Update on Disneyland 24 hour party:

Welcome to leap day Disney style.

With the park opening at 6 a.m. on Wedenesday,Disney is allowing Guests/Cast Members to start lining up at 10 p.m. Tuesday. At 5 a.m. this morning(Wednesday), the line to get into the park was all the way to Habor Blvd.(some Guests were lining up as early as 5p.m. Tuesday.)

Disneyland is not yet full at this time,10:26a.m.! However, was told that if full, Guests can go to California Adventure Park until it closes at 8 p.m.

Leaving the Disneyland Resort, to run some errands, but will return later today and give you an update...


update,two days later...



About 9p.m. Wednesday to 12:30 a.m. Thursday the front gates were closed,about 65,000 guests fit into Disneyland park. Traffic in and around the Disneyland Resort was a parking lot (including the 5 freeway, both directions, north and south), I know because I tried to get back into the resort. I decided to park about 2 blocks away and started walking,getting my cardio at 11 p.m. Once inside Disneyland Park, the lines were long, however, there was a spirit of happeniess all around. Sure it was cold,Guests were tired,waiting sometimes approx. 40 minutes for coffee, but it was if we were making history.Guests were found sleeping inside Main Street Cinema as classic Mickey Mouse cartoons played around them. Guests were found snoozing on benches and sidewalks, especially around the hub plaza in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Lines were long,more than an hour for many attractions, including Indiana Jones Adventure and Space Mountain.

Some Guests were bleary eyed, while others still bounced and danced in the final hour. Guests took final spins on Mad Tea Party and Dumbo the Flying Elephant,only a few Guests were in line for Storybook Land Canal Boats at 5:30 a.m. Although tired, most were emphatic about staying until 6 a.m. Thousands of Guests poured out of Disneyland Park at 6 a.m. Thursday, much like they had entered 24 hours earlier by getting "high fours" from Cast Members wearing Mickey Mouse hand gloves lining Main Street U.S.A..

You can get older, but you never have to grow up...DR Lee

Open for 24 hours starts at 6a.m. tomorrow:

More magic, more memories:

Every four years, leap year adds an extra day to our calenders. Often it's just another day of work, school or our usual routines.

Not this year?

On Feb. 29,2012, Disneyland Park in California and Magic Kingdom Park in Florida will stay open for 24 hours during an unprecedented memory - making opportunity called " One More Disney Day."

After realizing 2012 is a leap year, One More Disney Day was created to answer the question: "What would you do with one more day?"

Special merchadise, including shirts (I took the leap and Didn't Sleep, I pulled an ALL - NIGHTER at Disneyland ) and ear hats.

Coast - to - coast memories,there are Cast Members and Guests who starting on Wednesday at 6a.m. Eastern time, will visit for about seven hours at Magic Kingdom Park Florida before flying to California. About 7 p.m. Pacific time, they will show up at Disneyland to stay till 6 a.m. Thursday.

Also, starting to-night, Tuesday Feb. 28,2012, at 10 p.m., Guests and Cast Members can start to line up at the front gate for the 6 a.m. opening. The first 2,000 Guests/Cast Members will get free shirt and ears.

And one more thing, I'll be there to - night at 10 p.m., to be part of the magic...Dr Lee

History and Heritage:

Welcome, Mr. President:

Presidential visits, like that of President Barack Obama to Walt Disney World Resort last month, are nothing new for our parks and resorts. Since the Disneyland Resort opened in 1955, many future and past U.S. commanders - in - chief have made their way to the magical world of Disney.

In honor of Presidents Day (Feb.20), here are some of the U.S. presidents who have visited "The Happiest Place on Earth";

1955...Before becomimg president, Ronald Reagan helped host the Disneyland Park grand opening ABC special. In 1990, he returned to celebrate the park's 35th anniversary.

1957...Harry S.Truman and his wife, Bess, participated in parade down Main Street, U.S.A..

1959...John F.Kennedy, while he was still a U.S. senator, visited Disneyland with the president of Guinea.

1959...Richard M. Nixon cut the ribbon to dedicate the Disneyland - Alweg Monorail System and Submarine Voyage. (He also visited in 1955, 1961 and 1968.)

1961...Dwight D. Eisenhower visited with his grandchildern and was photograph in a fire truck on Main Street, U.S.A..

1971...Barack Obama visited as a child with his grandmother.

1975...Gerald R. Ford spoke at National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors dinner at the Disneyland Hotel. He also visited in 1964 and 1974.

1982...Jimmy Carter jogged through Disneyland Park.

1986...George H.W. Bush spoke at a fundraiser at the Disneyland Hotel and returned in 1988 and 1998.


Disney history at it's best...Dr Lee

The Disney Look:

The Disney Look is an important part of the history and heritage of the Walt Disney Company. As the company continues to evolve, the Disney Look apperance guidelines are periodically re - evaluated with awareness to industry standards.

Effective Friday, Feb.3 2012, beards and goatees are an approved option for all male Cast Members at U.S. - based theme parks and resorts, unless otherwisw restricted by regulatory codes or standards. All facial hair (beards, goatees and mustaches) must create an overall neat, polished and professional look and must be fully grown in,neatly groomed and well - maintained at no longer than one - quarter inch in length.

Also effective Friday, Feb.3 2012, non - costumed Cast Members in non - Guest - facing locations of U.S. - based theme parks and resorts can wear casual attire on Fridays (subject to approval by your site executive).


I think I look good without a beard,goatee or mustache...Dr Lee

"Flashback at Play" to bring childhood favorites to life on stage:

Everyday, Cast Members help Guests have fun at the Disneyland Resort. But when they head home after their shifts, how do Cast Members cut loose? For many, the answer isn't much different now than when we were kids.

On March 7 and 8, "Flashback at Play" will bring those childhood pastimes to life. Turning the Hyperion Theater into an oversized toy box, this production will feature Broadway - style acts inspired by video games, card games, board games and comic books. With four teams of performers vying for the win, this friendly competition is filled with song, dance,popular music and surprises.

But what makes Flashback extra special is that the entire performance is written, choreographed by and stars more than 200 Disneyland Resort Cast Members. Each year Flashback continues to grow, and the show gets better and better. Many lifelong friendships are made during the production of Flashback.

The show benefits two good causes, Anahiem Interfaith Shelter/Halcyon and Orangewood Childern's Foundation. Since its inception, Flashback Productions has raised more than $230,000 in support of local arts, youth and educational - focused nonprofit organizations.


Sounds like fun...Dr Lee

Disney California Adventure Park expanding to eight lands this summer:

A reimagined and expanded Disney California Adventure Park is set to open this summer, and in addition to opening two new lands - Buena Vista Street and Cars Land - there will be changes to other land names in the park. As guests enter the new Main Entrance and head to their favorite adventure, they will now make thier first stop in one of the following lands:

1..."a bugs land"

2...Buena Vista Street

3...Cars Land

4...Condor Flats (currently a district in Golden State)

5... Grizzly Peak (currently a district in Golden state)

6... Pacific Wharf (currently a district in Golden State)

7...Hollywood Land (currently Hollywood Pictures Backlot)

8...Paradise Pier

The addition of the Main Entrance, four new attractions, nine new stores, eight new food and beverage locations, Mad T Party and other entertainment offerings, as well as Ghirardelli in Pacific Wharf, will take the word "reimagined" to a whole new level. The changes to the land names will not be made until the park reopens this summer, so look for updated guide maps and more at that time.

Amazing...Dr Lee

Earl of Sandwich to join Downtown Disney this summer:

Earl of Sandwich is set to open a location in Downtown Disney in early summer, making it the only location in the state for the popular casual - quick restaurant. The restaurant, which has historical ties to the inventor of the sandwich, boasts a loyal following at its 17 locations worldwide, including Disneyland Paris. The new location will be located adjacent to AMC Theatres.

Known for its signature hot sandwiches, the restaurant's menu also includes soups, salads, wraps and desserts. Breakfast sandwiches and pastries will be available in the morning, and a variety of catering options will be offered.

Sounds nice...Dr Lee

Fruit Punch:

Have you wanted something to drink that is cool and refreshing??? As a bartender, I have just the drink for you and your family/friends.

1...Tall glass with crushed ice

2...Pour fresh orange juice, little more than half way.

3...Pineapple juice,almost to the top.

4...splash of grapefruit.

5...splash of passion fruit.

6...splash of grendine.

7...slice of orange/cherry/straw.

enjoy...Dr Lee

Love At Disneyland: A tale as old as time!

Finding love in the workplace has quite a history at Disney, begining with Walt Disney himself.

Focused on production in 1923, Walt had little time for romance, but he would occasionally drive some of the Ink and Paint girls home after work. That's when he developed an interest in Lillian Bounds.

One night after arriving at Lillian's house, Walt said, "I'm going to buy a new suit. When I get it, would it be all right if I called on you? Their romance flourished, and on July 13, 1925, the happy couple married.

The unofficial tradition of finding love at "The Happiest Place on Earth" continues today. here are just a few Cast Members who met their "one and only" at the Disneyland Resort.

Dyana and Ian:

Dyana Brock, Custodial, had an unusual routine when she joined the College Program in 2010.

"Every day I would pass by Snow White's wishing well and I would put a penny in, wishing for my prince to come," Dyana said.

In March 2010, while sweeping in New Orleans Square, she noticed a friend talking to someone who peaked her curiosity. Dyana swept her way over and introduced herself to Ian Hoover, Entertainment.

Ian's first impression of Dyana?

"Either she was made specifically for me or she had been stalking me for years figuring out how to be the perfect girl for me," he said.

Dyana returned home to Monterey Bay when her program ended, but the couple kept their romance alive. When she visited over winter break, they visited Disneyland Park and had their caricature sketched in New Orleans Square. When the artist turned the drawing around, it revealed Ian on one knee holding a ring and a thought bubble above his head that read "Will you marry me?" After her initial shock, Dyana wrote in her answer, "Yes!"

The pair plans to marry in early 2013.


Carla and Jim:

Cast Members Carla Sherwood and Jim Mertz met for the first time at a New Year's Eve party after their shifts at Tomorrowland Terrace in 1971. But it wasn't until September of the following year that they were set up on a date by their bosses to attend the lead and foreman banquet.

"I had to be fixed up," Jim joked. "It took her a long time to see value in me."

This year Carla, now manager, Global Documentation, and Jim, Workforce Management director, are celebrating 35 years of marriage.

Together the couple have 80 years of Disney service - and a daughter who works at the Disneyland Resort, too.

Matthew and Marina:
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Hired just a few months apart, Matthew Miranda and Marina Saldivar met in January 2010 while working at Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill in Disney california Adventure Park.

"Marina first caught my eye one day when we were both working," Matthew said. "When I saw her, I thought she was the prettiest girl in the world."

Initially, Marina had reservations about dating someone she worked with. But, she acknowledged, "love just happens in the oddest places."

Two years later, the, the couple is still madly in love."

"I think it's funny how this is 'The Happiest Place on Earth' and we found each other.

Love at the Disneyland Line:

Editor's note: Cupid's arrow also has struck Line staff writer Michelle Barefield, who wrote this story. Michelle met her fiance, Roy Choi, Global Documentation, during her first Disneyland Resort visit in july 2005. The couple will tie the knot in April.

...and they lived happily ever after.


I have a "Love Story" to tell, that's the reason I moved to Northern California!! Someday I will share...Dr Lee

Snow White's Grotto:

Since its dedication on April 9, 1961, Snow White's Grotto and wishing well near Sleeping Beauty Castle has been one of the most popular romantic spots in Disneyland Park for couples to get engaged.

The small marble statues depicting Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs that grace the spot arrived from Italy in 1958. There was just one problem: The Snow White statue was approximately the same height as the dwarfs. When Walt asked Imagineer John Hench to display the eight statues at Disneyland, the designer was perplexed by how to properly showcase the disproportional group.

John's solution: Scene elements were scaled to create the illusion of distance and height and Snow White was placed at the top of the diorama, creating a forced perspective. From the footbridge, Snow White appears perfectly proportional in relation to her friends. John did such a magical job creating the scene that three other Disney parks have since incorporated the montage - disproportion and all - in their castle forecourts.

And what happens to all those coins from the wishing well that surely made many wishes come true? For decades, the money collected has been donated to childern's charities. Inscribed on the well is the sentiment: " Your wishes will help childern everywhere."

If I every marry again, I think here at the wishing well or the drawbridge in front of the castle is were I shall ask that question,"Will you marry me"...Then,I want to get married at Emerald Bay,Lake Tahoe with sand between our toes and a few close friends...Dr Lee

Introducing Sofia the First:

Disney will introduce a little girl princess to its celebrated legacy of princess fairytales in an animated television movie and series, " Sofia the First," premiering by spring 2013 on Disney Channel and Disney Jinior channels around the world. This is the first time a Disney series has centered on a princess as a little girl. The stories are designed to communicate positive messages and life lessons that are applicable to preschool - age childern. The series and movie are productions of Disney Television Animation.

"Sofia the First" stories are set in the storybook world of young Sofia who starts out life as a regular girl. But when her mom marries the king, she is whisked off to a glamorous, but sometimes confusing, castle world of royalty, pomp and new step - siblings, Amber and James.

"In Sofia," we have a peer to peer princess, a relatable girl experiencing the same social issues as our young viewers - learning how to fit in, making new friends, conquering new skills and building sibling relationships.


Disney Junior Channel, something for all ages...Dr Lee