Buena Vista Street is filled with dreams of a bright future for all, and this Yuletide season promises to be even brighter as this happy, bustling community celebrates its first Christmas with joyous new traditions.
Shopkeepers up and down the street have decorated for the holidays, but inside the lavish Elias & Co. department store, they’ve gone all out to create a winter wonderland for the arrival of Santa Claus. Here, wide-eyed children may take a seat alongside the jolly old elf to share with him their fondest wishes for Christmas morning.
Another new idea really struck a chord after a holiday committee meeting of the Buena Vista Street Chamber of Commerce. Wishing to serve their community, eight individuals decided to form a volunteer holiday troupe, calling themselves the Buena Vista Street Community Bell Ringers. Acting as a spirited, traveling “welcome wagon” to anyone visiting this friendly neighborhood, the Bell Ringers take their festive cheer to the street, encouraging others to join in spontaneous ring-along sing-alongs of familiar holiday tunes.
As dusk falls each evening, the Buena Vista Street Community Bell Ringers will gather in Carthay Circle with their fellow Citizens of Buena Vista Street. The sound of bells rings out, and everyone is invited to join together in the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree, wishing goodwill and joy to one and all!
You’re all invited to come join in the merriment, November 12 through January 6, at Disney California Adventurepark.
As of lately, The Disneyland News Today website has not been living up to its original expectations. This is mostly due to myself and my lack of time to donate to posting on the site and keeping up with the daily news. That is why I am stepping down as lead reporter of the Disneyland News Today website and as of immediately we are beginning our search for a new lead reporter to post news daily on the Disneyland News Today website. We are looking for someone who is extremely familiar with the Disneyland Resort and visits the parks often. Position is voluntary. If you would like to apply for the position please email wdwnewstoday@gmail.com and please put DLNT Lead Reporter in the subject line.
Courtesy of Scott Keating and scottkeating.net, we once again have some fantastic aerial photos of Fantasyland to share with you:
The former site of Dumbo looks clear and more Castle Walls are rising. Also interesting is that the excess Mermaid rock-work will hide a cast access road.
Gaston’s Tavern is still far behind the rest of the buildings in the Village as some are already getting roof shingles
The old Fantasyland Skyway site has been flattened, so we should see some vertical construction soon
I’d wager that we’ll see waterways and pathways within the next 6 weeks
A special bonus: a look at the ongoing Big Thunder Mountain refurbishment. Looks like all the new track is in place and they are now re-painting the finale scene with the geysers.
At Mickey’s Circus we learned that Park Starz 1 will be restocked!
We also learned that we have to wait until Summer of 2013 for Park Starz 2. As for PS2, we saw a picture of the Tower of Terror Bellhop in the DLR D-Street window… but now we get a look at the actual figure.
We reported last month that Disney would be real releasing an album consisting of some songs from the Carthay Circle Theater’s background music loop. Here it is…
In the wake of the extremely popular “Music from Cars Land” album, another new CD comes out November 6 that has already become a favorite among Disney cast members. “The Circle Sessions: The Music of Carthay Circle” offers, for the first time, sparkling jazz versions of great Disney songs, selected from the soundtrack of the Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge at Disney California Adventure park!
“We really wanted to capture music across all generations and breathe new life into treasured and familiar songs,” said John Dennis, Director, Music Production, Walt Disney Imagineering, who is music supervisor and producer of the new album. “Everyone involved wanted to allow the variations to weave a different tapestry for our guests.”
Even though several of the songs were created after the themed 1937 setting of the restaurant, the smooth, evocative jazz approach is right at home in the period. But choosing from the voluminous catalog of Disney songs was a daunting task. In cooperation with Chris Montan, President of Walt Disney Music, these are the eclectic, wide-ranging gems they mined for a fresh, yet classic, jazz approach:
*Best Original Song Academy Award nominee
**Best Original Song Academy Award winner
***Best Original Score Academy Award Winner
Not only does the CD feature some of the most beloved Disney songs with an upbeat, sophisticated twist, but this timeless collection also creates an ambiance that allows the listener to feel like they are in another time and place.
“Did you know that the selection of music actually changes from the downstairs to the upstairs?” fellow Disney Parks Blog writer Michelle Harker asked me—and I did not know that! “Guests on the first level will often hear these pieces represented by an ensemble trio, while those dining in the restaurant upstairs, will enjoy the same music but in a variety of light jazz piano tones.”
John is quick to point out the musical virtuosity behind this music. On piano is the album’s arranger, Bill Cantos, who has worked with a “who’s who” of the music industry, including Herb Alpert, Lani Hall, Elton John, Phil Collins, Bob Dylan and Burt Bacharach. And while we’re name-dropping, the album was produced by 11-time Grammy nominee Bill Schnee—who has helped such stars as Barbra Streisand, Neil Diamond, Natalie Cole and Whitney Houston to Gold Record awards—and Todd Homme, a longtime music supervisor/producer of music for Disney feature films as well as award winning films such as “Almost Famous,” “Catch Me if You Can” and “Saving Private Ryan.”
Both Bills, as well as every musician you’ll hear, are among the most sought-after music names in Hollywood, heard on countless movie and TV soundtracks, as well as best-selling recordings. You can catch a glimpse of them making this music in Valarie Sukovaty’s“Cue the Dining Music at Carthay Circle Restaurant” post.
Here at Disney, we’re no strangers to hyperbole, as you probably have noticed. But in the case of “The Circle Sessions: The Music of Carthay Circle,” everyone involved has become especially attached to the quality and magic of these performances. “I’ve already been told things like, ‘I play this over and over and never tire of hearing it,’” says John. “Best of all, this CD is the perfect way for parents to introduce their children to jazz music. I feel so privileged to have been part of this project—and that’s probably one of the best reasons.”
Look for “The Circle Sessions: The Music of Carthay Circle” beginning Tuesday, November 6 at Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge, and at nearby locations such as Elias & Co. and Off the Page in Disney California Adventure park. (And if you like this album, allow me to also recommend the landmark “Dave Digs Disney” by the iconic Dave Brubeck Trio, one of several albums that paved the way.)
For information on purchasing select Disney merchandise items, call Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Merchandise Guest Services at 1-877-560-6477 or send an email to merchandiseguestservices@disney.go.com.
Courtesy of Scott Keating and scottkeating.net, we once again have some fantastic aerial photos of the construction of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort:
Animation Hall nears completion… looks like the paint stroke is the last thing that needs to be done
The Finding Nemo wings look ready to go
The Lion King wings coming along nicely
The Cozy Cones around the Cars pool taking shape, along with Sarge’s Surplus hut
We can finally see some details emerging at the Little Mermaid wings
The first wings (Finding Nemo) open May 31st! Who’s excited?
Park 11
October 19
$12.95
12 figure blind box series based on Disney’s California Adventure Park.
Update 10/13/12 All of set list revealed including combo topper. Pictures of all figures added.
Update 10/10/12 DCA themed Mickey Combo Topper will also be released on 10/19 for $24.95 along with the blind boxes. Park 11 will also get an online release on this same day.
Minnie’s Fly Girls
2012
Song and dance show at Condor Flats.
photo from mydisneyblog.com
King Triton’s Carousel of the Sea
2001
The otter is just one of many sea creatures guests can ride on this aquatic themed carousel.
California Screamin’
2001
This represents the original attraction vehicles on this DCA roller coaster.
photo by Express Monorail on Flickr
Disney’s Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular
2003
The plot of this musical is based on the move, but the Genie steals the show with his present day reference comedy routine.
photo by Disney Cruise Line
Monster’s Inc. Mike & Sully to the Rescue!
2006
A dark ride where guests board taxi ride vehicles for an adventure around Monstropolis.
photo from justacarguy.com
World of Color
2010
The World of Color nighttime water spectacular weaves water, color, fire and light into a kaleidoscope of fantasy and imagination.
photo by Disney
photo from Vinylmation Exchange
Francis’s Lady Bug Boogie
2002
A tea cup like ride at A Bugs Land in DCA.
photo from Vinylmation Exchange
Man Hat ‘n Beach
2001
A former store in the Paradise Pier section.
photo from Vinylmation Exchange
Mickey’s Fun Wheel
2001 (Sun Wheel from 01-08)
160 foot tall Ferris wheel.
photo from Vinylmation Exchange
Turtle talk with Crush
2004
Interactive attraction with Crush from Finding Nemo.
photo from Vinylmation Exchange
DJ Dance ‘n Drive
2012
A new character in Cars Land that plays music for guests.
Mystery Chaser
photo from Vinylmation Exchange
Combo Topper Sunshine Plaza Mickey
2001
This was Mickey’s meet ‘n greet character in the area that is now Buena Vista Street.
9″ Grizzly Peak
2001
LE 800
October 26
Casey Jones
The centerpiece of DCA is a man-made, 110-foot mountain in the shape of a grizzly bear, which represents California’s state animal.
Immerse yourself in the magic of Fantasyland with new artwork from Disney Parks created by Walt Disney Imagineers, Brian Crosby, Jim Crouch and Jeremy Fulton, along with Disney inspired artists, Steve Adams, Jody Daily, Jeff Granito, Katie Kelly, Maggie Parr, Jimmy Pickering, George Scribner, Darren Wilson and Yakovetic. Artwork will be available in a various formats, including original art, limited edition giclee and deluxe print. Prices vary.
On November 10th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at The Disney Gallery on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland park, meet the following Walt Disney Imagineers, Brian Crosby, Jim Crouch and Jeremy Fulton and Disney inspired artists, Steve Adams, Jody Daily, Jeff Granito and George Scribner.
We got a chance to talk with Michelle Clegg, food & beverage operations manager for the soon-to-open Landscape of Flavors food court at the new Disney’s Art of Animation Resort that debuts next month at Walt Disney World Resort.
They’re still tweaking the menu, but all sorts of creative new items make this the next generation of Disney food courts. Even burgers are “create your own”; you can start with a beef, chicken or veggie burger, and then the kitchen will pile on your favorite toppings (say, pepperjack cheese, pickles, tomatoes, onions and lettuce). But most fun are the four onstage tandoor ovens where chefs will bake bread and roast chicken, shrimp, sausage and acorn squash and other veggies – Michelle says that the roasted acorn squash is her favorite dish at the new restaurant. Tandoors are cylindrical ovens that reach very high temperatures and quickly bake, so it should be a grand onstage show for diners. The real treat is naan, a delicious Indian bread that’s slapped directly onto the oven’s walls and left to bake until puffy and lightly browned, perfect for wrapping all sorts of delicious food.
Mongolian Grill Beef Stir Fry
And the restaurant’s Mongolian grill is another new touch – 3 feet in diameter, the chefs will make everything onstage, from challah bread French toast for breakfast to grilled beef and fish for lunch and dinner.
Shrimp Pasta
Make-Your-Own Yogurt Parfait
Mickey Fruit Tart
Egg White Frittata
Chocolate Chip Pancakes
There’s lot of attention on “better-for-you” options, so you’ll find buckwheat waffles and pasta, multigrain rice, low-fat smoothies, egg white frittatas and make-your-own yogurt parfaits. But it’s all about choices, so there are still pizzas and fries (and chocolate chip pancakes).
French Vanilla Coffee
And we’re excited to see real gelato on the menu, the Italian version of ice cream with less butterfat but bigger flavor. That and a whole menu of coffee drinks, including iced French vanilla, iced mocha, cappuccino, espresso and mochachino. We’ll carpool to the new resort for our 3 p.m. break!
