What Do You Think is the Biggest Thing That Happened in 1976 – 1980?

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June 19, 2010

This weekly series comes to us from the Disney Parks Blog:

Talk about time flying! We are just flying through these half decades. In this week’s countdown to the 55th anniversary, we’re looking at 1976 to 1980.

By just glancing at the title of this post, you can tell it was another busy five years.

While it can be hard to pick just one favorite attraction or event in a half decade, there is one project that is very dear to Tony Baxter, Senior Vice President, Creative Development at Walt Disney Imagineering. It’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. We asked Tony if we would share his thoughts in this five-year period, and he gave us some insight into the thought that went into creating this attraction.

“When planning the design for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad,” Tony recalls, “we turned to National Geographic Magazine for research. There in the opening paragraph in an article on Utah’s Bryce Canyon was the statement, “When you first glimpse the canyon you will feel that it was the creation of Walt Disney…” That settled it — Bryce Canyon would be the theme for the Disneyland attraction.

The charm of the attraction is the rockwork. If you look at rockwork in other parks you get the feeling that the train was there first, and the rocks “grew” around the train. Big Thunder Mountain is absolutely convincing because it appears that the track was laid out to fit an existing landscape.”

Before you decide what you think is the biggest addition to Disneyland park in 1976 to 1980, take a look back:

1980 – Disneyland park kicked off a year-long Silver Anniversary celebration with a pre-parade show at the Tournament of Roses on New Year’s Day in Pasadena. Several special parades and shows followed for the rest of the year, but it was a special event in March, featuring Michael Jackson and Danny Kaye, that brought national attention to the celebration. On July 17, the 25th anniversary of the park’s opening, doors were open for 25 straight hours. In April, Family Reunion Night Celebration brought out several famous Disney faces, including Jackson, Fred MacMurray, Ernest Borgnine as well as the Carpenters, Ray Bradbury and even…Elliot Gould.

1979 – Disneyland park welcomed its first birth: Teresa Salcedo was born on a busy July 4th near Main Street, U.S.A., and she was later presented with the official “Disneyland Birth Certificate No. 1.” Teresa wasn’t the only new addition, as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad took its maiden trip in September. Celebrating his 75th birthday in grand style, Count Basie welcomed several of his closest celebrity pals to a summer party, including Sammy Davis Jr. and Ed McMahon Other hot names (for the time) who showed up throughout the year included Peaches and Herb, Evelyn “Champagne” King and Buddy Rich.

1978 – Mickey Mouse’s 50th birthday was all the rage, as special shows and parades were peppered throughout the year. The official celebration took place on Nov. 18 and 19, with Annette Funicello and other fave Mouseketeers on hand to celebrate. New elements were added to the popular Matterhorn Bobsleds, while the Disneyland Hotel opened the 13-story Bonita Tower, the first hotel in the U.S. with a solar heating system. Grad Nite continued its popular run, growing to eight parties for 821 high school graduating classes.

1977 – Openings and closings highlighted the year, as famed astronauts, including Alan Shepard, gathered for the opening of Space Mountain…and Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland closed after 21 years to make way for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. In addition to Space Mountain, Tomorrowland also debuted the PeopleMover SuperSpeed Tunnel, Starcade, and the Space Place restaurant. Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade returned for the summer after a two-year break, while an all-new Very Merry Christmas Parade bowed for the Christmas seasons.

Click here to keep reading this article from the Disney Parks Blog.

Three Disney Parks Plan Special Fireworks on July 4

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Chip

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June 19, 2010

Guests celebrating the Fourth of July at Walt Disney World Resort will have a choice of fireworks shows as Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios present special pyrotechnics, and Epcot adds a patriotic “tag” to its famous “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” spectacular.

Here’s what’s in store (entertainment and park hours are subject to change without notice):

Magic Kingdom – “Celebrate America Fireworks” will fill the sky at 9 p.m. July 4 (guests who’d like to begin the celebratory weekend a day early can enjoy the special fireworks on July 3 at 9 p.m.). After the fireworks, guests can enjoy Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” of lights, music and magic at 10 p.m. and midnight on July 4 (on July 3, the parade will be at 10:30 p.m.). Park hours on July 4 are 8 a.m.-1 a.m.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Special fireworks set to a rock ‘n’ roll soundtrack will be presented at 9:50 p.m. on July 4, providing guests with a bonus nighttime entertainment extravaganza to complement “Fantasmic!” (which will be at 9 and 10:30 p.m.). Park hours on July 4 are 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Epcot – “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” which features dazzling special effects, colorful lasers, brilliant fireworks, and fiery torches all choreographed to a musical score, becomes even more dynamic on July 4 as the normal show is supplemented with a patriotic finale.
The performance begins at 10 p.m. Earlier in the day, guests will be treated to the Voices of Liberty 4th of July Concert – featuring an expanded cast of singers plus the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps and Disney characters – at 12:30, 1:45 and 3 p.m. on the America Gardens Theatre stage. Park hours on July 4 are 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Guests can enjoy all the regular attractions and shows on July 4 from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Famous Fan Spotted at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Event

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Chip

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June 19, 2010

With more than 300 events taking place at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex each year, you never know who will show up. This week it’s well-known actress (“Desperate Housewives”) and creator of the new website for women, GetHatched.com, Teri Hatcher. Teri’s daughter, Emerson, happens to be playing in one of the largest AAU girls volleyball tournaments in the country.

The “Supernova All-Stars” from Los Angeles are among 1,100+ teams competing in the 37th Annual AAU Girls Volleyball Junior National Championship. Like many athletes and teams that visit ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, the “Supernova All-Stars” team spent some time enjoying the Disney theme parks. We caught up with Teri and Emerson, proudly wearing their Mickey Mouse ears, in the Magic Kingdom with Mickey himself. Have you spotted any stars while visiting ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex?

ESPN WWOS AAU Championships Showcase Nation’s Top Basketball Talent

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Chip

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June 19, 2010

You recognize the faces from courtside huddles during basketball games on ESPN, but now they’re sitting in the stands just like everyone else. The occasion is the “Super Showcase” – the Amateur Athletic Union National Basketball Championships – an event that annually draws coaches from top NCAA basketball programs to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
And as in years past, a “who’s who” of college basketball will congregate around the courts at The Field House and Jostens Center July 20-27 for showcases in the boys 15-, 16- and 17-and-under categories. Each coach will have a similar two-fold goal: to evaluate the top prep players in the country, and identify the top hoop athletes to target for scholarship offers. Noted AAU alumni include LeBron James, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade.
The AAU, one of the largest non-profit volunteer sports organizations in the country, sanctions as many as 12 national championship basketball events each year at the complex. In all, the AAU conducts more than 40 national events on Disney property each year, including baseball, girls’ and boys’ basketball, gymnastics, inline hockey, track & field, wrestling and several other sports.
For more information, visit ESPNWWOS.com.

Toy Story 3 Easter Eggs

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Chip

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June 19, 2010

I know most of you are going to see Toy Story 3 this weekend, myself included. Here is a list of Toy Story 3 Easter Eggs to look out for from our friends at /Film.

I have made a mental list and I am going to be one of those people telling my friends all the little Easter Eggs as they come up on the screen..Yes I am that guy 🙂

Click the link here to check them out..

A Disney Dream Comes True for Ohio Girl

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Chip

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June 19, 2010

A little girl named Shailynn who suffers from Cystic Fibrosis recently had her wish to visit Walt Disney World granted thanks to Kids Wish Network and some outstanding sponsors from in Ohio and Florida.

Within the first year of her life, Shailynn was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. This is a chronic disease that causes mucus buildup to clog various organs including the lungs, pancreas, liver and intestines. The condition often leads to life-threatening lung infections and also interferes with food absorption. When she was six, Shailynn was hospitalized for two months because of problems with her treatments, which are twice daily treatments with both a nebulizer and a percussion vest. She is on a rigorous daily medication regimen and must take enzymes before eating to ensure that the nutrients are absorbed properly.

Shailynn’s legal guardian, her aunt Cyndi, had a friend who referred Shailynn to national children’s charity Kids Wish Network in the hopes that they could grant the little girl’s fondest wish. Once she was referred, it wasn’t long before Shailynn was telling a Kids Wish Network wish coordinator that she wanted to visit Disney World in Florida for her wish.

“She knew that this wish was for her, but Shailynn wanted something we could do as a family” and Disney World was her first choice, said Cyndi.

When they family touched down in Orlando, Cyndi said that the trip “was just one surprise after another!”

Shailynn, her little sister, her aunt and her uncle enjoyed luxurious accommodations at the Royal Plaza Hotel; Shailynn’s wish coordinator even arranged for the family to have dinners at some fantastic restaurants in Orlando every night as well. Every experience would be special for Shailynn and her family; in fact, at Mikado’s Japanese Steakhouse, the staff brought her a giant gift basket filled with lots of her favorite toys and gifts! Upon seeing the basket, Shailynn turned to her aunt with a smile and said, “Aunt Cyndi, I really DO feel special!”

On their first day in Florida, as they were heading into the Magic Kingdom, Cyndi said that “Shailynn looked at me with tears in her eyes and said, ‘Aunt Cyndi, I’m so excited! I’m trying not to cry.'”

Shailynn and her family visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom during their four day stay and they enjoyed every second of every day.

“Everything was new to them [Shailynn and her sister],” said Cyndi. “They loved everything and they were in awe…their heads were in the clouds! The whole trip was a blessing. There were so many moments where my heart just swelled to see them so happy…more kids should be able to enjoy that.”

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for making Shailynn’s wish such a special experience: Cortland Lions Club, Cortland Masonic Lodge #529, Cortland Moose Lodge #1012, Opal Chapter #181 Order of the Eastern Star, The Youngstown Fraternal Order of Eagles, Cortland-Bazetta F.O.P. #168, Niles F.O.P. Lodge #27, Lt. Peter Lucic: Deputy Roger Gregory – Ohio F.O.P. #137 – Trumbull Deputies, Plumbers & Pipe Fitters Local #398, Royal Plaza Hotel, Compassion Partners, WonderWorks, Pirates Dinner Adventure Theater, Wet ‘N Wild, Chili’s Bar & Grill and Mikado Japanese Steakhouse.

Kids Wish Network is a nationally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children in crisis. Every child deserves a chance at happiness; a wish is just a way of bringing them that joy. If you would like to sponsor a child’s wish or if you know a child who is suffering from a life-threatening illness and may be in need of Kids Wish Network’s wish granting services, please call 727-937-3600 or toll free 888-918-9004. For more information on Kids Wish Network, visit their website at www.kidswishnetwork.org

Exclusive “John Lasseter Talks Toys” Video Series

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Chip

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June 19, 2010

Look who we found? The lost video Vol. 7: Mr. Potato Head now on Disney Living YouTube

WHAT: Just in time for the release of the much anticipated Disney•Pixar film, Toy Story 3, Disney Living has found the never before seen John Lasseter Talks Toys Vol. 7 video: Mr. Potato Head. The video series was released exclusively on Disney Consumer Products’ YouTube channel, Disney Living, last fall prior to the re-release of Toy Story and Toy Story 2 in 3D and received rave reviews by Disney•Pixar fans, toy collectors, children of all ages and the blogging community receiving over 500,000 video views.

Disney Living got many inquiries and comment posts from fans asking, “what happened to Mr. Potato Head?”, well we searched around, found all his parts and it’s now airing on Disney Living. Each video offers a different part of the story from Lasseter’s own words to a profile on each character- including Sheriff Woody, Rex, Space Aliens, RC Remote Control Car, Buzz Lightyear and now Mr. Potato Head- along with never-before known facts and more.

From the stitching and facial expressions to the original packaging seen in the film, Lasseter explains why this new Definitive toy line is a collector’s dream. The highly detailed replicas are fully articulated and come with many features such as sound effects and even include a Certificate of Authenticity. (Now available at mass retailers, Disney Stores and www.Disneystore.com.) There’s a whole new toy line out now inspired by the third film that will complement any collection.

WHO: John Lasseter, chief creative officer of The Walt Disney Company and Academy Award®-winning filmmaker and director of Toy Story and Toy Story 2.

WHERE: www.YouTube.com/DisneyLiving, the official YouTube channel from Disney Consumer Products. Press, bloggers and fans are invited to embed the video to their sites directly from Disney Living. Click here to copy the embed code to your clipboard (IE only) or click here to copy embed code from our You Tube page.

Disney Connects with the Hottest “New School” Designers to Create Toy Story 3 Fashions

By

Chip

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June 19, 2010

Disney Consumer Products (DCP) unveils limited edition Toy Story 3 designer t-shirts by fashion provocateurs Henry Holland, Victor Glemaud, Jonathan Saunders, Costello Tagliapietra, and Cassette Playa at a private celeb-studded fashion unveiling at REVOLVEclothing boutique in West Hollywood. Each designer was inspired by a Disney-Pixar Toy Story 3 character and chose Rex, Hamm, Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear as their design muses. On the same day as Disney-Pixar’s Toy Story 3 film opens in U.S. theaters (June 18, 2010), these edgy couture tees inspired by the franchise are now available exclusively at the popular online retailer REVOLVEclothing.com and at the REVOLVEclothing boutique for SRP $70-$108.

Celebrities in attendance for the unveiling included Cheryl Burke, Shonda Rhimes, Agyness Deyn, Krysten Ritter, Drew Seeley, among others.

“Since the Toy Story film franchise debuted in the mid ’90s, many young and aspiring designers have grown up with these Toy Story characters, so it’s fun to see their generational connections to the pop-culture phenomena and how it inspires them from a fashion perspective,” said Pam Lifford, executive vice president, global fashion and home, DCP. “It’s collaborating with trend-forward designers like these that enable Disney to stay on the cusp of the latest trends and keep its lifestyle collections fresh, cutting edge and vibrant for consumers and fans of all ages.”

Since 2002, Disney has collaborated with popular designers from Dolce & Gabbana to Jean Charles de Castelbajac and Stella McCartney to make classic characters like Snow White, Mickey Mouse, Alice In Wonderland and others forever fashionable.

Produced by Mighty Fine Inc., there are five limited-edition t-shirt designs in total, which are available in both men’s and women’s styles and feature:

-Woody – by Victor Glemaud

-Rex – by Jonathan Saunders

-Hamm – by Costello Tagliapietra

-Buzz – by Cassette Playa

-Jessie – by House of Holland

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905684203 KsmYa M

Captain EO is back at Disneyland Paris

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Chip

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June 18, 2010

Hundreds of fans gathered on June 12, 2010 for the grand reopening of Captain EO. They didn’t want to miss the chance of being the first ones to see their idol Michael Jackson once again on the big screen, in 3D!

High School Athletes ‘RISE’ Above in Multi-Sport Showcase at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex July 14-27

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Chip

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June 18, 2010

For two weeks in July, the ESPN RISE Games presented by Target will bring together more than 13,000 student athletes at the newly re-imagined ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Returning for its second year at the complex, the July 14-27 event features the country’s premier high school basketball, football, lacrosse and soccer talent, along with competitive events in baseball, basketball, field hockey, lacrosse, softball and track & field.
The ESPN RISE Games presented by Target is anchored by four elite high school sports events:

AAU 17-under Boys Basketball Super Showcase presented by Champion
Under Armour High School Softball All-America game
Champion Gridiron Kings, an elite 7-on-7 high school football event
Champion High School Showcase, a US Lacrosse boys and girls event new in 2010.

One of the first ESPN-themed events since the complex rebranding in February, this year’s games provide the opportunity for athletes to experience “the big time” through multiple broadcast platforms.

The Under Armour High School Softball All-American game, Champion Gridiron Kings, AAU 17-under Boys Basketball Super Showcase presented by Champion and Champion High School Boys Lacrosse Senior Showcase will be televised on ESPNU live and as pre-recorded shows; and ESPN3.com will carry live competitive events.

The ESPN RISE Games presented by Target has grown from hosting 4,000 student athletes in its 2009 inaugural at Walt Disney World Resort to an expected 13,000-plus this July.

For more information, visit ESPNWWOS.com.

Treasure Coast Welcomes Relaxing Retreat At The Spa at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

By

Chip

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June 18, 2010

Soothing services designed to melt away stress and restore the mind and body will be available soon at The Spa at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. The relaxing retreat will offer pampering treatments for both overnight guests of the Disney Vacation Club resort and locals beginning mid-August.

The 1,000-square-foot facility will complement the nautical design of the picturesque 211-room Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. The new spa will include one wet treatment room ideal for indulgent body scrubs and aromatic body wraps, plus a vichy shower. Two massage rooms, one manicure/pedicure room and a relaxation room will round out the space. Couples massages, kids’ treatments and spa products will be offered.

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort offers several dining options, recreation activities and health club, and a variety of accommodations – from studios to three-bedroom cottages. For more information, contact 407/W-DISNEY.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Grand Opening – Lines, Pictures, and Video

By

Chip

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June 18, 2010

Well I for one am glad I did not goto the grand opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Last Wait Times I heard was 8-10 hrs just to get in there. Forget that! I also heard that they closed the gates just before 11 as they were at capacity. Luckily no incidents as of yet.

Here is a collection of pictures, video, anything I could find concerning the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Grand Opening!

Attractions Magazine Photo Gallery

First guests officially let into Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Grand Opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Wizarding World Wave

The 7 hour wait in 4 minutes

Universal Studios Coverage – Pictures and Video

I would say the best coverage of the event is coming from The Leaky Cauldron Website. It has video, pictures, and plenty of information. Check them out!