Disney California Adventure Name Change

Earlier this month Disney announced that they have changed the name of "Disney's California Adventure" to "Disney California Adventure."  They have also changed the logos to match the theme changes made inside the park.  Some blogs are saying the name change is due to the fact that Disney is trying to make the park more character driven and not California driven.

So long California Adventure from the past!  We will miss you but are excited for new things to come!

Disney Bricks

Walk of Magical Memories

Disneyland

Located between the entrances to Disneyland Park and Disney's California Adventure Park, you may become part of Disneyland Resort history by sponsoring a 10-inch hexagonal brick along Disney's "Walk of Magical Memories.

Here are some items you need to know about purchasing and maintaining your brick:

1: You do NOT have to be an annual pass holder

2: This does NOT apply to just the USA, anyone can get it

3: It is $150 for the whole brick (Inscriptions and all)

4: They can either mail you or fax you the info so you can choose what you want to say and which little character picture to add

5: If you purchase before Oct. 31st then your brick will be installed in the middle of February.

6: Disney will also send you a receipt and a map within 6-8 weeks as to where your actual brick will be located on the grounds and at this time if there are any changes you want made to your brick, call them back with the Disney brick number given to you and they will make those changes before its laid down.

 

7: It’s going to be placed there for 10 years and after that time, Disney will call you and let you know how to update it

8: For an extra $35 you can purchase a mini replica of the brick you will receive at the park. You have a choice between "Wooden and acrylic", acrylic being more transparent. Both come on a wooden base. These are sent out several weeks after you received your confirmation package allowing you to make those changes to your brick if need be. They don’t want to send you a replica if the inscription isn’t correct.

 

9: Check at the News Stand to the left of the Disneyland entrance for a listing of bricks and locations. They are happy to assist you in locating your brick.

Orders may be sent via mail, phone, fax or e-mail:

Disneyland(R) Resort

P.O. Box 3232

Anaheim, CA 92803
ATTN: "Walk of Magical Memories" DL635B

Phone: 800-760-3566
Fax: 714-781-4236
E-mail: dl.bricks@disney.com or click here for a website to order.

Here are the bricks that our family has at the Disneyland Resort.  See if you can locate them on your next visit!

C26 256

C05 264

Walk Around the World

Walt Disney World

During the Disney Decade, a program was offered where you could purchase a hexagonal brick paver to be placed around the Seven Seas Lagoon, creating a walking path starting at the Magic Kingdom and closely following the monorail route. Obviously, there are some inlets that would need to be crossed as well as the holding are for the Electrical Water Pageant. Not to mention some roads, a waterway and a lot of marshland.

The plan never panned out and Disney stopped halfway to the Grand Floridian. There are bricks at the Transportation and Ticket Center, The Contemporary and at the Polynesian.

Depending what the letter is on the brick, it could be in one of five places:
W: West of the Magic Kingdom towards the Grand Floridian
E: East of the Magic Kingdom to the Contemporary
C: The Contemporary
H: The Transportation and Ticket Center
P: The Polynesian

Two different types of pavers were sold until the year 2000: a traditional brick paver ($85 - $125) and larger gray ones ($250). No one really knows why Disney stopped selling them ,but the most prevalent thought is that it was competing with the Leave a Legacy program at Epcot. Occasionally, more bricks have been sold (some in 2006), but they are for special occasion or sold only on a first-come, first-served basis outside of the Magic Kingdom.

In 2008 Disney World suspended this program.  The phone number to the brick department is 407-824-7890.  You can use this number to get your brick cleaned, replaced it, find your brick, or order if the program begins again.  The bricks started at $110 when the program began. In late 2007 they changed the price to $295.

The Walt Disney Family Museum

The fascinating and inspiring story of Walt Disney came to life in October 2009, when The Walt Disney Family Museum opened in San Francisco.

The 77,000 square-foot Walt Disney Family Museum is located in three buildings on the site of a former barrack in San Francisco's Presidio, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The first building houses the permanent collection, a 114-seat screening facility, learning center, museum store and cafe. The second building houses the Family Museum and Foundation offices, and, in 2012, will begin housing temporary exhibitions. The museum's third building, a former storage facility, is used for equipment storage. The permanent collection is arranged into 10 distinct galleries that chronicle Walt Disney's life and career.

Owned and operated by Walt Disney Family Foundation, the stated mission of the museum is to present "the life and achievements of the man who raised animation to an art, transformed the film industry, tirelessly pursued innovation, and created a global and distinctively American legacy."

"The name ‘Disney' calls to mind the vast company that bears my father's name, rather than my father himself," said Diane Disney Miller, daughter of Walt Disney and a director of the foundation that is funding the $110 million museum. "My father was a man of endless curiosity who loved to tinker and explore and entertain people. We look forward to sharing an honest and affectionate portrait of this amazing man."

The Walt Disney Family Museum contains hundreds of audio clips of Disney and his family and coworkers telling the stories of his creations, as well as over 1,600 objects and works of art, 200 monitors, and interactive exhibits that will invite visitors to learn about Walt Disney and the industry he nurtured.

Highlights of the Disney Family Museum include:

■The earliest known drawings of Mickey Mouse

■Animation cels of Disney's characters

■Storyboards, a Disney innovation, that map out timeless film classics

■The innovative Multiplane Camera that revolutionized animation

■The unique Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Academy Award: one full-size Oscar and seven miniature castings

■A model of the Disneyland of Walt's imagination

■The one-eighth scale train he installed at his Hollywood home that spurred his vision for Disneyland

Museum Contact Information:

104 Montgomery Street

The Presidio of San Francisco

San Francisco, California 94129

415-345-6800

http://disney.go.com/disneyatoz/familymuseum/index.html

Easter

With Spring comes the beautiful flowers and warm weather in the parks. During Easter you will find these two characters hopping in with the regulars.

Disneyland has had this visitor since the park opened. Here are Flower and Thumper visiting children on Easter in 1963.

Along with the seasonal visitors you will find a lot of Easter merchandise and candy sold in the parks.

At Tokyo Disneyland they have a fun-filled Easter Parade. Check out both videos below to see their spirited parade!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iR-LplaxMZM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftDtrIrkInA

Guided Tours of the Disneyland Resort

The following information is taken from Disneyland's Official "Guided Tours" pamplet.

The image of the Tour Guide became synonymous with the wholesome image of Disneyland.  Through an extensive survey of park Guests, which reflected a desire to be toured around Disneyland with a knowledgeable Tour Guide, the program debuted in September of 1958. 

Tour Guides were Walt Disney's personal representatives and exemplified the standards of excellence for the rest of Disneyland to follow.  Not only were tours informative and entertaining, but proved to be a good value to Guests when experiencing attractions and learning the best way to navigate through their day.

Today, the Guest Relations department takes pride in upholding the standards set for us in 1958.  Although our tours have changed and grown to reflect the growth of the Disneyland Resort, each of our guided tours has something that will appeal to everyone.  Whether you enjoy Disney history, uses of todays technologies, having fun with children or simply wanting to know the best way to experience the Disneyland Resort, we have a tour for you!

Current offerings...

A Walk in Walt's Footsteps
- $64 a Guest; Premium & Deluxe Annual Pass Holders, AAA & Disney Visa Members receive 20% discount.
- Approximately 3.5 hours

• Take a historical look back into Disneyland Park and understand the vision, challenges, and hard work that went into creating everything we associate with Walt Disney.
• Hear Walt Disney talk about Disneyland in is own words.
• Have a peek into the Lobby of the exclusive members-only Club 33.
• Enjoy a private lunch on Main Street, U.S.A.
• Take home an exclusive, collectible tour pin.

Discover the Magic
- $59 for the first two tickets, $49 for each additional ticket in the same transaction.
- Premium & Deluxe Annual Pass Holders, AAA & Disney Visa Members receive 20% discount.
- Approximately 2.5 hours.

• Sharpen your sleuthing skills as you work with your guides to discover clues, explore with a treasure map and hunt for hidden treasure!
• Become a part of the magic as your entire party works together to save the day and have a fun-filled experience!
• Enjoy 6 classic Disneyland attractions.
• Receive a delicious frozen treat and a soivenir collectible pin.
• This experience is recommended for kids ages 3-9 and the young at heart!
• Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult of legal guardian.

Welcome to the Disneyland Resort!
- $25 a Guest; Premium & Deluxe Annual Pass Holders, AAA & Disney Visa Members receive 20% discount.
- Approximately 2.5 hours

• Get a Disney-style welcome as you journey through Disneyland Park and Disney's California Adventure Park learning fun facts and great tips for making the most of your visit.
• Enjoy priority seating at one of our sensational stage shows and dining locations for any day of your stay (selected locations).
• Utilize Disney's FASTPASS service with instruction and receive two bonus FASTPASS tickets!

Cruzin' Disney's California Adventure Park
- $99 a Guest; Premium & Deluxe Annual Pass Holders, AAA & Disney Visa Members receive 20% discount.
- Approximately 3 hours.

• Embark through Disney's California Adventure Park before it opens and learn behind-the-scenes information as you cruise around on a Segway Personal Transporter.
• Relax and learn the basics of how to ride the Segway while enjoying a light breakfast.
• Take home a complimentary tour photograph and exclusive, collectible pin after your adventure.
• This tour has specific requirements.  Please inquire at the Tour Gardens Kiosk in Disneyland Park or the Ticketing & Reservation Line for further details.

Do you love visiting the Disneyland Resort during the holidays?  Then don't miss out on these seasonal favorites!

Disney's Happiest Haunts
- $64 a Guest; Premium & Deluxe Annual Pass Holders, AAA & Disney Visa Members receive 20% discount.
- Approximately 3 hours.

• Follow your mysterious Guide through the Disneyland Resport at dusk and prepare for a night of chilling tales and eerie, other-worldly attractions, sights, and suprise "treats"!
• Enjoy 4 thrilling attractions and take home a special "rememberance" of your visit.

Holiday Time at Disneyland
- $64 a Guest; Premium & Deluxe Annual Pass Holders, AAA & Disney Visa Members receive 20% discount.
-Approximately 2.5 hours.

• Discover the holiday history of the Disneyland Resport and learn how this season is celebrated around the world.
• Experience 2 classic holiday-themed attractions.
• See our "Christmas Fantasy" parade with reserved seating while enjoying a holiday treat.
• Take home an exclusive, collectible tour pin.

Please call Ticketing & Reservations, go online at http://www.disneyland.com/, or visit the Tour Gardens Kiosk loacted in Disneyland Park for current prices and to book your guided Tour experience!

Ticketing & Reservations
714-781-4400

General Information
714-781-7290

Our Favorite Disney Sites

Be sure to check out "Our Favorite Disney Sites" and "Our Favorite Disney Blogs" on the left side of this blog.  Here you will find links to sites we recommend for further reading.  They are organized in alphabetical order but we have broken them down by type here: 

Time Saving
Ridemax (Sign up to receive a daily plan to save you time)

Disney Official Sites
D23 (The Official Disney Fan Club)
Disney Movie Club (Become a member and find hard to find Disney movies)
Disney DVD Official Site (List of all Disney DVD's)
Disney Parks Mobile (See what is going on in the park right now and check out other Travel offers)
Disney Movie Rewards (Receive merchandise by signing up and entering the code from purchased movies)
Disney Parks (The master site for all Disney Parks)
Disney Parks Blog (The Official Disney Blog)
Disney Vacation DVD's (Click here to read our post on these free DVD's)
Disneyland Resorts (Disneyland, Disney World, Paris, Hong Kong, Tokyo)

Cost Saving
Get Away Today (Vacation planning and travel booking)
Mouse Savers (Save on vacation and travel expenses.  Sign up for Email Notifications)

Disney Fan Blogs / Souvenirs
AllEars (News and events at the parks)
Daveland (News and events at the parks)
DISboards (News and events at the parks)
Disney Frontier (News and events at the parks)
Disney Mouse Links (News and events at the parks)
Disney Music Loop (Want to know what music plays in the park?)
Disney Stationary (Want Disney stationary to print from home?)
Disneyland Postcards (See what old postcards were sold at the park)
Hidden Mickeys (See where the hidden Mickey's are hidden throughout the parks)
HV10N90 (Great Youtube site with many great videos from the park)
INTERCOT (Disneyworld Information)
Laughing Place (News and events at the parks)
Miceage (News and events at the parks)
Mickey Avenue (Download Disney fonts on your computer)
Mouseplanet (News and events at the parks)
Name Tag Museum (News and events at the parks)
RU42 Video Production (Purchase top quality videos to remember your trip)
Vintage Disneyland Tickets (See older tickets and programs from years past)
Walt Disney Quotes (Great quotes from Walt Disney)
WDWmagic (Disneyworld News)
Yesterland (See what's changed at the parks)

Check back for updates and changes on the left side of our blog.  As new sites are found we will update.

Did You Know?

As Disneyland celebrated its 48th anniversary, The Walt Disney Company commemorated the anniversary by auctioning the famous Disneyland sign that greeted park guests at the park's Harbor Boulevard entrance from 1989 -1999. The sign was dismantled into its main components and was auctioned in three lots: the Disneyland marquee letters, approximately 13 1/2 foot white letters comprising the Disneyland logo; "The Happiest Place on Earth" sign that served as the sign's subtitle; and the approximately 18 foot tall gold castle detail that topped the marquee.

In the then 48-year history of the Disneyland Resort, three different signs have stood at the Harbor Boulevard entrance. The sign up for auction was the most recent sign and was taken down due to the construction of Disney's California Adventure in 1999.

This was only the second sign to greet guests as they entered Disneyland in the park's 44 year history. The original marquee, erected in 1958, had letters that had to be changed by hand. This sign was updated in the mid-60s and removed completely on October 2nd and 3rd, 1989. The computer controlled marquee welcomed guests to Disneyland in a number of languages and let them know the park's hours, entertainment and special events.

Also available for auction as part of Disneyland's anniversary celebration were six vehicles from the renowned Disneyland Parade, as well as vehicles from the Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride, the Snow White's Scary Adventures ride and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.

The lettering and some of the ride items were purchased by Richard Kraft, who is the agent for a lot of top musicians.  He collects lots of Disney items.  You can see a bunch of pictures of his various collections, including his collection of Disneyland ride vehicles and pieces of the Disneyland sign (displayed above at his home) on his website: http://findingkraftland.com/gallery.

Actor John Stamos purchased the reverse side of the marquee letters with a closing bid of $30,700.

Above is the current signage on Harbor Boulevard.  With the new expansion of California Adventure this could also be changed.  One thing about Disneyland is that things are always changing.

Disney Parks Online Videos

We found this great channel on YouTube.  This channel has every parade, ride, and firework show.  It even has interactive maps that you can click on and see videos from each section of the parks.  Click here to check it out! 

http://www.youtube.com/user/HV10N90

Star Tours

Since 1986, Star Tours has taken you on an unforgettable aventure thru outer space going at light speed.  Disney has announced plans to take Star Tours into the 21st Century with new affects and outstanding imagery.  Here is a look at the current Star Tours and a little idea what to expect in the next few years.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Agw3f3ZfoC8

Below is the announcement at the D23 Convention in 2009 of the new Star Tours.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VliPqCf4Z0w

Here is the first look at Star Tours II which will be opening in 2011.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jQaHgsKhQ4

Our Concerns:

- The scenes used for the new Star Tours attraction are from Star Wars episodes 1-3.  Didn't those movies take place before episodes 4-6 (the current Star Tours)?  Why are we going back in time?  

- The ride will not be the same without this character...

or this scene...

Alright, here is the whole pre-board video.  Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwCNWnkNRkg

Mickey Hats and Embroidery

From the start of the Mickey Mouse Club, ear hat have been a very strong part of Disneyland History and they are still as popular decades later.

To date, more than 80 million Mickey ear hats have been sold. In 2005, more than 1 million Golden Mickey Mouse ears were sold in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Disneyland park.

Gone are the days when the ultimate souvenir from Disneyland was a pair of black Mickey or Minnie Mouse ears with your name hand embroidered on the back.  Disney has removed all hand embroidery machines from their facility and have replaced them with computerized embroidery machines.

Embroidery was always free for each hat you purchased.  Now they charge extra for having your name stitched by their new process.

See which hat you believe was stitched using the old and new process.

The one on the left is the old process and the one on the right is the new process.  How sad.

In 2010, an array of hats from Disney Theme Park Merchandise will provide shade, disguise, holiday cheer or simply fashion-friendly looks, including the classic Mickey Mouse ear hats, Princess hats, Goofy hats, the famous Mad Hatter hat, pirate themed hats, baseball hats, holiday hats, a Grumpy hat, and even a Create-Your-Own ear hat.

Be very careful which hat you select when purchasing this souvenir.  What hat you are wearing says a whole lot about what kind of Disney fan you are.

Changes to California Adventure, Part 3

With a 1.2 Billion dollar budget, California Adventure is getting a large renovation. The park has proven less successful than its Disneyland counterpart next door. Disneyland ranks second in the world in theme-park attendance with 14.7 million visitors last year, compared with about 6 million to Disney's California Adventure, according to an Economics Research Associates report. So here are some of the major changes happening now, or scheduled to happen in the future.

Say goodbye to the CALIFORNIA letters outside the park entrance.  The whole entrance will be changed as they near the completion of the project.

The Golden Gate Bridge and the amazing tile murals along the entrance to Sunshine Plaza will be taken down. On our last trip to the park we took the following pictures to remember them.

Cable Cars will be added to the Hollywood Pictures Backlot (which will be re-named Hollywoodland) and they will run through the main plaza.  Work has already started on this project.

Below is what the new entrance to California Adventure will look like.  What are your thoughts?

We will show you additional changes as they happen and keep you up to date on additional changes.  It will be very sad to see a lot of these things leave. 

Walt Disney once said, "We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths. Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world."

To track the progress of the changes at California Adventure click here to access a great California Adventure Project Tracker.  To track projects at Disneyland click here.