The Mouse is Mad Over Governor’s Plan to Tax Tickets

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

According to the OC Register’s Around Disney Blog:

Disneyland is predictably angry about Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s plan to tax theme park tickets and tickets to sporting events to reduce state revenue shortfalls. (At-a-glance fact sheet of the proposal IS HERE.)

“We oppose the Governor’s proposed theme park tax because it unfairly targets the tourism industry and may deter new visitors to the Golden State at a time we need them most,” said resort spokeswoman Lisa Haines in an e-mail statement. “This tax is not worth the risk to an industry that is a proven job creator and economic engine for California’s growth.”

Schwarzenegger today announced a financial rescue package for the state government that includes a 1.5 percentage point hike in the state retail tax that would take Orange County’s sales tax rate to 9.25%. (The state would get 6.5%.) The fresh cash is needed to backfill an $11 billion deficit in this year’s budget.

DLR Photo Report – 11/8/08

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

Yesterday I visited the Disneyland Resort for a day that included the filming of the 2008 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade, & much more… So let’s get to it:

During the transition period from Halloween to Christmas, the Toy Story Mania billboards are back up at the Mickey & Friends Tram Station.

The attraction closure board.

Candy canes now adorn the CALIFORNIA letters.

The pumpkin Fab 5 are down from the turnstiles.

As noted in the picture, the Jonas Brothers & Jose Feliciano were at Disneyland, as well as Ryan Seacrest.

Read More about DLR Photo Report – 11/8/08

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.

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!

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.

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!

picture-1

Shawn Hutchinson’s 2/24/09 Photo Report

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

Well, it certainly does look like Shawn Hutchinson is a great addition to our team of photographers, as this will be his 3rd photo report in 6 days! Here’s his report from February 24th:

An old parking tram from the pre-DCA days parked in the Pinocchio parking lot.

The Frying Pan Sun!

Grizzly Peak.

I hope those fish aren’t real…

The Pacific Wharf bridge under refurbishment.

Read More about Shawn Hutchinson’s 2/24/09 Photo Report

Myrna Litt’s 2/26-27/09 Photo Report

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

Myrna spent 2 fun-filled days at the Disneyland Resort and comes to us with a great photo report:

“Celebrate Today!” decorations on the Timon parking lot entrance.

Balloons galore on the Harbor Blvd. entrance.

The security tents.

Now into DCA for a look at construction, construction, and more construction!

Lots of work in the Paradise Pier lagoon. The holes they are digging are for the lighting towers.

Read More about Myrna Litt’s 2/26-27/09 Photo Report

New & Upcoming Attractions Transfer Into Awesome Pins!

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

There are a lot of very interesting upcoming pin releases at the Disneyland Resort, showcasing attractions opened in the past year, and attractions yet to open. Let’s take a look at some of these pins:

This pin commemorating the grand opening of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will be released on March 29th and will retail for $12.95.

April’s Piece of Disney History pin looks to be the best Disneyland one yet, commemorating the still around Rainforest scene in It’s a Small World. It will be released on April 5th and will retail for $14.95.

Another It’s a Small World character pin (with an odd facade) will be released on April 10th and will retail for $10.95.

I believe this is the first Pixie Hollow pin (based on the meet ‘n greet itself, not the movie). It will be released on April 24th and will retail for $10.95.

The first pin featuring Mickey’s Fun Wheel, coming out on April 24th. It will retail for $10.95.

Also comes the first pins featuring the new Games of the Boardwalk (Goofy About Fishin’, Casey at the Bat, Bullseye Stallion Stampede, and Dumbo Bucket Brigade). This pin set will be release also on April 24th, and will retail for $22.95.

“Just a Dream Away”, the motto of the Blue Sky Cellar, also featuring a possible new logo for Disney’s California Adventure. It will be released on April 24th and will retail for $8.95.

The final pin I wanted to mention here is the 1 year anniversary pin for Toy Story Midway Mania, being released almost 3 months before the actual anniversary (June 17th) on April 24th. It will retail for $10.95.

To keep up with all the latest Disneyland Resort pin releases, check out the only podcast dedicated to Disney Pin Trading, WDWNT’s The Disney Pincast.