The Little Mermaid, Ariel's Undersea Adventure:

This Disney California Adventure Park major attraction not only is a new spectacular jewel in the transformation of Paradise Pier, but it will be one of the most heartwarming attractions ever to sing its way into guest's hearts-another great reason why this will be a "soundsational" summer at the Disneyland Resort.
From the moment guests enter the queue, they will be serenaded by a medley of songs from the 1989 blockbuster," The Little Mermaid," one of the most beloved Disney films of all time.
Scuttle, the seagull, will greet guests as they pass throuh the broken hull of a shipwreck before they enter Ariel's Grotto and go under the sea to become part of Ariel's world on the ocean floor. Imagineers are especially proud of Ariel's hair as her mane has been animated to appear underwater, suspended and floating, similar to how her hair is always in motion in the film.
Ursula, the evil sea witch, plays a big role in the story. Ursula's Audio-Animatronics figure is 12 feet wide and 7.5 feet tall. She is designed with a squash and stretch function in her torso so that she can bounce along with the music, making her even more bewitching.
Innovative technological advancements and clever special effects help bring this new attraction to life. It is immersive, involved and full of characters from the film. The experience is about fun and the hope is that guests will exit the attraction with huge smiles on their faces...or tears of joy.

Some Facts:

...The attraction experience is approximately 5 1/2 minutes from the time guests load the clam shell to the time they exit the clam shell

...If King Triton looks familiar atop the attraction's main archway, it's because this is the same Triton who once appeared near "The Little Mermaid" meet-and-greet area in Fantasyland

...This attraction also will be included in the new Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort where it will be called "Under the Sea-Journey of the Little Mermaid," opening at a later date

...There are 184 Audio-Animatronics characters in the attraction, including the spinning starfish

This is an "amazing" attraction,it's worth the wait...DR LEE

Historic enhancements for an iconic hotel:

The Disneyland Hotel has a storied history, from the original 87 hotel rooms to the vast lodging and entertainment experience that it is today. Guests now can stay in one of 969 rooms and suites-more than 10 times the number of rooms available on the hotel's opening day. The renovation that begin in 2010 will be complete in 2012.
The grand footprint in the center of the hotel is the courtyard area where guests will enjoy a new, immersive pool and water play area, restaurant and tiki bar.


NEW HOTEL ROOMS REIMAGINED:

The Disneyland Hotel towers and rooms have been undergoing a major renovation since 2010, which includes the renaming of the towers to the Adventure, Frontier and Fantasy towers. The rooms feature a stunning new headboard with an artistically carved representation of Sleeping Beauty Castle, including fiber optics on the headboard to create a magical skyline with fireworks.

the Disneyland Hotel courtyard has a new look and two new food and beverage locations which have opened on May 25,2011. Inspired by Adventurelands from Disney parks worldwide, Tangaroa Terrace and Trader Sam's will immerse guests in a tropical setting with tiki torches and themed music.

Tangaroa Terrace is named after one of the tiki gods at the Enchanted Tiki Room in Disneyland Park and the new highly-themed bar, Trader Sam's, is named after the infamous Jungle Cruise "head" salesman and may present a few surprises for guests during their visit. The Tangaroa Terrace and Trader Sam's outdoor dining area will offer a beautiful view of the newly designed Disneyland Hotel courtyard.

Tangaroa Terrace:

Breakfast:

...Grilled Cinnamon-spiced Oatmeal Cakes with Island Fruit Compote

All Day:

...Angus 1/3 lb. Hawaiian Teriyaki Chesseburger

...Kalua Pork Flatbread with Pulled Pork, BBQ Sauce, Red Onion and Cilantro

Dinner:

...A different Island Plate Dinner served each evening such as Miso-crust ed Salmon, Tamarind-glazed Island Pork Shanks or Panko-crusted Chicken prepared "Katsu"-style. All served with Jasmine Rice, Panko-crusted Long Beans and green Papaya Slaw.

Plus Grab "n" Go items.

Trader Sam's:

Enchanted Tiki Bar

...Classic vinage island cocktails, beer and wine in fun tiki-inspired glassware

...Panko-crusted Long Beans with Sriracha Mayonnaise

...Tamarind-glazed Pork Shanks

...Chicken Lettuce Wraps

...Ahi Poke- Wasabi-Yuzu Marinated Ahi Tuna


sounds nice...DR LEE

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.`

Use the Disney Gift Card instead of carrying cash. It's easy and can be used throughout the Resort. Start with any amount ranging from $5 to $1,500, and reload it at any time. Available for purchase throughout the Disneyland Resort.

Disney Dollars the official currency of the Disneyland Resort. Disney Dollars are available in various denominations and feature limited-edition designs. Great for Disney collectors or giving as gifts.Purchase yours at select locations.


Here Are 4 Good Ways To Safer Days at the Disneyland Resort!

1...No stampeding (Don't Run)

2...Keep your arms, hooves, tusks and tails inside attraction vehicles. (and your hands, feet and legs)

3...On attractions, stay seated with your tail down (you get this one, right?)

4...Keep your paws behind the yellow line. (Don't cross the yellow safety lines at attractions)

Supervise childern at all times! For your safety while on attractions, remain seated with hands, arms, feet and legs inside the vehicle. Childern under age 7 years must be accompanied by a person age 14 years or older.

Physical considerations on designated attractions: For Safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure,heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not ride.

Courtesy: We work hard to offer a comforable, safe and enjoyable experience for all our Guests. Please assist us by showing common courtesy to fellow Park Guests. Please be respectful of others. Do not use profanity or engage in unsafe, illegal or offensive behavior. Proper attire, including shoes and shirts, must be worn at all times.

See you at the Disneyland Resort...DR LEE

A Magical APP for a Magical Vacation!

Get attraction wait times and FASTPASS return times for the park you're in. And find out where Characters are with GPS-enable Park maps. Explore dining options, watch videos, access Park hours and more.

Verizon Wireless subscribers, text MAGIC to 2777 to purchase the application for $1.99. Not a Verizon Wireless subscriber? You can still use your moblie phone to access select information at m.disneyland.com on your moblie web browser.


Amazing the things we can do with our phones. As a kid growing up in the mid- sixty's,a phone was just that, a phone...DR LEE

Disney's PHOTOPASS:

Capturing the magic is as easy as 1, 2,3.

1...Get a Disney's PHOTOPASS Card from and Disney Photographer.

2...Give your card to photographers all over the Park and load it up with pics.

3...Visit DisneyPhotoPass.com to view,share and order your Disney's PhotoPass photos. You can even create fun keepsakes! Photo pickup and Express Photo Upload are also available at Main Street Photo Supply Co. * Photo's available online for 30 days. Online registration required.

Sounds like fun...DR LEE

Disney FASTPASS,cut the wait time in 3 easy steps:

FP...(fast pass)Check your TIMES GUIDE for a list of Disney FASTPASS attractions.

Ready to use the FASTPASS service on another attraction? Look at the bottom of your current FASTPASS ticket to find out when you can get another.

1...Each member of your party inserts his or her Park ticket into the FASTPASS kiosk.

2...You'll receive a FASTPASS ticket with a return time so you can go play in the Park instead of waiting in line.

3...Come back during your return time and hop on the attraction with little or no waiting.

4...FASTPASS attractions for Disneyland...Autopia, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Indiana Jones Adventure, Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin, Space Mountain, Star Tours.

5...FASTPASS attractions for California Adventure...California Screamin`, Soarin` Over California, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.


Disny SOUNDsational SUMMER!!

June 3-September 5,2011

1...Star Tours-The Adventures Continue, Tomorrowland, take a journey to the farthest reaches of a galaxy far, far,away-with new destinations and new adventures in 3-D! Minimum height 40''/102 cm

2...Mickey's Soundsational Parade! The beat is rockin' the street in this gaint jam session-led by drummer extraordinaire Micky Moouse.This all new experience comes alive with musicians, dancers,Disney Characters and nine newly-designed float units, each telling their own story. Daily: 4:00, 6:30 p.m. Parade Route

3...Magical, A Fireworks Spectacular, presented by Honda! Skies above Sleeping Beauty Castle. Bursts of vivid color and brilliant effects dance in the sky while beloved Disney songs fill the air! Approx. 9:30 p.m.


Disney California Adventure Park

1...The Little Mermaid-Ariel's Undersea Adventure. Paradise Pier. Visit Ariel's world beneath the waves-an enchanted place filled with songs and Characters from the animated classic!



See you at the Disneyland Resort...DR LEE

The Walt Disney Company recognized for diversity:

DiversityBusiness.com named The Walt Disney Company one of the top 50 businesses leading the way in diverse and multicultural business practices. The list was determined by a survey of more than 750,000 diversity business owners.

In addition, DiversityInc recognized The Walt Disney Company on its list of Top 25 Noteworthy Companies. The company was selected for its emphasis on multicultural marketing as it continues to try to connect with the changing consumer base.

The Westside Center for Independent Living recently presented the Full Life Award to Walt Disney Parks and Resorts for providing numerous services for guests with disabilities-including wheelchair-accessible attractions, audio description service and sign language programs. The center is dedicated to helping people with disabilities maintain self-sufficient, productive lives.


way cool, DR LEE

Downtown Disney Shops:

Fashion boutique Apricot Lane and unique footwear retailer Sanuk are the latest additions to the Downtown Disney District.
Featuring celebrity-inspired trends, Apricot Lane specializes in unique items and brand names that included Miss Me, Free People, Vintage Havana, Chaser and Good Works Make a Difference. In addition to apparel, Apricot Lane also carries jewelry, handbags and accessories.
Also opening in June is Sanuk, a footwear shop offering flip flops, surf sandals, and other beach footwear. Sanuk ( from the Thai word for "fun") first joined Downtown Disney in 2010, opening its first retail store in a temporary location and paving the way for the new flagship location.


I need new flip flops........DR LEE

Cute thought for this day:

" God creates twins whenever he makes a face he really likes."



DR LEE...NOTE, TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY AND, IT WAS FOUR YEARS AGO TODAY AT 5:33 P.M. CALIFORNIA TIME THAT I RETIRED FROM CLUB 33. WOW

Disneyland Grad Nite:

On June 15, 1961, Walt Disney threw the original Grad Nite party at Disneyland Park for 8,500 high school seniors from Los Angeles and Orange counties. Fifty years later, Grad Nite has grown into a Southern California tradition, continuing over seven nights this May and June. Although the formal dress code of the early years-suits and ties for gentlemen, dresses and skirts for ladies- has given way to more casual attire, Disneyland Grad Nite remains the ultimate all-night graduation party, with more than 5 million enthusiastic high school seniors celebrating their accomplishments over the past half century in Walt Disney's original Magic Kingdom.

I was at Grad Night 1970, Riverside Poly High School, Riverside, California...DR LEE

Seeing stARRRs:

Hollywood came to Disneyland for the " pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" world Premiere. On Saturday, May 7,2011, Disneyland Resort rolled out the "black carpet" and teamed up with The Walt Disney Studios to host the World Premiere of Walt Disney Pictures/Jerry Bruckheimer Films' "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides."
The charity benefitted the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which received all proceeds from event ticket sales plus a matching donation from The Walt Disney Company for a total $ 1 million contribution. All four " pirates of the Caribbean" films have premiered along the Rivers of America at Disneyland Park, in front of the beloved Disney parks attraction that inspired them.


A pirates life for me...DR LEE

TRON: Legacy' hits the $400 million mark;

Walt Disney Studios' "TRON: Legacy" reached a new milestone recently when it crossed the $400 million worldwide box office threshold, becoming the only one of nine live-action releases from 2010 to do so and the thirteenth live-action Disney film to accomplish this feat. Meanwhile, Walt Disney Records' "TRON: Legacy RECONFIGURED,"featuring remixes of the Daft Punk score, entered the Billboard 200 album chart at No. 16 and landed in the No.1 spot on Billboard's Electronica chart. With the film's recent Blu-ray and DVD release- "TRON: Legacy" is now the No. 1 live-action Blue-ray 3D title of all time.

See you at the movies...DR LEE

Broadcast Services:

While watching " Extreme Makeover Home Edition" you realize that the family featured is enjoying themselves at Disneyland while their dream home is being built. Or perhaps you see a commercial promoting Star Tours-The Adventures Continue at Disneyland or listening to Mark & Kristin of KOST 103.5 FM broadcast live from Sleeping Beauty Castle. Perhaps your family watches the TV special, Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade. Ever wonder who is behind the scenes of those projects? That team is Broadcast Services and they are right in our backyard.
Broadcast Services provides a specialized service for our Disney partners. From initial project request to the completion of the final product, this team of cast members plan project logistics for any professional camera crew that comes to shoot at the Disneyland Resort. Whether it's staying on budget, hiring a jib camera operator or handling talent, this team manages all of the preplanning work.
Once a project is accepted, it is assign to a production manager that determines a shooting schedule and works closely with a Broadcast logistics manager. Together, they set up all the shooting elements in our theme parks, always keeping our guests in mind. Broadcast Services want to create minimal impact on these guests and their stay in the theme parks.
Once a project is planned, a crew tapes all required shots, whether it's a commercial, a scripted TV segment, live-to-tape TV special or B-ROLL ( footage used to complete an edited piece). With every detail already planned out, the team is perpared to capture the moments that soon air on TV. And those billboards or magazine ads? Those logistics are arranged by this team as well.
Broadcast Services also deals with the lighting and technical expertise needed to support all projects. Anything you see that takes place at the resort comes through this team. That could be a 'Dancing with the Stars' segment, a live weather hit on ABC or the video updates at Blue Sky Cellar. Without this teams help,these projects would not become reality.
After the footage has been utilized, what Happens then? Much of it is edited and downloaded into Media Asset Management Systems. Staff Editor and Department Archivist teams keep track of all department footage which traces back to the construction of Disneyland itself. Then, when clients are producing a project and need additional footage to tell the story, they request specific footage to insert as a background to a voiceover or to enhance a specific message.
So whether it's for TV production or radio remotes, Broadcast Services plays an important role in the success of thousands of projects a year used to market the Resort. It takes a lot of planning, but to them,it's just show business!


DID YOU KNOW?

Broadcast Services manages, coordinates, shoots, edits and executes projects for 34 different clients including Public Relations, Promotions, Marketing Special Events, Original Programming, WDPRO, Entertainment, Sales, and synergy partners such as ABC-TV, WDI, the Disney Channel,ESPN, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, and Buena Vista Marketing.


Amazing group of cast members...DR LEE

Disneyland and Guest Service,taking it to the next level:

New guide for guests with disabilities.

This month, a new guide was made available to cast members- the Services for Guests with Disabilities Guide. This tool helps us to provide the best service possible to all guests, no matter how they experience the Disneyland Resort. Cast Members can use this guide to educate themselves on disability etiquette, details about guest with service animals, and tips on how to best assist guests with mobility, hearing and visual disabilities.

Having been part of the magic at the Disneyland Resort, I have seen first hand how Guests enjoy their stay. From a small child seeing Micky Mouse for the first time in person, to young adults having fun without parents to parents on a "date night" enjoying their time together. So no matter what shape you are in, chances are good your stay, at the Disneyland Resort will be amazing.

See you at the Park...Dr Lee A.K.A. Tigger

Hawaiian culture and traditions:

This August, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa located in Ko Olina on the island of O'ahu, will open its doors to the public. In anticipation of the opening, here are a few facts about Hawaii.

Lei greetings of aloha:

Lei is a Hawaiian word for garland or wreath and one of the most recognizable symbols of aloha. To the islanders, the lei is more than a string of flowers- it represents a deep and abiding part of the Hawaiian culture.
During the "Boat Days" of the early 1900s, lei vendors lined the pier at Aloha Tower to welcome visitors to the islands. It is saided that departing visitors would throw their lei into the sea in hopes that, like the lei, they too would return to the islands again someday.
A lei is created to be given to another for a special reason and as a sign of affection. It is a tradition to present a lei to greet, honor, celebrate, congratulate and express love to others for many occasions including birthdays, anniversaries,retirement, graduations or weddings. Different lei material have different uses and significance in Hawaiian culture. A hula dancer may wear a lei bearing symbolism for the story or the island for which the song was written. For expectant mothers, only open lei are appropriate. Never present a pregnant woman with a closed lei.
Lei may be maded of fresh flowers and foliage such as ti leaves, ferns,vines or seeds. More permanent and long lasting lei may be created fron shells, kukui nuts, feathers or even paper and silk.
When being presented a lei, the receiver should acknowledge the presenter by standing still and bending slightly if needed so the person can easily place the lei over the neck. The proper way to wear a lei is draped over the neck and shoulders, hanging in front and back. Should the lei prove too fragrant for the recipient, it is acceptable to place it nicely in an area where it may be more appreciated from a distance.
Wearers should be mindful when discarding a lei as it should never be discarded casually or in the trash. If not kept as a keepsake, traditionally, florals or foliage should be returned to the earth after removing the string.

Common Hawaiian words and phrases:


Aloha- greetings, hello,goodbye, affection, love

Aloha kakahiaka- good morning

Aloha 'auinala- good afternoon

Aloha ahiahi- good evening

Plural word for lei: lei (same as singular)



Aloha, see you in Hawaii...DR LEE

May 28,1966- 'it's a small world' opens at Disneyland Park:

Walt Disney's vision of brotherhood and friendship was brought to life by Disney Legend Mary Blair for the 1964 New York World's Fair. When the attraction was moved to Disneyland Park in 1966, Mary also designed the fanciful external facade. The soundtrack "it's a small world" was written by Richard and Robert Sherman from Walt's clear instructions-that the song represent childern as the light of the future, worldwide. The song may be the catchiest Disney attraction theme song of all time, also enjoyed by visitors to the Walt Disney World Resort, Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris and the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

Let's all sing... "it's a small world after all,"...........DR LEE