Another photo from the vault: Ursula waves during a 2003 parade at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.
Tuesday, 28 February 2012
Monday, 27 February 2012
You may know of people who are planning to head to Disney World or Disneyland to take part in the special 24-hour opening of the parks on Leap Day. But both parks in the same day?
Randi Teague and his wife Andy Bullard, who have annual passes at both resorts, will head to Florida Tuesday and stay at the Contemporary Resort where they plan to be at the Magic Kingdom for its 6 a.m. opening.
Yes, a Washington, D.C., couple plans to head to the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort and then to Disneyland park to partake in the "One More Day" promotion, according to the Orange County Register.
Then they will catch a 6:47 p.m. flight to LAX. They anticipate getting to the Grand Californian Hotel by 9 p.m. and hope to get into Disneyland park by midnight so they can say they went to both parks in the same day.
Teague, who is a lawyer for a hotel company, did not know, or would not tell the OC Register, what the final cost of the trip will be. Bullard works for a nonprofit organization.
If you want to see how their day is going, you can follow Teague and Bullard's journey on their Facebook page, called Coast to Coast – One More Disney Day, and on their Twitter accounts: @ovechkitty and @redrusty75.
Sunday, 26 February 2012
Saturday, 25 February 2012
It's Oscar time, so this is the perfect opportunity for us to look at Walt Disney, Disney films and the Academy Awards.
Walt Disney holds the records for the number of Academy Award nominations with 59 and the number of wins with 26. His last, the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award, was awarded posthumously. The award, according to the Academy, is voted by the Academy’s Board of Governors and is presented to “creative producers whose bodies of work reflect a consistently high quality of motion picture production.”
Since Walt Disney's death in 1966, Walt Disney Productions has won more than two dozen additional statuettes. Here's a some what complete list, courtesy of the Internet Movie Database:
Walt Disney holds the records for the number of Academy Award nominations with 59 and the number of wins with 26. His last, the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award, was awarded posthumously. The award, according to the Academy, is voted by the Academy’s Board of Governors and is presented to “creative producers whose bodies of work reflect a consistently high quality of motion picture production.”
Since Walt Disney's death in 1966, Walt Disney Productions has won more than two dozen additional statuettes. Here's a some what complete list, courtesy of the Internet Movie Database:"Flowers and Trees" (1932) - Best Short Subject, Cartoons
"Three Little Pigs" (1933) - Best Short Subject, Cartoons
"The Tortoise and the Hare" (1935) - Best Short Subject, Cartoons
"Three Orphan Kittens" (1935) - Best Short Subject, Cartoons
"The Country Cousin" (1936) - Best Short Subject, Cartoons
"The Old Mill" (1937) - Best Short Subject, Cartoons
"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" (1937) did not win an Oscar but was nominated for Best Score. A Special Award was presented to Disney to recognize special achievement. He was given one statuette and seven miniature statuettes.
"Three Little Pigs" (1933) - Best Short Subject, Cartoons
"The Tortoise and the Hare" (1935) - Best Short Subject, Cartoons
"Three Orphan Kittens" (1935) - Best Short Subject, Cartoons
"The Country Cousin" (1936) - Best Short Subject, Cartoons
"The Old Mill" (1937) - Best Short Subject, Cartoons
"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" (1937) did not win an Oscar but was nominated for Best Score. A Special Award was presented to Disney to recognize special achievement. He was given one statuette and seven miniature statuettes.
"Ferdinand the Bull" (1938) - Best Short Subject, Cartoons
"Ugly Duckling" (1939) - Best Short Subject, Cartoons
"Pinocchio" (1940) Best Score and Best Song ("When You Wish Upon a Star")
"Fantasia" (1940) is another movie that did not win any Oscars. It was not even nominated. But special awards were presented "For their outstanding contribution to the advancement of the use of sound in motion pictures through the production of Fantasia" and "for their unique achievement in the creation of a new form of visualized music in Walt Disney's production Fantasia, thereby widening the scope of the motion picture as entertainment and as an art form."
"Lend a Paw" (1941) - Best Short Subject, Cartoons
"Dumbo" (1941) - Best Score
"Der Fuehrer's Face" (1942) - Best Short Subject, Cartoons
"Song of the South" (1946) - Best Song --"Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" -- and James Baskett received an honorary award for "his able and heart-warming characterization of Uncle Remus, friend and story teller to the children of the world."
"Seal Island" (1948) - Best Short Subject
"Beaver Valley" (1950) - Best Short Subject
"Nature's Half Acre" (1951) - Best Short Subject
"Water Birds" (1952) - Best Short Subject
"Bear Country" (1953) - Best Short Subject
"Toot Whistle Plunk and Boom" (1953) - Best Short Subject, Cartoons
"The Alaskan Eskimo" (1953) - Best Documentary, Short Subjects
"The Living Desert" (1953) - Best Documentary, Features
"The Vanishing Prairie" (1954) - Best Documentary, Features
"Men Against the Arctic" (1955) - Best Documentary, Short Subjects
"Grand Canyon" (1958) - Best Short Subject, Live Action Subjects
"Mary Poppins" (1964) - Best Actress, Julie Andrews, Best Visual Effects, Best Film Editing, Best Song --"Chim Chim Cher-ee" -- and Best Score.
"Bedknobs and Broomsticks" (1971) - Best visual Effects
"Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day" (1968) - Best Short Subject, Cartoons
"Who Framed Roger Rabbit" (1988) - Best Sound Effects Editing, Best Visual Effects, Best Film Editing and Special Recognition
"The Little Mermaid" (1989) - Best Score and Best Song -- "Under the Sea."
"Beauty and the Beast" (1991) - Best Score and Best Song -- "Beauty and the Beast."
"Aladdin" (1992) - Best Score and Best Song -- "A Whole New World."
"The Lion King" (1994) - Best Score and Best Song -- "Can You Feel the Love Tonight."
"Pocahontas" (1995) - Best Score and Best Song -- "Colors of the Wind."
"Toy Story" (1995) - Special Recognition
"Tarzan" (1999) - Best Song -- "You'll Be In My Heart."
"Monsters Inc" (2001) - Best Song -- "If I Didn't Have You."
"Finding Nemo" (2003) - Best Animated Feature
"The Incredibles" (2004) - Best Animated Feature and Best Sound Editing
"The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" (2005) - Best Makeup
"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" (2006) - Best Visual Effects
"Ratatouille" (2007) - Best Animated Feature
"WALL-E" (2008) - Best Animated Feature
"Up" (2009) - Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score
"Toy Story 3" (2010) - Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song -- "We Belong Together."
"Alice in Wonderland" (2010) - Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design
"Ugly Duckling" (1939) - Best Short Subject, Cartoons
"Pinocchio" (1940) Best Score and Best Song ("When You Wish Upon a Star")
"Fantasia" (1940) is another movie that did not win any Oscars. It was not even nominated. But special awards were presented "For their outstanding contribution to the advancement of the use of sound in motion pictures through the production of Fantasia" and "for their unique achievement in the creation of a new form of visualized music in Walt Disney's production Fantasia, thereby widening the scope of the motion picture as entertainment and as an art form."
"Lend a Paw" (1941) - Best Short Subject, Cartoons
"Dumbo" (1941) - Best Score
"Der Fuehrer's Face" (1942) - Best Short Subject, Cartoons
"Song of the South" (1946) - Best Song --"Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" -- and James Baskett received an honorary award for "his able and heart-warming characterization of Uncle Remus, friend and story teller to the children of the world."
"Seal Island" (1948) - Best Short Subject
"Beaver Valley" (1950) - Best Short Subject
"Nature's Half Acre" (1951) - Best Short Subject
"Water Birds" (1952) - Best Short Subject
"Bear Country" (1953) - Best Short Subject
"Toot Whistle Plunk and Boom" (1953) - Best Short Subject, Cartoons
"The Alaskan Eskimo" (1953) - Best Documentary, Short Subjects
"The Living Desert" (1953) - Best Documentary, Features
"The Vanishing Prairie" (1954) - Best Documentary, Features
"Men Against the Arctic" (1955) - Best Documentary, Short Subjects
"Grand Canyon" (1958) - Best Short Subject, Live Action Subjects
"Mary Poppins" (1964) - Best Actress, Julie Andrews, Best Visual Effects, Best Film Editing, Best Song --"Chim Chim Cher-ee" -- and Best Score.
"Bedknobs and Broomsticks" (1971) - Best visual Effects
"Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day" (1968) - Best Short Subject, Cartoons
"Who Framed Roger Rabbit" (1988) - Best Sound Effects Editing, Best Visual Effects, Best Film Editing and Special Recognition
"The Little Mermaid" (1989) - Best Score and Best Song -- "Under the Sea."
"Beauty and the Beast" (1991) - Best Score and Best Song -- "Beauty and the Beast."
"Aladdin" (1992) - Best Score and Best Song -- "A Whole New World."
"The Lion King" (1994) - Best Score and Best Song -- "Can You Feel the Love Tonight."
"Pocahontas" (1995) - Best Score and Best Song -- "Colors of the Wind."
"Toy Story" (1995) - Special Recognition
"Tarzan" (1999) - Best Song -- "You'll Be In My Heart."
"Monsters Inc" (2001) - Best Song -- "If I Didn't Have You."
"Finding Nemo" (2003) - Best Animated Feature
"The Incredibles" (2004) - Best Animated Feature and Best Sound Editing
"The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" (2005) - Best Makeup
"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" (2006) - Best Visual Effects
"Ratatouille" (2007) - Best Animated Feature
"WALL-E" (2008) - Best Animated Feature
"Up" (2009) - Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score
"Toy Story 3" (2010) - Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song -- "We Belong Together."
"Alice in Wonderland" (2010) - Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design
Did you know Walt Disney World has the largest wardrobe closet in the world? Yes, Disney has more than 2.5 million costume pieces that hang on about 8 miles of costume racks, according to Disney.With more than 3,700 costume designs on inventory, Disney Creative Costuming uses more than 650,000 yards of fabric each year.
Mickey Mouse alone has more than 290 different costumes.
Friday, 24 February 2012
Chef Scott Hunnel of Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has again been named a James Beard Foundation semi-finalist as one of the top chefs in the country, according to Disney.
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| Scott Hunnel |
“For 12 consecutive years, Victoria & Albert’s has been the recipient of the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award, celebrated the world over thanks to Chef Hunnel’s exquisite culinary creations," Norm Noble, general manager of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, said in a news release.
The James Beard Foundation Awards recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement. Each year, the Foundation holds an online open call for entries beginning in mid-October. This year, more than 57,000 entries were received. Semifinalists in 19 awards categories are determined by a governing committee and placed on a nominating ballot sent to more than 550 judges across the country.
Winners will be announced in May.
The official Disney Parks app will be available for the iPhone for free, Disney announced today.The app, which has been available to Android and other phones, is now available at the iTunes store, the Disney Parks Blog has posted.
The app offers official wait times and Disney FASTPASS return times. These times are also integrated into GPS-enabled park maps. Also included are games, current character greeting locations and the ability to make dining reservations are also included.
Verizon Wireless customers will get some bonus features (while us AT&T customers won't) including:
- More than 100 behind-the-scenes, seasonal, sneak peak videos.
- "Pirates" games that test your knowledge of the famous attraction.
- A Disney Character Puzzle.
- A Disney Character Quiz.
Snow White's Scary Adventures, one of the original rides from Walt Disney World's opening in 1971, will close for good on May 31.
The location will become the home for all the Disney princesses, Disney announced this week on its Disney Parks Blog.
The change is part of the massive Fantasyland renovation. The first phase will open in late March with one carousel of Dumbo the Flying Elephant, a re-themed Barnstormer starring the Great Goofini and the reopening of the Walt Disney World Railroad's Fantasyland station.
The Dumbo ride is part of the Storybook Circus area, which will include multicolored circus tents and the famous locomotive Casey Jr.
The Snow White ride, which will continue operation in Disneyland, Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland, first opened with guests going through the ride as Snow White. This caused some confusion to riders who wondered why Snow White (the heroine of the 1937 movie "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs") never made an appearance in the ride that bore her name. It was also considered a bit scary, with the witch offering the cursed red apple to passing guests. In 1994, Snow was finally added, the story line slightly modified and the ride's fearsomeness toned down.
Thursday, 23 February 2012
Disney's Pop Century Resort at Walt Disney World features 20th century pop culture icons. Here's a look at some of those symbols:
- The bowling pin tower is more than 65 feet high. A regulation pin is 15 inches tall.
- The giant Rubik’s Cube reaches 41 feet off the ground. Compared to the 4-inch high toy.
- The 8-track tapes are more than 35 feet tall. A real 8-track is 5 1/4 inch tall.
- The table soccer players are more than 12 feet tall.
- The giant Big Wheel icon can "accommodate" a child rider that weighs up to 877 pounds (or so says the sticker on the towering riding toy).
- In the 1960s area, giant "thumbprints" can be spotted on the ears of the elephant peeking out of the giant Play-Doh canister. And can you name the child depicted on the Play-Doh can? That’s Play-Doh Pete!
Source: Walt Disney World Resort
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
The Disney kingdom may have all started with a mouse, but the Audio-Animatronic robots all started with a bird -- a mechanical bird Walt Disney purchased in the 1950s, while on vacation in Europe, that became the inspiration for what is seen around the World today.
The term Audio-Animatronics was first used by the Disney company in 1961 and was trademarked in 1967. What started off as talking birds in the Enchanted Tiki Room has evolved into an interactive figure which can hold conversations and react.
1963: Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room opens at Disneyland. It’s the first show to feature Audio-Animatronics technology.
1964: The world’s first fully animated human figure, Abraham Lincoln, debuts at the New York World’s Fair in Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. Audio-Animatronics figures are also in three other World’s Fair shows designed and produced by Disney: Carousel of Progress (featuring figures animated using a programming harness, a precursor of today’s motion capture systems), Magic Skyway and It’s a Small World. Two Audio-Animatronics birds, Robin and Umbrella, appear in “Mary Poppins.” Walt Disney reinvests profits from the film to create MAPO, an organization within Walt Disney Imagineering dedicated to creating and innovating Audio-Animatronics figures.
1965: Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln – featuring the Audio-Animatronics figure of Abraham Lincoln (actually, a duplicate since the original was still performing at the World’s Fair) – opens at Disneyland.
1970: Audio-Animatronics technology enters the computer age with the use of Digital Animation Control System, a computer-controlled playback system for Disney shows and attractions.
1989: The first A-100 Audio-Animatronics figure, the Wicked Witch of the West, debuts as part of The Great Movie Ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World Resort. The A-100 has technology that gives the figures more fluid and realistic movements.
1992: Pirates of the Caribbean opens at Disneyland Paris. The attraction features sword-fighting pirates figures.
1998: Hopper, the grasshopper from the Disney•Pixar film “A Bug’s Life,” is the most sophisticated Audio-Animatronics figure produced to date. Featuring 74 functions, the character appears in “It’s Tough to be a Bug!” at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
2002: The first portable, all-electric Audio-Animatronics figure, Meeko, the raccoon from the Disney animated film “Pocahontas,” appears in a basket carried by Pocahontas.
2003: The first totally autonomous Audio-Animatronics figure, Lucky the Dinosaur, makes his debut at Disney’s California Adventure.
The term Audio-Animatronics was first used by the Disney company in 1961 and was trademarked in 1967. What started off as talking birds in the Enchanted Tiki Room has evolved into an interactive figure which can hold conversations and react.
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| Scott Brinegar / @2009 Disney |
Here is the evolution of Audio-Animatronics, according to the Disney company:
1951: Work begins on “Project Little Man.” The idea is to create a miniature figure programmed with cams, cables and tubes to mimic tap-dancing routines performed by the late Buddy Ebsen.
1951: Work begins on “Project Little Man.” The idea is to create a miniature figure programmed with cams, cables and tubes to mimic tap-dancing routines performed by the late Buddy Ebsen.
1963: Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room opens at Disneyland. It’s the first show to feature Audio-Animatronics technology.
1964: The world’s first fully animated human figure, Abraham Lincoln, debuts at the New York World’s Fair in Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. Audio-Animatronics figures are also in three other World’s Fair shows designed and produced by Disney: Carousel of Progress (featuring figures animated using a programming harness, a precursor of today’s motion capture systems), Magic Skyway and It’s a Small World. Two Audio-Animatronics birds, Robin and Umbrella, appear in “Mary Poppins.” Walt Disney reinvests profits from the film to create MAPO, an organization within Walt Disney Imagineering dedicated to creating and innovating Audio-Animatronics figures.
1965: Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln – featuring the Audio-Animatronics figure of Abraham Lincoln (actually, a duplicate since the original was still performing at the World’s Fair) – opens at Disneyland.
1970: Audio-Animatronics technology enters the computer age with the use of Digital Animation Control System, a computer-controlled playback system for Disney shows and attractions.
1989: The first A-100 Audio-Animatronics figure, the Wicked Witch of the West, debuts as part of The Great Movie Ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World Resort. The A-100 has technology that gives the figures more fluid and realistic movements.
1992: Pirates of the Caribbean opens at Disneyland Paris. The attraction features sword-fighting pirates figures.
1998: Hopper, the grasshopper from the Disney•Pixar film “A Bug’s Life,” is the most sophisticated Audio-Animatronics figure produced to date. Featuring 74 functions, the character appears in “It’s Tough to be a Bug!” at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
2002: The first portable, all-electric Audio-Animatronics figure, Meeko, the raccoon from the Disney animated film “Pocahontas,” appears in a basket carried by Pocahontas.
2003: The first totally autonomous Audio-Animatronics figure, Lucky the Dinosaur, makes his debut at Disney’s California Adventure.
2006: The yeti, a major element of Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, is the largest and most powerful Audio-Animatronics figure ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering. Standing more than 18 feet tall, the thrust of the yeti’s arm has the equivalent amount of force as a 747 jumbo jet. That's probably why it hasn't lunged since about four months after the ride opened, because it was so powerful.
2007: The Muppet Mobile Lab, featuring Muppets Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his assistant Beaker, marks the first time free-roaming Audio-Animatronics characters can interact and converse with each other, as well as with guests they encounter along their way.
2008: Mr. Potato Head in Toy Story Mania! at both Disney’s California Adventure and Disney’s Hollywood Studios marks the first time an Audio-Animatronics figure features lips with such a wide range of lifelike movements, can remove and re-attach a body part (his ear) and has digitally animated eyes that can look directly at the particular guest with whom he is conversing. Also, since Mr. Potato Head has more lines of dialogue than any Audio-Animatronics figure ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering, it has required more programming hours than any other figure.
2007: The Muppet Mobile Lab, featuring Muppets Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his assistant Beaker, marks the first time free-roaming Audio-Animatronics characters can interact and converse with each other, as well as with guests they encounter along their way.
2008: Mr. Potato Head in Toy Story Mania! at both Disney’s California Adventure and Disney’s Hollywood Studios marks the first time an Audio-Animatronics figure features lips with such a wide range of lifelike movements, can remove and re-attach a body part (his ear) and has digitally animated eyes that can look directly at the particular guest with whom he is conversing. Also, since Mr. Potato Head has more lines of dialogue than any Audio-Animatronics figure ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering, it has required more programming hours than any other figure.
2009: Audio Animatronics evolves into Autonomatronics with the unveiling of "Otto." The figure can sense if a person is happy, hold conversations and react. The difference between the two technologies is that Audio-Animatronic figures repeat a pre-programmed show over and over again. Autonomatronic figures have sophisticated cameras and sensors giving them the ability to make choices about what to say and do.
MORE DISNEY FACTS
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
Sitting in front of the Chinese Theater in Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida sits the central icon: Mickey's Sorcerer's Hat.
The 122-foot-tall hat weighs 156 tons and is made of composite fiberglass. The foundation was made of enough concrete to cover the length of a football field, according to Disney.
The 122-foot-tall hat weighs 156 tons and is made of composite fiberglass. The foundation was made of enough concrete to cover the length of a football field, according to Disney.Now, if Mickey were to wear the hat, he would have to be 350 feet tall and would have a hat size of 606 7/8.
The hat itself is 100 feet tall with an interior space equalling 60,000 cubic feet. It would be able to hold 444,744 gallons of water, if those broomsticks from "Fantasia" wanted to fill it up.
According to a Disney fact sheet, the hat is painted with something called “chameleon paint,” which shifts color as guests move around it. The paint job is enough to cover 500 cars. And to keep the hat together builders used 13,493 bolts, 26,986 washers and 17,000 feet of underground utility piping.
MORE DISNEY FACTS
Disneyland is supposed to be the "Happiest Place on Earth," until you get physical with cast members.
A video is making the rounds of a belligerent guest pushing a security guard and being pepper sprayed in the face outside the Tower of Terror ride at Disney's California Adventure on Saturday.
A video is making the rounds of a belligerent guest pushing a security guard and being pepper sprayed in the face outside the Tower of Terror ride at Disney's California Adventure on Saturday.
The security officer repeatedly tells the man to remain on the ground, but he gets back up and pushes and tries to punch the security officer. The guard then pepper sprays him a few more times in the face, until the guest gets back to the ground.
A few moments later, the four-minute video shows, the man gets back up and pulls the security officer down when a group of other guests get involved and pin the man down until more security arrives.
A woman can be heard screaming, "There are kids here. Does this guy not get that? You're in Disneyland."
Eventually the Anaheim Police arrive and charge the man with battery and assault, according to the Los Angeles Times. No reason has been released as to what sparked the incident.
A few moments later, the four-minute video shows, the man gets back up and pulls the security officer down when a group of other guests get involved and pin the man down until more security arrives.
A woman can be heard screaming, "There are kids here. Does this guy not get that? You're in Disneyland."
Eventually the Anaheim Police arrive and charge the man with battery and assault, according to the Los Angeles Times. No reason has been released as to what sparked the incident.
Suzi Brown, a spokeswoman for Disneyland, released the following statement: "Our security cast member was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for the injuries he sustained and then released. We appreciate the actions of the guests who came to his aid during this uncharacteristic incident."
The video is here, but be aware it does contain some graphic material.
The video is here, but be aware it does contain some graphic material.
Tokyo Disneyland will unveil a new attraction in August called Goofy’s Paint ’n’ Play House, OLC Group, the parent group of the amusement park announced.
Guests will help Goofy redecorate his room using special paint applicators, called Toontone Splat Masters, and aim these paint guns at the wall or furniture to paint.
There are beach, jungle and other remodeling themes.
The attraction opens Aug. 24 in the Toontown section of the park.
Monday, 20 February 2012
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| Santa Stitch |
Here are some quick facts about the ride:
- Skippy, an alien seen previously in The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter attraction, returns.
- The two plasma cannons that track Stitch’s DNA were inspired by devices seen in "Lilo & Stitch." Each weighs more than 1,600 pounds.
- Stitch is the first Audio-Animatronics figure to spit.
- The alien language seen throughout the Prisoner Teleport Center was inspired by designs created for the opening scenes of "Lilo & Stitch." The designs were turned into an alphabet that can be decoded into English.
Source: Walt Disney World
The entertainment in the Japan Pavilion at Epcot in Walt Disney World features Matsuriza performing the Taiko form of drumming. Using handmade drums that range in height from 6 inches to 6 feet, the drummers create a synchronized booming rhythm. "Taiko" is Japanese for "great drum." The history of the great drum can be traced back centuries to religious ceremonies, harvest festivals and battlefield performances.
MORE SMILES OF THE DAY
MORE SMILES OF THE DAY
- A list of Jungle Cruise jokes
- Photo of Eeyore waiving hello
- Photo of The Evil Queen
- Cinderella Castle decked out for the 50th anniversary of Disneyland
- Tigger on parade
- Video of the Italy Pavilion Mime
- Photo of the Tomb Warriors inside the China Pavilion
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| Disney publicity photo |
The three-story resort has 1,120 suites inspired by the movies "Cars," "Finding Nemo" and "The Liong King" and 864 rooms inspired by "The Little Mermaid." The family suites are opening in May and the standard rooms are scheduled to open in December.
The latest hotel has three swimming pools and four courtyards.
According to Disney, in the Cars wing, a freshly paved road leads to the Cozy Cone Motel, complete with a Cozy Cone pool and cone-shaped cabanas. The Lion King wing has an elephant graveyard play area. In the Little Mermaid courtyard, treasures from the human world (knick-knacks and whatnots galore, no doubt) fill Ariel’s undersea grotto.
The resort is adjacent to Disney’s Pop Century Resort. The family suites include two bathrooms, a kitchenette and three separate sleeping areas that can sleep up to six; rates start at $248/night. Standard rooms, which start at $94/night, sleep up to four.
Sunday, 19 February 2012
Minnie Mouse and her Fly Girls have debuted at Disney California Adventure this past week singing and dancing to songs from the 1940s, '50s and '60s across from Soarin' Over California.
“Minnie’s Fly Girls Charter Airline” is a tune-filled “travelogue” of song, dance and audience interaction, according to the Disney Parks Blog, which also has photos.
“Come Fly with Me,” originally performed by Frank Sinatra, introduces the crew – Amanda, Pat, Kate and Lee. The performance also includes two medleys, incorporating a number of other musical favorites including “Brazil,” “I Love Paris” and “Lady of Spain.”
“Minnie’s Fly Girls Charter Airline” is a tune-filled “travelogue” of song, dance and audience interaction, according to the Disney Parks Blog, which also has photos.
“Come Fly with Me,” originally performed by Frank Sinatra, introduces the crew – Amanda, Pat, Kate and Lee. The performance also includes two medleys, incorporating a number of other musical favorites including “Brazil,” “I Love Paris” and “Lady of Spain.”
Saturday, 18 February 2012
Those celebrating Leap Day at Disneyland will be able to enter starting at 6 a.m. Feb. 29 for a full 24 hours of operation until 6 a.m. March 1.
The first 2,000 guests will receive a limited-edition ear hat commemorating the event, according to Disney.
If you are that eager to be some of the first people in here's the deal, according to the Disney Parks blog:
The first 2,000 guests will receive a limited-edition ear hat commemorating the event, according to Disney.
If you are that eager to be some of the first people in here's the deal, according to the Disney Parks blog:
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| A look at the One More Day hat |
- People can start lining up at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28.
- If you want to lineup you must park in the Pumbaa Parking Lot on Disney Way between 10 p.m. on Tuesday, February 28 and 6 a.m. on Feb. 29. The Pumbaa Lot will not begin to offer shuttle service to the East Esplanade until 6 a.m. on Feb. 29.
- Restrooms will be available for guests who line up before Disneyland park opens.
- A special ticket booth will be available prior to Disneyland park opening for guests needing to purchase park admission for Feb. 29.
- Commemorative ear hats will be distributed, while supplies last, to guests who enter through the designated turnstiles beginning at 6 a.m. on Feb. 29, when Disneyland park officially opens.
Friday, 17 February 2012
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| Snow White and Seven Dwarfs statues at Disneyland |
Classic fairy tales are too scary and gruesome for modern kids, and parents are saying and they are no longer reading them to their children. Could holding off on watching the classic Disney movies be far behind?
A recent survey of 2,000 adults in the United Kingdom found 52 percent of parents saying Cinderella did not send a good message because it portrays women as doing housework all day, according to an article on The Telegraph website.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a no-no because the term "dwarfs" is inappropriate. Goldilocks and the Three Bears sends the wrong message about stealing, and Rapunzel is off limits because parents are worried about the focus on a young girl being kidnapped. Jack and the Beanstalk? Just "unrealistic."
Now, let's remember fairy tales were created to teach children common-sense lessons, including that that actions have consequences. Whether these original tales need to be updated and made more PC is another question.
As for the Disney classics ... Well, Disney tends to clean up the the scarier parts of most of these original tales, with one exception: They have no problem killing off parents. I wonder what would happen if you polled parents on that?
Thursday, 16 February 2012
Flames, fireworks and flowing water punctuate the nightly “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” show in the Epcot World Showcase Lagoon. The centerpiece of the show is the Earth globe, which contains what Disney calls the world's first spherical video display system.
Here is how the spectacular is put together, by the numbers:
180,000: Number of LEDs that make up the Earth globe's video display system.
26,000: Feet of lights outlining the World Showcase pavilions around the lagoon.
5,000: Gallons of water per minute coming from the four fountain barges in the lagoon.
350: Weight, in tons, of the floating island which holds the Earth globe.
258: Number of strobe lights on the floating island containing the Earth globe.
67: Number of computers used to program the show.
40: Number of feet in the air a giant torch rises at the end of the show from the Earth globe.
28: Diameter in feet of the Earth globe centerpiece.
14: The length of the show in minutes.
Source: Walt Disney World
MORE DISNEY FACTS
Here is how the spectacular is put together, by the numbers:
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| A Disney public relations photo of IllumiNations |
26,000: Feet of lights outlining the World Showcase pavilions around the lagoon.
5,000: Gallons of water per minute coming from the four fountain barges in the lagoon.
350: Weight, in tons, of the floating island which holds the Earth globe.
258: Number of strobe lights on the floating island containing the Earth globe.
67: Number of computers used to program the show.
40: Number of feet in the air a giant torch rises at the end of the show from the Earth globe.
28: Diameter in feet of the Earth globe centerpiece.
14: The length of the show in minutes.
Source: Walt Disney World
MORE DISNEY FACTS
- A look at The American Idol Experience, by the numbers
- Animal Kingdom By the Numbers
- How Expedition Everest Building was built
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Building Ornament Valley, the mountain range for Radiator Springs in Cars Land at California Adventure in Disneyland, took a team of artisans.
The range's peak is about 125 feet. At 280,000 square feet, this is the largest rock work job in any domestic Disney theme park – larger that the Matterhorn, Splash Mountain or, in Florida, Expedition Everest, according to Disney.
Here is a Disney video on the making of the mountains, with more than 4,000 tons of steel used.
Disney will debut its latest interactive attraction/game "Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom"Feb. 22 at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World.
There are 70 cards in this game are divided into nine different spell classes, such as Princess cards, Hero cards or Warrior cards. This game is part of theme park admission.
This is the second interactive game created at Disney World. The World Showcase in Epcot is home to Disney's Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure. In this game, guests are transformed into secret agents and use a Kimmunicator to fight evildoers.
The Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Japan, France and the United Kingdom pavilions each have different missions, which are designed with groups in mind and can last anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes.
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| One of the cards |
Armed with special cards which hold "magic spells," guests will try to stop animated villains from stealing one of the four shattered pieces of Merlin’s powerful crystal ball. Going to different villain hideouts in Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, and Main Street U.S.A., guests will use magic spells to access the villain’s lair and stop them.
"Imagineers spent more than four years creating and perfecting this unique experience, which can be played in 15- to 20-minute segments throughout guests’ visits to the Magic Kingdom, or continuously for up to three to four hours. More than 95 minutes of original animation was created for Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom – the equivalent of a full-length animated film," according to a Disney news release.
“Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom gives our guests a whole new way to become the hero of the Disney story, taking Disney innovation to a new level,” Jonathan Ackley, Project Producer & Creative Director, Walt Disney Imagineering said in the news release.
This is the second interactive game created at Disney World. The World Showcase in Epcot is home to Disney's Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure. In this game, guests are transformed into secret agents and use a Kimmunicator to fight evildoers.
The Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Japan, France and the United Kingdom pavilions each have different missions, which are designed with groups in mind and can last anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes.
Tuesday, 14 February 2012
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| "World of Color" |
Tom Skaggs, chairman of the Walt Disney Parks dropped the hint during a speech at the Orange County Business Council, the newspaper's website reported.
Disney has added several scenes and features since “World of Color” debuted in June 2010.
“Brave” is the animated story of a Scottish princess named Merida. The movie is scheduled to be released June 22.
“Brave” is the animated story of a Scottish princess named Merida. The movie is scheduled to be released June 22.
At Disney California Adventure on the boardwalk is a cute little carousel filled with dolphins, flying fish, otters, seahorses and sea lions. King Triton's Carousel of the Sea is named after Ariel's father in "Little Mermaid."
Around the canopy nods to the various boardwalks and piers in California: Abbot KinneyPier, Venice (1905); Belmont Park, San Diego (1925); Fraser's "Million Dollar" Pier, Ocean Park (1912); Lick Pier, Ocean Park (1923); Looff's Pier, Santa Monica (1908); Ocean Park Pier, Ocean Park (1929) ;Pacific Ocean Park, Santa Monica (1958); Pickering Pleasure Pier, Ocean Park (1920); The Pike, Long Beach (1905); Nu Pike, Long Beach (1950); Playland At The Beach, San Francisco (1928);Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz (1907); Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica (1909); Venice of America, Venice (1904); Venice Pier, Venice (1925) and Virginia Park, Long Beach (1939).
Monday, 13 February 2012
An Avengers cologne set, new LEGOs and Crayola toys are being unveiled this week at the 109th American International Toy Fair this week in New York City. The fair kicks off today and lasts until Feb. 15.
One of the more unusual products being un-smelled is The Avengers Cologne Set, Black Widow Perfume, Infinity Formula for Men, and Mischief Cologne, according to the company producing the fragrances, JADS International.
According to the company, The Avengers Cologne Set features four fragrances:
- Patriot Cologne, inspired by Captain America, pays homage to the confident, stand-up-to-bullies, hard-working average Joe in everyman. The cologne features hints of green lime and white pepper with finishes of dry oak wood, sandalwood and tequila.
- Mark VII Cologne, inspired by Iron Man, combines mandarin and jasmine with light patchouli to create a contemporary expression of "I don't play well with others" confidence, leaving you ready for whatever a genius, billionaire, playboy-philanthropist might encounter throughout their day.
- Worthy Cologne, inspired by Thor, is a woody citrus cologne with a combination of bergamot, frozen ginger and wheatgrass blended with a hint of fresh natural grapefruit and layered with cypress, creating a deep dry masculine almost "God-like" musk.
- SMASH!, inspired by Hulk, is a clean scent with clear top notes of water lily and nutmeg, which carries on an intense woody dry down, enriched with Indian sandalwood, dry musk and warm cedar. Complementary to full range emotions, it wears well at work, in the lab, or an evening out on the town.
Three other scents include:
- Black Widow Perfume - Russian spy, trained assassin, world-class ballerina, girl from legal department. This perfume has a clear shot of citrus slowly giving way to sensual caramel and honey. The scent dries down with a blend of bitter chocolate, clear patchouli and praline.
- Infinity Formula Cologne - Inspired by Nick Fury, CIC of S.H.I.E.L.D., this cologne is a seductive fragrance for not just any man, but only for those who will risk everything to keep the dream of freedom alive. And sure, you could describe it as a citron cocktail smoothed over with a couple of stiff shots of tonka bean and guaiac wood, or you could just put it on and know it makes you smell good.
- Mischief Cologne - Inspired by Thor's bad brother, Loki, this unisex fragrance combines a base of green tea and amber with bergamot and cardamom in a dangerous-sexy, yet playful way that wears well on anyone, day or night.
Other toys being shown, according to various news releases include:
Crayola Recordable Story Creator: Disney Princesses and Crayola Recordable Story Creator: Star Wars, where kids can create their own interactive storybook with sound. A special code in each pack unlocks a web app at Crayola.com and lets children easily transform their photos into a customizable cartoon character that stars either in a fairy tale with the Disney Princesses, or in an adventure with Star Wars characters. A recordable storybook binder allows kids to record their voices and add sound effects.
LEGO DUPLO brand Cars 2™ line and a new DUPLO brand Disney Princess collection let children recreate scenes and role play with the various movies.
MORE RECENT DISNEY NEWS
Sunday, 12 February 2012
There are more than 1,700 animals from 250 species living at Disney's Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World.Most of the animals have been acquired from accredited zoos throughout the country, but in recent years the park has had a baby boom, welcoming six elephants, plus giraffes and okapis.
While many visitors get their fix of animal watching on the Kilimanjaro Safaris or along the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, there are animals in all parts of the park.
To help you find as many of them as possible, we created a checklist you can download and print for your next visit to Disney's Animal Kingdom.
"My Animal Kingdom Census" breaks down the park into its nine areas and lists everything you should be able to find (minus the dinosaurs).
To download your own Animal Kingdom Census click here or on the image. Don't forget to share it with others, and let us know how you do!
The great thing about having a smartphone is that you always have a camera handy. Phones have taken the place of point-and-shoot cameras, turning almost everyone, it seems, into photographers. Here are some tips to help you make better photos with a smartphone, especially if you're heading out to any Disney theme park.
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| The Matterhorn at Disneyland |
Stay steady: You want to keep your camera as stable as possible. A sneeze, a heavy sigh, anything that causes the camera to move will create a blur. To get sharp photos, hold the phone with both hands. If you really want to remain stable, hold your breath right before you take the photo and exhale two seconds after you release the shutter button.
Special iPhone tip to stay stable: Put your finger on the shutter release button before framing the shot. Frame it and then release your finger. The picture isn't taken until your fingers comes off the button.
Anticipate: There's nothing worse than lifting up your phone to take a picture and realizing it needs to be turned on or unlocked. Be prepared for photos when you get in certain situations. Have the phone ready as you approach a Disney character; even if you're standing in line, you never know what kind of candid photos you'll get. Also, if you are in line for a ride and think there is a fun photo 20 feet ahead, get ready. You may think the line is moving at a glacial pace, but it could start moving fast all of a sudden.
Let there be light: You always want to make sure you have enough light on your subject, so when outdoors make sure the subject is facing the sun. You need to be careful to make sureit's not just a beam of sunlight on the subject and darkness all around. If the sun is shining brightly, try to put your subject in the brightest shade possible. If you are inside, make sure the lights are on. Also use you flash if you have one.
Avoid using the digital zoom: Sure, the entire purpose of the zoom is to get as close as possible for a photo, but it will most likely be pixilated and not very high quality in the end. Instead of using the zoom, use your feet and get as close as possible.
Take different angles: Most people take photos from their own eye level. Many times, using a different angle or perspective creates a more interesting image. Get lower, get higher, put the camera down near your knees and take a shot ... try something different.
Take detail shots. You can hit every Kodak Picture Spot in the parks and get a collection of classic images, but don't miss the magic in all of Disney's details. Round out your photo album with memorable details, whether it's a shelf stuffed full of Mickey Mouses, a bouquet of balloons or an ice cream sundae with character.
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| A dessert at Beaches and Cream in Walt Disney World |
Take detail shots. You can hit every Kodak Picture Spot in the parks and get a collection of classic images, but don't miss the magic in all of Disney's details. Round out your photo album with memorable details, whether it's a shelf stuffed full of Mickey Mouses, a bouquet of balloons or an ice cream sundae with character.
Take lots of photos: Take as many shots as you feel you need to. The great thing about digital is that that you can delete photos.
Wait to delete photos: Yes, you have the instinct to immediately delete something you don't think is good, but once you get it home and see it on your computer, or have time to play with it in an phone app, you may like it more.
Keep the lens clean: Phones are usually kept in pockets and purses filled with lint and dirt. Take your time once in a while and clean off the the camera lens.
Wait to delete photos: Yes, you have the instinct to immediately delete something you don't think is good, but once you get it home and see it on your computer, or have time to play with it in an phone app, you may like it more.
Keep the lens clean: Phones are usually kept in pockets and purses filled with lint and dirt. Take your time once in a while and clean off the the camera lens.
Get a good collection of phone apps: There are numerous apps you can use to clean up your photos. The most popular sharing app is Instagram. Other good ones are Photogene and Adobe Photohop Express.
Saturday, 11 February 2012
First Lady Michelle Obama visited Disney World on Saturday to talk to about 1,500 children and families about the importance of healthy living as part of her Let's Move! initiative.
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| First Lady Michelle Obama visited ESPN Wide World of Sports complex to celebrate the second anniversary of her Let's Move! Initiative Photo by Disney Photographer Gene Duncan |
“I want to thank Disney for all that they’ve done to support 'Let’s Move' and to make sure our kids are eating right and being active,” Obama told the audience at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
After talking with the audience, the First Lady welcomed the children to visit five "Magic of Healthy Living" activity stations along with Disney Channel Stars Debby Ryan (“Jessie”), Roshon Fegan (“Shake It Up”), and Disney XD stars Doc Shaw and Kelsey Chow (“Pair of Kings”) and Olivia Holt (“Kickin’ It”), according to Disney and other published reports. Professional athletes helped children with the physical fitness skills.
Inside the China Pavilion at Epcot is the exhibit "Tomb Warriors Guardian Spirits of Ancient China" which contains a replica of the excavation of The Mausoleum of the First Emperor of the Qin Dynasty. The exhibit has the recreation of the Terracotta Army. The figures include warriors and horses. In the three pits Current estimates are that in the three pits containing the Terracotta Army there about 8,000 life-size soldiers.
MORE SMILES OF THE DAY
Friday, 10 February 2012
Construction will start in the spring and is expected to be completed by the fall of 2012. The new space will be a watering hole for animals featuring the zebra. The safaris will continue as construction takes place.
Thursday, 9 February 2012
Disney World will start enforcing the hour window given for the Fastpass return times starting March 7, various websites are reporting.
Normally, guests have been given leeway to return to a Fastpass attraction anytime after the window has started. For example, if the Fastpass return was between 1:05 p.m. and 2:05 p.m., guests were allowed to enter anytime after 2:05 p.m.
According to Orlando Attractions Magazine and Touring Plans.com, cast members have been told to begin enforcing the return window March 7 to better provide the best experience possible. This is just an enforcement, not a change in policy Disney reminded the cast members.
There are 21 attractions which offer Fastpass. The purpose of the program is to allow everyone a chance to get on the rides without having to wait in long lines for every attraction. What has happened of late is that some people hold on to their Fastpass tickets until later in the day and then clog up the ride.
There are rumors that Disney is aiming to make the Fastpass system more efficient before instituting an X-Pass system. The X-Pass is an addition to premium paid vacations giving people a Fastpass for anytime they show up. Jim Hill Media has an excellent post about the X-Pass.
Normally, guests have been given leeway to return to a Fastpass attraction anytime after the window has started. For example, if the Fastpass return was between 1:05 p.m. and 2:05 p.m., guests were allowed to enter anytime after 2:05 p.m.
According to Orlando Attractions Magazine and Touring Plans.com, cast members have been told to begin enforcing the return window March 7 to better provide the best experience possible. This is just an enforcement, not a change in policy Disney reminded the cast members.
There are 21 attractions which offer Fastpass. The purpose of the program is to allow everyone a chance to get on the rides without having to wait in long lines for every attraction. What has happened of late is that some people hold on to their Fastpass tickets until later in the day and then clog up the ride.
There are rumors that Disney is aiming to make the Fastpass system more efficient before instituting an X-Pass system. The X-Pass is an addition to premium paid vacations giving people a Fastpass for anytime they show up. Jim Hill Media has an excellent post about the X-Pass.
Wednesday, 8 February 2012
The new restaurant will be adjacent to AMC Theatres. Signature hot sandwiches, salads, breads, wraps and desserts will be on the menu. “The success we’ve experienced at Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris and our other 15 locations has proven that the quality of our food and our dining experience will bring guests back time and time again,.” Robert Earl, chairman of Earl of Sandwich said.
Earl of Sandwich joins about 50 retail, dining and entertainment venues that comprise Downtown Disney.
Green Builder Media's Vision House exhibit at Innoventions in Epcot at Disney World is slated to open in April and the company this week announced new product categories for the attraction.
The purpose of the Vision House "is to engender sustainable thinking,” Green Builder Media CEO Sara Gutterman said in a news release. "We anticipate that each visitor leaves the exhibit with specific ideas that can help them make their homes and lives more resource efficient and environmentally responsible.”
The interactive exhibit will involve whole-home automation, energy generation and efficiency, water conservation, indoor environment quality, security, integrated multi-generational design, and durability.
Products to be shown will include: doors from Pella, hardwood flooring and cabinets from Armstrong World Industries, electronic vehicle charging station by Siemens; Chevy Volt electric vehicle by GM; high efficiency heating and cooling systems and controls by Ingersoll Rand; durable and environmentally friendly exterior systems by Boral; ventilation solutions to improve indoor air quality by Panasonic; water-conserving fixtures, by Kohler; Energy Star appliances by Bosch and LED lighting by Sylvania.
The purpose of the Vision House "is to engender sustainable thinking,” Green Builder Media CEO Sara Gutterman said in a news release. "We anticipate that each visitor leaves the exhibit with specific ideas that can help them make their homes and lives more resource efficient and environmentally responsible.”
The interactive exhibit will involve whole-home automation, energy generation and efficiency, water conservation, indoor environment quality, security, integrated multi-generational design, and durability.
Products to be shown will include: doors from Pella, hardwood flooring and cabinets from Armstrong World Industries, electronic vehicle charging station by Siemens; Chevy Volt electric vehicle by GM; high efficiency heating and cooling systems and controls by Ingersoll Rand; durable and environmentally friendly exterior systems by Boral; ventilation solutions to improve indoor air quality by Panasonic; water-conserving fixtures, by Kohler; Energy Star appliances by Bosch and LED lighting by Sylvania.
Disney theme parks and resorts saw first quarter increases of 10 percent to $3.2 billion, according to the Walt Disney Co. first quarter earnings report.
Higher operating income at Disney World and Disneyland were driven by increased guest spending and attendance, partially offset by increased costs. Increased guest spending reflected higher average ticket prices and food and beverage spending, the report stated.
"Higher costs reflected labor cost inflation across our domestic parks and resorts, enhancement costs including investments in systems infrastructure and higher employee benefits costs at Walt Disney World Resort, and new guest offerings at Disneyland Resort including the expansion of Disney California Adventure," the report said.
Higher operating income at Disney Cruise Line was due to a full period of operations of the Disney Dream, which launched at the end of January 2011.
Higher operating income at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort was offset by lower results at Disneyland Paris. "The increase at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort reflected increased guest spending, driven by higher average ticket prices, daily hotel room rates, and food, beverage and merchandise spending, and increased attendance. Lower operating income at Disneyland Paris was driven by labor cost inflation and the absence of real estate sales which occurred in the prior-year quarter, partially offset by increased attendance and guest spending. Higher guest spending at Disneyland Paris was driven by increased average daily hotel room rates," the report stated.
Tuesday, 7 February 2012
A jump-style ride malfunctioned on Monday at Hong Kong Disneyland leaving three dozen people stranded in mid-air, according to The Standard of Hong Kong.
This was the second incident involving The Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop in 10 days. According to The Standard, the passengers were stranded for only a short time after the safety mechanism was activated due to a signaling fault. It was restarted about 45 minutes later.
The ride, located in Toy Story Land, had another failure on Jan. 28 when about 30 passengers were trapped after a safety mechanism was activated.
This was the second incident involving The Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop in 10 days. According to The Standard, the passengers were stranded for only a short time after the safety mechanism was activated due to a signaling fault. It was restarted about 45 minutes later.
The ride, located in Toy Story Land, had another failure on Jan. 28 when about 30 passengers were trapped after a safety mechanism was activated.
Monday, 6 February 2012
It is called the village of Serka Zong.
The base of Expedition Everest in Disney's Animal Kingdom is the home to this mythical village that those entering the ride first visit. The three-story pagoda-type building, was hand carved with 1,000 yeti images in Nepal, then shipped, aged and re-assembled in Animal Kingdom, according to Disney.
"The village includes Norbu and Bob’s Himalayan Escapes booking office, Tashi’s General Store and Bar, an old tea warehouse turned yeti museum, the elaborate wood and copper mandir, local homes and a towering monastery," according to Disney public relations.
The architectural style and cultural references of the village are a hybrid of Tibetan, Nepalese and other design traditions found throughout the Himalayas.
Photographs from Imagineer Jeff Rohde, which he took for reference, are hung all over the village's museum.
MORE DISNEY FACTS
The base of Expedition Everest in Disney's Animal Kingdom is the home to this mythical village that those entering the ride first visit. The three-story pagoda-type building, was hand carved with 1,000 yeti images in Nepal, then shipped, aged and re-assembled in Animal Kingdom, according to Disney.
"The village includes Norbu and Bob’s Himalayan Escapes booking office, Tashi’s General Store and Bar, an old tea warehouse turned yeti museum, the elaborate wood and copper mandir, local homes and a towering monastery," according to Disney public relations.
About 8,000 props were purchased, mostly from Nepal, for the attraction. The artifacts include a Mani Rimdu dance costume typically worn by a monk during a two-week festival, a 3-D yeti stamp from Bhutan, yeti dolls, a Nepalese coke bottle, antique Chinese ceramics and waterproof barrels designed for mountain treks.
The architectural style and cultural references of the village are a hybrid of Tibetan, Nepalese and other design traditions found throughout the Himalayas.
Photographs from Imagineer Jeff Rohde, which he took for reference, are hung all over the village's museum.
MORE DISNEY FACTS
In honor of the 50th anniversary of Disneyland and the theme parks, in 2005, Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World was decked out with a special sign and had characters from all the movies places as statues around the castle. We've opened our vault here and have re-released these photos.
MORE SMILES OF THE DAY
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| Cinderella Castle decked out or the 50th anniversary of Disneyland in 2005. |
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| Sir Hiss, the snake from Disney's 1973 animated film "Robin Hood." |
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| The rabbit from "Alice in Wonderland" and young Simba and Pumba from "The Lion King." |
The day after leading the Giants over the New England Patriots 21-17 in Super Bowl XLVI, Giants quarterback Eli Manning participated in a parade down Main Street U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom in Disney World.
Disney released a photo of Manning riding in a red convertible. He flew to Orlando in the morning from Indianapolis and will be in New York City on Tuesday for the celebration parade in Manhattan down the Canyon of Heroes.
Disney has released more photos of the visit here.
Immediately after winning the Super Bowl , Manning looked into the camera and said the magical words "I'm going to Disney World" for the commercial. Manning is now the fifth person to appear in the marketing campaign twice. The others are: Joe Montana (1989 and 1990), Emmitt Smith (1994 and 1996), John Elway (1998 and 1999) and Tom Brady (2002 and 2004).
Here is a look at the history of the "I'm going to Disney World" campaign and how Phil Simms started it all off when the Giants beat the Denver Broncos in the 1987 Super Bowl 39-20.
Disney released a photo of Manning riding in a red convertible. He flew to Orlando in the morning from Indianapolis and will be in New York City on Tuesday for the celebration parade in Manhattan down the Canyon of Heroes.
Disney has released more photos of the visit here.
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| Photo released by Disney, taken by Gene Duncan. |
Here is a look at the history of the "I'm going to Disney World" campaign and how Phil Simms started it all off when the Giants beat the Denver Broncos in the 1987 Super Bowl 39-20.
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