Disney Cruise Line Update From D23

If you haven't seen the Disney Park Blogs yet, here are the latest news on the Disney Cruise Line new ships and also the 2nd island in the Bahamas. The first of the new ship has been given the name Disney Wish.

But even more exciting, Joe Rohde is leading the design of the 2nd Disney island in the Bahamas.

Joe Rohde, whose work includes the design of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, has embarked on an in-depth cultural tour of The Bahamas. With local artists and cultural experts, he has explored cultural sites across New Providence and Eleuthera, from Junkanoo shacks to noted art galleries.

Joe points out that Disney will be directly involved in conservation efforts to preserve and protect the environment and will be working with local artists to create a unique destination that is rooted in Bahamian culture and filled with Disney magic.

When I looked at the artist rendering of the new island, I noticed something in the background that looks like a zipline!! :)

Zz.

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway

More news out of D23 Expo Japan. New details on the attraction replacing The Great Movie Ride at DHS has been released.

"On the attraction, the fun begins when you see the premiere of a new cartoon short with Mickey and Minnie getting ready for a picnic," Disney said. "As they head out, they drive alongside a train and find out that the engineer is Goofy. Then, one magical moment lets you step into the movie and on Goofy's train for a wacky, wild ride."

This is interesting because it will be the first ride at WDW that features Mickey and Minnie (not counting Philharmagic, which is a show and not a ride).

Let's hope it is not another lame attraction such as the Na'vi River ride at Pandora.

Zz.

Epcot's "Guardians of the Galaxy" Coaster Will Be Massive

The big news that came out of the D23 Expo in Japan is that the "Guardians of the Galaxy" roller coaster ride at Epcot will be one of the largest indoor coasters in the world.

With the “Guardians of the Galaxy”-inspired coaster, we’re going big. This one-of-a-kind family attraction will be one of the world’s longest enclosed roller coasters when it’s added to Future World at Epcot. It’ll feature a unique story currently being created by Walt Disney Imagineering and include a new innovative ride system that’s guaranteed to “wow” guests.

OK, wow!

I hope they're not doing to wait till WDW's 50th Anniversary to finish it.

Zz.

2017 D23 Disney Parks and Resorts Presentation

This is the full video of the 2017 D23 Disney Parks and Resorts presentation.



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2017 D23 Expo

Disney has announced the date for 2017 D23 Expo.

Set for July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, the biennial Disney fan event brings together the media giant’s theme park, music, gaming, television and movie properties — including “Star Wars,” Pixar and Marvel — under one roof.

Supposedly, this is also around the same time that ComicCon in San Diego is normally held, although the exact date for 2017 hasn't been announced. This is a rather curious development.

Zz.

Preview of Avatar Land at D23

Fans attending the 2015 D23 event get to walk through a model of Avatar-land.

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The 2015 D23 Expo Is Open!

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D23 To Celebrate The Never-Built Discovery Bay

Here's your opportunity to know all about Discovery Bay, what it was supposed to be, and its continued influence in the various Disney theme parks.

So given that this never-built theme park land has had such a profound impact over the past 30 years, it only makes sense that D23 -- the Official Disney Fan Club -- has decided to explore the convoluted history of this project at its upcoming Destination D event, Attraction Rewind. 

Too bad it is a couple of weeks before our December trip to WDW.

Zz.

Disney Legend Marty Sklar at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry

Busy day today. We will be attending the talk and book signing by Marty Sklar at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry. I will try to blog this live whenever I have the chance. Some of us who haven't seen the Walt Disney exhibits will also be seeing that, while the rest of us will going doing down in the Coal Mine! :)

Zz.

Treasures of Walt Disney Archives at the Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry

We attended this D23 traveling exhibit this past weekend at Chicago's MSI. Here is a brief report.

The main lobby area of the museum have signs and decorations of the exhibition, even having a Mickey Mouse clock. Strangely enough, the museum store carries no t-shirt, no souvenirs other than the event pins.

 

Once inside, you see this huge banner in the center of the museum.

When we entered the exhibit, we were greeted by this:

The following are the various exhibit items.

And example of the multiplane camera that Walt and his animators pioneered.

A few of the awards.

Continuing on with the exhibition.

The two most-famous book covers.

Replica of the Nautilus.

You can listen to a few of your favorite Disney tunes.

Mary Poppins carpet bag.

Disneyland's cast member ID badge #1, given to Walt.

The hitchhiking ghosts made the trip.

Several costumes were on display.

At the end, you can learn how to draw a Disney character at the Disney Animation academy, very much like at DHS.

They have a cart selling Disney items near the entrance/exit of the exhibits. This is where you can find pins for this event. Here are some of the pins that we bought. I think most of them are almost identical to the ones that were sold at the previous location of this exhibition (the Reagan Library), except that they do have the name of the Museum of Science and Industry on these pins. So in some sense, these are unique to this exhibition.

This pin is a D23 pin that you can find elsewhere (i.e. not related to the exhibition), and we found it at the museum gift store, not at the cart.

It was a good exhibition. According to someone who had seen the same exhibition at the Reagan Library, there were a few things missing (Tron bike), including items that were part of the Reagan Library collection.

Zz.

Disney previews films at D23 Expo

InsideTheMagic posted this story about the upcoming movies that Disney previewed at the D23 Expo.

The biggest presentation of the 2013 D23 Expo was held by the Walt Disney Studios on Saturday, August 10 to a packed D23 Arena crowd, filled to capacity in anticipation of celebrity guests and plenty of surprises.

One of the movies previewed was Into The Woods, based on a story written by James Lapine and music by Stephen Sondheim. The play was first performed in San Diego in 1986.

Then the “Into the Woods” musical cast was officially announced: Meryl Streep as the witch, Johnny Depp as the big bad wolf, along with Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine, and Emily Blunt.

 Looking at known upcoming movies we see that Johhny Depp will be playing the BBW, Captain Jack and the Mad Hatter.  Quite a range.  There might be a common thread of insanity depending on how the BBW is portrayed.

No preview of Star Wars at D23 Expo

According to this post at the Yahoo movie site, the upcoming D23 Expo at Anaheim will not include a preview of the next Star Wars film.  Bob Iger seems to be enthusiastic about Disney having Star Wars, but said there won't be a preview at this event...

"We're speechless, at least we're going to be somewhat speechless at this expo," Bob Iger told a crowd of 4,000 gathered inside the Anaheim Convention Center on Friday morning. "Trust me. It's going to be fantastic. Come on. Star Wars and Disney together. How could it not be fantastic?"

Among the live-action films expected to be teased during a Saturday presentation are "Thor: The Dark World," ''Captain America: Winter Solider," ''Saving Mr. Banks" and "Tomorrowland." There might also be glimpses at "Maleficent," which stars Angelina Jolie as the "Sleeping Beauty" baddie, and new intergalactic and superheroic exploits from Marvel.

Waffle-inator To Make Appearence At D23 Expo

Looks like Disney will bring the Waffle-inator from "Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel" to the upcoming D23 Expo.

In the Waffle-inator Challenge, four players compete to free “Phineas and Ferb’s” Agent P from the clutches of the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz by hurling foam waffles at a massive screen to move Phineas and Ferb , while outmaneuvering Dr. Doof’s evil creations before time runs out.

The Waffle-inator, that will be built in the Grand Plaza near the D23 Expo entrance, is seen in “Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel” as Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s latest invention to take over the world. The TV special premieres Aug. 16 on Disney Channel and Aug. 25 on Disney XD. In the special, Phineas and Ferb team up with the Marvel’s super heroes, including Iron Man, Thor and the Incredible Hulk, to help them regain their powers and defeat Marvel super villains and Dr. Doofenshmirtz in an epic battle of good versus evil during which the Waffle-inator is involved.

I wonder how long of a line and wait time to get into one of that?! Knowing the pattern that is very common at D23 events, this should take a day and a half.

Zz.

EP-What?

Here are some of the possible meanings of the name "EPCOT". I wonder which one is the correct answer?

:)

Zz.

Tour of Walt Disney Archives

A video of a tour of the Walt Disney Archives, hosted by Dave Smith.




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EPCOT 30th anniversary October 1st 2012

EPCOT will be 30 years old on October 1st, 2012.  D23 will be hosting a special 30th anniversary party on September 30th.  See this story  from Laughingplace.com for more details.

D23’s Epcot 30th Anniversary Celebration will offer the most detailed look at the design, development, and evolution of Epcot ever presented by The Walt Disney Company and will include rare and never-before-seen artwork; film and video footage and photos; along with a number of pioneers of Epcot, including such Disney Imagineers, Legends, and Epcot luminaries as Marty Sklar (exclusive pre-taped presentation), Tony Baxter, Ron Schneider, Charlie Ridgway, Ron Logan, Bill Sullivan, Bob Garner, Jason Surrell, Jason Grandt, Alex Wright, Duncan Dickson, and Steve Taylor.

Photo from Laughinglace.com

 

Walt Disney Archives Opens July 6 at Ronald Reagan Museum

Press release from Disney:

BURBANK, Calif., Apr 16, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- D23 PRESENTS TREASURES OF THE WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES, which encompasses more than 500 historic artifacts from nearly nine decades of Disney history, opens at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum on July 6, continuing through April 2013. 

Presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library, D23 PRESENTS TREASURES OF THE WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES is the largest exhibition ever curated by the Walt Disney Archives, at 12,000 square feet. From Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and Mickey Mouse to Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain America, the exhibition features more than 500 artifacts, at least half of which have never been seen by the public-- including models, props, costumes, set pieces, and artwork from throughout Disney history.

"Ronald Reagan and Walt Disney were longtime friends, two optimists who shared an unwavering belief in the essential goodness of the American way of life," said Bob Iger, chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company. "We're proud to partner with the Reagan Library and the National Archives to showcase Disney's rich entertainment legacy. This extraordinary exhibit will offer visitors an unprecedented look into Disney's history and celebrate the connection between these two American originals."

Among the extraordinary items to be featured are:

-- The original script, written by Walt Disney, for Mickey Mouse's film debut in 1928's Steamboat Willie;

-- A faithful recreation of Walt's formal office from the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, Calif., including original furnishings and many of his personal items;

-- Hand-drawn artwork and hand-sculpted models used in the production of some of the most beloved Disney animated film classics ever created, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Fantasia, Bambi, and Sleeping Beauty;

-- Props from classic Disney live-action productions, including Mary Poppins, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Shaggy Dog, Babes in Toyland, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and more;

-- Breathtaking props, costumes, and set pieces from recent Disney classics, including the Pirates of the Caribbean films, Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, TRON: Legacy, National Treasure and Captain America;

-- Intricately sculptured busts of all 44 U.S. Presidents that were created for Audio-Animatronics(R) figures seen in the The Hall of Presidents attraction at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort;

-- A salute to Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, showcasing theme park artwork, Audio-Animatronics(R) characters, memorabilia, and authentic attraction vehicles

The exhibition also pays tribute to the long personal friendship and professional collaboration between Walt Disney and Ronald Reagan, which began many years before President Reagan's political career.

On July 17, 1955, Ronald Reagan was one of the co-hosts of ABC Network's live coverage of the opening of Disneyland, and as governor of California, he frequently visited Disney's first theme park. After leaving the Oval Office, one of his first public events was a return to Disneyland, where he officiated at the park's January 1990 35th-anniversary celebration, proclaiming it "one of America's national treasures."

"Walt Disney and Ronald Reagan shared a passion for America, a belief in the human spirit, and an innate optimism that, in both men, galvanized the public," said John Heubusch, executive director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation. "President Reagan was a great admirer of Walt Disney, and we are tremendously proud to host this wonderful exhibition of Disney treasures, and to honor the bond between Walt and President Reagan."

For exhibit hours and additional information, visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum online at www.reaganlibrary.com , or www.Disney.com/D23 . Admission to the exhibition is included with the purchase of admission to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum. Through April 2013, when the exhibition is scheduled to end, members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club also save $2 on every adult admission.

"At 12,000 square feet, this is the largest special exhibit the Reagan Library has ever put on," said Duke Blackwood, director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. "It is a testament to the relationship between Walt Disney and our nation's presidents, as well as the story of Disney, itself. The Reagan Library and National Archives are honored to host this extraordinary exhibit."

 The Ronald Reagan Library & Museum is located in Simi Valley, Calif., about 60 minutes north of downtown Los Angeles and approximately two hours north of the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.

 Zz.

Is D23 Worth It?

So my D23 membership is about due in the next couple of months. I am seriously debating if I want to renew it. During the last renewal period, I thought I was not going to renew, but then I got wind of the Florida Project event, and decided that I want to go to that event. So I renewed.

Well, almost a year later, was it worth it? Till the Florida Project, I have not been to a single D23 event. Most of the reason for this is that it was simply held at an inconvenient time of the year. However, there were also a few events in which it got sold out literally within SECONDS of it being opened for reservation! Other events simply had too short of a lead time for most of us to make plans, especially when these events are in Orlando or in Anaheim. The few events that were held here in the Chicagoland area were so pathetic, and so last-minute, they were not worth the effort to attend.

So my membership fee went mainly to get the D23 magazines, which would make them to be the most expensive magazines around! So is it worth it? In my opinion..... NO!

Therefore, unless something comes up that really is enticing enough for me to renew, come due time, I will not be renewing my D23 membership.

What about you? Are you, or were you, a D23 member and do you think it is worth it? If you post a comment, please indicate where you live, because I think if you are in Orlando or Anaheim, it might be a factor in whether you are able to take advantage of all the events that are held at those locations.

Zz.

Disney Parks Chairman Tom Staggs in Cast Member Jobs

I love it when Disney executives either make personal effort to make guests feel welcome, or if they have a wonderful sense of humor about themselves. This is one such example. Disney Parks Chairman Tom Staggs showed a hilarious video during the past D23 event of him in various cast member jobs.

{applause!}

Zz.

Sunday at 2011 D23 Expo

More sights from the Sunday at this year's D23 Expo, including shots from the Carousel of Projects.

This, obviously, is a more lifesize rendition of the ride vehicle for the Seven Dwarfs Mine attraction.

And this is a replica of the statue that will be unveiled at the new DCA. I posted the video of the announcement yesterday.

Eeeeek! Vinylmations!

OK, I'll take those Duck prints...

Donald would have gotten a kick out of seeing this. I wonder where he went?

Oh, of course. He's eying those cupcakes!

Hey, what is this guy doing? Is he writing a graffiti on Walt's nose? :)

Hum... don't I know you from somewhere?

Zz.