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‘D’s Throwback Disney: The Beginnings of The Carousel of Progress’ by David Caamano

‘Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.’ Despite the shaky opening day of Disneyland on July 17th, 1955, Walt’s original park was a hit. Walt would quickly began brainstorming new ideas to expand his park. By 1959 Tomorrowland received it’s first expansion, and three fan-favorite attractions opened; the Matterhorn Bobsleds, Submarine Voyage and the Disneyland Monorail. But another expansion was slated to open by the end of the 1950s, Edison Square. This new land, along with Liberty Street, was to be an expansion to Main Street U.S.A. and would take place in an American city where electric street lamps were brand new and all the rage. Edison Square was to focus on the progress and innovations of man.

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In the 1950s, it was the newly formed corporation, General Electric, that approached Walt about sponsoring a new major attraction at the park. They were interested in following other major companies such as Monsanto and Pepsi and wanted a piece of prime Disneyland real estate. Talks between Disney and GE would spark the discussion of Edison Square which would feature the centrepiece attraction The Carousel of Progress. It would be a show of several scenes depicting the achievements in technology; guests would walk from scene to scene….wait what?! Yes, walk. If you look closely at early sketches, behind the facades of buildings in Edison Square, there would be several stages. Guests would enter through one building from the street and walk from scene to scene. This amount of walking for parks guests was not appealing. Imagineers, such as Bob Gurr, then developed an idea for a rotating theatre, but the technology simply was not there in the late 1950s. GE was not happy with the idea and Walt was frustrated by the technical limitations for his dream show. So the idea was scrapped, and both parties parted ways, in hopes to rekindle the flame of their relationship in the future.

PROGRESSLAND

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Star Wars Goes the Revenant Route: Parts of Episode IX Could Be Filmed in Space

Believe it or not, the Star Wars movies—despite having many, many scenes set in outer space—has never actually filmed in space. Crazy, right? For all of their boundary-pushing visual effects across decades of movie-making magic, Star Wars has never managed to pull off the most special effect of all: filming in the cold, inhospitable vacuum of space.

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Fun Facts – Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfes

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Star Wars: The Force Awakens Blu-Ray Release Date Has Been Announced

It has been over a month since Star Wars: The Force Awakens flew into theaters, and ever since we were lucky enough to see a screening, fans have been eagerly anticipating owning their own copy of Episode VII.

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Music Legend Sir Elton John To Perform On ‘The Wonderful World Of Disney: Disneyland 60,’ February 21, On ABC

One of the most successful solo artists of all time, Sir Elton John will perform two sensational songs on “The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60.” The multi-talented singer, songwriter, musician will captivate audiences in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park by singing the Oscar®-nominated song “Circle of Life,” from Disney’s “The Lion King,” and his new song “Wonderful Crazy Night,” from his upcoming album. “The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60,” airs SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network.

Fans watching the show at home can participate in Sir Elton’s performance with the Disney Applause app. Using Walt Disney Imagineering’s Made with Magic technology, Applause delivers a second screen, interactive experience that will sync directly to the broadcast’s major musical segments, displaying colorful light shows and original content on viewers’ phones. Their display will be in harmony with the illuminated accessories worn by guests and elaborate lighting design during the performance. Disney Applause is available for iOS and Android. Fans will also have a rare opportunity to experience this once-in-a-lifetime performance via virtual reality. Viewers will join in the celebration as they are instantly transported to Sleeping Beauty Castle for the musical superstar’s concert and to Main Street, U.S.A. for a very special dance routine. The full VR experience can be accessed through the Jaunt app and the VR elements can also be viewed in a 360 degree video on ABC.com/VR.  Jaunt VR is available for iOS, Android and GearVR.

In his five-decade career, Sir Elton John has sold over 300 million records, achieving 37 gold and 27 multi-platinum albums. He is one of the most highly acclaimed solo artists of all time, earning six Grammy Awards, five Brit Awards, a Golden Globe Award, an Academy Award, a Tony Award, and a Disney Legend Award. Sir Elton was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Billboard named him the third most successful male solo artist on “The Billboard Hot 100 Top All-Time Artists.” “Wonderful Crazy Night,” which will be released on February 5, 2016 will be his 32nd studio album.

More performers will be announced shortly.

Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media (DCPI) is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) that brings our Company’s stories and characters to life through innovative and engaging physical products and digital experiences across more than 100 categories, from toys and t-shirts, to apps, books and console games. DCPI comprises two main lines of business: Disney Consumer Products (DCP), and Disney Interactive (DI). The combined segment is home to world class teams of app and game developers, licensing and retail experts, a leading retail business (Disney Store), artists and storytellers, and technologists who inspire imaginations around the world.

Walt Disney’s legacy lives on through the Disneyland Resort, but even he might not have been able to imagine how big his idea would become at Disneyland and at Disney parks that span the globe. He launched an entirely new concept for family entertainment that remains as relevant today as the day it opened, July 17, 1955, for guests of all ages.

The Disneyland Resort will continue its 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration through Summer 2016, extending the three spectacular after-dark shows created for the special anniversary – the “Paint the Night” parade, the immersive “Disneyland Forever” fireworks show and the all-new “World of Color–Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney.” The exciting celebration, which also features sparkling décor, themed food and merchandise, will conclude on Labor Day, Monday, September 5, 2016.

“The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60” is a production of Den of Thieves (MTV Video Music Awards, American Idol, MTV Movie Awards, Critics Choice Movie Awards, the Radio Disney Music Awards). Jesse Ignjatovic and Evan Prager are the executive producers. “The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60” is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with 5.1 stereo surround sound.

– See more at: http://disneylandnews.com/2016/01/29/music-legend-sir-elton-john-to-perform-on-the-wonderful-world-of-disney-disneyland-60-february-21-on-abc/#sthash.6K1CKdk5.dpuf

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Here’s What Disney Movies Would Look Like If They Had Been Directed By Tim Burton

There’s something about the eerie claymation style of Tim Burton’s work that is so wonderfully magical. Although his films might be a tad darker than your average Disney film, I would still love to see some dark, gritty versions of classic Disney stories.

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THE ROYAL THEATRE AT DISNEYLAND PARK SET TO REVISIT THE TALE AS OLD AS TIME

Today, it is with deepest pride and greatest pleasure that we announce the illustrious storytelling troupe of the Royal Theatre will also once again weave the romantic, comedic tale of “Beauty and the Beast.”

Guests are invited to be our guest later this spring, when Messieurs Smythe and Jones take us on an adventure in the great wide somewhere for a whimsical retelling of how Belle and the Beast met and fell in love – all with a happily ever after at the end, naturally!

With “Beauty and the Beast” returning to the program at the Royal Theatre, it’s time for Mr. Jones to finally hang up his snowman outfit. After delighting audiences for more than a year, the troupe’s “Frozen” fun retelling of Anna and Elsa’s story will soon melt away, but not until they’ve had a few more encores of “Let It Go.”

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Disneyland Resort Offers 16 Unforgettable Experiences To Brighten a Spring or Summer Visit in 2016

Spring and summer at the Disneyland Resort will be more thrilling than ever this year with new family vacation fun and spectacular entertainment. Guests continue to discover the excitement of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration and its nighttime spectaculars, plus new and enhanced Star Wars experiences. At Disney California Adventure Park, Cars Land will soon debut its newest attraction, Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters.

Guests planning a summer vacation at the Disneyland Resort also will enjoy a new “Frozen” musical, based on the blockbuster Walt Disney Animation Studios film, and the unforgettable, new Soarin’ Around the World attraction. Magic awaits guests of all ages in 2016, including these 16 special experiences.

At Disney California Adventure Park
Disney California Adventure celebrates its 15th anniversary Feb. 8, 2016, with adventures from Buena Vista Street to Cars Land, and something for guests of all ages, including the thrilling California Screamin’ coaster, the uplifting Pixar Play Parade and the high-scoring action of “Toy Story Mania.”

1.  The new live “Frozen” musical premieres in late spring 2016, immersing audiences in the emotional journey of Anna and Elsa with all of the excitement of live theater. The entertaining musical adaptation will include elaborate costumes and sets, stunning special effects, show-stopping production numbers and some unique theatrical surprises. The show will play at the Hyperion Theater.

2.  The fun-filled Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters attraction, debuting soon at Casa Della Tires in Cars Land, is rolling with fun as Luigi’scugini (cousins) have come from Carsoli, Italy, to help celebrate Race Day in Radiator Springs. Park guests join in the fun by hopping aboard miniature Italian roadsters, in the style of late 1950s micro cars. The cars perform the traditional dances of their village, moving to upbeat music and Luigi’s singing in a precision-choreographed dance across what appears to be a trackless “dance floor.” Each car has its own routine, so guests will enjoy different ride experiences depending on which car they board.

At Disneyland Park
Exciting Star Wars experiences in Disneyland Park celebrate the Star Wars film saga.

3.  Star Wars Launch Bay invites guests to visit a Star Wars-themed cantina, discover authentic replicas of film props, and encounterStar Wars characters such as Chewbacca, from the light side, and Kylo Ren from the dark side.

4.  The Star Wars-themed transformation of Space Mountain into Hyperspace Mountain thrusts guests into an X-wing Starfigher battle as they race through the darkness. The experience is enhanced by a new soundtrack, inspired by the Star Wars films’ musical themes and re-orchestrated to match every move in the attraction.

5.  At the Star Tours – The Adventures Continue attraction, guests encounter a new adventure and characters from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” while journeying aboard a Starspeeder 1000.

6.  Guests will relive stories from the Star Wars saga – or discover them for the first time – through the short “Star Wars: Path of the Jedi” film which connects iconic scenes from the iconic films in fun new ways.

7.  The popular interactive show Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple has been reimagined with Darth Vader and the Seventh Sister Inquisitor from the popular Disney XD series Star Wars Rebels.

8.  As preparations begin in 2016 for a new Star Wars-themed land, guests will enjoy unique limited-time opportunities to experience some of their favorite attractions in new ways. While the Disneyland Railroad is temporarily closed, guests at the Main Street and New Orleans Square Train Stations will be able to get up-close with the historic steam engines that have circled Disneyland park for decades and learn about them firsthand from Disneyland Railroad engineers. Limited-time experiences for the Mark Twain Riverboat and Sailing Ship Columbia will debut throughout the year.

9.  Super Hero fans will have their own special encounters at Super Hero HQ. They’re invited to learn more about their favorite Super Heroes, such as Thor and Spiderman, and meet some of them in person.

60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration Continues in 2016
The stunning entertainment found every year at the Disneyland Resort is now even more dazzling, with three nighttime spectaculars that are part of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, continuing through Sept. 5, 2016.

10.  The sparkling “Paint the Night” parade builds on the tradition of breathtaking nighttime parades in Disneyland Park that began with the “Main Street Electrical Parade.” Illuminated almost entirely by LED lights, “Paint the Night” is a state-of-the art, vibrant wonder that immerses guests in the magical, luminescent worlds of many Disney and Disney●Pixar characters, including Ariel, the Little Mermaid; Woody and Buzz Lightyear from “Toy Story”‘; Lightning McQueen from “Cars,” Disney Princesses and Mickey Mouse and his pals.

11.  The “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular entertains guests from the tips of their toes to the sky high above, surrounding the audience with music, dazzling visual projections and other special effects that bring the pyrotechnics to life in surprising new ways.  Guests may enjoy the projections from multiple locations, including Main Street, U.S.A., and Small World mall.

12.  At Disney California Adventure, “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” is a fun-filled version of the popular, nighttime “World of Color” spectacular.  Award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris joins Mickey Mouse on a magical water canvas, bringing to life the remarkable story of Walt Disney and The Happiest Place on Earth with animated imagery, live-action film, fountains, lasers, special effects and a stirring musical score.

Special Offer for Southern California Residents and Themed Dining
13.  Special two-day and three-day Southern California Resident tickets* make this an ideal time for Southern California residents to visit the parks. Purchase options include a two-day ticket with a choice of one park per day for $149, a two-day Park Hopper ticket for$189, a three-day ticket with a choice of one park per day for $179, or a three-day Park Hopper ticket for $219. These tickets are available through May 19, 2016 and valid through May 26, 2016. For details, visit http://Disneyland.com/flex

14.  Any visit to the Disneyland Resort becomes more special with themed dining and refreshments, and the resort presents some tasty new surprises in 2016. At Disneyland, the Star Wars-themed menu at Galactic Grill includes the Darth Tamale, a First Order Specialty Burger with Angus beef and chorizo on a dark bun, and The Pastry Menace éclair. Plaza Inn is ideal for family dining with a menu that features fried chicken, pot roast and made-to-order salads. Children and the young at heart are delighted to encounter Disney characters at the “Minnie & Friends Breakfast in the Park” at Plaza Inn, one of several character meals at the resort.

15.  At Disney California Adventure, guests will enjoy the recently opened Smokejumpers Grill, decorated with mementos from courageous, forest firefighters with a menu that features burgers and other favorites. The popular Cove Bar along Paradise Bay serves beverages and appetizers in an expanded patio area in 2016. The elegant Carthay Circle Restaurant continues to provide an ideal location for fine dining and adult relaxation in its lounge. And guests who want to meet Disney Princesses will find them at the character dining at Ariel’s Grotto.

16.  Hotel restaurants at the Disneyland Resort include Steakhouse 55 in the Disneyland Hotel, Napa Rose and Storytellers Café in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disney’s PCH Grill at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. For dinner at Disney’s PCH Grill, guests enjoy a menu inspired by the California beach scene, with smoked tri-tip, spice-rubbed ribs, fish and vegetarian tacos, fried chicken, and hot dogs right off the grill.

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LEGOLAND Florida Resort Hosts World Premiere of New Attraction

 

In an evening of glitz and glamour befitting a classic Hollywood movie premiere, LEGOLAND Florida Resort welcomed celebrities, media and VIP guests to a gala event Jan. 28 for the grand opening of “The LEGO Movie™ 4D A New Adventure.” The theatrical attraction reunites Emmet and friends in an all-new short story combining dazzling 3D computer animation with “4D,” real-world effects such as wind, water and fog.

LEGO Movie 4D A New Adventure World PremiereThe resort built for kids staged an appropriately kid-centric world premiere, punctuated by twin blasts of glittering confetti that welcomed the Master Builder heroes back to the big screen. Hundreds of fans strolled an “interactive,” special effects-filled red carpet before entering the Wells Fargo Fun Town Theater to celebrate the return of Emmet, Wyldstyle, MetalBeard, Benny and Unikitty.

Joining the festivities were 8-year-old actress Aubrey Anderson-Emmons, star of ABC TV’s “Modern Family,” Joey Bragg, star of Disney Channel’s “Liv and Maddie,” Jack Griffo, star of Nickelodeon’s “The Thundermans,” singer-songwriter Megan Lee, star of Nickelodeon’s “Make It Pop,” Isabela Moner, star of Nickelodeon’s “100 Things to Do Before High School,” Jace Norman, star of Nickelodeon’s “Henry Danger,” Madisyn Shipman, star of Nickelodeon’s “Game Shakers,” and social media sensations The Eh Bee Family and Family Fun Pack.

In 2014, kids around the world embraced the adventures of Emmet, an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the key to saving the world in “The LEGO Movie™,” which went on to gross more than $400 million worldwide.

But what happened after the movie?

Fans can find out starting tomorrow, Jan. 29, now that “The LEGO Movie™ 4D A New Adventure” has officially opened at LEGOLAND Florida Resort.

Returning to voice their iconic characters are actors Elizabeth Banks (Wyldstyle), Nick Offerman (MetalBeard), Charlie Day (Benny) and Alison Brie (Unikitty). Actor, writer and comedian Patton Oswalt voices the scheming Risky Business, brother of movie villain President Business, a new character created exclusively for the attraction.

Set after the events of the movie, the 12 ½-minute story finds the gang entangled in an Evil Secret Plot involving a mysterious theme park inspired by their adventures in “The LEGO Movie,” one that requires them to call on the Master Builder skills of a surprise ally to save the day.

“The LEGO Movie™ 4D A New Adventure” was directed by Rob Schrab, who is making his feature film directorial debut with “The LEGO Movie Sequel,” set to open May 18, 2018. When it came to designing the attraction, he said a strong story was critical to its success.

“We only spotlight them for a fraction of the amount of time,” he said, “so it’s important to get to the fun as soon as possible. This is the first time Emmet, Wyldstyle and the gang meet since the film.”

Developed in collaboration with LEGOLAND owner Merlin Entertainments Group and Warner Bros. Consumer Products, the attraction was created by Los Angeles-based Pure Imagination Studios with input from Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the talented writer-directors who brought “The LEGO Movie” to hilarious life, along with producer Dan Lin.

The result is a delightfully clever blend of the same sly humor and breathtaking, built-with-LEGO visuals that made the first-ever, full-length theatrical LEGO film a global hit among kids and adults alike.

For Offerman, the opportunity to slip back into MetalBeard’s shoes – er, bricks – was a welcome one.

“I have worked with Rob on ‘Childrens Hospital’ and ‘Parks and Recreation,’ so it was like a nice reunion of old pals from summer camp,” he said of making the attraction. “We just tried to make each other laugh with silly renderings of dead-serious pirate-y mayhem.”

Following its debut in Florida, “The LEGO Movie™ 4D A New Adventure” will open Feb. 6 at LEGOLAND California Resort in Carlsbad, Calif., and at all other LEGOLAND theme parks and LEGOLAND Discovery Centers worldwide in 2016.

For more information, visit www.LEGOLAND.com and www.LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com.

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Photo – Perfect Stand-By time at Haunted Mansion

So we all walk up to an attraction and glance up to see what the wait times are before we decide to enter a ride at the Disney Parks right?  Well check out this perfectly fitting stand-by wait time at Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom.

WDW Christmas Day 2015 (22)

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