How I Met Julie Andrews

A few weeks ago I got a Disney notice that Julie Andrews will be appearing at The Grand Californian Hotel (located next to Disneyland). She and the artist will sign original artwork by Toby Bluth depicting her as Mary Poppins in her Jolly Holiday dress with the penguins.

I could not pass up the oppurtunity to meet a living legend since I almost fainted when I saw her Mary Poppins hat when I visited Disney Studios last year and I participated in the Sound of Music Sing-a-long at the Hollywood Bowl for the last 8 years! You could say I'm a BIG fan!

The signing wasn't to take place until 1:30 but Sheridan and I got there at 9 am to get our voucher for our place in line. We were #193. We had a lot of time to kill so we had fun wandering around Downtown Disney. We went to the Disney Vault and I bought a vintage Alice in Wonderland t-shirt and I had beignets from the Jazz Kitchen-SO good!

We then made Sheridan an appointment at Disney 365. It is a makeover store where girls can become Pop Stars like Hannah Montana. There is even a display of her clothes that she wore on stage. To start the makeover, Sheridan was asked about her favorites: TV star, rock star, color, etc. and was asked to sign the contract. Then it was off to see her personal studio stylist. After getting her hair and make up done, she was whisked away to the red carpet to give an interview for her adoring fans! She's got that wave down, don't you think?

After the red carpet, it's time for a rock star photo shoot. Sheridan really got into character. Several people (studio staff members) asked for her autograph. As we left the store, she asked me how many other people would be asking for her autograph...Oh boy!

We were to arrive in the ballroom of the hotel no later than 1:00 and at 1:30 they started calling groups of 25. Before the first group went in, they said we could take pictures. Then after the first group was done, they changed their minds. Total bummer! I don't have a picture of her that day but she pretty much looked like this... She was wearing a camel colored blazer and a white shirt like the one above. Her husband, Blake Edwards, was hanging out in the back of the room keeping a close eye on his wife. She was so sweet! She said hello to Sheridan and said what a pretty name she had. Then Sheridan said that she (Julie) sounded like her favorite TV actress. Julie said "Hannah Montana?" and Sheridan said "No, YOU!" Way to suck up the the legend, kid! I told Julie that Sheridan thought tha she would be dressed in her Mary Poppins outfit. She said she wouldn't fit in it any more. After we met with Julie, we got the atrist's autograph.

Lithograph custom matted and signed by Julie Andrews and the artist -$35

Sheridan's rock star make over - $39

Introducing your daughter to a legend - Priceless!

This is Sheridan and I waiting in the ballroom. We watched Mary Poppins on my portable DVD player I brought along as we waited. My digital CF card decided to seize so I had to buy a HORRIBLE disposable camera at the World of Disney. Sorry the pictures stink.

After the signing, Sheridan and I had a late lunch at the Rain Forest Cafe. It is one of Sheridan's favorites. She loves when the forest comes alive and all of the animals start making noise and there is a thunder storm. Sheridan said it was the "best day ever"! I couldn't agree with her more!