Summer Nightastic! is Back at Disneyland

As posted on the Disney Parks Blog: "We’ve been sharing a lot of information about “World of Color” in the past couple months, and if you’re planning to come see the new water spectacular when it debuts June 11 you might also like to know about Summer Nightastic! Our summer line-up of popular shows and after dark entertainment runs June 11 through Aug. 29.

Here’s the rundown:

• “Fantasmic!” – The classic show on the Rivers of America was just enhanced last year with a fully animated 40-foot-tall dragon, cutting-edge digital video technology and an appearance by Flotsam and Jetsam, the slithering eels who serve Ursula the Sea Witch in “The Little Mermaid.”
• “Magical” – The fireworks show over Sleeping Beauty Castle features a host of characters, including Tinker Bell and an airborne Dumbo.
• Toy Story Mania! – Tom Smith recently gave a sneak peek of the new faces coming to this Paradise Pier attraction and also announced the new Lotso character appearing in the Park.
• TLT Dance Club – Dance the night away at this dance club in Tomorrowland Terrace in Disneyland park, where live bands and DJs from the hottest Southern California radio stations will appear on selected nights throughout the summer.
• Pixie Hollow Enchantment – For a pixie-dusted evening, check out the light show at Pixie Hollow and see Tinker Bell and her friends come to life at night."

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Summer Nightastic! is Back at Disneyland

Workers find unusual items in Disneyland river

via ocresort.freedomblogging.com

From the Orange County Register, April 29th, 2010, Posted by Sarah Tully

Disneyland last drained its Rivers of America seven years ago, so workers found a lot of accumulated stuff when it drained the green-dyed waterway in January.

But the most unusual item by far was a computer tower, said Dan Chambers, a project manager at Disneyland. Workers are unsure how the plastic box for plugs and discs got in the water path around Tom Sawyer Island.

Here are some of the other items found in the rivers:

Half of a canoe from Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoe ride.
Plastic swords.
Mardi Gras beads. The items were part of Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee, a show on the Mark Twain Riverboat on the rivers in the fall.
Hundreds of cellular phones and walkie talkies.
Hundreds of baby pacifiers.
Mickey Hats.
Sunglasses.

Chambers said there was a rumor that a bowling ball was found, but that was false.

Workers also discovered a bunch of fish, including koi, which were relocated to the Bear Creek area. Some of those fish made their way to the moat around Sleeping Beauty Castle. Oysters and clamshells also accumulate there.

The eggs are carried on ducks’ feet, so fish and other creatures end up growing in the rivers, said Kim Irvine, art director for Walt Disney Imagineering in Anaheim.

When the water was last drained in 2003, crews found a toaster and full bottle of rum.

The Rivers of America is scheduled to be refilled Monday. Attractions are set to be open later in May.

Employees got a chance Wednesday to tour the empty river, which has been boarded up since it was emptied Jan. 4. Around Disney was also invited to take the tour. Check back in the coming days for details about what’s coming to the Disneyland river.

See the previous video about the Rivers of America up above.

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Workers find unusual items in Disneyland river

Captain EO Returns to Walt Disney World Resort!

Yes, you read right…the classic 3-D film experience “Captain EO” is coming back to Walt Disney World Resort this summer just months after it reopened to rave reviews at Disneyland park. The 17-minute musical space-fantasy adventure film is now scheduled to begin at Epcot on July 2.

I remember enjoying “Captain EO” during its original run at Epcot from 1986 -1994. But for some of you, it’ll be a new experience. The film features Michael Jackson as “Captain EO” and a crew of Disney-created space characters. During their journey, the group uses the power of dance, light and music to turn a colorless planet into a world of color and happiness.

And there’s more. “Captain EO” will be returning to other Disney Parks locations. It’s scheduled to open at Tokyo Disneyland on June 30 and Disneyland Paris on June 12.

Above was posted on April 28th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks. http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog

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Captain EO Returns to Walt Disney World Resort!

Disney Report: ‘Little Mermaid’ ride goes up

Around Disney’s Trip Report takes a look at what’s new at the Disneyland Resort. This week’s trip report highlights the latest construction on the  upcoming “Little Mermaid” dark ride, a piece of the Red Car trolleys revealed and more. Click on the photos for larger images.

Voyage of the Little Mermaid

Vertical construction has begun on “The Little Mermaid”-themed dark ride, titled Voyage of the Little Mermaid, in Disney’s California Adventure. The immersive attraction will take guests under the sea and through scenes and songs from the film. CLICK HERE to watch a video by Around Disney blogger Mark Eades that previews the new attraction.

The Little Mermaid, below, is scheduled to open in 2011.

Red Trolley Cars

A portion of the construction walls in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot that was blocking off the construction of the Red Trolley Cars, below, has been taken down, revealing a track bordered by brick in California Adventure.

Reminiscent of the Pacific Electric Red Car that once ran throughout Los Angeles County, the trolley aims to embrace Walt Disney’s love of trains.  The trolley will take guests from the park’s main entrance to Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

Now that the construction walls have been removed, Award Wieners, the quick service hot dog restaurant, is now back open.

Blue Sky Cellar

The Blue Sky Cellar has been slightly updated with the addition of a new case, highlighting the expansion progress. The cellar is a place for visitors to see the details of the ongoing Disney’s California Adventure expansion. A collection of photographs labeled with notecards showcases the construction process.

The Blue Sky Cellar will close later this spring to more extensively update the displays.

Food and Wine Festival

The Food and Wine Festival, above, started this weekend at Disney’s California Adventure and runs until May 31.

The festival features celebrity chefs, such as Guy Fieri of the Food Network, making appearances, along with a chance for children to learn how to cook in the Junior Chef presentations on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

CLICK HERE to read more about the festival and to watch a video featuring the Register’s Fast Food Maven, Nancy Luna.

Downtown Disney

Over at Downtown Disney, Ridemakerz, a store where shoppers can customize toy cars, is rebuilding its location and taking over the space of the store next door. Sanuk, a temporary shoe store, closed down.

The new building is expected to open later this year.

Jamba Juice also is briefly closed for a refurbishment.

via ocresort.freedomblogging.com

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Disney Report: ‘Little Mermaid’ ride goes up

Disneyland gives free passes to stuck travelers (Around Disney : The OC Register)

The Disneyland Resort is giving free theme-park tickets to tourists who are stranded in the area because of canceled flights tied to the erupting volcano in Iceland. 

Travelers can get free tickets to Disneyland Resort parks on Tuesday (today) and Wednesday only, said Betsy Sanchez, a resort spokeswoman. 

Disneyland Resort quietly began offering the passes to people who requested them in the past few days after their Europe-bound flights were canceled. Disney hotel visitors also received discounts on extra nights. 

Visitors must provide documentation, such as canceled airline tickets, expired boarding passes and identification, to qualify for free tickets. Walt Disney World also is granting free tickets to stuck travelers in Florida. Read the story about Walt Disney World’s offer. 

As of midday Tuesday, two groups of tourists to California — or less than 20 people — had asked for help from the Disney, Sanchez said. The resort runs two parks — Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure. 

To get tickets, visitors can go to the booths in the esplanade by the Disney parks or call Disneyland Resort customer relations at 714-781-7290. 

Knott’s Berry Farm is offering discounted tickets to stranded tourists with valid documentation, said Meghan Gardner, a Knott’s spokeswoman. The tickets are $31.99 for ages 12 and older and 19.99 for children ages 3 to 11. 

Over the past week, about 95,000 European flights have been canceled because a huge ash plume from the volcano is dangerous for jet engines, according to the OC Science blog. As of midday Tuesday (today), seven departing flights and eight arriving flights were canceled at Los Angeles International Airport. Read the latest about the volcano and canceled flights in the OC Science blog.

File photo is of the Rivers of America in Disneyland. ocresort.freedomblogging.com

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Disneyland gives free passes to stuck travelers (Around Disney : The OC Register)

Disney offering free passes to travelers stranded by volcano

Passing on important info!:

Featured, Jason Garcia, News — By Jason Garcia on April 19, 2010 at 4:40 pm

Walt Disney World said this afternoon that it has decided to offer free admission to travelers stuck in Orlando, as flights to and from Europe continue to be canceled because of an erupting volcano in Iceland. 

Disney said it will offer one-day park hoppers on both Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. The complimentary passes will also include admission to Disney’s two water parks. 

Guests seeking the ticket will have to show a canceled plane ticket or expired boarding pass and a photo ID. Disney says it will also waive its $14-per-day parking charge. 

Disney follows SeaWorld Orlando, which began offering free tickets to stranded travelers on Sunday. The International Drive water park Wet ‘n Wild is also offering free admission.

via thedailydisney.com

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Disney offering free passes to travelers stranded by volcano

Dancing Mickey Mouse (once again!) at D-Street in Downtown Disney, Florida

via disneyparks.disney.go.com

Yes, it all started with a mouse. And along the way, he's learned some new moves!

Below was posted on April 16th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks at Disney Parks Blog:

"Here’s how you start a weekend – it’s dancing Mickey Mouse and friends at the opening of D-Street in Downtown Disney West Side in Florida. The doors officially opened today with Mickey jumping out of a giant Vinylmation box and leading the way."

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Dancing Mickey Mouse (once again!) at D-Street in Downtown Disney, Florida

Mickey Mouse Bustin' A Move!

Found this rare video of Mickey Dancing at Walt Disney World on http://disneyparks.disney.go.com

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Mickey Mouse Bustin' A Move!

Walt Disney in a Home Movie at DisneyLand - 1956

via vimeo.com
Through a "post of a post" I found this video that I just had to share! Quite a gem!

Jeff Altman, the owner of this visual trip back in time writes:

"Shot by my grandfather on his Bell & Howell Filmo using 16mm Kodachrome film stock. This footage was taken a year after the California theme park opened.
It was quite a surprise going through this and seeing my grandmother meeting Walt Disney himself! I've been doing my best to find out what they were shooting at the front of the park. So far I've been unsuccessful.
Transferred to HD (1080PsF 23.98) myself off a Spirit and Color Corrected using a da Vinci 2k Plus. Slowed to 18fps to match the original film speed."

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Walt Disney in a Home Movie at DisneyLand - 1956

Have You Seen the Magic Kingdom Frontierland Hoedown?

via disneyparks.disney.go.com

Posted on April 8th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks. He writes:

"I have fond memories of Frontierland Hoedown at Magic Kingdom Park and there’s a chance you do too. It’s been part of the park experience over the years. Frontierland Hoedown Happening is the latest installment…and yes, you can be part of the show.
The action begins without notice at Walt Disney World. A lone operator from Big Thunder Mountain walks into the street and starts waving a hat. He’s soon joined by other residents of Frontierland, including the Country Bears and other friends. See for yourself."
 
Have you "hoedowned" while in Frontierland?

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Have You Seen the Magic Kingdom Frontierland Hoedown?

See The Special Peter Pan Exhibit at The Walt Disney Family Museum Apr 7 - June 27

(April 7, 2010) Peter Pan, a story which captivated the imagination of Walt Disney as early as 1935, will be showcased in a special exhibition at The Walt Disney Family Museum from April 7 – June 27, 2010.  The feature-length animated film, released in 1953,  will also be celebrated as the Museum’s film of the month in May.
Highlights of the exhibition include 16 original concept drawings by renowned Disney artist Mary Blair, which were loaned to the Museum by the Walt Disney Animation Studios Research Library. Also on display are 1930s character sketches, storyboard outlines, original concept art, model sheets, and vintage posters from the collection of the Walt Disney Family Foundation. This stunning collection of works, combined with special artifacts and Mary Blair’s concept art, reveals the evolution and results of the 1953 film. This project was also the last in which all members of Disney's illustrious Nine Old Men worked together as directing animators.

 

 A first edition copy of the play by J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up, is displayed alongside a “final treatment” of the Disney film dated from March 1946, and they are opened to the same moment in the story, when Wendy learns that Peter can fly.
Also participating in the Museum’s salute to Peter Pan will be actress Kathryn Beaumont, who voiced the role of Wendy, eldest of the Darling children. She’ll appear at The Walt Disney Family Museum to share her memories as a voice-over artist on Saturday, May 22, 2010 at 3:00 pm.  Tickets are available online at www.waltdisney.org.
-- Posted April 7, 2010
via laughingplace.com

Has anyone had the chance to go to the Walt Disney Family Museum? Share your thoughts with us below!

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See The Special Peter Pan Exhibit at The Walt Disney Family Museum Apr 7 - June 27

Was Sedona Disney's inspiration for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad?

A Mom and The Mouse, Featured, Kristin Ford — By Kristin Ford on April 6, 2010 at 12:05 am

This view from Submarine Rock in Sedona's famous red rocks looks at Capitol Butte, which is now better known as Thunder Mountain because it was said to inspire Walt Disney to create Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. (Kristin Ford/Orlando Sentinel)

On a jeep tour of Sedona’s red rocks during the weekend, the tour guide told our group that Walt Disney owned a house in the area in the 1940s and 50s. From his place on Disney Lane, he supposedly first viewed the rock formation Capitol Butte, which helped inspire him to build Disneyland’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Capitol Butte now is better known as Thunder Mountain in this area.
The Southwest-themed attraction first opened at Disneyland in 1979, with the Magic Kingdom’s larger version in Florida opening in 1980. While his time in Sedona may have jump-started Disney’s plan for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the actual rock formations for the ride are based on the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park in southwestern Utah.
Imagineers say care was taken to make it appear that the rocks were in place first — with the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad track built around the rocks — unlike earlier mine-themed rides. The action of this ride takes place in the sagging, old tunnels of the mountain.
In addition to the gorgeous backdrop of the red rocks, Disney’s love of trains also came into play with this attraction. His fascination began when, as a teen, Disney had a summer job selling newspapers and concessions on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, thanks to his uncle, a steam locomotive engineer. He later built a 1/8th-scale miniature railroad, named Carolwood Pacific Railroad, in his backyard for his daughters and their friends to ride.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad showcases the beauty of the Southwest in a fairly tame roller coaster. After seeing the red rocks up close, I’ll be looking more at the scenery than the tracks the next time I ride.

via thedailydisney.com

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Was Sedona Disney's inspiration for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad?

Space Shuttle Discovery Soars Over Cinderella Castle!

Absolutely amazing photo of Space Shuttle launch this morning!

Posted on April 5th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks

Photo by: Kent Phillips,  DisneyParksBlog

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Space Shuttle Discovery Soars Over Cinderella Castle!

TRON wrapped monorail at Walt Disney World - A Short Video Look!

First posted by Attractions Magazine's YouTube Channel - Disney's 3D sci-fi adventure film "TRON: Legacy" doesn't debut in theaters until December, but guests at Walt Disney World in Florida can see a bit of the TRON universe zipping high above their heads.

Renderings of yellow and blue light cycles have transformed one of the trains on Walt Disney World's legendary monorail line. A blue light cycle zips to the left along one side of Walt Disney World's "highway in the sky" and the yellow light cycle zooms to the right. This particular monorail currently takes guests between Epcot and Walt Disney World's main Ticket and Transportation Center.


"TRON: Legacy" is a sequel to 1982's classic "TRON," both starring recent Oscar-winner Jeff Bridges.


"TRON: Legacy" will be released in both Disney Digital 3D and IMAX 3D and is currently scheduled to debut across the US on Dec. 17.

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TRON wrapped monorail at Walt Disney World - A Short Video Look!