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Blue Sky Cellar Unveils Exciting New Magic Coming to Disney’s California Adventure Park

ANAHEIM, Calif., October 15, 2008 – Nestled in the Golden Vine Winery at the base of Grizzly Peak in Disney’s California Adventure Park, the Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar is a place where Guests will get an exclusive sneak preview of what is new and what is in store for the expansion of the Disneyland Resort. Beginning October 20, Guests will view working models as well as dozens of concepts and sketches from Disney Imagineers, the creative minds behind the design and construction of Disney theme parks and attractions.

With Blue Sky Cellar, Guests will be invited for the first time to preview works in progress at Disneyland Resort by immersing themselves in a facsimile of an Imagineering workspace. Based on the belief that idea gathering is best when “the sky’s the limit,” the Blue Sky Cellar is designed to resemble an Imagineering “charette,” an extended creative idea development meeting. Guests receive an inside-look at how Imagineers take “blue sky” ideas and refine them into the classic storytelling that characterizes Disney Theme Park attractions and adventures.

In this whimsical immersive setting, Imagineers have taken over a former wine cellar and set up shop. Wine barrels have turned into work stations and the former wine tasting room has become a screening room where videos showcase the behind-the-scenes magic that goes into the creation of new and upcoming attractions for Disney’s California Adventure.

Guests will view several new attraction models, including the newly envisioned Paradise Pier area with its turn-of-the-20th-Century look, ride vehicle maquettes from Toy Story Mania!; and the new character overlays to the Games of the Boardwalk. Special features include updates and character additions to attractions such as Mickey’s Fun Wheel (an enhancement of the current Sun Wheel) and Silly Symphony Swings (a refreshed and rethemed Orange Stinger).

Brand new sketches and artwork line the walls including images of the new entrance area, soon to be known as Buena Vista Street, which will bring to life a nostalgic look at Los Angeles from the 1920s and 30s when Walt Disney first arrived in California; a Red Car trolley, reminiscent of the Pacific Electric Railway; and a new central plaza area including a replica of the Carthay Circle Theatre, where Walt premiered Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

The “coming soon” area features images of Disney’s World of Color and The Little Mermaid attraction, and looks even further ahead to Cars Land, a 12-acre expansion of the Park which will bring to life the town of Radiator Springs from the Disney?Pixar animated film Cars, complete with three new attractions for the whole family. Additionally, Guests in Blue Sky Cellar will have fun testing their knowledge of Disney trivia at one of the interactive workstations.

The screening room features Imagineers describing the approach and vision of the Disney California Adventure expansion. Guests will see footage of model-making, sculpting, blue sky meetings and all the aspects of bringing a Disney concept to life.

Included in the original announcement of the multi-year expansion of the Disneyland Resort in Fall 2007, the Blue Sky Cellar is part of the overall commitment to keep the community and Disneyland Resort Guests informed of the exciting new and upcoming plans for the Resort. Future updates will focus on other new areas and attractions, and Guests are invited to return periodically for additional exciting information.

About Walt Disney Imagineering

Walt Disney Imagineering is the unique innovative organization that creates – from concept through construction – all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, cruise ships, real estate developments, and regional entertainment venues worldwide. Imagineering’s unique strength comes from the teamwork and syntheses of creative and technical professionals representing more than 140 diverse disciplines.

About the Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and Disney’s California Adventure park – plus the Downtown Disney District comprised of unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. The Resort’s three guest-welcoming hotels are the luxurious 745-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the magical 988-room Disneyland Hotel and the “day-at-the-beach” fun of the 489-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. For further information on attractions, events and vacations at Disneyland Resort, visit www.disneyland.com, call (866) 60-DISNEY or contact local travel agents.

In 2009, Come to a Disney Park on Your Birthday and Get In Free!

NEW YORK (Sept. 18, 2008) – Everyone who visits a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort theme park on their birthday in 2009 can get in free, as Disney Parks embraces a newly identified family-travel trend called “celebration vacations.”

A June 2008 survey of approximately 4,600 adults conducted by Ypartnership reveals that vacationers are increasingly motivated by events of high “personal significance” - milestone anniversaries, and birthdays, weddings and honeymoons, graduations and reunions and more. Seventy percent of respondents revealed they have taken a vacation primarily to celebrate a special occasion.

In 2009, Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts will lead this growing trend with new entertainment and services that allow guests to turn their personal milestones into magical Disney experiences.

And to kick it all off: a first-ever opportunity for guests to receive a free ticket to one of the Disney theme parks on their birthday in 2009.

“Birthdays are the one occasion that we all share every year,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, at an announcement event today in New York. “We thought a free birthday ticket would be the icing on the cake as we extend this new ‘celebration vacation’ trend to Disney Parks.”

“The motivations revealed in this fascinating piece of work suggest that vacations are increasingly viewed as an appropriate way to either recognize or reward the participants for some event of great significance in their lives,” said Peter C. Yesawich, whose marketing services firm conducted the survey. “As such, we call them ‘celebration vacations’.”

Research showed that when families take that “celebration vacation” they are looking for destinations that provide activities for children and - better yet - activities that adults and children can enjoy together, Yesawich said.

“Given these findings, it’s not surprising that Disney Parks topped the list of destinations where families would most like to celebrate these special occasions,” he said.

Respondents rated these as the top destinations for a celebration: Disney theme parks (40% combined), Hawaii (18%), Florida {other than Walt Disney World Resort} (13%), Europe (13%) and the Caribbean (12%). Interestingly, respondents without children in their household mentioned Walt Disney World Resort as the preferred destination for a “celebration vacation” with a comparable frequency to those with children (33% versus 27% respectively). The same was true among respondents over 55 years of age versus those between 21 and 34 years of age (34% versus 29% respectively).

“We see our parks as the ideal setting for a personal celebration,” Rasulo said. “Guests can immerse themselves in their favorite stories and their favorite characters, creating a visit they’ll never forget.

“And when our cast members get involved, it feels as if the entire park is celebrating along with you.”

At Walt Disney World Resort, guests can add on to the fun, choosing from more than 200 experiences ranging from breathtaking (magical fireworks cruises, sunrise safaris, diving the depths with undersea creatures) to mirth-making (Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, character dining, kids’ pirate adventures). At Disneyland Resort, celebrants can book more than 50 magical experiences including “My Disneyland Birthday Party” and guided tours that reveal Walt Disney’s inspiration for Disney Parks.

With all there is to do in Disney parks, guests can tailor their celebration with favorite attractions, favorite characters and special experiences. Maybe they have a “princess” day with themed meals, shows, attractions and perfectly princess merchandise at Disneyland. Or they turn Walt Disney World “wild” with trail riding, bass fishing and parasailing.

Thanks to new Web tools, guests can discover magical experiences, unique events, dining enhancements and more. The planning tool is accessible by way of www.disneyparks.com.

Disney Parks also is presenting park experiences with memory-making in mind, including street parties in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Park, a Tomorrowland video dance party (Walt Disney World Resort), a celebration barbecue and festive birthday party (Disneyland Resort) and colorful park décor.

Disney parks are the ultimate setting for any celebration, turning a special occasion into a magical Disney experience. And with the opportunity of free admission to a Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort theme park on your birthday in 2009, it’s even more special. All it takes is a valid ID including proof of birth date. Guests can get more details and start the process by registering their birthdays at www.disneyparks.com.

Disney to close all Pleasure Island Clubs by September 27th. New dining and shopping experiences announced.

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (June 27, 2008) – Walt Disney World Resort today unveiled a new vision for Downtown Disney, with extraordinary new shopping, dining and other experiences including a completely re-imagined Pleasure Island. Also planned are numerous enhancements to popular Downtown Disney locations, as well as additional theming and storytelling brought to life by Walt Disney Imagineers.

“We are committed to offering guests new and exciting experiences they can only have at Walt Disney World Resort,” said Downtown Disney Vice President Kevin Lansberry. “Our bold new vision for Downtown Disney reflects the feedback we receive from our guests each and every day and will enable us to continue to offer the high-quality entertainment that is our hallmark.”

Over the next year, the 120-acre entertainment-shopping-dining complex will add a number of one-of-a-kind, immersive experiences for guests. Downtown Disney will even get its own iconic attraction, in the form of a giant, tethered balloon that will take guests 300 feet into the air to view the amazing vistas of Walt Disney World Resort. Other new experiences include:

·In fall 2008, guests will enter a world of prehistoric creatures at T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure. The dinosaur-themed family eatery will serve up pizzas, pastas, seafood and more, and will feature life-size animated dinosaurs that dwell among bubbling geysers, waterfalls and a fossil dig site.

*Also this fall, a design-your-own t-shirt store from Hanes will add to the growing collection of merchandise guests can personalize at Downtown Disney.

*E-brands Restaurants, an Orlando-based, multi-concept restaurant group, will premier its newest concept at Downtown Disney in spring 2009. The high-energy, casual eatery will feature authentic Central and South American cuisine, specialty drinks and live music along the waterfront.

Guests also will enjoy a brand new mix of shopping and dining experiences at Pleasure Island as it is transformed over the next two years.

“Our guests tell us they want additional shopping and dining experiences at Downtown Disney,” added Lansberry. “We are currently considering a number of unique concepts from around the globe as we re-imagine Pleasure Island and look forward to sharing our progress over the coming months.”

To make way for the new offerings, all of the clubs currently on Pleasure Island will close on Sept. 27. Other locations on Pleasure Island, including Raglan Road, Fuego by Sosa Cigars, Curl by Sammy Duval, Orlando Harley-Davidson and outdoor food and beverage locations, will remain open during the transition.

To complement these new experiences, many popular Downtown Disney locations will undergo enhancements.

*Beginning this summer, Portobello Yacht Club will be transformed into a Tuscan Country Trattoria. The refreshed menu features authentic Italian dishes and signature favorites and a re-designed interior along with an outdoor dining space.

*This fall, Goofy’s Candy Company will add a special new room that will enable families to host one-of-a-kind birthday parties at Downtown Disney.

*The Marketplace Stage will be completely replaced with a larger, covered stage this fall to welcome even more entertainment to Downtown Disney and serve as a new premier venue for Disney Magic Music Days.

*Fulton’s Crab House will update its interior fixtures and furnishing and exterior in Spring 2009. The enhancements include a refreshed third floor deck dining area to offer additional Disney guests and larger private parties the traditional Fulton’s experience.

*Next year, Wolfgang Puck Café will update its interior fixtures and furnishings and will feature an enclosed glass patio offering guests a year-round outdoor dining experience.

These efforts come on the heels of recent enhancements at World of Disney, Wolfgang Puck Express, Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop, Earl of Sandwich and Cap’n Jack’s Restaurant.

Independence Day Sparkles Across Walt Disney World Resort With Star-Spangled Pyrotechnics Performances

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- A popular July 4th tradition at Walt Disney World Resort will continue this year as star-spangled salutes to America's independence are presented all across the Florida Vacation Kingdom.

Here's some of the fireworks fun scheduled for July 4 this year:

* A Fourth of July "Concert in the Sky" will light up the night at Magic Kingdom in honor of Independence Day. Featuring a magnificent display of aerial fireworks, dazzling pyrotechnic effects and dynamic music, the show, entitled "Disney's Celebrate America!-A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky," is a grand tribute to the United States, its people and traditions. The special show is scheduled for 9 p.m. Magic Kingdom also will feature two performances of the " SpectroMagic" nighttime parade, first at 10:30 p.m. and then again at 12:30 a.m. that same night.

* A holiday-inspired finale will be added to Epcot's nightly fireworks extravaganza, "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth" The park's American Adventure pavilion also will feature enhanced entertainment throughout the day, with visits from historic characters who will share their stories. American Adventure also will feature additional performances of its signature musical group, Voices of Liberty, performing patriotic classics.

* Disney's Hollywood Studios will present a special July 4th fireworks show at 9 p.m., with skyrockets and patriotic music filling the air at the showbiz-themed park. The park's popular "Fantasmic!" show, featuring fireworks, animation, dancing waters and Disney characters, will be presented on July 4 at 10:30 p.m.

* Downtown Disney will present July 4th fireworks at 10:30 p.m. for the revelers, shoppers and diners enjoying the nighttime entertainment district.

Contest #2 Update, Licensing International Expo Photos, Latest Releases.

Hi everyone!

Contest #2 Update:

Thank you for another great response to my second contest with partner site Mousesteps! The winner was Larry Frievalt of Oak Creek WI and he will receive a free Epcot's Flower and Garden Windows Screensaver/Photo CD. Thanks also to everyone who voted in the poll for my upcoming DVDs. It really helped to give me a good idea of what you want to see!

Licensing International Expo:

This week I attended the Licensing International Expo during it's final run at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. I was there to photograph the event for JimHillMedia and wanted to share some of the photos here.

   

Disney Consumer Products was well represented at the show. This years focus was on High School Musical 3 and the Disney Fairies brands.

Sony Pictures Consumer Products had a giant size Stay Puft Marshmallow Man on display to promote the " Ghostbusters" franchise 25 year history in 2009. Also on hand was Lucasfilm Ltd featuring figures from the new 2008 animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

CBS Consumer Products was promoting the Star Trek franchise as well as the 2009 J.J. Abrams Star Trek film currently in production. Leonard Nimoy made an appearance and was very cordial and candid as he posed for photos with the attendees.

Available Now:

Thanks for the enthusiastic response to my latest titles: Jeff Lange Remembers Tomorrowland Classics, Jeff Lange Experiences Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival, Jeff Lange Remembers Disneyland Classics - Vol 4, and Jeff Lange Remembers Epcot 'After Dark' 25th Anniversary Collectors Edition 2-DVD Set! Please click HERE for more information on these items.

As always, if you want to request a future DVD idea, Photo Memory topic or comment on anything, just drop me a line at suggestions@JeffLangeDVD.com.

Click here to browse the JeffLangeDVD store.

Sneak Peek of Disney's Hollywood Studios Newest Attraction "Midway Mania".

Last night contributor and friend of the site Denise Preskitt was invited to a sneak preview of the new Midway Mania attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios. She was kind enough to send me these exclusive images from the preview that I will be sharing with you now.

I really like the attention to detail (shown above), right down to the brick design reminiscent of Pixar's headquarters in Emeryville, California

The queue looks fantastic with many little Disney and Pixar references!

I'm told that it's a very fun, interactive attraction that I'll want to ride again and again! I am looking forward to experiencing Midway Mania both at Disney's California Adventure in July (where I'll be attending the NFFC convention) and at Disney's Hollywood Studios this fall. I can't wait to see how the two attractions compare, down to the small details!

If you want to see even more great photos on this cool new attraction, please visit friends of this site MouseSteps.com.

Upcoming Release News:

Please check back very soon for more information on my upcoming releases, including my all new Photo CD Collection (due to popular request, the first release will be a Horizons Screensaver Photo CD). DVD's scheduled for release include Animal Kingdoms 10th Anniversary, Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival, Tomorrowland Classics, Walt Disney World Railroads and more!

As always, if you want to request a future DVD idea, Photo Memory topic or comment on anything, just drop me a line at suggestions@JeffLangeDVD.com.

Upcoming Disney Fan Events - Production Update.

Welcome back for another update! I have been working hard on a yet-to-be announced release that I'm very excited about - keep checking back for more details. In the meantime, here is some information on upcoming Disney events that I plan to take part in!

Upcoming Disney Fan Events:

The first event is from WDWCelebrations (the folks who put together the big Epcot 25th Anniversary fan event). I will be attending this event with my good friend Jim Hill (he also has an article about it HERE). I look forward to it as we were both in attendance on opening day and have many interesting memories about this unique Disney park. If you are thinking of attending please note that as of last week there were only 30 spots left for the event! More information is below.

A Wild Decade:

WDWCelebrations is pleased to announce its first Commemorative Event, "A Wild Decade," in honor of Animal Kingdom's 10th Anniversary on April 22, 2008. Building on the success of Celebration 25, "A Wild Decade" will focus on unique experiences, including group rides, photos, meals, and other special events designed to bring Disney fans together to celebrate and enjoy each other's company. For more information be sure to visit the Official WDW Celebrations homepage.

Another great event I look forward to each year is the National Fantasy Fan Club Disneyana Convention. Some preliminary information has just been released (see below).

First Look at the NFFC 2008 California Convention Event Schedule:

The 2008 California Convention is still a few months away, but the Special Events Committee (SEC) is already busy getting things ready for what promises to be an exciting few days.

Here's what we can tell you so far. The dates of the California Convention are July 15th through July 20th. However, just before the Convention begins on Sunday July 13th, we have an event that is open to all NFFC members - the "Disneyland Tour of Downtown Los Angeles" with our good friend Charles Phoenix. For a more detailed description of this event and links to pictures and a video, check out this link. You will find the registration form here and in the February issue of the Fantasyline Express. Remember, seats are limited to the first 50 people who send in their registration.

As always, our meal events promise to be a highlight of the Convention. On Tuesday evening, July 15th, we will kick things off with our Welcoming Reception. This year, the entertainment will be provided by our own members, as we bring back an event from a few years ago: " Puttin' on the Disney Hits". This is where you get to lip sync to your favorite Disney songs or pay homage to a Disney Park attraction. (Who could forget the Electrical Parade tribute and of course our own Eric Roque and his special presentation of "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln"?). Get your "act" together and plan to be a part of the show! For further information, please contact Eric Roque at hartrock@psend.com.

The Collectors Breakfast will start our day on Wednesday, July 16th. At this event we will be celebrating "85 Years of Disney Magic ". 2008 marks the 85th Anniversary of the founding of the Walt Disney Company; since we are a group of collectors and enthusiasts, we are encouraging people to bring along a special piece from their collection, share a picture, or tell a story of something special you have or remember from the company founded by Walt Disney.

Thursday, July 17th marks the 53rd birthday of "The Happiest Place on Earth", Disneyland. We will take the day off from regular convention activities to enjoy the day just being a kid again and riding all of our favorite attractions.

Friday evening, July 18th, we'll hold the Celebration Banquet. Our theme for this event will be a celebration of the 80th birthday of the little guy and gal that started it all -- Mickey and Minnie Mouse. This year's entertainment will be Dick Hardwick, an alumnus of the Golden Horseshoe Revue; with Dick providing the entertainment, the Banquet promises to be an evening filled with a lot of laughs. Dust off those ears and get ready for a great event! For more information on Dick Hardwick, check out his website at http://www.dickhardwick.com/.

Our Luncheon with a Disney Legend will be held on Saturday, July 19th. Then, on Sunday, July 20th, we will wrap things up with the biggest Disneyana Show and Sale in the country.

The SEC is hard at work confirming speakers and seminar topics for the California Convention; we'll have more details for you as speakers and seminars are confirmed.

So, there you are -- a little taste of what's in store for you during the 2008 California Convention. Start making your plans now to join us in California in July!

Production Update and Poll:

As I mentioned above I am working on a new project and doing preliminary work on a few upcoming titles including: 'Disneyland Classics 4', 'WDW's Tomorrowland Classics' and 'Walt Disney World's Class of 1971'. I'm also considering doing a DVD on Epcot's Flower & Garden festival. I am curious to know if there is any interest in such a project and what you would expect to see on the disc. If anyone would like to share any thoughts please email me at Suggestions@JeffLangeDVD.com. I appreciate all input and really would like to hear from you (and any ideas on what you would like to see on the Disneyland Classics 4 or WDW Tomorrowland Classics as well).

As always, if you want to request a future DVD idea, Photo Memory topic or comment on anything, just drop me a line at suggestions@JeffLangeDVD.com.

Click here to browse the JeffLangeDVD store.

Disneyland Dream Suite Will Be Awarded To One Lucky Guest This Evening!

ANAHEIM, Calif. – January 29, 2008 – For the first time in history, lucky guests will have the chance to spend an unforgettable night inside Disneyland Park during the Year of a Million Dreams, most nights starting January 31, 2008, as part of the 2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway.

A guest will be escorted on the same day awarded into the most extraordinary accommodations at Disneyland Resort: the Disneyland Dream Suite, an in-park apartment with special-effects surprises and vintage design elements in each room.

The overnight stay in the Disneyland Dream Suite will be a highlight among the more than a million "dream come true" experiences awarded through random process to eligible Disneyland Resort guests and mail-in participants in the 2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway. Mail-in winners of prizes that require use on day awarded, such as the Disneyland Dream Suite, will receive a prize of comparable value.

Disney Imagineers have devoted months of hard work toward remodeling the suite of rooms above New Orleans Square in the Park, conceived by Walt Disney as a private apartment for his family and closest friends. The rooms, which most recently housed The Disney Gallery, have been restored to Disney's original vision of deluxe living quarters. Vintage design illustrations, created under Disney's personal direction, were recovered and used as inspiration for the look, furnishings and other décor elements in the Suite. Special design touches have been incorporated to evoke memories of Disney's diverse interests and the rich heritage of Disneyland.

The guests chosen through a random process to enjoy a "dream stay" in the Disneyland Dream Suite will be following in the footsteps of Walt Disney. His dedication to the constant growth and development of Disneyland Park resulted in frequent overnight stays in a small private apartment which remains today above the Fire House on Main Street, U.S.A. In the 1960s, as plans were developed for the New Orleans Square area, Disney brought in illustrator and designer Dorothea Redmond (Gone with the Wind) and set decorator Emile Kuri (Mary Poppins, It's a Wonderful Life) to help him create a larger, more lavish apartment where he could entertain friends, family, VIP guests and dignitaries.

Unfortunately, Disney passed away before the Suite was completed. Over the years, the rooms were used as offices and to entertain visiting business associates until, in 1987, the space became The Disney Gallery, a unique venue displaying artwork originally created during the development of various Disney movies and theme park attractions. Only now, 40 years later, is Disney's dream being fulfilled. The rooms have been returned to their original intended purpose and, as Disney wished, the Disneyland Dream Suite will be occupied by overnight guests.

"Our plan has been to use the renderings that Walt worked on with Dorothea Redmond and to replicate those as exactly as we can," said Walt Disney Imagineering Art Director Kim Irvine. "Her illustrations were very specific, with a color and style for each room. "But to make it special for the guests, we want it to be more than just a beautiful suite. We want it to be filled with things that might have inspired Walt as he dreamed of Disneyland."

Located above Pirates of the Caribbean in the New Orleans Square section of Disneyland Park, the 2,600-square-foot Disneyland Dream Suite includes a living room, open-air patio, two bedrooms and two bathrooms. In addition to that night's lodging in the Disneyland Dream Suite, each selected 2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway winner of the Disneyland Dream Suite will also be celebrated as the Honorary Grand Marshal in that day's Disneyland parade. The winner and their guests will enjoy dinner, late-night snacks and beverages, and the dazzling view overlooking New Orleans Square and the Rivers of America, where a private balcony provides an ideal vantage point on nights when fireworks or the "Fantasmic!" spectacular are presented.

Guests may enter the Dream Suite by climbing the grand staircase outside the entrance to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. An elevator will be available to accommodate guests with disabilities. Through the doorway at the top of the stairs is the Living Room, designed in a French Provincial style reflecting the New Orleans Square setting. Unusual decorative items like a full-size carousel horse, a mechanical songbird and original wall paintings of European castles will conjure up memories of Walt Disney and the inspirations that went into creating the magical world of Disneyland.

The Suite features not one, but two Master Bedrooms. In one, the spirit of early 20th century innovation and the American frontier are summoned with an earthy color scheme, leather furniture, a cast-iron stove, an electric train and vintage mechanical toys. The other Master Bedroom is on the side of the residence nearest Adventureland, and its lush décor and atmosphere evoke the exotic flavor of jungle adventure stories as told in the Victorian era.

The Bayou-themed Patio, central to the Disneyland Dream Suite and open to the sky above, is filled with tropical vegetation, furnished with comfortable chaises and illuminated by Chinese lanterns. Using a type of Disney magic familiar to guests on Pirates of the Caribbean, the Patio is also visited by fireflies.

As guests settle in for a stay in the Disneyland Dream Suite, they'll discover special effects surprises in each room. It could be a special tune in a striking clock, a sunset or a starscape that appears when the lights go down, subtle audio enhancements, or something totally unexpected.

The Disneyland Dream Suite will be the supreme addition to the catalog of "dreams come true" at the Disneyland Resort during the 2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway as the Disney Dream Squad delivers dreams, large and small, to eligible guests selected through a random process. For information on how to enter by mail without visiting the parks, please see below.

The 2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway is part of the Year of a Million Dreams at Disney Parks. At Disneyland Park, the popular immersive entertainment experiences will continue to thrill guests at Disney Princess Fantasy Faire, Jedi Training Academy and Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island. And at Disney's California Adventure Park, guests young and old will be dancing to the beat of the new High School Musical 2: School's Out! street show, inspired by the megahit Disney Channel original movie. For information on new attractions, the Year of a Million Dreams celebration and vacations at Disneyland Resort visit www.disneyland.com, call (866) 60-DISNEY or contact local travel agents.

Search for First Ever Disney Park Chief of Magic Official Is On

BURBANK, CA., JANUARY 8, 2008 - Do you wish your M.D. really stood for "Magic Director?" Or perhaps that your Ph.D. had something to do with Pixie Dust? As millions of Americans resolve to search for a new job this New Year, Disney Parks may have just the position they've been waiting for!

To prove that making dreams come true is no longer reserved for fairy godmothers, CareerBuilder.com today launched the search for the first-ever Disney Parks Chief Magic Official (CMO) who will spread magic during The Year of a Million Dreams.

The search for the CMO is part of The Year of a Million Dreams, where this year more than one million more dreams will be granted to guests at Disney Parks. This celebration includes incredible new attractions, parades, interactive entertainment and much more!

"We're looking for that perfect someone to serve alongside our talented Cast of dream makers," said Craig Dezern, Vice President, Global Public Relations, Disney Parks. "The CMO will serve as an ambassador of dreams to help create the magic that only Disney can bring to its guests.

"Whatever you dreamed of being when you were growing up, chances are some of your plans hit a snag along the way," said Richard Castellini, a spokesperson for CareerBuilder.com. "In fact, in a recent survey of over 6,000 workers, only 15 percent said they were actually in their dream jobs. The Disney Parks CMO will have the unique opportunity to live out his or her dream and bring a little magic to the lives of others."

DO YOU HAVE THE CHARACTER TO BE THE CMO?

Beginning May 1, 2008, the part-time CMO will help create magical experiences for guests, participate in special events at Disney Parks and meet Disney's real "masters of magic" - the Imagineers.

The ideal CMO candidate must be happy, never grumpy; able to easily befriend dwarfs, dogs, monsters and mice; have good manners - but also be able to pillage and plunder with pirates when necessary. Also required: pockets full of pixie dust, an aversion to poisonous apples, an interest in oversized teacups and flying elephants and, most importantly, a belief in all things magical.

The position will require travel, including travel to Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, during the week and some weekends and holidays. While traveling as the Disney Parks CMO, he/she will receive an hourly rate of compensation for hours spent performing the CMO role, as well as airfare, accommodations and a spending allowance.

"The CMO position is an opportunity of a lifetime for someone who has always wanted to be part of the Disney family," said Dezern. "We will look for the ideal candidate to be naturally outgoing and optimistic, and have a great sense of humor as well as a passion for spreading Disney magic to our guests."

SHOW YOUR DISNEY MAGIC

Beginning January 8 and continuing through January 27, interested applicants can visit www.DreamCMO.com and take the "Magic Aptitude Test" (M.A.T.) to see if they have what it takes to be the first-ever Disney Parks Chief Magic Official. Along with the results of the M.A.T., candidates will be asked to show their Disney magic by submitting a 60 second video resume - online at www.DreamCMO.com - which captures their personality and visually and verbally supports why they would make the ideal CMO.

MICKEY'S APPRENTICE

A magical panel of judges will select the top 10 video resumes, which will be posted to www.DreamCMO.com and voted on by America. The top three vote-getters will take part in a three-day event at Walt Disney World Resort that will test their creativity, enthusiasm, knowledge of the Parks and magic aptitude. Throughout the three-day event, candidates will be videotaped and the videos will be posted on www.DreamCMO.com to be voted on by America. The top vote-getter will be named the Disney Parks Chief Magic Official.

Reminder: Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Dec. 25, 10 a.m. Eastern and 9 a.m. Central, Mountain and Pacific times on ABC-TV

Hi everyone. Just a quick reminder that the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade is coming up and from what I hear from friends who attended the taping a few weeks back, it's a must see this year. Below is the official press release with all the info:

 

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Dec. 3, 2007) -- This winter, cozy up and get ready for the holidays -- Disney style -- as Disney Parks prepares to shine brighter than ever when many of today's biggest stars gather on both coasts for the 24th annual "Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade." On Dec. 25, hosts Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa once again will lead the Emmy Award-winning holiday special from Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., and Ryan Seacrest will again host from Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif.

The special will air Dec. 25, 10 a.m. Eastern and 9 a.m. Central, Mountain and Pacific times on ABC-TV, and will be broadcast in HD for the first time.

The Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade is sure to sparkle as it glides down Main Street U.S.A. at the Magic Kingdom park in Florida and Disneyland park in California to a brand-new musical score.

In addition to the celebrity performances and appearances, this year, viewers will celebrate Christmas morning with "Enchanting" new Disney characters, plundering pirates, some of Disney's favorite holiday traditions and awe-inspiring floats -- all sprinkled with pixie dust.

Stars Shine on Christmas Morning

Stars from stage, screen and song will shine throughout the two-hour special, with a Christmas morning entertainment lineup for the entire family. Featured performances include (talent subject to change):

Kicking off the special will be a blockbuster performance from the hit show " Dancing With The Stars." Newly crowned champion Helio Castroneves , Sabrina Bryan, Joey Fatone and Drew Lachey with their professional dance partners Julianne Hough, Mark Ballas, Kym Johnson and Cheryl Burke will perform an original holiday dance number choreographed by "Dancing With The Stars" dancer Tony Dovolani and sung by Grammy Award-winning Latin singer Jon Secada .

America's hottest entertainment sensation, Miley Cyrus, the multi-talented performer and star of Disney Channel's popular series " Hannah Montana," will sing the energetic, seasonal favorite " All I Want for Christmas is You."

Stars from Disney Channel's blockbusters "High School Musical " and "High School Musical 2" -- Vanessa Hudgens , Corbin Bleu, Monique Coleman and Ashley Tisdale -- will give a holiday twist to one of the popular tunes from " High School Musical 2." The group performs a customized version of the hit song "What Time Is It?" and answers the song title's question with a new musical answer, "It's Christmas Time! "

Internationally renowned vocalist Josh Groban will perform the melodic holiday classic "Silent Night " from his new Christmas CD, " Noel."

Songstress and R&B legend Patti LaBelle, who recently released her newest CD, " Miss Patti's Christmas," will perform "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year."

Multi-platinum-selling singer-songwriter Jessica Simpson will bring the curtain down on this year's special with a moving rendition of the Christmas classic, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing ." Joining Simpson will be the world-famous, New York-based Harlem Gospel Choir that has performed for Nelson Mandela and the late Pope John Paul II.

One of the hottest musical trios performing today, sibling pop-rockers the Jonas Brothers, sing one of their latest tunes, a seasonal pop-rock song titled "Girl of My Dreams."

Latin superstar sensation Menudo will debut their version of the holiday favorite "This Christmas."

"American Idol" sweetheart Katharine McPhee will perform a Disney Princess-inspired number, singing a medley of some of Disney's classic tunes.

Power Rangers, Potato Heads & Princesses, Oh My! The Parade Rolls On

Disney's newest princess, lovely lady Giselle from the new Walt Disney Pictures smash-hit film, " Enchanted," will make her first small-screen appearance during the special as she takes center stage along with Disney's most treasured characters including: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pinocchio, Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Ariel and Jasmine. Disney's characters will be decked out in their holiday best and joined by gingerbread men, snowmen, toy soldiers and reindeer throughout the show.

Traveling down Main Street U.S.A. at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, the parade will introduce several new floats this year, including:

The "Rat Pack" is back at Disneyland Resort, with a " Ratatouille" float spicing up the day. The float, inspired by this summer's Disney-Pixar hit animated film, features wanna-be chef Rémy and his Parisian pals.

A " Toy Story" float featuring Disney-Pixar pals Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jesse and their 'toon pals having a joyful -- and toyful -- holiday celebration.

Some of the other highlighted parade floats featured during the bi-coastal holiday celebration:

* A Christmas tree float with holiday hosts Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

* Disney Parks' famous Toy Soldiers will march in the Toyland March.

* Disney-Pixar's " Cars" will be featured, with gear-jamming good times from the film's car stars, Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater.

* Aladdin and Jasmine make their way in the procession on horseback.

* Popular stars from Playhouse Disney, " Monster's Inc." and the Power Rangers make special holiday appearances.

* A Royal Candlelight Ball is featured, including Snow White, Prince Charming, Sleeping Beauty, Prince Phillip, Mulan and Shang.

* The Seven Dwarfs trade in their usual diamond mine duties for a very special, jeweled holiday tree float.

* Closing the parade portion of the program is the big guy himself, Santa Claus, and his trusty reindeer.

See More in HD -- for the First Time!

Broadcast in HD and Surround Sound for the first time, the 24th annual " Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade" airs on ABC Christmas Day. The show will also be broadcast in English and Spanish (SAP).

Walt Disney World Christmas Photo Memories Vol 2 Plus Holiday Shopping Update & Special Shipping Options.

Welcome back for more great photos from the holidays at Walt Disney World plus a recap of this seasons holiday titles and shipping options for Christmas shopping.

Photo Memories:

The photos below are from the 1993 Mickey's Christmas Cavalcade at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. Take note of the knights on horseback. They appear similar to the lead off from Disney’s Enchanted Adventures Parade at the Pirate & Princess Party.

   

I always find it interesting to watch the evolution of these parades. I have seen quite a few floats come and go over the years (but most are recycled). Below is the Winnie the Pooh tree that is featured in many of the special event parades (from left), Mickey's Christmas Cavalcade 1993, Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade and this years Boo-To-You Halloween Parade.

Somewhere along the way Owl (below left) has flown the coop and became replaced with Rabbit. Currently the tree's leaves stay in a permanent state of orange for use in the various parades.

Please check back soon for more holiday photos in my next Photo Memories feature.

Latest Releases:

Below are my latest holiday releases. As always I will do my very best to get your orders shipped the same day as I receive them. If there is a need for a special rush order or overnight delivery please email me at Jeff@JeffLangeDVD.com and we can make arangements. Thanks to everyone for all the support and holiday wishes, I really appreciate it!

Jeff Lange's Holiday Treat 06 DVD (Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2006) - Available now featuring: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade, Holiday Wishes - Celebrate the Spirit of the Season, Celebrate the Season and a bonus from Disney-MGM Studios: Hollywood Holly-Day Parade. For more information please click HERE.

Jeff Lange's Holiday Treat 07 (Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2007) DVD - Available now featuring: Cinderella’s Holiday Wish, Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, Holiday Wishes - Celebrate the Spirit of the Season now enhanced by the Castle Dream Lights and Celebrate the Season. For more information please click HERE.

Jeff Lange Remembers Holiday Classics (Walt Disney World) DVD - Available now featuring holiday memories from Christmas past at the Walt Disney World resort including: Mickey’s Christmas Cavalcade (1993), The Country Bear Christmas Special (2004-2005), Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade (2003) and Osbourne Lights on Residential Street (1996). For more information please click HERE.

As always, if you want to request a future DVD idea, Photo Memory topic or comment on anything, just drop me a line at suggestions@JeffLangeDVD.com.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Bruce Gordon (1951-2007), Epcot's 25th Anniversary Gallery Photo Memories Pt 2, Holidays at Walt Disney World Preview, Production & Travel Update.

Hello everyone and welcome back for a big update this week.

Bruce Gordon (1951-2007):

Unfortunately we begin on a very sad note with the passing of much beloved author & Imagineer Bruce Gordon. I really enjoyed Bruce's presentations at the NFFC Disneyana conventions and remember the huge smile he always had when he and fellow author/Imagineer David Mumford would throw Disney surprises to the audience. You could just tell how passionate he was about Disney and his work. My friend Jim Hill wrote a very nice tribute that I recommend everyone read HERE. Flo and I offer our heartfelt condolences to the friends & family of Bruce Gordon.

Epcot 25th Anniversary gallery 'Photo Memories' part two:

As promised we continue this look at the special 25th Anniversary gallery paying tribute to Epcot's history. This edition features some incredible images of Spaceship Earth construction on display in the gallery. We start with the model and move to a great photo showing the construction of the massive supports.

Below left is one of my favorite shots showing some of the 954 triangular shaped silver panels sitting in the Epcot parking lot. I also love the image on the right with the construction workers looking like window washers.

   

There are hundreds more great images like these on display in the gallery and I encourage everyone to spend some time there on your next visit to Epcot. I have not heard anything official but it seems like the gallery will be open thru 2008.

Holidays at Walt Disney World Preview:

Believe it or not it's that time again as the Holidays come to Walt Disney World. This year there are some new offerings and changes.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- For a quarter century, Walt Disney World guests have been entertained and mesmerized by Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, a special after-hours event in Magic Kingdom that has added an extra night this season -- meaning there will be 19 evenings of holiday fun: Nov. 12, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, 30 and Dec. 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21. The fun begins at 7 p.m., after regular park hours.

Guests can enjoy festive surprises including an all-new Castle Light Show. Cinderella Castle is adorned with thousands of shimmering white lights, covering the turrets and towers like a glistening blanket of ice. The twinkling lights create an elegant wintry effect perfect for the seasonal celebration.

"Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade" celebrates the many festive moods of the holiday season, showcasing a series of holiday themes including a Friends and Family Christmastime Party, a sleigh ride through a Winter Wonderland, a romantic Fairy Tale Christmastime, a scrumptious display of Christmastime sweets, and of course Santa and Mrs. Claus in a grand finale. And for longtime Disney Christmas parade fans: soldiers, snowflakes and dancing deer are all still in the parade. The parade features original music as well as both classic and current holiday tunes.

Admission to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party requires a separate ticket. Tickets are $47.95 plus tax for ages 10/up and $40.95 plus tax for ages 3-9 (but with advance purchase, guests can save $7 per ticket for select dates). Note: Many party nights are sold out in advance. To purchase tickets, guests can call 407/W-DISNEY or visit disneyworld.com/holidays.

Returning again this year is the ' Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights' on The Streets of America backlot at Disney-MGM Studios. Also returning is Animal Kingdom decked out for the Holidays featuring ' Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade' and Holidays Around the World at Epcot! Below is a preview of some of the merchandise that will be available only at ' Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party' nights.

Production Update:

I am in the process of working on some great Holiday titles. The first release will be 'Walt Disney World Holiday Classics' featuring the 'Country Bears Christmas Show' (below) shot from multiple angles, 'Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade' from 2003, 'Holiday Wishes' fireworks and 'The Osbourne Lights' from 1996 when it was still presented on Residential Street at Disney-MGM Studios.

I also will be doing a 'Disneyland Holiday Classics 2' disc featuring some great footage from Disneyland including the Christmas Parade from 1985, Small World Holiday, The 50th Anniversary Remember... Dreams Come True holiday fireworks including the 'White Christmas' finale complete with a magical snowfall and more.

Finally, I hope to offer the current Holiday offerings from Walt Disney World including the all new 'Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade ', 'Castle Light Show' and 'Osbourne Spectacle of Dancing Lights'

Travel Update:

I will be traveling to Florida next week to attend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and record all the new Holiday changes. I will also be covering Super Soap Weekend and recording footage all around Walt Disney World for future releases. While I am traveling you will still receive the same level of quality service and guaranteed 24 hr shipping you have come to expect from JeffLangeDVD .

Latest Release:

Epcot's 25th Anniversary October 1st, 2007 is available now featuring the Entrance and Rope Drop, Silver Anniversary Celebration, Full coverage of the 25th Anniversary Gallery, Illuminations: Reflections of Earth 10-01-07, Epcot's 25th Anniversary Fireworks Finale plus bonus footage of the Fire Barge Burn Off and much more! For more information please click HERE .

As always, if you want to request a future DVD idea, Photo Memory topic or comment on anything, just drop me a line at suggestions@JeffLangeDVD.com

Florida Recap Part 1, NFFC Florida Convention Plus World Chapter Meeting Featuring Original Dreamfinder Ron Schneider and Final Dreamfinder Steve Taylor.

Welcome back everyone. I have so much to report from this past week in Florida that I will break it into 2 parts. Please check back later this week for part two.

The trip started out with the NFFC Florida Convention. It was another great event and I had a wonderful time attending the seminars and meeting many of you! The first day of the convention was held at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. This was a big step for the NFFC as it was the first time it was actually being on Disney property! The day featured many interesting speakers including Virginia Davis of Disney's early Alice Comedies fame, The traditional NFFC lunch with a Legend Honoring Bob Matheison and Bill Sullivan, Florida favorites Terri Hardin (below) and Jim Korkis.

Day two was amazing as the seminars were held at Epcot Center in the former United Technologies lounge inside the Living Seas Pavilion! I applaud the NFFC for this move and hope to see them utilizing these type of venues for future conventions!

 

The seminars themselves were very interesting and mostly geared toward Epcot's 25th Anniversary being celebrated Oct 1st. Speakers included Charlie Ridgway, Dave Smith (below left), Howard Kalov , Dara Trujillo and the always fascinating Marty Sklar (below right)!

Saturday featured the NFFC Disneyana Show and Sale. This was a huge event featuring many vintage props and ride vehicles on display from the event sponsor Surplus Kingdom. I will be featuring these vintage items in a upcoming edition of my Photo Memories series.

The next big event was the NFFC World Chapter meeting held Sunday night on the eve of Epcot's 25th Anniversary. It was one of the best chapter meetings I have attended and really got you in the mood to celebrate Epcot's Anniversary the next day!. The featured speakers were none other than the original strolling Dreamfinder (and friend of this site) Ron Schneider and the final Dreamfinder Steve Taylor. The highlight of the night came when Steve was giving his part of their talk and Ron approached the stage with an actual Figment! This was a surprise to everyone and put a magical tough on a great evening!

Please check back soon for part two featuring coverage of Epcot's big 25th Anniversary Celebration and the changes to this years Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.

Production Update: I am currently in production on my 2007 Edition of the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party DVD (Trick or Treat 4) for a release later this week then I will start work on my Epcot's 25th Anniversary Celebration DVD featuring the re dedication shot from the front row, a great multi camera recording of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, the incredible Epcot's 25th Anniversary fireworks finale plus the Epcot Center historic display and much more! Please check back soon for release information and more details.

As always, if you want to request a future DVD idea, Photo Memory topic or comment on anything, just drop me a line at suggestions@JeffLangeDVD.com.

Florida Recap - The Epcot Thing Schedule - Production Update.

Florida Recap:

Hi everyone, I have just returned from another very productive trip to Walt Disney World last week. I was able to attend the very last Pirate & Princess Party of the season and record the special features including the all new floats from Disney's Enchanted Adventures Parade (see below). I also recorded footage for my upcoming Walt Disney World 'Class of 1971' title featuring all the Magic Kingdom opening day attractions as they appear today.

The Epcot Thing:

While in Florida I was also able to meet with Ron Schneider (the first and original strolling Dreamfinder & Figment) and plan our event at ' The Epcot Thing' on October 1st. Ron is a great guy with endless stories from Epcot Center & Journey Into Imagination's past! The schedule has been released and it is as follows:

The Epcot Thing, Monday Oct 1st, 2007

07:30 Boardwalk Inn

This meet is designed for those who need coffee before our 9 am meet. Join us at Epcot's World Showcase entrace hotel for some joe and to walk with us to Epcot.

9:45 Official Rededication Ceremony

To start off "The Epcot Thing" Celebration we begin our day with the official rededication ceremony at the Fountains of Nations Plaza.

11:00 Explore The Wonders of Epcot

Free time. This bit of a break in the day will give everyone the opportunity to go off on their own if they please to eat and explore the wonders of Epcot.

12:45 Beverlyfest

Join Nathan as he tests his gastric skills!!! Watch him attempt to take 25 shots of the infamous Italian drink, Beverly. If we can get 150 people to celebrate with us, Nathan will up the ante to 50 shots!!! This is one meet NOT to be missed!

01:30 A Tour of Epcot's Past

Meet at Spaceship Earth as we begin our tour of Epcot's Past with Jeff Lange and the original Dreamfinder, Ron Schneider. Join Jeff and Ron as they guide us through the classic Epcot attractions that are still making a big impact on all those who experience them.

04:45 Rose & Crown Dinner Meet (RSVP Required. Wait list available)

Enjoy great English fare with us at Rose & Crown. Be sure to let us know in advance if you plan on attending!!! As of right now, we have ONLY waitlist available. Make sure you send us an email if you are interest just in case someone else can't make it!!

08:00 Meet for Illuminations

This is a spectacular show held daily at Epcot. Why not see this wonderful presentation with all of the Magical Mountaineers? Make sure to meet us at the Candian Pavillion McDonalds Fry Cart at 8:00 pm sharp so we can all go together to find a great spot.

TBD Adventures Club

For the late nighters (immediately following Illuminations) For all you night owls, join us at the Adventurer's Club for some fun and "winding down" time. You may even be picked to be part of the show!

Production Update:

Work continues on my Epcot's 25th Anniversary Communicore & Living Seas DVD featuring 'Backstage Magic' (a tour through EPCOT Computer Central), Innoventions 'Alec Tronic', The Original Sea Cabs, Seabase Alpha, the current Finding Nemo ride & much more. Please check back next week for release information and more details .

As always, if you want to request a future DVD idea, Photo Memory topic or comment on anything, just drop me a line at suggestions@JeffLangeDVD.com.

California Recap, NFFC Convention, Disneyland Resort, The Walt Disney Studios, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage & More.

Hi everyone, I have finally returned after two crazy but fun weeks in California. The trip was very productive producing over 10 hrs of video footage (including 6 complete Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage ride thru's) and almost 3000 photo images! I was also able to visit the Walt Disney Studios Lot, Walt Disney Imagineering & the IRC Art Corner exhibit, Club 33, Disney historical sites around Hollywood & Burbank and more.

The first big event was the annual N.F.F.C. National Convention. This was a great week of Disneyana overload. A special thank you to everyone who stopped by to chat at the Show & Sale on Sunday. I really enjoyed meeting many of you who I have exchanged emails with this past year and I appreciate the feedback and suggestions for my upcoming projects!

Another highlight was meeting the very friendly Martin Klebba (Marty, the dwarf pirate from all three Pirates of the Caribbean films).

  

More NFFC highlights were Neal Gabler's excellent talk on his new book, Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination. I really enjoyed hearing how he sort of became Walt Disney like after spending so much time in Walt's head during the research for the book. Another fantastic presentation was the character voice panel. Below from left are: Eddie Carroll (Jiminy Cricket), Susanne Blakeslee (Cruella De Ville, Maleficent), Bill Farmer (Goofy), Suzy Lum, Corey Burton (Ludwig Von Drake), Tony Anselmo (Donald Duck), Russi Taylor (Minnie Mouse) & Wayne Allwine (Mickey Mouse). This was a historic event to have all this top voice talent in the same room and I could have listened to their stories for hours.

I was especially impressed with the decor and mood of the Haunted Mansion themed banquet on Friday the 13th. Great food and the comedy of Dana Daniels made for a spooky fun evening.

 

In an upcoming photo update I will showcase the great new Epcot display at the Walt Disney Archives. Below are some teaser photos of this wonderful exhibit.

Production Update: I am still working on Epcot's The Land Featuring the original 'Listen to the Land', The 'Kitchen Kabaret Revue', Farmer's Market scenes, 'Food Rocks', 'Living with the Land' and more. I will also be debuting a new series of Titles featuring the attractions from special years at the parks. The first of these titles will be Jeff Lange Presents Disneyland's Class of 1955. This will feature all the attractions that are still in operation from Disneyland's opening year as the exist presently. Finally, be sure to check out my latest release Disneyland's 45th Anniversary available now. Click HERE for more information or to order this great new title.

As always, if you want to request a future DVD idea, Photo Memory topic or comment on anything, just drop me a line at suggestions@JeffLangeDVD.com.

Praise from the Epcot Center Imagination Pavilion's Original Dreamfinder!

What a start to my weekend. I had the great honor to find the following note in my email!

Jeff --

My name is Ron Schneider. I was the first and original strolling Dreamfinder & Figment at Journey Into Imagination from '82 to '87, and I was the official voice for the Dreamfinder (after Chuck McCann was "let go".)

I'm writing you because I have just received and glanced through your video tribute to my old stomping grounds and couldn't let another minute go by without thanking you and congratulating you on a sterling job!!

Your footage, editing, sound, color and comprehensive coverage really took me back to the old ride and I'll be using this great production for years to come to demonstrate the old show to people (always giving the credit to JeffLangeDVD, of course)!

Thanks again for all your hard work,

Ron Schneider

   

Photos above provided by Ron Schneider as the original Dreamfinder (with Figment of course) in the early years of the Imagination pavilion.

I really appreciate his kind words about my Journey Into Imagination DVD, especially from someone who appreciates and contributed so much to the history of Epcot Center! Thanks to Ron Schneider for providing so much happiness as the original Dreamfinder. I really wish the Dreamfinder was still with us in the parks today.

Jeff Lange Remembers Epcot's Journey Into Imagination 25th Anniversary Collectors Edition is available now. For more information or to order the DVD please click HERE. As always, if you want to request a future DVD idea, Photo Memory topic or comment on anything, just drop me a line at suggestions@JeffLangeDVD.com.

A Salute to Roy Disney at the Philadelphia Film Festival.

I had the great pleasure last week to attend 'A Salute to Roy Disney' at the Philadelphia Film Festival with my old friends Jim Hill & Nancy Stadler, Tim Devine & my wife Florence. Mr. Disney was being honored with the Inspiration Award and interviewed by legendary film critic Leonard Maltin. It was a very enjoyable presentation covering Roy's entire life and career with Disney. Below are some photos from the event

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The evening began with a fantastic montage of classic Disney animation. Next Mr. Disney was presented the Philadelphia Film Society's Inspiration Award.

Leonard Maltin interviewed Mr. Disney about growing up as a Disney, his work at the Disney Studio, Fantasia 2000 and his non Disney Interests.

Mr. Disney was surprisingly candid as he spoke about his troubles with Michael Eisner and the Disney Board of directors.

At the conclusion Roy posed for photos with his award and thanked everyone for attending. I had the pleasure of speaking to both Mr. Disney and Mr. Maltin after the event and they were both cordial and forthcoming. Mr. Maltin commented that he was happily surprised to see the Disney Treasures DVD series continue as he was previously informed it was coming to an end. It was a great night that I wish every Disney fan could have attended.

For more photos and a complete review of the event please check out Jim Hill's great article here.

Magical Definition Disney Podcast Announces Release Date and Listening Party

Delray Beach, FL, February 2007 - Join award winning Disney podcaster, Nathan M Rose, (owner of Magical Mountain and FlickDirect) along with Tim Devine (The Magic In Pixels) on a magical journey into the world of Disney. Featuring the latest Disney News and Rumors, Interviews with Disney Imagineers, Disney Photography Tips, Debates on a variety of Disney topics, and so much more Disney magic!

This weekly unofficial Disney podcast will debut on March 4th, 2007 at 8pm. Mr Rose and Mr. Devine will be online at a virtual listening party on the unofficial Disney informational website MagicalMountain.net to answer questions to give away prizes and more.

For more information visit the Magical Definition Disney Podcast website at http://www.magicaldefinition.com . For more information about the listening party visit the Magical Mountain forums.