2012: A year to remember:

While the summer of 2012 was an unforgettable time in Disneyland Resort history as we celebrated the transformation of Disney California Adventure Park, there were countless other moments and milestones throughtout 2012 that truly made this a year to remember.

January...

11th...Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe...Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, named for the Sherman Brother's famous song from "Mary Poppins," opened its door in the former Plaza Pavilion building on Main Street, U.S.A., offering bakery goods, deli sandwiches, soups and salads.

 20th...Disneyland Hotel renovation celebration...Hundreds of Cast Members celebrated the completion of the Disneyland Hotel renovation,including the transformation of the three towers,a restyled lobby, convention center and makeover of its 975 Guest rooms. Also big hits: the new Tangaroa Terrance restaurant, Trader Sam's- Enchanted Tiki Bar, recreation area and water slides.

 29th...First Tinker Bell Half Marathon...Nearly 12,000 runners,11,000 of them women, "took flight" in the inaugural Tinker Bell Half Marathon. The female-focused event flew along a new 13.1- mile course through the Disneyland Resort and city of Anaheim.

Febuary...

1st...Third -shift celebration...Third-shift Cast Members were honored with a "Cars"-themed banquet at the Disneyland Hotel. The annual celebration pays tribute to 1,000-plus cast Members.

25th...Time capsule buried...More than 100 items were buried in a steel case under Disney California Adventure Park during construction leading up to the park's grand opening. Among the items to be opened in 25 years are an ElecTRONica shirt, a "World of Color" cap-and a letter from Walt Disney's daughter, Diane Disney Miller.

29th...One More Disney Day...Disneyland Park and Magic Kingdom Park marked leap year with One More Disney Day, the first time both parks stayed open for 24 hours simultaneously.

March...

13th...Heros Work Here... The Walt Disney Company launched Heros Work Here, an initiative aimed at providing career opportunities for returning U.S. veterans.

17-18th...SIGNin` in the Street...Thousands of Guests visited the Downtown Disney District for a celebration of creativity in the deaf and hearing-impaired community.

31st...Disney Fantasy maiden voyage...After traveling more the 5,100 miles to its homeport at Port Canaveral, Fla., the Disney Fantasy carried 4,000 Guests and 1,450 Crew Members on its maiden voyage to Caribbean destinations.

April...

2nd...VoluntEARS of the Year...Diversity Resource Group HOLA was named the VoluntEAR Team of the Year and documentation speciallist Rachelle Allen was recognized as VoluntEAR of the Year.

22nd...Earth Day...Disney encouraged Cast Members to "Get Outside" with tips and events to heighten appreciation of our planet.;

May...

2nd...Gibson Girl and Candy Palace... A newly remodeled Candy Palace and Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor debuted to the delight of sweet-tooth Guests at Disneyland Park.

5-25th...Cast Showcsae debuts...Nearly 18,000 Cast Members attended the award-winning Cast Showcase to learn about new summer offerings at the Disneyland Resort.

10th...Window dedicated to Alice Davis...Costume designer extraordinaire and beloved Disney Legend Alice Davis received a window on Main Street,U.S.A.

12th...KaBOOM! build...More than 200 volunteers from the local community and the Disneyland Resort gathered at Stoddard Park in Anahiem to build a playground, benches and plant trees-all in one day! Another KaBOOM! playground was built Sept. 10 in Santa Ana.

May 18...Merida arrives at Disneyland Park...Merida from Disney*Pixar film "Brave" began to greet Guests in Fantasyland, fullfilling her destiny as the newest Disney princess.

25th...Mad T Party...Guests got a preview of the journey down the rabbit hole, partying with the White Rabbit and Alice in a funky new nighttime celebration in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure Park.

June...

7th...Disneyland Resort Line goes digital...The Disneyland Resort Line marked the grand reopening of Disney California Adventure Park with a 32-page commemorative issue and, for the first time in cast publication history, an interactive digital edition.

8th...Ghirardelli...Pacific Wharf literally got sweeter when Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop officially opened.

9th...WonderGround Gallery...WonderGound Gallery in the Downtown Disney District celebrated the transformation of a blank canvas into pure Disney magic with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new art gallery.

13th...Carnation Cafe~ Cast Members gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the reopening of Carnation Cafe`, which debuted a new menu and expanding seating area.

14th...Glow with the Show...Nights shine a little brighter at the Dissneyland Resort thanks to the debute of Glow with the Show hats at "World of Color." The hats use infrared trigger technology to allow Guests to become part of the magic as their hats sync up to the colors and music in the show. The hats now also sync up with "Fantasmic!" and other shows and locations.

15th...Disney California Adventure Park grand reopening...Five years of dreaming, planning and hard work led up to the moment when Disneyland Resort Cast Members proudly welcomed Guests to the grand reopening of Disney California Adventure Park. Buena Vista Street,Cars Land, Carthay Circle Restaurant- and all of the other new elements throughtout the resort-were met with rave reviews worldwide.
 The resort hired 5,000 additional Cast Members, bringing our total to 25,000. The Disneyland Resort is the largest employer in Orange County, growing by 25%.


Matterhorn...After its most extensive refurbishment to date, Matterhorn Bobsleds reopened to the delight of Guests. Adding another layer of mountain magic, the famous mountain climbers also made their triumphant return.

Voices of Liberty...Voices of Liberty began a limited-time run, sharing their angelic voices at the Main Street Opera House, home of "The Disneyland Story,presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln."

Starbucks...Disney Guests get their first taste of that familiar cup of Starbucks inside a U.S. theme park. Beautifully incorporated into the 1920s theme at Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Cafe`, it's the first of several Starbucks cafes set to open at all parks at the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.

20th....Dr Lee's 60 th birthday,cool huh!!!

July...

17th...Olympians get send-off parade...On the 57th anniversary of Disneyland Park, Guests cheered on the U.S. Men's and Women's Volleyball Teams as they prepared to leave for the Olympics in London.

Cast Service Center...The Cast service Center opened, featuring the new home of Disneyland Park Pin Trading Central.

August...

7-8 Canoe Races...The top Cast Member paddlers rowed it out for the title of the fastest paddler in the wilderness. Fariy Princesses took top spot in the women's division, while Flyin` Hellfish grabbed the men's top honors. D.C. United: Catch of the Day edged out the competition in the co-ed division.

29th...Aulani celebrates a milestone... Cast Members at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, in Ko Olina, Hawai`i, celebrated the first anniversary of the resort's operation. The 21 acre vacation paradise has been so popular among Guests that an expansion is already under way.

September...

1st...Pirates League...Scallywags and mutineers found a new home at Priates League in New Orleans Square. The limited-time offering gave Guests of all ages the opportunity to transform into a pirate for Halloween time.

2nd...Disneyland Half Marathon...More than 22,000 participants raced to the checkered flag during the 7th annual race, which, for the first time, ran through the all-new Cars Land and Buena Vista Street.

6th...Service Anniversary Celebration...Cast Members celebrating 10,15 and 20 and above years of service were honored at an exclusive event at Disneyland Park.

7th...Conservation Fund hits milestone...The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund announced its 2012 annual grants, awarding more than $1.8 million to conservation projects across the globe and marking  the fud's $20 million milestone in conservation giving since its founding in 1995.

11th...Pixie Hollow at Disneyland Park introduced a bit of The Winter Woods, creating a magical environment that immerses Guests into the world of "Secret of the Wings" and Tinker Bell's sister, Periwinkle.

14th...Halloween Time Begins...Grim-grinning Guests began to materialize as Halloween Time got off to a spooky start. New offerings this year, including The Art of Frankenweenie Exhition, Villains Square and Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree Halloween Carnival, have made Halloween Time one of the most popular times for Guests to visit the resort.

October...

8th... 2013-14 Ambassadors named...Megan Navarette and Sachiko White were named Disneyland Resort Ambassadorsfor 2013-14 during a ceremory in front of Sleeping Beatuy Castle.

14...CHOC Walk...More than 16,000 walkers participated in the 22nd annual CHOC Walk. Cast Members and their family and friends -with matching funds from Disneyland Resort-raised nearly $300,000 for Childern's Hospital of Orange County, contributing to the approximately $2 million raised.

20-21...MS Bay to Bay...More than 100 Cast Members, friends and family formed the Disney VoluntEARS team that participted in the Bike MS Bay to Bay Tour. Cyclists on the ride from Irvine to San Diego raised more than $100,000 this year for multiple sclerosis research-surpassed the $1 million mark since it inception 13 years ago.

23...Skating rink opens in Downtown Disney...Tinker Bell and her twin, Periwinlke, appeared at the grand opening of the "Secret of the Wings" ice skating rink in Downtown Disney District.

26...Wreck-it-Ralph characters debut...The arcade world of "Wrech-it-Ralph" came to life at the Tomorrowland Starcade,when Ralph and Vanellope started meeting Guests in Game Central Station.

30...Disney and Lucasfilm...The Walt Disney Company announced it was acquiring Lucasfilm Ltd. and its world-class portfolio of creative content-including the legendary "Star Wars" franchise-along with all of its operating businesses,including Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound.

November...

2nd...Earl of Sandwich opens...Sandwich lovers rejoiced at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Earl of Sandwich at the Downtown Disney District, joining existing Disney locations at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Paris.

6-7th...`Saving Mr. Banks` films at Disneyland Park...Disneyland Park went back to the 1960s as scenes were shot for the upcoming feature film, which chronicles Walt Disney on his quest to obtain screen rights to "Mary Poppins," and stars Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson. Cast Members jumped at the chance to fill roles for extras.

12th...Holidays at the Disneyland Resort...Things got merrier at "The Happiest Place on Earth" when the holidays kicked off,transforming the Disneyland Resort into a winter wonderland and marking the first holiday season for Cars Land and Buena Vista Street.

15th...New animals join Big Thunder Ranch... A minature Hereford cow named Clarabelle and a black lamb named Thunder joined our four-legged Cast Members at Big Thunder Ranch.


December...

1st...First night of Candlelight...Actor Dennise Haysbert kicked off an expanded 20 nights of the Candlelight Processional and Ceremony performances. These evening performances feature beloved holiday music and the telling of the first Christmas Story.

1,8,15th...Rose Parade float decorating...Cast Members gathered to decorate a Cars Land-inspired Tourament of Roses Parade float. Tune in to ABC on January 1st to see how thier hard work turned out.

6th...New Fantasyland revealed...The Walt Disney World Resort officially revealed New Fantasyland, the largest expansion to Magic Kingdom park since the resort opened in 1971. The expansion continues in 2013.



What a year at Disneyland Resort....Dr Lee

Closing date for Mr Stox:

It was announced that Friday, March 15,2013 at 10 p.m., that's it, no more Mr Stox.

 If you never been to Mr Stox or you are a regular, just thought you would like to know.



Need I say more...Dr Lee

Take time to wash away the grime:

Don't let sniffles and a sore throat spoil your holiday cheer. Practice good hand hygiene this holiday season to help avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.

 Follow these helpful hand-washing tips:

a...Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

b...Remember to include wrists,palms,back of hands and under fingernails.

c...When water is not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol to clean hands.

Happy Holidays...Dr Lee

Mr Stox resturant,closing:

 Learned last night that "Mr Stox" located in Anahiem,California,approx. 1 mile from the Disneyland Resort will close early next year to make way for high end condos. So sad!!!

 Mr Stox,opened in 1968 but, operated since 1977 by the Marshall family,is world famous. People from around the world come to enjoy not only the food,wine, but  know alot of the crew,who have worked 20/25 years at Mr Stox.

 Working at Club 33 as the bartender,I would pass by Mr Stox on the way home. Tired of fighting the rush hour traffic, decided one day to stop and see if they were in need of a great bartender,me!! After a short interview with the owners, I started my 15 year employment . Working mostly nights, 5p.m. to 10 p.m., I have come to love this place.

 On the sign out front, Mr Stox, fine dining,valet parking, this resturant lives up to it's name. At most resturants,when asking for the wine list, most if not all, are usually one to three pages. Not at Mr Stox, it's like a novel,approx. 25 to 30 pages,weights about 3 or 4 pounds. The menu, from prime rib (aged 45 days),to crabcakes,nightly dinner specials,salmon,pasta,chicken,veggie menu,was wonderful!! Holiday seasons, Mother Day and Easter the menu would reflect that time. And the bread,ask anyone who has experinced it, is over the top. Sourdough,Sunflower,Beet Red bread and seasonal breads were baked fresh daily in the back. Entering the building to work, one would past the trays of hot bread, cooling waiting to be enjoyed with wiped butter!!!!! Oh yes, those fresh cookies,WOW!

 Guests will not forget those wine dinners,Hollywood Bowl tours, the Ronald Reagan Musuem tours,Getty Tours, and those annual Xmas party's and summer pinic/Angel baseball games for the crew.

In closing,two things here!

 First of all,go to their web site....Mr Stox.com
 I think just by reading it, you will be impressed.

 Secondly,travel to Southern California and experience first hand what I am trying to express....


Dr Lee

`Glow in the Snow`:

 This year, the "Believe...In Holiday Magic" fireworks show is even more spectacular. The Creative Entertainment team has incorporated the popular "Glow with the Show" ears so that Guests can become part of the performance. Just as they've done with "World of Color" and "Fantasmic!", our designers and technicians have seamlessly integrated the magical, glowing ear hats into key moments of the show, from wildly changing patterns of red and green during the "Nutcracker Suite" to a bed of newly fallen snow leaving you dreaming of a "White Christmas."


Cars Land:

How would "Cars" celebrate the holiday season:

 Each address along Route 66 will feature holiday decor that reflects the personality of the "Cars" character who lives there:


a...Mater has a 9-foot tall tree topped with an arching sparkplug star.

b...Luigi and Guido redecorated their shop in red, white and green- conveniently, the colors of the holiday and the Italian flag.

c...Sally has transformed the Cozy Cone Motel into the Cozy Cone Tree Farm.

d...Sarge sports a 6-foot tall tree, red, white and blue tree with a military star on top.

e...Flo's 9-foot tall tree is made out of oil cans.

f...And Fillmore encourages everyone to enjoy "Peace on Earth"this holiday season, man.

 At the end of Route 66, the courthouse statue of Stanley, the founder of Radiator Springs, is adorned with a Santa hat and a big bag of rims, wheels, acccessories and other goodies for all the residents of Cars Land.

Merry Christmas...Dr Lee

Did you know?

 Checks are no longer accepted as payment anywhere in the Disneyland Resort! You must use cash or card! This has been effective since May,2012.


Now you know...Dr Lee

CandleLight 2012, Disneyland Park:

 As it has since 1958, the CandleLight Ceremony and Processional will illuminate Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland Park, with the beauty and wonder of Christmas. This year, the schedule has been expanded to 20 nights, each of which features a celebrity narrator recounting the story of the first Christmas-accompanied by a choir of more than 600 singers and the Disneyland Orchestra.

Celebrity Narrators:

Dec.  3-5: Kurt Russell

Dec. 6-8: Edward James Olmos

Dec. 9-11: Lou Diamond Phillips

Dec. 12-13: Dick Van Dyke

Dec. 14: Marcia Gay Harden

Dec. 15-16: Patricia Heaton

Dec. 17-19: Molly Ringwald

Dec. 20: Dennis Haysbert


I remember singing in CandeLight for about 5 years (mid 1990s)...Dr Lee

Gingerbread, spice and everything nice:

 While the new Christmas tree and Snowy the Snow Car at Disney California Adventure Park are getting rave reviews, there are many more holiday details new to the resort this year that are not to be missed.

 For example,two gingerbread houses-one in the shape of Tow Mater and the other in the shape of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" cottage- are making their debut, courtesy of the Disneyland Resort pastry teams.

"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" gingerbread cottage:

 Carthay Circle Restaurant, created by Chef Jorge Sotelo and the pastry chefs at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa.
 To celebrate the 75th anniversary of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," this gingerbread house features a thatched roof made of phyllo dough and shredded wheat. Shredded coconut, dried green,was used for grass, chocolate "rocks" made up the chimney and finishing up touches include sugar flowers and candy gems, making this "the fairest gingerbread house of all."

Gingerbread Tow Mater:

 Flo's V8 Cafe`., created by Chef Jean Marc Viallet and his team of pastry chefs at Disneyland Central Bakery:

 Normally, no one would consider eating a tow truck. But this one is made out of gingerbread,icing,fondant, sugar and has a chocolate chip cookie for a carburetor nose.

 Both houses, which measure 2 square feet, will bo on display through Jan.6, 2013.


Christmas Time at Disneyland Resort,amazing...Dr Lee

Xmas time of year:

 With Christmas upon us, I would like to wish everyone who reads this a very Merry Christmas and Safe and Happy New Year 

  Happy Holidays...Dr Lee

Please Do Not Feed the Animals:

 Don't feed the animals, treat our visiting ducks, cats, squirrels and other animal guests with the same world-class service as our human Guests. To keep them healthy and happy, please avoid giving them food, picking them up or approaching them. Designated feeding stations have been set up with healthy food for certain animals, which also receive veterinarian checkups, vaccinations and spay/neuter procedures. By not feeding animals additional food, you can do your part to protect our furry and feathered friends.


The Running of the Goats:

 To the goats at Big Thunder Ranch, dusk means only one thing-DINNER. For Guests, it means they're about to witness "The Running of the Goats," a special moment when all 16 goats are released from their pen,and,harnessed in pairs, trot backstage to eat,bells jingling. This parade of goats lasts only a few minutes, but it leaves Guests smiling long after it's over.


other news....

"Star Wars" joins the Disney family:

 Bob Iger, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, announced Oct.30 that The Walt Disney Company is acquiring Lucasfilm Ltd., the global entertainment company founded by George Lucas and home of the legendary "Star Wars" franchise.

 In addition to getting the rights to one of the greatest family franchises and epic stories of all time, Disney is also acquiring all of Lucasfilm's operating businesses, including Industrial Light and Magic and Skywalker Sound.

 The "Star Wars"  universe now has more than 17,000 characters inhabiting several thousand planets spanning 20,000 years, providing Disney with infinite inspiration and opportunities to continue the epic"Star Wars" saga. Fans can expect a new feature film, "Star Wars Episode 7," in theaters in 2015. George Lucas will serve as creative consultant on the film and Kathleen Kennedy, the filmmaker  he handpicked to lead "Star Wars," "Indians Jones'' and the rest of Lucasfilm into the future, will be the executive producer and join Disney as president of Lucasfilm. With this many characters to develop and stories to tell, Disney plans to release a new "Star Wars" feature film every two or three years for the foreseeable future.


Happy Holidays to you and your family...Dr Lee

The Pope House-home to animal lovers since 1954;

 Just behind Big Thunder Ranch sits the Pope House, the only house that remains on Disneyland property since before the park was built.

 Owen and Dolly Pope showed horses at fairs across California before Walt Disney hired them in 1951 to help him train horses for the Western part of the park he was building. First, they moved into a trailer at the Walt Disney Studio in Burbank to be close to the animals they were training before relocating to a house being moved to make way for the park. The house was then moved to what would become the 10-acre ranch and pony farm on property at Disneyland. The farm continued to grow to over 200 animals before the Popes moved to Flordia to established the Tri-Circle-D Ranch at the Walt Disney World Resort. The pony farm was renamed Circle D Corral in 1980.

 The Popes have the distinction of being the only individuals to ever have lived at Disneyland. The Pope House is now home to the Circle D team, which continues the Pope's care, training and love for our animal Cast Members.

Cool stuff...Dr Lee

Some more cool stuff...

Animals of the Disneyland Resort:


A...16 goats

B...16 horses

C...3 turkeys

D...2 sheep

E...2 donkeys

F...2 cockatoos

G...1 cow


 cooler stuff...

 Birds aren't just in the Tiki Room:

 If you look closely while entering the queue to the Jungle Cruise, you'll spot two white cockatoos nestled in a cage themed to the attraction's decor, greeting Guests. Poppy and Zoyie reside at Circle D, but they visit the Jungle Cruise when the temperature hits 75 degrees. Poppy loves to laugh, and Zoyie likes to say hello to Guests. The birds have been greeting Guests at the Jungle Cruisae for 10 years.

Weathering the storm-75 years ago:

Nov.5,1937

 Just weeks before the December 1937 release of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" made motion-picture history, Walt Disney gave audiences a taste of the latest in animation techniques with the Nov.5 release of the groundbreaking short "The Old Mill."

 The 68th release in the Silly Synphonies series marked the first use of Disney's multiplane camera, which gave animators the ability to create new depth and dimension in animation. In less than nine minutes, "The Old Mill" tells the story of an approaching storm and how birds, mice and other creatures seek shelter in an abandoned mill. The cartoon incorporates realistic depictions of animal behavior, rain and wind, ripples and reflections, and three-dimensional rotation of detailed objects.

 Directed by Wilfred Jackson, scored by Leigh Harline and produced by Walt Disney, "The Old Mill" won Academy Awards for Best Short and in the scientific and technical category.


Park tribues:

 Guests on the Storybook Land Canal Boats might notice three miniature mills on their journey, while "World of Color" also pays tribute to the short. And at Disneyland Paris, hungry Guests saunter up to The Old Mill snack stand, which is an actual windmill.


My oldest daughter Kimberly was an attraction hostess on the Storybook Land Canal Boats...Dr Lee

Lace up your skates:

 Guests can skate into the world of Tinker Bell at a new ice skating rink now open at the Downtown Disney District.

 Located between AMC 12 Theatres and the ESPN Zone, the rink invites Guests of all ages to glide along to special music and lighting effects to celebrate the release of Disney's "Secret of the Wings."

 Beginning Nov.12,2012, a special holiday village will surround the rink, with themed chalets where Guests can purchase seasonal foods and merchandise. The fee is $15 for one hour of skating, and skate rentals are free for Cast Members who present a valid company ID.  Helmets will also be provided and required for skaters safety.


Just "LOVE" the holidays at the Disneyland Resort...Dr Lee

Earl of Sandwich officially opens Nov.2,2012:

 The Downtown Disney District will officially welcome Guests to Earl of Sandwich with a ribbon cutting and grand opening event on Friday, Nov.2, 2012 at 2 p.m. The new resturant is located next to the AMC 12 Theatres. Earl of Sandwich features hot sandwiches with freshly baked bread, flavorful wraps, hand-tossed salads and more. An ordering window for Cast Members is located in the back of the resturant, where Cast can order meals in person or pick up phone orders, both in and out of costume.


All ready hungry...Dr Lee

Get ready for `Limited Time Magic`:

 Imagine a Valentine's Day celebration that lasts all week. Or hearing the Dapper Dans rocking out with boy band hits in barbershop style.

 Surprises like this are in store for Guests and Cast alike each  week in 2013 as Disney celebrates life's treasured-yet fleeting-moments with "Limited Time Magic" at the Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts.

 Here are a few of the unique experiences that will begin in January:

1...True Love: Instead of just one day, romance will be celebrated throughout Valentine's Week with special moments and entertainment geared to lovebirds.

2...Pirate Week...Talk like a pirate all week long as the adventures of Jack Sparrow come to life during a bicoastal bash.

3...Unleashed the Villains: Disneyland Park will stay open until the 13th hour (1 a.m.) on Friday the 13th in September for a Disney Villains dance party and other nighttime mischief.

4...Golden Horseshoe Revue: The fabled Frontierland show returns to Disneyland Park for one month only, bringing back the corney jokes and enduring songs that were enjoyed by Walt Disney himself.


Maybe Disneyland should bring Dr Lee back for a week to Club 33????......just a thought,humm!

Dr Lee retired and having to much fun...

Disneyland Resort to enter float based on Cars Land in Rose Parade:

 Smoke-puffing tractors and bouncing tires will adorn a float with a Cars Land theme in January's Rose Parade.

 The Disneyland Resort is putting a float, this time promoting the 12-acre Cars Land that opened in June 2012 in Disney California Adventure Park,in the Pasadena procession for the first time in seven years.

 The intricate design includes characters from the "Cars" movies, including Lightning McQueen, Salley and Luigi. Scenes from Cars Land will also go on the float, such as Ornament Valley, the Cozy Cone Motel and Radiator Springs Racers.

Moving parts atop the float will include a bubbling spring, waterfalls and a spinning plane.

Disney has a long history with the Tournament of Roses Parade, which dates back to 1890.

 Disneyland first appearance was a 1938 float to publicize "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." In 1966, Walt Disney himself rode as the parade's grand marshall.

 Around the resorts 50th anniversary, Disneyland Resort had a float three years in a row, including the tallest float ever at the time, a 100-foot-high depiction of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction, in 2004.

The last Disneyland Resort sponsored float was in 2006 with the theme of "The Most Magical Celebration on Earth."

 Volunteers likely will be needed to decorate the float, however, no details yet?

Disneyland float details:

1...125 feet long and 35 feet tall.

2...Plant materials expected to be used: red and orange carnations,orange marigolds, orange lentils, crushed walnuts, saffron, gold flawseed, lavender mums, buckwheat seeds, gold clover seeds, rolled oats and yellow strawflower.

Disney History:

This weeks look back at Disney history....

Oct.30,2002: Disneyland hosts a viewing of Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas," along with a costume party.

Oct. 31,1966: The Pirates of the Caribbean river is filled for the first time in advance of the attraction's March 18, 1967, opening.

Nov.3,1961: The Twilight Zone episode, "It's a Good Life," first airs on television. Rod Serling's Intorduction of the Tower of Terror in this episode inspired the creation of the attraction later built at Disney California Adventure Park.

Disney Quiz:

Has Mickey Mouse ever been the grand marshall of the Rose Parade?


Yes, in 2005.


I want to volunteer to help decorate this Cars Land float?????         Dr Lee

`a bug's land` celebrates 10 years:

 Since it opened Oct.7,2002, in Disney California Adventure Park, Guests have swarmed "a bug"s land" to experience the world from a bug's point of view.

 Flik, the independent-thinking ant from the 1998 Disney/Pixar movie "A Bug's Life," is determined to remind humans of the incredible value that bugs have in the world. That vision, inspired by the multi-legged, slithering and winged characters from the film, gave life to five themed attractions at the park: Flik's Flyers,Tuck &Roll's Drive `Em Buggies, Heimlich's Chew Chew Train, Francis` Ladybug Boogie and Princess Dot Puddle Park. They joined the existing 3-D "off-bugway" show, "I't's Tough to Be a Bug!"

 The land also features giant garden hoses that spray water, discarded Chinese food boxes that become flying vehicles, an umbrella that serves as a circus tent and fireflies whose bottoms become lamplights.

I enjoy this attractions oftened...Dr Lee

Rootin`,Tootin` Fun...When the Wild West comes to Disneyland!

 Sept.23,1962, The Golden Horseshoe Revue` hits milestone!

 Fifty years ago, "The Golden Horseshoe Revue" aired it 10,000th performance on the NBC series "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color." The Sept.23, 1962, episodew aired in color and featured show regulars Betty Taylor and Wally Boag, as well aas special guest stars Annette Funicello, Gene Sheldon and Ed Wynn. With saloon skirts swinging and banjos strumming, the stars celebrated this special milestone with-as Walt Disney himself put it-a "a real rootin`,tootin`,shootin`show."

 "The Golden Horseshoe Revue" ran at the Golden Horseshoe Cafe` in Disneyland Park for over 30 years, making it the resort's longest-running show. From its first performance in July 1955 to its final performance in Oct. 1986, performers sang, danced and joked their way into audience guests hearts. The stage show now hosts "the Laughing Stock Co.," another Western comedy show, which performs daily.

History and Heritage...Dr Lee

Dancing as fast as she can:

 Disneyland opening day choreographer Miriam Nelson, 91, is still tap dancing years after all these years.

 Miriam already had an impressive career as a Hollywood choreographer, working with the likes of Judy Garland, Fred Astaire and Betty Davis, when she was hired to choreograph the performances for Disneyland's televised grand opening on July 17, 1955. A then-record-breaking television audience of 90 million watched the live broadcast.

 Miriam, who visited Disneyland Park last month (August), recalled seeing Walt Disney during rehearsals, which were moved to Disneyland just before opening day.

 "When I was rehearsing out here it was so hot, so my gals were just wearing little shorts and halter tops to stay cool, and Walt wandered by to see what we were up to,"she said. The next day,she received a note from Walt. "It said, 'Would you please ask your girl dancers to cover up a little more? The workman are all stopping by to watch and we are never going to get this park open!'"

When it came to go live, the production was not without some hitches. For the Fantasyland shot, Disney characters were staged and instructed to help a few childern onto attractions. But as soon as the Fantasyland drawbridge dropped, Miriam said that hundreds of childern descended upon the unsuspecting characters.

"It scared the characters to death," Miriam recalled. "They turned and ran into the castle!"

 Miriam also choreographed the opening day parade and frontierland appearance by "Davy Crockett" stars Fess Parker  and Buddy Ebsen. Years later, she worked on "Fantasy on Parade," "On Stage U.S.A.," "Disney on Parade" and even a special performance of "The Golden Horseshoe Show" for the Foreign Correspondence Dinner with President Richard Nixon in 1969.

 Miriam continues to travel the world teaching others how to dance and is an actice member of the nonprofit organization SHARE, which raises funds for disable and adused childern, which she helped found in 1953. In 2009, she published her autobiography, "My Life Dancing with the Stars."

On opening day,I was 3 years, 3 weeks,and 2 days old, born June 20, 1952...Dr Lee

Halloween Time At the Disneyland Resort:

 Getting Goosebumps? Halloween Time haunts the Disneyland Resort starting Sept. 14,2012.

 The most frightfully fun time of the year at the Disneyland Resort is creeping up fast!!

 From Sept.14 through Oct. 31,2012, The Happiest Place on Earth gets downright spooky as Halloween Time brings seasonal attractions, entertainment and chillingly cool offerings for ghouls and goblins of all ages.

 The superbly supernatural Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy and Haunted Mansion Holiday will be back at Disneyland Park, along with the Main Street Pumpkin Festival and the Dia de los Muertos celebration in Frontierland. Watch out for your favorite Disney Villains, plus Mickey Mouse and friends in their Halloween costumes. And keep a weather eye open, because the Pirates League has landed for a limited time to give Guests swashbuckling makeovers in New Orleans Square.

 At Disney California Adventure Park, the Art of Frankenweenie Exhibition features a behind-the-scenes look at the new film from director Tim Burton, coming to theaters Oct.5,2012, along with an extended "Frankenweenie" 3-D sneak peek at the Muppet*Vision theater.

 But we're just getting started: Look for seasonal food and beverage offerings plus specialty merchandise throughout the Disneyland Resort. And get your costume ready, because Guests can trick or treat in the ultimate Disney neighborhood, Disneyland Park, during Mickey's Halloween Party on select nights from Sept.28 to Oct. 31,2012.

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, Nice...Dr Lee

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit makes his debut:

 Before Mickey Mouse became a global sensation, there was Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.

In 1927, distributor Charles Mintz, commissioned Walt Disney and animator Ub Iwerks to create a cartoon character for Universal Studio's first cartoon series. The pair created Oswald, a mischievous rabbit who debuted in the short "Trolley Troubles" Sept. 5 1927. The Oswald cartoon series became a hit with audiences.

 A year later, in a pay dispute with Mintz, Walt lost the rights to Oswald and also discvovered that Mintz had secretly hired some of his animators. On the train ride back to California after meeting with Mintz in New York, Walt dreamed up the idea for a new character- and Mickey Mouse was born.

 Oswald wound up starring in 194 shorts, 26 of them under Walt's direction. The Walt Disney Company negotiated the return of the rights to Oswald from NBC Universal, and Oswald went on to win a starring role in the video game Epic Mickey (2010), as well as his very own merchandise location,Oswald's, in Disney California Adventure Park. Oswald will reunite with Mickey Mouse on Nov.18 in "Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two."



Fun Fact:

 A candy bar, stencil and pin-backed button featuring the lovable Oswald were the first merchandise items featuring a Disney character.


Just some History and Heritage...Dr Lee

Disneyland Park launches old-style newspaper:

 Disneyland creators are turning to an old-fashion method of giving out information to guests: a newspaper!

 The Buena Vista Bugle debuted this summer at Disney California Adventure Park as part of the park's makeover to explain new features. Disney is producing the information in a very 1920s and 1930s way, matching the architecture and style of the Buena Vista Street entrance corridor.

 Disney California Adventure Park Cast Members borrowed the concept from its neighbor- Disneyland Park, which produced The Disneyland News beginning in 1955. At California Adventure Park, Buena Vista Street is the equivalent of Disneyland's Main Street,U.S.A., where The Disneyland News used to be distributed.

 Disney California Adventure Park wanted to find something besides the map and guide to tell stories of the park to Guests. The Red Car News Boys street show had entertained with a newspaper as a prop, so Cast Members decided to add a real four-page newspaper for the first month of Disney California Adventure Park's expansion, which debuted in June.

 But the Bugle gained popularity: between 12 percent and 15 percent of surveyed Guests reported that they got information from the newspaper. And it's common to see guests relaxing on a park bench or sipping a Starbucks coffee at an outside table, flipping the pages.

The fonts, writing style and features, and even the gritty black-and-white print are all like those of the newspapers of that era.

The copy comes from an in-house writer but in  the voice of the characters of Buena Vista Street. A snarky, fictional food critic, Inglebert Irving, gives recommendations on drinks and appetizers. A celebrity-sighting column shows where characters can be spotted. The back page is designed in the style of a want-ad section, but has listings of shows, entertainment and stores.

The bottom corner has a high-tech addition: a QR Code to download the park's official Twitter account.

 Cast Members are now handing out the free newspaper's third edition, which is also available on metal racks and counters. Disney is already planning a Halloween and holiday editions.

Its called imagination...Dr Lee

Disneyland Park making it's tallest gingerbread house:

 At 9 feet tall with a ghost train around it, the upcoming gingerbread house will stand the tallest and feature the most complex special effects in the Haunted Mansion Holiday's 12-year history.

 Disneyland Park will debut it's new, spooky gingerbread house when the seasonal version of the Haunted Mamsion attraction opens Sept. 14,2012. Disneyland Park transforms the haunted Mansion into the theme of Tim Burton's "The nightmare Before Christmas" during the Halloween and Christmas holiday periods.

 Each year, a massive gingerbread with a new theme stands as the centerpiece of the ballroom's table. This year, Jack's Gingerbread House will look like movie character Jack Skellington's home on top of a spindly peak.

Cast Member Bakers and decorators cover the entire structure- a wooden house and hard-foam base- with gingerbread and fondant, an icing-like substance used in pastry sculptures. The house itself is about 3 feet tall and the base is about 6 feet tall. Zero, the ghost dog, will fly around the tower.

 Around the house for the first time, Guests can watch a see-through ghost train that will appear to travel around the base of the house. For the train, Disneyland Park is using the same reflective special effects used for the see-through ghosts in the ballroom scene.

 The gingerbread house likely will weigh 400 to 500 pounds.

 About 20 Cast Members work to complete the house. Decorators will start covering the structure after Labor Day and spend a final two days on details after it is moved inside the Haunted Mansion.

Sept.14th, hey, that's next week,COOL!!!...Dr Lee

Man pleads no contest for fake Disney Passports:

Dozens of Guests were turned away from the Disneyland Resort over the past several months after buying fake Passports, some linked to a Compton man, police said.

 Terance Hutchinson, 35,pleaded no contest to making counterfeit Passports following his arrest. Hutchinson was released after his appearance in Los Angeles Superior Court.

 Police said a Guest responded to an ad on Craigslist to buy some Passports- valued at $87 each- for $55 each, said Sgt. Mike Austin of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department's Carson station. After meeting up with the man at a Carson shopping center, these Guests were rejected at the main entrance of the Disneyland Resort because these Passports all had the same barcode and had already been used.

The Guest filed a police report and police set up surveillance when the Guest met up again with Terance under the premise of buying additional Passports. Terance was arrested after the Guest met up with him and identified him.

 Terance Hutchinson is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 21 in Los Angeles Superior Court.

That old saying, "if it sounds to good to be true, it probably isn't"...Dr Lee

(Eugene Fields, The Orange County Register)

Princesses beware!! Pirates invade `land?

 If your heart be set on discoverin` treasure and sailin` the high seas- not to mention a complete makeover- then adventure awaits at the new Pirates League in Disneyland Park, mateys!

 From Sept. 1 through Oct. 31 in the Court of Angels in New Orleans Square, Guests ages three and up can choose from one of three pirate transformations, train to swashbuckle and even take the official Pirate League Oath to become part of Captain Jack's legendary crew.This interactive pirate experience originally debuted at magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort in May 2009 and aboard the Disney Fantasy earlier this year.

 Available packages include Jake and the Never Land Pirates, First Mate and Empress (created especially for pirate princesses!) Packages range from $29.95-$34.95.

 Landlubbers Beware! Reservations for these transformations book up fast, especially on Mickey's Halloween Party nights, so don't wait!

Call now at 714-781-STYLE.

Love the holidays at the Disneyland Resort...Dr Lee

D23 Presents TREASURES of the Walt Disney Archives: The Reagan Library

 From Walt Disney's original Disneyland  nametag to the fiery orange wig Johnny Depp wore in Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland," a recently opened exhibit at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is delighting Disney Guests with the largest collection of Walt Disney treasures ever assembled.

 The Walt Disney Archives Cast Members assembled a stunning collection of more than 500 archival treasures- many of which had never been publicly displayed before- for D23 Presents Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives. The exhibit, brought to the Reagan Library by D23, the official Disney Fan Club, is on view at the Reagan Library, located in Simi Valley, through April 2013.

 Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline, who curated the exhibit along with Archives Cast Members, says that when Chief Archivist Emeritus Dave Smith started the Disney Archives in 1970, "he could talk to Roy O. Disney and [famed animator] Ub Iwerks and asked what it was like to work with Walt Disney in the 1920s and to create Mickey Mouse. Those guys are all gone now. We don't have the `Nine Old Men` anymore, we don't have the founders of the Walt Disney Company and  there are very few people around anymore who knew them personally. So it's very important now that that legacy and memories are in the Archives because we can protect it and build upon it."

 Bronze busts of Walt Disney and President Reagan, flanked by American flags, welcome guests to the library, along with a plaque describing the men as longtime friends and "eternal optimists who shared a belief in the essential goodness of the American way of life." But their connection goes deeper than that. On July 17,1955, Reagan, then a Hollywood actor, helped host live Disneyland opening-day coverage and, in 1968, endorsed the first Walt Disney postage stamp. In 1984, Reagan's second inaugural festivities were moved to Epcot due to inclement weather in Washington, D.C., and two years later, Reagan declared Dec.5 National Walt Disney Day. The 40th president of the United States even returned to Disneyland in 1990 to celebrate its 35th anniversary.

Just  more Disney history...Dr Lee

Disneyland Candlelight ceremony performances extended to 20 nights:

 Dating back to 1958, the Candlelight Ceremony and Processional is one of the oldest and most beloved holiday traditions at Disneyland Park. This year, for the first time, the event will be extended to a total of 20 nights, with two performances each night. The first two nights, Dec. 1-2, will be invitation-only events; performances from Dec. 3-20 will be open to Disneyland Resort annual passholders and guests booking special, to-be-announced dining packages for the 2012 holiday season.

 The Candlelight Ceremony and Processional is an evening performance of classic holiday music and the telling of the first Christmas Story in Town Square with the help of celebrities such as Cary Grant, John Wayne, Dick Van Dyke and, in 2011, Gary Sinise. The popular tradition was adopted at the Walt Disney World Resort in 1971.

I sang in Candlelight for 5 years, mid ninty's, I still remember most of the music...Dr Lee

History and Heritage:

Sept.11,1968...

Postal Service issues first Walt Disney stamp:

  With help from than-California Gov. Ronald Reagan, the first postage stamp to honor Walt Disney debuted Sept.11,1968.

 Although the U.S.Postal Service has a policy requiring that an individual be deceased for 10 years before his or her image can grace a stamp, Reagan wrote to Postmaster General Lawrence F. O`Brien, persuading him to issue the stamp just two years after Walt's Death:

 "I hesitate to even mention California's pride in his vast accomplishments for fear of detracting from his true image as a world renowned and world beloved figure. There is no necessity, "Reagan wrote in a letter dated April3, 1967. "I'm sure, for me to itemize his contribution to humanity, they can be summed up by simply saying that because of him, the world is a richer, better, place."

 The six-cent stamp's design was a partnership between Paul Wenzel, who crafted Walt's portrait, and Bob Moore, who created the "it's a small world" dolls and Sleeping Beauty Castle artwork. Ceremonies on the first day of issue were held in Marceline, Mo., Walt's boyhood hometown, and more than 150 million of the stamps were sold over the next 10 days. A total of 36 more years would pass before another U.S. stamp would celebrate Walt Disney.

Just for you're information, I have 4 of these stamps from 1968, a lady in Berkeley, California knew about my employment with the Walt Disney Company and about a month ago gave them to me...Wow..Dr Lee

Bartender Humor:

 An Irish Wedding reception;


 At the wedding reception someone yelled... "Would all married men, please stand next to the one person who has made your life worth living." The bartender was almost crushed to death.



and...

 Mike strikes up a conversation with the bartender. " I've quit my job and taken up writing as a career."
 "Sold anything yet?" asks the bartender. "Oh yeah lots of stuff," says Mike.
 "Like what?' "My watch, my TV set, my CD player, my stereo..."


still...

Champagne:

 Bottle of wine that gets excited like selter and costs like diamonds.


and finally...

A New York theatrical agent is surprised when a bartender in his favorite bar leans across the bar, shakes his hand, and says, "Remember me? I'll bet you're surprised to see me tending bar." "Not really Johnathan," says the agent, "I remember your acting."

 I hope this bar humor will put a smile on your busy day...Dr Lee

`Avengers` sequel planned for may 2015:

"The Avengers" are returning for a superhero sequel three years from now.

 Disney and its Marvel Studios unit announced Thursday that the follow-up to this year's biggest hit will arrive in theaters on May 1,2015.

 The studio announced last week that Joss Whedon will be back to write and direct the as-yet-untitled sequel. "The Avengers" has taken in nearly $1.5 billion worldwide.


There will be plenty of Marvel action building up to "The Avengers" follow-up. Downey's  "Iron Man 3" is due out next May, followed by Hemsworth's "Thor" sequel in November 2013 and Evans` "Captain America" sequel in April 2014.
Wow, great moive...Dr Lee

CarsLand:

 Disney California Adventure Park is already changing Luigi's Flying Tires.

 The Cars Land attraction, in which visitors float on tire-shaped vehicles similar to bumper cars on an air-hockey table, is undergoing major changes just two months after it opened with the park's massive makeover.

 Disney California Adventure park guests fly around and throw beach balls on Luigi's Flying Tires. Disney recently removed gigantic beach balls that guests had tossed to one another as they floated along on the Flying Tires.

 Over the next three weeks, Cast Members will remove weight from the undercarriages of the Flying Tires and this should increase the speed.

 Originally, the Flying Tires were to have joysticks, but it confused guests during testing. Still, the spin-control infrastructure remain below, weighing anout 20 pounds. The removal  of that infrastructure is under way and should be done by September. The Flying Tires attraction will not be shut down.

 About 90% of surveyed guests have said they would return to Cars Land. However, Luigi's Flying Tires has ranked as the least popular of the Three Cars Land attractions.

 The beach balls were added to Luidi's shortly  before it opened as a way to give the attraction a more festive look, as well as added fun for guests.

  But wait times lagged, often lasting an hour or more, usually because guests slowed down to pick up the balls as they were getting aboard.

I have not taken a ride on this attraction, however, I want to...Dr Lee
\

Two Disney artists make millions of portraits:

 On Main Street,U.S.A., two Disney Cast Members capture the profiles of babies, grandparents, dogs,cats,parrots, horses,goats, a hedgehog and even a vintage car.

 Sometimes these Disney artists work from photos, but usually from the Guests themselves. Halos are sometimes placed above those who have died.

 Over the decades, the two have worked at the Disneyland Silhouette studio to create more than 4 million images, using surgical scissors to cut outlines of faces with black paper in half-minute that are placed on white backing.

 The studio opened on Main Street, U.S.A. in January 1956, six months after the park opened. Bonnie Elliott has 38 years; Sylvia Fellows,33 years. Two other Cast Members (artists) have shorter periods.

"I'm drawing with my scissors. It's very fun. It's like a game, " said Elliott, 61, of Redondo Beach.

 The studio is one of the few deliberately messy places in Disneyland Park: Cast Members are told to keep the paper scraps on the floor.

 Fellows has created up to 434 images in a shift. Elliott has done 472 pictures in eight hours; she can do some in as little as 15 seconds.

These Cast Members cut two mirror-image copies at a time. Each head image costs $9 each.

 A Northern California pastor asked church members to get their portraits done if they went to Disneyland so his wife could put them in their house. So these artists keep hearing from Guests who wanted portraits for "the pastor's wife."

 One day, a woman came in and said, "You know me. I'm the pastor's wife." She went on to collect portraits of 147 individuals and a dog.

 Fellows once cut the profile of a terminally ill child because her parents wanted to use the art for her grave. Others are replicated for tattoos or jewelry.

 Elliott had one couple get silhouettes when they were dating and later came back with their own childern and then their grandchildern.

 A Guest from Alamo, California brought his  two daughters. He recognized Fellows as having completed his 13-year-old portrait when she was 5.


The Walt Disney Company Cast Members are a talented group...Dr Lee

Reimagine your commute:

 It's no secret that transportation in and around the Disneyland Resort has gotten a little bit more, well, complicated lately. The grand reopening of Disney California Adventure Park has brought even more Guests to the resort this summer. And while that's great news, more guests mean more cars-which has made the daily Cast Members commute a bit more challenging.

 If you haven't already explored Commuter Assistance options, now is the time to take a look at how you can save time, traffic headaches and lots of money. We're talkin hundreds, even thousands of dollars each year! And, as a bonus, you'll feel good about saving the environment.


CARPOOL...

 Not only can you slash your gas bill in half,but sharing a ride to work makes you eligible for carpool preferred parking spaces and a bonus of $1 a day*.

BUS...

 Cast Members ride free on nearly all Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) bus routes with the OCTA E-Pass available at Commuter Assistance. There are two new ART routes from Santa Ana and Buena Park that run until 10 p.m. daily, and many OCTA routes that run past midnight. Not only is your commute free, but you can earn $1 per day*.

VANPOOL...

 Each day more than 50 vanpools arrive at the Disneyland Resort, carrying Cast Members who are getting paid $1 a day*- not to mention an additional $60 per month in van subsidies. Drivers ride for free!

BIKE or WALK...

 Save money. Save time and the environment. Improve your health. `Nuf said. Oh, and the $2 you can earn each day* can pay for a new bike or a snazzy new pair of Nike Free Runs.

TRAINS...

Riding the iron horse to work scores you an extra buck in your pocket each day* and Disney will even subsidize 50 percent of your monthly Metrolink pass up to $80. The closest train station to the resort is the Anahiem station located in the Angel Stadium parking lot, where free shuttle buses run by OCTA and ART pick you up. Just show your Metrolink ticket and your shuttle ride is free.

* Bonuses are paid for accurately reporting participation to Commuter Assistance.

Did you know?
 You would have to plant almost half an acre of pine forest to offset the carbon dioxide the average driver's car releases into the atmosphere in one year.

As a Cast Member, I have Carpooled,was a driver of a vanpool and rode the iron horse (train) to and from the Disneyland Resort. Living in Moreno Valley, California, I arrived to work feeling refreshed and ready to make drinks at Club 33....Dr Lee

Flying Saucers opens at Disneyland Park:

 When Guests board Luigi's Flying Tires, there's inevitably a nostalgic mention of the Disneyland Park attraction that inspired it half a century ago; the fabled Flying Saucers attraction, which opened Aug. 6, 1961, in Tomorrowland.

 It was the dawn of the Space Age when Disneyland unveiled the futuristic version of bumper cars-individual pods styled after the UFOs of sci-fi lore that hovered on a cushion of air, which riders maneuvered by shifting their body weight to bump into unsuspecting pilots. At the end of the ride cycle, a large arm scooped the saucers back into the loading area for the next Guests.

 The Flying Saucers only lasted five years, owing largely to the space-age technology not yet being perfected; the location is now the theater where "Captain EO" plays. Today, the unique experience of floating on air can be relived and shared with a whole new generation of fans at Luigi's Flying Tires in Cars Land.


As a kid growing up in Southern California, I remember my parents taking my brothers and  me to Disneyland in 1962,I was 10 years old; and I remember riding the Flying Saucers, so much fun. ...Dr Lee

Mail a Smile Forever stamps celebrate Disney/Pixar characters:

 The U.S.Postal Service celebrated the issuance of 125 million new stamps featuring popular Disney/Pixar characters. The Mail a Smile Forever Stamps official dedication ceremony took place at Disney World Resort last month.

 The stamps sheet include five different designs spotlighting Flik and Dot from "a Bug's Life"; Mr. Incredibles and Dash from "The Incredibles"; Nemo and Squirt from "Finding Nemo"; Woody, Bullseye and Jessie from "Toy Story 2"; and Boo, Mike Wazowski and Sulley from "Monsters,Inc."

I have a sheet of these stamps and use them on all outgoing mail...Dr Lee

Disney Moblie Games launches "Where's My Perry?"

 Disney Mobile Games recently launched "Where's My Perry?" for iOS and Android. The new mobile game combines the comedic tone, themes and characters from Disney's No. 1 animated series, "Phineas and Ferb," with the gameplay of Disney's hit mobile game "Where's My Water?" The game centers on a new storyline around Phineas and Ferb's beloved Perry, the Platypus/crime-fighting Agent P, and includes a host of new features and gameplay mechanics.

 "Where's My Perry?" features the voices of Major Monogram, Dr. Doofenshmirtz, Carl and Perry's famous platypus sound. Disney also plans to add free updates with new levels, including special levels that feature Swampy, the lovable alligator and star of "Where's My Water?.

Cool...Dr Lee

Saluting our Olympians:

 When the USA Volleyball Teams visited Disneyland Park July 17,2012 before leaving for London Olympics, it was just the lastest in Disney's tradition of hosting Olympic athletes.

 In 1964, Disneyland hosted more than 400 U.S. athletes heading to Japan for the Summer Olympics. Events included a tribute show, featuring Bob Hope and a cast of Hollywood stars. During the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, Disneyland hosted thousands of athletes, officials and dignitaries from more than 140 nations. And in 1988, Disneyland hosted a send-off for members of team USA as they prepared to leave for the Olympics in Seoul, Kores. Following the games, we saluted our returning Olympians with an event featuring Vice President George H.W. Bush.

 But perhaps the biggest splash was in October 2004. That's when Cast Members constructed an Olympic-size pool in less than 30 hours so that Olympic gold medalist swimmers Michael Phelps, Ian Crocker and Lenny Krayzelburg could literally swim down Main Street, U.S.A.

I remember that Olympic-size pool on Main Street, U.S.A.     Dr Lee

Dr Lee's Business cards:

 About 20 years ago, I had made for me some business cards. Note if you will, being Dr Lee of Club 33, you should only expect the un-expected business card from me. That being saided, I have re-made these and would like to give you a few, free.

I shall receive these business cards on Monday, July 30th. Years ago when I started giving these cards out, most people still to this day have them. I hope when you read my business card, you will laugh and say "only Dr Lee would have these."

 So if you want some, here is my E-Mail,   "lnlshow@aol.com".....  need your contact information. Have already sent out cards and will do the same for you.

All information received will be deleted once cards are sent....Dr Lee

An exhibit of royal proportions:

 Whether you are in sunny California or hazy Hong Kong, every Disney resort around the world has a central icon in common- a Disney princess castle.

 To celebrate the magic of Disney castles around the world, Walt Disney Imagineering debuted Crowning Achievements-Creating Castles for magical Kingdoms, an exhibit at The Disney Gallery at Disneyland Park that began June 30,2012 and will continue into 2013.

 The first Disney theme park castle that was built was Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park in 1955. Originally to be named after Snow White, it was later changed to honor Aurora to help promote the 1959 release of Walt Disney's 16th animated film, "Sleeping Beauty."

 According to the team at Walt Disney Imagineering: "Walt built Sleeping Beauty Castle here in Disneyland Park to sreve as an iconic source of inspiration, meant to enchant Guests into continuing onward, beyond the lively, small-town comfort of Main Street, U.S.A., toward wondrous gateways leading to imaginative new frontiers. Every other Disney castle, from Flordia to Hong Kong, successfully followed in their predecessor's regal footsteps.


FUN FACT:

Shanghai Disney Resort, scheduled to open in 2015, will feature the first Disney castle not named after a specific princess. Instead,the Enchanted Storybook Castle will honor all Disney princesses.


 I like the Castles at night, with so many lights...Dr Lee

Disneyland 57th birthday, today July 17,2012!!!

 With the grand reopening of Disney California Adventure Park only a month behind us, it's time to celebrate the anniversary of Disneyland Park.

 Only 6,000 invitations were sent out for the July 17, 1955, opening, yet more than 28,000 Guests stormed the original Magic Kingdom that hot summer day. Working drinking fountains were scare, and ladies high heels sunk into the still-wet asphaly. But it wound up being a day that few would ever forget.

 Fifty-seven years later, just as Walt envisioned, Disneyland Park continues to grow. It is now part of a destination resort that includes three hotels, A Downtown Disney District and Disney California Adventure Park, which showcases the new Cars Land and Buena Vista Street.
 

Guests have come to expect exceptional Guest service when they pass beneath the plaque above the tunnel leading to Main Street, U.S.A. that reads: "Here, you leave today and enter the world of yesterday,tomorrow and fastasy."

 On July 17,2012 at 2:30 p.m., a celebratory moment will be held to commemorate the 57th anniversary of opening day. An audio recording of Walt Disney's original dedication speech will be heard throughout Disneyland Park, and Mickey Mouse and his pals will gather in Town Square to sing "Happy Birthday."

I was only 3 years old when Disneyland opened.... Dr Lee

History and Heritage:

Eggs and Coffee on Main Street, U.S.A. :


   How many Cast Members or Guests remember the Egg House on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland Park?

 Officially named American Egg house when it opened July 14, 1978, this restaurant specialized in breakfast and was sponsored by the American Egg board.

 The location originally opened December 1,1955, as the Maxwell House Coffee House and was renamed Hills Brothers Coffee House in 1958, before it was replaced by Town Square Cafe in 1976.

  Two years later, the American Egg House restaurant opened before changing,once again, to the town Square Cafe in 1983. The location closed for the last time in August 1992, and became part of the Disney Showcase, a store known for its character shirts, hats and accessories.


Did you know?

 Although the American Egg House is now just an entry in Disney history, many Cast Members still call the gate adjacent to The Mad Hatter shop the "Egg House" gate.


I must say, "I like my eggs over medium with orange juice"...dang, getting hungry!!  Dr Lee

Club 33 birthday, "45 years old":

 Forty-five years ago, 33 Royal Street became perhaps the most mysterious address at Disneyland Park. Behind the green door in New Orleans Square is Club 33, a membership-exclusive restaurant and lounge.

 Inspired by executive lounges at the 1964 New York World's Fair, Walt Disney envisioned a similar concept at Disneyland Park. Sadly, Walt Disney passed away six months before Club 33 opened June 15, 1967.

 Club 33 is adorned with artwork and vintage items that Walt and his wife, Lillian, discovered in New Orleans. A replica Victorian-age, French-style lift opens on the second floor to The Gallery. An oak telephone booth adapted from "The Happiest Millionaire" is in the hallway. The Disney Room, or Trophy Room, was to be the setting for a show featuring five Audio-Animatronics figures; two magpies, an owl, a raccoon and a vulture that would entertain Guests and participate in their conversations through microphones hidden in chandeliers. The show never developed- only the vulture remains on his perch in the corner of the room.

Club 33 members are also invited to the new, private 1901 lounge at Carthay Circle Theatre in Disney California Adventure Park.

As the retired bartender of Club 33, so many great memories....Dr Lee

Disneyland hosts final Grad Nite party:

A five decade rite of passage for millions of high school seniors will come to an end early Saturday when Disneyland finishes hosting its final, private Grad Nite party.

 Starting next year, the overnight, private parties will move to Disney California Adventure for 2013 high school graduates.

 Seniors are able to visit both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park during regular park hours. But the most prominent part of the grad Nite experience -the late -night parties- will move across the esplanade.

Disneyland's last Grad Nite party is scheduled to start last Friday. Disney has hosted more than 5 million graduates from thousands of high schools,mostly in Southern California, since the tradition began in 1961. That year, Disneyland held grad Nite on just one night, but the event grew to about seven  or eight times a year. At first, seniors had to follow a strict dress code, including ties for boys. The after-hours parties, when the attractions are open, lasted until the sun came up. Some big-name bands of the eras have played at Grad Nite, including No Doubt, Berlin and Dazz Band.

 Under a new format this year, there were 20 Grad Nites for 1,100 schools. the private parties have been running from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. Seniors dress down, sometimes making their own T-shirts for the night.some Disney fans on Twitter and other outlets have said the event should stay at Disneyland because of the tradition. Others, however, said the revamped Disnet California Adventure Park is more suited for a party atmosphere.



In 1970, as a senior from Riverside Poly High, I still remember my Grad Nite Party...Dr Lee

Today is a milestone in my life?

 Today, June 20th is my 60th birthday and my 5th year of retirement from the Walt Disney Company.

Looking back, It is hard to believe that I am now 60 years old. Were has all the time gone?

 Let's see, high school from 1966 thru 1970, 18 years old. U.S.Army from 19 thru 21. College from 21 thru 26. Working at Lucky supermarkets from 21 thru 29. C.H.P. academy 29 to 30. Married from 30 to 54.  Disneyland from 29 to 55. Retirement from 55 to 60. There it is, my life up to this day. Wow.

OK now about my retirement. Today 5 years ago was my last day at Disneyland Club 33. Can remember when I started that first day. Mark Twain as an attraction host,then to the Shooting Gallery,Tree House and finally Jungle Cruise, all in the first year. (12-12-81 to 4-4-82). Then I was transferred to Club 33 as a busboy,lead, then bartender.(4-5-82 to 6-20-07). On my last day, most of the Cast Members of Club 33 and management gave me a going away party at Club 33. Was given a Club 33 plate signed by most of my fellow Cast Members,cake and ice cream and crystal Micky Mouse Ears. At exactly 5:33 p.m.  my then wonderful  girlfriend and I walked out of Club 33 holding hands.

Then on July 25th, 2007, I left Mr Stox (14 years as a night bartender) and moved to Pleasant Hill, California on August 1st, to be with my girlfriend and her two amazing kids. Sorry to report, by July of 2008, this was a done deal. I decided to stay in Pleasant Hill,Ca. and as of this writing,I am still here on my 60th birthday.

Life is what you make of it.....Dr Lee 60 and having fun(an single,nice)

History and Heritage:

 Space Mountain celebrates 35 years:

 Space Mountain opened at Disneyland Park on May 27,1977,invigorating the park with a second roller coaster-style attraction (after Matterhorn Bobsleds, which opened in 1959).

 The idea for the attraction originated in the mid-1960s, during Walt Disney's lifetime, as a way to energize Tomorrowland. The project was shelved until the successful launch of Space Mountain at Walt Disney World Resort in 1975.

 Along with this attraction, the complex at Disneyland Park opened with Space Stage, Space Place quick-service restaurant and Starcade. Six of the original seven Mercury astronauts attended Space Mountain's opening-Scott Carpenter, Gorden Cooper, U.S. Sen. John Glenn, Wally Schirra, Alan Shepard, and Deke Slayton. In 2003, Space mountain closed for a two-year refurbishment and reopened for Disneyland's 50th Anniversary in July 2005 with new music by composer Michael Giacchino, new special effects and a new storyline. Other transformations came with Rockin' Space Mountain, which premiered Grad Nite 2006, and Space Mountain: Ghost Galaxy, which debuted for Halloween Time 2009.


Space Mountain is great...Dr Lee

The Avengers....

As of this writing,"The Avengers" has made $800 million worldwide and is projected to hit "One Billion" by this Sunday.

just thought you would like to know....Dr Lee

"The Avengers 2":

 Disney's Robert Iger says that the follow-up will come on the heels of previously-announced sequels to "Iron Man," "Thro" and "Captain America."

 It's probably a no-brainer, but a sequel to The Avengers was made official on Tuesday by Disney CEO Bob Iger.

Repeating previous announcements made by Marvel Studios, Iger said a third Iron Man and a second Thro is scheduled for 2013 and a sequel to Captain America is in the works for 2014. No timeline was given on The Avengers sequel.

Were is the line to get in to see "Avengers 2"...Dr Lee


p.s. just in..The Avengers opening weekend for a global performance of more than $702 million to date!!!!

'Avengers'...shatters movie box office record:

 Hulk,smash!

 That's what Captain America tells the Incredible Hulk to do in "The Avengers,"and that's what the Marvel Comics superhero mash-up did at the box office smashing the domestic revenue record with a $200.3 million debut.

 It's by far the biggest opening ever, shooting past the pervious record of $169.2 million for the debut of last year's :Harry Potter" finale.


The film's worldwide haul is $641.8 million in barely a week and a half, more than its Marvel superhero forerunners "Iron Man", "Iron Man 2," "Thor" and "Captain America" took in during their entire runs. If distributor Disney's domestic estimate Sunday holds when the final weekend count is released today, "The Avengers" would be the first movie ever to haul in $200 million in a single weekend.

Some fans shelled out and extra $3.00 to see "The Avengers" in 3D and most theaters had only one problem, not enough seats to sell and some ran out of those 3D glasses.

 I was one of those who at midnight on Thursday who paid an extra $3.00 for 3D and who saw this movie till 3:20a.m. on Friday. Need to see it again,amazing...Dr Lee

Remembering Walt's L.A.;

When 21-year old Walt Disney first arrived in Los Angeles in 1923, the budding animator from Marceline, Mo., had $40 in his pocket and a cardborad suitcase. But he also had big dreams.
 Walt's spirit of "anything - is - possible" optimism will be in the air June 15,2012,when Buena Vista Street greets Guests for the first time as they enter the reimagined Disney California Adventure Park. Guests will be transported to the Los Angeles of the 1920s and '30s as soon as they reach the turnstiles inspired by the iconic Pan Pacific Auditorium, a landmark structure that opened in 1935 in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles. from there, Guests will walk under the Hyperion Bridge - as the Disneyland Monorail glides overhead - modeled after the bridge built in 1929 that still spans Interstate 5, just a few blocks from the building where Walt and Roy Disney moved their studios three years earlier.

 The majestic Carthay Circle Theatre at the end of Buena Vista Street is a replica of the famous Hollywood movie palace where "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs"- the film Walt bet everything on-made its triumphant world premiere in 1937. And the Red Car Trolley, traveling from the park's entrance through Hollywood Land, is a throwback to the Pacific Electric Red Cars that served as the era's mass transit system in Southern California.

Even the architecture of the shops that line Buena Vista Street pay homage to the Los Angeles of yesteryear, while their monikers are a more personal tribute to Walt himself; for instance, Elias & Co. is a nod to Walt's father, while Oswald 's filling station is a shout-out to the animated rabbit who was the precursor to the famous mouse. The Storytellers statue near Carthay Circle Theatre represents a young Walt first arriving in California, an unknown visionary ready to realze his dreams. The whole street is designed to come alive and put the Guests  in a young Walt Disney shoes  as he stepped off the train in California and felt all the optimism and opportunity that was there for him at the time.

 While Imaginneers have created a landscape that will give Guests the sense that they are walking in Walt's footsteps, present-day Los Angeles is filled with the real places that allow us to actually retrace the path of Walt's life. The first house where he rented a room, the storefront where he started his first studio, the merry-go-round at Griffith Park where he watched his daughters ride the painted horses and dreamed of an amusement park that familes could enjoy together-they are still there, many of them quietly preserved with only subtle markers of their historical significance.

 Just as Marceline, Mo., affected Walt's early years, his environs in Los Angeles wielded great influence over Walt as he moved West and began his company.Walt's Los Angeles, where he lived and worked-and the sights that influenced him-as he created his magic that so many millions of Guests still enjoy today, we take a look at some very special places.


Pan Pacific Auditorium...7600 West Beverly Blvd....this landmark structure was the premier arena-enterainment venue from 1935-1972. Its Streamline Moderne facade inspired the new turnstiles at Disney California Adventure Park. Sadley, the auditorium was destoryed in a fire in 1989. One of its architects was Welton Becket, a neighbor of Walt's, who later worked on the Contemporary Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort.

 Carthay Circle Theatre...6316 San Vicente Blvd... One of the most famous movie palaces of Hollywood's Golden Age, the theatre hosted the world premiere of Walt's first animated feature length film, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" in 1937. Though demolished in 1969 (office buildings are on the site today), the recreated  Carthay Circle Theatre in Disney California Adventure Park will capture the building's grandeur.

The Pacific Elertric Building...6th and Main... When Walt arrived in Los Angeles, the Pacific Electric "Red Cars" served thousands of miles across Sothern California. They served as the models for the Red Car Trolleys that will carry guests from Buena Vista Street to Hollywood Land.

Hyperion Bridge...This concrete and steel bridge in Atwater Village spans Interstate 5 and the Los Angeles River and was completed in 1929, just three years after Walt and Roy opened Walt Disney studios a half -mile away. A recreation of the bridge replaces the Golden Gate Bridge- and will carry the Disneyland Monorail- near the entrance of Disney California Adventure Park.

Kingswell Avenue residences...4406/4409 Kingswell Ave... Upon his arrival in Los Angeles in 1923, Walt rented a room for $5 a week in the Los Feliz neighorhood home of his retired uncle, Robert Disney. Walt then moved across the street tp 4409 Kingswell, where he rented a room with his brother Roy.

Married life, matching houses...2491/2495 Lyric Ave...Roy married Edna in April 1925 and Walt married Lillian three months later. The couples brought adjoining lots in the Los Feliz Hills and built identical prefabricated houses for $7,000 a piece in 1927.

 Building a family...4053 Woking Way... In 1932, Walt and Lillian had a house built on five acres in the Los Feliz District about a mile from the studio. Here, the couple raised their two daughters, Diane and Sharon, before moving to Carolwood Drive in Holmby Hills in 1949.

Walt's barn...5202 Zoo Dr... Walt had a lifelong love of trains, and in 1950, he built the Carolwood Pacific Railroad, with 2,615 feet of track, in the backyard of his Holmby Hills home. He also built a barn he could use as a workshop. The home no longer exists but the barn was moved to Griffith Park, where it is open to the public the third Sunday of each month at the Los Angeles Live Streamers facility.

Disney Brothers Studio...4649-4651 Kingswell Ave... Down the block from their Uncle Robert's house, Walt and Roy established Disney Bros. Studio in the back half of a real estate office Oct.16,1923, and a few months later they expanded the business into larger space next door. It was here that Walt animated the "Alice Comedies" and hired his wife-to-be,Lillian Bounds, as and Ink &Paint girl.

Walt Disney Studio...2719 Hyperion Ave...This small, one story white stucco building was the start of a large animation complex, the newly renamed Walt Disney Studio. From 1926 to 1940, the staff here created Mickey Mouse and "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." Today, a Gelson's Market sits on the site, but a photo commemorating the property's famous history hangs on the wall near the cashiers and a plaque is mounted on a lamppost in front.

New Studios in Burbank...500 S. Buena Vista St.,Burbank... Ready to expand his business, Walt made a deposit on 51 acres of land in Burbank in 1937, and the new studio was completed in 1940. The Studio lot was expanded in the 1950s to include sound stages and production craft facilities as Disney launched into live-action features and television.

Walt Disney Imagineering...1401 Flower St., Glendale...Originally known as WED Enterprises (for Walter Elias Disney), Walt Disney Imagineering was formed in 1952 to plan, design and built Disneyland. It was originally a private company, owned by Walt, but in 1965, it was merged into Walt Disney Productions. Today, Walt Disney Imagineering is known worldwide for disigning and building Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Walt disney Imagineering is not open to the public or for tours, though Cast Members can visit the Imagineering store, Mickey's of Glendale.

Prospect Studios...1700 N. Talmadge... Opened in 1915 as The Vitagraph Studio, this studio became the West Coast headquarters of ABC in 1948 before the network became part of The Walt Disney Company in 1996. Oneof the oldest studios in Hollywood, "Grey's Anatomy" and "General Hospital" are stilled filmed there.

Griffith Park Merry-go-round...4730 Crystal Springs Dr.... Sitting on the bench as his daughters rode the merry-go-round inspired Walt to create an amusement park where families could have fun together. The merry-go-round is open weekends year-round and also weekends during the summer.

Tam O'Shanter...2980 Los Feliz Blvd....Founded in 1922, this Scottish-themed restaurant was a favorite of Walt's. In the lobby are two sketches created by Disney artists for the owner.


Forest Lawn Memorial Park...1712 Glendale Ave., Glendale...In a small private gated garden next to the Freedom Mausoleum is Walt's resting place, along with his wife, Lillian and daughter Sharon. Walt's parents, Elias and Flora, and brother Raymond are also buried at Forest Lawn.


Please be respectful if visiting any privately owned sites on this list...........Dr Lee

Fantasmic! debuts at Disneyland Park

Twenty years ago, evenings came to life at the Rivers of America when Mickey Mouse's vivid imagination revealed magical imagery with the nighttime spectacular Fantasmic! at Disneyland Park. Since May 13, 1992, Mickey has been conjuring up epic battles between classic Disney heroes and villains, transforming Tom Sawyer Island, the Sailing Ship Columbia and Mark Twain Riverboat into a spectacular water show with pyrotechnic and laser effects. The show has been continually updated with new technology, including high-definition projection against the 40-foot mist screens. Disney's Hollywood Studios opened its own version of the show in 1998, and Fantasmic!went international in 2011 with its debut at tokyo DisneySea. I remember when Fastmic!first opened, was bartending at Club 33 and could hear it all the way in the bar of Club 33...Dr Lee

Bravissimo:to Luigi's Flying Tires test and adjust

Cars Land will open to Guests in Disney California Adventure Park on June 15, 2012, but Cast Members had the opportunity in March and April to take Luigi's Flying Tires out for a spin. Cast Members signed up for the four-hour shift to test the attraction-over and over-and provide feedback to Imagineers as the attraction nears completion. The test-and-adjust also gives Attractions Cast Members the opportunity to become familiar with their roles and to practice operating the attraction. All those Cast Members thinks it's really cool to see this attraction come together. It went from having no tires and just getting the fans to work, to installing software and now Cast Members are riding them. The vehicles look like oversized Fettuccini brand tires- the same tires Luigi proudly displays in his shop, Luigi's Casa della Tires. Once Guests are seated inside their tires, Luigi directs Guido to turn on the air compressor. Air is then pumped up through openings in the floor of the tire yard and the vehicles begin to float and fly. Guests control the direction of the vehicle by shifting their weight around and, with a turn of a lever, can make the vehicle spin. Throughout the test-and-adjust period, some Cast Members had more than 900 times experiening the sensation of flying on this attraction. See you in Cars Land...Dr Lee

Avengers:

Box office shocker...'Avengers' pacing to fly past $500 million globally by Sunday May 29,2012. Joss Whedon's superhero picture continues to do bang-up business overseas, where it's total through Monday was already $218 million; the tentpole opens in North Americaat midnight Thursday. Disney and marvel Studio's appear to have a runaway hit on their hands. The Avengers, which only began rolling out at the international box office late last week, is easily on track to become the most successful title produced in-house by Marvel Studio's, besting the $623 million worldwide gross of 2010'sIron Man 2. Directed by Joss Whedon, Avengers is doing massive business at the international box office, earning $218 million in it's first six days, and breaking records across the globe. And the 3D picture which unites many of Marvel's marquee superhero's could enjoy week-end like business Tuesday because of the May Day holiday in many cforeign markets. At this pace, Avengers' foreign gross likely will grow to $350 million- $400 million by Sunday, boosted by its debut in Russia and China this weekend. Avengers opens at midnight Thursday in North America where it's widely expected to debut north of $150 million, based on the strength of prerelease tracking. Bullish box office observers believe Avengers could finish the weekend with a global gross well north of $600 million. the superhero tentpole is the first Marvel Studio's film marketed and distributed by Disney following the company's acquisition of Marvel. it's a must see film...Dr Lee

Starbucks: Six cafes coming to Disney theme parks:

Mickey Mouse is getting a big jolt from the world's biggest cafe chain.

Starbucks announced plans to open six cafes at Disney theme parks in Anahiem and Florida. The first will open this summer at Disneyland California Adventure.

The other cafes are planned for Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort, including locations at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom.

At California Adventure, Starbucks will be located in the Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Cafe on Buena Vista Street. (The cafe is named after The Three Little Pigs)

The store's location plays off the Spanish/Mexican architecture of the period, and baristas will wear 1920s-inspires attire.


I like their tea drinks and sandwiches...Dr Lee

Must love Red:

Braving overnight temperatures in the 30s, the Red Car Trolley test and adjust crew travels the streets of Hollywood Land and Buena Vista Street, preparing the new attraction for its grand opening June 15 in Disney California Adventure Park.

"The first car, 717, arrived in December 2011,and aren't yet show ready. With sandbags covering the floors, replicating the weight of eager Guests ready to be transported from Buena Vista Street to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Temporary advertisements have been installed inside one of the Red Cars, showcasing all of the shopping and dining opportunities Guests can explore along the trolley's route.

So how do you prepare for a role driving a mode of transportation that you've never experienced? Fortunately for the enthusiastic crew, Disneyland Resort is only about an hour's drive from Orange Empire Railway Museum in the Riverside County community of Perris, California. The museum boasts a collection of original Pacific Electric Red Cars, a main mode of transportation in Southern California in the 1920s and '30s- and a source of inspiration for the Red Car Trollys that will transport Guests back in time as they explore Buena Vista Street.

With less than two months to go until opening day, the team is putting on the final touches, including the storyline for their role. A motorman or motorette will drive the trolley and a conductor or conductorette will stand in the back, spieling the different sights and sounds along the way.


Fun Facts:

Each Red Cars' number has a significant connection to Disney history.

623...June 1923 was the month and year Walt Disney moved to California.

717...July 17 was the month and day Disneyland Park opened.


Talk about a very busy summer...Dr Lee

History and Heritage:

"Out of the night, when the full moon is brigtht, comes the horseman known as Zorro.

This bold renegade carves a 'Z' with his blade, a 'Z' that stands for Zorro."

Long before Indiana Jones and Captain Jack Sparrow ruled Adventureland, one of Walt Disney's most popular television characters, Zorro, made several weekend appearances at Disneyland Park from 1958-60, taking Guests on a wild journey through Frontierland.

Based on the popular "Zorro" adventure series starring Guy Williams, the action-packed shows were held on the rooftops of Frontierland and the Mark Twain Riverboat in April, May and November 1958, and then again in November 1959 and 1960.

Fun Fact: The parking garage at The Walt Disney Studios is named the Zorro parking structure, paying homage to the hit television series that was taped in that exact location in the late 1950s.


growing up, I remember watching "Zorro".(even named our cat,"Zorro" he was all black!!!) Dr Lee

Disneyland Cast Members claim $227,955 lottery prize:

A group of Disneyland Cast Members(12) will split a $277,955 prize from the Mega Millions massive $656 million jackpot. The ticket was one number short of winning $656 million. The ticket was bought at the 7-Eleven on Ball road (2145 Ball/State College), about 2 1/2 miles from Disneyland.

Each Cast Member, will receive about $14,000 after taxes.


Not a bad return on a $5 investment...Dr Lee

Couple trying to visit Disneyland every day in 2012:

The turnstile clicked for the 100th time in a row Monday for a couple continuing a streak of visiting Disneyland every day in 2012.

Jeff Reitz and Tonya Mickesh met while scuba diving in 2006, and they found they shared a love of Disneyland. They got the idea to visit every day in 2012 when Disneyland announced it would be open for 24 hours on Leap Day.

"I woke up New Year's Day and decided 'I'm going to take advantage of that' and said we're doing 366 days this year," Mickesh said.

Reitz and Mickesh were at the front of the line on Leap Day and spent the entire 24 hours at Disneyland. But many days they were there just for an hour or two, always Disneyland first, with occasional visits to Disney California Adventure.

Wow, wonder if it's a world record? Dr Lee

Avengers:

The May 3,2012 event --capped by the first midnight showings of "The Avengers"-- is already sold out at 10 of AMC Enterainment 10 largest theaters. Fans snap up $40 tickets to special 'Avengers' Marvel movie marathon.

Fans are so eager to see The Avengers they are willing to sit through five of Marvel's previous films first. Tickets are $40 for the event, which also features Iron Man,The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger--featuring the characters who come together for Avengers.

popcorn anyone? Dr Lee

Save 'Chippanzee,' Save Chipanzee:

DisneyNature is celebrating the theatrical release of "Chippanzee" by joining forces with the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) to protect these endangered great apes through the See "Chippanzee" See Chipanzee program. During opening week (April 20-26), Disneynature will make a donation to JGI through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund to protect chippanzee and their habitats.

"Chipanzee" is a ture - life adventure set in Africa that introduces young chimp Oscar and his remarkable story of family bonds and individual triumph. The playful chimp's curiosity showcases the intelligence and ingenuity of some of the most extraordinary members of the animal kingdom.

Disneynature series is well done...Dr Lee

History and Heritage:

Disneyland Park is magical anytime of the day, but the park really comes to life when the sun sets and the lights twinkle along Main Street, U.S.A.
Capturing the nighttime magic at Disneyland Park, a special episode of "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color" aired on April 15, 1962, titled "Disneyland After Dark."

Joining Walt Disney were some of the '60s hottest celebrities including Louis Armstrong performing on the Mark Twain Riverboat, Annette Funicello singing "I Love to Dance," and making their network televison premiere, the Osmond Brothers. To end the program, Walt Disney appeared in front of Plaza Gardens,decked out in a purple feathered cap and snacking on popcorn while wishing everyone good night.

When this appeared on televison, I was almost 10 years old(June 20,1952)...Dr Lee

Signs in Bars:

A little bar humor from Dr Lee...

A...If a parsley farmer is sued, can they garnish his wages?

B...What was the best thing before sliced bread?

C...If you try to fail, and suceed, which have you done?

D...Open seven days a week, including weekends!

E...A husband is someone who, after taking trash out, gives the impression that he just cleaned the whole house!

F...The trouble with life is there no background music!

G...A hangover is the wrath of GRAPES!!!

H...If you can read this, thank a teacher - and since it's in english, thank a soldier!!


Something a little different, enjoy, HA - HA Dr Lee

Marvel's 'The Avengers' - Themed Monorail to Debut this spring at Walt Disney World Resort.

Walt Disney World Resort has exciting news to report: our partners at Marvel Studios are bringing Marvel's 'The Avengers' to Walt Disney World Resort this spring.

In Marvel's 'The Avengers,' super heroes team up to pull the world back from the brink of disaster when an unexpected enemy threatens global security.

Similar to the "Tron" - themed wrap, one of our Magic Kingdom Park Monorails is currently undergoing a Marvel's 'The Avengers' - themed changeover to celebrate the May 4, 2012 opening of the film,which stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Jonansson, Jeremy Renner and Tom Hiddleston, with Stell Skarsgard and Samuel L.Jackson as Nick Fury.



More details coming soon...Dr Lee

Disney Store celebrates 25 years of magic:

The prototype Disney Store opened in Glendale, California on March 28, 1987. Initially, the store primarily sold merchandise from Disneyland Park. First - year revenue exceeded all projections and paved the way for more stores outside of Southern California. By the end of 2012, Disney Store will have more than 350 stores worldwide, employing more than 8,000 Cast Members.

The first 13 stores were individuaaly designed and themed to each specific community. In 1989, Disney Store created a single store design that was modified to accommodate each store's size. In 2010, Disney Store unveiled its newest design, blending technology and imagination and creating an immersive, interactive Disney experience. The largest of these stores is in New York City's Times Square.

The magic continues this fall, when Disney Store will open its inaugural location in Shanghai, China. Also this fall, the first Disney Baby Store is scheduled to open at the Americana in Glendale.

I remember when the first Disney Store opened, till flies when your having fun at Club 33 working as the bartender....Dr Lee (retired June 20, 2007)

Dr. Lee Working At Mr. Stox in Anaheim!