My Disney Blog

Happy New Year Everyone

I just wanted to take this time to wish all of my online Disney friends a Happy New Year! I hope 2008 was a terrific year for you, and that 2009 is even better.  With all the uncertainty in the economy, it's fun to be able to do a little dreaming about Disney from time to time. For me, it is my chance to escape to a happy place where I can just focus on having fun with my family - the kind of place that Walt dreamed of, and had the fortitude to see it happen. I have been honored to meet so many amazing people through this blog over the past year, and I can't wait to forge new friendships and continue existing friendships during the coming year.
 
The year 2008 has been so interesting for My Disney Blog! I always said I would never take on another website, after having started three other commercial travel sites, but something inside of me compelled me to start this blog - not to make money - just to have fun and put my thoughts to 'paper'. Very early, I was able to become friends with Dave from the ultra-amazing Daveland. He agreed to be a guest author, and I think you'll agree - he is fantastic! I can only dream of writing posts like Dave some day :) Thank you so much for being such a good friend, and a guest author. If anyone else ever wants to guest author as well - I would love to hear from you! My Disney Blog has seen its highs and lows during the past year. Technically, there were some problems with the way Typepad was being indexed by "The Big Search Engine", and the blog was completely thrown out of the index for quite some time. This was quite a let-down, as nobody could find the blog on their own by searching anymore. I guess that is what lead to me slowing down my blog postings over the summer and into the fall, BUT at some point later in the summer, we got the problem taken care of. By the time I was going to my WDW vacation during Tropical Storm Faye - we were indexed again! In fact, we went from about 150 unique visits a day, to more than 3,000 during the tropical storm. My blog posts regarding Faye were apparently very topical, because so many people were searching for Hurricane/Tropical Storm Faye information. Well, things settled back into the 150-200 unique visits a day range after that - and remain there as of this blog post. Very happy that people can now find us again - and hopefully we will provide useful blog posts for 2009! 

Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks for checking out MyDisneyBlog.com from time to time, and for those who have added links to us - I am so appreciative! I would love to link to your disney blogs/sites too - so if I'm not already doing it - please let me know. 

My wish for 2009 would be that my family remains happy and healthy. I lost 66.6 pounds in 2008 and I feel so great! I would love for things to slow down a little, and for us to all take the time to enjoy every day as it comes. I used to think the best days are ahead of us (such as - "oh, I can't wait for that Disney trip"), but now I try to look at each day as the best day of my life! Still hoping to go to WDW in November - and hoping for some darn good deals that time of year, though :)

As always, I would love to hear from you! Want to chat about Disney, or become friends on DisFriends.com? Just look for Disney Dean!  Contact information is on the about page (link located on the right hand side of the page).

SOOOOO - what is your wish for 2009? Did you have a great 2008? Just post in the comments below - I would love to hear from you!

Thanks again - and Happy New Year!

--- Disney Dean

Disney Holiday Magic

I hope everyone is having a WONDERFUL holiday season so far! I had to work Christmas Day, but managed to have a great time with my family nonetheless. It was very low key, which was kind of nice. I was kind of wishing I was at Walt Disney World for the holidays, but oh well. At least I had REAL snow for Christmas :)

One of my favorite series for the holidays is Disney Holiday magic, with Samantha Brown. I never tire of watching this 2007 special! Below is part 1 of a four part YouTube series. I posted this last year when it came out, but like I said - it NEVER gets old! Part one is embedded in the post, but I will put direct links just below the video.

Disney Holiday Magic - Part I
Disney Holiday Magic - Part II
Disney Holiday Magic - Part III
Disney Holiday Magic - Part IV

--- Holiday Disney Dean

Fort Wilderness For the Holidays

My friends over at the Laughing Place have posted a wonderful pictorial of the holiday displays at the Fort Wilderness Campground. This is a cherished annual tradition, that spreads holiday cheer throughout the Fort Wilderness grounds. We stayed at Fort Wilderness (in the cabins) for the first time last August, and we absolutely fell in love with the place!  The photos were taken by Denise Presskit. Here is one of my favorites, used with permission from LP. For the rest (17 pages in all!), just click here to visit Laughing Place!

 

--- Disney Dean

Polar Express SeaWorld 2008

Ever since the Polar Express debuted at SeaWorld Orlando, I've been dying to go to this! I have heard it is really great, but we've never been there during the time when it was going on. It looks like you still have some time to catch this special program, as it runs through January 4th, 2009. 

Here is the information provided by SeaWorld:

Jump aboard The Polar Express Experience when it rolls into SeaWorld this holiday season beginning Nov. 14, 2008 and continuing through Jan. 4, 2009. SeaWorld’s Wild Arctic transforms into the fabled Santa Town taking guests on a magical trip to the North Pole.

The Polar Express Experience is based on the Warner Bros. Pictures and Shangri-La Entertainment film, inspired by the beloved Caldecott Medal-winning children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. The Polar Express Experience is a heart-warming journey, where families share in the excitement and wonder of a truly unforgettable train ride. This enchanting experience will surround guests with the true spirit of the season through laughs, exciting thrills and special animal encounters.

The adventure unfolds on a Christmas Eve night with a young boy lying awake, eagerly listening for the sound of Santa’s ringing sleigh bells. As the boy gazes out his frosted bedroom window, a soft mist appears and just in that very moment, a roaring black train rumbles to a halt in front of the boy’s house. Filled with excitement and awe, the boy races out his front door, dashes across the freshly fallen snow and climbs aboard The Polar Express.

As the train’s whistle blows, guests embark on the same adventure as they board The Polar Express Experience to the North Pole. Classic scenes from the movie are recreated in a multi-sensory experience immersing passengers in special lighting, scent, sound and motion effects. Upon arrival guests find themselves within a winter wonderland surrounded by holiday cheer, graceful beluga whales, powerful polar bears and giant walruses. They will delight in the smell of Christmas cookies filling the air and bright lights glistening on a festive towering tree as families greet Santa and share in a magical moment.

Across the way, just as the winter air cools and the evening stars appear, families can join Shamu for a magnificent holiday show: “Shamu Christmas … Miracles.” This very special showing runs nightly beginning Nov. 12 and continues through Dec. 30, 2008. Shamu Stadium will illuminate with bright lights and glowing candles as Christmas carols adored and Shamu splashes to celebrate the holiday season.

Dazzling families for the holidays this year at SeaWorld’s Bayside Stadium is the Orlando Philharmonic. Beginning Dec. 26 through Dec. 30, jovial scores from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, “The Polar Express” will fill the air. After the concert, a splendid array of fireworks will paint the night sky.
While strolling around SeaWorld’s lake or through The Waterfront’s holiday-themed array of gift shops and restaurants, families can wander along a winter scene as glistening snow flurries fill the air and spectacular fountains dance to the merry musical sounds of Christmas.

Igniting the spirit of the season is the “Makahiki Christmas Luau,” a South Seas-style festive celebration including succulent island cuisine keeping with the ancient holiday traditions of the Pacific Islands. Joyful songs of the season are reinterpreted with Polynesian rhythms, music and dance during this festive holiday celebration. “Makahiki Christmas Luau” begins Nov. 12, 2008 and continues through Jan. 4, 2009 (except Dec. 25). Park admission is not required. Prices are $46.00 plus tax for adults and $29.00 plus tax for children (ages 3-9)

Families can ring in the New Year at SeaWorld on Dec. 31 with a musical extravaganza including the best in pop, Latin and swing music. At the stroke of midnight, the evening sky will shine even brighter with a vibrant fireworks show to celebrate the festivities.

For Guest information, call 1 (888) 800-5447 or visit SeaWorld.com.

Graphics are courtesy of SeaWorld Orlando.

--- Disney Dean

Disney Vintage Christmas Cards

I did a post about this last year, but there have been some wonderful additions to the blog post since the last time I wrote of it. The ASIFA - Hollywood Animation Archive has a post with many Disney Christmas Cards from 1938 into the 1950's. The Claire Weeks collection is extraordinary, and the cards are a lot of fun to enjoy! I have spent so much time looking at the art in each of the cards, with my favorite one being the Disneyland calendar from 1956. It is just fantastic, although I enjoyed each one of the cards just about the same!

Anyway, head on over to the wonderful Hollywood Animation Archive to see the digitized Christmas Cards! And...by the way - if you're a fan of vintage animation, or animation in general - it is a great site, and one that I will be contributing to.

Favorite Disney Shirt

I must admit, I didn't think I would ever have a t-shirt that I thought was SO special, and one that I'm afraid to wear because I don't want it to get wrecked. I've always thought there were many 'nice' shirts at Walt Disney World, but have never went crazy buying shirts for any particular reason. I always had a stable of a few shirts that I would alternate between when going to the parks. I guess over the past few years, I've even noticed less character in the shirts, so I wasn't expecting too much on our last trip during Tropical Storm Faye. In fact, I looked at so many shops, and never quite found the perfect one for me. UNTIL - the very last night, after we had finished watching the 'Wishes' fireworks. We decided to take a leisurely stroll down the shops on Main Street, meandering through the various connected shops. We went to the Art of Disney and drooled over the paintings and the enormous Cinderella Castle. Man, that is a coooooooool store!

Anyway, so we finally get to the end - the Emporium gift shop. We were awful relaxed as we looked through our last store, and then I saw it - a shirt that I absolutely had to have. I ran to get my wife to show her how amazing it was, and she said "yep, that's you - it is just perfect." For some reason, I absolutely fell in love with this shirt!

Here are a few photos of the shirt. Please excuse the bad photos - I quickly got a few snaps of it via my new webcam, and I hope they turned out good enough :)

   

 

While the shirt says "Main Street USA, Magic Kingdom" on it - the photo is obviously from Disneyland. I didn't care - all I knew is that I loved the simple story this told - it totally encapsulated all of my feelings or Walt and Mickey. It said so much to me, all with this one photo. In fact, you can read into it many different things. The shirt is a 'ringer-t shirt' with dark blue on the sleeves and on the collar. I keep thinking that I should try to get another couple - so that I'll always have them, but almost afraid to see if they have them anymore.

Anyway, I was wondering about you - do you have a favorite shirt that you've gotten from Disneyland, Disney World, Disneyland Paris, etc? If so, I would love to hear about it. I know it sounds crazy, but I am so proud of this shirt, and I can't wait to wear it in the parks again. I don't think I'll wear it much at home, because I want it to last as long as possible. So, tell me about your favorite Disney shirt! I'm sure I'm not the only one that has fallen for a shirt :)

Oh, also - the shirt is 'flipped', so it is reversed. Walt is actually on the left while looking at my shirt. Looks like I need to read up on my webcam!

--- Disney Dean

Mickey's Good Deed

Today - December 17th - is the anniversary of the release of the short "Mickey's Good Deed" cartoon. The Christmas-themed short was released in 1932, and thanks to the miracle of YouTube - you can view it whenever you'd like. I get a real kick out of this short, and hope you do too!

Here are some great links with some background information on Mickey's Good Deed:
Vintage Disney Collectibles
Disney Shorts

You can even by a poster for 20 bucks at this site:
Movie Goods

OR, a production drawing for a 'tad' over 800 bucks!
Choice Collectibles

 
  

--- Disney Dean

 

 

Race to Witch Mountain

First of all, I'm a HUGE fan of the "Witch Mountain" movies from the 1970's. The first movie, "Escape from Witch Mountain," was released in 1975, when I was only 6 years old. The second installment, named "Return from Witch Mountain," was released in 1978. The third installment, which was made for TV, was released in 1982, and was called "Beyond Witch Mountain." Got all that?

Well, if that wasn't confusing enough, Walt Disney Pictures is releasing "Race to Witch Mountain" on March 13, 2009. I'm kind of a purist with regard to the "Witch Mountain" series, so I was a bit skeptical about the latest installment. I mean, I like "The Rock", but I have a special affinity for the actors/actresses of the first and second installment. BUT, after viewing the trailer, I must say that I am quite interested in seeing it. I think it is going to be well done, and I think it's going to do fairly well.

What do you think? Are you interested in seeing "Race to Witch Mountain," or are you going to save your 10 bucks for something else? I know my kids will think it's great, as they are big fans of young adventure series. May have something to do with their dad's OBSESSION with the Indiana Jones series :)

Anyway - here is the trailer for Race to Witch Mountain, following the synopsis provided to me by the PR firm promoting this picture! Anxious to hear your thoughts in the comments section of this post. Or, visit the official Walt Disney Pictures site for Race to Witch Mountain!
 

For years, stories have circulated about a secret place in the middle
of the Nevada desert, known for unexplained phenomena and strange
sightings. It is called Witch Mountain, and when a Las Vegas cab driver
(DWAYNE JOHNSON) finds two teens with supernatural powers in his
cab, he suddenly finds himself in the middle of an adventure he can’t
explain.  When they discover that the only chance to save the world
lies in unraveling the secrets of Witch Mountain, the race begins, as
the government, mobsters and even extraterrestrials try to stop them. 
RACE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN is a fun and thrilling adventure featuring
incredible special effects.

--- Disney Dean

SBC Diorama: Perfect blend of art & technology

Unless you’re a Disney fan who has been living under a rock for the last 7 years, you most likely know what the front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle looks like. However, if you don’t know that prior to 2001 you could walk INSIDE the castle, well...that’s totally forgive-able. Back on April 29, 1957, actress and politician Shirley Temple Black christened the Sleeping Beauty Dioramas, an attraction that allowed guests to walk through the castle and see individual scenes from the upcoming movie "Sleeping Beauty."


Eyvind Earle, the artistic geniun responsible for the look of “Sleeping Beauty” also oversaw the diorama project at Disneyland.

Here you can see the concept art Earle created for one of the scenes, followed by a rare photo of how it panned out in the original Diorama.



This image from the newly released Blu-ray version of “Sleeping Beauty” shows the virtual walk-through tour of the same Diorama scene. This virtual tour was crucial in selling the concept to the top brass for the actual Castle restoration.



Tony Baxter and Chris Merritt are two of the Imagineers who worked on this project and provided much of the blood, sweat, and tears that helped it to see the light of day.


Note the booklet that Baxter is holding; this commemorative souvenir was given to each person who toured through the scenes of the Diorama.


Just in time for Thanksgiving, the Sleeping Beauty Dioramas opened with very little fanfair other than a leak or two on a few of the Disney chatboards. I had my first chance to view this incredible attraction last Saturday. It is absolutely amazing.


I love the fact that you can go inside the castle and climb up and down the stairs, go around corners; it’s like you are exploring a true midieval castle!

Each scene is introduced by an open storybook with descriptive copy:



Each scene that guests view is an absolutely perfect blend of art and technology; unlike other attractions, you don’t notice the technology or the effects; you just stare in awe at each scene. The colors; the lighting; the motion. Truly spellbinding; and these photos do not do it justice.







Warning for parents of tiny ones; just like the original 1957 attraction, this one can be a little dark and scary. There were quite a few children who had the living daylights scared out of them when I went through.



For the handful of you that might be saying, “Big deal...a bunch of scenes from a 50 year old movie.” It may be hard to comprehend, but this Walkthrough paved the way for The Pirates of the Caribbean & Haunted Mansion attractions. Many of the special effects that debuted in the Diorama were later used in those other 2 beloved attractions. So what are you waiting for? Go to Disneyland and check it out for yourself. See more vintage & current Sleeping Beauty Castle Diorama photos at my regular website .

Be my friend, Be my Friend

I am so excited to once again be a member of DisFriends! If you are a Disney fan, DisFriends is a MUST! Come and see why more than a thousand Disney fans have joined this great social networking site It is much like Facebook, but BETTER, as it is all Disney, all the time! My name on DisFriends is Disney Dean (big surprise). Come on over and "Be my friend, Be my friend, put their service to the test!". I would love to hear your thoughts on DisFriends, so just post a comment below and get the discussion started. I would love to become friends with anyone that likes to talk about Disney - my favorite place ever!

I still have some work to do - by adding photos, videos, etc, but it's a start! 

View my page on DisFriends