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MousePad - Blogs http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php MousePad is a discussion forum covering family travel and entertainment, especially Disney. To visit the forum, go to http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/ . en Mon, 22 Mar 2010 09:48:30 GMT vBulletin 15 http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/images/misc/rss.jpg MousePad - Blogs http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php <![CDATA[Disney's California Food & Wine Festival Demonstrations at Bloomingdales]]> http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=651 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:37:14 GMT Several Disneyland Resort chefs will participate in demonstration events at Bloomingdales department stores March 24-26. Chefs, dates and times are posted below: *March 24th* Chef: Marcel St Pierre – Chef de Cuisine - Club 33, Disneyland · Sherman Oaks 1:00pm · Century City 5:00pm *March 25th* Christopher R Faulkner – Chef de Cuisine - Storytellers Café, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel · Newport Beach 1:00pm Jason Martin – Chef de Cuisine - Steakhouse 55, Disneyland Hotel · Costa Mesa 6:00pm *March 26th* Christopher R Faulkner – Storytellers Café, Disney’s Grand California Hotel · San Diego 6:00pm Three of these events require reservations and a $25 fee (which is returned in the form of a $25 Bloomingdales gift card): · Costa Mesa / South Coast Plaza · Newport Beach / Fashion Island · San Diego / Fashion Valley To reserve, call the individual Bloomingdales store and ask for the Kitchen Department. No reservation is required for the events at Sherman Oaks or Century City. Several Disneyland Resort chefs will participate in demonstration events at Bloomingdales department stores March 24-26. Chefs, dates and times are posted below:

March 24th

Chef: Marcel St Pierre – Chef de Cuisine - Club 33, Disneyland

· Sherman Oaks 1:00pm

· Century City 5:00pm

March 25th

Christopher R Faulkner – Chef de Cuisine - Storytellers Café, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel

· Newport Beach 1:00pm

Jason Martin – Chef de Cuisine - Steakhouse 55, Disneyland Hotel

· Costa Mesa 6:00pm

March 26th

Christopher R Faulkner – Storytellers Café, Disney’s Grand California Hotel

· San Diego 6:00pm

Three of these events require reservations and a $25 fee (which is returned in the form of a $25 Bloomingdales gift card):

· Costa Mesa / South Coast Plaza
· Newport Beach / Fashion Island
· San Diego / Fashion Valley

To reserve, call the individual Bloomingdales store and ask for the Kitchen Department.

No reservation is required for the events at Sherman Oaks or Century City. ]]> AVP http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=651 <![CDATA[Disney Parks announces 2-Resort "Premiere Pass" valid at DLR and WDW]]> http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=650 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:10:10 GMT At the Disney Shareholders meeting this morning, Walt Disney Company President Bob Iger officially announced today a 2-Resort "Premiere Pass" valid at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Details of the new Annual pass were posted to the official Disney Parks Blog a few moments ago (link).

The Premiere Pass is $700 ($722.75 with Florida sales tax applied to 1/2 of the ticket value, due to differences in tax codes), and includes the benefits of a Premium Annual Pass at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

At Disneyland, those benefits include:

Admission to Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure 365 days per year, with no blockout dates.
Park-hopper privileges.
Free parking at Disneyland Resort pay lots.
10% off most merchandise purchases from Disney-owned stores at the Resort.
15 - 20% off food purchases at most Disney-operated restaurants.
20% off selected guided tours.
Subscriptions to Backstage Pass, the Annual Passholder magazine. Access to AP-only rates at the Disneyland Resort Hotels.

At Walt Disney World, benefits include:

Admission to all four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios 365 days per year, with no blockout dates.
Park-hopper privileges.
Admission to both water parks: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach
Admission to Disney Quest, Wide World of Sports Complex (subject to restrictions) and Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course (subject to restrictions).
Free parking at Walt Disney World Resort pay lots.
10 - 15% off merchandise from selected Downtown Disney and Animal Kingdom merchants.
Eligibility to purchase membership for the Tables in Wonderland discount dining program.
10 - 15% off dining at selected restaurants in the theme parks, Downtown Disney and Resort hotels.
Discounts on selected sports and recreation activities, including the Richard Petty Driving Experience, spa treatments and marina rentals.
Discounts on selected event and entertainment tickets, including the AMC Theater in Downtown Disney and miniature golf.
15% off selected guided tours.
Subscription to Mickey Monitor, the Annual Passholder magazine.
Access to AP-only rates at the Walt Disney World Resort Hotels.

The new ticket will be available for purchase or upgrade starting Thursday, March 11. If you already have hold annual passes at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, your passes will be upgraded to the new Premiere Passport, and you'll automatically receive your new pass in the mail sometime after March 15th. Your new Premiere Pass will have the expiration date of the later of your two passes, so you're essentially getting a FREE extension of the earlier-expiring pass. In other words, if your Disneyland Pass expires in June, but your Walt Disney World pass expires in December, your new Premiere Pass will have the December expiration date, giving you 6 more months of Disneyland admission for free.

There was an error on the Disney Parks Blog posting this morning, and it's being corrected. Originally the Blog said that you must already have a Premium Pass both both DL and WDW to qualify for the upgrade and extension - that's not the case. If you had ANY Annual Pass at each park (with the lone exception of the Epcot after-4 pass), your passes will be upgraded to the new Premiere Pass:

WDW
Weekday Select
Seasonal
Annual Pass
Premium

Disneyland
SoCal Select
SoCal
Deluxe
Premium

You are reading this correctly - if you had a SoCal Select pass in Disneyland and a basic Passport AP for Walt Disney World, you are now the proud owner of a shiny new Premiere Pass - at no extra charge. Of course, when your Premier Pass expires you'll have to renew it at the higher charge if you want to maintain your benefits.

If you already hold an AP to one Resort, starting tomorrow you can apply the value of that AP to the cost of the Premiere Passport. The cast members I spoke with could not confirm what the expiration date of that upgraded pass would be, but we're trying to get more information.

AVP ]]> AVP http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=650 Disney ends Give a Day, Get a Disney Day program http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=649 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:52:45 GMT *Give a Day, Get a Disney Day’ Reaches Goal – 1 Million People Inspired to Volunteer in 2010 through the Disney Parks Program * *March 9, 2010* – “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” – a first-of-its-kind program of Disney Parks – reached its goal of inspiring 1 million people in 2010 to give back to their communities through volunteer service in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. Since the program started just 10 weeks ago, on Jan. 1, a million people already have volunteered or have committed to volunteer in their communities, according to Disney Parks and HandsOn Network, the nation’s largest volunteer network and a facilitator of “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day.” To celebrate the good deeds of these individuals, Disney Parks offered each volunteer who completed an eligible project a free one-day admission to one theme park in Walt Disney World Resort in Florida or Disneyland Resort in California. Although registration is now closed and the program has ended, those who volunteered have until Dec. 15, 2010, to redeem their free park ticket (certain block-out dates apply). “By any measure, the ‘Give a Day, Get a Disney Day’ program exceeded our expectations,” said Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “These one million volunteers touched their communities with their hearts and hands. Their commitment to service is truly worth celebrating, and there’s no better place to celebrate than at Disney Parks.” Volunteerism has been a part of the Disney culture since the beginning. Through Disney VoluntEARS, cast members have been giving back to communities for more than a quarter century. More than 5.5 million hours of volunteer service worldwide have been donated, and Disney’s commitment to volunteerism will continue even as “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” draws to a close. Officials at HandsOn Network credited the “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” program for increasing volunteer activities this year. “The innovative nature of this program has exponentially increased our capacity to both invite and excite people about volunteerism,” said Michelle Nunn, co-founder of HandsOn Network and CEO of Points of Lights Institute. “The overwhelming participation of families – and youth especially – is a testament to a growing trend. Many of these volunteers are serving for the first time, and some will develop into service leaders that help change the face of our nation.” Encouraging that kind of commitment was one aim of the Disney program, Staggs said. “The goal of the ‘Give a Day, Get a Disney Day’ program was to lay the groundwork for a new spirit of volunteerism,” he said. “The need for volunteers across the country is ongoing. We look forward to more people, especially families, carrying on the momentum and giving back to their communities through volunteerism.” Neighborhoods in need were the big beneficiaries of “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” – from San Juan to San Diego, Vero Beach to Vancouver. In Puerto Rico, 500 volunteers cleaned the beaches of Vaciatalega and La Perla located in the vicinity of Old San Juan. In Oakville, Ontario, a neighborhood center got new shelving and a spruced-up mural. In Boston, volunteers served meals to people in need, knitted and crocheted scarves and mittens for children afflicted with life-threatening illnesses and helped as caregivers at an animal adoption center. In California, San Francisco Bay-area volunteers helped with basic English lessons, painted park benches and planted flowers. In Jacksonville, Fla., volunteers painted murals and spruced up rooms at a home for women and children, while in Pittsburgh they took on construction tasks – tiling, sanding, staining and painting – to help create affordable housing. Although the program has ended and a free Disney theme park ticket will no longer be provided, those still interested in volunteering may search for opportunities through HandsOn Network at http://HandsOnNetwork.org (http://handsonnetwork.org/). ---End Quote--- ]]> Earlier today MousePlanet readers reported that the option to register for a volunteer opportunity through Disney's "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" program had been removed from the Disney Parks Web site; now the site has updated it's FAQ to indicate that the program has reached the one-million volunteer mark and has ended.

For more information about how the end of the program impacts volunteers who have already registered for the program, please read the Disneyland or Walt Disney World Updates published this week on MousePlanet.com.

Quote:

Give a Day, Get a Disney Day’ Reaches Goal – 1 Million People Inspired to Volunteer in 2010 through the Disney Parks Program

March 9, 2010 – “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” – a first-of-its-kind program of Disney Parks – reached its goal of inspiring 1 million people in 2010 to give back to their communities through volunteer service in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.

Since the program started just 10 weeks ago, on Jan. 1, a million people already have volunteered or have committed to volunteer in their communities, according to Disney Parks and HandsOn Network, the nation’s largest volunteer network and a facilitator of “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day.”

To celebrate the good deeds of these individuals, Disney Parks offered each volunteer who completed an eligible project a free one-day admission to one theme park in Walt Disney World Resort in Florida or Disneyland Resort in California. Although registration is now closed and the program has ended, those who volunteered have until Dec. 15, 2010, to redeem their free park ticket (certain block-out dates apply).

“By any measure, the ‘Give a Day, Get a Disney Day’ program exceeded our expectations,” said Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “These one million volunteers touched their communities with their hearts and hands. Their commitment to service is truly worth celebrating, and there’s no better place to celebrate than at Disney Parks.”

Volunteerism has been a part of the Disney culture since the beginning. Through Disney VoluntEARS, cast members have been giving back to communities for more than a quarter century. More than 5.5 million hours of volunteer service worldwide have been donated, and Disney’s commitment to volunteerism will continue even as “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” draws to a close.

Officials at HandsOn Network credited the “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” program for increasing volunteer activities this year.

“The innovative nature of this program has exponentially increased our capacity to both invite and excite people about volunteerism,” said Michelle Nunn, co-founder of HandsOn Network and CEO of Points of Lights Institute.

“The overwhelming participation of families – and youth especially – is a testament to a growing trend. Many of these volunteers are serving for the first time, and some will develop into service leaders that help change the face of our nation.”

Encouraging that kind of commitment was one aim of the Disney program, Staggs said.

“The goal of the ‘Give a Day, Get a Disney Day’ program was to lay the groundwork for a new spirit of volunteerism,” he said. “The need for volunteers across the country is ongoing. We look forward to more people, especially families, carrying on the momentum and giving back to their communities through volunteerism.”

Neighborhoods in need were the big beneficiaries of “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” – from San Juan to San Diego, Vero Beach to Vancouver.

In Puerto Rico, 500 volunteers cleaned the beaches of Vaciatalega and La Perla located in the vicinity of Old San Juan. In Oakville, Ontario, a neighborhood center got new shelving and a spruced-up mural.

In Boston, volunteers served meals to people in need, knitted and crocheted scarves and mittens for children afflicted with life-threatening illnesses and helped as caregivers at an animal adoption center. In California, San Francisco Bay-area volunteers helped with basic English lessons, painted park benches and planted flowers.

In Jacksonville, Fla., volunteers painted murals and spruced up rooms at a home for women and children, while in Pittsburgh they took on construction tasks – tiling, sanding, staining and painting – to help create affordable housing.

Although the program has ended and a free Disney theme park ticket will no longer be provided, those still interested in volunteering may search for opportunities through HandsOn Network at http://HandsOnNetwork.org.

]]> AVP http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=649 <![CDATA[Princess Coronation & Storytelling to Return]]> http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=648 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:00:27 GMT The Royal Coronation and Princess Storytelling shows will be returning to Disneyland's Princess Fantasy Faire for the summer. The tentative dates for the revival are from some time in June until August 15.

Originally part of the “Year of a Million Dreams” promotion, the two shows—though popular—were discontinued to save money.

A cast member shared, "Some TDA managers were giving a tour of the Park to a big honcho. He questioned why the stage was closed. The TDA managers must not have given a very good answer, because we are getting the shows back. But first, the stage must be rehabbed. It has been sitting unused for over a year."

The Entertainment division worker wasn't sure who the "big honcho" was, but speculated it may have been the park president, George Kalogridis, who has been scouring the grounds to identify quick opportunities to increase capacity and alleviate the constant congestion. ]]> David Koenig http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=648 Character Hunting? http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=647 Sat, 06 Mar 2010 19:19:37 GMT Are you interested in character hunting?

Looking for a particular special character for your kids while you're out and about at Disney World?

Message me and I can offer any help that I can to give you tips and tricks on how to meet characters while there ]]> thymeandplace http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=647 Character Hunting? http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=646 Sat, 06 Mar 2010 19:15:25 GMT Are you interested in character hunting?

Looking for a particular special character for your kids while you're out and about at Disney World?

Message me and I can offer any help that I can to give you tips and tricks on how to meet characters while there ]]> thymeandplace http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=646 <![CDATA[Pulling the Plug on Frontierland's Koi Ponds of America]]> http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=645 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:32:44 GMT The waterway that connects Disneyland's Jungle Cruise to the Castle Moat has been tarped over again, hopefully to alleviate the construction "improvements" that destroyed the once-rustic riverbanks.

Originally, the inlet was drained and cleaned, then construction crews built a new guest-proof bridge at the entrance of Frontierland. While the river was dry, it was given a fresh coat of concrete. Unfortunately, to the dismay of WDI's show quality control team, the waterway now resembles a swimming pool.

"The contractor that was hired to do the work did put a fresh coat of concrete, and created new sides and a lip," confirmed a cast member. "It totally looks like an artificial canal and not a river cutting through the entrance of Adventureland and Frontierland."

Let's hope the second time's the charm. ]]> David Koenig http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=645 Is the end near for Give a Day, Get a Disney Day? http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=644 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:58:01 GMT Late last night the HandsOn Network sent an e-mail to volunteer organizations who are participating in the Give a Day, Get a Disney Day program, advising those groups that "the Give A Day. Get A Disney Day program is forecasted to come to a close very shortly."

The e-mail goes on to list specific steps the organizations need to take to "wind down" the program, and includes several points of interest to potential volunteers. To summarize:

Effective immediately, no new applications will be accepted from organizations wanting to participate in the program.
By Friday, March 5, all flexible schedule volunteer opportunities will be removed from the search database.
After March 5, organizations can only post date- and time-specific opportunities.
Once Disney reaches its one-million ticket goal, the program ends and organizations will no longer be able to post new volunteer opportunities of any kind for the program.
Only volunteers who have completed the registration and signed up for a specific date and time to volunteer before the program ends will get their vouchers for a Disney theme park ticket once their service has been verified.

If you haven't already scheduled your volunteer service, this is the weekend to do it. The HandsOn Network site currently lists opportunities for the next 60 days, so be sure to get registered before the program ends.

We have contacted Disney for comment on this announcement by the HandsOn Network, and will update this post once we have their response.

Many thanks to MousePlanet reader Sharon Flummerfelt for the tip!

Adrienne ]]> AVP http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=644 Taking Off My Disney Rose Colored Glasses... http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=643 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:22:56 GMT I've finally admitted something I haven't wanted to see before- The Walt Disney Company has changed from the days of Walt- go here:
No more rose colored glasses! ]]> mstaft http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=643 Coming soon to Walt Disney World - Monthly Payment Annual Passes http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=641 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:50:34 GMT Sources at Walt Disney World tell MousePlanet that the monthly payment plan first offered to Disneyland Annual Passholders in late 2008 will be extended to Walt Disney World Passholders later this year. The official announcement is expected sometime next week, when Disney is also expected to debut a new Annual Passport that will be valid at both the Florida and California Resorts.

Few details are available about the Walt Disney World monthly payment option, which is not expected to launch until sometime this summer. The Disneyland version, currently restricted to Southern California residents only, requires customers to make a deposit equal to the cost of a one-day, one-park ticket. The remaining monthly payments are then automatically charged to a credit card placed on file at the time the passport is purchased. The Walt Disney World version is expected to be open to all Florida residents, and will require a deposit and credit card payments similar to the Disneyland pass. Non-residents are not expected to be eligible for this option.

The resort is reportedly launching this plan as another attempt to grow their Annual Passholder base. Disneyland saw sales of Annual Passes skyrocket after launching the monthly payment plan, and Walt Disney World is hoping that the financing option will help boost sales of their pricier passes. If the two plans are similar, a Florida resident would be able to "upgrade" their $79 one-day, one-park ticket (expected to go to $83 this August if current patterns hold) to a seasonal annual passport with payments of about $15 per month. After deposit, payments for the Florida resident Premium AP would be just under $40 per month - still a big chunk, but much easier on the budget than shelling out $489 (current price) at one time. Note that all prices listed do not include tax.

We haven't yet heard if the monthly-payment option will be offered for the combined Walt Disney World / Disneyland Resort annual passport. While it would seem to make sense, the logistics involved with launching the new pass may leave that option for later implementation.

Let us know in the comments below what you think of this option! ]]> Mark Goldhaber http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=641 <![CDATA[A SUPERCALIFRAGILISTIC EVENING WITH RICHARD M. SHERMAN, Feb. 26 & 27 in LA]]> http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=640 Sat, 20 Feb 2010 01:11:06 GMT The El Capitan Theatre is offering $10 off select tickets to the opening night performance, Friday February 26 at 7:00pm. This special rate is available only by calling (818) 845-3110 and providing the code DCPUB. This discount is not available online.

~~Note - the El Capitan Theater did not have the discount code active in their system as of Friday afternoon, so you'll probably need to wait until Monday to try to purchase tickets~~. [Update: the theater has added the discount code to their system. The offer is $10 off the back/side orchestra seats, regularly $45, now $35.]

Quote:

A SUPERCALIFRAGILISTIC EVENING WITH
RICHARD M. SHERMAN
AND SELECTIONS FROM HIT MUSICAL “PAZZAZZ!”
With Special Guest star JoAnne Worley
AT HOLLYWOOD’S EL CAPITAN THEATRE

Three performances only! February 26 and 27

Richard M. Sherman, two-time Oscar and Grammy winning composer of the scores of “Mary Poppins” and “The Jungle Book” and more than 150 songs heard in Disney films and theme parks, will make a rare personal stage appearance, singing and telling the stories behind his songs, in “A Supercalifragilistic Evening with Richard M. Sherman,” for three performances only, February 26 and 27 at Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre.

The evening, produced by Milt Larsen, co-founder of the Magic Castle, also includes selections from the hit musical “PAZZAZZ!,” featuring Adam Wylie, Christine Capsuto, Joey D'Auria, Amy Gillette, Gilmore Rizzo, Laura Thatcher, and special Guest Star JoAnne Worley. “PAZZAZZ!” features music and lyrics by Larsen and Sherman.

“A Supercalifragilistic Evening with Richard M. Sherman” will be performed on Friday, February 26 at 7 p.m., and Saturday February 27 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets priced from $35 to $50 are available at the El Capitan Theatre Box Office (6838 Hollywood Blvd.), or by calling 1-818-845-3110.

The Sherman Brothers And Richard M. Sherman The Sherman Brothers are an Academy Award-winning American songwriting duo who have written more motion-picture musical song scores than any other songwriting team in film history, working for Walt Disney during the last six years of his life. Film scores of the Sherman Brothers include “Mary Poppins,” “The Jungle Book” and “The Aristocats”.

Richard M. Sherman (Composer/Words & Music), one half of the famous Sherman Brothers songwriting team, is still a leading composer-lyricist in family entertainment. His career spans five decades and includes two Academy Awards© for “Mary Poppins” (score) and Chim Chim Cher -Ee (song). The Sherman Brothers also wrote the world's most translated and performed song; “It's A Small World (After All)”. Musical honors include nine Oscar© nominations, three Grammy Awards, twenty-four Gold and Platinum albums, a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and in 2009, Mr. Sherman was presented with the National Medal of Arts at the White House. For his latest project, PAZZAZZ! Words and Music, Richard has teamed with his longtime friend and colleague, Milt Larsen, who is the legendary songwriter's only collaborator other than his brother. Together, they have written comedy songs (including their cult comedy classic “Smash Flops”) and many songs for Larsen's stage revues. They both share a passion for musical history.

Milt Larsen (Co-Executive Producer), has been called a “Renaissance Man.” His accomplishments cover a vast array of projects. His “brainchildren” include Caesar’s Magical Empire at Ceasar’s Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada; the Mayfair Music Hall in Santa Monica, CA; the Variety Arts Center in Los Angeles; and, of course, The Magic Castle in Hollywood. In September 2006 he celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of his annual stage show “It’s Magic!” The event was commemorated with an all-star show at Hollywood’s Kodak Theater. Milt and his late brother Bill were honored with a star on Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame. In addition, he is a TV and record Producer, performer, author and speaker. He is the host of “Hear Them Again (For The First Time)” weekly radio show on the Cable Radio Network (CRN).

]]> AVP http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=640 Back to Save the World - Captain EO returns to Disneyland Tuesday, February 23 http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=639 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 22:29:38 GMT Shortly after today's Cast Member test ended, Disneyland announced that Captain EO will reopen on Tuesday, February 23rd.

The wait is almost over - now you just have to get through the lines. If you absolutely MUST be one of the first people to see EO in this return engagement, don't forget that Tuesday is an "Early Entry" day at Disneyland, which means Disneyland Resort Hotel guests (as well as visitors with qualifying Park Hopper Bonus tickets or vacation packages) can enter the park one hour before it opens to the public. Captain EO is not expected to be open during the Magic Morning hour, but at least you can be at the front of the line.

Photo (c) Disney

One thing to note, the official announcement (you can read it here) includes a little disclaimer: "While it’s not possible to replicate some special effects elements from the original presentation, it will boast a new 70mm print of the film, and it will sound better than ever thanks to acoustic enhancements made to the theater since the film last played there in 1997." In other words, be prepared that this won't be the exact show you remember.

AVP ]]> AVP http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=639 <![CDATA[Celebrity chef lineup for the 2010 Disney's California Food and Wine Festival]]> http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=636 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 03:24:16 GMT Disney shared a list of celebrity chefs scheduled to attend various events for the 2010 Festival. The first four events are open to all Festival guests, though seating is limited:

Celebrity Chef Guy Fieri – Opening Weekend
Chef Showcase Stage
Culinary Demonstration
Friday, April 16 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Saturday, April 17 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Autograph Signing immediately following

Celebrity Chef Cat Cora
Chef Showcase Stage
Culinary Demonstration
Saturday, April 24 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Sunday, April 25 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Autograph Signing immediately following

Featured Chef Jeffrey Saad - Next Food Network Star
Chef Showcase Stage
Culinary Demonstration
Friday, April 23 2:00 - 2:45 pm
Saturday, April 24 2:00 - 2:45 pm
Sunday, April 25 2:00 - 2:45 pm
Autograph Signing immediately following

Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine
Friday, May 21 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Saturday, May 22 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Sunday, May 23 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Autograph Signing immediately following

Sweet Sundays:

Elaine Ardizzone & Donna Cellere – Sweet Cheeks Baking Co.
Matt Lewis & Renato Poliafito - Baked
Richard Ruskell – Montage, Beverly Hills

Others scheduled at the various events/demos. We'll try to present an updated schedule as we have it.

Andre Carthen – Kathy Ireland Home
Tom Fraker & Ida Rodriguez – Melissa’s Produce
Amy Jurist – Amy’s Culinary Adventures
Barrie Lynne – The Cheese Impresario
The Mozzarella Guys
Alan Negrete – Boudin Bakery
Stuart O’Keefe, Food Network’s Private Chefs of Beverly Hills
Jonathan Rollo – Green Leaf Gourmet Chop Shop
John Sarich, Chateau Ste. Michelle
Chris Savage – Hyatt Regency, Huntington Beach
Pam Smith – Living Well
Denise Vivaldo – The Entertaining Encyclopedia
Wade Williams - Picnic
Priscilla Willis, Hyatt Regency, Huntington Beach
Rob Wilson – Ritz Carlton, Laguna Beach

]]> AVP http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=636 Photos from World of Color testing http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=635 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:34:36 GMT I happened to be in Disney's California Adventure last night around park closing, and got a chance to watch as the technicians prepared the World of Color platform for that evening's test run. This testing happens almost nightly, but it's the first chance I've had to see it and I wanted to share some photos.

We didn't get to see any testing of the actual show elements, but got to watch as they lowered the show platform, did some quick tests of the various fountains, and performer an alignment of the front/center projectors. The images you'll see on the water screens did not appear to be actual show film, but a test pattern or screen saver.

DCA was scheduled to close at 8 last night, but park hours for all but the Paradise Pier section were extended to 9, which put some pressure on the testing schedule. While we were snapping the last few photos, a handful of Disney folks - including World of Color show producer Sayre Wiseman - came over to politely shoo us out of Paradise Pier so they could get on with the real test. Click on any image below to open a MUCH larger version - enjoy!

The West and Center sections of the platform are in the "show" position, the East (closest to the camera) section is still at the "maintenance" level.

Fountain test. Notice the show lights to the right are up and lit. These are the lights that appear to be encased in clear bubbles.

We've moved to a new vantage point next to Ariel's Grotto. West and Center sections are underwater; East section still on surface.

Most of the fountains are spraying straight up, but some are spraying forward or to the side. Not sure of this is intentional, but a pair of technicians eventually took a boat out to the platform and appeared to be making adjustments to some of the nozzles.

Testing another set of fountains, and you can see another nozzle is aimed right at the viewing area.

Some of these fountains can shoot water higher than the top of the Sun Wheel.

Testing the front/center mist screen. The spotlights are still on at this point.

A closer look at the center section at "show level."

Starting to test the rear projectors; spotlights are still on.

The spotlights were turned off, and the intensity of the image on the mist screen is much stronger.

Look closely at the bottom of the mist screen (click the image to enlarge) and you'll see alignment lines.

Meanwhile, the East platform has dropped to show level, and the fountains are quickly tested.

One of the "screen savers" used to test the projector alignment.

One last photo before we're ushered out of the area so the real work can begin.
]]> AVP http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=635 Sweet Sundays and additional Food and Wine Festival info http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=634 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:24:16 GMT With registration less than 24 hours away, Disneyland has finally posted information for most of the Sweet Sundays events:

Quote:

Scheduled to Attend

April 18: To Be Announced
April 25: The Art of Chocolate presented by Ghirardelli Master Chocolatier
May 2: Richard Ruskell, Montage Beverly Hills
May 9: Matt Lewis & Renato Poliafito, Baked
May 16: Jorge Sotelo, Executive Pastry Chef, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa
May 23: Elaine Ardizzone & Donna Cellere, Sweet Cheeks Baking Co.

As mentioned in this morning's Disneyland Resort Update, a "Riedel Glass Tasting" event was added to the schedule:

Quote:

Professor Claus J. Riedel was the first designer to recognize that the bouquet, taste, balance and finish of wines are affected by the shape of the glass from which they are drunk. In this fascinating class led by an expert from Riedel, discover why the glass matters. At the conclusion of the class, Guests attending this event will be presented with their tasting set of four Riedel Vinum series lead crystal wine glasses* to enjoy at home.

Date: Saturday, April 24 & Friday, May 28
Time: 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Festival Showplace, Stage 12, Disney's California Adventure® Park
Price: $90 per person, plus tax, gratuity included.

Advanced reservations are required — online registration for Signature Events begins February 16, 2010. Please check back for details.

Guests must be at least 21 years of age to attend this event. Theme Park admission to Disney's California Adventure park is required and is not included in the price of the event.

Don't forget, if you're planning to attend with a group, you need to make your reservations together so you can ensure you're seated together. As we discovered last year, getting the event staff to rearrange the seating so parties who registered separately can sit together is a real pain, and was not allowed at all at some events.

Adrienne ]]> AVP http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=634 Captain EO cast member previews Friday http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=633 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:22:34 GMT Walt Disney Imagineering is currently "exercising the systems" of Captain EO, and put out a call for interested cast members to attend preview showings Friday afternoon. This has sparked speculation that the attraction will open to the public this weekend, but the Disneyland Resort has not made any announcements about possible opening dates. We'll pass along more information as we have it.

Update: I've talked with a few people at Disney, and it would be surprising if EO has a public opening this weekend. The announcement posted to cast members included the warning "keep in mind that while show elements may be active, the attraction is not yet complete or ready for the public," and the attraction is reportedly not staffed for operation this weekend. Further (and this is just a practical matter), many of the Disneyland Resort publicists are in Walt Disney World this week for that Resort's big Summer Nightastic press event, which makes it unlikely that Disneyland would schedule a newsworthy event at the same time.

AVP ]]> AVP http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=633 The ELP is coming back to Disney World http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=632 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:00:19 GMT http://thedailydisney.com/blog/2010/...-disney-world/

"Great news for fans of “thousands of sparkling lights and electro-synthe-magnetic musical sounds”: Walt Disney World will bring back the classic Main Street Electrical Parade to the Magic Kingdom this summer." ]]> srusso100 http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=632 Disneyland Resort hotel workers begin week-long hunger strike with candlelight vigil http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=631 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:23:52 GMT 10 protesters, including seven Disneyland Resort Hotel cast members, began a week-long hunger strike Tuesday night. The demonstration is the latest in a series of protests that have marked the two-year-long labor dispute between the Disneyland Resort and Unite Here Local 11, which represents workers at the three Disneyland Resort Hotels*.

A winter storm deterred most of the expected 500 protesters from attending Tuesday's demonstration.

Ada Briceno, secretary/treasurer of Local 11 says the fast is being held for several reasons - not only to mark 2 years since the previous contract expired, but also to commemorate the 1-year anniversary of death of a Musa Sharaf, a Disney hotel cook who died at work. Briceno said the purpose of the fast is to "continue to bring light to the ongoing struggle. We're hoping that Disney will see that their cast members are willing to do a fast. We haven't given up - this is our strongest action."

Picket signs and banners are piled outside the Paradise Pier Hotel.

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel worker Kristi Richards tells the crowd that she is fasting in memory of a coworker who died at work.

The fast began with an informational picket outside the Paradise Pier Hotel, and continued with a candlelight vigil in an adjacent parking lot. Local 11 originally estimated that 500 workers and supporters would join the demonstration, but fewer than 80 turned out in the face of a fierce rainstorm. Workers and community activists crowded under tents and huddled under umbrellas to listen as union officials and the fasting workers spoke about the ongoing contract dispute with the Disneyland Resort, and gave their personal reasons for joining the dispute.

Local clergy members gather around the fasting workers for prayer.

Unite Here Local 11 secretary/treasurer Ada Briceno (left) and Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers of America, address the crowd.

The fasting Disneyland workers, who will consume only water for the duration of the demonstration, are joined by the son of another Disney hotel worker, and two union members from LAX. Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers of America, also addressed the crowd, and announced that she will join their fast as an expression of solidarity for their plight. Also present at the vigil was Basema Sharaf, widow of Musa, who claims that her husband worked off the clock and skipped breaks in order to keep up with the demands at his understaffed location. Sharaf suffered a fatal heart attack while at work. A memorial to Musa Sharaf was displayed at the vigil, and participants placed candles and carnations in front of his photo at the end of the ceremony.

Union members and community supporters gather at a candlelight vigil for the fasting workers.

Throughout the week-long protest, fasters will camp in tents outside the Grand Californian Hotel. Due to the rain, the fasters spent Tuesday night at the union hall instead of outside the hotel, but planned to set up their camp once the rain cleared Wednesday morning. The union has arranged for volunteer medical personnel to monitor the health of the participants, who will remain on site 24/7 throughout the duration of the demonstration. The memorial sign for Musa Sharaf, along with a second featuring Disney workers injured on the job, will be displayed near the protesters.

Disney hotel worker Narciso Guevara (right) adds a candle to a memorial for coworker Musa Sharaf.

In addition to a daily prayer vigil at 7am, Local 11 has announced a schedule of daily events and protests. On Wednesday, workers will hold a "make-a-bed" rally outside the Paradise Pier Hotel at 5pm. A union spokesperson says that the purpose of the demonstration is to show that new bedding at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel can cause injuries to housekeepers. On Saturday, Tom Morello of the group Rage Against the Machine will perform at the union's "Day of Music" protest. If you want to attend or avoid these or other events, a full schedule is posted on the union Web site (link).

An hour before Tuesday's protest began, union officials responded to Disney's renewed request for both parties to sit down with a Federal mediator. Local 11 has agreed to meet with the mediator, but did not set a date. A Disney spokesperson says that the company is ready to meet immediately, but the union's Briceno said that the talks will take place after the fast.
______________________________________

*Additional coverage of this labor dispute and past demonstrations is available on MousePlanet:

2008 protest & arrests (link).
2008 Posada protest (link).
2009 Holy Week protest (link).
June 2009 contract talks and details (link).
2009 walkout #1 (link).
2009 walkout #2 (link).
MousePad discussion of the current protest and financial considerations (link).

]]> AVP http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=631 Disneyland 1955 – Pin-Vited Press Event http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=624 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:33:26 GMT The Disneyland Resort just sent me details of their next pin event, a "press event"-style kickoff for the summer pin promotion.

Quote:

Disneyland® 1955 – Pin-Vited Press Event
Date: Saturday, July 10, 2010
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Now a special message from your local broadcast station ... D-PINZ ...
Mickey Mouse here ... head reporter for D-PINZ ... giving you, our "press"
corps and your families a sneak preview of Dateline: Disneyland® 1955.

Enjoy a nostalgic journey back to yesteryear and the beginning of Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom. As an honorary member of our "pin-vited press," you'll be among the first to see this "press preview" of Dateline Disneyland®. This exclusive scoop will include a special showing of concept and actual pin art from the festival, a meet and greet with the Disney Artists behind the pin magic and the opportunity to "trade
secrets" about the pin world.

Reservations for the Pin-Vited Press Event Package are $65, per person. (Limited to availability. No discount will be offered in conjunction with this package.)

Registration opens via DisneyPins.com on March 3, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. Pacific.

For more information visit www.DisneyPins.com.

]]> AVP http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=624 <![CDATA[California Adventure's 9th Birthday!]]> http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=623 Sun, 07 Feb 2010 22:35:32 GMT Join me tomorrow on the Insights blog as I look at the park we found on February 8, 2001.
Can't wait to see you then! ]]> mstaft http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=623 Disneyland Loses the Big Cheese http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=622 Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:30:20 GMT With great sadness, I just learned that Paul Castle, 86, the main Mickey Mouse at Disneyland for 25 years, passed away January 23. After making his mark as the 4’6” Mighty Mite in the Ice Capades, Paul was hand-picked by Walt himself in 1961 to play Mickey Mouse for special appearances and at Disneyland. In those days, the park didn’t have a big Character Department. Paul was one of only a handful of year-round costumed performers; most just hired on part-time, during parade season. But Paul stuck around as Characters got their own department, and multiplied into the hundreds of employees, with all the regulations and demands that came with it—such as not responding to abusive guests. (He once chased a pugnacious teen across Town Square and sat on her, in full view of horror-struck guests.) He’d grumble and complain whenever Disney altered his costume to make it look more cartoonish (because that typically meant the suit became more uncomfortable, as well). And Paul was livid when management stopped allowing the costumed characters to speak. “A new guy got into the department and said I didn’t sound like the real Mickey,” Paul told me. “I couldn’t get that high falsetto. And if Mickey couldn’t talk, then no one could.” He resented that females gradually began taking over more and more character roles, due to their slighter builds. (He just didn’t think it was right to have Mickey Mouse played by a girl.) He also didn’t like how many of his prized shifts began going to younger, more mobile performers. But most of all, Paul was unhappy that here was a professional actor, who appeared alongside Walt at dozens of special appearances, who had been photographed with celebrities and royalty, who had been hugged and kissed by thousands of strangers from around the world, and nobody knew it was him. Not long after retiring, he contacted the Los Angeles Times for an article on his career, incensing management that he’d intimated there was a man inside the mouse. Paul never could understand why he couldn’t find a publisher for his autobiography. After reading his manuscript, I realized that most of the pages were filled with facts and stories concerning the away-from-the-park life of Paul Castle. The book would be much more marketable, I tried to tell him, if it were more about Mickey. But, knowing Paul, he’d been hiding in the mouse’s shadow his whole life. For once, he wanted the spotlight on him. He retired in 1986, and in the 24 years since would move back and forth between Anaheim and Oklahoma, to be closer to family. A life celebration and memorial service will be held at Calvary Chapel of Bethany, Ok., tomorrow, Saturday, February 6, 2010, at 2 p.m. You can see photos from Paul’s career on a blog recently created by his daughter, http://insidemickey.blogspot.com. And grab your copies of “Mouse Tales” and “More Mouse Tales.” All those stories about that very un-Disneylike Mickey? They’re all Paul. He was a true Disneyland original, barely 54 inches tall, yet one of the park’s biggest personalities, from a much wilder time. With great sadness, I just learned that Paul Castle, 86, the main Mickey Mouse at Disneyland for 25 years, passed away January 23.

After making his mark as the 4’6” Mighty Mite in the Ice Capades, Paul was hand-picked by Walt himself in 1961 to play Mickey Mouse for special appearances and at Disneyland. In those days, the park didn’t have a big Character Department. Paul was one of only a handful of year-round costumed performers; most just hired on part-time, during parade season.

But Paul stuck around as Characters got their own department, and multiplied into the hundreds of employees, with all the regulations and demands that came with it—such as not responding to abusive guests. (He once chased a pugnacious teen across Town Square and sat on her, in full view of horror-struck guests.)

He’d grumble and complain whenever Disney altered his costume to make it look more cartoonish (because that typically meant the suit became more uncomfortable, as well). And Paul was livid when management stopped allowing the costumed characters to speak. “A new guy got into the department and said I didn’t sound like the real Mickey,” Paul told me. “I couldn’t get that high falsetto. And if Mickey couldn’t talk, then no one could.”

He resented that females gradually began taking over more and more character roles, due to their slighter builds. (He just didn’t think it was right to have Mickey Mouse played by a girl.) He also didn’t like how many of his prized shifts began going to younger, more mobile performers.

But most of all, Paul was unhappy that here was a professional actor, who appeared alongside Walt at dozens of special appearances, who had been photographed with celebrities and royalty, who had been hugged and kissed by thousands of strangers from around the world, and nobody knew it was him. Not long after retiring, he contacted the Los Angeles Times for an article on his career, incensing management that he’d intimated there was a man inside the mouse.

Paul never could understand why he couldn’t find a publisher for his autobiography. After reading his manuscript, I realized that most of the pages were filled with facts and stories concerning the away-from-the-park life of Paul Castle. The book would be much more marketable, I tried to tell him, if it were more about Mickey. But, knowing Paul, he’d been hiding in the mouse’s shadow his whole life. For once, he wanted the spotlight on him.

He retired in 1986, and in the 24 years since would move back and forth between Anaheim and Oklahoma, to be closer to family. A life celebration and memorial service will be held at Calvary Chapel of Bethany, Ok., tomorrow, Saturday, February 6, 2010, at 2 p.m.

You can see photos from Paul’s career on a blog recently created by his daughter, http://insidemickey.blogspot.com. And grab your copies of “Mouse Tales” and “More Mouse Tales.” All those stories about that very un-Disneylike Mickey? They’re all Paul. He was a true Disneyland original, barely 54 inches tall, yet one of the park’s biggest personalities, from a much wilder time. ]]> David Koenig http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=622 <![CDATA[Food & Wine Festival discounts and pre-sale for Passholders]]> http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=621 Fri, 05 Feb 2010 07:21:01 GMT The Disneyland Resort is offering annual passholders a discount on select Signature Events for the 2010 Food & Wine Festival, and opened registration for these discounted events this morning. The early registration offer came as a surprise, and was only publicized through the Disney Resorts Blog and via a "tweet" from the Disneyland Twitter account. Discounted tickets and early registration are available for these three events:

Taste Food-Wine-Life on Saturday, May 29 - regular price $135 per person, AP price $110 (plus tax)

Winemakers Dinners - regular price $135 per person, AP price $110 (plus tax). Dates and winemakers scheduled to attend are:

April 23 – Jeff Stewart, Buena Vista Carneros
April 30 – Diana Schweiger, Schweiger Vineyards
May 14 – Don Hartford, Hartford Family Wines
May 21 – Groth Vineyards & Winery

Brewmaster Dinner on Friday, May 7 - regular price $110 per person, AP price $90 (plus tax)

The discounted tickets are available now through February 15, and must be purchased through the special offer page (link). You will need to log in to your Disneyland.com account to make reservations. Online registration for all other Signature Events starts February 16, 2010 at 10:00 a.m (link). ]]> AVP http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=621 Dinosaurs Invade Disney Parks! http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=620 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:19:49 GMT Here's a large post about about Disney's Love Affair with Dinsaurs- from West Coast to East Coast to All Over the World!

Walt Disney was a man fascinated by the future, but he was also passionate about what happened prior to his lifetime. It seems there wasn't a single area of popular thought and study in which Walt would choose to remain ignorant. If he was uninformed, it seemed Walt always recruited the help of the experts. He was wise and also shrewd. He had the pulse of the paying public, their tastes and habits, always at the forefront of his mind when planning his films and theme parks.

Prehistoric times seemed to capture his imagination. From Fantasia to Dinosaur, Disney films with on the subject were made with or without Walt at the helm. The same holds true for the theme parks. In each one, dinosaurs are found in various shapes, sizes, and conditions. Let's take a look back into our own Time Machine and travel from coast to coast and beyond...

More Here. ]]> mstaft http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=620 Disneyland Resort Southern California 2fer Sweepstakes on Twitter http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=619 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:24:11 GMT The Disneyland Resort announced a Southern California 2fer Sweepstakes via Twitter today. If you live in Southern California, you can win a 2Fer ticket, if you live outside of Southern California you'll receive a one-day, one-park ticket. The rules are at this link, and you should definitely read them because there are a lot of little details that could trip you up and render your entry inelligible.

To enter, you must

1) Have or create a Twitter account.
2) Add the Disneyland Twitter account (@Disneyland) to your follow list.
3) Send the following "tweet" EXACTLY AS WRITTEN BELOW. Failure to include any portion of this tweet may render your entry inelligible:

Quote:

@Disneyland Enter me in your Southern California Resident 2fer Sweepstakes! #Disney2fer

If you win, you will be contacted by Direct Message through Twitter. One final thing - if you have a "protected" Twitter account, you will not be able to enter. If you "unlock" your account to submit your entry, you'll need to keep it unlocked throughout the contest period, or you can't be notified if you win.

Good luck! Oh, and while you're on Twitter, be sure to follow @MousePlanet, @MouseAdventure, @MouseStation, @MPMark and @MousePlanetAVP

AVP ]]> AVP http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=619 Staggs Party http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=618 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:28:37 GMT Calm has returned to the Disneyland Resort, following a tumultuous few days. No, the chaos wasn't related to extreme weather or enormous crowds or unforeseen problems. It stemmed from the first official visit to the resort by Tom Staggs, who a few weeks ago swapped titles with Jay Rasulo to become the new chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

On Monday, the day before Staggs was to arrive, managers ordered stockrooms, workshops and offices to be cleaned, as they hurriedly tried to memorize all sorts of statistics about their departments.

On Tuesday, to kick off his two-day visit, management gathered in a meeting at Lincoln Theater, followed by personal tours of Disneyland and DCA, and a special hosted lunch in the Dream Suite.

The dog and pony show, observed one cast member, "was a farce. Tom expressed interest in meeting 'ordinary' cast members, so the managers of each department handpicked those he would talk with. As you can guess, those handpicked cast members spoke only positive remarks about their departments. As Tom’s tour made its way through the parks, managers who were hardly ever seen before were onstage telling cast members how to do their jobs. It was hilarious, watching managers popping out of their offices and running around like a bunch of scared rabbits."

By Thursday, Staggs was back in Burbank, and park managers could safely return to the confines of the Team Disney Anaheim building, insulated once again from the nuisance of interacting with cast members, guests and attractions. ]]> David Koenig http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=618 More details of the Disney Dream http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=617 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:03:30 GMT To start the one-year countdown to the first public voyage of the Disney Dream, Disney Cruise Line released a few more tantalizing details of the features and services to be found on the new ship:

Goofy's Sports Deck: Featuring a miniature golf course, virtual sports simulators and a basketball/volleyball court. There will also be Max's Courts, two mini-sized courts for little ones to enjoy soccer, basketball or group play. The area will also feature ping pong, foosball and a scenic walking track.

Hot Tubs: On the sides of Deck 11, guests can soak in a whirlpool hot tub while overlooking sweeping views of the ocean. There will be two hot tubs for adults and two hot tubs for families.

Nemo's Reef: A 1,500 square foot interactive wet play area featuring fountains, bubblers and pop jets located adjacent to Mickey’s Pool. Nemo’s Reef is surrounded by a glass enclosure, shaded for protection from the sun and features a soft wet deck surface for safety and comfort.

Quiet Cove Pool: Pool reserved exclusively for guests 18 years and older that features a unique interlocking circular design offering varying depths for taking a dip, sunbathing in comfort and enjoying a poolside cocktail. There is a 4 foot deep plunge pool and a 6 inch deep sunbathing pool with built in loungers and a mister.

Cove Bar: Cove Bar is conveniently attached to the Quiet Cove Pool and allows guests the convenience of ordering and enjoying beverages without ever having to leave the refuge of the pool.

]]> AVP http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=617 Princess Plays Leapfrog http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=616 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:46:00 GMT An Entertainment cast member fills us in on the latest character changes at the Disneyland Resort:

"On February 1st, the Princess Tiana face character will be moved to the Princess Fantasy Faire in Fantasyland. Prince Naveen will join the other princes in no-mans land and only appear once in awhile.

"At the Faire, there will be two casualties from the move. Mulan will now be at Hollywood Backlot at DCA, and Jasmine at Aladdin’s Oasis in Adventureland.

"Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee will return in May to publicize the film’s March release on DVD." ]]> David Koenig http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=616 all disney world trips http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=613 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 20:09:40 GMT hi I need to know if i should order groceries to be delived to my room? i will be on the dexule dinning plan and i do not want to spen my snack credits on water:fez::crying: hi I need to know if i should order groceries to be delived to my room? i will be on the dexule dinning plan and i do not want to spen my snack credits on water ]]> mashelle http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=613 D23 announces 2010 special events schedule http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=612 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 20:22:06 GMT

D23 ANNOUNCES 2010 SPECIAL EVENTS SCHEDULE

Disney’s Official Community for Fans Creates New Experiences and Surprises to Entertain and Delight Its Growing Membership

BURBANK, Calif. – Jan. 14, 2010 – D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans today unveiled a host of special events that have been designed especially for its growing worldwide membership base.

Among the exciting offerings for 2010 are exclusive D23 one-year anniversary parties at the Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort, free “50 and Fabulous” film screenings at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, and a special 40th anniversary celebration event to honor the Walt Disney Archives.

“In our first year, D23 created some truly memorable event opportunities for our members, and this year we plan to outdo ourselves with a mix of all-new events and encores of fan favorites,” said Steven Clark, head of D23. “D23 Members are going to have more opportunities than ever to be part of the Disney magic through the events we have planned in 2010, and we hope they’ll be as excited as we are to experience them alongside their fellow members.”

D23 Members will receive notification of special events and reservation times via e-mail, and all events are offered on a space-available basis. More details on events, and on becoming a D23 Member, can be found at www.disney.com/D23.

SAVE THE DATE! D23’s special-event lineup includes:

January 22, 2010: A Practically Perfect Night of Surprises with D23 and Mary Poppins

D23 Members will attend a performance of the critically acclaimed Mary Poppins at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles – plus an exclusive post-show experience with the Mary Poppins cast… and a top-secret surprise guest. (Hint: It’s an actor from the classic 1964 film.) D23 Members will receive 20 percent off select tickets for the January 22 performance (in various seating locations and price ranges). Visit the D23 website at www.disney.com/D23 for ticket information and availability.

February 13, April 10, August 14 and November 13, 2010: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives

D23 Members will get a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank and at the Walt Disney Archives on a two-hour tour hosted by D23 and Archives staff members. Three tours will be held on each date, and each tour can accommodate 50 people. In D23’s Charter Year, these special tours sold out almost immediately. Tickets for the February 13 and April 10 tours will be available at 10 a.m. Pacific time Tuesday, January 26, and are $50 per person.

March 5, 2010: D23’s First-Anniversary Party at the Walt Disney World® Resort

Hundreds of D23 Members are expected to gather from around the country – and around the world – for a once-in-a-lifetime night of magic and memories. The evening’s festivities include a private dinner inside the Magic Kingdom’s Diamond Horseshoe Saloon, followed by an exclusive D23 viewing of Mickey’s PhilharMagic. Afterward, guests will hear insider details about the upcoming Fantasyland expansion from Walt Disney Imagineering. The celebration will also feature a sumptuous dessert party, a special commemorative pin for everyone attending, and a host of surprises. More details, including reservation availability and pricing, will be announced shortly on D23’s website at www.disney.com/D23.

March 10, 2010: D23’s First-Anniversary Party at the Disneyland® Resort

D23 will hold its one and only West Coast anniversary celebration in the most magical land at the Happiest Place on Earth: Fantasyland. D23 Members will take over all of Fantasyland for one amazing night filled with classic attractions, familiar characters (as well as a few you may not have seen in a while!), and a chance to see rare pieces of Disneyland history up close. Plus, D23 Members and their guests will enjoy an array of delicious Disney-inspired desserts, a special commemorative pin for everyone attending, and other surprises. Additional information, including reservation availability and pricing, will be announced shortly at www.disney.com/D23.

March 27, 2010: “50 and Fabulous” Screening of Toby Tyler

At last year’s D23 Expo, Disney fans had a chance to see Disney masterpieces that were celebrating their Golden Anniversaries… a new D23 tradition that continues in 2010, this time in the recently renovated, state-of-the-art, 400-seat Studio Theater on the Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank. Tickets to the “50 and Fabulous” screenings are free for D23 Members and their guests, and the series kicks off with a movie that hasn’t been seen on the big screen since its first release in 1960: Toby Tyler, or 10 Weeks with a Circus. D23’s screening of this lighthearted, live-action comedy will combine with special D23 surprises and the opportunity to enjoy a movie in this exclusive cinematic venue. Reservations may be made beginning at 10 a.m. Pacific time on Tuesday, January 26. (A $5 processing fee for each ticket will apply.)

As with all live events, dates and times are subject to change.

Additional D23 special events are planned throughout 2010, including:

May 8: “50 and Fabulous” screening of Pollyanna at the Walt Disney Studio Theatre;
May 29-30: “Flowers and Fireworks” event at the Walt Disney World® Resort, adding all-new elements as D23 expands the festivities to two days;
June 26: A special celebration at the Walt Disney Studios marking the 40th anniversary of the Walt Disney Archives;
July 10: “50 and Fabulous” screening of Swiss Family Robinson at the Walt Disney Studio Theatre;
October 15-16: “Sip & Stroll” at the immensely popular Epcot International Food and Wine Festival;
October 23: “50 and Fabulous” screening of The Sign of Zorro at the Walt Disney Studio Theatre
December 11-12: “Magic and Merriment” weekend at the Walt Disney World Resort;

D23 is also in the planning stages for even more exciting 2010 events, details of which will be revealed in the coming months.

For more details on becoming a member of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans, or renewing existing memberships, visit www.disney.com/D23. ]]> AVP http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=612 <![CDATA[Disney's Animal Kingdom: A True Life Adventure (Part 5)]]> http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=611 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:21:04 GMT Yes, it is up. And it is controversial. Read it for yourself and let me know what you think. Go here (http://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2010/01/disneys-animal-kingdom-true-life.html). Yes, it is up. And it is controversial. Read it for yourself and let me know what you think. Go here. ]]> mstaft http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/blog.php?b=611