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.
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!
Times are hard over at Disneyland’s neighboring mall, the Anaheim GardenWalk. It seems it has failed to attract any interest since its opening last year. The OC Register’s Around Disney blog has more:
One family ate at a single table in an otherwise empty food court on a recent weekday afternoon at the Anaheim GardenWalk mall. Some stores had made no sales by 2 p.m. And only a few browsers sauntered by clothing boutiques and empty storefronts.
But on the Saturday night of Valentine’s Day, one large restaurant was booked by 8 p.m. Others had more than two hour waits. The bowling alley’s wait was almost as long. And patrons bustled through the main mall corridor in the chilly air.
Eight months after its grand opening, the Anaheim GardenWalk is finding mixed success in luring customers to the long-awaited outdoor mall and entertainment destination near Disneyland.
Nightspots, especially major chain restaurants and a nightclub at opposite ends, fill up regularly on weekends.
But the businesses in between – clothing stores, fast-food joints, sweets shops – are struggling to bring in patrons, particularly on weekdays. Just 70 percent of about 80 spaces are occupied.
Read the Rest of Register Reporter Sarah Tully’s story and take a GardenWalk poll here.
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.
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.
Disney has made a full press release (including photos and a video) concerning D23 available:
Oakland and Burbank, CALIF. – March 10, 2009 – Disney today announced the launch of D23 (www.Disney.com/D23), the first official community for Disney fans in the Company’s 85-year history. Through D23, fans will go backstage and behind closed doors to get the inside scoop from every part of Disney, while experiencing the nostalgia, adventure and fantasy of Disney as never before.
“We have a fantastic legacy that started in 1923 and is based on timeless stories, beloved characters and unforgettable experiences, but it’s our fans that keep the spirit of Disney alive year after year, generation after generation,” said Disney President and CEO Bob Iger at the Company’s annual shareholder’s meeting. “D23 is our way of saying ‘thank you’ and celebrating our fans, who bring the magic of Disney to life every day in every corner of the world.”
As a part of this new Disney fan experience, today also marks the launch of D23’s new quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; the all-new D23 Web site at Disney.com/D23; and a new collectibles line, The Walt Disney Archives Collection, which was created specifically with D23 members in mind. D23 also will host special events for its members throughout the year, highlighted by the organization’s signature event, the D23 Expo, which will be held in Anaheim this September 10-13.
A one-year D23 membership ($74.99) includes:
Disney twenty-three quarterly publication: A one-year subscription (four issues) to D23’s new collectible magazine filled with stunning photography, dazzling illustrations and the ultimate Disney insider perspective. This advertising-free keepsake is the all-access pass to discovering the magic of Disney’s past, present and future.
Membership Certificate and Card: The D23 membership card and suitable-for-framing member certificate – both specially created for D23’s Charter Year — feature many of Disney’s most beloved characters.
Surprise Collectible Gift and Member Merchandise: Each member who joins D23 will receive an exclusive collectible gift from the new Walt Disney Archives Collection. This merchandise line was created specifically with D23 members in mind, and each piece is authorized by the Walt Disney Archives. D23 members will have exclusive or early access to a wide assortment of Walt Disney Archives Collection pieces.
D23 Expo and Member Special Events: The D23 Expo – to be held at the Anaheim Convention Center from September 10-13, 2009 — will be “The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience,” featuring incredible speakers, celebrity appearances, breathtaking exhibitions, interactive experiences, sneak peeks, film screenings, one-of-a-kind merchandise, and much more. All Disney fans are welcome, but D23 members will receive a discount on Expo admissions and early access to the show daily. D23 also offers unique members-only special event opportunities throughout the year.
Disney Twenty-Three Quarterly Publication: Disney today launches its new quarterly publication Disney twenty-three, a hybrid entertainment and lifestyle magazine that is the all-access pass to discovering the magic of Disney’s past, present and future. Its name pays homage to 1923, the year The Walt Disney Company was founded.
DISNEY.COM/D23: The D23 site on Disney.com will serve as the premier online destination for Disney fans, highlighted by breaking Disney news, exclusive feature stories, blogs, historical retrospectives, a collectibles boutique, special event information, and other content. The D23 online experience includes News & Features, Walt Disney Archives, Disney twenty-three, Expo & Events, and Boutique23. Highlights include:
NEWS & FEATURES
Late-breaking news, press releases, and photos of interest to fans from every part of Disney.
“Twilight Bark” – inspired by the Disney animated feature 101 Dalmatians – offers up the latest tidbits and news “bites” from all around the world of Disney.
Feature articles and interviews on current Disney topics from theme parks and animation to television and motion pictures, as well as historical retrospectives.
Official Disney Bloggers – Get regular updates on films in production at Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, current Walt Disney Imagineering projects, and the Walt Disney Archives.
WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES
“This Day in Disney” – A daily walk down memory lane.
“What’s Old Is News” – Go back in time and enjoy rare, vintage and classic articles, stories, interviews, press materials and other highlights from deep within the Disney Archives.
“Ask Dave” – Disney Legend and Chief Archivist Dave Smith answers your questions about Disney history.
“Archives Library” – helpful Disney reference tools including biographies, filmographies, award chronologies, Disney A to Z updates, historical profiles and other archival information.
DISNEY TWENTY-THREE
The online home of Disney twenty-three, D23’s quarterly publication.
“The Funny Page: Daily Edition” – a delightful daily dose of vintage Disney comics that haven’t been seen outside the Disney Archives in decades.
“Making Magic” – An archive of the unique crafts featured in Disney twenty-three.
“Disney Dish” – Always be able to find your favorite recipes from Disney twenty-three.
EXPO & EVENTS
“D23 Expo” – The official Web site for everything you need to know about “The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience” September 10–13, at the Anaheim Convention Center, including programming, show hours, celebrity appearances, keynote speakers, ticket information, vacation packages, and more.
“D23 Member Special Events” – Throughout the year, D23 hosts special events created just for its members. Members can find out which ones they want to attend and how to register.
BOUTIQUE 23
D23 merchandise and collectibles, including D23 member-only offerings from the Walt Disney Archives Collection
Hosted by Disneyshopping.com
D23 membership
D23 membership is not required to visit Disney.com/D23, but some merchandise and special event opportunities are exclusive to D23 members.
Fans can join D23 at www.Disney.com/D23, all Disney Store locations within the United States, select shops at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, and www.DisneyShopping.com/D23.
About D23: The name “D23” pays homage to the wonder and excitement that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. Through the years, Disney has captured the imagination of millions around the world, and, as requested by Disney fans everywhere, D23 gives them a greater, richer connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic.
Fans can stay connected to Disney every day through D23’s new Web site, www.disney.com/23 which features up-to-the-minute Disney news, feature stories, event info and more, but only D23 members will receive regular email updates on special event and merchandise opportunities exclusive to them. (Disney)
Probably the most exciting news is that concerning the D23 Expo coming up in September:
Imagine a place where every step you take immerses you further into the Disney movies, magic and memories that live so deeply in your heart.
That place will become a reality from September 10–13, 2009, when the D23 Expo comes to life at the Anaheim Convention Center. The Expo is the single largest gathering of all things Disney — so huge, in fact, it couldn’t fit at the Disneyland Resort just across the street!
The incredible experiences, exhibits and presentations at the Expo are another way D23 will connect fans to the timeless stories, characters and amazing worlds that we create here at Disney. Guests entering the main showroom floor of the recently renovated Convention Center will discover exciting pavilions from every part of The Walt Disney Company. Each will offer unique immersive experiences the whole family can enjoy. Parks and Resorts, Walt Disney Records, Disney Consumer Products, ABC, ESPN and Walt Disney Imagineering — to name a few — will all be featured. There will be surprising gallery events, author appearances and signings and even a beautiful Disney Home to walk through. Radio Disney will rock the Expo every day, and you can expect favorite Disney talent to make appearances throughout the event. (We hear there may even be a wedding!) And please stay tuned!… the D23 Expo micro site, coming soon, will give up-to-the-second breaking news about the Expo, including ticket information and online ordering, the latest event information and everything you need to know about the ultimate Disney fan experience!
One complete hall will be devoted to the eye-popping Disney Dream Store, an unbelievable shopping experience bursting with products from every corner of the Company. The Dream Store will also house merchandise that’s exclusive to the Expo, including magnificent pieces created just for D23 members from the Walt Disney Archives Collection.
Also nearby is the expansive Collectors Forum, where fans can buy, sell and trade from their Disney collectibles. The Forum will feature a massive Pin Trading headquarters — perfect for both casual collectors and ardent enthusiasts.
The Center’s spectacular 5,000-seat arena, one of its most visually striking and iconic features, will feature top Disney executives delivering keynote addresses, as well as fantastic fashion shows and live performances. Upstairs from the main halls, Walt Disney Studios are also combining the Center’s five enormous ballrooms into the giant Studio Theater, where they will offer continuous presentations and screenings of thrilling upcoming fare from animation, live action, Disneynature, Muppets and more. Expect filmmakers and talent to drop in for sneak peeks at movies from A Christmas Carol and Prince of Persia to The Princess and the Frog and Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure.
While Expo show floor hours will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, there will be a number of screenings in the evening. D23 members will receive a discount on Expo tickets, as well as special early entry to the event starting at 8 a.m. Tickets for the Expo will go on sale this spring, so stay tuned for details. The event is open to both D23 members and the general public. For more information, visit D23Expo.com.
Expo Highlights!
Here are just a few of the happenings you won’t want to miss at the D23 Expo. Check out D23Expo.com for more details!
Keynote addresses from Bob Iger, president and CEO, The Walt Disney Company; Dick Cook, chairman, Walt Disney Studios; John Lasseter, chief creative officer, Disney and Pixar Animation Studios; Rich Ross, president, Disney Channel Worldwide; Jay Rasulo, chairman, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts; Bruce Vaughn, chief creative executive, Walt Disney Imagineering — and many more!
Stunning fashion shows celebrating new Disney Couture and Disney bridal gowns.
Watch your favorite Disney classic films on the big screen once again at The 50 and Fabulous Film Festival. A panel of special guests will discuss their memories and the significance of these beloved films. At the first D23 Expo, we will celebrate those that reach the half-century mark this year. On the roster: Sleeping Beauty, Darby O’Gill and the Little People and The Shaggy Dog!
There is certainly a lot more to this club than we originally imagined, so congratulations to the Walt Disney Company on a job well done and for finally offering an official Disney Fan Club for those of us who have been waiting such a long time. Be sure to stay tuned to Disneyland News Today as more information becomes available in the coming months regarding D23.
Disneyland Resort President Ed Grier and Cast Member Genie Levert, of the Disney’s California Adventure night custodial team, play a game of Nintendo Wii Bowling during a sports-themed breakfast in honor of third shift cast members.
According to Disney Spokeswoman Betsy Sanchez, the park hosts the breakfast every year to recognize the efforts of the over-night staffers who prune trees, clean streets, or paint fake boulders to look real, among hundreds of other tasks.
It’s nice to see that with the new management scheme for Disney Parks & Resorts, Ed seems to be getting out and about at the Resort more, as well as interacting with cast members, which definitely is a good thing!
A press release for an excellent new vacation deal holds more to it than just that deal:
Get Two More Days & Nights FREE, When You Buy Three at the Disneyland Resort
It’s an offer as exciting as summer itself! You can get two extra hotel nights — plus two extra days of Theme Park admission — FREE with the purchase of a 3-night or longer Walt Disney Travel Company package to the Disneyland® Resort. That gives you extra time to enjoy all the classic shows and attractions in both Parks by day, then see the night in a whole new light with this summer’s electrifying lineup of after-dark entertainment:
A bigger, brighter and bolder Fantasmic! ignites the night
Disney’s Electrical Parade, where a twinkling Tinker Bell brings new sparkle to a dazzling classic
Magical, the new fireworks spectacular, illuminates the sky with Disney magic
This offer is valid for travel April 1 through Sept. 26, 2009, but must be booked by Aug. 11, 2009.
Plus, book before May 31, 2009, and kids fly free on Alaska Airlines from select cities through June 15, 2009.
Hopefully you picked up on the last of the 3 entertainment offerings described, which is supposedly Disneyland’s new fireworks show, simply called Magical. The title is all that is known at this time, but stay tuned to Disneyland News Today as we get more in on this breaking news story.
