Disney Cruise Line Returns to the West Coast

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

At a press conference today at the El Capitan Theatre, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Geraldine Knatz, Ph.d, together announced that Disney Cruise Line plans to reposition the Disney Wonder cruise ship from its Florida base in Port Canaveral to the West Coast in 2011.  An agreement for two-years, with a three-year extension option is set to be considered by the Port of Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners on April 2, 2009.  The addition of a new homeport for Disney Cruise Line is part of the overall expansion plan for the company, which will provide Disney fans with opportunities to sail with Disney on both the East and West Coasts.

Disney Third Anaheim Theme Park Report is a Hoax

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

Don’t be fooled, a third theme park is NOT coming to Anaheim:

Everyone can calm down. There’s no third Disney theme park on the way to Anaheim.

The Orange County Metblog published a report today saying Disney officially announced it was building a water park patterned after the one in Japan.

The water park would have been built on the Fujishige farm property in Anaheim that Disney bought in the 1990s.

The idea of building a third park has been kicked around for years.

Suzi Brown, a Disneyland spokeswoman, confirmed this morning that the report was a hoax.

April Fool’s Day joke?

Around Disney is trying to get ahold of the blogger.

No Room For One More

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

According the OC Register’s Around Disney blog:

Walt Disney Co. officials announced today that 1,900 salaried positions have been eliminated because of restructuring in part made necessary by the troubled economy.

Disney announced in mid-February that it had begun laying off employees after a round of voluntary buyouts, but the company did not release a figure on how many employees had lost their jobs until today.

Locally, some 200 people have been laid off at Anaheim’s Disneyland Resort and an additional 100 positions will not be filled there, Disney spokeswoman Suzi Brown said. The positions were executive, management and administrative jobs behind the scenes.

Most of the positions eliminated came from elsewhere in the company, including 900 layoffs in Florida. And 500 open positions will not be filled there. About 200 positions, from layoffs and the elimination of open spots, came from other Disney sites.

About 200 layoffs came from other Disney sites.

In total, it marks an 11-percent reduction in workforce in the executive/administrative segment, Brown said.

“These decisions were not made lightly, but are essential to maintaining our leadership in family tourism and reflect today’s economic realities,” Brown said. “We continue to work through our reorganization and manage our business based on demand.”

Few hourly employees have been affected by the layoffs. Disneyland announced last week that it will close Yamabuki restaurant at its Paradise Pier Hotel on April 11, which employees 39 cast members. Disney said it will work to find other positions for those employees.

Disney officials have said they will continue to evaluate staffing. In a previous statement, Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, said: “The long-term success of Parks and Resorts depends upon our ability to adapt and innovate.”

Anaheim Resort Bus Bursts Into Flames at Orangewood and Harbor

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

According to the OC Register:

Flames from a resort district shuttle bus shot some 50 feet into the air while a bus driver was beginning her shift.

Just before 7 a.m., the driver had pulled out of the Coach America parking lot at the 2000 block of Manchester Avenue when she noticed smoke coming out of the front of the empty 28-passenger bus, Anaheim fire spokeswoman Maria Sabol said.

The propane natural gas-powered vehicle adorned with Disney logos quickly burst into flames at Orangewood Avenue, about a block east of Harbor Boulevard.

Fire authorities allowed the propane to burn out before extinguishing the flames, Sabol said.

Besides the driver, no one was onboard the bus. No one was injured.

Officials from Anaheim Transportation Network – the nonprofit organization that owns the buses – and the driver’s employer, Coach America, were on scene but refused to comment.

The bus transports passengers from resort destinations to area hotels.

Ducks Eat Storybook Land!

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

The OC Register’s Around Disney blog reports on the removal of the easter decorations from Storybook Land Canal Boats, as well as easter related events being held, and not being held this weekend at the Disneyland Resort:

Are ducks the cause for removal of Fantasyland’s Easter decorations?

Disney’s D23 website reported a few weeks ago that, “the Storybook Land Canal boats are now carrying spring flowers and baskets of Easter eggs are at some homes along the canal.”

We stopped by to check out the new decor, only to find that the Easter decor is no more.  Some Disney cast members say that pesky ducks were eating the eggs, so they had to be removed.

“The team over there acknowledges that ducks (and sometimes cats) cause occasional problems in Storybookland,” Disney spokesman John McClintock confirmed.  “They reiterate, however, that ‘the baskets were removed because they are not part of those stories’.”

Easter events at Disneyland

The traditional Easter brunch at the Disneyland Hotel has been canceled this year. However, there will be a Mother’s Day brunch on May 10 at the Disneyland Hotel’s Grand Ballroom.

Disneyland Hotel guests can participate in an Easter Egg Hunt on the lawns of the Disneyland Hotel. There will be an Easter Egg Hunt for ages 6 and under at 9:30 a.m. Easter Day, Sunday, April 12, on the “Neverland Glen” lawn at the Hotel, and another at 10 a.m. for ages 7 and older on the “Dreams Lawn.”  It is recommended that guests register in advance with Hotel Guest Services.

Anaheim GardenWalk Blooms With Special Offers for Passholders

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders can now receive some pretty good discounts at select Anaheim GardenWalk stores and restaurants:

Take your pick of some great offers just for Annual Passholders at Anaheim GardenWalk! Simply show your valid Annual Passport* and enjoy special savings at these participating locations:

Shopping

Fresh Produce: 25% off total purchase
Goodies USA: 10% off
G-Stage: 10% off
Harley-Davidson of Anaheim: 10% off
LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics: Free bath comb or bubble bar with any purchase (through May 30, 2009)
Lux/Aveda Salon & Spa: $5.00 off any $50.00 or more Aveda purchase
Madison & Co. Fine Jewelers: 15% off
Momotree: 10% off all regularly priced items
OC Cellular Accessories: 30% off all phone accessories
O’Neill: 10% off
Rami Accessories: 15% off
Retrospect: 10% off
Runway 5: 15% off
Tommy Bahama: Free gift with any purchase
White House/Black Market: 10% off (cannot be combined with any promotional offer)

Dining

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: 10% off (excludes alcohol and merchandise)
California Pizza Kitchen: 20% off total bill (excludes alcohol, tax and gratuity)
Cinnabon: 10% off
Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory: 10% off
Johnny Rockets: 20% off total bill
Marble Slab Creamery: 10% off
McCormick & Schmicks: 10% off food (not applicable on previously discounted items)
Mrs. Fields: 10% off
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory: 15% off store-made products; 10% off all other purchases
San Sai Japanese Grill: 10% off
Sertino’s Coffee Café: 10% off entire bill

Entertainment

300 Anaheim: $5.00 games + complimentary shoe rentals (excludes Friday through Saturdays and holidays)
CinemaFusion™ 14 Theatre: $2.00 off all evening admission (excludes special events)

For operating hours and directions, visit www.anaheimgardenwalk.com.

D23 Member Discount for the Newport Beach Film Festival

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

According to D23:

We are thrilled to announce that D23 members can receive a discount on three very special nights at the 2009 Newport Beach Film Festival, including a screening of the boys: the sherman brothers’ story, a night of Disney animation rarities and an evening of music with Oscar®-nominated composer Marc Shaiman.

Even better, for screenings of the boys and Disney Rarities, D23 members will also receive priority seating!

NOTE: D23 members MUST bring their D23 membership card and a valid photo ID to gain admittance to the presentations. Guests of D23 members must be with D23 member at time of entry. The Newport Beach Film Festival reserves the right to refuse entry to any D23 ticket-holder who does not bring their D23 membership card.

Special Events:

An Evening of Film and Fun Set to Music: A Gala Reception & Concert with Marc Shaiman
Friday, April 24, 7 p.m.
Palm Garden Terrace — The Island Hotel Newport Beach
690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
D23 Member Special Ticket Price: $20 (Regular price $30)

May not be suitable for children.

Join multiple Academy Award® nominee, Tony Award® and Grammy Award®-winning film composer and songwriter Marc Shaiman for a tune-filled evening of performance and memorable behind-the-camera stories of his many film projects including such modern day movie classics as Hairspray, The Wedding Planner, My Giant, Sleepless in Seattle, Sister Act, City Slickers, When Harry Met Sally and Beaches. Shaiman received the Tony, Grammy and Olivier Awards for his work on the Broadway hit Hairspray. He has been nominated five times for an Oscar and lost every time. His collaboration with long time partner Bette Midler on her Emmy Award-winning performance for Johnny Carson’s final Tonight Show is considered a TV classic. Marc was Emmy nominated for writing on Saturday Night Live (the Sweeney Sisters) and became an actual Emmy Award winner for co-writing Billy Crystal’s memorable “Oscar Medleys.” His arrangements for Harry Connick Jr. were Grammy nominated, and he has worked with many other artists including Will Ferrell, Jack Black, Eric Clapton, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane, Patti LuPone, John Mayer, Martin Short and Barbra Streisand.

The Boys: The Sherman Brothers’ Story
Tuesday, April 28, 7:30 p.m.
Fashion Island Edwards Island 1
999 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, California 92660
D23 Member Special Ticket Price: $8 (Regular price $10)

The new film documentary the boys: the sherman brothers’ story, makes its Southern California debut at the 2009 Newport Beach Film Festival on April 28. The film provides an intimate look at the acclaimed songwriting duo of brothers Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman and chronicles their triumphs and discord over the past 50 years as the most successful musical collaboration in the field of family entertainment.

People the world over have been entertained and enchanted by the music of the Sherman Brothers. The Academy Award-winning brothers arguably defined family musical entertainment with unforgettable songs for such classic films as Mary Poppins, The Parent Trap, The Jungle Book, The AristoCats, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, etc. Due to their creative contributions to the Disney Theme Parks around the globe, including penning the song “It’s a Small World (After All),” the sun never sets on a Sherman Brothers song.

While both audiences and Walt Disney himself cherished their songs, the boys’ personal relationship with each other was far less harmonious. In the boys: the sherman brothers’ story, a wide array of notable celebrities, professional peers, close friends, family members and the brothers themselves describe the Shermans’ eight-decade journey through love and partnership, loyalty and estrangement. The film was produced and directed by first cousins Gregory and Jeff Sherman (the sons of Richard and Robert Sherman themselves), who upon meeting again for the first time as young adults after years of family estrangement, were moved to do some collaborating of their own and will personally host the screening of the film in Newport Beach. The film opens in Los Angeles, New York City and San Francisco on May 1.

Another Evening of Disney Rarities with Oscar Nominated Film Producer Don Hahn & Disney Creative Director David Bossert
Wednesday, April 29, 7:30 p.m. Lido Theatre
3459 Via Lido, Newport Beach, California 92663
D23 Member Special Ticket Price $10 (Regular price $15)

The Newport Beach Film Festival’s first “Evening of Disney Animation Rarities” was a standing-room only success in 2008. So on the occasion of the festival’s 10th anniversary the festival is again privileged to offer a very special night of Disney film magic. Join Academy Award nominated film producer Don Hahn and Dave Bossert, creative director for Walt Disney Animation Studios, for an equally unforgettable evening as they present a collection of rarely seen Disney animated treasures (some of which have not been seen by a general audience in more than 60 years). Audiences can look forward to seeing seldom screened films such as the 1982 stop-motion animated short Vincent (directed by a young Tim Burton), a collection of vintage World War II era cartoons, and many others.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit newportbeachfilmfest.com.

Courtesy of the Newport Beach Film Festival, which runs April 23–30, 2009.

Non Southern Californians Not Eligible for Annual Pass Payment Plan

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

According to the OC Register’s Around Disney blog:

Several months ago, Disney announced that guests could buy a year-long pass to Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure with monthly payments.

Because of some errors in selling the passes, however, Disney is backpedaling on the deal for some northern California pass holders — they’ll be able to use their passes through the dates printed on the pass, but the payments have been halted — effectively a discount.

Turns out, there’s a line in the contract that limits the payment plan deal to park-goers living within Southern California area codes.

Disney spokeswoman Suzi Brown said the mistake was “human error” that caused park employees to sign up “a handful” of out-of-towners who weren’t eligible for the deal.

Disney sent Around Disney a copy of the letter they sent those passholders:

Thank you for your purchase of a Disneyland® Resort Annual Passport.

Unfortunately, per the terms of the Retail Installment Contract for the Annual Passport Monthly Payment Plan, the Monthly Payment option is only available to residents of Southern California within zip codes 90000 to 93599. You were inadvertently sold a pass under a program in which you are, regrettably, ineligible to participate. We sincerely apologize for any disappointment this may cause as it is never our intention to inconvenience our Guests in any manner.

We will stop billing and collecting all future scheduled payments on May 1, 2009 and your contract will be terminated at that time. For your enjoyment, however, the Annual Passport purchased by you under the Monthly Payment plan will continue to be valid for admission until the printed expiration date. When your current Annual Passport does expire, we would invite you to renew your Annual Passport, using a standard one-time payment. Again, we apologize for any disappointment this may cause.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Guest Communications at 714-781-4669. We do hope that your next visit to the Disneyland® Resort will be pleasant in every respect.

DLR Photo Report – 4/26/09

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

The California Food and Wine Festival has begun and the Games of the Boardwalk are now open, so I think it’s time for one of my photo reports from the Disneyland Resort:

I have never seen the entrance to Mickey and Friends this busy!

This entrance to Mickey and Friends was busy also

Food and Wine banners in Downtown Disney

Earth banners at the AMC Theatre

Read More about DLR Photo Report – 4/26/09