A Charming Disney Souvenir

Whenever we venture out to the World, I always purchase souvenirs.  I cannot avoid the compulsion to buy some awesome Disney item that calls to me with that sweet seductive voice.  “Wouldn’t I look cute in your house?  Don’t you want another Dooney and Bourke purse?  You really need this new, limited edition pin, don’t you?  How about a new jacket or a scarf?”  I cannot leave WDW without giving into at least one of the temptations that Disney has created to populate the many gift shops that you will encounter on your vacation.  Now that you know my inability to avoid buying something, it will not come as a shock to you that I tend to purchase similar items on each trip.  You see; I don’t just buy items to buy them.  I really think about each item and how it will serve as a reminder of my vacation.  No matter where I am, my souvenirs are a way for me to re-live the magic in my every day life.

            One particular souvenir that holds special sentimental value for me is my Disney charm bracelet.  For the past two years, I have attempted to purchase a charm for my bracelet that will remind me of something exciting or different that we did on a particular trip.  Sometimes I purchase the sterling silver charms, and sometimes I just purchase the more inexpensive charms that can be located in the large plastic stands that often grace the center of various gift shops. Either way, a small charm is a wonderful way to remind yourself of your trip.  I wear this bracelet all of the time, and I simply have to look down and study my charms in order to take myself back to Disney World or Disneyland.

            Some of my charms represent various events that we have attended at WDW.   Last year, we completed Mouseplanet’s MouseAdventure in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  To represent this trip, I purchased a Sorcerer Mickey Hat Charm to represent the Studios.  On another trip, we were in EPCOT when Duffy the Disney Bear was introduced, so I purchased a Duffy charm.  In addition, my husband and I go to Disney World every summer for our wedding anniversary, and one year my husband surprised me with a Mickey head charm that is engraved with our names as well as the year.  Not only do I like to represent events that we celebrate, but I also like to collect various castle charms.  I have several representations of Cinderella Castle as well as Sleeping Beauty Castle from Disneyland.  When I am not in the parks, I also like to collect vintage Disney charms.  I have several charms that sport the old Mickey head logo with the globe inside of the logo.  Several of these charms include a locket in which I have placed small pictures of my husband and I enjoying our trips.

            All of the charms that I have mentioned remind me of some very happy times, and I can wear this bracelet and have a little slice of our vacations with me at all times.  This bracelet is also an excellent conversation piece.  I have chatted with many people about our trips as a result of someone spotting all of my many charms.  So, when you go on a trip to Disney World or any Disney Park, you should definitely invest in souvenirs that will help you to remember and re-live your vacation on a daily basis.  Every year, you can add to your collection and eventually have a bracelet not just of charms but of happy memories.  Until next time, have a magical day, and keep moving forward!

           

A Book to Add to Your Disney Reading List

A few years ago, I purchased the book, The Disney Mountains: Imagineering at Its Peak, by Jason Surrell.  I have read and re-read this book many times.  It tells the story of the ways in which all of the Disney Mountains were constructed and first imagined.  It is an informative mix of history and anecdotes as well as a collection of beautiful artwork that dates back to the days when the Matterhorn was just a pile of dirt called Holiday Hill.

                                      

The Matterhorn was Disneyland’s first roller coaster, and it was inspired by the movie, the Third Man on the Mountain, as well as Walt’s visit to Switzerland as part of filming this movie.  Not only was the Matterhorn a first for Disney with regard to thrill rides, it was also a technical marvel with its steel tubular track.  Jason Surrell’s book goes on to describe many other stories and interesting facts regarding the Matterhorn as well as many other Disney Mountains.

For example, there are chapters describing the creation of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Grizzly Peak, Mount Prometheus in Tokyo, and Expedition Everest.  Surrell also delves into the brief history of one Disney Mountain that was never built, Candy Mountain.  In addition to descriptions of all of these rides and experiences, there are many examples of Disney model building and artwork to showcase the different mountains at various stages of the creative process.  Even if you just examine the artwork, you will definitely enjoy this book.

My favorite aspect of this book is the detail with which Jason Surrell addresses each of these attractions.  He does not just scratch the surface and tell you about what anyone could already see.  He delves deeper and spends time researching the details of each of these attractions.  Reading a book like this one would make anyone envious of the jobs that Imagineers possess.  The ability to let one’s creativity run wild and be surrounded by other equally creative people is something that most of us will never experience. 

If you want just a taste of Disney history as well as insight into the world of Imagineering, give Jason Surrell’s book a read.  You will not be disappointed, and this journey into Disney history publications will cause you to start looking for other books that you will need to fill your insatiable desire for Disney historical knowledge.  Then, you will become like me; you will have an entire bookshelf devoted to books that chronicle the growth and change of Disney over the last several decades.  This type of reading will enhance your visits to the parks and also help you to amuse and impress your friends with your boundless depth of knowledge.  Maybe more amuse than impress, depending on your circle of friends!  Until next time, have a magical day, and keep moving forward!