Refurb/Closure Schedule for Walt Disney World April 2010

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April 15, 2010

Refurb/closure information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting. Updated information is available at http://www.disneyworld.com

Current

Ranchos Quiet Pool (Coronado Springs Resort) closed through 4/16/10 for refurbishment.
All Star Music Resort Bus Depot closed through April 2010 for resurfacing. Buses to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Epcot stop in the parking lot across from the check-in parking. Buses to Hollywood Studios and the water parks are to the left as you exit the resort’s main entrance.
Teamboat Springs (Blizzard Beach) closed through 5/15/10 for refurbishment.
Cantina de San Angel (Epcot) closed through Fall 2010.

Upcoming

Muppet Vision 3D (Hollywood Studios) closed 4/24/10-5/14/10 for refurbishment.
Stormalong Bay Pool Slide (Yacht & Beach Club Resorts) closed 5/2/10-5/31/10 for refurbishment. Guests may use the rest of the Stormalong Bay pool complex or use the pool slide at the Boardwalk.
Fast Forward Arcade (Pop Century Resort) closed 5/10/10-5/12/10 for refurbishment.
Baby Care (Magic Kingdom) closed 5/14/10-5/20/10 for refurbishment.
Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster (Hollywood Studios) closed 5/15/10-5/20/10 for refurbishment.
Lake Buena Vista Golf Course closed 5/17/10-5/27/10 for refurbishment.
Magnolia Golf Course closed 5/24/10-6/3/10 for refurbishment.
Palm Golf Course closed 6/1/10-6/10/10 for refurbishment.
Osprey Ridge Golf Course closed 6/7/10-6/17/10 for refurbishment.
Oak Trail Golf Course closed 6/14/10-6/20/10 for refurbishment.
Lake Buena Vista Golf Course closed Mondays only 6/21/10-7/26/10 for refurbishment.
Palm Golf Course closed Tuesdays only 6/22/10-7/27/10 for refurbishment.
Magnolia Golf Course closed Wednesdays only 6/23/10-7/28/10 for refurbishment.
Osprey Ridge Golf Course closed Thursdays only 6/24/10-7/29/10 for refurbishment.

Click here for April’s Disneyland Refub/Closure Schedule.

Refurb/Closure Schedule for Disneyland April 2010

By

Chip

-

April 15, 2010

Refurbishment/Closure information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting. Updated information is available at http://www.disneyland.com

Current

Matterhorn Bobsleds (Disneyland) closed through 4/16/10 and 4/19/10-4/23/10 for refurbishment.
Princess Dot Puddle Park (DCA) closed through 4/16/10 and 4/19/10-4/23/10 for refurbishment.
Golden Vine Trattoria (DCA) closed through 4/26/10 for refurbishment.
Corn Dog Wagon (Disneyland) closed through 5/4/10 for refurbishment.
Rivers of America (Disneyland) closed through 5/6/10 for a major refurbishment. All attractions requiring the use of the river will also be closed.
Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes (Disneyland) closed through 5/6/10 for refurbishment.
Tom Sawyer Island (Disneyland) closed through 5/6/10 for refurbishment.
Sailing Ship Columbia (Disneyland) closed through 5/6/10 for refurbishment.
Mark Twain Riverboat (Disneyland) closed through 5/14/10 for refurbishment.
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (DCA) closed through 5/20/10 for refurbishment.
Fantasmic! (Disneyland) closed through 5/27/10 due to major refurbishment of Rivers of America.
Orange Stinger (DCA) closed through 5/28/10 for refurbishment. It will re-open as Silly Symphonies Swings.
Tomorrowland Terrace (Disneyland) closed through 7/2/10 for refurbishment. Jedi Training Academy will continue to be offered while the restaurant is closed.
Tower of Terror Fastpass (DCA) will not be offered through 8/15/10 due to construction of the connector between Bug’s Land and Tower of Terror. A more permanent route is being built between the two lands.
“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 3/24/11 due to construction in the area. Corn dogs are currently available at the Bountiful Valley Farmer’s Market.

Upcoming

Disneyland Monorail (Disneyland) closed 4/19/10-4/20/10 for refurbishment.
Disney Showcase (Disneyland) closed 4/20/10-4/21/10 for refurbishment.
Disney Showcase Annex (Disneyland) closed 4/26/10-4/27/10 for refurbishment.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Disneyland) closed 4/26/10-5/16/10 for refurbishment.
News Stand (Disneyland) closed 4/26/10-5/20/10 for refurbishment.
King Arthur Carrousel (Disneyland) closed 5/8/10-5/10/10 for refurbishment.
Splash Mountain (Disneyland) closed 5/17/10-5/27/10 for refurbishment.

Click here for April’s Walt Disney World Refurb & Closures Schedule.

New Surf’s Up! Breakfast with Mickey and Friends

By

Chip

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April 15, 2010

Great article and video from the Disney Park Blog

Last November we announced the December 11 opening of the new Surf’s Up! Mickey & Friends breakfast at Disney’s PCH Grill on Twitter, and I recently had the chance to check it out for myself.

The newly themed restaurant not only features a standard kids’ buffet with such favorites as pancakes, waffles and bacon, but also includes some delicious choices for adults including breakfast flatbreads from the wood-burning oven, grilled breast of chicken with roasted garlic sauce, and the signature chilaquiles with shredded beef, salsa verde and queso fresco.

I tried everything, but I think my favorite dishes were the egg white frittata with ricotta cheese, fresh basil, spinach and tomatoes, and the indulgent chocolate-peanut butter-banana French toast.

In addition to the food, there are some really fun experiences for kids that set this character breakfast apart from the rest. It’s the only place at the Disneyland Resort where you can dine with Mickey Mouse, and it’s the only dining experience where kids can learn how to ride a wave and practice hula hooping.

Here’s a short video to show you how cute these experiences are:

For more information or to make reservations, please call Disney Dining at (714) 781-DINE.

Of course, Disney’s PCH Grill isn’t the only place you can dine with the Characters. At the Disneyland Hotel, you can find Goofy and his pals at Goofy’s Kitchen, and look for Chip ‘n’ Dale at Storytellers Cafe in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. You will also find character dining experiences in the parks. Do you have a favorite?

Walt Disney Company Commits 1 Million to Rebuild Schools in Quake Devastated Region of China

By

Chip

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April 15, 2010

The Walt Disney Company announced today it will contribute Rmb 1 million to the China Youth Development Foundation (CYDF) to help rebuild schools devastated by a powerful earthquake in the western Chinese province of Qinghai.

“On behalf of The Walt Disney Company, I extend our deepest condolences to the people of China and hope our contribution can help the children and families affected by this terrible earthquake,” said Robert A. Iger, president and CEO, who announced the donation while visiting Shanghai.

Disney worked with the non-governmental CYDF after the devastating 2008 earthquake in Sichuan and Gansu provinces to build both temporary schools and to help in the long-term reconstruction of damaged facilities. The temporary schools have served as an important refuge for children and youth, providing them a nurturing environment where they could regain a sense of normality and continue their education.

“We believe CYDF is well positioned to provide immediate and effective aid to the communities in Qinghai during their time of need,” said Stanley Cheung, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, The Walt Disney Company, Greater China.

About The Walt Disney Company in China

The Walt Disney Company /quotes/comstock/13*!dis/quotes/nls/dis (DIS 36.20, +0.36, +1.00%) , together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a diversified international family entertainment enterprise with five business segments with over 137 000 employees. Our first animation screened in China in the 1930s and today our long association continues with offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou with over 600 employees. Disney is a Dow 30 Company, had annual revenues of over US$36 billion in its most recent fiscal year, and a market capitalization of US$70.21 billion as of 15 April 2010.

Astrid Berges-Frisbey Makes U.S. Debut in “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides”

By

Chip

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April 14, 2010

French Actress to Star with Johnny Depp and International Cast

Astrid Bergès-Frisbey has been selected by producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Rob Marshall to star in the key role of Syrena, a beautiful and alluring young mermaid, in Walt Disney Pictures’/Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ epic adventure “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” the fourth in the blockbuster series of films. Bergès -Frisbey joins Johnny Depp, returning in his iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow. The film is slated to open on May 20, 2011.

Born in Barcelona of French-American and Catalan parentage, and now based in Paris, Bergès-Frisbey, one of France’s brightest young stars, appears in such French films as “La Fille du Puisatier,” “Bruc,” “Extase,” “La Premiere Etoile” and “Un Barrage Contre le Pacifique.” She has also appeared in the telefilms “La Reine Morte,” “Elles et Moi,” “Divine Emilie” and “Sur le Fil.” Berges-Frisbey appeared on stage at the Theatre Marigny in a production of Peter Shaffer’s “Equus.”

“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” is directed by Rob Marshall, whose first feature film was the Academy Award®-winning “Chicago,” followed by “Memoirs of a Geisha” and “Nine.” Producer Jerry Bruckheimer’s films include (producing with Don Simpson) “Top Gun,” “Beverly Hills Cop,” “Flashdance,” and (producing solo) “Con Air,” “Armageddon,” the “Pirates of the Caribbean” trilogy and the “National Treasure” franchise, as well as this summer’s “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time” and “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.” JBTV’s current series are “C.S.I.: Crime Scene Investigation” and its spin-offs “C.S.I.: Miami,” “C.S.I.: NY” and “Without a Trace,” “Cold Case,” “The Amazing Race” and “Miami Medical.”

The first three films in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series amassed a total international box office of $2.7 billion.

Beginning in June, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” will film entirely on location in Hawaii, Great Britain and Los Angeles.

Walt Disney’s Los Angeles 1923-1931: A Bicycle Ride to Kingswell

By

Chip

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April 14, 2010

We had a great time at the 2719 Hyperion Sweatbox last Saturday night in Archdale, NC. All the NC Disney Bloggers got together to hang out, have some laughs, and discuss Disney. One of the topics Saturday night was quite imaginative and very interesting.

It was about a imaginary character Buddy and his ventures through the history of the Walt Disney and the Hyperion Avenue Studios. The picture above is more of an inside joke for those there..Just some of the Disney magic at work. In attendance we were able to see some never before seen pictures from the Disney personal collection which was very cool.

I hate that I had to leave before I could see the Progress City USA tour through Walt Disney World 🙁

Here is just a sample of the wonderful presentation I was able to see!

At roughly the same time Mickey Mouse premiered at the Colony Theatre on November 18, 1928, Elsie Robinson gave birth to William Arthur Robinson in Los Angeles, California. He wasn’t even a day old when his father, newspaperman Chester Robinson, bestowed upon him the nickname “Buddy.” Buddy and his parents lived in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles, just east of Hollywood.

On his fifth birthday in 1933, Buddy and his father rode the Red Car over to Glendale where the Alexander Theatre was located. It was there that Buddy saw his first Mickey Mouse cartoon.

On the way home, they got off the Red Car early and walked down a street past a few vacant lots and turned a corner onto Hyperion Avenue. At the corner was a gas station, and next to it on the left was a series of large buildings.

Buddy remembers, “My Dad lifted me up to sit on his shoulders and then he pointed to a large sign perched on top of one of the buildings. There on the sign was Mickey Mouse, happily waving down to my father and me as we stood looking up from the sidewalk. It was silly, but we both happily waved back.” Buddy and his father were standing in front of the Walt Disney Studios, located at 2719 Hyperion Avenue in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles.

Click here for the complete article.

Stay tuned for more information on June’s 2719 Hyperion Sweatbox in the coming months!

Star Wars Weekends Brings Sci-Fi Saga to Life at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By

Chip

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April 14, 2010

Jedis, Wookiees and Ewoks, Oh My!

Once again, the power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine in May and June for Star Wars Weekends, a sci-fi fan-fest inspired by the popular film saga. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 21-June 13, 2010, Disney’s Hollywood Studios becomes the galaxy’s home for out-of-this-world characters including Sith, Bith, droids, bounty hunters, Twi’leks and Rodians.

Dates are May 21-23, May 28-30, June 4-6 and June 11-13. This year’s event will celebrate the 30th anniversary of “Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back,” which first appeared in theaters May 21, 1980.

More than 50 Star Wars characters will roam the streets of Disney’s Hollywood Studios for meet-and-greets and photo opportunities. Also featured: the chance to purchase special- and limited-edition Star Wars memorabilia, Star Wars trivia contests, Jedi Training Academy, Star Wars parades, rides aboard Star Tours and the popular “Hyperspace Hoopla” dance party.

Celebrities from the Star Wars films and creative geniuses who helped create the saga will be on hand each weekend for star conversations and autograph sessions.
(*Talent subject to change)

The celebrity hosts for each weekend are Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett in “Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back” and “Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi”)and Ashley Eckstein (Ahsoka Tano from “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”).

Special guests making weekend appearances include:

May 21-23: Temuera Morrison (Jango Fett in “Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones”), Daniel Logan (Boba Fett in “Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones”), and Dee Bradley Baker (voice of Captain Rex in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”)
May 28-30: Matthew Wood (voice of General Grevious in “Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith” and “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”), Lorne Peterson (model-maker who worked on all six Star Wars live-action films) and Tom Kane (voice of Yoda in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”)
June 4-6: Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian in “Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back” and “Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi”), Ray Park (Darth Maul in “Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace”) and Dave Filoni (director of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”)
June 11-13: Ray Park (Darth Maul in “Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace”), Peter Mayhew (who played everyone’s favorite Wookiee, Chewbacca, in four of the live-action films) and James Arnold Taylor (voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”).

Event activities are included in theme park admission. For more information, guests may go online to starwars.com, disneyworld.com/starwarsweekends or disneyparks.com/blog.

Chubby Checker Brings down Curtain on Flower Power Concert Series at Epcot

By

Chip

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April 14, 2010

“The Twist,” the song that defined Chubby Checker’s recording career, turns 50 in 2010, and Walt Disney World guests will have a chance to hear that classic performed live by the original artist May 14-16 at Epcot in the final Flower Power Concert Series shows of the year.

Chubby Checker’s recording of “The Twist” is the only song in rock and roll annals to enter the Billboard charts on two separate occasions and climb to No. 1 both times (in fall 1960 and early 1962). Chubby Checker’s Web site (chubbychecker.com) also cites “The Twist” for introducing the concept of “dancing apart to the beat” – which later included the Monkey, Jerk, Frug, Fly, Pony, Hully Gully, Boogaloo, Swim, and Shake among others.

Chubby Checker’s shows will take place at America Gardens Theatre at 5:15, 6:30 & 7:45 p.m. each day and are included with Epcot admission. Here’s the full Flower Power Concert Series schedule for May (subject to change without notice):

April 30-May 2: Fran Cosmo, former singer of Boston
May 7-9: Davy Jones
May 14-16: Chubby Checker & The Wildcats

The Flower Power Concert Series is held each Friday-Sunday in conjunction with the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. More information about the festival is available at disneyworld.com/flower.

Bomb squad briefly closes Disneyland shuttle area

By

Chip

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April 14, 2010

A Disneyland shuttle area was briefly closed early Wednesday while the bomb squad checked out a wad of clay stuck to a pole, police said.

The substance was not dangerous, said Sgt. Rick Martinez, spokesman for the Anaheim Police Department.

The shuttle area off of Harbor Boulevard was closed for less than an hour, Martinez said. It reopened about 11:15 a.m..

Both theme parks remained open during the law-enforcement search.

During the closure, Disney employees told visitors to wait outside the gate or walk around through Downtown Disney, which would take about 20 to 25 minutes. Between 50 to 100 people stood on the sidewalk along Harbor Boulevard near Disney Way while police and fire officials checked out the scene.

Martinez said someone noticed the clay-like substance, which was less than the size of a golf ball. The bomb squad was called to look at it, but chipped it off and realized it was nothing.

Betsy Sanchez, a Disneyland Resort spokeswoman, said the area was closed for the safety of guests.

Source

Photo from ocregister.com

Party for the Planet on Earth Day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By

Chip

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April 14, 2010

Another great article from the Disney Park Blog:

April 22 is a very special day for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Not only is it Earth Day, but it’s also our theme park’s birthday. Could it be 12 years already? As an opening team member, I can’t believe how quickly time has flown! And how fitting it is that Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened on Earth Day. Walt Disney — whose life-long love affair with wildlife and wild places inspired animated features, documentaries and more — would have been proud.

There’s no better place to celebrate Earth Day than at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where Guests are invited to Party for the Planet in a fun-filled day overflowing with special activities from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

The party starts just inside the turnstiles, where Guests will be welcomed and begin their celebration. Guests can play earth-friendly games at several activity stations throughout the park, and then head to “party central” — Rafiki’s Planet Watch. It’s the perfect place for kids to get in touch with their inner amphibian (can your child jump as far as a frog?), sea turtle (what’s it like to wear a shell?) or other fascinating creature (be on the lookout for lady bugs). In celebration of the premiere on Earth Day of the new Disneynature film “Oceans,” families will learn actions they can take to protect ocean wildlife and habitats, including coral reefs.

Click here to keep reading.

Disneyland helps local community by generating $248 million in taxes for 2009

By

Chip

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April 14, 2010

The Disneyland Resort and its visitors generated about $248 million in taxes for the area last year, according to a new report.

In addition, the resort contributed the equivalent of more than $12 million to the community through volunteer efforts, in-kind donations and cash.

This week, the company released the Disneyland Resort Community Report for 2009, which outlines how the business and its employees have contributed to the area. The Disneyland Resort is Orange County’s largest private employer with about 20,000 workers.

Here are some of the highlights of last year’s report:

Employees, called Disney VoluntEARS, gave more than 58,000 hours of service in 106 projects.
The company granted wishes to more than 500 children with life-threatening conditions.
Employees packed more than 10,000 donated food boxes.
More than 43,000 tons of material was diverted from landfills.
Energy consumption dropped 4 percent through conservation efforts, including using LED holiday lights.
The addition of the Grand Californian Hotel is making about $2.7 million in Anaheim taxes. See a previous story about the city’s agreement with Disney for the Grand Californian Hotel.

Read a full copy of the Disneyland Resort Community Report HERE.

Find out more about the Disneyland Resort’s taxes and finances HERE.

Source

Joss Whedon directing “Avengers” for Disney/Marvel

By

Chip

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April 14, 2010

Joss Whedon is in final negotiations to direct the movie version of Marvel’s all-star super-hero team “The Avengers.”

Whedon’s name first surfaced on Web site iesb.net in early April as being on the shortlist of directors Marvel was considering for the gig. He quickly and quietly became the only candidate, with reports surfacing Tuesday he was in talks.

Marvel had no comment.

“The Avengers” is the culmination of Marvel’s movies and the storylines featuring the company’s individual heroes: Hulk, Captain America, Iron Man and Thor; other Marvel comic book mainstays include the Wasp, the Scarlet Witch, the Vision and Hawkeye although it remains to be seen which of those characters will make the cut.

Marvel’s dealmaking with its main actors in those previous movies provided for their inclusion in starring roles in “Avengers.” That means Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Chris Evan (Captain America) and Chris Hemsworth (Thor) are expected to take part.

The involvement of Ed Norton, who portrayed Bruce Banner/Hulk, is less clear; the last Hulk movie, released by Universal in 2008, saw the actor clash with the company during post-production, leaving future association in doubt.

Marvel executives have a busy time ahead: “Iron Man 2” opens May 7; they are in production on “Thor” in New Mexico; and “Captain America” begins shooting in England this summer.

“Avengers” is expected to begin shooting in early 2011. Paramount, which has handled several of the company’s recent pictures, presumably will distribute, though Marvel itself is now wholly owned by Disney.

Whedon is well-regarded in the comic community for creating “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” spin-off show “Angel,” and cult sci-fi show “Firefly,” and he directed many of the shows’ episodes. The one feature he directed — the big-screen version of “Firefly” called “Serenity” — received good reviews but failed commercially.

Hiring Whedon as the director of “Avengers” would continue Marvel’s out-of-the-box thinking when choosing directors (and actors, for that matter). Jon Favreau, now a superstar director thanks to the first “Iron Man,” was considered a fish-out-of-water choice for that movie, having previously shot the well-reviewed box-office bomb “Zathura.”