My Disney Blog

It's a Small World Vintage Audio Book

OK, so it is possible that I have been living under a rock for quite some time here. I'm sure there are many in the Disney community that have run into the Golden Gems blog, but I just ran across it for the first time today. I was so excited about this site, run by Barbie Miller, and I spent about 2 hours looking through the various books that she has scanned into her site. Barbie finds many of her books at garage/rummage sales, flea markets, etc, with eBay as a last resort. She says she has been collecting for a very long time, and it definitely shows!

Anyway, I saw that her latest post was an audio book of "It's a Small World" from 1968, and it is just fantastic! If you haven't seen this book, I'm sure you will be as delighted as I was!

Here is a copy of the cover (with permission from Barbie):

 

For the REST of the book, you'll have to go to Golden Gems. Be prepared - you may be up very late tonight if you haven't been to this blog before ;)

--- Disney Dean

Walt Disney World May 2009 Theme Park Hours

One of the things I would like to do is let you know when the monthly hours/schedules have been posted for Walt Disney World. Heading to Walt Disney World in May 2009? Here are some links to information regarding the May 2009 schedule. Hope this helps, and wish I could go with ya!

Official Walt Disney World Calendar (should be posted soon)
DIS/WDWinfo May 2009 Hours (has been posted)
AllEars.net (just advance months to get to May - should be updated soon)

If you know of another source, please let me know! I'd be happy to link to it!

--- Disney Dean

Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade

Kathy, over at the Dis Unplugged Blog, has posted some terrific photos of the "Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade". The new parade started last Friday, January 23, 2009 at the Magic Kingdom and looks to me to be a sensational parade. I was a huge fan of "wishes", but hopefully this will be just as great, if not better.

Below, you'll find one of the photos, but be sure to click the link below the photo to be directed to the blog post concerning the "Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade".

 

Permission received from the Dis Unplugged to use a photo to direct visitors back to the original article. Thanks much to the teriffic Dis Unplugged! Click HERE to go to the original article. Be sure to read the article for tips on the best viewing locations!

--- Disney Dean

Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure

Epcot guests at Walt Disney World Resort will be treated to a brand new, highly interactive attraction inspired by Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning animated series, Disney’s Kim Possible.  The new experience was just launched today, January 28, 2009!

Using the latest technology, Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure invites guests of all ages to become secret agents, teaming up with members of Team Possible to save the world from various comical villains and their mad inventions.

As guests embark on this international adventure, they will receive an official “Kimmunicator,” at kiosks throughout Epcot.  The interactive, handheld device is designed to help them maneuver through the mission.  Using state-of-the-art technology, the interactive device connects guests with a variety of Kim Possible characters who provide clues to stop villains from taking over the world.  The highly interactive devices also allow guests to control top-secret equipment hidden inside the World Showcase pavilions, creating an ultra-interactive adventure jam-packed with mystery and excitement.

Guests can play Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure in seven of the World Showcase pavilions: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Japan, France and United Kingdom.  Each pavilion features a unique mission including distinctive visual events and a different super villain from the animated series.

"Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure is an exciting new experience that offers fun and excitement for the entire family," said Jim MacPhee, Epcot vice president. "We are constantly exploring new ways to provide immersive experiences to Epcot guests, and this new offering will add to our dynamic portfolio."

“Today’s emerging generation expects more immersive, personal and interactive experiences in every facet of their lives, including their entertainment choices,” added Bruce Vaughn, chief creative executive of Walt Disney Imagineering.  “As leaders in family entertainment, Disney theme parks push the envelope by combining state-of-the-art technology with creative storytelling to enhance the overall Disney vacation experience.”

Epcot is a place of innovation, imagination, human achievement and endless possibilities.  The park encompasses two “lands” of discovery: Future World, a showcase of new ideas and technology, and World Showcase, a kaleidoscope of nations celebrating cultural heritage, arts and entertainment.  For more information, guests may call 407-824-4321 or visit disneyworld.com.

A worldwide hit for kids and families, Disney's "Kim Possible" is an Emmy Award-winning animated series from creators/executive producers Bob Schooley and Mark McCorkle and Walt Disney Television Animation.  It tells the story of an average high school cheerleader, Kim Possible, who, in her spare time, happens to save the world from super villains.  With the aid of her enthusiastic pals, this contemporary heroine is capable in ways few high school students ever imagine.  On the flipside, she realizes that defeating the bad guys comes easier than coping with the typical teen pressures of schooling and socializing.  Viewers' connection to "Kim Possible" led to a successful off-TV franchise for The Walt Disney Company including Kim Possible and Ron Stoppable characters at Disney Parks &  Resorts, DVDs, books, video games and Disney Consumer Product's line of "Kim  Possible" branded products available at mass retailers nationwide.

--- Disney Dean

Earth by Disney Nature

Growing up, some of my favorite memories are from Sunday evenings, watching the Wonderful World of Disney. I remember with great fondness watching Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom and the Disney shows. I was so sad to finally find out that he wasn't really alive at the time I was watching it in the 1970's. I could not be more happy that Disney has decided to invest in nature programming again, with the formation of Disney Nature. Their first large-scale distribution movie will be called Earth, and will be released on Earth Day 2009. I was forwarded a trailer by Disney, and allowed to upload it to YouTube. Since putting it on YouTube, it has received thousands of views, and is also linked by several sites. Earth is narrated by James Earl Jones, with background music by Icelandic group Sigur Ros (phenomenal!). So, here is the trailer for Earth. I have watched this trailer about 30 times, and each time I am more enthralled by the imagery and music. I will definitely be going on Earth Day!!

 

Here is the link to the YouTube Video...OR for a real amazing experience (on fast computer and Internet connection) - try the HD version! Just go to the YouTube link, and click "Watch in HD" below the trailer on the right.

--- Disney Dean

Cliff Edwards

I've been doing some research on some classic Disney voice stars, and I thought I would start with the person who recorded my very favorite Disney song "When you wish upon a star". The song was sung by Jiminy Cricket (Cliff Edwards) in Pinocchio (1940). Cliff was the voice of Jiminy Cricket until around 1970, and died in 1971. There is so much interesting information regarding Cliff Edwards, and I thought it was worth sharing.

Cliff was born on June 14th, 1895 in Hannibal, Missouri. Growing up, Cliff taught himself to play Ukulele, and was given the nickname "Ukulele Ike" from a club owner (some reports say it was a waiter) that couldn't remember his name. He realized great success early in his career, having a string of hit songs in the 20s and 30s, and was one of the most successful artists of the 1920's. He reached number one for one week on the U.S. pop singles chart for his recording of "I Can't Give Anything But Love," in 1928. In 1929, his recording of "Singin' in the Rain" was number one for three weeks. The 1929 Arthur Freed/Nacio Herb Brown song was recently featured as the number 3 song on the 100 years...100 songs AFI list. 

Cliff Edwards was largely responsible for the growing popularity of the Ukulele in the 1920s, with millions of ukes sold during that time!
 
Cliff's acting success came in the 1930's and 1940's, appearing in more than 100 motion pictures in his career! He voiced the dying confederate soldier in Gone with the Wind. In 1940, he voiced Jiminy Cricket in Pinocchio, and later voiced the head crow in Disney's Dumbo. His recording of "When You Wish Upon a Star" for Pinocchio was perhaps his most famous recording, and has been heard and loved for generations. The song won an Oscar in 1940.

He fell on hard times later in life, and supposedly suffered from various substance abuse issues and money problems. It was reported that Walt Disney Productions had been paying for many of his medical bills, and had at least some part in helping to provide a proper burial.

I've been asked why "When You Wish Upon a Star" is my favorite classic Disney song. I have been trying to put my finger on it, but not sure why. I guess I love everything about it - the lyrics, the distinctive feel of the song, and the way that Cliff made it seem so real. Every time I hear it, it brings so much happiness to me and my family! How about you? Are you a fan of the song? Why or why not? Leave your comments in the comments section of this post.

More great information on Cliff Edwards can be found at the following sites:
Disney Legends - Cliff Edwards
Wikipedia Entry for Cliff Edwards
Red Hot Jazz
Jazz Age 1920's

Image above from Wikipedia

--- Disney Dean

Cinderella Castle Suite

I never get tired of seeing the tour of the Cinderella Castle Suite at Walt Disney World. I ran into the video, and although it's not particularly timely right now, it's fun to watch :)

A Shout Out to All Disney Bloggers

A few days back, I discovered that MyDisneyBlog was named in the Blogs.com list of Ten Popular Disney Blogs! To even be mentioned in the company of the other bloggers on the list is an absolute honor, and something I will strive to live up to in 2009 with frequent and hopefully fun posts. I have a lot I want to do with the site, so stay tuned! Here is the full list from Blogs.com:

2719 Hyperion - an amazing site that is on any Disney fan's daily blogroll!
Dis Unplugged - one that I am quickly becoming addicted to and I know you will too!
Imaginerding - one word - AWESOME - they have been so helpful to me and I read daily!
Mainstreet Gazette - amazingly written and a must read for me - Ryan does a great job!
MyDisneyBlog - still can't believe it's on the list :)
MyTakeOnDisney - a cool and fun design - check it out ALL the time!
Reimagineering - some of the most thought-provoking Disney posts around - great stuff!
TheDisneyBlog - what can I say - there is a reason they call it THE Disney Blog :)
The Disney Frontier Blog - another great blog that is a must read
The Disney World Blog - started around the same time as my blog - awesome stuff!

A mighty roster of Disney blogs, for sure! I also want to give a shout out to all the other amazing Disney-related blogs and websites out there. There are sooooo many I could substitute into the place of MyDisneyBlog on this list. My list would probably be a Top 100 list!  Congratulations to all Disney bloggers for advancing the use of blogging as a social medium! Keep up the good work, and have fun everyone!

--- Disney Dean 

 

The Ugly Duckling Silly Symphony (1939)

The Ugly Duckling Silly Symphony from 1939 still gets to me every time I watch it. I haven't watched it in so long, but it still gets to me when he cries. Walt and his crew sure with pulling on people's heartstrings, and making a situation appear real, didn't they?

I found a great site, with a lot of great information on Disney shorts. Interestingly enough, it's called "Disney Shorts". Check out their entry for the Ugly Duckling Silly Symphony.

--- Disney Dean

Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary January 27th

Are you in the mood for a Spoonful of Sugar? Well, you're in luck, as the Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary DVD is set to be released on January 27th. This restored and remastered 45th anniversary 2-disc edition is sure to be a HUGE hit and one that I will be buying the minute it hits the stores. My kids, including Disney Mike (our blogger for kids attractions) just love this movie, and can't wait to see the special edition.

Here are some links to Disney Mary Poppins clips:

Mary Poppins Arrives
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Spoonful of Sugar
Chim Chim Cher-ee
Penguin Dance

We Love you Julie!!

A big thanks to the folks at Disney for making the clips available!

--- Disney Dean