Walt Disney World "Uncrowded"

Most of us are familiar with the large crowds and busy times at Walt Disney World. Throughout the years, I've been to WDW when there were very little crowds and rides that weren't busy at all. This could be due to the time of the year, the time of day, circumstances (such as right after or right before a hurricane), or just pure luck!

Here are a few pictures of Walt Disney World "Uncrowded".

Zz.

Where in Walt Disney World?

OK, here's another one, and it shouldn't be too difficult to remember where this is at if you've seen it.

Where in Walt Disney World can you find this? Try to be as specific as possible.

Zz.

Tokyo Disneyland Reopens

In a sign of a slowly-recovering daily life, after closing for 5 weeks, the Tokyo Disneyland finally reopened this Friday, the first time after the devastating earthquake.

The unprecedented closure of Disneyland, which normally is open 365 days a year and is one of the world's most successful parks, symbolized the sense of sadness and self-restraint that enveloped Japan following the quake. The 34-day closure cost the theme park dearly: Nomura Securities estimated it would dent the operating profits of Oriental Land Co., Disneyland's operator in Japan, by a total of ¥20.4 billion ($245 million). Shares of the company have tumbled 17% since March 11.

As with the atmosphere following Sept. 11 here in the US, it will take a while for the crowds to recover. But it is an amazing recovery for a theme park that was doing so well.

頑張ってください　(gambatte kudasai), Tokyo Disneyland!

Zz.

The Florida Project Pin Celebration Event

So about a week ago, they announced this year's Pin Celebration event - The Florida Project. This is in commemoration of WDW's 40th anniversary. It will take place on Sept. 9-10, with a separate vinylmation event on Sept. 11, and the event being opened to the public on the afternoon of Sept. 11.

As with last year when they tried it for the first time with "Trade City, USA", this year they will have a ticketed breakfast reception and a dessert reception. The latter is followed by a special viewing area for Illuminations. This year, though, they are also giving a special pin for those who sign up for each of this reception. So that's new.

What is also new is the offering of box lunches at the event for an extra $15 per meal. I suppose they want to make it convenient for pin traders who don't want to leave the pin trading area. I think it's a good idea, but the offering could be better than just sandwiches. I can see them offering in the future a more extensive selection of food in the convention area and without having to sign up for it. It only makes sense, and you'll get people who were undecided to sign up to buy food there.

Still, we didn't sign up for the box lunches. I'd rather go out of the pin trading convention area and go eat lunch somewhere else (such as either Sunshine Seasons or one of the quick service area at the various places in World Showcase). We'll see what they offer for the box lunches this year and how reasonable they are.

Zz.

Learn How To Draw Winnie The Pooh

OK, so we had a lesson on how to draw Eeyore last time. This time, we learn how to draw Winnie the Pooh!

http://youtu.be/ZDrSGPe-jdg

{Sorry, I didn't see any embedded code for this one. Maybe it'll appear later.}

Zz.

1 in 50 Jobs In Florida Linked To Disney

Disney claimed, in a study that they sponsored, that 1 in 50 jobs in the state of Florida, is linked to the Walt Disney Company.

The Disney-commissioned study said there are 73,000 jobs on the company's properties in Florida, including third-party vendors that lease space from Disney. The study said there are an additionally 88,000 jobs off-site throughout the Sunshine State.

Unless one can come up with another study, one can't dispute that.

Still, after reading this, I started to think of how I spent my money whenever we go to WDW. First of all, WDW is the ONLY reason I would visit the state of Florida (well, maybe to go to Miami Beach, but I haven't done that in ages). So certainly Disney is the draw here. But how do I spend my money outside of the Disney, on non-Disney establishment? This would count as spending money that would have created Disney-related jobs, but not directly with the Disney company.

1. Car rental - primarily Avis.
We don't make use of DME even though we stay at a Disney resort (DVC resort).

2. Airport concessions
We buy food, drinks, etc. at the airport, especially while waiting for the plane going home.

3. Supermarket - Winn Dixie mainly, and Goodings some time
We typically drop by Winn Dixie on 535 just off Disney property to get supplies (cereal, bottled water, wine, fruits, snacks, souvenirs, etc.)

4. Restaurants - often at Dakshin in the Crossroads shopping mall.
We certainly eat off-site quite often, since we very seldom get the Dining Plan. Dakshin is a South Indian restaurant, and we like the food very much, so we try to go there on every visit if we have the time.

Those are my typical spending whenever we are at WDW. We certainly have a lot more off-property spending than a Disney guest that does not know his/her way around and does not have a vehicle.

Zz.

Behind the Scence of Disney/Pixar's "The Incredibles"

This is a fascinating look at the making of "The Incredibles", based on the extras in the Blu-Ray disc.

Although the roundtable is filled with mirth as they look back on the movie, the animators talk about a “us versus them” mentality that hit the staff, while sketches of Bird reveal his image amongst the workers to be that of a grumpy or angry leader. There was even big staff meeting called by Bird that didn’t go well.
.
.
And by end of the process, certain animators began wearing t-shirts featuring a tube of toothpaste with an Incredible logo that was squeezed out, in a move to show how depleted they were.

So somehow, that diminished the picture of Pixar as "one big happy family".

I am not sure if I'm that surprised at such a revelation. There's a difference between outright animosity versus "we like and respect each other, but that doesn't mean we always agree with each other". Most good work environment, if it fosters creativity, will be like the latter. Certainly, if you're passionate about what you do, you'll always encounter obstacles, and people who disagree with either your ideas, or your methods. To expect those at Pixar to always be one big happy family without any kind of tension is to expect something unrealistic.

Whatever they're doing there, it is working, and that's something no one can argue. They have produced just not commercially successful product, but also critically-respected movies, a combination that isn't often produced.

Zz.

The Knowns and Unknowns of Shanghai Disneyland Resort

While a lot has been said about the Shanghai Disneyland Resort, there are several unknowns that we still don't have a good picture of. This LA Times report details what we do know, and what are still in doubt. It is interesting that the concept of Main Street will not be used at this theme park, and that it will be on par in size with the Paris Disneyland Resort.

This might sound like a destination in itself. Incorporating original rides and heavy in the Chinese elements and influences might be good excuses for visitors from other parts of the world to drop by. But the main target is definitely the Chinese market, and that is what they have to appeal to first and foremost.

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

The now-missing boat at the Norway Pavilion at Epcot.

Zz.

Moving Forward With "Tron 3"?

More rumors that Disney is about to start the next sequel to the Tron series.

Despite a lukewarm critical reception to last year's Tron: Legacy, it is believed that the $399 million secured by the film overall has convinced Disney to continue plans for a new addition to the franchise.

According to Deadline, Tron: Legacy director Joseph Kosinski will assist in the construction of a sequel, along with returning writers Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz.

My wish for the Tron series is that it goes beyond just being a visual extravaganza. How about some really solid story for a change?

Zz.

Groundbreaking of Shanghai Disney Resort

As reported earlier, the groundbreak of Shanghai Disney Resort did occur, and we have a video of it.



Zz.

Random WDW Picture

Chip 'n Dale at the Character Connection at Epcot.

Zz.

Lights-On Evacuation on Haunted Mansion

Attractions Magazine got a copy of a video of an evacuation at the Haunted Mansion attraction on April 5, 2011. Of course, they turned on the lights during the evacuation, so we get to see a part of the graveyard scene with the lights on.



This is something that many of us haven't seen before since it is not that common. Seeing Space Mountain's interior with the lights on is not that uncommon (I've seen it at least a couple of times).

Zz.

Learn How To Draw Eeyore

I've drawn Eeyore once at the Animation Studios in DHS. It is one of the more difficult characters to draw (the other one being Tigger).

So see if you can follow this video on how to draw Eeyore.



I like him. He's left-handed, just like me! So this should be easier for me to follow. :)

Zz.

Huge Changes To Disney Cruise Itineraries For 2012

We are seeing reports of major changes for Disney Cruise Line itineraries for 2012. It includes Disney Magic moving to New York, and Galveston, TX.

Starting in May 2012, the Magic call two new ports home -- New York and Galveston, Texas.

The Magic will sail 20 cruises from New York in all, eight 8-night cruises for the Bahamas, nine 5-night cruises to Canada and New England and three 2-night at-sea getaways.
.
.
In mid-September, the Magic will then move to Galveston, Texas, where it will sail on seven-night Western Caribbean cruises. The ship will make stops in Grand Cayman, Costa Maya and Cozumel.

With 4 ships, Disney Cruise Line appears to diversify and expand its itineraries, which is a smart thing to do.

Zz.

Why "Mars Needs Moms" Bombed Part III

We've been analyzing (to death!) on why Disney's "Mars Needs Moms" was such a spectacular bomb (see Part I and Part II). Now comes another analysis on why the movie failed (thanks for the link, Gene!). It appears that if the animation gets too real, then it starts to look "creepy" and people will start noticing the flaws.

A theory called the "uncanny valley" says we tend to feel attracted to inanimate objects with human traits, the way a teddy bear or a rag doll seems cute. Our affection grows as an object looks more human. But if it looks too human, we suddenly become repulsed.

Instead of seeing what's similar, we notice the flaws — and the motionless eyes or awkward movements suddenly make us uncomfortable.

"Mars" may have plunged to the bottom of this valley of fear.

Be as it may, at some point, we may start to over-analyze the situation (this, coming from someone who's at Part III of this discussion). Maybe the story just suck and not many people are attracted to it.

Some time a cigar is just a cigar....

Zz.

Monsters Inc. Prequel Release Date Pushed Back

The prequel to Monsters Inc - Monsters University - has been pushed back from Nov. 2, 2012 to June 21, 2013, according to this Hollywood Reporter news.

Disney is pushing back the release of Pixar's sequel Monsters University from Nov. 2, 2012 to June 21, 2013.

As a result, Disney toon Reboot Ralph will now open Nov. 2, 2012 -- Monsters' old date -- instead of March 12, 2013.

It appears that a lot of juggling has been going on.

Zz.

Where in Walt Disney World?

Haven't had this in a while, so here's another one. Where in Walt Disney World was this taken? It may not be a usual sight, so it could be a bit tricky to figure out. But there should be plenty of hints around it.

Zz.

Dole Whip Pin Update 4

OK, for those of you who don't know about my story of the Dole Whip pin, you might want to do a quick catch up.

Fate Forced Me To Collect Chip 'N Dale "Dole Whip" Pin
Dole Whip Pin Update 1
Dole Whip Pin Update 2
Dole Whip Pin Update 3

Since the last update, I've traded for more of the Dole Whip pins. However, I can't seem to find this pin as often as I used to before. Of course, some of my pin friends explained that I probably have monopolized the market, but hey, I'm sure they have thousands of these out there. So where are they?

Anyway, as an update, I now have, get this, 80 Dole Whip pins on my vest. Here they are:

I have many amazing friends (they are enablers, really) who go out of their way to find me these pins and bring them back to trade with me. So it is with their help that I continue to grow my collection.

I intend to bring this vest back to this year's Pin Celebration event. The debut of this vest at last year's event was a huge success. This year, I'm determined to have my picture taken wearing this vest with Chip and Dale.

Zz.

Disney To Break Ground On Shanghai Park

FINALLY!

After years and years of rumors and negotiations, we have a report that seems to indicated that ground breaking for the Shanghai Disneyland theme park will begin with a ceremony on April 8, 2011.

Early Saturday morning, or late Friday in the U.S., invitations were issued by Disney, together with an arm of the Shanghai government and a local business partner of Disney's, inviting recipients to "a special event in Shanghai" on April 8. Disney Chief Executive Officer Robert Iger is expected to attend the groundbreaking ceremony. Shanghai Disneyland will be the Burbank, Calif.-based Disney's sixth major theme park in the world, and its first in mainland China.

To put this in perspective for those who are geographically-challenged, here's map of a portion of China showing Shanghai and Hong Kong. The two cities are roughly 800 miles apart, certainly far enough away from one another. As I've mentioned earlier regarding the possibility that the Shanghai theme park may cannibalize the attendance of Hong Kong Disneyland, this might not be the case.

Still, we will have to wait till this theme park is completed, and if they've learned anything from their early mistakes made at Hong Kong Disneyland.

Zz.

Review of "Winnie The Pooh" Movie

Hum... we already have a review of Winnie The Pooh movie in the Hollywood Reporter.

So definitive are the soft, simple, pastel evocations of the English countryside in E.H. Shepard's original Pooh illustrations that revisionist versions would be unthinkable. Directors Stephen J. Anderson and Don Hall (director and a writer, respectively, on Meet the Robinsons) do nothing to rock the boat, delivering rich, beautifully rendered visual backdrops for the mild antics of the familiar characters.

And interestingly enough, the movie will be released in part of Europe in April, ahead of the July 15 release in the US. Wonder why that is?

Zz.

Chase Threatened To Cut Disney Dollars Due To Legislation

The things that they try to pull some time.

Chase Bank, the issuer of Disney Rewards Credit and Debit cards, seem to have told its customers that a pending legislation sponsored by Dick Durbin, will cause its Disney Rewards Debit cards customers to not get any Disney Reward Dollars.

“Congress recently enacted a new law known as the Durbin Amendment that significantly impacts debit cards,” reads the sample letter, with the underlining in the original. “As a result of this law, we will be changing our debit rewards program. After July 12, 2011 you will no longer earn Disney Dream Reward DollarsSM when you use your Disney Rewards Debit Card.”

Of course, this is baloney, because the legislation doesn't prevent Chase from providing the reward dollars, it is just that they are being given less of a revenue to make money of their customers.

The law does not require debit card companies to cut back on their Disney bucks, but banks reasoned during the debate that the reduced revenue the measure would cost them would mean they could be less generous with rewards.

Further down in the letter, though, Chase lets its customers in on some good news--the card will no longer come with an annual fee. A spokeswoman for Chase said that the fee is being waived because such costs only apply to rewards cards: No rewards, no fee.

The letter also informs customers that they can still earn Disney dollars by using their credit card.

I have Chase Disney Rewards Visa card. I used to have a Chase Checking Account. I closed that checking account a few months ago after they announced a new, substantially higher minimum balance, or you'll get a monthly service charge for it. So I closed that account. I have zero qualms about canceling my Disney Visa card as well if they try the same tactics on me as they're doing with the Debit Cards.

It is too bad that Disney chose Chase to have their Visa cards.

Zz.