Mousetalgia (iTunes) Episode #70 Starting off with ‘Disney’s Scene it’ game, our team reveals a gap in their knowledge. (LOL ) Dining at Club 33 lately? Talk about detail, they discuss the authenticity of some of the artifacts found within the club. But the conversation goes deeper, discussing the ‘morality of excess’ in having such an expensive club in this economy. On a more pleasant note, some informed hearsay on why the Mr. Lincoln attraction is not named President Lincoln is relayed. Bob Gurr relates details on how that animatronic operates, and how Walt ‘tricked’ Royal Dano as he recorded the audio. Also discussed, is it OK that Mickey is being portrayed as a graffiti artist in the latest merchandise trend?

Netcot (iTunes) Episode #158 Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln This is probably one of his most controversial top 7 lists ever! How dare you sir, take three months off, and come back with a show that suggests anything wrong with the theming of these attractions! Or that all the technical work that went into Mr. Lincoln didn’t pay off. I say again, how dare you!J

Dave’s Disney View (iTunes) Episode #3 An Overview of the Pavilion that was “Horizons” in EPCOT-This first part discusses the history, design, detail and makeup of the Horizons pavilion. The initial sponsors and their decadent lounge with its roof top camera (cool). Dave relates his time enjoying that lounge, including many details that we would never have seen ourselves.

Remember the Magic (iTunes) Episode #21 We are introduced to Mikey from Magic City Mayhem and his youtube channel. He tells of his first meeting with Lou Mongello (oh Lou!!), and how he likes to tour the parks spoiler free. The hidden Mickey this week is from Mickey’s Philharmagic. We also meet Marc Silverman of the Discast. And he tells of the inspiration behind the perspiration of his own podcast. Concluding the show they chronicle this week in Disney history and give some shout outs. (Thanks for the @dis_pod_review props guys-had to rewind and hear it a couple of times!)

Running to Disney (iTunes) Episode #50 50^th episode-Congrats on 50: Gordon you’re as lean and trim as you were when you graduated! But he repines the idea of how much time we have spent listening and that he has ran talking. He relates side effects of his weight loss-being cold all the time and clothes falling off of him. He presents an idea every runner has had, turning the tables on the dogs, maybe running after them or even worse. His accent is further scrutinized, with conclusions that he doesn’t have the accent, everybody else does. But on more serious notes, the importance of the being fitted and having the right shoe is emphasized. And not letting your race schedule rule your running. Thinking beyond the here and now, and more so for the long term running life.

The Season Pass (iTunes) Episode #115 Tim Delaney Part#2  Disneyland Paris and Space Mountain 3/1/10 More of his fascinating work on DLRP.  I loved the story of how drawings he created, all but got tossed in the trash, are now in many of the imagineers guides. Also, we really don’t know everything that goes into an attraction. There is no cookie cutter attitude to design at WDI. Michael Eisners’ 2:30 AM visits during construction and Frank Wells even picking up trash are all stories that astound. The new technology used in their Space mountain, the surprise dinner in the Nautilus all amazing! Did you know they used Thumper to test Space Mountain? The ending conclusion: Delaney brings the project in under budget! Eisner even sends him a letter stating: “Thank you for saving Disneyland Paris.” Of course Tim was hoping for more in that envelope. LOL

WDW Radio (iTunes) Episode #159 February 28, 2010 ESPN branding of the sports complex was so much more than just slapping up a new sign. Lou shows us how ESPN the weekend at Hollywood Studios is a great venue for any sports fan. Even some sports you wouldn’t usually equate with WDW: archery, car racing, sports fishing or horseback riding are all highlighted. A new segment: Listener Fact or Fiction gave us another reason to yell at our ipod with our answers to his trivia questions. (Ed: Mongello! The Monge, Jello!)

The DisUnplugged (iTunes) 3/2/10 Gatorland, Rose and Crown Dining Review Pete is back, for good! (insert applause here) Was the Sea World accident preventable? I appreciated and agreed with their conclusions. Pete’s rant du jour is regarding monthly payments for annual passes. Kathy reviews the beloved Gatorland; detailing the history, prices, the featured reptiles, birds and the shows. The Rose and Crown review reveals the drastic decline in this restaurant, so bad they attempted to make a reservation at another restaurant while still there!

Keys to the Kingdom (iTunes) Episode #125 A Disney Cruise Special Part 4-A Post Disney Cruise Review The entire clan (yes the whole clan) relate their awesome cruise trip from the airport, to the terminal to the ship. They expand on the service aspect of a Disney cruise, detailing how it is different from any other cruise line. They let us know how the whole ‘spa’ cruise thing went (hint-started well enough). I love the comment that the parents want to spend more time with the kids, but the kids wanted to stay at the clubs.

The Disney Brit (iTunes) Episode #36 Boy you think it’s cold in the parks lately? How about DLRP where the Rivers of America has been frozen over lately? Day 19 of Adam’s Daily Disney Diary relates the benefit of a late breakfast at Chef Mickey’s. Blizzard Beach and Indy racing experience with a washout and Cirque Du Soleil with seating tips fill out this day. Around the world in 80 segments bring us dining and shopping options in Adventureland. The Bazaar, the Pirate’s League and Dole Whips are underscored. And they give us some direction to plan your trip DIY style, showing how with a little work you can save hundreds of pounds (or a few bucks).

All About the Mouse (iTunes) Episode #151 Planning a Trip for a first time WDW Visitor A DL regular plans a trip to WDW for the marathon. They help him plan to get the most out of both aspects of his trip from lodging, food (it always gets back to the food) and transportation. One thought that they gave me, Why is the dining plan so difficult? Also attractions that you should not be missed, even if they are already at DL. Another DL regular talks about the return of Captain EO. Why do they hope that it doesn’t stay long in the park? And Disney’s admittance of the dated nature of this film, calling at a ‘tribute’ is clearly seen. And in conclusion a heavier cover of the Mickey Mouse March.

Mouse Travel Tips (iTunes) Episode #4 Fast Passes, Disneyland, Alice in Wonderland & Mad Tea Party Minimize wait time with fast passes and Rachel tells us how with some great . . .tips how to make best use of these. She also relates some down sides to be careful of. A nice overview of DL with ties to Walt is relayed. And in tribute to the new Alice movie, she shares all the references of Alice in the parks with their interesting history.

WDW Today (iTunes) Episode #689 Listener Questions Are Layoffs affecting park performance? With latest changes to the Dining Plan, is service affected? They relate memories of their first trip to WDW (pop-up camper? And losing your brother?) A math question is asked about using multiple ‘no hopper’ passes to hop park to park. How many photopass cards can you put on a photopass cd?  Any information on the Venetian Resort? Any tips to obtain hard to get ADR’s, get on the phone and online at the same time? And the infamous question about becoming a glitzy glamorous travel agent is asked with tips for success in that field.

PassPorter Moms Podcast (iTunes) Episode #6 The School that Walt Built An interview with Keely Hutton on her authored books and the educational value of the parks. The team has some intriguing ideas to make a fun family trip into a way to teach your children. Also the controversial topic of taking kids out of school is discussed with some reasonable recommendations. Questions regarding tipping, Kim Possible, and babies around costumed characters round out this episode.

                          

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Mickey Ears-Disney Podcast Review 3-8-10
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If anyone in The Disney Blog community participated, please leave a comment with your experience in the program.

                          

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Disney’s Give A Day, Get a Day promotion ends
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So how did Disney start to use them, well let’s let Todd explain:

I was first introduced to tilt-shift by my sister-in-law who is an avid photographer. She shared an example of a video by a gentleman in Australia and I was mesmerized by the effect. Tilt-shift is first and foremost a photographic technique, but when the individual images are stitched together the resulting video works particularly well with motion and people. I thought, since so many of our ideas start out as models, how fun would it be to revert to a model-like look and incorporate both motion (trains, monorails, busses, boats, etc.) and moving people?

You can check out the latest tilt-shift video on Youtube. (Correction: my bad… not tilt-shift, just time lapse… still cool though) Do you have any favorites among the tilt-shift videos?

                          

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Behind Disney’s Tilt-Shift Videos
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Fulton’s Crab House is offering a hearty and delicious meal fit for an Irish King! Start out with Irish Potato and Leek Soup followed by sliced corned beef brisket with braised Fulton cabbage, red wine marinated roasted shallot and caramelized tent peg carrots. The meal is $18.95 excluding tax and gratuity.

Although Portobello serves the tastiest Italian fare, they are celebrating the luck of the Irish with a special St. Patrick’s Day cocktail! The Café Irlandese is a mix of triple olive espresso vodka, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Liquer 43 finished with a scoop of smooth whip cream. A perfect Irish-inspired addition to one of Portobello’s signature pasta dishes!

At Wolfgang Puck Café, Chef Sinclair Thorne is offering a special Irish-inspired St. Patrick’s Day menu in the dining room. The three-course menu includes a Potato Pancake with Smoked Salmon; Asparagus Salad, locally grown albino asparagus and pencil asparagus with spicy hazelnuts, shaved parmesan cheese and finished with 5 yr old aged balsamic Vinegar; Corn Beef and Vegetables, house-made corned beef with seasonal vegetable medley over smashed potato and served with a Guinness mustard sauce and finally White and Dark Chocolate Bread pudding. The menu is $40.95 per person excluding tax and gratuity.

                          

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Downtown Disney St. Patricks Day Dining Specials
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Open. Open. Open.

This looks a little different from the ‘proof of concept’ trailer that was shown at Comic-Con, but it’s still good. What do you think?

                          

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Tron Legacy Trailer Hits the Internet
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All About the Mouse (iTunes) Episode #150 A Guide to Disney Artwork-OK kiddies grab your books, because it’s time to be schooled on Disney animation artwork. The syllabus includes: definition of terms-production drawing, production cell, three way set up, serigraph, sericel, lithograph, in betweeners. Discussion essay-what things decrease the value of cells, what to look for to be sure of authenticity and an inexpensive way to start collection.

Be Our Guest (iTunes) Episode #206 Where to be inspired at Walt Disney World-What inspires you? Even without Rikki they present heart tugging areas of the parks. Political arenas, images of Walt, even dealing with Space exploration all are discussed in detail. The people, the scenery, the attractions that inspire us. . . to go deeper into the jungle.

The Mouse Droppings (iTunes) Episode #23 Do I Smell Bacon? Another Innoventions attraction visited this episode. This time it’s the Piggy Bank Adventure. “He’s so cute, I want to keep him.” Of course this refers to the piggy bank used as you wind your way to the goal and the ‘Ultimate Vacation.’ And Matt concludes with some initial screen tips for Toy Story Mania.

Coaster Buzz (iTunes) Episode#171 March 1, 2010-The Disney topic discussed is the return of Captain EO and their lackluster enthusiasm. Of course it doesn’t help that the effects are missing. The Sea World tragedy is also referenced, downplaying the recent animal rights outcries.

                          

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Mickey Ears – Disney Podcast Review
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The Holiday Inn Walt Disney World Resort at Lake Buena Vista reopened for business on February 12th after a period of ‘rebuilding’. Over 18 months they took the interior of building down to the bare concrete and replaced nearly everything from pipes to fixtures on every floor and the main guest areas. I was pleased to be invited to a special tour of the new hotel.

The airy lobby

When you walk in the front door it’s very airy, very light, you hear background music and enjoy a welcoming smell. The sound and scent is pumped into the area. The whole design is aimed to be inviting to the entire family. The dad sees the bar, the kids see the pool and mom sees that everyone is happy and she has somewhere to sit and watch her kids, or perhaps get a drink from the bar.

an ‘ah-ha’ moment

This hotel is one of the 1800 Holiday Inns that have been remodeled to the new brand standard. That has given them a lot of “ah-ha” moments including a hook under the bar for a woman’s purse or that bag of souvenirs you’ve brought back from the parks.

Outside of the bar next too the pool will be an outdoor bar specializing in Tapas called Aqua Luna. Those couches look very comfortable.

Future tapas bar area

The pool has three regions designed to make it as family friendly as possible. The odd looking shape has luxurious entry steps, a lap pool and a toddler friendly zero entry all in one.

A totally new pool for the property

We saw two different rooms. 1/3rd of the rooms have King beds that can accommodate a sleeper. Those rooms feature a glass door shower with no tub. Most of the rest are two queens, which come with a bathtub. Another ah-ha moment was to include lots of extra outlets in each room for all the modern toys and tools travelers bring with them these days.

All the rooms have a safe big enough for a 17 inch laptop, complimentary fridge, 32 hdtv with hd signal, a cordless phone, premium bedding, and local & 800 calls are free. The rooms and bathrooms were well lit, with extra care to the makeup counter and mirror so you won’t miss a details as you get ready for that night on the town, or that important business meeting. 75% of the hotel’s rooms have balconies.

The rooms feature Internet plug-in ethernet to meet with government business requirements. There is wi-fi available in the lobby and business center.

The hotel amenities also include a fitness room, a restaurant with Asian fusion cuisine, a 6000 sq ft ballroom and various conference rooms, and buses direct to each of the Disney theme parks. Kids 2-12 eat free at the restaurant with each paying adult and care is taken to address any food allergies. Soon a Disney operated store will be opening in the lobby area which means package express will be available to guests staying at the hotel. A nice bonus.

the main restaurant

I liked the open, light, clean, and welcoming feel of the hotel. It was so quiet. Even in the room looking over the I-4 freeway you couldn’t hear a thing, that’s due to the airport quality noise suppression glass. It was all those little details that will make the Holiday Inn at Walt Disney World Resort the new gem of the Downtown Disney resorts.

view of Downtown Disney

                          

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Holiday Inn – ReBuild at DownTown Disney Complete
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“UP” did lose for best screenplay. Frankly if they’re going to give animated films a separate best picture category, they should do the same for Screenplays since they’re written so differently from the average script. “Up” failed to collect in the best “Sound Editing” category as well.

On the other hand, Disney’s The Princess and The Frog was shut-out from the awards last night. It lost to “UP” for best animated picture, which shouldn’t be a surprise. Disney has a way to go to return to Beauty and the Beast level of animated story telling.

The Princess and the Frog was also nominated for some of its music Unfortunately it was composed by Randy Newman, which the Academy just barely tolerates. And since they already gave him an award for Monster’s Inc’s “If I didn’t have you” in 2002. That’s it for any film that uses Newman for its songs.

In a footnote to the ceremony, ABC/Disney and Cablevision settled their differences just past midnight and viewers in the NYC area were able to turn into WABC about 10 minutes after the show started.

I think the big loser last night was the show’s producers. The supposed new vision for this years production was no where to be seen. Despite their best efforts the show ran long, and worse, it dragged. Long moments were interminably slow and the lack of humor or Hollywood pizazz had me wanting an escape hatch about 40 minutes in.

What did you think? Will you watch next year?

                          

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An “UP” Night at the Oscars
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Enjoy “Mean Disney Girls”:

                          

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Disney Princesses meets Mean Girls in Youtube Mashup
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I’m not the film’s only fan. Check out Ted Soward’s fan-made reconstruction of the first few minutes from the film. They’ve taken the animated sequence and remade it using real life people, scenes, and backgrounds. Production of this video required $100, a borrowed camera, over 90 friends and family, Final Cut Pro, six months of free time, and a lot of creating Imagineering.

Check it out, I think you’ll be impressed.

                          

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The Goofy Movie – Real Life Version
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Cast members Mia Wasikowska (Alice), Johnny Depp (the Mad Hatter), and Helena Bonham Carter (the Red Queen) do well in particular, adding depth to each of their characters. Anne Hathaway gets surprisingly little screen time as the kooky White Queen, probably a good thing story-wise.

Take Depp. His Mad Hatter is not the silly, goofy hatter from Walt Disney’s 1951 animated Alice in Wonderland or from the illustrations accompanying the original books. This Mad Hatter is insane, presumably from inhaling all those mercury vapors, coupled with losing his ability to ply his trade for his favorite patron, the White Queen. He exhibits a combination of bi-polar, schizophrenic, and post-traumatic stress disorder characteristics. This makes the him realistic, multifaceted, and really sympathetic, all without losing the humor, somehow.

Wasikowska, definitely one of the new people to watch in Hollywood, eschews made-up fakery, bringing a real 20-year-old woman to the role instead. An excellent casting choice all around, with appeal to the young female audience in particular. Also, I can’t be the only male nerd to find the Australian-born actress subtly sexy.

While I’m thinking aloud, I do have some serious criticisms of some of the aspects of the film. Among these, the White Rabbit and Dormouse are a diversion from the realism of the rest of the characters, even the other computer-generated ones like Absolem the smoking caterpillar. They appear very CG —very “animated”— and the Dormouse’s voice is classic cartoon and just a bit annoying. “It’s the WRONG ALICE!” “It’s the WRONG ALICE!”

The film could also have been made less dark, both figuratively and literally: Figuratively, the heads-in-the-moat scenes were rather excessive and appear to have been thrown in there to ensure that ‘Alice’ wouldn’t get a G rating. It would have been smarter to trade that for more intense action. Literally, a brighter color palette could have been used from time to time in the film. Oh, and the shortened Walt Disney Pictures intro sans the “When You Wish Upon A Star” intro was an unfortunate choice. Still, none of these things came close to ruining the movie for me.

My friend and movie-reviewing “assistant-for-the-day” Jarreth, who watches way more movies than I do, came away from the film muttering “spectacular” and “excellent”. ‘Alice’ “surpassed his expectations”, although we disagree on whether or not it was it was better than Avatar, the last 3-D epic we saw together. He enjoyed Avatar more, while the more I think about it, the better ‘Alice’ was in comparison to Avatar.

We both agree that the digital 3-D was excellent, particularly since we were forced to sit very close to the screen, something I’ll be doing again at 3-D movies. Unlike Avatar, ‘Alice’ could stand well on it’s own without the 3-D, but it does benefit from the added dimension.

It’s interesting to note that the 3-D in ‘Alice’ was achieved in post-production, unlike Avatar which was filmed natively in 3-D. James Cameron appears to have wasted his resources filming in 3-D. Director Burton was right when he recently told the New York Times: “When I saw the difference and looked at the time frame we had to do this movie, it didn’t make sense to do it [with 3-D cameras]”.

3-D or not, Alice in Wonderland is a very weird, fun movie, as visually impressive as you’d expect it to be. It sure has its faults, but why focus on that? Don’t be late!

                          

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‘Alice in Wonderland’ | My review
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You may do a double take this weekend as 18,000 Disney Princesses take to the roads of Walt Disney World for the second annual Disney’s Princess Half Marathon. That’s nearly twice as many as ran last year. A plus, because it’s all for a good cause The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Also returning is Disney’s Fit For A Princess Expo. It is open to the public and is a great place for women to learn about health and wellness. Find it at the newly re-branded ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

“Every woman wants their chance to feel like a princess and this event allows them to embrace the attributes Disney princesses embody: commitment, courage, determination, fantasy, perseverance and strength,” said Disney Sports Area Manager Kathleen Duran. “This event is all about princesses and spreading the message of health and wellness to women of all fitness levels while incorporating the glamour and grace of the Disney princesses.”

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend is part of the Endurance Series at Walt Disney World Resort, which gives recreational athletes of all ages and abilities the chance to walk, jog, run, bike and swim their way “around the world.” From marathons to road races to triathlons, athletes from across the country and around the world compete to stay in shape, achieve personal best times and raise donations for charitable causes. Popular Endurance Series events are Expedition Everest Challenge (June 12, 2010), Inaugural Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend (Oct. 1-2, 2010), Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon (Jan. 6-9, 2011) and Champion 5k at ESPN the Weekend (February 2011).

More about this great event below the jump:

Nearly twice as many runners as last year are rushing to bring out their inner princess this weekend at Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Lady Foot Locker at Walt Disney World Resort.

More than 18,000 runners, including 13,000 for the half marathon, are registered for the three-day event aimed at women’s health and wellness, making it one of the largest women-specific endurance events in the country.

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon, which attracted over 11,000 for the inaugural weekend a year ago, involves Disney’s Fit for a Princess Expo as well as two road races – Disney The Princess and the Frog Royal Family 5K and the signature 13.1-mile half marathon – through multiple theme parks. Kids in attendance can also participate in Disney’s Royal Family Kids’ Races.

Disney’s Fit for a Princess Expo, free and open to the public, takes place at the newly re-launched ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on Friday and Saturday. The expo, geared toward women’s health and wellness, features celebrity runner appearances, Disney characters and seminars on training, racing and nutrition, along with the opportunity to experience the latest in running and fitness equipment.

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend benefits The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), an organization dedicated to the fight against blood cancers. With the support of thousands of volunteers and participants in LLS’s Team In Training program, Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend will help blood cancer patients live better, longer lives.

Registration for the 2011 Disney’s Princess Half Marathon begins this summer at www.disneyprincesshalfmarathon.com

                          

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Disney’s Princess 1/2 Marathon returns
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Betamouse (iTunes) episode# 4 Camera Gear and Photo Tips at the Disney Parks-Our panel consists of simple iphone camera users to the multiple camera carriers working on a 12 year documentation of park architecture (any doubt that the description geek is warranted?). Tips include: photographing family, self and attractions. They share their photo traditions along with favorite photo spots. The talk then turns to instant photo sharing and creating instant blogs. And this podcast would not be complete without a geek out moment, and the flying orb personal recording device that follows you around the parks fits that nicely.

Teenage Disney Geek (iTunes) Episode # 65- EPCOT Morning Adventures with a Demonic Squirrel. Sounds of the park, the background music, the family interaction all make this a funny listen. In line at Soarin’ they enjoy the queue arm flapping workout. At Nemo they have a dolphin sighting. And between attractions, a rabid squirrel entertains as he tries to break and enter a poor childs backpack?! Just an everyday occurrence for a Teenage Disney Geek!

Mouse Travel Tips Podcast (iTunes) Episode #3 Peak Season, Disney Hollywood Studios, Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster, and Villain and Vogue. The high points and low points of traveling to the parks during peak season are highlighted. If you do decide to travel then, they provide four important travel tips to get the most out of your touring. A Hollywood studios primer with the highlight of the Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster fills out this episode. And finally get your dark side groove on at the Villain and Vogue shop.

WedWay Radio (iTunes) Episode #36 The Disneyland Hotel-Why wasn’t this hotel built by Walt? What made it ‘the most exciting hotel in the world?’ It is so intriguing to hear details of the history of this Disneyland icon. To hear of the celebrities that stayed there, and what the hotel became in its heyday, this truly was not just a place to stay when visiting Disneyland. The history of this building is brought up to the present Disney owned days, sharing with us the many renovations that have taken place here.

Disunplugged (iTunes) Discussion Show for February 24, 2010. Following a fair discussion of the Shamu tragedy at Sea World, the team shares with us the injury report for the area theme parks. Teresa argues the semantics of the rules for the $2500 vacation challenge, indicating the reality is setting in of how difficult it is to plan a trip on a budget finding the best deals. And finally, what we all listen for-Pete’s rants! He reviews the Sharks Underwater Grill at Sea World. “If there are fish swimming in front of you, you should have fresh fish on your plate!” How bad was this restaurant? I don’t want to ruin it for you, you have to listen and find out!

Coaster Radio (iTunes) Episode #425 Listener Questions. Personal questions and concern for their ‘burning out’ are first expressed. Lot of questions about Cedar Point and Holiday World are asked as well. Hagrid from Harry Potter is interviewed about his opinion on the new land at Island of Adventure. Disney questions are asked such as: Least favorite attraction, and what rides from Six Flags would you introduce to the Disney Parks. That one sparks a lot of witty banter. Of course the problem is theming: the lack of at Six Flags and the necessity of in the Disney realm.

                          

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Mickey Heads – Podcast Review by Shawn Rees
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The concept was brought to Disney by Stephen Daldry, the Tony Award-wining director of “Billy Elliot: The Musical.” Previously it had been rumored that Disney said no. But now a NY Times article has Disney Theatrical admitting it’s in the works.

What’s good about re-imagining Dumbo into a musical is that they can tackle some of those sensitive issues. But keep in mind that Dumbo doesn’t talk in the movie and he flies. I can’t wait to see what they do about that.

Disney Theatrical only has two shows open on Broadway right now, “The Lion King” and “Mary Poppins”. So they have room for one or two more. Fans will be happy to hear that one of the other projects in production is “Newsies”, which gave Kenny Ortega (High School Musical) his start with Disney. If they’re looking for another, why not bring back “Beauty and the Beast.” I think it might be time for a ’special encore’ performance.

                          

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Dumbo heading to Broadway?
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Of course, my revelation from last week—that our flash-sideways are going to redeem our Losties was completely false. If this week was redemption for Sayid or Jin, well, I feel sorry for them.

There’s so much story line to talk about, I’ll try to keep it brief (*snort*). Here goes…

Sayid. LA. Present Day.

Sayid shows up to a sweet suburban house with yellow roses. And who opens the door with hugs and clasped hands? Oh, Nadia. However, when two kids run up to him calling him “Uncle Sayid”,  I knew it wasn’t going to be happy. Nadia is married to Sayid’s brother, Omer.

You can feel Sayid and Nadia’s unrequited love. You can also feel the tension between Omer and Nadia. And soon we find out why–Omer owes someone (not a bank!) some money. Lots of money. Omer asks Sayid to help him cancel the debt. He says, “I know what kind of man you are.” Sayid looks with his sad sad eyes and says, “I’m not that man anymore.” FORESHADOWING, people!!!

Soon enough Omer is admitted to the hospital after a “mugging” and Sayid is ready for blood. (So soon, o changed man?) Nadia pleads with him to stop and just wait with the children–protect them. And reluctantly, Sayid obeys. When Nadia returns home from Omer’s bedside she asks Sayid why he pushed her to Omer’s side. Sayid explains that he does not deserve her. Insinuating that he is too evil for her goodness. FORESHADOWING, people!!!

The next morning Sayid is picked up by some suave looking bad guys. They lead him to a restaurant (it’s always a restaurant, isn’t it?) where KEAMY is cooking up some eggs. And oh, Keamy. I love to hate him. He’s like a slick Biff from Back to the Future. And even though Keamy is deliciously disgusting while trying to intimidate Sayid into getting Omer’s money, you have to feel sorry for him. We’ve been through 5 seasons with Sayid. And if there is one thing we have learned it is that Sayid is BAD TO THE BONE. And although I was hoping for some kind of big Islandness to their conversation, I was not surprised when Sayid killed Keamy and his two henchmen.

However, I was VERY surprised, that after this little hiccup in Sayid’s day, he discovers someone in the kitchen’s freezer. And not just anyone: It was JIN. Beaten and tied. Does anyone speak Korean? What did he tell Sayid when his mouth was uncovered? And what if this was a double entendre for our episode title—SUN down?!!

THE ISLAND

This one might get a little hairy. Let’s go by character, shall we?

Sawyer. Not there. Hmph.

Jack and Hurley. Still at the Lighthouse. Yawn.

Claire. She enters the Temple (under unLocke’s direction) and tells everyone that Jacob is dead. Dogen puts her in “the hole.” She’s quite happy in the hole and sings “Catch a Falling Star” and gleefully proclaims that “He is coming. And there’s nothing you can do to stop it.” She’s a horror movie waiting to happen.

Sayid. Sayid storms into Dogen’s temple office to confront him about the poison. He wants to know why they hooked him up to the machine and why they tried to kill him. Dogen calmly tells him that the evil side of his life’s scale outweighed the good side. And he’d be better off dead.

This does not please Sayid. He attacks Dogen who, is apparently a kung-fu-bad-to-the-bone master himself. They are tit for tat until Dogen has Sayid pinned with a knife to his throat. However, just then, Dogen’s precious baseball falls to the ground. It distracts him and changes his mind. He tells Sayid to leave and never return.

But just then Claire enters. After her happy news, Dogen asks Sayid to do something for him. He wants Sayid to kill the Man in Black. He tells Sayid the man will appear to him as someone he knows. Someone who has died. Sayid is to plunge Dogen’s spooky looking knife into his chest. But he must do it before the man says a word, or it will be too late.

Sayid asks why he would do such a thing. Dogen tells him to prove that there is still goodness in his soul.

And for whatever reason, Sayid decides to do it. This is the story of Sayid’s life. His only skill set is to hurt people. He struggles with this. He doesn’t want to do it but his sense of proving-that-I’m-really-a-good-guy actually makes him do the thing he doesn’t want to do. (see: every episode that features Sayid killing someone.)

Sayid begins his jaunt through the jungle when suddenly he hears Smokey. *shudder* Soon, unLocke is standing before him. He says, “Hello, Sayid.” And Sayid, like the obedient soldier he is, stabs unLocke in the heart. Of course, nothing happens. Either because Dogen was wrong. Or because Dogen was right.

Our new friend, unLocke begins to work his magic on Sayid. Soon, he talks Sayid into returning to the temple and delivering a message for him. Why would Sayid do this? unLocke promises to give Sayid what he wants most. And what does Sayid want most? “The thing I want most died in my arms.” Nadia? Shannon?

So, of course, either because of Sayid’s desperate need to prove his worthiness, his desire to have a woman in his arms or because he’s just been bamboozled by unLocke, he returns to the Temple and delivers this message:  Jacob is dead. You do not need to stay in the Temple. There is a Man in the jungle who is leaving The Island. You can leave with him. Or stay here and die. You have until sundown.

This starts a panic. Many people flee from the Temple. Except Dogen. But we’ll get to him in a minute…

Right on schedule, at sundown Smokey arrives. He spares no one (very Passover-ish, don’t you think?). Finally, we see Sayid walking out of the Temple toward unLocke and his new band of merry men. And Sayid has a new glint in his eye. It’s one I’ve seen before–in Rousseau and Claire.

Dogen Poor Dogen. He is doing his very best. He is trying to save The Others and the Temple. He’s trying to be loyal to Jacob. But when Sayid arrives bearing unLocke’s message he realizes it’s over. Dogen is sitting by the holy springs holding his baseball. Sayid approaches and Dogen tells his story (dang! that means we won’t get a real backstory!)…

He was a successful businessman in Osaka. His coworkers took him out to celebrate a particularly great promotion. He had too much to drink and drove drunk to pick up his son from baseball. The accident was severe. While he was recuperating, a man he did not know came to his bedside and promised to save his son’s life if he would come to The Island and work for him—and never see his son again. We know what Dogen chose. And why he cherishes the baseball.

Sayid is unimpressed. He grabs Dogen and holds him under the water until Dogen releases the baseball. And his life. Lennon enters stage right and his life is ended by Sayid, too.

Kate. She finds her way back to the Temple (because she’s such a great tracker, remember?) and without much fanfare enters. Miles is the first to see her. He says, “So, Sawyer sent you packin’, huh?” *snicker* He then tells her that Claire came back (and she’s still hot). Kate runs through the temple and is given 2 minutes with Claire (I can’t remember who let her in or gave her these 2 minutes…).

Kate is her usual dense self and says, “Claire! What are you doing here? They don’t have Aaron? I took him. You were gone. I raised him. He’s amazing. I came back to bring you to him.” Seriously? You don’t have any questions for her? Like, why is your hair a matted mess? Why do you look like Rosseau? Why are you singing “Catch a Falling Star” happily at the bottom of a hole? Why did you leave Aaron on a leaf in the jungle?

Claire gets all evil on Kate and tells her that “He’s coming.” and that it’s safer here. Kate hears Smokey coming and hangs off the cliff of the hole with Claire while Smokey flies by above them. Kate is terrified. Claire? Not so much.

Miles. Poor Miles has been playing tic-tac-toe and solitare for the last three weeks. When Smokey arrives, Miles and Kate both run. Kate toward Claire and Miles toward safety. As he’s blockading himself in a temple room, Ilana, Lapidus, Ben and Sun arrive. They all follow Ilana down Hurley’s secret passageway and are apparenetly safe.

Stuff I Forgot To Mention

1. Ben approaches Sayid at the very end. He tells Sayid there is still time to escape. Ben backs away when Sayid says “not for me”. I love when Ben is scared out of his mind.

2. Miles tells Sun that Jin is alive. Poor Sun and Jin. Still on opposite sides.

3. Dogen and Sayid’s conversation pre-murder had a few more details that may be important. Sayid and Dogen seem to have been offered the same thing–the life of the one they love. But offered by two different people. I wonder if this gives us a clue to the identities/powers/motive of Jacob and the Man in Black?

Stuff to Talk About

1. Why was Jin in the fridge? I thought the last time we saw him in LA, he was being led away by the police? How in the world would he get away and then be in a mobster’s care after that? Where is Sun?

2. Sayid is bad. Seriously. Not just bad to the bone. He is officially crazy-dark-bad compliments of Smokey.

3. What’s next? unLocke and the newest Others leave The Island? He picks off Miles and his crew one by one? LA is just the concrete jungle? I’m not feelin’ too happy about the prospects of our final season.

Conclusion

This episode was much more character driven than the earlier episodes. I love seeing Sayid in ever scene. This was the first time both realities were equal. Sayid was bad bad bad in both. He was his “true self” however horrible and conflicted it might be. I’m sad for Sayid. Yet interested to see in where this new badness leads him. What did you think? Is there hope for Sayid? Claire? Any of The Island inhabitants?

Come visit me @oohamanda and ohamanda.com!

                          

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Lost Season 6: Episode 6 (Sundown)
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Go and dig out that pair of Red and Blue 3D glasses and check it out today.

                          

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Captain EO in 3D in comics, get your glasses ready
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Disney does have a recall program, but the last day to postmark your returns is tomorrow. Details here.

This is why companies perform due diligence. But even then, you can’t catch them all.

                          

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Baby Einstein Recall Ends Tomorrow
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I had been told that the Disney ship would never be shown on the web cam, so this is a great change. It’s only updated weekly at this point, but it’s nice nonetheless. If you look carefully you’ll see that the back half of the ship is yet to be assembled. Those are all the decks pre-assembled there on the right.

Also released was this photo of the Disney Dream funnel as it made its way to the shipyard.

Two different photos are available over on the Disney Parks blog. They’re gonna have to change its name if they keep posting about the Disney Cruise lines. (My offer still stands, guys.)

                          

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Disney Dream Construction Photos
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Junior Achievement is a non-profit organization that goes into schools to provide age-appropriate economic education for children in grades K-12. Preparing young people for economically sound futures, Junior Achievement helps students understand fiscal responsibility by teaching lessons in how to earn, save, maintain a budget, manage credit and control their personal finances.

“We are incredibly grateful to have Disney’s support in our mission to help local students become financially literate,” said Gary Blanchette, president of Junior Achievement of Central Florida. “Through the Bowl-A-Thon and the ongoing work of Disney VoluntEARS in local schools, Disney is ensuring our youth will become the successful leaders of tomorrow,” said Blanchette.

Disney VoluntEARS stay active with Junior Achievement year around by donating their time and talent to teaching Junior Achievement curriculum in Orange and Osceola County schools. In 2009, Junior Achievement reached 94,911 students in more than 4,286 classrooms in Central Florida. Funds raised from the Disney Bowl-A-Thon will go toward Junior Achievement programming, educator kits and classroom supplies.

“The Disney Bowl-A-Thon raises funds to create the educational materials that Junior Achievement volunteers use in the classroom to teach children about economics, finance, entrepreneurship and the free enterprise system,” said Jack Blitch, vice president of Walt Disney Imagineering and Junior Achievement board member. “Now more than ever, this education is vitally important, and Junior Achievement works to ensure students have access to it,” said Blitch.

Walt Disney World Resort has been involved with Junior Achievement for more than 16 years and has raised more than $3.45 million for the organization.

                          

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Disney VoluntEARS raise $250,000 for Junior Achievement at Bowl-a-thon
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Princess Fee had never seen Captain EO before. Now that it’s at Disneyland, she’s taken the plunge. Read a first timers review.

Tron Legacy will be coming at you larger and in more theaters than before. This looks to be Disney’s breakout hit for the year. Sorry Prince of Persia.

The cast of 2010 Dancing With the Stars has been revealed. My bet, Chad Ochocinco.

Live in the Tri-State area? You might want to call Cablevision and tell them that dropping the local ABC affiliate is not acceptable. Cablevision tells their side of the story.

IO9 makes a good argument for why the Alice in Wonderland stories are a ‘Steampunk’ masterpiece. Tim Burton’s take comes out this Friday, can you believe it?

Finally, here’s a really cute video celebrating Disney’s give a day, get a day promotion. There is some great stop-motion animation involving post-it notes:

                          

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The Morning Report, return of
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