Dr. Lee Returning Home To Dine At Club 33

After working 28 years at Club 33, it was so wonderful to return, but this time I was the guest!
Mickey and Pluto seemed happy to see me and I was sure happy to see them. Honestly, I miss Club 33, being there felt like home.

Dr. Lee Waiting For The Next Drink Order!

Dr. Lee Waiting For The Next Drink Order!
centered

The Famous Dr. Lee!

The Famous Dr. Lee!

Need a bartender? Why not hire Dr. Lee for your next special event!

Holiday party, business meeting, anniversary or any special event, you need a quality bartender! Impress your guests and friends with the bartender to the stars for 28 years at Disneyland's exclusive member-only restaurant, Club 33!

Reasonable rates, dressed per request, you'll never find better.

E-Mail at
lnlshow@aol.com or call (951)213-1820

The Famous Dr. Lee Making Drinks

The Famous Dr. Lee Making Drinks

The Bartender Hall Of Fame is sponsored by www.bartender.com

Monday, December 21, 2009

Toy Story,, The Musical

"Toy Story- The Musical" will premiere in the Hyperion Theatre in Disney's California Adventure Park in early 2011. The characters and playful plot from Disney-Pixar's Toy story will come to life before our Guests eyes in this dazzling,musical stage spectacular where they'll be treated to a unique "toys eye view" of life in Andy's room. The stage show will feature a larger-than-life set design, new songs, vivid projected backgrounds and elaborate costumes.
The 50-minute musical will preserve the humor and heart of the original feature and will explore the true meaning of friendship as Buzz Lightyear and Woody transform from jealous adversaries to best friends with an unbreakable bond.
To make way for this exciting addition to Disney's California Adventure Park, " Aladdin- A Musical Spectacular" will close Augest 15, 2010. The show has been an entertainment highlight at Disney's California Adventure Park since it opened in 2002.
"Toy Story_ The Musical" is just the latest announcement of a line-up of great attractions and experiences coming to Disney' California Adventure. To find out about all the new things coming to the park, check out DisneysCaliforniaAdventure.com



DR LEE

DisneyGiftCard.com Offers New Options for Guests

The Disney Gift Card now has a brand new home online, just in time for the holidays. DisneyGiftCard.com now boasts more than 100 card designs, some of which are only available on the site, and the ability to shop based on occasion, recipient or favorite Disney character. For the first time through DisneyGiftCard.com, guests can purchase gift cards, check your existing card balance in real-time and view collectible gift cards in the vault. The Web site makes it fast and easy for Guests to purchase gift cards for themselves, family and friends.

DR LEE

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters

Blast off to "infinity and beyond" as you join Buzz Lightyear in an interactive and intergalactic battle against the Evil Emperor Zurg. The fate of the universe is in your hands as you pilot your Star Cruiser through the treacherous terrain while zapping enemy targets and racking up points.

A) Spin your Star Cruisers 360 degrees while you fire moveable, hand-held laser cannons.

B) Blast enemy targets and amass points, then compare your high-score with other Space Rangers or go for a personal best.

C) Climb up the Space Ranger ranks as your scores soar to astronomical heights each time you play.

D) Save the galaxy, then e-mail your Astro Blaster score home and wow your friends and family.

E)Join the battle online and team up with a Guest playing live in "Disneyland Park."


Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters Interactive Experience... Play Now!

A) Connect live to Tomorrowland and team up with Guests in "Disneyland Park" to save the universe from the Evil Emperor Zurg. Compete to win a place on the high-score board by lighting up real Theme Park targets in this out-of-this-world interactive adventure.


Category: Family Adventures
Location: Tomorrowland
This attraction has "Disney's" FASTPASS service

Additional information

A) Young children should be accompanied by an adult

B) Guests must transfer from their Electric Convenience Vehicle to an available wheelchair to enter the attraction and transfer from their wheelchair to the ride vehicle by themselves or assisted by members of their party in order to experience this attraction.

C) Wheelchair Access: Enter the standard queue and proceed through the door just prior to entering the loading zone, where a Cast Member will offer boarding instruction.

D) Handheld Captioning is available at this attraction. Please visit Guest Relations to obtain a receiver.



DR LEE

P.S. DR LEE loves this attraction!!!!

Friday, December 11, 2009

The Walt Disney Company Commits to Protecting the Rain Forest

The Walt Disney Company announced a $7million investment in forest projects that will build on its long history of conservation and environmental stewardship. The projects will protect forests in the Amazon, the Congo and the United States safeguarding ecosystems that benefit climate and quality of life on the planet.
The investment is being made in partnership with leading non-governmental organizations, Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy and The Conservation that, like Disney, put great emphasis on science and technical excellence.
Support for these projects, using a variety of conservation strategies including avoided deforestation, reforestation, and improved forest management, supplement Disney's Companywide efforts to combat climate change by reducing fossil fuel use and switching to cleaner forms of energy.


DR LEE

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Now Approaching...

One of Walt Disney's childhood passions was trains. From the sight of the Santa Fe steam trains chugging down the tracks in Marceline, Mo., to the first whistle heard in the distance, it all became a beloved part of his legacy.
Many Disney family members worked in the railroad industry, including Walt's father, Elias,and his uncle, Mike Martin. Even Roy, his brother and co-founder of The Walt Disney Company, worked as a "news butcher" on board the Santa Fe, and Walt followed in his footsteps selling candy, soft drinks and newspapers on the Missouri Pacific line between Denver and Kansas City.
In fact, it was a one-way train trip that brought Walt to Los Angeles to join his brother and create Disneyland. After years of putting his love of trains aside, Walt was inspired by friends and employees of the Studios who shared his passion for trains and detailed miniatures.
With the assistance of the Studio's machine shop, Roger Broggie, Walt Disney's original Imagineer, built a miniature model based on the Central Pacific No.173-the first locomotive built in California-in 1872. The Carolwood Pacific Railroad debuted in 1950 at Walt's home in Holmby Hills, complete with a custom-built, steam-powered locomotive named Lilly Belle, named after Walt's wife, Lilly.
At 8-years-old, Michael Broggie, son of Roger, became part of Walt's personal crew. "We would spend weekends at the house and report to Walt," Michael said. "We would pull the freight cars out of the backyard, dust them off and make them nice and neat. Eventually poeple would just start showing up, sometimes 50 to 100 people would assemble to ride. Often, Walt never knew any of these people. We didn't think of it at the time, but we were riding Walt's first thrill ride."


DR LEE

P.S.Walt's birthday,was on December 5, 1901 !!!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Disney Planet Challenge

Students Learn Environmental Stewardship with Disney's Planet Challenge...


Now through Dec.18, 4th-5th and 6th grade classrooms across the United States are encouraged to apply for Disney's Planet Challenge,a free, project-based environmental competition. Formerly Disney's Environmentality Challenge, the program has a ready-to-use curriculum developed by leading educators along with science and environmental experts. Students can learn about science,conservation and teamwork, while positively impacting the world around them.
For the project, students are asked to identify an environmental issue in their local community and create a solution that they manage and document from start to finish. Past examples range from implementing campuswide water conservation programs and electronics recycling drives to protecting local habitats. Classrooms will develop a portfolio that will be evaluated on environmental relevance, student learning, changes in practices and attitudes, community involvement, lasting benefits to students, school and/or community and originality.
In recognition of tightening classroom budgets and the increasing importance of environmental science education, Disney is collaborating with DonorsChoose.org,an online charity that connects individual "citizen philanthropists" with classrooms in need, to help fund the classroom environmental science projects.
Disney is providing a $100,000 grant to DonorsChoose.org to be applied toward the Web site's "Double Your Impact" feature,which will fund 50% of environmental science classroom projects for Disney's Planet Challenge.
Encourage the 4th, 5th and 6th grade classrooms in your community to participate by visiting www.disney.com/planetchallenge.
Cast Members who would like to contribute towards class projects can access the DonorsChoose information from the Disney's Planet Challenge Web site.
State,regional and national winners will be announced next March. The national winner will participate in a ceremony at the Disneyland Resort next spring.




DR LEE

Monday, December 7, 2009

The Trains of The Disneyland Resort

Disneyland...
Disneyland Railroad Opened July 17, 1955...
The Disneyland Railroad is a narrow-gauge railroad. The two original "iron horses" were custom built by WED Enterprise in 1955. The last three narrow-gauge locomotives were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s as real work trains. Each was completely rebuilt and refurbished and has a unique design, paint scheme and history.

The Locomotives:
Number One... C.K. Holliday- Named for Cyrus Kurtz Holliday (1826-1900), who was the founder of the Atchison & Topeka Railroad.

Number Two... E.P.Ripley- Named for Edward Payson Ripley (1845-1920), who became president of the newly reorganized Atchison, Topeka &Santa Fe Railway in 1895.

Number Three... Fred Gurley- Named for Fred Gurley (1889-1976), who was Walt's friend and the President of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway at the time. The locomotive debuted on March 28, 1958. The Fred Gurley is the oldest steam engine at the Disneyland Resort.

Number Four... Ernest S.Marsh- The Ernest S.Marsh entered service on July 25, 1959. It was named for Ernest S. Marsh (1903-1975), who was the president of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway at the time.

Number Five... Ward Kimball- On June 25,2005, the Ward Kimball (1914-2002), the fifth locomotive to run at Disneyland is a tribute to one of the men who helped encourage and nurture Walt Disney's interest in trains and, as an animator,was one of his "Nine Old Men."



Casey Jr. Train, Opened July 31,1955...
Themed after the train in Dumbo, Casey Jr. Train transports Guests around and above Fantasyland, giving Guests a bird's eye view of Storybook Land. (My oldest daughter "Kimberly" was a Cast Member on this attraction)


Disneyland Monorail, Opened June 14,1959...
At the time,the modern-looking monorail was considered to be the future of train travel. It was the first daily operating monorail in the country,and originally known as the Disneyland-Aiweg Monorail System, with Alweg the German company that aided in its design.


Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Opened Sept.2,1979...
This year the "wildest ride in the wilderness" celebrates its 30th anniversary. This classic attraction was designed by Tony Baxter who was inspired by Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. The railroad replaced Rainbow Caverns Mine Train but some reminders of the old attraction can still be seen.


Disney's California Adventure

Heimlich's Chew Chew Train, Opened October7,2002...
Candy Corn! The lovable Heimlich from Disney/Pixar's A Bug's Life eats his way around candy corn,animal crackers and watermelon.


California Zephyr, Opened February 8,2001...
The home of Engine Ears Toys, Bur-r-r Bank Ice Cream hosted by Nestle Ice Cream and Baker's Field Bakery.


Past Disneyland Trains...

The Viewliner, June 26,1957 to Sept. 15, 1958...
This modernistic train traveled around Tomorrowland.

Rainbow Caverns Mine Train, July 2,1956 to Oct.11,1959...
Traveling through Frontierland, this attraction later became the Mine Train through Nature's Wonderland(1960-1977).



Learn More about Walt's Love of trains...


For those wanting to learn more about Walt's train fascination, here are some great places to start:

A) Hop aboard one of the trains at any Disney theme park in the world. At Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort, one of the trains has been named Walter E. Disney.

B) Visit The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, where they have the actual Lilly Belle, Walt's personal train.

C)Read Walt Disney's Railroad Story by Michael Broggie.

D)Every third Sunday of the month Cast Members are invited to see Walt's Carolwood barn at Griffith Park from 11a.m.-3p.m.

E)Now through Jan.19,visit the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda to see the annual Holiday Train Festival. Models of Ward Kimball's two steam trains and original pieces of the Monorail will be on display.


ALL ABOARD!!! DR LEE

Friday, December 4, 2009

A Magical Season at the Disneyland Resort

This year the Disneyland Resort celebrated its most successful Halloween season to date, and demonstrated that the Resort creates unique experiences for traditional non-peak seasons.
Now through Jan.3,2010, we bring back another fantastic seasonal experience where families come together- the Disneyland Resort will transform into a winter wonderland and shine more brightly than ever.
In "it's a small world" Holiday, the North America room will celebrate its debut and will showcase the farmland scene decorated in corn wreaths and trees. The Wild West will feature prairie dogs wearing Santa hats, cactus holiday trees, snowmen created out of wagon wheels, and "snowflake" dream catchers in the Native American scene. Even the Woody and Jessie dolls from Disney/Pixar's Toy Story will be adorned with holiday attire. Other festive international decorations return to "it's a small world" Holiday transforming the attraction into a worldwide celebration exhibiting more than 300,000 glittering lights.
"A Christmas Fantasy" parade returns to dazzle Guests daily in Disneyland Park. For the first time this year, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger and Eeyore will ride their sleighs down Main Street,U.S.A. and spread holiday cheer along with returning favorites including Mickey and Minnie Mouse, toy soldiers, Disney Princesses and more.
Other returning holiday offerings include winter dressings adorning Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle, where after dark, holiday embellishments capture the magic of the season. The Disneyland Christmas tree in Town Square will shine bright with more than 62,000 energy-efficient LEDS twinkling nightly in the holiday light show.
"Believe...In Holiday Magic" fireworks spectacular also returns this holiday season and will illuminate the skies above Disneyland Park ending with a touching finale including a climactic snowfall down Main Street,U.S.A., "it's a small world" mall and New Orleans Square.
Disney's California Adventure will set the mood at the Main Entrance where the "CALIFORNIA" letters transform into swirling red and white peppermint sticks. The festive decor continues along Paradise Bat boardwalk including a 30-foot tall Christmas tree and wreaths. Santa Claus will make an appearance and greet Guests in his Victorian-themed holiday gazebo at the Paradise Bay boardwalk.


DR LEE

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Your Christmas list,"please"..............

Happy Holidays to everyone! With Christmas only 25 days away,tell me, DR LEE,what is it that you want for Christmas! You can do so at the bottom of this in the "comment" section.

Since I can not send out Christmas cards to everyone who reads this,here goes.......


To all my friends,family and those who love "Disney," I,DR LEE, wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas,a Happy New Year,and Health to all.


YOU ARE THE BEST...

DR LEE

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Fun Facts

Holiday decorations on Main Street, U.S.A.!

1...7,410 total feet of ribbon is used to make 812 bows. That's 1.4 miles of ribbon!

2...79,000 ornaments

3...2,015 feet of garland

4...10,395 lights

5...2,365 ornaments on Main Street, U.S.A Tree alone in addition to all other ornaments used on Main Street,U.S.A.

DR LEE

Candlelight Makes a Grandioso Return

Dating back to 1958, the Candlelight Processional & Ceremony is one of the oldest and most beloved holiday traditions at Disneyland Park. Every year, hundreds of candle-carrying choir members from local communities proceed down Main Street,U.S.A. to illuminate Town Square. Among choir members are Disney Cast Members and employees who sing in the Cast Choir to help form a living Christmas tree. Above the pinnacle of the living Christmas tree, on the roof of the Main Street Train Station, are eight fanfare trumpeters who create a grandiose presence throughtout the ceremony.
"It's not just a normal job- we make music happen in an unusual situation which makes this job a thrilling challenge," said Kurt Curtis, 14-year veteran and leader of the fanfare trumpeters for all special events at the resort, including the Candlelight Ceremony. "The height and the intensity of what we play during Candlelight make this role interesting."
"All fanfare trumpeters go through harness training and are tethered in by a full body harness for safety of the performers. We have to factor in high elevation, winds, a powerful musical score and not being able to see the conductor very well due to the blinding show lights."
The Disney Cast Choir, led by Jackie Gilhausen from Disney Vacation Club, helps set the stage with a living Christmas tree.
"The Cast Choir starts weekly rehearsals for Candlelight beginning in September," said Jackie. "I continue to participate in this annual tradition because the people in the choir are amazing and I love meeting people from all over The Walt Disney Company that come together in a program that has remained mostly unchanged from its begining!"
This year, the Candlelight Processional & Ceremony will take place on Dec. 5 and 6 with performances at 5:30 and 8 p.m. in Town Square in Disnyland Park.


DR LEE

P.S. DR LEE sang in the Candlelight for about four years,mid 90"s, was at the base of the living Christmas tree(right above the narrator)..still remember most of the music.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

GREEN CHRISTMAS PARTYS

Hosting a Green Party...

While many over-in-dulge at holiday parties, perhaps you can take a wiser approach and " under-in-dulge"... at least when it comes to "green" hosting and taking care of the planet as well as your guests.
So, how do you host a party and- in the spirit of winter-keep the festivities evergreen? Follow these few tips...

Use the fancy china... Avoid disposable tableware. Serve with real plates, silverware and cloth napkins. Load up the dishwasher at the end of the night rather than loading up the landfill. If you don't have enough plates, host a potluck and have friends sign up to bring their own dishes.

Toast the night away... For beverages, use stemware that can be cleaned at the end of the night. Save money by placing water or other drinks in pitchers versus purchasing bottled beverages. Add sliced citrus or other fruits to flavor water.

Don't forget to RSVP... Ask guests to RSVP. This way you can plan portions to ensure adequate cuisine without being wasteful. Become a "locavore"(person who eats food grown or produced locally) and visit the farmers market in your area to save gas from driving store to store.
Encourage guests to take home leftovers on the plates the brought- did you really want to do their dishes anyway?

Sending the Greenest Gift of All... Good things come in small packages, especially when they aren't wrapped. When mailing items, consider gift cards, movie vouchers, or restaurant certificates. These are great alternatives to packaged and wrapped holiday presents and most can be purchased online to avoid the stress of store shopping. Additionally, this saves the recipient from creating fuel emissions by driving to pick up their gifts. Also, consider an e-gift, redeemable online such as donating funds in someone's name for their favorite cause or a music download service like iTune.


DR LEE

Monday, November 23, 2009

New Disney Park in Shanghai

The Walt Disney Company has announced that the Project Application Report (PAR) for a Disney theme park in the Pudong district of Shanghai has received approval from the relevant authorities of the central government of China.
" China is one of the most dynamic, exiciting and important countries in the world, and this approval marks a very significant milestone for The Walt Disney Company in mainland China," said Bob Iger, president and CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
The PAR approval will enable Disney and its Shanghai partners to move forward toward a final agreement to build and operate the park and begin preliminary development work. Upon completion of the final agreement, the project's initial phase would include a Magic Kingdom-style theme park with characteristics tailored to the Shanghai region and other amenities consistent with Disney's destination resorts worldwide.

DR LEE

Friday, November 20, 2009

The MVPS... 10 Memorable ESPN Telecasts...

ESPN Celebrates 20 years of bringing the best Baseball coverage on Television to Fans!!

May 28,1990... Rickey Henderson breaks Ty cobb's American League record for career stolen bases.

June 29, 1990... ESPN televises back-to-back no-hitters. Oakland's Dave Stewart throws a no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays, then Los Angeles Fernando Valenzuela pitches a no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals.

July 31,1990... Texas Nolan Ryan earns his 300th career victory.

September 6, 1995... Baltimore's Cal Ripken, Jr. breaks Lou Gehrig's record by playing in his 2,131st consecutive game.

October 2,1995... ESPN televises the first one-game playoff since 1980, as the Seattle Mariners defeat the visiting California Angels.

September 7, 1998... St. Louis Mark McGwire ties Roger Maris with his 61st home run of the season.

May 29, 2000... On Memorial Day, Oakland second baseman Randy Velarde completes the first unassisted triple play since 1994 and only the 11th in Major League history.

October 9, 2005... Houston's Chris Burke hits a walk-off home run in the 18th inning of the Astros NLDS-clinching win, 7-6, over the Atlanta Braves in Game 4.

Augest 7, 2007... San Francisco's Barry Bonds breaks Hank Aaron's home run record with his 756th career home run.

September 21, 2008... The New York Yankees beat the Baltimore Orioles,7-3, in the final game at Yankee Stadium.


DR LEE

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Celebrate Today!

Tiana's Showboat Jubilee(Rivers of America)... Come celebrate "Mardi Gras style" with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen (from Disney's upcoming animated feature The Princess and the Frog, in theaters Dec. 11th) in this all-new, toe-tappin, hand-clappin riverboat extravaganza along the Rivers of America.

The Disney Gallery... Check out one-of-a-kind artwork on display, plus purchase print-on-demand posters and other unique merchandise.

Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue (Frontierland)... Celebrate in Wild West style with barbecue ribs, chicken and all the fixin's.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (Fantasyland, Sleeping Beauty Castle)... Let our Fairy Godmothers-in-training turn your little girl into a beautiful princess before your very eyes.

DR LEE

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Captured in Time: Walt Disney at His Personal Best

Preserving and presenting Walt Disney's personal legacy is the driving force behind the new Walt Disney Family Museum, which opened in San Francisco on Oct. 1. Seeing and hearing Walt talk about his childhood, his family life and his innovations adds a compelling aspect that renderings, photos and plaques alone cannot achieve.
And while Cast Members may know plenty about the park he created but little about the man himself, the museum provides the backstory behind several of Walt's innovations.
Sharing his private life via family home movies and personal artifacts, and seeing Walt at various stages in his life creates a connection between the museum visitor and Walt. One might almost feel they are looking back into a long lost family album when they witness his wedding day or spend time in the pool at home with the kids.
The museum presents Walt's life in 10 chronological exibits that feature items ranging from original documents and objects to interactive components such as listening stations and touch-screen tables. There are a variety of objects on display-including animation cels, Walt's high school notebook doodles, a fiddle owned by Walt's father and a whole roomful of the awards Walt received in his life.
The opening of the Walt Disney Family Museum occurs during a year that marks a significant milestone in Disney history that may go largely unnoticed: This year, Disney marks its 43rd year without Walt- the same number of years he led his company before passing away in 1966.
So as Disney begins an era that sees it existing more years without Walt than with him, it seems an appropriate time for this museum to come along and remind us that The Walt Disney Company was- and still is- all about Walt Disney.


DR LEE

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Meet the Characters from The Princess and the Frog...

Walt Disney Pictures " The Princess and the Frog" is an animated musical comedy set in New Orleans. This modern twist on a classic tale features a beautiful girl, a frog prince and a fateful kiss that leads them on an adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana.

Tiana... is a bright and resourceful 19-year-old who dreams of opening her own restaurant, inspired by her late father's advice of dreaming big and working hard to achieve her goals.

Prince Naveen... is a handsome, exotic prince visiting from far-off country of Maldonia. Naveen is financially cut off by his parents because of his gallivanting ways.

Dr. Facilier... is a sinister, charismatic practitioner who lures unsuspecting "marks" into deals where they technically receive whatever they want, but are left much worse off they they were before.

Charlotte La Bouff... is Tiana's childhood friend as well as an enthusiastic and very spoiled debutante with a big heart. When she sees an opportunity to realize her childhood dream of becoming a genuine princess, she is determined to make it happen.

Louis... is a huge, fun loving alligator with a love for jazz. A self-taught trumpet player, Louis desperately yearns to play for an audience of appreciative humans while trying not to scare them silly.

Ray... is a lovesick Cajun firefly, always beaming positive energy, spreading light and always looking on the bright side.

Mama Odie... is a 200-year-old blind Fairy Godmother who lives deep in the Louisiana bayou with Juju her "seeing-eye snake".


In theaters December 11,2010...


DR LEE

Monday, November 16, 2009

Xmas at Disneyland, All is Bright

It's a small world... Listen as the childern of the world celebrate the season in song!

Sleeping Beauty's "Winter Castle"... Each evening, watch this majestic castle transform into a shining, icicle-adorned spectacle!

A Christmas Fantasy Parade... Join the celebration as Main Street, U.S.A. comes to life with marching toy soldiers, dancing Disney Characters and more!

Believe in holiday magic... Feel the spirit of the season take hold as the night sky fills with brilliant colors- and snow falls in an unforgettable finale.

Santa's Reindeer Round-up...Meet Santa and his team of reindeer, in person, over at Big Thunder Ranch!

Haunted Mansion Holiday... See what happens when Halloween and Christmas collide!



Celebrate All Year... Apply the price of today's ticket toward the purchase of an Annual Passport at any Main Entrance Ticket Booth during your visit!



DR LEE

Friday, November 13, 2009

Reading the Future

When you're the world's largest childern's publisher and you sell more than 750 million books and magazines in 85 countries and 75 different languages each year, what could you possibly do next? Take your library online, of course! With Disney Digital Books (Disney Digital books.com), Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) has turned the page on traditional story time by introducing a new, cutting-edge way for childern to experience the joy of reading.
"It's an industry-defining product," Russell Hampton, president, DPW, says. "No one has come out with a product that is as engaging and attractive, but more importantly with the breadth of content". Launching with more than 500 online books and content from more than 25 different franchises including Disney Princess and Mickey Mouse, kids can dive into stories and adventures with their favorite characters. Additional, DPW is looking to add content from thousands of books no longer in print."Unlike some publishers, who fear the digital revolution is changing their business, we are embracing the opportunity to reach our consumers directly", Jeanne Mosure, senior vice president, Group Publisher, DPW, observes.
Embracing it is exactly what the team did. The idea for Disney Digital Books was initially conceived within DPW by Joksan Acala, Bryan Martinez and Adam Nuccio, who are all part of DPW's Technical Advancement Group.
The team took the challenge of combining technologies that had never been integrated before. And for kids,accessing Disney Digital Books is as easy as visiting a Web site. All you need is a computer and an Internet connection.
" We're not looking to replace traditional reading, but instead give you additional ways to enjoy our content", Russell says. " When we look at our business, we look at trends- and kids have been reading less because they have more options on how to spend their time. Technology impacts their choices. I see it as something that will make our business grow. And at heart, it's a fun, interactive way to read a book".
The Disney Digital Books library is divided into three separate reading levels. Level one offers picture books and stories intended for shared reading with a parent or guardian; level two includes readers and storybooks suitable for childern who are ready to read on their own; and level three contains chapter books and junior novels for more advanced readers.
" What we saw from research is that parents love the idea of a new way to entice their kids to read more", Yves Saada, vice president, Digital Media, Global Books, they can monitor their progress and e-mail a congratulatory,note when they've finished a book". Yves has three daughters at home who have enjoyed testing the new product. " They're at two different reading levels, but while my 6-year old is focused on reading the stories, the younger ones like to watch and hear the stories. For them, playtime is about reading".


DR LEE

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Let's go to the Movies...

To a theatre near you...

Toy Story 3, Coming Soon!

On June 18, 2010, the entire original animated gang will be back in full force for a brand-new 3D film- Toy Story 3.
"It takes place in the summer between Andy graduating high school and going off to college," John Lasseter says. "The toys are actually at that place of being out-grown. And that's where the adventure starts." Joining the voice cast in this emotional journey are veteran actors Jeff Garlin, Bonnie Hunt, Whoopi Goldberg, Timothy Dalton, Ned Beatty and Michael Keaton, who play new characters- their toy identities are still under wraps! With yet another touching story, a talented cast, plus all-new digital 3D technology, you won't want to miss Toy Story 3.



The Lion King Roars into the Smithsonian...

This fall, more than 50 million "Guests" worldwide will have experienced Disney's landmark musical, The Lion King. It is the first American musical to ever reach this milestone and only the fourth one in history! In celebration of the production's achievements, the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History inducted The Lion King into its permanent collection at a special ceremony attended by Thomas Schumacher, president and producer, Disney Theatrical Group. Simba's stylized lion mask, headdress and costume, as well as custom shoes and the hat designed for Rafiki, will join the ranks of iconic objects from Broadway musicals including Hello, Dolly! and Cats. Kudos to the King!

DR LEE

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Penguin Power!!!

When Bob Igeer announced the three strategic pillars that would lead The Walt Disney Company in the 21st century, the terms "creativity,""technological innovation" and international expansion" were revitalized in the fabric of our business. And these strategies are centainly reflected in the remarkable success of Club Penguin, the snow-covered virtual world that launched four years ago and joined The Walt Disney Company in August 2007.
Since its creation, Club Penguin has become known as one of the largest, safest and fastest-growing online communities for families. Millions of players have logged on to the award-winning experience to create their own penguins,which they can use in single and multi-player activities- ranging from a friendly snowball fight to writing a book that others can read.
Just this month, Club Penguin added a successful Spanish version of the community to the existing English, Portuguese and French ones- a testament to the Web site's strong global reputation. "We had close to a million Spanish-speaking players before we even launched in Spanish," says Lane Merrifield, executive vice president, Disney Online Studios, and co-founder of Club Penguin. "It's important to be able to give the global audience the same experience, to feel supported and listened to."
And growth is still on the horizon. "We often characterize our global expansion as not as much trying to go out there to build an audience, but frankly following the audience," Lane continues, hinting that we can expect Club Penguin to adopt even more languages.
Since joining the Disney family, the franchise has also benefited from a successful line of merchandising, including expansions onto Nintendo DS, and a new presence in the Disney Parks.
Still, Lane's team remains committed to developing new content each week to support an ever-evolving story. "Things that are dreamed up in a meeting room are being implemented... two or three weeks later," Lane explains. " And so it really is... almost real-time storytelling."
Lane, whose first job was as a Disneyland Resort entertainment Cast Member, likens Club Penguin to Walt's own vision; "The best ideas come from the kids themselves. So not only are we able to tap into our own imaginations, but we're able to take Walt's dream one step futher and tap into the imagination of our global audience."
And perhaps, just like Walt's Disneyland, Club Penguin will never be complete, as long as there's imagination let in the world!



DR LEE

Dr Lee Wisdom

Humility is the Final Achievement

DR LEE

Friday, November 6, 2009

A MARVEL-ous Addition

Spider Man, Captain America, Iron Man, the Fantastic Four, X-Men - any of these names sound familiar? Well, as some of the world's most famous superheros, they should. But what you may not know is that they are just a handful of Marvel's thousands of characters that are expected to join Mickey -and friends!-in becoming part of the Disney family. On Augest 31, The Walt Disney Company announced an agreement to acquire Marvel Entertainment, Inc.- one of the worlds most prominent character-based entertainment companies with a library of more than 5,000 characters that have been featured in comics, television and films for more than 70 years- for approximately $4 billion.
Building on Disney's strategy of delivering quality branded content to people around the world, the transaction which is scheduled to be completed by year's end, will combine Marvel's strong globel presence built on their world-renowned characters with Disney's creative skills, unparalleled portfolio of entertainment properties and business structure.
Under the deal, Disney will acquire ownership of Marvel and all its characters. Disney President and CEO Bob Iger saided in a letter to employees and Cast Members, "Marvels business meshes perfectly with ours and what we've all been doing to maximize the value of Disney's creative properties across our businesses, media platforms and geographical markets." "Not only will we combine the great characters and storylines of Marvel with those of Disney, but we will also bring together two groups of dedicated and very talented people,"Bob says. "Disney's success has been built on the great storytelling skills, the technical artistry and the creative vision of its Cast Members and employees. At Marvel,[Chief Executive Officer] Ike Perlmutter and his team have created real value by combining similar creative skills with strong strategy and a disciplined and smart way of doing business. They've done a great job in extending and increasing the popularity of such Marvel characters as Iron Man, X-Men and Spider Man."
As part of the agreement, Mr. Perlmutter will continue to oversee Marvel, and will work directly with Disney's global lines of business to build and futher integrate Marvel's properties. "Disney is the perfect home for Marvel's fantastic characters given its proven ability to expand content creation and licensing businesses," Mr. Perlmutter says. "This is an unparalleled opportunity for Marvel to build upon its vibrant brand and character prroperties by accessing Disney's tremendous global organization and infrastructure."
Much like the acquisition of Pixar three years ago, which as Bob points out "exemplified our focus on creating high quality technologically innovative entertainment that appeals to audiences all over the world," the Marvel acquisition will offer similar opportunities to advance that strategy. "We look forward to welcoming the Marvel team to the Disney family and to the exciting potential this combination offers."


DR LEE

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Sharing "Magic," One Community at a Time

Walt Disney once said, " The greatest moments in life are not concerned with selfish achievements, but rather with things we do for other people." In 2010, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts(WDPR) is sharing this message on a whole new level with a first-of-its-kind program. Ever since they first asked, "What will you celebrate," Guests have turned their special occasions into memorable experiences at the places where dreams come true. And next year, the Disney parks are going a step further, encouraging people to celebrate the spirit of service in their own communities with an exciting proposition; "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day."
"In 2010, we want to recoginze and add one more cause for celebration- the contributions people make to their communities every day," Jay Rasulo, chairman, WDPR, says. "We want to inspire one million volunteers- people who will invest time and energy to make their own communities and neighborhoods a better place."
Beginning January 1, guests can log on to Disneyparks.com to learn about participating organizations that can use their much-needed help. As an extra-magical way to say "Thank You" to those who give back to their local communities, WDPR will offer one million participants a free one-day admission ticket to a Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort theme park. Employees and Cast Members are also invited to participate in this new program.
"The Parks group came up with this incredible concept for how they could take the 'What will you celebrate' campaign to a whole new level by shifting the focus to volunteerism," says Jennifer Anopolsky, senior vice president, Corporate Responsibility, whose team worked closely with WDPR on the new program. "We were just over the moon. It will really bring a lot of excitement and maybe some new Cast Members to the Disney VoluntEARS program." A program which, since its inception in 1983, has inspired members to contribute more than 5.5 million hours of service in more than 40 countries worldwide!
The new concept also supports one of Disney Corporate Responsibility's key priorities- helping show our Company's values through our day-to-day business. "Corporate Responsibility is about the good things we do in our businesses every day, like making healthy Disney-branded foods available through our licensing business and in this case promoting community service through a unique campaign from WDPR," Jennifer explains. "This campaign is really terrific because it offers something special for everyone, both guests and Cast Members who give a day of service."
But there's still much to be done before January. WDPR is partnering with Southwest Airlines to spread the volunteer message on a 20-city U.S. marketing tour, while Community Realations teams are working hard to offer a broad range of opportunities that will help guests and Cast Members make an impact on their communities.
As we look forward to inviting the million guests who will proudly enter Disney theme parks having contributed their part, we can't help but appreciate the Company's own spirit of giving back. "It's not just about what we do, it's who we are," Jennifer adds. So spread the spirit of service, and we'll see you next year.



DR LEE

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

The Cay to Happiness

A treasure chest of new amenities awaits "Guests" at Disney's Castaway Cay.

As Bahamian breezes waft across the sprawl of sandy beach beneath your feet, the question that begs answering during your time at Castaway Cay, Disney's private tropical island, is not "what will I do today," but, "how many things can I do today." You can make it an adventurous day at either the water slides of Pelican Plunge or the elaborate play area of Spring-a-leak. Or you could chill in one of the 20 new private cabanas or simply stroll the newly extended Castway Family Beach.
And as you gaze out at the brilliant blue of waters around the island, you smile to yourself, because you know that no matter what you choose for today, you're assured that it will be the time of your life.
That's the attitude Disney Cruise Line (DCL) hopes will reflect in each "Guest" to the newly enhanced Castaway Cay. The island, which is consistently rated by DCL "Guests" as their favorite port of call, is undergoing a host of changes that were designed by Walt Disney Imagineering. Once that work is complete,Castaway Cay will become an even more magical place to visit. All these changes are entirely inspired by the input from our "Guests." Disney Imagineering will continue to surprise and delight "Guests" with our new enhancements.
Said enhancements address nearly every aspect of enjoyment on Castaway Cay. The ongoing changes are also preparing the island for the arrival of the Company's new ships,"Disney Dream" and "Disney Fantasy," which are currently under construction.
Some of the island's facilities are being expanded to accommodate the larger "Guests" capacity on the new ships. The Castaway Family Beach will be extended by more than 700 feet for more strolling, sunning and sandcastle building; additionally, the family lunch buffet Cookies Too and Sand Bar will offer food and beverages for those who've worked up an appetite from all the fun. Later, "Guests" can get set to get wet at one of two new water features. Pelican Plunge is a 2,400 square foot floating platform with two giant water slides and a "bucket dump" the cools those waiting in line with hundreds of gallons of water. The second water play area is Spring-a-Leak, which is built to resemble a washed-away beach dwelling, but is outfitted with water jets, sprays and a splash pad to keep visitors cool. Every family member, child or adult, can enjoy.
Other enhancements include the aforementioned cabanas, each furnished with comfortable cushioned chairs, luxurious chaise lounges, stylish side tables and a dining table. Convenient features include a refrigerator, lockable storage unit, outside fresh water shower and sail cloth for shade on the deck. Amenities included with a beach cabana rental include non-alcoholic beverages, suntan lotion and fluffy towels. A variety of a`la carte services and packages will be offered, including special food and beverage options.
Also on the island will be a new teen retreat, Hide Out, and the popular Castaway Ray's Stringray Adventure, which has been moved to a different location next to Gil's Fins and Boats beach rental. All of these amenities and so many more are born from DCL's desire to keep Castaway Cay close to "Guests" hearts.


DR LEE

Monday, November 2, 2009

Disneyland's Salute to the Bicentennial! Looking back to 1976

Disneyland, never noted for any reluctance to flaunt the national virtues and celebrate the American experience, unveiled its salute to the bicentennial during the weekend.
Called "America on Parade," it is a patriotic extravaganza complete with drum rolls and brusting fireworks that makes everything that has gone before here seem like headducking diffidence.
On the drawing boards for more than a year, the twice-a-day event is expected to attract more than ten million "Guests" to the amusement park this year, a total reached only twice before.
It features 150 dancers dressed in costumes and huge heads giving them a height of eight feet, who portray historical figures ranging from Columbus and the Pilgrim Fathers to space explorers and Saturday football hero.
They march, dance and caper along a three-quarter mile parade route winding through the 73.4 acre park, ending up at the square at the foot of Main Street. The dancers are accompanied by 50 floats whose themes whimsically commemorate the nation's growth, achievements and lifestyles.
And seeing as how Disneyland is also celebrating it's 20th anniversary this years, such cartoon favorites as Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy are out there strutting their stuff daily at 3 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Disney officials are closed-mouthed about the cost of staging "America on Parade," which will run for 15 months, but, one saided it is a "multi-million-dollar" affair.
The economy may be in doldrums, but executives here are bullish about the future of the$159 million park, which has drawn more than 135 million "Guests" since opening in July 1955.
Attendance so far this year is running three per cent above last year, when 9.7 million "Guests" toured the 54 major attractions in the park. When Disneyland opened, it had only 22 major attractions worth $17 million.
Anaheim has kept pace with the park's growth. In 1955, the city had only 87 hotel and motel rooms and just 34 restaurants. Today there are more than 10,000 hotel rooms and more than 275 restaurants.


DR LEE

Friday, October 30, 2009

The Keys to unlocking the Guest Experience

The Disneyland Resort provides Guests with an unparalleled family friendly experience. How are we able to consistently create these fantastic experiences for our Guests every day? In 1962, Van Arsdale France started what is now known as the Disney University and played a major role in creating the Four Keys of the Disneyland Resort Show. These keys are taught as the basics of Guest Service to each Cast Member who joins the Resort.

Safety... Creating an environment where Guests feel safe bringing their families to the park, and Cast Members feel safe coming to work.

Courtesy...Treating each Guest as a VIP and continuing our legacy of quality and friendly service you cannot find anywhere else.

Show...Staying in character, incorporating your area's theme while On Stage and keeping your area clean and "Show ready" to make our Guests a part of the stories they cherish.

Efficiency... Assisting our Guests in experiencing as much of the Resort as possible and being respectful of their time.


DR LEE

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Movie Release Summer 1981

The Fox and the Hound

A new animated feature to be release this summer, "The Fox and the Hound," promises to possess all the universal and timeless qualities that have become the hallmarks of Walt Disney animation.
In tradition of past Disney animated favorities, the story becomes heartrending in places while retaining humorous sequences in others. The vocal talents of many well known personalities join the Disney family of cartoon characters, including those of Micky Rooney, Jeanette Nolan, Pearl Bailey, Pat Buttram, Sandy Duncan, Kurt Russell and Jack Albertson.
An orphaned fox (Tod) and a hound pup(Copper) grow up as friends only to learn that they are supposed to act as natural enemies. Copper's owner, a cantankerous hunter named Amos Slade (Jack Albertson),and his older dog Chief soon teach Copper skills of a professional hunting dog, and Tod learns the hard way that he should not rely upon their former friendship for protection.
For his safety, Tod (Mickey Rooney) is taken to a game preserve by his adopted owner, the Widow Tweed (Jeanette Nolan). There he loses his heart to a foxy lady named Vixey (Sandy Duncan). To continue with this story of Tod's and Vixey's escape from the hunters and Tod's heroic ventures to save both Copper and his master,would spoil the suspense of future moviegoers looking forward to Disney's 20th animated feature.
Production on "Fox and the Hound" began in the spring of 1977. At the cost of 12 million, this latest animated adventure is the most expensive film of its kind. Its release comes at a time when the medium of animation, which remains a hand-drawn art form, is gaining a worldwide increase in popularity and a new following from almost every age group.
In color by Technicolor, this classic tale is from a story by Daniel Mannix, co-produced by Wolfgang Reitherman and Art Stevens, directed by Stevens, Ted Berman and Rick Rich under the executive producership of Ron Miller. It will be released by Buena Vista.


DR LEE

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

New Technology for Guests

In November, a brand new mobile application will be offered to Verizon Wireless subscribers at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Disney Parks-Verizon Mobile Magic is a phone application that boasts GPS technology to deliver valuable information to Guests within our domestic theme parks and resorts.
With the application, Guests can look up attraction wait times, Disney's FASTPASS Service return times and find their favorite characters. The application can make suggestions for Guests based on their exact location within a park. Guests can also access GPS-enabled theme park maps that pinpoint their location.
With more than 90 percent of families bringing cell phones to Disney Resorts, Disney's objective will be to enhance the magical experience through innovative wireless technology.
Guests who are not Verizon Wireless subscribers can still get in on the fun. A newly developed mobile Web site will allow any Guest with browsing-enabled cell phone to access useful information such as park hours, entertainment schedules and dining information.
The Mobile Magic application will be available for download in November.



DR LEE

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Draining Paradise Bay

When Paradise Bay was drained last year,the Disneyland Resort turned the intricate process into an environmentally friendly project that bolstered Orange County's water reserves. The water from Paradise Bay was drained at Disney California Adventure Park in order to prepare for World of Color, the nighttime spectacular debuting in spring 2010.
The big issue facing the Resort:
How to drain and refill the lagoon while maintaining a respect for the environment and being sensitive to the community's needs. In partnership with the Orange County Water District, a process was developed to send the water through a new, state-of-the-art Ground Water Replenishment System instead of releasing it through storm drains to the ocean.
The water went through an extensive purification process before it was stored in Orange County's water basin which added to the county's overall water supply. When Paradise Bay is refilled, it will be with clean water from the aquifer.
The entire process took additional time and resources, but the work was worth it: caring about the environment and the community at large started with Walt Disney and his legacy that continues today.
Our efforts to responsibly drain and refill Paradise Bay were recently recognized by California Governor Aronld Schwarzenegger who presented Disneyland Resort with California's highest environmental honor, the 2010 Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award.




DR LEE

Monday, October 26, 2009

Houdini's Magic Shop

Houdini's Magic Shop has been selected as the new operator of the Main Street Magic Shop. The store, which will remain named Main Street Magic Shop, closed on Oct. 4, for approximately one month, while Houdini refreshes the interior and stocks new merchandise. Houdini's will futher enhance the guest experience by offering an expanded assortment of quality products as well as certified magicians to perform demonstrations.



DR LEE

Friday, October 23, 2009

Disneyland Summer 1982

Seldom Praised Works of Art...


At Disneyland and at Walt Disney World, as in any other organized establishment, how could you hope to find your way around without the visual aids of signs and directions?
This means of communication, in its early form nothing more than a simple printed signpost, has become an art in its own right, with the use of delicate to bold lettering and graphics.
At Disneyland, 14 dedicated artists in the Sign and Pictorial Shop make sure that identifying signs within the Park are easy to read, pleasant to the eye and themed to the area and time which they represent. Their talents go beyond the painting of signs, since they are also responsible for the fresh and realistic appearances of Disney character heads, animated figures, posters and stage backdrops. Although designs and art work may originate in the Walt Disney Studio or from WED Enterprises(the "Imagineering" Division of Walt Disney Productions), it's up to the craftsman and women of the Sign Shop to mix the authentic colors and apply their handiwork by brush or airbrush to any project where touching up is needed.
But it is to the colorful signs throughout the Park that the Sign Shop artists point with the most pride. Just look at them! The Disneyland City Hall, American Egg House, Candy Place, Camera Shop, Antiques, Pirates of the Caribbean, the good ship Columbia, Jungle Cruise, Space Mountain, and many more. Every lettered board, window sign or other display used to identify is a beautiful example of their demanding albeit satisfying art.
Where would we go- wandering aimlessly, searching, forever searching- without them?




DR LEE

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Hallween Time at Disneyland

Wicked fun for everyone!!!

The spirits of the season are everywhere-on land,in the sky, and even out in deepest space- during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort.


A...Space Mountain, Ghost Galaxy, Disneyland- Blast off on a journey through the creepiest corners of the cosmos!

B...Halloween Screams, Disneyland- Thrill to a bewitching fireworks spectacular, courtesy of the Disney villains!

C...Haunted Mansion Holiday, Disneyland- See what happens when Halloween and Christmas collide!

D...The Twlight Zone, Tower of Terror, Disney's California Adventure Park- Drop in-if you dare- and enter a new dimension of terror!



DR LEE

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Dr. Lee Wisdom

Two items of interest....



1... You won't hurt your eyes by looking at the bright side...


and...


2...When I was born I was so surprised I didn't talk for a year and a half.




DR LEE

Friday, October 16, 2009

Good Clean Fun

Regular hand washing helps prevent the spread of influenza...

In the 1937 Disney classic, Snow white and the Seven Dwarfs, Doc leads his fellow dwarfs in a song as they wash for supper titled, "Bluddle-Uddle-Um-Dum (the washing song)."
While humorous, the song offers a valuable and timely reminder to help each of us stay healthy and prevent the spread of the flu.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to help prevent the spread of the flu, hand washing is very important.
Regular hand washing for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or with alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available, are both effective ways to prevent the spread of the flu.



DR LEE

P.S. Wash your hands........

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Star Tours Re-Imagined

On Sept. 12, Walt Disney Parks and Resort Chairman Jay Rasulo announced an exicting line up of new attractions and offerings for Disney parks around the globe, before sharing "out of this world " news. Along with Darth Vader and a platoon of Stormtroopers, Jay announced that a re-imagined 3-D Star Tours would open in Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park and at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World in 2011.
During the presentation, Jay shared with attendees a video clip depicting what Star Tours II will look like when it opens.
In designing the attraction, Disney Imagineers teamed up with Star Wars creator George Lucas to deliver the innovative new experience. The attraction will feature all new visual and special effects in addition to a new storyline.
"We're creating new experiences that are highly interactive and more personalized," Jay said. "We're going to do things with Star Wars that have never been done before in theme park attractions, and our Imagineers are racing towards a reopening in 2011."



Dr. Lee

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Alaska, Here We Come

Disney Wonder adds vogages to 2011 itineray...

During the D23 Expo on Sept.11, Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz announced that for the first time ever Disney Cruise Line will take Guests to Alaska. The seven-night Alaskan voyages aboard the Disney Wonder will begin in Vancouver,British Columbia, Canada. The ship will call on Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway, where Guests can explore Alaska's natural beauty and sample its culture and fronties history.
Before and after the 2011 summer season in Alaska, the Disney Wonder will sail seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from Port of Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta.
In response to Guest demand, the Disney Magic will once again return to the Mediterranean in 2011 with 10-and 11-night vogages, sailing out of Barcelona. In addition to popular ports in Italy, France and Spain, the Disney Magic will visit Tunis in northern Africa and the island nation of Malta.
"We're excited to offer this inredible choice of itineraries for 2011, with cruise vacation options for every family - whether outdoor adventure in Alaska, the beauty and culture of Europe, folklore and pageantry of Mexico or tropical fun in the Caribbean," Karl said. "The unique advantage of Disney Cruise Line is that we offer a customized ship experience that brings families together, while still catering to the personalized vacation needs of every Guest who sails with us."





DR LEE

P.S.Disney Cruise's are the "most"....I have cruised on the Disney Magic to the Eastern Caribbean (April-May 2 2008,seven nights) even as a "Guest," I was truly speechless at all that Disney does for every """"Guest""""......WOW

Disneyland Photos

To everyone who enjoys this "blog", take time now to view photo's below. With the holidays now upon us,gather family and friends and return to Disneyland and have fun.



DR LEE

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Season's "Greetings"

Many infamous ghosts have played a part in Disney films,such as Davy Jones from the recent Pirates of the Caribbean films to the mischievous ghosts in the 1937 short, Lonesome Ghosts. Capturing the fantastic essence of the classic Dickens tale and opening in theatres in Disney Digital 3D this fall, Disney's "A Christmas Carol,"stars Jim Carey as the miserly Edenezer Scrooge in a multi-sensory film re-envisioned by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis.




DR LEE

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

A Haunting We Will Go:

"Disney's Happiest Haunts" Tour coming in September!

Starting September 25 (and continuing through November 1), you can experience a night of chilling, thrilling tales and eerie attractions as you embark on the new "Disney's Happiest Haunts" tour at the Disneyland Resort.
The price is $64.00 per person, and Deluxe and Premium Annual Passholders receive a 20% discount.
Make reservations early by phone at (714) 781-4400 or in person at the Tour Gardens Kiosk in Disneyland Park.





DR LEE

Monday, October 5, 2009

Which Disney Villain Are You

Monitor, monitor on the wall, who's the scariest of them all? YOU!!!


Early in September, discover your inner Cruella...or Ursula...or Jafar...or Captain Hook...or...well,you get the idea. To see what you'd look like as a virtual Disney villain,just crawl across the web to this fiendishly fun site: Disneyland.com/Halloween





Dr Lee

Thursday, October 1, 2009

OCT.9th and 10th 2009 MY DISNEYLAND TRIP

Hello to everyone who reads this! With Halloween and Christmas almost here,I shall travel to Disneyland to get some photo's and then post them here on this blog. So get some popcorn,the family, and gather around and enjoy. From me to you,"enjoy," and Happy Holidays..........



Dr Lee...........yeah

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Summer 1978

Disneyland Ticket Books are a most convenient way to enjoy "the happiest place on earth." Both the Big 11 and the Deluxe 15 Ticket Books include admission to Disneyland and a selection of adventures and attractions on an "A," "B," "C," "D," and "E," ticket basis.

THE BIG 11 Ticket Book includes Admission to the park and a selection of attractions;

1-A
1-B
2-C's
3-D's
4-E's

Adult..........................$12.70 Value/Price $7.00
Junior(12 thru 17).............$11.70/Price $6.00
Child (3 thru 11)..............$ 9.30 Value/ Price $6.00


THE DELUXE 15 Ticket Book includes Admission to the Park and a selection of attractions;


1-A
2-B's
3-C's
4-D's
5-E's

Adult........................$15.10 Value/ Price $8.00
Junior(12 thru 17)...........$14.10 Value/ Price $7.50
Child(3 thru 11).............$11.60 value/ Price $7.00

If you have already purchased a general admission ticket, or if you wish to enjoy additional adventures inside the Park, you may buy a 10-adventure book(1 A,1 B,2 C,3-D,3 E) or a 5-adventure book(5 E's) for $3.75 at any central ticket booth inside the Park. Either book can be used by anyone regardless of age.

GUIDED TOUR INFORMATION

The popular Guided Tour is especially recommended for "first time guests." Visitors are taken on an exciting tour of Disneyland by a charming guide who tells the fascinating story of the history and growth of the "happiest place on earth." The two and a half hour tour,which includes general admission plus seven of our most popular attractions, is only $9.50 for adults and juniors, and $6.50 for childern under 12.

If you have already purchased a General Admission ticket, you may buy a Guided Tour Ticket at the Main Street ticket booth, located in Town Square. Tour tickets, minus Gate admission, are $4.00 for adults, juniors and childern.




DR LEE

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Disneyland,Spring,1977

Banking at the Bank on Main Street!


Trying to cash a personal check in a strange city is pretty difficult. Stores are mistrustful; banks are wary. If it's a weekend or holiday,forget it. Most stores are closed, as are most banks.
But that's not Disneyland's style. Guests are always welcome to cash a check at the most unique bank branch in the land-operated by the Bank of America on Disneyland's Main Street.
Open from 10a.m. to 3p.m. everyday that Disneyland is open, the Main Street branch offers check-cashing and currency exchange privileges to all Disneyland guests-whether regular Bank of America customers or not. Check cashing up to $10 in cash with proper identification is available after the Bank closes at the Main Street Railroad Station ticket booth,located on town square; the Adventureland ticket booth located by the Jungle Cruise; the Fantasyland ticket booth, located by the Matterhorn; and Starcade by Space Mountain. Most Disneyland shops, stores and restaurants will accept a check for the amount of purchase.
"We get coins and currency from all over the world," saided Jim Horan,bank manager and a 40-year employee of Bank of America. "Mostly, though, it's Mexican pesos or Canadian dollars. Each night we send all foreign notes to the Federal Reserve Bank, which arranges for them to be sent back to the country of origin."
The banks friendly tellers also cash countless traveler's checks and personal checks each day. As at every bank, guests must provide at least two forms of identification, such as a driver's license and major credit card.
Even well planned vacation trips sometimes have unexpected expenses, and a guest needs to get hold of more money. Often, Disney tellers will call a guest's home bank-anywhere from here to Maine-to help expedite cashing a large check.
Decorated much like the banks of the turn-of-the-century, Disneyland's Bank of America features many authentic items from that era. The vault door, was originally built in the early part of the century, as was Horan's magnificent roll-top desk. Some office equipment, like an interest calculator and adding machine, are displayed in the bank's foyer area.
And each day, at Disneyland and all other Bank of America's, the friendly service is ample evidence of the original philosophy of service to all, and still one of the major assets of Disneyland and Bank of America.




DR LEE

Monday, September 28, 2009

Disneyland 1982

Good old Uncle Walt.
When Disneyland was opened in Southern California in July 1955,its founder Walt Disney said his park would never be finished "as long as there is imagination left in the world."
Although Walt Disney passed away in 1966, his declaration still lives in an ever-changing and constantly expanding park. Guests who haven't visited Disneyland in recent years will find that his successors are still using their imagination.
Many of the old familiar attractions have been updated or replaced. Remember the "Rocket to the Moon"? It has been supplanted by a journey to Mars. Guests are zapped through hyperspace while up-to-date NASA film footage gives vivid realism to the journey to the red planet. A major new attraction,Space Mountain,takes guests on a dizzying,lurching race through the blackness of the universe. The Matterhorn has been updated with special effects,including a menacing green-eyed adominable snowman.
Newest attraction is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad,a run-away mine train that plunges guests in and out of dark caverns and harasses them with earthquakes and rock slides. It took seven years and $15 million to create this realistically scary but safe attraction.(The original construction investment in the entire park was only $17 million.)
Not all new Disneyland attractions are fast-moving. One can grin and giggle at singing hillbilly bears at the Country Bear Jamdoree and follow the history of our country's music in America Sings (originally the Carousel of Progress). Exactly 999 ghosts,who seem more funny than frightening,inhabit the Haunted Manison,opened a few years ago. Walt Disney is honored with a special attraction called the Walt Disney Story.
Nearby Disneyland Hotel,linked to the park by monorail,also has undergone major changes in recent years. This four -diamond resort is now an entertainment complex in its own right. It offers a new Seaports of the Pacific shopping and amusement area,a video arcade,restaurant row and nightly "Dancing Waters" display.
Of course some things don't change-not even at Disneyland. The familiar Sleeping Beauty's Castle is still there,bathed in pastel light at night. The Disneyland-Alweg Monorail still glides effortlessly from the park to the hotel like a sleek BART of tomorrow. And the sharp-horned rhino still has those explorers treed on the bank of the Jungle Cruise.
But Disneyland planners are a restless lot. They're in the midst of a major rehabilitation of Fantasyland that will produce a virtually new facility by 1983. It is being acomplished in two phases: about half the attractions are continuing to operate while the rest of Fantasyland is being reconstructed. On the drawing boards of the future are plans -still tentative-waterfront complex called Discovery Bay and a "big top" attraction called Dumbo's Circus. At Disneyland,it seems nothing is as permanent as change.



DR LEE

Thursday, September 24, 2009

DISNEY:1965



Any true Disney fan is apt to recognize the name Rolly Crump. Recently honored with a store window dedicated in his name on Main Street,U.S.A. at Disneyland,the long time Imagineer helped create some of the park's most popular attractions,including the Haunted Mansion,Enchanted Tiki Room and it's a small world. However,some of the Disney Legend's designs never saw the light of day. "The Museum of The Weird," which was intended as a side attraction to Haunted Mansion,with a collection of bizarre items-a man of wax,talking chairs,man-eating plants and a coffin clock to name a few. Although the idea for the museum faded away,the influence of Rolly's designs continue to live on in the Haunted Mansion.
Rolly began at the company in 1952 as an in-betweener and later became an assistant animator on such films as Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty. In 1959,he joined show design at WED and eventually became one of Walt's key designers. Dubbed a "true original, even among Imagineers," Rolly's projects included the Tower of The Four Winds for the 1964 New York World's Fair and groundbreaking attractions like Haunted Mansion,it's a small world and Tiki Room.
With his love for the unusual and magical,it's only fitting that Rolly has become the proprietor of "Fargo's Palm Parlor,"where the "predictions will haunt you." "Rolly had a special relationship with Walt,who appreciated his risk taking with ideas."Walt,who sometimes had trouble remembering his name,started off as Roland,then Owen,then Orland,however, the crowning glory was when Walt called him "what's his name." So Walt finally ended up giving him the nickname "Rolly."







DR LEE

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

World of Color

From unprecedented lagoon magic to eye-popping colors and unforgettable music,the upcoming nighttime water spectacular,"World of Color",at Disney's California Adventure(DCA),is destined to become legendary. Debuting in the spring of 2010,World of Color will be a remarkable 25-minute journey of fluid motions,music,fire,fountains and organic water effects traveling through the colorful worlds of beloved animated Disney and Disney Pixar films.
Each night, guests will experience the thrill of watching the show from a brand-new 9,000-capacity viewing area around Paradise Bay on the world's largest projected water screen-a wall of water 380 feet wide by 50 feet high for a projected surface of 19,000 square feet! With such an incredible canvas,the sky is the limit for this amazing show-in-the-works.Guests might even find a few hidden surprises. The fountain is capable of doing hidden Mickeys. These can be found in different versions in the light or water. So one may appear-you never know!
During the show, there's a big treat for serious Disney fans. Walt Disney's original song,"The Wonderful World of Color",was pulled from the archives,will open the show. The entire score will actually be done with a full 100-piece orchestra. It's very intricate,and Disney will have the best team working hard on it.
Equally as impressive as the music are the stunning visual effects,where water becomes an interactive character that blends into an interwoven story of Disney animated moives. The exciting journey begins with Tinker Bell flying through a magical mist and enchanting the lagoon with her pixie dust,bringing to life her mischievous new pal,Little Spuirt. Together they venture into the magical forest where the Spring Sprite unveils the nearly 400-foot water wall as she makes the forest come to life. The story travels through the colors of the wind with Procahontas,a rainstorm with Heimlich,the comical world of Alice in Wonderland and the sea of The Little Mermaid(where Little Squirt leads a conga line of dancing fountains!)before soaring into the "Colors of the Universe." From WALL-E and Buzz to Esmeralda and Dr. Facilier,the water seamlessly travels from world to world and even dances with fire during the "Color of Fears." Don't miss the incredible drum sequence that transforms into 30-foot walls of water creating a mesmerizing wildebeest stampede!
After landing in the "World of Tears," the show celebrates couples in love,followed by the stunning three-minute finale,which will truly be an explosive kaleidoscope of color filled with captivating water effects.
And if you see the show once,don't think you have seen it all.World of Color will change over time,for a Halloween show or even a holiday show. World of Color is about endless imagination!



DR LEE

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

DISNEY:1959

As Hong Kong Disneyland embarks on the first significant expansion in its four-year history,lets take a look back at the single biggest growth spurt for the park that started it all. It was June 1959 when Walt introduced six of his new wonders to the world. That glorious summer-just fours years after opening its gates-Disneyland welcomed Matterhorn Bobsleds,Submarine Voyage,the Disneyland-Alweg Monorail System,Skyway Thru Glacier Grotto,Moterboat Cruise and Fantasyland Autopia.These six spectacular new attractions opened doors to never-before-experienced adventures that left park-goers awe-struck and ultimately heralded the arrival of the "E-ticket"-a term which, to this day,remains in the lexicon of popular culture and is used to describe the best of the best.This boom kicked off a great tradition of "plussing"that continues today at each and every Disney park around the world. As Walt famously said,"Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world."


DR LEE

Monday, September 21, 2009

Adventures on "EARTH"

A male polar bear crashes through the Arctic pack ice in a desperate hunt for food.The elephants of the Kalahari Desert battle drought,heat and lions in a search for water.And a mother humpback whale brings her newborn calf on a journey that takes them from the tropical seas of the Equator to the frozen extremes of Antarctica. These are the "stars"of the new film Earth,which opened nationwide on Earth Day(April 22). Narrated by actor James Earl Jones,Earth marks the debut of Disneynature,the first new Disney-branded label in 60 years,and echoes the classic True-Life Adventures series,which won eight Oscars between 1948 and 1960.
Directors Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield traveled the length of the globe to create the film,which details not only the daily struggles and triumphs faced by animals in the wild,but also the impact of global warming upon the environment.Selecting exactly which creatures to follow was inspired by the path of the Sun as it makes its annual journey from north to south across our planet."That seemed to be a wonderful storyline for us,Alastair says." "We wanted a story that had an epic feel as well as an emotional resonance,and the sun's journey from north to south,which creates the seasons,has a very emotional impact on many poeple and animals."
After selecting their "cast", Alastair and Mark set about capturing their lives in the most intimate detail ever captured on film. The key to the film's visual success was the arrival of high-definition cameras on the market,which,when combined with a system called the Cineflex heligimble,mounted to a helicopter,allowed them to capture incredible close-ups from just under a mile away.That allowed us to film sequences like the wolves running down the caribou in Canada,Alastair notes."And we'd never been able to keep up with the humpbacked whale in a boat.It was revolutionary technology that really helped us to make the movie".
Though the effects of global warming are indirectly addressed in the film,Alastair and Mark hope that audiences are inspired by what they see in EARTH to think about the world around them."We want them to come out of the cinema inspired and realize that there'sa lot out there that's worth saving."They are particularly encouraged by Disney's initiative to plant a tree in the Atlantic Forest region of Brazil for every ticket for the film sold in the United States during its first week in theaters."Its an extraordinary idea that could have an enormous impact on the region,"Alastair notes."Its been a wonderful experience to work with Disney".





DR LEE

Friday, September 18, 2009

Charting a New Course

Earlier this year,at an offical steel-cutting ceremony at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany,sparks,confetti and pixie dust flew as Disney Cruise Line (DCL) moved full steam ahead on two brand-new ships! The ocean liners will expand the popular cruise line's fleet to four ships and more than double Guest capacity with 1,250 staterooms per ship!
Accented by those unmistakable mouse ears, The first piece of steel,cut on March 2,is just part of the Art Deco-inspired scrollwork that will grace the bow of both ships and pay homage to the look of classic ocean liners during the golden age of cruising in the 1930s.Just a week later, on the heels of this magical milestone, the official names of the two ships were revealed at the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The "Disney Dream" will set sail in 2011,while the"Disney Fantasy" will hit the high seas in 2012.
Like the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder, the new ships will keep every member of the family in mind by providing a setting where families can reconnect,adults can recharge and kids can immerse themselves in the wonderful world of Disney. And while the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy will surely embody the casually elegant ambience of their predecessors,both ships will have a distinctive design of their own.




DR LEE

P.S. I speak from experience, took a 7-day cruise on the "Disney Magic" in April-May 2008,gained 5 pounds,it was just plain """""AWESOME,WOW AND WOW AGAIN"""""!!!!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Golden Ears Still Enjoy Disney Life

Is there life after ""retiring"" from Disney? Yes! The Golden Ears Retirement Club stays connected to the Disneyland Resort long after their cast members days are over.Whether through lunchons,group outings or specical times together, this group is true to their Disneyland roots.
What does it take to earn your ""golden ears""? According to Benefits Representative Mary Alonzo,"After 10 years of regular service,retired cast member 55 years of age or more,are eligible to join.The $10 yearly membership dues cover club benefits and expenses".
Members gather monthly for meetings at The Golden Horseshoe stage. The club also takes group day trips and occasional overnight excursions. "The big part of what makes the Golden Ears specical is their connection to our Disneyland history,"Mary says."they talk about maintaining friendships that developed while they worked here over the years.A lot of them knew Walt Disney and talk about walking down Main Street,U.S.A.with him."
Golden Ears continue to share Disney magic by assisting with the shipping of the Disneyland Resort Line.Each month,a team of about 15 volunteers prepare more than 2,000 newsletters to be mailed to retirees and special mailings to Cast Members across the globe.Additionally,the club partners with many local nonprofits to donate time and money,including a toy drive during the holiday season.




DR LEE

P.S.DR LEE has his ""Golden Ears"" as of June 20,2007,,,,,,,,,his birthday retired at 55 yrs young,,,,,,,,sweet

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

New Disney Gallery Opening

The hot spot for viewing original and one-of-a-kind Disney artwork and artifacts will reopen in the former Bank of Main Street,U.S.A.This new location offers roughly the same amount of area as the gallery's previous home above the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction(Disneyland Dream Suite)including two exhibit rooms and a gift shop.
Disney will maintain the bank look and architecture and visually tell the story that this was an old bank that has been turned into a art gallery. Guests will still see remnants of the old bank influence-like the vault.


DR LEE

Great News

Do you want to get really """RICH""".....if so.....count your """BLESSINGS"""!!!


DR LEE

Friday, September 11, 2009

Villainous Additions to Halloween Time


Get ready for some ghostly fun as Halloween Time returns Sept.25-Nov.1...
Disney Villains are ready for some spooky fun during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort.There are thrilling new additions this year,along with returning favorites for the entire family.
Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy will debut in Tomorrowland,an attraction experience with haunting music and ghoulish sound effects.
Guests will experience the excitement as screaming ghosts and ghouls try to "contact"them during their thrilling and spine-tingling ride.
"Halloween Screams"a new fireworks spectacular offered daily during Halloween Time,is a villainous surprise in the skies featuring "Master of Scaremonies"Jack Skellington from Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas.Jack Skellington will return to "Haunted Mansion Holiday" in New Orleans Square as the attraction celebrates it's 40th anniversary.
For-not-so-scary family fun,Main Street,U.S.A.will transform into a magical Pumpkin Festival as 300 non-identical pumpkins will be on display. Lighthearted fun can also be found in Disney's California Adventure when Sunshine Plaze is again transformed into "Candy Corn Acres."
And finally,Guests may purchase tickets to Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party at Disney's California Adventure,a nighttime event where Guests of all ages can dress up and trick-or-treat in the ultimate Disney neighborhood.

See you at the "Park" after "Dark"...........Dr Lee

Thursday, September 10, 2009

The Choice

A...Easy to give,and never runs out...LOVE

B...Easy to give,but not always easy to have...MONEY

C...Impossible to give,can only be gained...WISDOM




DR LEE

Friday, September 4, 2009

Disney News

The Walt Disney Family Museum is scheduled to open October 1st in three historic buildings within the Presidio of San Francisco. The buildings will house 10 galleries devoted to the story of Walt Disney. His story will be portrayed--from his youthful drawings and his first company,Laugh-o-Gram Films--to home movies and his personal correspondence. There will be a learning center,a store, and a cafe.


Dr Lee

Saturday, August 22, 2009

The Artist/Dreamer and the Banker!

When one studies the Disney Bros., the difference between the two is obvious. One is the dreamer, the other, the conservative banker and financier. While their personalities were quite extreme, they were the Yin to others Yang. The perfect combination. One to think of it, the other to finance it! As the years went on, Roy eventually learned that "You can't tell Walt 'No!'" Roy came to the conclusion that is Walt wanted to do it, he was going to no matter what anyone told him. Just think if Disneyland hadn't been built? What a depressing thought!
Even Art Linkletter said it was not going to work, I'm glad he was wrong.

Disney Studio Workshop

Santa would be jealous of this workshop! Wow, it's huge inside and the pieces which are being produced here are beautiful. Sorry I can't show the inside, it's top secret! Ssshhh!!

Celebrating the studio's 50th anniversary

Alice's Adventures!


Putting a cartoon clown into our world had already been done, so Walt did something even more amazing. He placed a little girl into our cartoon world. The rest is Disney history!

Walt's love of animals lives on!


The best years of Walt's life were on his father's farm. There, he learned to appreciate life and developed a love for the animals which filled his busy days.
Even at his own home in California, his wife Lillian once ask to please have the squirrels removed from their property as they were eating all of their lovely fruits and nuts.
Walt replied to his lovely wife, "Well Lilly, you can go to the store, they can't!" The squirrels were left alone.
Keeping this wonderful tradition alive, the Disney Studio has the most lovely collection of tree squirrels living on it's premises. They enjoy the beautiful walnut trees and of course, the many handouts. While there are signs which state 'Do Not Feed The Squirrels', these little fellows seem very well taken care of.

This furry little guy actually climbed down his tree and ran right at me! He thought I had peanuts, but as he got closer he realized that I didn't have any peanuts, but that I was, in fact, just plain nuts! He chattered at me and then ran to some actors who were feeding his friends.

Artwork created upon the passing of Walt.