Farewell to the Hillbillies

Walt said "Disneyland will never be completed.  It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world." The Main Street Flower Mart, Skyway, People Movers, America Sings, Country Bear Jamboree and as of January 6, 2014 Billy Hill and the Hillbillies.  Just some of the acts and attractions that are no longer at Disneyland. 




They began performing in the late 80s as various named bands.  One of which was the Barley Brothers during the Disneyland State Fair in 1988. They also performed during the opening of Critter Country on Wednesday, November, 23, 1988. 






On Wednesday, August, 5, 1992 Billy Hill and the Hillbillies was officially formed and began performing in the Golden Horshoe Saloon. They had their official "scripted" show on Sunday, December, 18, 1994.  The original members were Kirk Wall(guitar, fiddle, lead), Mario Hildago(banjo), Dennis Fetchet(fiddle), and the founder of the band John Marshall(bass).  Other members of the band have and are Evan Marshall(mandolin), Rick Storey(banjo & guitar), Anders Swanson(bass & fiddle), Duane Michaels(mandolin & fiddle), John David(guitar & banjo), John Eaden(guitar & lead). 




They played at the Horseshoe 7 days a week until 1999 when they were moved to Big Thunder Ranch due to the Horseshoe being used for Woody's Roundup.  In 2000 they moved back to the Horseshoe and on February 6, 2003 at the 1:15pm performance they celebrated their 10,000th performance.  In 2012 they were moved back to Big Thunder Ranch and played there until their final performance.




Billy Hill and the Hillbillies have been know for decades for their bluegrass/country music along with classic rock, rap and holiday music.  And of course their comedy.  They even put out an album titles The Billys Live. 




I am sure going to miss those hillbillies.  The Neverlanders saw the band during our first meet.  Like most people I would see them every once in a while but never as much as I should have.  I know for the rest of my life anytime I hear Grandmas Killer Fruitcake I will think of them. 




Billy Hill and the Hillbillies will continue to play outside of Disneyland at both public and private evens.  Their new name is Kirk Wall and the Hillbillies.  If you wish to follow them they have an Instagram account KrazyKirkandtheHillbillies

All it takes is faith, trust and pixie dust!

Hello everyone! Our names are Sara and Taylor and we thought it might be fun to share our experience of becoming part of the Neverlander family, being one of the newest members!

 

 

 SARA: I’ll start off with my story and have Taylor take over at the end. First off, Taylor and I have been dating for 3 years now and one of the things that has drawn us together is our Disney fandom. My family always tells me I was raised as a Disney girl and I was lucky to find someone who loved the parks just as much as I did. We were shown the Neverlander Social Club through a friend on Instagram and were excited to see a group of people who shared our excitement for Disney. Taylor was actually the first to reach out to one of the members, I remember cause I was stuck in school and was so jealous that 1. he was at Disneyland, and 2. he got to meet a Neverlander before me! I soon got to meet and experience my first Neverlander meet when we went to wish Angel a happy birthday. I was so nervous, and even though Taylor will never admit it, I knew he was too. To make it less awkward, we went and bought a bag of Mickey M&M’s from Downtown Disney to break any tension that there may be. While I didn’t know most of them, everyone was very welcoming and I could tell that the bond between all of them was more of a family than just a social club.

From then on we continued to meet more of the Neverlanders, and with over 60 members, it is quite an intimidating task to take on. As most people know who have met me, I am extremely shy at first, but once you get to know me I’ll start to open up for new friendships (which is why I chose Flower as my first Neverlander patch). As we got to meet and become friends with more of the members, we got invited to our first official meet in July. Looking back, I would only change one thing out of that entire day, my voice was shot from being sick and I was too afraid to tell anyone! I didn’t want to miss anything but I pretty much sounded like there was a dying frog in my throat, and as a result I was afraid to talk to most of them. Luckily Taylor was there to help me afterwards to ensure me that they are still my friends and there will always be another time to meet the others. From then on I pushed myself to ignore my fears of being insecure or afraid and put myself out there for everyone to meet. I reached out to more of them through Instagram, supporting their crafts, and of course more Disney trips! While my whole journey was long, it was never just about becoming part of a club. It was gaining friendships that I know I’ll cherish forever and gaining the courage to be myself.

 

 TAYLOR: Hey everyone, Taylor taking over. (If you don’t know me on Instagram, that joke probably made no sense, but whatever.) Basically becoming Neverlanders was a long journey of becoming life-long friends with people who we once saw as strangers. I’ll be honest, getting to know people on a personal level is hard, let alone having over 60 members to get to know, but everyone is really nice and truly has a kind heart. We began being invited to meets and going to charity events and became very close with those around us. We got asked to go to the first ever Neverlanders Anniversary meet, being that they began about one year ago and we’re stoked that we got invited! It began with everyone bringing breakfast and at the end of eating, greeting everyone, and presenting the founders with a gift, and then ending with a group hug.

 Then we were told about a scavenger hunt. The scavenger hunt was described to the invitees (Sara, Lucy, Aaron, Justice, Paul, and myself) as a regular scavenger hunt, but if we, the invitees won we couldn’t win the “real” prizes because we weren’t in the Neverlanders. To be honest, we understood that and Angel even joked around about us being able to win hugs, which was pretty funny. So our team of invitees, nicknamed Team I aka Team Trashcan, decided it was our time to shine and beat them at there own game, even if there was no prize. So our team rushed inside and began the scavenger hunt with huge speed. Nearing the end of the scavenger hunt, our scavenger hunt papers spelled out, “Will you be Neverlanders?” and “Welcome to the family!” We began walking towards the next destination only to find a loving semi-circle of strangers that had become our friends and truly our family asking us if we would accept.

 

 Of course, we all turned red and ran for hugs from everyone. Cyndee and Angel created something special, something unique, something that is hard to describe. The whole idea of being in this family is unreal, we really care about these people and the morals they uphold not only as a Social Club, but as people. We respect each and every one of them. We are damn proud to be part of this ever-growing family, we love them so much. Thank you all for this, and may many memories form in our near future with you. Hope to see whoever read this around the park ;]

 

-Sara and Taylor

Finding Neverland

Home is where the heart is. My heart is at Disneyland. My wife and I had our second date at Disneyland! Melissa has been an annual pass holder her entire life, I purchased my first annual when I was 18 but I was born and raised in Anaheim so my family would go about 4 times a year. We would love when relatives would visit because that would mean we are going to Disneyland. When I did purchase my pass only a handful of my friends and they would go about twice a month. I was offended! To me my pass ment I had a key to Disneyland and if I have a key I'm going to use it! So after school I would head to the park and ride a few rides, grab lunch and people watch . I did not mind going alone I found out a lot about myself sitting on the benches at Disneyland just observing and thinking about where I am in life and where I want to be in the years to come. Fast forward two years and I meet Melissa! As soon as we found out we both Keys to Disneyland we ditched school hopped on a bus and went to what I call home. Since meeting Melissa I have not gone to Disneyland by myself. More and more of our friends started becoming AP's but with time they would lose interest. When Melissa and I became pregnant with out daughter our good friend told us if Riley is born in Disneyland she gets in free for life. So naturally when Melissa hit 37 weeks we went almost everyday hoping She would go into labor but that did not work out she went into labor before te park opened and we have a beautiful daughter. With our son when Melissa went into labor she wouldn't dialate so the dr said go walk around for a couple hours and then we can admit you. Melissa looks at me and said well we are going to Disneyland. She was having some heavy contractions but she was determined. Cast members would walk up to her and ask if she was ok when she had a contraction and she would say yes it's just a cramp. We hung out at Disneyland for about two hours and i told her we should just go back to the hospital. We have a handsome son and are as happy as can be. So we go to Disneyland about twice a week now, but we used to go more before Melissa went back to work. We would have fun at Disneyland but would notice our daughter would look at other children and be very curious. So when I found out about The Neverlanders I had asked my friend Rick (Save the Panduhs) about them since I saw him post a picture with then at Disneyland. He told me about the club and that they closed membership at the time. I saw that the Zombies had two kids, then I noticed Sarah had two. I thought the club was awesome I noticed more and more kids in the club as I started following more members. This is the main reason I am proud to be a member of The Neverlanders. The kids all get along so well! They learn from each other and even look out for each other. Rick introduced us to Amanduh and she is amazing. With her what you see is what you get! She is as real as they come. Both of them slowly started introducing us to different members at Disneyland the two that we met besides Rick and Amanduh where The Sisters Vero and Cehcee. Instantly we had a connection. We also met Jeebus and Adrian that day! (At the time they where not in the club) after haingung out with them for sometime we ran into Angel and Cindy I'm DCA I thought they were awesome. Slowly we started getting invited to functions outside of Disneyland and they kids loved it. I spoke to Melissa about it and told her I think it's awesome that even though the club is no accepting  members at the moment they still want to be our friends. At that moment is when I realized this isn't just a social club they really care about each other it isn't just a Club at Disneyland they are really a family. When we where asked to become a part of the family of course we said yes! But nothing had changed we had already formed a strong bond and had been coming to most of the functions that the club held. We already felt like we where part of the family! Bottom line we found Neverland and we will never grow up! Another day I'll write about our invitation it was magical!

New Holiday 'Dreams' at Disneyland Resort

"World of Color - Winter Dreams," an all-new holiday version of the popular "World of Color" nighttime spectacular, will begin nightly performances on Paradise Bay in Disney California Adventure Park on November 15, helping to kick off the 2013 holiday season at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CA. "World of Color - Winter Dreams" will feature some of the main characters from the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures animated movie Frozen.

Disney's Frozen comes to theaters November 27, 2013. See the trailers HERE!

Adventure Is Out There! Ellie's first adventure.

"From strangers, to friends, to family..." We live by this. Almost a year ago we joined a social club, Neverlanders SC, not knowing what the outcome would be. We just knew that we all shared the same love for Disney. In a matter of months we all grew closer to each other and shared a bond that family shares. New members joined our family and we grew even bigger and closer. As the one year anniversary almost hit its mark, the founders Cyndee and Angel told everyone they had a surprise on September 22nd. We were all excited, but two of us were clueless! We both kept trying to guess what it could be. For close to 3 months we were in anticipation awaiting the day we'd be surprised. Never ever did we expect this whole planning, dedication and heartwarming event would be for just us three. September 22nd comes and Amanda and I wake up in excitement get dressed faster than ever and wait for Jimmy to come to our place so we could leave. This was the first time Jimmy asked to ride with us, which was kinda odd, but we thought nothing of it. Already fashionably late we arrive to the location and noticed some of our friends vests in the car which was kind of odd, but again didn't question it. We walk in to Up theme song playing in the background, we see Travis taking pics from inside a kids replica of the Up House and we see almost everyone including our northern landers and Vegas friends. In total shock I couldn't figure out what was going on. I couldn't figure out that the event that had been planned for months was our very own Up themed baby shower put on by our family. Tears were everywhere. It was the most beautiful feeling in the world! To see strangers who became family throw this for us and put in so much work, time, love and effort to make it so special was simply beautiful. There were Up houses everywhere, there was a Fentons ice cream sign cut out of wood and hand painted, paradise falls jars hand written and full of gum balls, decorations made by our crafters, a stage full of baby presents, delicious smell of food filling the air, but most importantly family that loves us surrounding us. We played games that had us laughing in tears!! Have you ever played put the plunger in the toilet paper roll? Have you ever tried tying your shoe laces with a balloon inside your shirt trying not to pop it? We have! Ellie, Amanda and I are blessed to have this family! They have been there since our love first blossomed to the whole pregnancy and every special moment that is yet to come. Sept 22nd is a day we will always remember. We cherish the love and family we have. Adventure is out there! Thank you to everyone that participated and made this the most special baby shower ever!

September Adult Meet

 Every month the NeverlanderSC usually have one official adult meet and one official family meet.  This blog is about the adult meet that took place on September 28, 2013.  All of our adult meets are day long meets where as our family meets are usually night time meets.  We always have an itinerary for our adult meets so we know what we are doing for the day and we try our best to stick to it.  This months itinerary was done by Vero. 

Most of our adult meets begin with us meeting at the esplanade between 8:00am and 8:30am.  Todays meet started a little late because a lot of us were at a surprise party for one of our fellow Neverlanders Michelle, aka Mickey.  Breakfast today was at River Belle Terrace.  This is a special spot to me because it was where we ate on our very first meet. 

After breakfast we rode Indiana Jones.  It was only a ten minute wait which was a nice way to start the day

Our next ride was the Haunted Mansion.  This time of the year the mansion is transformed for the holidays to celebrate the Nightmare Before Christmas.  I've never seen the movie, I know that's crazy, but I do love the mansion like this.  This year is the 13th year of them transforming the mansion. It was only about a 15 minute wait which is nice because, like most of you know, its one of the most popular attractions this time of year.

After leaving the mansion we headed for The Jungle Cruise.  The wait was 30 minutes which is unusual for this ride but when you have great people to talk to in line, the wait doesn't seem so long.  As most of you know your level of enjoyment on this ride comes down to the guide on the boat.  Get a good one and it make you feel like its the first time you rode it.  Get a bad one and its just a boat ride.  We got lucky and got a great guide named Laura who had us all laughing. 

After the Jungle Cruise we decided to stray from the itinerary so that one of our own could get a picture she really wanted.  Melissa, who has Maleficent as her patch, had not gotten her picture with her favorite character yet this year so we wanted to make that happen.  So we headed for the Conjuring a Villain in Big Thunder Ranch to see what we could do.  Our first attempt we got The Evil Queen which is great, but not who we were looking for.

After getting some "inside information" we knew that Maleficent was the next character out we wait her for and finally Melissa got her picture.  This picture is of her husband Jimmy, who was relieved that Mel finally got her picture because it was his fault that she had not gotten it earlier in the week.  He had to get a haircut. LOL


Lunch was next so we headed for Jolly Holiday Bakery and The Coca-Cola Refreshment Corner.  Half the group went to one and half to the other.  I had a Mac N Cheese hot dot from the Corner and it was delicious. 

After lunch we headed to DCA and went right for Grizzly River Run.  It was a 40 minute wait so we had plenty of time to talk and joke around in line.  As your can tell by the second picture.

If you notice, none of us are wearing our vest.  Its really weird now not having them on at the parks.  They are a part of us now.  If you did not know their are lockers located next to the fastpass distribution area that are free for 2 hours so you can leave your valuables safe and feel free to get as wet as possible.  I want to point out the person who got it the worst was the good looking guy in the bright green shirt, me.

Next up was California Screamin'.  Only 5 of us wanted to ride.  The ride was basically walk on.  Everyone knows they decide before the ride what they are doing for the picture.  This ride it was by Luke and he said "lets just look like we are bored".  So that's what these photos are.  In this picture its Luke and his dad Skyler.

This picture is of Johanna, Cehcee, and me.


Next up were the Silly Symphony Swings and Goofy's Sky School.  Today was the first time Vero went on Goofy's Sky School and I am guessing it was the last. 

After that we went on The Little Mermaid before heading back to Disneyland for dinner and our activity.

Dinner and the first part of the activity took place at Pizza Port in Tomorrowland. 

After dinner it was now time for the meet activity.  This months was created by Rosemary and Neil, aka FindingMickey.  There were 4 teams of 4 members.  I was part of the Beards of Sin team, which won the best name bonus.  Part 1 of the activity was a Disney trivia test.  Each team had 30 minutes to complete 55 questions.  Part 2 of the activity was a scavenger hunt mixed together with brain teasers. 

In the end the winning team consisted of Dana, Johanna, Angel, and Cyndee.  It was a great activity and a huge thank you has to go out to Rosemary and Neil who did a ton of work to put the whole thing together.

This is the final group shot of the evening with everyone who participated in activity.  That's a good looking group of people if I do say so myself.  In the picture Rosemary, Neil, Jessie, Justin, Sammi, Luke, Skyler, Angel, Cyndee, Amanda, Michelle, Johanna, Dana, Cehcee, Vero, Rick, Efrain, Anthony, Justin, and Travis. I think I got everyone.

Then it was time for some adult beverages at Traders Sams.  Here we are cheering the birthday girl Michelle.

Selfie with Johanna, Michelle, and myself.

Rose Mary, me, and Michelle

Group picture of the ones who enjoyed some good laughs and some good drinks.


In the end it was another great meeting of the Neverlanders SC. 

Disneyland, the only constant is change.

So the last few weeks I have read a lot of internet jargon about "Court of Angels" and Starbucks. Mostly negative, about how they can't take something away that has so much history, and how can they add a corporation to the park! Let me address the Starbucks first, so my wife and many Landers love the #CupOfJo so this is an exciting change. From what I have seen they are maintaining the Market House name just adding "sponsored by Starbucks" much like the Enchanted Tiki Room sponsored by Dole, or many other sponsorships around the park that have come and gone. Since it's inception Main Street was a living shopping area with different store fronts, brassieres anyone?! So to me Starbucks is jut going with the tradition started since 1955. Now the Court of Angels, it's a beautiful and quite corner of the park where many have been proposed too. I get that, I do....but, the Club that Walt wanted now needs expansion and upgrade and this little nook has to change. Some gripe is that a part of the park that was created for everyone is no being changed to an eletist entrance, most of the ones saying that have not dined at club 33 (This is coming from someone that felt that way about the club till I walked in and my skin turned into chicken skin, knowing Walt built this and never saw it) Change is constant, when expansion is needed sometimes things are lost that is how Walt wanted it: "Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world."-Walt Disney

This is a great post from 2006, Thanks to Andy Castro for posting it: http://imagineerebirth.blogspot.com/2006/06/disneyland-is-not-museum.html?m=1