A Legacy of Making Memories

This past Sunday, the world lost a truly great and inspiring man. Mike Rodriguez passed away October 16, 2011. Mike loved his family, and he loved to make memories.

One of Mike's lifetime goals was to take his entire family to the "Happiest Place on Earth," Walt Disney World. Two years ago he fulfilled this goal and took each of his five children, all of their spouses and children, and his wife Darin to Florida to experience happiness as a family. Mike may be gone, but those memories he made during his life will live on with those he cared for. Those cherished moments will serve as a reminder of his love and of his pursuit of happiness.

At his funeral service, as I was listening to each of his children stand and honor him with words of appreciation and respect, I couldn't help but hope that someday my children would speak similar words of me. I hope that Disney World, Disneyland, road trips, or whatever may end up being my go to memory-maker, will truly be what my children remember me for. Because it is during those trips, and those experiences, that we get as close to perfection as possible while on this earth.

The place we decide to make these memories is irrelevant, but the effort and devotion to make them is essential to their existence. Mike knew this, he lived his life making eternal memories with those he loves.

"The world has not lost such an imaginative mind since we lost Walt Disney" -Jon Rodriguez

Avatar at the Disney Parks!!!

That's right, you heard it. Avatar is going to be a new "land" in Disney World's Animal Kingdom. Everything is in the Blue Sky phase right now so there are little details on what exactly a Disney/Avatar experience would entail.

Granted not everyone loves the movies, and many people probably think that Avatar doesn't really fit in a family-oriented Disney world, but I don't think that any of us can argue that the world of Avatar (Pandora) is a magical one that we all wants to visit, and who better to do that than Disney.

If you think about the integration of Star Wars and Indiana Jones into the parks, they have provided some of the most beloved Disney attractions, yet they aren't from Disney. So this isn't something new for Disney to adopt popular material into their parks.

I am personally pretty excited about the potential of Disney's Pandora, especially with the technological mind of James Cameron being so heavily involved. What do you think???

To read more click here for the official announcement and here for a follow up FAQ or here for a fun list of "suggested rides"

History of Disneyland

Check out this really cool infographic of the history of Disneyland. It highlights all of the major events in the parks history since it's opening.

A NEW REASON TO CELBRATE DISNEYLAND DAY!!!!

Watch the video before you read anything



So, we are going to be moving Disneyland Day for 2012 to January 27 & 28th since the baby is due 5 days after the previous Disneyland Day in March (currently set for March 16th). The reason for this date is that Brit (hopefully) will be "power walking" her 1/2 marathon still on the 29th.

We are so excited to add to our family. We are excited to celebrate our baby's birthday (and Savy's) every year by continuing to have Disneyland Day in March, but for obvious reasons it'll be different this year.

This means that the Mouse Hunt challenge will start sometime in early December to get ready for an awesome ROUND 2 of the Annual Mouse Hunt challenge.

Thanks to everyone for your love and support!

Awesome Disneyland Photos!

Here is a link to a great site that Savanna sent my way, check out some of the cool pics they have!

Click here to see more

No more awkward lap sitting

Well, I have been gone at Sony for 2 months, I have A TON of news to post about, but it's a bit overwhelming so I thought I'd start with this sneak peak of the new bob sleds for the Matterhorn. Are you glad there will be no more lap sitting? Or did you like the uncomfortable/fun bouncing around?

Pixar's Brave

I know it's not technically Disneyland news, but since more than half of all new attractions at Disneyland are from Pixar movies, this will most likely make an appearance in the parks someday.

Here is the newly released trailer