usually something very poignant. That is the right way to spell poignant isn’t it? I am happy to be selected for the first Survivor: Passamaquoddy. Do I expect to win? Not really. Hey, just like the lottery, you got to play to win, and I’ll probably be at my usual table thinking about it and end up missing the challenge. But when I show up, I will probably do something very poignant. Just late. But should I win, it will be based on these two qualities: perseverance. I will persevere through anything, like the time I ate my weight in snow crab legs over at Ella’s. Sure, I was sick for two days afterwards, but I stuck to it. Just like the time I refused to leave the “it’s a small fin” attraction when it broke down and I was stuck there with this little clown fish singing “it’s a small fin after all” over and over and over. Anyone else would have jumped ship and made for the exit. No, not me. I stuck it out. So, if I win, it will be based on that. That, and the fact that I don’t mind wearing the same T-shirt for several episodes if necessary as long as it is a cool T-shirt.

"Oh, and the second quality? I usually write something very poignant.

"Team Piranha: We Got Teeth and We’re Not Afraid To Use ‘Em."

So, there you are. I am lovin' life in P'quoddy for a while my friends. Oh, and to give credit where credit is due, I swiped the graphic from the Passamaquoddy blog.

More to follow...

December 25, 2008

The gifts have been opened and I am watching the 25th Anniversary Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade while enjoying yet another cup of coffee. Then it occurred to me, I wanted to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas. It is my hope that this day is filled with more magic than you can possibliy imagine, with just hint of all the hope and promise of the coming New Year.

"For we need a little music,

Need a little laughter,

Need a little singing

Ringing through the rafter,

And we need a little snappy

"Happy ever after,"

Need a little Christmas now.

Need a little Christmas now."

We've Gathered Here Tonight...

This will, I am sure, be the first of many posts that will in some way or another allude to my MouseFest experience. And it has taken me to this point to write the first word due to two reasons. First, the trip was filled with so much activity, occasions to be with friends and make new friends that it is hard to know exactly where to start. Second, and more to the point, is how quickly real life takes over once you leave home. All this and catching a severe cold this past Wednesday hasn’t helped matters.

Plus. Well, the list of reasons could go on and on.

I do want to write something though just to begin the process of telling my MouseFest adventure. For this first retelling I wish to highlight the friendships celebrated. Yes, I know, I sound like a broken record, but it is true. And while MouseFest can mean many things to many people, it has come to mean friendship for me. In truth, that is a lot of what Disney has come to mean to me. So, this past weekend was an opportunity to be with friends; to laugh, to eat, to sing, to share, and on some occasions to experience.

For me a measure of true friendship can be found when you can spend time with a person without saying a word and feel that it is time well spent. I have known this depth of friendship on a few occasions in my life. I like to think that the friendships I have made and will continue to make will be of this caliber. While time and distance separate each of us physically, it does not separate our hearts from each other. In truth, I think the distance enhances the friendship as it causes us to work hard for something that is worth having.

Let’s be honest, it is easy to be friends at the happiest place on earth. The real test comes when we’re away from home, working at our jobs, raising our families, dreaming our dreams, and pulling together the money we need for the next trip. It is in these times that our posts, our emails, our text messages, our “writings on the wall”, and our phone calls move our friendships to a more appreciative level.

Though our times together increase the depth of our relationships, there are not many moments of silence when friends gather in The World. But, there are moments approaching silence, such as when a group of friends gathered “around the fire” on Saturday night in Epcot. We gathered to watch a show that many of us have seen more times than we can count. Yet, for me, this night was special. In those few moments It was enough to be present, to be silent and to experience the moment with your best friends.

That moment was my MouseFest. While I came away with many wonderful memories, none will compare to that.

“Good evening and welcome. We’ve gathered here tonight around the fire as people of all lands have gathered for thousands and thousands of years before us to share the light and to share the story; an amazing story as old as time itself but still being written. And though each of us has our own individual story to tell a true adventure emerges when we bring them all together as one. I hope you enjoy our story tonight, Reflections of Earth.”

The WDW Radio Show

Mrs. Doc can attest that it wasn't long after I started The Disney Obsession and began making friendships (wonderful friendships I might add) that podcasts entered my life. My daughter sold me on the benefits of owning an iPod and prior to my trip to Disney this past April, I became familiar with a variety of podcasts. Mostly Disney podcast mind you.

In April, during the Disney's Animal Kingdom 10th Anniversary weekend I had the privilege of meeting a few podcasters. From then on I was hooked. I began listening as often as possible and began playing catch up with my more favorite casts. These little technological wonders are one way I stay connnected to the parks during these long breaks here in Tennessee.

Then, I thought, "You know, I would really like to be on a podcast." I dreamed about this, wondering what it is I could talk about. I thought there were a few conversations I could take part in, and in truth, I have already done so at times during my drives to and from work. Just me talking to my iPod going down Interstate 40.

Yesterday my dream came true. Well, one of my dreams anyway. I joined my friend Glenn Whelan on Lou Mongello's WDW Radio Show. With MouseFest 2008 less than 3 weeks away, we discussed the event from a veteran and rookie perspective. I am the rookie. How was it? I had a blast! Thanks Lou, I appreciate it buddy.

So, be sure to check out this week's episode of the award winning WDW Radio Show. I hope we share a little insight into MouseFest.

Oh, and as for other dreams, I dream of staying one night in the Walter Elias Disney Suite at the Grand Floridian. Okay, okay, one week. And, I dream of walking down Main Street U.S.A. with my grandchildren.

Un-official MouseFest Rocking Chair Meet

Here is the scenario...

You're going to MouseFest. You're in the Magic Kingdom on Thursday the 11th and you have your ticket for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. You have attended MouseFest 101 and the Kick-off Reception. The taste of your last Dole Whip is still lingering on your palette. You may also be just a little tired.

But wait, there is help.

Your friends at the Main Street Gazette and The Disney Obsession "invite you to relax...pull up a chair" as we proudly present, your rest. Yes, we invite you to be our guest at our Un-official MouseFest Rocking Chair Meet.

We'll meet at 6:00 p.m. on the porch of the Town Square Exhibition Hall where we'll hopefully find rocking chairs waiting. While we're there we will celebrate friendships by making new friends, creating new memories, and yes, having a bit of a rest just before the Christmas Party.

If you are looking for that little something extra to add to your already packed MouseFest schedule, then this meet is for you. We hope to meet you there.

"Jungleland"

No, it's not a new land. I'm just setting here, listening to Bruce Springsteen's Jungleland and thinking about how on Wednesday night at this time, Mrs. Doc and I will be enjoying a late dinner at Jiko.

Yes, we're going to Disney World on Wednesday morning for few days. The bags are packed, the tour plans have been made and loaded into the PDA, and the cameras are primed. We'll participate in a few of the World Wide Weekend festivities and be in the Adventurers Club for the Final Hoopla. And we'll be meeting old friends and making new friends.

The Disney online community has very quickly become something that I cherish. It is like a good Springsteen tune; it grows on you. They fit. They are comfortable like an old worn pair of shoes. You appreciate them and hold on to them because they make you feel good. They become your friends.

I have several friendships that have forrmed while exchanging comments on blogs; Geek Love I have heard it called. In recent months I have had the pleasure of meeting some of these new friends in person. This past April I met Glenn Whelan and felt that I had found a brother that I didn't know I had. What can I say about Ryan Wilson of the Main Street Gazette? He has become one of my dearest friends, Disney or otherwise. We hang out at Disney and have even managed a few meals in Ashville whenever business finds my wife and I in Western North Carolina. Jessica continues to amaze with her eye for smallest of details. And then there was meeting Lou. It is not often that you get meet a living salutation. I've also learned that Eric Hollister enjoys the Indiana Jones ride in Disneyland. I got to meet others that week too, Bryan, Amy, Marissa and others.

Now in a few days I will have the honor meeting other new "old" friends. Which reminds me, be sure to check out Lori's new blog, We Wants the Redhead. In anticipation of celebrating these new moments with old friends, I have set up a new album on my FB page to handle the influx of new photos. If you are in The World this weekend, let me know and let's visit. I'll be the one wearing sunglasses and comfortable shoes.

For the "old" friends that i have met strictly online, I look forward to the day we can meet in person. We need to have a meal together. I am thinking, let's see, perhaps MouseFest? Maybe a table for 30 at Le Cellier?

Let's plan on it. Maybe Those Darn Cats can make the ADR?

"Pals"

Up next week: The 100th post and the one year anniversary.

More to follow...

Road Trip: Pennsylvania and North Carolina

This coming weekend there will be a lot of people traveling. Mrs. Doc and I will be among them. Unlike the Disney faithful who will be gathering in Camp Hill, we'll be in western North Carolina celebrating the release of her new book. But let's consider the Disney faithful for a moment; those in Camp Hill, those reading this post and the one who writes it.

The Disney community specializes in having fun, but we also specialize in caring. We care for each other and for others. The smiles that we have we want to share; we want to give them away. And who better to give a smile to than a child; especially a critically ill child who dreams of going to a magical place. Please read this from a friend.

"The DisneyWorldTrivia.com Dream Team Project is spreading the word about a special part of Fred Block's MagicMeets Disney Fan Gathering event and their Charity auction happening on July 19th. The best part is that it is for people who can't be at MagicMeets. "The Dream Team Project (http://www.disneyworldtrivia.com/Dream-Team-2008-Auction.html) raises money to help send seriously ill children and their families to Walt Disney World through The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America. Their annual silent auction at MagicMeets raised $9000 last year, and this year they hope to do even more to bring smiles to the faces of children who need it most.

"WDW Today podcast will be broadcasting live during MagicMeets. Co-host Mike Newell (Mouse World Radio) came up with a great idea to include a tie in to the Dream Team Charity Auction during the MagicMeets Live Show.

"Any donations made to the FirstGiving web page for the DWT Dream Team between 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on July 19th will be announced on the WDW Today live show podcast. The FirstGiving website, http://www.firstgiving.com/dwtdreamteam allows guests to make donations securely using a credit card.

"All donations made during the time period will be included in the Auction total announced at MagicMeets. When you fill in your donation, please include your internet community affiliation in the comment field, so that you can be thanked properly on the air.

"Check out the WDW Today podcast website, http://www.wdwtoday.com/ for details on how to join them for this and all their live shows. They will have a chat room going during the broadcast, which is always lots of fun, and sometimes have a live video feed direct from MagicMeets.

"For people attending MagicMeets, or those who want to see what they will be missing, check out the DWT Dream Team Blog, http://www.disneyworldtrivia.com/Dream-Team-Blog/ for some previews and behind-the-scenes peeks. Starting on July 1st, previews of all the auction lots will be available on the DisneyWorldTrivia.com forums. http://www.disneyworldtrivia.com/forums/dream-team-project/17074-2008-dream-team-auction-previews.html Once again, you must be present to bid on the auction items. There are no phone or online bids.

"The Dream Team Project is really looking forward to this event and would like to thank Mike Newell for the great idea and WDW Today's help implementing it. Together we can spread some Disney magic and make a difference in the lives of seriously ill children. "If you have any questions, please email Pat@disneyworldtrivia.com"

We may not be able to join in the fun at Camp Hill, but we can join in making a child's dream come true. I'll be phoning in my contribution while in route to meet a friend in Ashville. Join me by making a donation on Saturday. You'll feel "really swell!"

Best wishes.

More to follow...

Mickey in Space

I will be the first to admit that I sometimes show up late to the party. Meaning, that something that is new to me, may be old news to someone else. Maybe you're like that, maybe you're not. But, here is the up shot.

During my recent "research" trip to Disney World I met up with my friend Ryan of Main Street Gazette fame. We were walking around Epcot taking pictures, talking, discussing memories of past trips and plans for future trips; you know, your standard geek stuff. I mentioned that I have not taken the time to really explore Mission: Space (darn FastPass), and would like to walk around, see the training center, and so forth. Well, while we were in the gift shop he says, did you see the Hidden Mickey? No, I had not. I mean, I am no Steve Barrett, but I read his book. This one, however, escaped my memory.

And since it may have escaped others, here you are.

Yeah, I thought it was pretty cool too! By the way, the reference can be found on page 49 of Dr. Barrett's Field Guide. Oh, and be sure to check out Ryan's Meet Our Neighbor interview over at Imaginerding. Oh, and one last thing, The Disney Obsession is one of the "you know you who are" blogs. I am so proud.

What Sites Do I Visit?

Recently, DisFriends asked the question, "What Sites Do You Visit?" as part of their journal entry initiative. I posted an entry there and I thought I would add it here. It is sort of my tribute to those who inspired The Disney Obsession.

Here it is.

There are a few. My favorite is The Disney Obsession! I like to drop by every morning and every evening to see if anyone has left a comment. I suppose it is what we bloggers do; not only are we obsessed with Disney, but we are also obsessed with receiving comments.

But, I started The Disney Obsession because of the other great blogs that I read. There is a wonderful little thing that inspires us all called 2719 Hyperion. Jeff Pepper puts up great content and graphics that spur us all on to higher levels.

The Taylor brothers over at Imaginerding will help you get your "nerd" on. They also provide great information on books. Check out their recent recommendation on The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World by Bob Sehlinger. I'll be going by the bookstore this weekend.

Ryan is the editor of the Main Street Gazette. He comments on a variety of different topics. I recommend checking out his new series called "Once..." You'll enjoy his "dramatizations, fan fiction, or down right tawdry rubbish." I did.

At If We Can Dream It..., Jessica explores the often overlooked and under appreciated details of the parks. Together with Foxxfur's essays on parkeology at Passport to Dreams Old and New, you will become expert on the details of the parks.

Can I go on? I sure can.

I have recently been making daily visits to Broke Hoedown, my life on the WDW d-list (I have been getting a real kick out of these two sites), My Disney Blog, Grumpy's Hollow, Blue Sky Disney, Epcot Central and others. Could I simply check my RSS feeds? Sure. But I like to visit.

Oh, and don't forget to check out some stunning photography at TMIP. Whenever you need a little virtual Disney, Tim's can set you up.

So there you are. Those are most (not all) of the sites I visit on a daily basis. And, hey, I do it all before leaving for work. I suppose that could be a reason why I seem to stayed tired.

Comments?

Happy New Year - 2008

I was given a copy of The Quotable Walt Disney for Christmas and I wanted to begin the New Year with something from Uncle Walt. But it was hard to settle on a single quote.

In fact, it is hard to settle on any specific theme for this post. With it being the New Year I was hoping for something profound to share that would inspire. But it is late, I’m tired, and profundity escapes me. I suppose it is simple enough to say that I am happy to have arrived at this year. I am blessed by having my family near. Even now four of my five grandchildren are asleep downstairs as I write this.

I am equally blessed by friends, both here in Nashville and elsewhere in the states and abroad. I have known many of my friends here for over twenty years. We have been through so much together. Now, my friends and I have begun to know what it is like to experience the loss of friends. The experiences this past year has caused bond we have to become even tighter and our times together all the more precious. We are learning (again) how not to take our friendships for granted.

These thoughts extend to these posts; both the ones that I write and more importantly, the ones that I read. I sense that there are among us, friendships waiting to be established, nurtured, and enriched in the year(s) to come. I know it is my wish to get to know those of you who share this obsession for Disney; to begin friendships beyond our postings and our comments. I know this is possible. I know these things happen through events like MouseFest, and I am committed to being there this year. But I hope to build friendships in this wonderful community long before December 11th.

I believe that friendship is a gift and in our Disney community those friendships are magical gifts. We help each other find the Magic each day. By doing so, we are in some respects continuing the legacy of Walt Disney with each bit of magic we post.

Writing this now, I guess a theme did emerge: friendship.

And, I did find a quote that may be appropriate. It is a challenge to friendship; both for my long time friends here in Nashville and to my new friends in the Disney online community. With a nod to Meet the Robinsons, I quote,

“Around here, however, we don’t look backwards for very long. We KEEP MOVING FORWARD, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”

Walt Disney

Happy New Years friends and here is to the Magic!