Antique Horses on King Arthur Carousel

Caring for the amazing antique horses on King Arthur Carousel. You get to hear a bit of the history of this carousel and the horses.



Zz.

Random WDW Picture

One end of the lobby at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge's Jambo House.

Zz.

"Magic, Memories, and You!" At Disneyland and Walt Disney World

Oh, this is just a spectacular and clever video from Inside the Magic. It shows "Magic Memories, and You!" on a split screen from Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Since they both use the same music, this makes for an interesting video and comparison.



Zz.

Disney Dream Maiden Voyage

Several thousands lucky guests set sail on the Disney Dream maiden voyage.



Now, did I see it right? At the very end, Mickey was waving at the camera in front of .... the Donald statue?! :)

More videos from the maiden voyage:



Zz.

Report on Wild Africa Trek

I've mentioned of a report on the Wild Africa Trek before when it was previewed to the press. This is another one, but this contains the information on the cost of this tour, something that Disney is not advertising on its webpage.

Although you are able to see many of these animals from a distance on the regular motorized safaris that is included with the park admission ticket, Disney is selling this as an "exclusive" experience that carries an extra fee of $129 per person for those eight years and older.

All on my trip agreed that was a reasonable charge for the trek, however, I’m told that rate will be increasing to $189 from February 27 through April 16 then skyrocketing to $249 from April 17-30. Rates for May onward have yet to be determined.

Oy vey! For that price ($249), they'd better include a full-course dinner at Jiko, the way the Wanyama Safari does!

Zz.

Disney Dream Near Collision Exaggerated

I'm not sure what they consider as a near collision for large ships like this. I'm sure the standard is very different for when the ships are at full speeds versus when they are in the port trying to maneuver themselves into place.

That is what I think happened here. It appears that the Disney Dream got to roughly 20-30 feet of a Royal Caribbean ship that was docked. I like the description given by one of the passengers on the Royal Caribbean:

According to the description, the amateur videographer was standing on the Monarch during a safety drill when the Dream "began to turn around."

"Mickey got closer.... and Closer.... AND CLOSER!!!!!" the descriptions says. "We were all certainly bracing for the BUMP!!!!"

.. and this is bad?

:)

Anyway, better not ruin that ship before *I* get on it!

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

Minnie during breakfast at Cape May, Disney's Beach Club.

Zz.

2011 Disney's Half Marathon Medal

I mentioned earlier that I had a couple of friends who took part in the half-marathon earlier this year at WDW. Considering their conditions (1 is pregnant and the other just recovered from a flu), I thought they were troopers to complete the half-marathon. What became a pleasant surprise was that they gave me one of the medals and a bunch of marathon pins!

I of course showed it to Donald and he was overjoyed!

And yes, I am aware that I have amazing and generous friends! :)

Zz.

Animal Kingdom Welcomes Baby Elephant

Disney's Animal Kingdom welcomes its 5th baby elephant born at that theme park.

Born May 20, 2010, Luna was introduced to the park's savanna this week.

Luna and her mom, Donna, spend part of the day with their elephant family group along the Kilimanjaro Safaris route.

The picture in the news article makes you want to go "Awwwww......"

The elephants are breeding like rabbits! Must be in the water. :)

Zz.

What Is Rich Ross Doing At Sundance?

While it is not unheard of for a major studio representative to be present at Sundance Film Festival nowadays, it is still a bit of double-take to hear that Disney Studios chief Rich Ross was at this year's festival. It is puzzling and unexpected because of the recent purging of Miramax, signaling Disney's intention of not producing adult or mature-themed movies.

To some in Park City, Ross' presence was ironic given that he helped to dismantle and then sell Disney's specialty film division, Miramax, on the belief that the art-house business was no longer part of the studio's core mission. Miramax, after all, is credited with creating the modern-day independent movie business before its corporate marriage to Disney turned sour.

The news article indicated that Ross's presence is more of a "scouting for talent" and "educational" in nature.

To be sure, the Disney executives were not trudging around Park City in the hope of discovering the next filmmaker who could make movies that would appeal to the skinny jeans and hoodie set for the studio. Rather, they hope that the lure of a bigger paycheck and guaranteed distribution might persuade some independent filmmakers to bring their unique sensibilities to Disney's mainstream movies.

"We're not getting back into the business of acquiring and distributing independent films," a spokeswoman for the studio said. "But we're very interested in discovering new talent, and this is the place to do that."

That may not be so bad. Family-oriented movies should not mean bland storyline and two-dimensional characters. The only way to prevent that is to get directors and producers who are unconventional and willing to do riskier projects, but still stay within the comfort level of Disney (that could be an oxymoron, I know). Still, Tim Burton could do it. Other than the disappointing dance sequence ending to "Alice", his movies for Disney have been unconventional and interesting.

Zz.

Teaser Trailer for Tron 3 in Tron: Legacy Blu-Ray?

Yup, that's the rumor going around several websites of what we can expect from the upcoming Tron: Legacy Blu-Ray disc - teaser trailer for Tron 3, which has yet to be confirmed and filmed!

One scene includes not only Bruce Boxleitner as Alan Bradley but Dan Shor as Ram, one of the hero characters from the original film who never made it into Tron: Legacy. The idea behind Ram’s inclusion is that he was behind the “Flynn Lives” viral marketing campaign which rampaged out here in the real world before the release of Tron: Legacy in theaters. There’s some notion that the Ram we see in the teaser isn’t a program, but the real life programmer who created Ram in the original Tron movie.

Hum... an attempt at a storyline! How novel! :)

Well, we shall see. In the end, it is what's on the screen that matters and what we can judge on. This thing is probably a couple of years away in any case.

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

The tower at the Moroccan pavilion at Epcot's World Showcase.

Zz.

A Free Surprise Cruise - And A Charity Check

Oh, I love stories like this!

Tyrone Abram, his wife and five children were invited to a Central Florida Boys & Girls Club last month for what they were told would be a "family appreciation night" for 45 kids and their parents. Then the president of Disney Cruise Lines broke the real news: Everyone there was getting a free cruise aboard Disney's latest and largest ocean liner, the Dream.

Not only that, the Central Florida Boys & Girls Clubs also got a $175,000 check!

Disney, whenever you do it right, you do it VERY well.

Zz.

Ride The AquaDuck

Forget simulated ride. This is what it looks like to ride the AquaDuck on the new Disney Dream.



I hope whatever video camera they had was waterproof!

Zz.

Learn To Draw Pascal

Hey, you don't even have to go to the Animation Academy to draw a Disney character. This video teaches you how to draw Pascal from Tangled.



Zz.

Where In Walt Disney World?

This shouldn't be too tough, I would think.

Where in Walt Disney World can you find this view?

Zz.

The Sherman Brothers Singing with Walt Disney

"There's a great big beautiful tomorrow...."



There's just an amazing amount of history with this one.

Zz.

Disney Dream Cruise Liner Christened

The Disney Dream is officially christened and have embarked on its maiden cruise for media people.

Ah, I can't wait for December already for my turn on The Disney Dream!

Zz.

Donald's Great Adventure .... In A Mug!

Hello there my loyal fans! It has been a while since I took over ZapperZ's computer and meet with my adoring army of followers. This very cold winter has caused me to chill out (no pun intended) a bit more. Being more civilized, I no longer fly south for the winter, preferring instead to sit near an open fire with a cup of hot cocoa. Not too close to the fire, though. I don't want to end up as a Peking Duck.

ZapperZ took me to the Disney Store at the Woodfield Shopping Mall last weekend. This is the mall that has the first ever Doorway to Dreams DVC preview center. The Disney Store here had some great deals and merchandise. But the one that caught my eye was one of their newer mugs that I've never seen before. One in particular has got to be the best looking mugs ever! So I had to buy it. Judge it for yourself how gorgeous I and the mug look.

It is a rather huge mug too. What do people put in mugs this big? In my case, I can use it as a hiding place!

I feel so snug as a bug in a rug!

That is all for now from your lovable Donald Duck!

DD.

Fantasyland Update

I mentioned yesterday of a major announcement regarding the Fantasyland makeover. We now have the details of the makeover, and they sound actually fascinating even to adults! Read the full coverage (including video and pictures) from the Laughing Place website.

Definitely the one that I'm most intrigued with is the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster. I don't expect it to be a fast-paced thrill ride, since it is supposed to be a family-friendly coaster. Still, I'm excited to try the "... first-of-its kind ride system with a train of ride vehicles that swing back and forth, responding to every twist and turn of the track... "

Zz.

Castle Projection Show

Here's one of the first look at the new Cinderella Castle projection show at the Magic Kingdom as part of The Magic, The Memories and You campaign.



This looks better than I first thought it would be. The use of the lighting is very creative and visually stunning. The only issue I can see here is that, there's only a limited viewing area where you get the full effect. Unlike a fireworks show where one can be almost anywhere around Main Street and around the park, one can see this show only when one is at the hub or slightly back on Main Street (without any optical aid, of course). I see big crowds squeezing in front of the castle, especially during peak season.

You may also read a report on this show and an alternative video at Laughing Place.

This is a definite MUST SEE.

Zz.

Hong Kong Disneyland Attendance Climbs

Hong Kong Disneyland reported a smaller loss this past year primarily due to an increase in attendance.

The net loss shrank to HK$720 million ($93 million) in the 12 months ended Oct. 2 from a HK$1.3 billion loss a year earlier, according to a statement distributed in Hong Kong today. Park attendance increased 13 percent to 5.2 million visitors, boosting sales 19 percent to HK$3 billion.

The fact that a significant increase in percentage of the attendance were from mainland China should be worrisome for the future of this theme park. One can't help but expect that the about-to-be-built Shanghai Disneyland will inevitably draw away a large percentage of the current guests from Hong Kong Disneyland. I don't know how these two can exist and survive without one devouring the other.

Zz.

Big Announcement on Fantasyland Expansion Expected Today

Looks like all the news outlets are reporting that Disney will make a major announcement on several items at WDW, including the ongoing Fanstasyland makeover. So stay tune!

Zz.

Wild Africa Trek Tour

I mentioned earlier about the Wild Africa Trek tour that they are starting at Animal Kingdom. This is definitely something that I would like to do. And after seeing this video of a preview of the tour that was given to the media people, I am even more eager to do this, even with a rather high price tag for it.



Zz.

Disney Themed Android Phone In Japan

Drat! Why do we miss all these cool electronics?

It appears that a Disney-themed Android smart phone is being sold in Japan.

The device will be shipping with Android 2.2 and will be the first smartphone that will ship with exclusive Disney features such as wallpapers, widgets, and applications. Unofficially announced, the phone has specs that are near identical to the Sharp Galapagos 003SH – which include a 3.8-inch touchscreen, no-glasses 3D, 1GHz Snapdragon CPU, and a 9.6MP camera.

Sigh....

Zz.

Nightmare bags

Disney store at Woodfield mall has nightmare reusable bags for 99 cents.

Edit: Actually all the reusable bags at the back left corner of the store are on sale for 99 cents. This includes the large Toy Story bags! So get then while they last.

Zz.

Disney's Baby Gorilla Health Issues

A health issue with Lilly, the new baby gorilla at Animal Kingdom, is baffling the experts at the moment.

Lilly, a western lowland gorilla born at the theme park last year, is very small. She weighs just 10 pounds, less than half of what a gorilla her age should weigh.

Disney's Animal Programs team hasn't determined the source of her underdevelopment. There's no sign of another case like hers, so team members are giving Lilly the kind of occupational therapy typically reserved for human children who are developmentally challenged.

It appears that they've done a battery of tests on her, and still can't find anything. Let's hope the physical therapy works.

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

One of the most favorite picture that I've ever snapped. And to think that I took this using an ultracompact point-and-shoot camera!

This, of course, is the infamous hat at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Zz.

Parenting, Courtship, Disneyland and the Human Brain

I haven't posted any scholarly article related to Disney lately, mainly because I haven't been looking for it these past few months. But I came across one just now, and it is tackling from a rather unexpected angle - courtship. Or rather, the authors are trying to rebut and earlier paper on this very topic in relation to amusement parks in general.

C.T. Palmer and K. Coe, "Parenting, courtship, Disneyland and the human brain", vol. 1, p. 1 (2010). (Wow! Looks like this is a very new journal, and this is its very first published paper!)

Abstract: Using evidence drawn from the Southern California tourist industry, Geoffrey Miller argues that creativity, storytelling, humour, wit, music, fantasy, and morality, evolved as forms of courtship behaviour. Although he refers to the 'mind as amusement park' he fails to include in his analysis the most famous amusement park in the world, Disneyland, which is one of the most dense concentrations in the world of exactly those aspects of culture (art, creativity, storytelling, humour, wit, music, fantasy, and morality) that he claims have evolved as courtship displays. Yet, Miller's hypothesis cannot account for the fact that Disneyland is devoted to children. Disneyland, and other similar amusement parks, instead support the alternative hypothesis that the aspects of the human brain involved in these activities evolved in the context of parents influencing their offspring, and offspring responding to their parents, not in the context of courtship.

One can actually get the whole paper for free (at least, at the time that I'm writing this blog entry). So maybe this might make a good bedtime reading? :)

Zz.

Countdown To Disney Dream

There are already many articles and news coverage on the Disney Dream. So what's wrong with another one? :)

This is another article that takes a closer look at the newest Disney ship. It also has info on the live web coverage of the naming ceremony that will take place on Jan 19, 2011.

The naming ceremony for the new ship will be held January 19, in Port Canaveral, Florida, the cruise port closest to Disney World in Orlando Florida. Disney will present the christening ceremony live with a webcast beginning at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time that morning at www.disneycruise.com/dream.

I wouldn't miss that if I were you! :)

Zz.

"Pirates 5" Being Planned?

Oh my! This is the week of delicious rumors! First it was the rumor on the sequel to Tron Legacy. Now comes rumors that Disney is planning on Pirates 5 even before the release of Pirates 4 - On Stranger Tides. They hope to being Rob Marshall back, and Johnny Depp might even be interested in it!

This will certainly be quite an accomplishment if they can extend the franchise.

Zz.

"Tiki Room" Had Small Fire

The Enchanted Tiki Room at the Magic Kingdom is currently closed after the Reedy Creek Fire Dept. had to be called it to extinguish a small fire yesterday.

According to the Reedy Creek Fire Department, firefighters were called to the park's The Enchanted Tiki Room – Under New Management attraction in the Adventureland section of Magic Kingdom about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Fire Department spokesman Bo Jones said a small fire in the attic of the attraction was extinguished by fire sprinklers. Firefighters worked to evacuate the area and to check to make sure the fire was completely out, Jones said.

Hum... wet birds! Even worse, wet animatronics!

Zz.

Tron Legacy Sequel?

The web is a buzzed with rumors that Disney will be announcing a sequel to Tron: Legacy. See here, here, and here, for example. Of course, nothing is set until we hear the official word.

It would be interesting to see if they pay a bit more attention to the storyline than Tron Legacy. Visual effects can be cool. But visual effects without a reason for it feels empty.

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

This, of course, is from Disney's Hollywood Studios.

In our last "Where in Walt Disney World", Blondie correctly answered that the picture was taken at Mickey's Philharmagic, specifically, in the loading area before entering the theater.

Zz.

"Toy Story 3" Wins Golden Tomato Award

Rotten Tomatoes has awarded "Toy Story 3" it's Golden Tomato Award as the best reviewed movie in all of 2010.

The award is presented annually by the website RottenTomatoes.com, which compiles reviews from critics to measure the percentage of favorable critiques.

Editor-in-chief Matt Atchity says Pixar's animated tale about toys searching for meaning when their owner grows up and heads off to college collected positive reviews from 99 percent of critics, making it the best-reviewed film in wide release of 2010.

I'm sure it'll get nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture, but I think an animated movie just does not have any pull with the Oscar voters to win that award. Besides, "The Social Network" is getting all the awards for best picture so far. So that's the front runner right now.

Zz.

"Winnie The Pooh" Movie July 15, 2011

Disney has announced the release date for the new "Winnie The Pooh" movie. It will be July 15, 2011. Geeks of Doom has a list of wonderful tidbits about the movie. Check them out.

I put out the video of the first trailer released for this movie a while back, which is included in the link to the article on Geeks of Doom as well. Note that they also described the trailer for the movie as "highly nostalgic", which was what I described it as the first time around.

So I definitely want to go see this movie. I may have to go for a late night showing to avoid most of the "children brigade", though.

Zz.

Author Blasts Disney Princesses

Oh yes. Another one of those articles that blames Disney and Disney princesses, in particular, for destroying a young child.

Ms. Orenstein writes that Disney's decision about a decade ago to market the princesses from its movies like "Cinderella," "Snow White" and "The Little Mermaid" as a group increased the commercial influence of the characters. Ms. Orenstein, whose 2007 memoir "Waiting for Daisy" was a best-seller, says Disney's female heroines, because they are often "rabid materialists," and "looking to get saved by princes," may not be good role models for kids.

"Girls have always faced this kind of pressure," says Ms. Orenstein, the mother of a 7-year-old daughter. "What's different is that now girls are urged from a much younger age to define themselves through their appearance and beauty and play sexiness."

First of all, "Cinderella" and "Snow White" are not "now". Disney has been marketing them ever since they were released. So why is this different NOW? If there are negative impact on young girls due to those, they should have emerged by now and she should cite valid, scientific studies to prove it. Instead, we get conjectures.

Secondly, many of the Disney princesses, especially the modern ones, are definitely independent and strong-willed women (see Mulan, Belle, Tiana), and they are certainly far from being materialistic!

But really is this new? I've mentioned a similar complaint on this before. And at what point do people take responsibilities for their actions and stop blaming other sources? The author is a mother. Why can't she be the more influential part of her daughter's life, rather than leaving the Disney princesses to dictate how her child views the world and her role?

Maybe she's too busy writing books about how Disney princesses are a bad influence rather than spending her time and effort on here child!

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

Another angle of The Hat

Zz.

A Disney Park In Israel?

OK, even *I* can't put too much credibility in such a rumor, because I simply can't believe that the Walt Disney Company (and Bob Iger in particular) is dumb enough to build such a thing. But yet, there is this rumor going around of such a possibility.

The 20-acre theme park, slated to be located in the Northern Israel city of Haifa near the Carmel tunnel, will cover approximately 20 acres. The entertainment complex will include a 25-screen cinema, plus shops and other facilities. The anticipated cost of the project is more than £107 million.

However, another source, fastcompany.com, reports that the project is being spearheaded by a “Disney-affiliated investment firm” called Shamrock Holdings, which has ties to the late Roy E. Disney – and that the development isn’t necessarily a Disney project.

Let's get this out of the way. After the lessons learned at Hong Kong Disneyland, Disney would be foolish to build a theme park on an area THAT small! It is a ridiculous idea. However, the news report continued with a very flimsy argument:

With such a small area on which to build, the project may be little more than a giant movie complex. But small Disney parks do have some precedent. Disney’s California Adventure takes up only 55 acres. DisneyQuest in Orlando, which is a virtual, interactive playground, covers even less ground.

This is stupid.

(i) DCA is small, but it also had problems because of its size. Disney is now trying to correct that mistake. Something that small requires, as Disney has learned, a lot of things to attract guests. Furthermore, it is within the Disneyland Resort, with Disneyland theme park right next to it. It isn't a stand-alone theme park.

(ii) DisneyQuest is NOT a good poster child to argue for a theme park. Stand-alone DisneyQuest all over the US have been closed due to low popularity. So if anything, DisneyQuest is an EXAMPLE of NOT to open theme parks that small. It is not an argument for it!

Zz.

Wild Africa Trek

This sounds like fun.

WDW is starting a new "adventure" for their guests called Wild Africa Trek. It will begin in Jan 16, 2011. Here's a brief description of what it is:

Join the ultimate animal adventure! Journey deep into Pangani Forest on a thrilling, privately guided expedition featuring close encounters with exotic wildlife species. Get closer than you ever dreamed possible to Nile crocodiles and massive hippos. Venture on to a VIP safari across an open savanna teeming with native African creatures!

Once-In-A-Lifetime Experiences

Dozens of massive Nile crocodiles patrol the jungle riverbed. Mammoth hippos move deftly underwater. You are there to see it all!

Adventurers are fitted with an expedition harness that attaches to an overhead track. Once your group reaches the riverbank, get a stunning look at the hippos, just 10 feet below. After a seemingly precarious trek across a rope bridge dangling over a throng of enormous crocodiles, experience another unbelievable view as you hang over the crocs' riverbed lair!

VIP Safari

Enjoy a brief hike onto a sweeping African savanna for a VIP safari, including a visit to an exclusive safari camp with incredible views of everything from towering giraffe to powerful rhinos.

The only thing we don't know now is how much this will cost. I'm guessing that the webpage will be updated once that info is available.

I hope it is easier to get than the Wanyama safari at Animal Kingdom Lodge!

Zz.

The Beverly Taste Test

OK, this video is just hilarious!



Beverly, as most of you would have already known, is the infamous drink that you can have a taste of at Club Cool at Epcot. It has, let's just say, a very distinctive taste! In fact, I've heard of "fans" of this drink calling themselves "Friends of Beverly".

I must admit, whenever I'm there, I try to spot some unsuspecting guests and tell them that they must have a taste of Beverly if they haven't done so. They'll typically try a sip out of curiosity, and of course, their reaction is similar to what you see in the video. I consider it my civic duty to get people to taste Beverly! :)

Zz.

Where In Walt Disney World

OK, again we haven't had this in a while, so here's another one. Where in Walt Disney World can you find this?

Zz.

2011 Walt Disney World Marathon

The 2011 Walt Disney World Marathon weekend starts today. The Orlando Sentinel article wrote about how Disney is using this and other running events to increase attendance during the slow times of the year at the theme parks.

I have two acquaintances who I think will be running or walking in the full marathon this year. So good luck, Todd and Tara!

Zz.

A First Look At Disney Dream

A short news report and video of the newly-arrived Disney Dream.



I can't wait to get a picture with that Admiral Donald statue! Donald would be THRILLED to see himself in such a fine figure.

Zz.

Donald Duck Accused Of Fondling Woman

What is this world coming to?

A woman has been given the green light to pursue a lawsuit against Disney for a fondling incident at Epcot.

April Magolon, 27, claims that the character grabbed her breast as she held her child at the Walt Disney World park. Then the wacky duck had the gall to joke about it, she says.

Magalon says the encounter caused post-traumatic stress in the form of nightmares, digestive problems and other permanent injuries.

Holy cow! One would think she caught a virus or was in an accident!

So far, all such lawsuit, as far as I know, have been dismissed after all the facts have been presented. We'll see if this is any different.

I hope this woman doesn't take commercial airlines and have to go through the complete patdown at security. I can only imagine the trauma and diseases she'll get after going through something like that.

BTW, how silly is that CBS webpage for showing Donald Duck in front of what I think is Disneyland Paris? Not only is it not Epcot (where the incident allegedly took place), but it is not even in the US!

Zz.

Disney Dream Arrives In Florida

Disney Dream arrives in Florida on Jan 4, 2011, after crossing the Atlantic.



Oh, I got goosebumps watching the video, especially after seeing the "Welcome Home" banner flying across. This ship will be my first Disney Cruise ship that I will take in December. Needless to say, I can't wait!!

Zz.

Goofy Flight School

Goofy flight school will open at Paradise Pier at DCA in 2011. Hum.... would you take a flying lesson with him?



Zz.

Lion King is Broadway's 7th Longest Show

The Lion King becomes the 7th longest Broadway show in history.

Walt Disney's Broadway production of The Lion King will celebrate another milestone when it plays its 5,462nd performance on Sun 2 Jan 2011 to become the seventh longest-running show in Broadway history.

The Lion King moves up the top ten list of long runs, passing Disney’s inaugural musical 'Beauty and the Beast.'

But the one thing I didn't understand with this news article is this part at the end:

The Lion King won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and is the 9th longest-running musical on Broadway, surpassing the record previously held by 'Miss Saigon.'

Eh? How could it become the NINTH longest-running MUSICAL when it is already the SEVENTH longer running BROADWAY SHOW? A Broadway musical is a subset of Broadway shows. {scratching head}

Zz.

Reusable bags

Disney store at Woodfield mall has all their reusable bags on sale at $1.49. We bought 10. The Nightmare bags were particularly nice.

Disney Is Hoping For A Sea Of Profit

The Disney Dream will sail into Port Canaveral this coming Tuesday. With it, Disney is hoping that it and its sister ship, Disney Fantasy, will boost the company's profit even more.

Disney has big expectations for the cruise expansion, a business that has proven immensely profitable for the company since it launched its cruise line 12 years ago. Disney's two existing ships, the Magic and Wonder, have generated better returns than any of the company's recent theme-park investments; in some years, they have churned out higher profits than the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif.

Analysts at Goldman Sachs predict that, as it adds the new ships over the next two years, Disney Cruise Line will be responsible for a quarter of the overall profit growth in Disney's $10.8 billion-a-year parks-and-resorts division. Once the Dream and Fantasy are sailing from Port Canaveral, those analysts and others expect Disney's cruise revenue will reach $1 billion a year.

As I've said earlier, we are looking forward to our first Disney cruise on the Disney Dream in early December of this year. So we are definitely excited about this.

Zz.

New Year's Party at Epcot

2010/2011 New Year's Party at Epcot. Looks like it was a lot of fun and a lot of partying!



Zz.