July 15, 2013: Hug Your Kid Day

Today is Global Hug Your Kid Day. Hug your kids. Don’t ask any questions, don’t hesitate, just hug your kids. It’s even better when you hug your kid at Walt Disney World.

Today is Gummi Worm Day. Gummi (Rubber) worms originated in Germany but were preceded by gummi bears by more than 50 years. My kids love gummi’s and you can eat them at the movies and at Walt Disney World. Just look for Goofy’s Candy Company products at locations all around WDW.

Today is National Get Out of the Doghouse Day. If you’ve been on the outs with a loved one this is the day to set things right. Don’t let hard feelings drag on; get out of that doghouse now. If you’re Pluto it’s okay to stay in the doghouse, it is your house.

In English folklore, Saint Swithin’s Day is an important day in… weather. If it is raining on Saint Swithin’s Day, tradition holds that it will rain for the next 40 days. If the weather is fair, it will “rain nae mair” for 40 days. We’ve always had a similar tale about Easter and, if it rains on Easter, it will rain for 13 Sundays in a row. So today, mark the weather at WDW and dress accordingly.

Jan-Michael Vincent was born on this day in 1944 in Denver, Colorado. Best known as the star of Airwolf, Vincent did star in a movie for Disney, 1973’s The World’s Greatest Athlete. ESPN’s Wide World of Sports would be a fitting tribute for Vincent.

Linda Ronstadt was born in Tucson, Arizona on this day in 1946. Ronstadt was a Grammy-winner in 1970; in fact she charted one single or album on the Billboard charts every year from 1970 to 2000. Linda performed at Disneyland at a grad night event in June 1971 with a notable backing band, The Eagles. In fact, this performance was the first time the band had played together. Just go to Walt Disney World and “Take it Easy.”

Disney’s Wedding Pavilion opened on this date in 1995. Located near the Grand Floridian Resort, the Pavilion offers wedding services and planning and a view of Cinderella Castle perfectly aligned with the pavilion. You get a great view of the Wedding Pavilion from the monorail, even better, attend or take part in a ceremony there.

1606: Rembrandt van Rijn was born in the Netherlands. The great painter can be memorialized on Spaceship Earth at EPCOT.

1935: Alex Karras was born in Gary Indiana. Karras was a great NFL lineman, actor and on time commentator on ABC’s Monday Night Football. To me he will always be Mongo in Mel Brook’s Blazing Saddles. Make your way over to The Boardwalk and visit the ESPN club there in honor of Alex.

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