Memories HD Review: Best Free Disney App Ever

Memories HD, a free App now available for iPhone and Android, creates a brilliant win-win situation: The Disney Parks get free publicity and fans get to have a blast.

And Then Mickey Showed Up

There are moments at Disneyland when the place seems to forget it's one of the planet's most famous and crowded tourist destinations...and it suddenly unveils its heart as Walt's little park of 1955.

I was sitting on a bench in Town Square, waiting for the rest of my group to finish shopping on Main Street. The park was fairly crowded, as usual, but most guests were off in the other lands, and Town Square was nicely calm.

And then Mickey showed up. Unannounced, unscheduled and without a bit of fanfare, he strolled through the square as if he was simply enjoying the park himself. It actually took a moment for folks to notice him, and then a small, happy, polite group of fans gathered around to take turns posing for photos (Mickey's on the group's right, facing away from us).

About five minutes later, he continued on his way, waving at delighted passerby. There were no FastPasses or reservations involved. No ridiculously long lines or added fees. It was simply the kind of pleasant, whimsical moment that makes Disneyland so much more than the sum of its parts.

Spontaneity still happens at Disneyland. The fact that this took place just outside Walt's firehouse apartment made it all the more awesome.

Mouse Troop's Twisted-Up Disney Character Quiz

We've got a quiz for you today, and all it requires is a familiarity with Disney and Pixar's major animated films.

The catch? You must identify each character based on their relation to other characters. Example: Minnie's boyfriend's dog. Answer: Pluto. Of course, that's way too easy.

Thirty characters await identification! Good luck! Answers and Score ratings at the end. Oh--and beware of multiple possibilities that can lead to a dead end. For instance, there are two different Pixar sheriffs, and Mowgli has more than one friend. There is only one correct answer for each clue chain.

By the way, it's okay to Google the character's name if you know what you're looking for! Here we go!

THE TWISTED-UP DISNEY CHARACTER QUIZ

1) Andy's sheriff's buddy's enemy

2) LeFou's hero's fixation's father's horse

3) Jessica's husband's savior's brother

4) Goofy's son's best-friend's father

5) Jacques's friend's savior's boyfriend's father's underling's saboteur's cat's slayer

Green Army Men in 2008

Our recent post on Toy Story Midway Mania has got me thinking back on the attraction's first summer at the resort. It's hard to believe the ride will soon reach its fifth anniversary!

Midway Mania was the first major step in "fixing" the old DCA, and the loyal Green Army Men were sent outside the park's borders to spread the word via a clever little show in the Esplanade. The performers did a great job, drawing crowds as they drummed up excitement for the new ride/game.

You don't often see Disney characters performing outside the turnstyles; this was actually a free little show that anyone could enjoy -- even if they'd just come to the resort to stroll through Downtown Disney.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who felt a bit sorry for these guys on that particular summer afternoon; they were performing in nearly hundred degree heat.

Rare Characters: Governor Ratcliffe

Governor John Ratcliffe still appears in the Walt Disney World version of Fantasmic, but out West in Disneyland, Pocahontas's arch-foe hasn't been seen in quite a while. He's not the most memorable of Disney's animated villains, but he certainly made an impression as a walk-around character.

My encounter with Ratcliffe at a 1995 Disneyland Hotel Character Breakfast was definitely not like a meet n' greet with Mickey or Goofy. When the Governor reached our table, he halted and pointed an accusing finger at my Pocahontas button (handed to every patron at the door). He unfastened it, examined it, then dropped it into my scrambled eggs. With gestures, he asked to borrow my napkin. He blew his nose in it, then rubbed it into my hair, much to the delight of every guest around us. Then he posed for a picture and shook my hand for being a good sport. As he turned toward the next table, the waiting family braced themselves, laughing nervously.

I suddenly realized how much fun playing a walk-around villain in the Disney parks must be. What other cast members get to be rude and surly -- and leave happy guests in their wake? Timing and an instinct for reading the audience are essential to pulling it off, and the cast member bringing Ratcliffe to life that day managed to turn a relatively minor Disney villain into the most popular character of the morning.

Star Trader Shopping: A Tomorrowland Tradition

This animated spacewalking neon Mickey has charmed Tomorrowland night shoppers for decades. With an area overhaul on the drawing boards, now may be a good time to take a fond look at current icons, because -- especially in light of Disney's Lucasfilm purchase -- anything in Tomorrowland could change in the near future. And I have to admit, I've got a soft spot in my heart for The Star Trader shop.

The Original Character Breakfast (plus Fish Heads & Crumbs)

Time between sitting down and bird arrival: three seconds

Long before anyone dreamed up the concept of meeting Disney characters while wolfing down flapjacks, Disneyland's bold-as-blazes bird population has been entertaining and bemusing generations of outdoor diners.

Our favorite avian meet n' greet is River Belle Terrace in Frontierland. It boasts a great view of the river and pancakes cooked in front of you while you wait. Its proximity to Big Thunder, Indy, Pirates and Haunted Mansion makes it a perfect morning meal stop.

Then, of course, there are the birds. They're friendly and cute as can be, but make no mistake -- if you need to leave your table (even for a few seconds) to grab an extra straw or napkin, be sure to take your food with you, or you might return to find some new friends square-dancing on your pancakes.

Yet, breakfast at River Belle Terrace is always time well spent. I don't step away from my food, and the birds wait politely -- sometimes perched on a chair two feet away, but always politely. I can honestly say I've never had a bad experience with the little guys.

In an alternate comic strip world, however, A.W. just can't catch a break...

Click to Enlarge

Lightning McQueen on the Move

Watching the citizens of Radiator Springs drive through town is one of the most simple, straightforward charms of Cars Land. Human guests politely make way for the residents, and there's always an honor guard pit crew present to gently make sure the path is clear. These frequent character appearances seem amazingly casual, and happen often enough to feel like a normal part of a typical, easy-going day in Radiator Springs.

Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater both talk to the guests as they pass, and make comments about the various shops and attractions along the way to and from their meet-and-greet appearances at the Cozy Cone Motel. Combined with the engine noise, these frequent trips along Route 66 and Cross Street add even more energy and character to the bustling little town.