The Best of my Youth: The Proud Family

In the years I spent as a child watching cartoons on Disney, no show had ever broken barriers on race or stood out as a regular family animated sitcom better than The Proud Family. The Proud Family is an animated cartoon show that debuted in 2001 on the Disney channel. It was created by Bruce W. Smith and was nominated (and won) for multiple awards over the years, mostly for ‘Outstanding Performance in a Children’s Series’. To this day, this show is revered for it’s take on topics most TV shows would be nervous to air in today’s day and age.

The show follows Penny Proud, a young African American middle schooler, her family and friends during day to day life. Penny is a perfect mix of respectful and kind with the bratty ups and downs most middle schoolers experience. While she is the main character we follow in each episode, there are enough unique and spunky characters she bounces off of that it makes each one a joy to watch. The best thing about it is each character is relatable in some way, shape or form that makes you think, yeah I’ve experienced this to.

This show dared to touch upon subjects that most show nowadays would never show in fear of backlash. In episodes like Culture Shock, Seven Days of Kwanzaa and I Had A Dream, Penny deals with learning about and accepting her heritage as well as learning about others- including Black History Month. I episodes like The Altos, we learn about bullying and what a child deals with while their parents divorce through Sticky’s eyes. Nowadays tv shows are too scared of backlash to air things like these, heck Disney hardly shows anything remotely similar to it- but these are proof that children can handle and learn from shows the right way. It’s all about respect taught at a young age and being open to watch them.

TV shows of today need to bring a little more substance to them similar to how The Proud Family ran. It not only opens up the demographics of who watches them, but it also teaches youth without throwing it into their face blatantly. I know the show is also not perfect, as it does play to stereotypes mostly for comedy. Would shows like this help turn around today’s world? I can’t answer that, but at least our children would learn about morals and have a bit of a laugh doing so!

Disney and my Dog

When growing up on Disney movies, you tend to want to live with the things and people you experience while watching it. With some it was Dalmatians, clown fish, super heroes or being a princess; for me it was owning my very own Lady from Disney’s Lady and the Tramp.

When I was in eighth grade my parents decided it was time to get me a dog so I could have a companion. They knew I had a love of Lady and while it was their first time buying a pet, they thought they knew enough about the breed. The same thing happened when I got my dog; she was supposed to be playful, active and healthy like Lady was, right?

Wrong.

I get that all Spaniels are different and while you may have had a Cocker Spaniel that was everything I described, that’s great. My dog Daisy is every bit as lovable as a Spaniel is supposed to be but she is riddled with health problems.

When a movie or TV show comes out that entices people with an animal (in this case a dog breed), the breeders sell dogs to people who are uneducated or who just run out and impulse buy based on these characters. It happened in 101 Dalmatian’s release and thousands of dogs wound up in the shelter after people realize how active and unlike the character the breed really was. While Lady and the Tramp didn’t cause a large influx in breed purchases like the Dalmatians did, they were still popular enough that breeders readily over bred these dogs and destroyed an already fragmented genetic dog.

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Cocker Spaniels are prone to a number of genetic diseases. Genetic diseases are problems inherited from their parents being inappropriately bred. While many Cocker Spaniels live healthy lives, those wrongfully bred come with a slew of problems from eye diseases, Hepatitis, Hip Dysplasia to Hypothydroidism. My parents weren’t aware of this and purchased Daisy from a backyard breeder and gave her to me as a Christmas gift.

No one tells you how medically needy Cocker Spaniels can be. From the time Daisy was a puppy, she’s suffered from a dropped bladder, eye problems, separation anxiety, seborrhea and several allergies. Times have been tough and she can be expensive, but growing up with her was actually more beneficial for me then never owning her. I spent the years owning her, researching the breed and the health problems, trying to keep her active and learning how to properly care for her breed. In doing so, I actually don’t see myself owning anything but a Cocker Spaniel because the love they give (regardless of their health) makes them a valuable breed to own.

Disney did the best thing in the world for a kid like me at the time. The company brought me a joy I never could have imagined owning. While it did have drawbacks with many people who bought their dogs, for me I grew to appreciate the breed I own. I don’t regret falling in love with the breed and I could never imagine life without Daisy in my life.

So thank you Walt, for bringing me and my dog together.

Spot

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The Best of my Youth: Recess

So many of us look back on our days at school and remember how much joy it brought us. Ignoring the tantalizing homework that now as an adult doesn’t seem so bad, we tend to remember all of the things we particularly enjoyed. Friends, our creative minds and most importantly: recess. In the case of the t.v. show Recess created by Joe Ansolabehere and Paul Germain, we can relive the freedom and creativity that being a kid meant.

Recess premiered on ABC in 1997 before moving onto the Disney channel in the early 2000’s. The show was a success to both the young and older audiences, bringing a fresh take on what it means to be a kid in elementary school. It has trends that follow the normal school cliches while making it unique enough to remain a staple in most 90’s kids memories as one of the best kid shows aired on Disney.

Recess follows six kids in the day to day life of school and their daily struggles in growing up alongside their peers. T.J. Detweiler, the leader of the group has excellent leadership and rallying skills when it comes to standing up for what’s right. Next in line is Vincent LeSalle who is the athlete of the group and presumably the best one in the school (I am always amazed to this day how he can play just about any sport SUPERB, heck he even cooks). Ashley Spinelli (aka Spinelli) is the tomboy and tough guy who isn’t afraid to stand up for others with force. Mikey Blumberg is a gentle and large 10 year old who, instead of fighting prefers poetry and dance even when viewed as uncool. Gretchen Grundler is the smart one in the group (like extremely smart), and Gus Griswold who is the shy and unpopular (often bullied) new kid in the school. Each of them together better the others and counters their flaws- making a perfect cast.

Though the cartoon is made for kids, it represents freedom in all of its forms. When watching the show, themes of social orders, monarchy, justice system and finding oneself rings true in each episode. Not only that but each kid had their own problems to learn to deal with that they either learn on their own or with help from their friends. Take Spinelli for example: she is the toughest kid in the show but has to deal with feelings of love, embarrassment and stereotypes of young ladies of the social norm. Another prime example is T.J. himself going so far for freedom that he may be irrational, as seen perfectly in the episode Economics of Recess. Each learns to mature through their friends, and the dynamic they all have together still shines through to this day.

This show was a staple to my childhood. I’d come home from school with a snack, or lay in bed sick watching this show. There were funny jokes, cool pranks and I could see a little of myself in each of the main crew. I remember learning about how being a child watching this, my recesses were filled with hopes and imagination spent with my friends.

I love Recess as a kids show. While it’s animation in today’s world seems lackluster and there are a few poor episodes, it still holds high the value of being a kid in school just looking to be a kid. Every character was memorable and if I can remember a show 18 years after watching it and go to rewatch it, then it sounds like a pretty good show to me. We all have to be an adult someday (trust me it happens quickly), so why not enjoy the time you have as a youth?

Let’s Talk: Mickey Memories

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Disney has been it’s fair share of love and hate. I am one of those fans that loves Disney, but I won’t be quiet just because I love it. Honestly this collection caused a roller coaster of emotions: happiness if I got a plush, extreme disappointment if I missed and anger if the purchase went through and then got an email saying they oversold and I wasn’t getting it. But before we get into that further, let’s talk a bit about what the memories are.

It’s Mickey’s 90th birthday!

This is a milestone meant to be celebrated, and Disney went above and beyond by introducing the Mickey Memories collection. Disney released a mickey mouse plush, pin, mug and ornament in honor of the years Mickey has been around. Every third Saturday of the month this year a limited supply of plushies, pins and mugs are released in the early morning.

While they are adorable and well made, the problem is obtaining them. I get they are limited edition, limited release but that doesn’t mean we should have to try to purchase them Hunger Game style . There’s a couple reasons why fans of the series have been in an uproar.

1. They release at 3 am, however don’t state specifically when the site will update. This means some people see the items on sale exactly at 3am while others may see it 10-30 minutes later. This is incredibly irritating, especially for those of us who have no Disney Store nearby to wait in line for one instead.

2. They over sell their products and take your money out of the account and give you an order confirmation, however you get a cancellation email 24-48 hours later and then it takes another week to have your money returned.

The worst part about it is that even though they only allow one plush per household, eBay sellers somehow presell them or still manage to buy multiples and sell them online for 3x the amount they’re worth and because there weren’t enough sold online, collectors like myself who want the plushes either went without or had to pay triple for them.

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3. Before the complaints stock piled, ShopDisney basically just said “Oh, our bad, have a $5 coupon” and kept moving forward. They fixed it in June by preordering the July plush to random customers who had orders that were cancelled.

The Disney store is trying to do better though, so I give them credit. After the site oversell of the plushies from the June Mickey I wanted, customer service called me in July and allowed me to pre-order that months plushie. On top of that, they are apparently increasing the production of plushes as of last month so even though I don’t like how this goes, I’m still going to wake up at 3 am tomorrow to try to get the September one.

Don’t get me wrong please! I adore Disney, and this Mickey Memories collection has been very impressive. It’s just frustrating from a consumer to even have to deal with something this chaotic.

But if you don’t like it Spot, don’t buy it.

That’s very true, however I am a fan of Mickey and am interested in trying to invest in something I love (aka plushes). I’m just voicing my concern that collectors would like a fair shake at the collectibles by making sure you don’t over sell your product and maybe make a bit more since you know they are a big hit.

Every company has flaws, and you can’t improve without listening and addressing complaints that customers have. By doing so you will have less of a backlash, and celebrate the joy that Walt and his fellow creators brought to life In November 1928!

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See you next time folks,

Spot

Top 10 Underrated Disney Movies

As we enter the fall and winter months, a few new Disney movies are on their way into theaters. With Christopher Robin leaving, we are preparing ourselves for Mary Poppins Returns and Wreck-It Ralph 2 which break into theaters this upcoming holiday season.

Nothing makes me feel happier than looking back at all of my favorite movies, but I noticed something. There are quite a few movies out there that are under appreciated, or not talked about nearly as much as the normal Disney movies. Quite a few of them are loved by me, yet sad to see next to no merchandise *clears throat*. Anyways, I put them in a list of my top 10 favorite yet underrated Disney movies (which yes, includes Pixar).

Please note this list is based on my favorites and is based solely on my opinion! If your favorite isn’t on the list I’m sorry, but feel free to leave a comment!

10. Meet the Robinsons

Meet the Robinsons is a slightly touchy feel comedic movie made in 2007 that tends to touch on moving forward in life despite mistakes that have been made. It gets a bit of flack because despite the bright colors and crazy characters, it’s a bit lackluster in the way it presents its story.

The reason I urge you to take a look at it, despite its many flaws, is because you can see just how one decision can alter the future; it also gives decent lessons to your children about the importance of moving on and continuing to try new things even if you fail. This movie (if you can manage to watch it), while it is a wild ride is actually pretty touching and is worth at least seeing once.

9. Brother Bear

Despite the general plot that this 2003 movie has, the music and the animation is gorgeous. This story follows the Inuit boy Kenai losing his brother from a fight with a bear that he provoked, however gains a brother in the bear cub of the bear had killed in revenge.

The music brought a smile to my face all the time as a child; I used to dance to it with my younger sister because it was just had so much emotion in it. The movie in general was filled with emotion; it serves as a colorful and fun adventure story that teaches you about your love and compassion for siblings.

8. Oliver and Company

This movie is a fantastic and fluffy adaptation for Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist that was released in 1988. It’s filled with energetic characters while showcasing both sides of New York that most of us know of. While being another talking animal movie, one can’t underestimate the charm of Dodger and the wit of Oliver.

7. Pocahontas

A controversial movie for its racial tones and lack of historical accuracy, Pocahontas is still a pretty great movie. Between visuals, gorgeous soundtracks and an all to real villain, this movie is worth checking out.

6. The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Why no one really talks about this film is beyond me.

This movie is one of Disney’s darker films next to The Black Cauldron. With religion, lust, and what truly makes someone a monster the running themes for this movie, you will be completely immersed in it, despite the ridiculous gargoyles who act as comedic relief.

5. The Emperor’s New Groove

This movie is a hilarious approach to teaching someone all about ethics and how disregarding them can affect ones self. While it is slap stick comedy, its gorgeous art style and the way the story is told with effective fourth wall breaking, this one is a top movie to enjoy with your family.

4. The Black Cauldron

The Black Cauldron was released in 1985, the first movie of Disney to receive a PG rating (when it actually almost became PG13). It is a controversial movie that gets its name for having dark and frightening themes, known and loved by old time Disney fans.

This movie follows the hero Taran on a quest to rescue his pig (who is also an oracle) from the horrifying Horned King on his world conquest. This coming of age adventure story isn’t something I wanted to watch more than once as a kid, but I respect it deeply now that I’m older, as it is the beginning of Disney branching out from the usual “Disney-esque” movie….it’s just still a bit frightening even as an adult, which makes it fun!

3. The Incredibles

The Incredibles is…well… incredible! It was ahead of its time when it was released in 2004, the character are well developed and the villain is probably one of the most impactful still to this day. It’s a mix of superhero and spy movies which is shown beautifully through new animation technology of the time. This movie is one you don’t want to miss, and while you’re at it check out the second movie The Incredibles 2 which came out this past summer.

2. Atlantis: The Lost Empire

I’m honestly surprised this movie didn’t make enough money in the box office. It used more CGI than any other film before it, but blended so well you could barely tell. The characters were from the early 1900’s and you could feel like you were a part of their world, following them through dangerous caverns and exploring the land of Atlantis. I really don’t need to say more.

1.Treasure Planet

This is out of all the underrated films, my absolute favorite. The characters (especially Jim) had so much growth, and having pirates in space is so flipping refreshing. It has a pretty good story line and while it isn’t perfect, its breathtaking visuals and intense action sequences makes this movie one of the best underrated film I have had the pleasure of seeing.

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Written 9/12/18

Let’s Go for a Run! RunDisney

Hey lovely Disney fans!

It’s that time of year: fall! The Virtual Running Shorts may have ended in August but the race is still on with the main stay races.

What is RunDisney?

RunDisney is a running vacation where guests get to plan a vacation to go along with a race they sign up for. Basically a run for fun, this started in 1994 and has both marathons (5k and 10k) and kids races that take you through the theme parks.

While I have yet to try one of the themed weekends at the resort, I have competed in my first virtual RunDisney. This means that I ran at my own pace for the 5k and get a certificate and medal upon completion. You can sign up for one, two or all of the races that take place each month and is a fabulous way to start off small before heading into a 5k if you are new to this as I am. It was a blast to listen to the runners playlist they have on Spotify and get to walk/fast walk around my old schools track. Had it not been for medical problems, I would have run again this year.

Each run has a different theme which ranges from Star Wars to Disney Faeries, and you can dress up in gear showcasing the theme and take pictures with characters. The virtual run has a theme as well that ties into each months run; the run for the virtual 2017 was themed for Pluto. I ran in August as I had only JUST learned about the virtual run in July after the entries closed. I wish I had heard about it sooner!

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In addition to running and earning a Disney themed medal, Disney makes independent donations to the Boys & Girls Clubs across Florida in the virtual runs honor, while the main runs in Disney choose different charities to help- I believe next year they are working with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

I strongly urge you, if you are looking for a fun way to exercise and help others while showing off your love for Disney to please try at least one run. It does a world of good while showcasing your hard work and love for running!

See you tomorrow!

Spot

Going to Disney: Medical Needs Edition

Hello fellow Disney lovers!

I spent my weekend of moving, sick. I suffer from a chronic illness that likes to rear its ugly head whenever it feels like it, despite treatment.

While I was in bed resting both days, I kept thinking about my travels to Disney after my diagnosis and how having an illness affected my trips in recent years. It really had affected my enjoyment of the park as there were new situations I had to prepare for, and I didn’t really think of them until -after- I got to the park at how things had changed. So I thought it’d be helpful to post tips on dealing with travelling to Disney while having medical needs.

Check the Guest Services Department for Guests with Disabilities

I know most people don’t need to be told, but the direct website to Disney World has many links and services available for those who have any questions. Not only that, but they have ECVs for rent that is typically $50 to use daily and requires a deposit that is refundable at the end of the day; if that isn’t your style then they also have regular wheelchairs for rent as well for $12 a day. Be sure to check their website for more details, as I’ve heard these things go very fast!

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/guests-with-disabilities/

Know your Limits

The most important thing you need to remember is to know what you are able to do and what you’re unable to do. It would definitely stink to land in the hospital during your visit because you over stepped your boundaries! If you need to take a break, rest up. If you have a specific time you have to eat, plan a visit to a snack line or restaurant a little ahead of time to avoid any unnecessary ill feelings.

Take into Account your Location

I know this one ties in with the “Know your Limits” section, but it is equally important to take into account is the location and its weather. Florida for example ranges in temperature throughout the four seasons; in winter to spring it can be as high as the 70’s with summer going into the 90’s and higher. Not only that, but Florida tends to get rain showers that can either come and go in hours or last days- and don’t get me started on hurricane season! The varying weather can affect you and your mobility and hydration, so be sure to keep an eye out for weather and bring an umbrella!

Locate all Nearby Restrooms

Anyone with children know that knowing where restrooms are is pretty important- the same can be said for those with medical problems. My medical illness causes frequent and urgent visits to the bathroom, so I know how important they are. It is highly important to try to keep track of them for the sake of an emergency!

Prepare for the Trip

Make a checklist of all things you need for the trip and pack them ASAP-anything that can’t be packed until last minute should be placed near your bag so you see it and can pack it right before you leave (it also doesn’t hurt to double and triple check your list). If you have a doctor or specialist who you meet up with, go over any concerns with them. Pack snacks, plenty of fluids and don’t forget your medication!

It also doesn’t hurt to locate all nearby hospitals with their phone numbers, best routes and what insurance is accepted. Trust me, emergencies don’t care where you are so it’s best to be prepared.

Try to Pick Off Seasons

So Disney is pretty busy year round, but there are times you definitely are going to be more comfortable. A definite no-no (from sad experience) is the Holidays like Christmas, 4th of July and Thanksgiving.

The best times to go are February, the first 1-2 weeks of May, mid August till the end of September. November and December can be iffy and are an “at your own risk” due to the main staple holidays taking place. If you go at any of the other times listed above (from my experience) you are usually in less of a crowd and lines are more manageable.

Make Plans, Be Flexible

Last but not least, try to plan out your trip and what you want to do but be flexible about it. Your medical is most likely (like mine) random and sporadic and can throw curve balls at you. Try to enjoy yourself but if you can’t get on all the rides you wanted to or try the foods you wanted, that’s fine- don’t stress about it. Disney is meant to be a wonderful and happy experience; make the most of what you can and make some memories!

Spot

Types of Disney Fans

Hi fellow Disney fans!

Disney has so many wonderful things to celebrate, including it’s fans. With so many characters, movies, parks, rides and food, there is so much to enjoy. Over the years, I have found there are many different types of Disney fans. Maybe you are one of these (or all of them!) and interested in finding out a bit more about the others. It doesn’t matter what type of fan you are but it’s fun to know nonetheless, so here are the types of (positive) Disney fans I know about!

The Collector Enthusiast is the Disney enthusiast that is into getting all the cool limited edition items. From pin trades and limited release plushes to exclusive Dooney and Bourke bags, collectors go crazy and are willing to spend the money to acquire said items. Travel and expense can sometimes mean nothing, as some items are only available in certain parks or on the site for a specific time. I myself am guilty of being a collector, as I have several lithographs and the fabulous Mickey Memories plushies (more on those in another blog)!

The Stylists are fans who put together outfits and cosplays or custom make bows and ears for themselves and others to enjoy at the parks and events. They want to show off their love for movie characters by recreating them and to be honest I am always amazed at how finely detailed they put things together. Their creativity and adoration are awe inspiring and worth admiring if you ever come across them.

The Artists create fantastic works through digital art, pen and paper, crafting, etc. While not all art made is erm…appropriate (as there’s exception to any rules), the artwork that is usually made is beautiful and true to the Disney name. Many artists like to sell their work, others make it for portfolios- but no matter what they do, their art speaks volumes about their passion.

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Art by me, Sam 2018

The Foodies enjoy the finer things of the parks. Celebrating the park food regularly and spending time at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival, these fans love trying all the new and exciting things the park chefs have to offer- maybe even try making them themselves at home!

The Park Enthusiasts are those of the fans who love each and every park- even going on every ride and not afraid to wait for it! The thrills and enjoyment that comes from the parks is what drives these enthusiasts wild.

The Hyper Fans know pretty much all the lines to the movies, all the songs and even know tons of historical knowledge of the parks and the company itself. Knowing and showing off their knowledge is what makes them amazing- they know things I myself would never have even guessed!

The Casual Fans are casually into the craze and while they know and remember a lot, aren’t driven to memorize facts or every song (or character), and that’s cool. There’s nothing wrong with being a casual fan; they are there to enjoy what they want to enjoy and just enjoy watching the movies simply because it’s Disney.

And that’s the list of Disney fans; where do you fit? Or are you a little of them all? I myself am definitely a mix of a few of them; let me know where you fit in, or if you know of any other types?

See you next time!

Spot

Old Shows VS New Shows

I thought I’d start my blog with the topic of television shows that are on Disney. When I was a kid, nothing ever beat watching cartoons when I got out of school! The shows were pure enjoyment and memorable, but how do today’s shows hold up to the good old days?

To be honest they don’t.

I can hear a few people picking up their pitchforks but please hear me out; are there honestly any TV shows on Disney in today’s day and age that could withstand the test of time? I’m sure many 20+ year olds reading this remember many great shows from the 90’s and early 2000’s. Recess, The Proud Family, The Ink and Paint Club, That’s So Raven and Duck Tales are a few to name that even if you didn’t watch it, I’m sure you’ve heard of at least one before. They were a pleasure to watch no matter how many times an episode aired, and to this day I still watch them.

Now let’s talk about the current shows.

What do you remember about them? Liv and Maddie, Bizaardvark, Bunk’d and Stuck in the Middle are great examples. Each TV show is basically live action and the cast have to know how to sing with each show having almost he same exact episodes just with different cast members. Animation isn’t cheap, I know, but it’s frustrating to see how much the company milks a child star who has to be able to sing, make stale reused jokes while adding nothing new to the mix. It’s all very repetitive and boring to watch.

While today’s shows aren’t all up to par, it doesn’t mean there aren’t a few diamonds in the rough *coughs*. Andi Mack is a compelling TV show with complex characters and a fresh story, and Tangled The Series brings new concepts to a movie with characters we love and broadens the horizons. It seems like there’s less shows on Disney nowadays to enjoy (heck my young sister doesn’t even like watching it) but the ones that are being aired are worth watching.

So what does this mean exactly?

I’m hoping that Disney tries to head back to their old roots by bringing in more shows like the older ones I’ve mentioned previously. To be honest, they are already heading back on the right track; with the Duck Tales reboot ending it’s first successful season, it seems that maybe they are starting to listen to their consumers who care deeply about them. But this is a topic for another day.

What are your thoughts or opinions on the new and old Disney shows? Let me know, and I’ll see you tomorrow!

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The Journey Starts Here!

Welcome fellow Disney Enthusiasts!

My name is Sam and Disney has been a big part of my life. REAL big. Since I was born, most of my things were Disney oriented. From clothes to bedding, I was decked out in the House of Mouse and very proud of it.

Life has been difficult- not going to lie. I suffer from some medical and at times when I was a child it felt overwhelming; however my mom would turn on The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, etc and it seemed to help me cope better. I found Disney made my life feel hopeful, like it was my personal pixie dust. And because of that, I bring to you my blog called “A Spot of Disney”.

“Everyone falls down. Getting back up is how you learn how to walk.”
— Walt Disney

So what is this blog about?

In my blogs, there will be new and fun topics that I welcome open discussion on. Here are some of the topics I’ll be writing about:

Disney TV shows and movies of the past and present
Product reviews
Park tips and tricks
How to enjoy the park even with health problems
Some Disney downsides (as I know the company isn’t perfect)
Disney News

And tons more! I hope you explore the world of Disney with me and maybe find some useful information along the way. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and I’ll see you soon!

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