Toy Story 3 Trailer

Its been a little quiet news wise this week I suppose. But a cool bit of Disney news is the release of the Toy Story 3 Teaser Trailer. It gives away no story but its still very cool none the less.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXJEDUainX4

Click the link to watch it.

Have a magical day!

Joseph

Disneyland Paris 3D on Google Earth Update!

Disneyland Paris have updated there Official website to include photos and a really cool video trailer of the new 3d service. I really suggest you check out the video at http://www.disneylandparis.co.uk/googleearth3d/index.xhtmlvideo,
It gave me goosebumps :)

Have a Magical Day

Joseph

Ps. I am appearing on this weeks DisneyBrit Podcast in the news and rumours section. It was alot of fun recording the show even if I have a shoddy mic! You can find the Disney Brit Podcast at www.disneybrit.com

New Hard Ticket event at Disneyland Paris!!

A brand new hard ticket event has arrived at Walt Disney Studios Park in Disneyland Paris.

Called "Disney Disco Night".




Taking place on September 26th 2009 at 8.30pm-2am. The only information I have on it so far is that guest will be able to Dance the night away to Disco music with the WDS being converted into a huge open air dance floor. The evening will also include guest access to certain WDS rides and attractions such as "Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster avec Aerosmith", "Armageddon : les Effets Spéciaux", "The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror", "Studio Tram Tour", "Cars Quatre Roues Rallye", "Crush’s Coaster" and "Flying Carpets Over Agrabah").

Tickets cost 29,00 EUR each inc parking.

I'm missing this event by two days, but quite frankly from what I have seen so far I'm not bothered about it myself (not being a Disco Fan) but if your are of the Disco Disposition and want to experience the WDS park after hours this is the event for you. I think that the WDS is the perfect park for something like this, having alot of open space, but to be honest it isn't really my cup of tea.
Here is a link in french only
http://www.fnacspectacles.com/place-spectacle/manifestation/Parc-d-attraction-DISNEY-DISCO-NIGHT-DINI9

Have a magical day!

Joseph

New Toy Story 3 Character Revealed!!

I know this isn't exactly Disney theme park news but its Disney related so cut me some slack.
The Toy Story 3 team have revealed that a new "Toy Story 3" character has been hidden in one of the scenes of the new Pixar "Up" movie.

Pixar said: "There's a shot where a little girl is in her room and the house goes by. She's playing with her toys. She's playing with her little plane. She gets up, and she looks [out the window] – under her bed is one of the new stars of 'Toy Story 3'. You have to look close."

Many took a closer look at the scene that appears in the "Up" trailer and found several items under the bed, including a teddy bear, slippers, and a potato chip/crisp.

Here are a few pics


It was later confirmed that the teddy bear WAS the new character and his name is "Lotto"! Looks cute, and who knows, maybe "Lotto" will be appearing in Toy Story Playland in Disneyland Paris??

Have a magical day!

Joseph

Disneyland Paris NOW IN 3D on Google Earth!

Being an insomniac has its advantages if you are a Disney Blogger. I was looking at Disneyland Paris on google earth in the early hours of today when I noticed that park rides/hotel etc were all tagged with official Disney Labels and it struck me! IT HAS ARRIVED!! Disneyland Paris can NOW be seen on google earth in all its 3 dimensional goodness and I can say it looks really great.

Check it out on google earth http://earth.google.co.uk

And the Official Disneyland Paris web page for the 3d project http://www.disneylandparis.co.uk/googleearth3d
(so far it hasn't been updated)(surprise!)

Have a magical day!

Joseph

Robobama Does the Robot!

The following article is from yesterdays New York times-Animatronic

Obama Going to Disney World With High-Tech Style
Published: May 21, 2009
LOS ANGELES — Barack Obama was standing on a riser inside a warehouse here, delivering an inspirational speech about the blessings of freedom, when his left index finger began to twitch uncontrollably, unnerving his aides.

The nation’s 44th president was in obvious distress. At least it looked like him. But with silicone skin and a tangled nest of wires for veins, this Obama was a 21st-century reproduction.

More specifically, it was an audio-animatronic representation of the president, as imagined by the Walt Disney Company, and assembled with the direct involvement of the White House staff — and of Mr. Obama himself. The president supplied not just his measurements, but he also recorded that speech (which was initially drafted by a Disney writer) — and yet another recitation of the oath of office, this one in Disney high-definition sound.

In that Hollywood building here, the life-size, three-dimensional figure was being put through its final tune-up, its chin rising and hands gesturing in response to technicians, in preparation for shipment to the Hall of Presidents exhibit at Disney World in Orlando, Fla.

Disney officials declined to say how much it cost to build an Obama. They have cloaked the project with a blanket of secrecy befitting the Secret Service, permitting this reporter to be the only journalist thus far to view the figure up close but allowing only a Disney photographer to take its picture.

Mr. Obama has seen renderings of the figure, telling a Disney employee, Pamela Fisher, “that we had made him better-looking than he was.”

Mr. Obama is not the first president to send his voice, or inseam, to Disney World; George W. Bush and Bill Clinton were also given speaking roles in the exhibit during their terms and assisted Disney’s “imagineers” in the creation of their likenesses. But the Obama figure is assuredly the most lifelike of them all.

The public is to get its first glimpse of “Robobama,” as it is known among some handlers, on July 4. The unveiling will be in a Disney World theater, alongside animatronic figures of every other president. As in the past, the program will end with each president nodding or turning toward the audience during a roll call, as if Mount Rushmore had suddenly come alive.

“Young children watch this, and you want them to feel a sense of identification with the president,” said Doris Kearns Goodwin, a presidential historian, who was recruited by Disney two years ago to write a Hollywood-style treatment about the presidents, which became the basis for a 20-minute documentary made for the exhibit. “This makes the president someone not so far removed from them.”

The exhibit opened in the early 1970s under the direct supervision of Walt Disney and has resulted in countless middle school term papers about the presidents. It has been closed since Election Day as it receives the biggest face-lift in its history.

The company has much riding on the exhibit, with visitors’ spending at Disney World having dipped sharply in the midst of the economic downturn.

The exhibit will open with the new film, narrated by the actor Morgan Freeman. At a certain point, the Abraham Lincoln figure will rise and speak to the audience, as it always has, but now it will deliver the Gettysburg Address in its entirety.

“And this is the first time George Washington will have a speaking role,” said Kathy Rogers, a senior show producer for Walt Disney Imagineering, the unit that oversees the creative side of the theme parks.

But the emotional high point is intended to be the introduction of the Obama figure, who will yet again be heard taking the oath.

Mr. Obama recorded this version on March 4 in the White House Map Room — the same room where he retook the oath after a minor flub on Inauguration Day — to accommodate the Disney World theater’s new sound system. At that time, Mr. Obama also read aloud a short speech to be delivered by the figure, one that ultimately passed through the computer of Jon Favreau, a presidential speechwriter.

“That speech took a village,” said Ms. Fisher, the senior Disney writer on the project who along with Ms. Rogers traveled to Washington in March to guide the president through his role.

The Obama figure’s closest forefather is not Lincoln but a modern-day Capt. Jack Sparrow. Assisted by Johnny Depp, who played the captain in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies, Disney recently installed an animatronic version of the Sparrow character in the Orlando theme park.

The Obama figure is the result of attention to minute details by Disney sculptors, animators, engineers and even anatomists who pored over presidential photographs and video of him and then drew on the latest advances in robotic technology.

Thus the audio-animatronic Obama purses its lips to pronounce its b’s and p’s in a way frighteningly evocative of the real one, and raises its hands, open-palmed, while shrugging its shoulders, in a way that can only be described as Obamaesque. Even the president’s wedding ring, with its braided design, has been recreated.

After their work was done with the president, Ms. Fisher and Ms. Rogers said they were given a special tour of the White House.

For Ms. Fisher, there was a sense of déjà vu. She had traveled to the White House on Disney’s behalf in 2001 to capture the voice of Mr. Bush. After he had finished his “take,” she said, he stiffened his arms and “started acting like he was an animatronic figure.”

“He’s got a sense of humor,” she added.

To top it all off a great photo was included


Have a magical day!

Joseph

Star Wars Weekend Updates!

A Park Map and Events Schedule for this weekends Star Wars Weekend have appeared online!
http://www.disunplugged.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/starwarsweekends_may_22-24_lr.pdf
Click The Link for a PDF Map and Schedule. Thanks to David Parfitt from the DIS-Unplugged!

Have a magical day!

Joseph

"Luxo Jr" Coming soon to Pixar Place?

It has been rumoured for a while that Pixars famous Lamp will be appearing in the "Disney Hollywood Studios" as an Audio Animatronic. But rumours are starting to take shape. Today pictures have appeared of a small area of construction near "Toy Story Mania" in "Pixar Place" with a silver platform, service hatch and speakers already installed. So watch this space.
Have a magical day!

Joseph

Disneyland Paris Mobile Information!

A brand new information service for mobile phones has now started and is available at Disneyland Paris using bluetooth. If gives you access to practical information for your stay including opening times, show and parade schedules, and attraction wait times. This service is free apart from what you pay for WAP already with you mobile provider. Sounds like a nice idea but personally apart from wait times I wouldn't be desperate for information on my mobile because I can simply pick up a park schedule at the entrance. I also think it would be a shame if people are STARING at there mobiles while they are in the most beautiful Disney Park in the world!!

Have a magical day!

Joseph

Here is a photo (In French) showing what the service offers.....

Star Wars Weekend Updates!

I know I know, Its the second consecutive post about "Star Wars" but seeing as "Star Wars Weekends" Begin this Friday at WDW I have a good reason.
Firstly the special events have been announced by Disney
They Consist of...

Clone Wars: Behind the Force – A behind-the-scenes show that explores the excitement of Star Wars: The Clone Wars led by Ashley Eckstein

Jedi Training Academy – Which you can do any other day at DHS????

Star Tours Attraction – Again not really a special event, and the queues will be HUGE.

Autograph Sessions - With Star Wars Actors

Legends of the Force – Star Wars themed motorcade

Stars of the Saga – Talk Show and Q&A hosted by Jay Laga’aia

Padawan Mind Challenge – Kids under 12 can test their wits before the Jedi Council!

Hyperspace Hoopla – Star Wars characters and guests gather for an entertaining conclusion to each day’s events.

Wicket’s Warehouse – Shop a galaxy of Star Wars themed and limited-edition merchandise developed just for Star Wars Weekends 2009. (in other words how Disney can lighten your wallet).

As well as the events the OFFICIAL Logo for 2009 has been released and I think its pretty damn cool.

Have a magical day!


Joseph

Oz confirms Star Tours 2

A recent interview with "Frank Oz" proved that Star Tours 2 is becoming a reality. It has been rumored for a few years now that the 22 year old ride would get an updated film and simulator system. LA Times journalist "Geoff Boucher" was talking to Frank about one of his most recognised characters (YODA) and Geoff asked "So when was the last time you did the voice? and Frank replied with
"It was not long ago at all, I was recording dialogue for the new Disney ride.".......

There we go! I think that he is a pretty reliable source, the new ride is rumoured to use characters from both the original and prequel trilogy of Star Wars with possible 3d film and High Definition video screens on the side of the ride simulator as well as the main cinema screen. On top of all this technology there is also rumored usage of "Musion" which is a holographic projection system that allows an image to appear looking almost 3 dimensional without needing specialist glasses. I saw use of this technology last September in "Universal Orlando", in a pre-show for "Disaster" on a dimly lit stage famous actor "Christopher Walken" literally walks onto the stage and talks to the audience. Its very VERY impressive. Now the rumoured Star Wars character that will be projected is "Admiral Ackbar" who is loved for one of the greatest lines in Star Wars "ITS A TRAP".

I cannot wait to see this. I should think that this upgrade could be applied to all the Star Tours attractions worldwide. No dates yet for opening or construction but all I can suggest is to watch this SPACE....................................damn I'm funny!

Have a magical day!

Joseph

Discoveryland Pools Cleaned!

The murky water that filled the lagoon holding Captains Nemo's Nautilus has gone. And has been replaced with fresh clean water. It looks so good right now and keeps the park clean, tidy and pretty! Dlrptimes reported that it had been replaced this morning. Good work Disney!! Now how about removing those awful decorations from the front of the castle???
For Pictures click here to visit the original report-http://www.dlrptimes.com/article-31317358.html

Have a magical day!

Joseph

"Goofy's Summer Camp" at Disneyland Paris

Reports from a Disney Central Plaza member "magicdays" has stated that the show to take over from "Tarzan- the encounter" at the Chaparral Theatre in Frontierland will be A "Goofy's Summer Camp" Show. It is said to be a lively, funny and interactive show. The show will include a brand new set, with live musicians and Disney Characters.

It has quite a short run starting on July 4th-August 30th. Sounds like great fun. Its just a shame it won't be open during my September trip. In my opinion Goofy is one of those characters that deserves some limelight, I might be biased because he is my favourite character but his "HOW TO" antics are some of the best Disney cartoons out there. Go on and be Goofy at Disney this summer!

Have a magical day!

Joseph

"Would you like some magic with your coffee sir?"

News has come out of a brand new way to purchase your Disneyland Paris Tickets. "Onboard Retail Solutions" have signed a deal with DLP to sell ticket vouchers onboard trains and flights destined for Paris. The stewards onboard your journey will be offering a variety of Park Passes from 1 day/1park to week long hopper passes at competitive rates by using a handheld device which is made to Disney Specifications to offer the best deal for the guest and protect against ticket forgery.

This looks amazing, and a really good way of getting more people into the park. It acts as a great way of reminding travellers that there is a swell little theme park just outside of Paris, and prising open the wallets of parents who were trying to ignore it existed.

Have a magical day!

Joseph

Book Review: Walt Disney An American Original by Bob Thomas

As a Disney fan I'm sure you would agree that there are never enough books to read about the Man and his legacy. This is a great addition to every Disney Collection, that being said this book isn't perfect.
It is a great starting point if you haven't read any Walt biogs before. Bob Thomas provides you with a clear and concise series of events. Showing Walt's influences and giving an insight into his mind and magic.

The anecdotes of Walt's family, friends and employees are entertaining as ever, the facts and figures about the company are intriguing and the description of the most emotional times in Walt's life are handled with care. But it lacks something. Some would argue it lacks an "angle", I say it lacks true depth. When I put the book down I didn't feel as if I knew Walt anymore than I did before I picked it up. Too often moments in his life are mentioned and never explored. I needed more detail, as any Disney enthusiast would. I also felt disappointed at the usual stock photos in the centre of the book that offered about the same insight as googled images would have.

That being said it was a very easy and enjoyable book to read and Bob Thomas gave what I considered to be an unbiased and accessible account of Walt's life.

Have a magical day!

Joseph

Happy 20th Birthday Disney's Hollywood Studios!

"The World you have entered was created by The Walt Disney Company and is dedicated to Hollywood—not a place on a map, but a state of mind that exists wherever people dream and wonder and imagine, a place where illusion and reality are fused by technological magic. We welcome you to a Hollywood that never was—and always will be." Michael Eisner spoke these words 20 years ago today, on the opening day of the park.

Disney Hollywood/MGM Studios has been a great addition to Walt Disney World, giving guests a chance to experience the hustle and bustle and Movie magic of a 1930s studio. The first Disney park to have no distinctly themed lands, with a mix of attractions showcasing the minds, magic and (sometimes) mayhem behind the scenes of film, theatre and TV productions. From out and out thrill rides to inspiring exhibits, DHS offers something special to everyone who walks through the gate.
May it go from strength to strength in the next 20 years!

Have a magical day!

Joseph