I wanted to put a little coda on the recent Bomb Scare that hit the Walt Disney World bus transportation system. As mentioned in the updated version of my previous coverage, the item was determined to be non-hazardous. Since then the sheriff department has said… Read More »Coda to the Disney World Bus System Bomb Scare
Walt Disney Studios chair Richard (Dick) Cook has announced that he will be resigning his post. As chair of the studios cook over saw all live action and animated films released by the Walt Disney Company. Unfortunately there has been a fair amount of pressure for the studios to improve their offerings the last few years and many felt that Cook would eventually resign or be fired if things did not improve.
Cook was liked by most Disney fans, not just because he rose through the company from the bottom ranks of a front line attractions cast member at Disneyland, but also for his involvement in the fan community, such as his participation in the Carolwood Society. I’m sad to see him go and hope he stays involved in the Disney community.
Nikki Finke is reporting that Dick Cook was actually fired. But I guess in the higher levels of Hollywood, they call that a resignation.
(via the LA Times)
Follow below the jump for his official bio:
Read More »Shakeup at Walt Disney Studios, Dick Cook Resigns
I saw a great headline that the much needed Maglev line between Anaheim’s resort district and the Las Vegas area had received federal funding to get started on the first phase. It was only $45 million toward a potential $12 billion project, but it was… Read More »Disneyland to Vegas Maglev Receives Funding, or does it?
Local news is reporting that a suspicious package has been found on Disney World Transportation Bus located in a non-guest accessible area. Some cast members have been evacuated and the bomb squad called in. A employee inspecting a bus in the maintenance area found a… Read More »Suspicious Package found on Disney World Bus, Employees Evacuated
The new National Transportation and Safety Board Chairwoman has only been on the job a week, but she’s already given at least one interview regarding the Walt Disney World Monorail Accident that resulted in the death of a cast member. So far, Disney appears to… Read More »NTSB Pleased with Changes Disney Making to Monorail Operations
I haven’t really covered much video game stuff here on The Disney Blog, not that I haven’t wanted to, just that I don’t do much gaming myself. But now we have a Nintendo DS and a Wii in the house and games are becoming a… Read More »Disney adds The Princess and the Frog to video game roster
Today’s the big day for Harry Potter fans who are looking forward to actually visiting Hogwarts School of Magic or walking through the village of Hogsmeade. Universal Orlando is rolling out more details of what you can expect in a special video conference. Unfortunately it’s invite only.
As it turns out, the attraction names I had back in July were correct. The main attraction that will feature robocoaster technology and will inhabit the interior of Hogwarts will be called “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.” Universal claims it will be unlike anything ever ridden before and will feature popular scenes from the books and movies. It also sounds like Forbidden Journey will have a very detailed queue that winds through some of the castle’s well known rooms.
Two existing attractions will be renamed. The kid friendly Flying Unicorn will become “”Flight of the Hippogriff” and Dueling Dragons will become “Dragon Challenge”. I hope they work hard to keep all the great details of the Dueling Dragons queue. It’s one of the best outside Disney. Dragon Challenge is based on the Tri-wizarding Tournament, which features dragons, so that makes sense. Flight of the Hippogriff will feature a ‘Care of Magical Creatures Class.’
There will be three dining locations: Three Broomsticks, Magic Neep, and Butterbeer. Stores and retail locations include: Zonko’s, Owl Post, Ollivanders, Honeydukes, and Dervish and Banges. A new shop, located inside Hogwarts, will be called “Fitch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods.” There you can buy remote-controlled golden snitches among other fun items.
The Owlery and Owl Post will be working Post Office where visitors can get a Hogsmeade postage cancellation. Won’t all your friends at home be jealous?
Right now the ‘Grand Opening’ for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is planed for Spring 2010, which meets their June 2010 contractual date, but probably won’t include all the attractions.
Update: Here’s a video fly-through of the new land. I’ve added some annotations to help make connections
Update: Follow below the jump for the full press release:
Very said to hear that Patrick Swayze has died. He was 57 years old. Although he was not involved in a lot of Disney projects, Swayze got his start at Disney and and did find a few wonderful movies to participate in. He began his… Read More »Patrick Swayze – RIP