My Disney Blog

Michael Jackson Disneyland Paris 1992

Here's another video - this time of Michael Jackson at Disneyland Paris in 1992. YouTube is so amazing, isn't it?

--- Disney Dean

Michael Jackson at Disneyland 25th Anniversary

I'm still so sad about the passing of Michael Jackson today. Captain EO will be missed by billions of people worldwide. It's so surreal - some people are so much larger than life that you assume they'll always be there. My favorite song was Billie Jean, but my favorite video ever was Thriller. I remember when it first came out, and I was just blown away. Anyway, here is a video of Michael Jackson at the Disneyland 25th Anniversary, from a CBS special.If you haven't seen this special, it is in 6 parts, and was lead by Danny Kaye. It is just a joy to watch this. We will miss you, Michael!
 

--- Disney Dean

Walt Disney on What's My Line

I went to my friend Frank's website tonight, and I see that he has put some YouTube video thumbnails up on his site. One of them was from Walt Disney's appearance on the show "What's My Line". I just finished watching the whole thing, and it was an absolute pleasure to watch. What a great find! I could watch it over and over, listening to him talk about Disneyland and the dawn of television. And, at the end - Jerry Lewis makes a pitch for the MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) - very cool.

Anyway, here it is - Walt Disney on the show "What's My Line", from November 11th, 1956:

--- Disney Dean

The Pirates Leaque at The Magic Kingdom

I am so excited about the upcoming addition of "The Pirates League," setting sail one day before my birthday. The Pirates League opens on June 29th, 2009, and could be considered the counterpart to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (which is awesome, by the way).

My son is going to flip the next time we go to Walt Disney World. He is a huge pirate fan, and loves the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. I can't wait to bring him to this. My daughter was dressed up like Belle for our last trip. And, considering that it was during Tropical Storm Faye, it was just a tad windy. By the end of the day, she ended up looking more like "Dog the Bounty Hunter" than Belle. You should have seen the looks that we received when people were trying to figure out what was 'going on' with her hair! I swear one mom actually moved her daughter away from ours because she didn't know what to make of it. It was funny because she still had the hair extensions in her hair, but had taken off the dress hours earlier because it was "scratchy". We will never forget it! You can actually see it in somewhat rough shape in my profile picture on Twitter. It got even scarier after that. Anyway, I digress from the main subject at hand - PIRATES!

Here is the press release from Disney:

Calling all scoundrels, rogues and ne’er-do-wells – Captain Jack and the crew of the Black Pearl want you.

Starting in late June, the Pearl drops anchor in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom for The Pirates League, recruiting and training Walt Disney World guests of all ages in the scurrilous ways of buccaneers.

Each guest checking in at the plunder-filled pirate’s lair gets an official pirate name.  Then it’s off to Muster Station for applications of beards and eye patches, scarves and scars, earrings and gold teeth – all done with the savvy skill of a veteran pirate who shares his own tales of sea-sailing adventures.

After the new buccaneers recite a sacred pirate oath, they are officially part of Captain Jack’s motley crew, leaving their old identities behind.  Past a hidden portal and into the treasure room, the shipmates have their “pirate portrait” taken before being turned loose on an unsuspecting Adventureland – and no doubt feeling right at home at the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.

Guests can choose from three daily pirate packages:

First Mate Package: Includes bandana; choice of facial effects; scars; tattoos; fake teeth; earring and eye patch; sword and sheath; pirate coin necklace; one 5x7-inch photo; and personalized pirate oath -- $49.95 plus tax.

Empress Package: Includes bandana; shimmering makeup; face gem; tattoos; nail polish; earring and eye patch; sword and sheath; pirate coin necklace; one 5x7-inch photo; and personalized pirate oath -- $49.95 plus tax.

Captains Package: Includes choice of costume/outfit from selection; choice of facial effects; scars; tattoos; fake teeth; earring and eye patch; sword and sheath; pirate  coin necklace; three 5x7-inch photos; and personalized pirate oath -- $124.95 plus tax.

Newly donned swashbucklers can test their pirate prowess on the streets of Adventureland where they search for clues and discover treasures.  And for mateys who need a little more training, learn the secrets for survival by the captain himself during “Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial.”

Boys, girls and grownups ready for the pirate life can start the process by calling 407/WDW-CREW beginning May 11.  For more information about The Pirates League, visit disneyworld.com/crew.

There is another great story regarding this at the Orlando Sentinel - always awesome folks!

Also, check out the page on the Walt Disney World Resort website - arrrrr

--- Disney Dean

The At-Large Disney Fan

I am proud and excited to welcome my friend Frank to the world of blogging! Earlier today, we worked on getting his site up and running, and adding some customization, and I'm sure you are going to love it! Frank and I became friends on Twitter, and interestingly enough, we share the same birthday! I think I speak for a lot of my friends on Twitter, when I say it's awful easy to become friends with him. He is funny (former stand-up comic), family-oriented, and really cares about people. Frank will be sharing his thoughts on Disney, and will share his thoughts on being morbidly obese as well. We can all be along for the ride while Frank strives to improve his health, and also offer all the support we can to help him do that! From reading the first few posts on his site, I think you'll agree he is going to be sharing a lot of great insight.

Please join me in welcoming The At-Large Disney Fan to the world of Blogging! I already have a link to him up on MyDisneyBlog, and I hope you will consider adding a link to his site as well. While you're at it, you might want to comment on his blog, or follow him on Twitter - if you know of some cool customization ideas through 'blogger', maybe you want to connect with him to share what you've learned. I don't know as much about blogger as I'd like, so we could use the tips!

Good luck, Frank, and...welcome to the blogosphere! :)

--- Your Friend Disney Dean

G-Force Arrives July 24th, 2009

As the proud parents of 3 marvelous Guinea Pigs (as well as 3 cats, 2 kids and 1 mouse), we are so excited to see the movie G-Force, from Walt Disney Pictures. It looks like a fantastic movie, having seen it in previews at the movie theater, and our kids really took notice. They can't wait for the movie, either! Well, we won't have to wait too much longer, as it is released on July 24th, 2009.

I'm a little late in getting the poster on here, but better late than never, right? It's all Twitter's fault, by the way! :)

I will post some production images and perhaps a video later today.

--- Disney Dean

Los Angeles Lakers Victory Parade at Disneyland

A fun video of Kobe Bryant at Disneyland. Looks like he's having a great time! Of course, who wouldn't hae a great time at DISNEYLAND!! I think it's cool that the family riding with him was picked out of a crowd!

Celebrating the best in basketball, the Disneyland Resort saluted the 2009 World Champion Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday with a victory parade down Main Street U.S.A, in Disneyland park.  Kobe Bryant, MVP of the recent NBA Finals, smiled and waved to fans as he rode on a float to represent the Lakers in the special, celebration parade. 

Some favorite Disney characters joined the magical parade as Disneyland guests cheered for the Lakers and their 15th NBA championship. The Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic to win the title in a “Fairytale Series” that matched up teams located near Disneyland Resort, in Anaheim, and Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.

“It’s like a dream come true to be here and celebrate at Disneyland, coming down Main Street U.S.A. with all the fans cheering,” Bryant said after the parade. “It’s a tremendous honor to represent my team.”
     
The presidents of the two Resorts, Ed Grier at Disneyland and Meg Crofton at Walt Disney World, made a friendly wager on the NBA Finals.  On Thursday, Meg Crofton fulfilled her pledge by donning a pair of Lakers’ purple and gold Mickey Mouse ears and walking down Main Street, U.S.A., in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. 

Each of the Resorts also turned the lights of their respective castles to the team colors of the Lakers and the Magic, in celebration of the historic pairing. Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland park was glowing with Lakers purple and gold during the NBA Finals and will stay that way through Thursday night. 

“I heard there was a little competition with Disneyland and Disney World and we won,” Kobe Bryant said, “so our colors are staying up a little bit longer.”
 
Two of the many Lakers fans at Disneyland on Thursday were selected to ride the Matterhorn Bobsleds with Bryant after the parade. David Guerrero and his son Jonathan, 4, of Pomona, are Annual Passport holders and they came to Disneyland in their team jerseys to celebrate the Lakers’ World Championship.

“They just picked us out of the crowd and said, ‘Do you want to ride the Matterhorn with Kobe?’ I’m shaking, this is so exciting,” David Guerrero said as Jonathan jumped up and down. “In Southern California, being a Disney fan and a Lakers fan, it just goes together and that’s why we wanted to be here today.”

The Disneyland Resort victory parade provided yet another reason for dancing in the streets as Disney Parks asks guests, "What Will You Celebrate?" in 2009. Guests are celebrating birthdays, graduations, engagements and more at Disney Parks and they are utilizing an unprecedented offer good throughout 2009 – the opportunity to visit a theme park at Disneyland or Walt Disney World Resort free on their birthdays.* 

The summer of celebration continues at Disneyland Resort with special vacation offers and Summer Nightastic! The exciting, after-dark entertainment includes a new fireworks spectacular, "Magical," starring Dumbo the flying elephant; Tinker Bell's "pixie magic" in "Disney's Electrical Parade"; and sensational new characters and special effects in "Fantasmic!" Residents of Southern California can purchase the Summer Fun Pass and visit the parks on three days for $99.** Guests who pay for a three-night vacation package get an extra two nights free for arrivals through September 26, 2009.+ For details, visit www.disneyland.com and www.disneyland.com/summer

*No cash refunds or credits will be given. Valid ID including proof of birth date required at ticket booth. Visit disneybirthdaytreat.com for details and to register your birthday.
**Must provide proof of residency within Zip codes 90000-93599 and 21000-22999. Tickets valid 45 days from first use and first use must occur on or before 8/23/09. Tickets blocked out on 7/4/09.
+Must book by 8/11/09. Number of packages allocated for this offer is limited. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.  Walt Disney Travel Company CST: 1022229-50, NVST No. 2006-0198.

Thanks so much to Disney for sending the video and the press release! Sure appreciate it!

--- Disney Dean

Disney and ASUS Launch Netbook Computer for Kids

Disney Consumer Products (DCP) and ASUS, maker of the pioneering Eee PC™ netbook, have collaborated to develop the Disney Netpal, a netbook computer for children that’s fun, web-safe and easy to use.  Developed with parents and kids in mind, the Disney Netpal by ASUS is durable, with a reinforced mechanical design, and offers a truly magical and engaging computing experience with a unique Disney user interface.  Features include more than 40 robust parental control options, an 8.9-inch LCD display, Wi-Fi capabilities, Windows XP Home, and kid-friendly software featuring Disney characters and icons in stunning visual environments.  Browsers and email have extra filters to assure that parents are able to control online safety and content for their children, and can easily select with whom their children can correspond via email. The Disney Magic Desktop “gadget tray” offers a creatively designed 2D menu displaying Disney-themed email, Disney-themed browser and a robust suite of Disney-themed parental control options.

With a user interface that is incredibly easy to use for both kids and parents, from package to set-up in four simple steps, the Disney Netpal will be available in late July in two models with prices based on features (see graphic below for Netpal feature comparisons).  The Disney Netpal by ASUS is designed for kids ages 6-12.  Retailers include Toys”R”Us and Amazon.com, and the suggested retail price is $349.99.  Carrying cases will also be available separately.

“Today’s kids are a digital generation,” said Chris Heatherly, head of Disney’s Toymorrow team and VP of Toys and Consumer Electronics for Disney Consumer Products.  “Parents are comfortable with their kids using the Internet, but they want to be assured that their kids are having a safe online experience.  The Disney Netpal, designed together by ASUS and our Disney Toymorrow team, is a no-compromise device.  There are plenty of terrific features and fun applications designed just for kids, but parents have ultimate control over the experience, with the power to set limits on how their kids are using the PC.”

Disney’s Toymorrow team is an internal group of Disney inventors, designers, engineers, researchers and product development experts.  The Toymorrow team meets several times a year to brainstorm and develop new products and product concepts that focus on the convergence of toys and digital media in exciting, fun and creative ways. 

ASUS is an established leader in the netbook category and is widely credited with launching the netbook craze, with nearly 7 million Eee PC™ netbooks sold to date.
 
“We’re proud to be involved in the creation of this very unique netbook for kids,” said Eric Chen, Vice President of ASUS' Systems Business Group.  “The Disney Netpal is creatively designed in a way that truly keeps the Disney magic alive, and its state-of-the-art features make it an excellent choice for kids and families.”

Disney Netpal By ASUS Is Easy:  Kid-friendly Disney Magic Desktop, Applications and Widgets
The Disney Magic Desktop installed on the Disney Netpal by ASUS is an easy-to-use interface specifically tailored to kids, with an intuitive visual interface and instructions that make it easy for kids to operate the computer.  Right out of the box, the Disney browser launches numerous kid-friendly Disney websites for kids to explore.  The Disney Magic Desktop features a 2D “gadget tray” that displays bold visual icons for easy access to applications.  Rounding off the Disney Netpal by ASUS’ fun, kid-friendly features are a collection of 15 easily-accessible widgets, including a stopwatch, digital memo pad, which inserts “reminder notes” on the Disney Magic Desktop, and a calculator.

Disney Netpal By ASUS Is Fun, Customizable And Colorful
The Disney Netpal by ASUS features two choices of stylishly designed lids; Disney Princess Pink boasts beautiful pink florals and Disney Magic Blue cleverly displays rows of miniature Mickey Mouse icons.  Kids can dress their desktops with more than 10 customizable themes inspired by popular characters from Disney’s and Disney∙Pixar’s most popular franchises, including Cars, Club Penguin, Disney Classic Characters, Disney Fairies, Disney Princess, Vintage Mickey Mouse, Toy Story and WALL-E.  Themes that appeal to slightly older kids, such as Hannah Montana and JONAS The Series styles, are also available. Favorite character icons can be attached to email addresses.

Additional Disney-developed applications include Disney Mix for music and media management, and Disney Pix for photo customization and organization.  The Disney Pix application features fun Disney Bobblehead software, which lets kids insert images of their faces on top of bodies, download them into videos and postcards and play wacky moving dance scenes, for hours of fun. The Radio Disney widget streams real-time music and lets kids simultaneously submit song requests, if they wish.  The Disney Netpal by ASUS also includes a driving game, number game, memory game and photo scrapbook.

Disney Netpal By ASUS is Optimized for Web-Safety and Sports a Sleek Durable Design
The Disney Netpal by ASUS is designed to be kid-friendly, both in terms of durability and content permissions.  It’s rugged and durable, with a spill-proof keyboard that protects against inadvertent liquid spills. The Disney Netpal by ASUS’ ShockShield data protection guards against data loss when the computer is subject to impact. 

The Disney Netpal also allows parents to create a web-safe computing environment with 40 parental control options. Parents can pre-select email correspondence options, browsers, the websites their kids visit and the programs they use. These permissions can also be scheduled on a calendar, providing parents with a convenient, automated means of granting access on the days and times that they choose. Parents can also pull up data to determine where children spent time, and for how long.  Additional websites can be added for access, but only if the parent approves and submits the request within the password-protected system.

Specifications
Model   Disney Netpal by ASUS MK90H     Disney Netpal by ASUS MK90 – exclusively at Toys”R”Us 
Operating System        Genuine Windows® XP Home        Genuine Windows® XP Home      
Display 8.9” LED-backlit WSVGA screen (1024x600)        8.9” LED-backlit WSVGA screen (1024x600)      
CPU     Intel® ATOM N270        Intel® ATOM N270      
WLAN    802.11 b/g/n    802.11 b/g/n  
Memory  DDR2 SO-DIMM 1GB        DDR2 SO-DIMM 1GB      
Storage 160GB HDD       16GB SSD      
Interface       1 x VGA port (D-sub 15-pin for external monitor)
3 x USB 2.0 ports
1 x LAN RJ-45
2 x audio jacks: Headphone / Mic-in     1 x VGA port (D-sub 15-pin for external monitor)
3 x USB 2.0 ports
1 x LAN RJ-45
2 x audio jacks: Headphone / Mic-in   
Camera  0.3 M Pixel     0.3 M Pixel   
Reader  MMC and SD (SDHC supported)     MMC and SD (SDHC supported)   
Audio   Hi-definition audio CODEC
Built-in stereo speakers
Analog Mic      Hi-definition audio CODEC
Built-in stereo speakers
Analog Mic    
Battery 4200mAh Polymer, 5hrs*  4200mAh Polymer, 5hrs*
Dimensions      248mm (W) x 173mm (D) x 28.7mm (H)      248mm (W) x 173mm (D) x 28.7mm (H)    
Weight  1.2kg with battery      1kg with battery      
Casing Colors   Princess Pink, Magic Blue       Princess Pink, Magic Blue     

*Subject to system configuration and usage.
Note: Specifications are subject to change without prior notice. Please visit www.asus.com for more details.

Thanks to Disney Consumer Products for the information!

--- Disney Dean

Best Disney Podcasts

I just love all my friends on Twitter! Today, I asked the following question "What Disney Podcast(s) could you absolutely not live without". I asked the question for a couple reasons. First of all, I am in awe of ALL the people doing the Podcasts. It is very time consuming, and there is so much heart that goes into each and every Podcast. Second, I wanted to draw attention to some of the various podcasts, because I don't know about all of them, and I'm sure there are others that don't as well. I honestly have just started to get into listening to Podcasts. What fun they are, and I am finding something that I love out of all the Podcasts I've listened to so far. You are all amazing, fantastic people, and I hope you keep up the great work!!

@bobaloo000 WDW Today and MouseStation are the two I listen to.
@DisFanReview As always i am late to the party! Not a podcast, But DisFanReview is on YouTube! www.youtube.com/disneyfanreview
@DisneyGeekDad I must have missed your question I would have voted for MouseStation sandwiched between WDW Radio and WDW Today.
@DisneyDean ALL of them - really like MouseStation too!
@justmikeyhrc AllAbouttheMouse WDWToday WDWRadio MagicCityMayhem and about 6 more. 140 chars isn't enough!!
@magic0214 I CANT LIVE WITHOUT LAUGHINGPLACE PODCAST> BEST PODCAST EVER!
@tiggerlover75 Window to the Magic! Cant live without this Podcast! Its the one I go to when I need a Disney fix!
@KyleJDuffield and window to the magic @wttm
@Copy_Pixie Definitely @wttm I love how immersive it is... totally transports me from my desk to Disneyland :-) (Also love @insidethemagic )
@mccato 1. Netcot 2. WDW Today
@jimmyrhythm WDW Radio, Netcot and Inside The Magic.
@MichaelRemy Ah yes, forgot the DIS Unplugged. Thank you.
@cherylp3 wdwtoday and wdwradio (although I need to catch up on that)
@NDM_1 The podcasts that I regularly return to are Netcot, DisUnplugged and WDW Radio Show. My mood dictates which one comes first.
@KyleJDuffield inside the magic @insidethemagic
@mattboom Inside The Magic @insidethemagic
@grumpwurst WDW Radio, WDW Today, Disney Dudes, Those Darn Cats, @insidethemagic, @wttm
@MichaelRemy WDW Radio Show, WDW Today, All About the Mouse, WDW News Today, and Inside the Magic. I think that's it.
@Wishes69 hi there I listen to 'Character Breakfast' pod cast. It gives all the news and rumours from the parks.
@jenlar The only two I listen to every week are @loumongello 's WDW Radio Show and @wdwnt 's WDW News Today. Both are great!
@sambycat besides the obvious two? AATM OR Disney tidbits
@_aurora1982 Be Our Guest is number one, but WDW Radio is in second place!
@WickedKaren Disney Dudes Podcast and Those Darn Cats Podcast are the ones for me!!
@cemushr I follow 35 Disney podcasts for my weekly blog update, but, if I had to pick, WDW Today & WDW Radio are my mandatory listens.
@Lauraldawn I hate to admit this, but I have never listened to a disney podcast. (hanging head in shame) or really any podcast
@duckyislost Be Our Guest Podcast, WDWtoday, WDWradio, DisUnplugged
@Nokaoi5 WDW Radio Show!
@timweston WDW Radio Show and WDW Today
@gdpinvestigator WedWayRadio, WDWNewsToday, and DisneyPincast
@disney4ever WDW Radio Show, WDW Today!
@MomMaven WDWRadio with @loumongello is my favorite.
@disneyparkmedia WDW Today!
@pj4life WDW Today.

Again, I would recommend checking out all of these podcasts, and more! If you run across any more, please let me know by email, in the comments or on my Twitter page @DisneyDean

Thanks everyone, and great job! I will update the list if more Twitter comments come in!

--- Disney Dean - check me out on Twitter at @DisneyDean

What is Your Dream Disney Parks Job?

I asked the following question on Monday, June 15, 2009, through Twitter, and here are the fantastic responses. The first responses are at the bottom, with the newest ones on top. Isn't this outstanding? What a lot of fun to see some of the responses, and to see some of the humor in some of the posts. I'll update the list if more responses come in. Thanks everyone! Oh, and if you're not following the people below on Twitter, just click on the name to go to their Twitter page and start following! They are all absolutely outstanding people :)

@alisonsyoung I just thought of one more event planner for disney weddings and events!!
@MrBrettYoung a VIP tour guide! It would be an amazing experience to take people around to each of the attractions and be able to go on them!
@M_Bischof I want to be a receiver at Disney. Someone has to accept delivery of all those awesome souvenirs and yummy treats.
@JHSaunders Monorail pilot - VROOOMMMM
@khelmstetter I want a plaid vest.
@HOOPWATCH easiest question I have had in days: Skipper on The Jungle Cruise.
@StephenChampion Just saw the question, my answer is split. It would be attractions, but either Jungle Cruise, or the Great Movie Ride.
@alisonsyoung I would work in production for their shows!!
@ROBONICS95 Hmmm... perhaps tour guide for me. Meet interesting people, talk Disney all day and see some exclusive areas in the parks.
@MarkKeren I have to agree with my wife. It is easier to say what I wouldn't do. I wouldn't want to be the guy that cleans up kid puke.
@magic0214 either be peter pan walk around or in in Dream along with mickey
@disney4ever Anyone choose monorail pilot yet?I always wanted to do that.Epcot to TTC route.And u see the smiles of your passengers up front!
@disneykymie if Im honest, my no1 job would be fur-I know not gr8 conditions, but bein paid 2hug every1...what could be better!
@coryholland I would be hercules. But a bald version of him!
@leighmichele I would be President and CEO of Disney - That way I could bring back Mr. Toad :) and afford to live in Celebration
@theserge I would be a tour guide. It's so much fun doing it for free with friends and family, it would be great to get paid for it!
@DisneyFrankness I was a singer so I would like to be in the Barbershop Quarter in Main St USA
@tiffiniholland I wud like 2b 1 of the Princesses! It wud b so much fun 2 see the looks on kids' faces wen they meet u especially 4 the 1st time
@dwsandy I would love to be the ride operator at "It's a Small World" I love that they wave to everyone as each boat is launched. :-)
@ZachDisney engineer in disney world railroad would love to drive that
@WickedKaren I would be a parks and wedding photographer, it would be the best thing to capture the MAGIC for people in pictures.
@_zeke27 The random person on main street USA that people ask where such and such is. Disneyland, CA.
@DisneyDean For some reason, I'm dying to work one of the popcorn stands outside Cinderella Castle
@cemushr Either a member of the Voices of Liberty or a Dapper Dan. That's got to be so much fun to do that!
@2DaWesternSky I'd be Goofy at Disneyland
@coasterswim not sure if it's considered working "at" a Disney park, but I'd love to be an imagineer that designs rides
@thoughtbeast I would want to work somewhere cool (temperature wise) like Tree of Life or the Haunted Mansion.
@DisneyFoodBlog I would have loved to be on the dream team last year! How incredible to give someone a dream fastpass or night in the castle...
@disneylandmom I would like to work in Fantasyland. That's where all the kids love to be. And I love to see their excitement.
@Charlie_Z Have to agree with my father-in-law... I want to drive a train on the WDW Railroad!
12 minutes ago from web in reply to DisneyDean  
@kathyholmes Disneyland Guest Services handling the APs - the CMs said they loved their jobs there.
NDM_1 Love the wit here: RT @KyleJDuffield: @DisneyDean the haunted mansion I would die to work there.
@MEB103 I would want to be Tinker Bell.....and spread my magic all over the MK :)
@thedisneychick definitely an imagineer - bonus points if i can work at epcot
@TraciLeigh I always wanted to be Snow White - I think being a princess every day & making dreams come true would be amazing!
@EatWatchRead Jungle Cruise, I'd really be super sarcastic
@WDWdreaming If I could work any position at #wdw: Haunted Mansion or ToT greeter. Then I could have a bad day and no one would realize it!
@tiffiniholland is there a position where u just ride all the rides, eat at all the places free, get free merchandise, and stay for free?
@mefries Imagineer for sure!
@Kerenmark Tough question! I think it's easier to say which job I WOULDN'T want - a "Small World" ride operator!
@NDM_1 When I was little I wanted to be a can-can girl in the Diamond Horseshoe Revue.
@NDM_1 I would love to be a princess, but I might be better suited as Tinker bell. She is quite a bit more spunky.
@KyleJDuffield the haunted mansion I would die to work there.
@Bodie28 I would love to help everyone drag their bodies to the dead center of the room at the Haunted Mansion. :))
@SimplyAdorableB I wanna be the screener who check's the photos from Splash Mountain before they are displayed! hehehe
@druantia I'd work either in the Wilderness Lodge (doing anything!) or the Haunted Mansion (being spooky).
@MomsPanelErin Jungle Cruise driver!
@FarfsGirl ideally, i would want to be a special events planner or do public relations. I'm great @ both 10 yr career in NYC to show 4 it
@gdpinvestigator I would love to work crowd control at a parade on Main Street
@jenlar Imagineer. It's why I majored in engineering. I think that it would be fun to lead the big backstage tours, too.
@akaretas in the accounting department. I would love to see how much money they bring in daily!
@futuredisneyCEO hotel manager!!!:D
@briererows guest relations at the MK so that I could do some tours and help guests with questions in a weather controlled environment.
@MichaelRemy I, like most others, would love to be a Monorail driver. Especially on the EPCOT loop.
@HitchhikinGhst I didn't even blink before typing "Jungle Cruise skipper."
@DrkBlue Guest Relations MK :)
@CarylsRealm definitely in the "art" department! :) You?
@wissa Test Track Technician, of course! oh wait... scratch that.
@bobaloo000 hmmm CEO or dumbo CM if i was ceo id sell ABC
@disneykymie roadsweeper on Main St,so I could mingle+help out all the happy people with their inquiries+take photos with their cameras etc
@sambycat I'd be snow white!
@Lauraldawn Or working at the Christmas store because really - those people are so nice. We spent hours there!
@Lauraldawn Best job - not sure what it's called, but one of the floaters who helps where needed. So fun.
@YaBoy_Q I've actually had the pleasure to work on Kilimanjaro Safaris @ DAK as a CP a few yrs ago. I loved it!!
@timweston ideally I'd love to be an Imagineer. If I couldn't do that, I'd like to be a programmer analyst
@disneyparkmedia I want to work in Information Technology management.

--- Disney Dean - catch me on twitter at @DisneyDean

I totally blame it on Twitter!

First of all, a huge apology to readers of MyDisneyBlog for the lapse in posts lately. I have been feeling just awful about it lately. The problem is that I am addicted to Twitter! I never thought it would happen, but my goal over the summer is to be able to strike a balance between the two types of media - blogging (MyDisneyBlog.com) and micro-blogging (Twitter). I love both of these so much, and I hope I didn't let anyone down for not posting regularly.

The one thing I've learned from blogging and from being on Twitter, is that the Disney community is the most awesome on planet Earth. I am honored to have gotten to know so many of you, and can't wait to meet even more. If you have ideas for MyDisneyBlog, please let me know.

Thanks for your understanding and patience :)

--- Disney Dean

Disneyland vs Walt Disney World - who will win?

This is a real cute video from Disney Parks. I just love how they're pitting Disneyland vs Walt Disney World due to the Lakers and the Magic playing in the NBA Finals. Will be fun to see what happens with this. Hope you enjoy the video! Oh, and who would you like to win - Disneyland or Walt Disney World ;)

--- Disney Dean

D23 Expo Set for September 10th - 13th, 2009

Man, I would flip to go to this, but we will be gearing up for our trip to Hawaii in September. If you are planning on attending the D23 Expo - I would love to hear from you! Or, if you can't go - I would love to hear from you as well. Just put a note in the comments section below.

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Disney fans will be given unprecedented access to never-before-seen movies, TV shows, park experiences, collectibles and more from Sept. 10 to Sept. 13 at the Anaheim Convention Center when Disney and D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans present the first-ever D23 EXPO.
 
Tickets to the D23 EXPO are available beginning today at http://www.D23Expo.com.  Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 EXPO and can be purchased for single days or for the full four days of festivities. Admission is discounted for members of D23.  
 
“We hope this will be the ultimate event for the multitude of fans who have been so instrumental in Disney’s success,” said Disney President and CEO Bob Iger. “The D23 Expo represents the finest in Disney entertainment from across our great company and will offer a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable experience for people of all ages to enjoy.”  
 
Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle added, “The upcoming D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center will serve as an exciting opportunity to present Anaheim to the millions of Disney enthusiasts around the world. For the thousands of inaugural-year D23 Expo attendees who will visit our city in September, this will be a special and a memorable time in the birthplace of Walt Disney’s original theme park.  It is a great honor for Anaheim and the Anaheim Convention Center to host this event.”
 
Among the centerpiece events of the D23 EXPO will be an extraordinary, exclusive opportunity to get early glimpses of several all-new Disney feature films.  Only at the D23 EXPO will guests preview a wide range of upcoming movie events, including The Princess and the Frog, Rapunzel, Disney’s A Christmas Carol, Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, TRON, Toy Story 3, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.  Walt Disney Pictures will present these special sneak peeks in a state-of-the-art cinema built especially for the D23 EXPO.
 
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will take D23 EXPO guests behind the scenes to explore the rich legacy and exciting future of Disney’s theme parks and vacation destinations worldwide.  Highlights will include a special look at what’s being imagineered for the future of Disney’s California Adventure, a peek behind closed doors at the amazing new technologies defining today’s and tomorrow’s Disney theme park experience, and the opportunity to meet and hear from the Imagineers, Cast Members and key Disney Parks and Resorts executives who create lasting memories for millions every year.  
 
In many different ways, the D23 EXPO will explore the history and heritage of Walt Disney and the company he founded more than 80 years ago.  The D23 EXPO will be home to the 2009 Disney Legends Awards – a 22-year tradition that pays tribute to the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to Disney entertainment.  This year’s recipients will be honored at a ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 12, marking the first time the prestigious event has been held off Disney property.
 
In an extraordinary exhibition designed especially for the D23 EXPO, an incredible collection of classic and contemporary Disney props, artifacts and costumes will be accessible to the public for the first time ever. “Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives” brings together such amazing pieces as the fully restored, 11-foot model of the Nautilus from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea; the stunning, jewel-encrusted book used in the opening moments of Sleeping Beauty; and other rare surprises from throughout Disney’s history. Ranging from the original Mickey Mouse Club and the musical classic Mary Poppins to recent hits like Pirates of the Caribbean and High School Musical, the “Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives” is a never-before-experienced exhibition that’s a D23 EXPO exclusive.
 
The D23 EXPO spotlight will also shine on Disney Channel's brightest stars in a can't miss-special event.  There will also be an ESPN Sports Lounge, live broadcasts from Radio Disney, and a preview of ABC's new fall primetime shows, details of which will be announced in the coming weeks at www.D23Expo.com. 
 
For Disney fans who want to take home part of the magic, Disney Consumer Products will offer myriad opportunities to do just that.  Only at the D23 EXPO will guests be able to walk through the eight-room “Disney Dream Home,” celebrate the holidays Disney-style, see fine art created before their eyes, learn about Disney Fairy Tale Weddings, experience Disney couture fashion shows, meet and hear from the authors of a dazzling array of Disney books, prepare for trick-or-treating with the latest Disney Store Halloween costumes, and more ... all under one roof.
 
The D23 EXPO also will be home to the “Disney Dream Store,” where guests will find exclusive D23 EXPO merchandise and collectibles; the Disney pin-trading headquarters; and much more, including the chance to build your own Mouse ears.
 
Showcasing Disney’s appeal to fans of every generation, the D23 EXPO has created a multi-layered experience: Avid Disney enthusiasts can attend dozens of specially created panels and celebrity-speaker events, details of which will be announced over the next several weeks.  Younger Disney fans, meanwhile, will be able to experience special interactive play areas, meet their favorite Radio Disney DJs broadcasting live, watch “Princess makeover” demos from the Bibbidi-Bobbidi Boutique, and have fun in the Baby Einstein play area. Together, families can enjoy the Disney Crafts Center and learn about scrapbooking, Disney-style.
 
The D23 Collectors’ Forum will present a wide range of options for collectors to show and sell their Disney memorabilia, and those interested in exhibiting can visit www.D23Expo.com for more information. 
 
Fans also will be able to view and even take part in the first-ever Disney Fan Art Gallery, which will include the finalists in the Donald Duck 75th Anniversary Portrait Contest, as well as a one-of-a-kind fan art show.  Full details and contest rules can be found at www.D23Expo.com or www.disney.com/D23. 
 
All activities at the D23 EXPO are included in single- and four-day admissions, including the “50 and Fabulous Film Festival,” which honors three classic Disney movies that are celebrating their golden anniversaries this year.  Sleeping Beauty, The Shaggy Dog and Darby O’Gill and the Little People, all originally released in 1959, will be presented on the big screen, one movie each evening, for Disney fans of all ages to enjoy together.  Also featured at the D23 EXPO will be a special screening of Walt Disney Pictures’ upcoming Tinker Bell: Lost Treasure, along with an in-depth exploration of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: Diamond Edition, which will be released this fall by Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.
 
Tickets to the D23 EXPO, which go on sale today, are $37 for a one-day adult admission and $27 for children 3-12.  To experience every bit of entertainment and excitement at the D23 EXPO, four-day passes are also available at $111 for adults and $81 for children. Members of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans will receive a discount on up to four same-day admissions, as well as early entry to each day of the D23 EXPO for themselves and their guests.
 
Special vacation packages are available at the D23 EXPO website, from both the Walt Disney Travel Company (including Disneyland Resort hotel accommodations, D23 EXPO tickets and theme park admission), and the Anaheim Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, which is offering a limited number of area hotel rooms at special rates to those attending the D23 EXPO.
 
Many more details about the entertainment, events and special guests that will be part of the first-ever D23 EXPO will be announced in the coming weeks.  Fans can keep up with all of the announcements by visiting www.D23EXPO.com, as well as by following “Disney D23” at Twitter and on Facebook.

--- Disney Dean

Handy Manny Measures Up

Disney Channel's hit "Handy Manny" character and Wilmer Valderrama, the talented actor who helps bring him to life, unveiledthe new Disney Consumer Products booth at Licensing International Expo 2009 today, TUESDAY, JUNE 2, in Las Vegas.  Seen daily during Playhouse Disney programming block, the hit series and its high affinity among preschoolers and parents has inspired Disney Consumer Products to expand its offering in multiple categories including books, toys, apparel, accessories, home furnishings, food, stationary, books and more.

In addition to 29 brand new episodes for its third season, today Disney Channel announced a new short-form series and two primetime specials.   "Handy Manny's School for Tools," 20 animated shorts, will begin production this year for a 2010 premiere.  In Fall 2009, Disney Channel will present the first of two primetime specials, "Handy Manny's Motorcycle Adventure," which takes viewers along on Manny's exciting and unexpected road trip to his family reunion.  The special features four new songs including "Rolling" performed by renowned East Los Angeles rockers Los Lobos.  The second primetime special will debut in 2010.  The daily series will also introduce 10 new tools: a jackhammer, a power screwdriver, a power socket wrench, a shop vac, a pair of needle nose pliers, a deluxe tool box, a laser level and a trio of crescent wrenches.

A Top 10 player among all series geared towards preschoolers age 2-5, "Handy Manny" is set in a multi-cultural, multi-generational community and follows a curriculum that models problem solving.  The Emmy and Imagen Award-nominated series can be seen in over 135 countries and in 23 languages with title translations including "Manny et ses Outils" (France), "Meister Manny's Werkzeugkiste" (Germany), "Manny Tuttofare" (Italy), "Händige Manny" (Sweden), "Manny Manitas" (Spain) and "Otasuke Manii" (Japan).  In the fourth quarter of 2008, the series reached over 75 million unduplicated viewers worldwide.  Rick Gitelson is executive producer and story editor of "Handy Manny."  "Handy Manny" is a production of Nelvana Limited in association with Disney Channel.

Disney Consumer Products and Fisher Price debuted a "Handy Manny" toy line at mass retailers in Fall 2008 and it became a runaway success, winning several prominent awards for the popular Fix-It-Right Tool Truck and the Talkin' Toolbox.  New toys for fall 2009 include the Fix-It-Right Manny's Motorcycle and Manny's Workbench.

Beginning this year, Disney Consumer Products is expanding the "Handy Manny" product line with action figures, puzzles, playsets and plush, all new apparel, footwear and sleepwear, home furnishings and décor, bedding, backpacks, party patterns, stationery, greeting cards and new book titles and DVDs.

"Handy Manny" is a featured character at Disney's California Adventure and Disney's Hollywood Studios and appears in the daily "Playhouse Disney Live on Stage!" show at Disney Parks and Resorts around the world.  The popular character also stars in "Playhouse Disney Live! On Tour" in two productions touring around the world.

--- Disney Dean

3D Disneyland Resort Paris in Google Earth

I know I'm a few months late with this, and a lot of people may already know about it, but DisneyParks has a cool YouTube video showing the addition of Disneyland Resort Paris to Google Earth. I love the music that goes along with the video - a lot of suspense :) 

Anyway, here it is! It's a good way to get a Disney "fix" every now and then! 

 

--- Disney Dean

The Magic Triple Mountains

I'm so excited - below is the FIRST post from Disney Mike - my 10 year old son. He came up with the title, and the entire blog post and idea by himself. I'm so proud of him!
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There are a gigantic amount of rides at Disney world. My favorite trio of rides is Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, and Splash Mountain. My favorite of them is Space Mountain, an almost pitch dark space shuttle ride. I would check it out on your next visit. You never really know what direction you're going. FUN,FUN,FUN!!!
 
Next up is shocking Big Thunder Mountain. It is awesome!!! First you go left, then right, then, wait, I'm getting ahead of myself, let me start by what it's about. Imagine being in a run-away train on a giant mountain in the middle of nowhere. Well that's sort of what this ride is about. You NEVER know where you're going because there are giant hills covering the sides of the tracks. This is a definite recommendation.
 
When I got off Splash Mountain, all I could think about when I was dropping almost straight down and I'm ahead of myself again arent I. Anyway, Splash Mountain is all about brear rabbit, brear fox, brear bear, and happiness. You will hear lots music, you will ride down lots of giant drops, and most importantly, you will be soaked by the end of the ride, so if it's hot outside, GO ON THIS RIDE!!!
 
Just one more thing, the waits for these rides are soo long. If you are planning on going on them, get some fastpasses. I'll write back with another story. Blog to you later. Bye!!!
 

--- Disney Mike

I'm Meeting Tinkerbell Tomorrow

I'm so excited! I'm meeting the real Tinkerbell (Margaret Kerry) tomorrow, Saturday May 30th. She is going to be doing a fundraiser for the local museum. Here is an embedded video of an interview she just did on our local news station - KBJR. I'm bringing my 6 year old daughter, and we just finished watching Peter Pan. What an unbelievable movie. Our favorite Tinkerbell part was when she was trying to get out of the drawer. We laughed so hard! So hard to believe she will be in little ole' Duluth, MN, but her daughter apparently lives here, and Margaret fell in love with my hometown. What an honor that Tinkerbell spends a lot of time here!

I will have a much larger wrap-up of the event tomorrow - but I wanted to get this out!

--- Disney Dean

First Walt Disney World Park

Hey everyone - I just created my first twitter poll! Anyone can take part in the poll - and you don't need to have a Twitter account. I answered that it usually varies with my family. If it were up to me, it would be the Magic Kingdom, but the rest of the family likes to go with a recommendation from TouringPlans.com.

Here is the question, followed by a pie chart of the answers so far. The poll is valid through June 5th, but may be extended if there is enough support.

--- Disney Dean

How to Save for Disney Trips

I just ran across a great thread over on the DIS, and thought I would share it with you. At the time of reading, it was 7 pages long, and I thought there were some great money-saving ideas in the thread.

The thread is located here.

The original poster asked how people afford to go to Walt Disney World every year, or even multiple times a year. The replies are just fantastic!

Personally, we have been trying to go every year, but it seems like we end up going about every 18 months. We usually go for a long period of time (around 2 weeks), since airfare is often a bit high from Minnesota. We used to stay off-site, but we now stay on-site. The last time we were there, we stayed in the cabins of Fort Wilderness, and just fell in love with Fort Wilderness! We went last August on a 40% room-only discount. My dream is to stay at the Polynesian, so hopefully some day we can do that :)

This year, my evil family voted, and I came out with the short straw. My wife and I both turn 40 this year, and it's also our 15th anniversary - so we're going to Hawaii instead. This is pretty cool, though, as we will be staying in a townhouse just steps away from the new Disney Hawaii Resort at Ko Olina. I think I will just hang around the construction site and pretend I'm at Disney World - haha.

Anyway, here are some things we do to pay for our trips. We usually put away some money into a savings account every two weeks. We also use our tax refund, and have a HUGE garage sale each May (just finished it, and we made about $1100, so that's cool!). We definitely live modestly, and our house is nice and clean, but could use some modernizing. We figured that we can get nice, new furniture and new carpeting/flooring when the kids are older. For now, we put money into vacations instead of doing a lot of remodeling. Our house is DEFINITELY the "Sunny D" house, and is a kid magnet in our neighborhood, so we're in no hurry to do a lot of fancy remodeling :)

Other than that, we budget for our trips, and always look for a deal to go to Walt Disney World. I don't think we would go unless we got some kind of discount or free dining.

How about you? Do you save and budget for your Disney trips? Would love to hear your thoughts!

--- Disney Dean

Walt Disney World Swan Deal

The Walt Disney World Swan Resort has a fantastic deal going on rooms this summer and early fall. You must book by June 3rd, and availability is limited. Also, you must pay in full at the time of booking. If you are planning to go to this resort this summer, now is the time to book, as they state that prices will never be so low again. The deal is for the Swan only (not the Dolphin), so if you're a die-hard Dolphin fan, this may not interest you :)

Here are the dates/times with rates starting at $119 per night.

June 5 - 22, 2009
July 5 - 25, 2009
August 7-14, 2009
August 19-September 9, 2009
September 17 - 22, 2009

Upgrades may be available for an additional fee:
Resort View - add $35
Resort View Balcony - add $65
Pool View w/Balcony - add $75

Just call 1-888-828-8850 and ask for rate code: WOW119.

The Walt Disney World Swan Resort is located in between Epcot® and Disney's Hollywood Studios™ and nearby Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park and Magic Kingdom® Park.

Resort guests enjoy special Disney benefits such as:

• Complimentary Scheduled Transportation
• Extra Magic Hours Benefit
• On-Site Disney Ticket Desks
• Disney Character Dining
• Advance Tee Times on Disney Golf Courses

Just wanted you Walt Disney World Swan fans to know in case you wanted to head there this summer. This message has not been paid for by the resort - it is just information for readers of MyDisneyBlog.

Would you believe Disney Dean has never stayed at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin? I've heard a lot of great things about it, but just haven't been there yet. It does look fantastic from the road, though :)

Here is a link to the deal posting on the Swan and Dolphin Resort Website.

--- Disney Dean 

 

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Construction Update

I'm definitely a Disney guy, but each time we go to Orlando, we always spend a few days at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure as well. My family loves both parks, and I think they are very well done. While I could spend my entire vacation in the Magic Kingdom, the rest of my family encourages me to branch out :) I don't find the same level of magic there, but I believe the parks try very hard to create a good park experience (well, there was that lady in the parking booth that screamed at us at the top of her lungs, but that's beside the point! :)

With that said, I am amazingly excited about the new addition coming to Islands of Adventure in 2010. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter looks fantastic, and is a great theme idea for a new 'land'. Everything I've seen about it looks top-notch and I know Harry Potter fans around the world are counting down the days until it opens.

I found a great construction update on YouTube, by the great folks at ParkSleuth.com. It is from April, so it is pretty current. I got a kick out of the annotations on the video. ParkSleuth does some great updates, and is definitely worth bookmarking or subscribing to the RSS feed.

Anyway, here is the video - where you can actually start to see some of the buildings in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Enjoy!

NOW that you've seen the video, head on over to WizardingWorldHarryPotter.com and click 'updates' to see some of the latest photos.

--- Disney Dean

Wayne Allwine - you will be so missed

I've been a little behind in posting lately, mainly because I have been sucked into the vacuum that is called Twitter :) Holy cow is that addicting - but FUN! If you're not on there, head on over and check it out. I'm really liking it.

Anyway, I wanted to share a YouTube video of Leonard Maltin's interview with Wayne Allwine and Russi Taylor, the voices of Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Wayne passed away May 18, 2009, and it was a very sad day for everyone - especially us Disney people.

Here is part 1 of the interview, followed by links to all of the interviews in the 3 part series. To Wayne's family - we hope you know how much he was a part of all of our families, and that he will be sorely missed and loved.

Links to the YouTube 3 part series:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Also, John - over at TheDisneyBlog.com has composed a wonderful tribute to Wayne, complete with links to other great blog tributes!

--- Disney Dean

Kris Allen is Going to Disney World

To celebrate the newly opened “American Idol Experience” attraction at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Kris Allen shouted the famous words “I’m Going to Disney World!” immediately after being crowned the newest “American Idol” in the show’s star-studded season finale on May 20, 2009 in Los Angeles. 

Disney camera crews captured Allen’s celebratory pronouncement on the Nokia Theatre stage mere moments after “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest announced the champion’s name to millions of viewers watching worldwide.

Not only does the newly crowned Idol shout “I’m Going to Disney World!” at the spot’s conclusion, Allen's voice also is featured throughout the ad as he performs the iconic song, “When You Wish Upon A Star.” 

And with the same immediacy that has made the Disney spot one of the most beloved commercials of all-time, the newest “I’m Going to Disney World!” commercial aired on television within hours of the “American Idol” finale. 

Starring in a role usually occupied by sports stars – including Super Bowl heroes and World Series champs – Allen is the second singer to ever star in the Disney commercial in its 20+-year history. (2008 “American Idol” champion, David Cook, was the first.)

The “American Idol” champion’s role in the newest “I’m Going to Disney World” commercial celebrates “The American Idol Experience,” the new “American Idol”-themed attraction that had a February 2009 grand opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, part of Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

“The American Idol Experience” – the first major theme park attraction in the world based on the popular television series – was developed by Walt Disney Imagineering in conjunction with FremantleMedia Enterprises and 19 TV Ltd.

In the attraction, Disney guests are able to experience the glitz and glamour of the “American Idol” television show, whether they are auditioning for a Disney producer, performing on-stage in front of a packed theater or voting for their favorite performance from their audience seats.  Performers who receive the most audience votes in the preliminary shows return to star in that evening’s grand finale show.  In addition to their new-found theme park fame, the top vote-getting guest in the finale show receives “The American Idol Experience” Dream Ticket – which allows an eligible holder to schedule a front-of-the-line audition at a future regional audition for the “American Idol” television show.

By starring in the Disney commercial, Allen joins a lineup of superstar professional athletes who have shouted the famous “I’m Going to Disney World” line.

Fittingly, the new “American Idol” will make his celebratory visit to Walt Disney World Resort as Disney Parks asks guests “What Will You Celebrate?”

--- Disney Dean

Disney Resort Being Planned Near Washington D.C.

I must say, this came as a very welcome surprise when I checked out the Disney Corporate website today! I was honestly a little surprised, but it makes complete sense to have a Disney hotel property near the Nation's Capital. The hotel property is slated to be around 500 rooms, and a very ambitious project. Now, I think the NEXT Disney Hotel property should be in Duluth, Minnesota - don't you? :)

The Peterson Companies announced today the sale of land at its National Harbor development near Washington, DC to Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Disney is considering using the 15-acre site overlooking the Potomac River in National Harbor, MD as the location for a resort hotel for families and others visiting the National Capital Region.

"We're thrilled Disney has decided to invest in National Harbor," said Milton V. Peterson, chairman of the Peterson Companies. "Disney is the top family entertainment company in the world, and its purchase is a great vote of confidence in the future of National Harbor and the Washington area as a top family tourism destination."

The new resort hotel would be one of Disney's stand-alone resort hotels separate from the Disney theme parks. This new resort hotel, like the project under construction in Hawaii, will be in a prime geographic location and will provide guests with the same comfort, fun and amenities for which Disney is famous.

"As we began identifying possible locations to grow our business, the Washington, DC area immediately jumped to the top of the list," said Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "National Harbor offers an array of entertaining activities for regional visitors, but it is also a family-friendly base camp, from which visitors from around the world can explore the stirring sights and inspirational stories of our nation's capital. We believe National Harbor has the unique opportunity to offer a new level of family-friendly hospitality."

Disney purchased the Maryland property from the Peterson Companies for $11 million.

Here are some links to stories on this subject:
Washington Post
Orlando Sentinel
Forbes
USA Today

Here is the National Harbor Plan, with the Disney property included!

--- Disney Dean

Sunday May 17, 2009: Magic Kingdom Update

Another weekend has come to a close, and was it a magical one. OOOYEAAA. Well, let's see - I was at Monster's Inc "photocell," and there was a princess who was unhappy (now how can you not be having the time of your life when you've been to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique so you could be made into a princess?). I greeted her with a bow and asked her if she would dance. She looked at mom and dad and she put her hand in mine and I spun her around. Her face was glowing with happiness and mom and dad's faces were glowing with happiness. The next location I was at was Buzz Lightyear "merge point," and I ran into another princess whose birthday it was. So, I announced to the cue line that it was her birthday, and asked if they would all help me sing happy birthday to her. They did and she was almost embarrassed. But she thanked me. The next location I was deployed to was Carousel of Progress, and there I would greet the Space Rangers and Princesses as they would be coming to see the show. I would find a princess who was wearing a Tinkerbell shirt and ask her if she would do everyone a favor. Of course she would say yes. So, I would ask her if she would go and talk to Mother Nature and ask her if she would hold the rain off till tonight. I asked her if she would make it rain from park close to park open so that all of the guests at WDW can have a magical time - and she said she would try. Moms and dads were saying "please Tink," and I would say to Tinkerbell - remember it is "do or do not - there is no try". John aka crazydisneydancer. Your friend in the most magical place on earth

--- CrazyDisneyDancer

CrazyDisneyDancer works in Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom and is a guest author at MyDisneyBlog.com. We are so happy to have John here!!