Mickey Mouse is Turning 80. How About a Write-Off?

Oct 19 '08 (Updated Sep 28 '10)    Write an essay on this topic.


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On November 18, 1928, a little cartoon called Steamboat Willie premiered at the Colony Theater in New York. While it wasn't the first cartoon by Walt Disney (or even the first Mickey Mouse short for that matter), it did change history. Why? Because it was the first animated short with sound. The idea and the character captured the hearts and minds of the populace. And an empire was built on that one moment.

As big a Disney fan as I am, I couldn't let this anniversary pass without some form of acknowledgement. And I decided to open it up to the entire Epinions community.

No, this won't be a write off that sticks strictly to Mickey Mouse. As Walt Disney is famous for saying, "I hope we never lose sight of one thing - it was all started by a mouse." So, while I will highlight reviews written of things that feature Mickey, I am opening this write off up to all Disney related items.

Looking for some ideas? Here are some I came up with off the top of my head.

Movies - I know this is the obvious one. Disney pictures (and its subsidiaries) have produced so many movies over the years. Yes, the popular ones have lots of reviews. Feel free to add one more. But many of their lesser known movies still aren't reviewed. Find one of them and review it.

Travel - Anther obvious one. Both US Disney parks, and all their attractions, are listed. Write about your favorite. Or the one you hated the most. (I haven't looked for the international parks, but if they are listed, feel free to review those, too.)

Books - There are been many books written about Disney and the company over the years. And there are some books set at Disney parks. Review one of them. Read and review one of the books that inspired a Disney film.

Kids and Family - Got a Disney doll/action figure? How about a Disney themed game. Give it a go.

Music - We've got Disney soundtracks, compilations of Disney songs, covers of Disney songs by other artists, artists on the Disney label....

Games - What about a video game based on a Disney film or starring Disney characters?

TV Shows - Since Disney owns ABC and ABC Family, any show broadcast there would count. Or any show produced by Disney Television. And, obviously anything on The Disney Channel will work.

Writer's Corner Piece - Want to write about your favorite childhood Disney memory? Favorite Disney family vacation? I'd love to read about it.

Your Creative Idea - I'm sure there are other Disney products in other categories. Just because I didn't mention it doesn't mean I won't accept it. After all, Disney was a creative man. I wouldn't be honoring his legacy if I didn't allow reviews that think outside the box.

A Random Reference - My favorite line in Jurassic Park is "When Pirates of the Caribbean goes down, the pirates don't eat the tourists." Yes, even if that is the only association with Disney, I will accept it. But if you are adding something that isn't obvious, you're going to have to explain in the review why it fits. It can just be one line at the bottom. No reason for a long drawn out side trip unless you want to write one.

What I will not accept - Not all animated movies are done by Disney. If the movie you are reviewing wasn't a Disney film, I won't include it in the write off. Of course, I will make an exception if there is some reference to Disney in it. And I do mean something specifically Disney, not just a fairy tale character that Disney has used.

Ready to join the fun? Great! Let's get to some details.

Start Date: Immediately, if not sooner.

End Date: December 31, 2008 or the end of the year, which ever comes last.

Please remember to link back to this post in your review. And leave me a comment here so I can link up your contribution.

Feel free to combine an entry for this with another of the great write offs going on.

Legal Notices: Void where prohibited by law. Must be a member of Epinions to contribute. If you are not a member, join now. Not valid for life forms outside the solar system.

I think I've covered everything, but if you have any questions, let me know.

I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

January 5th Update:

I just wanted to thank everyone who made this write off such a success.  It's my best one to date.  And I learned about a few new products along the way.  Thanks for joining me in celebrating the spirit of Mickey and be sure to take a look at all these great reviews.

Mickey Mouse Reviews:
Disneyland's Hidden Mickeys
Mickey Mouse in Living Color Volume 2

The Participants:

Befus
Movies: Beauty and the Beast

Bilbopooh
Movies: Tarzan II
TV Shows: Pushing Daisies - Season 1

CaptianD
Movies: Aristocats ll Robin Hood ll The Jungle Book (1967)

Carstairs38
Books: Kingdom Keepers ll Disneyland's Hidden Mickeys
Movies: Morning Light ll Chicken Little ll High School Musical 3: Senior Year ll A Bug's Life ll Bolt ll Candleshoe ll Oliver and Company ll Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen ll Alice in Wonderland (1951) ll Love Bug ll Dr. Syn: The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh ll Mickey Mouse in Living Color Volume 2
Music: High School Musical 3 Soundtrack ll Muppet Christmas Carol Soundtrack ll Pete's Dragon Soundtrack
Personal Finance: Disney Rewards Visa
Travel: All Star Sports Resort
TV Shows: Lost - Season 4

Chelledun
Restaurant & Gourmet: Crystal Palace ll Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
Travel: Disney's Contemporary Resort ll Pop Century Resort

Dolphinboy
Movies: Sleeping Beauty ll Tinker Bell

Dragonfire88
Kids & Family: Monopoly - Disney Edition
Movies: 101 Dalmations (1996) ll Bolt ll Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas ll Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas ll 102 Dalmations ll Mulan 

Ifif1938
Travel: UK Pavilion at EPCOT

Jankp
Books: The Last Lecture
Movies: High School Musical 3: Senior Year

Jurgrace
Kids & Family: Lightning McQueen, Mater, and Sally Flashlight ll Princess Flashlight ll Playtex Insulator Cup
Music: Eight Feet

Talyseon
Movies: Bolt

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About the Author

carstairs38
Epinions.com ID: carstairs38
Member: Mark Baker
Location: Sunny Southern CA
Reviews written: 1893
Trusted by: 174 members
About Me: Aiming for 12 races in 2012.