Shawn likes The Disney Channel - circa 1986

This is a Disney Channel Magazine from October 26 - December 6, 1986.

Back when this guide was published I didn't even have The Disney Channel, as I lived in such a rural place, we couldn't even get cable until the early 90's.

I found this magazine when I was working at a movie theater. After one of the movies I was clearing out the theater and someone had left this on their seat. Since they never came back for it, I kept it - as I was fascinated with The Disney Channel.

Okay - Let's go over what I want to watch:

Donald Duck Presents, The Mouse Factory, DTV, Walt Disney Presents, Mouseterpiece Theater, The Adventures Of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, Blackbeard's Ghost, The World's Greatest Athlete, The Making Of Disney's Captain EO, 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, The Parent Trap, and Mary Poppins!

Whew! - I better get a 20 pack of VHS tapes!

Shawn likes Disney Music

Growing up I had several Disney book and record sets

which included the songs from the various films.

Those LP's (in addition to 'The Wonderful World Of Disney' TV show),

are what started my great love of Disney and specifically Disney music.

This 78 song, 3 CD collection of Disney music,

"The Music Of Disney - A Legacy In Song"

was released in 1992, and without a doubt -
it is the 'Holy Grail' of my music collection.

Although The Little Mermaid and Beauty And The Beast

were on CD before this set was available -

this was the first chance I had to amass

a great amount of Disney music on CD.

I remember being at work and reading the the USA Today that this was available.

I literally put down the paper, left work, went to the record store and bought this.

It has a great collection of all of the big Disney hits

and a lot of the lesser-known songs.

It includes music from the animated features,

the live action movies, the various TV shows and even the theme parks!

For me though, the item that really puts it over the top is the lavishly illustrated 60 page book that comes with the boxed set.

It's jam packed with information about the songs, the movies,
the composers, and the voice talent.

I think it's a conservative estimate to say that I've listened to this set 2,481 times,
and I can't wait for the 2,482 time!

Shawn likes Maleficent

I think this figure looks SO good. The regal look in Maleficent's eyes is captured so well in this piece.

Shawn likes playing Old Maid - in Spanish - with animals

This is a set of Disney "Old Maid" cards that I found in some flea market - somewhere.
It's such an odd set - and I'm not sure if I really like it or not.
Most of the characters are SO far 'off model" that they really look bad ...

... but the set has so many characters that you don't really see in a lot of merchandising, so I think I'm ready to overlook it.
Look at Goofy up there - UGH!

But here it looks like they took Dutchess and O'Malley right off of the film frame.

And my gosh - Bongo and Lulubelle! Bongo! Lulubelle!
This might be the only mainstream piece of merchandise I have that has them on it!

Thumper? Too much time in the tanning bed?

Oh my - I guess maybe that's what 'Chop' looks like-
but it's not what Dale looks like.

Robin looks great - Little John - not so much.

Here are the 'Old Maid' card, directions and box.

Shawn likes luggage tags

I like luggage tags because it means I'm going to Disney!

Although in this case, my next trip is gonna be in like

548 days or so.

Shawn likes being right

Questions are courtesy of the incredible

Wonderful World of Disney Trivia game by Mattel:

Okay - be honest: how many did YOU get right?

Shawn likes Discovery Island

In December, 1994 I had my first

(and only) trip to

Disney's Discovery Island.

Although I'm not much of a nature boy,

I loved my experience there.

It was only accessible by boat and

becuase it wasn't teeming with tourists,

you felt very special being there.

As you'd expect, the theming was great

and it was like you were in a tropical forest.

The wooden walkways were wide,

and everywhere you looked

your field of vision was filled with

wildlife and incredible creatures.

This attraction is now closed

and most of the inhabitants moved over to

Disney's Animal Kingdom when that park opened in 1998.

Here are a few of the snapshots I took while on the island:

You'll see this beautiful flowing stream in the video below.

Luckily for us, it didn't rain the day

WE were there. (you'll see)

I loved seeing the Galapagos Tortoises.

As we were walking towards them

they came right up to us for attention!

I was worried that they would try to bite us,

but they loved being petted.

We were told that they were over

100 years old!