Mini Interview With Author Ridley Pearson

When I was in Walt Disney World on my last trip in 2007, I was looking at a shelf of books and stumbled upon The Kingdom Keepers. As I read the synopsis, I found it to be about my favorite place, Walt Disney World obviously, and adventures within it. I bought the book and took it home to read and was amazed at the detail about the parks that was in the book! I was so excited that when I finished reading the book, I read it again, just to be transplanted into the detail of Disney World once again! The story line just gave me chills and being able to picture where the story was taking place exactly just made it feel all the more real! I was able to as a few questions of the man that is behind the Kingdom Keepers and Starcatchers books, Ridley Pearson, and thought I would share it with all of my friends!
1. What makes you want to write adventure books about Disney?
The "world" of the Disney parks is exciting and intriguing. Working with Disney -- getting into the parks when they're closed -- is just too much fun!

2. How did you come up with the idea for The Kingdom Keepers?

I think the inspiration was a trip to WDW with my daughters: I wondered, as we left: What's it like in the parks when everyone's gone?

3. Was a lot of research involved? Maybe some research trips?

Yes. I've made many visits to the parks at 5AM when no one is there. Then I talk to the Cast Members that run the attractions and get the "inside scoop." It's the best part of writing the books!

4. How did the Starcatchers Series originate?

While reading Peter Pan to my daughter, she asked me: How did Peter meet Captain Hook in the first place?" That started it all!

5. Who is your favorite character in the book? Why?
I like Hook a lot; the incompetent pirate. And Tinkerbell. But Molly will always have a place in my heart because she reminds me of my daughters, Paige and Storey.

6. Any other thoughts/comments?

Kingdom Keepers 3 comes out in April. Disney is making a new Kingdom Keepers website and on-line game. Should be really FUN!!!

You can check out Ridley Pearson's Website at www.ridleypearson.com. You can also follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/RidleytheWriter.

I personally am VERY excited to be hearing about this new website and on-line game! I will be keeping an eye out for this information and will keep you all updated as information comes out!

Disney's D23 Expo: Big Surprises and Big Names

The time that thousands of Disney fans have been waiting for has arrived!! The First Ever Disney D23 Expo is upon us!! Fans from all corners flock to the Anaheim Convention Center for this incredible 4 day event! I am not even going but I am so excited about it I keep using unnecessary exclamation marks!!! It is just going to be that awesome!! Here is a brief run down of some of the excellent events in store for those lucky attendees:

Thursday September 10th- Disney Legend Awards, Beauty and the Beast 3D Preview, Jim Shore Meet-and-Greet, ABC's of Disney with a Dancing With the Stars performance

Friday September 11th- Ridley Pearson/Dave Barry Discussion, Screening of Nightmare Before Christmas in 3D, Tron Presentation, Making of Toy Story- the Musical

Saturday September 12th- Imagineering the Future of Disney Theme Parks, Behind the Fairytale- Disney Weddings with Kristie Kelly and David Tutera, Growing Up Disney with Roy P. Disney, The Princess and the Frog Sneak Peek and Panel, Sleeping Beauty Screening

Sunday September 13th- The Making of Toy Story Midway Mania, Special Muppets Presentation, Imagineering Pixar for the Disney Parks, Toy Story 3 Special Presentation followed by Screenings of Toy Story 1 and 2

These are just some of the amazing seminars that D23 Expo attendees are able to witness, along with the Expo Show Floor that has tons of exciting showcases, some I will be talking about in future blogs. Expect several blog updates from me over the next few days as this Expo gets underway. To see the full list of activities that are in store at the D23 Expo, visit the D23 Expo Site Schedule by clicking here.

This is a historic event for all involved and I know I will be following the entire weekend intently to see what surprises Disney has in store!