The Disney Machine

I've been a bit lax in posting stories from a trip to Atlanta for my cousin Josh's graduation from basic training at Ft. Benning, GA...

Cousins...Stefan and Josh

...and Matty's first birthday that included a trip to the zoo and much more. Click on the links for more photos.

I just couldn't resist posting more about the Disney machine though. Prior to visiting Disney on Ice in Denver last Saturday, my sister and I were talking about how whoever created the "Disney Vault" where all of the Disney movies go into and come out of for special releases is a genius. I own copies of Disney movies I probably wouldn't for fear I'll never again have the chance to buy Alladdin (I love me some Abu).

Well, Disney on Ice was quite an adventure as well. From the time you walk in you are inundated with opportunities to spend money! Want your picture with a cardboard cinderella? $12 without the frame, $16 with. Want a snow cone? You can only get it in a special Princess cup, and that'll run you $12. Cotton Candy? Must get it with an Incredibles mask, so that's another $10.

Cotton Candy + Mask

Not to mention the cool things that light up that kids MUST have, ranging from $12 - $20 (these do, however, come with a 2-year warranty...good work Disney)!

Needless to say, good thing this trip was on mama's dime (I did buy my own $4 Dippin' Dots :). The kids had a good time...I'll admit, it was a pretty good show!

Morgan was really looking forward seeing the Princesses, so when only Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella were there, she cried for The Little Mermaid and Belle...poor girl! As a friend of mine said later that night...The Little Mermaid was obviously under the frozen pond everyone was skating on. Ha!