Doing a quick flyby, MiceChatters and Fabbers…hm, never warmed up to that name. We’ll think of something. in time, I’m sure. While we’re waiting, let’s get an eyeful of today’s news:
Can You Fathom This?
Fathom Events is going to be showing The Iron Giant and some other great things later this year, so I signed up for their mailing list. They are doing some really, really cool stuff. Anybody out there like Dr. Who, other than me? September 15 and 16, they’ve teamed up with BBC Worldwide to present the Season 8 two-part finale, Doctor Who: Dark Water/Death in Heaven in RealD™ 3D and Dolby Atmos sound at select theaters around the country at 7:30PM (local time). Attendees will also get to catch The Doctor’s Meditation, which is a special prequel scene to the first episode of season nine, and an exclusive interview with stars Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman. It’s hosted by some guy named Wil Wheaton. Tickets can be purchased online at www.FathomEvents.com or at participating box offices starting tomorrow. For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).
More Suite Deals Ahead at The Carousel Inn
No matter what happens in the distant future, for the next couple of years, we’ll still have The Carousel Inn – and the Pizza Press, which some of you tell me is really, really good. Keep an eye out for more great deals especially for MiceChatters in the coming year and beyond. I was not compensated for this message, we all just didn’t want anyone to worry after Dear Fabby last Tuesday!
But Since I Brought it Up…
BV writes in to Dear Fabby:
“Fabby,
I had thought that the reason Disney bought the Carousel Inn was to satisfy the street car requirements for the ARC project going up Harbor to the convention center… (unless they come around in-between the Marriott and the Ho Jo). http://aconnext.com/arc/ . Anaheim needed a maintenance bay right were the extended parking lot is… rumors were also that the street car/monorail and loading unloading was to take place underneath the main power lines on Disney Way.And that is what is weird with the street car project.One would think to tap into the Disney technology and use a smaller footprint such as the monorail from disneyland to ARTIC station. Its a system already 1/2 way built and can serve EVERYONE in the Golden TRIANGLE area. Including the juicy rumor of IF the BIG A goes to Irvine and would Disney buy the land for the 3rd theme park. (perfect size for parking and freeway access and its not in residential area, something the fight will always continue with the K-lot parking for Cast).If Anaheim wanted to go the cheep route cool. but, have the other tenants and Disney (as part of the 3 billion promise for no ticket taxes) to build the ARC project connecting to ARTIC…(it might get more support that way for the proposed MAGLEV train to VEGAS if, Desert Express finally gives up its Federal Railroad money).my two cents”
Another Chance and Legends at Legends
Legends Events just released their lineup for their booth at the D23 EXPO, and it’s truly a star-studded lineup! If you didn’t get a chance to meet Dick Van Dyke earlier this month, you can get a second chance at on the show floor at Legends Events’ booth, which will be B1309 August 14th-16th from 10-6. All booth assignments subject to change. http://legendsevents.org
Rescue Me
Did you love Lilo and Stitch, The Croods or How to Train Your Dragon? Creator Chris Sanders has teamed up with Jessica Steele-Sanders to tell the tale of a group of mermaids (more from the Mediterranean folklore style than the European style: mermaids can walk on land, but if they don’t get wet within 24 hours, they become ill. After 3 days, they keep their legs forever and are stranded. That’s where humans came from and why they feel protective toward us; we’re their stranded relatives.)
“Rescue Sirens: The Search for the Atavist,” follows the adventures of a group of young mermaids living in Miami Beach as they fulfill their mandatory service training upon reaching adulthood, kind of like mandatory military service in Israel and South Korea, working, appropriately, as lifeguards. Genevieve Tsai did the interior illustrations, and, obviously, Chris did the exterior and character design, with outstanding colorist Edgar Delgado doing what he does best. For more information, go to RescueSirens.com
Only a Few Days Left to Make Disney Pay!!!
Pay matching donations to a great cause, that is! A few months ago, I mentioned Disney’s partnership with the National Parks Service. Don B, who is awesome from tip to toenail and always has been, reminded me that it’s almost deadline time and showed me the email they’re sending out:
Disney is matching gifts. Don’t miss your chance to have your gift doubled! | ||
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Ye gods, tables everywhere. Well, it’s for a great cause!
High Expectations for Shang…well, you know…
Got this from Disney!
“The Walt Disney Parks and Resorts show floor pavilion will give D23 EXPO 2015 guests a look into the much-anticipated Shanghai Disney Resort, as well as a preview of the Avatar project coming to Walt Disney World Resort’s Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Plus, in addition to the previously announcedHall D23 presentation on Saturday, August 15, guests will have the opportunity to hear from executives, Imagineers, designers, Disney Legends and others directly involved with various projects for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in five engaging panels.
On The Show Floor
Located in Hall C, the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Pavilion is a 12,500-square-foot exhibit that gives guests a glimpse of the creative process in designing and building Shanghai Disney Resort, along with a preview of the Avatar project coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
In a celebratory exhibit on Shanghai Disney Resort, maquettes, artist illustrations, and media clips capture the designers’ journey as the resort comes to life. Guests can learn about the show design process and discover the tradition and innovation infused into the resort.
Guests will also get an in-depth look at Pandora when they explore what’s to come for the AVATAR project, with models, images, and exhibits on display.
Additionally, Mickey’s of Glendale, the Imagineering-exclusive merchandise store, will open an outpost at the Pavilion where guests will have the opportunity to purchase merchandise specially designed for D23 EXPO 2015.
Presentations and Panels
Friday, August 14
1:30–2:30 p.m. 60 Years of Disney Parks Merchandise (Stage 28)Join our talented Disney Design Group artists, merchandisers, and special guests as they take you from concept to reality with behind-the-scenes storytelling about classic Disney souvenirs and how they have become tangible lasting memories. Guests will get a first look at some of the exciting new merchandise coming to Disney parks.
3:15–4:15 p.m. Safari So Good—60 Years of the World Famous Jungle Cruise (Stage 23)
Skippers from throughout the years reflect on their experiences at the Jungle Cruise, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary as one of Disneyland’s opening-day attractions. They will also discuss changes to the attraction over the years including recent holiday overlays and other additions.
5–7 p.m. Imagineering 60 Years of Disneyland (Stage 23)
In a two-part panel discussion about Disneyland with Disney Legends and current Imagineers, panelists will discuss how it all began, what it took to carry on Walt Disney’s legacy, and how Imagineers are continuing to deliver magic well into the future. The panel is moderated by Academy Award®- and Emmy®-nominated filmmaker Leslie Iwerks, who will present a new trailer from her forthcoming documentary about Walt Disney Imagineering.
Sunday, August 16
10–11 a.m. Disney Kingdoms (Stage 28)Guests will learn about Disney Kingdoms, a joint collaboration between Marvel Comics and Walt Disney Imagineering. Guests will hear how these popular comic book series got started and discover the creators and theme park inspirations behind these popular titles, including Seekers of the Weird,Figment, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
3–4 p.m. Experience the World with Disney: Adventures by Disney, Aulani, Disney Cruise Line, and Disney Vacation Club (Stage 28)
This panel will provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how Disney is creating new vacation experiences for families all around the world. The first 400 guests in attendance will receive a D23 EXPO-exclusive gift.”
Ugh, this EXPO is gonna be SO. GOOD! I need to figure out a way to split myself into four pieces!
One thing I WON’T be doing, however, is going into the Charter Member lounge. It turns out that the last time I renewed my membership, I accidentally got a new one, with a different number. Regrettably, says D23 Guest Relations, they can’t be merged, so even though I’ve been there since the first year, I lost my Charter Member status. Lesson: learn from my mistake (and it is MY mistake, not theirs) and BE VERY CAREFUL. They don’t have a way to merge memberships, so, especially if you’re a charter member, double and triple-check what you’re clicking. And I’ll see you at the D23 EXPO – somewhere outside of the Charter Member Lounge.
Wanna Take a Ride?
Roger Colton and I are taking a trip. Roger says:
“Seattle by Private Rail Car – September 29 through October 4.
Why should you join us for a trip to Seattle? For many people, the journey is part of the excitement of any excursion. On this little adventure, that is especially true.
We are chartering a 1949 vintage sleeping car that was used in transcontinental trains between San Francisco and New York City. With single and double bedrooms, it offers great spaces from with to enjoy the passing panorama.
Speaking of that panorama, starting Thursday, we will be traveling aboard Amtrak’s Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to Seattle and return. We will also have access to the rest of the Coast Starlight to take advantage of the Dining Car, Sightseer Lounge Car as well as the Pacific Parlour Car.
Our first day includes over 110 miles along the Pacific Coast of California, with some spectacular locations not available for viewing from any highway. On previous trips, we have spotted plenty to see including whales and sea otters at play. The second day finds us crossing the Cascade mountain range as we travel north from California into Oregon. Finishing off the evening, we travel along Puget Sound before our arrival into Seattle.
We will have two full days (Thursday and Friday) to check out all of the attractions that await! With the rail car parked downtown at the King Street Station, we are handily located for all that you can enjoy. Everything from the local sights such as the Space Needle and Pikes Market to something across the water by ferry to the Olympic Peninsula can be reached easily from this location.
Saturday morning we travel south for arrival into Los Angeles on Sunday night.
Both Single and Double Bedrooms remain available for the trip. Cost is $1600 for a Single room and $2800 for a Double room.
For more information, please contact Roger Colton of Private Car Service at 925-321-0023.”
We’ll probably have special guests aboard. We usually do. Also, Roger and I will bore anyone willing with a tour of the former Seattle World’s Fair, ending up with dinner in the Space Needle. Should be fun.
Quel Dommage!
There’s a large fuss being made because Disneyland Paris is unfairly charging people who aren’t from France more than locals, which is illegal in the EU.
What is an outrageous scandal over there is called a Florida/SoCal Residents’ Discount here. I guess it’s a cultural thing.
Good Garden Grill News
The Garden Grill, which I will always call The Good Turn even though it had already changed its name to The Land Grill Room by the time I first went there, will be opening for breakfast and lunch again! Yaaay!
A week after I go home from my first WDW trip in 20 years. Sigh. I’m still happy, dangit!
On a related note: does anyone have photos from way back before they…did what they did to it in the 90s, when those gorgeous murals of women representing the four seasons took you from the last ride scene to the boarding area? I’m pretty sure it was by Walt Peregoy. Here’s an example of some of his other work at the time, to jog your memory. I can’t find a single image of it:
I hear it might rain in SoCal this weekend, so if you head out to the parks, don’t forget your bumbershoot! See you next Tuesday with some news and…other stuff.
If you have questions, comments, news, conspiracy theories or announcements to share, email me at [email protected]