Celebration Central

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

Disneyland has set up a new website called Celebration Central. There doesn’t really seem to be much of a point to this website other than just being a promotion for What Will You Celebrate?. Once your at the website you can chose to either be shown ideas to get started or be guided through the process from start to finish. You can create a scrapbook which you can then print out, as well as a pocket guide & a map. That’s all that appears to be up on the site for now, but be sure to check it out yourself to see what other features there may be!

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Boy Hurt in 2000 Disneyland Accident Dies

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

According to the LA Times:

Brandon Zucker, a boy who was trapped under the Roger Rabbit Car Toon Spin ride at Disneyland in a 2000 accident, died early this morning. He was 13.

Zucker, who was 4 at the time of the September 2000 accident, died at Children’s Hospital of Orange County, with his mother at his bedside.

The accident received widespread coverage when Brandon tumbled from the spinning “taxi cab” and was trapped underneath the following car. The vehicle rolled over him, folding his 45-pound body in half. He was stuck for 10 minutes before being freed.

Brandon suffered severe brain damage and never recovered from his injuries. The accident led to the first major investigation under a law that regulates amusement parks.

The state Department of Occupational Safety and Health found that Disneyland employees had improperly placed Brandon, his mother and brother into the ride and failed to lower the lap bar. It also ordered significant safety changes to the ride, including a sensor-equipped guard around the bottom of each car.

Updated, 12:56 p.m: Brandon’s father called 911 about 9:30 a.m. Sunday after finding him nonresponsive at their home in Anaheim, officials said. He was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital and later transferred to Children’s Hospital in Orange, where he died at 1:13 a.m. today, said Jim Amormino, a spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

DLR Photo Report – 1/18/09

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

It’s once again time for one of my photo reports from the Disneyland Resort, let’s see what’s going on at the parks:

The Year of a Million Dreams decorations have been removed from the security tents.

The CALIFORNIA letters are back to their original gold color scheme.

Celebrate Today! banners are being put up through-out DCA.

Read More about DLR Photo Report – 1/18/09

2fer Ticket is Back… And So Is DCA’s Attendance!

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

Disneyland is once again offering the 2fer ticket this year & they have released a press release with more information on the tickets:

ANAHEIM, Calif. (January 8, 2009) – Southern California families looking for value and the best way to spend their limited entertainment dollars will find an unbeatable offer at the Disneyland Resort in the new year. With the “Southern California 2fer Ticket,” guests will experience the magic of new attractions and high quality entertainment at Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure on one day, and then come back on another day to play in the other park – for free. 

The “Southern California 2fer Ticket” can be purchased now at Disneyland.com, The Disney Stores, Vons, Albertsons, Ralphs, Stater Bros, Toys R Us, Dearden’s, Casa Ley, Korea Daily, Irvine Spectrum and other locations. The 2fer ticket, on sale through June 3, 2009, enables Southern Californians to enjoy all the fun, entertainment, shows and attractions that the two parks showcase.    

Guests who like the thrills of both California Screamin’ and Space Mountain will enjoy the attractions on two different days when they purchase the “2fer ticket” and will experience all the fun that the Disneyland Resort theme parks have to offer for less than $35 per day. The two parks feature a mix of classic attractions and new immersive experiences that will entertain guests of all ages.

At Disney’s California Adventure, popular attractions and entertainment include Soarin’ Over California, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular, a Broadway-style production. Now, guests will have more fun than ever with exciting experiences such as Toy Story Mania!, Blue Sky Cellar, Pixar Play Parade and an all-new show, High School Musical 3: Senior Year – Right Here! Right Now!

At Disneyland, guests will enjoy classic attractions such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain along with magical experiences such as Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough, the all-new Pixie Hollow, and – starting in February – “it’s a small world.”

2fer Ticket Details:
2fer tickets are valid for Southern California residents within ZIP Codes 90000-93599 and Northern Baja California residents within ZIP Codes 21000-22999. Proof of residency is required for admission. Admission is valid for one Park each day, but not for both Parks on the same day. Tickets are valid 30 days from first use. First use must occur between 1/6/09-6/3/09. Each day of use constitutes one full day of use. Guests may purchase up to 8 tickets per person per day with valid ID. Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial use. The offer may not be combined with other discounts or promotions. The offer is not valid before 1/6/09 and is subject to restrictions and change without notice. $35 message is based on the purchase price of an adult 2fer Ticket, which is $69. Tickets are $59 for guests ages 3 through 9. Check for entertainment show times.

Disney Parks Celebrate U.S. Military With Free, Multi-day Admission to Theme Parks in 2009

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. / ANAHEIM, Calif. (Jan. 5, 2009) — As Disney Parks ask “What Will You Celebrate?” and invite guests to turn their personal milestones into magical family vacations in 2009, America’s military personnel will have one more reason to celebrate: Free multi-day admission to Disney’s U.S. theme parks.

With the “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” offer, active and retired U.S. military personnel, including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservists, can enjoy complimentary, multi-day admission into Disney’s U.S. theme parks, great rates at select Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort hotels, and additional special ticket offers for family members and friends.

“For so many of the men and women who serve in our U.S. military, time together with their families is cause enough for celebration,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “We are grateful for their service and hope ‘Disney’s Armed Forces Salute’ will allow our troops to create wonderful, magical memories with their family and friends.”

At the Disneyland Resort in Southern California:

Through June 12, 2009, each active or retired member of the U.S. military can receive one complimentary three-day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” Park Hopper ticket valid for admission to both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure parks. During the offer period, active or retired U.S. military personnel also may make a one-time purchase of an adult or child three-day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” Park Hopper ticket for up to five family members (including spouse) or friends for the price of an adult 1-Day Park Hopper ticket.

Disneyland Resort hotels are also offering special room rates for active or retired military personnel. For example, at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, active or retired members of the military and their families may find hotel rooms starting at $119 per night during value season, with great savings during other times of the offer period. This offer is available through June 12, 2009, and the number of rooms available at these special rates is limited.

For information regarding “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” at the Disneyland Resort, or to make reservations, military personnel may call 714/956-6424.

Through the years, The Walt Disney Company has demonstrated its support of United States’ servicemen and women through a variety of initiatives. Disney’s support for the U.S. Marines’ Toys for Tots program started 58 years ago – when Walt Disney became one of the original sponsors. Since 1995, Disney’s Operation Uplift program has sent over 90,000 postcards to troops worldwide, thanking them for their service. The company also supports U.S. service members and their families as a sponsor of the USO and its centers. Each year, Operation Disney Care packages, containing Disney DVDs, books, magazines and games, are sent to centers around the world to help entertain the servicemen/women and their families, Disney Minnie Grants are used to host family appreciation events, while Disney VoluntEARS donate many hours participating in local USO projects.

Other Offer Details:
  • Complimentary “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” tickets may be obtained only by active or retired U.S. military personnel, including activated members of the National Guard or Reservists (with orders showing active status after Jan. 1, 2008) and active or retired members of the United States Coast Guard. Spouses are not eligible.
  • Complimentary “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” tickets for admission to the Walt Disney World Resort can be obtained only at participating U.S. military base ticket offices (including at the Shades of Green Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort), or at Main Entrance theme park ticket windows. Military personnel will need to activate those tickets at Main Entrance theme park ticket windows in order to use those tickets (no more than 1 such complimentary ticket per service member will be activated).
  • Please see a participating U.S. military base ticket office for an exchange certificate for the complimentary “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” ticket for the Disneyland Resort. The exchange certificate will need to be redeemed for such ticket by the active or retired military personnel at a Main Entrance theme park ticket window (maximum of 1 such complimentary ticket per service member).
  • “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” tickets for family members and friends may be purchased only by active or retired U.S. military personnel, including activated members of the National Guard or Reservists (with orders showing active status after Jan. 1, 2008) and active or retired members of the United States Coast Guard (or, in each case, their spouses, but not both).
  • “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” tickets for admission to the Walt Disney World Resort can be purchased only at participating U.S. military base ticket offices (including at the Shades of Green Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort), or at Main Entrance theme park ticket windows. “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” tickets for admission to the Disneyland Resort can be purchased only at participating U.S. military base ticket offices.
  • Military personnel (or their spouses) who purchase “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” tickets for admission to the Walt Disney World Resort for family members and friends will need to activate those tickets at Main Entrance theme park ticket windows in order for those tickets to be used (regardless of where those tickets are purchased). Actual prices for such tickets may be less than prices shown above.
  • Military personnel (or their spouses) who purchase “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” tickets for admission to the Disneyland Resort for family members and friends will receive exchange certificates to be redeemed by such military personnel (or their spouses) for tickets at Main Entrance theme park ticket windows (one ticket per exchange certificate).
  • The military personnel (or spouse) will be required to present valid military identification (which, for activated members of the National Guard or Reservists, also includes orders showing active status after Jan. 1, 2008) for all ticket transactions (including to activate tickets, and/or redeem exchange certificates for tickets, at Main Entrance theme park ticket windows). A valid ID may also be required for admission.
  • “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” tickets are limited to five per service member (regardless of place of purchase and whether purchased by service member or spouse) and all five must be purchased at the same time. Accordingly, no service member (or spouse) will be permitted to activate, and/or to redeem exchange certificates for, more than a total of five “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” tickets for the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort (regardless of whether activated or exchanged by the service member or spouse).
  • First day of use of “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” complimentary tickets and “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” tickets at the Disneyland Resort must be no later than June 12, 2009, and tickets expire 13 days after the first day of use or June 25, 2009, whichever occurs first. Last day of use on “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” complimentary tickets and “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” tickets at the Walt Disney World Resort is Dec. 23, 2009.
  • Tickets must be used by the same person on any and all days. “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” complimentary tickets may be used only by the service members to whom they are issued. “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” tickets may be used only by the friends and family members for whom they are purchased.
  • This offer may not be combined with any other offer.

“What Will You Celebrate?”

Military personnel taking advantage of this offer will find even more to celebrate during their stay. Beginning now, Disney Parks is embracing a newly identified nationwide travel trend called “celebration vacations,” in which Americans mark special occasions in their lives with a family vacation.

In 2009, Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resorts ask guests “What Will You Celebrate?” and lead this growing trend with new entertainment and services that allow guests to turn their personal milestones – a birthday, an anniversary, Quinceañera or any special occasion – into magical Disney experiences.

Celebrating 25 Years Of Holiday Magic

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. and ANAHEIM, Calif. (December 17, 2008) – Silver Bells ring for the Silver Anniversary, as Disney Parks celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade this December 25 on ABC-TV. Hollywood’s biggest names and Disney’s most beloved characters will bring the holiday magic home in song and style as they light up the holiday from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.

Alongside show-stopping performances and incredible float displays, America’s favorite hosts – Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa from Walt Disney World and Ryan Seacrest from Disneyland – mark the special anniversary of the Emmy-awarding winning television spectacular. Together, they will introduce a star-studded ensemble shining as bright as the fireworks above the parks’ gleaming castles.

The two-hour special of the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade will air in HD December 25 on ABC-TV throughout the country – 10 a.m. Eastern and 9 a.m. Central, Mountain and Pacific times.

The magic builds with an array of classic floats as well as new characters in celebration of Disney’s monumental Parade anniversary. Special highlights from holidays past will feature memorable moments ranging from wacky hosts, unforgettable performances and traditional favorites.

*A True Disney Celebration 25 Years in the Making*

From the hottest pop stars and legendary performers to world-class artists, a symphony of sounds unites as celebrities help Disney mark the 25th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade. 

WDW Christmas Parade 2008

  • Kicking off the celebration, megastar Miley Cyrus returns to the Parade for another upbeat performance, singing a rockin’ version of “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” at the Magic Kingdom.
  • Sibling pop-rock phenomenon, Jonas Brothers, are sure to thrill fans as they perform their Christmas tune at Disneyland Park, “Joyful Kings”.
  • Grammy award-winning legend Jose Feliciano performs his classic “Feliz Navidad”.
  • “American Idol’s” 2008 champion David Cook rings in the holiday spirit with an exclusive acoustic arrangement of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”.
  • Multi-platinum recording artist and co-star of Disney Channel’s popular series “Hannah Montana,” Billy Ray Cyrus, will bring down the house with his rock ‘n’ roll Christmas single, “Run Rudolph Run”.
  • Broadway superstar Sarah Brightman performs “Silent Night”.
  • Star of Disney’s blockbuster “High School Musical” films, Corbin Bleu, heads to the front of the class for an A+ act singing a Disney Parks original song, “Celebrate You”.
  • Playhouse Disney’s entertaining music group for preschoolers, Imagination Movers, will spread festive cheer singing an original holiday song, “Give a Gift”.
 
*Just a Spoon-Full of ‘Pixie Dust’ Makes for ‘Practically Perfect’ Appearances*
  • Donning their holiday best, Disney’s most cherished characters including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pinocchio, Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Ariel and Jasmine gallivant through Magic Kingdom alongside gingerbread men, toy soldiers and reindeer throughout the anniversary special. They will be joined in the Christmas character cavalcade by some of the newest and brightest additions to the Disney family, including Prince Caspian.
  • Adventure, danger and intrigue are ‘unleashed’ when the characters from the new Walt Disney Pictures “Bolt,” starring the superhero dog, Bolt and friends including, a jaded housecat named Mittens and TV-obsessed hamster named Rhino, let loose for the Parade atop a brand-new float.
  • Taking flight in their parade debut, Tinker Bell’s glittering Disney Fairies from the enchanting world of “Pixie Hollow” sparkle with delight as they sprinkle Pixie Dust in the 25th anniversary celebration. Tinker Bell will be joined by her four fairy friends – Iridessa, Fawn, Silvermist and Rosetta. The five fairies currently star in the new animated hit film on Disney DVD, “Disney Fairies”.
  • ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ takes on new meaning when stars of “Mary Poppins” at Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theatre are accompanied by 600 performers to create a rousing performance down Main Street U.S.A. – leading the way is Ashley Brown, the original Broadway actress playing Mary; Gavin Lee who first played Bert at West End Prince Edward Theatre; Cassady Leonard as Jane Banks; and Neil McCaffrey as Michael Banks.
  • It’s a jungle out there when the show-stopping musical number, “Festival of the Lion King” creates a high-energy spectacle in this lavish celebration featuring favorite Disney songs.

DLNT News Roundup

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

I have a few things I wanted to let everyone know about that I’m wrapping up into this one post. Firstly, Disneyland is now offering a monthly payment plan for annual passports:

ANAHEIM, CALIF, December 15,  2008 – As Disneyland Resort celebrates the holiday gift-giving season, a newly launched Monthly Payment Program for Annual Passholders will make it easier for Southern California residents to have their own frequent Disneyland Resort celebrations in the year to come.

This new program lets Southern California residents enjoy the Disneyland Resort magic throughout the year with an Annual Passport, while paying in 12 monthly installments.   

By selecting the payment option, Guests will pay for the cost of a 1-Day, 1-Park  ticket upon purchase and will pay the remaining amount over the next 12  months, with no finance charges applied. For example, a Guest purchasing a Southern California Select Annual Passport for $134 would pay $69 at the time of purchase – with the remaining  balance of $65 spread out over the next 12 months.

“Annual Passports provide a great entertainment value and flexibility for our Guests who make frequent visits to our parks throughout the year,” said Jill Estorino, senior vice president of Marketing for the Disneyland Resort.  “Through this new program, Guests can literally turn a one-day ticket into an Annual Pass for less than $6 a month.  

“This  program was based on feedback from our current Annual Passholders – and we’re  excited to provide them with this new option just in time for the holidays,”  added Estorino.

The  Monthly Payment program for Annual Passports is offered only to Southern California residents within the 90000 and 93599 zip codes. All Annual Passport options are available through the program, including Premium, Deluxe, Southern California and Southern California Select Annual Passports. The  program is available only at the Resort’s ticket booths. Next  year, it will be offered for online purchases.

Secondly, Disney will soon be releasing a new merchandise set called Vinylmation, that looks to be very cool. A merchandise release has been planned for Walt Disney World, but there is nothing set for Disneyland just yet. Here’s a press release with information on this very nice looking merchandise set:

Vinylmation, the original vinyl collectible available exclusively at Disney Theme Parks has arrived! Be among the first to collect the newly released and highly anticipated Park 1 series that features art and designs inspired by the Disney Parks and available exclusively at select Disney Theme Park Merchandise locations. Vinymation is available in 3″ and 9″ sizes.

Packaged in blind packs, the 3″ Park 1 vinyls will feature designs such as Disney Design Group’s Monty Maldovan’s take on Kermit or Walt Disney Imagineer Kyle Price’s original Yeti design.
Also, check out the Limited Release 9″ Park Series 1 vinyls like the Safari Mickey created by Randy Noble of Disney Design Group. 

Each Vinylmation tray contains 24 packages randomly assorted with two complete sets of the Park Series One Collection, plus two mystery “chasers” per tray. Each package contains 1 of 12 different vinyl designs from one of our unique themed collections. 

Series 1

Bad Apple
3″ Collection
Park 1 Series
$9.95 

Creepy Eyes
3″ Collection
Park 1 Series
$9.95

Fireworks
3″ Collection
Park 1 Series
$9.95

ELP Mickey
3″ Collection
Park 1 Series
$9.95

Magical Stars
3″ Collection
Park 1 Series
$9.95

SMRT-1
3″ Collection
Park 1 Series
$9.95

Teacup
3″ Collection
Park 1 Series
$9.95

Yeti Mickey
3″ Collection
Park 1 Series
$9.95

Figmouse
3″ Collection
Park 1 Series
$9.95

Monorail Red
3″ Collection
Park 1 Series
$9.95

Kermit Mouse
3″ Collection
Park 1 Series
$9.95

Finally, I just put up a video tour of the some-what new Pixie Hollow meet ‘n greet at Disneyland Park on to the WDWNTube. Click here to visit the site & download it!

Happy Birthday Uncle Walt

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

As I’m sure many of you are aware, today is Walt Disney’s 107th birthday, a day that really calls for celebration through-out the Disney online community. Of course with-out this man, none of the Disney parks, or our favorite Disney films would of been made. And if you’re reading this site, I’m sure you are a big fan of everything (or at least most things) created by this great man. Even though he died prematurely, I think it’s safe to say that his Imagineers & cast members have continued on his traditions since his death in 1966, & we still have the Disney parks around, more spectacular than ever. So I’d like to thank this great man for all that he’s done for me personally, as well as many people around the globe. You are my hero. Happy Birthday Uncle Walt!

Disney.com has redecorated itself for the day in honor of Walt & I think it’s worth checking out.