January 2012
18 posts
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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:
Radiaor Springs Racers Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree Luigi’s Flying TiresRecently, New concept art was released as well as some shots of the track for the New Radiator Springs Racers ride.
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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.
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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).
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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,
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My favorite Disney classic between 1989-present has to be Aladdin (1992).
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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).
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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.
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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.
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(Above: Mickey’s House, Minnie’s House, & Donald’s Boat)
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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:
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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)
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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.
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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?)
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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 :)
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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.
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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:
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Below is some Fan Art using the Disney Characters in these same paintings:

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Below is the Set of Paintings used during the Nightmare of Christmas decked out Haunted Mansion at Disneyland during the Holidays:
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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):
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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:
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Click the link to visit the official homepage for the event: www.dapperday.com