Halloween Time at Disneyland

For those of us who can't be at Disneyland during Halloween (and miss the re-themeing of the Haunted Mansion for the umpteenth time), the Disney Parks has released a condensed version of the Halloween celebration at Disneyland via this video.



One of these days, I'll get there during Halloween.

Zz.

Grand Prize Winner of My Favorite Disney Parks Memory Contest

Looks like they have found the winner of "My Favorite Disney Parks Memory" contest, and it is a cute one (I always knew that a video containing a child will win it).



Zz.

Some Time, One Can Truly Believe In Fairies

Looks like the Theme Park Ranger finally believed in fairies. A few lucky passholders got invited to attend a preview of the upcoming direct-to-DVD movie "Tinker Bell". From this report, it appears to be quite a successful event.

And it appears that not only was it a fun event, but the movie might have been good enough for theatrical release.

I'll leave the reviews to others better versed in that kind of thing (Paging Mr. Roger Moore ...), but to someone who has watched practically all of Disney's and Pixar's animated features from the past 10 years with his kids, I really was puzzled that Disney was not treating this film as a theatrical release. After all, the animation was beautiful to watch, the story line was fairly interesting (yet geared for younger audiences to understand and appreciate), and there were quite a few sight and dialogue gags to make the parents chuckle and the kids laugh out loud. It may not have been on the same entertainment level as this year's Wall-E, yet it was a very decent film that entertained both of my kids enough that they were asking when we can see it again.

Humm... I didn't plan on buying this DVD, but after this, I may have to.

Disney can some time mess things up, but more often than not, they do get things right. And when they do it well, boy can they really do it. It appears that this is the one time they really did it very well.

Zz.

Who Owns the Rights to Photo at Disney?

I take TONS and tons of pictures when I'm at WDW (and DL). I've lost count how many thousands of pictures that I have. However, as much as I think I can profit out of that, it has never crossed my mind to see if any of it would be "marketable". Even my Disney videos that I've edited throughout the years, I tend to give those away without expecting any financial gain of any kind (recognition would be nice, though).

This Q&A on who owns the rights to pictures taken at Disney certainly is something that is relevant to me, not because I intend to sell pictures of what I took, but rather to clarify some legal positions. It basically says that you own the rights to your pictures, BUT, if the picture involves something that is a trademark symbol or something that has been copyrighted, then there are legal restrictions to what can be done with such images.

Basically it reinforced what I think I already know. So it hasn't changed anything.

Zz.

Paul Newman Dies

There are very, very few actors that I truly admire, and Paul Newman is one of them. This legendary actor passed away Friday. He was 83.

With "Cars 2" in production, and with us not knowing the story line, I wonder if he was scheduled to reprise his voice for Hudson Hornet.

Zz.

Muslim Scholars Come to Mickey Mouse's Rescue

Remember that "stand up comedian" impersonating a former Saudi diplomat that said that Mickey Mouse is a soldier of Satan and should be killed? He's now backtracking himself after several Muslim scholars smack him back to reveal how silly is remarks were.

Meanwhile, an Egyptian woman cleric, also a well-known TV figure, Suad Saleh, defended Mickey Mouse, saying that Sheikh Munjid's fatwah makes Islam look "ridiculous."

She argues that "real mice should be killed, according to the precepts of Islam, but that [Mickey] is a cartoon character ... so, killing him makes no sense."

On Al Arabiya TV, another Islamic scholar, Sheikh Mohammed Duheim, condemned Sheikh Munjid's ruling, insisting that he has "no right to speak for Islam."

"We must come out clearly on this issue," he says, "we are a diverse group of people, from many different cultures, and not everyone who claims to speak in the name of Islam speaks for all Muslims."

Hum... I didn't know that they had "woman cleric" in Islam.

Still, another example where one opened one's mouth, and stupid things fell out. It was hilarious while it lasted.

Zz.

Disney Stocks During This Turbulent Times

As a Disney stock holder, I am of course keeping an eye on the value of Disney Stocks. Mind you, unlike people who play the stock market game, I am not one of those who invests in Disney stocks to make a quick buck. I'm in it for the long haul, mainly because I think the company is in a good shape and heading generally in the right direction. Besides, I spend way too much money on it, so I might as well try to get a piece of the action.

In any case, with such turmoil going on in the financial market and the stocks on Wall Street going nuts one way and the other, I find it fascinating that Disney stocks hasn't had the same rollercoaster ride. It seems to be holding steady just above the $30-$32 mark. I don't know how long this will continue, or if the next financial report might change that, but it is amazing that while a lot of other companies are just having a financial meltdown, that Disney could maintain the value of the company with little to no change. I know that whenever the stock dips below $30, we tend to buy even more. So in some sense, there are good and bad points about its stock staying above $30, but it is certainly good for the company and the rest of the current stock holders.

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

So I entered this picture in a weekly Disney photo contest in one of the Disney fans forum, and the damn thing won first place! :) The theme was Downtown Disney, and while I thought the picture is rather unique, I didn't think it would be noticed by many people, especially since it is often that pictures depicting night scenes usually win. Still, I thought that this unusual picture might get a place like 2nd or 3rd. But obviously, it is interesting enough to gain enough votes to win. Yay! :)



I called this "The day the earth stood still". So when was the last time you saw Downtown Disney in front of World of Disney like this?

Zz.

My Disney Office - Does It Show That I'm A Liberal Or A Conservative?

I got a chuckle out of reading this news item. It seems that one can tell if the person is a "liberal" or a "conservative" by the way they decorate their offices and living quarters.

Liberals' offices were judged as significantly more distinctive, comfortable, stylish, modern, and colorful and as less conventional and ordinary, in comparison with conservatives' offices, Jost said.

Not only that, but ....

"Conservative rooms tended to be cleaner, more brightly lit, better organized, less cluttered, and also more conventional and ordinary in terms of decoration," Jost said during a panel discussion on "The Neuroscience of Elections and Human Decision-Making" at NYU, adding: "Conservatives' rooms were rated by independent raters as better organized and tidier in general."

Specifically, individuals who reported a more conservative ideology also had bedrooms that contained more organizational and cleaning supplies, including calendars, postage stamps, ironing boards and laundry baskets.

Liberals' rooms on the other hand were marked by more clutter, including more CDs, a greater variety of CDs, a greater variety of books and more color in the room in general.

So now, the question is, if these people doing the study were to walk into my Disney office at work, would they draw up the conclusion that I'm a liberal, conservative, or just plain nuts? :)

Zz.

Depp In Deep With Disney

Whoa! Looks like Disney had many more surprises as far as the movies are concerned.

At the preview of Disney movie projects, Dick cook revealed officially not only Johnny Depp's involvement at the Mad Hatter in "Alice in Wonderland", but also that Depp will be staring as Tonto in "The Lone Ranger". He also had other goodies:

Pushing the pedal to the metal, Disney and Pixar have moved up the animated sequel "Cars 2" from summer 2012 to summer 2011. Another sequel, "National Treasure 3," has been put into development, as has a fourth "Pirates."

FOURTH PIRATES??!!!

I heard the rumor on this, but is this known already? The nonchalant way this was mentioned in the article made it appear to not be a big news. Fourth Pirates, for heaven's sake! Am I missing something?!

Zz.

Johnny Depp Is Officially Confrmed as The Mad Hatter

Comingsoon.net has announced that Johnny Depp is the Mad Hatter in the upcoming Tim Burton's version of "Alice in Wonderland". Why did this took so long?

With the news that this is going to be in 3D, I would say that other than Tr2n and The Princess and the Frog, this would be the movie that I am highly anticipating. I can't wait to see how Depp will be doing the Mad Hatter.

Zz.

Cars Racing Ahead

Instead of 2012 as originally planned, "Cars 2" will be rushed into the theater in 2011, a year ahead of schedule as reported by the Hollywood Reporter.

I'm curious on how the reception is going to be. Since the first movie, there has been this non-stop merchandise craze and it has become one of Disney's more successful franchise, even when the movie didn't become as big at the box office as most expected (it was still a monster hit in most people's books). This could potentially be huge.

Zz.

Disney's Name Coming OFF Something

For a change, the Disney's name is actually coming off something they own. The Disney's Wide World of Sports is being renamed as the ESPN Wide World of Sports.

When was the last time you're there? Other than doing a pin hunt a couple of times several years ago (when Disney still had a pin pursuit that one can do) and a cast pin party one time, I don't normally even plan on going there. Watching a sporting event while vacationing at WDW doesn't actually enters into the picture.

Zz.

The End of Pleasure Island

Orlando Sentinel has an article that reminisce over Pleasure Island as it nears its end.

I still refuse to believe that Disney won't resurrect a few of these clubs, especially the Adventurer's Club, somewhere somehow. Business establishments would give their right arms to have a cult following like that. And the publicity that such club has gotten during the past 2 months have only heightened interests in them. It would be puzzling that these clubs do not come back in some form.

Zz.

Can The "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" Cause The "101 Dalmatians" Phenomenon?

Animal advocate people are concerned that with the Oct. release of Disney's "Beverly Hills Chihuahua", people might go out and adopt this breed before realizing that they won't want them later on, causing these pets to be abandoned.

The Oct. 3 release of the Disney movie "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" has animal advocates worried that people will buy the breed -- and then dump dogs at shelters.

Call it the "101 Dalmatians" phenomenon.

Of course, if the movie tank, this whole problem might be moot. Still, are there people who are THAT irrational?

Why, YES!

Zz.

Extended "Bolt" Video

Disney has released an extended clip for their upcoming animation movie "Bolt".

I still haven't decided yet if I'll make an effort to see this. Unlike "Wall-E", I don't have that much of an enthusiasm for this movie yet. So maybe I'll wait for the early reviews and then decide after wards.

BTW, isn't it ironic (or good fortune) that the title shares the same name as a famous Olympic sprinter? :)

Zz.

Disappointing Visit To A Disney Store

Went to visit a Disney Store at the Woodfield Mall here outside of Chicago last night (it's the same mall that has the Disney's Doorway to Dreams store). The store has been redecorated ever since Disney took over. Nothing to complain about here.

Now I don't know if they are still in transition, and if the merchandise is still in flux, but there seems to be extremely little (and I mean almost non-existent) apparel for adults, and much less, for adult men! I can at least find men's t-shirts and shirts for men at the old Disney Stores, but last night, I swear, I could not find one single apparel for adult men! There were some Nightmare Before Christmas outfit for women, but zilch for men! If they were some around the store that I missed, they certainly managed to make it so inconspicuous that they were easily missed. And I did walked through the entire store looking at the merchandise.

I think the Disney Stores basically have given up on apparel for adults, and especially men. They were never plenty of those to start with, but with the "new management", it seems that it is getting to be even less or non-existent. As an ardent Disney shopper, it gives me even less of an incentive to go to a Disney Store.

Zz.

Pin Trading University Video

I've finally edited the video that we took during the Pin Trading University trip. I think I chose a rather difficult music to edit it to, so it took a while.



Enjoy!

Zz.

Sneak Preview of Season 2 of ABC's "Pushing Daisies"

I got this in my e-mail. I have no way of verifying the authenticity of it, but it doesn't appear suspicious. So here it is.

I’m working with ABC to spread the word about season 2 of Pushing Daisies. I recently read your blog, My Disney Mania, and thought that the show and its content was something you and your readers might be interested in. We’ve uploaded two new “sneak peak” video for the upcoming season! I’m hoping that you and your readers will enjoy this content. You can download it here in the “pushingdaisies” folder:

ftp://nyc-t1.reprisemedia.com

Username: abc

Password: abc123

Please let me know if you have any issues with the FTP or any questions. Keep checking back, as we’ll be adding even more very soon! If you do use any of this content, please do send me a link to the post so we can help promote it! And, if for any reason you would not like us to provide you further content, please do hesitate to let me know. Have a great day.

So if you're into this TV series, this might whet your appetite for their upcoming season.

Zz.

Celebration - What Will You Celebrate?

That's it! That's the promotional theme for the US Disney theme parks for 2009 when Year of a Million Dreams ends at the end of 2008. Disney wants you to celebrate your special occasions with them. And if you register, you might even get into the theme park on your birthday for free!

Frankly, I think I share the Disney Blog's view. I'm a bit underwhelmed by this so far. It doesn't appear that there's much to go on with this one. I will reserve further judgment till I see and hear more about this.

Zz.