Disney News and Information — by fans, for fans

The OC Register reports that a study on the feasibility of implementing a monorail system to connect Disneyland to the Angel’s Stadium area has been approved. Other regional transportation solutions are being considered, including other monorail projects.

This makes me very happy as it was one of Walt Disney’s dreams to see monorail technology used beyond the gates of Disneyland. Walt Disney himself once offered to build a monorail connecting downtown LA with Anaheim, but his offer was refused.

As gas prices continue to rise, providing transit alternatives will quickly become a function of government (perhaps with some private enterprise as well). It’s good to see some steps being taken in that direction

Ryan Peterson, a student at Vassar College, created this animatic (a mini-film of sketches) about the Michael Eisner years at the Walt Disney Company, approximately 1984-2004.

As a discourse on Disney history it does get a few things wrong. Sparky Katzenberg’s influence on the success of early 90s Disney animation is the matter of some debate. Eisner’s dislike for the man is not. There are also a few time line issues and John Lasseter is shown wearing a suit, which he never does, preferring loud Hawaiian print shirts emblazoned with Pixar characters if at all possible.

So why should you watch this film? Because sometimes the truth is funnier than fiction.

(via CartoonBrew)

Sorry I’m getting this out a little late, Losties, it’s because I had a big big day yesterday! But don’t worry, my partying can’t stop my Lost-love. I got home at midnight (after a pre-screening of Prince Caspian) and immediately sat down to watch Lost. Alone. My dear husband, the false fan, couldn’t stay up that late. So, against my previous warnings, I watched Lost before bed. I dreamed of Prince Caspian and Sawyer running through the jungle. So, I’ll try to stay on task…

[Read more →]

The 23 resorts of Walt Disney World, and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, now stand united as ‘Green’ certified under the Florida Green Lodging Program. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn was the first hotel in Florida to receive the state’s Green Lodging designation in 2004. Since then, the other 22 hotels have also received the designation, culminating with Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort in April 2008.

“Disney’s commitment to conservation began with Walt Disney himself more than 50 years ago,” said Jerry Montgomery, senior vice president of Conservation & Environmental Sustainability for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. “Our participation in Florida’s Green Lodging Program demonstrates our company’s continued dedication to resource conservation which translates into sound business practices and positive experiences for our guests.”

For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging. The Full Press Release is below the cut.

[Read more →]

Star Wars Weekends run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from June 6 to June 29, 2008. If you’re a Star Wars fan you really should make a point of dropping by Disney’s Hollywood Studios for at least one weekend. There’s the parade, trivia contests, photo opportunities, and great celebrity appearances.

If that’s not enough to convince you, now you’ll also be among the first to experience “The Clone Wars” with a special preview for the latest film from the Star Wars universe. “Behind the Force — Experience The Clone Wars,” is an in depth exploration of the creation of this groundbreaking Star Wars feature film. Disney and Lucasfilm are promising an experience like no other with this.

“The Clone Wars” hits theaters August 15th.

More details at StarWars.com and DisneyWorld.com.

Finally, images and video of the real life version of the WALL-E robot from the Pixar/Disney summer animated feature in action. This photo and video was taken on an excursion in Los Angeles. WALL-E is going to be huge as even this version is too cute.

See the video on Vimeo! (or below the cut) Almost 20,000 people have already seen the video. That’s cool.

Btw, this is the version that is supposed to eventually make it’s way to schools, children’s hospitals and theme parks.

[Read more →]

Hopefully everything is all set and we know return you to your regularly scheduled The Disney Blog. We appreciate your patience and understanding

We’re switching servers for The Disney Blog. Posts should resume later tonight. Thank you for your patience.

Originally labeled “Kingdom Towers” in paperwork filed with the county, Disney has now changed the name of its as-yet unannounced next Disney Vacation Club resort to “Bay Lake Towers.” Considering the towers sit on the edge of “Bay Lake” that certainly seems fitting.

If you ask me, “Bay Lake Towers” sounds something a little like one of those retirement communities Florida is so well known for. Why not call it “Contemporary DVC” since that what everyone else will call it? After all you have the Wilderness Lodge Villas, Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas, why the change here?

(Via Orlando Sentinel)

I was keeping an eye on the Florida fires last night and was unable to watch Dancing With The Stars. That’s bad because Mark is in Hawaii and won’t be able to provide his usual excellent report on the show. The short of it is Kristi Yamaguchi continues to be the favorite. It’s hers to lose.

For an excellent summary see the TV Guy’s report on the Orlando Sentinel.

Ready for your daily dose of cute? The WALL-E featurette that was released and then taken down last month has been reworked and is now available on Yahoo. In it director Andrew Stanton discusses the robot’s journey.