Haunted Mansion Holiday 2011

With Halloween Time coming up at the Disneyland Resort, spooky preparations are taking place all aroundDisneyland park. A guest favorite each year is Haunted Mansion Holiday. Soon Jack Skellington and co. will take over the Haunted Mansion, complete with a new Gingerbread House. As we get ready for the opening of Haunted Mansion Holiday, here are some fun facts you might not know:

  • More than 400 flickering candles and 100 Jack-O-Lanterns create a ghostly glow on the façade of the Haunted Mansion.
  • Jack’s faithful dog Zero gathered more than 200 bones to use as décor, garland, and presents.
  • More than two dozen additional animated figures “materialize” inside the Haunted Mansion during Haunted Mansion Holiday.
  • Imagineer Kim Irvine, daughter of the original Madame Leota, makes a special spirited performance as the Haunted Mansion’s favorite psychic during Haunted Mansion Holiday. Leota Toombs, Disney Legend and long-time Imagineer, gave life to the head that for decades has floated inside the Haunted Mansion’s Crystal Ball in the Séance Room.
  • Every year, a new ghoulish concept is created and Resort Foods bakes up a brand new Gingerbread House for the celebration scene in the Mansion’s Grand Hall.

The six-foot-tall house is on display through Christmas, thus the “Jack Skellington Meets Santa Claus” theme. The holiday-themed Haunted Mansion Holiday opened Friday, so take a ride through and let us know what you think!

This year marks the tenth anniversary of Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland park, but there was one celebration you might not have known about. Each year, some very different teams from across Disneyland Resort gather for a very special project: the Haunted Mansion Holiday gingerbread house. Cast members from teams like Operations, Engineering, Creative Development and Food and Beverage all work together to bring this spooky but tasty creation to life. In this video, we learn how they do it and what they do to mark their special reunion each year.

AVATAR Land @ WDW AK

Description

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Worldwide is joining forces with visionary filmmaker James Cameron and Fox Filmed Entertainment to bring the world of AVATAR to life at Disney parks.  Announced on September 20 2011, the project will see an AVATAR-themed land begin construction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2013, with opening expected in 2016.  The budget is speculated to be in the region of $500 million.

Details

AVATAR at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Announcement Press Release

BURBANK (September 20, 2011) – Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Worldwide is joining forces with visionary filmmaker James Cameron and Fox Filmed Entertainment to bring the world of AVATAR to life at Disney parks. Through an exclusive agreement announced today by Disney, Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment and Fox, Disney will partner with Cameron and producing partner Jon Landau to create themed lands that will give theme park guests the opportunity to explore the mysterious universe of AVATAR first hand. Disney plans to build the first AVATAR themed land at Walt Disney World, within the Animal Kingdom park. With its emphasis on living in harmony with nature, Animal Kingdom is a natural fit for the AVATAR stories, which share the same philosophy. Construction is expected to begin by 2013.

“James Cameron is a groundbreaking filmmaker and gifted storyteller who shares our passion for creativity, technological innovation and delivering the best experience possible,” said Robert A. Iger, President and CEO of The Walt Disney Company. “With this agreement, we have the extraordinary opportunity to combine James’ talent and vision with the imagination and expertise of Disney.”

“AVATAR created a world which audiences can discover again and again and now, through this incredible partnership with Disney, we’ll be able to bring Pandora to life like never before. With two new AVATAR films currently in development, we’ll have even more locations, characters and stories to explore,” said James Cameron. ”I’m chomping at the bit to start work with Disney’s legendary Imagineers to bring our AVATAR universe to life. Our goal is to go beyond current boundaries of technical innovation and experiential storytelling, and give park goers the chance to see, hear, and touch the world of AVATAR with an unprecedented sense of reality.”

The agreement announced today gives The Walt Disney Company exclusive global theme park rights to the AVATAR franchise and provides for additional AVATAR themed lands at other Disney parks. The other locations will be determined by Disney and its international theme park partners. James Cameron, Jon Landau and their Lightstorm Entertainment group will serve as creative consultants on the projects and will partner with Walt Disney Imagineering in the design and development of the AVATAR themed lands.

“This exciting new venture combines the world of AVATAR with the enormous reach of Disney and the incomparable talent of Jim Cameron,” commented Fox Filmed Entertainment chairmen Jim Gianopulos and Tom Rothman. “While Jim is bringing audiences further into Pandora with the next two chapters in the AVATAR motion picture saga, the theme park attraction will likewise bring a new dimension to the amazing universe he created.”

“AVATAR is a uniquely powerful franchise that has global appeal with audiences of all ages. Its spectacular settings, intriguing characters, imaginative creatures, and strong themes of family and loyalty make it a perfect fit for Disney,” said Thomas O. Staggs, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “We can’t wait to give our guests the ability to journey to Pandora and explore the incredible immersive world of AVATAR in person.”

In addition to setting a global box office record, AVATAR has been hailed as one of the most innovative and visually stunning movies ever produced. With its advanced motion capture and 3-D digital projection technologies developed by James Cameron and his team, moviegoers were able to connect with the world of AVATAR in new and engaging ways.

This new venture complements Walt Disney Parks & Resorts’ strategic efforts to continue to invest in its core theme park businesses around the world while simultaneously expanding into other parts of the family vacation business.

Disney Parks Blog Question and answers with Tom Staggs Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts

The official Disney Parks Blog hosted a question and answer session with Tom Staggs.  His responses to some of the questions are shown below.
Original article

1) TIMING 

We got quite a few questions about the timing of our first AVATAR experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, including this one from Adam, “Any idea when the experience will be open to guests?”

We’ve just begun the design phase on our Animal Kingdom project and we expect to begin construction in 2013. From start to finish, a project of this size and scope takes about 5 years to design and build. We can’t give you an exact date but we know that when it’s complete, it’s going to be a truly unforgettable experience.

2) IS THIS A PARK EXPANSION OR WILL “LAND” REPLACE SOMETHING? 

Several of you asked a similar question, including Doug from Utah – “Will it replace any existing attractions in Animal Kingdom, or will it be built in a new parcel of land within the park’s boundaries?”

Well, Doug, we’re just beginning the Blue Sky process so I don’t have much to share about how we are going to execute our vision for our first AVATAR land but we’re focused on this being an important addition to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I look forward to sharing more details as our plans progress.

3) SPECIFIC ATTRACTIONS 

Jenna from Winnetka, Ill., asks, “What types of attractions will be in AVATAR land?”

This was hands-down one of the most popular questions we got and understandably so. While we’re still in the very early stages of design and planning, we expect this land to be anchored by multiple attractions, entertainment, merchandise locations, restaurants and other immersive elements. Our AVATAR lands will give guests the chance to see, hear and touch the world of Pandora and we can’t wait to dive in with James Cameron and his team as we create new experiences that will delight and thrill our guests.

4) FILM IS PG-13, HOW DOES THIS MATCH W/FAMILY-FRIENDLY PARK?

Some of you, including Logan in Carnesville, Ga., asked about whether AVATAR was a good fit for a family-friendly brand like Disney.

Thanks, Logan, I appreciate your candor in asking this question. At its core, AVATAR is a film that embraces strong, positive themes of family, loyalty, living in harmony with nature and belief in oneself – all values that we share at The Walt Disney Company. You can be sure that these are the same themes that we will explore throughout our AVATAR lands. They will be places where friends and families can spend time together getting lost in a fantasy world, one of the true hallmarks of any Disney theme park experience. And with two sequels in the works, we feel this is a creative property whose potential is limitless.

5) AVATAR AT OTHER DISNEY PARKS? 

We got several questions about whether there will be AVATAR experiences in parks/sites other than Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Kyle from Ontario asks, “Are there plans to add Avatar attractions at any other Disney parks?”

Well, Kyle, the only land we are announcing today is at Walt Disney World Resort but AVATAR is a possibility at any of our other locations. The first film AVATAR is a franchise with massive global appeal and its success at the box office both inside and outside of the U.S. – I should also note that as we determine our future locations, we look forward to working with our international theme park partners as our plans evolve.

6) ATTRACTION THEMING

Many of you, including Justin from Orlando, want to know, “How does AVATAR fit in with the Disney theme?” and more specifically, how does it fit in with the Animal Kingdom?

As I mentioned in a previous answer, AVATAR is a uniquely powerful franchise that has global appeal with audiences of all ages. With its spectacular settings, intriguing characters, imaginative creatures and strong themes of family and loyalty, it’s a great fit for the Disney brand and our parks.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the perfect place for our first AVATAR land because at its core, the park gives guests the opportunity to experience the worlds of animals and nature – real and mythical – in whole new ways. With AVATAR, we’ve found the perfect opportunity to let our guests explore one of the most compelling mythical worlds ever conceived. Animal Kingdom also celebrates adventure, living in harmony with nature and environmental stewardship – themes that are deeply rooted in the story of AVATAR.

7) WHY BUY SOMEONE ELSE’S IDEA INSTEAD OF LETTING WDI COME UP WITH SOMETHING? 

Some of you asked why we would choose to collaborate with an outside partner rather than use our own Disney characters and stories to expand the parks. We are as committed as ever to creating attractions and entertainment around favorite Disney characters and stories – with Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park and our expansion of Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park being two great examples. At the same time, we like to look beyond our own walls at non-Disney properties, like STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES, creating some of our most popular attractions. At the end of the day, we are focused on creating a great experience for our guests and I truly believe that this unique partnership with James Cameron and AVATAR gives us an entire world of imaginative creatures, fascinating locations and intriguing characters with which to do that.

What is AVATAR?

View the Internet Movie Database description, and see the “Pandora Discovered” video below for a look at the environement.

Where in Disney’s Animal Kingdom will AVATAR land be built?

Since opening day, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has had two main areas reserved for future expansion.

Firstly, the area to the west of the park, and currently occupied by Camp Minnie-Mickey, is a strong contender. Originally planned for Beastly Kingdom, this area was largely put together as the park neared opening as a somewhat temporary “stop gap” until the next wave of construction could begin.

The second likely area that has been cleared and prepared for expansion is the area to the north of the park, just beyond Asia. This plot of land was prepped around the time of Kali Rapids for future expansion.

View a satellite image of the two expansion areas.

Budget and Timescales

The rumored budget for the development at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is in the region of $500 million.

Construction is expected to begin in 2013, with opening in 2016.

Media coverage of the AVATAR announcement

Orlando Sentinel
Wall Street Journal

http://www.wdwmagic.com/Attractions/avatar.htm

Haunted Mansion Holiday

– I always wanted to visit the Haunted Mansion during Halloween, It just never worked out, but check out the amazing things the do with the Nightmare Before Christmas change over for the ride!

Haunted Mansion Halloween

Things You Might Not Know About Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland Park

posted on September 13th, 2011 by Erin Glover, Manager, Social Media and Print

With Halloween Time coming up at the Disneyland Resort, spooky preparations are taking place all around Disneyland park. A guest favorite each year is Haunted Mansion Holiday. Soon Jack Skellington and co. will take over the Haunted Mansion, complete with a new Gingerbread House. As we get ready for the opening of Haunted Mansion Holiday, here are some fun facts you might not know:

More than 400 flickering candles and 100 Jack-O-Lanterns create a ghostly glow on the façade of the Haunted Mansion.

Jack’s faithful dog Zero gathered more than 200 bones to use as décor, garland, and presents.

More than two dozen additional animated figures “materialize” inside the Haunted Mansion during Haunted Mansion Holiday.

Imagineer Kim Irvine, daughter of the original Madame Leota, makes a special spirited performance as the Haunted Mansion’s favorite psychic during Haunted Mansion Holiday. Leota Toombs, Disney Legend and long-time Imagineer, gave life to the head that for decades has floated inside the Haunted Mansion’s Crystal Ball in the Séance Room.

Every year, a new ghoulish concept is created and Resort Foods bakes up a brand new Gingerbread House for the celebration scene in the Mansion’s Grand Hall.

via Things You Might Not Know About Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland Park « Disney Parks Blog.

A Tour Through New Fantasyland

– Well I know there was a little hole in time in my blog entries, but look what was finished from my last post before I kick started my blog!  I cant wait to see the new Fantasyland!

A Tour Through New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park
« Disney Parks Blog
One of my favorite moments at the recent D23 Expo was walking through the Carousel of Projects, an area full of displays, models and renderings of new projects coming soon to Disney Parks around the world. Inside, there were Cars Land ride vehicles, a model of Buena Vista Street and Carthay Circle Theater at Disney California Adventure park, and much more. I have to say, it was a lot of fun to watch the reaction of expo attendees to all of the updated projects – especially to the model of New Fantasyland, which laid out just what this expanded area will look like when its complete.

The Carousel of Projects New Fantasyland display also featured a ton of previously unreleased renderings of the expansion, which Walt Disney Imagineering was happy to share with us. Check them out in the gallery below.

Which new attraction are you most looking forward to?

via A Tour Through New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park « Disney Parks Blog.

Disney to expand Fantasyland @ WDW

Something They Should Have Done A Long Long Time Ago!!!! 🙂

Disney to expand Fantasyland at Walt Disney World

ANAHEIM, California (Reuters) – Mickey Mouse’s house and his Toon Town world will make way next year for a vastly larger Fantasyland, in the biggest-ever expansion of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Florida, Walt Disney Co said on Saturday.

The Fantasyland expansion, whose price tag was not disclosed, will open in two stages in 2012 and 2013 and builds on the popularity of the Disney Princess and Fairies franchises, which have topped $4 billion in global retail sales.

Disney theme parks Chairman Jay Rasulo said the Fantasyland project, which breaks ground next year, will be paid for from funds designated for the theme park division’s annual capital expenditures.

Plans call for four Disney Princess characters — Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Belle from “Beauty and the Beast” and Ariel from “The Little Mermaid” — to be featured in “fantasy lands” where park visitors engage in dancing, storytelling or a birthday party with costumed characters from the films.

The expansion includes two new dining spots — Gascon’s Tavern and the 552-seat Beast’s Castle. A new underwater ride based on “The Little Mermaid, will be built both in the Florida Fantasyland and at the ongoing expansion of California Adventure in Disneyland.

The second phase of the Fantasyland expansion will be an oversized world based on the fairy world of Pixie Hollow from “Peter Pan,” but no other details were available because the attraction was still in early development stages, Rasulo said.

As part of the Fantasyland expansion, Disney plans to double the size of the popular Dumbo ride to add a covered “three-ring circus” waiting area with interactive games and a play area.

Disney Imagineers, who design rides and attractions, said the Toon Town attraction would be dismantled and its popular Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse houses relocated to another section of Walt Disney World.

Rasulo also announced an upgrade to the Star Tours rides at Disneyland in Anaheim and Disney’s Hollywood Studio in Florida to open in 2011.

Star Tours simulates a ride through space aboard spacecraft like those in the original “Star Wars” film.

The updated version features new digital 3D effects and projectors that let ride operators vary “destinations,” as well as upgrades to the Star Speeder cabins, Rasulo said.

Toy Story 1 And 2 In 3D!


Moviegoers are in for twice the fun and triple the thrills as The Walt Disney Studios prepares to debut the Disney Digital 3D versions of Disney-Pixar’s beloved animated features – Toy Story and Toy Story 2 – during a special limited engagement starting on October 2, 2009.

This extraordinary double feature, taking the latest advances in digital 3D technology “to infinity and beyond,” will play exclusively in 3D. Toy Story, the industry’s first ever computer-animated feature and the first feature released by Pixar Animation Studios in 1995, and Toy Story 2, the critically acclaimed sequel that debuted in 1999, were both directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker John Lasseter. Both films have been meticulously re-rendered in 3D from the original digital files using the latest state-of-the-art technology.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnrWes15DdY]

Toy Story Mania !!!

As I plan my latest trip BACK to Disney! (Hey its been a few years, give me a break) I came across this new AMAZING ride Disney is building called Toy Story Mania!!! I think it is ALREADY my new favorite ride!!! Check it out!

Toy Story Mania concept description :

The new attraction will be placed in the former “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” soundstage along Mickey Avenue at the Disney MGM- Studios.

Currently under construction, with an opening date of 2008.

A next generation “Living Character” audio-animatronics figure will be included as part of the pre-show queue area. The 6ft tall Mr Potato head figure will break new ground for an audio-animatronics figure by participating with the audience (similar to Turtle Talk with Crush), and will have the ability to remove body parts (just like the animated Mr Potato Head).

Each ride vehicle will accommodate 8 guests, with seating in 4 groups of 2.

Instead of physical sets, the majority of the environment will be a video display system, making use of 3D technologies.

The ride vehicles will begin by stopping at a training game, to familiarise the riders with the controls. The vehicles will then pass through a number of games, stopping at each to allow for the game play to take place.

The games are able to automatically adjust the difficulty level to suit the player. This means that beginners and expert players can find the game play rewarding and challenging.

The game play will vary with every ride, and it also has the ability to constantly change. Imagineering are not planning to leave the same games in place for the duration of the attractions lifespan. This should really add to the re-ride-ability.

During the games, the riders will be experiencing 3D imagery, wind effects, vehicle motion, water spray, and smells.

Each rider has their own toy canon. One of the unique features however, is that the canon will not be limited to being just a regular canon, as it is in Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin by being a laser blaster. In some games it will fire pies, and in another it will be eggs and balls, and in another, a ring tosser.

Games include midway style ring-toss, dart throwing, ball throwing. Each game booth will be manned by a Toy Story character, including Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Hamm, Bo Peep and the Little Green Men.

The real emphasis on this attraction is taking the hugely successful Buzz Lightyear to the next level, and making an attraction that has huge re-ride capability. You are going to want to ride this over and over again, and the way the attraction can increase difficulty on an individual rider basis, and change game play, will really make this happen.

WDW Magic Site