DisneyApprentice here again to share with you the new look for multiple shops in Downtown Disney. I had a hunch that Disney would try to rejuvenate the entire resort before the re-opening of California Adventure, well it seems that I was right
Disney has now announced two new overhauls for some of Downtown Disney's tenants. The Lego store will be remodeled to having bigger Lego statues grace the front of the store.
The store will feature a statue from Sleeping Beauty, Toy Story, and Beauty and the Beast. The store will also feature a brand-new interactive outdoor play area, all-new play areas inside the store, and of course, new large-scale LEGO models located both inside and outside the re-imagined LEGO Store.
DisneyApprentice here again to share with you the great new attraction posters for California Adventure. Normally I wouldn’t write about Merchandise coming soon to the parks, but today a special announcement was made. California Adventure attraction posters were finally announced for Luigi’s Flying Tires, Radiator Springs Racers, and the Red Car.
The attraction poster designs will be available on tees, art on demand from the parks, deluxe prints and metal signs. I don’t usually buy Disneyland shirts because you can’t really wear them anywhere except for the parks, but these I might make an exception for. Read more about these posters.
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!
Recently, one of my INCREDIBLE sources sent me a compiled list of Main Street Transportation options. I will share this info and also add a few Daveland photos to help illustrate this most excellent listing:
The Horse-Drawn Streetcars …are composite reproductions of 19th Century streetcars and were built at the Studio Coach Shop. “Imagineers” at WDI built the four streetcars by working from photographs of earlier authentic vehicles. There is no other place in the world where time is deliberately pushed back more than 100 years to make it possible for a guest to experience the sensations of feeling, seeing, hearing, and even smelling everything associated with a turn-of-the-century “hay-burning Oatsmobile.”
The Horseless Carriages ….are sometimes called the “1903’s,” but you could pick any year – 1904, ’05, or ’06, and be just as accurate. These little cars are of WDI “composite” design. On the basis of extensive research, Studio designers created a horseless carriage which was a composite of the design and size of many gas-driven cars of that early period in automobile history.
The Horseless Carriages are a little bit of everything. The two-cylinder engines are actually not auto engines, but have the horsepower, the sound – and even a slight case of the shakes – as did the originals. WDI designers selected today’s most efficient two-cylinder water pump engines. Some of the external parts, such as lights, are authentic.
The Omnibus ….is a very nearly authentic reproduction of Fifth Avenue busses which were the main mode of transportation in turn-of-the-century New York. Some are still in operation there. Only one authentic part, an old electric klaxon horn, is used.
The drop frame chassis is from a modern-day truck, and the bus has both power steering and power brakes. Certain adaptations in height and seating to provide greater comfort, safety, and convenience for our guests were made by Studio designers, but the busses are as nearly authentic as possible. The motor takes advantage of modern improvements which provide for better operation—and no smog.
The Motorized Fire Engine …is similarly a composite design of a hose-carrying fire engine of the turn of the century. The primary change we made was to place seats where the hose was carried. The Studio men designed a chassis, then pored through standard catalogues for unlikely, but practical equipment – a jeep rear axel, a three-speed truck transmission, the power plant of a small pick-up truck and standard drive-line parts. The bell and siren are authentic, purchased after considerable search.
At the turn of the century, gas-driven cars were considered a novelty—and a hazard—lacking the reliability of a horse. Motorized fire equipment was merely supplementary to the more respected stead.
The Horse-Drawn Fire Wagon/Chemical Wagon …in the Fire Station at City Hall is authentically reproduced from pictures. The hats, axes, and other props are authentic. The wagon is part of the show, but is no longer used on Main Street to carry guests. As a special treat, here is a photo of the Fire Wagon before it ever came to Disneyland, sitting on the studio backlot:
The Surreys …were also reproductions from pictures of surreys found in Standard Vehicle Catalogues. Necessary parts were located or made by Owen Pope. Owen and Dolly Pope operated the Pony Farm when the park opened in 1955, and did the original design and construction of the surreys. The Pony Farm is now the Circle D Ranch.
To save wear and tear on the ponies, surreys have always been made as lightly and delicately as possible. Because of the great number of guests carried, the wheels were made sturdier than those on most catalogue models—another factor that was built into the attraction. Although the surreys were part of the show when the park opened, they are no longer used to carry guests. Today they can be found on display in Big Thunder Ranch.
The Touring Car …is the new Grand Marshall vehicle with a uniquely Disney touch—Mickey Mouse tread designs on all four tires and the spare tire attached to the rear. The new car now carries guests of honor down the park’s daily parade route in grand style. To fit the theme of Main Street, U.S.A., the Grand Marshall vehicle was designed after a 1912 touring car and can fit up to 11 guests. The design also allows guests in wheelchairs to board easily and ride in the main seating area. A wheelchair lift is built into the undercarriage that remains hidden until needed.
Found an interesting video from YouTube/AP regarding the reopening of the It's a Small World attraction at Disneyland today (February 5, 2009), and thought I would share it with you. Did you go to Disneyland to ride this today? If so, we would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section.
The Lilly Belle that I am referring to is the Disneyland Railroad’s VIP Victorian Parlour Car. Originally, the passenger cars of the Disneyland Railroad looked like this and were referred to as RETLAW 1 (Walter spelled backwards):
Each passenger car had a name and a number, and made many a “Grand Circle Tour” around the park. Here is #103, known as the Colorado Rockies car:
In 1958, The Grand Canyon Diorama was added to a tunnel between the Tomorrowland and Main Street Train Stations. Unfortunately, those sitting in the passenger cars had a difficult time seeing the diorama as the cars faced forward, not sideways. Surely you can understand the frustration of guests who wouldn’t want to miss this stunning new attraction!
Naturally, Walt understood, and from 1966 on (when Primeval World was added to the 1958 Diorama), Retlaw 1 was retired except for when it rained (since they were enclosed). Virtually rotting away, they eventually left the hands of Disney (now in a private collection in San Luis Obispo)...with the exception of #106, The Grand Canyon.
Ken Kohler, superintendant of the Roundhouse, suggested that #106 be converted into a VIP car in time for the 1976 Bicentennial. Using the same type of plush Victorian decor that is in Walt’s apartment above the Town Square Fire Department, the Lilly Belle was converted into a jewel only to be ridden by special visitors.
The first guest to ride the newly built Lilly Belle coach on September 1st, 1976 was Japan’s Emperor Hirohito. For a time, Walt’s original caboose from his backyard Lilly Belle model railroad was on display inside this Bicentennial Parlour Car.
For poor slobs like us who weren’t allowed to ride the Lilly Belle, we could still have souvenir photos taken of us standing on a prop made to look like it:
Restored again for the 50th Anniversary, it is much easier for park guests to hitch a ride on the Lilly Belle without being a V.I.P. Just be sure to ask real nice, ya' hear? See more Lilly Belle photos at my website.
May 29, 2008 (Los Angeles, CA) – Patina Restaurant Group has announced that their downtown Disney restaurant; Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria will host an Antinori Wine Dinner on Tuesday, June 24th. The dinner will consist of a gourmet Italian five course meal prepared by the Naples’ Executive Chef, Joseph Gotti, with wine pairings by Antinori Estate Manager Lorenzo Mottola.
Chef Gotti has created a top notch Italian menu for the dinner. Sumptuous Italian seasonal menu items include Dungeness Herb Crab Salad, Sweet Pea and Meyer Lemon Tortelloni, Aged Balsamic Glazed Kurobuta Pork Belly, and Pepper Crusted Buffalo Loin.
The renowned Antinori Estate has been creating beautiful wines since the 13th century when they moved to Florence from Calenzano, a small town between Florence and Prato. Wine remained the family's main passion and activity to the extent that in 1898, when the “Fattoria dei Marchesi Lodovico e Piero Antinori” was founded by the two sons of Marchese Niccolò to continue their family’s history of making Tuscan wines, a fine quality, well-known product. Their tradition has been carried on after 26 generations of Antinori.
“I am excited to host Antinori at our restaurant and create a special menu in their honor,” said Executive Chef Joseph Gotti. “We are so pleased to put together this special event for our guests. They are sure to enjoy this experience of pairing fabulous wines and spectacular food,” added Naples General Manager Eric Stenta.
The wine tasting begins at 6:30 PM with dinner following at 7:00 PM. The dinner is all inclusive and is priced at $80 per person. Reservations are required. Please call (714) 776-6200.
One of the regular readers of MyDisneyBlog emailed me about a great event at Disneyland recently. The event was a 10th anniversary party for people who get together on Doombuggies.com. The party was the Doombuggies Party at Disneyland's Haunted Mansion. First, they got together at the Blue Bayou restaurant, and then were able to explore the Haunted Mansion after the park closed to the public for that day. WOW - how cool would that be? The Haunted Mansion devotees know nearly everything about the attraction, including where to find the type of wallpaper in the foyer, and what color it is! The Haunted Mansion is my favorite attraction in The Magic Kingdom and Disneyland, so maybe I'll have to join ;)
Thanks to one of my friends, I was able to take a tour of the Disneyland Dream Suite, which is one of the most coveted prizes in the Year of a Million Dreams promotion. The Dream Suite is located in New Orleans Square, above Pirates of the Caribbean. It has been somewhat controversial, as there are many die-hard fans who were upset that the Suite displaced the Disney Gallery, a collectible gift shop that usually had exhibits featuring original art, costumes, and Disneyland artifacts. The Suite was actually an idea that originated from Walt himself and got as far as the design stages before he passed away; original vintage watercolors from Imagineer Dorothea Redmond were used in creating this luxurious space. In my opinion, the results were spectacular. Although it was a little sad to lose the Gallery for the present, it can easily be located elsewhere in the park and most likely will be in the near future. The Dream Suite seems right at home exactly where Walt envisioned it.
The initials of Walt & Roy Disney that have been in the railing have now been highlighted to draw attention to them; this is also the balcony that Dream Suite winners can privately view "Fantasmic!" from.
Jarrod was our friendly tour guide who guided us up the elevator for the tour.
The entry hallway:
A private courtyard to relax with your other guests:
Each room is themed to correspond to the different “Lands” of the park; the master bedroom is tied to Adventureland. Every corner of the Suite has something to notice:
This is one GORGEOUS tub!
The living room was inspired by Fantasyland, with many nods to Cinderella.
You can view more Dream Suite photos on my regular website. Feel free to let me know any requests you have for articles about Disneyland!
I have been a little behind in my posts, and figured it was time to make a contribution, so here goes! Today’s post is about the Casa de Fritos Restaurant, and the other incarnations that have occupied that space in Frontierland. Here is the original poster:
It is a little known fact that Casa de Fritos started off on New Orleans Street:
Opening in August 1955, they quickly outgrew their space, and moved over to the area by the Pack Mules into the location that formerly was the Marshall’s Office. Meanwhile, back over on New Orleans Street, Don DeFore took over the cramped restaurant/kitchen area and turned it into The Silver Banjo Barbecue. But that’s another story...
One of the favorite things about Casa de Fritos was the large statue of The Frito Kid; you could drop a nickel into the machine, the kid would "say" (via a taped message of course): “Hey Klondike, how about digging up another bag of those crisp, golden Fritos!” A bag would slide down from the chute and into the guest’s hands. What a treat! Here are some vintage photos of Casa de Fritos:
And one of my faves, from January 1966, featuring the Gonzalez Trio (a Frontierland musical favorite!):
And if you’re a sign nut like me, you’ll appreciate this closeup of the menu signage:
By 1982, Casa de Fritos was no more, and the Casa Mexicana, hosted by Lawry’s Foods was in. Here are some of the last photos taken of Casa de Fritos before the conversion:
Today, this restaurant is called Rancho del Zocalo, and is a Daveland favorite!
You can view more Frontierland photos on my regular website. Feel free to let me know any requests you have for articles about Vintage Disneyland!
Recent Comments