My Disney Time, Week 23: Mick Tracy

Summer vacation is almost here. My Disney Time, Week 23 features a watch I bought back in the Summer of 1990.  

My Disney Time, Week 23: Mick Tracy

Disneyland used to host a Summer Company Picnic for its Cast Members. You have to remember that in 1990, there was only one park and half the Cast Members that exist today at the Disneyland Resort. So, a company picnic was manageable. There was always a theme and it ran most of the day so that Cast Members could come before or after their work shifts. 

In the summer of 1990, Disney released Dick Tracy.  The movie was released under Touchstone Pictures which is owned by the Walt Disney Company. It was a big summer movie release that year. So it made sense that Disneyland would support it in different ways.  

The theme for the summer 1990 Disneyland company picnic was Mick Tracy. It was a pretty fun theme since Mickey Mouse was outfitted in the same Dick Tracy costume. The colors were the same and even the images were similar. The character Dick Tracy had a watch communicator that he used. He would say into his watch "I'm on my way." So a MICK TRACY watch just made sense in the world of Dick Tracy and Disney.  

I purchased my Mick Tracy at the company picnic. It was a limited watch design in that it was only sold that summer. The back of the watch has the year and MICK TRACY in that same font style as the Dick Tracy marketing brand. 

Hope you all have some great summer adventures planned.

TICK TOCK! 

-Daisy

My Disney Time - Week 22, Disneyland Canoe Races

Happy June! It's that time of year at Disneyland where the Cast Members will be firming up their teams. So My Disney Time, Week 22, features the Disneyland Canoe Races.  

My Disney Time, Week 22: Disneyland Canoe Races

This Disneyland tradition has been going strong since 1963. It is a highly anticipated Cast Member event. It's an awesome Cast activity with the ultimate sacrifice to be at The Rivers of America as early as 5am. You have to row before the Park opens at 8am. There are several weeks of qualifying rounds. There are Co-Ed teams, Women's and Men's. Even Cast Members from Burbank who work at The Disney Studios have been known to participate. Every year the teams get seconds faster. 

I had to experience it so I can proudly say that I have participated in my share of the Disneyland Canoe Races. Once on a Women's team and another on a Co-Ed team. You can't beat the adrenaline rush that comes with the race. You feel the burn in your arms immediately. It's a grueling workout in a short amount of time. I've cheered my teams on as a spectator, too. That's almost just as fun to lift up the teams in that final stretch. 

I bought this special watch in 1993. It was a special design to commemorate the 30th anniversary of this Cast Member event. I love all the characters that are in the canoe. If you look closely, it is definelty a Disney character canoe team divided. Their oars are in opposite directions. It was a limited piece and I have #358 out of a 1000. 

This year will mark the events 50th anniversary. I am sure it will be an early morning summer spectacular. There have been teams that have been around every year. The Disneyland Canoe Races are all run by volunteer Cast Members, too. I encourage anyone who works at Disneyland to either watch or participate in a Canoe race. 

This post is dedicated to my die hard Disneyland Canoe friends, Danny and Brian. Danny twisted my arm to join his team and I got to row in my first race. We would get off work at 200 am, go to breakfast, and be back for the first time slot to row. Than we would go home, get some sleep and be back at work the next evening. Brian LIVES for these races. It wouldn't be Canoes without Brian on the dock. My other friend, Janet, needs some Canoe love, too. I am confident that Janet and her team organize run a memorable 50th Canoe Anniversary event.

Stroke! Stroke! Stroke! 

-Daisy

My Disney Time: Week 21 - It's Daisy Duck!

Happy end of May,

Last week I featured my Donald Duck watch. This week, I figured that Daisy Duck needed some attention. So, week 21 of My Disney time features one of my all time favorite watches from my collection, Daisy Duck!

My Disney Time - Week 21, Daisy Duck

Daisy Duck is known as Minnie Mouse's BFF. When I was growing up, there was very Daisy Duck souvenirs and paraphernalia available. When I worked at Disneyland, people knew that I collected all things Daisy Duck so they would notify me whenever something Daisy Duck was available. 

I didn't think twice about purchasing this Daisy Duck watch. The red band was a bonus as it is my favorite color. To top it off, it was a collectible piece. It was made to celebrate the original Ingersoll Character Watch collection. Ingersoll was the company that Walt Disney partnered with in 1948 for the first Mickey Mouse watch.

I do love that on the back of this watch it reads "DAISY". I have number 363 of 1900 pieces. It's a woman's size watch made for the fan of that sassy Daisy Duck. Every now and then, I either receive a card or something Daisy Duck as a gift from my family or friends who know that I am a fan of all things Daisy Duck. 

Tick Tock!

-Daisy

Color Me Some Cards

I was lucky enough to get away last weekend to go on a scrapbook retreat up in Big Bear. My friend, Debbie, a Creative Memories consultant, has organized this event for the past several years. My schedule finally worked out and it was great fun to get some scrapbook projects done as well as catch up with girlfriends.

I did bring a some new stamps, a couple ink pads, and Stickles. I had some white cardstock and used a special Creative Memories designer paper pack that we were given at the retreat. With my new Reverse Confetti stamps (Dream in Color and I Like You) plus some double-sided designer paper, here is what I came up with.

Card 1: Dream in Color

Card 2: Sunny Days

Card 3: Live in Color

These cards were so quick to put together. Sometimes it's almost easier or faster with a limited supply. When you are forced to use only what you have, you aren't distracted with so many choices. I will usually create 4 cards at a time with one design. So it was great to have a dozen cards made and ready to go to some special people.

My friend, Jennifer, just debuted her new company and these stamp offerings at Reverse Confetti. Go check out her design team and see the other creations they have come up, too.

My Disney Time, Week 20 - Happy Birthday, Donald Duck!

I have so many friends and relatives with a May birthdays. These celebrations made me remember that I have a Disney watch that commemorates a very special birthday, Donald Duck's 60th birthday in 1994.

My Disney Watch - Week 20, Donald Duck 60th Birthday (1994).

Who can't love this original angry bird? Donald Duck is comic relief and beloved friend of Mickey Mouse. His sailor suit is so iconic. I love that this watch features two of Donald's nemesis, Chip & Dale. These two lovable chipmunks live to make life a bit crazy for Donald. It is so appropriate that Chip & Dale serve as the second hand on this special watch. As they run around the watch, it looks like Donald is trying to shoo them away. 

I also like that the numbers on the watch are represented by embellishments that look like birthday candles. The watch did come in this really cute birthday cake box. There are images of Donald Duck as he has changed throughout the years.

There used to be a publication called "Disney Magazine". There were always a variety of Disney related articles, advertisements, and special product offerings. I purchased this watch from Disney Magazine as it was offered as a special commemorative watch for Donald's 60th birthday back in 1994. The back of the watch features the Disney Magazine logo and occasion of the watch. It was a limited release and I have #1416 of 5000.

Donald Duck looks pretty good after all these years of being angry and not having any pants, don't you think? He's one lucky duck to have been a Disney fan favorite for many years.

Wishing you all a great long weekend. On Memorial Day, take a moment to remember those who have sacrificed their lives while in the United States Armed Forces. God Bless America!

TICK TOCK!

Daisy

My Disney Time, Week 19 - Disneyland Castle

Week 19 for My Disney Time celebrates one of of my favorite things to do....go to the Disneyland Resort!

This year for Mother's Day, my family decided that they would take me to my favorite place and surprise me with a fabulous dinner. It started with a fun-filled afternoon at Disney's California Adventure (DCA), a ride on Tower of Terror, followed with a very fancy and delicious meal at the Carthay Cricle Restaurant.  

I went looking for a watch to commemorate the day but found some Mickey Mouse earrings instead. I asked the Cast Member what is the most popular watch they sell. She replied that most people request a watch with the Disneyland Castle on it. According to this Cast Member, there is not a current watch that features just the Disneyland Castle available for purchase. 

It got me thinking about just how many Disney watches I have that feature the Disneyland Castle. That is when I found this particular timepiece. The castle is in color and prominently featured. Sorcerer Mickey serves as a well placed element that really makes for a great Disney watch design. 

My Disney Time, Week 19 - Disneyland Castle & Sorcerer Mickey.

This watch was offered as a Cast Member exclusive in 1993. It was a limited edition offering and I have #154 out of 750. My favorite thing on the back of this watch is it says "Disneyland Official Cast Member 1993". 

I never pass up a chance to visit "the house of Mouse". It is always a good time when I get a chance to visit the Disneyland Resort. It's even better when I have my entire family with so we can make more great family memories.

TICK TOCK!

-Daisy

My Disney Time, Week 18 - Celebrating a Mother to 101 Dalmatians

It's that time to celebrate all things mom. My Disney Time, Week 18, features a very busy "mom" of some rambunctious "children". With 101 Dalmatians to look after, Perdita hardly has downtime. Perdita and Pongo already had 15 of their own when they decided to adopt 84 more dalmatians. Mom(Perdita) + Dad(Pongo) + 99 pups = A Hundred and One Dalmatians!

My Disney Time, Week 18 - 101 Dalmatians

My favorite element of this watch is seeing the dalmatian pups chasing each other around the watch, acting as the second hand. I also really like the simple black and white color scheme that reflects the dalmatians. The pop of red used as watch numbers was the perfect accent, too. This is another Cast Member only watch that was available at the Company D store. It only had a limited run of 1000 timepieces. I have 96 of 1000. 

When you think of Disney movies, you think of princess, princes, and funny sidekicks. You have to really think about Disney movie mothers since most Disney characters grow up without their mother. The evil stepmothers are infamous and most people can name those. I Found this entry with the lowdown about the roles of mothers in Disney media. 

A most recent Disney movie mom that you would not to mess around with is Helen Parr, aka Elastigirl, from the Incredibles. She is one tough mama. She's one mother I can easily relate when it comes to doing everything and anything to protect your kids from harm. 

I hope you have wonderful plans to celebrate all the special "moms" in your lives. A pretty watch that is chosen to reflect a hobby, passion, or momento can always make for a thoughtful Mother's Day gift. Happy Mother's Day!

TICK TOCK!

-Daisy

My Disney Time, Week 17 - Once Upon a Time (Snow White)

Once upon a time, there was a Disneyland Cast Member who collected Disney themed watches. 

Does that sound like someone you may know?

My Disney Time, Week 17 - Snow White with Dopey

My Disney Time, Week 17 features a Disney watch in a fun package. It reminded me of one of my current favorite shows, Once Upon a Time, which features a modern day Snow White character complete with Prince Charming and modern day dwarfs. I love how this watch was packaged in this faux storybook. Then when you open it, the watch is revealed.

Faux storybook - Front

Faux storybook - inside

The watch itself is very orante in its design. From the fancy oval gold trim, brown leather band, to the roman numerals. Of course it also has the most famous dwarf alongside Snow White. It shows the famous scene of Snow White getting ready to give Dopey a kiss on the head. The watch has all the charm of a fairytale.

There was a time when the Disney Store offered special edition watches. They were meant to be collected. They had different series' of special timepieces. This was one of the the storybook collections. I have #539 of 2000.

Happy May! Hope this new month is filled with some flowers and fairytale moments.

TICK TOCK!

-Daisy

Get your Bruxie on!

My friend, Jason, asked me to cover a media event for his blog, Sasaki Time. Happy my schedule worked out to help a friend and dine at one of my favorite places, Bruxie. There was a new Bruxie location opening in Huntington Beach so I went to scope it out. 

First, I love that there are now a growing number of Bruxie locations so that everyone can get a chance to enjoy these delicious eats. This is location number 5 for Bruxie. I went armed to take some notes. They passed out some yummy beverages like the Creamsicle float. Tasted just like an orange creamsicle.  All their sodas are made with pure cane sugar. They offer cola, orange, lemon-lime, vanilla cream colas plus root beer, too. I tried a spiced cola and it was delicious. Still tasted like cola with just a little hint of spice. 

Bruxie - 180 5th Street Huntington Beach, CA

This Huntington Beach is the perfect fit for the surf and beach crowd. The Bruxie waffle makes for a delicious light and crisp sandwich all around the clock. Everything is cooked when ordered. Choose either a sweet or savory combination and you have a surprisingly filling and great food alternative to beach burgers, hotdogs, and sandwiches. We were able to sample some of the most popular Bruxie menu offerings. 

Savory Waffles: Smoked Salmon Lox & Dill Cream Cheese, Green Eggs & Ham(grilled ham with arugula pesto), Hot Pastrami Bruxie

Sweet Waffles: Lemon Cream & Berries, Nutella & Bananas

There are lots of choices in both the savory and sweet categories. My kids love the Irish Nachos (I think we ate it all before we could snap a photo). It is crispy waffle fires with a homemade cheese sauce sprinkled with bacon, sour cream and chives. Can you blame us for inhaling that food offering? 

There are several salads that you can choose from, too. They do offer just "Belguim Originals" waffles if you just want a quick snack or treat. The frozen custard is thick and oh-so-yummy. That's why you have to go often so you can sample everything and decide for yourself which are you favorites. You almost have to decide if you want dessert or a meal; or make your meal from the sweet offerings. 

Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Waffle. Bruxie Salad

One of the features that make this Bruxie location different from the others is that there is a walk-up window. That is what makes it a perfect fit for Huntington Beach. Bruxie is located on a corner, not far the pier and close enough from PCH. Having that Bruxie Street-side window will be great for all that foot traffic. 

Grab some coffee or a latte, too. Bruxie has a full barista bar and offers Peet's coffee. That will hit the spot in the early mornings or cooler evenings. 

Bruxie Streetside window

The decor at Huntington Beach is signature Bruxie with the garage door type windows. Seat yourself and be ready to experience a Bruxie while enjoying the ocean breeze, too.

Thanks to Jason, for letting me cover this event for Sasaki Time. A special thanks to Mona, who was very welcoming and answered lots of my questions. Cheers to the Huntington Beach Bruxie Team for a great preview and preparing the yummy Bruxie offerings. 

Go for The Bold Fold!

-Daisy

PS: CLICK HERE to see a short BRUXIE video that we created for our visit to Bruxie, Huntington Beach. 

My Disney Time - Week 16, Matterhorn Bobsleds

My Disney Time, Week 16 features one of my kids' favorite ride, The Matterhorn Bobsleds. 

This watch was made to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Matterhorn attraction at Disneyland. Opening in 1959, the Matterhorn is such an icon in many ways. It is one of the attractions that you can see from the freeway; no other Disney park has a Matterhorn Bobsled ride; there are Cast Members and even Mickey Mouse who climb the Matterhorn on given summer days. There are so many stories about the Matterhorn, too. Back in the 1970s, Cast Members affectionally named the new addition of the Abominable Snowman, Harold, and it has stuck until today. The most famous story is of the "half-court basketball court" located within the Matterhorn and you can see it HERE.

My Disney Time - Week 16, 35th Anniversary of Matterhorn Bobsleds

I love all the details on this very colorful watch. From the iconic Disneyland font, the fancy silver rim with etched numbers, to Harold, the Abominable Snowman, serving as the second hand. Growing up in Orange County, California, it was always a treat to see the iconic Matterhorn Mountain as you drove pass it on the 5 Freeway. 

Since this watch was made to commemorate a big anniversary, it was limited to only 1000. I have #474 of 1000 made. 

Even as its bobsleds and attraction host costumes have evolved, Harold continues to give a good scare and the Matterhorn continues to host Tinkerbell during the fireworks shows. The Matterhorn attraction is truly vintage Disneyland and remains an "e-ticket" ride today.

TICK TOCK!

-Daisy

 

My Disney Time - Week 15, Main Street Merch 1992

For week 15 of My Disney Time, I am featuring this Cast Member watch that reminds me of my early Disneyland days as a Main Street Merchandise Cast Member. 

My Disney Time - Week 15: Main Street Merch 1992

This watch was made available as a fundraising effort towards the Main Street Merchandise end of summer banquet. The watch design was just so whimsical and captured the Main Street Merchandise Cast Member work shift. I remember that it was hand drawn by one of our supervisors. I love that Mickey and Minnie Mouse are wearing the costumes that we used to wear back in 1992. You had a choice of red or blue stripes. My favorite item on the watch is the old fashioned cash register. The dollar floats around for the second hand. 

The Market House brings back lots of Disneyland memories for me. It was the first location where I worked after I had completed my training. It really feels like an old fashioned general store with its decor, smell of coffee, and other food offerings. When I first worked there back in 1989, there were even old fashioned Sweda cash registers. There was a tax chart assist in manually figuring out sales tax . The numbers would rotate after you depressed all the buttons you needed for a transaction. It made a lot of noise but that was part of the charm and ambience. 

The Market House is now closed for renovation as that space will be converted to house a Starbucks location in Disneyland  scheduled to open sometime this fall. The Market House opened with Disneyland back in 1955. It's a location filled with nostalgia and Disneyland history. 

Tick Tock!

-Daisy

My Disney Time - Week 14, Retro Disneyland

I grew up watching re-runs of the original Mickey Mouse Club. I remember watching those Beach Party movie re-runs only because I wanted to see more of Annette Funicello. In the 1990s, I remember Annette on QVC as she introduced the world to her love of bears with her own collection. She even participated in at Disneyland's 1st Annual Teddy Bear Classic back in 1993. Those I know who have met her always remark at how genuinely nice she was. A true sweetheart. It was sad to hear of her death.

When you think of Annette Funicello, you can't help but think of Mickey Mouse and Disney. Been reading lots of heartfelt tributes on the internet and seeing lots of photos of her at Disneyland during the 1960s. It is always interesting to see photos of vintage Disneyland in its early days and see how people dressed back then. People dressed up in their Sunday best to go to Disneyland. 

This watch for Week 14 of My Disney Time reminds me of Disneyland in its early years.

Week 14 - My Disney Time, Disneyland Retro Watch

This watch is very retro in its overall design including the blue box it came in. I love the 1955 family that is on the face of the watch. Dad in his suit, mom in her pretty dress, and their two kids (a girl for her, a boy for him).  Junior has his Mickey Mouse ears so he is ready for Disneyland Fun. 

The blue box that is came in features some iconic attraction art in that era. Love the Disneyland classic logo done in that gold color, too. It all screams vintage Disneyland. 

My Disney Time, Week 14 - Retro Disneyland

This watch had a very limited run with only 500 pieces made exclusively for Cast Members. I like that "Disneyland" on the back of the watch was written out in its iconic font. The receipt was still in the box so I am able to document that I purchased this watch in 1995. Looks like this watch was designed to celebrate Disneyland's 40th Anniversary so it made sense that it had a retro feel to it. 

Photo from Disneyland Scoop

Disneyland Scoop had this photo on their Facebook page yesterday to remember Annette Funicello. I think it says it all about someone who was probably one of the first mega teen superstars.

Now it's time to say goodbye...

Tick Tock,

Daisy

My Disney Time - Week 13, A Very Goofy Watch

Thought this watch would be a good one to feature this week. April's Fools Day reminds me of Goofy. He is one pretty zany character who just goes with the flow. For all his clumsiness  and absent-mindedness, he is simply endearing. 

When this watch first arrived at the Main Street Store (New Century Jewelry), there was a lot of head scratching to figure this one out. The watch really exemplifies Goofy's character because the numbers and hands run counter-clockwise. It just takes a little time to get used to but it is sure a fun conversation piece.

My DIsney Time - Week 13, Backwards Goofy Watch

I remember a Guest who purchased the watch in the store who was a dentist. He loved it. With the small dentist mirror he used on his patients, he would be able to read this particular watch with no problem. It really sounds and looks goofy but half the fun is asking your friends to read the time for you when you have this watch on.

This Goofy design had come in a gold version made by Pedre Watch Co. I bought this gold backwards Goofy watch for my husband to enjoy. Lorus had also come out with the same backwards Goofy design but in a silver version. Other than the PEDRE name on the back of the watch, there are no other markings to note if this was a limited run. It's really a cool watch to have in my Disney watch collection since it is so unique and oh so Goofy!

TICK TOCK!

-Daisy

Have a Peep-Tastic Day

Had to make several quick cards for this weekend. Trying to be good and use up what I have.

Wishing you a wonderful spring weekend filled with sweet things, friends, family & hope!

-Daisy

DAY! (inside message)

Supplies: Lawn Fawn Chevron Backdrops, Avocado Arts Spring Medley, My Mind's Eye pre-folded, double-sided cards.

My Disney Time - Week 12, Guest Control

My Disney Time - Week 12, Guest Control Watch

Sharing another Disneyland Cast Member exclusive watch with you. This one even came with some kind of "easter egg" surprise with it.

It takes controlled planning to direct Disneyland Guests through the maze of ropes that may designate walkways during parades and shows. For the Cast Members who are assigned those roles of directing people traffic, that role (job) is referred to as GUEST CONTROL. 

Directing Guests can very much be an acquired taste of sorts. Some Cast Members are really good at and just love it. There is plenty of Guest interaction that happen on the Guest Control route. You are either chatting happily with Guests waiting for a show to start, or calmly, yet forcefully telling Guests to move. Guest Control on a very busy day can definitely be a challenge; and be full of great stories.

This week's My Disney Time features a watch with Mickey Mouse in his Guest Control costume complete with a Guest Control flashlight. I like that Mickey is featured and stands out on the watch face. There are no numbers on the face but you can see the military time around the rim of the watch. So helpful since Disneyland functions on military time. 

This watch not only came in a cool wooden box, but also had a little surprise in it. This collectible watch came with a coordinating Disney pin. In 1994, commemorative Disney Pins were still a new thing. It would another couple years before the Disney Pin Trading craze would really become popular. 

This collectible timepiece was limited to 750 pieces. I have number 184. What's not to love about a watch that features a full body Mickey Mouse complete with a matching Disney trading pin.  

Something like Spring Break is one of the busiest seasons at Disneyland. This watch reminds me of how important a function like Guest Control is at Disneyland in order to keep a little order during those show and parade times. 

Tick Tock!

-Daisy

My Disney Time - Week 11, Pirates 25th Anniversary

Avast! Pirates be here! 

Week 11 of My Disney Time brings another anniversary timepiece. This one celebrates the 25th Anniversary (1967-1992) of the Pirates of Caribbean attraction at Disneyland.

My Disney Time - Week 11, Pirates 25th Anniversary (Disneyland)

Pirates of the Caribbean officially opened March, 18 1967. It was one of the last projects that Walt Disney was actively involved in. It opened 3 months after Walt died.

It is such a popular ride, especially with the success of the Pirates of the Caribbean film series. It is has gone through a couple updates over the years. You can now even find Jack Sparrow running through the attraction. 

It was such a thrill to be able to have gotten one of these watches for the 25th Anniversary of Pirates of the Caribbean. The front of the watch features the skull and crossbones that adorn the archway before you enter into pirates darkness.  The back of watch has a faint map outline with the date and information of this limited edition watch. I love that t was a very small release to commemorate this event. I have number 158 of 500. 

It was one of my dad's favorite Disneyland attraction. It was one of the first rides with a lot of fantastic Audio-Animatronics. My dad was so fascinated with the life-like figures. It is fun to share his perspective with my kids today. The memories of riding through Pirates with my dad always warm my heart. It's a ride for generations to share.

Can you hear the music, too? "Yo-ho, yo-ho, a pirates life for me..."  

Gotta love that famous tune and those lyrics.... A song for all pirates at heart.

Tick-Tock!

-Daisy

My Disney Time - Week 10: New Fantasyland 10 Year Anniversary

I thought that this Fantasyland watch in my collection would be the appropriate one to share this week since Fantasy Faire just debuted at Disneyland the other day. 

My Disney Time - Week 10: New Fantasyland 10th Anniversary

Fantasyland is one of the original lands that opened with Disneyland in 1955. In 1983, Fantasyland went through a big remodel. This watch was made to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Fantasyland remodel. 

The watch face features Pinocchio with his cat Cleo. I love that Cleo the goldfish moves around the watch as the second hand. It had a very limited distribution. I have number 11 of 1000.

Since it happens to be March 14th, wishing you all a Happy Pi Day!

Tick Tock!

- Daisy

My Disney Time - Week 9

I am excited to share this week's watch. The coordinating box to this watch is just as interesting. Presenting the Indiana Jones Adventure watch. 

It was March 4, 1995 when the Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye attraction officially opened at Disneyland. It was a collaboration between Lucasfilm and Disney. This new attraction would serve as a prelude and inspiration for the Disneyland's 40th anniversary celebration (40 years of Adventures).

Indiana Jones Watch (top of watch crate)

The box that it came in represents a crate that is filled with wood shavings. It does feel like a genuine artifact - Disney style. This watch is highly themed to celebrate the Indiana Jones attraction. It is very detailed from the picture of Mara on the face, secret symbols, and the stamped leather band. 

My Disney Time - Week 9: Indiana Jones Adventure (Disneyland)

The queue was meant to be an interactive line so there are all sorts of details including some Marabic symbols that required decoding. When you would enter through The Temple, Guests were given a decoder to help decipher the symbols. These symbols are the same ones that are on the inside of the watch box crate. The symbols on the watch face spell out DISNEYLAND.

Indiana Jones Adventure Decoder card

Sadly, with the introduction of FastPass, Guests no longer wait through the interactive queue and mostly walk by all the fun messages and details that were thoughtfully located throughout the queue. There is no time to spend time decoding symbols and pretending to be like Indiana Jones looking for clues. The decoder cards are no longer distributed as they are not needed. 

This was a Cast Member exclusive and with a small production of 3000 pieces. I have number 790. The symbols on the back of the watch read TEAM PRIDE.

My husband, MacSparky, is a huge Indiana Jones fan. So this attraction is the best of both worlds(Lucasfilm + Disney) for our family. It is a really fun family adventure to board a jeep and follow Indiana Jones into the Temple of the Forbidden Eye. You see new things every time you ride it. There are a number of ride combinations that can happen each time. There are lots of backstories, fun facts and hidden Mickey's, too.

From the interesting watch design to the attraction to the Indiana Jones movies, there are so many things that come to mind with this watch. There are so many things to talk about with this Indiana Jones Adventure watch. So there are many reasons why I love this fun watch.  

Leaving you with a trailer for the Indiana Jones Adventure.

Tick Tock!

-Daisy

My Disney Time - Week 8

The watch I chose to feature this week brings back many, many dear memories. When I got a summer college job at Disneyland, I got hired into Main Street Merchandise. Main Street, USA is the very first area you walk into when you enter Disneyland. It was inspired by Walt Disney's hometown of Marceline, Missouri. 

My Disney Time - Week 8: Main Street USA

I love this watch for not only of the memories it brings, but for its color design. The watch features City Hall and the bright red iconic Mickey Mouse balloon. I like that it says DISNEYLAND as opposed to a more general term like DISNEY. FInally, I spoke about the 24 hour work clock used at Disneyland in Week 7. I like that this watch has military time around the rim.

This watch was made to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Disneyland. Main Street, USA was a "land" that opened with Disneyland in 1955, so it is an original of sorts. The watch was a limited piece available to Cast Members. I have #269 of 300 made. Gotta love those small edition timepieces. 

Main Street, USA is where lots of Disneyland magic begins. It's the street you walk on and get a first glimpse of The Castle. It's where you can get your maps, information, and shopping done. It's the first place you walk into, and the last place you walk out of Disneyland. For me, Main Street, USA was where my Disneyland career started.

TICK TOCK!

-Daisy

Some Disney Movie Fun - Oz The Great and Powerful

Oz The Great and Powerful sneak peak - Downtown Disney AMC

I got to take advantage of a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) perk that was offered to its members...a movie screening of Disney's new movie, OZ The Great and Powerful. It was a treat to see something before its official release. It was an extra treat that I got to invite some friends to have some Disney fun, too.

This movie was inspired by L. Frank Baum's Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The music was scored by Danny Elfman. We were given some pretty cool 3D glasses to watch OZ. The movie in 3D was absolutely gorgeous! The 3D effects were put in the right places to enhance the story and big screen experience.  

Cool OZ 3D spectacles

The story starts out in black and white as we are introduced to the main character of Oscar "OZ" Diggs (James Franco). When he ends up in the Land of Oz, the movie changes to full screen and color. I thought it was a cool nod to the 1939 Wizard of Oz movie production. Think of OZ the Great & Powerful as a prequel to the Wizard of Oz. You get to see the stories of the three Oz sisters (Glinda, Theadora and Evanora), and see how their interaction with Oz holds their fate. You will have to watch the movie to find out who of the sisters is the Wicked Witch. 

There are some new characters like Oz's loyal monkey friend, Finley and China Girl (loved her) that we are introduced to in this new movie. Munchkins, Tinkers, and Quadlings step in to help Oz in his quest to become the great and powerful wizard. Modern movie magic made this story come alive on the big screen. 

One of the tag lines for the movie is: "The land you know, the story you don't". OZ the Great and Powerful comes out in theaters next week, March 8th. I would totally recommend that this movie be viewed in 3D on the big screen to fully appreciate its beauty. This movie is a story of courage, dreams, and choices.

We each received a packet of marigold seeds, postcard and button to commemorate our fun day. 

It made for a great Saturday to share with one of my kids and my friends. We headed over to Disneyland for some lunch and more Disneyland fun. Cheers!

-Daisy