June 9, 2013: Johnny Depp

Today marks the first appearance of Donald Duck in a Walt Disney cartoon. In 1934, Donald Fauntleroy Duck appeared in The Wise Little Hen. Technically, this is not Donald’s birthday; that date was set in another cartoon by his nephews. Donald is all over Walt Disney World but there are a couple of good locations to enjoy Donald’s company. One good place is Chef Mickey’s another is Donald’s Breakfast over at the Yak and Yeti in the Animal Kingdom. We’ve done both but we’ve not done the Animal Kingdom breakfast since it was Donald’s Breakfast-saurus. We’re doing Chef Mickey’s again in about two weeks. Go, eat, enjoy.

We always love our native sons and daughters and today is the birthday of one of the most famous ones that we have. On this day in 1963, Johnny Depp was born in Owensboro, Kentucky. I’ve never met Johnny Depp but I have been to Owensboro and, like I said, we always support our own. Even if that was not true, Johnny Depp has starred in some of our favorite movies. Alice in Wonderland, The Pirates of the Caribbean, Finding Neverland, Ed Wood, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Cry Baby, Benny and Joon, Sleepy Hollow and this list could go on for a while. All that being said, we also understand that he is a generous tipper and all around nice guy. He’s from Kentucky, we would expect no less. Let’s not make this difficult, go to The Magic Kingdom, visit Adventureland and ride Pirates of the Caribbean. While you’re there, say hey to Johnny, he’s there, just keep looking.

Quickies:

1924: blues great, Jelly Roll Morton, recorded “Jelly-Roll Blues”. Disney has a club on The Boardwalk, Jellyrolls, named for Jelly Roll. If you are over 21, go to Jellyrolls and enjoy dueling pianos and have a great evening.

1915: Les Paul was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin. He, along with Leo Fender and few others, invented the solid body electric guitar. The Les Paul guitar is a classic among guitar players of many styles with a distinctive sound and profile. Enjoy live music at the World, keep an eye out, you’ll see a few Les Pauls.

A lovely black Les Paul

1981: Natalie Portman was born. Portman played Queen Amidala / Padme from the three Star Wars prequels. These are not my favorite Star Wars movies but I don’t hate them and she is certainly fine in them. Natalie now hangs out with the Mighty Thor. She tends to run with some powerful company. Enjoy some Star Tours.

Remember, your best excuse is always: waiting for your dreams to come true.