Friday 15 June 2012

Disney And A New Hobby

Yes it's time for the vacation photos. There is a lot growing in Disneyland, and not just the new "CARS" feature.





Disneyland Rose


 The Bugs' Life area had a lovely butterfly garden. Unfortunately it wasn't labelled as such. I would have loved a plant listing too.

Butterfly Garden
Name this tree

OMG, you are saying, she doesn't know a .....! Well, I don't. I'm pretty sure it doesn't grow up here in the frozen north but I would love to have one.

The gardeners at Disney, like all the maintenance people work at night.The shift runs from 2am to 10am according to the L.A. Times. Why didn't I find this out at Disney? I tried. I quickly discovered that the friendly hosts cling to the script like a beloved and reassuring "blankie". All my gardening questions were received with a panicked look and the statement "We don't do behind the scenes tours, ma'am."  It was if they were hastily going through their file of approved answers and this was the closest response they could find. It began to irritate me after a while, until I turned it into my new hobby. I amused myself by thinking up out of the box, nerdy questions, just to throw these poor kids. So unkind! Unfortunately my mommy conscience stopped me, although that smart ass kid in the Home of the Future was really asking for it.

I can understand Disney needing a script to maintain their brand image. It was just a teensy bit Brave New World for my comfort. 12 hours in though and I was just as happily riding my brains out and channelling my inner kid as everybody else. Its Disney after all.


15 comments:

  1. I think it's a Jacaranda tree in the photo.

    The gardens at Disney are beautiful throughout all their facilities. There have been a number of Travel Channel and HGTV specials so you could look those up when you get home. Have fun!

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    1. Thanks for the info. I will have to enjoy the trees from afar, there is no hope of growing them here.

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  2. Those are my favourite trees. Jacaranda! What a colour...

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    1. Thanks Mary. I read H.E. Bates "Under the Jacaranda Tree" many years ago. Now I have a visual image to add to the experience.

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  3. The jacaranda is my favorite tree also; they are currently blooming all over San Diego. It is the prettiest time of year.

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    1. The colour from them hit me in the eye as soon as I was out of the airport.

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  4. Hi Susan, I guess most people who go to Disneyworld don't focus on the gardens? It must be weird gardening at night. I'm glad you had a good time, I'm sure it must be such fun there. I love that curly conifer thing. cheers, catmint

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  5. Love your blog! Your newest follower!

    Mark @ room363

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  6. Thanks Mark. Your blog looks super interesting too.

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  7. Oh Susan, I have that EXACT response to disciplined limited places like Disneyland. I expect the young employees found you entertaining and it gave them something to talk to each other about in the bar after work.

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    1. Probably with descriptions like "weird old bat".

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  8. You went on vacation and ended up harassing the Disney staff? I LOVE IT!! I was going to guess a vitex on steroids for the mystery tree.

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    1. Really, you love it? I think I feel the last sliver of mommy guilt slipping away. Thanks CM.

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  9. Yes, ditto...that gorgeous tree filled with purple flowers is a Jacaranda although it looks similar to a Vitex. It's native to South America but it can grow in climates with mild winters. Ours freeze back at 28 degrees F, but still there are a few here in Houston. David/:0)

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