If I Ran Disney World .Com - Everything Disney

 Well I hadn’t but I sure could point out his artwork anytime I visit the Disney Parks.

On one of my many trips up to Disney World, I found myself always falling in love with his work whether it was in Downtown Disney or Epcot’s Art of Disney stores. Most of them keep the classic look of some of of our most favorite characters with a Modern flair and great color schemes.

As a rising star in the art world, Tim Rogerson casts his artwork with a very evident energy and passion. Inspired by the works of Edgar Degas and Malcolm Liepke, the North Carolinanative has embarked on an artistic journey that has taken him from Degas to Disney to darling of the industry.

Check out some of my personal favorites of his below:

Simply Google his name and you’ll see tons of his Art work :)

or you can check out his work on DisneyFineArt.com

His Bio on The Art of Disney

Disney’s California Adventure is welcoming their newest addition to the park during Summer 2012: Carsland!

I have to say I’m really excited in seeing this section of the park coming to life considering its a much needed addition to a park that most would consider the least designed and themed park by Disney Imagineers.

A few years ago, Imagineers tried to recover from their flop and brought some Disney magic to DCA by revamping some of the park. Some of these changes included adding Carnival style games with Pixar characters, Classic old-fashioned Character themed Ferris Wheel, and adding a Silly Symphonies themed Flying Chairs ride. That plus the World of Color show has brought a much needed Disney Touch this park was crying for.

Carsland to me seems like the cherry on top and a step in the right direction for Disney Imagineering: Expanding on Storylines & Characters where Visitors can immerse into Magical stories brought to life through rides and attractions creating an unforgettable experience.

Below is a list of the upcoming attractions part of Carsland:

Recently, New concept art was released as well as some shots of the track for the New Radiator Springs Racers ride.

Seeing as I’m an Epcot Regular up in Orlando, FL, It seems to me like this ride will be similar in style to that of Test Track. Similar Ride Vehicles & Track, Different Theme.

Below is a few shots taken of the track and John Lasseter (Pixar Genius) testing the Vehicles out.

Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree seems like it ill become a Classic Family Favorite similar to Magic Kingdom’s Spinning Tea Cups. To see a preview of the ride, Please Click Here for one of my previous posts including a ride video.

The last of the attractions hasn’t had much coverage but I did find some concept art and vehicle testing photos with John Lasseter (Again.. Pixar GOD).

Overall, I’m super excited to see what will come of this new area added to DCA. Not sure when I’ll get the chance to visit but I’m definitely looking forward to checking out Carsland!

What do you guys think? Excited to see Carsland?

Sorry guys, I haven’t posted in like two weeks -______-  (Not to mention failed miserably at my 30 Day Disney Challenge)

I’ve got some interesting stuff I’ll be posting soon as well as some photos from Downtown Disney in Orlando. I’ll be vacationing there this upcoming weekend to celebrate my 22nd Birthday! Sad to report I’m not visiting a Disney park (Even though they’re having a great Deal: 3 Days/ 3 Parks for Florida Residents only $99!! Click Here for more info) due to the fantasyland expansion construction. Instead I’m visiting Busch Gardens Tampa but a trip up to central florida wouldn’t be the same without a stop at Dontown Disney :) I have to get my favorte treat.. Mickey Rice Crispie dipped in Chocolate. No worries, I wll post tons of photos, promise :)

Have a Magical Day,  

My favorite Disney classic between 1989-present has to be Aladdin (1992).

 I think its because of Jasmine being beautiful & sexy and the Arabian theme of the movie. It feels so beautiful and exotic. She’s definitely my favorite Princess by far.

The movie also includes the beloved Genie voiced by none other than Robin Williams. He’s a great companion for Aladdin and brings humor as well as great music to the film (Friend like me).

Did anyone else play the Sega Genesis Aladdin Game? I used to love it!! Collecting apples, jumping from rooftop to rooftop, walking over hot coal and jumping on camels. Awesome traditional adventure game but with a Disney twist.

Another blogger reminded me today that I will never get to visit Mickey’s Toontown @ WDW Magic Kingdom ever again. It was closed off late last year for the Fantasylad expansion and I have to say.. I was shocked it was removed from the park.

It was the only area in the Park where kids could visit and meet some of the best Disney classic characters and get to see them in their homes. It truly brought the fantasy and magic of our beloved Favorite Four Disney Characters (Mickey, Minnie, Donald & Goofy) to life.

(Above: Mickey’s House, Minnie’s House, & Donald’s Boat)

But I guess it was always meant to go. Originally Disney’s Toontown Fair opened on June 18, 1988 as Mickey’s Birthdayland as a temporary area. It was so popular that it remained and was rethemed as Toontown Fair to conveniently keep the already set-up tents that were meant to be taken down.

Years later now we must say fare well. My only thought… WHAT ARE THEY DOING WITH MICKEY’S HOUSE?? They should sell it or Auction it off :)

Imagine some lucky kids have it in the backyard as their private playhouse. Amazing!

I just hope it doesn’t end up taken apart and thrown away.

You may be wondering what exactly can we expect in that section of the park? We’ll be introduced to storybook Circus in 2013. It’ll include a Big Tent with interactive Circus activities for Guests of all Ages and an Extra Dumbo Spinning Ride.

Check all the Mock-ups below:

My Favorite Disney Classic between 1937-1988 is hands down The Great Mouse Detective (If not my all time favorite). The movie is basicly a Sherlock Holmes style mystery with a Mouse Detective saving the Queen of England but with great music and that wonderful Disney animation. (1986)

Unfortunately, most people I know have never seen let alone heard of this movie. Along with Classics such as Pete’s Dragon, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, The Three Amigos and The Rescuers, this movie gets lost in the vast Disney Vault of Classics.

Personally, I could watch this movie over and over. Its a fun adventure following Basil of Baker’s Street (who lives right below Sherlock Homes) as he helps a little mouse named Olivia find her kidnapped Toymaking Father.

The movie has good sense of humor as well as a great story with interesting clues and Twist & Turns to a mystery that leads us to a phenomenal villain: Ratigan.

He’s a refined professor with some dark plans but don’t you dare point out he’s a RAT or he’ll feed you to his pet Kitty. (Did I mention he has one of the best Villain Theme songs?)

If you haven’t already gotten a chance to see this.. go out and RENT it Tonight! If you’re a True Disney Fan you cannot miss out on this Classic!

I’m going to try and keep up with this as much as possible. Everyday i’ll post my Disney Challenge of the day as an Entry on my blog as well as on my “About Me” Page.

Hope you’ll guys will agree with my picks :)

Ever since I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by the Stretching Portraits in The Haunted Mansion. It could be because I thought the tight rope walker was beautiful or because of the spooky tale each painting reveals.

For those of you who many not know (SPOILER ALERT) : When you enter the Haunted Mansion theres the “Stretching Room”. You enter and see 4 square paintings with 4 different self portraits. As the room begins to stretch, The paintings stretch upward and reveal the dark truth behind the faces in the paintings.

FUN FACT: This is done differently in different Parks: in WDW Magic Kingdom the room actually stretches and rises upwards. In Disneyland, you’re actually on an elevator that is moving down a floor towards the attraction. It appears as if the room is stretching when in reality you’re moving downstairs.

I wasn’t aware how many others really loved these spooky paintings as well. I found some other renditions and Fan Art and thought you all would enjoy it.

Below is the 4 Famous Stretching Paintings found in all Haunted Mansion Rides:

Below is some Fan Art using the Disney Characters in these same paintings:

Below is the Set of Paintings used during the Nightmare of Christmas decked out Haunted Mansion at Disneyland during the Holidays:

The Carousel of Progress!!

 My absolute favorite ride at Magic Kingdom is the Carousel of Progress by far. Let me tell you even today, as I was searching for photos online I got this sudden urge to go to Disney World and go see .Even though everyday i’m looking up Disney photos and news nothing has quite hyped me up to visit like looking at pictures of the Carousel of Progress and singing the theme song “Its a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow”. I can’t even explain the feeling I get as I visit John & Sarah’s home and watch how technology and innovation (Progress) changes this family’s day to day life. As I watch, I feel a mixture of joy and nostalgia, truly seeing what the Disney Magic is all about, as well as thinking Dammmm… how did people live like this?  (Also, Am I the only one who wonders how their dog, Rover, lives throughout so many decades?.. Hmmmm)

Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress was first part of the 1964 World’s Fair. It then moved to Disneyland, and then to Disney World. It is the only ride in WDW with a direct relation to Walt Disney. 

The premise of this ride is that you are viewing the “American Family” throughout the decades. It starts out around the turn of the 20th century, then goes to the 20s, then to the 40s, and finally to the current day. It’s been updated a few times as technology changes, the last being 1994. So it’s a little dated, but it’s still awesome. It’s mainly a show but also a ride because of the Circle Theatre its in. Basicly the center of te building witht he animatronics stays put while you, the audience move around the theatre to the next scene. At the en d, you come full circle :) Aside from that, as much as I love the ride, it does need a bit of a face lift especially the last scene. Most of the gadgets and inventions in the final scene are REAL already.

It’s really sad how many people go watch this show just to take a break from walking and because theres AC in the theatre. I always feel like I’m the only one in the theatre sitting upright singing along in each scene while the rest of the audience is napping. Visitors should really try and appreciate what this ride/show really means to the park. It itself represents a major progression in attractions for its time and it’s there to remind us the Magic of time and where the coming years are headed. Show you that if you can dream it, you can make it happen. A refridgerator was unthought of back in the day, and now every home has one. I guess it just puts life into perspective for you.

On a brighter note, here are some facts:

Fun Facts!

• The ride is rumored to not be allowed to close down, because it was Walt’s favorite attraction.
• This isn’t too fun- there is a urban legend that a cast member died because he/she was crushed in between the walls during the changing of scenes.
• The dog, Rover, has been altered and renamed numerous times.
• The song in this ride was written by the Sherman Brothers, most famously known for their music in Mary Poppins.
• The voice of the Grandfather, Rex Allen, was the original Dad in the 1964 World’s Fair version. 
• The last scene, updated in 1994, was what they envisioned a 2000 Christmas would look like. 
• The Carousel of Progress is the stage show in America with the most performances. 
• GE used to sponsor this ride, and it showcased GE technology- a lot like 30 Rock, for those of you who watch that show:) They stopped in 1985, probably because of the popularity decrease. 

Every Disney movie has some form of Romance intertwined into it’s story. and who would want it any other way? The romance and love between some of our favorite Disney characters still give us butterflies and hope for our very own Fairy Tale to this day.

For most Young girls and Disney Fans, Love & Fairy Tale Romance are most commonly found in princess films. Don’t get me wrong I love me some Disney Princesses (& Prince) but now after watching the films again you realize they truly are just fantasies. In most of these Movies, the Female Lead and Male Lead barely get to know each other but ather fall in ”Love at First Sight”. You don’t get to see anything personal or heart warming happen between them. All you see is the Prince saving the damsel in distress and marrying her. I personally like a romance with alot more going on than that.

When I think of Romance I think of some of my favorite Pixar movies. Those films capture the true essence of Love. Most of these characters shouldn’t even belong together but though adventure and struggle you see them fall in love with one another. These relationships are also more realistic to everyday romance (and I’m not referring to talking Fish and Robots). I’m refering to the fact you see their relationship bloom through hardship, arguements, enjoying one another’s company and caring for each other. With the Good comes the Bad and to really understand how loving a relationship is you have to see it all!

I can’t help but cry everytime I see the opening sequence to UP. It constantly reminds me of my grandparents who have been married for over 50 years. I can’t imagine one or the other being apart or even dealing with losing each other. You can tell that even though Carl & Ellie didn’t get everything they wanted in life (have children, travel, etc.) that they were happy with each other and truly cared about one another.

Check out the Opening sequence from the Movie UP below (If you don’t cry or at the very least get sad/emotional you have NO SOUL):

Dapper Day is right around the corner!

 For those of you who have never heard of Dapper Day, its a special day where guests dress “dapper” to mimic those beautiful original renderings created for Disneyland. Early on, Guests were depicted as “dressed for a day of sophisticated entertainment, men in sharp suits, toddlers working two-pieces, and ladies looking like a page from Dior’s sketchbook”. So now this event is making it a reality! Guests dress up in high fashion from the time period (Think Madmen) and enjoy the Park in a more upscale way :)

I’m considering attending this year for the first time since its a few days before my birthday. It would be pretty exciting to walk down Main Street in a vintage dress and large hat as if I was attending the Royal Wedding lol.

Check out the photo below of some guests dressed up @ Disneyland:

Click the link to visit the official homepage for the event: www.dapperday.com

Check out the Brand New Logo for If I Ran Disney World.com!!!!

It was designed by an amazing Graphic Designer named Samy. She was great to work with and I’m beyond excited about my new logo!

I discovered Samy online after I spotted the fan art below of Minnie Mouse dressed as all the princesses:

Click here to check out her Art and Click here to  follow her on Tumblr.

dreamingandwishingofdisney:

You must:

• Reblog this post
• Reblog it as many times as you want
• Be following  http://dreamingandwishingofdisney.tumblr.com/

I will choose 7 blogs tonight at 8 pm central us time to be in the running

I will look at all of the blogs

Winner will win a promo a day on my blog for a week and a permanent link on my follow them page 

This has been out for awhile but I had to post it :)

Click here to check out 17 year old Heather Traska’s Youtube Channel. She covers tons of songs and is a very talented young lady.

Quick Facts about the Video:

• 86 days
• 30+ looks/characters
• 13 main songs
• 13 “quoted” songs
• 1 month to edit
• self-recorded
• arranged entirely by ear
• edited herself
• make up and costumes done by herself

Theres a new interactive experience coming to WDW Magic Kingdom in early 2012.

Drum roll please:

In this new experience, Merlin the magician will recruit guests as apprentice sorcerers to take on missions to battle villains. The game is included with your park admission to the Magic Kingdom and guests wanting to play will receive a map, Sorcerer card, and Magic Spell cards with characters on them.

Based on the map seen above, you  can conclude the following areas will be included in the adventure: Adventureland, Liberty Square, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Main Street U.S.A.

Armed with magic spells in the form of special cards (See Above), guests must search for the magic symbols that lead them to animated villains’ hiding places. By casting different magical spell cards, players can do battle with Yzma, Kronk and other “baddies” hiding throughout the land.

Guests will start their adventure at a kiosk where they will get a bit of training and will be directed to a “Magic Portal” where their sorcerer card triggers the bgeinning of the experience. The Magic Spell cards are used to complete the task and defeat the villains.

I’m really excited about this because it reminds me of the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure over at Epcot. I’ve played the adventure twice (once with my younger sister and once with another adult) and both times I really enjoyed it. For those of you who have never played, You basicly pick up a ticket from a kiosk and it gives you a time you have to report to a certain country. There you are given training and a communicator (verizon cell phone). Using this phone you go throughout the countries in the World Showcase section of Epcot and find certain things like a scavenger hunt to give you clues to go to the next area. Each country has different areas that are triggered with your communicator. Anything from small animatronics to sounds and props will come alive just for you. I’ve noticed that most guests don’t even know about this experience!

Check out the video below of Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure released by Disney Parks:

If the new interactive adventure is anything like the Kim Possible one at Epcot I’m all game! I really love these interactive “games” at the parks because it gives you a whole new experience at the parks. No 2 visits should be alike at the WDW Parks. Plus it feels pretty cool to be part of the show sometimes! :)

I recently saw the newly released video of Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree being tested over at California Adventure and I’m really excited for this expansion. I’ve read mixed reviews on the internet calling it a ride for “youngsters” but in reality it looks like a well themed thought out ride for that movie’s land. I think Kid’s and Adults will both enjoy it.

Check out the video Disney released a few days ago:

Below is a video released a few months ago of a Virtual Drive Through of the area that will become Cars Land at the California Adventure park.

Even though I’m a huge Disney Parks fan, I know when to admit when they’re not making the cut. A few months ago I visited Universal Studios Orlando & Islands of Adventure and I was pleasantly surprised at how well they’re executing new additions to the park since my last visit.

Let’s Begin with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter:

I’ve read all the books and I enjoy the movies but I wouldn’t call myself a die hard Harry Potter fan but once you walk through Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure you are emmersed into an amazing world.

Most people get to enjoy a book, some people get to enjoy movies based on their favorite books, but very few people get to experience both AND walk through the streets and towns of your favorite characters. It takes our beloved stories to a whole different level. This is something I think Disney should take advantage of (I’m starting to see them bring certain Pixar movies to life like The Toy Story area in Disneyland Paris and Carsland at California Adventure.)

I was in aww as I walked around the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The stores and the Butterbear were honestly more entertaining than even the rides. I walked through the Weasley joke shop and even the Candy store where I was able to buy the same Chocolate Frog Harry and his friends buy. Such a great experience which is why I still don’t agree with Disney choosing Avatar to compete with Universal’s Harry Potter area. I can’t see the rides and merchandise even amounting to what the Harry Potter franchise has.

Well enough ranting about Avatar, Let’s get to the best new piece of technology in the park: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey!

Disney doesn’t have anything like this ride in the parks! Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is best described as a mix of the Spiderman ride at Islands of Adventure (Minus the 3D Glasses), The Mummy (minus the roller coaster) and Soaring from Epcot. The pictures above show you exactly what your riding on. Its a mechanical robot arm similair to those used in building cars. It’s able to move you all around smoothly and puts you right into the action. Whats great about this ride is that you don’t need to wear 3D glasses and they incorporate both screens that wrap around you (like in the Soarin Ride at EPCOT) as well as actual scenes depicted in the movie inside the castle. The position of the lap bar and the fact you’re being whipped around really gives you the feeling of flight. They totally one-upped Soarin because not once did I ever notice the screen whereas in Soarin unless you sit in the Middle Row you are always aware that you’re staring at a screen.

This ride gets an A++++ from me. There’s nothing else like it out right now. 

There’s other great rides to like the Rip Ride Rockit Roller Coaster added to Universal Studios Orlando Park. Not only is it a great ride, its longer than most coasters in Orlando and they record you throughout your whole ride so you can purchase the video afterwards :)

My other favorite addition is the Meet & Greet with Shrek characters. When I went I was able to meet Donkey and it was one of the highlights of my trip.

It’s one of the best Meet & Greets I’ve ever seen especially for one with a Cartoon character who’s not a face character. Donkey interacts with you, poses for pictures and is just as funny as he is in the movie. Its so well done down to his movements and voice that you forget somewhere theres a guy with a microphone controlling his movements.

The Disney Living Character Initiative tried to dabble in Character Meet & Greets but nothing they came up with compares. Not even Lucky the dinosaur.

Below is a video of another family meeting Donkey at Universal Studios Orlando on youtube:

So The Muppets Movie came out the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and it’s been out for almost a Month now but I just had to write a review :)

I went to see the movie on Opening Night with my younger 12 year old sister at a 10:30 pm showing. Though it wasn’t packed and the audience was mainly made up of adults (due to the late showing), the Audience loved the movie!

Like many I too like the Muppets but I had no idea what I was in for when I went to check it out in theatres. I had read a couple positive reviews so I went in with high expectations and it didn’t let me down! The movie follows Gary and his brother Walter from birth to Adulthood. Gary is played by Jason Segal who co-wrote the film and is a real life die hard Muppets fan. He actually approached Disney with the idea for the project. Though the whole storyline is by-the-book stereotypical, it’s humor and loving characters paired with unforgettable songs (I literally left the theatre with songs stuck in my head) is what makes it such a great fun movie. The humor is in your face and constantly reminding you how farfetched the movie and characters are. Lets face it, the two main characters are brothers, one is a man & the other is a muppet, and yet you see past it throughout the movie.

This feel good film makes you laugh at the right times, the story never feels long or boring in any parts, the songs are great and catchy, and to top it all off its the Muppets! Half the time you’re reminiscing about your childhood.

Did I mention the movie has some great Celebrity Cameos?? The muppets are joined by Mickey Rooney, Emily Blunt, Jack Black, Selena Gomez and even the lead singer from the Foo Fighters, Dave Grohl.

Check out the recently released Music Video for the BEST song in the WHOLE MOVIE: Man or Muppet!!!!

Time to layout the pink carpet and welcome the newest addition to the Disney Princess Family!

Sophia the First will introduce us to a much younger princess during the Disney Junior Segments. You might be asking yourself why is Disney creating a new show surrounding a little princess? Well according to research, Young girls enjoy characters that they can relate to and are closer to them in age.

I think this is a great idea! The show sounds like it’s going to be fun, educational, and cute for the little girls aged 2-7 targeted audience and will include talented voices from celebrities such as Wayne Brady, Tim Gunn, & Ariel Winter.

My only concern would be for Disney to include her in their already expanding Disney Princess Franchise. Those princesses to me seem like they’re at a different caliber. As it is, its still weird seeing Rapunzel and Tiana rubbing elbows with Aurora, Cinderella, Belle and Jasmine.

Other than that I could see this show totally becoming a hit and adding another slam dunk for the Disney Junior Shows joining the ranks of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

Expect to meet Sophia Fall 2012 in her first TV Movie premiere with a TV Show following right after in early 2013.

Let me start off by saying that I truly enjoyed Avatar and thought it was a fantastic film and coming from me that says alot. Normally when a film receives way too much hype and press time, I tend to push it aside and ignore it (Just like you go against anything your parents would say as a child). When I finally came around to seeing the 3 Hr Avatar movie, I was pleasantly surprised and loved it. Great effects and CGI even if the story does remind you of a certain Disney Classic (Cough.. Pocahontas).

With all that said, Why the heck is Disney teaming up with James Cameron to create an Avatar Land in Animal Kingdom???

I’m all up for franchises and teaming up to bring other characters and worlds to life. For instance, Universal was beyond GENIUS to get their hands on the rights to Harry Potter. I’ve visited and I believe not only is it a phenomenally executed area that truly throws you into the the Wizarding World but its a great investment with longevity. I mean it was so well done you would have thought it was created by Disney Imagineers in their better years. (But i’ll go more into that in a future post).

As fantastic of a film Avatar is, I think it should be a stand alone film. I see a major flop ahead of the franchise if they in fact release Avatar 2 & 3. James Cameron did an amazing job with the first film but the magic and aww of the first film will wear off and all that remains is a sequel that’s trying to push a similar or “overly used” storyline. Don’t fix it if it aint broken!

I’ve seen it time and time again recently at the Disney Parks. Quick attractions that are hot and popular now but by the time it’s available in the parks it’s quickly a dying fad. Both the Who want’s to be a Millionaire? & American Idol to me seemed like a waste. Hollywood Studios is about the Movies and Hollywood. Why incorporate TV Shows that come and go especially when you’re DISNEY and you have so much material to work with and capitalize on?

Which leads me to the next flop… Avatar Land in Animal Kingdom. Disney is hoping to have the next Big Attraction to compete with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter but the fact is they’re comparing Apples and Oranges if they think Avatar will compete with Harry Potter. I’m not impressed at all.

I’d much rather incorporate something Disney related or something that is Classic and will be around for years to come like Star Wars and Star Trek. Personally one of my favorite recent additions Disney has done to any of their parks is the Toy Story Land in Disneyland Paris.

Now that’s what I call immersing your fans into a world you’ve created for them! That’s why I also agree with the Fantasyland Expansion (after they made some changes to the original plan). This is the direction Disney needs to go with. I wish they’d use some of their Classic stories that unfortunately some children haven’t been introduced to yet.

But if they feel like they NEED to outsource for new characters or attractions than fine but make it worthwhile and make sure it’s an investment that will last awhile like Star Wars has over at Hollywood Studios. I mean that even expanded to Star Wars Weekends that have been a great hit over the years!

Just wanted to let everyone know I’ll be putting the final touches within the next week and then we’ll be up and running!

Keep an eye out for some posts this week regarding a few topics:

- Avatar coming to Animal Kingdom… Really? What are they thinking???
- New Sorcerer in Magic Kingdom interactive activity withIn the park
- The Muppets movie review
- How is Universal Studios Orlando surpassing the Disney magic in certain attractions?