Playing Hide and Seek with Mickey

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September 5, 2010

I remember the first time I heard someone say they were looking for Hidden Mickeys. “Oh, that sounds like fun for the kids! Mickey plays Hide and Seek with them!” I have since found out…as many others have as well….that Hidden Mickeys are, yes, kind of a game, but in my opinion, a lot more fun than Hide and Seek…for kids of all ages.

First, a definition, in case you are wondering: Hidden Mickeys are Mickey-head shaped designs that have been hidden all over Walt Disney World by the Imagineers as they came up with the plans for every ride, attraction, restaurant, and resort hotel. They are literally everywhere.

And some of them are very hard to find. Which is why they are called Hidden Mickeys. And why looking for them is so darn fun.

I have to say that this is one of my favorite activities to suggest to families with kids, especially for older ones who want more of a challenge than standing in line for character autographs. You can make it a mission to search for them on every ride you go on. They are there! Make a game of it and award “prizes” to the person who finds the next one if you like. There’s all kinds of ways you can incorporate the hunt for Hidden Mickeys into your vacation, and if your kids are of the age where they love scavenger hunts, they are gonna love this.

Now one thing that I especially love about this, is the potential for having an entire vacation day designed around hunting for Hidden Mickeys….that doesn’t even involve going to any parks. Which means it doesn’t involve paying for park tickets that day. What a great way to get an extra day out of your vacation without spending a lot!

I think the best way to approach this if you want to try it, would be to pick up a copy of Steve Barrett’s Hidden Mickeys to refer to on your search. Steve Barrett is THE authority on Hidden Mickeys and his book has a number of chapters of where to look for them literally everywhere on Disney property. He gives you clues about where to look….and believe me you’ll need the clues…and does provide hints at the end of each chapter if you are completely stumped. Even more fun, he sets it up so that you can score points, and see who the “winner” actually is, if you like. It is very easy to concentrate on say, the resorts only, and completely make a day of touring the resorts and looking for Hidden Mickeys along the way. Frankly, you could probably make several days of it.

However you decide to do it, I think that hunting for Hidden Mickeys is an absolute blast for kids of almost any age. Just a warning though: once you start, you will probably find Hidden Mickeys EVERYWHERE…even off Disney property, even after you get back home.

Speaking from experience here though, you may not want to share your “discoveries” with your non-Disney friends….as they are not likely to find it quite as amazing and entertaining as you do. 🙂

Nancy, her husband and college-age daughter live in the Baltimore MD area, but consider Walt Disney World their second “home”. She started her site, The Affordable Mouse, as a way to share ideas about how to plan affordable Disney vacations. Her favorite things at Disney World (in no particular order) are Soarin’, most of the food in World Showcase, Illuminations…and that “Disney magic”.

Champion and Sport Chalet Sponsor Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend

By

Chip

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September 5, 2010

Today, two leaders within the sporting industry announced their official sponsorship of the 5th annual Disneyland® Half Marathon to take place over Labor Day weekend in Anaheim, Calif. For the first time, Sport Chalet joins Champion® Athleticwear, the official performance apparel of the Disney Endurance Series, as the official retailer of the exciting Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend.

As presenting sponsors, Champion and Sport Chalet will receive on-site marquee inclusion within event marketing collateral, program advertising and signage, and goody bags. The apparel brand and retailer will also bring their partnership to life at the Disneyland Health and Fitness Expo with a 20-foot-by-30-foot pop up retail store, which will exclusively sell select pieces from Champion’s popular Double Dry performance collection to participants and spectators alike. More than 14,000 athletes have registered for the Disneyland® Half Marathon and all will be outfitted in a commemorative Champion Double Dry T-Shirt.

“We have a tremendous ongoing partnership with the Disney Endurance Series and are honored to bring our performance apparel to its athletes throughout the year,” said Claire Powell, director, Champion brand marketing. “We’re especially excited for this year’s Disneyland Half Marathon as we welcome our retail partner and West Coast sports staple, Sport Chalet, to celebrate these everyday athletes with us.” Champion men’s and women’s apparel are now available at Sports Chalet locations.

For David Hacker, director of marketing at Sport Chalet, the event sponsorship and apparel partnership with Champion is a testament to the retailer’s identity. “Like Champion, we are a destination for players of all levels, across all sports. We’re thrilled to be the official retailer at the Disneyland Half Marathon and help fuel the passions of the runners.”

Disney Sports Event Director Paul Lambert returns the sentiment and supports the focus on everyday athletes. “We look forward to kicking-off the 5th milestone of our Disneyland Half Marathon with the support of Champion and Sport Chalet. These two sporting icons are sponsors our runners can relate to which is extremely important as we continue to explore ways to enhance the Disney running experience.”

Watch official Disneyland Half Marathon runners navigate through Disney California Adventure® Park and Disneyland Resort on Sunday, Sept. 5, for a chance to earn the coveted 5th Anniversary finisher medal. Runners of all ages will also participate in the Disneyland Fabulous 5K and Kids’ Races and the Disneyland Health & Fitness Expo, which features the latest trends in running, fitness equipment, footwear and apparel.

Jeff Galloway Joins runDisney Team as Official Training Consultant

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Chip

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September 5, 2010

Jeff Galloway, one of America’s foremost marathon trainers, has been named the official training consultant to Disney’s series of endurance events, which has been rebranded runDisney.

Galloway, a 1972 Olympian and founder of the popular Galloway Marathon Training Program, will offer his running and training expertise to beginners as well as experienced runners, helping runners of all ages lead more active lifestyles.

Galloway’s unique training methods and tips will be available to runners through online runDisney videos and programs, as well as through special Galloway appearances at all runDisney events.

Disney’s New Art of Animation Resort Construction Video

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Chip

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September 4, 2010

Here is three videos Jeff Lange took yesterday of the construction at the upcoming Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. The Pop Century Legendary Years were never finished, and the building is now being prepped forth the upcoming resort to be opened in 2012.

Oldies But Goodies – Special Dietary Needs For Seniors

By

Chip

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September 4, 2010

The first thing I want to mention to my fellow Seniors is that there are thousands of people who visit Walt Disney World each week who have either food allergies or special dietary needs. These needs vary from the simple types like low fat or low sodium diets to serious life threatening food allergies to things like nuts and shellfish. If you have a special dietary need you are definitely not alone when dining at Walt Disney World. These needs are not limited to Seniors by any means but I want to address it from a Seniors point of view for a very particular reason – we do not like being a burden or inconveniencing people because we may have a special need. Please do not take that point of view because your health may be at stake and ignoring these needs could make you very ill or worse.

Walt Disney World handles food allergies and special dietary needs beautifully. They are equipped and more than willing to do whatever it takes to keep you safe and healthy while you are dining there. There are a couple of very simple things that you need to do to put the machinery for handling your needs in motion. I’ll cover the basics here but you will find addresses, e-mails, phone numbers, etc. at the following link. Please use it as it will really help: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/special-dietary-requests/ . Detailed instructions are there as well as listings of appropriate venues for some of your particular needs. Please do not forget that keeping Kosher is a valid special need at Walt Disney World.

The most important thing you can do is make the needs known because unless Disney knows you have a special need they can not help you with it. When you make Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR’s) indicate your need on each and every reservation . If your need/allergy is at all complex, I would recommend making ADR’s over the telephone at 407 939-3463 rather than using the on line system. This way you can discuss the issues with a Cast Member. The next thing you need to do is to reiterate your need when you arrive at the restaurant. In many instances, the Chef will likely come out to discuss options (yes, there will be options) available to you. Rest assured – they will take care of you!!

Hopefully, I have been able to reassure you that Disney can handle your dietary needs both safely and effectively. That is not the point of this article though. What I wanted to accomplish was to make sure that you understand that your special dietary need is not a burden or inconvenience to anybody!!! The process is simple and you will be pleased with the results. If you are making your ADR’s, make sure you make the issue known to the Cast Member. If you are traveling with a group, make sure the person making the ADR’s is clear on all aspects of your dietary issues and is able to present them properly. Enjoy your visit and all of your meals.

Disney’s Halloween Festival 2010 at Disneyland Resort Paris

By

Chip

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September 4, 2010

From October 2nd to November 1st, 2010, come and have scary good fun and spooky laughter at Disney Halloween festival where you will discover the mischievous side of Disney characters and their Halloween friends! www.disneylandparis.com

Waking Sleeping Beauty Coming to DVD Nov 30th

By

Chip

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September 4, 2010

In the decade between 1984 and 1994, the animators at the Walt Disney Studio created an unprecedented string of critical and box-office hits that included The Little Mermaid, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King. The documentary Waking Sleeping Beauty offers a rare inside look at the studio’s renaissance–and at the internal tensions that led to its subsequent decline.

In 1984 a stockholders’ revolt brought in a new management team that included Michael Eisner, Frank Wells, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and Roy E. Disney (Walt’s nephew). In the years after Walt’s death, the studio seemed to be sleepwalking, producing well-animated but dull films like The Aristocats and Robin Hood. Instead of asking “What would Walt have done,” the new team and their young artists set out to reclaim the Disney legacy of making films that represented the cutting edge of animation, technology, and filmmaking. But the films’ success led to quarrels among the executives over who deserved the credit. The death of chief operating officer Frank Wells in 1994 exacerbated these problems.

Director Don Hahn (the producer of Roger Rabbit, Beauty and the Beast, and The Lion King) and Peter Schneider (who headed feature animation) combine clips from the films, behind-the-scenes footage, home movies, and interviews with Eisner, Katzenberg, and Disney to present a fascinating portrait of the rise and fall of an entertainment empire. In addition to its obvious appeal to animation fans, Waking Sleeping Beauty offers object lessons in sensible management and the dangers of corporate gigantism. –Charles Solomon

Product Description

By the mid-1980s, the fabled animation studios of Walt Disney had fallen on hard times. The artists were polarized between newcomers hungry to innovate and old timers not yet ready to relinquish control. These conditions produced a series of box-office flops and pessimistic forecasts – maybe the best days of animation were over. Maybe the public didn’t care. Only a miracle or a magic spell could produce a happy ending. Waking Sleeping Beauty is no fairy tale. It’s the true story of how Disney regained its magic with a staggering output of hits – “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” “The Lion King,” and more – over a 10-year period.

Special Features

• Why Wake Sleeping Beauty – Overview featurette
• Untold Bedtime Stories – Deleted scenes from the feature
• The Sailor, the Mountain Climber, the Artist and the Poet – Celebrating Roy Disney, Frank Wells, Joe Ranft, and Howard Ashman
• Studio Tours – Randy’s tours, Roger Rabbit studio, Oliver studio, and the tour we shot at ARL
• A Reunion – Rob Minkoff and Kirk Wise
• Walt – What would Walt do AND compare Walt’s era and this era
• 3 webisode shorts
• Gallery – Photos, caricatures, and art from the era

Cost is $21.49 and is available at Amazon

New Disney Channel Show “My Family Tree” begins production

By

Chip

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September 4, 2010

This article comes to us from Marblehead Patch talking about the upcoming Disney Channel Show My Family Tree.

It has been a celebrity kind of summer in Marblehead. And now the Disney Channel is coming — and bringing a descendant of famous resident Elbridge Gerry.

Noah Gerry, who is 12, arrives in Marblehead late this week with a Disney film crew. Noah is from Jacksonville, Fla., but traces his roots back to Elbridge Gerry, the Marblehead-born patriot and fifth vice president of the United States. Noah’s dad, William Elbridge Gerry, is named after his famous ancestor.

On Friday, Noah Gerry and the Disney producers will film at several spots in Marblehead, including the Gerry School, Gerry Playground and the historic Gerry home on Washington Street.

It’s all part of the new TV series “My Family Tree,” said Disney spokeswoman Patti McTeague. The show features kids “who have self-esteem and a gift of story-telling — a true art form,” she said.

Noah Gerry has never been to Marblehead, but can’t wait to visit.

Click here to keep reading.

New Webcam shows Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World

By

Chip

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September 4, 2010

Weatherbug has a new webcam available at the top of Contemporary Resort for your viewing pleasure. The Camera is pointed at Cinderella Castle and you get a view of Tomorrowland.

Click here to check it out.

Here are some other ‘Disney’ webcams from around Disneyland and Disneyworld.

Meyer Werft is hosting a Disney Cruise Line – Disney Dream Construction Cam
Howard Johnson in Anaheim has a MatterCam pointed at Disneyland
Swan and Dolphin Weatherbug Cam

Zondervan Sponsors ‘Night of Joy’ at Disney World

By

Chip

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September 4, 2010

Zondervan, a world leader in Christian communications, today announced it is a co-sponsor of Night of Joy at the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Park near Orlando, Sept. 10-11, 2010. The event is one of the largest assemblies of Christian music performers in the country.

Zondervan is inviting families, church ministry leaders, youth workers and youth groups to participate. Zondervan staff will be giving guests a chance to sign up to receive free product, including The Story, The Story for Teens, The Prophecy, Starlighter and Premiere.

The festival will feature live performances by 16 of the biggest names in contemporary Christian music, including Chris Tomlin, MercyMe and Casting Crowns. From 7:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. bands will perform on several stages throughout the Magic Kingdom Park. Attendees can enjoy the inspirational mix of rock, pop and gospel while getting their thrills on the park’s exciting selection of attractions. Zondervan will host the Rocket Tower Plaza Stage located in Tomorrowland.

“Night of Joy is a magical evening for Christian youth to celebrate their faith together through music, and we are delighted to help bring such an amazing variety of talent to the 2010 event,” said Steve Sammons, executive vice president of consumer engagement at Zondervan.

Youth leaders and youth groups are invited to join Zondervan in the VIP area during the festival for free giveaways, refreshments and a great view of the stage. Zondervan executive team members Annette Bourland, senior vice president and publisher of Zonderkidz, and Verne Kenney, executive vice president of sales will be on site at Night of Joy and available for interviews. To RSVP, e-mail NightofJoy(at)zondervan(dot)com.

Prices for the special one-night advance tickets purchased online are $49.95, plus tax ($57.95, plus tax if available on night of event). Tickets for both nights — September 10 & 11 — are $89.95, plus tax. For more information or to purchase tickets for Night of Joy, call 407-W-DISNEY or go online and check out www.disneyworld.com/nightofjoy .

2011 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Sponsored by CIGNA Features Magical Miles

By

Chip

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September 4, 2010

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by CIGNA (Jan. 6-9, 2011), part of Disney’s Endurance Series, culminates with a magical 26.2-mile journey through all four Walt Disney World theme parks and several resort hotel areas that is regarded as one of the top marathons for “first-timers” (and veterans alike).

The gala, sports-filled weekend features a variety of events for all ages and running abilities – kids races, a Family Fun Run 5K, Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, the Disney Half Marathon and the Disney Marathon, plus the Health & Fitness Expo.

For the first time in event history, athletes and fans took part in an online poll to choose the design that would grace the coveted medal given to finishers of the full marathon. After receiving more than 50,000 votes, the top vote-getting design – Mickey Mouse, in his running gear, breaking the tape at the Disney Marathon finish line – was chosen. The medal will be awarded to full marathon athletes who finish the race within the time limit.

For athletes that desire even more of an endurance test, there’s Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge. Participants in this event compete in the Half Marathon on Saturday and then the Marathon on Sunday. If athletes finish both races within the time limits, they are awarded a very special “Goofy” medal.

The magical miles in the half marathon and marathon are highlighted by high-energy entertainment – including special appearances by Disney characters – providing a unique form of motivation for athletes. In fact, it’s not unusual to see runners actually stop along the course during the race and stand in line to have their photos taken with the Disney characters.

Note: The Disney Marathon Weekend races traditionally have filled to capacity. Guests can check current registration availability at www.disneyworldmarathon.com.

New Disney Star Tours II Trailer

By

Chip

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September 4, 2010

While we can’t confirm where your Star Tours flight may take you, here’s a sneak peek at a new video that will appear in the queue area of the “re-imagined” Star Tours attraction in Disneyland park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios next year. The video produced by Star Tours is a new “commercial” that shows one of their exciting getaway travel packages. May the Force be with you- always!