While the thoughts of everyone here at The Disney Blog are with those who are in the path of Hurricane Gustav, it’s also important for those in Florida or planning a trip to the area, to know that the whole state, including the attractions area… Read More »Gustav and Hanna, twin storms wreaking havoc
John Lucas, winner of this morning’s half-marathon at Disneyland, is a real fan of Walt’s magical kingdom. He proposed to his then girlfriend at Disneyland and later honeymooned there as well. Lucas was so excited to run the half-marathon, he even set a new course record. Congrats to the Eugene, Oregon resident. Eugene is still track and field headquarters.
I love this picture of Lucas crossing the finish line. It looks like Mickey Mouse is so excited he’s levitating right off the ground. And check out the size of Minnie Mouse’s sneakers, I doubt she could run 10 feet in those.
The full press release is below the cut:
Read More »Disney Fan Wins 3rd Annual Disneyland Half-Marathon
Are you, or do you know someone who is, running the Disneyland Half-Marathon on Sunday? If so they’ll be in good company. Perhaps they’ll even meet Kyle, a weight-loss champion who once topped out at 406 pounds, but now is down to 247 and running… Read More »Running the Disneyland Half Marathon this weekend?
As John posted last week, Disney is showing Sleeping Beauty in a limited engagement at their El Capitan Theater in downtown Hollywood. It’s showing for the next three weeks while we wait for the 50th Anniversary DVD and Blu-Ray release to come out in October.
Thursday night was the first showing of the film in this theater. It was preceded by a panel discussion on the film. And I was lucky enough to get to go.
Even though I live about 40 minutes away, this was my first time to the El Capitan Theater. It’s just easiest to go to a local one. But I was quite impressed with it. This is an old time, one screen affair with a balcony. I just had to sit in the upper section. I got there early and got to hear an organist playing Disney songs until the evening’s program actually got started. That was lots of fun.
Up first was the panel. It was hosted by Don Hahn, the producer of such big hits as Beauty and the Beast (my favorite movie ever) and The Lion King. I think he was as pleased to be there as the rest of us were.
There were five people on the panel itself. Blaine Gibson and Frank Armitage actually worked on the film as animators. Bob Thomas wrote his first book on Disney animation during the period they were working on the film. Tony Baxter is currently an imagineer with Disney. Finally, Princess Aurora herself was there in the form of Mary Costa. Each member of the panel got a few minutes to talk about some aspect of the film.Read More »Opening Night Sleeping Beauty at the El Capitan
![](https://i0.wp.com/etc.thedisneyblog.com/images/Michael-Phelps-Disney-6-1600h.jpg "MICHAEL PHELPS RECEIVES HERO\'S WELCOME IN \")
Direct from the Beijing Games Olympic Gold Medalist and world champion swimmer Michael Phelps celebrated his unprecedented achievement with an all-American homecoming parade in his honor at Walt Disney World Resort this morning. In a star-spangled salute amidst confetti and thousands of flag-waving fans in the Magic Kingdom, Phelps was honored for his record-setting wins and for the spirit in which he captivated the world in his quest for Gold.
The 23-year-old from Baltimore beamed as he rode through the park alongside Mickey Mouse, waving to fans who chanted his name. Magic Kingdom guests joined in “America’s Homecoming Parade” for the swimmer who broke records in each event he entered in Beijing. For Phelps, who also was honored in Disney parades at both Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland Park in California following the 2004 Summer Games, it was a sweet homecoming to the United States and to see fans who supported him in his quest for Gold in Beijing.
![](https://i0.wp.com/etc.thedisneyblog.com/images/Michael-Phelps-Disney-2-1600.jpg "MICHAEL PHELPS RECEIVES HERO\'S WELCOME IN \")
“I am so happy to celebrate here and see some of the fans who supported me,” said Phelps. “It’s great to feel so much excitement around the sport of swimming in the U.S. and around the world. To top it all off with a parade at Disney World is just incredible.”
During his celebration in the Magic Kingdom, Phelps also took time to meet a group of local swimmers from the central Florida area. The aspiring young swimmers had the chance to talk with Phelps, ask about his record-breaking experiences and see the Gold Medals he won in Beijing.
Phelps, who has announced he will train for the 2012 Games, now owns the record for most Gold Medals in a single event (8) and for a career (14).
All photos Copyright Disney. More photos below the cut:
Read More »Michael Phelps celebrates his Olympic Victory at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom
When last we heard of the Jostens Center it was just concept art. But now it’s nearing completion and ready to open for thousands of amateur and professional athletes to compete and train in. Looks pretty good. The state of the art multi-sport venue totals… Read More »New Jostens Center preparing to open at Disney’s Wide World of Sports
Update: Pictures are now up here. Later this morning those lucky enough to be at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World will have a chance to see and celebrate Michael Phelps and his pool full of Olympic gold. Flag waving and confetti throwing begin… Read More »Michael Phelps to be feted at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom
The Thomas Kinkade Company and Disney Consumer Products announced today that Thomas Kinkade is preparing for the release of his newest painting honoring the creative and artistic mastery of one of his childhood heroes – Walt Disney. This image will be the first in the… Read More »New Thomas Kinkade – Snow White discovers the Cottage