Please help support this unofficial website
designed for the 50th Anniversary by clicking below
Starting March 28th, Disneyland50.com will change focus to the Walt
Disney World Resort. There will be limited updates regarding
Disneyland in California. I will be finishing the 50th anniversary
down in Florida. I have been hired by the Walt Disney Company to
work in the Canadian Pavilion at EPCOT for a year, as a cultural
representative, participating in the Walt Disney World International Program.
As I will be living on the W.D.W. property for a year, you can
expect tons of pictures from all of the things that I will be
doing. I will be visiting all of the parks (multiple times), as well
as other places around Florida.
I will try to participate in all of the learning courses, networking
events, experiences, as well as try out various job shadows.
If you are ever visiting Walt Disney World in the next year, be sure
to email me and drop by EPCOT's Canadian Pavilion to say hi.
Once again, thank you for visiting my site, and I hope you enjoy my
Florida experience, as much as I do.
Welcome to Disneyland 50.com! This un-official site was designed to be
a central source for information and news regarding the 50th Anniversary
Celebration of Disneyland. When information is updated on this site or on
any of the other Disney fan sites, the links will be posted below. Please
note that this site has links and pictures of possible spoilers for
the 50th.
It takes a lot of effort to keep this
site running, and if you enjoy
this website, please consider a small donation through PayPal. Your contribution will help pay for the operational costs. Thanks for visiting, and please
keep checking back for updated information.
DISNEYLAND RAILROAD GETS FIRST NEW
ENGINE IN NEARLY 50 YEARS, HONORS FAMED DISNEY ANIMATOR
Grand Lady of the
Rails Returns to “The Happiest place on earth”
ANAHEIM, Calif. (February 15, 2006) - - In an exclusive ceremony today at
Disneyland in southern California, hundreds of Disney “Cast Members” came
together to show their love for one of the park’s original attractions - -
the Disneyland Railroad - - and to join in the dedication of two additions
to the famed railway - - the new Ward Kimball steam engine
and the returning Lilly Belle VIP parlor car.
The early morning event at the Frontierland Train Station, hosted by
Disneyland Resort president Matt Ouimet, honored the namesakes of the
engine (legendary Disney animator Ward Kimball) and the restored parlor
car (Walt Disney’s widow, Lillian Disney), plus all the Disney Cast
Members and Imagineers who made these new additions to the beloved
railroad possible. Members of the Kimball family were in attendance during
the dedication which also happened to coincide with the anniversary of the
birth of Lillian Disney herself.
“The Disneyland Railroad is an integral part of our 50-year heritage and
I’m very proud of all of our Cast Members and Imaginers who have helped to
make these new additions a reality,” said Ouimet. “The Ward
Kimball engine and Lilly Belle car are wonderful salutes
to two individuals whose impact on
Disneyland
is everlasting.”
The Ward Kimball is the first steam engine added to the
Disneyland Railroad in 47 years. It is a salute to legendary Disney
animator Ward Kimball (1914 – 2002) whose credits include such film
classics as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Fantasia,
Dumbo, The Three Caballeros, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland,
Peter Pan, Mary Poppins and Bedknobs and Broomsticks.
Kimball was an avid train enthusiast who helped get Walt Disney actively
interested in backyard steam railroading, beginning with a visit to the
Chicago Railroad Fair in 1948. Kimball’s passion extended all the way to
having a full-size steam train layout in his backyard dubbed the Grizzly
Flats Railroad.
The new engine (over 103 years old!) on the Disneyland Railroad was
built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and
went into service in 1902. The little train was initially owned by Frank
Barker and J. Wilson Lepine, proprietors and operators of the
Laurel
Valley
and Melodia sugarcane plantations, and the Laurel Valley Sugar Refinery in
Lafourche Parish,
Louisiana.
The train was originally known as the Maud L., named after
the young daughter of J. Wilson LePine. The little iron horse traversed
the 15-mile railroad of the plantation, hauling cars of sugar cane from
outlying fields, through mosquito-infested swamps to the mill.
The Maud L. was retired in 1946 and seemingly headed towards
the scrap heap. In 1999, after years of alternate owners, the little
steamer found her way into Disney’s hands. The engine has since been
lovingly and meticulously restored. It has been rechristened as the
Ward Kimball, steam engine No. 5 on the Disneyland Railroad.
Featuring a red cab with red wheels, the engine also sports genuine
gold-leaf stenciling and lettering, plus a unique Jiminy Cricket
silhouette on the headlamp (Kimball created the character for Walt
Disney’s animated film Pinocchio). The engine features more
pin striping than any other engine on the Disneyland Railroad while the
boiler itself is coated in metallic midnight blue paint that cost nearly
$900 per gallon!
Part of today’s festivities included the re-dedication of the grand lady
of the Disneyland Railroad, its VIP parlor car - - the Lilly
Belle. This special car has been off the
Disneyland
rails since 1998 due to the effects of the elements on its wood
construction. However during the past seven months the car has been
undergoing a painstaking refurbishment to restore it to its former glory
Now the Lilly Belle once again proudly welcomes guests to its
Victorian splendor. The 37.75-foot-long car comfortably seats about 12
people with six sets of large double windows on each side for convenient
viewing of the passing scenery. The décor of the plush parlor car is
complete with gorgeous new interior elements
such as a Victorian settee and chairs, velvet drapes, walls paneled with
Himalayan mahogany, beveled mirrors, Disney family pictures and, rimming
the top of the car, twelve stained glass panels.
Formerly the railroad’s signature observation car known as No. 106
Grand Canyon (dating back to 1955), the Lilly Belle
sprang to life in 1974 after all of the railroad’s original, enclosed
passenger cars had been retired. A proposal was put forth to transform No.
106
Grand Canyon
into a “Bicentennial Car,” replete with red, white and blue finery.
Eventually the concept evolved into rebuilding No. 106 as an elegant
private railcar for visiting dignitaries and distinguished guests.
Created with interior design inspiration from Lillian Disney herself, the
car welcomed its first VIP guests in 1975. During the first-ever visit to
the United States by Japanese royalty, their Majesties Emperor Hirohito
and Empress Nagako of Japan enjoyed a grand circle tour of Disneyland
aboard the Lilly Belle during the park’s celebration of the
American Bicentennial.
Over the past 50 years the authentic steam trains of the Disneyland
Railroad have covered enough track to circle the globe more than 200 times
while carrying nearly 300 million passengers.
02/02/06
Classic Attraction in
California and
Florida Adding New Characters Inspired
by Hit Film Franchise Disney’s Pirates of the
Caribbean
ANAHEIM,
Calif.
/ ORLANDO,
Fla.
(Feb.
2, 2006) - -
First the theme park attraction inspired the movie – now the movie is
inspiring the attraction.
Pirates of the Caribbean,
the classic Disney theme park adventure brought to the big screen in
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, is
adding new characters and features from the blockbuster entertainment
franchise and debuting when the next adventure begins in Pirates
of the Caribbean:
Dead Man’s Chest.
Both the Disneyland Resort in
California
and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
will close the attraction in March to complete the updates in time for the
opening of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest on July
7. The attraction will re-open at Disneyland
on June 24 and in Florida’s
MagicKingdom
on July 7.
The attraction will feature the addition of two of Hollywood’s
most infamous buccaneers, Captain Jack Sparrow and his nemesis Barbossa.
Joining the wildest crew that ever sacked the Spanish Main,
Captain Jack and Barbossa add an exciting new twist to the attraction’s
original storyline as they race to be the first to claim a cache of
plundered treasure.
“Successfully adding the
popular characters from the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’
films with the mythology of our classic attraction is an example of Disney
synergy and Walt Disney Imagineering at its finest,” said Jay Rasulo,
chairman of WaltDisneyParks
and Resorts. “These additions will result in an exciting new chapter for
the attraction and an unforgettable experience for our guests, giving them
another reason to come and be a part of our continuing 50th
anniversary celebration.”
Woven into some of the
attraction’s most memorable scenes, the rival swashbucklers will be seen
interacting with some of the more familiar Audio-Animatronics
buccaneers found inside the ride-thru adventure.Also
making a guest appearance is the ghostly Davy Jones from the second movie
in the series, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.But new characters are only the beginning.New
special effects will also be added to enhance the “Pirates of the Caribbean”
theme park experience.
"The creative legacy of ‘Pirates of the
Caribbean’ has come full circle with the attraction initially inspiring
our highly successful film franchise and now the films inspiring exciting
additions to the attraction itself,” said Dick Cook, chairman of The Walt
Disney Studios. “The attraction enhancements capture the same spirit,
swashbuckling humor and action that moviegoers loved in the first `Pirates
of the
Caribbean'
which will continue with the highly anticipated new tales this summer and
beyond.”
Created under the
direct creative supervision of Walt Disney himself, Pirates of the
Caribbean
is the quintessential Disney theme park adventure, a swashbuckling voyage
that transports guests back to the days when pirates and privateers roamed
the
Spanish Main.
Starring a comical cast of rascals,
scoundrels, villains and knaves, the world-famous attraction sends guests
of all ages on a boat ride through mysterious caverns where “Dead men tell
no tales” and then into a colonial era Caribbean seaport under siege by a
band of fun-loving pirates. The attraction’s jaunty theme song, “Yo Ho (A
Pirate’s Life for Me),” sets the show’s light tone with its
tongue-in-cheek depiction of high-seas lawlessness.
The original incarnation of Pirates of
the
Caribbean
premiered on March 18, 1967,
in New
Orleans Square
at
Disneyland
in
California.
Featuring more
than 120 Audio-Animatronics performers, lavishly decorated
sets and special effects, it’s considered to be one of the most
spectacular and enduring attractions ever created for a theme park. With
its setting revised slightly to fit a
Caribbean
Plaza
location in Adventureland, the attraction opened to guests at Walt Disney
World’s
Magic
Kingdom
on December 15, 1973.
More than 500 million people have experienced the rollicking fun of
Pirates of the
Caribbean
in
California
and
Florida
over the past 39 years.
“Enhancing the classic Pirates
attractions with new characters and new technology will ensure their
relevance and place in Disney theme parks as timeless adventures,”
said Tom Fitzgerald, senior creative executive for Walt Disney
Imagineering. “We’re adding a layer of storytelling from the films to the
attraction while retaining all the familiar elements that make it vibrant
and exciting for every age group.”
The Pirates of
the Caribbean additions are one part of the “Happiest Celebration on
Earth,” an 18-month salute (continuing through 2006) to 50 years of Disney
park magic around the globe that started with the opening of Walt Disney’s
original park, Disneyland, in 1955.
01/22/06
MONSTER-SIZE PREMIERE HERALDS THE OPENING OF
MONSTERS, INC. MIKE & SULLEY TO THE RESCUE!
New Attraction, Inspired by Walt Disney Pictures Presentation of a
Pixar Animation Studios Film, Monsters, Inc., Brings Screams of Fun to
Disney’s California Adventure Park
ANAHEIM, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2006) - - The Disneyland 50th anniversary
celebration continues in full swing as the Disneyland Resort rolled-out
the spotted, blue carpet today in a gala Hollywood-style premiere for the
grand opening of its all-new attraction “Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to
the Rescue!” The new attraction, inspired by Walt Disney Pictures
presentation of a Pixar Animation Studios film, Monsters, Inc., is located
in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot section of Disney’s California Adventure
park at the Disneyland Resort.
In the hit 2001 computer-animated film, the factory of Monsters, Inc. is
the No. 1 scream-processing firm in the bustling metropolis of
Monstropolis, generating the city’s power supply by scaring children and
transforming their screams into an energy source. The monster inhabitants
of Monstropolis, however, are terribly afraid of being contaminated by
kids. So, when an errant little girl nicknamed “Boo” accidentally enters
the child-adverse world of Monstropolis, fun and mayhem ensues.
“This delightful new adventure continues our tradition of creating
memorable, immersive storytelling attractions,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman
of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “It’s another great example of how our
Imagineers take a beloved film and popular franchise and bring it to life
in a three-dimensional experience that can be enjoyed by the entire
family.”
The popular film has now been transformed into a fun-filled attraction
where guests climb aboard waiting taxis and hit the streets of
Monstropolis to follow the film’s stars Mike and Sulley on their mission
of safely returning “Boo” to her bedroom. As guests witness the chaos of
a child-on-the loose in Monstropolis they encounter the super-sneaky
Randall Boggs, the yellow-suited agents of the CDA (Child Detection
Agency) and other characters from the film. Guests will even get to see
the seemingly endless Monsters, Inc. door vault and receive a unique,
personalized farewell from the slug-like, ever watchful factory dispatcher
Roz!
“With the addition of ‘Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!’
during our 50th anniversary celebration, Disney’s California Adventure
continues to broaden its appeal with family-oriented attractions and
entertainment,” said Matt Ouimet, president of the Disneyland Resort,
citing the recently added “Turtle Talk with Crush” and “Block Party
Bash.” “We’re confident that this new addition will become a must-see
attraction with our young guests.”
“Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!” has been created in the
tradition of the classic Fantasyland-style “dark rides” by Walt Disney
Imagineering, the creative force behind Walt Disney Parks and Resorts that
imagines, designs and builds all Disney theme parks, resorts and
attractions worldwide. The attraction features over 40 characters in 16
distinct scenes, plus incorporates the unique use of both black-light and
white-light illuminated sets. Technical highlights of the attraction
include seemingly personalized farewell remarks to passing guests from Roz
and a multi-hued Randall Boggs who changes colors as little Boo “bonks”
him on his head in the attraction’s finale.
Staying true to the film, the attraction features newly recorded
performances by many of the film’s original voice talents including Billy
Crystal and John Goodman. Additionally, the musical soundtrack for the
attraction is derived from the Academy Award® nominated “Monsters, Inc.”
film score by noted Oscar® winner Randy Newman.
“Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!’ represents the next
generation of family-friendly adventures, with humor and adventure to
delight every age group,” says Tom Fitzgerald, senior creative executive
for Walt Disney Imagineering. “We’re bringing this new classic to life
with magic and special effects while remaining true to the charming story
that inspired it.’”
The new attraction joins an incredible array of innovative new adventures
and spectacular entertainment premiering at Disneyland during its 50th
anniversary celebration, continuing through 2006. The anniversary is also
being celebrated globally and features the introduction of new shows and
attractions at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida; Tokyo Disney Resort in
Japan; Disneyland Resort Paris in France and the recently opened Hong Kong
Disneyland.
More information about the grand opening of “Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley
to the Rescue!” and the Disneyland 50th anniversary celebration, plus
vacations at the Disneyland Resort is available at
www.disneyland.com, by calling
(877) 700-DISNEY, or by visiting local travel agents.
MONSTROUS FACTS
•Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! was inspired by the hit 2001
Walt Disney Pictures presentation of a Pixar Animation Studios film
“Monsters, Inc.”
•The exterior of the attraction is reminiscent of the opening title
sequence from the film, featuring multiple colored doors. The facade also
features graphics of such characters from the film and attraction as Roz,
Randall Boggs, Boo, Needleman and Smitty.
•The entry point of the attraction is set in the Monstropolis Transit
Authority, featuring posters that exhort guests to “Join the Child
Detection Agency!” A video by the Monstropolis Chamber of Commerce gives
guests a peek into the world they are about to enter.
•An open phone book in the Monstropolis Transit Authority features
advertising for such establishments at “Monster City Café,” “Cyclops
Optical,” “Tony’s Grossery” and “Screamtronics.”
•The Transit Authority features sales of “The Daily Glob” and
“Monstropolis Horn” newspapers with headlines such as “Baby Born with Five
Heads – Parents Thrilled” and “Scream Shortage Looms – Modern Kids Hard to
Scare.”
•A vending machine in the Transit Authority features such snacks as
“Primordial Ooze,” “Blort,” “Bag O Calories,” “Sugar-Salt & Fat” and
“Polyvinyl Chloride.”
•Guests pick-up their taxi vehicles across from the “Rabid Transit
Stop” featuring a crosswalk signal that blinks “Stalk” / “Don’t Stalk”
•Each taxi features personalized license plates such as “FOBY AH,” “SCREAMR,”
“GOTCHA,” “PETRIFY,” “CLAWS” and “MNSTR4U.”
•Imagineers created the three-dimensional world of Monstropolis based on
actual blueprints developed by Pixar Animation Studios for the film,
“Monsters, Inc.”
The main cast of Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! includes:
•James P. Sullivan (Sulley) - Voiced in the film and
attraction by John Goodman
Sulley is the purple-spotted, aqua blue top Kid Scarer at Monsters, Inc.
who inadvertently lets a little girl into the monsters world of
Monstropolis.
•Mike Wazowski - Voiced in the film and attraction by
Billy Crystal
The little green-eyed monster is Sulley’s scare assistant at the factory
and best friend who helps him return Boo back to the safety of her
bedroom.
•Boo - Voiced in the film and attraction by Mary Gibbs
The little girl in pigtails who has accidentally crossed-over into the
world of Monstropolis and causes mayhem as Mike and Sulley (whom she calls
“Kitty”) attempt to return her back to her bedroom safe and sound.
•Randall Boggs - Voiced in the film and attraction by
Steve Buscemi
The purple slithery chameleon is Sulley’s rival for top Kid Scarer and is
determined to thwart Mike and Sulley’s attempt to successfully return Boo
to her bedroom.
•Roz - Voiced in the film and attraction by Bob
Peterson
The slug-like Dispatch Manager at Monsters, Inc. who is forever reminding
Mike Wazowski to turn in his paperwork.
•Celia - Voiced in the film and attraction by Jennifer
Tilly
The receptionist at Monsters, Inc. with the Medusa style hair (literally)
and Mike Wazowski’s girlfriend whose patience wears thin as havoc ensues
as Mike tries to get Boo home.
•Needleman and Smitty - Voiced in the film and
attraction by Dan Gerson
These two somewhat dim-witted best friends are Scare Wranglers on Mike and
Sulley’s Scare Floor at Monsters, Inc.
•The C.D.A. (Child Detection Agency)
The yellow-suited agents of the C.D.A. are everywhere throughout
Monstropolis, protecting its citizens from child contamination and contact
with little Boo.
•The havoc-wreaked sushi restaurant in the attraction is called
Harryhausen’s. This is an homage to stop-motion film animation pioneer and
Academy Award® winner Ray Harryhausen noted for such films as “Jason and
the Argonauts,” ”One Million Years B.C.” and “Clash of the Titans.”
•The sushi chef octopus behind the bar in Harryhausen's has only six
legs. This is a reference to “It Came from Beneath the Sea,” a 1955
science-fiction film in which Ray Harryhausen created an octopus with six
arms due to budget restrictions.
•Jonathan Sachs, the arranger who worked with Randy Newman on the music
for the film, arranged and composed additional music for the attraction.
•The attraction features both black light and white light art
direction, giving it a variety of rich environments.
•This is the first Disney park attraction that travels through a scene
in a bathroom.
DISNEY’S “MOST MAGICAL CELEBRATION ON
EARTH” FETED WITH 2006 ROSE PARADE FLOAT FIT FOR A PRINCESS Disney Parks Worldwide Celebrate 50 Years of Fun
with 50,000 Roses and Flora From Around the World
ANAHEIM, Calif. (Dec. 29, 2005) - - With a theme of “It’s Magical” for
the 117th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, what could be more magical
than five beautiful Disney castles from around the world seeming to float
down the parade route on a pillow of clouds? “The Most Magical Celebration
on Earth,” the 2006 Rose Parade float entry from Walt Disney Parks and
Resorts, depicts just such an enchanting scene – the ongoing celebration
of 50 years of Disney theme park magic around the world (continuing
throughout 2006).
Millions of Rose Parade viewers worldwide will get to see the Disney
float on Monday, January 2 (the parade is never presented on a Sunday),
highlighted by a floral depiction of each of the five iconic castles that
stand as symbols of dreams, wishes and magic at Disney parks in
California, Florida, Japan, France and Hong Kong. Soaring nearly 50 feet
high and 150 feet long (the longest Rose Parade entry this year), the
entry features the U.S. premiere of the newest Disney song “One,” written
exclusively for the recent grand opening of Hong Kong Disneyland.
“The Rose Parade is a wonderful way for us to highlight our ongoing
celebration of five decades of Disney theme park magic,” states Jay Rasulo,
chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resort. “Our parks are magical
experiences that offer creatively unique entertainment that appeals to
families the world over, transcending geographic and cultural barriers to
simply speak the international language of fun – that’s pretty magical.”
The float is composed of 50,000 roses (including the official
Disneyland Rose), plus flower and plant material indigenous to the home
country of each park. Additional touches include a pixie dust path created
from white sparkled coconuts, castle walls made from strawberry powder and
clouds of white roses, irises, carnations and cattleya orchids. The float
will stop once along the parade route and present a small musical number
featuring an energetic array of Disney characters and dancers.
The impressive Disney entry salutes an incredible 50-year legacy of fun
but also represents an equally exciting future characterized by the
creative application of new technologies and breakthrough innovations at
Disney Parks around the globe. New dreams and magic on the immediate
horizon include soon-to-open Disney attractions such as “Expedition
Everest” in Disney’s Animal Kingdom park at Walt Disney World Resort,
“Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!” at Disney’s California
Adventure in California, “Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast” at Disneyland Paris
and a 21st century version of “Autopia” at Hong Kong Disneyland
Since 1938 Disney has been a frequent presence in the world-famous Rose
Parade. The traditional visits of the Rose Bowl teams and the Rose Queen
and her court to Disneyland began in 1960 and continue today. Both Walt
Disney and Mickey Mouse have served as grand marshals of the parade (in
1966 and 2005 respectively). The 2005 Rose Parade featured the official
unveiling of the celebration saluting 50 years of Disney theme park magic,
featuring a spectacular kick-off show and parade entry.
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, part of the magic of The Walt Disney
Company, is where the magic lives. Disney Parks and Resorts operates or
licenses 11 Disney theme parks on three continents, along with 37 resort
hotels, the two luxury ships of the Disney Cruise Line, seven Disney
Vacation Club resorts (with more than 90,000 members) and eight ESPN Zone
dining locations, plus Walt Disney Imagineering (responsible for the
design and creation of all the Disney attractions, resorts, real estate
developments and more).
The float entry by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in the 2006 Rose
parade is just one aspect of the ongoing “Happiest Celebration on Earth,”
an 18-month salute to 50 years of Disney park magic around the globe that
started with the opening of Disney’s original park, Disneyland, in 1955.
NATIONAL
TURKEY
is THE STAR OF THANKSGIVING DAY at
“THE
HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH!”
ANAHEIM, Calif. (Nov. 24, 2005) - - Today in
a Thanksgiving Day salute the 2005 National Thanksgiving Turkey, named
Marshmallow, was honored as the grand marshal of Disneyland’s Thanksgiving
Day parade as the park celebrates its 50th anniversary year.
The famed turkey “gobbled” his way down
Main Street,
U.S.A. under sunny
73-degree skies surrounded on a float by children dressed as little
Pilgrims and Native Americans. After the parade, the turkey was moved to
Santa’s Reindeer Round-up in the park’s Frontierland section to greet his
eager fans.
Following the
traditional Presidential pardon of the National Thanksgiving Turkey in a
White House ceremony on Tuesday, November 22, in Washington, D.C., the
2005 National Thanksgiving Turkey became “The Happiest Turkey on Earth”
and then headed west to “The Happiest Place on Earth” - - Disneyland!
Joined by National Turkey Federation Chairman Pete Rothfork on United
Airlines Flight 197 from
Washington,
D.C. to
Los Angeles, the National Thanksgiving
Turkey flew first-class 2,288 miles nonstop to the west coast for the
special Thanksgiving Day honor.
The 18 ½ week old tom turkey weighs about 37
pounds and was raised under Rothfork’s direct supervision. He was brought
up on a farm owned and operated by Jim and Vicki Trites in
Henning,
Minnesota.
About the National Turkey Federation
The National Turkey Federation is the advocate for all segments of the
U.S. turkey industry,
providing services and conducting activities, which increase demand for
its members¹ products and protect and enhance the ability to effectively
and profitably provide wholesome, high quality, nutritious turkey
products.
Sleigh Bells Ring,
SnowFalls
and Chestnuts Roast at
“The Merriest Place
on Earth!”
ANAHEIM, Calif., – As its 50th
Anniversary celebration continues in full swing, the Disneyland Resort has
been transformed into a dazzling holiday wonderland (now through January
2) featuring an unbelievable array of spectacular entertainment, amazing
decorations, festive foods and favorite adventures and attractions.
The fun is extended with expanded park
hours for
Disneyland
and Disney’s California Adventure for much of the season, and Downtown
Disney District and the Disneyland Resort hotels join in the merriment
with twinkling lights and ornaments, special entertainment and holiday
dining.
Disneyland
Disneyland
will continue to celebrate its 50th Anniversary throughout the
holiday season, adding to its golden line-up of new attractions (“Buzz
Lightyear Astro Blasters,” “Space
Mountain,”
“Disneyland:
The First 50 Magical Years,” etc.) with a range of
holiday shows, seasonal attractions and lively entertainment.
The 2005 holiday season at
Disneyland
is a whole lot brighter this year as the traditional Christmas tree in
Town Square
on
Main
Street,
U.S.A.
has turned gold in honor of
Disneyland’s
50th Anniversary. Glittering in gilded splendor the traditional
live tree has received the “Midas Touch” with a golden theme to
commemorate
Disneyland’s
half-century milestone. The tree is 60 feet tall and is decorated with
10,000 golden ornaments and holiday lights. The tree’s gold topper is a
symbolic pair of golden Mickey Mouse ears with the numeral “50” in the
center, and is accented with genuine, hand-applied 24-karat gold leafing.
Also new this year is “Santa’s Reindeer
Round-up” at Big Thunder Ranch in Frontierland.The
ranch has been transformed into a “West Pole” getaway where Santa can
unwind with Mrs. Claus and his team of reindeer.Kids
and their families can chat with St. Nick, see real reindeer grazing in a
corral, play some reindeer games, create take-home Yuletide souvenirs and
join in holiday line dances with music from a Western trio.
The park’s annual holiday parade, “A
Christmas Fantasy,” will be presented November 18 through January 2 on
Main
Street,
U.S.A.This ever-popular procession depicts an enchanting collection of
holiday scenes, music and a cast of Disney characters and performers in
Yuletide vignettes.Toy soldiers march in cadence,
friendly snowmen dance and Santa waves from a soaring sleigh as his
reindeer prance below.
“Haunted Mansion Holiday” returns with a
madcap celebration where the traditions of Halloween and Christmas
collide.The ghoulish but well-meaning Jack
Skellington from the film “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”
has come to the “Haunted
Mansion”
to transform it with his skewed vision of the holidays.
In Fantasyland, the classic “it’s a small
world” will again become “it’s a small world
Holiday”
with a popular seasonal overlay that transforms this classic
Disneyland
attraction into a holiday trip around the world.More
than 300,000 glittery lights adorn the attraction’s façade.
Disneyland’s
50th Anniversary entertainment includes the all-new nightly
fireworks spectacular, “Remember… Dreams Come True,” the most elaborate
pyrotechnics show in
Disneyland
history featuring an amazing new flight path for Tinker Bell.During the holidays, “Remember” will conclude with a touching
rendition of “White Christmas” as a magical snowfall gently flutters down
on
Main
Street,
U.S.A.,
Small World Mall and
New Orleans Square.
“Walt Disney’s Parade of Dreams” continues
daily on
Main
Street,
U.S.A.,
immersing guests in the musical grandeur and visual spectacle of this
innovative Disney parade, featuring one of the largest casts of Disney
characters ever assembled.
Disney’s
California
Adventure
Disney’s California Adventure will
celebrate the season with fanciful park-wide decorations and lively
entertainment. Guests approaching the park will immediately get in the
holiday mood as the iconic entrance-way letters that spell “CALIFORNIA”
have been magically transformed to appear as swirling red and white
peppermint sticks.
Inside a bug’s land, Flik and his bug
buddies have spread giant Christmas lights, oversized ornaments and
towering candy canes throughout their realm.Alongside
Paradise Bay, a resplendent Christmas tree provides a dazzling sight as
other nearby trees sparkle with hundreds of lights and wreathes adorn
lampposts.
The
Sunshine
Plaza
becomes “Santa’s Beach Blast,” where the Disney characters playfully blend
classic holiday images with the
California
beach lifestyle.Santa the surfer greets guests near a
Woody wagon sleigh, and the area is filled with seaside-style holiday
decorations.
New Monthly
Podcast Takes Listeners Behind-the-Magic of
“The Happiest
Place on Earth”
ANAHEIM, Calif. (Nov. 11, 2005) - - The Disneyland Resort in southern
California has premiered the Official Disneyland Resort Podcast, an
entertaining and informative monthly show featuring a “Behind-the-Magic”
look at what’s new and exciting at “The Happiest Place on Earth.” This
unique Internet-based show is free, available now and is accessible to a
global audience at: www.disneyland.com/podcastor via a “Disneyland” search on iTunes.
“Our
initial podcasts in May and July were so well received by listeners that
we have decided to produce a monthly magazine-style show emanating from
the Disneyland Resort,” states Duncan Wardle, vice president of press and
publicity for the resort. “These podcasts will be an entertaining and
engaging way for people to stay connected to our great heritage, find out
what’s new and hear what’s coming in the near future.”
A new
episode of the Official Disneyland Resort Podcast, hosted by podcast
pioneer Michael Geoghegan, will debut every month and will be available
online for three months each. As the official podcast from the Disneyland
Resort each show will feature interviews with the people who make the
magic, from Disney Imagineers, animators, entertainers, authors,
celebrities, Resort Cast Members and artisans of every kind.
The
premiere podcast features interviews to celebrate
the autumn season. Michael Geoghegan scares up some frightful fun with
Jason Surrell, Disney Imagineer and author of the book “The Haunted
Mansion: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies.” Geoghegan also conjures up
a conversation with master Disney animator Andreas Deja, who has drawn a
rogues gallery of Disney villains. The podcast closes as Geoghegan takes
listeners to the 50th anniversary of "The Mickey Mouse Club" celebration
at Disneyland in October.
The
innovative Disney podcast made its initial debut in May, 2005, during the
launch of the “Happiest Celebration on Earth,” the 18-month global
commemoration of the 50th anniversary of
Disneyland,
continuing throughout 2006. It was the first time that any Disney resort
in the world utilized the rapidly growing medium of podcasting.
DISNEYLAND 50th ANNIVERSARY GOLD CHRISTMAS TREE FUN FACTS
The 2005 holiday season at the Disneyland Resort will be a whole lot
brighter this year as the traditional Christmas tree in Town Square on
Main Street, U.S.A. goes gold in honor of Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary
celebration (continuing daily through 2006). Glittering in gilded splendor
the traditional live tree has received the “Midas Touch” with a golden
theme to commemorate Disneyland’s half-century milestone.
Here are the trunk-to-tip facts regarding this most unique Disneyland
holiday icon:
· The Disneyland 50th Anniversary Gold Christmas Tree stands in Town
Square on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland from November 11, 2005 to
January 2, 2006.
· The tree is 60 feet tall and decorated with 5,000 golden ornaments and
5,000 holiday lights.
· The lights decorating the tree are clear, white and amber accenting and
highlighting the tree’s golden luminescence.
· The tree’s gold topper is a symbolic pair of golden Mickey Mouse ears
with the numeral “50” in the center, and is accented with genuine,
hand-applied 24-karat gold leafing.
· At the base of the tree are giant decorative gift boxes and colorful red
poinsettias.
· The tree was harvested from the Mount Shasta region of Northern
California, near the city of Redding.
· The tree is a White Fir, which is also known as a Shasta Fir.
· For its journey to the Disneyland Resort the tree was secured
horizontally on a flatbed tractor-trailer and transported by a trucking
company to southern California.
· The tree arrived at Disneyland on October 17 and soon began an extensive
preparation and decorating process that took place in the Resort’s
“backstage” area.
· More than 20 Disneyland Resort Cast Members were involved in the process
of preparing, decorating and displaying the Disneyland 50th Anniversary
Gold Christmas Tree.
· The entire process for this year’s tree, from selection to installation
on Main Street, U.S.A., took 560 hours.
· The tree firmly rests in a planter in Town Square and is kept secure
from any wind effects by four guy wires that are attached to the tree. Two
guy wires are anchored to Main Street buildings and two are anchored into
the ground.
· During the decorating process, the tree was placed in a five-foot-deep
well containing 50 gallons of water. While in Town Square for its
eight-week display, the tree sits in a similar well that is replenished
with water every few days.
· The Disneyland tradition of a giant Christmas tree towering over Main
Street, U.S.A. began in 1956. Disneyland is the last Disney park in the
world to still utilize a real live tree as its holiday centerpiece in Town
Square.
· Since its first holiday season in 1955 Disneyland has celebrated this
special time of year with Yule time parades, an abundance of festive décor
and special entertainment including the annual holiday parade, carolers,
holiday foods, seasonal merchandise and the traditional Candlelight
Ceremony and Processional.
The Disneyland Resort is offering a variety
of dining options for Thanksgiving Day, November 24.For
more information and reservations, call (714) 781-DINE.
Below are some of the options available:
“A Disney Family Thanksgiving
Feast,” Disneyland Hotel, 1150 Magic Way, Anaheim
A wealth of
traditional holiday fare, including the Disney characters, will be part of
this popular and elaborate all-you-care-to-eat buffet in the hotel's Grand
Ballroom. The menu includes hand-carved oven-roasted turkey with gravy,
honey glazed ham, carved round of beef, jumbo shrimp, creamy mashed
potatoes, cranberry sauce, salads and a crepe station.
Also offered will be fresh bread, pastries, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, tarts,
cookies, chocolate mousse, ice cream and fresh fruit.
A special buffet for children features macaroni and cheese, pizza,
hamburgers and a build-your-own sundae station.
Date: Thursday, November 24
Time:
2 to 8 p.m.
Price: $55 for adults, $13.50for children ages 3-11. Children under three are free.
Napa Rose,
Disney's Grand Californian Hotel, 1600 S. Disneyland Drive,
Anaheim
This award-winning restaurant
will feature a four-course menu celebrating California Wine Country
Cuisine.Executive Chef Andrew Sutton will prepare
some special dishes for the holiday, including braised range pheasant with
Sonoma
mushrooms and crisp potato gnocchi; harvest pumpkin bisque with wild rice,
roast parsnip and duck confit; and oak-roasted American Heritage “bronze”
turkey with country corn bread stuffing and chanterelle mushroom gravy.Among the dessert choices is country style nut tart with walnut
caramel ice cream.
ANAHEIM,
Calif. (Oct. 3, 2005) - - Disneyland, “The Mickey Mouse Club” and the
Mouseketeers - - three American pop culture icons - - share their 50th
anniversaries in 2005 and ten of the original Mouseketeers returned “home”
to Disneyland today to celebrate their golden milestone where they first
made their initial public appearance. In salute to one of the most popular
children’s television shows of all-time, the Mouseketeers were at
Disneyland for a reunion saluting the debut of the
classic 1950s television series.
The special
salute honoring the original cast of Mouseketeers and “The Mickey Mouse
Club” is just one of many memorable moments taking place during the
18-month
Disneyland “Happiest Homecoming on Earth” 50th
anniversary celebration as it kicks into high gear and continues
throughout 2006. Additional upcoming milestones and celebrations include
“Golden” holidays at
Disneyland, the January opening of the all-new
attraction “Monsters, Inc. – Mike & Sulley to the Rescue at Disney’s
California Adventure and the 40th anniversary of “it’s a small world.”
In a
nostalgic ceremony in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, the Mouseketeers
reflected on 50 years of “Mouske-Memories” in story and song before
unveiling the world’s largest pair of “Mouseketeer Ears,” comprised of
nearly 1,000 “Honorary” Mouseketeers filling the expansive forecourt of
the castle. Seen from above, and to the strains of the familiar “Mickey
Mouse Club Alma Mater,” the iconic black ears with the “Mickey Mouse Club”
logo magically came alive and transformed to shimmering gold to mark the
milestone occasion.
“We are very proud to honor the Mouseketeers for their
contributions to
Disneyland and to children’s television,” said Matt
Ouimet, president of Disneyland Resort.“The
Mousketeer hats that ‘The Mickey Mouse Club’ made so popular 50 years ago
continue to be popular with Disneyland Guests today.”
“The Mickey
Mouse Club” made its national television premiere on
Monday, October 3, 1955,
on the ABC television network. The Mouseketeers were a talented cast of
youngsters that starred in the popular variety series that included
cartoons, music and live-action adventures. The show began with the famous
“Mickey Mouse Club March” (a tune still familiar with today’s generation)
and ended with another popular song, “The Mickey Mouse Club Alma Mater,”
which expressed a heartfelt goodbye with the famous: “M-I-C – See ya real
soon – K – E – Y – Why? Because we like you! M-O-U-S-E.”
The
Mouseketeers were first introduced to the public during the live broadcast
of the
Disneyland’s grand opening, televised nationwide on
Sunday, July 17, 1955.
They were featured in the inaugural
Main Street parade and were
showcased with their very own musical production number. All 24 initial
Mouseketeers performed the “Talent Round-Up” song at the Mickey Mouse Club
Theater in Fantasyland, culminating in the soon-to-become familiar
“Mouseketeer Roll Call.” Over the course of a four-year run (1955 – 1959),
39 original Mouseketeers appeared on the show.
For many
years The Mickey Mouse Club Theater at
Disneyland was the official home of the
Mouseketeers. Opening on
August 27, 1955, the
theater featured a program of Disney cartoon shorts and 3D films. On
November 24, 1955,
Disneyland premiered the elaborate “Mickey Mouse
Club Circus,” starring many of the Mouseketeers as stunt riders and
trapeze artists, plus head Mouseketeers Jimmie Dodd and Roy Williams. From
1963 - 64 the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland became the “Mickey
Mouse Club Headquarters” where children could sign-up and get their own
official membership cards in the club.
Throughout
the years the original Mouseketeers have returned to
Disneyland numerous times, including reunions in
1980, 1990, 1995 and most recently at the actual 50th anniversary of
Disneyland on
July 17, 2005.
“The Mickey
Mouse Club” featured numerous Mouseketeers that would go on to successful
entertainment careers including Annette Funicello (“Babes in Toyland,”
“The Shaggy Dog,” numerous “Beach Party” films with Frankie Avalon), Bobby
Burgess (“The Lawrence Welk Show”), Tommy Kirk (“Old Yeller,” “Swiss
Family Robinson”), Cubby O’Brien (professional drummer for numerous
Broadway shows and headliners) and Tommy Cole (Emmy Award winning make-up
artist).
The show was
revived in 1977 as “The New Mickey Mouse Club” with a whole new cast of
Mouseketeers including Lisa Whelchel who later starred in the hit TV
series “The Facts of Life.”From 1989-1994, the “MMC”
was broadcast on The Disney Channel and launched the careers of such
successful performers as Christina Aguilar, J.C. Chasez, Ryan Gosling,
Keri Russell, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake.
What: A limited number of Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders
are needed to participate in a special event. The special event will
commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Mickey Mouse Club and will take
place at the Sleeping Beauty Castle forecourt. Annual Passholders will be
accommodated on a first come, first served basis.
When: Monday, October 3, 2005
6:00am-10:30am
Who: Annual Passholders
Annual Passholders must be 18 years of age. This event requires standing
for an extended amount of time and the ability to hold light production
props.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
How do I sign up?
Click the link or e-mail your name and Annual Passholder number to:
dlr.press.event.res.center@disney.com*Updated/Corrected
Email Address*
Where do I park?
Please park as directed in the Timon Parking lot. The Timon parking lot
can be accessed from Harbor Blvd.
What time do I arrive?
The parking lot opens at 5:00am with the gates opening at 6:00am. Please
arrive early as we will only accommodate the first 900 guests.
What time do you stop taking participants?
We will close the gates at 7:00am or when we have received 900
participants, whichever comes first.
Where do I check-in?
Check-in will be at the Disneyland Main Entrance – near the Kennel Club.
Do I get paid to participate in this event?
No. This is a volunteer event to be done on your own time. Each person
will receive breakfast, Mickey Mouse ears, and a commemorative limited
edition certificate of participation.
Can I bring a guest that does not have an annual pass?
No. You must have a valid Anuual Pass in order to participate.
Do I have to stay the entire time?
Yes. After you have checked in, there will be an event rehearsal for your
volunteer assignment. Your volunteer shift will end at approximately
10:30am.
What do I need to bring?
- Your Annual Pass
- You will be moving in between locations and you will need to have your
hands free of personal belongings. We ask that you bring as little as
possible with you. A mini black backpack (approx. 8” w x 12” h) is
appropriate, anything larger you will be asked to take it back to your
car. There will not be a secured storage location for you to leave
anything unattended.
What should I wear?
- Black, long pants
- Dark comfortable shoes – you will be standing for an extended period of
time
- Event T-Shirt will be provided at the event
- Light weight jacket or sweatshirt – must be able to tie around your
waist.
Can I bring a camera?
No. Cameras and/or video recording of any kind is strictly prohibited,
including the use of camera phones, during this event.
Honda to Give Away a Civic-A-Day at the
Disneyland Resort
ANAHEIM, Calif., Sept. 22, 2005 – Starting October 1, Honda will
present a month-long 2006 Civic-A-Day giveaway at the Disneyland Resort as
part of the re-launch of “Space Mountain,” American Honda Motor Co. and
Disneyland Resort jointly announced today.
Honda’s “The Coolest Ride in the Galaxy” sweepstakes is the latest
addition to the 18-month celebration of Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary that
continues through 2006. Each day, one lucky guest at Disneyland or
Disney’s California Adventure will win a new 2006 Civic. Park guests will
receive a scratch-off card upon entry, with finalists participating in a
daily ceremony to award the car at a replica of “Space Mountain” in the
Disneyland Resort Esplanade.
As Disneyland marks five decades of fun with all-new shows, adventures and
attractions, Honda debuts its all-new eighth-generation 2006 Civic. The
new Civic represents an extreme transformation of technology, design and
dynamics, and delivers clean and efficient performance with class-leading
standard safety equipment.
"We believe this month-long giveaway will create added excitement for our
guests as Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary shifts into high gear,” said Matt
Ouimet, president of the Disneyland Resort.
"We’re excited about this opportunity to spotlight the 2006 Civic, which
offers enhanced safety, performance and refinement beyond anything we’ve
ever offered in this segment," said John Mendel, senior vice president,
Auto Operations, American Honda.
The Civic, available in two distinctive body styles and highlighted by an
environmentally friendly Civic Hybrid and a high performance Civic Si
model, symbolizes the new generation compact vehicle that is stylish,
fun-to-drive and practical.
Musical History of Disneyland (Mass Market Edition) - Now On Sale!
ANAHEIM, Calif. (Sept. 20,
2005) – In celebration of 50 years of Disneyland magic, The Walt Disney
Company inducted the 2005 “class” of Disney Legends for their roles in
creating the company’s treasure trove of entertainment, particularly their
part in creating “The Happiest Place on Earth.” Today’s
10:00am
ceremony was presented in the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland.
Following the awards presentation the honorees participated in a
hand-print ceremony.
Honored during the ceremony at the Disneyland Resort were famed
Hollywood star Steve Martin and legendary
broadcaster
Art Linkletter.
As a teenager growing up in Orange County,
California,
Martin spent time working at the Magic Shop on Main
Street, U.S.A.
where he honed his talents for magic, juggling
and creating balloon animals. Linkletter was one of the three hosts of the
live nationwide telecast of the Disneyland grand opening festivities on
July 17, 1955 (along with future U.S. President Ronald Reagan and actor
Bob Cummings).
The 2005 Disney Legends Ceremony marked the
first time that the prestigious presentation has been showcased at
Disneyland. It also signified the first time that an hourly Disney theme
park “Cast Member” has been given the award (longtime Disneyland Cast
Member Chuck Abbott). The honor was also bestowed upon Milt Albright, who
in 1954 became the very first “Cast Member” on the Disneyland payroll.
The
other new inductees represent such Disneyland
disciplines as attractions, entertainment, public relations, community
service, custodial, administration, the Disneyland Marching Band,
Imagineering, hotels, food and merchandise.
The Disney Legends program was established in 1987 to acknowledge and
honor the many individuals whose imagination and talents have made a
significant impact on the Disney legacy. The Legends are chosen by a
selection committee comprised of longtime Disney executives, historians
and authorities. The awards are presented annually.
Musical History of Disneyland (Mass Market Edition) - Soon to be released
Pre-Order for September 20th Release
09/12/05
HONG KONG (Asia
Times) - After six years of planning and
construction, with 600 Hong Kong government officials, visiting PRC Vice
President Zeng Qinghong, 900 members of the international and local press
and hundreds of local VIPs (local tycoons, corporate bigwigs and stage and
screen stars) in attendance for the grand opening ceremony, Hong Kong
Disneyland officially opened its doors to the public at 1 pm on September
12.
HONG KONG, Sept. 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Against the
dream-come-true backdrop of Sleeping Beauty Castle and the natural
grandeur of the green Lantau Island mountains, Hong Kong Disneyland
officially brought the fun and excitement of a Disney theme park to Hong
Kong Monday with a spectacular Grand Opening.
The ceremony began with a colorful display of spinning parasols which
parted to reveal children welcoming the spectators in English, Cantonese
and Putonghua. Classical Chinese tradition joined with Disney heritage as
the ceremony continued with the 100-voice Hong Kong Children's Choir,
dazzling Chinese acrobats and dancers, and Disney ambassadors representing
all of the Disney theme parks worldwide -- Hong Kong, Tokyo, Paris and the
United States.
Centerpiece of the ceremony was a traditional Lion Dance ritual in
which the Lions were "brought to life" when their eyes were dotted with
brushes and red ink by Michael D. Eisner, Walt Disney Company Chief
Executive Officer; Robert A. Iger, Walt Disney Company President, Chief
Operating Officer and CEO-elect; Zeng Qinghong, Vice-President of the
People's Republic of China; and Donald Tsang, Chief Executive of the
Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR
Government).
"Hong Kong Disneyland stands before us as a living symbol of the
creativity and imagination that are the heart and soul of Disney," said
Eisner. "With a spirit of goodwill and friendship, we invite the people of
Hong Kong, China and all of Asia to share in the magic, imagination and
soaring spirit of Disney."
"We hope Hong Kong Disneyland will be a beacon," said Iger, "reminding
us that no matter the language of borders, humankind can accomplish great
things when we work together, especially when we can show the world that
imagination is alive, that fantasy can be reality and that magic happens."
In welcoming Disney to Hong Kong, Tsang observed, "The arrival of the
world's most widely recognized and best-loved theme park in Hong Kong will
allow us to provide visitors from all over the region with a fun-filled
and diversified experience¡K We warmly and wholeheartedly welcome the
Disney family to Hong Kong."
Two Disney theme park anthems were sung by the Hong Kong Children's
Choir: "It's a Small World" in English and "One" in Cantonese, and the
final ribbon-cutting was performed by Eisner, Iger, Zeng and Tsang, and
observed by Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and singer and Hong Kong Disneyland
spokesperson Jacky Cheung.
The Monday Grand Opening of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort was preceded by
a weekend preview for business and government leaders and such celebrities
as Eason Chan, Emil Chau, Jacky Cheung, Andy Hui, Brad Kane, Coco Lee,
Paige O'Hara, Lea Salonga and Joey Yung who spent Sunday enjoying the
themed lands of Hong Kong Disneyland Park.
The vacation resort on Hong Kong's Lantau Island is a joint venture of
The Walt Disney Company and the Hong Kong SAR Government. It includes two
intricately detailed hotels -- the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Disney's
Hollywood Hotel -- with breathtaking views of the theme park and the South
China Sea, along with a public recreation area with a sparkling lake and
arboretum.
Following the ceremony, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort opened its gates
for thousands of waiting guests. The Opening Day crowd enjoyed a full day
of entertainment including encounters with such famous Disney characters
as Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh and Cinderella, as well as adventures on
such classic Disney attractions as Jungle River Cruise, Mad Hatter Tea
Cups and Space Mountain. Other highlights in Hong Kong Disneyland include
live Broadway-quality entertainment, distinctive Disneyland gifts and
souvenirs, and flavorful Asian and Western cuisine in a variety of
restaurants and cafes. Walt Disney's philosophy that Disneyland would
"never be completed¡Kas long as there is imagination left in the world,"
extends to Hong Kong Disneyland, where work is already underway on Autopia,
a new Tomorrowland attraction where guests of all ages can drive electric
cars along the highways of tomorrow. The new adventure is scheduled to
open in 2006.
About Hong Kong Disneyland:
Located on lush Lantau Island overlooking Penny's Bay, Hong Kong
Disneyland Resort is a brand-new, world-class family entertainment and
recreation center consisting of a magical, Disneyland-style theme park of
shows and attractions, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel (400 guestrooms),
Disney's Hollywood Hotel (600 guestrooms) and Inspiration Lake, a public
area featuring boat rentals and a 3.5 hectare arboretum. Offering guests
of all ages a full day immersed in imagination and creativity uniquely
Disney, Hong Kong Disneyland is home to Mickey Mouse, Snow White, Mulan
and other Disney characters beloved the world over.
A joint venture of The Walt Disney Company and Hong Kong SAR
Government, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort employs 5,000 cast members. The
HKSAR Government estimated the first phase of the project will generate a
present economic value of HK$148 billion (US$19 billion) in benefits to
Hong Kong over a 40-year period.
After 2 weeks in
California, Disneyland50.com has a massive multi-day photo update. It includes pictures of the N.F.F.C. convention, the preview and grand
opening of Space Mountain, as well as the campout, ceremony, and
rededication of Disneyland on July 17th.
09/11/05
HONG KONG
(Sept
09, 2005)
- Dumbo gleams. Brass fittings sparkle on the horseless carriages of
Main
Street,
U.S.A.
Mickey Mouse's tux is pressed to perfection. Even the rocket ships of
Space
Mountain
are poised for the stars.
All is
in eager readiness for the dawning of a new frontier in family
entertainment in
China.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is about to open.
Disney's 11th theme park and first-ever in China, Hong Kong Disneyland has
its grand opening Monday, bringing Disney's brand of wholesome family fun
to an exciting new corner of the world and the fastest growing tourism
market anywhere.
Guests
will be treated to a theme park of four magical 'lands' radiating from
SleepingBeautyCastle,
a loving re-creation of the original at Disneyland
in Anaheim,
Calif.
Two dramatically themed hotels -- Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Disney's
Hollywood Hotel -- flank the theme park on LantauIsland,
about 30 minutes from Hong Kong
by car, bus or the MTR, Hong Kong's
sleek, far-flung rail system.
On
Friday, just days away from opening, landscapers pruned, musicians tuned
and shutters got a final coat of paint as the resort's 5,000 cast members
(Disney parlance for employees) readied the resort for its first official
guests.
'You
can feel the excitement building all across the resort as our cast members
add the finishing touches in preparation for our grand opening,' said Don
Robinson, group managing director.
Hong
Kong Disneyland Resort, a joint venture of The Walt Disney Company and the
Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), offers
a full day's and evening's entertainment. 'We are beginning what we hope
will be a lifetime relationship with our guests full of memories that will
touch the hearts of millions,' said Jay Rasulo, chairman,
WaltDisneyParks
and Resorts.
'This
resort is a great example of how The Walt Disney Company combines
cutting-edge technology with fantastic storytelling to create unique
entertainment experiences,' Rasulo added.
Artfully themed Disney hotels continue the magic outside the park. With
dramatic views of the park and sea, each is a showplace, from the dramatic
facade of the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel to the fun icons of Disney's
Hollywood Hotel.
On
Monday, dignitaries will join officials of The Walt Disney Company,
celebrities and Disney's world-famous characters including Mickey Mouse,
Minnie Mouse, Pluto and Mulan in unwrapping the first true family vacation
destination in Hong Kong, ushering in a new era.
Disney's fifth vacation resort (others are in California, Florida, Paris
and Tokyo) offers attractions new and classic, exciting live shows, a
treasure trove of shopping and cuisine with a focus on the flavors of
China.
When
Hong KongDisneylandPark
grand-opens Monday, the curtain rises on such classics as SpaceMountain
(with new and exciting special effects), Jungle River Cruise and Mad
Hatter Tea Cups. Joining the lineup are latest hits such as 'Mickey's
PhilharMagic' (a 3-D magical musical spectacular starring Mickey Mouse,
Donald Duck and friends), live shows such as 'Festival of the Lion King'
inspired by Disney's smash-hit animated feature film "The Lion King,' and
all-new Fantasy Gardens where guests may meet, take photographs with and
get autographs from cherished Disney characters. It's the most elaborate
Disney character meet-and-greet location at any Disney theme park in the
world.
Disney
magic rooted in creativity and imagination fills the rest of the park --
from the fun-filled, float-filled "Disney On Parade" rolling daily down
Main Street, U.S.A. to whimsical 'streetmosphere' (including a harmonizing
barbershop quartet) to a nightly fireworks spectacular painting the skies
above Sleeping Beauty Castle with China's ancient mountains for a
backdrop.
Thoughout the gala, grand opening weekend festivities, stars won't be just
in the skies. The event has attracted top-name performing acts from all
across
Asia.
Among those scheduled to perform for invited guests:
Emil
Chau Wakin -- Best known as the title singer for the Disney animated
feature film hit 'Tarzan,' Emil's many talents came into play when he
recorded the film's score in both Mandarin and Chinese.
Andy
Hui -- a well-known pop male vocalist throughout Hong Kong, Andy is known
to millions as the voice of Denahi Bear in Disney's award-winning,
animated feature film, 'Brother Bear.' In addition to his voice-talent
work, Andy also recorded the title song for the film.
Joey
Yung -- an award-winning Hong Kong singer and actress, Joey was named Best
Female Singer during the Hong Kong Music Awards in both 2003 and 2004.
Joey's ties to Disney date back to the release of a Walt Disney Pictures
presentation of the Pixar Animation Studios film 'Toy Story 2,' where she
recorded the theme song for the computer-animated hit movie. Later Joey
recorded the theme song for Disney's animated film 'Atlantis.'
Eason
Chan -- This famed actor-singer from
Hong Kong
was voted 'Best Selling Male Artist' for 2003. He has also been the voice
of
Milo
in the full-length, Disney animated feature film, "Atlantis."
CoCo
Lee -- This well-known contemporary singer served as the voice of Mulan in
the Disney animated feature film of the same name.
Coco
also recorded the main title track for Disney's 'Mulan' -- the song
'Reflections.'
Jacky
Cheung -- A multi-talented
Hong Kong
performer and entertainer, Jacky is the official spokesperson for Hong
Kong Disneyland Resort and can be seen as the host of the 'Magical World
of Disneyland' on TVB. He was named the official spokesperson for Hong
Kong Disneyland Resort in July 2004 and became the newest member of the
Disney family.
ANAHEIM, Calif. - The countdown
to July 17 and the actual 50th anniversary of Disneyland has begun.
Various memorable events are planned throughout the week of July 11 to
commemorate what U.S. President Ronald Reagan called “one of America's
national treasures.”
Although the Disneyland
“Happiest Homecoming On Earth” 50th anniversary celebration festivities
continue through 2006, the actual anniversary is one of this summer's
highly anticipated events. To commemorate this milestone occasion, the
following special events are planned to salute 50 years of Disneyland:
July 13 -- Fred Segal
Famed Hollywood boutique Fred Segal salutes the 50th anniversary of
Disneyland with an invitation-only evening of high, fun fashion as its
Santa Monica locale debuts the new “Disney Vintage” apparel line saluting
Disneyland during a star-studded evening Wednesday, July 13.
July 14 -- Hollywood
Salutes Disneyland
The stars will shine on Thursday, July 14, as Disneyland is honored on the
occasion of its milestone 50th anniversary by the Hollywood Historic Trust
and Johnny Grant, honorary mayor of Hollywood. In recognition of its 50th
anniversary, Disneyland will receive the coveted Award of Excellence star
adjacent to the “Hollywood Walk of Fame” during a 10:30 am ceremony next
to the El Capitan Theatre. Accepting the award in person on behalf of
Disneyland and its 20,000 cast members will be Michael D. Eisner, chief
executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, Robert Iger, CEO-elect and
president of The Walt Disney Company and Mickey Mouse. Joining them will
be an additional eye-popping cast of 49 Disney Characters on-hand to
celebrate the moment.
July 15 -- Space
Mountain Returns/Premiere of Turtle Talk With Crush
The Disneyland Resort will welcome two new attractions to Disneyland and
Disney's California Adventure on Friday,
Space Mountain blasts-off into
a new era of thrills as the popular Disneyland attraction reopens in a
ceremony attended by legendary U.S. Astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first
man to step foot on the lunar surface of the moon (August 11,1969). The
high-speed interstellar adventure reopens following nearly two years of
being re-Imagineered for the 21st century. As the signature attraction of
Tomorrowland, “Space Mountain” beckons guests anew to its special brand of
intergalactic thrills.
A new wave of fun washes ashore
at Disney's California Adventure as Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Amanda
Beard helps to open Turtle Talk with Crush, an all-new attraction inside
the park's “Disney Animation” exhibit. The California native and four-time
Olympic medalist will introduce guests to the park's new and unbelievable
encounter experience with Crush, the sea turtle from the Walt Disney
Pictures presentation of a Pixar Animation Studios film “Finding Nemo.”
July 16 -- An Evening of
Magic
On Saturday, July 16, there will be stars over the Pacific and aboard the
Disney Magic in the Port of Los Angeles as The Walt Disney Company salutes
the Make-A-Wish Foundation and 50 years of making dreams come true.
Hollywood celebrities and dignitaries will be aboard to help raise money
for this renowned organization.
July 17 -- 50 YEARS OF
DISNEYLAND MAGIC
Sunday, July 17, Disneyland celebrates its actual 50th anniversary with a
day-long series of special events highlighted by a heartwarming
rededication ceremony in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at 10:00 am,
featuring Mickey Mouse, Michael D. Eisner (chief executive officer of The
Walt Disney Company), Robert Iger (CEO-elect and president of The Walt
Disney Company), Art Linkletter (Host of the Disneyland opening day live
TV broadcast in 1955) and Walt Disney's eldest daughter, Diane Disney
Miller.
Disneyland in Anaheim will celebrate American
independence on July 4th with an extended Independence Day fireworks show:
"A Salute to America's Golden Dreams." The show will begin at
approximately 9:40 p.m. on Monday, July 4
07/01/05
Space Mountain is having a Soft Opening!!!! Riders
were able to board last night
The news about
the 50th anniversary has been really slow lately. It seems like things
inside the company are very hush-hush. Also, I have had grad ceremonies
the last few days and nothing really big has been published. But as of
today, there is lots to read about. Please take a look below.
V.M.K. -
Virtual Magic Kingdom News:
Announcing the VMK Virtual Summer Bash! TONIGHT:
Throw on your best summer threads, and join the first ever VMK Party.
When:
Saturday June 18th at 4 PM (West Coast), 7 PM (East
Coast)
Where:
Meet at any one of these three locations: Main
Street, Town Square and Central Plaza.
What:
An awesome party, a special scavenger hunt, prizes
for great summer outfits, and more.
"It is with regret that we announce the cancellation of the Fess Parker
Winery package.We frankly
did not get enough Guests registering for this add-on package and
so the decision was made to cancel it and provide full refunds to those
who had signed up.This was an exciting opportunity
but we realize that there were just too many offerings to choose from and
so we will look at offering it again in the future.
Thank you for your interest in this package."
We have kicked off our 50th Anniversary Celebration and the excitement
is building to a crescendo as we approach the anniversary date in July.
We hope you are planning to join in all the fun! The packages for the
Celebrating 50 Years ofMagical Memoriesevent are
going fast and we have capped out on the top three packages. No
additional Guests will be added to those packages as of this date, May
13, 2005.
Walt's Dream Package - 78 Guests
(Sold Out)
Roy's Plan Package - 46 Guests
(Sold Out)
Lillian's Inspiration - 187 Guests
(Sold Out)
Imagineer's Quest -
Still Available
Taste of the Disneyland
Resort and Auction Package - Still
Available
Auction (only) - Still Available
If
you wish to opt out of this event for any reason, we will be happy to
accept your declination within the next 10 daysand
refund your package price(event
refund offer expires May 24, 2005).
Guests wishing to participate in
the Auctioneers Package at the Disneyland® Hotel
on Friday, July 15, 2005, may purchase a ticket for $45, per person. Phone
Bids will be accepted. Subject to availability. (Guests that register
for the Walt's Dream, Roy's Plan, Lillian's Inspiration or Imagineer's
Quest do NOT need to register for this, as the auction is already
included.)
