Home News Disney News Disney News Round Up: Everything New Is Blue Again

Disney News Round Up: Everything New Is Blue Again

January 22, 2014

January is almost over folks and the Disney news and theme park information is coming in fast. Today, Kevin Yee takes stock of the rumors swirling around Walt Disney World. With Avatar finally breaking ground at Animal Kingdom, it seems that anything can happen now. Did you know that Universal’s Phantom of the Opera used to hang out on Disneyland’s Main Street? It’s true! What do you think of a Big Thunder Halloween overlay? Sounds interesting doesn’t it? Finally, we share a history of the daytime parades at Tokyo Disneyland and bring news about Hong Kong Disneyland’s railroad being closed for a year of construction. It’s all here for you!Before we forget, tickets for the special events during the MiceChat anniversary weekend are now on sale. DON’T MISS OUT!	Get Mouseaddict for free HERE
Taking Stock: WDW Rumor Roundup It’s been a while since we’ve glanced at the current state of construction, renovation, and rumors at the WDW theme parks and resorts, so it’s high time to see what’s cooking–some of which is necessarily rife with speculation and half-known answers, so please, take all of it with the requisite grain of salt. For my money, when you add it all up, things are still moving and shaking at Walt Disney World. They may not be building massively fast attractions like Universal, but they are definitely still moving. Knotts Berry Farm: One Last Ride on the Calico Mine Train A few weeks ago a very special event was held at Knott’s Berry Farm. You see, the famous Calico Mine Ride was scheduled close on January 5th, 2014 for the most extensive refurbishment in its 53 years of operation. Knott’s Berry Farm teamed with MiceChat to offer folks one last look at the famous attraction before it went down for a complete refurbishment and enhancement. We have nearly 2 hours of video to share with you from the event and the two rides on the attraction – the LAST RIDE in show mode and another with lights on and a special presentation about the attraction! Amazing MiceChat Anniversary Weekend – February 7-9th, 2014 – Disneyland Resort Hurry, hurry, step right up ladies and gentlemen. The greatest show on the Internet is about to set up for a weekend of fun, frivolity and friendship at the happiest place on earth. Don’t miss out on this epic extravaganza of entertaining excitements!!! ALL Proceeds from your ticket will go toward saving the home Walt Disney was born in! Journey back with us to the year 1901. William McKinley was President of the United States, Major League Baseball had just been formed, and a man named Walt Disney was born in a small house in Chicago Illinois. The modest family home on the corner of Tripp Avenue and Palmer Street was designed and built by Flora and Elias Disney, Walt and Roy Disney’s mother and father. Both Walt and Roy were born in this home and lived there until Walt was four and Roy was twelve years old. We have already lost too many buildings that were an incredibly important part of Disney history. Let’s save Walt’s house! PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS FOR AN EVENING WITH WALT DISNEY HERE Celebrated Imagineer, Tim Delaney, will lead a fascinating presentation about the building of the most beautiful Magic Kingdom of them all, Disneyland Paris. Learn about the challenges, creative opportunities, and wonderful stories that make this park so unique in the universe of Disney theme parks. This will be a breakfast event at the ESPN Zone (bacon, bacon, bacon) with a 90 minute audio/visual presentation and an opportunity to meet a true creative genius. Event is limited to 125 guests and will sell out quickly. PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS FOR THE BUILDING THE DREAM BREAKFAST HERE Put your Disney skills to the test as Fishbulb presents one of his famous eye spy/scavenger hunt events. This two hour event will be free to enter (you’ll just need park admission). There will be fun prizes sponsored by Fairy Godmother Travel and this is always a great way to meet fellow MicePals and have a great time in the park. REGISTER FOR THE DCA MICEQUEST HERE AND THAT’S NOT ALL . . . We have a full weekend of meets, events, games and more for you to enjoy. Click through to the MiceChat info thread for the Anniversary Weekend HERE. It’s time to get ready for the next BIG MiceChat Trip! Join Disney Legend Bob Gurr and the MiceChat Crew as we set sail on the Disney Magic for a once in a lifetime Mediterranean cruise (from Barcelona to Italy and back again). Stay after the cruise and you can also join us for a trip though Disneyland Paris! Ask us for more details by emailing us at [email protected]
MiceChat Podcast #14- Looking Into Disney’s Crystal Ball January is a great time to reflect on the year past and the year ahead. On this episode, we share our favorite and biggest theme park moments of 2013 and our predictions for 2014 and beyond. What will be our biggest story of 2013? Will it be Disney’s MyMagic+, SeaWorld’s Blackfish problem, Tony Baxter’s retirement from Disney . . .? Listen on to find out. Then we turn our attention to 2014 and what is already shaping up to be a magical year for Universal as Harry Potter 2.0 – Diagon Alley – prepares to open at the Orlando park. Plus, Disneyland to sink the Subs? Tomorrowland Star Wars projects, major construction delays and much, much more. We even have a cameo by Robert Coker about the project to save Walt Disney’s birthplace in Chicago. Direct Link \| iTunes Link
Many attractions are now closed seasonal refurbishment, and that even includes the Dole Whip stand which is being expanded. We also take a trip to yesterland, and take a look at one of the most unusual meet and greet characters on Main Street USA, and a look at the original Storybookland! ~ Aladdin Dole Whip Stand is down for Refurbishment The Dole Whip stand at the Tiki Room entrance is currently closed, and according to a sign, it is being expanded. Are they finally adding a 2nd machine? Are queues being changed? When will it re-open? Check here, as further information becomes available. Universal’s Phantom of the Opera M&G at Main Street Cinema The Main Street Cinema wasn’t only home to Mickey Mouse cartoons. Look here, to see what other character you could meet here! What was the Cave of Wonders before Aladdin came to Story Book Land? Reader, CHOX asks how Storybook land has changed over the years, in particular, about the cave. Look here for some older photos, and a map of what Storybook land looked like before Disney Animation’s 2nd Golden age! The majority of rumors and armchair imagineering ideas surround Disneyland, but we do have one suggestion for Walt Disney World. ~ Trekkie Dad What if….. 5th Park? Star Wars Land? thrawn2k2 opens this thread about a fifth theme park with a Star Wars theme at Walt Disney World, but it quickly generates different ideas from other MiceChatters. How to Fix (some of) Adventureland DisneylandMaster thinks Disneyland’s Adventureland could use a tune up. An alternate use for the lagoon If Disneyland’s submarines are going away, Nirya has an idea that would repurpose the lagoon. Autopia monster queue = One E Ticket Mojave thinks the Autopia queue at Disneyland takes up way too much real estate. A discussion of eliminating or modifying ride itself follows. Remove the Monorail Station from inside Disneyland DLR159 has an idea that is getting considerable discussion, if not much traction. BTMRR Halloween Layover swampymarsh would like to see Disneyland’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad get a layover for Halloween. Thunder Update New member Estoplover believes that the reopening of Disneyland’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is further delayed until sometime in March. Some Disneyland rumors I’m wondering about. Some urban legends about Disneyland never seem to die, and PrototypeX85 asks about several we have heard before. Time to separate fact from fiction. This week brings us some confusion about Fastpass+ and Magic Bands, the loss of paper Fastpasses at WDW as a whole, and a look at some odds and ends in the Magic Kingdom. Enjoy! ~yoyoflamingo No more paper fastpasses, construction photos, and other Magic Kingdom news camerondon shares the recent experience of Fastpass+ without paper Fastpasses, as well as some news and notes from the Magic Kingdom. Take a look and see what the world without paper Fastpasses is like. Fatspass+ and Magic Band confusion! What a coincidence that the paper Fastpass thread is this week – as it might help Valmist with the question about what to do while not staying on Disney property. A good primer for people just learning the process are these 2 threads! The History of Tokyo Disneyland’s Daytime Parades aimster brings us great video about the history of Tokyo Disneyland’s daytime parades. Hippiti-Hoppiti Spring Time Details of this year’s East Event at Tokyo have been announced. It’s in Japanese, but can be translated. Grand finale of the Happiness year. disfa10 brings us the grand finale of Happiness Year at TDL and TDS. HKDL railroad closed for a year for Iron Man construction Hong Kong has announced the closure of the railroad for the construction of Iron Man Experience ‘East Lantau Metropolis’ might rise above the sea just south (or South East) of HKDL! The Hong Kong government is looking to build a new core business district just south of the resort.
Welcome to the Season Two Finale of Communicore Weekly, where we talk about World’s Fairs, Walt’s People, and a big Mickey Watch! DISNEY HISTORY! — Jeff and George kick off a new theme for Season 3, where they celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the 1964-1965 World’s Fair! Learn about the history of World’s Fairs in this week’s Disney History! BOOK OF THE WEEK! — George and Jeff talk to Walt’s People, Vol 13, for the Book of the Week! FIVE LEGGED GOAT! — And finally, find out what time it is in this week’s Five Legged Goat! The Haunted Mansion Show Episode 5: Let’s Get Weird! Step right up! Don’t be afraid! On second thought, be very afraid! This week, the Ghost Host takes you on a trip to the “Museum of the Weird” as we pay tribute to legendary Imagineer, Rolly Crump. As if that won’t be strange enough for you, the latest Marvel comic book, “Seekers of the Weird,” is brought into view. Last Ride on the Calico Mine Train DoomBuggies Spook Show #4: In this episode, we discuss a listener’s “Top Ten Questions About the Haunted Mansion,” since they echo many questions regularly asked about this seminal haunted attraction. What exactly is inside of that big Haunted Mansion building facade? Will Guillermo de Toro ever come through with his proposed movie treatment of the Haunted Mansion? Direct Link Wakefield Report, covers the latest in theme park news! Find out what the nine news nuggets you need to know are! Direct Link \| iTunes Link Disafterdark Disney Podcast: Appearing in the Mouse’s Head this week Are Jonathan Lewis-Jones from salonmickey, his wife, and our social media expert Craig Lucas. The Lewis-Jones are enjoying a cocktail live from the Manhattan bar in the Hotel New York in Disneyland Paris, Craig is on Guinness and the rest of us are mopping up after Christmas and new year Direct Link \| iTunes Link Unofficial Universal Orlando Podcast: On this show we bring you a news update, the Last of the current performances of Beetljuice’s Rock and Roll Graveyard Review a Universal Studios Florida and we finish up delving in to the PhotoConnect system at Universal Orlando. Direct Link \| iTunes Link Unofficial SeaWorld Podcast, We have had an incredible year, and we are thrilled to be celebrating one year. Last year we started out as a brand new show, with no friends or followers, and here we are today, breaking global news, talking to SeaWorld trainers, and bringing the podcast to thousands of people every month. Direct Link \| iTunes Link Window to the Magic introduces a new game. Jeremiah takes you on a sound-seeing tour at Walt Disney World, to Animal Kingdom and to the now extinct Camp Minnie Mickey Theatre… to enjoy the temporarily gone “Legend of the Lion King” Show. Can YOU follow along using ONLY the audio clues in the park?? Direct Link The Seasonpass Podcast TSPP releases another Seasoned Pros List Show with Arthur Levine (Theme Parks Guide for About.com) and Joel the Coaster Critic–This time we look at the Best Wooden Roller Coasters in North America.. Direct Link \| iTunes Link Mousetalgia Episode 274: Mousetalgia reviews some recent Disney books, including Sam Gennawey’s book “The Disneyland Story” The Unofficial Guide to the Evolution of Walt Disney’s Dream; Jim Korkis’ “The Book of Mouse: A Celebration of Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse,” Marty Sklar’s “Dream It! Do It! My Half Century Creating Disney’s Magic Kingdoms,” and Marvel Comic’s “Seekers of the Weird” issue one. Plus, we interview Adam Berger about his new book “Every Guest is a Hero: Disney’s Theme Parks and the Magic of Mythic Storytelling.” Berger describes the history and role of mythic storytelling in the creation of Imagineering’s submersive attractions at Disney theme parks. Plus – the Star Wars cannon is revisited, Frozen is on the way to Broadway, a change in management at D23 – and more! Direct Link
Get your Valentine`s Day requests in now! V24 Radio is bringing you Valentine`s Day requests all day on February 14! The popular day of requests is coming back between 9am-5pm Eastern. Send us your Valentine`s Day Dedications on our contact page. Let us know who it is going out to and we`ll make sure to send out the dedication and play it! Need to know the tunes we`re playing? Check out our music library here. Get your requests in soon to make sure they go to air! We`re always swamped with requests so make sure to get yours in early! Valentine`s Day on V24 Radio is presented by Fairy Godmother Travel!
Knott’s announces 3 new rides for Camp Snoopy Knott’s Berry Farm is proud to announce the three new rides coming to the land of High Sierra fun: Charlie Brown’s Kite Flyer, Pig Pen’s Mud Buggies and Linus Launcher.

Save the dates of Feburary 7th, 8th and 9th, 2014 for special Disney presentations, cocktail parties, Lunches, breakfasts, meets in the park, giveaways, friendship and more. Make sure you don’t miss out, add your name to the Anniversary Weekend Email List HERE!	The world famous MiceChat Gumball Rally will be rolling your way the first Saturday in May. Lots of fun and surprises are in store. Join the info list now so you won’t miss out on early discounted registration (just after the first of the year). Last year’s event sold out in record time with over 100 names on the waiting list. Don’t end out shut out of the best fan event of the year, add your name to the list HERE and we’ll notify you when tickets go on sale.


Universal Update – Diagon Alley Scaffolding Comes down and Harry Potter Celebration We are back this week with a jam packed look at Universal Orlando Resort. Scaffolding has finally come down from around the new Harry Potter London facades. Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland Disneyland‘s off-season continues with winter refurbishments continuing in both theme parks. In Disneyland, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has debuted a gorgeous and dramatic new lighting package as that attraction wraps up its year-long refurbishment. SeaWorld Orlando Wild Days and OSHA Conflict SeaWorld Orlando is launching a new annual event called “Wild Weekends” and we’ve got the details for you today. Monorail Red Lives After my trip to Walt Disney World in early December, I stopped in Atlanta on the way home to spend the evening with my nephew and his family. Disney Cast Blast Quick Bites Today’s Cast Blast is sort of a grab bag. We are sent small bits of info and stories from time to time that do not warrant an entire entry. Disney Imagineer Tom “Thor” Thordarson Journeys to the Center of the Earth Here is an amazing article and tribute to Tom “Thor” Thordarson and his artwork for the Tokyo DisneySea Mysterious Island rides. The Disney Review: The Original Grimms by Kevin Yee George: Kevin Yee is a very well-known name in Disney circles, especially as one of the original columnists at MiceAge. In The Parks: Disneyland Resort Off Season is Blissfully Uncrowded What a difference a week makes. The holiday crowds have vanished, making this a wonderful period to visit the Disneyland Resort. Dateline Disney World: Avatar Breaks Ground and Spice Road Opens Hello, and welcome to Dateline Disney World! This week, we’ll be visiting both Animal Kingdom, where Avatar Land has finally broken ground and Epcot, where the new Spice Road restaurant has opened. DCA Then & Now, Part 7: More Hollywood Land This is the seventh (and final, for the time being) installment of Yesterland’s Disney California Adventure Then & Now series. What to Do on Your Down Day at Walt Disney World If you’ve been reading over the last year, you know I’m a fan of taking a day off from the hustle and bustle of the parks during your Disney World trip. Efteling Dream Flight We’d like to introduce you to Bernice Hobson, a Disney fan who is also madly in love with Efteling, the oldest park in the Netherlands (located in the municipality of Loon op Zand).

The MiceEars Crew and MiceChat Disney News Club put a lot of time and effort into making these Round-Ups happen. Here are the members:Your Editor: CakvalaSC and the MiceEars Crew: Aladdin, Yoyoflamingo, Trekkie Dad, DLandFansAZ, RegionsBeyond, Fishbulb & Dustysage.	We hope to see you online again soon, Dusty and the amazing MiceChat crew!
The MiceEars Crew can be e-mailed at: [email protected] if you have questions for Anthony our Editor he can be e-mailed at: [email protected]

AND THAT’S NOT ALL . . .