Just an hour ago, the Summer Issue of the Disneyland AP Newsletter, Backstage Pass, arrived in my mailbox. Here are pictures showing what is in this edition. For bigger versions of the pictures, check out the DLR Image Gallery later today.
Just wanted to point everyone over to SparkyLD’s Flickr page. On there he has tons more pictures & a video from his trip to the Disneyland Resort. Enjoy!
Let’s take a look at some various things going on through-out the Disneyland Resort from the latest Disneyland Resort Update on DisneyGeek:
A new banner up at the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure
One of the counters & some seating at the Bengal Barbecue are behind walls
Apparently this is new wood for the Pacific Wharf Bridge
One of the shop windows in Downtown Disney now displays Disney’s Fairytale Weddings
It’s Tough to be a Bug is closed until May 23rd
And Corn Dog Castle is closed until May 22nd
Finally, it seems the Carnation Cafe restrooms are getting some work done
Let’s take a look at some various things going on through-out the Disneyland Resort from this week’s Dateline Disneyland on MiceAge:
The Harbor Blvd. entrance to the resort is closed due to electrical work for the DCA & Grand Californian expansions
The Pixar Play Parade sign at the Mickey & Friends Tram Station is getting some work done
A copy of the Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters mural has been added to the Segway Experience in Innoventions. Talk about originality!
Here’s a better look at the new Build Your Own Lightsaber stand inside Star Traders
The exit waterfall at the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is getting some extensive work done
The hot dog/turkey leg stand opposite Toy Story Midway Mania is to be known as Don Tomas
Let’s take a look at the latest happenings from through-out the Disneyland Resort from the latest DLR Update on DisneyGeek:
Apparently a tram damaged this sign a little
This new feature in Project Tomorrow is basically the new finale to Epcot’s Spaceship Earth. Your picture is taken, embedded into the animated scene, & then you can send that scene to your email (much like in Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters)
A temporary stage has been put up in Paradise Pier for some event (anyone know what it is?)
The never used extended queue for MuppetVision 3D is being converted in to seating for Award Wieners
The Snow White exhibit has been removed. It’s much nicer now, isn’t it?
Hong Kong Disneyland’s It’s a Small World has now officially opened! A short little video of the opening ceremony is available on YouTube. Also, the attraction’s website is up, & I must admit, it is a very good website! Featured on it are pictures of each Disney character doll, the theme song sang in different languages, wallpapers, & much more! You can find the website here!
Let’s pop over to Hong Kong Disneyland once again… A complete video has surfaced of their new It’s a Small World attraction. As you watch the video, be sure to look closely for the Disney characters, & listen closely for interspersed Disney music. We’ve also found video of their clock ceremony, which is pretty much the same as ours. But man, I wish we’d get their facade color scheme!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GB-Zyk_Cjlw&feature=related[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TewofEWtFuE&feature=related[/youtube]
Let’s for a moment wander over to Hong Kong Disneyland… Soft openings have begun for their new version of It’s a Small World, & video has surfaced of it already (although do note, this video does not include all of the attraction)! As you watch the videos, be sure to look closely for the Disney characters, & listen closely for interspersed Disney music.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDKnpRq6lZk[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOUUabRnepA[/youtube]
I will not share my opinion here as I really just want to spread the news, but I will be sharing my opinion of this attraction on this week’s Disneyland News Today Podcast!
Beginning last Friday, the Travel Channel began what will be a weekly series of new programs showcasing the Disney parks. They are referring to the series as their “Season of Disney”. Here is the schedule, including last week’s show which is now running regularly on the network:
These shows have been airing at 9pm EST on Fridays, but you still may want to check you local listings just to be sure of when you can check them out.
With nearly 500,000 online ballots cast, the field in the Disney Dream Chief Magic Official (CMO) competition that once numbered 1,300 contestants has been narrowed to the Top 3: David “Blooper Reel” Hawley of California, Justin “Adventurosity” Muchoney of Pennsylvania and Tripp “Radio DJ” West of Georgia.
Online voters cast ballots throughout March for their favorites among the Top 10 finalists. (Watch videos and read profiles of the Dream CMO finalists from earlier posts.)
The Top 3 vote getters travel to Walt Disney World in mid-April for a head-to-head competition that will be videotaped and voted on again by the online public April 17-21.
The reality television-style tests of creativity, enthusiasm and Disney theme park knowledge include:
Stroller mix-up — Match the stroller with the correct accessory bag.
Towel folding — Create a towel animal following a training session.
Noise making — Generate the loudest crowd reaction.
Park information — Offer assistance, directions and tips to visitors.
Face painting — Create a design following a training session.
The overall Dream CMO winner will be crowned in front of Cinderella’s Castle at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom on April 22. The winner serves as a goodwill ambassador at Disney parks in Florida and California.
It should be noted that I incorrectly picked West to finish last on a number of occasions. I was disappointed that Patrick “Mr. Cut-Out” Hurd did not make the cut.
I’m picking Muchoney to win it all. Who are you rooting for?
— Brady MacDonald, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
