Heading off to MK for the evening.

Donald's Great Adventure - At Distination D : Florida Project

Hello my loyal fans! Donald Duck here once again reporting from the just-ended D23's Destination D : the Florida Project. I had a great time meeting all of my fans at this event. I couldn't walk barely 10 feet before having to sign autographs and having my picture taken. My fans certainly didn't get enough of me, especially when the D23 people didn't even schedule any of the other Disney characters to be present. So I was the only one representing the "Company".

Here's one fan that couldn't get enough of me. Disney historian Paul Anderson had to have a picture (or two) with me. Here he is with his infamous spear that he used during his presentation at this event.

And here he is with another prop - the grape jelly. Of course, he had to make me sit on the jar!

If you don't get any of this, don't worry. You had to be there. Paul, you are a hoot. I'll see you next time I fly out to the Disney Family Museum.

Do you know that I'm am such a huge star that even Disney Legends are part of my legions of fans? It is true! These Disney Legends were just thrilled to have their pictures taken with me. You all know Tony Baxter, don't you? He's a great guy, and we always talk about the good old times whenever we get together.

And here's my good buddy Tom Nabbe. He's another fun guy to chat with.

And finally, my longtime buddy and a terrific imagineer, Bill "Sully" Sullivan. Good to see you and that wonderful mustache of your again! It's almost as silky as my feathers!


Ah yes. It was a fine evening. They didn't do a full-length tribute to me, but that's OK. I'm sure they won't forget that next time, right Steven Clark?

DD.

At maharajah jungle trek.

Having lunch at Flame Tree. Yum! BBQ chicken.

At Pagani trail.

In Africa at AK. Weather very comfy but overcast. Couldn't see shuttle launch.

Review of Destination D - The Florida Project

Destination D - The Florida Project is now history. It was an amazing weekend hearing about the history of Walt Disney World, what it was, what it could be, what it has been, and what it might be. Along the way, we get to appreciate a lot more what Walt, Roy, and all those pioneers did and accomplished in building this resort from the swamp and jungle that it was. So in that sense, this D23 event certainly succeeded.

However, in other sense, it disappoints. There is a sense that this was done ON THE CHEAP! There were no banners, decorations, etc. at the convention area other than the standard signs directing foot traffic, i.e. there were no theming! There's nothing much to do beyond sitting in the convention hall. The archive exhibit was a joke - a small room with a few pieces of history and memorabilia.

And of course, the fiasco of the merchandise sale on Friday. They started the sale ahead of the stated time, they had very too few people working the area, some cast members were still being instructed on what to do (right in front of us), they didn't print the whole list of available merchandise, and of course, the slow-moving line that is the result of all this. It is not that we are surprised that this is happening, it is just that we are surprised that this is happening at WDW, considering that they, of all people, should KNOW how to deal with large crowds. They hold events all the time. One would think that holding the annual Pin Celebration alone would give them a clue on what to expect. But of course, this would require that those organizing the D23 event, headquartered in Glendale, CA, would actually consult with those who organize the Pin Celebration event headquartered here in Orlando. What are the odds?

So yes, while I enjoyed and fully expected the sessions in the convention hall, I was truly disappointed with the lack of other activities surrounding it. I expected more for what I paid for. There wasn't even a character meet-and-greet. I also expected more "gifts" with my attendance. A booklet on the history of WDW is nice, but it is rather paltry.

In the end, I don't think I got my money's worth in terms of overall experience.

Zz.

Destination D Florida Project is over.

Dreamfinder and Figment came out during Richard Sherman's tribute. Crowd went WILD!!!

Pre show before Richard Sherman's Magic Journeys.

Chillin out at Contemporary. Had great autograph from Tony Baxter. It is amazing how NICE the imagineers are. Wish I had more time to chat with them.

Crowds building up for signing session. I'm 2nd in line.

In line waiting for autograph session with Tony Baxter and company. Already got Marty Sklar.

3 cabelieros animatronics from mickey mouse review.

We learned that the parcel of land that is now bonnet creek resort was back then held in trust by madam chang kai shek!! It wasn't for sale then and disney couldn't acquire it.

Bob Gurr on "swanboats" : I never heard of such a thing.

Jackpot!!! I got dave smith's autograph on this book! It was worth hauling that thick book from chicago.

Back at Contemporary for afternoon session. Marty Sklar is first up. Line is long again to get in.

Big news. They are bringing back the original Tiki Room!!!

Lunch at cosmic rays. Roast chickens.

Description of new Star Tours, Art of Disney Animation resort, and Fantasyland expansion. Amazing artist rendition.

More on imagineering on disney park all over the world. Eric Jacobson is describing how they work. Great behind-the-scene info.

The session on wdw in detail is a hoot. Funny fun and hysrerical. And amazing detail and info. Worth the money.

At Contemporary waiting for the start of Destination D Day 2.

Made it to TTC without too much trouble other than heavy traffic than usual.

Lots of traffic reroute due to the ironman triathlon. Our direct way to MK is not available.

Morning at SSR. Gorgeous morning after a terrific storm last night.

Final Day of Destination D - Florida Project

Getting ready to head out to the Contemporary for the final day of Destination D - Florida Project. This promises to be an more "exciting" day than the first. Marty Sklar is schedule to talk, there's supposed to be a few surprises, there will be an autograph session, and it will end with a Sherman Brother performing some of their Disney tunes. It should be a long but enjoyable day.

Zz.

Learning about ECRU - experimental composite residential unit.

In a session about walt's vision of epcot and his "waltopia". A lot of archival pictures and paintings.

Back at Contemporary for afternoon session. It has been informative so far but I'm still waiting for the showstopper.

Having lunch at columbia harbour house. All eating place at Contemporary were packed.

Dave smith is now presenting history of wdw. Fascinating!

At the Destination D convention. It looks like it is going to be full.

Heading towards ttc and the contemporary for 1st day of Destination D.

Donald's Great Adventure

ZapperZ finally took me out of his backpack and let me breath! About time too!

I'm here at Epcot, and about to make my way to Club Cool and my favorite drink, Beverly! After all, I vote 5 times for that drink in ZapperZ poll! (What? You can't vote more than once? I live in Chicago!)

Here I am chilling out. It is too hot here, and I should have had my feathers trimmed before the trip.

ZapperZ, of course, had to go pin shopping. So I let him. Besides, the view in front of the Pin Trading store is my favorite. Look at all that water!

Then, I had to have my pictures taken in front of my topiary for the Flower and Garden festival. They must have copied my favorite pose!

That's my report for now. I hope to get to see a lot more at the Destination D event tomorrow.

DD.

Trading USPS Disney Pins - Part 2

In an earlier blog entry, I mentioned of a friend who had trouble trading pins with cast members using the USPS (US Post Office) Disney pins. At one of the Disney Pin Trading Nights event, I bumped into Steven Miller and flat out asked him, on video, whether these pins are legal to be a trading pin.

AS you can hear from the video, he clearly stated that these ARE valid pins, and can be used for pin trading.

Well, this "denial of trading" (DOT) finally occurred to us. We were about to trade with a Cast Member at a DVC kiosk at Hollywood Studios yesterday, and he won't accept a Post Office Disney pin. He told us he was instructed not to accept such pins. Of course, we mentioned that he should check with Steven Miller, and that we have it on video of him indicating that this is a valid pin. But of course, this is moot because who would want to play a video then and there. So we simply used another pin to trade.

The issue isn't that a pin is valid for trading or not. The issue is the uniformity of policy. As I've mentioned several times, nothing annoys a customer (or guest) more than when you get different answers from different people. It certainly drives me nuts when something like that happens. You just don't know what to think or do in such cases.

And yes, we have used the pin elsewhere, and it was accepted for trading. So who knows...

Zz.

At DTD Art of Disney. It is very busy outside.

Rainy evening. Having flatbreads at Artiste Pallette for dinner.

In line for merchandise. It is ridiculous! Line is very long but only one cashier!! Moving very slow. And they don't have the complete merchandise form. They don't have all the items on the list. This sucks. It looks like it is run by amateurs.

Waiting for monorail from epcot to ttc and contemporary to look at Destination D merchandise.

Chilling out inside Innoventions. Is blogger back from the dead?

At haunted mansion

Dinner at Dakshin in Crossroads. Yum!

Got our room. Great view of marketplace.

In line for ToT. Park is not too busy.

Having lunch at Artists Palette. Our room not yet ready. Deciding on what to do next.

We just landed. About time too. Donald was getting bored.

At airport. Security lines were LONG!

We are at the airport. Security was tight and long. Even donald got searched. It ruffled his feathers.

Destination D WDW Trip - Day 0

I'm all packed and ready to go! Good god! It's 3 am!

The weather here in the Chicago area has been really hot and humid for the past 2 days, after a rather cool Spring. This is good, because it allowed me to acclimatize to the upcoming hot and humid weather in Orlando.

Now let's see, wallet packed (filled with credit cards), have my camera, tripod, netbook (to log in while I'm there), cell phone, hat, water spray bottle, sun tan lotion, DVC/D23 cards, old annual pass to get the new one, trading pins .... what am I forgetting?

Oh crap! Donald!!!!! Donald! Where are you?

Zz.

Destination D WDW Trip - Day -1

It is the day before we fly off to WDW, primarily to attend Destination D, a D23 event. I will post my ongoing trip report, live reports, and of course, Donald's Great Adventure, all on this blog here! So stay tune for what I hope will be a very exciting trip. I'm determine to get some face time with a Disney Legend/Imagineer or two.

Now, if only the weather will cooperate for my flight tomorrow....

Zz.

Oprah's Disney Surprise

In case you missed it, here it is again the Disney surprise on the Oprah Winfrey Show a few days ago.



Zz.

Random WDW Picture

A tranquil, quiet morning by the main pool at Old Key West resort. Does that water slide exit count as a Hidden Mickey?

Zz.

Kermit at "Pirates" Premier

Oh, a wonderful report from Kermit at the World's Premier of "Pirates of the Caribbean - On Stranger Tides".



Zz.

Keith Richards on "Working" for Disney

A great article on the legendary Keith Richards as he was about to greet fans at the world premier of "Pirates of the Caribbean - On Stranger Tides" at Disneyland this past Saturday. He is still shocked that he is working for Disney.

“No one is more surprised by all of it than me,” the Rolling Stones guitarist said with a wink. “I never expected to work for the Disney organization for a while. I’m still shocked, but, hey, it’s all good fun.”

Now I have to go scour the web looking for a coverage of this event.

Zz.

New International Mickey Ears Hat

OK, I am so buying these hats when I see them! They are hats representing the 5 countries (for starters) at Epcot's World Showcase.

It's a great idea and I wonder why they didn't think of it sooner.

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

The vehicle entrance to the Magic Kingdom, as seen from the monorail.

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

On the Segway tour around World Showcase at Epcot.

Can you tell that this was from several years ago, and certainly before Epcot's 25 anniversary? :)

Zz.

Goofy’s Sky School Postpone Opening Till July 1

A lot of updates on the $1 billion rehab of Disney's California Adventure in this news article.

About two weeks ago, Disney announced that the Goofy’s Sky School ride would debut June 3, along with other new attractions for the summer season.

But officials have since determined that the ride needs more work, said John McClintock, a Disneyland Resort spokesman. “Goofy needs a little more flight training,” McClintock said.

It will now open on July 1st, 2011.

There are updates on other various projects at that theme park. It certainly looks like next year will be a very good time to visit DCA again.

Zz.

Fantasmic at Tokyo's Disney Sea

Video of the new Fantasmic at Tokyo's DisneySea.



Zz.

Random WDW Picture

On Astro Orbiter at the Magic Kingdom.

Zz.

Pirates 5 Script Delivered To Disney

Pirates of the Caribbean 4 hasn't yet opened (May 20, 2011), and yet, we are hearing that script writer Terry Rossio has delivered the script to Pirates 5 to Disney.

Rossio tells THR that the still-untitled script -- his first penned without Ted Elliot, who collaborated on the first four Pirates scripts -- was delivered to Disney this past weekend. It's the initial step in putting together the key creative pieces for another Pirates film. Disney would like another installment, given the $3 billion in worldwide grosses for the first three films and the likely huge returns for the fourth movie, the first to be released in 3D.

Still, let's wait till the 4th one is released and see how Rob Marshall deals with the 4th movie in the franchise. I'm definitely curious to see this one first before I get excited for the 5th movie.

This is beginning to sound like the iPhone, where rumors are already flying about iPhone 6, even before iPhone 5 is even released! :)

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

The entrance (at least, from Discovery Island) to Africa at Animal Kingdom.

Zz.

"It's The Only Free Disney Atrraction In The World!"

I don't know if that is true or not, but it certainly brought a chuckle when I read it.

This article covers the story of the miniature steam railroad that Walt Disney used to have at his home in Los Angeles.

The Carolwood Pacific Railroad was named after the street where Disney’s home was located on. Walt’s original set-up included 795 metres of track that even crossed a 14-metre long trestle and ducked through a 27-metre long tunnel that ran underneath Mrs. Disney’s flower bed.

The railroad also had a building where the engine and rolling stock were maintained when not in use. That building, actually Disney’s workshop, was known as the Carolwood Barn. It was built by the same architect who built much of Disney Studios in Burbank.

The barn, and many items associated with the steam railroad, has now been moved to the Live Steamers Railroad Museum in Griffith Park since 1999. This certainly isn't on one of the must-see list for avid Disney fans, but maybe it should be.

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

A shot towards Grand Floridian resort from 7 Seas Lagoon.

Zz.

Guest Celebrate Royal Wedding At Disney's Wedding Pavilion

A rather curious activity for Disney guests to partake in, even if it was a royal wedding. It appears that Disney hosted those who wished to view the wedding of Prince Andrew and Kate Middleton (oh, pardon me, Catherine Middleton) at the Wedding Pavilion this morning, complete with several large screens, entertainment, and breakfast.

Disney's Wedding Pavilion, within sight of the Magic Kingdom's Cinderella Castle, played host to folks decked out in a range of dress, from wedding gowns to pajamas, to witness the wedding of Britain's Prince William to Catherine Middleton.

Big screens showed the Disney-owned ABC broadcast within the pavilion and in outdoor locations, including the beach near the Grand Floridian resort.

I guessed it was either one big wedding party, or one big slumber party.

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

Downtown Disney's Marketplace, during the holidays.

Zz.

How To Make The Kitchen Sink

I've had the Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream. In fact, our table of 8 people ordered TWO Kitchen Sink that day! And I think I'm still working off all the cholesterol and fat from that concoction even 3 years later!

Here is the instruction on how to build the Kitchen Sink:



Here's the Kitchen Sink that I had. This is the before photo:

And this is the after photo:

YUM!

Zz.

Cars Characters At Downtown Disney May 14-15

A new Downtown Disney event will have Cars 2 characters Lightning McQueen, Mater and Finn McMissile hanging out at Downtown Disney on the weekend of May 14 and 15.

At this new Walt Disney World event, families can hang out with Lightning McQueen, Mater and Finn McMissile in advance of the June 24 release of “Cars 2.” There will be a video kiosk, e-photo opportunities and games. Plus, the original “Cars” movie will be playing at AMC Pleasure Island 24 Theatres Complex all weekend.

While I will be there during this weekend, it is, unfortunately, at the same time as the D23 event Destination D, which I will be attending.

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

I'm guessing everyone can tell what and where this is.

Zz.

Q&A With "African Cats" Co-Director

The Wall Street Journal has a very informative Q&A with Disney's "African Cats" co-director Keith Scholey.

Zz.

Behind The Scenes of Hitchhiking Goests At Haunted Mansion

A fun video of the behind-the-scenes look at the new animation at the Haunted Mansion attraction at the Magic Kingdom.



Zz.

FREE Disney Shopping Bags

Thanks to Patti for the info.

Don't miss the free Disney reusable shopping bag offer tomorrow, Friday, April 22, 2011 if you bring 5 plastic shopping bags to any Disney Store.

I have plenty of Disney plastic bags that I can bring in and recycle! :)

Zz.

Tokyo DisneySea To Reopen April 28

The Oriental Land Co., operator of Tokyo Disneyland Resort, has announced that Tokyo DisneySea will reopen on April 28. They also announced that Tokyo Disneyland will resume evening operations starting this Saturday.

Slowly, things are coming back to normal....

Zz.