My Disney Blog

RSS Feed Homepage

Articles: 1, 2, 3

Little Einsteins Milk Anyone? Yum!
2008-04-20 02:27:00
Disney Consumer Products and Stremicks Heritage Foods™ today announced a new milk beverage line that meets Disney’s new food guidelines, while also providing critical nutrients for families and children. Available in U.S. grocery stores now, Disney Little Einsteins Milk is rBST hormone-free and enriched with 32mg of omega-3 DHA per serving to support brain and eye development and the heart’s health through every stage of life. It is the first Disney-branded refrigerated dairy beverage to launch since Disney announced its food guidelines in 2006. “The Disney brand and characters are in a unique position to market beverages that kids want and parents feel good about,� said Lance Gatewood, vice president of food, health & beauty for Disney Consumer Products North America. “Disney has a long-term commitment to the health of kids around the world through its new food guidelines, which require the Disney name and its characters to be associated with kid-focused product...

Walt Disney World, Summer 1978 Pt. 2
2008-04-11 22:46:00
Pt. 2 of the 30th Anniversary of my first WDW trip begins on the Autopia; once again, I am displaying the teen angst that is customary when a doting father is snapping too many photographs. I know how Britney Spears feels! And George, I know you are jealous of the hat!This shot looks like a real Los Angeles freeway—bumper to bumper!My other vivid memory of this trip is my stepbrother getting sick from the teacups; did that stop me from spinning those darn things as fast as I could? What do you think?!? Next up are some shots from the Hoop-De-Doo Musical Revue, a rollicking Old West Musical show that included a delicious fried chicken dinner and a special red Hoop-De-Doo punch to drink. Very cool how the plates and tankards were done in pewter (or something resembling pewter...). The Dance Hall girls were memorable, too, especially the one I thought looked just like Dolly Parton. Once you get past Dolly, be sure to take note of the shiny polyester Quiana shirts my stepbrother & I a...
More About: World , Summer , Disney , Disney World , Walt Disney

Disney history for this week
2008-04-09 04:37:00
Below is an excerpt from the Disney Insider Newsletter:THIS WEEK IN DISNEY HISTORYApril 9, 1954 - Actor Dennis Quaid, the star of Disney's 2002 live-action release "The Rookie' and the 1998 remake of Disney's "The Parent Trap," is born in Houston, Texas. April 10, 1988 - Disneyland's America Sings closes in Tomorrowland. The 24-minute production included more than 100 characters and had been in operation since June 1974. April 12, 1992 - The Euro Disney Resort, featuring the Euro Disneyland Park, opens in France. It will later be renamed Disneyland Paris.If you haven't signed up for the Disney Insider, you can do that here! I highly recommend it!--- Disney Dean
More About: History , Week

Disney Free Dining 2008 is Finally Here!
2008-04-08 03:37:00
After a looooong wait by many Disney fans, the Disney Free Dining has been opened up for 2008 . At this point, it is open for Disney Visa Card Holders, but is expected to be opened to the general public on 4/10/08.  Essentially, what happens is that you would receive Magic Your Way Plus Dining for the price of Magic Your Way. Mary over at the AWESOME Mousesavers has a great writeup on this, and I will not try to recreate the wheel. I just wanted to let everyone know that it's finally here. SO, if you have the Disney VISA card, you can book now - otherwise you'll likely have to wait a few days until you can book this package. The other option is to find a code for this time frame. For August codes, you'll find out about them at the DIS first. Just go to this link, direct yourself to one of the last few pages, and read up on whether some codes have been started for August, 2008. Some feel it is even a better deal to book a room with a code, than to take advantage of FREE DINING...
More About: Finally

It's a Small World Letter from Marty Sklar
2008-04-06 05:17:00
If you're a Disney fan, you've likely been following the drama regarding possible changes to "It's a Small World ". Marty Sklar, Executive Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering, and Imagineering Ambassador has responded to some of the rumors circulating on the web, regarding potential changes to the attraction. I hold Mr. Sklar in the highest esteem, and really feel good about the things he said in the letter. I can definitely see both sides to this issue, but have full faith in Mr. Sklar. Here is a copy of the letter, which has been posted on many Disney-related websites:“A MAGIC KINGDOM OF ALL THE WORLD’S CHILDRENâ€� A local newspaper reporter got it right when she wrote that, after we updated Pirates of the Caribbean last year, “many fans grudgingly acknowledged that… the additions may make the ride more appealing to young park goers.â€� Now, based purely on rumors that are mostly inaccurate, we are being criticized for touching another one of Walt Disney’s â€...
More About: Letter , Small World

Walt Disney World, Summer 1978
2008-04-02 20:27:00
Today I am stepping out of my norm and writing about WDW instead of Disney land. Almost 30 years ago, when I was 13, my dad took me on a weeklong summer vacation to Disney World . This wasn’t just any trip to WDW; my dad was the GM at a local Philadelphia Radio Station, and through his connections there, somehow got us set on a truly sweet deal with VIP treatment. We stayed at the Polynesian Resort, and as you can tell by this photo and the rest, I wasn’t going anywhere without my favorite patriotic 70’s cap!My stepbrother & I couldn’t have been more thrilled to have access to the park anytime we wanted (via the Monorail). Don’t look for a happy face in the photographs though; remember, I was a teen, and my dad was taking photos. How uncool! Of course now, I am kicking myself in the *&^ for not being more cooperative and getting him to take MORE photos!At the beginning of our trip, my dad also arranged for us to have our picture taken with Mickey; not stand in line and wait ...
More About: Summer , Disney World , Walt Disney

Disney PhotoPass Resources
2008-04-01 04:55:00
Over the past few trips, we have really come to rely on the Disney PhotoPass service. Before we looked into it, we just assumed it was one of those annoying services that guilted you into buying photos that the photographers had chased you down to take. In retrospect, I should have known that Disney would have done it up right, and they have definitely managed to do a great job with it. While we don't completely rely on the Disney PhotoPass service, we do make use of it while at Walt Disney World. We love the fact that you can go back and view all the photos online. The PhotoPass photographers will even take pictures of you with your own camera if you request it. My experience with the photographers has been great - always wonderful and happy Cast Members. I wanted to share a few great resources with you, to help you make your decision:Stitch Kingdom's "Definitive Guide to Disney's PhotoPass" is absolutely wonderful!The Disney PhotoPass Tips and Maps page (detailing where to find...
More About: Resources

Magic Kingdom YouTube Tour Video
2008-03-31 05:43:00
I just ran across a really awesome series of YouTube Video s, courtesy of DISUnplugged (actually heard about it on the DIS). There are three YouTube videos in all (links to the other two below Part I), and watching it really helped with my Disney withdrawal! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did:Click Here for Part IIClick Here for Part III --- Disney Dean
More About: Youtube , Kingdom , Magic , Tour

MVMCP 2008 - Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Dates
2008-03-30 05:53:00
The always awesome AllEars.net has posted the 2008 dates for MVMCP (Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party ). You'll definitely want to check out the page on AllEars.Net, but here are the dates that they have listed: November 10, 11, 14, 16, 20, 21, 30December 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 19Tickets reported go on sale on May 1, 2008. Would you believe Disney Dean has NEVER been to MVMCP? That's right - I have NEVER been to this, but it is on my short list of things I absolutely, positively, for sure have to do within the next few years. I became a Disney addict over the past 3 years, so I'm trying to catch up to all the other Disney fanatics out there :) Since we will be going in August for two weeks, probably can't do another trip during MVMCP, but you never know!! What's bizarre is that we were there during MVMCP in 2005 and 2006, but didn't know enough about it to go at the time!! For more information on this very popular special event, check out the following:All...
More About: Dates , Merry Christmas , Christmas party

Spring Sale at Disney Shopping
2008-03-27 03:56:00
Some great new deals on Disney Shopping .com this week, with a 60% off Spring Sale going on right now! You don't even need a promo code to find the great deals. There are a whole bunch of girl's apparel items, with Spring/Easter dresses and bonnets, tank tops, shoes, sweaters, and much more. My wife and I were just looking at some really great items, including their skirts and capris. In northern Minnesota, we REALLY don't get much of a spring, so we have a limited time when our daughter could wear such items. Many of their tshirts are $4.99, which is a great deal for Disney shirts. There are tons of great items in the boys department too! Many tees are $4.99 in boys as well. The deals in the toy department don't seem quite as good, but there are a few deals in there. Let us all know if you find something good, ok? Remember - if you get to $50 in purchases, you can have it shipped for $5 if you apply the promo code SHIPFOR5.--- Disney Dean

To DVC or Not to DVC - That is the Question
2008-03-24 03:53:00
Alright all you Disney Vacation Club (DVC) people! I have a question for you! For about a year now, I have dreamed of becoming a DVC member. I am a huge fan of Animal Kingdom Lodge, so I would definitely love the Animal Kingdom Villas as my home resort. We have some new friends in town that are DVC members (actually at Animal Kingdom), and they were telling us how wonderful it is - AND making us very jealous :) I know many people are so happy with DVC, and was hoping to get some encouragement or even some information the other way, which would help us make the decision. I know there are a ton of variables as to whether it is a good thing for an individual family, and I honestly think that it might be good for our family. Any stories or information you could share from an insider's perspective? Would really love to hear from more DVC members out there! Thanks in advance... --- Disney Dean
More About: Question

April 2008 Printable Disney Calendar
2008-03-22 03:33:00
Looking for a great printable calendar for April 2008 ?  Barrie at AllEarsNet is putting a month at a time online, for everyone to print and enjoy. She's a wonderful photographer, and I know you're going to love her online printable calendars. So, head on over to AllEarsNet and print out the April 2008 calendar! This month it is an amazing nighttime shot of Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom. You'll love this shot! Here are links to the previous months:January 2008February 2008March 2008I always look forward to seeing the photo for the next month's calendar!! Great job Barrie :)--- Disney Dean
More About: Calendar , Printable

Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit Coaster Coming to Universal
2008-03-21 03:50:00
ORLANDO, FL (March 19, 2008) – Adrenaline pumping and music thumping, you find yourself heading straight toward the sky.  Suddenly, you are doing 65 mph, 17 stories over Universal Studios.  Gasping with excitement, you rock out to a song you picked before strapping in.  And, it’s all on video.  Once the adventure is over, you edit the video to send to your friends.    This is true high-tech, customizable, multi-sensory entertainment.  Scheduled to open in spring 2009, Hollywood Rip, Ride , Rockit will stake its claim as the most technologically advanced roller coaster in the world.  The Universal Creative team is combining audio and special effects engineering, sophisticated on- and off-board video and one-of-a-kind guest personalization to create a roller coaster experience unlike any other.    “This is the perfect intersection of the digital age and theme park entertainment,â€� said Mark Woodbury, President of Creative for...

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Starts Tomorrow!
2008-03-19 03:48:00
Goofy catches a topiary wave while Mickey Mouse and gal pal Minnie chill at the "beach" for the 15th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 19-June 1 at Walt Disney World Resort. Last year's popular 60-day event has sprouted runners and expands to 75 days, with a first-ever March launch offering oceans of floral fantasy and gardening fun for spring break visitors to the Vacation Kingdom. As guests enter the park near Spaceship Earth, they'll spot a 14-foot Goofy topiary riding a 6-foot wave of flowers and plants. Sandcastles and palm trees surround Mickey and Minnie topiaries posed on a floral beach towel spread upon a sandy "beach." At World Showcase Plaza, Disney topiary specialists have crafted a volleyball beach scene starring Donald Duck and Daisy. Nearby, a topiary Pluto frolics while colorful Stitch from "Lilo and Stitch" keeps watch from a lifeguard stand. New festival fun includes: Peter Pan's Never Land Garden, a children's area along th...
More About: Tomorrow

Mark Elliot - Disney Voiceover Artist
2008-03-17 12:00:00
True Disney fanatics will likely know the name Mark Elliot , but nearly everyone would recognize his voice. As the primary voiceover artist for Walt Disney Entertainment, you've undoubtedly heard him promote countless Disney movies, movie trailers, and other commercials. He also did voiceover work in the Disneyland television series. In 1997, he starred in a fun short film called "5 Guys in a Limo". I've been lucky to become friends with one of the other stars of this short - Don LaFontaine, as he is a member of our advisory board for my other site - BabyBoomerTrips.com. Don is just awesome, and is actually from my hometown. Anyway, I hope you enjoy "5 Guys in a Limo" - Mark is the one with the white sweater. You'll freak out when you match the voice to the person. --- Disney Dean
More About: Artist , Voiceover

SAVE30 Disney Shopping Promo Code
2008-03-16 16:05:00
Great deal going on this weekend over at Disney Shopping .com! Here are the details:PROMO CODE: SAVE30 - good for 30% off many items over at Disney ShoppingOf course, there are the usual exclusions, but many, many items are on sale. The promo code is only good through tonight at midnight, Pacific Time. PROMO CODE: SHIPFIVE - good for $5 flat shippingSo, if you're looking for something special, or just need a Disney fix, head on over to DisneyShopping.com and start shopping! Let me know if you get a great deal! I'm going to get 2 Mickey and Friends Beach Towels, at 30% discount, for $14 total! Will be perfect for our trip in August. --- Disney Dean
More About: Code , Promo

WALL•E YouTube Theatrical Trailer
2008-03-15 15:43:00
I know I made a post about this yesterday, but I found the YouTube version, and wanted to post it as well. I still think the version in the post yesterday is better, as it is wider, and seems to be much more crisp. Very, very excited to see this movie this summer. At first, I didn't know what to think, but the more I see of the WALL•E - the more I love him! --- Disney Dean
More About: Youtube , Trailer

WALL•E Theatrical Trailer Released
2008-03-14 21:06:00
I don't know about you, but I am so excited for the release of WALL•E this summer! I've been receiving updates from the company that handles the promotions for the film, and it has been fun to watch the movie starting to ramp up. WALL•E comes to theaters on June 27, 2008 - just in time for my birthday - woohoo! If you're not familiar with WALL•E, here is a quote from their promotional company: "What if mankind had to leave Earth, and somebody forgot to turn the last robot off?  WALL•E, a robot, spends every day doing what he was made for.  But soon, he will discover what he was meant for.  From Academy Award®-winning writer-director, Andrew Stanton (“Finding Nemoâ€�), Disney•Pixar’s WALL•E is the story of one robot's comic adventures as he chases his dream across the galaxy."The theatrical trailer is AWESOME, and you can find the trailer right here. I'm linking to this version, as opposed to the YouTube version, because it is so crisp...
More About: Trailer , Released

Looking to Disnify My Disney Blog
2008-03-13 19:48:00
As many of you well know, MyDisney Blog is SOOOO ugly! Right now, I have been using one of the templates in Typepad (they are not the most attractive looking themes), and due to the growth of the blog, I really think I need to "Disnify" it! So, if anyone knows of someone who has experience with Typepad, and can do some great Disney designs, I would love to get in touch with them. I obviously don't have a big budget, but if there are some little things I can do to Disnify it, it would make me sooooo happy. I would really like a nice header, and maybe some Disney icons I could have to the left of each post's name. I'm not too fancy, but if you know of someone with TypePad experience, just let me know. mickeysites@gmail.com Thanks in advance, -- Disney Dean

Walt Disney World for Grownups
2008-03-12 04:30:00
Hello from Chicago everyone! Sorry for the lapse in blog posts over the past few days - have been traveling and the Wi-Fi at my hotel was down for a couple days. Can you believe that? Unbelievable, huh? I feel like I am living in the stone age - hahaha. Alright, so I survived, and actually had to relax and watch TV (and it's not even an LCD or Plasma TV). I might as well be staying at Larry's Roadside Motel!! So, I've finally got my Wi-Fi and am able to post again. I ran across a really nice article on the LA Times, written by Alan Solomon, a Chicago Tribune Reporter. It has some great tips on how to enjoy Walt Disney World if you are a grownup. We have two younguns so we are having the time of our lives taking them to Disney as often as we can afford it, but I know the day will come at some point where we will be empty nesters, and will go to Disney by ourselves. It talks about eating strange foods from a variety of country pavilions in the World Showcase, and much more. So, if ...
More About: Disney World , Walt Disney , Walt Disney World

Doombuggies Party at the Haunted Mansion
2008-03-08 17:01:00
One of the regular readers of MyDisneyBlog emailed me about a great event at Disneyland recently. The event was a 10th anniversary party for people who get together on Doombuggies.com. The party was the Doombuggies Party at Disneyland's Haunted Mansion . First, they got together at the Blue Bayou restaurant, and then were able to explore the Haunted Mansion after the park closed to the public for that day. WOW - how cool would that be? The Haunted Mansion devotees know nearly everything about the attraction, including where to find the type of wallpaper in the foyer, and what color it is! The Haunted Mansion is my favorite attraction in The Magic Kingdom and Disneyland, so maybe I'll have to join ;) Anyway, find out more about this great event on LA Weekly, and view the slide show here!Thanks to Mike for the suggestion. By the way - I LOVE suggestions - so if you have something you'd like to see on MyDisneyBlog, just let me know!--- Disney Dean

Disneyland Dream Suite Photos
2008-03-06 02:54:00
Thanks to one of my friends, I was able to take a tour of the Disneyland Dream Suite , which is one of the most coveted prizes in the Year of a Million Dreams promotion. The Dream Suite is located in New Orleans Square, above Pirates of the Caribbean. It has been somewhat controversial, as there are many die-hard fans who were upset that the Suite displaced the Disney Gallery, a collectible gift shop that usually had exhibits featuring original art, costumes, and Disneyland artifacts. The Suite was actually an idea that originated from Walt himself and got as far as the design stages before he passed away; original vintage watercolors from Imagineer Dorothea Redmond were used in creating this luxurious space. In my opinion, the results were spectacular. Although it was a little sad to lose the Gallery for the present, it can easily be located elsewhere in the park and most likely will be in the near future. The Dream Suite seems right at home exactly where Walt envisioned it.The init...
More About: Photos

101 Dalmations Platinum Edition
2008-03-05 04:54:00
The doggone original is back, and better than ever! Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is proud to present "101 Dalmatians: Platinum Edition " on DVD for the first time in nearly a decade on March 4, 2008. This highly sought after animated feature has been restored with enhanced audio, video and howlingly fun bonus material, allowing a whole new audience to enjoy one of the last films to bear the personal touch of the legendary Walt Disney himself. Fans of the franchise who think they already own this animated masterpiece may want to take a second look at their home entertainment libraries. While they might own "101 Dalmatians II: Patch's London Adventure" or the live-action version of "101 Dalmatians" or its sequel, "102 Dalmatians," it's been nearly a decade since the ORIGINAL "101 Dalmatians" has been available on DVD or any other home entertainment format. Since then based on Census data, 32 million kids have been born and...

Disney Dream CMO Top 10 Finalists
2008-03-04 04:45:00
Woohoo - the Disney Dream Chief Magic Official (CMO) top 10 have just been released. Here they are:David WotrubaTangela Yvonne Walker-CraftJustin Vance MuchoneyPatrick Michael HurdAmy Kate ConnellyDavid H. HawleyMeggin WeaverJennifer SechlerKarrie L. DunkinCongratulations to the top 10 finalists! If you go to the Dream CMO website, you can view the entry videos of the top 10 finalists, and get to know them a little better. You can even vote for your favorite, with voting ending on March 22nd at midnight Pacific Time. The top 3 move on to the next round, which will be held at Walt Disney World. Wish I was one of the top 10 :)--- Disney Dean
More About: Finalists

Flower Power Concert Series 2008
2008-03-02 05:45:00
The Searchers, The Ventures and The Cowsills join other new and returning hit makers to strike nostalgic notes during the Flower Power concert series March 19-June 1 at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival in Walt Disney World Resort. The spring shower of hit songs from the 1960s and '70s begins with opening-weekend performances by The Guess Who, known for pop singles like "American Woman" and "These Eyes." Other beloved chart-toppers featured by some of the festival's 22 musical acts include "Downtown," "Daydream Believer," "Light My Fire" and "Henry the 8th." B.J. Thomas, Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone, Petula Clark and Jose Feliciano are among returning acts to appear during the 75-day Flower Power concert series. Davy Jones will perform again this year during the Coming Up Roses themed weekend featuring the popular Mother's Day Brunch. Flower Power concerts strike a lively, nostalgic chord daily at America Gardens Theatre at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m...
More About: Concert , Series

Disney Resort Collection
2008-03-01 05:25:00
One of my new Disney friends is Mrs S, who operates A Pocketful of Pixiedust. Her blog is just terrific, and I am really enjoying her posts. Her goal is to help you plan a perfect Walt Disney World vacation, and she has a growing list of blog posts to help you enjoy your time at the "world". She has a great design for her blog and it is very interactive! I recommend signing up for her RSS feed, so you will be notified when new posts have been published. I first read about the new Disney Resort Collection on her site, and thought I would also do a blog post regarding this wonderful new line. If you want to feel like you're at Walt Disney World when you're back at home, you've got to check out their new site. It is a bit on the spendy side, but if you absolutely must have a Disney Resort Collection Princess or Pirate bed, then this is just for you! If you don't want to spend so much, you can buy some of the spa and bath products, with some items less than $10. A robe will set you ...

Casa de Fritos
2008-02-28 04:23:00
I have been a little behind in my posts, and figured it was time to make a contribution, so here goes! Today’s post is about the Casa de Fritos Restaurant, and the other incarnations that have occupied that space in Frontierland. Here is the original poster:It is a little known fact that Casa de Fritos started off on New Orleans Street:Opening in August 1955, they quickly outgrew their space, and moved over to the area by the Pack Mules into the location that formerly was the Marshall’s Office. Meanwhile, back over on New Orleans Street, Don DeFore took over the cramped restaurant/kitchen area and turned it into The Silver Banjo Barbecue. But that’s another story...One of the favorite things about Casa de Fritos was the large statue of The Frito Kid; you could drop a nickel into the machine, the kid would "say" (via a taped message of course): “Hey Klondike, how about digging up another bag of those crisp, golden Fritos!� A bag would slide down from the chute and into the...

Mickey's Ten Commandments
2008-02-28 01:31:00
I just ran across the link to Marty Sklar explaining his "Mickey's Ten Commandments ". Marty Sklar is an unbelievable person, and I think of him as the Walt Disney of today. Amazing to hear him explain his Ten Commandments. These 10 points can apply to so much in your life, and I am going to have a copy handy for daily motivation. I hope you enjoy! You can also click here to view it directly on the Disney DxD website! --- Disney Dean

March 2008 Printable Disney Calendar
2008-02-26 18:13:00
Looking for a great printable calendar for March 2008 ?  Barrie at AllEarsNet is putting a month at a time online, for everyone to print and enjoy. She's a wonderful photographer, and I know you're going to love her online printable calendars. So, head on over to AllEarsNet and print out the March 2008 calendar! Here are links to the previous months:January 2008February 2008I always look forward to seeing the photo for the next month's calendar!! Great job Barrie :)--- Disney Dean
More About: Calendar

Disney Dean's Blog Roundup
2008-02-26 05:23:00
Welcome to the inaugural edition of Disney Dean's Blog Roundup ! I hope to run this feature every week, pointing you to some of the best Disney blogs on the planet! The Disney online community is one of the warmest and most welcoming groups of people you will ever meet. If you love Disney, and are thinking of starting a blog, I recommend you give it a try. Just talk about whatever strikes your fancy, and there are likely to be people who find it interesting! Hey, if there are people who enjoy my blog, I know they'll enjoy yours ;) Anyway, without further adieu, I bring you Disney Dean's Blog Roundup! MousePlanet: Wade Sampson is a prolific writer, and comes up with some real dandys over at MousePlanet.com. In this article, he provides information from three WED (Walt Disney's initials - formerly used to identify what is now the imagineers) Exit Interviews from the 1970s. These are people who actually worked with Walt, including Bill Martin, who was Vice President of Design. In W...