Some of the hidden magic from Walt Disney World’s Toy Story Midway Mania and Pixar Place.
Excerpts from “The Hidden Magic Of Walt Disney World” by Susan Veness published by Adams Media.
Princess Tiana Wedding Gown Unveiled at NY Bridal Week
At Bridal Week in New York, Disney Fairy Tale Weddings designer, Kirstie Kelly, unveils the Princess Tiana wedding gown inspired by the one featured in The Princess and the Frog. Also featured are gorgeous bridesmaids and flower girl dresses inspired by the essence of each Disney Princess which shines through on the run way.
Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers (2010)
By Lisa M. Battista
Plan a magical vacation that is perfect for your family.
Lisa M. Battista unveils all the child-focused information, tips, and insights readers need to plan an unforgettable, fun-filled Walt Disney World vacation with their small children, ages 2-5, in Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers in a new, 2010 edition.
Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers (2010) was written by a parent for parents who want to share the magic of Walt Disney World with their preschoolers. Walt Disney World Resort offers a unique vacation experience in a self-contained, easy-to-travel-to destination. However, with four theme parks, a myriad of on-site lodging, dozens of restaurants, and many recreational activities, planning a Walt Disney World trip with young children can be overwhelming. Battista saves parents hours of research by placing all the specialized information right at their fingertips.
Battista knows what parents care about and need to know when planning a Walt Disney World vacation with toddlers and preschoolers including lodging preferences for budget, location, theming, and amenities; attractions including must-dos and which to avoid; hidden activities that are perfect for kids, ages 2-5; dining options; transportation; parades and character greetings; recreation for small children; playgrounds and pools; safety; and seasonal events. Family-friendly features such as strollers, Baby Care Centers and child care options, which make vacationing with preschoolers more relaxed and convenient, haven’t been overlooked.
A parent of young children and frequent Walt Disney World visitor, Battista is continually searching for new ways to enhance the magic of Walt Disney World trips with preschoolers.
Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers (2010) is available at Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/dp/1439257574).
Holiday Version of “It’s a small world” at DisneyLand
Ride through of the holiday version of it’s a small world at Disneyland
Thanks to AllEars.net!
Phineas and Ferb – I Really Don’t Hate Christmas – Dr. Doofenshmirtz
The official music video for “I Really Don’t Hate Christmas” performed by Dr. Doofenshmirtz from the XD show, Phineas and Ferb.
“Toy Story –The Musical†Coming to Disney’s California Adventure Park 2011
“Toy Story – The Musical†will take over Hyperion Theatre in Disney’s California Adventure park in early 2011.
The characters and playful plot from the original Disney•Pixar film, Toy Story, will come to life before your eyes in this dazzling, musical stage spectacular where you’ll be treated to a unique “toys’ eye view†of life in Andy’s room. The stage show will feature larger-than-life set design, new songs, vivid projected backgrounds and elaborate costumes.
The 50-minute musical will preserve the humor and heart of the original film and will explore the true meaning of friendship as Buzz Lightyear and Woody transform from jealous adversaries to best friends with an unbreakable bond.
To make way for this exciting addition to Disney’s California Adventure park, “Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular†will close August 15, 2010. If you’re visiting the Disneyland Resort this holiday season, don’t miss your chance to catch this great show.
“Toy Story – The Musical†is just the latest announcement of a line-up of great attractions and experiences coming to Disney’s California Adventure. To find out about all the new things coming to the park, check out DisneysCaliforniaAdventure.com.
Food Network show to feature Disneyland holiday food
Earlier today we told you about the fresh candy canes made at Disneyland. This weekend, you can see them being made on T.V., along with other Disneyland festive foods.
“Guy’s Disney Holiday,†featuring host Guy Fieri, is set to highlight holiday-themed meals and treats in Disneyland, according to the Food Network Web site. Apparently, Fieri taped the candy-cane making last year.
The one-hour show is scheduled to air on the Food Network at 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5; midnight Sunday, Dec. 6, and 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11.
A Model Day at Epcot — Exclusive Disney Parks Tilt-Shift Video
Great article and video from Disney Park Blog:
It’s ready…our next tilt-shift video is finished — and this time there are fireworks. As you know, our first video was launched to celebrate Magic Kingdom Park’s birthday. Now, just in time for Walt Disney’s birthday on Dec. 5, we’re sharing this never-before-seen “miniature scale†look at Epcot:
Our celebration begins at Spaceship Earth at Epcot and then covers the park. Your favorite World Showcase areas are featured and there’s another special ending too.
Also, you asked and we listened. Our project champion, David Roark, manager of creative photography for Yellow Shoes Creative Group, was able to capture fireworks. This time you’ll see images of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. David did it by snapping one frame a second — using many of the same techniques from “A Model Day at Magic Kingdom Park.â€
Disney Candy Canes Returning to Disneyland
The 35-year tradition of making fresh candy canes is set to return Friday December 4th to Disneyland.
Disneyland guests often line up for the chance to buy a limited number of the newly made sweets. Others crowd around the windows to watch teams of candy makers stretch the liquid-like sugar into hook shapes.
The canes are in such high demand that Disneyland workers plan to hand out tickets on a first-come, first-served basis so guests can return at fixed times to buy a maximum of two canes each, said John McClintock, a Disneyland Resort spokesman. There will be a stand-by line in case guests with tickets don’t come back.
Canes cost $9.95 each.
Makers usually create up to 135 canes, prepared in three batches, in a day at the Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen on Main Street U.S.A. Each cane is wrapped in bubble wrap.
The canes are about the length of a forearm.
Disneyland-goers can find out when candy canes are being made by calling a special phone number, updated each Sunday with information about what kind of candy is being made each day that week. The Candy Kitchen Menu line is 714-781-0112.
Candy makers restrict the number of canes because of the intense heat — between 90 and 100 degrees — needed to melt and mold the goo.
Fun candy cane facts:
- It takes two hours to produce each batch.
- Each batch makes between 40 to 45 canes.
- A team of three candy makers create the canes in a heat-sealed kitchen.
- Cooking time is about a half hour.
- Pulling time is about an hour.
- A block of candy weighs 15 pounds.
Read a full story about how the Disneyland candy canes are made HERE.
Marvel Sets Date for Disney Vote
Marvel Entertainment Inc. said its shareholders would vote Dec. 31 on whether to approve its $4 billion acquisition by Walt Disney Co.
Under the deal, first announced Aug. 31, Disney will pay Marvel shareholders $30 cash and 0.7 shares of Disney stock for every share of Marvel stock.
The acquisition would give Disney access to New York-based Marvel’s stable of popular comic book characters, which include Spider-Man, the X-Men and Iron Man, once licenses with other companies expire. It’s Disney’s largest deal since 2006, when the Burbank entertainment giant bought Pixar Animation Studios Inc. for $7.4 billion in stock.
The deal is expected to close upon approval and turn Marvel into a wholly-owned subsidiary of Disney, Marvel said.
Main Street, U.S.A. Holiday Fun Facts
Some Fun Facts from the Disney Park Blog!
Did you know that a team of 10 cast members create holiday décor all year round at the Disneyland Resort? There are a ton of decorations around the parks, all three hotels and the Downtown Disney District, but here are some specific fun facts about the decorations on Main Street, U.S.A:
- 7,410 total feet of ribbon is used to make 812 bows. That’s 1.4 miles of ribbon!
- 2,365 ornaments on the Christmas tree on Main Street, U.S.A.
- 79,000 ornaments all throughout Main Street.
- 2,015 feet of garland help set the holiday tone.
- 10,395 lights make everything sparkle and just a little bit brighter.
Where to find Santa at Disney World
Here are some places you’re likely to find Santa on Disney property, though if he’s called back to the North Pole, his schedule could change:
** Magic Kingdom: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (intermittently) daily in Town Square next to City Hall. The Jolly Old Elf also makes an appearance in Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on select nights.
** Epcot: 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., 4:10 p.m. to 6:10 p.m. and 6:50 p.m. to 8:50 p.m. daily at The American Adventure. Each country in the World Showcase also features storytellers who describe local holiday traditions. In many countries, the storyteller is a representation of Santa, such as Pere Noel in France and Father Christmas in England.
** Downtown Disney Marketplace: noon to 10 p.m. daily at Santa’s Chalet in front of World of Disney. (Santa Paws for Pets is not offered this year.)
For hotel guests with children who must see St. Nick before he takes to the skies, he will work his magic and make it to most hotels between 5 and 9 p.m. Dec. 24. Look for him in the lobbies of Disney’s All-Star Music, All-Star Movies, All-Star Sports, Pop Century, Port Orleans Riverside, Coronado Springs, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club, BoardWalk, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Villas-Kidani Village and Saratoga Springs resorts; at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (Old Port Royale next to the tree), at Disney’s Contemporary Resort (4th floor) and at Disney’s Old Key West (Papa’s Den).
Santa is also planning to be at Fort Wilderness at 7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve at the campfire location.