Tuesday, September 28th, 2010
The picture on the box is adorable - a wide-eyed guinea pig, and an uncle telling his adorable nephew and niece a story, while holding an umbrella over his head. Why the umbrella? Why, it's raining gumballs, of course!
Before the movie began we had the beautiful Disney castle logo and Tinkerbell. The tagline tells us to "Believe in Happy Endings." All of that would lead you to believe this was a wonderful family movie - right? Wrong.
One of my daughters asked if we could check this out from the library, and if I would preview it. We are EXTREMELY careful what movies we allow our daughters to watch. I usually check new releases out on
www.pluggedinonline.com.
Previewing movies is a common occurrence for us. I'm sure glad I did my due diligence on this one. It is NOT a family movie, and for Disney to promote it as such is tragic. I'm sure many parents plugged this one in for their little ones.
Continue Reading "Movie Review - Walt Disney's "Bedtime Stories"" »
Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
Dear Mr. Iger,
The Orange Country register just
reported that Disney attendance has dropped 4% for the spring/summer season this year. That's normally Disneyland's busiest time, isn't it?
Why do you think attendance has dropped?
Perhaps it is because the average family's expendable income cannot keep up with your constant
raising of the price of the park admission.
When Southern California annual passes were $99, our family of six bought them, and drove the 125 miles each way to go to Disneyland almost weekly. Since we felt we were getting a "deal" we spent money on meals, snacks and souvenirs. Now, they are $239 each - over twice as much! There is no way our family can afford that much in passes, gasoline, parking, AND food to go to Disneyland.
Perhaps you should consult the folks over at Knotts Berry Farm. When they lowered their annual pass prices last year, people flocked to them in droves.
Dear Mr. Iger,
Why is there no Christmas store at Disneyland anymore? It was charming when it was in the castle, but bigger and better stocked when moved to
New Orleans Square, it kind of got put back in Fantasyland, although it never seemed to be open when I was at the Park. Other than a few odds and ends at World of Disney - there is nothing!!! It can't be for lack of sales - I had to fight crowds and stand in line every time I shopped there. Let's bring back the Christmas shop - what could be better than a combination of Christmas and Disney?
Dear Mr. Iger,
Our family stopped watching the Disney Channel many years ago. Somewhere along the line the channel changed from fun and interesting family programming to several broadcasts each day of tween shows. I mean, really, how many times a day does "Hannah Montana" have to air?
We miss "Vault Disney" and the classic movies. You used to produce wonderful series like "Avonlea". Where is the creativity?
Continue Reading "Dear Mr. Iger: A Disney Channel Makeover" »
Dear Mr. Iger,
I was quite excited when I learned The Disneyland Hotel was renovating their pool area and adding Monorail-themed water slides. I was dismayed, though, to find out you were taking out the koi ponds and waterfalls in this same renovation.
My family and I LOVED the waterfalls. What fun it was to cool off in a wet and noisy place. Sometimes, when you are unable to go swimming, it is a refreshing break on a hot summer day.
I am probably too late to get you to change your mind - especially since you have already given the fish to the Huntington Library in Pasadena - but I'm going to share an idea with you, anyway.
Continue Reading "A Letter to Disney: Waterfalls and Bears?" »
Thursday, June 17th, 2010
Dear Mr. Iger,
As most Americans my age, I grew up watching "The Wonderful World of Disney" every Sunday night, going to the theater to see Mr. Disney's newest release, and being fortunate enough to grow up in California - visiting Disneyland every year. As thousands do, we consider ourselves a "Disney" family. We love watching the old Disney movies and going to Disneyland. My first born is even named "Wendy"!
Given the soft spot in our hearts for The Park and all things Disney, I've decided to write this blog to encourage you to keep the Disney name pure; to keep Disneyland just right, and to encourage you as the head of the most phenomenal company on our planet. In this column, I'll write suggestions, perhaps share a memory or two, and tell you about fabulous Disney experiences. So, here goes.
Continue Reading "A letter to Disney" »
The picture on the box is adorable - a wide-eyed guinea pig, and an uncle telling his adorable nephew and niece a story, while holding an umbrella over his head. Why the umbrella? Why, it's raining gumballs, of course! 
