A fan site honoring the World's First Imagineer! Hope you enjoy some little Disney bits of magical news, wisdom and inspiration! Be sure to visit @WaltDisney_Says on Twitter to get your daily Walt quote (or two)!
Here's the report and great photos from the Disney Parks Blog:
Saturday was quite a day at Disneyland park. For the fourth time in eight years, “Pirates” took over the park for a world premiere event that only Disney could do. The premiere of “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” which benefited Boys & Girls Clubs of America, was the first-ever outdoor film premiere in 3D.
Thousands of park guests (many of whom arrived before sunrise) were able to see all the pre-screening excitement unfold as they watched the celebrity arrivals down Main Street, U.S.A., where hundreds of media from all over the world lined the black carpet to speak to the film’s stars and other special guests.
Here are just a few of the familiar faces who were in attendance.
Guests attending the premiere then made their way to New Orleans Square, where they picked up their 3D glasses and took their seats only a few steps away from Walt Disney’s original attraction that started it all.
In something of a tradition, and in true Disneyland style, the movie’s stars, including Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Ian McShane and Geoffrey Rush were introduced before the film started on a specially created stage built on The Rivers of America.
So, once the film is over and the applause has begun, how do you end an incredible evening like this? With fireworks, of course!
Remember, ye too can experience the excitement of Walt Disney Pictures’ and Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” when it opens in theaters May 20, 2011, in Disney Digital 3D™. Until then, “Properly warned ye be, says I. These be the last ‘friendly’ words ye’ll hear. Ye may not survive to pass this way again…”
Announced by the Disney Parks Blog:
"Our Disneyland Merchandise Events team has just confirmed that Disney Legend Jack Lindquist, the first president of Disneyland park, will appear for a special book signing on Sunday, May 1, at The Disney Gallery. This is the first time Jack has appeared for a signing inside the park since his tenure as President. Jack’s memoir, In Service To The Mouse, which debuted in December 2010, has become an instant hit among Disney fans. It recounts his many experiences over a 38-year tenure working for The Walt Disney Company and, of course, his unexpected journey to becoming the first president of Disneyland park.
This memoir is a definite must-read for any Disney fan! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. For those of you interested in picking up the book and meeting Disney Legend Jack Lindquist, he’ll be at The Disney Gallery on May 1 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m."
The new Little Mermaid attraction is getting closer to opening! It's amazing what the Imagineers can do! Read all about it below from the Disney Parks Blog:
"We are just a couple of months away from the official opening of The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure at Disney California Adventure park. Walt Disney Imagineers are working hard to make sure you feel transported into Ariel’s world through every detail – the water, the fish, the hair….yes, the hair! Ariel’s hair posed a particular challenge for Imagineers, one they hadn’t encountered before – how do you make hair that’s technically out of the water look like it’s floating underwater? Take a look at their progress."
Disneyland park will make history on May 7 when we host the first-ever 3D outdoor film premiere of “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of America. All of the film’s stars are expected to attend along with many more Hollywood celebrities.
The Walt Disney Company is hosting the gala event and funds raised from ticket sales will go directly to Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of America is to enable all young people, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
Individual tickets for the premiere event are priced at $1,000 and are now available for purchase at www.piratespremiere.com.
While only invited guests with the proper credentials may attend the film premiere, a limited number of Disneyland park guests may be able to view the “Red Carpet Arrivals” (the carpet is actually going to be black this time!) on Main Street, U.S.A., although, again, viewing capacity will be very limited.
Disneyland Resort park hours have been adjusted on May 7 for this very special event. Disneyland park will open at 7 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. Disney California Adventure park will open at 10 a.m. and close at 11 p.m.
In this swashbuckling video exclusive, Barbossa takes you on a journey from Pirates’ beginnings at Disneyland park, to behind the scenes “on stranger tides.” It’s clear that the attraction that started it all is never far from the filmmakers’ minds.
Walt Disney Pictures’ and Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” opens in theaters May 20, 2011, in Disney Digital 3D™
Disney Parks Blog celebrates the occassion with an article and behind-the-scenes video below.
"Blimey! Has it really been 44 years since Pirates of the Caribbean opened at Disneyland park? Well, me hearties, it’s true. This classic attraction has been a guest favorite since it opened on March 18, 1967. That’s when the dead men who “tell no tales” started talking. Opening day kicked off with pirates invading New Orleans Square, sword fights and some poor scallywag walking the plank.
The attraction is so popular that it inspired the “Pirates of the Caribbean” blockbuster movie series. Those films led to the 2006 addition of the Audio-Animatronics figures of Captain Jack Sparrow and his nemesis Captain Barbossa. There’s also a special effect image of Davey Jones.
This video will take you back in time and behind the scenes. You’ll see Walt Disney Imagineers installing the pirates and their hidden treasure in the first mega-scale indoor ride-through attraction at the park. (It’s also fun to see all those ‘60s hairstyles and clothes.) Enjoy!"
Here is some amazing info thanks to Disneyland News Today!
"We were able to get our hands on several very detailed blueprints that overlook the Buena Vista Street expansion that is currently under construction at Disney California Adventure. Construction has already begun on the first half of Buena Vista Street (Carthay Circle) and is slated to be completed in 2012."
Starting off at the park entrance, the new turnstiles will be themed to the Pan-Pacific Theater similar to what is at Disney’s Hollywood Studios over in Orlando. The path on the left is a mystery to me as nothing was there before so my assumption is that it will be used by Cast Members. The esplanade is unchanged.
Moving on right past the turnstiles into the North Plaza. The first location on the left you will pass is Oswald’s Filling Station which we are assuming is DCA’s version of the Newsstand. Pass that is the existing guest relations building. On the opposite side are the Existing lockers and restrooms which will be re-themed. In front of the lockers is the first Red Car stop you will pass. Julius Katz and Sons will be a merchandise location and will located in the space formally used for Stroller Rental. Los Feliz Five and Dime, Big Top Toys, and Elias and Company Department Store are going to take over as the flagship store(s) of the park replacing Greeting From California.
Here is a look at what the above blueprint will look like once completed.
This next image is the street between the North Plaza and Carthay Circle. Atwater Art Supply we believe will be the equivalent of Disneyana.
Next you will enter Carthay Circle. First location you will pass is the Fiddler, Fifer, and Practical cafe which will be a coffee shop and will replace Baker’s Field Bakery. Clarabelle’s Ice Cream Parlor will replace Bur-r-rBank Ice Cream. Their are a lot of details in this overhead so we will take it one a time.
First interesting note is that subwoofers are being placed underground in false “Storm Drains” around the plaza for parades.
Pictured above is labeled simply “Pump House.” At this time, we are assuming it will be a merchandise or dining location. It will be placed between the entrance of Condor Flats and the performance corridor. We’ve been told that the “pump house” will house the actual “pump” for the fountain in the center of the plaza.
Above is the new icon of the new park. The Carthay Circle theater is said to be several things. Tom Staggs mentioned it would be a high-end dining location. It is also rumored to be a exclusive club similar to Club 33. Another rumor that it will be an actual theater. Now what I have circled in the bottom of the picture seems to look like a bank of exit doors for a theater. Nothing is set in stone yet so these are sure to change.
Here is the Carthay Circle Theater. At it’s tallest point it will be 89 feet tall, Sleeping Beauty Castle only 77 feet tall. From this picture, we can see that their will be two levels in this complex and balcony’s overlooking the street.
Here is a overhead of the center of the circle. The most interesting thing here is the location of the partners statue circled in the top of the picture.
Here is the concept art for the new partners statue that Disney released back in 2007 what the expansion was announced. It was said it was to suppose to represent an earlier Walt, when he first arrived in California with his newest creation, Mickey Mouse.
Here is the blueprint for the statue.
Before we move on, one interesting note. Circled above is “Special Effects Lighting.” On the right are sections of concrete with glass squares in them. Yes, it seems that at night, the streets of Buena Vista Street will come to life with amazing light and color. Can’t wait to see this…
The next blueprints are of the already completed trolley tracks and improvements down the Backlot.
Exciting news from the Disney Parks Blog! Read a portion of their post below:
"Grand opening June 3: At Disney California Adventure park, get ready for an all-new voyage with one of Disney’s most beloved characters, Ariel. The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure will invite guests to take a journey under the sea to experience all the fun and adventures in Ariel’s world. From the great songs to state-of-the-art animatronics and special effects, guests will become a part of her world in a way that’s never happened before.
The Little Mermaid attraction is the next big milestone in the expansion of Disney California Adventure park. “World of Color” debuted last year and continues to wow guests every night with magic that combines choreographed fountains, lights, lasers, music, animation and Disney storytelling. And on the horizon, guests can see the awesome Cadillac Mountain range taking shape as the backdrop to the 12-acre Cars Land, which opens in 2012.
Here’s a first look at the vision Walt Disney Imagineers have for Ursula, who will play a big role in The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.
Across the esplanade at Disneyland park, guests this summer will be dancing to the beat of a whole new parade and jetting off to new galaxies far, far away.
May 27 Premiere: “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” officially steps off for Memorial Day weekend, with an explosive musical score, thrilling rhythms and bold percussion that will have people dancing to many of their favorite Disney tunes. Look for whimsical float units, live musicians and some of your favorite characters. Mickey Mouse and his pals will be jamming like never before and creating an atmosphere that will be…soundsational!
Here’s a peek at the preparations:
Grand opening June 3: And for those who dare to venture into the deep, dark corners of the universe, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue officially launches in Tomorrowland at Disneyland park, taking guests on interstellar adventures to Coruscant, Tatooine, and other destinations in the “Star Wars” galaxy. With the return of favorite Star Wars characters and the addition of more familiar faces and destinations, guests are going to experience Starspeeder travel in an all-new way…in 3D!
Here's a quick peek of the King Triton statue placement.
From the Disney Parks Blog:
"King Triton – who is Ariel’s father – has taken his place on top of the main archway in front of the upcoming attraction, The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, in Disney California Adventure park. The statue itself is 76 inches tall. You’ll probably recognize him. He’s the same Triton who once appeared near the Little Mermaid meet-and-greet area in Fantasyland. He was moved when that space became Pixie Hollow. Walt Disney Imagineers knew the Little Mermaid attraction was the perfect new place for him. He even inspired the design of Ariel’s sisters as classic bas-relief figures on the archway’s face. They will complement King Triton on the arch."
Senior publicist at the Disneyland Resort,Shannon Swanson, writes:
"Part of my job is to produce videos for the Disney Parks Blog and various Disney websites. I’ve had a lot of fun producing all kinds of videos, but my favorites are the “making of” pieces. Meeting with the Walt Disney Imagineers and documenting their vision from concept drawings to opening day of an attraction is truly inspiring.
Today, I’m sharing a video I produced back in 2008 of the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough, which re-opened on November 27 that year. For the figures, artists used a mix of ambient and UV paint, and they painted in a black light room that was created just for this project. They often used brushes with as little as one hair to paint the tiniest detail. Scenes from the movie, original Eyvind Earle and Ken Anderson drawings from 1957, color boards and renderings were used for inspiration. Forced perspective was used to make the one-dimensional paintings look 3D.
"The lovable monsters from “Monsters, Inc.” are inviting guests to scream, laugh and dance in a 10-minute interactive fun experience called “Monster Mayhem.” It’s a scream! (Note: You really will scream and laugh.)
You can see this show Fridays through Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. in front of the ElecTRONica stage (park entrance) and again at 1:00 p.m. at the cloud wall near the Hyperion Theater.
“Pixar Pals! Monster Mayhem” follows the debut of another show that has been popping up at Disney California Adventure park recently, “Pixar Pals! The Incredibles: Heroes in Training.” You can see that show Fridays through Tuesdays at 2:15 p.m., 3:25 p.m. and 4:15 p.m."
Here's an excerpt as well as video from the OC Register article:
"The show is part of Disney parks’ yearlong promotion, “Let the Memories Begin,” to recognize visitors’ recollections of their trips. Visitors also can submit their personal photos and videos on a Disney website. There, Disney chooses some pictures for the park shows and commercials.
Walt Disney World is a running similar show.
The Disneyland show is based on 5,000 preselected photos and videos, said Jennifer Magill, the show producer. The other 500 or so pictures are taken that day by PhotoPass photographers at character-greeting areas and other locations throughout the park.
For the PhotoPass system, Disney photographers take pictures of visitors and upload the photos to a website. Visitors get a card with a code so they can look up and buy their photos online. Read tips on using Disney’s PhotoPass.
Disney assigns about six PhotoPass employees to spot photos that would work in the show as they are being shot, said Alan Bruun, associate creative director of entertainment at Walt Disney World, who worked on shows on both coasts.
For now, photographers stop submitting new photos about 3 p.m. to give show creators time to assemble that night’s show, Bruun said. The PhotoPass photos are sent to Orlando, where crews put together that night’s show through a computer program.
But the show consists of more than just photos: Animation and effects are projected on the building, making it look like the tiles are moving.
Characters, including pirates and “small world” dolls, go across the screen. The videos of visitors were chosen beforehand. Disney also made a video, a recreation of a Walt Disney speech, from a collage of guest photos."
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