Who's going to Disney World: Answered

Last week, I put up some speculation about who might get to recite the famous, "I'm going to Disney World," line. Well the answer shocked every football fan there is. Although it generally goes to the MVP, Tom Brady has said the line a couple too many times (I hate the Patriots). This year Brady passed the Disney treat to James White. White is the third string running back on the team and got minimal playing time most of the year. The Super Bowl was his exception, he set a record for most points scored by a running back in a super bowl, and led his team to the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. He earned his trip to Disney World.

Happily Ever After

If you have ever wondered what happens after a Disney movie ends, you're similar to me. Do they get married? What if the prince and princess get in a fight and call it off? Well in a perfect world where none of that happens, this is what Hercules and Meg look like once they start graying.

Check out the rest of these Disney couples right here (PSA: they're creepy accurate): https://www.buzzfeed.com/pedrofequiere/awwww-happily-ever-after?utm_term=.pbeaAOW5vp#.kdy0lm2rjR 

Disney Theme Park Prices

http://www.nasdaq.com/article/did-disney-world-go-too-far-cm746747

The age-old saying, "money can't buy happiness," was taught to me at a young age. I to this day, still hold that saying has one of my highest values; however, Disney doesn't... at all. As a matter of fact, Disney is taking the stance that the only way you can get into the "happiest place of earth" is by paying an outlandish amount.

 

Disney just recently raised their prices again, and its not looking pretty for most. On a peak day it costs up to $124 per person. I have a little brother and sister; so if my parents ever wanted to take my family of five to Disney World, it would cost $620. Now I live in Baltimore, so then you have to add the travel costs. When its all said and done, it would cost way too much money and its not fair for those disney fanatics who don't have that much money to spend on a single day in a theme park.

I, personally, have only been to Disney World once and my memories were drastically different than my father's. I remember the tall rollercoasters, the abundance of sugary drinks, candy and food, and all my childhood movies coming to life. My dad remembers walking in on a 102 degree day and buying a $30 mini fan that could only keep one person cool at a time. My dad also remembers spending excessive amounts of money on everything from clothes to food to souvenirs. Suffice it to say, my dad didn't have nearly as much fun as me.

This was pretty much my dad and I's dynamic

In order for Disney to truly be the happiest place on earth, they have to make the experience less stressful for those financing the operation. The article listed above goes on to talk about how the ticket prices have been increasing steadily for quite some time now.

There is one merit mentioned in the article that I hadn't given much thought to. The lines on busy days get up to two hours long or maybe even more. By increasing the prices at peak times, it keeps the number of people in the park limited. As a relatively impatient person, I can see why this might be nice.

Now to incorporate a little economics; there are two kinds of goods, elastic and inelastic. With elastic goods, if the vendor raises the price of its good, the total revenue it receives actually will go down because of the decrease in demand. As far as inelastic goods go, if the price goes up, the demand barely falls and total revenue will increase. While most people assume Disney to be inelastic because of its unparalleled draw, this article predicts that Disney’s stock will not be on the upward trend that it has been for the past months.

In conclusion, I think instead of raiding the pockets of its consumers, Disney should relax the prices slightly to make the happiest place on earth just a little more happy.

Who's going to Disney World?

With the Super Bowl just hours away, the Atlanta Falcons are gearing up to face the New England Patriots. What does that mean? As far as I'm concerned, it means lot of wings, chips, and guacamole. As for the football players, it means creating a lasting legacy and maybe even going to Disney World. Ever since Phil Simms won the Super Bowl MVP in 1987, nearly every Super Bowl MVP has been paid by Disney to recite the line "I'm going to Disney World!"

First ever "I'm going the Disney World!"

Sooooo.... who is going to be the lucky person to go to Disney World after Super Bowl LI?

Source: http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/2/2/5363088/going-to-disney-world-super-bowl-history

Moana vs. Zootopia

With the Oscar's just a few weeks away, people are starting to ask questions:

Will the best animated film go to the charming and brave Polynesian pseudo-princess? 

Or will it go to the animal-filled film about another brave, yet significantly smaller female hero?

As many people would agree, it is not an easy choice. Both movies were acclaimed by critics and fans alike and did beyond well in the box office. Unlike The Hunger Games, Moana and Zootopia cannot threaten to eat poisonous berries at the same time to ensure that they both win.

Yeah I know. I wish they could both win too. Since the Oscar's won't let that happen, lets see who truly deserves it more. 

Moana

Similar to Frozen, Moana redefines what most people perceive as a typical Disney princess. While most expect a princess to be the beautiful woman in a ball gown searching for her prince charming, Moana emphasizes the strength and independence that women exercise in today's day and age. For starters, Moana is set to become the chief after her father steps down. This is particularly unlike Disney and popular media in general, where the men usually carry most of the power. Having a female inherit the title of chief is a large step towards breaking down gender barriers in movies. 

Some might present the point that inheriting a position is just luck, so Moana being set to inherit the title of chief doesn't mean she earned it. Well thats far from the truth. Moana is a brave warrior with just as much strength and courage as any man. When her island is in danger, she goes on a dangerous quest to save her people. *SPOILERS* Moana saves the day and proves that women can be heroes just the same as men. 

Zootopia

Now we have Zootopia. While this film also has a female protagonist, it takes a slight different spin on the struggles and obstacles the hero must take. Judy Hopps, a tiny rabbit on the police force breaks down more than just one level of discrimination. Judy Hopps is not only a female in a male-dominated profession, but she is the first rabbit to ever be on the police force, she is extremely outsized, and she just so happens to be prey. The theme of predator vs. prey is very important throughout the movie. Although this may seem like a normal theme for a movie about animals, it is not. The theme underlies the prevalent problems with racism in today's society. 

Judy Hopps, being a creature of prey (like African Americans, Hispanics, etc.) is discriminated against and not given equal opportunities. Moreover, the villain in the movie, a sheep by the name of Dawn Bellwether (who is not so coincidentally white) makes predators go "savage" with a drug. This creates a large amount of animosity and hatred towards the predators in their society. The predators lose their jobs, get put in jail, and are discriminated against on many grounds. *SPOILERS* In the end, Judy Hopps unfolds the master plan, and breaks down the social injustices against predators. 

So who's going to win?!

No matter what this isn't an easy call; both movies could rightfully take home the Oscar. However, while both movies prove to be modes for advocating social change, when it comes down to it Zootopia, while just as entertaining as Moana, dismantles more prejudices and biases. There it is. I think Zootopia is going to win. Even though its not exactly what Chris Rock was talking about last year, its a step towards destroying racism within the Oscars.