Disney World PF Gathering and Tips for Disney Mania!

[ZapperZ]

Just in case you need a calendar for April.

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10153954.jpg

 

[ZapperZ]

This is the jumbo Easter pin that will be released tomorrow at Disneyland. I think of all the Easter pins that they have released, this one takes the cake. It is one of the most intricate and colorful pins they've made. Of course, not to mention, it is adorable!

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10425488.jpg

 

[Moonbear]

Just in case you need a calendar for April.

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10153954.jpg

That just struck me as hilarious...a pin just for April. I'm just not sure I understand why? Cruella doesn't seem to have a lot to do with April in my mind either. It just seems like such a...well...a "we don't know why, but we're making it anyway" pin.

 

[ZapperZ]

That just struck me as hilarious...a pin just for April. I'm just not sure I understand why? Cruella doesn't seem to have a lot to do with April in my mind either. It just seems like such a...well...a "we don't know why, but we're making it anyway" pin.

Actually, there are pins for each month so far for 2006. I just ... er ... forgot to post them here.

:)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

For those of you in the US who haven't file your taxes yet, there are two pins to remind you that the dreaded tax day is coming up in 2 weeks. The first one is being released today at Disneyland, while the second one is being released tomorrow at WDW.

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10431731.jpg

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10904689.jpg

 

[Moonbear]

Who actually celebrates tax day?! But, oh, yeah, better get mine sent in.

 

[ZapperZ]

Who actually celebrates tax day?! But, oh, yeah, better get mine sent in.

I have sent mine in way long ago and have gotten my refund. And I'm going to spend it all at the House of Mouse!

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Alright. It's been a long time since we had a Disney trivia, so here's another one.

The picture below shows the loading area of an attraction at the Walt Disney World resort. What is the name of this attraction?

Zz.

 

[scott_alexsk]

Malstrum(sp?)

 

[ZapperZ]

It's Maelstorm, but you still win a virtual pin nevertheless!

:)

I love this small attraction at the Norway world showcase ("You are not the first to come this way...").

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

I still never found the hidden Mickey.

 

[ZapperZ]

I still never found the hidden Mickey.

Then we just have to go there a few more times till you find it, Moonbie.

:)

Zz.

 

[Math Is Hard]

That just struck me as hilarious...a pin just for April. I'm just not sure I understand why? Cruella doesn't seem to have a lot to do with April in my mind either. It just seems like such a...well...a "we don't know why, but we're making it anyway" pin.

I think I get the joke. Might be a reference to T.S. Eliot's "The Wasteland", which opens with

April is the cruelest month, breeding
Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing
Memory and desire, stirring
Dull roots with spring rain.

 

[ZapperZ]

Honestly, there wasn't anything special about April and Cruella. Here are the other calendar pins of this year. They are all, or will feature, Disney villans.

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10155361.jpg

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10149506.jpg

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10342303.jpg

 

[ZapperZ]

Disney is rolling out another tour using the Segway at Epcot. I didn't know this thing is THAT popular!

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-tourism0306apr03,0,5502726.story

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Disney is expanding, but not in the ways you think...

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/entertainment/14246129.htm

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Wow! This is an incredible pin!

It is being released today, and it is an open edition pin (yay!). What is so cute about it is that when you open it, it shows an image of Walt chatting with Mickey. GORGEOUS!

I think I'll get a handful of this one when I get there...

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10904690.jpg

 

[ZapperZ]

The World of Disney store in Downtown Disney will be having its Grand Reopening tomorrow, with new floor space and new areas.

The Store will re-open on April 5, 2006 with new and interactive experiences at the largest Disney shopping destination on earth. The newly "re-imagined," 51,000-square-foot retail playground features a world of pirates and heroes in a new, interactive Adventure Room. Across the store, youngsters can be made up as pretty as a princess with the help of a "Fairy Godmother-in-Training" in the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, part of the store's new Princess Room.

Of course, to mark the occassion, there's a pin that will be released only that the World of Disney store there.

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10904866.jpg

 

[ZapperZ]

Three more days until the Yeti officially joins the Disney family. Expedition Everest officially opens on April 7th.

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=1800095&page=1&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

What has been going on with the Disney Animation unit since the Disney-Pixar merger? This review is as good as any...,

http://www.laughingplace.com/News-ID510260.asp

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

It's Day 5 in the countdown to the official opening of Expedition Everest, which means that it's 2 more days till opening day.

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10904438.jpg

 

[ZapperZ]

Oswald The Lucky Rabbit

For anyone who missed the whole saga of this character, here's a quick update:

What do Al Michaels, John Madden, Monday Night Football, NBC/Universal, and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit have anything to do with one another and Disney?

You just have to read this:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...ap/index.html

More on this trade. Essentially, Disney traded a sports announcer for a rabbit!

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/stor...ss&siteid=mktw

:)

For those who want to know a bit about Mickey Mouse's history, and how Oswald the Lucky Rabbit fits into this, this is a terrific site. It can also make a great Disney trivia question.

http://www.characterproducts.com/inf...ie_doorway.htm

Wow! This trade-Al Michaels-for-Oswald is really making all the news wire!

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories...02-10-05-27-33

Al Michaels is right. He WILL be an answer to a trivia one of these days.

The euphoria over Oswald the Lucky Rabbit coming back to Disney just won't go away.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/features...oday-headlines

And now, the Disney Insider has the OFFICIAL take on the whole history of Oswald and how it played a role in Walt's life, resulting in the creation of Mickey Mouse. This, I would say, is THE definitive version of the history of Oswald.

http://disney.go.com/inside/issues/stories/v060404.html

Don't miss the Oswald page at the end of the article.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

They are releasing today the Dave Smith collection pin of my most favorite night time show at WDW - IllumiNations.

Keep an eye out for my own video of this spectacular show some time soon.

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10904178.jpg

 

[ZapperZ]

Expedition Everest

SPOILER ALERT!

If you want to be surprised by the Expedition Everest attraction, do not read any further.

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More on Expedition Everest...

The "highlight" of the whole attraction is the encounter with the Yeti. There are two encouters, actually. The first is simply a shadow of the Yeti while you are in the bowels of the mountain. The second is the direct encounter with the Yeti as you rush through the various passageway inside the mountain. The Yeti appears to try to grab you as you pass by.

This is your last SPOILER ALERT warning.

If you wish to see what the Yeti looks like during the 2nd time when you get to see it directly, click on the link below:

http://www.wdwmagic.com/beastly.htm#

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Mickey Crossword Puzzle

If you are bored, or about to go on a long plane trip, here's a Mickey Crossword Puzzle for you to try.

http://laughingplace.com/files/Crossword20060405/q.pdf

Answers will be posted in a few days.

Zz.

P.S. While the puzzle is in the shape of Mickey's head, most of the questions have nothing to do with Disney.

 

[ZapperZ]

It's Day 6 of the 7 day countdown to the official opening of Expedition Everest. Just ONE more day till the Yeti officially becomes part of Disney folklore...

The pin frenzy leading up to this has been unbelievable so far, at least that's the report I've been getting from there. So I'm not even having my contacts up there going into get all these countdown pins - it's too much of a hassle. I can live without them.

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10904439.jpg

 

[ZapperZ]

Winnie the Pooh to get Hollywood Walk of Fame Star!

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has announced that Winnie the Pooh will get a star on the famed Hollywood Blvd on April 11.

YOU GO, BEAR!

:)

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/static/pintrading/media/pins/10935133.jpg

 

[ZapperZ]

More latest pictures from Expedition Everest.

WARNING: if you don't want your surprise to be ruined, DO NOT CLICK on the second page of the link.

http://laughingplace.com/Lotion-View-207.asp

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

If you are bored, or about to go on a long plane trip, here's a Mickey Crossword Puzzle for you to try.

http://laughingplace.com/files/Crossword20060405/q.pdf

Answers will be posted in a few days.

Zz.

P.S. While the puzzle is in the shape of Mickey's head, most of the questions have nothing to do with Disney.

This is the answer to the crossword puzzle.

http://laughingplace.com/files/Crossword20060405/a.pdf

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Bob Iger and Al Weiss update Central Florida community leaders on Disney's future plans.

http://orlando.bizjournals.com/orlando/stories/2006/04/03/daily36.html

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Even before the release of the first sequel to Pirates of the Caribbean, rumors of the 3rd installment of this series are already circulating. It seems that the 3rd movie was shot concurrently with the 2nd movie, Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Men's Chest.

http://comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=13983

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

OPENING DAY!

Expedition Everest officially opens today in a special ceremony!

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10904556.jpg

 

[ZapperZ]

teebin at WDWMagic has kindly posted pictures from yesterday at Animal Kingdom of the press event leading up today's Opening Ceremony of Expedition Everest. A lot of areas have been taken over, especially my FAVORITE eating spot right by the lake at Flametree BBQ.

http://www.acanthusmedia.com/everest_press_html/

I truly can't wait to get on this attraction again...

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Latest picture from Expedition Everest from this morning, barely an hour ago.

http://www.laughingplace.com/showpic.asp?filename=http://laughingplace.com/files/live/big/0001878-533425.jpg&caption=Almost+Open

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Expedition Everest Grand Opening press release:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (April 7, 2006) -- Ancient legend holds that high in the Himalayan Mountains lives an enormous creature that fiercely guards the route to Mount Everest.

In Florida, the legend of the ferocious yeti dramatically roared to life today at Walt Disney World Resort with the official opening of Expedition Everest, a runaway train adventure that combines coaster-like thrills with the excitement of a close encounter of the hairy kind.

"Expedition Everest is a shining example of what we do best at Disney -- create unique, high-quality and innovative experiences to delight our guests from around the world," said Bob Iger, president and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, who presided at the opening. "Though our mountain may be slightly smaller in scale to the one you find in Asia, it is remarkable in its authenticity.

"The same is true of our base camp's attention to detail," he continued. "These elements are all part of the magic of our storytelling so our guests feel literally and figuratively transported to another world -- a world where fantasy is real and the reality is fantastic."

The screams of six youthful stars from the smash-hit Disney Channel original movie "High School Musical" attested to just how fantastic. They were part of the first train out of the station to officially launch the attraction following a ceremonial garland cutting by Winter Olympics snowboard halfpipe gold medalist Hannah Teter.

Following the dedication of Expedition Everest, Disney officials provided an update on what's next for the vacation kingdom--including a new attraction coming to Epcot in fall 2006 and a new stage spectacular coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom in late 2006.

But for now, the new fun involves out-of-control railcars that race forward and backward, sending Disney's Animal Kingdom guests swooping into the unknown to brave twists, turns and drops inside and outside a mighty mountain. It all leads to an unforgettable encounter with the yeti.

Expedition Everest's trains depart from the mythical village of Serka Zong -- like the mountain a marvel of authentic detail. The village consists of several buildings, including a hotel, Internet caf� and trekking supply store, all reflective of today's Nepalese architecture. A canopy of prayer flags, an ornamental monastery, intricately carved totems, and a garden of stone carvings of the yeti clutching the mountain immerse guests in a far-off realm.

The yeti's role as protector of the sacred mountain is reinforced in this detail-rich environment as a result of extensive research that included an expedition to the region.

"This extraordinary expedition is another example of the lengths to which Walt Disney Imagineering will go to research subject matter in developing our story lines," said Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo. "Our passion for bringing great stories to life has taken Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to amazing places over the past 50 years. Over the next 50 years, we will continue to scale new heights in our ongoing quest to create great experiences for our guests."

The opening of Expedition Everest is part of the "Happiest Celebration on Earth" honoring 50 years of Disney theme parks and commemorating the 1955 opening of Disneyland. The celebration began in May 2005 with the launch of new shows and attractions at Disney parks around the world.

Towering nearly 200 feet high and occupying a 6.2-acre site, Expedition Everest is located in the Asia section of Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. It is one of 18 mountain attractions created by Walt Disney Imagineering at Disney theme parks worldwide.

The creation of Expedition Everest is among the topics explored through Discovery Networks original programming that takes viewers behind the scenes and above the clouds to explore the majesty and mystery of Mount Everest and the exhaustive Disney Imagineering efforts to achieve authenticity. Here's what's debuting in April:

Expedition Everest: Journey to Sacred Lands -- April 9 at 8 p.m. ET (Travel Channel)
Building a Thrill Ride: Expedition Everest -- April 10 at 9 p.m. ET (The Science Channel) and April 12 at 8 p.m. ET (Discovery Channel)
Corwin's Quest: Realm of the Yeti -- April 15 at 8 p.m. ET (Animal Planet)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

The other major news that came out of the Expedition Everest press release were the announcement regarding the renovations at The Living Seas and a new Broadway musical.

The Seas with Nemo & Friends, opening fall 2006 at Epcot, will be a whimsical and visually stunning attraction in The Living Seas pavilion featuring technology that for all appearances has the stars of "Finding Nemo" swimming amid the live marine life of the huge aquarium in an adventure that picks up where the motion picture left off.

"Finding Nemo--The Musical," debuting late 2006 at Disney's Animal Kingdom, will bring the undersea world that charmed audiences in the Disney presentation of the Pixar Animation Studios film "Finding Nemo" to life in an all-new stage spectacular featuring original songs by Tony Award-winning "Avenue Q" composer Robert Lopez and a cappella musical "Along the Way" composer Kristen Anderson-Lopez.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

They released a surprise pin at the World of Disney store in New York city today.

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10904779.jpg

 

[ZapperZ]

Pictures and videos from today's opening ceremony of Expedition Everest.

http://www.laughingplace.com/Lotion-View-209.asp

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Various TV programs on Expedition Everest starting this coming Sunday. Don't miss them!

:)

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/local/orl-everesttv06apr07,0,4303875.story

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

A fun-looking pin to be released tomorrow:

The Walt Disney World® Resort Pin Trading Team held a "Create-A-Pin" contest for Cast Members in late 2005. Six winning entries were selected following a rigourous review process by the Pin Team and Disney Design Group Artists. Three pins will be Open Edition and three will be Limited Edition. The winning designs were selected based on originality, creativity, aesthetics, spirit and spirit of design. This six pin collection will be released throughout 2006.

This Limited Edition pin was designed by Jon Pinto. The pin features Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Donald Duck and Goofy attempting to get through a door at one time. Mickey, Donald and Goofy's heads are pins-on-pin.

Jon will be signing his pin at a special Artist Signing Event on Sunday, April 9, 2006 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This event will be held at Disney's Pin Traders located at the Downtown Disney® Marketplace. All Guests are invited to attend.

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10904805.jpg

 

[ZapperZ]

Conservation International & Disney Discover New Species In The 'Realm of the Yeti'.

http://www.laughingplace.com/Latest.asp?I1=ID&I2=1109

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

OK, another Disney trivia!

Name the 'event' and the location that it is held where you get to see these lovely "creatures".

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Latest announcement that the Disney Magical Express will continue to be complimentary, and family suites are coming to Disney's All Star Music resort.

http://www.laughingplace.com/Latest.asp?I1=ID&I2=1113

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Being released today at Disneyland is a jumbo pin. It depicts the Partners sculpture in front of the Sleeping Beauty castle.

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10440238.jpg

 

[ZapperZ]

Don't forget, if you have the Travel Channel, tonight is the beginning of a series of documentaries associated with Expedition Everest.

8pm Eastern on The Travel Channel..."EXPEDITION EVEREST: JOURNEY INTO SACRED LANDS"...Expedition Everest follows an amazing quest for detail as Joe Rohde, Creative Executive for Walt Disney Imagineering, travels through Nepal to study every nuance of its culture, architecture and customs.

Providing unprecedented coverage of this artist's journey to reveal the secrets of a complex and unique region, Expedition Everest covers the miles traveled to research and replicate so accurately the culture, architecture and customs of Nepal for Disney newest attraction.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

This site appears to have the "official" video of the opening ceremony of Expedition Everest. It includes a preview of all the upcoming specials on EE that have been scheduled, including the one tonight on the Travel Channel.

It's a long video (25 mins), but WORTH IT. Just be warning that you do get to see a little bit on what is going on in the ride, so if you want to be surprised by it, DON'T VIEW IT.

http://www.knockoutdigital.com/everestgrandopening/

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

This site appears to have the "official" video of the opening ceremony of Expedition Everest. It includes a preview of all the upcoming specials on EE that have been scheduled, including the one tonight on the Travel Channel.

It is on the Travel Channel NOW!

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Did you miss the Travel Channel documentary? If you did, you missed one terrific show.

Since most of us have never been in that part of the world, we do not have any sort of reference on how an authentic vilage or building looks like. Now we know. What the Disney imagineers have built is now even more amazing in light of what has been shown.

So now, tonight it is the Science Channel turn to show the building of Expedition Everest attraction.

At 9p Eastere Time, April 10, on the Science Channel..."BUILDING A THRILL RIDE EXPEDITION EVEREST"...Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the technology, engineering and creativity harnessed to build one of the most elaborate thrill rides in theme park history � "Expedition Everest" at Disney's Animal Kingdom. See the transformation of a five-acre sleepy cow pasture into a 200-foot mountain and Nepalese village. This special reveals the step-by-step creative process behind the construction, culminating in the unveiling of the replica of one of the most mystical and majestic mountains in the world. Viewers will also meet the revered protector of the mountain, the Yeti, brought to life through awe-inspiring technology and painstaking detail, down to the individual strands of hair in the creature's pelt.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

If you intend to drive around Walt Disney World resort, BE FOREWARNED!

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/orl-disneytickets0806apr08,0,2139985.story?coll=orl-news-headlines-state

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

If you intend to drive around Walt Disney World resort, BE FOREWARNED!

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/orl-disneytickets0806apr08,0,2139985.story?coll=orl-news-headlines-state

Zz.

You have to read ALL the way to the end of the story to see why this was started a few years ago. Apparently, it's the employees that are a major problem speeding through the property. They're not picking on confused tourists who just make a last minute turn without a signal, or an illegal U-turn when they miss that turn.