Dreaming Disney - Galactic Empire

How big of a Star Wars fan am I? Big enough to use my Republic credits for tickets to a metal music show where grown men cosplayed and played heavy metal versions of Star Wars theme songs and instrumental pieces! Yeah, I’m a nerd!

Galactic Empire is a five-piece band that rocks the galaxy. As noted they primarily play Star Wars themes but with a heavy rock edge. The five members dress up as their own Star Wars characters. We get Dark Vader, a Sith Lord on lead guitar. Don’t forget the Mandalorian drummer, Boba Sett. We get an alien, a bounty hunter, and a trooper to fill out the band…a band that plays the Emperor’s favorite hits!

I personally began listening to them online. They showed up in a music feed as a suggestion, a suggestion where the Force was strong! I read a lot of books with instrumentals playing in the background. When I read a Star Wars book, I play themed music. And Galactic Empire spiced up the mix from the regular orchestral John Williams themes I was playing when visiting a galaxy far far away.

I recently attended a Galactic Empire concert live. I pulled the Between Bride into this wildness who stared with awe and fear as I jammed out to “Cantina Band” a smidge more than a grown man should. I think the first question about going to a Galactic Empire concert is literally, will I fit in? I found the crowd to be nerds like me mostly! Some were Star Wars bounding, some wore Star Wars novelty shirts like me, while others were clearly metal fans. But almost everyone was really there to have a good time. It never felt as overwhelming as a convention, and reminded it most of when I saw Dick Dale playing in a grimy college bar with just a mix of open-minded fans.

Now, here’s my biggest complaint. They did move away from just Star Wars anthems. They played the “Indiana Jones Theme” which they have also released. But they also played “Main Theme” from Pirates of the Caribbean and “The Avengers Main Theme” which were true bangers, and I really want to be able to access recordings of them when reading in other genres. But perhaps, those tunes are the dark side! 

The band Galactic Empire is fun. They dress up and don’t take themselves too seriously while making some really fun music. Would I go again, yes! And I really do hope they continue to put out metal versions of some of my favorite Disney themes, including those from other galaxies. 

This post contains affiliate links, which means that Between Disney receives a percentage of sales purchased through links on this site.  

Dreaming Disney - The Jungle

It was sad news. Tales From the Jungle Crews which has really slowed in posting episodes the last few years is being fully retired, and the episodes will no longer be available. That’s a real kick in the pants as I’m still hungry for new chapters. With this turn, we must ask ourselves where do Disney fans hungry for Jungle stories go now?

Luckily, I adventured to The Jungle podcast. The official description is “Two former Jungle Skips talk Disney, Theme Parks, & Pop Culture. However, in true Skipper fashion, the conversation frequently heads into uncharted waters. Hosted by David "Dr. Skipper" Marley (Author, Disney Historian) & Trevor Kelly (Crooner, Senior Art Director).” The podcast drops every two weeks. The format is basically chit-chat between two long-term friends that focuses primarily on Disney news, Disneyland, Tiki events, and since we have two former Skippers, the Jungle Cruise. The chat is generally light-hearted with some fun opinions. The two know each other very well and able to get a little silly, which let’s be honest we can all use a little silly.

I mentioned that these two are two Disneyland former skippers. Dr. David Marley is a historian who currently teaches history courses. He has also written a number of books about the Jungle Cruise and is a speaker who appears at several Tiki events discussing I assume the Jungle Cruise. Trevor Kelly, is a crooner and podcaster that I listened to years ago on a show called Joey and Trevor Talk to Each Other, which much like The Jungle was two skippers chatting, or as I remember it more like shooting the poop. The Jungle is very much that type of show, where the topics could be the two mulling the latest Disney or Disneyland news, telling stories of their days in the jungle, or just them talking about whatever moves them that day. It’s that chit-chat type of format that for me is what I like. It’s chat going on in the background where I feel like someone is talking with me, even if I’m not live or in the room with them. It does not fill the gap left by Tales From the Jungle Crews, a show that transformed from chit-chat to one of the best oral history podcasts you can find. But it does give fans a little Jungle Crews content in an easy-to-digest format. And living so far from Disneyland, I like hearing local takes on the happenings around the park and the Disneyland Jungle Cruise. 

The Jungle is a fun chat between two friends. It’s a bonus they are informed former skippers who bring up the Jungle Cruise on the regular. The Jungle is fun mostly Disney talk that definitely provides me the coffee chat that I need, in a safe I’m still an introvert way, on a Monday morning.

Dreaming Disney - 50 Years of Magical Learnings

 

Professionally, I have spent over 20 years in education. This has always put the Disney Institute courses on my radar. But they were dreams. I could not afford this training which primarily was site-based courses where one might also get to visit a theme park. I mean I am down with combining education and theme parks.

The pandemic changed everything.

Education went online, including the Disney Institute.

 

In 2022, I had to change a lot about my life due to the pandemic’s impacts. As I reviewed my next steps, I also ran across an online Disney Institute course celebrating the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World. My wife and I decided to sign me up partially to entertain me, and partially to keep me thinking about the business world. I think we both decided that the course was going to be highly fact and trivia based. Instead, I got a business-focused management course that one could place on LinkedIn…if others understood exactly what the course entailed.

“50 Years of Magical Learnings” is a 30-plus module course that combines Walt Disney World Resort history and business principles. Each lesson uses a variety of text, video, interactive activities, and journaling to convey business lessons seen in the history of Walt Disney World. The segments can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour to complete. Topics explored include employee recognition, continuous improvement, telling a story, customer service, safety and so much more. Seven of the lessons include insights for Disney executive George A. Kalogridis who served as the 50th Anniversary Ambassador, which allow him to reflect on his professional journey as he moved through the resort leadership.

The content varied in content, but the majority of it was helpful and relevant to a professional journey. Instead of completing a course in one sitting, I spaced it out for nearly a year trying to complete one module a week. My payment did give me access for a year. And during the year new modules were released as they further developed the course. It provided me with a good professional development opportunity that I controlled and could drop in and out of as needed. I will admit I did struggle at times with some of the journaling as my career path went up and down a few different roads. I enjoyed it, professionally, as it framed issues within a familiar to me setting. And the content and videos were professionally developed.

Financially did it make sense? Pre-pandemic these courses were well outside of my price range and I did pay out of pocket. The course at the time I enrolled was $399. We found a deep discount that made it even more financially viable. And since I spent a year engaging the content it felt like an investment in me. The courses on leadership, employee engagement, and customer service are listed as taking 45 to 60 minutes for a cost of $199. Therefore, I found myself feeling like I got a steal for the year. I do intend to add the completed course to my LinkedIn. My only worry with this choice is that someone might think it is a trivia course and not a business course. But hey, that wouldn’t be the first Disney-related business entry on my resume. I also am considering paying out of pocket for an additional shorter course.

“50 Years of Magical Learnings” may attract Disney fans with the promise of stories and facts about the Walt Disney World Resort. But it is packed with leadership and business content wrapped into a well-produced professional development course. I do prefer the way I managed my course completion allowing myself to marinate and reflect on the lessons instead of rushing quickly through the lessons while they jumped past my eyes without thought.

Let’s be real. Unlike required corporate learning, I paid for this. And hey…Mickey Mouse!

Dreaming Disney - Disney History Institute Podcast

If you are a Disney fan, it is a must. If you are a theme parks fan, it is a must. If you are a history fan, it is a must. If you are a story fan, it is a must. If you like to hear about creatives, it is a must.

What am I talking about?

I am talking about the podcast I have always wanted and did not know existed for over three years.

My newest podcast recommendation to everyone is the Disney History Institute Podcast. And when I say everyone, I mean everyone. I have gotten friends who do not like Disney to binge episodes because the stories and production are just that good!

Disney History Institute Podcast by Todd J. Peirce is predominantly audio versions of Peirce’s articles from the Disney History Institute website. Along with Peirce’s well written articles is quality production with supporting audio beds and Peirce’s voice that helps pull you into a story. I have experimented a bit with scripted podcast episodes, and it is not as easy as it seems. But this podcast combines quality content with strong production values. It is convincing enough that I had to buy his book!

The content is basically audio presentations of Peirce's articles. I will be honest, though they have been available in text form, I have not read them. These articles are somewhat big at times and I do not have the time to sit online and read these articles in depth (yeah it is kind of ironic with this being a blog and all). So this audio presentation has given these articles a second life. But the best part is you really do feel like you are getting pulled into a story with Peirce serving as the storyteller. The topics fascinate me with me telling everyone to go listen to “The Bible Storyland Fiasco” immediately. I love this history which balances defects in personalities with the humorous thoughts of a Jungle Cruise Garden of Eden ride completely with sexism. The Disney fan will be drawn to the multipart expose on the Yippie Invasion, the infamous Studio field day, and glimpses into Walt Disney’s life. I will admit, after hearing his piece on Ruth Shellhorn I find myself kicking myself for not knowing more of her Disney story. Additionally, along with his articles, Pierce shares interview audio of Disney legends like Harriet Burns, Blaine Gibson, and Jack Lindquist.

The only real complaint is frequency. The episodes post when Peirce has one ready. So it is possible for long gaps. But it is good free content. A friend did point out to me that “Walt’s First Park Part 1” was never followed by a Part 2. But I found myself arguing, but buddy it’s free. My friend did go online to read the second part of the story.

Disney History Institute Podcast by Todd J. Peirce is my new favorite podcast I did not know existed. If you are a Disney fan, you need to subscribe now so when a new episode drops it is pushed to you. Because you will both learn and be entertained by this audio presentation.

Dreaming Disney - Creating Disney Magic

Over the last year or so, Lee Cockerell’s Creating Disney Magic: Lessons in Leadership, Management, and Customer Service podcast has become a Tuesday morning priority for me.  The podcast opens with host Jody Maberry setting up Cockerell, a former Disney executive, to discuss business topics that come from Maberry or even the listening audience.  The topics covered are diverse ranging from leadership to customer service to using data to time management.  In short, if there is a topic that could be useful to a professional working adult it is likely they will talk about it.  for those of us with a whimsical side, Cockerell discusses these items in the very serious Disney business setting  along with his background in hotel management.  Along with these topics, Cockerell provides a very honest appraisal of his own struggles as a leader and as a human being.

Integrity and common sense are really the words that come to mind when I think of Lee Cockerell.  And these qualities make this show essential listening to me.  I find that I not only listen on a weekly basis but also will search the archive for specific work issues that myself and others are facing in the workplace.  And the reason this is a must listen is due to Cockerell.  His answers typically provide an outlook that relies on common sense, being a person of integrity, and treating others fairly.  This is not cut throat business advice, this is advice for people.   He often makes it clear that a leader has to foster development in even poorly performing employees and that caring for people is really a core function of a leader.  The Disney background gives Disney fans a background that helps understanding.  Though honestly I have sent episodes to plenty of non-Disney fanatics and they still found these episodes highly useful.

Creating Disney Magic:Lessons in Leadership, Management, and Customer Service is probably one of my top three podcasts.  It is informative, educational, honest and short.  It attracted me through the door due to my interest in Disney history and business developments.  But I stay due to Cockerell’s reliable professional and personal development life!

Dreaming Disney - Between Disney Podcast Special #1

After much encouragement from two friends I have put together the first and perhaps only Between Disney podcast episode!

It can be found at The Comic Book Time Machine and is all about Haunted Mansion books!

In the first every Between Disney Podcast Special, Daniel discusses Haunted Mansion themed books and comics. Daniel breaks down the key strengths in the works of two different Haunted Mansion themed authors. And because its comic book time machine he talks about the Haunted Mansion comic anthology collection.

The titles discussed in their most recent editions are:
• Jason Surrell’s The Haunted Mansion: Imagineering a Disney Classic
• Jeff Baham’s The Unauthorized Story of Walt Disney’s Haunted Mansion
• Haunted Mansion comic book collection

Dreaming Disney - Marvel Comics 75 Years of Cover Art the Interview

I was lucky enough with my podcasting partner Ben Avery to be able to interview Alan Cowsill about his book Marvel Comics: 75 Years of Cover Art. 

Topics in the interview include:

• The process of crafting the book including cover selection.
• World War I in comics.
• Marvel UK heroes.
• The Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The interview can be accessed at http://welcometolevelseven.com/marvel-comics-75-years-of-comic-art-interview-with-writer-alan-cowsill-wtl7062/.

 

Dreaming Disney - What if Michael Bay Directed Up?

I love Up, you love Up, but what if Michael Bay loved Up enough to have crafted this classic for Disney?

Boom!

Explosive!

You are welcome! 

Dreaming Disney - Leaked Star Wars Episode VII Set Footage (Not)

The Between Wife stumbled on this footage of "leaked" Star Wars Episode VII footage.

Give it a quick minute of your time! 

Okay, clearly not real.  But it imaginative and fun!  And I would rather see fans create something like this than leaking photos to TMZ!

Dreaming Disney - Stars Wars/Frozen Mashup

Let me just say this, yes there are a lot of Frozen parody videos out there.

But one is why the internet exists!

Go ahead, feel free to play it again!

Dreaming Disney - Dole Whip Rides Again!

I recently was surprised when asked by the editor of Celebrations magazine if I would be willing to allow Dole to post my Dole Whip article onto one of their blogs!

Of course I said yes.

So for the first time, you can read my history of Dole Whip online at http://dolesoftserveblog.com/2014/06/03/sunshine-in-a-cup-the-tale-of-the-legendary-dole-whip/.

And always make sure to enjoy a Dole Whip! 

Dreaming Disney - Piles of Star Wars' News

Yeah, Disney is going big on Star Wars!

This morning I saw two pieces of very Disney news.  First, Disney Parks are offering exclusive limited Disney Parks T-Shirts for Star Wars Rebels.

Star Wars Rebels does not have a tie into the parks yet.  And typically the exclusive tees are tied into classic attractions or park anniversaries.  So I was a little shocked to see a T-Shirt tied into an animated television property that has not even seen the light of day!

The other news was the release of the Phineas and Ferb: Star Wars poster through Hero Complex.  And I did love waking up to the reminder that this summer I get this treat.  I really enjoyed Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel and all of the included Easter Eggs, so this really is something I am looking forward to.

 

Maybe as this tweet from J.J. Abrams shows, they are too busy to buy a shirt or get pumped for two creative youngsters!

 





 

I guess this tweet and the fact that filming has officially started is a third of a pile of Star Wars' news!

Dreaming Disney - How Frozen Should Have Ended

I really love Frozen, it is a great movie.  And I guess most of you enjoy it too!

But I also love the funny, especially the funny that calls out the truth.  And the satire video "How Frozen Should Have Ended" is a perfect mix of funny and true.

Not to go into too much spoiler, because I actually have a friend who has not seen Frozen (that seems like it should be against the law), I really do love this.  Yes, Elsa's parent's reaction does seem to contradict the advice they were given.  And as a Marvel fan I find her new school to be inspired!  And everyone who should be singing is!  And here is the proof:

You have to love an early morning laugh! 

Dreaming Disney - Honest Trailers: Frozen

Frozen is now out on home video release.  And my guess is most of you have seen it or own it.

So for those of you who have, here is a video by Honest Trailers that will surely give you some laughs and a whole whole different look at the movie!  Enjoy, but warning there is some adult humor.

I hope it gave you the same laugh I got, because sometimes the funniest thing is truth.

Now, go get that song stuck in your head!

Dreaming Disney - WDWNT: The Magazine - Thor's Journey Into Mystery

My last article is up at WDWNT: The Magazine.  The article, "Thor's Journey Into Mystery" explores the comic book origins of Thor: The Dark World's main characters including Thor and Loki.  The article discusses both first appearances, what happened afterwards, and a Disney connection to Thor in live action form.

As a bonus, if you want to hear my thoughts on Thor: The Dark World you can check out Welcome to Level Seven's podcast review.  Warning, it is full of spoilers!

Thor: The Dark World will be released for home video February 25th.  

Dreaming Disney - The Small Worlds of Walt

The Carolwood Foundation has done a fantastic job of preserving Walt Disney artifacts.  In fact visiting Walt's Barn in in my bucket list.

They are now in progress in restoring the "French Village" part of the original Storybook Village.  And in return for donations you can pick up some interesting incentives, like an orginal DesignerLand t-shirt.

You can find information about donating online and more information about the project including restoration updates at The Small World's of Walt.   

Dreaming Disney - The Iron Man Experience

Earlier this week Tom Staggs, Chairman Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, announced through the Disney Parks Blog a new addition to Hong Kong Disneyland in 2016. 

He wrote,

That’s why it was so exciting earlier today at Hong Kong Disneyland to announce that the very first Disney attraction based on a Marvel character experience will debut in Hong Kong Disneyland. And I’m excited to be able to share some of the initial details with you today about this Iron Man Experience.

Audiences around the world have been captivated by the amazing inventions and innovations of Tony Stark and we’re basing this experience within a piece of the Stark Expo. Located in Tomorrowland at Hong Kong Disneyland, the Expo will allow guests to see firsthand the progression of Tony’s Iron Man suits and many other Stark innovations.

Upon entering the ride vehicle our guests will be able to take flight with Iron Man on an epic adventure that not surprisingly pits Iron Man, and our guests, against the forces of evil. This adventure will take place in the streets and skies of Hong Kong, which will make an even more unique and special experience for our Hong Kong Disneyland guests. In addition, guests will be able to meet and take photos with Iron Man.

Personally, I am really excited about this new attraction.  I think it is fair to say I'm Level Seven excited about this attraction.  I just wish it was in one of the domestic parks.  But then maybe this will serve as proof of concept for the future removal of Innoventions!

But then maybe this attraction would not work in Disneyland or Disney Hollywood Studios.  As I look at these graphics I wonder, is that a Star Tours' StarSpeeder?

 

They really do look simliar!  

So is this a partial walk through with a Hall of Armor concept like was saw at Innoventions last summer combined with a simulator.  I cannot see them using the simulator to have guests stroll through the Stark garage!

Again, I am excited.  I hope this is a huge success.  And I wish it was possible for me to visit Hong Kong in 2016.  

Seriously, Disney, fell free to send me.  I'll put some time on my calendar!  

Dreaming Disney - How It Should Of Ended Marvel Edition

I really do not watch a lot of online videos.  But when I do, "How It Should Of Ended" comes to the top of my list.

These videos, which have spoilers, poke fun at some of our favorite movie and their plot holes.  So they are silly but also thoughtful.  In honor of Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. here is a selection of Marvel Cinematic Universe videos.

I love this Iron Man 3 video which compares Iron Man 3 to The Incredibles.  And we find out how the Avengers move on after the events of the film.

And in The Avengers edition Batman and Superman compare themselves to the Marvel team.  

This bonus scene for The Avengers shows the softer side of the alien invaders in the Battle of New York.

This parody of Captain America: The First Avenger makes me wonder if he tried hard enough!

And in this video, Batman and Superman question Odin's parenting skills!


Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. debuts September 24th, so I hope you enjoy this videos as we get ready for more Coulson goodness.

Oh....and for a bonus video....Stan Lee inserts himself into some non-Marvel movies!

For more Marvel fun check out my podcast, Welcome to Level Seven, which will cover Agent Coulson and his team on the small screen. 

Dreaming Disney - Walk in Walt's Disneyland Footsteps

The Disneyland Dedication Plaque - Kicks Off a Tour of Walt's Park

For years I have had my eyes on the “Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps” tour. And with our 2013 trip to Disneyland possibly being the last trip for awhile, I made it a priority to include this walking historical trip in this summer’s trip. And the deal was sealed after last summer’s trip when it was announced that Walt’s Apartment was added to the tour. But the my favorite moment was months earlier when the Between Tween informed me that I would have company on this tour, the Tween would not be left off this adventure.

The tour is a walking tour, and walk you do. Each guest is provided an ear bud to attach to one ear that carries the voice of the tour guide. The guide walked us all throughout the park, visiting each land and discussing Walt Disney’s connection to that land. The tour guide along with the script uses audio clips of Walt Disney, such as reading dedication plaques for the lands or portions of speeches he gave. So, despite the fact that Walt passed away decades ago, his presence and voice joins you throughout the tour. The facts themselves are probably not groundbreaking to students of park history. But hearing them as you stand where Walt stood has an impact. Additionally, my tour guide was more than a fact reader. My tour guide served as a storyteller who engaged the audience in the story of Walt Disney’s theme park.

I expected that we would get some real behind the scenes looks at attractions. Honestly we did not. You only experienced two attractions. For my tour, we cut the line and rode Peter Pan’s flight as a group. And we later visited Great Moment’s With Mr. Lincoln, after a lengthy discussion of the attractions meaning and connection to Walt Disney. Honestly, I do not know how we could have taken in more attractions in the nearly three hours we toured the park as we were constantly on the go. There was a lot of content in a short time.

Now there are two stops that do provide the Disney history fan the geek out experience. The first is a visit to Club 33, the exclusive dining club in the park. Guests on the tour are able to enter the first floor of the club, but do not go up the stairs to the dining room. With a full tour of 12 it is standing room only. But the guide made sure that everyone got a picture in front of the famous glass elevator. The big highlight of the tour though is Walt Disney’s Apartment. My group was broken into two smaller parties. I found out why when I entered the super small apartment, simply it is tiny. The majority of the apartment was behind a velvet rope. But we were able to walk around and look at the apartment from different angles, including the bathroom and it’s very futuristic shower, for the 1960s. Finally, our docent took a picture of each group standing in front of the rope with the front windows, and Walt’s lamp, the background. You really need to bring a camera if you spend the money for this tour, because these are photos you do not want to miss. The tour does cost over a $100 per guest. And the Between Tween and I did see this a money well spent.

Every Disney Fan Wants Behind This Door!

Now Only If I Was Invited Up The Stairs for Lunch!

Finally, our tour ended with lunch at the Jolly Holiday Bakery, where we had been able to pre-pick our sandwiches, drink and dessert (yes, you can get a Matterhorn Macaroon). We were also given gifts. We received a Disney pin commemorating the Walking in Walt’s Footsteps tour with moving pieces. And we got a button that we wore during the tour with our name on it.


The “Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps” tour is pricey. But when you consider the three hours guided through the park, the stops at Walt’s Apartment and Club 33, and lunch the tour was well worth the expense. And now that I am back in Betweenland, my memories of this tour help me feel connected even stronger to my beloved Disneyland Park.

Dreaming Disney - Mickey Through the Decades

I live Between Disney. And in Betweenland there are some things that are just not going to happen. Though I will admit that I have lucked out and been able to schedule our family vacation to Disneyland over the last few years, so I ask for no fan pity. Some things are just pipe dreams for me. For example, I doubt I would ever be able to go to a D23 Studio Tour. I simply cannot imagine timing my vacation perfectly to match up with the schedule. But hey, I am still a lucky guy and having my schedule coincide with a D23 Expo once was probably as lucky as I was going to get.

But lightening struck again when D23 put out notice for sign-ups to attend Old Navy’s Mickey Through the Decades Collection at the Walt Disney Studios event. And best of all, it was scheduled for a day where the Between Family would not be going into Disneyland on a already scheduled vacation!

The day started with us renting a car and gulp driving through the LA area traffic. We left early to give ourselves plenty of time. This meant we had time to explore. We drove around Griffith Park, where Disneyland as an idea was germinated. And after we found the studio I searched the GPS for close by attractions and found the Hollywood Sign. With the sign adventure in our rear view mirror the Between Family was in full tourist mode when we checked in at the studio.

The event itself was somewhat of a free for all, with you choosing between several activities. There was one area where press photographed the three celebrities sporting Old Navy’s new Mickey Mouse tees. The three celebrities Jennifer Love Hewitt, Constance Marie and Brooke Burke mingled with the press, but really did not spend time with the other invitees. Though I did see some of their kids enjoying the offered activities. They took photos, answered press questions, but really did not interact with the fans. In fact I never saw anyone ask any of them for their autographs.

Old Navy's Mickey Collection

It was everyone else, like us, who got to have fun. The invited guests were given a voucher for a free t-shirt. Since Jeffrey and other staff pointed out there were plenty of t-shirts we skipped over the crowd of people at the Old Navy tent. Honestly, this may have been a mistake since there were a limited number of shirts in each style and the Between Family had to chose from the picked over remains. We instead went first to have our photo taken with Mickey, in a 50’s costume. He would be relieved by Minnie throughout the event with her 50’s themed dress also.

After our picture with the main mouse we jumped into the line to get a Disney artist to draw a custom Mickey sketch for us. You could get Mickey or Minnie. As I stood with the Between Kid, the artist asked him what picture was desired. The response was baby Mickey, which the child ahead of us had gotten. The artist instead described a Star Wars Mickey Mouse. The Between Kid said no, baby Mickey please. So the artist laughed and said let’s do baby Mickey for you but Luke Skywalker Mickey for dad! He saw the gleam in my eye! So of course I loved it and was thrilled to get my own custom Mickey/Star Wars mash-up. (Note, I did ask later a character artist in the park if they could make me an Agent Coulson Mickey. He stated currently Marvel is not included in what they can produce).

Mickey Skywalker

After the Between Kid got a Mickey temporary tattoo and grabbed some coloring sheets, we ate. And we ate in the Commissary! The food itself was burgers and hotdogs from a caterer. But it was super fun to be able to say that we were eating inside the Disney Commissary. And sitting inside away from the heat, we saw the Saving Mr. Banks trailer for the first time.

After eating, we went into a conference room to watch some of the new Mickey Mouse shorts. We were given popcorn, candy and bottled water. They were bragging that one of the shorts had not been seen yet. But I could not tell you which one since we had not seen around three of them.

Oh, and now the real fun began. When we left the Commissary building we noticed some guests walking around. So we tested our limits. We walked down to Pluto’s Corner and snapped some pictures. And since we made it that far, we took some pictures of the Animation Building. The Between Wife shook her head as I pointed out to the kids that this was the building that Walt Disney worked in. And then we walked a little further to get good pictures of the Team Disney Building. And since we were there we wandered around Legends Plaza, with me in full geek mode as I put my hand in the impressions left by Marc Davis, Roy E. Disney and others. So we may never be able to go on the official Disney tour. But it our unofficial self guided tour made the trip to Burbank.

The Team Disney Building

Reaching Out to a Legend

After we left the Studio and went to the beach. So it was an awesome day overall.

Yes I live Between Disney. But you never know what you may find Disney Adjacent until you open yourself up!