2016 (thanks Jason) is here, and so far it’s okay. We have packing and moving in our near future, closer to Noe’s work, Alice’s schools and two of the three theme parks I most frequently…frequent. Disneyland had record-breaking crowds for the holidays, due in no small part to Steve Davison’s three fantastic spectaculars, Disneyland Forever, Paint the Night and World of Color Celebrate!. People are making sure to have that last delicious taste of Big Thunder Barbecue atop the heap of decaying robotic Nature’s Wonderland carcasses buried under the dining area there while various and sundry TV news Facebook pages light up with people furious that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is closing. Which it isn’t. They read “Ranch” and lost it, proclaiming that Walt would be rolling in his grave over the loss of his beloved Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I love the Internet.
Meanwhile, Disney is prepping for its earnings announcement. I strongly suspect that the Walt Disney Studios portion of the announcement will just be three minutes of Alan Horn (chairman of the Walt Disney Studios) giggling gleefully.
Resolution: Check Spelling
This is a real thing that my pal Tim McKenny took today: Soarin’ is under “Refub”!
It’s all in good fun. Everybody makes mistakes. Remember the “Mounatins” back in 97 or when Walt called it “Snow White’s Castle” on Disneyland’s opening day? Now fix it.
Resolution: Read More Good Books
Animation history superstar and all-around swell human being Dave Bossert will be doing a talk and signing at Vroman’s bookstore in Pasadena on Friday evening at 7:00 PM. If you’re in the vicinity stop by and say hi and he’ll be happy to sign your copy of Dali and Disney: Destino that you got for Christmas! Click here for more information.
Thanks to Fab News Sponsor DVCResaleMarket.com
Resolution: Hear Both Sides re: #WheresRey
An anonymous person inside the loop explains:
“I’d like to point out why toy companies didn’t add Rey to their collections….Early last year, the only information that the Disney/Lucas folks had was that the movie would be “villain heavy.” They were kept in the dark, just like everyone else. No one had anymore information.
That being said, toy product and packaging designers…had very little information to go by. So having to shelve (the Star Wars) products by September 4, 2015, (they) had to make decisions based on the information (the designers) had.
NOW that everyone in the toy industry realizes what a bad ass awesome character Rey is, you’ll probably see more of her in the marketplace within the next 5 years.
From my point of view, it’s as simple as that. The toy companies aren’t involved in a huge conspiracy to keep girls down. In fact more companies are going the “gender neutral” route. How do I know this? Because I attend all the North American licensing shows and from what I’ve seen at these presentations, the movie studios and their Consumer Products divisions realize that if they want to stay relevant, they’re going to have to make female leads much more prominent in their films and products. It’s just the way of the world now, folks! So are we there yet? Nope, but we’re making progress.”
My ex Jim takes Alice to those shows as well (she’s an ace photog, seriously great eye). and they echo what this guy said”
Disney Vacation Club Celebrates 25 Years
Wow! Can you believe it’s been 25 years since the beginning of the Disney Vacation Club? I remember when it was one resort (I still have trouble calling it “Old Key West” rather than “Disney Vacation Club”) and that cute 1940s school bus they would use to take people to see it. Now, it’s a behemoth! There are DVC resorts all over Walt Disney World, on several beaches (including Hawaii!) and even one (so far) at Disneyland. With the 25th anniversary come some new surprises as well, including new pinback button designs at all of the DVC kiosks and a brand-spanking-new membership card design being rolled out January 11. Everyone should have theirs by early April.
“In 2016, Disney Vacation Club will debut new special member events and offers at Disney theme parks and resorts as part of its anniversary, plus new exclusive membership enhancements that make vacation planning even easier. These new offerings complement an already exciting and extensive lineup of offerings for members called Membership Magic.
“Membership Magic gives families even more to love about Disney Vacation Club,” said Ken Potrock, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Vacation Club. “Now, for our 25th Anniversary, we’re introducing even more amazing membership extras, exclusive experiences and other enhancements that only members and their guests can access. It’s our special way of thanking our members for being such a valued part of the Disney Vacation Club family throughout these past two and a half decades.”
For the 25th Anniversary, Disney Vacation Club is creating a new, exclusive Member Lounge at Epcot, opening Spring 2016. Included with paid admission to Epcot, this space gives members and their guests a place to relax, strong Wi-Fi, device charging stations, helpful Member Services Advisers and computers with printers, enjoy complimentary refreshments and other offerings, and mingle with other members in this brand-new lounge, located in the Imagination! Pavilion in Future World at Epcot.
Members will also be offered complimentary theme park and water park events throughout the year, discounts on multi-day theme park tickets at Walt Disney World Resort, quarterly giveaways, fun surprises throughout the year and new memorable experiences at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, at Aulani and onboard Disney Cruise Line.
As part of the 25th anniversary, Disney Vacation Club Members can purchase a new, multi-day Walt Disney World Theme Park ticket offered exclusively to them. The new, multi-day Walt Disney World Theme Park ticket will go on sale beginning January 4, 2016 until March 31, 2016 (limit of eight tickets per Member household). Members can purchase the new ticket via the online ticket store, vacation planning windows, or Member Services. Members can receive an additional day when they purchase a four-day or longer Theme Park ticket.
- Multi-day tickets are valid for admission to any one of the four Theme Parks per day.
- Tickets and any options purchased may be activated at any time and must be used within 14 days.
- All tickets are nontransferable and nonrefundable and exclude activities/events separately priced.
Members can enjoy the complimentary Water Park, Fun & More option when they add the Park Hopping option to any multi-day ticket purchase.
To receive this offer, Members must present their Disney Vacation Club Membership Card along with a corresponding photo ID to show proof of Membership.
A new personalized Disney Vacation Club Membership Card will make it possible for members to enjoy all these new benefits, and recognition programs, such as special anniversary buttons, photos opportunities, unique merchandise and more, allowing members to display their pride.
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
- Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- Disneyland Disney Vacation Club Preview Center
- Aulani Disney Vacation Club Preview Center
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As members, you will be able to participate in all of the celebrations and events, without paying same high prices as people who buy direct. Call or visit DVCResaleMarket.com today and see how easy it is to make Membership Magic a part of your world.
(continued)
“Disney Cast Members will also show their appreciation to members throughout the year, starting with the launch of new services to help simplify the vacation planning process for members. This includes a reimagined website, accessible on any device, that provides members with personalized vacation advice, as well as the brand-new “Last-Minute Magic” webpage designed to help members explore last-minute vacation possibilities at select Disney Vacation Club Resorts.
Over the past 25 years, Disney Vacation Club has been a leader in the vacation ownership business. From opening its first property, Disney’s Old Key West Resort, to its 13th resort, Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, which debuted in 2015, Disney Vacation Club continues to explore new ways to grow and evolve. Plans for a proposed 14th resort are already underway at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge at Walt Disney World Resort. Current plans call for the resort to feature deluxe accommodations, including cabins. More information and project details will be shared at a later date.
Resolution: Go to Disneyland More
I have an annual pass, but don’t use it as much as I should. Since I’ll be living closer starting in February, I’ll have lost my last excuse. With people saying that they want to hold off visiting until after construction of Star Wars Land is finished, it might be a good time to visit and soak in New Orleans Square or Main Street or even spend a little extra time in Fantasyland. Whatever you choose, I hope it means a happy, healthy and prosperous new year for you and yours.
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