Alan Joyce, the author of Secrets of the Mouse, has just released a reference guide for Disneyland’s Hidden Mickeys – The Hidden Mouse. The mouse’s hiding places are revealed in 116 information rich full-color pages featuring hundreds of photographs, helpful tips, and bonus behind-the-scenes information about dozens of rides.

The guidebook includes:

• A comprehensive of list currently known Hidden Mickeys in Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure, Disneyland Resort Hotels, and more.
• High-quality color photos of many Hidden Mickeys.
• Helpful tips for locating each Hidden Mickey.
• Behind-the-scenes information and fun facts about dozens of attractions across the Resort.

What sets this guide to Hidden Mickeys apart is the marvelous full color presentation. Many of the Hidden Mickeys have photos right in the book, so they’re easy to find when you arrive at the right spot. The other major Hidden Mickey guide makes finding the elusive marks more of a treasure hunt.

One of the strengths of the book is how easy the structure makes it to reference any ride or location across the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. The Hidden Mouse will guide you to the nearest Hidden Mickey at the Disneyland Resort Hotels, California Adventure, and Disneyland itself. Using it will add an extra layer of fun to your theme park experience. I found a few Hidden Mickeys in the guide that I had no idea even existed.

My biggest fault with Joyce’s book is that he uses a very broad definition of what constitutes a Hidden Mickey, particularly when it comes to the three circle variety. In my opinion, if the proportions aren’t correct or the ‘ears’ are not correctly aligned it’s not a Hidden Mickey. But go find them yourself and make up your own mind.

For that extra layer of fun, or just something to do while waiting in queue, bring The Hidden Mouse with you on your next trip to Walt’s original Magic Kingdom – Disneyland.

We’re about a month away from the glorifious geek fest that is Comic-Con. Sadly, I’ve never been able to make it myself. But for those out there in The Disney Blog-land who are going, make sure you catch this session on Disney’s legendary animator and teacher of the craft Walt Stanchfield.

The panel will be moderated by Don Hahn of the Walt Disney Studios and features Glen Keane, Eric Goldberg, Tom Sito, and Ruben Procopio as expert panelists. The panel discussion will celebrate the launch of the new book, Drawn to Life: 20 Golden Years of Disney Master Classes, the complete series of animation lectures by Walt Stanchfield. Catch it Thursday July 23rd at Noon.

Full Press Release is below the cut:

[Read more →]

Southern California animation fans take note:

Don Hahn will be giving a talk and signing the new 2-volume collection of Walt Stanchfield notes entitled “Drawn to Life” tonight Thursday May 28th at 7:00 PM at the Barnes and Noble at Glendale Americana. Here is the address and phone number:

Barnes & Noble
Glendale Americana
210 Americana Way
Glendale, CA
818-545-9146

(via Seven Camels)

Think you know Walt Disney World?

• Do you know the backstory of Dinoland U.S.A. that unifies the entire land?
• Do you know how Dreamflight is commemorated in today’s Magic Kingdom?
• Do you know how Ellen’s Energy Adventure mentions the ride which preceded it?
• Do you know where the references to Horizons and World of Motion are?
• Do you know how Disney’s Animal Kingdom pays tribute to the land it never created?
• Do you know where the Hidden Kermit is located?
• Do you know how the four theme parks honor the years in which they opened?

Disney author and pundit Kevin Yee has updated his popular 101 Things You Never Knew About Walt Disney World trivia book. The new version is significantly longer and plussed with pictures of many of the ‘things’ Yee explores.

To call 101 Things a trivia book is a bit unfair. While there are indeed over 200 pieces of trivia explored inside, the book doesn’t follow the usual question and answer format, but rather takes the form of something more akin to a walking tour of the four theme parks. In fact, I would highly recommend that repeat visitors to Walt Disney World pack this book and bring it into the parks for a richer experience.

My two complaints about the book have to do with how sometimes the photos don’t seem to go with the ‘things’ being described or a more accurate photo is available but wasn’t used. The other being how some of the names in the book are just thrown in and their personal contribution to the theme parks are skipped over.

Get your copy of the updated “101 Things You Never Knew About Walt Disney World” at the LaughingPlace.com Store while this discount applies. ($14.95 SRP, 157 pages, published by Ultimate Orlando Press 2009)

Bookmark, the first book blog, has partnered with Disney to promote the Adam Sandler “Bedtime Stories” movie. For everyone who comments on this post, Disney will donate a book to a child in need. Up to 250,000 books. Only 260 comments so far, so join in and help a good cause.

TSMM – Joe Ranft Tribute

Originally uploaded by indigoskye

I had been through the Disney’s Hollywood Studios version of the Toy Story Midway Mania! Fastpass queue at least a dozen times before I noticed this wonderful detail. Just before you enter the main queue room, there’s a blue bookend with the title of “Magic Made Easy” with the author J. Ranft.

It’s a tribute to Joe Ranft, a Pixar story artist who died in a tragic auto accident back in 2005. Besides being incredibly talented, funny, and warm hearted, Ranft was a bit of a magician, hence the book title.

It’s obvious his absence is still keenly felt in the halls of Emeryville. Major points to Walt Disney Imagineering for adding this detail.

There is one mystery detail remaining; the book’s publisher is “Planet Fog Press”, (see photo on flickr) which I assume pays homage to the California San Francisco Bay Area. But if you know different, please chime in below.

I’ve been searching for a good charity that’s helping Hurricane Katrina survivors and also accepts Paypal donations. Convoy of Hope is just such an organization. It’s Four-Star rated by CharityNagivator and has a history of helping disaster survivors, including last year’s Tsunami. 

If you’re heading to a theme park this month please consider packing lunch one day and donating the amount you will save to this charity. Alternatively, skip a couple starbucks coffees this month and donate that amount. Do you buy books at the bookstore? Well visit the library instead and send that money.

Any amount helps.

[ttags:hurricane, katrina, recovery, disaster, charity, nonprofit, donate, help, aid, assistance, convoyofhope]

In addition to the tributes I’ve already linked to here and here, people continue to mourn the loss of Joe Ranft. I’ll continue to list as many of these tributes here:

First, CartoonBrew highlights exactly why Ranft was riding in a car along the coast that day. He was heading toward a retreat to help coach two men from Watts who were trying to straighten out their lives. More details in this story from the Marin Journal, as well.

The Whittier Daily News, the paper from Ranft’s home town, has posted an obituary.

The post I linked to earlier at Tirade has become a condolances book of comments, many very moving.

UpcomingPixar is understandably moved and has some interesting quotes from others at Pixar.

Ain’t it Cool News posts a tribute from Harry: "The world’s greatest gag-man, Joe Ranft has passed away. Years and years ago when I was invited up to the wonderful world of Pixar – the man I spent the most time pal-ing around with was Joe Ranft. I never laughed so hard, nor learned more about animation from one person in my life. Joe was funny as hell, grotesquely talented."

Alvin at Doodles posts this moving tribute: "The animation industry is saddened by the loss of a great storyteller.
I, for one, felt a certain grief when I heard of his death. I never
knew him personally, nor met him even. But he was responsible for most
of the films that inspired me to be in animation. For that, I think I
owe him a great deal."

Kat at ThinkRadical: "its a ghost town around pixar… we lost our soul Tuesday night with
the passing of story genius Joe Ranft. i often chatted with him while
we walked into work. there are no words to describe how everyone is
feeling around here."

Amelia at GeckoCafe, who wants to be a storyboard artist tells her story about meeting Joe.

Louie Del Carmen writes: "It’s comforting to know that Joe’s essence, wisdom and philosophies
will be handed down to future craftsmen of the industry through the
people who where fortunate to have worked closely with him. It is a
legacy that I know his family and friends will appreciate and for Joe
himself to be truly proud of."

Barry at InkTank was moved to write: "I wanted to BE Joe Ranft … envying a man’s life who I never met.
Plus, I could tell in his writings that he was a warm man, full of good
humor. A man I would hope to someday shake hands with and … dare I
dream … get to work with."

[ttags: pixar, disney, joeranft, joe+ranft, death, obituary, tribute, memorial, animation, emeryville ]