Disneyland quietly is testing a talking Mickey Mouse character who greets guests by name and has a moving mouth and blinking eyes.
Traditionally, the masked characters who interact with visitors don’t speak, only using sign language to communicate at the Disney parks. The test Mickey’s eyelids blink and his nose and upper lip move as he talks. His voice sounds like the cartoon character.
[...]
Michele Himmelberg, a Disneyland Resort spokeswoman, confirmed that Disney is testing the talking Mickey. But she declined to comment about whether the character would be added to the park permanently.
For now, the talking rodent is greeting guests at Mickey’s House in Mickey’s Toontown.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyHIdr1aM7s

www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6k2xdtU8Wc

What are your thoughts? Is this the next generation of character greetings in the parks?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jQaHgsKhQ4

Exclusive Screenings & Sneak Peeks

The D23 EXPO will offer guests the chance to get sneak peeks of upcoming Disney movies like The Princess and the Frog,TRON: Legacy, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Rapunzel, Disney’s A Christmas Carol, Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland and many others. The D23 EXPO also will present the U.S. premiere screenings of Toy Story and Toy Story 2 in Disney Digital 3D™.  More than that, the D23 EXPO will present several classic movies on the big screen, including the original Tron, Sleeping Beauty, The Shaggy Dog, Darby O’Gill and the Little People, along with other exciting screening events.  The ABC House Screening Room will present screenings of new television entertainment, including ABC’s vibrant new fall schedule.

Special Presentations and Panels

The D23 EXPO will offer fascinating explorations of the past, present and future of Disney.  Throughout the four days, scores of special panels and presentations will bring new insight into Disney history, let guests go “behind the magic” of Disney theme-park attractions and movies, and get fans up close and personal with the Disney legacy of unforgettable entertainment.

D23 EXPO Show Floor

A giant show floor filled with incredible pavilions and interactive areas assembles the entire world of Disney under one roof. From Disney’s global theme parks to the Company’s environmental initiatives, the show floor includes a collector’s area, a gathering of Disney licensees, an eight-room “home” showcasing an amazing array of Disney merchandise, and new technologies being developed by Walt Disney Imagineering. The show floor is the heart of the D23 EXPO. It will also be home to the “ABC House Screening Room,” a sign-up area for the “Lost University,” and kid-friendly play areas that make the D23 EXPO an exciting event for all ages of Disney fans.

“Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives”

The legendary Walt Disney Archives will assemble a never-before-seen collection of more than 100 props, costumes and one-of-a-kind items from more than eight decades of Disney creativity.  For the first time ever, the Archives also will present a retrospective of props and costumes from the classic “Captain EO” attraction in which Michael Jackson thrilled theme-park audiences in 3D.

Arena Presentations

The 4,000-seat Anaheim Convention Center Arena will be home to spectacular presentations throughout the four days of theD23 EXPO.  Disney President and CEO Bob Iger will kick off the entire event with an unforgettable presentation that includes a 30-minute glimpse at the upcoming animated feature The Princess and the Frog and a live performance by its vocal star,Anika Noni Rose.  Other Arena presentations will incorporate surprise celebrity appearances as D23 EXPO guests learn about the future of ABC, Disney movies, theme parks, animation and more.

Celebrity Appearances

Celebrities from both current and classic Disney projects (both on screen and behind the scenes) will be on hand throughout the D23 EXPO, and are currently scheduled to include: X Atencio, Jake T. Austin, Kathryn Beaumont, Richard Bellis, Tom Bergeron, Bruce Broughton, Cheryl Burke, Maria Canals-Barrera, Marge Champion, Ron Clements, Mary Costa, Alice Davis, David DeLuise, Joseph Fiennes, Michael Giacchino,  Blaine Gibson, Selena Gomez, Kelsey Grammer, Don Hahn, David Henrie, Patricia Heaton, Tommy Kirk, Steve Lisberger, Joel McNeely, Brendan Milburn, John Musker, Ed O’Neill, Marty Sklar, Jennifer Stone, Valerie Vigoda and many more.

Family Activities

Disney Consumer Products will give D23 EXPO guests the chance to explore a host of activities for the entire family, including a Disney Creativity Center hosted by Crayola, the Disney Princess Storytime and Royal Manners event, the Baby Einstein World of Discovery Center, and a magnificent live LEGO building event in which Master Builders will invite guests to join them to construct a life-sized mural of Disney characters, paying homage to the innovation of Disney and LEGO. There will be appearances by best-selling authors, fine artists, and toy designers. There will also be a series of fashion shows featuring the latest styles from Disney Couture, Disney Couture kids and the Wizards of Waverly Place collection. Guests will have the opportunity to tour the first-ever Disney Dream Home and to go “behind the fairy tale” at the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings showcase.

SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS

The four days of the D23 EXPO are packed with excitement and activity.  Below are selected highlights from the four-dayD23 EXPO schedule.  Please note that because the D23 EXPO is a first-of-its-kind live experience, schedules, locations and descriptions are subject to change — so be sure to visit www.D23Expo.com for full updates and even more schedule details and surprises.

THURSDAY, Sept. 10, 2009

Bob Iger Presentation, 10 a.m. – Walt Disney Company President and CEO Bob Iger will launch the first-ever D23 EXPOwith an hour-long presentation in the Anaheim Convention Center Arena, exploring the incredible future of Disney and exciting projects that are taking shape around the globe. Arena.

Disney Legends Awards, 11 a.m. – Men and women who have contributed to the creative legacy of The Walt Disney Company will be honored in a special presentation, hosted by Tom Bergeron and open to all D23 EXPO guests.  The full list of honorees will be announced shortly, and includes renowned celebrities, actors and artists. Arena.

The ABCs of Disney, 3 p.m. – Steve McPherson, president of the ABC Entertainment Group, and Emmy®-nominated Tom Bergeron host a D23 EXPO-exclusive presentation as many of the biggest TV stars of today preview ABC’s new series, with a very special “Dancing with the Stars” performance.  Arena

An Afternoon With Imagineering Legends, 4:30 p.m. – Recently retired Executive Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering Marty Sklar hosts a panel of extraordinary artists who shaped classic Disneyland attractions, including X Atencio, Alice Davis, Blaine Gibson and Bob Gurr. Storytellers Theater

Top Ten for the Toy Chest: The Making of the Next Great Disney Toy, 12:30 p.m., Stage 23

Beauty and the Beast 3D Preview and Panel Discussion, 1 p.m., Studio Theater

The Magic of Disney in the Art of Disney Stamps, 1:30 p.m., Stage 23

The World of Vintage Disneyland – In Color, 2 p.m., Storytellers Theater

The Music of The Haunted Mansion, 3:30 p.m., Stage 23

The Music of The Lion King Panel, 4 p.m., Studio Theater

the boys Screening and Panel, 7 p.m., Studio Theater

Fifty and Fabulous Film Festival Presents Darby O’Gill and the Little People, 10 p.m., Studio Theater

FRIDAY, Sept. 11, 2009

Disney Movie Magic: Inside The Walt Disney Studios, 11 a.m. – The Walt Disney Studios Chairman Dick Cook offers Disney fans an unprecedented sneak peek at new live-action movies from Walt Disney Pictures, incorporating exclusive footage from such movies as Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, Disney’s A Christmas Carol, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and more. Special celebrity guests also will join in on the fun. Arena

Tron Presentation, 4 p.m.,  –  Steven Lisberger, director of 1982’s Tron, is a special guest as the D23 EXPO offers an exclusive exploration of the science-fiction classic, including glimpses of the upcoming TRON: Legacy.  A fascinating discussion will be followed by the first-ever digitally converted screening of the original Tron. Studio Theater

Disney Rarities, 5:30 p.m. – Academy Award-nominated producer and author Don Hahn joins Walt Disney Animation Studios’ creative director Dave Bossert to present several rarely seen animated short films from Disney history, including some of Walt Disney’s earliest animation efforts. Some of these shorts have not been seen in more than 60 years. Stage 23 Theater

The Making of “Toy Story: The Musical”, 5:30 p.m. –  A preview of the newest stage extravaganza for Disney Cruise Line and the Disney Parks. Michael Jung, Vice President of Creative, and Matt Almos, Creative Director, host this musical sneak peek, and composers Valerie Vigoda and Brendan Milburn will perform.  Storytellers Theater

Walt and El Grupo and Saludos Amigos, 7:30 p.m. – Filmmakers Ted Thomas and Kuniko Okubo and Disney historian and author J.B. Kaufman lead a panel discussion about the upcoming Walt and El Grupo, a new documentary that reveals the story behind Walt Disney’s influential 1941 trip to South America. After the discussion, D23 EXPO guests will be treated to a rare screening of Saludos Amigos, the colorful animated feature that grew out of Walt’s goodwill expedition south of the equator. Studio Theater

Early Bird Books: Kingdom Keepers, 8:30 a.m., Stage 23

Sailing to New Horizons with Disney Cruise Line, 9 a.m., Storytellers Theater

A Day in the Life of an Adventures by Disney Guide, 12:30 p.m., Storytellers Theater

Happy Haunts: 40 Years of The Haunted Mansion, 12:30 p.m., Stage 23

Nightmare Before Christmas 3D Screening, Plus Tim Burton Shorts Frankenweenieand Vincent, 1 p.m., Studio Theater

Special Preview: “The Wonderful World of Color,” 2 p.m., Storytellers Theater

History and Preservation of Disney Animation Art: The Courvoisier Tradition, 2 p.m., Stage 23

We Make the Music: Conversations with the Creators of Disney Theme Park Music, 3:30 p.m., Storytellers Theater

The Evolution of Mickey with Dave Pacheco and Andreas Deja, 3:30 p.m., Stage 23

Fifty and Fabulous Film Festival Presents The Shaggy Dog, 10 p.m., Studio Theater

SATURDAY, Sept. 12, 2009

So You Want to Be an Imagineer, 9 a.m. – Marty Sklar hosts a conversation with more than half a dozen guest Imagineers, who will discuss the challenges and rewards of their careers … and the special skills that are needed to “make the magic.”Storytellers Theater

Disneynature Presentation, 10 a.m. –The latest updates from Disney’s newest film label, Disneynature. This prestigious production banner literally goes to the ends of the earth to tell the remarkable stories of nature. Studio Theater

Imagineering the Future of Disney Theme Parks, 11 a.m. – Go behind the scenes with Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo as he unveils the magical entertainment and experiences on the horizon at Disney’s Parks and Resorts around the world … and offers a surprise or two. Arena

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, 12 p.m. – Don Hahn hosts a compelling discussion about the making of Walt Disney’s first animated feature film.  Following the discussion, D23 EXPO guests will enjoy a screening of a newly restored digital version of this landmark film. Studio Theater

Disney Store: The Magic is Back, 2 p.m. – Jim Fielding, president of Disney Stores Worldwide, looks at the vibrant future of the Disney Stores around the world. Arena

The Princess and the Frog, 3 p.m. – All-new footage from Disney’s upcoming animated musical The Princess and the Frogwill be screened, followed by a panel discussion with the film’s creators, including John Musker, Ron Clements, Andreas Deja and Eric Goldberg. Studio Theater

Prep and Landing, 5:30 p.m. – The directors of Disney’s new TV special explore the creation of this new holiday-time treat. Studio Theater

D23 Expo Live Auction, 7 p.m. – 49 lots of extraordinary rarities and specially designed items will be front and center at thisD23 EXPO exclusive event, including a check personally signed by Walt Disney, a progressive dinner through the Disneyland Resort plus a stay in the Presidential Suite of the Disneyland Hotel, original animation production cels, movie premiere tickets, an authentic attraction vehicle, a very special “Lot 23” exclusive, and much more. 7 p.m., Arena (Note: Auction admission is free; bidders must purchase a $40 bidder’s package.)

Trail of the Panda Screening, 7:30 p.m. – The D23 EXPO presents the U.S. premiere of Trail of the Panda (Xiongmao Huijialu), the second Disney Chinese-language film production, created specifically for audiences in China. Studio Theater

Early Bird Books: The Alchemy of Animation with Don Hahn, 8:30 a.m., Stage 23

Behind the Fairy Tale – Disney Weddings with Kristie Kelly and David Turturro, 11 a.m., Stage 23

The Science of Imagineering, 12:30 p.m., Storytellers Theater

Growing Up Disney with Roy P. Disney, 12:30 p.m., Stage 23

Refreshing a Classic: Remaking “it’s a small world” for the 21^st Century, 2 p.m., Storytellers Theater

Sneak Preview of The Walt Disney Family Museum, 2:30 p.m., Stage 23

The Making of the U.S. Presidents, 3:30 p.m., Storytellers Theater

Disney Kids’ Fashion Show, 4 p.m., Performances Stage

Lost Chords – Never-Heard Music from Disney Animation with Russell Schroeder, 5:30 p.m., Stage 23

Fifty and Fabulous Film Festival Presents Sleeping Beauty, 10 p.m., Studio Theater

SUNDAY, Sept. 13, 2009

The Future of Disney and Pixar Animation, 11 a.m. – Get a glimpse of what the future holds at Disney and Pixar Animation Studios as Chief Creative Officer, John Lasseter, shares sneak peeks of such exciting upcoming films as The Princess and The Frog, Rapunzel, Toy Story 3 and more.  Arena

A Magical Afternoon With  the Cast of Wizards of Waverly Place,

2 p.m. – Cast members Selena Gomez, David Henrie, Jake T. Austin, Jennifer Stone, Maria Canals-Barrera and David DeLuise join executive producer Peter Murietta for an exclusive preview screening of the season premiere episode ofWizards of Waverly Place.  Popular Radio Disney personality Ernie D also will join in the fun! Arena

Toy Story 3 Special Presentation, 6:30 p.m. – Sneak a peek at what’s in store when Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the Toy Story gang make their big-screen return – this time in 3D. Pixar filmmakers Lee Unkrich and Darla Anderson host. Studio Theater

Toy Story and Toy Story 2 Double Feature Premiere Screening, 7 p.m. – Following the 5 p.m. sneak peek of Toy Story 3, the D23 EXPO will host the U.S. premiere screening of this 3D double feature.  (Note: There will be a 10-minute intermission between the films.) Studio Theater

Early Bird Books: South of the Border with J.B. Kaufman, 8:30 a.m., Stage 23

The Making of Toy Story Midway Mania, 9:30 a.m., Storytellers Theater

Collector’s Edition Fine Art Panel Discussion, 12:30 p.m., Performances Stage

The Science of Imagineering, 1 p.m., Storytellers Theater (an encore presentation)

Silver Banjo Barbeque Panel with David and Ron DeFore, 12:30 p.m., Stage 23

Special Muppets Presentation, 1:30 p.m. - The Muppets Studios takes you inside the Muppet world for an exclusive frog’s-eye-view of what Kermit and Company have been up to in 2009 – and all the fun and mayhem they have planned for 2010 and beyond! Studio Theater

Disneyana Detective with Tom Tumbush, 3 p.m., Stage 23

Imagineering Pixar for the Disney Parks, 3 p.m., Storytellers Theater

From Annette to Miley, 3:30 p.m., Stage 23

www.youtube.com/watch?v=suJo8q-u6jg

www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpVRnbqdVHo

Via. Orange County register

The elusive dragon in the Fantasmic show continues to have stage fright.
Disneyland canceled the scheduled debut tonight of the massive dragon that was supposed to be the centerpiece of the revamped water-and-light show.
The dragon has been broken all summer, but it was supposed to be ready for tonight’s performance. However, Disney officials are continuing to fine-tune the dragon.
UPDATE: Disneyland released this official statement about the dragon delays today: “The dragon in Fantasmic! is technically complex and the largest and most fully animated Disney character ever created for a live stage show. We want to make sure it’s perfect before adding it to the show,” said Mike Hyland, director of Disneyland Resort public relations.
Disneyland has yet to release a new debut date.
A preview for a select group of media members was canceled this morning. A sneak peek was scheduled for 4:30 a.m., but Disneyland officials called it off just about an hour earlier.

Though Disney canceled the pre-view of the dragon, they were nice enough to release a video and photos of it (Click image to en-large):

]]> http://silvys.com/blog/2009/08/31/disney-dragon-debut-canceled-but-photos-and-video-released/feed/ 0 http://silvys.com/blog/2009/08/15/haunted-mansion-40th-anniversary-official-podcast-video/ http://silvys.com/blog/2009/08/15/haunted-mansion-40th-anniversary-official-podcast-video/#comments Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:00:11 +0000 Marc http://silvys.com/blog/?p=673

If you have an upcoming Walt Disney World vacation or are a local considering annual passes, you might want to consider purchasing your theme park tickets in the next few days.
For the past three years, Disney has raised ticket prices on the first Sunday in August. Such hikes usually aren’t announced in advance, so once you hear about it, it’s too late to take advantage of the current rates.

Just a side note here: The Walt Disney Company reported an 26 percent loss in its third quarter profit. At this time last year the entertainment giant reported that there profits were $1.28 billion. A year later and they are down to $954 million.

If you’re a Disney fan, and I hope you are if you’re reading this blog, stop what you’re doing right now and set aside the next 50 minutes to flashback to the very first moments of Disneyland with Walt Disney pacing off the site and proceed through the year via timelapse video until the park is ready for opening day. This never-before-seen footage was sitting on a shelf all these years and only saved by a curious employee.

It starts off with some never before seen footage of Walt, Marvin Davis, Dick Irvine, and Roy Disney (seldom seen in photos) on the site. You really get to see how Walt already had the park in his mind and everything else was just details. Commentary is by Tony Baxter, Ed Hobleman, and Walter Magnuson.

Building Walt’s Dream – Playlist