A Possible Sequel To "Who Framed Roger Rabbit"?

Thanks to The Disney Blog for pointing out this story.

It appears that there's a glimmer of hope for a sequel to "Who Framed Roger Rabbit". "Roger Rabbit" director Bob Zemeckis dropped the bomb nonchalantly during an interview, of all places.

That would be an absolutely amazing feat if that can happen, because I can only imagine how the negotiations would occur to get all those cartoon characters from different competing companies to appear in the movie. And to think that it may also be done in 3D would be a mind-blower.

Yowzah! First Tron, now this!

Zz.

Things That The Horse-Racing Industry Can Learn From Disney?

I initially thought that this was a piece on the poor horses that died almost at the same time. But no, it is a piece on how poorly the horse-racing industry is treating its customers. The writer compares how Disney does it at the various theme parks and what can be learned from it.

The most obvious difference between the mouse world and the horse world is the level of planning and detail at Disney -- even during a recession.

Buses, unlike races, run on time. Customers, unlike bettors, are king. Cleanliness, unlike the state of most grandstands, is a fixation. Friendliness and politeness, unlike the attitude of most part-mutuel tellers, is a job requirement. Food quality and options, unlike most track food, is impressive.

We haven't even talked about the main attraction yet, the theme parks themselves.

Hum... I guess as much as some of us complain about some of the things going on at the Disney theme parks, we still don't have it as bad as what this writer talks about. Still, as most of us know, Disney is judged to a significantly higher standards than others, because they have set their level higher than others. What many of us can tolerate at other theme parks, we would find very uncharacteristic at a Disney theme park. That is why when it appears to be an erosion of such quality, many of us are up in arms.

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

Water falling "up" near the Imagination Pavilion at Epcot.



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Disney Tourist With Swine Flu?

I guess it had to happen sooner or later.

There is a news report that a tourist from Mexico who was visiting Walt Disney World has been diagnosed with the swine flu.

Loran Hauck, chief medical office for Aventist Health System, told WFTV.com the case was diagnosed this morning.

"A case was diagnosed here in Orlando today on a tourist from Mexico who came to Disney attractions two days ago to visit," Hauck wrote in an e-mail obtained by the Orlando television station.

There's nothing anyone can do here unless, besides checking people's biometric identity, they also check body temperature, blood test, etc.. etc. And who wants that?

Edit: It appears that this case is not confirmed yet.

Zz.

Random DL Picture

Since we've had random WDW pictures, I thought we should also have random Disneyland pictures. So here's the first one. This is of course, at the It's A Small World attraction.



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Celebrating Spring At Disneyland Resort

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Random WDW Picture

The Seas with Nemo and Friends.



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20 Secrets of Disney's Hollywood Studios

In honor of the 20th anniversary of DHS last Friday, the Chicago Tribune has this article on 20 "secrets" of DHS. I put "secrets" in quotes because some of these are really not a secret at all to many Disney fans, even casual ones, if you've seen any of the Disney shows on the Travel Channel.

Still, there's plenty of fascinating things to read and learn from.

Zz.

More Uproar Over "Princess and the Frog"

Y'know, if I were the Disney Animation Studios, I would say that this is the LAST time I would try to integrate a black princess into my story, because it is JUST not worth it!

It seems that there are people already up in arms about the rumor that the first Disney African-American princess might have a "whitish" suitor in the movie.

The controversy has intensified after it was revealed that the film would be set in New Orleans and that Tiana would find love with a white prince — well, almost. His skin has been described as olive-toned and he will be voiced by Bruno Campos, a Brazilian actor.

“What? No black prince? What’s up with this?” blogged James Collier on Acting White, an anti-racism website, in a posting typical of the general disbelief among the film’s most vocal black critics. “Perhaps Disney doesn’t want the future mothers of dwindling white America being imprinted so early in their lives with the notion of a black suitor.”

Give me a break! These are probably the SAME people who complained about Barack Obama not being black enough because of the way he speak, the way he is educated, etc... So now there are various degree of "blackness", and obviously there are people running around in this world who have been self-appointed and have a measuring stick to know when someone is black enough! I'm surprised they haven't tossed out Tiger Woods since he is half Asian!

And take note that this is all BEFORE they have even SEEN the freaking movie! Talk about PREJUDICE and PRE-JUDGEMENT!

Zz.

Marty Sklar To Retire From WDI

Whoa! This is major news!

The Disney and More blog is reporting that Marty Sklar has announced his retirement from WDI and the Walt Disney Company. If this is true, this will be the end of a major chapter in the Walt Disney Company as he is one of, if not the, last person at the Walt Disney Company to have worked directly with Walt. He has the distinct honor of being the only person who was at the opening of ALL the Disney theme parks.

Best wishes in your retirement, Marty, and thanks for everything.

Zz.

Yard Crasher: Disney Epcot

DIY Network's "Yard Crasher" will crash into a very, very, VERY large backyard - the Epcot's International Flower and Garden Festival. The premier episode will air on the network on Monday, April 27 at 9 p.m. EDT.

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

HalloWishes fireworks during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.



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MLB All-Star Game Grand-Slam Million-Ticket Sweepstakes

Yes, I know the topic was a mouthful. But if someone hits a grand-slam homerun during the upcoming Major League Baseball game, the first 1 million fan who entered in the sweepstakes will get to see the new Disney movie "G-Force" for free.

Here's the press release.

A team of secret government operatives are infiltrating Major League Baseball this season. Their mission? Give away one million tickets to see their movie "G-FORCE" on its opening day. From Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films comes "G-FORCE," a 3-D high-octane comedy adventure about a covert government program in which guinea pigs are trained to work in espionage. The film, opening nationwide July 24, teams up with MLB for the unprecedented G-Force Grand Slam Sweepstakes. If a grand slam is hit during the All-Star Game on July 14, the first million people who have entered on Disney.com will win a free ticket to see "G-FORCE" on its opening day.

The program marks the most comprehensive promotional sponsorship of Major League Baseball by a major motion picture ever and the first movie promoting its debut during the Major League Baseball All-Star Game since Disney's "Angels in the Outfield" in 1994.

"'G-FORCE' is a hilarious 3-D comedy that family audiences will love," said Jim Gallagher, president of marketing for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. "We hope one of the All Stars hits a grand slam, because what better way to launch the release than with a million enthusiastic sports fans showing up as part of opening day!"

Grand slams are on the rise with 18 grand slams having been hit so far this season, well ahead of the normal pace.

"By teaming the most significant sporting event of the summer with the most anticipated family movie of the summer, we hope to give fans a little something more to cheer for when they tune-in to the All-Star Game," said Tim Brosnan, Major League Baseball executive vice president, business. "Delivering tried and true forms of family entertainment, Disney and Major League Baseball are a perfect team."

"We think that 'G-FORCE' hits a grand slam with comedy, adventure and innovative 3-D, and we're excited to share the fun with audiences of all ages," said producer Jerry Bruckheimer.

The first million people who enter online at Disney.com between April 22 and midnight on July 14 will receive a code redeemable for one free ticket to the movie on its opening day (July 24) at participating theaters if a grand slam is hit during the All-Star Game, which will air live on FOX at 8 p.m ET. on July 14. Additionally, the more than 46,000 attendees of the All-Star Game, which takes place in St. Louis' Busch Stadium, will each receive a promotional card with a ticket code redeemable for a free ticket on opening day if a grand slam is hit.

This new promotional relationship follows last week's announcement that four sponsors of Major League Baseball are returning along with three new sponsors in Japan.

The movie takes a front-row seat in the effort to select the starting lineups for this year's MLB All-Star teams. As the exclusive sponsor of in-stadium All-Star balloting, "G-FORCE" will appear on more than 20 million ballots distributed at the 30 MLB ballparks, at more than 100 Minor League ballparks, and through in-stadium messaging and announcements. Major League Baseball and Disney will select a child from local Boys & Girls Club of America chapters to participate in the in-stadium All-Star balloting launch ceremony.

Prior to the All-Star Game, 29 MLB Clubs will host "Walt Disney Pictures 'G-FORCE' Days" including "G-FORCE"-themed trading card giveaways and movie ticket/prize-pack giveaways during the games.

For the G-Force Grand Slam Sweepstakes Official Rules, go to Disney.com/g-force. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited.

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

Riding in the front car of the monorail.



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Happy Earth Day, and Happy Birthday DAK

Today is Earth Day, and opening day for Disneynature's "Earth". Are you going to go see it?

Today is also Disney's Animal Kingdom's birthday. It first opened on this day in 1998.

Zz.

Celebrating the Animation of Milt Kahl

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Science will be celebrating the animation magic of Milt Kahl, one of Disney's Nine Old Men. As one of the less well-known animators, his contribution to Disney's animation is nevertheless quite substantial.

This LA Times news article has a good coverage of Kahl's amazing talent and ability. I'm always grateful of being able to read about things like this and to be able to appreciate the contribution of someone who we may not know about, or did not appreciate fully.

Zz.

Characters In Flight Officially Opens

Characters In Flight officially opens at Downtown Disney today. Check this news article or previous blog entries to see a video of this new attraction.

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Random WDW Picture

A couple of the occupants of the savanna at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, my most favorite resort in all of WDW.



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Disney Goes To War

This is a rather curious but fascinating find. While many of us were aware of the Disney's involvement during World War II, especially in producing various propaganda material, I certainly didn't read about it coherently, until now.

This is information hosted at the US Army's webpage on Walt Disney and the Walt Disney Company's role during the war. It's a wonderful article on the history and relationship between the military and the Walt Disney company way back then when the whole nation was galvanized to fight the war.

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"Earth" Is Already Making An Impact

Disneynature's "Earth" will open this Wednesday, April 22, but it already is making an impact. Over half a million tickets have already been purchased, and that means that Disney will plant half a million trees.

The president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Group spoke with Access Hollywood saying, "With half a million new trees committed so far, Disneynature's first film is already making an impact on the world--and 'EARTH' hasn't even opened yet. We're so pleased that moviegoers have embraced this film and our tree-planting initiative to this degree and we expect the numbers to keep climbing."

Good job!

We are planning on seeing this probably on Friday.

Zz.