When you break the imaginary fourth wall in television or film, you speak directly to the audience thereby acknowledging their existence.
Four years ago, my very first Disney Stuff article was published here on MousePlanet. I introduced myself to my audience, the readers, and certainly acknowledged their existence. I showed off some pictures of my stuff and began this “long strange trip” across cyberspace that has taken me to so many interesting places over the years. Each year since, I’ve given the nod to MousePlanet’s own Steve Russo. It was Steve who gave me the idea to write anniversary articles each year and so here we are again, looking back at another year of residency on this amazing celestial body called MousePlanet. So, let’s take a look back, let's break the fourth wall and acknowledge where we’ve been and some of the things we've talked about this past year.
My fourth year saw a total of 29 articles. There were 15 Disney Top 5 lists, 12 Disney Stuff articles and 2 articles about a subject close to my heart, The Muppets.
In November, I was eagerly awaiting the cinematic return of my beloved Muppets. I just had to preempt my regular article to talk about the then upcoming theatrical release of Disney’s The Muppets. In “It’s Time to Get Things Started” I talked about just how excited I was for their return, what they meant to me as a child and as an adult and touched briefly on my short but special time working for Jim Henson Productions.
A month later, I followed up that article with the “Top 5 Things I Thought Were Great About Disney’s: The Muppets.” It was great. I loved it. Many of you readers did as well and I’m hopeful that the Muppet resurrection will continue in earnest.
The Muppets with stars Amy Adams and Jason Segel. © Disney Enterprises, Inc.
As for some of my other Top 5 articles of this past year, I started of my fourth year soaking in the scenery at Walt Disney World with my “Top 5 Scenic Views in Walt Disney World.”
The view of Bay Lake from the Wilderness Lodge reminds you just how natural certain areas of Walt Disney World truly are. Photo by Chris Barry.
I made myself hungry with the “Top 5 Restaurants I Still Haven’t Experienced at Walt Disney World.” People were pretty shocked that I still haven’t made it to Boma at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge or ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Despite having reservations at both places this past August…we ended up canceling them both, so they are still on my list as is my number one choice, Victoria and Albert's.
I paid tribute to one of my favorite writers with my “Top 5 Steve Russo MousePlanet Articles.” It’s certainly been great to see Steve come out of his semi-retirement lately!
I still find this chair at Disney's Boardwalk, featured in Steve's 2009 article, “It's the Little Things,” to be extremely creepy. Photo by Steve Russo.
My “Top 5 Answers To…That Question” answered that insipid question that so many of us hear from our friends, family and co-workers.
A cozy hammock at Disney's Polynesian Resort is answer enough to,”Why do you go back?” Photo by Chris Barry.
Just to prove that I’m not a total zealot, I listed my “Top 5 Things I Just Don’t Get at Walt Disney World.” It touched off some good discussions and many disagreements, but I’m sorry…I still don’t get Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Despite great places like the Stage 1 Company Store, I still don't really get Disney's Hollywood Studios. Photo by Chris Barry.
I got into more Disney details with my “Top 5 Walt Disney World Attraction Vehicles.”
Most recently, I began a new series, Top 5 Magical Spots. So far, I’ve tackled the Magic Kingdom, and Epcot’s World Showcase. There’s plenty more to come in that series.
Although just steps away from Cinderella Castle, The Plaza Rose Garden in the Magic Kingdom feels peaceful and is definitely magical. Photo by Chris Barry.
On the Disney Stuff front, it was a good year for me. As a collector, I acquired some new things. I rediscovered some old things and I got one of my all-time favorite collectibles this past August at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
That new favorite collectible was and still is the “Walt Disney World 40th Anniversary Mini Attraction Poster Set.”
The Monorail tin attraction poster from the Walt Disney World 40th Anniversary Mini Attraction Poster Set. Photo by Chris Barry.
I introduced some readers to some old characters with “Gremlins Stuff.”
The Gremlin Rufus PVC Set “mint in box.” Photo by Chris Barry. © Walt Disney Productions.
I love the “Pewter Fabulous 5 Train Set” from the Kunstarbeit in Kristal shop in Epcot’s Germany pavilion.
The Pewter Fabulous 5 Train Set. Photo by Chris Barry.
Some readers had never seen the “Disney Collector Packs.” I’m truly sorry if I’ve started a new obsession for some of you. These sets are pretty addictive.
Three of the four Disney World park icons from the Disney Collector Packs. Photo by Chris Barry.
We finally delved into my Disney “Pins” collection.
Some great cast member pins. Photo by Chris Barry.
The most personal Disney Stuff of this year was “Mickey Mouse Watches, A Walt Quote and Everything Else.” Thanks again to reader TulaBelle who saw through this article and called me out for writing a thinly veiled love letter to my wife, Diane. It’s good to see that subtleties aren’t lost on everyone.
My newest and most favorite Mickey Mouse watch. Photo by Chris Barry.
All in all, it was another great year here on MousePlanet. My Top 5 lists kept coming and there are many, many more in the future. As far as collecting Disney Stuff, there always seems to be a never-ending supply of great things to talk about. There's so much left to say and talk about. As long as you keep tuning in, I’ll still be here bringing you the magic time and time again.
I love writing for you. I love hearing from you. You’re the greatest group of readers any writer could ask for. I can’t tell you what a privilege it is to be involved with such an awesome group of people out there as well as the amazing group of people behind the scenes here at MousePlanet. Together, we all make something very special happen, don’t we?
Thank you so much for reading these past four years now. I’ll see you next time with another Disney Top 5, more of that great Disney Stuff, and who knows what else? Click on the “Discuss this article on MousePad” link below and let me hear your ideas for future articles.
