Disneyland refurbishment schedule December 2010

By

Chip

-

November 15, 2010

Refurbishment information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting.

Current

Jungle Cruise (Disneyland) closed through 11/18/10 for refurbishment.
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (DCA) closed through 11/18/10 for refurbishment.
Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin (Disneyland) closed through 12/16/10 for refurbishment.
Village Haus Restaurant (Disneyland) closed through 12/19/10 for refurbishment.
“Honey I Shrunk the Audience” (Disneyland) closed through 1/28/11 due to the temporary return of “Captain EO.”
Corn Dog Castle (DCA) closed through 3/20/11 due to construction in the area. Corn dogs are currently available at Award Wieners.
Mulholland Madness (DCA) closed through 4/20/11 for conversion to Goofy’s Fly School.
Star Tours (Disneyland) closed through 5/20/11 for renovation and upgrade to Star Tours 2.0.
Pizza Oom Mow Mow (DCA) closed through 5/24/11 for conversion to Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta.
Burger Invasion (DCA) closed through 5/24/11 for conversion to Paradise Garden Grill.

Upcoming

Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (DCA) closed 11/29/10-11/30/10 for refurbishment.

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride (Disneyland) closed 11/29/10-12/2/10 for refurbishment.

Source Mousesavers Newsletter

Disneyland refurbishment schedule November 2010 (chipandco.com)

Disneyland refurbishment schedule December 2010

Walt Disney World Resort Launches Annual Toys for Tots Drive

By

Chip

-

November 15, 2010

US Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jahir Jimenez, Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Duffy the Disney Bear and US Marine Corps First Sgt. Michael Diaz, head of the 2010 Central Florida Toys for Tots campaign, pose Nov. 15, 2010 in front of the “Cuddliest Christmas Tree” at Epcot in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The 20-foot-high, 10-foot-wide Christmas tree made of 1,200 stuffed Duffy bears was created for the launch of Walt Disney World Resort’s annual Toys for Tots collection drive.

For the next few weeks, Walt Disney World Resort cast members will play the role of Santa’s helpers by collecting new toys for the annual toy drive, which will be added to Monday’s donation of 1,200 stuffed Duffy bears from the “Cuddliest Christmas Tree.” The annual toy drive is one of many charitable activities under way at Walt Disney World Resort during the “Season of Sharing” that focuses on improving the lives of local children and their families during the holidays and beyond.

Gene Duncan, photographer

Walt Disney World Resort Launches Annual Toys for Tots Drive

Disneyworld Refurbishment Schedule December 2010

By

Chip

-

November 15, 2010

Refurbishment/closure information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting.

Current

Oak Trail Golf Course closed through 11/21/10 for refurbishment.
Palm and Golf Course closed through 12/2/10 for refurbishment.
Magnolia Golf Course closed through 12/10/10 for refurbishment.
Typhoon Lagoon closed through 1/15/11 for annual refurbishment.
Star Tours (Hollywood Studios) closed through 5/16/11 for refurbishment.

Upcoming

American Heritage Gallery (Epcot) closed through 11/16/10 for refurbishment.
Kouzzina by Cat Cora (BoardWalk Resort) closed 11/29/10-12/14/10 for refurbishment. During this time Flying Fish will serve an a la carte breakfast from 7:30-11:00 am.
Paddock Leisure Pool (Saratoga Springs Resort) closed 12/3/10-6/29/11 for refurbishment.
Astro Orbiter (Magic Kingdom) closed 12/5/10-12/9/10 for refurbishment.
Palm, Magnolia, Osprey Ridge and Lake Buena Vista Golf Courses closed 12/25/10.
Cabanas Leisure Pool (Coronado Springs Resort) closed 1/3/11-1/28/11 for refurbishment. The Dig Site feature pool and other quiet pools with be open as usual.
Kali River Rapids (Animal Kingdom) closed 1/3/11-1/29/11 for refurbishment.
Studio Backlot Tour (Hollywood Studios) closed 1/3/11-1/29/11 for refurbishment.
Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure (Hollywood Studios) closed 1/3/11-1/29/11 for refurbishment.
Splash Mountain (Magic Kingdom) closed 1/3/11-1/31/11 for refurbishment.
Stormalong Bay Pool Slides (Yacht & Beach Club Resorts) closed 1/3/11-2/10/11 for refurbishment. Guests may use the rest of the Stormalong Bay pool complex or the feature pool and slide at BoardWalk Inn.
Leisure Pool (Polynesian Resort) closed 1/10/11-2/18/11 for refurbishment. The Nanea Volcano Pool will be open as usual.
Blizzard Beach closed 1/16/11-3/26/11 for annual refurbishment.
‘Ohana (Polynesian Resort) closed 1/17/11-1/20/11 for refurbishment.
Primeval Whirl (Animal Kingdom) closed 1/17/11-4/5/11 for refurbishment.
Liberty Square Riverboat (Magic Kingdom) closed 1/29/11-2/4/11 for refurbishment.
Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage! (Hollywood Studios) closed 1/30/11-3/5/11 to prepare for a new show Disney Junior – Live on Stage!
Luna Park Pool Slide (BoardWalk Resort) closed 2/7/11-3/16/11 for refurbishment. Guests may use the pool or use the feature pool and slide at the Yacht & Beach Club Resort.

Source Mousesaver Newsletter

Disneyworld Refurbishment Schedule November 2010 (chipandco.com)

Disneyworld Refurbishment Schedule December 2010

Coming Soon The Art of Tron Legacy & Tron Betrayal

By

Chip

-

November 15, 2010

Fans, movie-goers, and comic enthusiasts, get your light cycles ready! The epic Tron tale returns with a spectacular 3-D sequel sure to capture the imagination of audiences everywhere. In anticipation of the Walt Disney Pictures Tron: Legacy movie release, Disney Publishing Worldwide proudly presents The Art of Tron: Legacy and Tron: Betrayal, an original graphic novel. Experience the thrill and magic of this futuristic science-fiction adventure with these great reads before the film hits theaters!

The Art of Tron: Legacy

Text by Justin Springer

The Art of Tron: Legacy offers an exclusive glimpse into the artistry and ground-breaking design of the film Tron: Legacy. This must-have coffee table edition showcases the elaborate film-making process, highlighting special effects techniques with striking florescent inks. Explore the illuminated world of Tron through beautiful concept illustrations, storyboards, character and actor profiles, original frames from the film, and an afterword by the film’s director, Joseph Kosinski. This visually stunning collectible is sure to quench the curiosities of ardent Tron fans everywhere, both old and new!

Justin Springer is the co-producer of Tron: Legacy and offers valuable insight into the creation of the Tron universe.

Publication Date: November 23, 2010 • ISBN-13: 9781423131496 • All ages • Hardcover $40.00

Tron: Betrayal

By Jai Nitz &

Starlight Runner Entertainment

Tron: Betrayal is an action-packed prequel, bridging the story between the original Tron film and the upcoming film, Tron: Legacy. This vividly eye-catching graphic novel reveals the untold tale of Kevin Flynn, the brilliant video game designer, as he returns from his first journey to the Grid–the vast digital landscape of elaborate and dangerous programs. Find out where it all goes awry as Flynn attempts to balance real world issues with his wildly imaginative yet perilous cyberspace creation!

The novel is written by Jai Nitz and Starlight Runner Entertainment; art by Andie Tong; and an 11 page prologue drawn by Jeff Matsuda.

Publication Date: November 16, 2010 • ISBN-13: 9781423134633 • Ages: 13+ • Paperback $9.99

Coming Soon The Art of Tron Legacy & Tron Betrayal

First Look: Pixar’s Cars 2 New Characters

By

Chip

-

November 15, 2010

Star racecar Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) take their friendship to exciting new places in “Cars 2” when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world’s fastest car.

But the road to the championship is filled with plenty of potholes, detours and hilarious surprises when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage. Torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret spy mission, Mater’s action-packed journey leads him on an explosive chase through the streets of Japan and Europe, trailed by his friends and watched by the whole world.

Adding to the fast-paced fun is a colorful new all-car cast that includes secret agents, menacing villains and international racing competitors.

”Cars 2” hits theaters June 24, 2011.

First Look: Pixar's Cars 2 New Characters

Insider Information on Walt Disney World Dining

By

Chip

-

November 15, 2010

What’s the most romantic dinner spot at Walt Disney World Resort? Where can I find kosher foods? Is vegetarian on the menu? Some “insider tips” on Disney dining:

Most romantic dinner spot: A table for two at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Wedgwood China, Christofle silver, Frette linens, personalized menus and impeccable service.

How to order kosher meals: Kosher meals are available at most table-service restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort. A 24-hour notice is required, and the meals are purchased from an outside vendor. Guests also may bring their own preferred kosher products. Kosher food always is available at these quick-service locations: Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Magic Kingdom; the food courts at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, All-Star Music Resort, All-Star Sports Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort; ABC Commissary at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, and Pizzafari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Take a break: If you’re spending the day in Magic Kingdom, at lunchtime hop on the monorail for a quick trip to Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Resor or Grand Floridian Cafe at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. It’s a relaxing change of pace, and service is faster as most guests are in the theme parks. And beer, wine and mixed drinks are available.

Coffee coup: Coffee is tops at The Wave…of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, with organic Columbian; Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, with 100 percent Kona coffee press pots; Boma-Flavors of Africa and Jiko-The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, with press pots of Kenyan coffee; Tangierine Cafe in Morocco in Epcot World Showcase with Moorish espresso; and Cuban coffee at Bongos Cuban Cafe at Downtown Disney West Side. At Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, coffee is brewed in a hand-blown Cona vacuum pot, using a method that’s been famous for more than a half century — its main feature is that the coffee is prepared entirely in glass where coffee has no contact with metal parts or paper filters, giving you only a clean smooth taste with the perfect extractions of oils and caffeine which give coffee its full taste.

Afternoon tea: The centuries-old tradition is observed daily at Garden View Tea Room at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, a formal affair with real china, linens, and an assortment of dainty pastries and finger sandwiches. Also French press coffee service.

Fill ‘er up: Favorite all-you-care-to-eat restaurants include ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort; Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge; Boma-Flavors of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge; Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort; Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort; 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa; Crystal Palace and Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom; The Garden Grill Restaurant (The Land), Biergarten (Germany) and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (Norway) in Epcot; Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; Tusker House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Room with a view: Dining rooms with knockout views include California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort; Cantina de San Angel at Mexico in Epcot World Showcase; Coral Reef Restaurant at The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion in Epcot Future World; Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa; and Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room in the United Kingdom in Epcot World Showcase.

Where is Mickey Mouse? The Big Cheese is the most-requested character dinner partner, and he can be found at Chef Mickey’s Fun Time Buffet (breakfast and dinner) at Disney’s Contemporary Resort; at ‘Ohana (breakfast only) at Disney’s Polynesian Resort; and at the Garden Grill restaurant (dinner only) in The Land at Epcot.

Where to find sushi: California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort; Tokyo Dining in Japan in Epcot World Showcase; Wolfgang Puck Cafe at Downtown Disney West Side; and Kimonos in the Walt Disney World Swan hotel.

Best steak dinner: It’s a toss-up — Yachtsman Steakhouse with its glassed-in butcher shop at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Le Cellier Steakhouse in Canada at Epcot World Showcase, or Shula’s Steakhouse at the Walt Disney World Dolphin hotel.

The freshest seafood: Coral Reef Restaurant at The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot, with a panoramic view of the 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium; California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort; Flying Fish Cafe at Disney’s BoardWalk; Todd English’s bluezoo at Walt Disney World Dolphin, and Fulton’s Crabhouse at Downtown Disney.

World’s best milkshakes: Take your pick — “Mom’s” special shakes at 50’s Prime Time Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or any flavor at Beaches & Cream at Disney’s Beach Club Resort.

Best vegetarian: California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort has an ever-changing selection. Also Jiko-The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Tops for families: Kouzzina by Cat Cora at Disney’s BoardWalk; ‘Ohana’s all-you-can-eat feast at Disney’s Polynesian Resort; “Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue” at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground; Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge; Boma-Flavors of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge; Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort; Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom; 50’s Prime Time Cafe and Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Grown-ups only: For an evening without the kids, favorites include Victoria & Albert’s and Cítricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa; Jiko-The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge; Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge; Bistro de Paris at the France pavilion in Epcot World Showcase; California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort; Todd English’s bluezoo at the Walt Disney World Dolphin; The Dining Room at Wolfgang Puck’s in Downtown Disney West Side.

Best table for viewing “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth”: Sit on the outdoor terrace at the Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room in the United Kingdom pavilion in Epcot World Showcase. Or at the newly opened La Hacienda in the Mexico pavilion.

Best desserts on the run: Norwegian delicacies — rice cream with strawberries and almond pastry rings — are featured at Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe at Norway in Epcot World Showcase. Nearby in France, the little Boulangerie Patisserie offers fresh-baked croissants, brioches, eclairs, fruit tarts and chocolate mousse. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, head for Starring Rolls Café for sweets. In Magic Kingdom, gooey chocolate brownies or a frozen latte from Main Street Bakery. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, oversized cupcakes at Krusifari Bakery.

Best place to grab a quick sandwich: Earl of Sandwich at Downtown Disney Marketplace.

Most unusual tableside entertainment: The authentic belly dancers in Morocco in Epcot World Showcase.

Most exclusive table at Walt Disney World Resort: The Chef’s Table in the kitchen at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Seats up to eight, and it’s booked six months in advance. Chef Scott Hunnel takes extraordinary care of his guests.

Most unusual wine list: Jiko-The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge features the most extensive collection of South African wines in North America. The wine list is exclusively South African, and most of the 65 vintages are available by the glass. The Wave…of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort serves only screw-cap wines, focusing on bright-style New World wines from the Southern Hemisphere, including Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.

Walt Disney World Fun Facts (chipandco.com)
The Magic of Dining in Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)

Insider Information on Walt Disney World Dining

Disney launches online movie site, without fanfare

By

Chip

-

November 15, 2010

This article comes to us from the LA Times.

Walt Disney Co. quietly launched Disney Movies Online, which lets consumers buy or rent digital versions of Disney and Pixar films and watch them on the Internet. The site, which debuted without fanfare in May, was conceived as a bridge to step the family entertainment company’s mainstream consumers gently from the physical to the digital world.

How much without fanfare? Disney still isn’t promoting the site –- there are no links on the Disney.com site — beyond inserting the Web address on a sleave inside DVDs and Blu-ray discs.

In a second, more-public milestone, Disney partnered with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. to offer a free “digital copy” of the movie “Toy Story 3” with the purchase of the video. Consumers use an enclosed code to unlock and watch the film through the retailer’s Vudu online movie service.

Taken together, these developments help lay the foundation for Disney’s vision of the digital future, in which consumers would buy, store and access digital copies of the studio’s films from one place. These efforts work in tandem with an initiative announced last year called KeyChest. The technology would allow consumers to pay once for a movie, then watch it on any device, such as Internet-connected computers and mobile phones.

“We believe if we harness the power of these separate initiatives … we’ll immediately seize the opportunity, extend a lot more benefits to Disney customers and sort of catapault this thing into the future very rapidly,” said Bob Chapek, distribution president for Walt Disney Studios.

Despite the convenience of renting and buying movies online -– and the promotional bonanza 38 million visitors to Disney.com delivers -– the company is keeping mum about Disney Movies Online because it is still in a test phase, officials said. At some point in the first half of 2011 a promotional campaign for the studio’s digital offering is expected to kick in, under the name Disney Studio All Access.

Click here to keep reading.

2 Lonely Deeks – Lights, Camera, Movies (chipandco.com)
Missing Disney Films from Disneyworld (chipandco.com)

Disney launches online movie site, without fanfare

Movie Poster: Disneynature “African Cats”

By

Chip

-

November 14, 2010

An epic true story set against the backdrop of one of the wildest places on Earth, “African Cats” captures the real-life love, humor and determination of the majestic kings of the savanna. The story features Mara, an endearing lion cub who strives to grow up with her mother’s strength, spirit and wisdom; Sita, a fearless cheetah and single mother of five mischievous newborns; and Fang, a proud leader of the pride who must defend his family from a once banished lion. Disneynature brings “The Lion King” to life on the big screen in this True Life Adventure directed by Keith Scholey and Alastair Fothergill (“Earth”). An awe-inspiring adventure blending family bonds with the power and cunning of the wild, “African Cats” leaps into theatres on Earth Day, April 22, 2011.

Notes:

“African Cats” is the third release for Disneynature, the first new Disney-branded film label from The Walt Disney Studios in more than 60 years. Launched in April 2008 to bring the world’s top nature filmmakers together to capture a variety of wildlife subjects and stories, Disneynature was behind both “Earth” and “Oceans.”
“Earth,” the first film to premiere domestically under the new label on Earth Day 2009, garnered a record-breaking opening weekend for a nature documentary. On its opening day, the film also broke the single-day box-office record for a nature documentary.
Hitting theaters on April 22, 2010, “Oceans” was the #1 film that day and had the third highest opening weekend box-office gross of all time for a nature film. “Oceans” is the third highest grossing feature-length nature film in history.
Walt Disney was a pioneer in wildlife documentary filmmaking, producing 13 True-Life Adventure motion pictures between 1949 and 1960, including “Seal Island” (1949), “Beaver Valley” (1950), “The Living Desert” (1953) and “Jungle Cat” (1958). The films earned eight Academy Awards®.

Leaping into theaters on Earth Day, 2011, “African Cats” features the real-life love, humor and determination of the kings of the African savanna: Mara, an endearing lion cub who strives to grow up with her mother’s strength, spirit and wisdom; Sita, a fearless cheetah and single mother of five mischievous newborns; and Fang, a proud leader of the pride who must defend his family from a once banished lion.

Movie Poster: Disneynature “African Cats”

Disney World’s Festival of the Masters winners

By

Chip

-

November 14, 2010

Central Florida made a great showing at this weekend’s Festival of the Masters, with many local artists picking up awards. Among them, Tony Savoie of Orlando, who won the overall Best in Show award, for his collage titled “Palooka.”

Alison Thomas of Deltona placed first in the digital-art category, and David Figueroa of Sanford was tops in the sculpture category.

Other Central Floridians who were honored included Vadim Malkin of Maitland, in the clay category, and Carol Elder-Napoli of New Smyrna Beach for painting.

Peggy Miller of Melbourne Beach and Deborah Barnes of Mount Dora both won awards for their jewelry.

The Festival of the Masters is a free event at Walt Disney’s World’s Downtown Disney shopping and dining complex, off I-4 in Lake Buena Vista. The Festival concludes Sunday. Hours are 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Click here to see a full list of winners. Here is just a few.

Clay

1: Shadow May, Chattanooga, Tenn., “Waterfall.”

2. Vadim Malkin, Maitland, “Tea Dutchess.”

3: Rob Wiedmaier, Platte City, Mo., “Floor Vase.”

Awards of Merit: Timothy Sullivan of Marietta, Ga., “Large Covered Jar”; and Larry East of Decatur, Ga., “Boll of Cotton.”

Digital art

1: Alison Thomas, Deltona, “River Journey.”

2: Robert Heier, Brambleton, Va., “Laconic.”

3: Michael Brown, Antioch, Ill., “Linoen Allee.”

Drawing, Printmaking & Graphics

1: Greg Barnes, Charlotte, N.C., “Evening Color.”

2: Marina Terauds, North Branch, Mich., “Book of Birds.”

3: Gillian Kemper, Oklahoma City, “Borman I.”

Award of Merit: Michael Bond pf River Falls, Wisc., “Solitude.”

Walt Disney World Fun Facts (chipandco.com)
DISNEY CHANNEL ROCKS!: New rock-concert style show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (chipandco.com)

Disney World’s Festival of the Masters winners

2 Lonely Deeks – Lights, Camera, Movies

By

Chip

-

November 14, 2010

This week we go over all the Walt Disney Pictures releases both in theaters and on DVD/Bluray.

Here are some of the movies we discuss: * Cars Toon: Mater’s Tall Tales * Toy Story 3 * Disney’s WOW World of Wonder * A Christmas Carol * The Search For Santa Paws * Fantasia/Fantasia 2000 * The Sorcerer’s Apprentice * Step Up * Tangled * Tron Legacy

and much much more!

Special thanks to Chip who did the video and to
Steve Williard and Andrew Taylor for their AWESOME song!

Check them out at:
www.reverbnation.com/stevewilliard

2 Lonely Deeks – A Paradigm in Disney Dorkiness!

2 Lonely Deeks – New Intro Video (chipandco.com)
2 Lonely Deeks Takeover Mouse Chat Podcast (chipandco.com)
What’s a Deek? (imaginerding.com)

2010 Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

By

Chip

-

November 14, 2010

A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas returns to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Special thanks to Jeff Lange for posting these videos!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Lights Up Magic Kingdom (chipandco.com)
Magic Kingdom makeover: Scary to merry (chipandco.com)
Take 5 with Holidays at Disney Parks 2009 (chipandco.com)

2010 Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Heartwarming Favorites Make Spirits Bright At Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Parks

By

Chip

-

November 14, 2010

When it comes to enjoying the magic of the holiday season with family and friends, there’s no place like Disneyland Resort. The holidays will shine brightly throughout the resort from Nov. 12 through Jan. 2, 2011, as guests create memories for a lifetime.

Guests will enjoy the return of Disneyland Resort’s most popular offerings, including special holiday versions of “it’s a small world” and Haunted Mansion, along with “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, colorful holiday décor and a nightly snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A.

Other holiday highlights at Disneyland will include the traditional snowdrifts and icicles adorning Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle. After dark a sensational holiday lighting and special effects show will carry the magic of the holidays from the castle all the way to the Christmas tree in Town Square. The 60-foot-tall Disneyland Christmas tree is specially designed to present a nightly holiday light show like no other with more than 62,000 energy-efficient LED lights.
The Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle presentation unfolds throughout the evening in three acts, each of them featuring a touch of winter snow on Main Street, U.S.A. The finale of the show includes the legendary “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks show, which takes guests on a journey of sights and sounds of the season and ends with a touching rendition of “White Christmas,” along with a climactic snowfall swirling down on Main Street, U.S.A., “it’s a small world” Mall and New Orleans Square.

A holiday tradition in Disneyland is “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, in which Disney characters join together to celebrate the magic of the season. Guests can watch as the characters wrap gifts, bake holiday treats and prepare for the arrival of Santa Claus, who shouts a jolly greeting to spectators along the parade route. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse even take to the ice for some skating fun.

Themed entertainment, sparkling decorations and tasty treats add festive warmth to holiday fun at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Guests also will be able to book guided holiday tours that provide entry into “it’s a small world” Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday, reserved seating for the Disneyland “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, a keepsake remembrance, and entertaining information about the history behind Disneyland holiday traditions. For information and reservations guests can visit Disneyland City Hall or call 714/781-4400.
Returning holiday favorites at Disneyland park include:

“it’s a small world” Holiday transforms “it’s a small world” into a worldwide celebration of the season, boasting more than 300,000 glittering lights on its facade.
Haunted Mansion Holiday presents a madcap celebration as the traditions of Halloween and Christmas collide. The ghoulish but well-meaning Jack Skellington from the film “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” has come to Haunted Mansion to transform it with his skewed vision of the holidays.
Santa Claus and his reindeer will return to greet Disneyland guests at Santa’s Reindeer Round-up in Big Thunder Ranch, Frontierland. Kids and their families will chat with St. Nick and see real reindeer grazing in a corral.

Disney California Adventure park celebrates the season with fanciful park-wide decorations and lively entertainment.

Guests approaching the park will immediately get in the holiday mood as they encounter the iconic “CALIFORNIA” letters transformed to appear as swirling red and white peppermint sticks.
“a bug’s land” transforms as Flik and his bug buddies spread giant Christmas lights and oversized ornaments throughout their realm.
The holiday scene along the Paradise Bay boardwalk includes a beautifully decorated Christmas tree and lampposts decorated with seasonal wreaths.
Santa Claus will greet guests on the boardwalk near Ariel’s Grotto on Paradise Pier.

Guests in Disney California Adventure won’t want to miss the other park entertainment, highlighted by the all-new “World of Color” nighttime water spectacular, which brings its own brand of after-dark magic to the Paradise Bay lagoon. Meanwhile, in the entry plaza of Disney California Adventure and the adjoining Hollywood Pictures Backlot district, the immersive “ElecTRONica” nighttime street party will put guests of all ages “on the grid” and into the environment of the new Walt Disney Pictures feature, “TRON: Legacy.” “ElecTRONica” parties take place Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and nightly from Dec. 17 through Jan. 2. “ElecTRONica” will continue into spring 2011.

Also part of the regular Disney California Adventure attractions and entertainment lineup:

“Pixar Play Parade” is complemented by two new shows: the energetic “dance-off” competition of “Disney Dance Crew” on the Backlot Stage in Hollywood Pictures Backlot, and the rock concert-style “Disney Channel Rocks,” featuring music from Disney Channel movies and series, performed on the Palisades Stage in Paradise Park, alongside Paradise Bay lagoon.
In Blue Sky Cellar at Golden Vine Winery, the Imagineers’ workshop offers guests a preview of what’s coming to Disney California Adventure, including The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure in 2011.
Guests along Paradise Pier in Disney California Adventure also will enjoy the newly enhanced Toy Story Mania! and Silly Symphony Swings attractions, along with such popular favorites as California Screamin’ and Mickey’s Fun Wheel.

The Downtown Disney district and the Disneyland Resort hotels will join in the merriment with twinkling lights and ornaments, special entertainment and holiday dining. Expanded hours at both Disneyland Resort theme parks will extend the holiday fun. For more information about holidays at Disneyland Resort, visit www.disneyland.com/holidays.

Disneyland Resort features two fantastic theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and Disney California Adventure – plus the Downtown Disney District comprised of unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. The resort’s three hotels are the luxurious 948-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the magical 970-room Disneyland Hotel and the 481-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel with its day-at-the-beach fun. For information on new attractions and vacations at Disneyland Resort visit www.disneyland.com, call 866/60-DISNEY or contact local travel agents.

Taking Holiday Magic from Disneyland Resort to the Jauregui Family (chipandco.com)
Take 5 with Holidays at Disney Parks 2009 (chipandco.com)
Hey, That Sounds Like Neil Patrick Harris (chipandco.com)

Heartwarming Favorites Make Spirits Bright At Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Parks

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