Shanghai Disney's Groundbreaking Video!

Mickey Mouse and more Disney characters dance as the Walt Disney Company and Shanghai Shendi Group, its joint venture partners in China, mark the official start of construction of the new Shanghai Disney Resort at a groundbreaking ceremony on April 8, 2011.


Check out this video from the great guys over at Orlando Attractions Magazine!

Tokyo Disney " The Parks are ready for opening at any time"

A great Disney Park friend of mine Dejiki from Singapore just sent me a new press release from the Oriental Land Company (who run Tokyo Disney Resort). It highlights certain areas of the park and shows very little damage to the place. The Resort has already re-opened it Shopping/Entertainment District "Ikspiari" on the 28th of March and interestingly in the first paragraph the Oriental Land Company announce " The Parks are ready for opening at any time" so I would think its going to be soon, if all is well, that guests can return to asia's finest Disney Resort.

Click here to read the full report with photos >>>> PRESS RELEASE!!

Garden Railway at Epcot!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take a ride aboard the miniature garden railroad at the Germany pavilion in Epcot? If you're like me, you have daydreamed of being a pint-sized passenger on the G-scale trains as they chug their way through the German countryside and past the quaint village square. Well Disney Parks youtube have released a lovely video of this unusual train ride! ....be warned there is a height limit :)

Tom Staggs on Shanghai Disneyland

Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts "Tom Staggs" recently posted a report from the ground breaking of Shanghai Disneyland. He also included some beautiful images of Concept art. See below for his report!

"I’m writing to you from Shanghai where Bob Iger and I are just about to take the stage for a very special ceremony. In just a few minutes we will officially break ground on the Shanghai Disney Resort.

This is truly a defining moment in our company’s history. We will now begin construction on this exciting new site and cause our creative concepts to leap from the drawing boards and become a wonderful new resort where friends and families can visit and play and create memories that they’ll never forget."

"With Shanghai Disney Resort, we have the chance to introduce the Disney Parks experience to an entirely new group of guests. Scheduled to open in about five years, our new resort in Shanghai will include things that you know and love about a Disney theme park such as Disney characters, attractions and storytelling… but it will also feature all-new experiences and stories that were inspired by and created for the people of China. The best way to describe this new resort is authentically Disney, yet distinctly Chinese".

"Shanghai Disneyland will be the name of the theme park itself, but the property will also have two themed hotels, a venue for retail, dining and entertainment, a wonderful sparkling lagoon and some outdoor recreation areas.

We look forward to sharing more details with you, I would like to thank everyone from both Disney and the Shanghai Shendi Group who have worked so tirelessly to make the dream of building a Disney resort in Shanghai a reality."

The Florida Project at Walt Disney World!

Disney Parks Official page has realeased information at a wonderful event inspired by Walt Disney Worlds opening period 40 years ago!....here is the press release!

Are you ready to take a trip back to the past? It seems like not so long ago, Walt Disney World was just a dream, on its way to becoming a reality. Forty years later, I look around to see four major theme parks, two water parks, world-class accommodations, award-winning restaurants, sports, recreation and some of the best shopping opportunities you’ll ever have and all I can say is, “Wow!” How many of you remember being at the Magic Kingdom on opening day?On September 9-11, 2011, we plan on helping to kick off Walt Disney World’s 40th Anniversary celebration withThe Florida Project Trading Event. This nostalgic and retrospective-filled event will take you back to the beginning of what is now called the Walt Disney World Resort.
For those of you who might not know, the storyline for The Florida Project revolves around an alternate Preview Center that we uncovered. It was never used because the official Preview Center opened on Buena Vista Drive. Numerous artists have been hard at work, or in this case they have taken the opportunity to “go back” to the drawing board to create commemorative collections of pins and Vinylmation that represent the past, present and future. One of my personal favorites from The Florida Project Collection is the Preview Center Jumbo Pin. Not only do I love the early 1970s character designs, but it also features a retro color palette that’s synonymous with the 70s.Of course, Vinylmation fans, we have a special Florida Project Vinylmation Showcase taking place just for you on Sunday, September 11, 2011. In keeping with the theme of The Florida Project, the Vinylmation assortment will feature original attractions, classic characters with vintage styling and nostalgic touches that take you back to Opening Day at the Magic Kingdom.And P.S., Passholders we haven’t forgotten about you! We’ve unearthed a very special, limited-edition assortment of Florida Project pins that have been designed exclusively for you.
Registration for this celebratory event will begin today, Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at 2 p.m. EST atDisneyPins.com. This is definitely a “don’t miss” event! Of course, I can’t showcase all of the 1970s inspired merchandise from The Florida Project, but when you visit DisneyPins.com, you can get a sneak peek at some of the nostalgic products that we’ve created just for the event. Keep your eyes peeled over the next few weeks as I reveal more of the assortment from The Florida Project along with Disney Design Group Artist insight into all of the details of The Florida Project...

Disney Magical Moments Festival: Lightning McQueen's Debut!

If you love thrills, spectacular special effects and the action of revving automobiles, then this show is for you…
The most exciting automobile stunt show welcomes a feisty new star! While the Disney-Pixar film Cars 2 is still in the makings, Lightning McQueen has decided to make a pit stop at the Walt Disney Studios Park! Lots of fast-paced memories await you during this exceptional appearance. Watch for the flag—Lightning McQueen is ready to hit the asphalt...moteurs ...action! 

Disney Magical Moments Festival: Following the Leader / Rhythms of the Jungle

In the long list of new attractions and experiences on offer during "Disney's Magical Moments Festival" there are two new mini shows to enjoy, the first is "Following the Leader" with Peter Pan and Company..watch out for Captain Hook! The second is "Rhythms of the Jungle" with Baloo and King Louie...looks guaranteed to be a lot of fun. Check out the video for some clips....

Disney Magical Moments Festival: New Character Moments

During the year long festival there will be many more chances to meet your favourite Disney characters, including, Aladdin, Genie, Rapunzel, Mad Hatter, Alice, Green Army Men...the list goes on.
For some clips of the new meets please check out the video!

Disney Magical Moments Festival: Dance Express

There is a brand new interactive dance show for the Magical Moments Festival. "Disney Dance Express will bring a bright bouncy and fun atmosphere to the park several times a day. With all your friends such as Goofy, Minnie, Donald, Chip 'n' Dale, Pluto and Daisy! The new Disneyland dance troupe are called the "Magic Movers"!


Check out the video for some of the highlights, PLUS some extra footage of the more interactive yet pre-existing "Once Upon a Dream" parade.

Disney Magical Moments Festival: Mickey's Magical Celebration

The first video comes from the Dlrptoday youtube channel. It shows the new daily show starring Mickey...here is what Disneyland Paris Press has to say about it....

Who can resist the magic behind Fantasia, when Mickey becomes an incredible magician?Each day, to celebrate Disney Magical Moments Festival, the Disneyland Park stages a spellbinding show in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle. This fantastic new encounter stars Mickey surrounded by Disney Magicians, from Genie to Merlin, by way of Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother. Mickey becomes the illustrious Magician known the world over. An enchanting moment to share with all the dazzling Disney couples, as well. Anything is possible with a sprinkle of pixie dust and a little imagination. 

See some highlights for yourself!

Disney Magical Moments Festival : Launch

For the launch of Disney Magical Moments Festival on April 2nd 2011, guests and medias were treated to a specially-created show focusing on the themes of the season, featuring lots of performers and a beautiful fireworks display. Check back at the blog soon as we bring you more video updates of new shows and experiences for the "Magical Moments Festival at Disneyland Paris april 2011-april 2012

Disneyland Park to Host World Premiere of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ May 7!

Great news for Pirates fans if you are going to be in Disneyland Resort on May 7th...Here is what Disney Parks Blog had to say about the event-

“Psst…Ye come seekin’ adventure with salty old pirates, eh? Sure you’ve come to the proper place.”Pirates fans are in for a double treat this morning. First, a big announcement, then a special video that takes you back to where it all began.
First, the big news…
Disneyland park will make history on May 7 when we host the first-ever 3D outdoor film premiere of “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of America. All of the film’s stars are expected to attend along with many more Hollywood celebrities.
The Walt Disney Company is hosting the gala event and funds raised from ticket sales will go directly to Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of America is to enable all young people, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
Individual tickets for the premiere event are priced at $1,000 and are now available for purchase atwww.piratespremiere.com.
While only invited guests with the proper credentials may attend the film premiere, a limited number of Disneyland park guests may be able to view the “Red Carpet Arrivals” (the carpet is actually going to be black this time!) on Main Street, U.S.A., although, again, viewing capacity will be very limited.
Disneyland Resort park hours have been adjusted on May 7 for this very special event. Disneyland park will open at 7 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. Disney California Adventure park will open at 10 a.m. and close at 11 p.m.
Now, as a special treat, in this swashbuckling video exclusive, Barbossa takes you on a journey from Pirates’ beginnings at Disneyland park, to behind the scenes “on stranger tides.” It’s clear that the attraction that started it all is never far from the filmmakers’ minds.

 

Walt Disney Pictures’ and Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” opens in theaters May 20, 2011, in Disney Digital 3D™ – and for those of you who simply cannot wait, remember, you can “join Jack’s crew” on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights through May 30, and seven nights a week from April 15 through May 1, exclusively at Disneyland park!
“It be too late to alter course now, mateys.”

Characters take centre stage at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Anyone heading to Disney’s Hollywood Studios next month? If so, you may be happy to hear that there are several exciting new character meet-and-greet experiences in the works for the park.

Beginning May 16, the spotlight at The Magic of Disney Animation attraction will shift to Winnie the Pooh in honor of his upcoming feature film, “Disney’s Winnie the Pooh,” which hits theaters July 15. In addition to meeting-and-greeting Pooh, you also can take a look at the making of the film inside the attraction.

Also on May 16, Disney Channel animated stars Phineas and Ferb (shown here in a photo with Disney Channel star Alyson Stoner at the recent Disney Magic of Healthy Living event at Epcot) will arrive at a new movie-themed play ‘n’ greet experience. Here, the duo are making a movie about their crazy adventures. With the help of the Guests and Cletus Filmore, the greatest movie Director in the Tri-State Area, Phineas and Ferb will recreate some of their favorite moments…unless they are taking a break to meet with their fans – signing autographs and taking pictures.

Changes are also taking place over at Luigi’s Garage in preparation for the release of “Cars 2.” Lightning McQueen will launch a meet-and-greet opportunity, and in June, he’ll make his debut at the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show in a cameo that will replace the Herbie the Love Bug scene in the show. Herbie fans will still spot the lovable little bug during their journey through the Studio Backlot Tour.

Also, additional performances of the Star Wars: Jedi Training Academy and Mulch, Sweat & Sheers have been added to the summer schedule!

Source

A New Pirate sets sail for Walt Disney World!

A new pirate has set sail for Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom due to arrive on April 15. The fiesty "Angelica", Captain Blackbeard's Daughter. Penelope Cruz plays the new pirate in the upcoming "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides." which opens in theaters on May 20th 2011.

"Bust A Move" with Mickey and Pals....

We all know Mickey Mouse is one talented character but Mickey has some hidden talents that might surprise you. With the NCAA Championship game tonight (UConn vs. Butler) Disney thought this might be a cool time to show us this video of Mickey with Minnie and Goofy during the 2010 Old Spice Classic at ESPN Wide World of Sports. Check out their moves...

Ariel Animatronic REVEALED!

Disney are just two months away from the official opening of The Little Mermaid~Ariel's Undersea Adventure. Walt Disney Imagineers are working hard to make sure you feel transported into Ariel's world through every detail - the water, the fish, the hair....yes, the hair! Really needs to be seen to be believed. :D

Tokyo Disney Resort Update..

Officials from Oriental Land Company, the operator of Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, say they expect both parks to re-open sometime in April.

The resort has been closed since a devastating earthquake and tsunami struck Japan on March 12.

While both parks sustained only minor damage in the quake, rolling blackouts have prevented them from functioning normally.

Park officials are weighing their options when it comes to power usage upon the parks’ reopening. They are considering closing the parks at nightfall and even opening them only on alternating days.

April was supposed to be a huge month for the Disney property. Its 10th anniversary celebration was slated to kick off on April 23.

Here is the note on the front page of the official TDL website...

Shanghai Disney to start construction...

Construction of the world's sixth Disney amusement park will start in Shanghai Friday 8th of April 2011!!

Walt Disney Co. and its local partners have issued invitations to "a special event in Shanghai" on April 8, the paper reported Saturday, quoting an anonymous source. Tom Staggs, the head of Disney's parks and resorts division, recently said the project would take five years to complete, so its good news its starting construction soon! 

Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital

There was much excitement in Orlando this morning with the official opening of the Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children. Hundreds were on hand to celebrate the occasion which included a moving dedication ceremony featuring inspirational stories from former pediatric patients. This truly is one of the reasons that make up the Disney Difference.

New Disney Head to Promote Trade!

Disneyland Paris marketing chief Federico Gonzalez Tejera has taken on an expanded role to promote the wider Disney Destinations across Europe the Middle East and Africa.

He has been appointed to oversee marketing and sales to promote Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, and Disneyland Resort in California, as well as Disneyland Paris and Disney Cruise Line to the EMEA consumer and trade media, and to Disney’s travel industry partners in the region.

Gonzalez will be working closely with UK managing director and sales and marketing vice president Hugh Wood to ensure sales developments for the UK reflect Disney’s business priorities in Europe.

His responsibilities as marketing and sales senior vice president Disneyland Paris and Disney Destinations EMEA include overseeing the distribution and marketing strategy implemented by Wood’s team. 

Gonzalez joined Disneyland Paris in 2004 as marketing vice president and was promoted to senior vice president of marketing in 2006, receiving additional responsibilities for Disney Destinations in 2009. Before joining Disney, Gonzalez worked for Procter and Gamble in Spain, Belgium, Sweden and Portugal.

Source: Travel Weekly

New Mickey Mouse Meet and Greet!

Now that toontown has been closed. Mickey Mouse’s new meet-and-greet area  is on Main Street USA! At the "Town Square Theater"/

The theater officially opened its doors on April 1st 2011, and families have been busy lining up to explore the area and try out the park’s first-ever use of Disney’s FASTPASS tickets for a character meet-and-greet experience.

That said, here’s a video that will take you inside the theater, straight to the front of the line.

Star Tours 2 :Destinations!

As well as being a big Disney fan I love Star Wars too, so this news quoted from Disney Press is really exciting!

It won’t be long now before Star Tours re-launches and “The Adventures Continue” at both Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California! But where in the galaxy are we going?
We know a lot of you have been wondering and asking, and today we are happy to reveal the final destinations you can expect to visit when Star Tours resumes service. You already know we’re going to Tatooine for the Boonta Eve Podrace and to Coruscant.Additional destinations include a visit to the beautiful planet of Naboo, a rare tour of the Wookiee planet of Kashyyyk, and a trip to the icy planet Hoth (seen above in a still image from Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back).
Of course, no Star Tours adventure would be complete without an unexpected visit to the Death Star, this time above the planet Geonosis.
In addition, we’ll be departing from a spectacular new Spaceport, created just for the new Star Tours voyages.As revealed earlier, these destinations will be combined in more than 50 different story adventures, so you’ll never know where the Force will take you!