Disney, Georgia, and a Changing Public Image

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If you are unfamiliar, Georgia was in the midst of passing a bill that would allow church groups to opt out of the Supreme Court’s ruling on same sex marriage last year…sort of. With this new bill, Georgia churches could turn away from performing gay marriages as well as religious groups choosing to not hire or include those who they didn’t want based on religious beliefs. Basically this new bill would have been somewhat of a “loophole” in the Supreme Court decision, allowing religious views to overpower human rights deemed by the law. Disney, as well as many others like AMC’s The Walking Dead, who film television and movies (Marvel in particular) have threatened to pull out of Georgia and no longer film in the state if Governer Nathan Deal would have decided to turn this bill into Georgia law. Those in favor of the bill have said this is no place for companies like Disney to stick their nose. Those against the bill have stood up to applaud Disney for making a political move.

It’s very interesting that Disney, an entertainment company, has decided to get involved in such a polarizing mess. The possible threat of losing money over a statement like this has to have some executives worried. I’m sure not everyone sitting atop the company at a very nice board meeting desk are excited about this move. Disney did not have to say anything and nobody would have thought any different of them. Burbank is a long ways away from Atlanta and even though they have shot films in the state, most movie-goers would assume Disney is shooting on a sound stage rather than in the backwoods of the Deep South. There is nothing in it for Disney. I doubt there will be more tickets sold to upcoming movies and I don’t think there will be any extra vacations booked to any of the Disney destinations. In fact, Disney may see a decrease in tickets and vacations by those that were in favor of the “Religious Liberty” bill.

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This also comes right on the coattails of Zootopia, a movie I wrote about (read it here) because of it’s political stance. It’s not a secret that most of Hollywood is liberal and progressive, and California was one of the first states to come forward in the gay rights movement, but this is a totally different story. Disney has always been seen as family friendly. They’ve tried to hide their past in politics or social issues, like Song of the South or the propaganda films of World War II. If it was racy or could offend, Disney has tried to dismiss it for a more outgoing and fun everybody-gets-hugs-from-Mickey public image.

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So why now? Why has Disney, of all companies, pushed into social change, politics, and religion? It’s tough to say and we can only really speculate. If Disney continues to mingle in these issues, their public image could drastically change and there is a possibility of financial loss for the family friendly giant. This is, however, a way for those who see Disney as a corporate cash cow to change their opinion of the company. Change is always scary as their is much to risk whether it be a singular person, a company, or an entire nation. Disney reaching past their PG bubble and into the real world’s issues is a bold move. Looking back at history, major corporations have shaped our world, for better or worse, and Disney is no longer standing in the corner waiting for people to come say “hi” while others argue in the middle of the room. They are stepping into the argument, at least for now, and that could mean that we are seeing a major change to one of America’s largest entertainment companies.

Should Disney have gotten involved with Georgia’s political system? Should Disney be worried about being on the losing end? Does this affect your thoughts on the company as a whole? Leave your thoughts and keep the conversation moving forward

Josh Taylor
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Disney Now and Then: Disney Queue Line Games

Someone recently asked me, “What types of games do you play while waiting in line for rides at Disneyland?” And I was honestly confused. Back in my day (when I worked at Disneyland 40 hours a week and still managed to visit 3 days a week as a guest), if I wanted to go on a ride that had a long line, I simply waited in line. Or I took the time to have a great conversation with my friends or family who were waiting with me. Games in line? When I worked at Disneyland, cellphones couldn’t do more than text. They couldn’t even really take pictures little yet selfies. And yes, this dates me a little, but back then, I couldn’t just sit on my phone and play games or catchup on snapchatting while waiting in line. So I thought to myself, “What on earth would I play in line to kill time?” I don’t want to sit on my phone, because that kinda takes me out of the beautiful world of Disneyland, so instead, I’ve come up with some easy games you and your friends can play while waiting in long lines at Disneyland.

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Waiting for a Churro:

Invent different dipping sauces or toppings that you would have on your churro if you had your choice of absolutely ANYTHING.

In line for Haunted Mansion:

Make up your own history of the Mansion and share it with your friends. Make up names for the ghosts or tell a tale of certain pets in the pet cemetery. Try creeping out your friends with your own spooky tale.

In line for a Dole Whip:

Make up your own facts about the birds that live in the Enchanted Tiki Room. Did you that Eleanor the green-feathered bird was a gift to Walt Disney shortly after he lost his watch on the Monorail? It was given to him to cheer him up, and the rumor, is that Eleanor could impersonate Walt to perfection!

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Waiting for Splash Mountain:

Describe your laughing place to your friends. Maybe your laughing place is the mall, your living room or DISNEYLAND. Whatever it is, tell your friends all about it.

Waiting in line for the Matterhorn:

Loudly pretend that you legitimately think that there’s a REAL Yeti in the Matterhorn. Describe the scary rumors that you’ve heard about the Yeti. I heard that in the middle of the night, he wanders over to Small World and steals the dolls from Hawaii.

In line for Indiana Jones:

This one feels like a no-brainer to me, since the queue is FULL of stuff to see and do. However, if you want to change up your routine a bit, try sharing Indiana Jones trivia with your friends. Not a huge trivia buff? Share your favorite Indiana Jones movie and defend it to the bitter end. Temple of Doom is my absolute favorite.

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Thunder Mountain line:

There’s something about the goat on the ride that everyone is obsessed with. And everyone has a tradition when it comes to seeing the goat. Some hold its gaze down the drop while some greet it. Create a new tradition for when you see the goat on the ride.

In line for Peter Pan:

Decide on 3 happy thoughts that you will yell out when your party floats through the nursery scene. Share which character you most identify with! And finally, pick your ‘lost boy’ name.

Erika Jenko
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Above the Line #20

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Above the Line #19
by Holly Stanton
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My Disneyland Traditions

Everyone has traditions. The things you have to do every time you go to a Disney park. Disneyland was Erika’s home park so she wanted to share what her traditions are anytime she goes to Disneyland. What are your traditions?

Erika Jenko
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Snow White is Awkward

Keith is back with more character meet and greets. He gives out buttons, proclaims that Snow White is awkward, and names himself “Eaty”. Yeah, that’s right….and Snow is the awkward one!

Keith Lapinig
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Modern Mouse Radio #102: Aulani and Hotel Only Resorts

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Josh is joined by Dave Tuppers this week. Dave is a Hawaiian local and a frequent visitor to Disney’s Aulani resort. He’s seen both the good and bad that have come with the resort. He talks about what the resort is all about and why he loves it, but what is the future of these types of hotel only resorts for Disney? Josh and Dave theorize and dream up some hotel only resorts worldwide and think what it could accomplish for the business side of Disney.

If you have any questions about Aulani, Dave has a ton of knowledge. You can get a hold of him on and he’s always willing to answer questions.

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Josh Taylor
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modernmouseradio.com

5 Facts You Probably Don’t Know About the Jungle Cruise

Josh returns with a new 5 Facts video. This time about the Jungle Cruise, Josh’s favorite attraction and an original to Disneyland.

Josh Taylor
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Above the Line #19

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Above the Line #19
by Holly Stanton
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Disney Now and Then: Disneyland’s Food and Wine Festival

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Drinking at Disney. Why is the concept so damn appealing? It almost feels like a forbidden fantasy, doesn’t it? Back in the day, I used to add a dollop of vodka to the top of my Slurpee, then head into Disneyland to truly succeed at adulting (And yes, that last bit sounds like the opening to a rad 80’s movie in which I fall in love with a bad boy named Chip, but bear with me). Having a little bit of booze in your system feels a little naughty, and a lot of that feeling stems from the fact that Disneyland is a dry park (except for Club 33. I bet Chip would take me there and I could’ve been done with my Slurpee days! I digress). Starting April 1st, Disney’s California Adventure is bringing back the Food and Wine Festival, which is making the past Slurpee version of myself so darn happy. Tower of Terror and wine? And drinking in the park is completely encouraged? Where do I sign?

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Disney’s California Adventure used to always be the ‘break time’ park for my friends and I. Once we hit all the rides in Disneyland that we wanted to see, we’d take a break and wander over to Disney’s California Adventure for a margarita, then go see a parade or show before heading back into Disneyland. Usually, the trip over would be a hassle to me. I would always wonder to myself, ‘Why can’t they just sell me margaritas at Disneyland to save me this trip over to DCA?’ Now, to be fair, I’m happy that Disneyland doesn’t sell booze. It adds a level of class to the place that I appreciate. What’s great about the Food and Wine Festival making its return to DCA from April 1st-May 1st after a 6-year hiatus, is that there is a special event tacked on to drinking at DCA, rather than it being the park for adults to have break time.

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Here’s what you should know about the event!

*Valid park admission is required to check out the event

*Major event highlights: Celebrity Kitchen hosted by superstar chefs, dozens of seminars and tastings, beers and spirits, lifestyle talks on art, gardening and wellness (all details available at www.disneyland.disney.go.com)

*Beverage Seminars:

Hosted by expert winemakers, sommeliers or brewmasters

Location: Sonoma Terrace

Running Time: 45 minutes

Size of class: 75 max

Price: $15

Includes: 3 sample tastings

**Recommendation: Visit www.disneyland.disney.go.com to reserve your table in advance! Various time slots available. Seminars are available on Fridays-Sundays.

Celebrity Kitchen:

Hosted by a variety of celebrity chefs!

Location: Stage 17

Price: $99 per person plus tax and gratuity

Running Time: 90 minute demo in front of live audience

****Check-in begins 1 hour prior to event

Recommendation: Space is very limited, so book in advance online.

*There’s a different chef featured every Saturday. Check online for schedule, so that you can book your preferred chef. Guy Fieri is featured on April 9th!!!

Hope these tips help you out if you’re looking to attend! Otherwise, I may see you on the pier in the spring as I sip my margarita! Have a great week, everyone!

Erika Jenko
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Disneyland Spring Rides

Some attractions just feel right for Spring. Maybe it’s the colors. Maybe it’s characters. Maybe it’s just the feeling you get. Regardless, Erika has a great slew of attractions you should spend time on this Spring!

Erika Jenko
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