”The Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special”

Comedy Warehouse Returns For the Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort posted on December 9th, 2011 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager

What says “holidays” better than laughter? At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, laughter will ring out thanks to a special family comedy show scheduled for a limited run at the ABC Sound Studio (theatre) in the heart of the park.

From December 25 through December 31, “The Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special” will present the best of improvisational comedy as performers – including alumni from the Comedy Warehouse on Pleasure Island – take suggestions from Guests and add their own brand of humor, right on the spot.

The performers hilariously reinvent holiday classics based on suggestions they solicit from the audience, including holiday songs, stories, poems and movie scenarios. Show times (subject to change) are 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:45 p.m., 4:45 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. daily.

”The Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special” is included in park admission.

Happy Birthday Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke

December 13, 1925: Emmy Award-winning actor Dick Van Dyke, best known to Disney fans as Bert the Cockney chimney sweep in the 1964 musical feature Mary Poppins, is born in West Plains, Missouri. He hosted such TV specials as Florida's Disney Decade (1981), Donald Duck's 50th Birthday (1984), and Walt: The Man Behind the Myth (2001). Van Dyke's Disney credits also include the features Dick Tracy, Lt. Robin Crusoe, U.S.N., and Never a Dull Moment. He has also taken part in Disneyland's annual Christmas Candlelight Procession - in particular Disneyland's 1965 version ... the last Candlelight ceremony that Walt Disney himself attended. (With a career spanning 6 decades, fans know Van Dyke as Rob Petrie from the 1960's TV comedy series The Dick Van Dyke Show, Caractacus Potts in the 1968 feature film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and as Dr. Mark Sloan on the television series Diagnosis Murder.) A fan of barber shop quartets, Van Dyke has his own singing group The Vantastix, who performed at the 2011 D23 Expo.

"Mickey was my first introduction to humor and comedy. Mickey's character was always visually funny to me. He was the good guy." -Dick Van Dyke

“I thought he (Walt Disney) hired me because I was such a great singer and dancer. As it turns out, he had heard me in an interview talking about what was happening to family entertainment. I was decrying the fact that it seemed like no holds were barred anymore in entertainment. … He knew about the “Van Dyke Show,” about our little sitcom, but that’s why he called me in, because I said something he agreed with. And I got the part.” - Dick Van Dyke on how he got the role of Bert in Mary Poppins

Galveston FAM Weekend

Renee & Alan in front of cruise terminal & the Magic

This past weekend Alan and I went on what they call a FAM weekend in Galveston. This is a trip for travel agents to become more familiar with the products they represent.

The biggest cruise line in Texas right now is Carnival. For most people this is their first experience cruising. Carnival offers a low cost vacation that is comfortable for someone who wants to discover what cruising is like.

My first cruise was on Carnival in the early 90’s with a friend. We were young and single and this was the perfect vacation for us to safely travel to new countries and be entertained along the way. Our table companions were all young and single too and we really had a fun trip. My next cruise was my honeymoon 10 years later. It was on Royal Caribbean and a very different experience, but still a vacation I really enjoyed. We went out of Galveston and it was a good experience.

When our first child was born we discovered how easy it is to travel with young children on a cruise ship! The babies did great! We went on Carnival with Anna when she was four months old. The ship we were on was new and beautiful, but honestly I don’t think Carnival has it going on for infants. We paid regular third person rate for our infant, stood outside in the cold in December with our little baby for several hours waiting to get on the ship and getting off the ship was equally challenging - this was in LA, not Galveston, but the impression was formed.

Moody Gardens Festival of Lights

We spent the next seven years being Disney Cruise Line fans! I know they cost more, but I think they are an incredible value for young children - especially for the under 3 yr. old group where they only charge port fees and taxes! So now my children are 5 & 7 and I am willing to consider the other options out there - especially since I have so many clients that sing Carnival’s praises. With the cost and time of getting to Florida it is good to know the options.

Moody Gardens outdoor ice skating rink

I went on this weekend to be better able to tell you all about options and what is the best choice for your vacation. We had a wonderful time in Galveston. In fact, after this weekend we think it would be fun to spend more time there! They are in the process of adding a pier with rides that will be done by summer 2012. Moody Gardens is incredible and could occupy a day or two of fun and Schlitterbahn next door is rated the #1 indoor water park in the U.S. so Galveston offers year round fun! There are also some great places to eat and stay. We came away from the weekend being big fans of sailing out of Galveston.

Hotel Galvez

Our view from the Galvez



Hotel Galvez view at night

We stayed at the Galvez, which was very nice. The Galvez is a great hotel for the history buff with a museum in the basement and rumors of ghosts in the hallways! We talked to a man who worked there whose mother also worked there during the prohibition. He told stories of the mob and a bakery where they hollowed out the bread for the bottles. Although the rooms are smaller than modern hotels, they are clean and well kept. It has the feel of an old bath house. We had a wonderful view.

Casey's great food on the sea wall!

Breakfast on our first day was the Saint Louis hotel. The Saint Louis was beautifully decorated, had an incredible pool area and was very up scale. The food was exceptional with thick crisp bacon and well seasoned hash browns and fresh fruit. I wasn’t planning on eating that much with lunch on the ship, but I did clear my plate! We watched a great video on Galveston that I will share with you and also watched some cute films Carnival has put together for the first time cruiser.

Carnival Triumph - crew dancing on the tables

We toured the Carnival Triumph after this incredible breakfast. This is a well decorates ship with some nice areas. Our lunch on the ship was exceptionally good! The Triumph is currently sailing the shorter trips and has some nice public spaces and entertainment areas. I found the room layouts and the kids areas to not be as family friendly as I have become spoiled to with Disney. The children’s areas seem more like a lower budget daycare and your children spend more time out of the club area and about the ship than in the dedicated facilities. There are no adults only spaces on the ship until 10:30 PM. Although the ship was nice, I was not tempted to book.

The positive points were the ship was nice and had some great areas and food. The down side was the programs for the young children and room layouts. Now, this would be great for singles or families with teens. Also, this would be the cheapest cruise out of Galveston due to the older ship and the shorter sailings.

Carnival Magic - crew gets down!

The next day we toured Carnival’s newest ship, the Magic. I will tell you now that I was very tempted to book a cruise on this ship! It is beautiful, has some great floor plans for the rooms and has triple the kids space! The kids stay in this club and it did look like fun with big screen TV and lots of games. The public areas were all fantastic with a DJ pumping music from the main lobby that went up for many levels. It had a very fun feel the moment you walked on. A couple features I really liked were the Spa rooms - these come with spa access, are totally non-smoking including the balcony areas (one year we spent a lot of money for a large balcony and then couldn’t use it much due to the chain smoker next to us!) and the adults only area of the ship with hot tubs and big loungers. This ship not only has a party atmosphere, but some areas to get away! The specialty dining areas were very nice as well - and on Carnival the children can eat in the specialty areas too (which is not allowed on Disney) - I’m not sure if I like that or not, but my kids sure would! This ship has rooms with two bathrooms that sleep a family of five. The floor plans are generous. Even the inside rooms seemed spacious. The food on the ship was very good as well. I would recommend this ship for families with children of all ages. It seems to have something for everyone.

Great chocolate lava cake and ice cream...yummmm!

As our fun weekend ended, I had to do a comparison in my head with Disney. We have sailed on the Disney Magic six times for 7+ day cruises, so I know that ship very well. Before touring the Carnival Magic I thought it would be hard for me to push Disney’s older ship with Carnivals new ship in Galveston, but I can honestly say that both have different merits. At this point, Carnival is at a much lower price point. This would change if you travel with children under 3. Disney does not charge for sodas - other ships charge around $5 per day per person. You can bring your own drinks on both Carnival and Disney. Disney has the Characters and lots of them if you want them. They also offer more adults only areas and they do strictly enforce this. Disney hands down has the better children’s club areas. They are a big feature on the ship where it seems like Carnival’s are an afterthought. Disney offers tubs in all the rooms and the rooms have split bathrooms with a sink on the tub side and a sink on the potty side. Carnival offers larger rooms with both a tub and shower - two complete bathrooms, but the smaller rooms have the smaller one bathroom. The shows on Disney are Broadway quality with great sets and musical numbers for the whole family. Carnival’s shows are more like stand up comics, so not as much for the young children. I didn’t see a movie theatre on the Carnival ships - Disney offers first run Disney movies in 3D all day and night. Both have a large screen TV on the pool deck - Disney shows movies mainly - not sure what type programming is normal there on Carnival - there was a football game on when we were there. There is not a casino on the Disney ship.

I hope this helps you if you are trying to decide on a ship out of Galveston. I really did like the Carnival Magic and am tempted to sail on it! I think it would be fun for the whole family. I can honestly also recommend the Disney Magic. Although it is an older ship and not going to Disney’s island from Galveston, it is still a great family vacation that brings a bit of the Disney quality to Galveston!

Galvez bathroom

Alan relaxing at the Galvez

Closet space at the Galvez

TV in Galvez (Is it just me, or does that look like a younger Alan on the TV?)

Our room at the Galvez

I know what we should celebrate today....

December 9, 1960: Jeff "Swampy" Marsh, co-creator of Disney Channel's Phineas and Ferb, is born in Santa Monica, California. A television director, writer, producer, and storyboard artist, he and co-creator Dan Povenmire conceived the series Phineas and Ferb, based on their similar experiences of childhood summers spent outdoors.

Marsh was raised in a large and complicated blended family, which included his stepfather Bill. Growing up, he never felt the dynamic was treated in the media coherently enough to make it seem "normal," which Marsh felt was unjustified since the majority of his friends were from either divorced or blended familial structures.
Marsh spent his summer vacations being active, going outside and digging trenches and tunnels, building tree houses, and constructing forts. He and his family were engrossed in several musical activities, with musical background dating back to Les Brown, Marsh's grandfather. His household was filled with several different musical instruments and over the years, Marsh learned to play the banjo, trombone, trumpet, and guitar. As Marsh recalls, he would "sing into fake microphones and create full rock bands with [his] friends and family."

In both high school and college, Marsh took architectural drawing courses and also took part in a few theater productions, which each helped him understand the view of a set builder. Marsh is also the voice of Major Monogram.

Phineas and Ferb is one of my favorite shows on TV! It is a family favorite. If you have not had the opportunity to watch it - give it a try!

Phineas and Ferb is an American animated television comedy series. Originally broadcast as a preview on August 17, 2007, on Disney Channel, the series follows Phineas Flynn and his English stepbrother Ferb Fletcher on summer vacation. Every day the boys embark on some grand new project, which annoys their controlling sister, Candace, who always tries to bust them (but never succeeds - except once). The series follows a standard plot system; running gags occur every episode, and the B-Plot almost always features Perry the Platypus acting as a secret agent ("Agent P"), to fight an evil scientist named Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz. The two plots intersect at the end to erase all traces of the boys' project just before Candace can show it to their mother. This usually leaves Candace very frustrated.

Creators Dan Povenmire and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh worked together on the Nickelodeon series Rocko's Modern Life. The Creators also voice two of the main B-plot characters: Major Monogram and Dr. Doofenshmirtz. Phineas and Ferb was conceived after Povenmire sketched a triangular boy—the blueprint for the eponymous Phineas—in a restaurant. Povenmire and Marsh developed the series concept together and pitched to networks for 16 years before securing a run on Disney Channel.

The series is also known for its musical numbers, which have appeared in almost every episode since the first-season "Flop Starz". Disney's managers particularly enjoyed the episode's song, "Gitchee, Gitchee Goo", and requested that a song appear in each subsequent episode. The show's creators write and record each number, and vary musical tempo depending on each song's dramatic use. The music has earned the series a total of four Emmy nominations: in 2008 for the main title theme and for the song "I Ain't Got Rhythm" from the episode "Dude, We're Getting the Band Back Together", and then in 2010 for the song "Come Home Perry" from the episode "Oh, There You Are, Perry" as well as one for its score. The series has also been popular with adults. Phineas and Ferb is currently on its third season.

On August 25, 2011, the show was picked up for a fourth season on Disney Channel, a possible spin-off and feature film for the series. Disney Channel officially announced on November 9, 2011 that fourth season was in picked up with new episodes rolling out through 2014. Upcoming episodes include a musical featuring the one-hit wonder "Phineas and the Ferb-tones," commemoration of Platypus Day, and a winter vacation special featuring seasonal sports and a New Year's celebration.

Phineas and Ferb also have thier own meet and greet area in Disney's Hollywood Studios!

Holidays, theme parks with Neil Patrick Harris

12:47 p.m. EST, December 8, 2011 - http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-epcot-neil-patrick-harris-20111208,0,2920368.story


Neil Patrick Harris will narrate Epcot's Candlelight Processional Dec. 10-12. (Walt Disney Co. / December 8, 2011)

Actor Neil Patrick Harris breaks from his role of Barney on CBS' "How I Met Your Mother" to narrate Epcot's Candlelight Processional on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. (Performance times are 5 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. daily). It's his third time at Candlelight and his first since 2008. He chatted with Orlando Sentinel reporter Dewayne Bevil.

Was there a big surprise the first time you narrated Candlelight Processional? The surprise was the sheer volume of everything. It's sort of deafening, standing in the middle of the cacophony of sounds coming not only from the orchestra in front of you but also 500 full-throated vocalists all around you. That was a bit of an overwhelm. And when you do three in a row for three days, by the ninth show, you're mostly deaf.

To me, it looks like you're ready to break into song. Is that frowned on? I know that they say you're welcome to sing along, but I don't know if that's encouraged or just optional. I grew up singing in our church choir and they would sing the "Hallelujah Chorus," so my instincts are to sing, because I mostly know the song.

Do you have a favorite part or passage in the processional? My favorite Christmas carol has always been "O Holy Night." I really love that song, and it's a beautiful orchestration and arrangement of that one.

Is there a must-do, must-eat, must-see part of Disney World for you? Where to begin? We really love the Animal Kingdom. There's just so much great stuff there. I love the Kilimanjaro Safari, and we love the coaster [Expedition Everest] although it loses a couple of points with the Yeti not running anymore. I'm a big fan of old-school Audio-Animatronics, so I also am a big Spaceship Earth fan. Haunted Mansion is probably one of my favorite designs ever, so I always have to go see that. One of the main perks of being a narrator — and a theme-park enthusiast, Disney especially — is that I'm afforded the opportunity to go backstage. One early morning, we got to go tour the Haunted Mansion before it opened, which was very exciting. On another trip I got to go under the stage of American Adventure at Epcot and see all the pneumatics working and how those set pieces fold up into each other. It's that access I really get off on. Because you're based in California, do you get to Disneyland often? I have a special soft spot in my heart about Disneyland. I love the scope and the size of what Florida and Disney World is able to provide in just sheer quantity. You get giant flower beds that are amazing and topography. … Since they have such a finite amount of space in Disneyland, every single thing that you look at and glorify over is well designed, a little gem.

Has having children changed your holiday focus or planning? [He and his partner David Burtka are parents of 14-month-old twins.] It means we're allowed to travel less. It's two kids and a nanny and strollers and portable cribs plus gifts. It's just a lot. I'm anxious to root myself and start our own family traditions. It will be nice to just take a breath during the holidays and decorate and stay in.

dbevil@tribune.com or 407-420-5477

New Disney Fantasy stage show details revealed

Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel 4:50 p.m. EST, December 6, 2011 Disney Cruise Line announced the full spate of live shows planned for the Disney Fantasy when it debuts in 2012. New to the lineup is a show titled "Wishes," which will join "Disney Aladdin -- A Musical Spectacular" as signature shows only aboard the Fantasy. Also playing on the Fantasy will be "Disney's Believe" which also plays on sister ship the Disney Dream as well as a new welcome and farewell show. All five shows will be performed in the 1,340-seat Walt Disney Theatre, which spans three decks with orchestra and balcony seating. Details of "Wishes" were revealed today. It's a 45-minute show described as "a musical journey about three best friends who discover the secret to being a grown-up is staying connected to their inner child." The storyline features three high school grads who visit Disneyland, make a wish to go on the "Ride of Our Lives," the show's original opening song. The wish then takes them on a journey with songs from 12 Disney characters from the films "Tangled," "Lio & Stitch," "Mulan," "Hercules," "Pinocchio," "The Little Mermaid," "The Jungle Book" and "The Lion King." The show concludes with the song "Breakthrough" from Disney Channel movie "Lemonade Mouth" and an indoor-fireworks finale. Also unique to the ship will be the previously-announced "Disney Aladdin -- A Musical Spectacular." This Broadway-style production features Genie and the characters from the animated film. The storyline has Aladdin meeting the Genie, getting his three wishes, tussling with Jafar and falling for Princess Jasmine. Many of the songs from the film will be in the 45-minute production as well as an original song, "To Be Free," written by Alan Menken, who created the original film's soundtrack. The show "Disney's Believe" tells the story of a father married to his work who reconnects with his daughter while learning what's important in life. The storyline follows Dr. Cornelius Greenaway, a botanist with a plant obsession who misses daughter Sophia's birthday. Sophia makes a birthday wish, granted by Aladdin's Genie who takes the good doctor into the world of Disney stories featuring more than 20 Disney characters including Cinderella, Peter Pan, Mary Poppins, Belle, Rafiki and Princess Tiana. The ship will also put on a welcome show titled "A Fantasy Come True" and closing show titled "An Unforgettable Journey." The five shows complement a series of upper-deck performances with Mickey and the gang as well as Captain Jack Sparrow from "Pirates of the Caribbean." And of course, Disney being Disney, there's the signature Fireworks at Sea. The Fantasy's offering is titled "Buccaneer Blast," choreographed to songs from the "Pirates of the Caribbean" films. The Disney Fantasy, currently under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany is set for its debut voyage on March 31, 2011. The Fantasy will sail out of Port Canaveral, offering alternating seven-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean with stops at Castaway Cay, the line's private island in the Bahamas. The 4,000-passenger ship is a sister to the Dream, also based at Port Canaveral, that debuted in January 2010 and will up the Disney Cruise Line fleet to four, with the line's two original vessels, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. The Wonder is currently based on the Pacific Coast and the Magic will continue to sail out of Port Canavearl until Fantasy's arrival, when it will migrate to New York.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Plans

Warner Bros. Entertainment and Universal Parks and Resorts today announced a partnership to bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – the enormously popular themed entertainment environment which debuted in Orlando in June 2010 – to Universal Studios Hollywood. The two companies also announced their plans to significantly expand The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will be as impressive as what has been created in Orlando – and is expected to transform tourism in Los Angeles for decades to come. It will be a fully immersive environment for the entire family that brings the stories of Harry Potter to life and is faithful to the visual landscape of the films, including a majestic Hogwarts castle to serve as the centerpiece of the themed environment. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will be created with the same commitment to authenticity and the same level of talent and resources as its Orlando counterpart. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort opened in June 2010 and immediately captured global attention. It is a spectacularly themed land that includes Hogwarts castle, Hogsmeade and multiple themed attractions. Specific details of its expansion will be announced over time. "The announcement of our partnership with Universal to bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Hollywood and expand what already exists in Orlando is probably the best holiday gift we could give to the legions of Harry Potter fans worldwide," said Barry Meyer, Chairman & CEO, Warner Bros. "Everyone involved with these projects is committed to continuing the enchantment of J.K. Rowling’s masterful books as they were brought to life on screen in our eight films and dedicated to extending the magic of the experience for generations of fans to come." "This is an incredible moment for Universal Studios and the millions of guests who visit our theme parks," said Ron Meyer, President & COO, Universal Studios. "The Harry Potter stories are some of the most powerful of our time and we are honored to expand our Orlando experience and bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Hollywood, forever changing family tourism in Los Angeles." "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an entirely new level of themed entertainment that brings the stories of Harry Potter to life in incredible ways,” said Tom Williams, Chairman and CEO, Universal Parks and Resorts. “We are thrilled to be able to share this experience with our guests in Hollywood. And we are thrilled to take what has been created in Orlando to even greater levels."

Walt Disney would be 110 today

December 5, 1901: Sunday - Walter Elias Disney is born to Flora and Elias Disney in their two-story cottage at 1249 Tripp Avenue in a newly developed section of Chicago, Illinois. (In 1909, the address of the house will change to 2156 North Tripp Avenue.) The fourth Disney son is named to honor the family's pastor and friend Walter Parr, a preacher at St. Paul Congregational Church (located one block east and one block north of the Disney house). The pastor, in turn, will later name his son Elias, after Walt's father. (The Disney family will move to Missouri in April 1906 where Walt and his brothers and sister will grow up on a farm in Marceline, but the family will later return to Chicago in 1917.)

Decorating the Disney Dream Video

Disney News

Fun New Fantasmic! Dining Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios  posted on December 1st, 2011 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer
Forget sit-down dining when you’re in a hurry to play – the new “A Taste of Hollywood To Go – A Fantasmic! Dining Experience” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios lets you enjoy an affordable picnic plus reserved seating for the fab Fantasmic!, the park’s nightly extravaganza that takes guests inside the dreams of Mickey Mouse – into a world where his magic creates dancing waters, shooting comets, animated fountains, swirling stars, balls of fire and other amazing wonders. Reserved viewing is first come, first served, so get there early! It’s just for a short while – Dec. 18–Dec. 31, with reservations starting Dec. 1 at 407-WDW-DINE (a credit card guarantee is required). Pick up is at Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner from 11 a.m. through 1 ½ hours prior to your selected show time. You choose which performance you’d like to attend when you order your meal. Pick up your meal at your convenience and then you’re on your own for an easy picnic lunch or dinner. You might want to try more than one of the picnic goodies, but your Fantasmic! seats are based on the number of guests in your party (entrées ordered must be equal to or greater than your party size). And, yes, it’s part of the Disney Dining Plan – a quick-service entitlement.

Here’s what you can order: •Fried chicken with maple-glazed sweet potato and baby spinach salad, broccoli and cranberry salad and cheesecake ($14.99) •Veggie wrap with avocado spread, tabbouleh, avocado and tomato salad with citrus vinaigrette and chocolate cake ($14.99) •Olive oil poached salmon with couscous salad with dried cranberries and peas, roasted beet and apple salad and Key lime pie ($14.99) •Teriyaki and orange marinated beef with udon noodle salad and caramelized vegetables and sesame mandarin vinaigrette, seaweed salad with gingered carrots and mandarin orange cheesecake ($14.99) •Fresh fruits, Brie, dipped strawberries and focaccia bread ($11.99) •Chocolate-dipped pretzels, strawberries and marshmallows with chocolate dipping sauce ($9.99) •Kid’s meal with turkey and American cheese wrap and strawberry yogurt, apples and carrots with ranch dip and seven-layer cookie bar ($5.49) •Kid’s meal Power Pack with Goldfish crackers, strawberry yogurt, string cheese, apples and carrots with ranch dip and a seven-layer cookie bar ($5.49)

The Muppets to star in interactive game aboard Disney Fantasy

One of the new interactive features on the Disney Fantasy will be an adventure game starring the Muppets. Kermit, Miss Piggie, Fozzie, Gonzo and Animal headline a Muppet cast in "The Case of the Stolen Show." The game takes cruises around the Fantasy looking for clues in more than a dozen pieces of Enchanted Art. (Disney Cruise Line)

By Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel

10:32 a.m. EST, November 29, 2011

Disney Cruise Line today announced one of the new interactive features aboard the forthcoming Disney Fantasy will be an adventure game starring The Muppets.

Kermit, Miss Piggie, Fozzie, Gonzo and Animal headline a Muppet cast in "The Case of the Stolen Show." The game takes cruisers around the Fantasy looking for clues in more than a dozen pieces of Enchanted Art.

Enchanted Art is artwork actually on LCD screens around the ship that magically come alive as guests stop to look at them.

The "Stolen Show" storyline has the Muppets preparing for a big show, but all sorts of items have gone missing: Kermit's banjo, Fozzie's squirting flower, Gonzo's crash helmet, Animal's drum sticks and the Swedish Chef's cleaver.

Designed for guests 9 and older, the game is a self-paced hunt to find the missing items and discover the culprit. The game features alternate endings and other random events, so you can play it more than once.

The Muppets game is just one of the interactive features that will be on the new Fantasy, many of which are also featured on its sister ship, the Disney Dream.

Enchanted Art is aboard both ships, but the more than 20 pieces aboard the Fantasy will be new including art featuring Dumbo, Alice in Wonderland, scenes from "Fantasia" and Walt Disney himself animating Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Pluto.

Fine art fans may appreciated "Pinkie Daisy," a take on the 1794 painting by Thomas Lawrence, "Sarah Barrett Moulton: Pinkie." Check out video of Pinkie Daisy here.

Other interactive features aboard the Fantasy include "Animation Magic" at the Animator's Palate restaurant, Living Characters, Magical Portholes, the Magic PlayFloor and the Skyline adults-only bar.

Animation Magic allows diners to draw a character on a special template that is then taken and actually added to an animated storyline at the conclusion of dinner.

Living Characters are a popular feature in which animated characters actually converse with the people watching them. Aboard the Fantasy, as it is on the Dream, kids in the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab can interact with Crush, the sea turtle from "Finding Nemo" and Stitch, the alien from "Lilo & Stitch" as they appear on a 103-inch plasma screen. Crush also does his interactive duties at the Animator's Palate restaurant.

The restaurant itself undergoes a transformation as diners are brought to the ocean floor through the use of more than 100 wall-mounted LCD screens to make the transition. The same technology is used at Skyline to transform the view from the bar to nine "windows to the world" with panoramas to places such as Paris, London, Barcelona, Florence, Athens, Budapest and St. Petersburg.

Another technological feature on board both the Dream and Fantasy is the inside stateroom portholes, which display a real-time video view from outside the ship, but enhanced with the occassional animated visitor doing a "fly-by."

Also on board both vessels is the Magic PlayFloor at the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab. The PlayFloor is 15-foot-square grid with motion detectors that allow the children interacting with the floor to play a variety of games.

The Disney Fantasy, currently under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany is set for its debut voyage on March 31, 2011. The Fantasy will sail out of Port Canaveral, offering alternating seven-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean with stops at Castaway Cay, the line's private island in the Bahamas. The 4,000-passenger ship is a sister to the Disney Dream, also based at Port Canaveral, that debuted in January 2010 and will up the Disney Cruise Line fleet to four, with the line's two original vessels, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.

The Wonder is currently based on the Pacific Coast and the Magic will continue to sail out of Port Canavearl until Fantasy's arrival, when it will migrate to New York.

New Royal Caribbean Movie: Royal Reunion -- The Short Film Directed by & Starring James Brolin

Christmas at Disney Video

Samantha Brown Returns to Hawai'i with Disney Vacation Club

Samantha Brown Returns to Hawai'i with Disney Vacation Club posted on November 28th, 2011 by Ryan March, Editor, Disney Vacation Club’s Disney Files Magazine Back in May, I told you that Disney Vacation Club had sent travel-television guru Samantha Brown (and the requisite camera crew) to O‘ahu to give fans a behind-the-scenes look at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai‘i, as the resort neared the end of construction. I’m pleased to report that Samantha has since returned to the now-open resort, which features Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas, and this time, she left her hard hat at home. The video below gives you a sneak peek at an all-new online show that’ll showcase the wonders of Aulani through the eyes of a woman who continues to top our list of “coolest jobs on the planet.” The full episode is scheduled to air online Dec. 7-10 in a convenient, on-demand format. Fans may simply register online here for the date that works best for them and return to the site any time on that date to see the show. Viewers interested in making Aulani part of their families’ vacation traditions will discover helpful information and offers throughout the broadcast. Oh, and get this. My post back in May lamented the fact that I wasn’t in Hawai‘i for Samantha’s shoot. No such complaints this time, as I did, in fact, see her latest shoot with my own eyes, live on the island! Who knew the Disney Parks Blog wielded such power? THIS PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL IS A TIMESHARE SOLICITATION AND IS NOT AN OFFER IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE THE TIMESHARE IS NOT REGISTERED. Membership requires purchasing a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club Resort. Not an offer where registration or other legal requirements for timeshare

Atlantis on a Budget

I am in the process of planning two cruises that go to Nassau, Bahamas. I think one of the favorites for families there is Atlantis. They have water slides, great pools, beaches, and a walk through aquarium.   It seems like a really fun way to spend the day in Nassau!  But it is also very expensive. 

The cruise ships offer excursions here to enjoy everything for well over $100 per person.  You may be able to buy day passes when you get the the dock, but they are limited.  Another option at a fraction of the price is to book a room for the night at Comfort Suites Paradise Island.  This is owned by the same people that run Atlantis and is much cheaper.  When you check in you get a card that will allow you access for your family to Atlantis. 

If you are cruising reserve your night for the day you are there.  Check in to the hotel and go next door!  You will have a room to nap and shower in before going back to the ship plus the fun of Atlantis.  I found rooms there for around $270 for a family of four during spring break - compared to the $500+ rooms at Atlantis - and similar costs for a family of four to do the ship's excursion.  I would be happy to book this for you!  I had a family do this on a cruise this summer and it worked well for them.

Strategies For Booking The Best Airfare Deals

by Lisa Pembleton

1. Visit multiple flight booking engines including Kayak, Orbitz, Travelocity and Expedia on a weekly basis starting 6 months prior to your trip. You can also visit FareCompare.com, which is also a great source to use to compare flight prices and availabilities.
2. Make sure to also check directly with the airlines that use Orbitz, Travelocity and Expedia to compare prices, but don’t forget about JetBlue and Southwest Airlines. These two airlines only sell flights directly from their home websites and these two may end up having better prices, flight times and non-stop options.
3. Start scouting airline prices about 6 months prior to your trip. The cheapest rates are usually found anywhere from 2-4 months prior to your trip. Booking too early may lock you into a much higher price, but if you wait too long you may miss out on the lowest prices possible.
4. Factor in ALL of the Fees. Before you book that super-cheap advertised fare, factor in what extra fees you may have to pay to determine the actual cost of your air journey. This past year, many airlines added charges for first and second checked bags, greatly increased overweight baggage fees, and started charging for everything from water to blankets. You could find a $200 ticket on Airline A is actually more expensive than a $220 ticket on Airline B when you realize Airline A will charge you $40 for two checked bags while Airline B charges nothing.
5. Sign Up for Deal Newsletters and Price Alerts. These email alerts will make your job of finding the best deals much easier.
6. Wednesday, Tuesday and Saturday are the three cheapest days to fly. Friday and Sunday are the most expensive days to travel. It may end up being cheaper to add a day to your WDW trip to fly out on a cheaper day. Take this into consideration when choosing your travel dates.
7. On average, ticket prices are highest on weekends. Tuesday is when sales are most often in place. Wednesday also has good—and occasionally better—ticket prices. Your best bet is to only purchase on Tuesdays-Thursdays and NEVER on weekends. The ALL time best time to buy airline tickets is– Tuesday at 2pm CST and most sales are pulled by Thursday afternoons.
8. Clear your Internet cache and cookies before revisiting airline websites each week. Airlines will track your visits and the prices may increase if you continue to search for the same dates and destinations without clearing your cache and cookies. The airline’s computer systems know you are serious if you revisit multiple times looking for the same flights, and the prices will increase or not show lower rates on Tuesdays.
9. Check all area airports from your city. Don’t assume which ones will have the cheapest rates. You might be surprised. However, make sure to only use MCI Orlando International Airport when visiting WDW if you want to use Disney’s complimentary transportation and luggage service, Magical Express.
10. Shop One Passenger First and Save on Trips for Two or More. Airline reservations systems must sell everyone in your party the same, higher price — even if there are a few cheaper priced seats that could be had by a portion of your group. This seemingly simple reservation system glitch (or feature, depending on your perspective) is why you should be shopping for one passenger first for airline tickets in order to save on trips with two or more passengers on the same itinerary. You’ll have to split your ticket purchase into two transactions, but this minor hassle can save you hundreds.
11. Flexibility is the Main Key to Scoring Cheap Tickets. Many travelers have specific times (like spring break or Christmas) when they must travel in order to get the entire family together. This means taking one of the variables of flexibility off the table in getting the best deals. Just know that deals and cheaper flight prices will be harder to come by and you may need to book earlier than the traditional 2-4 month window. Patience and planning will be most important if flexibility is a challenge.

Mickey in NY City

The Magic will be in New York next year - then on to Galveston!

Disney Cruise Line Terminal

November 17, 1997 - Cruise Terminal 8, the Disney Cruise Line Terminal, is dedicated in Florida. The $27 million, 70,000-square-foot facility is Port Canaveral's third ultra-modern mega-ship terminal, and will be the exclusive home of Disney Cruise Line's first two ships, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.

The terminal is a fun destination. There is a model of the ship and the Disney Characters come out to play while you wait to embark!

Family Fantasy Cruise Sweepstakes

FamilyFun.com has a sweepstakes to win a trip on the new Disney Fantasy! This is a great site and I know I am eager to go on the Fantasy! Enter to win - and if you don't win give me a call and we can book your trip!

http://familyfun.go.com/sweepstakes/disney-cruise-line-sweepstakes/?int_cmp=ILC_Homepage_FamilyFantasyCruiseSweepstakes_160x153

Disney News

Magic Kingdom: Fantasyland opening will start with Storybook CircusBy Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel

The first phase of Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland expansion to open will be Storybook Circus, which will be available to theme-park guests in "early 2012," according to "Mickey's Monitor," a quarterly mail-out for Walt Disney World annual passholders.
Storybook Circus, under construction essentially on the grounds once known as Mickey's Toontown Fair, will be based on Disney's 1941 animated feature "Dumbo," with big-top circus tents leading to the relocated Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride. Eventually, the Fantasyland addition will have side-by-side dueling versions of the Dumbo attraction, connected by a new interactive queue, but the "Monitor" says the second of the two rides will be added in "the near future."
Other elements listed for Storybook Circus are a new water-play area featuring Casey Jr., the locomotive featured in the film, and the Great Goofini, a roller coaster previously known as the Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacre farm. It's being retooled with a daredevil theme.

This first area to open is near the Mad Tea Party attraction and the border with Tomorrowland, within earshot of the Tomorrowland Speedway cars. The Fantasyland expansion eventually will include a dark ride called Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid; an area devoted to "Beauty and the Beast" with Be Our Guest restaurant, Gaston's Tavern and other elements; and an additional coaster known as the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. They are expected to open in phases over the next two years.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-fantasyland-first-phase-20111107,0,815207.story

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Is Play-Tested at Walt Disney World
posted by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager

Watch carefully over the coming days and you may see people casting spells in Adventureland. Walt Disney Imagineering has recruited Cast Members to test a new interactive experience: Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom.

Early next year, Disney Guests become the heroes in this role-playing trading-card game as they try to defeat the Disney Villains who are working to take over the Magic Kingdom. Armed with magic spells in the form of special cards, players must search for the magic symbols that lead them to the animated villains’ hiding places. By casting different magical spell cards, these Sorcerers can do battle with Yzma, Kronk and other ne’er do wells hiding throughout the land. From fireballs to frantic frogs and cyclones, there are spells to bring down each and every villain, with a simple flick of the wrist.
The game will be included in park admission.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/11/sorcerers-of-the-magic-kingdom-is-play-tested-at-walt-disney-world/

Disney's Hollywood Studios - Jake and the Never Land Pirates

Jake from Jake and the Never Land Pirates, a popular Disney Junior show, will join Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine at Hollywood & Vine November 13, 2011 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Jake joins Handy Manny, Special Agent Oso and June from Little Einsteins for this character dining experience.

Guests will be able to get into the action by swabbing the deck, rowing the boat and shouting ‘yo ho’ to songs from the show including “Roll Up the Map,” “Hot Lava” and “Talk Like a Pirate.” Also beginning November 13, Jake will join the Stars of Disney Junior at their meet and greet location in the Animation Courtyard. Guests can also see Jake in Disney Junior – Live on Stage! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Be aware that in order to make way for Jake, the Little Einsteins will no longer be able to meet (and greet) guests in the Animation Courtyard.

Sweet video from Extreme Home Makeover with family at Aulani

Adventures by Disney® Excursions

Adventures by Disney®, the award-winning family travel provider, invites you to go on the ultimate Southern California adventure with "Lights…Camera…Magic!" During this daylong guided group excursion, you will be immersed in the magic of Disney and the history of Hollywood in unique, unexpected and unforgettable ways.

You will see where the Disney legacy began-the Walt Disney Studios. All around you, the story of The Walt Disney Company comes to life as you tour the historic Studio Lot, explore the fascinating Disney Archives, shop at the Studio Store and enjoy lunch at the Studio Commissary—experiences only Disney can offer.

You'll also go behind the scenes for a private visit to the famed Grauman's Chinese Theater or the Kodak Theater-home to the Academy Awards®—and explore fun and fascinating Hollywood Boulevard. Later, cruise down the legendary Sunset Strip to Beverly Hills, where you will stroll along world-famous Rodeo Drive. Then, it's off to Malibu for a reception—and a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean—at Gladstone's beachfront restaurant, a celebrity favorite.

Adult Price: $199
Child Price: $189 (ages 4-9)

Adventures By Disney® started out as an incredible vacation of a lifetime travel group with adventure trips across the globe. They have now started these mini adventures. This past year Adventures By Disney® added some exciting and popular excursions in Europe and Alaska along with Disney Cruise Line. Now they are adding this option for those who may not want the whole trip experience or find it out of their budget. Contact me and I can help you plan your adventure!

Historical Disney - the Skyway

November 9, 1994:
Disneyland closes the turnstiles at the end of this day on one of its oldest and most popular attractions, the Skyway - a gondola lift attraction. The Skyway, opened since 1956, is closed due to the enormous impending cost to retrofit it for earthquake safety.

November 9, 1999:

Exactly five years after the grounding of the Skyway at Disneyland, the Skyway at Florida's Magic Kingdom carries its last guest. It had been a popular attraction ever since Walt Disney World first opened in 1971.

The Skyway was a gondola lift attraction at Disneyland, at the Magic Kingdom, and at Tokyo Disneyland. Since all versions of this attraction took riders back and forth between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, the route from Tomorrowland was called Skyway to Fantasyland, and the route from Fantasyland was called Skyway to Tomorrowland.

November 8th at Disney World

Today Walt Disney World presents Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom for the first time this season.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a special event held each winter on select nights at Magic Kingdom theme park. Purchase of an additional event admission ticket is required to attend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. This festive celebration is filled with live entertainment, spectacular fireworks and an oh-so-jolly holiday parade.

Celebrate the magic of the season in the holiday wonderland of Magic Kingdom theme park. Gather with loved ones for a festive sight- and sound-filled special event that is sure to make you merry!

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party features:

• The enchanted Castle Dream Lights on Cinderella Castle
• Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, complete with a special appearance by Santa Claus himself
• An exclusive holiday fireworks extravaganza — Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season
• Live entertainment featuring Disney Characters
• Meet and greet opportunities throughout Magic Kingdom theme park with some of your favorite Disney Characters
• Complimentary cookies and hot cocoa
• A magical snow fall on Main Street, U.S.A.
• Many of the most popular Magic Kingdom attractions

November 8, 2011 - December 18, 2011 on select nights

November 8, 1980 - Although running since September, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has an official opening in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. A mine train roller coaster located in Frontierland, it is the second one of its kind (as a Big Thunder Mountain first opened in Disneyland in 1979).

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a rollicking runaway train of a roller coaster that rushes through the gold-mining town of Tumbleweed in the Frontierland area at Magic Kingdom theme park.

A ride on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad provides mild but wild thrills to those aboard—from big kids and teens to adults not up for the really big thrills found on the other 2 Magic Kingdom "mountain" attractions: Space Mountain and Splash Mountain.

But this ain't no kiddie coaster either. Climb aboard, partners, and you'll be warned to "hang onto your hats and glasses 'cause this here's the wildest ride in the wilderness."

Listen to the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad wheels chug-chug, then ratchet and race across seemingly rickety tracks. Swoop around sweeping turns and tear up rolling hills that dip or drop into canyons and caverns, slip under a booming waterfall or swish through the ribs of a dinosaur skeleton.

The steam whistle blows-another curve is coming up Better hold on!

And keep your eyes open, there are spectacular sights through the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad gold-mining camp and cactus-scattered desertscape. Be on a lookout for critters. A bleating billy goat guards a mountain peak. A family of opossums hangs overhead at the entrance to a cave. Bats, chickens and donkeys complete the Old Western-themed scenes.

Thar's Gold in the Big Thunder Mine!

Or there once was, so goes the legend. Gold hounds made a mad rush to the 2.5-acre Big Thunder Mountain and settled in the town of Tumbleweed. Everything was fine as cream gravy until a flash flood washed over the mountain and ruined any chances of mining more gold. But this didn't dampen anyone's spirits.

Dismissing the fact the Tumbleweed saloon's in danger of sinking, the townsfolk gather in their favorite watering hole to cash in their current riches for a raucously good time before heading for drier digs.

Wait, not everyone's here. Have you seen Cousin Ed? There he goes! Clad in his longjohns, he's caught up in the flood and is spinning through the waters while sitting in his bathtub. Doesn't he look surprised!

The other big surprise for the town is that the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad trains that transported the gold ore from mining sites to the town have developed a mind of their own and they're running loose on the tracks—climb aboard!

For some added fun, take a ride in the daylight, then again under the night sky. You might catch something you didn't see or hear with each trip you take on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Guest Policies

• Due to the nature of the experience, service animals are not permitted on this attraction.
• Guests with young children may take turns experiencing attractions. See a Cast Member for additional information.
• For safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure.
• Expectant mothers should not ride.
• Guests must transfer from their wheelchair, motorized scooter or ECV to board the ride vehicle.
• Supervise children at all times. Children under age 7 years must be accompanied by a person age 14 years or older.

Location: Magic Kingdom Theme Park, Frontierland
Height Requirement: 40 inches (102cm) or taller
Category: Thrill Rides, Mild but Wild Rides

• FASTPASS Service
• Rider Swap
• Pal Mickey
• Wheelchair Accessible

Disney World’s Cinderella Castle projection show to feature holiday segment

A Mom and The Mouse, Kristin Ford — posted by kristin ford on November, 2 2011 10:54 AM

The Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle will be the canvas for not one, but two holiday shows this season. The popular Castle Dream Lights return Nov. 4 and will transform the park’s showpiece into an ice palace every evening at dusk.

Later each evening before the fireworks, the projection show — “The Magic, The Memories and You!” — takes on a holiday feel, too. Disney World describes the new overlay, which begins Nov. 8, this way: “A special segment wraps the Magic Kingdom landmark in colorful bows and boughs, gift paper and ribbons, ornaments, candy stripes and multi-colored strands of lights … and gingerbread.”

“The Magic, The Memories and You!” is a 10-minute show that features up to 500 images of park guests captured by Disney PhotoPass photographers during the day. Combined with special effects and animation, the photos are projected on Cinderella Castle and set to music.
The show debuted in January.
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/disney-a-mom-and-the-mouse/2011/11/disney-worlds-cinderella-castle-projection-show-to-feature-holiday-segment/

Disney Parks Shopping Card with Framed Castle Pin Set Product

OK, I know there should be comments on this.  It is tempting for the die hard pin traders.  Anyone else tempted to have a card for $1,000 that can only be used to by non-discounted theme park merchandise on their Disney trip?  You never know until you ask....I can get it for you!

Created especially for Disney Theme Park Merchandise, the Disney Parks Shopping Card and Deluxe Framed Castle Pin Set Product gives you two great items to enjoy for $1000.00*. The Disney Parks Shopping Card allows you to shop for merchandise items at Disney Parks with ease! Use your $1000 Disney Parks Shopping Card at Disney owned and operated merchandise locations at Walt Disney World® and Disneyland® Resorts, and Disney Vacation Club Resorts located in the US! Click here for terms and conditions of the card.

The Deluxe Framed Castle Pin Set features as many as 60 authentic Disney Pins that have been framed and double matted to create a whimsical image of Cinderella Castle. The elegantly framed pin set measures 24”H x 20”W. The Framed Castle Pin Set is only available as part of the Disney Parks Shopping Card and Framed Castle Pin Set Product.

*Additional shipping and handling charges will apply. The Disney Parks Shopping Card may not be used in conjunction with any Disney Theme Park merchandise discounts. Limit two (2) purchases per guest. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

Disney History for November 3

<span style="font-size: large;">1961:</span>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJnynYdtlMffCgpyh4-buCY6kQSRE53SMAGt4L7scNd7f5wPY3K936OhpjLzXh1_hWhsnHjQ0dhbJqLAGRZu0GB7dF3eM87yDTz64y785c2JxxwVgkJwOwPU2LIupGTfhJ4XgXMNvnTgOl/s1600/twilight-zone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJnynYdtlMffCgpyh4-buCY6kQSRE53SMAGt4L7scNd7f5wPY3K936OhpjLzXh1_hWhsnHjQ0dhbJqLAGRZu0GB7dF3eM87yDTz64y785c2JxxwVgkJwOwPU2LIupGTfhJ4XgXMNvnTgOl/s200/twilight-zone.jpg" width="200" /></a>The Twilight Zone episode "It's a Good Life" first airs on television. It features actor Bill Mummy as six-year-old Anthony Fremont who has godlike mental powers. Rod Serling's introduction to Walt Disney World's Tower of Terror attraction - as viewed in the library - is taken in part from this very episode. Serling begins the program with the words, "Tonight's story on The Twilight Zone is somewhat unique and calls for a different kind of introduction." Imagineers completed the introduction for the attraction with dialogue by sound-alike actor Mark Silverman. Ironically, this episode contains the longest opening narration of the entire series! <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOE4rZv_IIm1J0DEqWbiEbwWbgFI9Mw6MlUE5xbHhYs2aufp-2CNstdvW-H0QT8LAu_gITnwFDk2eNHRkqJ5B74nsjDZyGmHiR7I6u5HujocdR5jN3EHpJEE3vYgu-vVUz_bQDeCKS5Ruo/s1600/It%2527s_A_Good_Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOE4rZv_IIm1J0DEqWbiEbwWbgFI9Mw6MlUE5xbHhYs2aufp-2CNstdvW-H0QT8LAu_gITnwFDk2eNHRkqJ5B74nsjDZyGmHiR7I6u5HujocdR5jN3EHpJEE3vYgu-vVUz_bQDeCKS5Ruo/s200/It%2527s_A_Good_Life.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<b>(On your next trip to Hollywood Studios, look for a small poster dedicated to "Anthony Fremont &amp; and his Orchestra" inside the Hollywood Tower of Terror.)<i></i></b>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1977:</span>
<br />
<i>(This is for you, Joey!)</i>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUYxP7zAhCzF_fe0hvg_AOQf3BRWGyPGMbsLff4z_JLC8lFqTaX8pPllRGo3yvqelDU1OENJp9WkGjkf9Nj7J3Y1jm2_WYPZs5ZaKERPgGxJx52FQrkwmzdEIwLNFheJ65DTID_hiP6lG/s1600/394px-Petes_Dragon_movie_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUYxP7zAhCzF_fe0hvg_AOQf3BRWGyPGMbsLff4z_JLC8lFqTaX8pPllRGo3yvqelDU1OENJp9WkGjkf9Nj7J3Y1jm2_WYPZs5ZaKERPgGxJx52FQrkwmzdEIwLNFheJ65DTID_hiP6lG/s200/394px-Petes_Dragon_movie_poster.jpg" width="131" /></a>Disney's<strong> Pete's Dragon</strong> has its world premiere. This musical adventure features Helen Reddy (as Nora), Mickey Rooney (as her father), Red Buttons (as Hoagy), Jim Backus (as The Mayor), Jeff Conaway (as Willie), Charlie Callas (as Elliott) and Sean Marshall (as Pete). Although it is a live-action movie, its title character - a dragon named Elliott - is animated. The song "Candle on the Water" will receive an Academy Award nomination, and Helen Reddy's recording (with a different arrangement than the one her character sings in the film) will be released as a single by Capitol Records (and reach #27 on the Adult Contemporary charts). It is the first Disney film to be recorded in the Dolby Stereo sound system and the first involving animation in which none of the Nine Old Men were involved.
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1998:</span>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17qAbaPGkBa2BMU5eeC7RYOKEd4uluPc2TFAbiaOTm8JxTNFX61n7ZNjQQf8XkSCBkoyPc6fXexz3pVAorYbCVAtUg3RsgPVW_Eyc0XaO53Y6ZE2YoKfZ9RmABWkr81Lgls0faQk0U8pt/s1600/163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17qAbaPGkBa2BMU5eeC7RYOKEd4uluPc2TFAbiaOTm8JxTNFX61n7ZNjQQf8XkSCBkoyPc6fXexz3pVAorYbCVAtUg3RsgPVW_Eyc0XaO53Y6ZE2YoKfZ9RmABWkr81Lgls0faQk0U8pt/s200/163.JPG" width="150" /></a>Walt Disney World's newest attraction <strong>Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin</strong> officially opens at the Magic Kingdom. The popularity of the two Toy Story films has led to the creation of this Tomorrowland attraction (which is housed in the pavilion formerly home to If You Had Wings, If You Could Fly, Delta Dreamflight, and Take Flight).

Kids and Imagination Sail Free to Mexican Riviera

Kids 17 and under can sail FREE* when traveling with two full-fare Guests in the same stateroom in Categories 4A-10C on most Mexican Riviera sailings Jan. 8 - March 4, 2012. Government Taxes and Fees not included. Departing from Los Angeles, you can enjoy the beauty and fun of the Baja California and Mexican coasts on a voyage filled with unmatched Disney entertainment, legendary service and magic for everyone of every age. Consider adding on a couple days of Disneyland while you are in the Los Angeles area! Travel Window: •Most sail dates Jan. 8 - March 4, 2012 *This offer is only available to residents of the U.S. and Canada. Offer applies only to stateroom categories 4A-10C for most sail dates 1/8/12 - 3/4/12. Excludes suite/concierge staterooms and category with restrictions OGT, IGT, VGT. The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited. There are a limited number of staterooms for four or more guests. This offer cannot be combined with any other special offers or discounts. Additional Terms and Conditions apply.

Behind the Scenes: Imagineers Use Digital Technology to Create Art for New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park

posted on November 1st, 2011 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid is one of several attractions currently under construction in the New Fantasyland expansion of Magic Kingdom Park. This is a very exciting time as various elements are currently being installed in the attraction. Walt Disney Imagineers are currently putting the finishing touches on a sweeping seaside mural that will welcome guests to the load-in area of this attraction. This video, provided by WDI, shows how Imagineers created an experimental process using digital technology to design the mural, and then used portable tablets to guide them in the artistic process when it came time to put paint on canvas. How do you think it turned out?