Six arrested, accused of illegal theme park ticket sales

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August 3, 2010

I hate having to report news stories like this. This article comes to us from the Orlando Sentinel.

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office reported Monday that deputies have arrested six people accused of illegally reselling more than 2,000 theme park tickets worth $395,000.

The agency conducted an undercover operation Saturday, checking theme park ticket booths along West U.S. Highway 192.

What they found were five businesses that illegally resold tickets to Universal Studios, Walt Disney World and SeaWorld, said agency spokeswoman Twis Lizasuain.

Two people were arrested at one booth. One each was arrested at the other four, she said.

The suspects were taken to the Osceola County Jail.

Click here to keep reading.

Disney Confidential – Disney inspires Inception Movie idea through comicbook

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Chip

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August 3, 2010

Hey there guys and gals, Anonymouse here delivering you the best in Disney Gossip. It seems the big news story going around the net today is about Disney & the Movie Inception starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

In the comic the Beagle Boys invade Scrooge McDuck’s dreams in attempts to learning the combination on his vault door. Then Donald Duck is sent into his uncle’s dream to get the Beagle Boys out before Scrooge wakes up.

Sound Familiar????

It’s all here in Disney Free Comics – Uncle Scrooge – The Dream of a Lifetime. If you have a few minutes and want to check it out for yourself give it a read at the link above.

Pretty Cool huh?

Well thats all I have for now. Take care and keep reading those Disney Comics!

Food Networks Unwrapped – Disney Delights Special

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Chip

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August 3, 2010

An updated look at Disney Theme Park dining from the eyes of Food Network’s Unwrapped hosted by Mark Summers. This is the second Unwrapped special centered around Disney dining. All three parts are below I hope you enjoy them!

Disneyworld to create new monorail job

By

Chip

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August 3, 2010

Great news from Jason Garcia at the Orlando Sentinel.

Walt Disney World plans to create a new position — and a higher pay scale — for the employees who direct the movements of its monorail trains.

The new “central monorail controller” position will be responsible for overseeing traffic along the resort’s 15-mile-long monorail network.

Responsibility for train movement currently rotates among a broader group of monorail “coordinators,” who also handle other duties, such as employee scheduling. The new hierarchy is designed to ensure that the workers charged with directing trains can focus solely on learning and mastering that operation.

“Of the varied responsibilities assigned to the monorail coordinators, it made sense to separate this distinct function,” Disney World spokeswoman Andrea Finger said Monday.

Click here to keep reading.

Photo credit JOE BURBANK, ORLANDO SENTINEL

More Than a Meal: Unique Disneyworld Dining Spots

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Chip

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August 3, 2010

From meatloaf and mashed potatoes in a nostalgic ’50s-inspired eatery to a private table for two in a Grand Floridian kitchen, Walt Disney World restaurants are taking “eatertainment” to new heights.

Looking for more than a meal? Following are some of the unique dining spots in the Vacation Kingdom.

Boma-Flavors of Africa. Wood-burning grills create sensational aromas from morning until night in this “marketplace” restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, with a half-dozen side-by-side cooking stations where curries, chutneys and other Indian and Asian influences add fabulous flavors to grilled fish, meats and vegetables on the African-inspired menu. Diners will find authentic soups, stews, tossed-to-order salads and other market-fresh fare, with cultural representatives from Africa serving as hosts and hostesses.

50’s Prime Time Cafe. The waiters holler for you to take your seat, and ask if you’ve washed your hands in this Disney’s Hollywood Studios restaurant. You’ll feel like you’re in a ’50s sitcom with Formica tables, pull-down lamps and knickknacks like grandma used to collect. Pot roast, chicken pot pie and meatloaf with mushroom gravy are standouts. And while the s’mores aren’t made over a campfire, they’ll take you back, nonetheless.

Victoria & Albert’s. With just 50 seats, this intimate dining room is the creme de la creme of Disney dining, located in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. From the harpist playing near the front door to the Chef’s Table at the back of the kitchen, there’s no question that this is a special place. Menus change daily, but you’ll always find the heavenly dessert soufflés. Whatever you want, just ask. Chef Scott Hunnel will make it happen.

California Grill. You’ll think you’re in San Francisco or L.A. in this upscale hot spot high atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The view is stupendous, the cuisine is extraordinary and the wines are outstanding. It’s hard to decide which is more fun: watching the energetic chefs in the open kitchen, or a sunset over Magic Kingdom.

ESPN Club at Disney’s BoardWalk. The ultimate gathering spot for serious sports fans includes an interactive multimedia entertainment center, TV and radio broadcast facility, an arcade of interactive sporting games, and all-American favorites like burgers, wings, chili and barbecued pork. More than 90 TVs are in place throughout the restaurant — even the restrooms are equipped with TVs so you won’t miss out on your favorite sports action.

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant. Flashy, 1950s-era cars, 1950s-era drive-in movies. This 250-seat restaurant at Disney’s Hollywood Studios makes you believe it’s dark outside — fiber-optic stars twinkle overhead and the cars are lined up to face the giant drive-in movie screen. Outrageous sci-fi movie clips run continuously. Entrees include sandwiches, barbecued pork ribs and chef’s salad.

Cinderella’s Royal Table. There’s something really special about breakfast and lunch in Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom, with Cinderella and friends making the rounds to greet guests. And look for the Disney family coat of arms hanging over the lobby fireplace. (Dinner does not include princess characters, only Fairy Godmother.)

Coral Reef Restaurant. Located in The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion at Epcot, this is the only dining room in the world next to a 5.7-million-gallon aquarium. Diners are entertained by 5,000 inhabitants of the saltwater tank — barracuda, angelfish, sharks, dolphins, rays and even humans diving to feed the fish. The menu features fresh fish and shellfish — but none of the pavilion’s undersea inhabitants are on the menu.

Kouzzina by Cat Cora. This family-friendly restaurant at Disney’s BoardWalk offers Mediterranean cuisine, including favorite dishes that pay tribute to celebrity chef Cat Cora’s Greek roots. Kouzzina features “time-honored recipes passed down from my ancestors, as well as my favorite Greek and Mediterranean dishes that my family loves,” said Cora.

Rainforest Café. Fluttering butterflies, tropical rain showers, talking banyan trees, live birds and animated gorillas bring the outdoors inside at Rainforest Café at Downtown Disney Marketplace and at the entrance to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Guests can sample a meal with tropical flair or a refreshing beverage at the Mushroom Juice and Coffee Bar.

T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover. Enter a world of prehistoric creatures at T-Rex: A Family Adventure at Downtown Disney Marketplace. The dinosaur-themed family eatery serves up pizzas, pastas, sea bass and more, and features life-sized animated dinosaurs that dwell among bubbling geysers, waterfalls and a fossil dig site.

Disney Food Confession – Shrimp Ceviche

By

Chip

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August 3, 2010

Where is it? Paradiso 37, on the waterfront at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island.

What is it? Shrimp Ceviche Appatizer

Why you want it? This fresh, flavorful starter is perfect for the South American Flavors of Paradiso 37.

Photo Credit: by Disney

If you have a Disney Food Confession email [email protected] or let us know on the Disney Food Confessions Facebook page.. He is accepting Food ideas or Photos if you have them!

Epcot’s Via Napoli Grand Opening Video

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Chip

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August 3, 2010

Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria had a soft opening yesterday in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion. Jeff Lange was out there to take pictures and video. For pictures from the soft opening check out MouseSteps here. Below is a video of the Dining Area and Ovens.

Disneyworld Event Calendar “In the Spotlight” – Aug. 6 – Aug. 13

By

Chip

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August 3, 2010

Aug. 5

GRAND OPENING! Via Napoli at Epcot: Via Napoli, an authentic Neapolitan pizzeria operated by the Patina Restaurant Group, will open Aug. 5 in the Italy pavilion at Epcot World Showcase. The restaurant will feature wood-burning ovens – and will use water from a source that most resembles the water in Naples, Italy, home of some of the world’s best pizza dough. This 300-seat pizzeria will feature a menu inspired by the famous pizzerias of southern Italy. The menu also will feature pastas, salads, sandwiches and Italian wines.

More info: disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/via-napoli/

Now Through Aug. 14

Summer Nightastic!: “Summer Nightastic!” lights up the after-dark entertainment experience at the Walt Disney World Resort through Aug. 14 with a megawatt parade, fireworks extravaganza, rockin’ dance party, concerts and other surprises. More info: disneyworld.com

At Magic Kingdom, guests can enjoy the return of Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade,” and see the new “Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular.”

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests can experience new effects and a summer-only drop sequence at The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror, and dance the night away at the “Rock n’ Glow Dance Party,” where a DJ and live rock band keep popular tunes coming every Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday.

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES – Aug. 6-13

At MAGIC KINGDOM

Daily – “Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It!” Street Party: 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 5:40 p.m.
Daily – Celebrate A Dream Come True Parade: 3 p.m.
Daily – Summer Nightastic Fireworks Spectacular: 10 p.m.
Daily – Main Street Electrical Parade: Aug. 6-7: 9 p.m. & 11 p.m.; Aug. 8-9: 9 p.m.; Aug. 10: 9 p.m. & 11 p.m.; Aug. 11-12: 9 p.m.; Aug. 13: Aug. 6-7: 9 p.m. & 11 p.m.
Park Hours – Aug. 6: 9 a.m.-12 a.m.; Aug. 7-10: 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; Aug. 11-12: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Aug. 13: 9 a.m.-11 p.m.

At DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

Daily – Block Party Bash: 3 p.m.
Special Presentation – Fantasmic!: Aug. 8, 10, 12: 9 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.
Park Hours – Aug. 6-8: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Aug. 9: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Aug. 10: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Aug. 11: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Aug. 12: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Aug. 13: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

At EPCOT

Daily – IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth: 9 p.m.
Park Hours – Future World: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; World Showcase: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

At DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM

Daily – Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade: 3:45 p.m.
Park Hours – Aug. 6-8: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Aug. 9: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Aug. 10-11: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Aug. 12-13: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

More EVENTS & ACTIVITIES – Aug. 6-13

At DISNEY’S BLIZZARD BEACH

$45 ages 10 & up; $39 ages 3-9
Park Hours (Daily)– 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

At DISNEY’S TYPHOON LAGOON

$45 ages 10 & up; $39 ages 3-9
Park Hours (Daily)– 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

At DISNEY’S BOARDWALK

Atlantic Dance (NO COVER CHARGE); call 407/939-2444 for times
DJs playing mix of hits from the 70s through today. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. 21 & over. No Cover.

DOWNTOWN DISNEY WEST SIDE – House of Blues presents . .

Aug. 6 Chrisette Michelle (r&b): House of Blues; $25 adv./$28 day of; 9 p.m.
Aug. 7 Orlando Rocks! with Exit the Ride, Love Juice, Megaphone and Shut Up & Dance (rock): House of Blues; $5; 8 p.m. Nightly Blues (blues): The Blues Kitchen at House of Blues; free; 10:30 p.m.
Aug. 8 The Turner Brothers (gospel brunch): House of Blues; $32.50 ages 10+/$16.25 ages 3-9; 10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. Cinderella (rock): House of Blues; $24 adv./$27 day of; 7:30 p.m.

Hot Summer, Cool Pools: Disney’s Pop Century Resort

By

Chip

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August 3, 2010

Tramp, the lovable mutt from Disney’s animated classic “Lady and the Tramp,” watches over the famous bowling pin-shaped pool at Disney’s Pop Century Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Themed pools at Disney resorts are an ideal way to beat the heat during the summer months at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Todd Anderson, photographer

Disney & Touchtone Pictures “You Again” Coming September 24th

By

Chip

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August 2, 2010

No matter how old you are, you never get over high school. YOU AGAIN is an outrageous comedy featuring an all-star female cast, including KRISTEN BELL, JAMIE LEE CURTIS, SIGOURNEY WEAVER, ODETTE YUSTMAN, KRISTIN CHENOWETH and BETTY WHITE.

Kristen Bell stars as Marni, a successful PR pro who discovers that her brother is marrying her high school arch nemesis—and, to make matters worse, Marni’s mom recognizes the bride’s highfalutin aunt as her own high school rival.

Here are some photos from the upcoming Touchstone Pictures Film.

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Be sure to check out their Facebook page and add them as a friend for more exciting movie news and photos!

Picture credit You Again Facebook Page.

Get Set for the Hair-Raising Antics in Disney’s Tangled Video Game

By

Chip

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August 2, 2010

Disney Interactive Studios announced “Disney Tangled: The Video Game,” a story-based adventure game inspired by the world and characters featured in the upcoming 3D animated Disney film “Tangled,” an action-packed comedy adventure for audiences of all ages. Featuring Rapunzel, a feisty teen with incredibly long magical hair, and Flynn Ryder, a charming rogue, the video game combines humor with an engaging adventure as players embark on a journey to fulfill one of Rapunzel’s lifelong dreams to see the lights she’s admired from her Tower window. “Disney Tangled: The Video Game” will be released for the Wii(TM) system and Nintendo DS(TM) family of hand-held systems, as well as Windows/PC this holiday season.

“Disney Tangled: The Video Game is an exciting and fun experience for every member of the family,” said Craig Relyea, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “It allows fans of all ages to assume the role of the adventurous Rapunzel or the swashbuckling Flynn while experiencing the thrills and humor of the unlikely duo’s exploits.”

Mandy Moore and Zach Levi, who voice the lead characters in the big screen “Tangled,” will lend their talents to the video game as well. Disney Interactive Studios is also working closely with the film’s producers to mirror the magic and fun of the movie, while providing a compelling and unique gameplay experience.

In “Disney Tangled: The Video Game,” players explore the world of the film and engage with its characters as they travel with Rapunzel and Flynn on an adventure-filled escapade jam-packed with challenges. As Rapunzel, players can use her hair to swing, climb, and rejuvenate. As Flynn, they can scale walls, engage in sword play, and use “Flynntuition,” to discover treasure along the way. There is also a creative play feature in Rapunzel’s Tower where players can paint murals and more.

Ensuring a family friendly experience, the Wii features multiple ways to play, including co-op, split screen and up to four players, all in captivating 3D environments. The DS version introduces “Tangled” to gamers on the go with a storybook 2D adventure that includes familiar locations from the movie and a variety of fun and intuitive puzzles and mini games.

“Disney Tangled: The Video Game” will be available holiday 2010. The title is not yet rated by the ESRB.

D23′s Destination D: Disneyland ’55 at the Disneyland Resort

By

Chip

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August 2, 2010

This year is the 55th anniversary of Disneyland Resort, and D23 is celebrating this milestone year with the premiere of Destination D: Disneyland ’55, a brand-new, two-day event that illuminates the fascinating history behind Disney’s flagship park.

Destination D: Disneyland ’55 will take D23 Members on a mesmerizing journey through the design, creation, debut and magical history of the world’s first Disney theme park. The event will offer two full days of special presentations, panels, screenings and guest speakers that give fans an inside view of this fascinating era in Disney history and let them meet and talk with key figures in Disneyland’s history. Future Destination D events will explore other important aspects of Disney’s amazing creative legacy. Following its premiere in September, Destination D will alternate annually with the enormously popular D23 Expo.

Event highlights include our Mickey Mouse Club 55th Anniversary presentation, reuniting original Mouseketeers Sharon Baird, Doreen Tracey, Bobby Burgess, Karen Pendleton, Sherry Van Meter (formerly Alberoni), Tommy Cole, Cubby O’Brien, and Mary Geoff (formerly Espinosa) for a delightful trip back in time to the dawning of the television era with the club that was, like D23, “made for you and me.”

Destination D will also mark the debut of the Disney Legends Celebration, a heartfelt tribute to those who have made a lasting contribution to the Disney legacy. All Destination D attendees and Disney Legends will be invited to attend E-Ticket: Music from the Disney Parks, a concert of memorable tunes through the years at the Disneyland Resort with some very special guests, including Disney Legend Richard Sherman.

All guests will also receive a limited-edition set of colorful, vintage Disneyland postcards from the Walt Disney Archives Collection. It’s a reproduction of actual postcards sold when Disneyland opened in 1955 — it’s just a coincidence that the complete set features 23 images!

There will also be a selection of limited edition merchandise available for purchase at the event.

Shown below is the current lineup for Destination D: Disneyland ’55 (times to be announced later this summer; panels and talent subject to change):

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2010

Mickey Mouse Club 55th Anniversary
Join original Mouseketeers including Sharon Baird, Doreen Tracey, Bobby Burgess, Karen Pendleton, Sherry Van Meter (Alberoni), Tommy Cole, Cubby O’Brien and Mary Geoff (Espinosa) for a magical walk down memory lane as they recall their favorite behind-the-scenes stories from the classic Disneyland attraction Mickey Mouse Club Circus.

Weird Disney
From the startling visuals of the 1930’s Fanchon & Marco “Mickey Mouse Idea” vaudeville shows to Disneyland’s “Kap the Kaiser Aluminum Pig” and the “Crane Bathroom of Tomorrow,” Disney’s history has included some pretty offbeat stuff. Join Archives Director Becky Cline and Disney historian Paul Anderson as they act as your tour guides on a fun-filled, irreverent and often-surprising road trip through the wonderfully weird and wacky side of Disney.

From Quirky to Collectible: The Wonderful World of Disneyland Merchandise
Curiouser and curiouser! From a Mark Twain Riverboat AM radio to a Matterhorn bank, we will present a treasure trove of timeless trinkets and unique souvenirs. Merchandise mavens Stacia Martin and Paul Anderson and Disney Archivist Rob Klein will take you to a collector’s Cloud Nine, including the “Top 5 Rarest Pieces of Disneyana” and the “Top 5 Strangest Items of Disneyland Memorabilia.” You won’t believe what they have found!

The 1964 New York World’s Fair and the Development of Audio-Animatronics® CharactersWith so many incredible Disney achievements over the years, it’s hard to pick one as most impressive. But one milestone — Disney’s contribution to the 1964 New York World’s Fair — arguably stands far and above any other for its impact on Disneyland, the dawning of Walt Disney World and now, the Disney theme park experience around the world. Hosted by historian Paul Anderson, this is a fascinating and remarkable story of how 50 years ago Walt and his Imagineers broke the barriers of technology and pioneered an entirely new chapter in the history of entertainment, and in doing so, drastically changed the course of Disney theme park history.

Imagineering the Magic of Disney
Disney Legend Marty Sklar hosts a prestigious panel of some of Disney’s most creative minds made up of Imagineering Legends and current Imagineers. Join us as Bob Gurr, Blaine Gibson, Dave Durham, Kathy Mangum, Kevin Rafferty and other Imagineers share their memories and favorite moments about creating iconic attractions at the world’s most popular theme parks.

E-Ticket: Music from the Disney Parks
As part of this year’s inaugural Disney Legends Celebration, D23 Members are invited to join some Disney Legends for a colorful concert of music from the past and present of Disneyland Resort. Highlighting the concert will be Disney Legend Richard Sherman, who — along with his brother Robert — has contributed a multitude of songs to the Disney parks legacy, including “it’s a small world,” “The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room, “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” and many more. Performing will be a host of special guests, including John Tartaglia (Avenue Q, Johnny and the Sprites), Ana Ortiz (Ugly Betty), Wilson Cruz (Rent, My So-Called Life), members of the Disney Employee Choir and many more, all paying tribute to some of the most enduring tunes in the Disney canon.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2010

Disneyland Through the Eye of Television
Archivist Rob Klein presents this unique look at the history of Disneyland as it was first seen by the general public — on television. This vibrant presentation includes Walt’s first announcement of Disneyland, highlights from the original Disneyland television anthology series showing progress on the park and classic anniversary specials, as well as rarely seen promotional spots for Disneyland from the ’60s and ’70s for the Matterhorn, Main Street Electrical Parade, “New” Tomorrowland 1967 and much more!

Disney Undiscovered
No creative idea, no matter how marvelously imagined, is guaranteed to make it from the sketchbooks of Disney Imagineers to the parks. 2010’s D23 Member gift, Disney Undiscovered, pays tribute to Disney’s enduring creative spirit by celebrating the work of some of Disney’s greatest dreamers and artists, whose feats of creative daring — even if never completed — will stand the test of time as masterpieces of the imagination. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the further fascinating details about these rare, never-produced park attractions and the Imagineers who dreamed them up.

Disneyland: The Happiest Place in Pop Culture
A humorous and informative journey through 55 years of popular culture as reflected in the original Magic Kingdom. Featuring rarely seen photos and film clips, the presentation, hosted by Disney authority Tim O’Day, will take you down memory lane, narrowly escaping bad fashions, bad hair and park entertainment, and events and attractions that definitely belong in Memoryland.

Disneyland: The Way We Were
Remember the Mickey Mouse Club Circus, Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship, TWA Rocket to the Moon, The Frito Kid, or America Sings? Join Disney Chief Archivist Dave Smith as we explore some vintage images of Disneyland: first some rare color photographs taken during the park’s construction, then a look at some beloved, gone-but-not-forgotten attractions, shops and restaurants. Throughout this presentation, Dave will reminisce about early visits to Disneyland, taking the audience back to some classic moments in the park’s rich history.

A Word from the President
Disneyland President George Kalogridis shares a very special presentation with D23.

The Wonderful World of Vintage Disneyland — In Color!
Media Preservationist Ed Hobelman and Imagineer Tony Baxter share a trove of archival treasures and screen rarely seen color footage of Disneyland from the 1950s and 1960s.

Disneyland, U.S.A. Screening and Panel
A big-screen presentation of the classic 1956 People and Places featurette, Disneyland, U.S.A., followed by a panel featuring members of the film’s restoration team, Disney Imagineers and Disney Legends who experienced the park first-hand during those early years, including Tony Baxter, Ed Hobelman, Dave Smith and Geri Bumpass. Hosted by Tim O’Day.

NOTE: Available only to D23 Members in good standing. Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and one (1) guest. There are a limited number of tickets available. The room will be cleared during several breaks; during these breaks seats may not be saved. Meals are not included with the price of the ticket. This is a separate event from D23’s Great Disney Scavenger Hunt. D23 Members will be required to provide their membership number when purchasing tickets. Credentials may be picked up only with a valid photo ID AND D23 MEMBERSHIP CARD. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card may not be admitted to the event. Ticketed Members who do not attend the event forfeit their place as well as all experiences, benefits, and gifts associated with the event. All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice. Panels are subject to change. Talent is subject to availability. There are no cancelations or refunds, and tickets are not transferrable.

Click here for more information

Image credit D23.com