This Week in Disney History: March 29 - April 4

April 2, 1954 - Walt Disney announces Disneyland Park and television show plans
On a bench in Los Angeles' Griffith Park, Walt Disney dreamed of a place where parents and children could have fun together. Imagining it was one challenge, but financing it was quite another, forcing Disney to look for outside help. The ABC television network agreed to become a partner in exchange for several considerations, including original programming. Once both boards finalized the 35% stake, two "Disneylands" were announced - the park and a television series. ABC debuted the first episode on October 27, 1954, treating viewers to an exclusive look at the park under construction as well as production work on Sleeping Beauty and Davy Crockett. The "Disneyland" television series would continue under various names through 2008, including "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color" and "The Magical World of Disney."

April 1, 1995 - Blizzard Beach opens at the Walt Disney World Resort
According to legend, a freak snow storm once blanketed the southwest corner of Walt Disney World, and enterprising locals took advantage, creating Florida's first ski resort on Mount Gushmore. But when the usual hot weather returned, the black diamond runs and bobsled tracks melted away to create some of the world's most thrilling toboggan runs. (It's implausible, but then again, this place did open on April Fool's Day.) Walt Disney World's second water park features a family-friendly mix of unique and exciting attractions, but for many the signature ride remains Summit Plummet. Perched atop a ski jump launch, daring riders plunge down this 120 foot tall incline hitting near freeway speeds; fittingly, there's a radar gun at the bottom displaying yours. Learn more about Blizzard Beach's 15th anniversary in the March 25 issue of Eyes and Ears.

March 29:
1998 - Disney hosts Central Park event in New York City for the opening of Disney's Animal Kingdom
2002 - Walt Disney Pictures releases The Rookie

March 30:
1997 - The Disney's Wide World of Sports box office officially opens
2007 - Walt Disney Pictures releases the computer animated feature Meet the Robinsons

March 31:
1958 - Grand Canyon diorama (part of the Disneyland Railroad) opens at Disneyland Park
1999 - Touchstone Pictures releases 10 Things I Hate About You
2000 - Touchstone Pictures releases High Fidelity
2002 - Primeval Whirl opens at Disney's Animal Kingdom

April 1:
1974 - Pioneer Hall opens at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

April 2:
1940 - Walt Disney Productions becomes a publically traded company, offering stock for the first time
2007 - Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor opens at Magic Kingdom Park

April 3:
1994 - Frank G. Wells, President of The Walt Disney Company, dies in a helicopter accident

April 4:
1954 - Joe Fowler is hired as a construction supervisor for Disneyland Park; he later becomes its operations manager, then a key executive in the construction of the Walt Disney World Resort
1994 - Michael Eisner assumes the presidency of The Walt Disney Company following Frank Wells' death

I Made Magic Today!

So today I made some noticeable magic that I need to share with everyone!

It was raining heavily for the last half of the day today, so we were not too busy in the kids' clubs, and people often come and seek shelter from the rain for a few minutes. This one older woman stopped by to seek shelter, and catch her breath, and in the process placed her glasses down on our counter, and then walked away leaving the glasses there. The woman who I was working with noticed the guest forgot her glasses, and I was able to leave the area to give them back to her. Just as I was approaching her she realized she lost her glasses, and was beginning to panic. Just at the moment she started to panic I presented her with her glasses and a wave of relief and gratitude swept over her face... it was very memorable for me, and "magical" to say the least... but that's what we do at Disney.

There was also a magical story one of my co-workers told me. She had a guest at her kids' club, and they said they were heading to their next one (which was mine) after they came to mine they went back to hers to tell her about how it was so cool and fun at my station, and how I had all the bugs on my vest, and it made their day. :-)

All-in-all it was a very magical day, and I hope you all have a Magical Day yourselves!

Home and Back Again

Sorry it has been a very long time since my last post. I went home for a few days to help at camp training, and see some friends and family back north... it was a good trip home even though it did rain everyday pretty much all day. When I came back to Florida I had to work eight days straight, and was very tired after coming home from work, so did not really have the energy to write anything.

Nothing too much has changed over these past few weeks. I am now officially checked off on all of my scripts. :-) There have also been some very special and memorable moments for me. One day I had a cute little girl ask me for my autograph, and the mother took a picture of me next to her daughter... for a moment I felt like a character (although some may argue I am a "character"). Also the other day I was talking to a guest about Disney's Worldwide Conservation Fund, and they gave me a pin from Castaway Ray's Stingray Adventure (which I didn't even know existed) as a gift for talking with them. I also got a Vero Beach pin from one of my leaders... so now the only ones I know I do not have are Hilton Head, and the Cruise Line. Besides the gifts and pictures I truly do enjoy having those guest interactions everyday, and talking to people from around the world!

I have also finished grocery shopping for the week, and washed my clothes! I now need to go to Walmart because I am almost out of shampoo...but I will do that tomorrow.

This has also been a growing experience for me about living on my own and budgeting money properly. The first two months I would run out of money and have to borrow some. I would always forget about having to buy gas... if I didn't have to buy gas I would have been fine... But now I am doing good, and actually have some money left over that I can start saving! :-)

So this internship has been an all around learning experience from all aspects. We are getting ready to have out mid-term evaluations... I wonder how I will do :-/

From sunny and warm Florida I wish you all a Magical Week! :-)

This Week in Disney History: March 22-28

March 24, 1972 - Country Bear Jamboree opens at Disneyland Park
Originally envisioned by Walt Disney as entertainment at his never-built Mineral King ski resort, Imagineer Marc Davis would bring this audio-animatronic showcase to Disneyland Park’s newly christened Bear Country after its successful debut at Magic Kingdom Park in 1971. A musical revue (penned by X. Atencio and George Bruns) performed by a troupe of friendly bears including host Henry, starlet Teddi Barra and guitarist/occasional Elvis impersonator Liver Lips McGrowl, the show later spread to Tokyo Disneyland and inspired two holiday versions. The Country Bears’ Disneyland Park run ended in 2001 to make way for The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, but look carefully inside the attraction and you might spot the animal head trio of Max, Buff and Melvin keeping a watchful eye over the Hundred Acre Wood.

March 28, 1987 - The first Disney Store opens
Need an oversized Mickey Mouse plush, but you’re hundreds of miles from your nearest Disney resort? Not to worry - just head to your local Disney Store. The original location opened this date at the Glendale Galleria mall near Los Angeles. Visitors can peruse exclusive and limited-edition merchandise from clothing and home decor to collectibles, and can even book their next Disney vacation. Magic is also available at disneystore.com, where shoppers can personalize their items. Disney Store will soon be revitalizing its more than 200 North American locations with a “destination” shopping concept, and a new flagship store will open in New York City’s Times Square later this year.

March 22:
1975 - Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village (now called Downtown Disney Marketplace) opens

March 23:
1969 - Disneyland Park hosts Herbie Day, featuring a parade of Volkswagen Beetles down Main Street, U.S.A. (promoting the film The Love Bug)
1990 - Touchstone Pictures releases Pretty Woman
2000 - Disney’s Aida, featuring music by Elton John and Tim Rice, opens in New York City

March 24:
1956 - Astro-Jets opens at Disneyland Park
1987 - Michael Eisner and French prime minister Jacques Chirac signs the Euro Disney protocol to bring the new Disneyland Resort Paris to France
2006 - “Hannah Montana” (television series) debuts on Disney Channel

March 25:
1969 - President Nixon presents Lillian Disney with a special gold medal honoring Walt for “Distinguished Public Service and Outstanding Contributions to the Public and the World"
1990 - Disneyana Shop opens at Hospitality House at the Magic Kingdom Park
1994 - Walt Disney Pictures releases D2: The Mighty Ducks

March 26:
1994 - Food Rocks opens at The Land at Epcot
1995 - Disneyland Park hosts its first marathon and 5K run

March 27:
1961 - Snow White Grotto opens at Disneyland Park
1986 - Bob Hope helps officiate the groundbreaking of the Disney-MGM Studios
1989 - The new Walt Disney World Casting Center opens
2005 - “Grey’s Anatomy” debuts on ABC
2009 - “Celebrate! A Street Party” debuts at Disneyland Park

March 28:
1987 - Port of Entry opens at Epcot
1997 - The first game is held at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Baseball Stadium (now Champion Stadium) between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds

(c) Disney

This Week in Disney History: March 15-21

March 18, 1967 - Pirates of the Caribbean opens at Disneyland Park
The centerpiece of New Orleans Square and the final attraction supervised by Walt Disney, Pirates of the Caribbean plunges guests over a waterfall into a mysterious grotto housing cursed treasures, then surrounds them in a full-fledged pirate battle as a host of rascals and scoundrels ransack a city to find it. This beloved Disney Parks classic inspired a film series which has grossed over $2.6 billion worldwide and garnered 11 Academy Award nominations, continuing next year with a fourth installment, On Stranger Tides. In 2006, the inimitable Captain Jack Sparrow climbed aboard the original Disneyland attraction as well as its Magic Kingdom Park counterpart at the Walt Disney World Resort.

March 16, 2002 - Walt Disney Studios Park opens at Disneyland Paris
Ten years after the inauguration of Disneyland Park, Walt Disney Studios Park opened to give guests a behind-the-scenes look at cinema, animation and television. Created as a true working studio, the park offers a number of shows and attractions, the majority of which were created especially for Disneyland Paris. The CinéMagique attraction pays tribute to some of the most magical moments in cinema - both European and American. Tricks from the action movie world also come to life in a brand new show, Moteurs... Action! Stunt Show Spectacular, later adapted for Walt Disney World in 2005. Walt Disney Studios Park continues to grow, enhanced by new attractions including Tower of Terror (2008) and the upcoming Toy Story Playland (summer 2010).

March 15:
1991 - Disney Afternoon Live debuts at Disneyland Park, featuring Baloo's Dressing Room (a character meet-and-greet area) and "Plane Crazy" (a new stage show)
1995 - Plans unveiled at Carnegie Hall for Disney Institute

March 16:
1934 - "The Three Little Pigs" wins the Academy Award for Best Cartoon Short Subject of 1933
1961 - Walt Disney Pictures releases The Absent-Minded Professor

March 17:
1929 - "Plane Crazy" (Mickey Mouse short with sound) premieres in New York City
1939 - "Goofy and Wilbur" (the first Goofy cartoon short) debuts
1999 - The official grand opening of Test Track takes place at Epcot
2005 - Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters officially opens at Disneyland Park

March 18:
1955 - Groundbreaking ceremonies are held for the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim
1967 - The Blue Bayou restaurant opens at Disneyland Park

March 19:
1959 - Walt Disney Pictures releases The Shaggy Dog
1966- Primeval World (part of the Disneyland Railroad) opens at Disneyland Park
2008 - Walt Disney World Boys & Girls Club opens in Pine Hills area of Orlando, Fla.

March 20:
1921 - The first Newman Laugh-O-Grams (animated by Walt Disney) premieres at Newman Theater in Kansas City
1987 - Captain EO opens at Tokyo Disneyland Park
1995 - Main Street Book Shop, Penny Arcade, and House of Magic close at Magic Kingdom Park

March 21:
1975 - Pictures releases Escape to Witch Mountain
1975 - Mission to Mars (updated Flight to the Moon attraction) opens in Disneyland Park
1997 - The new Carnation Cafe, the Blue Ribbon Bakery, and the Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor open on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Park

(c) Disney

Team Building -- Atlanta Braves Spring Training Game

Last night we had our second team building event at an Atlanta Braves spring training game vs. the Phillies. Unfortunately, the Phillies won, but it was a good time none the less, and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is very impressive! Above are some pictures of the game!

I also figured out something Disney has not managed to solve... the traffic congestion after the release of a major sporting event. I was in the parking lot for over 30 minutes and no car moved that entire time. After I waited for most of the cars to file out it was not much trouble to get out, but it was still a major traffic jam. I did notice Disney had police officer (State Police Officers) controlling the traffic light at the major intersection going into the Wide World of Sports. I surmise there is no real answer to this problem, but Disney seems to have everything else figured out I am a little surprised they could not figure this out either.

HAVE A MAGICAL DAY!

This Week in Disney History: March 8-14

March 13, 1969 – Walt Disney Pictures releases The Love Bug
The star of the highest grossing film of 1969 was a pearl white Volkswagen Beetle named Herbie. The Love Bug was the final live action film produced with direct involvement from Walt Disney, who suggested Gordon Buford’s Car, Boy, Girl as the story’s basis. Paired with down-and-out demolition derby driver Jim Douglas (played by Dean Jones), Herbie becomes an unlikely success story on the racing scene while proving he truly has a mind of his own. Herbie has starred in four additional theatrical releases and appears daily in “Lights! Motors! Action! Extreme Stunt Show” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

March 10, 2009 - Disney launches D23
“Are you 23?” was the question that had Disney fans guessing - and circling March 10 on the calendar. Announced this day by CEO Robert Iger, D23 is the first official community for Disney fans in company history (the “23” refers to 1923, the year Walt Disney founded his studio in Burbank.) Members receive the quarterly collectible magazine Disney twenty-three, delivering the ultimate insider’s perspective, as well as access to exclusive special events, gifts and merchandise. The inaugural D23 Expo was held at the Anaheim Convention Center last September, featuring new attraction first-looks, world-premiere screenings and celebrity appearances from Tim Burton, Johnny Depp, Miley Cyrus and Robin Williams.

March 8:
1986 - Pirates of the Caribbean and Alice’s Tea Party open at Tokyo Disneyland
1999 - Disney’s Doug Live!” stage show debuts at the Disney-MGM Studios (replacing SuperStar Television)
2002 - “Disney's Around the World," a new shop featuring items from Disney theme parks around the world, opens at the Main Street Cinema at the Magic Kingdom Park

March 9:
1984 - Splash, the first film released under the Touchstone Pictures banner, debuts
1994 - “Ellen” debuts on ABC as “These Friends of Mine”
1999 - Frank and Ollie, a documentary about animators Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, debuts on video

March 10:
1978 - Walt Disney Pictures releases Return from Witch Mountain
1996 - Fulton’s Crab House opens at the Downtown Disney Marketplace

March 11:
**1977 - Walt Disney Pictures releases The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh** :-D

March 12:
1999 - Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf opens next to Blizzard Beach at the Walt Disney World Resort

March 13:
2005 - Crush ‘n’ Gusher, a new water coaster, opens at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

March 14:
1960 - The CircleVision 360 film “Circarama” closes at Disneyland Park
1998 - The stand-alone McDonald’s restaurant near Blizzard Beach opens at the Walt Disney World Resort
2008 - Block Party Bash officially debuts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

(c) Disney

HAVE A MAGICAL WEEK!

What's New?

JAMBO!

I must first say I am excited to be going home on Thursday! Even though I love it down here it will be nice to come home... I think I may sleep outside to get cooled off from the apartment (just kidding... I am sure I will be FREEZING the entire time)!

These past few days have been interesting to say the least. The other day I had a family talk about how they eat squirrels on a regular basis. I thought they were kidding at first, but then realized when the mother was talking about it too that they were serious. Whatever floats your boat I guess...

I also went to Universal the other day. I got a season pass for a Florida resident, so it was a lot cheaper. I can honestly say it is a whole different world over there! "Customer service" is pretty much non-existent. I saw employees texting on their phones, talking about inappropriate things in front of guests, and the cardinal sin, sitting down! And not only was this one woman sitting down but she also had her legs propped up leaning back, just doing nothing (must be nice). I could go on and on but I will spare you every little thing that is different. We also had an "exciting" experience riding their newest roller coaster. After we waited in the line we got into the car, and the restraints would not lock. So we get off and wait a few minutes for another car to come out. We get on this one, they get the restraints locked, and then take us all off again. After about 15 minutes of standing around and watching the technicians walking around the ride and the people running the ride telling us "the music isn't working" we get back on the ride for the third time. We actually ride the roller coaster this time, which was amazing, and then we arrive back in the station, right where the platform starts. And we sit there, and sit there, and sit there, without moving. I notice there is no other cars going up the hill, so I begin to think this is great. So the "crew" tells us they will be performing an "emergency evacuation." The crew then has a little huddle to review the emergency evacuation procedures (very re-assuring), and then we are removed one-by-one from the roller coaster. So we spent the first 2 and a half hours at the park at one attraction (Including waiting in line, the musical seats, and getting stuck on the coaster itself). Some of the attractions are ok. The Mummy ride is pretty cool, but most of them are sub-par at best. The Jaws attraction is a huge joke, and Jurassic park can't compare to dino land at DAK. We did get to see the new Harry Potter attraction being built. I hope it opens while I am still down here so I can go to it... the latest date that I saw was May 20 something, so hopefully I can see it.

Other than that I cannot think of anything spectacular to share. I know there were lots of things I wanted to put on here, but I always forget what I want to say. I surmise I need to write somethings down so I can make this a more interesting blog. :-/

Hope everyone has a MAGICAL WEEK!

Gorilla born at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

A baby western lowland gorilla was born at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park Feb. 19.

Animal care experts from Disney's Animal Programs report that the baby, whose sex is still unknown, and first-time mother, 17-year-old Kashata, are doing well and the baby already is an integral member of the gorilla family group. Since the birth, baby and mom have been spending their days, along with the baby's father Gino, and the rest of the family group on the park's Pangani Forest Exploration Trail.

Members of the primate team at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park are encouraged by Katasha's natural instincts at motherhood.

"Kashata has been the perfect mom from the moment the baby was born, said Matt Hohne, Animal Operations director for Disney's Animal Programs. "She immediately knew how to hold the baby, and nursing has been going great."

The yet-to-be-named baby is the third gorilla born at the theme park. Mother Kashata was bred as a part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' western lowland gorilla Species Survival Plan, which makes breeding recommendations to participating locations. The first birth took place in 1997 before Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park opened and the second was in 1999. There now are nine gorillas currently residing at the park, which are divided into two groups: one consists of four adult males; a family group that includes a baby, mother, father and two other adult females.

(c) Disney

This Week in Disney History: March 1-7

March 3, 1995 - The Indiana Jones Adventure opens at Disneyland Park
An ancient temple has been discovered deep inside Adventureland, tempting those who dare enter with eternal youth and earthly riches. As you board your transport and venture into the Temple of the Forbidden Eye, remember two things: don't look into the eyes of Mara, and watch out for anything that slithers. Catapulting riders into the action-packed Indiana Jones film series, this was the third attraction in the long-standing collaboration between Disney Imagineers and George Lucas, which began with Captain EO and Star Tours. For more on Indy's 15th anniversary at Disneyland Park, read the February 25 issue of the Disneyland Resort Line.

March 1, 1996 - Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort opens
A six-hour drive up the Atlantic coast from the Walt Disney World Resort, Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort in South Carolina was the first Disney Vacation Club property built outside of Florida. Styled after a 1940s hunting and fishing lodge, the resort lies on a secluded island in Shelter Cove Harbour, draped by hundred year-old live oak trees. When not enjoying the natural beauty of the resort and partaking in swimming, fishing, and campfires, Members and Guests can hop on a shuttle to Disney's private Beach House on the Atlantic shore for more laid-back fun in the sun.

March 1:
1924 - "Alice's Day at Sea," the first Alice Comedy, debuts
1996 - Walt Disney World officials dedicate the Disney Institute
1999 - Maharajah Jungle Trek debuts at Disney's Animal Kingdom

March 2:
1976 - Magic Kingdom Park welcomes its 50 millionth guest (remember... Magic Kingdom opened in October of 1971)
1976 - The Fort Wilderness Kennel opens at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
2009 - Ceremony marking the start of construction on the Disney Dream, third Disney Cruise Line ship, takes place at the Meyer Werft shipyards in Papenburg, Germany

March 3:
1995 - Walt Disney Pictures releases Man of the House

March 4:
1989 - The animated series "Chip 'n' Dale Rescue Rangers" debuts on Disney Channel
2007 - Muppet Mobile Labs, an interactive audio-animatronic demonstration featuring Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker, debuts at Disney's California Adventure Park

March 5:
1983 - Journey into Imagination, the attraction starring Figment and Dreamfinder, opens at Epcot
1991 - "Avonlea" debuts on Disney Channel

March 6:
1980 - "Kraft Salutes Disneyland's 25th Anniversary," featuring Danny Kaye, Annette Funicello and Michael Jackson, airs on television

March 7:
2008 - Disney Legend Bob Gurr receives a window on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Park

(c) Disney

HAVE A MAGICAL WEEK! :-D

New Post!

Hello!

I realize it has been a while since my last post. I am sorry about that. Between my illnesses and busy schedule I have not had a chance to post.

I do not think there is too much to report. I am settling down into a pattern now as nothing too much is changing. I am working on memorizing our third and final script, which is a lot easier then the other two. I am also becoming a lot better at answering guests' questions as to where to go and recommendations. There was also a baby gorilla born the other day (look for the press release to be coming soon) and it is very cute!

There have been the ups and downs in the temperatures. One day the temperature is 80 and the next it is 60! (yes, I think 60 is now COLD)! I do not know how I am going to make it when I come home next week... it is going to be SO cold! I am just hoping it will not snow or anything...especially for the flight back to FL.

Well, I do not know what else is going on to put here. We have constant thermostat battles with the roommates. Some of the roommates put the thermostat at 85 degrees... and it is literally like a sauna in here! For those of you who know me know I like it cold when I sleep, so it is miserable. We tried to compromise on 75, but they will still crank it up to 85.

I am looking forward to my family to come down and visit so I can show them around!

HAVE A MAGICAL WEEK!