Monday, 29 June 2009

I am on holiday this week so the site wont be updated until July 12th. Hope you understand.

All the best!

Joseph

Saturday, 27 June 2009

Disneyman Podcast Episode 2 is OUT!

Episode 2 of the Disneyman Podcast has now hit the internet. Head onto Itunes or the Official Website to Download the show!

Friday, 26 June 2009

Goodbye Captain EO

Michael Jackson's unique blend of soul, funk and rock made him the biggest pop act in the world. He had unmistakable talent and sold records by the million - and broke records too. He will be forever remembered and for Disney fans he will have a special place in our memories as Captian EO in the 3d film of the same name. The film is no longer found in Disney Parks. I wish goodbye to a true musical genius and a Disney legend.

Michael Joseph Jackson
1958-2009

Here is a link to a clip from Captain EO http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRlh_UYDMGA&feature=related

Thursday, 25 June 2009

Disney Desserts and Firework Fun!


Last Tuesday a brand new nightly event started in the Magic Kingdom at the Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station. Its a dessert party with a special viewing of Wishes nighttime spectacular.

The Fireworks Dessert Party gives guests a chance to arrive one hour prior to "Wishes" and enjoy a self-service buffet featuring a wide range of desserts, sweets treats and beverages.

The price is $17.99 for ages 10 and over and $9.99 for ages 3 - 9. Park admission to Magic Kingdom Park is required. Prepayment will be required reserving seats for this event in advance. Reservations are not required but are highly recommended due to the anticipated popularity of this experience. Seating is limited. Space permitting, seating for walk-ups may be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

I don't think this is bad at all. We all know how tough it can be to get a great spot for the fireworks, and the photos and reviews I have seen on what desserts are on offer it looks like a really good value event. Hopefully they will extend dates because so far booking are only up until August 28th 2009 and I want to go one day :)

Call (407) WDW-DINE to make reservations.

Have a magical day!

Joseph

Monday, 22 June 2009

We have a 1000th Visitor!

Popular Irish personality "Andrew Nolan" has become our 1000th visitor. We congratulate him. And here is to the next 1000!!!



Have a magical day!

Joseph

Saturday, 20 June 2009

Disneyman Podcast Episode 1 is up.


The Disneyman Podcast episode 1 has arrived on Itunes (and a day early)!!! Get Subscribing and Downloading.

Have a magical day!

Joseph

Diana in Disney.

What will be filling the space of the Virgin Megastore?

"LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The People’s Princess Charitable Foundation, Inc. (PPCF) is bringing “DIANA–The People’s Princess” – a major new exhibit of royal artifacts – to Walt Disney World Resort. Opening in early July 2009, this limited-time experience showcases the life and story of Princess Diana, one of the most iconic and inspirational figures in recent history, including a sampling of the royal dresses Diana chose to auction for charity and hundreds of authentic artifacts relating to her life.

“DIANA–The People’s Princess” exhibit will be held in a 17,500-square-foot setting at Downtown Disney West Side adjacent to DisneyQuest. This unique exhibition is one of the largest collections of royal dresses and rare artifacts ever assembled for an American audience which provides an in-depth historical perspective of her life. The exhibit includes five rarely seen royal dresses worn by Princess Diana.

As part of this unique experience, guests will come to understand:


The stories of Diana’s own childhood and ancestry and how that lineage was influential in her selection as the future bride of HRH Charles, The Prince of Wales, the future King of England.
Her magical royal wedding which was viewed by over 750 million people from around the globe; her favorite role as “mum” to princes William and Harry.
Kensington Palace, the royal residence where Diana lived from the moment she became the Princess of Wales until her death and which today plays an active role in preserving her charitable legacy.
The historical significance of her role as Princess of Wales and the impact she had through that role on the fashion industry and charitable landscape.
How at the Christie’s “Sale of The Century,” 79 of Diana’s royal dresses were sold to benefit charities which helped position her as an astute philanthropist.
Her untimely passing and the massive media and public interest in the tragedy.
The charitable impact still being recognized through her gowns and personal effects.

A hint at some of the items on display:

Royal Doulton figurine of Diana in her wedding dress – Made in 1981 at the time of the royal wedding, the doll is wearing an exact replica of the famous wedding dress.

The Black Velvet “V” Neck – Designed by Bruce Oldfield and worn by Diana for her official royal portrait in 1985.

Wedding Breakfast booklet – Contains guest names and two tickets to observe the bride and bridegroom before and following the wedding ceremony in the quadrangle at Buckingham Palace and Clarence House.

Three-foot doll of Diana as a young girl – Released by the Great American Doll Company in 1998 as a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales."


Hmmm ok. So how is this relevant to Downtown Disney? A place where you are supposed to be able to let your hair down, have fun and chill out. How on earth is it a suitable place to put a museum about what is effectively a dead British princess? The Downtown Disney clientele are usually (from my experience) looking for a fun time, is it a fun time learning about Dianas "untimely passing and the massive media and public interest in the tragedy"? What wise guy thought this would be a great place to house such a sensitive exhibit? I understand if they have an empty space they should fill it but at least make it relevant to Disney Park goers. It seems almost distasteful. Bad move Disney. Bad Move.

Wednesday, 17 June 2009

Get your ADRs online!

Online reservations are now available for Disney restaurants at the following address http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/restaurants/

I know, I know its about time too!!! I was using it yesterday picking out places to eat and I have to say that I was very impressed. It is very easy to use, efficient and informative. You select the day and time that you would like to eat in a particular restaurant and it shows you the availability. If your desired restaurant is full it offers other available restaurants in local to your first choice. Also if you have dietary restrictions you can state them easily on your reservation. Which will come in useful with my fatal allergy to tree nuts. (I'm not kidding). I will certainly be using this way of booking next time I head out to the World as it saves hanging on the phone being charged international rates just to hear "I'm sorry sir Le Celliers is fully booked"!

Have a magical day!

Joseph

Stitch's SuperSonic Celebration Ends Soon!

Why it seems like only yesterday that I was writing about "Stitch's SuperSonic Celebration" coming to the "Magic Kingdom". But strong rumours have stated it is expected to close within the next two weeks after being open for ONLY 6 weeks. I wonder why? Well it was tacky, loud, cheap, charmless and had NO decent story. It was adequate entertainment for holiday camps or lesser theme parks but when "Disney" have so many spectacular shows on offer this sub par theatrical offering sticks out like a sore thumb.
Stitch doesn't seem to have much luck in the parks. After the travesty of "Stitch's Great Escape" replacing the stunning "Alien Encounter", and the horrendous dance party in "Disneyland Paris". I suggest that Disney give stitch a break for a while. He is cute and fluffy but he has been way overused. So far we don't know what changes are going to be made to the show or how long it will take. I hope they remove it altogether, but seeing as they already have a stage built I think some kind of show will be returning soon.

Have a magical day!

Joseph

Tuesday, 16 June 2009

How to Subscribe!

Just to let everyone know. Because It is a brand new podcast it isn't currently on Itunes Store (because Itunes love to take their time!). But for now you can subscribe on Itunes -
Instructions
1. Open Itunes
2.Click the advanced menu
3. Select "Subscribe to podcast"
4. Put this URL in the box http://disneyman2000.libsyn.com/rss
5. Click ok! You will then be a subscriber to the new show!!
Please Subscribe

Sunday, 14 June 2009

A big announcement!

I will be hosting a brand new podcast. Its a weekly short News round up! Giving you a bitesize nugget of News and Views. Its still work in progress.......but the first show will be hitting Itunes on June 21st 2009. Join the Facebook group! Follow it on twitter>>>>>>>
SPREAD THE WORD that the Disneyman Podcast will be landing on Itunes soon!

Thursday, 11 June 2009

Taking a break for a week.

I am taking a break from the blog until the middle of next week. Just need to sort a few things out. I hope you understand!!

Have a magical day!

Joseph

Monday, 8 June 2009

Mr Smee has Plastic Surgery in Disneyland Paris.

Dapper Dans must be feeling the pinch so have started a sideline in nipping and tucking! As very recently "Mr.Smee" the popular character from "Peter Pan" has had a face lift.
Here is the before


And the After


He looks alot better. It has certainly given him a tad more "Character"!..............Man I'm funny.

Have a Magical Day!

Joseph

Thursday, 4 June 2009

Starbucks in Disney Village is revealed.


The brand new Starbucks has arrived at Disneyland Paris in the Disney Village entertainment district. It looks fantastic, fresh and stylish. I'm so glad that Disney made the effort to build it in keeping with the slow but sure regeneration of Disney village. As far as we know there hasn't been a date announced for opening, but I will let you know as soon as I find out. I definitely will be popping in for a Mocha in September!!

Have a magical day!

Joseph


Photograph from magicforum.

Wednesday, 3 June 2009

New "Private Areas" in Disney Water Parks.

Starting from last Monday June 1, the WDW water parks are offering visitors the chance to rent a private area for up to 6 guests. The private area will consist of lounge furniture, tables, towels, private lockers and offer guests all-day drink mugs, bottled water,and the use of a server. There are 4 private areas offered right now in each water park on a first come, first served basis and the cost of this is $250 plus tax for a day. The names of the private areas are "Beachcomber Shacks" in "Typhoon Lagoon" and "Polar Patios" in "Blizzard Beach".



This is a complete and utter rip off in my opinion.
The photos show the "Private area to be some beach loungers shoved together under a canopy. The surroundings look uninspiring to say the least, and most people bring there own bottled water anyway. You can quite easily find a nice area to rest in comfort within these exceptionally attractive Water parks without spending this appalling amount of money. The price doesn't even include food of any kind. And in my experience people do not usually spend their whole day in the Water parks either.
The only people who are likely to rent these paddocks out are going to be the "too rich to care" or the "too stupid to care". Some will argue that it is much cheaper when you break the cost between 6 people but $41 each plus the recently inflated admission to the water parks and the likely hood of wanting a bite to eat (not included in the private area) the price will end up well over $100 per person for a glorified shed. Disney have made a very bad move. When people are struggling to pay the bills and afford a vacation this is not the time to rip people off.

Have a magical day!

Joseph.

Monday, 1 June 2009

Virgin Store is transforming!

Virgin Megastore in Downtown Disney has been closed for a little while as expected but things are starting to move along at a fair pace. After closing down 3 weeks before its original shut down date, the Virgin signage has been taken down and the windows have been plastered with posters saying "Celebrate Today" hiding anything that may be happening inside the building. For all we know could be the rumoured Imax or Apple store, or NOTHING could be happening. That being said, the fact it closed 3 weeks early makes me think changes will be taking place soon if not already.

The billboards around the store that used to advertise music albums etc have all been replaced with adverts for existing Downtown Disney attractions and shops.

Have a magical day!

Joseph