"Let the Memories Begin":

Remember driving into Disneyland parking lot for the first time and getting goose bumps up and down your arms? Or what about the time you first witnessed the majestic sight of Sleeping Beatuy Castle?
We all remember our first time at a Disney park. Certain memories are important to each and every one of us, and this year at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, we're really going to treasure them.
On Sept.23, Tom Staggs,chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts,announced Let the Memories Begin, a new campaign being celebrated at the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.
"For the first time ever, we are asking our guests to send us their most precious family memories, their photos and, most important of all, their home videos, "Tom said. "If the memory means something to our guests, then we want to share that memory with them...and everyone else."
At the heart of this campaign are guest stories they can share with us in brand-new ways. Television commercials, advertisements, broadcast specials and more will feature guest home-videos and personal photos. Even a new website has been created so they can upload their new memories for all to see at disneylandparks.com/memories.
The new campaign also will feature the website,disneyparks.com/Memories, where guests can get insider advice on how to really maximize their vacation.
Earlier this summer, we asked you to share your personal advice about Disney parks and resorts through an online guestionnaire held on The Hub. Thousands of cast members from both resorts answered a series of questions, and those responses helped provide content for hte website.
When the questionnaire ended, one thing was apparent- Disney memories aren't just for our guests, they're also for us.


DR LEE...I can remember when I was about 8 years old,"1960", our family went to Disneyland, some place in "Anahiem,were is that Dad" and my 2 brothers and I, we could not sleep the night before! Living in Lancaster, California, we had to get up like really early,say 4 a.m.,it's still dark out,were is my pillow! Arriving at Disneyland,I can remember walking up Main Street, U.S.A.,and seeing Mickey Mouse in person, instead of Television(Walt Disney's World of Color,remember Tinker Bell).
As I began my career at Disneyland, worked on the Jungle Cruise as the skipper,the Mark Twain and than on to the Club to become Dr Lee,Bartender. So many memories, guests,co-workers and family.
I would like to ask all who read this to leave a comment in the comment section about their memories of the Disneyland Resort................

DR LEE

Moonlit Madness 2010:

On the evening of Sept. 13, more than 1,400 cast members participated in the 2010 Minnie's Moonlite Madness at Disneyland Park. This year's theme was a mash-up of all holidays and was hosted by Mr. Holiday, who entered the Festival Arena Rip Taylor -style, tossing confetti on participants. Of course,detective Minnie Mouse made an appearance as did Disney Ambassador Danielle DuBois.
Together they presented a check for $5,500 to Larry Haynes and Allison Harvey, who represented Mercy House, this year's beneficiaries. The cast members were told that this check will help keep 5 families from being homeless.
The first part of the event consisted of a 50-question trivia game followed by two hours of clue-solving madness. Teams had their choice of easy or hard clues to solve, ranging from completing a wooden coffin puzzle at Haunted Mansion to learning a '50s-inspired dance to be performed for judges.

DR LEE.....Love these holidays at the Disneyland Resort!!

Resort Expansion:

While Halloween Time is in full swing at Disneyland Park, things are also rockin' just a hop, skip and a jump across the Esplanade at Disney California Adventure Park. Here is a look at all the fun to be had this fall:

TRON:Legacy, scheduled for release on Dec. 17, will come to life on Oct.8 in Hollywood Pictures Backlot when ElecTRONica debuts. From Flynn's Video Arcade to a dance party, there will be new entertainment experiences for the whole family.

Toy Story Midway Mania! will have gamers back in action on Oct. 12. The attraction recently underwent a rehab in order to install new safety doors in the unload platform.

Duffy the Disney Bear will greet guests near Treasures in Paradise in Paradise Pier beginning Oct. 14. get ready for the cuddliest hug ever!

A new walkway is now open connecting "a bug's land" and Hollywood Pictures Backlot. Your desire to quickly get from Heimlich's Chew Chew train to Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is now a permanent pathway.

In Oct., construction will begin on Goofy's Sky School, bringing another fun-filled,energetic attraction to Paradise Pier. On Oct.11, the last car will leave for its final trip on Mulholland Madness so that Walt disney Imagineering can begin the attractions re-theming. The following day a decorative construction wall will be up from The Little Mermaid-Ariel's Undersea Adventure. to the former Pizza Oom Mow Mow.

For an in-depth look at the Disney California Adventure transformation visit the Blue Sky Cellar or disneycaliforniaadventure.com.


See You at The Resort............DR LEE A.K.A. THE GOOD DOCTOR

Walk in the Park:

Sometimes it takes large strides to make a difference in the community; and other times it takes only a few steps. On Sunday, Oct. 17, at 7a.m., you can make a difference by taking a few steps of your own(literally) at the 20th Anniversary CHOC Walk in the Park, taking place right here at the Disneyland Resort.
As you know so well, the annual CHOC Walk is a favorite of many cast members, their family and friends, who join thousnads of other walkers in this memorable and heartwarming event every year. The Disney VoluntEARS walk team always does a fantastic job of raising money for CHOC Walk to help ensure CHOC Childern's can continue providing the quality medical care that all childern deserve. Last year, the Disney VoluntEARS walk team raised more than $85,000,which helped the event bring in more than $1.6 million total.
This year, we are challenging the Disneyland Resort to take our fundraising efforts a couple of steps further. To honor the longstanding partnership that we've held with CHOC, dating back to Walt himself, and to commemorate the 20th anniversary of CHOC Walk, we are challenging all of you to help the Disneyland Resort raise $200,000- which is more than we've ever raised before.
Now, we're not asking you to do this all on your own. The Disneyland Resort is giving a $25 match donation for every walker who signs up on the Disney VoluntEARS walk team at chocwalk.org. If you're not able to join us at the Walk, you can register as a "Sleeping Bear" and your donations will still help us reach our goal. If you have some spare change, lookfor a Change for CHOC jar placed throughout the Resort. And in the coming weeks, there will be even more fun activities including a road show, opportunity drawings, silent and online auctions, and even karaoke.
As CHOC Childern's expands the services provided throughout the community, your support will help more childern-in addition to making sure that every child who is in need will receive care regardless of their family's ability to pay.


DR LEE

Let The Memories Begin:

What a journey we've been on over the years...

We celebrated a milestone with Happiest Celebration on Earth. We awarded 1 million dreams with Year of a Million Dreams. "What will you celebrate?" provided guests with amazing ways to mark their special milestone with pure Disney magic.

Starting Sept.23, Let the Memories Begin will allow guests and cast members to share those special experiences that can only happen throughout Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

Every parent knows the treasure memories can be. They're the only way to keep our childern forever young. And Disney memories? They're magical things filled with color, music and laughter.

But memories aren't just for our guests...

...the memories are also for us, our Cast Members.

At the heart of this campaign are guest stories, content they create and share. This "user-generated content" will be featured in TV spots, online and print ads, broadcast specials, promotions and a brand- new website.

During this year of new memories, look for those moments and memories that only Disney can make, not only for guests but also for you as a cast member.

Throughout the Let the Memories Begin campaign, we will keep you updated on news, updates and offerings.

Remember, no matter what roles we play,we also create magical memories for ourselves.(as bartender at club 33, I truly have "alot" of happy memories, from guests to fellow cast members.)

DR LEE

ElecTRONica:

Starting this fall, the energy at Disney California Adventure Park will rise and the digital world of TRON: Legacy will come alive during ElecTRONica, debuting on Oct. 8. This nighttime party will change both sci-fans and families with excitement,allowing guests of all ages to step into the TRON universe.
The experience begins as dancers on a multi-level stage in Sunshine Plaza help open the portal to ElecTRONica, as electronic music sets the tone. At nightfall, Hollywood Boulevard will be transformed into a computerized color grid, with light cycles racing across building facades and a mesmerizing audio-visual display assimilating "programs" into this new world. Helpful programs will teach young guests how to toss their own "Identity Disc," a Frisbee that replicates the iconic battle implement from the films.
Following a beckoning laser beam towards the Backlot Stage, guests will discover the party's source of energy, as live DJs spin house and electronic music while dancers throughout the area invite everyone to join in.
Specialty performers will entertain with dazzling laser manipulations set to energetic music.
Nearby is Flynn's Video Arcade, a dynamic re-theming of Stage 12 filled with vintage coin-operated games. Outside, guests can compete at the TRON:Evolution gaming area, featuring a hands-on look at the new video game hitting stores this December. Across the Backlot, Muppet*Vision 3-D will offer the TRON: LEGACY Exclusive 3-D Sneak Peek, an extended look at the new movie in theatres December 17, with in-theatre special effects.
ElecTRONica will be offered Friday thru Sunday this fall, and nightly during select holiday weeks.


DR LEE

This Halloween, shop (and eat) until you drop!

Food...

This season,many of our popcorn outdoor vending carts will allow guests to get into the spirit of the fall with a new Halloween premium popcorn bucket in the shape of Mickey Mouse dressed as a ghost. Character dining and buffet locations and bakeries will offer specialty Halloween desserts including a chocolate dipped Mickey bat cookie, cream topped pumpkin muffins, Halloween Time cupcake,and pumpkin spice latte. For a more cultural celebration, guests have the opportunity to celebrate Dia de los Muertos at Rancho del Zocalo, which will offer a new "Day of the Dead" holiday treat.

Merchandise...

Need a Halloween costume for your little one? A variety of Disney character-inspired costumes including, but not limited to, Disney Princesses and Disney/Pixar Toy Story are available in select merchandise locations across the Resort. Locations include Disney Showcase in Disneyland Park,Greetings from California in Disney California Adventure Park and World of Disney in the Downtown Disney District. Also,don't forget to pick up a Mickey Mouse-inspired jack-o-lantern shaped treat bucket and Mickey Mouse ear hat, reusable grocery bag, candle holder and more.

DR LEE

"Toy Story 3" crosses major milestone:

Disney-Pixar's Toy Story 3 has crossed the $1 billion mark at the global box office today, joining Alice in Wonderland as the second $1 billion film this year from the Walt Disney Studios-the first studio in history to accomplish this feat. Disney first crossed the $1 billion threshold with Pirates of the Caribbean:Dead Man's Chest in 2006. Toy Story 3 becomes the only animated film to reach this milestone and the seventh title in industry history.


DR LEE

Disneyland Hotel:

When Walt Disney set out to bring his theme park dream to life he already knew he was out of his element as film studio director trying to run an amusement park. Due to lack of finances and no experience operating a hotel, Walt called on his friend Jack Wrather to build the Disneyland Hotel.
For the first 33 years of its operation, the hotel was run by the Wrather Corporation. It wasn't until 1988, that The Walt Disney Company purchased the entire corporation,acquiring the Disneyland Hotel.
The hotel opened its doors on Oct.5,1955, with a little more than 100 rooms spread out across five two-story buildings. Today the grounds of the hotel includes three towers increasing the total to 969 guests rooms, with even more Disney magic planned for the next few years.
When the current renovation is complete, it will include a new pool area with three water slides, new iconic dining experiences and all guest towers will be re-themed and renamed Adventure, Frontier and Fantasy Tower. All projects are scheduled for completion by 2012.
The Never Land Pool will remain open during the hotel's current renovation. Also, Steakhouse 55 Lounge's hours have been extended from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.


DR LEE

Hollywood Walk of Fame:

Tinker Bell who has evolved from supporting character in the 1904 play "Peter and Wendy" to an iconic figure in the Disney empire, will receive the 2,418th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Tuesday.


DR LEE

Villains return to the Disneyland Resort:

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort returns Sept. 17 through Oct. 31 for the fifth year with thrilling seasonal decorations, attractions, merchandise, food and entertainment.
Back this season is the spine-tingling Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, where creepy creatures and ghosts lurk around every turn and drop, adding an errie effect to the already exicting attraction. Throughout the duration of the Halloween season,a chilling soundtrack will entertain Guests as they "fly" through space. The exterior of Space Mountain will also undergo a seasonal transformation with frightening projected images,audio and illuminating lights.
Also returning this year in New Orleans Square is Haunted Mansion Holiday, which will celebrate its tenth season. Jack Skellington and his friends provide plenty of excitement including the annual Halloween/Christmas gingerbread house in the Mansion ballroom with special spooky new surprises to this year's design.


For family fun:

A variety of Disney characters including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Pluto, will be in Town Square clad in seasonal costumes. Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland Park will once again transform into a Pumpkin Festival with more than 300 non-identical pumpkins on display in shop windows. Big Thunder Ranch Halloween Roundup in Frontierland will join in the festivities and feature ranch animals dressed in costumes for a Halloween Roundup,arts and crafts for all ages, and Halloween tunes by Miss Chris and the Roundup musicians.
New this Halloween season at Disneyland Park, Mickey's Halloween Party(formerly Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party at Disney California Adventure) will light up the night and welcome thousands of costumed ghosts and goblins with a newly enhanced trick-or-treat locations, cavalcade, dance and photo locations, and exclusive viewing of fireworks spectaccular, "Halloween Screams...A Villainous Surpise in the Skies."


DR LEE

Haunted Mansion Holiday celebrates 10 years:

Just a mere decade ago, Haunted Mansion Holiday opened its doors for those seeking a frightfully good scare. Ten years later, riding the attraction based on Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas has become a Disneyland Halloween tradition.
One element of the holiday overlay that changes every year is the gingerbread house in the ballroom scene. Each year, several teams work together to take the idea from concept to creation. The work begins with designers who use their imaginations to create a new design.
Once the design has been approved,the blueprints are shipped off to the Scenic Fabrication team at the Cerritos Warehouse, where Cast Members work behind the scenes to construct the foundation of the structure. After all the parts are assembled the Technical Services team takes over to "animate" parts that will move.
Last year's gingerbread creation was a rotating "Scareousel" with LED lighting,the year before was an opening and closing casket. This year,Jack pops out of the house, there is a moving zombie gingerbread man and a special little surprise on the pumpkin ginger bread busts.
The final touch is applied by bakers from Central Bakery, who bake the gingerbread each year and apply the decorations. Finally, the structure is transported to New Orleans Square and installed in the ballroom scene of Haunted Mansion. The aroma of fresh baked gingerbread fills the halls of the mansion, reminding Guests of the "most wonderful time of year."

DR LEE

"Ghosts and ghostesses" lead Happiest Tours:

Dying for the inside scoop on ghouls, goblins and the spookier side of the Disneyland Resort? Beginning mid-September through October 31, Guest Relations "Ghost" and "Ghostesses" will guide the Happiest Haunts Tour, now in its third season.
During the three-hour excursion, Guests will learn how Halloween comes to life at the Disneyland Resort and other little known facts about the holiday. Along the journey, the group stops to experience five of the Resort's most popular Halloween attractions.
The tour's inspiration came from a pervious tour called Mysteries, Myths and Legends.
All Guest Relations tours can be booked by contacting Ticket Services at 714-781-4400........


DR LEE

Global ghosts and goblins galore:

Begining centuries ago as a Celtic festival, Halloween has become one of the most popular holidays worldwide. But during this time of year, the practice of spells, charms and rituals is absent and replaced with Disney magic that transforms our parks into family-friendly Halloween experiences (well most of them).
At the Walt Disney World Resort, Mickey's No-So-Scary Halloween Party returns to the Magic Kingdom. During this ticketed event, Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costumes and trick-or-treat around the park. In addition, special entertainment, including Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade, led by a spook-tacular ride by the Haedless Horseman, travels down Main Street, U.S.A. and the Happy HalloWishes fireworks spectacular fills the sky.
Screams also fill the French countryside on Oct.30 via Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris. Terrorific Night returns for a new experience in a world more terrifying. Frightening creatures, monstrous characters and artists from another world are determined to haunt Guests for eternity. The experience promises to be so intense that the website recommends that Guests be 12 years or older.
The dark side of Hong Kong Disneyland will have ghosts fill its park, allowing Guests to experience some frightful fun when Disney's Haunted Halloween returns. The immersion begins on Main Street, U.S.A., where Guests will encounter and endless array of Victorian ghosts while in Adventureland, they are wished luck in finding the pathway out of the tribal burial ground before the ghosts claim them as one of their own.
A visit to any of these events will certainly keep the spirits up.

DR LEE

California dreamin':

Now that World of Color is dazzling Guests on a nightly basis it's time to get excited about the future additions at Disney's California Adventure.

Kachow!
Summer 2012, the Disney and Pixar Animation Studio's film, Cars, will come to life when Guests step into Cars Land designed to be a replica of Radiator Springs. Here is a quick list of what to anticipate when the new land opens.

1...Attractions
a...Radiator Springs Racers
b...Mater's Junkyard Jamboree
c...Luigi's Flying Tires

2...Merchandise Locations
a...Ramone's House of Body Art
b...Radiator Springs Curios

3...Food and Dining Locations
a...Fillmore's Taste-In
b...Flo's V8 Cafe'
c...Cozy Cone Motel

Along the boardwalk...

When the newly re-imagined Paradise Pier is complete, it will transport Guests to an early 20th-century California seaside amusement area. With all the romance and charm, who knows, you just might fall in love under the stars, along the boardwalk. Part of this transformation includes the opening of Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta and Paradise Pier Garden Grill, in 2011. The two new enhanced dining locations will share a 900-seat outdoor dining area.

Welcome to California...
Soon the hustle and bustle of the 1920s and 1930s California will come to life from the Main Entrance to the Hollywood Pictures Backlot. When Guests step past the Gates they will be immersed in the California Walt Disney moved to in 1922, with nothing but $40 in his pocket and a dream in his heart.
In order to bring this transformation to life a few locations will close over the next few months at Disney's California Adventure. Make sure to enjoy these locations or snap a few photos before they are just an entry in "Disney A to Z The Official Encyclopedia."
On Sept.6, Pizza Oom Mow Mow, Reboundo Beach, the S.S. rustworthy and Maliboomer will be opened one last day. Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta (replaces Pizza Oom Mow Mow) and Paradise Garden Grill (replaces Burger Invasion.)
On Sept. 6, Bountiful Valley Farmers's Market Fruit Cart, Sam Andreas Shakes and P.T. Flea Market will serve their last Guests.
In early September, a construction wall will go up around the sun icon and fountain in Sunshine Plaza. The removal of the sculpture and fountain will make way for the replica of Carthay Circle Theatre, sure to become a new iconic family photo backdrop.
On Oct. 1, the Main Entrance mural will begin to be removed for its vintage maheover. Work has already began on the Red Car Trolley, scheduled to debut in 2012.

Fun Fact.....
The Carthay Circle Theatre, in Los Angeles, premiered the first full-length Disney animated feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, on Dec. 21,1937.


DR LEE