Round 'em up! MiceChat's discussion cowboys are back with the weekly collection of top Disney and Theme Park news, rumor, trip reports, and more. This week, PiG_GuRl makes her First Trip to Hard Rock Park . Bush Gardens is getting a New Sesame Street Land (Coaster, Log Flume, 4-D Show). Mickey, Can You Hear Me? Al Lutz dropped the bomb that Disney no longer accepts guest complaints at Guest Relations. Unbelievable but now confirmed at both Disney World and Disneyland. Shocked guests everywhere drop their jaws in disbelief. In response, Dustysage of MiceChat.com has launched a "Guest Relations [1]" section on MiceChat where readers can leave their comments for the parks. Disney may not read them (or even care) but at least you can get those thoughts off your chest. Also on MiceAge this week, Werner Weiss of, Yesterland, discusses the short-lived Wine Country Market at Yester Calfornia Adventure. And Kevin Yee compares all of the dining plans at SeaWorld & Walt Disney World - are any of them worth it? Also, SeaWorld has a fancy new GPS Guide - get your first look in Kevin's column: Deal-A-Meal [2] And, of course, there is much more in the round up this week, news about collectible items, new games being release, trip reports to places all over the world . . . you could keep yourself busy all day reading the MiceChat Roundup. Have Fun! You can read the entire MiceChat weekly roundup of Disney and Theme Park news, rumors, and discussions HERE [3] [1] http://micechat.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/guest_relations-450.html [2] http://micechat.com../forums/showthread.php/8_7_deal_meal-101655.html [3] http://miceage.micechat.com/mc/mc081308a.htm

View: the weekly roundup of Disney and Theme Park news, rumor, and discussions

Today's column is a collection of fan community events going on this Fall at Disney World Florida and at Disneyland California, and was written by MiceChat Partner Chuck Oberleitner, of O-Meon.com [1]. Chuck was recently named the Vice President of Media Relations and Communications for the NFFC. Congratulations to Chuck on this accomplishment and to the NFFC for their Summer convention in Anaheim, which was a success by all measures. Be An Adventurer Florida Adventurer, the 3rd Annual National Fantasy Fan Club (NFFC) Florida Convention takes place soon at the Regal Sun Resort—formerly the Grosvenor Resort Walt Disney World—at Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The dates are October 3 through October 5, 2008. In case you haven’t heard, Pleasure Island, Downtown Disney’s nightlife fun spot at the Walt Disney World Resort, will be closing the week before the NFFC Florida Convention. Included among the clubs and restaurants set to be shuttered is the very popular Adventurer’s Club, which just happens to be the location of the convention’s closing night dinner party. Fear not, the Disney Company is honoring its commitment to the NFFC. This means attendees at this year’s 3rd Annual NFFC Florida Convention will be among the last—maybe even the very last—Disneyana fans that get to experience this truly one-of-a kind Disney dinning venue. Join the fun as the NFFC, the place for Disneyana enthusiasts, bids a fond farewell to the Adventurer’s Club. It promises to be a full evening featuring a buffet dinner, one-of-a-kind, in-depth tour of the Adventurer’s Club, and some very special entertainment especially designed for the Florida Adventurer. Participation limited to the first 200 attendees on a first-come, first-serve basis. Image copyright© Google Images. All rights reserved. And there’s more… What’s as large as seven football fields, located at Walt Disney World, and not offered to the general public on any backstage tour? The Walt Disney World Merchandise Warehouse, the facility that receives everything from one-of-a kind collectables to thousands of “souvinears” for distribution throughout a network of more than 300 merchandise outlets around the vast Walt Disney World Resort. Scheduled for Friday, October 3—the first day of the 3rd Annual NFFC Florida Convention—the tour of the Walt Disney World Merchandise Warehouse is an exclusive NFFC members-only event. Participation is limited to the first 65 attendees on a first-come, first-serve basis. Part of Their World As part of an ongoing commitment to the arts and the children and families in need, the NFFC is pleased and proud to announce that this year’s Part of Their World Dinner and Collector’s Auction will be held in partnership with Give Kids The World [2], a non-profit organization dedicated to fulfilling the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses. The Part of Their World Dinner takes place the evening of Friday, October 3. Each table at the dinner will feature a Disney Legend or VIP guest host. The conversation will be lively, and tales from the Disney career experiences of these very special individuals are not to be missed! Seating at each table is limited so now’s the time to ensure you can take part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience, while at the same time helping out Give Kids The World with their awe-inspiring work. Come Saturday Morning! Scheduled to appear at the 3rd Annual NFFC Florida Convention seminars are: Veteran Disney animator, producer, and new NFFC Disney Legend, Joe Hale; and actor Iake Eissinmann, one of the two young stars of Escape to Witch Mountain and ReturnfromWitchMountain. Eissinmann played Tony Malone, a role he’ll reprise as an adult in the upcoming “reimagining” of Walt Disney Pictures Race to Witch Mountain. Additionally, Gary Sohmers will host a panel of experts talking about the life, legacy, and artwork of Disney and NFFC Legend Ralph Kent. Gary Sohmers appears as an appraiser in Collectibles, Memorabilia, and Toys on the PBS television program Antiques Roadshow. Immediately following the panel discussion, Sohmers will auction off some of Ralph’s unique artworks. Proceeds from the auction benefit the Ralph Kent estate. A Legendary Luncheon! Saturday, October 4, is also the date of the annual NFFC Lunch with the Legends. At each of the organizations two national conventions, the NFFC honors those who have made an outstanding contribution to the ongoing magic and success of the Walt Disney Company. Giant All Disneyana Show and Sale! Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! The Regal Sun Resort becomes the place to be for Disneyana collectors, autograph seekers, and the just plain Disney crazed as Disneyana memorabilia vendors and dealers from all over the country exhibit their wares, along with several very well-known authors signing their Disney-related books. The 3rd Annual NFFC Florida Convention and Giant all Disneyana Show and Sale is open to the public; however, convention attendees and NFFC members get first crack at everything. Doors open at 9:00 a.m. for registered convention attendees, 10:00 a.m. for NFFC members, and 11:00 a.m. to the general public. Sound Like Fun? What a way to spend a sunny October weekend! Plan now to join in on the fun. Register today for the 3rd Annual NFFC Florida Convention, Florida Adventurer. Complete convention details, travel information, and registration forms can be found at NFFC.org [3]. Check in often as the schedule is subject to change. Not a member? No problem! You can also join the NFFC while visiting the website. Save Some Dough! Safari Package Registration for the 3rd Annual NFFC Florida Convention is only $375 between now and August 28; it goes up to $400 after that. MiceChat Walt Disney World Invasion Have you ever wanted to visit Walt Disney World with a group of the most knowledge Disney geeks you can imagine? Now's your chance. MiceChat, one of the world’s largest assemblies of Disney-related discussion forums, is holding its 3rd Annual Fall Orlando invasion, complete with lots of exciting events. Image copyright© MiceChat. All rights reserved. MiceChat Gumball Rally Four parks, one day, Saturday October 18! The MiceChat WDW Gumball Rally is a challenging—not to mentions fun—event, which takes participants around the world of Walt Disney World in ways you never expected. From the folks who brought you the MiceChat Disneyland Gumball Rally—along with quest rally master Kevin Yee, author of 101 Things You Never Knew About Walt Disney World [4]—comes our best event yet. Whether it’s your first Walt Disney World visit or your fiftieth, the MiceChat Walt Disney World Gumball Rally will be truly laugh-out-loud fun for everyone. Traveling alone and want to join a team? The MiceChatters are here for you. Find out more about the MiceChat Walt Disney World Gumball Rally and teams here [5]. Sip and Nibble Around the World MiceChatters, Rixter and Mickeymaxx, will host their 2nd annual Sip and Nibble Around The World on October 19. Join us as we slowly eat and drink our way around Epcot's World Showcase during the Food and Wine Festival. It is the perfect relaxing counterpoint to the previous day's Gumball Rally Illuminations Dessert Party Join the MiceChatters later on the evening of October 19 for a special viewing of Illuminations. We'll have an exclusive location in World Showcase reserved for this event, where we can socialize and gorge ourselves, even more, on fancy treats while waiting for Epcot's wonderful Illuminations to begin. If you book your trip through Magical Travel, this event is included. But anyone can purchase a ticket by contacting Magical Travel and letting them know that you'd like to join the MiceChat Illuminations Dessert Party. For complete details, be sure to check out MiceChat Walt Disney World Invasion [6]! at MiceChat.com. Meanwhile, Out West: The 11th Annual Gay Days Anaheim By Jeffery Epstein and Eddy Shapiro Can you believe it? It’s less than two months to the 11th Annual Gay Days Anaheim held at the Disneyland Resort October 3 - 5. Stars at Gay Days! OK, so we have some amazing talent this year—all weekend long! Alec Mapa hosts the VIP room at Wonderland, Chad Allen introduces his new here! movie Ice Blues, BradRowewill do a Q&A following the screening of Shelter; CalperniaAddamsand DarrylStephenshost the VIP Gold Cocktail party and more! Step Off Into Wonderland Benefiting The Trevor Project [7], our opening night mad bash Wonderland once again kicks off another Gay Days Anaheim weekend. DJ RayRhodes (TigerHeat [8], KBIG 104) and host Momma return to give you some Southern Comfort. Plus, “America's Gaysian Sweetheart” AlecMapa hosts the VIP lounge! The fun begins at 9:30 at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney. Tickets are $15 at the door, and you must be 21, or older, to attend. Drag Diva Momma at Gay Days 2005. Image copyright© obe-mediaone. All rights reserved. Rock the Kingdom The centerpiece event of the Gay Days Anaheim weekend returns with DJ Kimberly S. back at the turntables on Saturday, October 4 at House of Blues Anaheim in Downtown Disney. And this year, we have THREE amazing performers to get your groove on. Dance diva Erin Hamilton ("Dream Weaver"), super hot Matt Zarley, and the incredible Shoshana Bean (Wicked) will keep you on your feet. Once again, we'll have some Divas of the Kingdom, sizzling go-go dancers, and incredible performances you won't want to miss. Be sure and visit Gay Days Anaheim [9] for complete details. And MiceChat will be having another of its Gay Days meet and greets as well. Stay tuned for more information. Image copyright© MiceChat. All rights reserved. See you on the Matterhorn! For more stories and information about Chuck Oberleitner or O-Meon.com, please visit www.o-meon.com [10] [1] http://www.o-meon.com/pages/news/2008/08-12_Fall_Preview.htm [2] http://www.gktw.org/index.asp [3] http://www.nffc.org/ [4] http://www.amazon.ca/Things-Never-About-Disney-World/dp/0977375803/ref=micechat-20sr_1_3/701-0618069-4167501?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1217391085&sr=1-3 [5] http://micechat.com../forums/showthread.php/gumball_rally_wdw_edition_oct-101198.html [6] http://micechat.com../forums/showthread.php/micechat_disney_world_invasion_mid-101200.html [7] http://www.thetrevorproject.org/ [8] http://www.clubtigerheat.com/ [9] http://www.gaydaysanaheim.com/ [10] http://www.o-meon.com/pages/news/2008/08-12_Fall_Preview.htm

View: Fan Events At Disney World And Disneyland This Fall

David Micheal has a huge Disneyland update for us today. With the Fall/Halloween/Christmas refurbishments, overlays, and changes finally on the schedule, things will be busy around the resort. Some of the biggest changes and the most work will be done in the New Orleans Square area of Disneyland and the Sun Wheel area of Disney's California Adventure Park. We also have the news for you on Bats Day, the Disneyland Half-Marathon, Gay Days, and the CHOC Walk. You think the Olympics is big? Well, we've got the results of Disneyland's canoe races for you. Now, that's a sport we can support! Last Thursday was the official announcement and ceremony for the 5th and final series of the Art of Disney postal stamps. Read the full details on these and other Disneyland and Southern California Theme Park news items HERE [1] [2] _______________________________ Join the MiceChat Daily Email Update - Enter your email address Here: Delivered by FeedBurner [3] _______________________________ [1] http://micechat.com/forums/blog.php?b=586 [2] http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php [3] http://www.feedburner.com

View: The Monday In The Parks Disneyland and Theme Park Updates

This weekend all eyes turn toward China as the Games of the XXIX Olympiad are staged in Beijing. We're lucky that regular Weekend Update contributor TDLFAN was in Beijing last week and shares some photos of the city just prior to the start of the Olympics. We haven't skimped on the Disney coverage, though. Jack hollywood1939 Wixom takes us on a photo tour of the original version of Pirates of the Caribbean in Disneyland, Micechatter MrTaste shares some Disneyland photos, Denise nbodyhome Preskitt turns in some bicoastal coverage, and SummerInFL takes us shopping in Florida. Don't miss a single picture, catch the entire Weekend Update of Disney, Theme Park, and Vacation locations around the world HERE [1] [2] _______________________________ Join the MiceChat Daily Email Update - Enter your email address Here: Delivered by FeedBurner [3] _______________________________ [1] http://micechat.com/forums/blog.php?b=579 [2] http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php [3] http://www.feedburner.com

View: The Weekend Update photo tour of Disney, Theme Park, and Vacation locations around the world

The boards have been buzzing about cash registers moving into the Court Des Angles in New Orleans Square this holiday season. Andy swoops in to archive the quiet beauty of this spot before it becomes another merchandise location. He also has news of the relocation of the Three Fairies shop in Fantasyland, construction at Department 56 in Downtown Disney, and refurbishment of the water playgrounds at California Adventure (right in the middle of the hot Summer). View Andy's entire photo update of the Disneyland Resort HERE [1] [2] _______________________________ Join the MiceChat Daily Email Update - Enter your email address Here: Delivered by FeedBurner [3] _______________________________ [1] http://micechat.com/forums/blog.php?b=576 [2] http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php [3] http://www.feedburner.com

View: Dateline Disneyland's Photo Update Of The Disneyland Resort

MiceChat partner Chuck Oberleitner, is starting to recover from Comic-Con and has some terse thoughts on the event: There’s absolutely no doubt that Comic-Con is a pop culture phenomenon. That’s both the good news and the bad news, for most such phenomenon burn out sooner or later. In addition to the overwhelming crowds, a few additional cracks are beginning to show in the Con’s well-worn patina. Celebrity access and the autographs and pictures that go with them used to be a Comic-Con staple. As recently as last year’s Con, the casts of NBC’ Chuck and the SciFi Channel’s Eureka stepped off the stage and waded into the waiting crowds. The stars included Chuck Executive Producer and writer McG who freely signed virtually everything shoved in their faces and posed with fans for half again as many pictures. Pandemonium nearly broke out as various Lost cast members and stars, like Robert Downey Jr., made their way across the exhibition floor for booth appearances and everyone got to take pictures. Of course, that pandemonium was one of the things the Fire Marshall was taken to task for. Now, with few exceptions, there’s almost no such thing as a free-range celebrity. All high-profile programs feature secure, guarded entry and exit ways for celebrity panelists, virtually guaranteeing separation from the fans. Autographs and photo ops are now mostly for sale, and even media access has been heavily curtailed. The bigger stars work the exhibit floor either for their employers, like the aforementioned Warner Brothers, or the professional autograph dealers, who had attendees lined up like kids in a mall waiting to see Santa Claus, at $25 a pop, to say hello to the stars of Torchwood and several StarTrek series. Upstairs in the “autograph area” over the course of the convention, a dozen or so Z-listers whiled away the hours swapping tales with one another between increasingly sporadic sales of autographed headshots. What were your thoughts on Comic Con? For all of Chuck's thoughts, Click HERE [1] digg_url = 'http://digg.com/people/Thoughts_On_Comic_Con_2008'; [2] _______________________________ Join the MiceChat Daily Email Update - Enter your email address Here: Delivered by FeedBurner [3] _______________________________ [1] http://www.obe-mediaone.com/pages/columns/col_2008/08-05_Dead.htm [2] http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php [3] http://www.feedburner.com

View: Final Thoughts on Comic-Con 2008

Another interesting week in the Disney universe. Just when you thought that the Tokyo parks couldn't get any better with the opening of a beautiful new hotel, comes news that they have plopped vending machines into Tomorrowland. Yuck. Stateside, time seems to have stopped at Disneyland, with the news that the New Century Timepieces watch shop has been closed and the watches removed. Could the evil money changers be thinking of turning the Court of Angles into another shop - 2DieFR tells us the rumor. There are also rumors that Honey I Shrunk The Audience may finally be closing at Disneyland after Labor Day. Now, that's one removal that we can all stand up and cheer for. At Disney World, we have a construction update from Nbodyhome which details the progress of the Caribbean Beach Resort pool, the Contemporary hotel and Animal Kingdom Lodge expansions, and the T-Rex restaurant construction. SummerInFL takes us on a photo tour including Downtown Disney, Epcot, and a smoking Donald. And we leave you with this, the Disney US parks have raised admission prices right in the middle of difficult economic times. Was the decision poorly timed? Read the entire weekly roundup of Disney and theme park news and rumors HERE [1] [2] _______________________________ Join the MiceChat Daily Email Update - Enter your email address Here: Delivered by FeedBurner [3] _______________________________ [1] http://miceage.micechat.com/mc/mc080608a.htm [2] http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php [3] http://www.feedburner.com

View: Weekly roundup of Disney and Theme Park news and rumors

Here's something that we don't get every day, but always wish for - An Al Lutz news and rumor update. [1] Disneyland's summer attendance is the lowest seen in 5 years. Response to the earthquake. What to do with the Disneyland Hotel. Garden Walk. Bye Bye Ronald! Sponsor troubles. Disney lawyers gone wild. Lots of minor park updates. DCA preview center set to open. Construction info for DCA. Mickey and Friends Bakery. Fantasmic! changes. World of Wonder Parade. Pixie Hollow. And a whole lot more. Al has written an epic length 6 page update today, so don't miss out on any of the delicious news. Read the Al Lutz Disneyland news and rumor update HERE [2] [3] _______________________________ Join the MiceChat Daily Email Update - Enter your email address Here: Delivered by FeedBurner [4] _______________________________ [1] http://miceage.micechat.com/allutz/al080508a.htm [2] http://miceage.micechat.com/allutz/al080508a.htm [3] http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php [4] http://www.feedburner.com

View: Al Lutz Disneyland News and Rumor Update

Disneyland marketing pulled a fast one Friday evening, announcing a price increase at 5pm at the end of the work week. But the news didn't slip by Darkbeer's radar, he immeadiately posted the news to the boards and posts full details and pictures today, including how you can save money on your Disneyland tickets. Also up this week: Information on Mickey's Trick-Or-Treat, etiquette classes for those in the resort district - be nice to tourists, Disneyland and the earthquake, Santa(s) go to Knotts, and the US Mens Volleyball Team gets an Olympic send-off at Downtown Disney. Read the entire Dateline Disneyland weekly update of Disney and Southern California theme park news HERE.

View: Monday In The Parks: Disneyland ticket prices up,

This week's Roundup is a recipe for fun. Take a dash of Walt Disney World A cup of Disneyland A large package of Haunted Mansion Season generously with the Orange County Fair. And just to add a little heat, Stitch has been added to the Tiki Room. Don't miss this week's update of photos from the Disney parks and other fun vacation locations from around the world [1] [1] http://micechat.com/forums/blog.php?b=550

View: Our weekly update of Disney and theme park photos from around the world

Hello Blue! The new Blue has been spotted on the beam - and she is beautiful. Meanwhile, two shops have just closed. New Century Time Pieces is closing to remodel for new merchandise (the watch artist has moved to the exit of the Opera House) . The Three Fairies Magic Crystal Shop is also closing, to make room for enhancements and the return of the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walk-Through. But the biggest departure is McDonald's. The fry carts and Burger Invasion are flying the coop to make room for healthier fare. Also this week, amazing shots of Disneyland at night and tons of pictures from Comic-Con '08 which packed the house in San Diego last weekend. See the entire Dateline Disneyland Photo Update of Disneyland, California Adventure, and Comic-Con HERE [1] [1] http://micechat.com/forums/blog.php?b=553

View: Dateline Disneyland: Monorail Blue, Closing Shops, Bye Bye McDonald's, Disneyland after dark, Comic-Con San Diego