Walt Disney World Resort in New York? It Almost Happened

WDWNT on April 16, 2009

The Staten Island Notebook has put out a fantastic article by Chuck Schmidt explaining how the upcoming opening of the Doorway to Dreams Disney Vacation Club sales shop in the Roosevelt Field Mall on Long Island is not the first connection between the Empire State and the Disney Parks:

Want to get a first-hand peak at what the accommodations look like at a typical Disney Vacation Club resort without traveling more than a thousand miles south?

Later this year, the Disney Vacation Club will open Disney’s Doorway to Dreams in the Roosevelt Field mall in Garden City, L.I. The idea is to help prospective DVC members learn about membership in a relaxed, no-pressure atmosphere.

A full-scale, two-bedroom model of vacation home accommodations will be featured. Also included in the experience will be an interactive family vacation discovery zone, a comfortable discussion area where you can chat with DVC reps and a supervised children’s play area.

This isn’t the first time Disney has had a presence on Long Island. In fact, you might be stunned to learn that when the Disney folks were searching for potential sites for an “East Coast Disneyland” in the 1960s, Flushing Meadows in Queens — the same site where the two New York World’s Fairs were held — was being seriously considered.

First, a little history lesson. In the mid-1950s, Walt Disney gambled everything — including his own house — that Disneyland, the world’s first theme park, would be a success. He was right. The Anaheim, Calif.-based park captured America’s imagination and, naturally, led Disney to think about creating a sequel — a second Disneyland somewhere on the East Coast. But there were fears among many of the Disney hierarchy that Disneyland’s West Coast brand of entertainment might not fly east of the Mississippi.

The failure of Freedomland, a Disney-style theme park in the Bronx which opened to much acclaim 1960 before closing in financial ruin in 1964, only fueled that uncertainty. An astute Walt Disney saw the New York World’s Fair, which ran from 1964 through 1965, as an opportunity to gauge the area’s acceptance of his product, as well as to introduce new technology his Imagineers had been working on in California.

The Flushing Meadows site “was seriously considered as a possible setting for Walt Disney World,” Charles Ridgway, former WDW press and publicity director, told us in 1994. There were many things in the site’s favor, including a large population base and two nearby airports (LaGuardia and Idlewild, now JFK).

Think about it: Had those plans to place WDW on Long Island come to fruition, Staten Islanders would have had about a one-hour drive to get to the Vacation Kingdom of the World.

Ultimately, the specter of cold and snowy winter weather and the high price of acquiring enough land for the project (remember, WDW is twice the size of Manhattan and any open land on Long Island is prime real estate) shelved the idea, according to Ridgway. A sleepy, swamp-filled, mosquito-infested tract of land 15 miles south of Orlando, Fla., proved to be the perfect setting.

Disney also used the World’s Fair to test out his ground-breaking form of entertainment — life-like robots, controlled by pre-programmed computers, soon to be dubbed Audio-Animatronics. There were four Disney-created shows at the fair featuring the new technology — It’s a Small World at the Pepsi-Cola Pavilion, the General Electric Carousel of Progress, Ford Motor Company’s Magic Skyway and Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln in the Illinois State Pavilion.

Not surprisingly, they were among the fair’s most popular shows. When the fair closed, all four attractions were packed up and shipped west, where they took up residence at Disneyland; they were subsequently replicated, in one form or another, in Walt Disney World when it opened in 1971.

It’s a Small World remains a mainstay at both parks, while the Carousel of Progress is closed at Disneyland and has been relegated to a seasonal attraction at WDW. The Grand Canyon/Primeval World segments of the Magic Skyway can be seen during the train ride at Disneyland, and Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln evolved into the more elaborate Hall of Presidents in Florida.

For more information about the DVC and the new Doorway to Dreams, visit www.disneyvacationclub.com.

The article hits home for me personally, as the land once inhabited by Freedomland park in the Bronx is a mere 5 minutes away from my house. The old World’s Fair grounds in Flushing Meadows are just a hop, skip, and a jump away from where I live as well. This has always given me a rare treat, as I can always get a good look at the Unisphere and what remains of the fair every time I’m traveling to the Laguardia or JFK airports for a flight down to Orlando.

This article is also very timely as we are just a few days away from the 45th anniversary of the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair. To celebrate this anniversary and the anniversary of the legendary Disney attractions of the fair, (including Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, the Ford Magic Skyway, and It’s a Small World) episode #90 of the WDW News Today Podcast and episode #60 of the Disneyland News Today Podcast will be presented as a single program dedicated as a tribute to these major milestones. For the first time ever, we will be bringing together the podcast teams from both shows for a formal episode containing some of our most popular segments such as “What Were They Thinking?!?” and “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” (as well as a few special surprises). We hope you will join us this Sunday for what will be a very meaningful edition of the program.

Time Is Running Out For Yamabuki

WDWNT on April 11, 2009

According to the OC Register’s Around Disney blog:

Saturday is the last day for Disney’s Yamabuki restaurant, inside the Paradise Pier Hotel.

The doors will officially shut to customers at 9 p.m. A few reservations are still available between 5:30 and 9 p.m. today and Saturday.

The closure of the Japanese-style-cuisine restaurant affects 39 hourly employees and a handful of salaried employees.

Those salaried employees who can not be relocated will receive a 60-day severance package and extended heath benefits.

Because of a misunderstanding in the original announcement, Around Disney erroneously reported earlier that the same severance package would be offered to those 39 hourly employees.

No such package is being offered, said Suzi Brown, a spokeswoman for Disneyland Resort. Instead, Disney netotiated with the union to place all of those hourly employees on shifts among the five other hotel restaurants or four other food-and-beverage locations.

Those employees will retain their same pay.

Brown said: “The company has shifts available for all Yamabuki cast members at other hotel restaurant locations at Disneyland Resort. We expect all hourly Yamabuki (employees) to be redeployed as of next week.”

Brown said she was unsure whether all employees would be offered an equivalent amount of hours.  But she added, “We are committed to providing the most hours available.”

Victor Alvarez, 29, a server at Yamabuki, said workers at the restaurant had established strong bonds and are sad about the closing.

“We are more than co-workers, we’re like a family,” he said. “We’ve really kept a positive atmoshere at the restaurant and everybody’s been a part of that … It’s hard to see that go.”

April 10th News Update

WDWNT on April 10, 2009

I just wanted to post a few small news items in a sort of weekend round-up post for you all:

  • Taylor Morrison, one of the sponsors of the Innoventions Dream Home, is once again holding a Dream Home Giveaway, giving people a chance to not only win a dream home provided by Taylor Morrison, but also a visit to the Disneyland Resort. For more information and to enter the contest, click HERE.
  • Robert Olszewski will once again be holding a product release and signing at the Disneyana Shop on Main Street:

Robert Olszewski Product Release & Signing

Special Guest: Robert Olszewski
Date: May 9, 2009
Time: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Location: Disneyana Shop, Main Street, U.S.A., Disneyland® park

Event Information:
Join us as we welcome Miniaturist, Robert Olszewski who will be on hand for a special appearance and signing of his newest creations, including the second sculpture set from the Main Street Electrical Parade and a Splash Mountain Gallery of Light piece.

Main Street Electrical Parade – Set #2
Robert has once again captured in minute detail, some of the most famous scenes from one of the Disneyland® Resorts most beloved parades, the Main Street Electrical Parade, which first appeared in Disneyland® park. This is the second set in a series of five sets representing the parade.

Features Include:

-This set features the Alice In Wonderland section including the three main Mushrooms, butterfly and ladybug, Alice, the Cheshire Cat and the Caterpillar with the Frog. Also included in this set is the Turtle with hat and the Snail.
-When lit, multi-color changing lights illuminate these floats similar to the way the actual floats light up in the parade.
-The second sculpture set from Main Street Electrical Parade comes complete with a certificate of verification and a premiere plaque. This piece will be available for $125, plus tax. Dimensions: 11″L x 2 3/4″T x 2 3/4″D.

Please Note: The on/off switch will be the trash can. Also for those who have collected the entire set, a special feature for this design is that you are able to take it off its base so it can be placed along Main Street, U.S.A.

Online Ordering Opportunity:
The Main Street Electrical Parade – Set 2 will be available to purchase via ArtofDisneyParks.com beginning Tuesday, April 21, 2009. Shipping and handling fee, plus applicable tax will apply.

To Order, Please Click Here.

Gallery of Light – Splash Mountain
This Gallery of Light piece features Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox and Brer Bear from the classic film Song of the South and the beloved Disney attraction, Splash Mountain. This Gallery of Light piece can only be found at Disney Theme Parks and will be available for $85, plus tax. Dimensions: 3 7/8″ W x 4 1/2″T x 3 1/2″D. Batteries not included.

For information on these pieces and more, please click here.

Merchandise available while supplies last. We ask that only two (2) items be signed per Guest. We ask that you bring no personal items to be signed. Event merchandise must be purchased on the day of release at the event location. Valid Disneyland® Resort receipt may be required. Artist signing is subject to space and time availability and is not guaranteed. Artist will only sign their respective merchandise purchased on the day of the event only. Event information subject to change without notice. Separate admission is required to enter Disneyland® Resort theme parks.

mcdonald’s all stars reopening 2009 photo recovery_12

WDWNT on April 9, 2009

The various packages you can treat your daughter to in the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique have been revealed:

The Coach Package includes hairstyle, shimmering make-up, princess sash, princess cinch sac and body jewels – $44.95, plus tax

The Crown Package includes hairstyle, shimmering makeup, princess sash, princess cinch sac, body jewels and nail polish – $49.95, plus tax

The Castle Package includes hairstyle, shimmering makeup, princess sash, princess cinch sac, body jewels, nail polish, princess gown of choice, wand, shoes and portrait package courtesy of Disney’s PhotoPass® Service (assorted prints in themed folder) (Price range determined by the choice of princess gown and shoes.) – Ranges from $195.85 to $205.85

Celebration Round-up and Barbecue Opens at Disneyland

WDWNT on April 3, 2009

From the OC Register’s Around Disney blog:

“Toy Story” heroes Woody, Jesse and Bullseye are the stars at the Celebration Roundup & Barbecue, a new Disneyland outdoor restaurant located in the Frontierland area.

The stage hosts constant entertainment featuring country music acts and seven different skits starring Disney-Pixar characters.

The restaurant serves food family style, which means big portions are taken to each table in containers that can be passed around to everyone in the party.

Oregon resident Ken Patchett and his family had lunch today at the Celebration Roundup & Barbecue. He said the cost for the meal ($28.99 for ages 10 and up; $18.99 for ages 3-9, plus tax and gratuity) was high, but he liked the food, the open space and the festive atmosphere.

“The ribs rock,” said Ken Patchett.

“The cornbread is awesome,” said his wife, Audrey.

Planning for this venue started about a year ago, keeping the “What will you celebrate?” promotional campaign theme in mind.

The menu consists of corn, coleslaw, beans, barbecue ribs and chicken, cornbread and dessert. As part of the celebrate campaign, all restaurants in the resort feature a special “celebration” item, and the Cowboy Cone Cakes, which come in four flavors and are served inside a waffle cone filled with mousse, are an example.

Reservations may be made in advance by calling 714-781-3463. Walk-up reservations are also available.

We’re Serving Up Fun, Family Style!

WDWNT on April 2, 2009

Disney has released more information on Celebration Round-up and Barbecue at Big Thunder Ranch, which is scheduled to open tomorrow:

“Hey, howdy, hey y’all!” On April 2, as part of “What will you celebrate?” Big Thunder Ranch will transform into Celebration Roundup and Barbecue. Serving up family-style barbecue dishes, live entertainment and Disney characters, Guests can celebrate their special occasion with a unique outdoor entertainment experience, filled with western Disney flair.

Stepping into the newly enhanced ranch, Guests will be greeted by Woody or Jessie at a special Disney’s Photo Image location near the entry. Also on hand to welcome everyone is the “owner” of Big Thunder Ranch, Miss Chris, who helps create the festive atmosphere. While interacting with the crowd and finding out who’s celebrating what, Miss Chris and the musicians will sing songs and invite a few young Guests to ring the bell (an old western-style bell mounted on the stage) to commemorate their special occasion.

Hot off the grill and fresh out of the oven is a new line of tasty treats for everyone to enjoy. From chicken and ribs, and vegetarian dishes to Miss Chris’ Celebration Sensation Cupcakes and everything in between, the new restaurant is sure to create a party for your taste buds.

Here’s a sampling the menu items:

  • Barbeque Chicken & Ribs – with Miss Chris’ Special Secret Sauce
  • Cookie’s Cole Slaw
  • Corn Cob Wheels
  • Ranch Beans
  • Cornbread (with real corn!)
  • Barbeque Tofu and Vegetable Skewer – mushroom, red onion, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, squash, zucchini, potato and tofu with Miss Chris’ Barbeque Rub and tangy sauce
  • Lil’ Buckaroo Watermelon Slivers
  • Miss Chris’ Celebration Sensation Cupcakes

“The overall thought is that Guests can come to the park and enjoy all the great things Disneyland® has to offer as part of the celebration, but if you really want to make the moment special, come to the ranch,” said Joey Michaels, Entertainment producer.

Meanwhile, over at the critter corral, merriment of a different sort will be going on as the barnyard animals recognize their own milestones. Whether a cow has been declared a State Fair Winner or a goat has lost his first tooth, the critters will be celebrating up a storm with Chip ‘n’ Dale at the forefront to greet everyone and pose for photos. Guests will also be able to pet goats in the petting farm at the corral.

Celebration Roundup and Barbeque was brought to life by a varied group of Cast Members from Food & Beverage, Entertainment, Photo Imaging, WDI, Circle D Corral, Horticulture, Custodial, Resort Enhancement, Sales, Safety, Special Events, Environmental Affairs, Industrial Engineering, Architecture & Facilities Engineering and Facilities Asset Management.

Numerous activities, entertainment and interaction with Disney characters and Cast Members ensure there is never a dull moment at Celebration Roundup and Barbecue. Whether it’s an actual holiday or a Guests’ birthday, there’s always a reason to “Celebrate Today!”

People Still Vacation!

WDWNT on March 31, 2009

According to the OC Register’s Around Disney blog:

As hundreds of workers hang drywall, weld girders, pour concrete and install plumbing in the new wing of Disney’s Grand Californian, the sales staff are kicking off selling space in 50 time shares.

The villas at the Grand, to be completed in the fall, will be the 10th location in Disney’s growing “Vacation Club” business.

Mike Brunson, the sales director for Disney Vacation Club on the West Coast, said he expects the timeshares to sell out fast, despite the spiraling economy.

“We’re actually finding we’re doing very, very well,” he said. “In economic times like these, people still vacation. We’re actually growing year over year.”

The vacation club is based on a points system, Brunson said. Consumers tend buy between 160 and 300 points at $112 a point – so a typical timeshare with the club costs an average of $18,000 to $30,000. The 200 to 300 points refresh every year.

Annual fees, in addition to the cost of the time share, run about $500 or $600, according to the Disney Vacation Club member Website.

Members use the points like Monopoly money to purchase nights in suites at any of the Disney resorts. For example, a studio – basically a hotel room with a kitchenette – sleeps up to four and costs as much as 227 points per week during the busiest season in spring and during the holidays. In the slowest seasons, a week in a studio is 129 points.

There are also one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom Grand Villa suites that get pricier – 160 points a night in the busiest season.

There are two “Grand Villa” suites under construction at Disneyland, with balconies overlooking Paradise Pier and what will be the “World of Color” light, water and pyrotechnic show each night.

The Worldmark Anaheim timeshare resort opened in the nearby Anaheim Gardenwalk about six months ago, and officials from Wyndham, the company that operates the huge unit, said all the space was sold out by the time the resort opened.

Worldmark spokeswoman Liz Hutchison said that timeshare resort has been at almost full occupancy since it opened.

“Consumer demand remains strong,” Hutchison said.

For more information about the Disney Vacation Club, visit www.disneyvacationclub.com.

More pictures are available at the link to the OC Register.

New Horse, Old Bridge

WDWNT on March 28, 2009

The Twilight Bark news section of D23’s website continues to be a great source for little news tid-bits about the Disneyland Resort:

  • 03.27.09 — Danny Makes His Debut!
    On March 20, Danny the Clydesdale made his debut as the newest addition to the horse-drawn streetcars on Main Street, U.S.A. At 5 years old, Danny is the youngest of the horses that pull streetcars from Town Square to Sleeping Beauty Castle.
  • 03.27.09 — Pacific Wharf Bridge Reopens
    The Pacific Wharf Bridge in Disney’s California Adventure opens again on April 3 after a planned refurbishment. The bridge connects the Pacific Wharf area with Golden State Plaza.

Yamabuki To Close April 11th

WDWNT on March 28, 2009

According to the OC Register’s Around Disney blog, the Yamabuki Restaurant inside the Paradise Pier Hotel will soon be closing:

Disney officials announced Thursday afternoon that Yamabuki restaurant, inside the Paradise Pier Hotel will close down  April 11.

Some 39 hourly employees who work at the restaurant were informed of the pending closure during a closed-door meeting around 4 p.m. Thursday.

Disney spokeswoman Suzi Brown said the company will work to relocate the employees to other park restaurants. Those who cannot be placed elsewhere will receive at least 60 days pay as severance and  an extension of some health care benefits.

A “handful” of salaried managers could either be relocated or lose their jobs, as well, Brown said.

“The concept of the restaurant no longer resonates with our guests,” Brown said.  The closure was not related to other layoffs and staff re-organizations related to the sagging economy, she added.

“We continuously evaluate all of our concepts and listen to what our guests are telling us,” Brown said. ”We’ve scaled back the hours at this restaurant since the beginning of the year. Other restaurants at the Resort are doing quite well.”

The upscale  restaurant at 1717 S. Disneyland Dr., originally opened in 1996 with a lunch and dinner menu. Meals averaged $20 to $30 per diner. The restaurant shortened its hours and discontinued its lunch menu within the last year.

Restaurant hours will remain as normal until the April 11 closure.

A now former employee of the restaurant, Kumiko Swearingen, worries about her future:

Kumiko Swearingen, 51, of Irvine is one of the 39 employees who  — for now – won’t have a job after Disney closes the Yamabuki restaurant in the Paradise Pier Hotel.

“The main thing everyone is worrying about is medical benefits,” Swearingen said in a phone interview today.

“How are you going to pay for rent and health insurance? One girl I talked to lives by herself — she doesn’t make that much money and she has her bills.

“It’s going to be very tough for everybody.”

Swearingen said Disneyland Hotels VP Tony Bruno called up each employee to let them know the restaurant was closed for lunch and would close completely April 11.

“I want to stay with Disney, but I don’t know if they can offer other jobs,” Swearingen said.

Disney officals yesterday said they would try to place employees in other jobs around the resort.

Meanwhile, Swearingen is waiting for a call from Disney management to see if she can get a job somewhere else.