GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Review

Ryan Dosier - The Marvel Universe is filled to the brim with weird, out of this world characters. Yet, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has stayed mostly grounded in its approach, with human characters in incredible circumstances (sans Thor, of course). Guardians of the Galaxy, in theaters tomorrow, takes this trend and slays it. The film stars a green alien girl, a muscled olive-skinned alien man, a walking, talking tree, and a machine gun toting raccoon... and it just might be the most perfectly executed Marvel film to date. Not since The Avengers have I left the theater feeling so completely satisfied and entertained by a superhero movie.

The phrase "superhero movie" may not be applicable to Guardians of the Galaxy, honestly, because the characters are anything but heroes--at least at the start. In fact, Peter Quill, aka Star Lord (Chris Pratt) is a self-described "legendary outlaw," Gamora (Zoe Saldana) is working with and related to the main bad guy, Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista) is in a maximum security prison, and Rocket (voice of Bradley Cooper) and Groot (voice of Vin Diesel) are mercenaries. It's watching these flawed individuals come together as a team that brings out the best in them and makes them heroes. The scenes of development for the Guardians usually involve them beating each other up or insulting one another. It's a refreshing change of pace and every scene is surprising and invigorating.Every character in the film is perfectly written and performed.

Chris Pratt is a revelation as Peter Quill, giving him the right amount of snark, humor, and character development. His performance is immensely impressive and shows that he truly has what it takes to be a movie star. He gave everything he has to this role, playing, comedy-focused, action-heavy, and emotion-driven scenes with incredible ease. By the end of the film, Pratt has disappeared into Star Lord and becomes an extremely welcome addition to the Marvel film world. Standing tall alongside Pratt is Zoe Saldana as Gamora, who is fierce, unforgiving, and stunning. Saldana takes on the role with glee and gets some of the best fight sequences, displaying some truly incredible physical prowess.

Most surprising is Dave Bautista, who gives brilliant life to Drax. Bautista has some of the funniest lines and perhaps the most meaningful storyline in the film. Drax is probably the Guardian forgotten by most people, since he was used so little in promotion for the film, but you'll walk away loving the character. You can tell that Bautista took this role seriously and he gives one of the most resonant and focused performances in the film.

Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel both provide only their voices for Rocket and Groot, respectively, but wow are they incredible. Cooper, especially, vanishes behind the volatile and hysterical Rocket Raccoon. Cooper delivers one of the finest voice acting roles I've seen outside an animated film in some time. Rocket swiftly became my favorite character in the film and high up on the list of my favorites in Marvel movies as a whole. He is a blast (literally) from start to finish. This should not be taken as a discount of Groot, however, who is a beautiful, wonderful character. Vin Diesel only gets to say "I am Groot!" throughout the film, but the various ways the writers and filmmakers found to have him say it is fantastic. Rocket and Groot are going to explode in popularity very soon. Be ready!

The film is also littered with other hugely talented actors playing smaller roles. Lee Pace is awesome and terrifying as Ronan the Accuser, the main villain. He doesn't get too much screen time, but what he does with it is impeccable. He's terrifically horrible and vicious. Benico Del Toro as The Collector, briefly seen in Thor: The Dark World returns for a slightly more substantial part here and he's still as creepy as ever. John C. Reilly, Glenn Close, Peter Serafinowicz, and Michael Rooker also deserve shout outs for their fantastic work.

Visually, Guardians of the Galaxy is absolutely the most stunning Marvel film venture. Director James Gunn has set a new bar for the look of not only superhero films, but sci-fi films as well. The character and creature designs are impeccable and done practically with makeup and costumes where possible, the computer generated work on Rocket and Groot is flawless, the space scenes are amazing, and the set designs are breathtaking. The film is a tour de force of colorful, boundless visual experimentation, and it all pays off in droves.

The much-discussed soundtrack for the film is heavily populated with pop hits from the 1970s, given to Quill on a mix-tape from his mother before he was taken to space. Every time a new song came on, my face lit up with a smile, as every single song choice was perfection. The ways that Gunn uses the music to accentuate scenes added to the feeling of mischief and mayhem pervasive throughout the film. And when one song is used at the climax of the film... you might just fall out of your seat laughing so hard. It is absolutely the finest soundtrack of any Marvel film, and perhaps any superhero film yet. Credit also has to be given to Tyler Bates, who penned the fantastic score for the film. The score is dynamic when it needed to be and fun when it could be.

Basically, everything about Guardians of the Galaxy works, and works really, really well. The film is the most fun I've had at the movies all summer. James Gunn and Marvel have shown that even the most obscure comics can work as films. The scope, the characters, the visuals, and the soundtrack all come together perfectly and elevate Guardians of the Galaxy as one of the finest Marvel films, period. Marvel's winning streak is baffling at times, and never more so than it is with Guardians. Who could have foreseen this film working as well as it does? The stars aligned to bring us the most fun movie of the summer and one of the best films Marvel has delivered (and that's saying something).

5 out of 5 Awesome Mix Tapes

111 Awesome Disney Songs, Part 1

Ryan Dosier - Greetings, Disnerds! For a long time, I've been contemplating what sort of articles I'd like to write for The Mickey Mindset (other than my animated reviews). There's just so much content in the Disney universe that it was simply daunting for me to even think about picking something to write about, let alone actually writing it. But then I realized I was listening to my Disney playlist and realized that the music of Disney would be a perfect subject for an article series. This series is similar to one I had done last year on The Muppet Mindset with 120 Awesome Muppet Songs.

For Disney, I went through my iTunes collection (which admittedly doesn't have every Disney song) and chose all of my favorites. Oddly enough, as soon as I did that I was left with exactly 111 songs. It was too perfect not to just run with. The songs will be presented in completely random order--no favoritism here. So here we go with ten posts, each with 11 songs, showcasing the best of Disney music (in my opinion)!

1.)   "I Wan'na Be Like You (The Monkey Song)" from The Jungle Book
I couldn't be happier with the first song in the list! The Jungle Book is one of my favorite Disney animated features and this song is probably my favorite in the film. Written by the incomparable Sherman Brothers and performed by Louis Prima as King Louie, this jazzy number is spectacular. While the song is great to just listen to, watching it on the screen with the incredible animation of King Louie is even better. Favorite Lyrics: "Now I'm the king of the swingers, oh, the Jungle VIP/I reached the top, and had to stop, and that's what's botherin' me!"

2.)   "Mother Knows Best" from Tangled
If there's one thing Disney does best, it's villain songs. "Mother Knows Best" is one of those villain sings that is immensely catchy and clever but bears some truly frightening lyrics when you pay attention. The spectacular Donna Murphy provides the voice for Mother Gothel and she's incredible in this song. Music and lyrics come from Alan Menken and Glenn Slater, so it's no wonder that the music is flitting and wonderful and the lyrics are dynamic and clever. It's a great, bouncy villain number that I love. Favorite Lyrics: "Mother's right here, mother will protect you/Darling, here's what I suggest/Skip the drama, stay with mama/Mother knows best."

3.)   "He's a Tramp" from Lady and the Tramp
Ah, Lady and the Tramp, one of the most wonderful Disney love stories. Nestled in the middle of the film is this saucy serenade from Peggy Lee voicing the character Peg. For only having one scene in the film, Peg remains one of the most memorable parts of this film simply because of this song. It's fun, it will get stuck in your head, and it's brilliantly performed. I love random songs like this in Disney features from one-off characters. It's a sign of a simpler time where any character could break into song. Favorite Lyrics: "He's a tramp, he's a scoundrel/He's a rounder, he's a cad/He's a tramp, but I love him/Yes, even I have got it pretty bad."

4.)   "I'll Make a Man Out of You" from Mulan
The songs in Mulan are few and far between, but this power ballad performed by Donny Osmond (of all people) is epic. It's one of my favorite Disney songs to sing along with because it's so fierce and tranquil at the same time (see what I did there?). The repetitiveness of the melody and the lyrics really reflect the repetitiveness of training. I love the drum beat in the background as well. It really, really feels like an army song. Favorite Lyrics: "Let's get down to business/To defeat the Huns/Did they send me daughters/When I asked for sons?"

5.)   "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride" from Lilo & Stitch
I fell head over heels in love with Lilo & Stitch when I rewatched it last year, and the music is a huge reason why. The Hawaiian influence on the songs performed is incredible. "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride" comes at a pivotal point in the film, where Nani takes Lilo surfing and Stitch experiences fun for the first time. The music of the song sounds magical, and accompanied with the lyrics mixed with English and Hawaiian is just beautiful. Listening to it instantly transports me to a beach somewhere and I love that. Favorite Lyrics: "Whirlpool swirling, cascading twirling/Hawaiian roller coaster ride."

6.)   "Forget About Love" from Aladdin and the Return of Jafar
This is one of the few songs from Disney's drove of direct-to-video sequels that I truly love. Who would have thought that Gilbert Gottfried could sing, let alone carry an entire song? Maybe it's the swirling and beauty-invoking music that makes this song so lovely, but the lyrics are delightful as well. In the song, Iago tries to push Jasmine back to Aladdin with a little reverse psychology--and it works. It's just a delightful little moment in the abyss of Disney sequels. Favorite Lyrics: "You're better on your own/A meal becomes a banquet when you eat alone!"

7.)   "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" from The Lion King
The greatest Disney love song ever? Maybe. "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" is at least in the running for the top spot. The song is accentuated brilliantly in the film by lush, colorful backgrounds and wonderful animation as we see Simba and Nala fall in love. The song transcended the film and made for a hit single for Elton John when the movie came out. This may be unpopular opinion, but I'm a sucker for Timon and Pumbaa's lines bookending the song, give me them over Elton any day. Favorite Lyrics: "Can you feel the love tonight?/The peace the evening brings/The world for once in perfect harmony/With all its living things."

8.)   "On My Way" from Brother Bear
Oh my gosh I love this song. Honestly, this song is my favorite part of Brother Bear. Phil Collins did outstanding work on the music for the film, and it stands out as the best part of the film for me. It's a perfect song for travel, for vacation, for moving... it's just wonderful. I think the song is actually more enjoyable outside of the film. It's just a good, good song to listen to. Favorite Lyrics: "Tell everybody I'm on way/New friends and new places to see/With blue skies ahead, yes I'm on my way/And there's nowhere else that I'd rather be."

9.)   "Down to Earth" from WALL-E
Peter Gabriel sings this song that plays during the beautiful end credits of WALL-E. The song has an electronic, synthesized sound that is perfect for the film. It starts slow, but builds to beautiful intensity as the lyrics remind us that we can fly. I could just watch the end credits of WALL-E with this song playing over it and still be moved. Both the song and the film are great reminders of why we need to take care of our planet. Favorite Lyrics: "Did you think you'd escaped from routine/By changing the script and the scene?/Despite all you made of it/You're always afraid of a change."

10.)   "The Ludwig Von Drake Song" from House of Mouse
This song is probably the most random choice in the entire list. It was performed by Ludwig Von Drake in one episode of the awesome Disney Channel series House of Mouse. In the song, Ludwig names off every Disney character present. It's bouncy and crazy and fun and I can't imagine how difficult it was rhyming some of the lyrics. It also features a cameo from the late, great Roy Disney! Favorite Lyrics: "Here's Lumiere the candlestick/And Cogsworth, he's the clock/There's Bashful, Grumpy, Sleepy, Happy, Sneezy, Dopey, Doc!"

11.)   "Out There" from The Hunchback of Notre Dame
A perfect song to close out the list this week. This is perhaps my favorite Alan Menken ballad... and that's saying something. Quasimodo gives this song such heart and soul that it's so hard not to love. Every time I hear this song it makes me want to go out and take on the world and live my dreams, just as good songs--and most Menken songs--do. This is a true highlight of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and one of the most woefully under-appreciated Disney songs. Eat your heart out, "Let It Go." Favorite Lyrics: "Out there among the millers and the weavers and their wives/Through the roofs and gables I can see them/Everyday they shout and scold and go about their lives,/Heedless of the gift it is to be them!/If I was in their skin, I'd treasure every instant!"

Tune in next week for 11 more awesome Disney songs!

My Favorite Things About Star Wars

Ryan Dosier - As I'm sure all of you know, today is the most holiest of the high holy holidays: Star Wars Day. The day once a year that we get to sit down and give thanks for the bounties of a galaxy far, far away. Today I thought I would sit down and finally put into words why I love the Star Wars universe--because I really do. One of my earliest movie memories is of watching Return of the Jedi on VHS when I was 5 or 6, so Star Wars has been with me for the long haul.

1. Yoda
Yoda is by far my favorite character from the Star Wars world. He shows that size truly matters not when he displays his immense power and abilities. Plus, he's performed by Frank Oz, which is awesome. I obviously prefer puppet Yoda from the original trilogy, because Frank Oz's performance is so nuanced and marvelous. However, CGI Yoda is also very well done. Getting to see him wield a lightsaber and duel Count Dooku or Palpatine is one of the few good parts of the prequels.

2. John Williams' Score
What would Star Wars be without John Williams' enigmatic score? His music defines the series as much as any other element. Can you imagine the Dark Side without the "Imperial March"? I can't even picture the opening credit scroll without the main theme attached to it. Leave it to John Williams to pen what is perhaps the greatest film score of all time.

3. The Jedi Order
One of the great parts about the prequel trilogy is getting to see more Jedi and learn more about the mysterious order. It was such a thrill to see so many Jedi fighting and showing their power. In the absolutely fantastic Clone Wars animated series we get to know even more Jedi knights and masters, which is something the movies never showed enough of.

4. R2-D2 and C-3PO
These are the Droids I'm looking for. I love the fact that these two are the characters with a real through-line in all six films. How fantastic is Anthony Daniels as C-3PO? He has come back to play C-3PO in every iteration of the character. In cartoon series, countless video games, and everything in between. Also, R2-D2 saved all of the main characters from kicking the bucket at least once every movie. He's arguably the most important character in the series.

5. The Sith
While the Jedi are great, the Sith are awesome. Despite how some of them were treated in the prequels, The Clone Wars animated series really lets them shine. Darth Maul returns and becomes amazingly cool, Count Dooku actually gets to fight with the speed Christopher Lee can't. The mythology behind these evil beings is really intriguing and one of the other great aspects of the prequels. A hero is only as good as the villain, and the Sith make a truly dynamic and incredible group of formidable foes for the Jedi.

Disney Animation Reviews #18 - The Sword in the Stone

Disney Movie Review: 18/53 - The Sword in the Stone

Ryan Dosier - The second to last animated feature overseen by Walt Disney was 1963’s The Sword in the Stone. This is a notably weak feature for Disney with many of the elements affecting it for the worst. It’s a mostly forgettable entry with only one or two memorable characters and scenes but very little else worth remembering.

Through most of the film the usually incredible Disney animation is notably weak. The only character to stand out is Merlin, the phenomenal wizard. He is the only particularly entertaining character in the film—and he truly is a blast. He deserves a much better movie than this.

"Wart," or the young King Arthur, is a particularly poor lead character. He has no quirks or traits that make him stand out. He also has two different voices throughout the film, which is very distracting. Wart just sort of flies along with Merlin throughout for no real reason. He could have been so much better if given some more personality.

The only other somewhat entertaining character is the devious, wicked, mad Madame Mim. Mim is a delightful witch and quite fun to watch. Her duel with Merlin is the undeniable highlight of the film. The animation in the duel is incredible and some of Disney’s best, period. It’s a shame that such an impressive animated feat is saddled in such a faulty film. Mim’s inclusion in the piece is completely random. The climax of the movie makes me wish she were a more constant, foreboding force throughout.

As a whole, The Sword in the Stone is unremarkable. Even the backgrounds and layouts, which are usually amazing, are tawdry and plain. The dabble of music in the piece is uninspired and completely forgettable. But more than anything, the tone of the movie never comes together. In the beginning it’s a drama, in the middle it’s a fantasy comedy, and at the end it gets heavy again. The Sword in the Stone completely lacks focus.

However, the movie is still worth watching if one is brushing up on their Disney history. It was obvious that Walt Disney’s hand was not as heavily placed on this film (most likely because Mary Poppins was in production at the same time). Merlin truly is a joy and a spectacular character. Watching his hysterical interactions as a squirrel and Merlin’s duel with Madame Mim make the film worthwhile. Unfortunately the rest of the piece can’t hold the humor or wonder that is so clear and focused in those
two great scenes.

2/5 Purple Dragons

Disney Animation Reviews #16 - 101 Dalmatians

Disney Animation Review: 17/53 - 101 Dalmatians

Ryan Dosier - Ah, 101 Dalmatians, released in 1961 it was the first Disney animated feature of the exciting new age of the 1960s. Right from the opening credits 101 Dalmatians stands out as stylistically and rhythmically different than anything Disney had done prior.

The art on the film is truly remarkable. The Dalmatians and humans are all rendered in spectacularly cartoony fashion. The designs resemble other animation styles of the 60s from studios such as Warner Bros. and MGM. 101 Dalmatians looks different from any Disney film produced before or after because of this intriguing style approach.

The film also benefits greatly from its fantastic London setting. Seeing the characters explore the iconic city drawn in such a stylistic way is delightful. Throughout the film we see the English country in winter, a London park, and London proper and it is all wonderful. True, the layouts and backgrounds don’t stand out as much as, say, Lady and the Tramp or Sleeping Beauty, but they are still functional and beautiful pieces of work.

The dog characters in the film are all fairly similar, with Pongo being the only one who stands out as a real character based on his humorous actions in the film’s opening. Pongo is a scamp who becomes a father and we witness that on the screen perfectly.

The human characters are the true surprise of the film. Cruella De Vil, especially, is a perfect villain. She has flair and style and exudes evil. There are not many Disney villains as crazy and driven by sheer madness as Cruella. Having her inspire the fantastic song of the same name is just icing on the deliciously wicked cake. Her henchmen, Horace and Jasper, are also extremely entertaining, providing most of the laughs in the movie with physical comedy and witty banter like, “We’ll have ‘em finished before you can say Bob’s your uncle!”

Even the more minor characters, like the put-upon cat Sergeant Tibbs, are enjoyable. Throughout it all, the dynamite Disney character animation excels. All of the animals move with realism not seen since Lady and the Tramp and the humans move in hilariously cartoonish ways. Clearly the dogs are the more real, heroic characters in the film.

The story is bursting with exciting and riveting sequences. From the initial meeting of humans Roger and Anita set up by Pongo, to the “Twilight Bark,” to the rescue of the puppies from Hell Hall, to the nerve-wracking escape right in front of Cruella’s eyes, all the way up to the staggering car chase, 101 Dalmatians is packed with excitement and heart. It is truly one of Disney’s best story efforts.

101 Dalmatians ushered in the 1960s at Disney animation, a period which was plagued by tragedy and budget cuts. While most of the animation in the 60s faltered, there are a few charming masterpieces like 101 Dalmatians to make it a truly wonderful period in Disney Animated Feature history.

4/5 Dalmatian Plantations

My Favorite Places in Walt Disney World, Part 2

Ryan Dosier - As you'll remember, last week I shared some of my favorite places in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. This week I continue with a look at some of my favorite locales at the second Walt Disney World park...

EPCOT

Even though it's probably my least favorite Walt Disney World park, I love Epcot. It's my favorite place to just take the time to walk around and explore without any real agenda or anything to do. Yes, I love Soarin' and Test Track, but I think the thing I enjoy most is walking through World Showcase or the other areas.

Les Chefs de France at Lunchtime

Granted, I've never been to this cozy French eatery at dinner, but I've been for lunch many times. The food is delicious, the prices reasonable, the service fantastic, and the atmosphere delightful. But best of all, Remy from Ratatouille is wheeled around on a food cart during lunch and it's delightful.

Spaceship Earth at Night

Spaceship Earth is a spectacle to behold any time of the day, but it's at its most beautiful at night. The lights reflected off it are perfect and it makes for some really stellar picture taking. During the Flower and Garden Festival or at Christmastime the Disney topiaries in front of it make this a must-see picture spot.

Maelstrom

I think this ride is goofy and weird and wonderful. It's a dark ride and a celebration of Norway's industry and culture... at first. Then it plunges deep into Nordic mythology with trolls and other magical creatures. It never really rebounds, and for some reason the line is always long. But I just love to experience it over and over again and still be baffled by the fact that it is one of two rides in World Showcase.

The Three Caballero's Gran Fiesta Tour

I love this ride and its joyful animation more than I love both Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros  feature films.

World Showcase Lagoon

Disney World lakes and lagoons are my favorite lakes and lagoons. Stand at any point on World Showcase Lagoon and you'll see beautiful sights. That's why I love the fireworks spectacular every night so much, because no matter where you're standing, you have the best view.

Well there you have it! Not as many favorite places in Epcot as Magic Kingdom (or the other parks), but I still love all of these places. Check back next week when I share my favorite spots in Hollywood Studios!

My Favorite Places in Walt Disney World, Part 1

Ryan Dosier - I've been going to Walt Disney World since I was three years old. At this point I've been to the Disney Parks at least 15 times (quite honestly I've lost count) so I've gotten quite fond of and quite familiar with almost every inch of my favorite places to go. I have favorite locations in all four of the Walt Disney World parks, so there will be four parts of these posts. Today...

MAGIC KINGDOM

I don't know if Magic Kingdom is my favorite park, but it's definitely top two. The whole park is so beautifully and expertly designed. You can feel the magic of Walt Disney and the great work of all the Disney animators, Imagineers, and talented staff practically oozing from every corner. Here are some of my favorite spots...

The Back of Cinderella Castle

The back of Cinderella's Castle is so under appreciated. It's just as ornately detailed as the front, just as impressive, and simply beautiful. I love walking through Fantasyland and just casting a glance at how magnificent the Castle is.

Partners Garden

Directly in front of Cinderella's Castle is another under-appreciated locale surrounding the classic "Partners" statue featuring Walt and Mickey. There are smaller statues of some of Walt's greatest characters including Chip 'n' Dale, Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket, Dumbo, Goofy, Pluto, and Donald Duck. Each of these statues are beautiful and they are in the literal center of the park's hub.

The Top of Main Street Train Station

Perhaps my absolute favorite spot in the Magic Kingdom is this overlook of Main Street from the top floor of the train station. There are some tables and chairs up there that are almost never filled during the day. Not only is this a perfect place to relax, but it's a quiet, secluded location to watch the daily parade. If you have time to just stop and chill, this is the place to do it.

Tony's Town Square Restaurant

Anytime I'm looking for great food at a great location, I turn to Tony's Town Square. Situated right at the front of Magic Kingdom, this lovely locale is perfect. Yet another fantastic place to retire for an hour or two and enjoy good food, great atmosphere, and an escape from the crazy crowds. Plus, all of the Lady and the Tramp aesthetics make for some amazing decorations.

Gaston's Tavern

Yes, every time I've been there it's been swamped with people, yes it's very kitschy, but how can you not love Gaston's Tavern? It's such a perfect recreation of the location in Beauty and the Beast and it features the awesome Gaston and Le Fou fountain. The interior and exterior are equal in awesomeness. Can't really beat this New Fantasyland area.

Bridge Going to Be Our Guest

Magic Kingdom's best restaurant features one of it's most gorgeous places at night. It is perhaps my favorite place to watch the "Wishes!" fireworks display. Standing here, you're literally engulfed by fireworks. They get shot off in front of you at Cinderella's Castle, and behind you at Beast's Castle. It's outstanding.

Main Street USA at Night

I love Main Street at Christmas, of course, but Main Street USA every night is just breathtaking. Looking down the street and seeing the white lights illuminating every building is just... pure magic, plain and simple.

I'm leaving out so many great places... I love taking the People Mover in Tomorrowland, people watching from the benches by Splash Mountain, the hidden path from Liberty Square to Frontierland, the Dole Whip shop in Adventureland... the list goes on and on.

Come back soon for My Favorite Places at Epcot!





All photos are property of Ryan Dosier

Getting to Know The Mickey Mindset

Ryan Dosier - After starting The Mickey Mindset yesterday, I started to realize that I have very little credibility for in the Disney world. Yes, I'm a big-time Muppet fan and everyone knows that, but I'm not sure how many people realize how big of a Disney fan I am. Today's post is an attempt to remedy that by getting to know me a little bit.

1.   Aladdin was the first movie I ever saw.
It's true! I was two years old when Aladdin was released in theaters and I guess my parents decided I was old enough to go see it. I have no real memory of this, of course, but there's photographic evidence somewhere. But subconsciously this first movie going experience changed me, and I would be obsessed with Disney animation and Disney characters for the rest of my life. Funnily enough, Aladdin remains my favorite Disney movie and one of my favorite movies period... so something must have stuck when I was two.

2.   I've been to Walt Disney World at least 15 times.
I've been to Walt Disney World so many times that I've honestly lost count and can't keep track anymore. My first trip to the Magic Kingdom happened when I was three, and my most recent trip happened this past August when I was almost 23. I've spent Thanksgiving and New Years Eve at the Magic Kingdom, I've visited Hollywood Studios after hours, and the Parks are absolutely my home away from home.

3.   I own every Disney animated feature on Blu-ray or DVD
From Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Wreck-It Ralph, I own all 52 Disney features--and every Pixar film as well. It takes up a lot of shelf space, to say the least, but I really pride myself on having every single one to watch whenever I want. About once a year I like to watch them all in order and see how the Disney animation prowess evolved.

4.   I've visited The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank--twice.
Thanks to some very awesome people, I've had the incredible thrill of being on The Walt Disney Studios lot two separate times. The first was thanks to my friend Ramond Persi, story artist and voice of Gene in Wreck-It Ralph, who graciously offered to give me a tour when I was in town for the D23 Expo in 2011. The second time was for an early screening of The Muppets later in 2011. It's an amazing place and you can practically smell the history in every corner of it.

5.   Disney means the world to me.
If you haven't figured it out, I love Disney. I love the movies, the Parks, the people, the characters, the music, the merchandise... I can't get enough of any of it. I'm so thrilled to be a part of the Disney fandom and to have a website to express myself on now.





The Mickey Mindset by Ryan Dosier, mickeymindset@gmail.com