Virtual Tour Video of Walt Disney’s Apartment at Disneyland

via disneyparks.disney.go.com

Here's a great video and post from the Disney Parks Blog. Merry Christmas!

"We have a special holiday treat for you today. We’re sharing rare video from inside a place that very few people have seen; a place that cast members fondly call “Walt’s apartment.” It was built on Main Street, U.S.A., for Walt Disney and his family during construction of the theme park. We’re also giving you a virtual tour that highlights some of the more special items in the apartment.

One of the unique items showcased in the video is the Tom and Jerry drink set that Walt used to entertain guests during the holidays. In Walt’s apartment, in one of the drawers underneath the Tom and Jerry set, there is a recipe for the Tom and Jerry drink that is similar to the one that Walt served.

We’re also sharing that recipe with you today in case you’re entertaining guests who are age 21 or older in your apartment (or home) this holiday season.

Enjoy!"

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Virtual Tour Video of Walt Disney’s Apartment at Disneyland

Watch Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle at Disneyland on Time-Lapse Video

via disneyparks.disney.go.com

Here's a very neat time-lapse video from the Disney Parks Blog! (With accompanying post)

"At the end of the video, you saw a quickened version of one of the nighttime light shows. The Sleeping Beauty Winter Castle light show is divided into three “acts” over the course of the evening. Each one begins at the Castle and travels the length of Main Street, U.S.A., finishing at the Town Square Christmas tree. Each act features a magical snowfall, and the final act concludes with “Believe…in Holiday Magic” fireworks."

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Watch Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle at Disneyland on Time-Lapse Video

Behind the Scenes Video: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Attraction

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Posted for your convenience from the DIsney Parks Blog:

"After the last guest left Magic Kingdom Park one night last week, Walt Disney Imagineers unveiled some magic. While you slept, they removed construction walls surrounding The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and gave a first look at their amazing work.

The queue and exterior façade for the classic Fantasyland attraction have been completely re-imagined. You can now enjoy a fully immersive interactive adventure through the Hundred Acre Wood that includes visits to Tigger’s Bouncy Place, Rabbit’s Garden, Eeyore’s Gloomy Place and Pooh’s Hunny Hives. Here’s a peek at the work that took place. Enjoy."

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Behind the Scenes Video: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Attraction

Meet the AquaDuck Water Coaster! - Video

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Here's a video of the "water" attraction the "AquaDuck" - one of the most exciting features coming to the Disney Dream and the first water coaster aboard a cruise ship.

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Meet the AquaDuck Water Coaster! - Video

Behind the Scenes Video: Preparing the Magic Kingdom For Christmas

via disneyparks.disney.go.com

It’s hard to believe but each November our Magic Kingdom Park goes from being decorated for Halloween to Christmas in just days. The transformation is fast and precise. As quickly as a jack-o-lantern is wrapped up for the year, an ornament goes up. And what may look like chaos to you and me, is actually a “choreographed dance” because planning begins in June.

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Behind the Scenes Video: Preparing the Magic Kingdom For Christmas

The Story Behind Disney’s Liberty Tree and Horticulture Logo

Here's a little Disney trivia from the Disney Parks Blog for you all.

"Over thirty years ago a majestic 130-year-old live oak tree (Quercus virginiana) was found on the eastern part of the Disney property and moved about eight miles to the Magic Kingdom Park. At the time of the move, this enormous tree weighed 38 tons and had a root ball measuring 18-feet by 16-feet by four feet deep.

Because of its size and weight, the oak could not be moved by simply wrapping a cable around the trunk. Instead, holes were drilled through the middle of the trunk and steel dowel pins inserted so it could be lifted by a 100-ton crane. Once transplanted, the pins were removed and replaced with sections of hardwood and the wood soon healed."

"The entire process took several months to complete. Known as one of the most spectacular big tree moves, the oak we call the “Liberty Tree” stands proudly in the middle of Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom Park. It has thirteen lanterns hanging on the tree representing the original thirteen colonies. Our Disney’s Horticulture team was so proud of the successful move, the “Liberty Tree” was adopted as our official logo."

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The Story Behind Disney’s Liberty Tree and Horticulture Logo

Neil Patrick Harris Makes New Recordings for California Screamin'

If you love this attraction as much as I do, here's a little inside info from the Disney Parks Blog you can tell your friends!  

"On Friday, Guests riding California Screamin’ at Disney California Adventure park may have noticed a familiar new voice as they prepared to board the longest and fastest roller coaster at the Disneyland Resort. 

Disney Imagineers recently worked with actor Neil Patrick Harris to make new recordings for California Screamin’. These new themed recordings recall a carnival sideshow barker, in keeping with the theme of all the boardwalk amusements in Paradise Pier." 

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Neil Patrick Harris Makes New Recordings for California Screamin'

Decorate a Pumpkin Like the Disneyland Resort Enhancement Team - Video

via disneyparks.disney.go.com

Posted for your convenience is a video and post about the Resort Enhancement Team.

"If you haven’t started carving that Halloween pumpkin, here’s a new idea! Have you ever considered turning the pumpkin on its side and using the stem as a nose? That’s a tip from Dave Caranci, a cast member from the Resort Enhancement Team at the Disneyland Resort who often thinks of new and different ways to decorate the Resort.

Here’s how he and his team decorate the Resort for Halloween. You’re sure to pick up a new idea for this year or the next."

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Decorate a Pumpkin Like the Disneyland Resort Enhancement Team - Video

Watch the Air Force Thunderbirds Fly Over Cinderella Castle- Video

Wow, check out this video and post below from the Disney Parks Blog! It gave me the chills when I watched it.

"Now there’s something you don’t see every day at Walt Disney World Resort. That’s the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flying over Main Street U.S.A. and Cinderella Castle to commemorate the start of “Air Force Week” in Central Florida. The Air Force’s official fighter demonstration team made the special flight over Magic Kingdom Park during a celebration of “Hometown Heroes” that included honoring dignitaries at our Celebrate a Dream Come True parade. Today, we’re sharing highlights:

Several airmen and their families were invited by their leadership to participate in the ceremony and celebration at Magic Kingdom Park."

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Watch the Air Force Thunderbirds Fly Over Cinderella Castle- Video

Discounts for Military Personnel at Disney Parks!

Important info below from the OC Register worth passing on!

"Military personnel can get discounts of more than half off on Disneyland Resort park passes under a new promotion.

Three-day “park hopper” passes cost $99 each under the deal. At the door, three-day passes are usually $206 each for adults. Park hoppers allow visitors to go to both Disneyland Resort parks — Disneyland and Disney California Adventure — on the same day.

The deal is valid for active and retired military personnel, including the U.S. Coast Guard, National Guard and reservists. Members of the military or their spouses can buy up to six passes.

The passes are for sale at U.S. military sales outlets, but not at the parks.

Walt Disney World also has a similar promotion: Four-day park hopper tickets starting at $138 each.

The promotion began this week and runs through Sept. 28, 2011. There are some blackout days when the passes can’t be used.

Disney regularly offers discounts to military personnel, but the prices were set by the bases and were usually higher. Read a previous post about Disney military discounts.

The new offer is part of Disney’s new campaign based on creating memories, called “Let the Memories Begin.” See a previous story about the Disney memories campaign.

Find more information about the Disney military discounts on the Disney Parks blog HERE.

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Discounts for Military Personnel at Disney Parks!

Video of the new Disney Dance Crew at CA Adventure

via disneyparks.disney.go.com

Here's a fun video and post from the Disney Parks Blog:

"Beginning October 22, the Disney Dance Crew will start shaking things up at the Hollywood Backlot Stage in Disney California Adventure park.

Disney Dance Crew is a live, 10-minute performance for the entire family that features contemporary remixes and mash-ups of popular Disney songs, and dancers performing hip, edgy dance moves. The show also includes an appearance from Mickey Mouse like you’ve never seen him before. Mickey shows off slick new threads and some crazy moves.

After each performance of Disney Dance Crew, Mickey Mouse will greet guests and pose for photos.

Disney Dance Crew will be performed several times a day, Wednesday through Sunday, until November 26. When Disney Channel Rocks! debuts November 26, Disney Channel Rocks! will perform mid-morning to early afternoon, and Disney Dance Crew will perform mid-afternoon to early evening."

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Video of the new Disney Dance Crew at CA Adventure

Photos On the Set of Star Tours with C-3PO

As posted on the Disney Parks Blog:

"Things are very busy in the world of Star Tours, both here in California and in Florida as well!

A few weeks ago I shared a first look at two new characters joining Star Tours, and today, I want to take you behind the scenes and show you what we were working on back in April 2009. We occupied a large soundstage in Hollywood to film a key sequence of the new show. Anthony Daniels flew in from London to bring C-3PO to life on the stage, as well as workshop the script with our writer Steve Spiegel.

I spoke with Anthony Daniels the other day about what it felt like to be back working on Star Tours.

“Wow! Back in the gold suit for the first time since ‘Revenge of the Sith,’” was Anthony’s reply. “But on this occasion in front of a beloved Starspeeder, a bit like the one R2 and I’d repaired every day since Disneyland first opened the Star Tours Spaceport all those years ago. I’d enjoyed being a part of the original Star Tours, one of the most wonderful jobs I ever had. I’d been alerted that amazing things were in store for passengers on the new Starspeeder – and for me too – and so here I was again, working with many of the same creative teams, with even more spin and excitement than the first time.”

On the immense soundstage, our production team re-created – full size – a portion of the Starspeeder 1000, so we could film it from multiple angles. Later, the effects wizards at ILM, under the direction of Bill George, completed the scene, adding in a whole range of droids and characters, and expanding the scale and scope of the scene.

Here, for the first time, are some photos from that soundstage shoot."

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Photos On the Set of Star Tours with C-3PO

Video of Disney Archives founder who retires today

via ocresort.ocregister.com

Here's a real nice article from the OC Register about Dave Smith:

Dave Smith, the founder and head of the Disney Archives will dig into the archives for the last time when he retires Friday (today).

“I will take a lot of memories with me,” said Smith during a recent interview at the Walt Disney Co.’’s headquarters in Burbank.

A new head takes over Monday to continue documenting the history of Walt Disney and the company that bears his name.

Though he will no longer be on the job, don’t look for Smith to take off his mouse ears any time soon.

“I have my Disney Encyclopedia, Disney A to Z, which I plan to keep up,” said Smith. “Even now, we update it every month on the Disney website. I will continue doing that.”
Smith started the archives after being approached by Walt Disney’s family, including Roy O. Disney — Walt’s brother — four years after Walt’s death in 1966, to preserve the history of Walt Disney.

“It grew from that into, ‘We need to preserve the history of the whole organization,’ ” Smith said.

That included going back and documenting the early history of the plans for what eventually became Disneyland, and the people who helped Walt realize his dream for an innovative theme park that became the foundation for the Disneyland Resort.

Smith says that archiving company histories is important to American culture and society.
“Business in the U.S. has been a very important part of the whole culture of our country, especially in the last 100 years. I feel it is important for these businesses to preserve their history and to make it available for those who are curious about how they became successful,” Smith said.

In retirement, Smith says he plans to travel. He brags that he has been to all 11 Disney theme parks. He hopes to visit the one planned for Shanghai when it opens. Smith also plans to continue making appearances at Disney fan conventions.

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Video of Disney Archives founder who retires today

Video Highlights of Mickey’s Halloween Party

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Here is a video of highlights from Mickey’s Halloween Party from the Disney Parks Blog posted here for your convenience.

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Video Highlights of Mickey’s Halloween Party

Happy 55th Disneyland Hotel!

Here's the article and photos as reported by the OC Register:

The Disneyland Hotel celebrated Tuesday the 55th anniversary of opening, which came about three months after the park began. 

The venue was the first major hotel in Orange County, opening with just 104 rooms. Now, the hotel has 969 rooms and is owned by the Disney company. 

Disney released a 1961 photo, showing the Monorail track that was expanded to take guests between the park and the hotel.

On Tuesday, Disneyland Hotel employees celebrated the birthday with a cake that is a replica of the hotel. The cake was kept behind the scenes.

Photos courtesy of Disneyland Resort.

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Happy 55th Disneyland Hotel!

Become A Star of TV Ads, Castle Show In Walt Disney World and Disneyland ‘Let the Memories Begin’

via disneyparks.disney.go.com

This just in from Disney Parks Blog!

"Disney Parks has officially launched “Let the Memories Begin” – our special celebration of family vacations and magical memories. And yes, you’re going to be the star. For the first time, your home videos and snapshots will be featured in Disney television ads and other print and online communications.

To kick things off, we’ve launched DisneyParks.com/Memories. It’s a new destination where you can upload your Disney vacation memories captured in photos and videos and share with the world. And getting started is easy:

Choose to share your memory on DisneyParks.com/Memories; Facebook.com/WaltDisneyWorld; Facebook.com/Disneyland; Youtube.com/DisneyMemories; or Myspace.com/DisneyParks.

Describe your memory. Memories can upload as photos, videos or text-only.

Then all it takes is hitting the “submit” box and, once reviewed, a lifetime Disney memory is stored and shared.

Simple, right? So, what should you submit? Your favorite memories – whether it was a first meeting with a Disney princess, a laugh-filled Splash Mountain ride or a magical moment around a holiday fireplace when mom and dad surprised everyone with a “We’re Going to Disney!” announcement – We’re looking for videos and photos that capture your never-to-be-forgotten experiences.

And there’s more – beginning in January of 2011, you’ll also become the star of a nightly spectacular at Disney Parks. Photos of magical memories made in the park during the day will be projected that night on Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World and “it’s a small world” at Disneyland Resort. Pretty cool, huh?

In both locations, Disney PhotoPass photographers will provide images of guests shot during the day to be shared on the icons. While we’re still working on the show details, producers estimate as many as 500 photos will be shown in each location every day.

So, let us know about your favorite Disney memory and share it at DisneyParks.com/Memories."

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Become A Star of TV Ads, Castle Show In Walt Disney World and Disneyland ‘Let the Memories Begin’

Halloween Time Returns to Disneyland Resort Sep. 17 - Video

via disneyparks.disney.go.com

As posted by the Disney Park Blog:

"As summer winds down and kids head back to school, it won’t be long before they start thinking about trick-or-treating, Halloween parties and costumes. The Halloween Time celebration kicks off at Disneyland Resort September 17, with more tricks, treats and family fun.

If you’re not quite sure how to celebrate this year, there are two great ways to join in the fun.

Halloween Time: The spooky fun runs from September 17 to October 31. Lots of fun surprises and extras await you and your family with a regularly priced theme park ticket. Highlights include Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, Haunted Mansion Holiday, Meet-and-Greet opportunities with Characters and Disney Villains, a Halloween Roundup and lots of Halloween décor throughout the Resort. Check Disneyland.com for details and ticket prices.

Mickey’s Halloween Party: Big news this year! The trick-or-treat party at Disney California Adventure park has moved to Disneyland park and is now called Mickey’s Halloween Party. Along with the move comes some big advantages. This special-ticket soiree, Tuesdays and Fridays in October, as well as Halloween night (Sunday, October 31), brings to life all of the tricks and treats of the season. As with every special-ticket event, Mickey’s Halloween Party offers exclusive opportunities for ghouls and goblins of every age. Highlights include exclusive access to the Halloween Screams fireworks show, access to nearly all the attractions at Disneyland park, more tricks and treats, and early access to Disneyland park.

Exclusive Access to Halloween Screams – If you loved this fireworks spectacular last year, the show will be exclusive to guests who purchase tickets to Mickey’s Halloween Party. Last year, guests told us Main Street, U.S.A. was so filled with fans that they couldn’t fully experience the after-dark party in the sky. So, this year, you can catch every snap, crackle and pop of Halloween Screams with more wiggle room during Mickey’s Halloween Party! Check out video of Halloween Screams below.

More Tricks and Treats – Jump into your costume and head to the greatest Halloween neighborhood on Earth. Disneyland plays host to Mickey’s Halloween Party and offers more treats, more fun and more excitement, Tuesdays, Fridays and Halloween night during Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort.

Early Access to Disneyland Park – If exclusive viewing of Halloween Screams and more treats aren’t enough, how about another bonus to add to your revelry? Mickey’s Halloween Party officially kicks off at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, and 7 p.m. on Fridays and Halloween night. If you’re going to the party, you’ll get early access to Disneyland. Tuesday night party-goers can enter the park at 3 p.m., while Friday and Halloween night guests will be greeted at the gate starting at 4 p.m.

Tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party are now available and can be purchased at Disneyland.com. Here’s an insider’s tip: if you purchase tickets in advance, you’ll get a great discount."

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Halloween Time Returns to Disneyland Resort Sep. 17 - Video

Ride aboard Walt's favorite part of the SF&D railroad - Carolwood Foundation Fall 2010 Rail Trip

Carolwood Foundation Announces Details of Fall 2010 Rail Trip

The Carolwood Foundation is excited to announce the Fall 2010 Rail Trip on October 30 and 31. This excursion will feature some of the elements that made our Spring 2010 event wildly successful -- outstanding guest speakers, tantalizing cuisine, excellent company, all aboard beautifully restored private railcars. But what will make this trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience is a chance for our guests to actually ride aboard the original Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad's combine coach!

By special arrangement with the Pacific Coast Railroad, we will reunite the combine with the other passenger cars of the fabled "Retlaw 1" consist. This is something that has not happened in over 35 years, and there are no guarantees that it will ever happen again after the combine moves to its permanent home by Walt Disney's Carolwood Barn in Griffith Park. The combine has not carried passengers since 1974, so this event presents a very rare opportunity to ride aboard what Walt himself proclaimed to be his favorite part of the SF&D railroad.

A first for this trip is that we will have two separate Amtrak trains pulling private cars to San Luis Obispo. The domed observation car Silver Lariat will originate in Oakland and includes presentations by Disney Legend Floyd Norman and Pixar story artist and voice talent Jeff Pidgeon. The Silver Splendor, the domed car from our Spring trip, will depart Los Angeles and features talks by Walt Disney Imagineering SVP Tony Baxter and WDI Principal Concept Designer Ray Cadd. Whichever train you chose, you'll start your journey Saturday morning, enjoy lunch on board and arrive in San Luis Obispo that afternoon.

You'll have Saturday afternoon free to explore charming "SLO" and enjoy dinner on your own at one of their quaint restaurants. That evening, all four of our guest speakers will participate in a panel session entitled, "Story is King: the Magic of Disney Storytelling". This event also includes the screening of rare Disney shows and the live auction of some wonderful treasures. With Halloween the next day, we may experience a few "spirited" surprises as well.

Sunday morning, busses will take guests out to the storied 1775 Santa Margarita Ranch for rides aboard the Pacific Coast Railroad behind an authentic steam engine. Be sure to bring your camera to record this historic event! We'll enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch before boarding the busses for the trip to the SLO Amtrak station and the journey home, including dinner aboard the coaches.

As another first, we are able to offer a very limited number of seats aboard the famed Scottish Thistle, a meticulously restored business car built for the senior executives of the Canadian National Railway. With seating for just 16 passengers and the services of a private chef, a journey aboard the Thistle is an elegant, intimate experience. Also departing from Los Angeles, guests on this "rail yacht" will enjoy quality time with Tony and Ray, one speaker each direction.

Due to the popularity of our last trip and the truly historic running of the SF&D combine, we expect this trip to sell out very quickly! The price for this amazing weekend is just $575 for passage aboard the Silver Lariat or Silver Splendor, and $875 for the Scottish Thistle. A 50% deposit is required by September 24, but we encourage you to make your reservation right away because the tickets will not last long.

To book your trip, please send an email to railtrip@carolwood.org. Please indicate if you want to ride on the Silver Splendor out of Los Angeles, the Silver Lariat out of Oakland or book passage aboard the Scottish Thistle, also out of Los Angeles. We'll respond with a message confirming your reservation, ask you for special requests and contact information, and provide instructions for payment. We gladly accept credit cards, Pay Pal or checks. Because we expect this event to quickly sell out, we'll take reservations on a "first-come, first-served" basis from mail sent to railtrip@carolwood.org.

Lodging on October 30 is not included in the package price, but we've arranged a special discount rate of $139 at our headquarters hotel, the SLO Embassy Suites. Please mention "Carolwood" when making your reservation to obtain this rate. You can reach the Embassy Suites at 1-805-549-0800.

We hope that you'll want to be a witness to Disney history and join us for what promises to be an amazing weekend. Please remember, the Carolwood Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization and all proceeds from this trip will help build a brand new home for the Retlaw 1 combine next to Walt's Barn.

 

 

via laughingplace.com

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Ride aboard Walt's favorite part of the SF&D railroad - Carolwood Foundation Fall 2010 Rail Trip

Disneyland Sign Shop Behind-the-Scenes - Video

via disneyparks.disney.go.com

Posted for your convenience from Disney Parks Blog, August 31, 2010 by Betsy Sanchez, Manager of Media Relations, Disneyland Resort:

"If you’ve ever been to Disneyland Park, you’ve undoubtedly used a sign or two to get you from land to land! As I continue to show you the Disneyland Resort through the work and eyes of our cast, I’d like you to meet some of the handiest folks this side of Main Street, U.S.A., our cast members at the Disneyland Resort Sign Shop. These talented individuals use various techniques – from sketching to painting to carving – in creating the unique signs you see all over the Resort."

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Disneyland Sign Shop Behind-the-Scenes - Video

New Music and "Starry-O-Phonic" Sound for Space Mountain at Walt Disney World!

via disneyparks.disney.go.com

As reported by the Disney Parks Blog:

"Listen up Space Mountain fans, there’s a new addition to the Walt Disney World Resort attraction that just may be music to your ears. It’s an enhanced audio experience with sounds you’ve never heard before.

Walt Disney Imagineering has added a new composition that’s exclusive to the attraction at Magic Kingdom Park that will play with varying sound effects throughout all “flights” on 60 newly installed speakers. “Starry-O-Phonic Sound” compliments a slew of enhancements that debuted on Space Mountain last year, including new lighting, storyline elements and updated decor. Here’s a special message from The Space Mountain Project Team."

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New Music and "Starry-O-Phonic" Sound for Space Mountain at Walt Disney World!

Behind-the-Scenes: 'It's a Small World' Topiaries « Video

via disneyparks.disney.go.com

A video of topiary Disney Magic!

The following excerpt from The Disney Parks Blog:

"The video below gives a behind-the-scenes look at how the Disneyland Resort Topiary Engineer maintains the zebra at “it’s a small world.” You’ll want to watch the video through the end to catch a few tips on how to grow your own topiary, and we hope the surprise ending puts a smile on your face.

Here are some additional fun facts about topiaries:

There were 24 original Disneyland Park topiaries premiering in 1963. They included a waltzing hippo, a poodle, a pig, bears, elephants, seals, and giraffes. In 1966, they were permanently planted at “it’s a small world.”

Growing a typical shrub Character Topiary can take from 3-10 years for completion, depending on the size and complexity of the shape.

Walt Disney got the idea of creating “living” topiaries by seeing traditional topiary gardening in Europe. He asked his film animators and Disneyland landscape team to work together to create the first living sculptures for Disneyland in 1963. They came up with several and one of those included Dumbo making his debut in Fantasyland."

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Behind-the-Scenes: 'It's a Small World' Topiaries « Video

Last Flight to Endor Event Fireworks Show! - Video

Here's a video of the Star Wars themed fireworks show at the August 14th Last Flight to Endor Star Wars event at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Last Flight to Endor Event Fireworks Show! - Video

Happy 55th Anniversary Dumbo the Flying Elephant! « Video

via disneyparks.disney.go.com

The following excerpt from by Valarie Sukovaty, Disneyland Public Relations:

"Dumbo the Flying Elephant is like Sleeping Beauty Castle. It is so iconic that when you see it, you know you’re looking at some place inside Disneyland park. It’s one of our classics, dating back 55 years ago. In fact, it debuted almost exactly a month after opening day on August 16, 1955.

The 16 happy, grey elephants — inspired by Walt Disney’s 1941 animated film — are “piloted” by guests. These baby pachyderms can fly as high as 17 feet!

Did you know that the Dumbo attraction is also at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World (1971), Tokyo Disneyland (1983), Disneyland Paris (1992) and Hong Kong Disneyland (2005)?

Here’s another fun fact: When President Harry S Truman (a staunch Democrat) visited the park in 1957, he playfully refused to ride Dumbo because of the Republican symbolism associated with the elephant-themed attraction. Enjoy this historical footage of our famous flying elephants."

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Happy 55th Anniversary Dumbo the Flying Elephant! « Video

Sneak Peak of New Star Tours Video!

via disneyparks.disney.go.com

Sneak peak posted for your convenience from the Disney Parks Blog of the video that will be featured in the queue of the reimagined Star Tours attraction.

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Sneak Peak of New Star Tours Video!

Mosaic Map of Disneyland a Winner at OC Fair - Video

via ocresort.ocregister.com

Here's the story from Mark Eades, Orange Country Register.
"It’s a mosaic map of Disneyland and it won a blue ribbon at the Orange County Fair.
Roe Weatherspoon of Fullerton created the map on top of a used table she bought at a store. She says she tried to include pins of nearly every attraction at the theme park, including some no longer there."

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Mosaic Map of Disneyland a Winner at OC Fair - Video

‘PeopleMover’ is Back at Disney World!

via disneyparks.disney.go.com

Yay! The PeopleMover" returns as reported below by the Disney Parks Blog:
Not sure whether it’s a case of back to the future or forward to the past or the past meets the present, but: a long-running Tomorrowland attraction is getting a new (well, sort of new) name …
As of today, Tomorrowland Transit Authority, the “super skyway” that allows guests a glimpse of a variety of attractions in Tomorrowland of Magic Kingdom, will be renamed Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover.
The ride opened in 1975 as the WEDway PeopleMover. It has been called Tomorrowland Transit Authority since 1994.
The ride technology, which uses pollution-free linear induction motors, was developed by WED Enterprises (that’s what Disney Imagineering was called back in the day) and was introduced at Disneyland in California in 1967. While the attraction at Disneyland has long been closed, there is a place other than Walt Disney World Resort where guests can experience an application of the WED technology. Any guesses as to where?

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‘PeopleMover’ is Back at Disney World!

Buy your passes before Thursday-Disneyland raising prices!

Important info from Sarah Tully direct from the OC Register Disney Blog:

Disneyland Resort is raising prices for park tickets, annual passes and parking effective Thursday.

Visitors will pay $76 to visit a single Disneyland Resort park — either Disneyland or Disney California Adventure — for one day. That is $4 more than the current price.

Disneyland last raised single-day ticket prices a year ago, but the company has already hiked annual pass and parking fees once in the past year. In January, Disney hiked the cost for annual passes. Parking prices went up in October.

Disneyland increased prices for a one-day, one-park ticket by $3 in August 2009. Starting Thursday, visitors will pay $10 more than they did three years ago and $35 more than a decade ago, when there was only the Disneyland park. California Adventure opened in 2001.

This year’s $4 hike is on par with annual changes over the past decade: Disney has boosted prices between $2 and $7 annually over that time. See the history of Disneyland ticket prices on the OC Wiki.

“We continuously monitor the marketplace to ensure pricing that reflects a strong entertainment value,” said Suzi Brown, a Disneyland Resort spokeswoman, in a prepared statement. “When you compare a Disney park to a concert or professional sporting event, we offer a great value and a full day of world-class entertainment.”

If visitors want to avoid the price hike, they can buy passes before Thursday. Tickets purchased now are valid until Jan. 3, Brown said. Buy Disneyland tickets online. Annual passes can be renewed up to 30 days in advance at the current price.

This Thursday’s annual pass hikes range from $15 to $30. But Disney already increased the prices for annual passes in January, meaning holders will pay between $30 and $45 more since the hikes in August 2009.

Some Disney fan sites have speculated that the company is hiking prices to decrease the number of passholders, who may cause crowding in the parks. However, Disney also has made it easier for visitors to pay for passes with monthly payment plans.

Disney has four types of annual passes. A visitor can go to either park for a varying number of days, depending on the level of the pass. Find the blackout dates on Disneyland’s website.

Visitors will also pay $1 more to park in Disney lots: $15 per car. In October, Disney hiked parking fees between $2 or $3. Parking is free for three hours for Downtown Disney, but Disney posts signs advising theme-park visitors to take their cars elsewhere.

Since the economy began souring, Disney parks have offered discounts, especially for Southern California residents. This summer, for example, local residents can pay $108 for three separate visits to Disney parks. See a story about the Disneyland summer deal.

Here are the new prices:

One-day passes:

One-day, one-park ticket: $76, up from $72.

One-day park hopper: $101, up from $97.

(Visitor can attend Disneyland and Disney California Adventure)

See a story about Disneyland price increases in 2009.

Parking:

Day parking: $15, up from $14

Annual Passport parking: $99, up from $79.

See an October 2009 story about parking increases at Disneyland.

Annual passes:

Southern California Select Annual Passports: $184, a $15 increase.

Southern California Annual Passports: $239, a $20 increase.

Deluxe Annual Passports: $329, a $30 increase.

Premium Annual Passports:  $459, a $20 increase.

See a previous story about Disneyland annual pass increases in January.

Graphic by Molly Zisk, Orange County Register.

Posted via email from Walt Disney Says...

Buy your passes before Thursday-Disneyland raising prices!

A Look at ‘World of Color’ from 1,800 Feet Up! - Video

via disneyparks.disney.go.com

Have you seen this video from The Disney Parks Blog? Wow!

Posted by Heather Hust Rivera, Manager, Print and Social Media, Disneyland Resort:

"The footage was shot from a fixed-wing aircraft recently at approximately 1,800 feet above Disney California Adventure park. I particularly like the wide shot where you can see Glow Fest, “World of Color,” and the whole city of Anaheim around Disney California Adventure park."

Posted via email from Walt Disney Says...

A Look at ‘World of Color’ from 1,800 Feet Up! - Video

Happy 55th Birthday Disneyland! - Video

via disneyparks.disney.go.com

Posted for your convenience a touching video from Disney Parks Blog with accompanying text.

"Celebrating Walt’s Dream 55 Years Later"

posted on July 17th, 2010 by Valarie Sukovaty, Disneyland Public Relations

July 17, 1955 – That’s the day Walt Disney opened the gates to Disneyland park. Now, here we are, 55 years later still celebrating his amazing dream. I remember celebrating the 50th Anniversary. I had just began my job a few months before in public relations and was assigned to produce some podcasts for the celebration. My all-time favorite in my 18-year career as a producer is the historical piece you are about to see. I love the vintage footage with Art Linkletter hosting a live broadcast with Ronald Regan at the grand opening – the official opening day for guests was the next day. A-listers like Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr., can be seen taking a drive in the Autopia cars. Only 15,000 guests were invited to the “invitation only” event, but 28,000 showed up! The lines were long and the day was hot, and not everyone thought this new Park would be a success, but it didn’t matter. The guests loved it and Disneyland park forever changed how Americans vacationed.
I hope you enjoy this video. It was originally released on Disneyland.com in 2005. It not only entertains you with clips from opening day, but shows construction of Disneyland park and some old footage of some pretty important people who visited. Watch how Disneyland park evolved from Walt’s dream of a place “where the parents and children could have fun together” to an additional four Resorts around the world and a world-famous cruise line.

Posted via email from Walt Disney Says...

Happy 55th Birthday Disneyland! - Video

Now get your Disney World annual pass on a monthly payment plan!

via thedailydisney.com

Good news and explanation as reported by the Orlando Sentinel!:

Walt Disney World has begun selling annual passes that can be paid for in monthly installments, a tactic that has been credited with helping Disneyland sign up record numbers of passholders in California.

The payment option is available for Florida residents who purchase new annual passes, which range in price from $148 for limited “Epcot-after-4”passes to $521 for “premium” passes that include unlimited admission to Disney World’s theme parks, water parks and other venues.

Disney, which for years eschewed installment payments in part because of concerns it might cheapen the brand, began informing vendors earlier this year that it was preparing to roll out the payment plan. Orlando theme-park rivals Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando already offer similar monthly payment options for guests.

Disneyland, too, has offered monthly payment options since December 2008, where officials say it has proven enormously popular. Disneyland, which has a much larger surrounding population base in Southern California than Disney World does in Central Florida, has signed up close to 1 million annual passholders; Disney World is said to have approximately 300,000 passholders.

In adopting the strategy now, some analysts say Disney could be aiming to insulate its in-state customer base in the face of increased competition from Universal and its new Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure.

Guests buying new passes will have to make a down payment equal to the price of a 1-day, 1-park ticket, currently $79. Monthly payments will then automatically be charged to a credit or debit card.

The payment plan is currently only available online for new Florida resident passes. Disney says it will roll out the option at theme park ticket windows later this summer. The resort says it will allow current passholders to use the installment option for renewals later this year.

Posted via email from Walt Disney Says...

Now get your Disney World annual pass on a monthly payment plan!

Watch Disney World of Color premiere online tonight!

via ocresort.freedomblogging.com

Posted this morning by the Orange County Register:

Disney’s premiere party for the “World of Color” show is an invitation-only event. But anyone with a web connection can watch the first official show online Thursday night.

A webcast of the show at Disney California Adventure is set for 8:45 p.m. on www.ustream.tv/worldofcolor.

Celebrities are set to walk a red carpet inside the park before watching the light-and-water show featuring dancing water bursts and animation projected on a water screen.

On Friday, general park visitors can see the nighttime show for the first time.

Posted via web from Walt Disney Says...

Watch Disney World of Color premiere online tonight!

Backstage again at the Disneyland Roundhouse - Video

via ocresort.freedomblogging.com

Once again, the Orange County Register takes us backstage to the Disneyland Roundhouse! Mark Eades writes:

"Every night in the Roundhouse at the Disneyland Resort, Disneyland Railroad’s maintenance crew gives its steam engines and passenger cars a detailed inspection to keep them in top running shape.

By watching the way they do their jobs you can tell its more than just a job, its a passion.

I recently had the opportunity to spend some time with the night shift in the Roundhouse and took my video camera with me.

The operating engineers don’t even allow the normal cleaning staff to touch the steam engines.

“We don’t allow custodial to clean the engine, because of the hot steam,” said John Scott, the night lead in the roundhouse. “We use Behold on the paint and Brite Boy on the brass.”

Posted via web from Walt Disney Says...

Backstage again at the Disneyland Roundhouse - Video

Main Street Electrical Parade Returns! - Video

via disneyparks.disney.go.com

Here's some video from the DisneyParks Blog of The Main Street Electrical Parade which officially begins it's run tomorrow at the Magic Kingdom Park!

Posted via web from Walt Disney Says...

Main Street Electrical Parade Returns! - Video

Running Disneyland Railroad Part 2 - Video

via ocresort.freedomblogging.com

Here's part 2, embedded for your convenience. Wonderful behind the scenes stuff from Mark Eades, Orange County Register. He writes:

"It takes more than the push of a button at Disneyland to run the steam engines on the narrow gauge Disneyland Railroad. Because they are authentic steam-powered locomotives, it takes a fireman and an engineer.
The conductor of the train may tell them when to go and stop, but the pair working in the cabs have to manually keep the steam boiling and the engines operating smoothly.

Keeping track of all the valves and gauges can seem daunting to the uninitiated eye, and with a different operating pressure for the engines- 125 pounds per square inch for the C.K. Holliday, E.P. Ripley and Ernest S. Marsh and 150 psi for the Fred Gurley and the Ward Kimball – that would seem to complicate things.

But I found out that the engineers and firemen who operate the trains are proud of what they do, and take it all in stride while waving to the guests and more.

I took my video camera with me during a ride on the Disneyland Railroad with Curtis Flournoy and Norm Arakaki, who are qualified at both positions, to find out what it takes to run the theme park’s steam trains as they make a complete trip around the Magic Kingdom."

Posted via web from Walt Disney Says...

Running Disneyland Railroad Part 2 - Video

Disneyland Railroad fires up every morning! - Behind-the-Scenes Video

via ocresort.freedomblogging.com

Here is a wonderful behind the-scenes video From the Orange County Register I've posted for your convenience as well as the accompanying post below:

Each morning at Disneyland, engineers arrive at the roundhouse before the sun rises to fire up Disneyland Railroad’s steam engines.

But first there is a complete, extensive inspection before the bio-diesel-fueled fire is lit on each engine.

The railroad has five engines:

Engine #1, the C.K. Holliday – built at Walt Disney Studios in 1954.

Engine #2, the E.P. Ripley – also built at the studios in 1954. This train was the first to ride out on the park’s opening day.

Engine #3, the Fred Gurley – built in 1894 by Baldwin Locomotive Works and put into service at Disneyland in 1958.

Engine #4, the Ernest S. March – built by Baldwin in 1925 and put into service at Disneyland in 1959.

Engine #5, the Ward Kimball – built by Baldwin in 1902 and put into service at the park in 2005. It was named for long-time Disney animator Ward Kimball. The headlight features a gold leaf silhouette of Jiminy Crickett, a character created by Kimball.

I got a peak inside the roundhouse and watched what the Disneyland Railroad crews do every morning.

Here is the first of my three videos on what it takes to keep the trains circling the Magic Kingdom, like they have done since the park opened July 17, 1955 (Check back in the next couple of days at the Register’s AroundDisney.com to see the other videos). June 1st, 2010 by Mark Eades

Posted via web from Walt Disney Says...

Disneyland Railroad fires up every morning! - Behind-the-Scenes Video

Disney ride opens early with new Silly Symphony Theme

Visitors are getting an early chance to ride a revamped swing attraction with a Mickey Mouse theme at Disney’s California Adventure.

The Silly Symphony Swings had a “soft opening” on Friday — two weeks before the official grand opening of the re-themed ride. A guest relations official said he was unsure if the ride would be open again Saturday.

Disney redid the swing ride as part of the $1 billion expansion and makeover of California Adventure.

The previous attraction, the Orange Stinger, also featured swings, but they were enclosed in a large, orange spiral casing. See a previous story about the Orange Stinger.

The new ride allows visitors to swing in the open air with a Mickey Mouse on top. The theme is based on the the first color Mickey Mouse cartoon, “The Band Concert,” from 1935.

On Friday, LaughingPlace.com posted a photo of Silly Symphony Swings and Twitter users wrote about the experience.

Silly Symphony Swings officially opens June 11 — the same day as the formal summer season begins and the World of Color light-and-water show debut.

The ride isn’t the only Disneyland Resort feature to return early for the summer: The Fantasmic! show and summer fireworks, called Magical, also came back Friday.

Photo shows the almost-finished Silly Symphony Swings on May 20. Photo is by Sarah Tully, Orange County Register.

via ocresort.freedomblogging.com

Love the idea of the new Mickey theme! Much more "Disney".

Posted via web from Walt Disney Says...

Disney ride opens early with new Silly Symphony Theme

‘World of Color’ – Behind the H2O - Video

via disneyparks.disney.go.com

Great behind-the-scenes stuff from Disney Parks Blog!

Posted via web from Walt Disney Says...

‘World of Color’ – Behind the H2O - Video

Nice mention on Vintage Mama blog

WDS got a nice mention over at Vintage Mama blog.

Wow, thanks VM!

Nice mention on Vintage Mama blog

Signs of the Times - 40 Years of Disneyland Marquees

For more than 40 years, the large marquee outside Disneyland was often your first clue that you had arrived somewhere different — you had finally arrived at Disneyland! Here’s a look back at the Southern California icon.

Above is the original 1958 marquee as it appeared in 1976.

A new electronic marquee arrived in 1989, briefly sharing the spotlight with its predecessor during installation.

The electronic marquee greeted millions of visitors in multiple languages for nearly 10 years.

Today, whether arriving by car, hotel shuttle or by foot, the tradition of greeting our guests in style continues.

The above was taken from a post on May 21st, 2010 by George Savvas, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort.

These are great photos, aren't they?

Posted via web from Walt Disney Says...

Signs of the Times - 40 Years of Disneyland Marquees

Good News for Residents Near Disneyland Resort! - Summer Pass

via disneyparks.disney.go.com

Posted on May 21st, 2010 by Heather Hust Rivera, Manager, Print and Social Media, Disneyland Resort

The Summer Pass is good for three park visits to either Disneyland park or Disney’s California Adventure park (one park per day) within a 45-day period, for residents residing in zip codes 90000 through 93599, and 21000- 22999. For $108, or $36 per visit, guests will enjoy three fun-filled summer days and nights at the Disneyland Resort. For an additional $21, local residents can upgrade their Summer Pass to a Summer Pass Plus, a 3-day Park Hopper ticket that allows guests to visit both parks on the same day. This offer is available for use June 11 to August 29 and is blocked out from July 2 – July 4, 2010 and August 22 – August 23, 2010.

Where can you get it? The Summer Pass can be purchased at www.disneyland.com, the Disneyland Resort box office, Disney Stores, Disneyland Resort Hotels, and a variety of southern California supermarkets and retail chains, including Vons, Albertsons, Ralphs, Stater Bros., Food 4 Less, Gelson’s and Deardens. Resident ID is required.

More information about the Summer Pass, the Summer Pass Plus and Summer Nightastic! can be found at www.disneyland.com/summer.>

Posted via web from Walt Disney Says...

Good News for Residents Near Disneyland Resort! - Summer Pass

Behind the Scenes: 120-Ton Winnie the Pooh Tree Relocated at Walt Disney World - Video

via disneyparks.disney.go.com

Woh - watch this!

Posted via web from Walt Disney Says...

Behind the Scenes: 120-Ton Winnie the Pooh Tree Relocated at Walt Disney World - Video