Public Spark

Previously
Day 1,
Day 2,
Day 3

July 2, 1997 (Thursday)

We headed towards Epcot Center once again on the water taxi and this time caught a monorail to the Magic Kingdom. Then we had a choice between a monorail or ferry boat. We chose the ferry to head towards the Magic Kingdom. We saw Disney’s Contemporary Hotel, which is unique because there is a Monorail going through the main hotel lobby.

Magic Kingdom Map

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Previously:
Day 1, Day 2

July 2, 1997 (Wednesday)

We woke up at approximately 8 am and headed towards to Water Taxi and towards Disney’s MGM Studios.

MGM Studios Map cover

For breakfast, we ate at Hollywood and Vine, which is a cafeteria style restaurant. We at biscuits and scrambled eggs.

We saw Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. Astonishing side effects. We were taken behind the scenes, and into the famous action sequences such as the rolling ball scene.

Indiana Jones Stunt Show Photos

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This is a continuation from Day 1 blog

July 1, 1997 (Tuesday)

We were awakened by the loud alarm clock at around 6 am. We then made our way towards the water taxi and departed to Epcot. Our reservation for breakfast was at 7:40 AM. We made it to the Land and the restaurant Garden Grille. Boy were we in for a surprise. As we approached the restaurant, we noticed that the restaurant was rotating. It was also a character breakfast, so I got to be a kid again!

Epcot Map

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As I was cleaning up my room, I came across a journal that I had kept from my 1997 trip to Walt Disney World. It was the year Walt Disney World celebrated its 25th anniversary. Below are excerpts from the journal and in brackets and italicized are my current added thoughts. It was interesting to reflect on this memorable family trip to Walt Disney World.

June 30, 1997 (Monday)

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1. Love to see unbelievable things

   My recent experience at the Magic Castle (Blog I, II, III ) confirmed why I love magic so much. The magicians are so skillful and make things that aren’t supposed to happen appear natural. Cards that aren’t supposed to change sizes do. A $20 bill that was supposed to be burnt becomes sealed in a sugar packet.

2. The challenge of figuring out how the trick works

   I find it so interesting trying to figure out how the tricks works. I read in books about magic that there is often misdirection, but even when I am trying to look at things we are not supposed to, it is hard to figure out.

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This is a continuation of Tuesday’s blog on my experience at the Magic Castle.

WARNING:

There are spoilers, so if you want to remain curious, you have been warned!

After a full dinner, we made our way down towards another corridor. I was captivated by the detail and decor of this whole castle. Along each corridor were photos and caricatures of magicians. In addition, there were areas with puppets and Academy of Magical Arts archives.

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Today’s blog was focus on my specific experience at the Magic Castle.

WARNING:

There are spoilers, so if you want to remain curious, you have been warned!

My boyfriend, good friend and I pulled up to the entrance of the Magic Castle in Hollywood, California. It was valet parking only so we gave our car keys to the attendant along with the $8 parking fee. We made our way towards the entrance where we were greeted by the bouncer. We showed our ID’s (as it is 21 and older at night) and made our away into the first hall.

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The Magic Castle is a famous magic night club located in the heart of Hollywood, California. Its building is an authentic Victorian Mansion, which officially opened its doors on January 2nd, 1963. Only members and their guests are allowed entrance, though courtesy invitations can be obtained by magicians visiting from out of town. Its membership has grown to roughly 5,000 active magicians and non-magician members. Recently I was fortunate to be invited through a magician who is a member of this club.

The dress code of formal party attire (coat and tie for men, cocktail attire for women) is strictly enforced. This adds to the formal classic club ambiance.

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Happy 4th of July! Independence day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals and picnics. Usually I spend independence day with family and friends, enjoying a barbecue. Sometimes we would climb up to the rooftop to watch fireworks.

Here are some interesting statistics (U.S. Census Bureau)

• On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation.

• The nation’s population on this July Fourth is 304 million.

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I enjoy listening to commencement speeches, as they are given by successful individuals who bring insight and wisdom. Bill Gates addressed Harvard graduates in last year’s commencement speech. This year, J.K. Rowling delivered the following inspirational speech at Harvard University on June 5, 2008.

For full speech published in the Harvard Magazine click here

J.K Rowling talks about two main themes:

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