Throwback Thursday - Character Fan Days (January 29, 2011)

When I first heard about that little concept called "Throwback Thursday"s, I'll admit that my first impression of it wasn't a good one. I always considered it kind of "gimmicky" and an easy way out of doing things; shame on me!

The more I've thought about it as time has gone on, I've come to realize that even if it is easy to a degree, it's also a very viable, and enjoyable concept! The entire reason I started blogging about Disneyland was because I loved it so much, and one of the things I love most about my trips into The Parks are the memories it allows me to create. And how, pray tell, can I relive those memories if I don't "throw back" my mind sometimes, either through print, or pictures, or both?! So with that said, I'm breaking one of my earliest beliefs and doing just that; I'm throwing it back to the year 2011 for this one, and for honestly, one of the best days I ever remember spending at Disneyland. Period.

Way back in January of 2011, Disneyland had this wonderful concept (and have had variations of it ever since, albeit with different names, in my opinion) called "Family Fun Days", where they opened up certain areas of The Park and had very special weekend activities meant to draw in families for experiences and things pretty rarely seen inside The Parks. When it was announced, of course, it drew a lot of attention, and one weekend in particular did; this one called "Character Fan Days". If memory serves, Park Guests were invited to go online ahead of time and vote for, out of a bunch of different choices, characters that were rarely seen out and about in The Parks that they'd like an opportunity to meet.

The choices were made, and again, it being something that was only one weekend only, we knew it was something we just had to do. It's sort of funny to think about now  because this was pretty early on in our "Days", and since the blog hadn't been up for very long at the time, it seemed like it would be a great opportunity for some pretty fantastic "blog fodder". Back then, it was myself, Amy (who many of you know), and Mark (who many of you might know) doing most of the work around here, so of course, it was we three who met up that Saturday afternoon and spent the better part of four-five hours going from line to line to meet some of our favorite, never-before-met characters. Really? Going from line to line, waiting for hours, to meet a bunch of costumed Characters? Heck yes!

It's funny when I look back at it for a lot of different reasons, not the least of which are the pictures themselves and what they've come to mean to me on a personal level, but it also marked a pretty big swing in my own character and how I viewed myself in some ways. For the better part of the past 20 years or so, I've been a fairly overweight individual, and like most people who are, I tend to have a complex about some things, and having my picture taken is one of them, even where something like pictures with characters or fun events are involved. Up to this particular point in time, I'd simply never enjoyed having my picture taken, and honestly, I kind of have no idea why I thought it was a great idea then, either. But looking back, I have to say, it was the first time in years, decades maybe, that I felt like I wanted to have my picture taken in some way, and if you've followed my blog at all since I originally posted about these, you'll know there's no shortage of pictures of me on the internet since, whatsoever! Something changed, and call it "Disneyland magic" or whatever, but things have been a lot different since.

Amy, Mark, and "Character Fan Days" may have thought that all they did for me back then was give me an opportunity to meet some pretty cool bears, and Esmerelda (still cool by the way!), but I think that "Day" did so much more for me than that. I owe them all, friends and characters alike, a debt of gratitude, and I can't think of a better "Throwback" to have since I've started blogging again than this one.

Those were the "Days", and I can't wait for more!

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Annual Passholder Opportunity - Splash Mountain 25th Anniversary/Birthday Poster!

If you've spent any time at all with Days in the Park over the course of the past few years, you know we around here love, absolutely LOVE, Splash Mountain!

So when we saw this we just knew we had to share it! We got wind of this last night on Facebook and had time to confirm it this morning so we thought we'd post up so you guys can make use of it and get your own poster celebrating the attraction's 25th birthday.

If you're an Annual Passholder, and aren't blacked out between the 16th (tomorrow) and Friday, you're eligible to receive one of these fantastic looking posters (while supplies last, of course), and you don't even have to ride the attraction to do it! But speaking as someone who once rode it six times straight without leaving our raft, why would you do that?

Distribution will be across from the attraction's exit near Pooh Corner. It would make a great souvenir to add to your collection so get out there, head to Critter Country and get it done! And by all means, comment and let us know if you get one; we'd love to see it!

Post by Disneyland Annual Passholders.

Your Disneyland Daily - Tuesday, July 15, 2014

If you haven't already noticed, one of the first things to assault your eyeballs when you get to the Disneyland Resort is information; namely, what time both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park remain open, what Annual Passes are valid that day (okay, that one isn't really there but man, would it be helpful?), and what attractions are currently under refurbishment. 

But what if you don't want to wait until you get to The Park for said information? Consider me a quick, one-stop shop if you're coming here anyways. 

Today's posted Park information:

Park Times:

Disneyland Park - 8:00am to 12:00am

Disney California Adventure Park - 8:00am to 10:00pm

Annual Passholder Information:

So Cal Select - BLOCKED

So Cal - BLOCKED

Deluxe - VALID

Featured Events/Shows:
Disneyland Park:
Fantasmic! - 9:00, 10:30pm
"Magical" (Disneyland Nighttime Fireworks) - 9:25pm
Mickey's Soundsational Parade - 4:00, 6:30pm

Disney California Adventure Park:
World of Color - 9:45pm
Pixar Play Parade - 5:15pm
Disney's Aladdin (A Musical Spectacular) - 12:40, 2:20, 4:45, 6:20pm
Mad T Party - 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00pm

Attractions Under Refurbishment:

Disneyland Park - Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage

Disney California Adventure Park -Blue Sky Cellar  

For more complete information on all of the shows and attractions on any given day, please check out the official site at Disneyland.com, or pick up one of the handy-dandy show schedules along with your maps as you enter The Parks!

Have a magical day!

Happy Place Hodgepodge - July 13, 2014

Pictures!
Because when it all boils down to it, isn't that one of the best parts about any Disney blog, be it about The Land or The World?

One of the best parts about operating and writing at Days in the Park has always been, and will always be, noodling through all of the pictures we have of our adventures and letting you, our loyal readers, in on the fun.

I could wax poetic about them all day long, but since a picture is worth a thousand words, I'll let them speak for themselves, with maybe just a tiny bit of diatribe thrown in for good measure.

Hope you enjoy them!

The fantastic DJ Missy B drops the beats on a regular basis at the Mad T Party in Hollywood Land, Disney California Adventure Park

On any given night (every night during summer schedule) and weekends (during the offseason) you can find the Mad T Party Band (Hatter, Alice, Dormouse, March Hare, Caterpillar and Cheshire Cat) covering some of the best songs from all musical eras, 4 times a night!

A little attention from Alice during the Mad T Party? You just might be lucky!

I was actually able to stand and watch as the bride-to-be climbed down from her very own carriage on her way to her fairy-tale wedding at the Disneyland Hotel. It was an amazing moment! Too bad I wasn't invited...

My view from back in May during my weekend birthday celebration at the Disneyland Hotel's Trader Sam's. It's an excellent view, with great food and drinks, and it's just a great place to chill, especially with a great breeze blowing by. Highly recommended!

Another shot from Trader Sam's on my birthday; I highly recommend getting the appetizer bonanza that has a little bit of everything! This was a lesson in reading for me, because upon initial inspection, I read these as "Chinese Long Balls", but man, were they yummy!

Because even at 1:30 in the morning during a 24 hour day, while waiting in line for some fabulous Mickey's Chicken and Waffles at the Plaza Inn, the texting never stops! (with l-f: Michelle, Jason, Amy & Jennifer)

The texting is done; it's time to eat!

Your Disneyland Daily - Sunday, July 13, 2014

If you haven't already noticed, one of the first things to assault your eyeballs when you get to the Disneyland Resort is information; namely, what time both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park remain open, what Annual Passes are valid that day (okay, that one isn't really there but man, would it be helpful?), and what attractions are currently under refurbishment. 

But what if you don't want to wait until you get to The Park for said information? Consider me a quick, one-stop shop if you're coming here anyways. 

Today's posted Park information:

Park Times:

Disneyland Park - 8:00am to 12:00am

Disney California Adventure Park - 8:00am to 10:00pm

Annual Passholder Information:

So Cal Select - BLOCKED

So Cal - BLOCKED

Deluxe - VALID

Attractions Under Refurbishment:

Disneyland Park - Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage

Disney California Adventure Park -Blue Sky Cellar  

For more complete information on all of the shows and attractions on any given day, please check out the official site at Disneyland.com, or pick up one of the handy-dandy show schedules along with your maps as you enter The Parks!

Have a magical day!

Meet Disney's Frozen Princesses at a Meet and Greet Near You!

Ana and Elsa wait at the Frozen Royal Reception to greet their guests
courtesy of Disney

Over the past weekend, Disney's new animated feature Frozen moved into the number 1 slot in the American box office, moving solidly past The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, and well it should! Disney's new film is full of fun, humor, sorrow, emotion, amazing vocals and music and is, in a word, gorgeously animated. Out of the numerous people I've talked to and enjoyed talking about the film with, I've not been able to find a single person who did not enjoy it, and in fact many of my friends have seen it multiple times at this point. With interest in Ana and Elsa (Frozen's protagonist Princesses) at an all time high, now is the perfect time to meet them at a Disney Park near you!
If you're interested in meeting Ana and Elsa for yourselves, you're in luck! Both sides of the country have their own special Frozen meet and greet for twice the opportunity! Well, if you live near a Disney Park that is... On the East Coast, you can meet the Princesses at Walt Disney World at EPCOT, and those of us on the West Coast who call Disneyland Park our home can meet the Princesses in Fantasyland, where the Tangled meet and greet has been up to this point. Be warned, though, right now due to the movie's popularity and the newness of the attraction, the 'Frozen Royal Reception' is often posting wait times of two hours or longer, so you may want to consider making this your first stop of the day or, if you have the luxury, going on an "off" day (if those even exist anymore) to avoid the crowds and the long lines and maybe have just a little more time with these amazing sisters.

While "Days" isn't a movie review site, I feel like I'd be remiss if I didn't say, again, just how amazing Frozen is. As I've noted before everything from the story of the two sisters, the music, and the animation were woven together just about as well as any other Disney feature I've ever seen and I highly recommend it. It was full of humor (genuinely laugh out loud moments) and emotion (genuinely tear-jerking moments), which to this humble writer, are two of the most important qualities in any film regardless of genre.

Again, this isn't a film-review site, but such as that is, at "Days" we've given Frozen a 9.5/10, as in:
Go see this film!

And if you can, go see these sisters! Hopefully sometime in the next week or two, I'll have the opportunity to myself and if I do, you can bet you'll be hearing about it here first!


Frozen is now available for pre-ordering!

Mad T Mondays! - Mad T Party from 12/8/13

It's that time of the week again; it's Monday! So in keeping with my current theme on Mondays, I did go to the Mad T party at Disney California Adventure Park again last night.

Since it's a Monday, the first day of the week, and people are getting back in to work, I don't want to make people read too much. So with that in mind, I present to you my favorite eight pictures from the T Party last night. As always, I hope that you enjoy seeing them as much as I enjoyed taking them.

Everyone have a great, and Mad, Monday!

PS - For anyone asking why I chose the number eight, it was completely arbitrary; and now you know!

Disney Animation Releases 'Frozen's "Let It Go" by Idina Menzel on YouTube!

I've been telling anyone who would listen since Wednesday when I saw it that they needed to get to their local theater as quickly as possible and see 'Frozen'. Ever since I was able to attend the D23 Expo over the summer and saw Idina Menzel ("Elsa") singing "Let It Go" live on stage (arguably the highlight of the film) I've been champing at the bit to see it myself. And I certainly wasn't disappointed!

Welcome Back Wednesday: Button Giveaway!

Well, today's "Almost Wordless Wednesday" is a very special one. With our self-imposed break in recent months, it went completely unnoticed by yours truly that Days in the Park recently celebrated its third birthday! Fanfare, balloons, and confetti everywhere!! It seemed, since it's such a monumental occasion (hey, someone has to keep buying the domain), and we've recently begun the process of blogging again more regularly, that we should do something to celebrate and give something back to all of our readers, and yes, we still have some! I can't tell you the number of times just since Monday alone that someone has told me they're glad to see me back, and you know what? Doggone, it's good to be back! So, in the spirit of the Season, and the blog being back, and all that rot, for the remainder of December I'm going to be hosting what I'm calling (look at the top) "Welcome Back Wednesday"s, and I will be, you guessed it, doing a button giveaway each and every week from now through the end of the month. Why buttons, you may ask? Because they're cheap, cool, and they make awesome souvenirs!

The Magic of the Disney Parks: The Disneyland Hotel

People talk all the time about the magic of the Disney Parks. People on the outside of Disney fandom might not really know what that magic is all about, or whether it even exists or is just a fancy tagline to sell tickets, but for those of us who spend a lot of time in the Parks, we really believe in that magic.One of my favorite times of the year is the weekend that I actually get to spend a night at the Parks and one of the hotels that's actually on the Disneyland property. Since the entire family are annual passholders, we really have no need to stay in hotels in order to visit Disneyland. However, if we do decide to spend a weekend at the park, most of the time we just simply stay at a hotel off property. And I don't say it to be a slight against the pricing of the Disneyland Hotel properties, but for the most part they are just a little bit out of our normal price range, especially when we do pay for the annual passes each and every year. But one of the perks of having a wife who is a teacher, is that teachers and students go to conferences. And in this particular case, the conference takes place at the Disneyland Hotel so one night a year we get to stay there basically for free. Can you say score?

Mad T Mondays! - Mad T Party from 12/1/2013

Over the past month or so, while my annual pass has been in limbo, one of the things missed most on a weekly basis were my trips to the Disney California Adventure Park and in particular their production of the popular Mad T Party. Going to the T Party has been one of my Sunday Staples, or activities if you'd like, for months now. And last night, for the first time since the end of September, I was able to go and enjoy it once again!

This Holiday I'm Thankful For...

Well, another thanksgiving has come and gone. Hopefully everyone had a wonderful day and even managed to spend some time reflecting on life and thinking about all of the things in our own lives that we have that we can be truly thankful for.

Favorite Table Restaurants at the Disney Parks

Welcome to those of you joining me from Disney Babies Blog and those of you who have just hopped aboard.  I am the third stop on our Magical Blogorail, and today we're each talking about our favorite table restaurants inside the Disney Parks.

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This month's topic is an easy one to get behind because it's something near and dear to my heart, and my stomach; my favorite Disney Dining Experience.  What throws a little bit of a curve-ball into the ballgame, though, is my choice for favorite dining location.  I've eaten at some of the "best" restaurants at The Resort, such as Blue Bayou, Steakhouse 55, and even the most famous (or perhaps infamous) one of them all, Club 33.  The food at each is some of the best I've probably ever had in my life, but they still don't make my list as the favorite.  So what's the one spot in The Parks that's both tasty enough and fun enough to earn the "favorite" label from me?  It's a little spot tucked into my favorite area, New Orleans Square; this is Cafe Orleans.

Bring on Day One! - D23 Expo Coverage

Well, the day is almost here! In just a little over a day, the floodgates will open at the Anaheim Convention Center will open and Disney-philes from all over the country (heck, the world!) will pile in for three days full of nothing but Disney exhibits, Disney presentations, Disney stars, Disney Legends... well, you get the idea.

Throwback Thursday: ElecTRONica!

It seems that more and more frequently lately (or maybe I'm just noticing it more) I'm seeing the question, "Which do you prefer; ElecTRONica or Mad T Party?".  I'm not even going to attempt to answer the question myself or turn this into some sort of debate, other than to say that I did enjoy ElecTRONica, but I love the Mad T Party.

However, it did make me nostalgic for ElecTRONica to a certain degree, so I thought it would make a great Throwback Thursday picture.  So I went back through my pictures from 2010 and found this picture taken at the entrance to The Grid from one of the very first (if not the first) nights I ever went to ElecTRONica.

Hope you all enjoy!

D23 Members Can Go "Off the Map" at Disneyland!

D23 MEMBERS CAN GO “OFF THE MAP” AT DISNEYLAND

New Sweepstakes Offers D23 Members the Chance to Unlock the Magic of The Happiest Place on Earth With a Once-In-a-Lifetime Tour

BURBANK, Calif. – July 17, 2013 – In celebration of Disneyland’s 58th anniversary today, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club has launched the “Off the Map Sweepstakes.” Twenty-five lucky D23 Members and their guests will be invited to Disneyland Park to visit four of the park’s little-seen but widely heard of locations: Walt Disney’s private apartment, the Lilly Belle VIP parlor car on the Disneyland Railroad, Circle D Ranch, and the Disneyland Dream Suite.

“Our friends at Disneyland will give the winning D23 Members a special glimpse at some of the park’s most amazing hidden gems, special places that most guests never get to see,” said Steven Clark, Head of D23. “Our first ‘Off the Map’ member event in 2012 was such a huge hit that we wanted to reprise it with this special sweepstakes so even more of our members have a chance to visit these truly magical and historical Disneyland locations.”

Winners will be able to explore:

Walt Disney’s private apartment: Built during the initial construction of Disneyland, Walt Disney’s private apartment is a quaint studio dwelling, filled with Victorian decor, family photos, and antiques selected by the Disney family

Lilly Belle VIP parlor car: Disneyland guests have long taken grand circle tours on the Disneyland Railroad, but few ever enjoy the ride from the elegant Lilly Belle VIP car parlor. Named after Walt’s wife, Lillian, the Lilly Belle is truly a piece of history, built in 1955, and refurbished to its modern state of luxury for America’s bicentennial celebration in 1976.

Circle D Ranch:  From the friendly goats at Big Thunder Ranch to the horses who carry guests down Main Street, U.S.A., Circle D Ranch is home to Disneyland’s beloved “four-legged cast members.”

Disneyland Dream Suite: This private space above Pirates of the Caribbean was originally planned to be another apartment for Walt Disney, but he passed away before its completion. In 2008, Imagineers used some of Walt’s original ideas and some truly magical surprises of their own to transform it into a fantasy villa like no other.

D23 Members may enter the sweepstakes beginning today through August 23 at D23.com. The tour will take place on Wednesday, October 2. Winners will be able to attend with one (1) guest. For complete rules, details, and eligibility please visit D23.com. No purchase required; guests may join D23 for free at D23.com.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s nearly 90-year history. D23 gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts and special events for D23 Members throughout the year, highlighted by the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, August 9–11, 2013.

Fans can join D23 for free at D23.com and at www.DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow us @DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.

*release courtesy of D23

2013 Disney Legends Award Honorees to Be Celebrated During D23 Expo in Anaheim!

2013 DISNEY LEGENDS AWARD HONOREES

TO BE CELEBRATED DURING D23 EXPO IN ANAHEIM

Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Jobs, Dick Clark and Other Talented Contributors To Disney History To Be Honored At A Ceremony On Saturday, August 10

BURBANK, Calif. – July 10, 2013 – Monsters Inc. and Monsters University stars Billy Crystal and John Goodman, technology visionary Steve Jobs, television icon Dick Clark and other beloved contributors to the Disney legacy will be named and honored as official Disney Legends during the D23 Expo 2013 at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 10, in the D23 Expo Arena at the Anaheim Convention Center.

The Disney Legends Awards program is a 26-year tradition of The Walt Disney Company. The three-day D23 Expo provides a rare opportunity for the public to be a part of the always touching and memorable presentation, hosted by noted television personality Tom Bergeron (host of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars and America’s Funniest Home Videos).

“The Disney Legend Award is our highest and most coveted honor,” said Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger. “It’s reserved for the extraordinary visionaries and artists behind the Disney magic, the men and women who push the limits of innovation and creativity to ensure Disney remains truly special. The eight Legends we honor this year helped create some of our most beloved characters along with exciting new worlds and thrilling attractions.  They also entertained millions of people and expanded our definition of what’s possible. They are all indelible parts of our legacy, and we are proud to recognize them as true Disney Legends.”

The 2013 Disney Legends Award honorees (listed alphabetically) are:

TONY BAXTER has developed beloved Disney attractions including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Journey Into Imagination, Splash Mountain, and countless more over the course of his 43-year career with Walt Disney Imagineering.  Revered by Disney fans, he is best known for his commitment to storytelling, attention to detail, and ability to develop new ideas and attractions by combining time-tested design practices with modern technology.

COLLIN CAMPBELL touched almost every part of the Walt Disney Company, from animated classics to legendary theme park attractions, with stints in live action film and television. Collin’s work with Walt Disney Imagineering includes the development of Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, Pirates of the Caribbean, as well as concept illustrations of Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot Center.

DICK CLARK brought rock and roll to 40 million homes across the country with the national debut of American Bandstand on ABC in 1958. He went on to produce game shows, award shows including the Golden Globes® and the Academy of Country Music Awards, comedy specials movies, and other popular television specials. Dick might best be remembered, however, as the host of ABC’s annual Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve from 1973 until 2011.

BILLY CRYSTAL is an acclaimed actor who lends his voice to Mike Wazowski, the frenetic, green cyclopean monster from Monsters Inc. and Monsters University. Best known for his memorable roles in When Harry Met Sally…, The Princess Bride, and City Slickers, Billy, who has won six Emmy Awards and one Tony Award, has also been a fixture on ABC television, where he hosted the Academy Awards® broadcast nine times and found his breakthrough role as Jodie Dallas on Soap from 1977-81.

JOHN GOODMAN is a celebrated actor of stage and screen, and the voice behind James P. Sullivan, better known as “Sully,” from Monsters Inc. and Monsters University. Among John’s notable film appearances are The Big Lebowski, The Flintstones, and most recently Argo and Flight. John’s appearances in Disney-produced films include the Hollywood Pictures films Arachnophobia and Born Yesterday, as well as Touchstone Pictures’ Stella, Coyote Ugly, O Brother, Where Art Thou, and Confessions of a Shopaholic. 

STEVE JOBS changed the world of consumer electronics as the founder of Apple, and was known throughout the world for his visionary attitude and penchant for innovation. He was an early investor and chief executive of Pixar, and became the Walt Disney Company’s largest shareholder overnight when it acquired Pixar Animation Studios in 2006. That same year, he joined the Disney board of directors, and remained a valuable sounding board and advisor to the company until his passing in 2011.

GLEN KEANE has brought to life many of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ most popular characters. Since becoming a Disney animator in 1974, he has animated classic Disney characters such as Penny in The Rescuers, Elliott in Pete’s Dragon, Ratigan in The Great Mouse Detective, the Beast in Beauty and the Beast, and the titular characters in The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Pocahontas, and Tarzan. In 2010, Glen served as Executive Producer and Animation Supervisor for Tangled, a story he developed for more than ten years.

ED WYNN, a comedian whose career began on Broadway in the early 1900s, appeared in numerous Disney classics of the 1960s, including Mary Poppins, Babes in Toyland, That Darn Cat, The Absent-Minded Professor, and Son of Flubber. Fans of Disney animation know him as the manic and distinctive voice of the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland.

Each honoree receives a two-foot-tall bronze Disney Legends sculpture that signifies the imagination, creativity and magic they have brought to the Company. Disney Legends Award recipients also participate in a handprint ceremony, and their bronzed prints will be displayed in the Disney Legends Plaza at the Company’s Burbank headquarters.

Admission to the ceremony will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is included in the price of a ticket to the D23 Expo. In addition to the 4,000-seat D23 Expo Arena, the ceremony will be simulcast into a 2,000-seat overflow theater inside the Convention Center.

The first Disney Legend, actor Fred MacMurray (The Shaggy Dog, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Happiest Millionaire), was named in 1987.  Including this year’s honorees, a total of 237 Disney Legends have been named.  Past Disney Legends include Tim Allen, Robin Williams, Julie Andrews, Howard Ashman, Regis Philbin, Annette Funicello, Peter Jennings, Angela Lansbury, Steve Martin, Alan Menken, Hayley Mills, Fess Parker, Sir Tim Rice, Dick Van Dyke and Barbara Walters.  At the inaugural D23 Expo in 2009, the Legends Awards ceremony, which honored Robin Williams, Beatrice Arthur, Estelle Getty, Rue McLanahan, Betty White, Tony Anselmo, Bill Farmer, Harry Archinal, Don Iwerks and Leota Toombs Thomas, was presented to thousands of Disney fans for the first time. 

Tickets and pricing information for D23 Expo 2013 are available at D23Expo.com Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 Expo and can be purchased for single days or for the full three days of festivities. Members of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans will receive a discount on admission, as well as early entry to each day of the D23 Expo for themselves and their guests. More details about D23 Expo entertainment, events, and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks. Fans can keep up with all the news by visiting D23Expo.com or by following "DisneyD23" on Twitter and Facebook.

About D23 Expo 2013

The D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings the entire world of Disney under one roof, providing attendees with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, and theme parks. For the latest D23 Expo 2013 news, visit D23Expo.com. To be part of the D23 Expo conversation, make sure to follow @DisneyD23 and tag your tweets with #D23Expo.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s nearly 90-year history. D23 gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication Disney twenty-three; a rich website with members-only content at D23.com; member-exclusive discounts and special events for D23 Members throughout the year, highlighted by the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, August 9–11, 2013. Fans can join for free at D23.com.

Fans can join D23 at D23.com and at www.DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow us @DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.

D23 The Offical Disney Fan Club Relaunches Website with Member Exclusive Content and More!

Never-Before-Released Photos From Walt Disney's Camera Highlight the Reimagined D23.com

The Official Disney Fan Club relaunches their website with member-exclusive content and a new free level of membership.

Many Disney fans have heard Walt Disney tell the story of how watching his daughter's on the carousel at Griffith Park in Los Angeles served as inspiration to build Disneyland. But images from that fateful day have never been shown to the public… Until today. D23: The Official Disney Fan Club is launching their reimagined website with thousands of pages of new content, including a story that features photographs of Walt's daughters Diane and Sharon on the merry-go-round on that fateful day that ultimately changed how Americans — and people around the world — vacation. The Walt Disney Archives recently discovered rolls of film from Walt's personal camera with hundreds of images, just a few of which are showcased today on D23.com in their new member-exclusive section. Other photos include a young Roy E. Disney on the same carousel, as well as candid moments from Walt's life and travels around the world. 

In addition, visitors to  www.D23.com will find:

·         Exclusive Audiocast Interviews with Ginnifer Goodwin of Once Upon A Time and the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz of Phineas and Ferb

·         Disney A to Z – A complete and newly-updated electronic version of the definitive Disney encyclopedia with more than 7,000 entries written by Dave Smith, founder and Chief Archivist Emeritus of the Walt Disney Archives

·         A selection of new member-exclusive discounts and special events

·         Disney Legends and the Walt Disney Archives – Two new microsites; Disney Legends will provide a deeper look at those who’ve made significant contributions to the Disney legacy, and the Archives site will open up the doors of this venerable institution so D23 can share more of The Walt Disney Company’s expansive collections.

·         And much, much more!!

At D23.com fans can sign up for a free membership to unlock even more Disney content that is only available for D23 Members.

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What are you waiting for? Join up today!

D23 Expo 2013 Announces "Broadway and Beyond"

DISNEY THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS TO PRESENT

“BROADWAY AND BEYOND”

A MUSICAL JOURNEY INTO DISNEY’S HISTORY ON BROADWAY AND BEYOND

BURBANK, Calif. – June 11, 2013 – D23: The Official Disney Fan Club is thrilled to announce a special theatrical performance, Broadway and Beyond. Thomas Schumacher, president and producer, Disney Theatrical Productions will host a musical journey into Disney's history on Broadway and beyond at the D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. The performance features an all-star line-up, including Heidi Blickenstaff (THE LITTLE MERMAID), Ashley Brown (MARY POPPINS and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST), Merle Dandridge (TARZAN® and AIDA), Josh Strickland (TARZAN®) and Alton Fitzgerald White (THE LION KING), who sing beloved songs from the award-winning musicals they starred in as well as classic tunes from the Disney on Broadway catalogue.

The one night only performance will take place on Friday, August 9, 2013 at 6:30pm on Stage 23 inside the Anaheim Convention Center.

DISNEY THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS, a division of The Walt Disney Studios, was formed in 1994 and operates under the direction of Thomas Schumacher.  Worldwide, its eight Broadway titles have been seen by over 124 million theatergoers, grossed over $8.9 billion and have cumulatively run a staggering 195 years.  With 15 productions currently produced or licensed, a Disney musical is being performed professionally somewhere on the planet virtually every hour of the day. 

The company’s inaugural production, Beauty and the Beast, opened in 1994. It played a remarkable 13 year run on Broadway and has been produced in 28 countries worldwide. In November 1997, Disney opened The Lion King, which received six 1998 Tony® Awards including Best Musical and is now the highest grossing show in Broadway history.  The show continues in its 16^th smash year, having welcomed over 68 million visitors worldwide.  The Lion King can also currently be seen on tour across North America, the U.K., and Japan, and in London’s West End, Hamburg, Tokyo, Madrid, and Sao Paulo.

Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida opened on Broadway next, winning four 2000 Tony® Awards, and spawning productions around the world.  Mary Poppins, a co-production with Cameron Mackintosh, opened in London in 2004 and established itself as one of the biggest stage musical successes to emerge in recent years. The Tony Award®-winning Broadway production played more than six years at Disney’s New Amsterdam Theatre and can now be seen on tour across North America and in Mexico City.

Tarzan®, which opened on Broadway in 2006, is now an international hit with an award-winning production in its 6^th year in Germany.  In January 2008, The Little Mermaid opened on Broadway and was the #1-selling new musical of that year.  Its success continues with three new productions around the world: Holland, Russia and Japan.

Two new critically acclaimed productions opened on Broadway in 2012, receiving seven Tony® Awards between them: Newsies, in its second year at the Nederlander Theatre, and Peter and the Starcatcher, now playing at New World Stages.

Other successful stage musical ventures have included King David in concert, the national tour of On The Record, several touring versions of Disney’s High School Musical, and Der Glöckner Von Notre Dame in Berlin.

Its new musical, Aladdin, will open in Toronto in fall 2013.

About D23 Expo 2013

The D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings the entire world of Disney under one roof, providing attendees with unprecedented access to Disney films, television and theme parks. For the latest D23 Expo 2013 news, visit www.D23Expo.com. To be part of the D23 Expo conversation, make sure to follow @DisneyD23 and tag your tweets with #D23Expo.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s nearly 90-year history. D23 gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com; member-exclusive discounts and special events for D23 Members throughout the year, highlighted by the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, August 9–11, 2013.

Fans can join D23 at www.D23.com and at www.DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow us @DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.