Disney 100 Exhibition in Chicago

We visited this past weekend the Disney 100 exhibition while they are in Chicago.

The VIP ticket gave us not only complimentary photos and entrance lane, but also a lanyard and pin.

More pictures and videos to come. I took lots of photos and video footage. And yes, I also bought lots of merchandise.

Zz.

Disney100 Commemorative Post Cereal Limited Edition Collectors Tin

Ever since they announced it, I've been keeping an eye on the Walmart website since that, supposedly, is the only place to get this.

It finally appeared earlier this week and we ordered it. It arrived today!

Zz.

Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary

Happy 50th Birthday, Walt Disney World. And a big shout out to Roy Disney for seeing Walt's dream to the end to create this park.

Zz.

Tribute To Jim MacPhee, Senior Vice President of Operations at WDW

It has been announced that Jim MacPhee will retired from Disney after 42 years.

He was warm, gracious, and generous with his time when I encountered him during Epcot's 25th Anniversary as part of Celebration25 group. We were having our walking tour of various attractions at Epcot when he stopped by to visit with us and chatted.

This was the day before the official Epcot's 25th anniversary.

He also revealed the park map that would be distributed the day of the celebration, so we all knew that we would have to get one (or more) when we showed up the next day.

The day of the celebration was centered over the fountain of nations (now gone).

At the end of the ceremony, he and the Disney Ambassadors at that time took a photo with our entire Celebration25 group.

We had a special area to watch Illuminations that evening. Even though it rained, we had a great time. The Disney parks people sent us ponchos and ice cream. And as a final surprise, Jim MacPhee actually came over to check up on us before the evening ended.

 

His presence and acknowledgement of us made the day even more special. Not many (if any) Disney executives would go out of their way to greet die-hard fans like that.

I did a short video on the that fun time:

Have a wonderful retirement, Mr. MacPhee. Thanks for giving us such wonderful memories!

Zz.

Disney Parks Shutdown Photo of the Day 65

Yes, I was there when Walt Disney World turned 40. But it wasn't much of a celebration, and by noon time, there wasn't any trace left that that day was the 40th anniversary. It was disappointing.

Zz.

Disney Parks Shutdown Photo of the Day 56

Stitch used to adorn this part of the Magic Kingdom during a Mickey Not So Scary Halloween Party. I haven't noticed much of him for several years now.

Zz.

Disney Parks Shutdown Photo of the Day 54

Ostrich topiaries at Epcot during a Flower and Garden festival.

Zz.

Disney Parks Shutdown Photo of the Day 42

Boo To You parade during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. Will there be Halloween this year at the parks? I hope so! After all, everyone already has a mask!

Zz.

Disney Parks Shutdown Photo of the Day 32

A Goofy topiary during a Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot.

Zz.

Disney Parks Shutdown Photo of the Day 26

Another salute to The Hat. Disney's Hollywood Studios has been missing a recognizable icon ever since the Hat was removed.

Zz.

Disney Parks Shutdown Photo of the Day 6

Didn't get to post a photo yesterday, so today, I'll post two.

First one is a blast from the past. I miss the Gates of Winter, and one can only hope that they'll bring it back in one form or another. Although, we the financial hit Disney is taking with the shutdown, who knows what will happen after this is all over.

The second photo is from Animal Kingdom Lodge. This was taken during one of our Wanyama Safari trip at that resort. Obviously, it was giraffe feeding time here.

Zz.

4th of July Illuminations, With Heartbeat of Freedom Tag

For those of us who could not be there on the 4th of July, this, I suppose, is the next best thing.



Zz.

Opening Dedication of Disneyland's Galaxy's Edge

Opening dedication of Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland. Can't wait for the opening at Hollywood's Studios.

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/star-wars-galaxys-edge-dedication-ceremony-at-disneyland-video-200510694.html

Zz.

Mary Poppins Returns

Just got back from a fan opening night preview of Disney's Mary Poppins Returns. We all loved it, especially the music.

For this special event, we got an opening night pin, and also a free download of the soundtrack.

If you have a chance, go see it on a big screen.

Zz.

Disney's Animal Kingdom 20th Anniversary Celebration

Happy 20th Birthday, Disney's Animal Kingdom!



Zz.

DVC Moonlight Magic 2018

I'm posting this here more for my own benefit, so that I don't have to hunt around for the info or trying to find the DVC e-mail containing this.

DVC has announced the dates and location of the Moonlight Magic for 2018. They are;

	•	Jan. 11 and 28, and Feb. 6 at Magic Kingdom Park (Booking begins for Members with Resort reservations on the event dates Dec 7. Pending availability, booking opens for all Members on Dec 21.)
	•	March 21, April 17 and May 16 at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park (Booking begins for Members with Resort reservations on the event dates Feb 8. Pending availability, booking opens for all Members on Feb 22.)
	•	May 30 and June 11 at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park (Booking begins for Members with Resort reservations on the event dates April 19. Pending availability, booking opens for all Members on May 3.)
	•	July 16 and Aug. 13 at Epcot (Booking begins for Members with Resort reservations on the event dates June 6. Pending availability, booking opens for all Members on June 20.)
	•	Sept. 19 and 26, and Oct. 3 at Disney's Hollywood Studios (Booking begins for Members with Resort reservations on the event dates Aug 30. Pending availability, booking opens for all Members on Sept. 13.)
	•	Nov. 15 at Disney California Adventure Park (Booking begins for all Members on Oct. 4.)

Epcot's 35th Anniversary Illuminations Tag

Epcot's 35th Anniversary tag at the end of Illuminations.



Zz.

Spaceship Earth Transformed Into The Death Star

If you want to see more of the "event" that transformed our beloved Spaceship  Earth into The Death Star, there's a video of it here.

Zz.

Happy Birthday, Shanghai Disney Resort!

Today, Disney gives birth to Shanghai Disney Resort. So Happy Birthday!

Video of the Opening Ceremony:


Video of the evening Gala Performance:


Zz.

Opening of Shanghai Disneyland To Be Shown On TV

The grand opening of Shanghai Disneyland will be shown on TV next week.

Fans can catch the event at 8 p.m. June 16 in a simulcast on Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD. The half-hour program repeats at 10 p.m. June 17 on Freeform.

I wonder if they'll also show the guests trampling all over the grounds, littering, or pooping in the flower beds? :)

Zz.