International West, a planned series of tourist districts in Garden Grove, has finally had its first tenant approved. A new 600 room hotel and 6 acre water park has just been approved by the city council. Of course, with this economy, don’t believe anything until… Read More »Garden Grove’s International West finally gets first site
Imagineers Rolly Crump and Don Edgren were recently honored at Disneyland by having their name added to what are effectively the ‘credits’ for the theme park, the Windows on Main Street. Don Edgren was known for his mastery of resort development and his ‘can-do’ attitude.… Read More »Rolly Crump and Don Edgren honored with Windows at Disneyland
Shanghaist reports on “Touch of the Panda” a new Disney-produced movie that is opening in China. It follows the story of a Panda Cub separated from its mother. Even if the plots not original it might be worth it for the scenery. The film was shot in the Woolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve.
Continuing our overseas trip, we have a story on a book of stories and anecdotes about Tokyo Disneyland that may have been plagiarized. Lawyers are now involved.
Two updated posts to note: First I’ve added a couple photos to my post about the new Green Disneyland Bakery; Second it turns out the Sherman Brothers documentary will open on May 22nd. Right now it’s at four cities, which I’ve added to the original post.
So far Orlando has been lucky enough to avoid a confirmed case of Swine Flu. If the cases continue to grow, that won’t happen forever, but it’s good news for now.
One of the juiciest rumors in the week of rumors that were this week, was the tidbit that GE and Universal Studios is giving serious consideration to buying the Busch Entertainment Theme parks, including (or perhaps only) the SeaWorld properties.
Looking for a great night on the town that’s also affordable? You may want to make another trip back to Downtown Disney to check out some deals. Not sure how long these specials will last, so ask when making reservations. Look below the cut for details:
Zagat’s, a name with years of respect in the fine dining field, has released its first “Insider’s Guide to the Disneyland Resort.” More than just dining, the guide covers attractions, shops, food, and hotels.
Part of the Zagat’s Survey system will reveal guest preferences and rankings. For instance, Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain Rank as park favorites, Tower of Terror provides a perfect thrill,
Blue Bayou and Napa Rose wweep the restaurant competition, and
Disneyana and World of Disney set the shopping pace.
It is available now at the Disneyana store in Disneyland, Compass Books in Downtown Disney, and Amazon.
The full press release and some of the rankings are below the cut:
Disneyland Resort Lights Up The Night With New Shows And A New Glow! It’s Summer Nightastic!
The first three decades of Disneyland, the park was still struggling to create an identity to attract locals into the park. One of the strategies they employed were themed nights. Usually there would be some performer on the Rivers of America or other entertainment in tomorrowland. Well they’re rolling back the clock this summer at Disneyland and it’s going to be Nightastic!
Vice President of Parades and Spectaculars Steve Davison introduces the new slate for Nightastic!
Disneyland Resort will glow like never before this summer as it debuts an all-new fireworks show, Magical, along with sensational new characters and effects that will brighten the Summer Nightastic! lineup of after-dark entertainment.
Guests can see Disneyland Resort in a whole new light as Summer Nightastic! brings nighttime shows and parades to life – bigger, better and brighter. A huge new dragon and other special effects will highlight Fantasmic! Explosive surprises will illuminate the night sky in the all-new fireworks spectacular, Magical. Guests can rock the night away at a new dance club in Tomorrowland. Sparkling new magic comes to “Disney’s Electrical Parade,” as well as to Pixie Hollow, the enchanting home Tinker Bell inhabits with her fairy friends.
The magic will play nightly, beginning Friday, June 12, and continuing through Sunday, August 23, at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure parks.
Lot’s more below:
For many years the words “Ragtime at Disneyland” were synonymous with Rod Miller. But before Rod there were other pianists and after Rod there is a new group of talented performers. One of those performers is Michael Pollock. He’s developing his own following and is known for his humor.
If you can’t make it to Main St. USA in Disneyland where Michael Pollock, aka “Ragtime Michael,” is a featured piano soloist you can purchase his new album titled “Ragtime Michael: Tickles the Ivories“. It was created to help guests remember their visit to the original Magic Kingdom and the experience of hearing Michael play in person, but it’s a wonderful collection of Ragtime music (including a few Disneyland songs) either way.
The tracks are carefully selected, most-requested songs, and each is guaranteed to make you smile. Kids like the “rinky-tink” energy, and adults will further appreciate the musical accuracy at warp speed, and infectious grooves on the easier going tunes. The selections will amaze you with how detailed his riffs get and yet you still hear every note distinctly.
If you can’t get to Disneyland and hear this kind of expert ivory tickling live, get this CD and enjoy it anywhere you happen to be.
The track list and a short interview with Michael is below the cut:
Two great new fan made DVDs about Disneyland have just been released. One reveals many of the parks secrets and the other is an in depth look at the famous attraction’s history. The Secret Tour of Disneyland: An Independent Travel Documentary Join us on a… Read More »Disneyland Fan Made DVD – Two Great New Releases
The Grand Californian Disney Vacation Club Villas went on sale today. Any bets as to how fast they sell out. I understand it’s just 50 units, so you can only sell so many weeks.
The full press release from March is below the cut: