Happy Wednesday Main Streeters! Tonight’s update isn’t just about Florida living… oh no. We’re going to cover a pinch of California living too! The past two weeks have been a whirlwind, and I have so much to show you. Let’s get to it!
In the past two and a half weeks since we talked, my family came to town, both boys had their birthdays, my older kiddo graduated from high school, we went to Disneyland to cover the opening of Galaxy’s Edge, covered Disney Villains After Hours, and finally did the press junket for Toy Story 4. Whew, that was a lot to type, so you can imagine how crazy busy and tiring things have been. I’m not complaining though, because through the stress I know how blessed I am to do these things, and to have a family that supports us. It’s pretty great. Speaking of family…. it was so nice to have mine here for Andrew’s graduation. They stayed with us, and it was great to have them. Even my sweet one year old nephew was here, who I already miss. He’s such a good baby, and off the charts on cuteness too. It’s hard to believe that one of my kids is a graduate now. People told me when he was a baby to enjoy the time because it would go fast, and it certainly did. I’m so proud of him. Once the graduation fun was over, it was time to head to Disneyland to cover the opening dedication of Galaxy’s Edge.
I’ve made it no secret that I hate flying. But when work calls, you do what you have to do, especially when it’s such a wonderful opportunity. Our plan was to go to Disneyland in August to cover the D23 Expo, so this was a nice bonus. The weather was nice and mild in California, which was a great break from the Florida heat. Disneyland itself really does have it’s own special kind of magic. There’s something about being in Walt’s original park, walking where he walked. Very nostalgic. California Adventure is so much fun too, we absolutely love it there. Guardians of the Galaxy; Mission Breakout is a must do for us, but we love the entire park. Cars Land, Pixar Pier, World of Color…. sigh. I miss it already. The second day there was work time. I got to go into Galaxy’s Edge just after lunch time, but couldn’t post about it until evening per their strict rules, no spoilers. I was overwhelmed. Everything on Batuu is larger than life, you feel as if you’re in a movie. The Millennium Falcon ride is pretty realistic as well, I can’t wait for this land to open on our home turf at Walt Disney World. The opening ceremony and party was filled with celebrities, and I was truly in awe. I wanted to pinch myself, it’s truly surreal that I was asked to be there. Bob Iger did the ceremony… along with Mark Hamill, George Lucas, Billy Dee Williams, and the one and only Harrison Ford. Wow. Just wow. It’s a moment that I’ll never forget. The rest of the week was more work and coverage, I barely slept and was running on pure excitement and a pinch of stress. The three hour time difference threw me for a loop too. As tiring as it was, that trip was worth every second. I’ll post videos below, there’s just too much to be able to put into words. I so appreciate you following along with us.
Once we got back from Disneyland, we had a couple of days to try to get back to normal. Well, normal for us anyway. Last Thursday, we had to cover the opening night of Disney Villains After Hours, which is a separate ticket event at the Magic Kingdom on select nights this summer. My friend Cindy had the idea that we would Disney Bound as The Descendants. I was unsure on that one, but we went with it anyway and had fun doing it. People knew who we were supposed to be so we were happy. The event is a lot of fun, it reminded me of a mini Halloween party, minus trick or treating of course. We got home late, but there was no time time to rest because the following day, the Toy Story 4 press event began!
Friday we spent the day at the media event. We were taken backstage at Hollywood Studios and shown upcoming merchandise for Toy Story 4 and were shown the movie, which opens to the public on June 21. I’d have to say that the current movie is my favorite of the Toy Story franchise, we absolutely loved it. The entire day was spent immersed in all things Toy Story, and we were happy to partake.
Saturday was the day for the press conferences with the stars of Toy Story 4. To say I was excited is an understatement, but I also knew I was there to do my job. Fan girling has to take a back seat when work is involved, so I was trying to get myself ready to get some great pics and video for our readers. The first panel featured Tim Allen, Keanu Reeves, and Christina Hendricks. The second was Tom Hanks, Annie Potts and Tony Hale. It was an absolute honor to be there in the room with the stars and the press. Another moment that I won’t forget, ever. I’ll post videos of the panel below as well!
This week, we are still playing catch up from everything that’s been going on. I finally feel a pinch less tired, so that’s a good thing. This weekend we have a stay at Disney Springs, and the following weekend we are featured guests at Magic City Con in Birmingham Alabama. We are hosting two or three panels that weekend, which is exciting but a bit nerve racking too. After every challenge we’ve had lately, I’m betting on us to do alright. Oh, speaking of exciting, next Monday’s TMSM Weekly Live, my guest co-hosts will be Scotty 2 Hotty from the WWE and Stacy Dee! They run a theme park site and we’re going to talk all about it, I hope you tune in. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you all for the support you give TMSM. If not for you, these opportunities would not happen. As for me, I think I’m finally getting to a place where I’m feeling more confident in what I do, and not second guessing my abilities all the time. If I can tough it out and be brave, anyone can, I promise you. Your dreams are never dumb, regardless of what you’re told. Regret and “what if’s” are so much worse. Even when it’s hard, keep going, don’t quit. You’ll be proud of yourself on the other side. Until next week, sending you all much love, a heap of blessings, and bottles of pixie dust. See ya real soon. ~M
Michele also contributes theme park news for Fox 35 Orlando 11pm news and on the radio on WDBO.
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