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News Archives > Disney News January, 2004
Disney News January, 2004
Monday, January 26, 2004
Disneyland Resort Update (link)
MousePlanet offers a rundown on all the construction and refurbishments
that are taking place, a few items from David Koenig regarding new developments
at Disneyland, information from the latest Annual Passholder newsletter,
and an item regarding an unusual incident at Disneyland.
Construction Progress: Tower of Terror (link)
DisneyGeek offers a photo update on the upcoming Twilight Zone Tower
of Terror attraction at Disney's California Adventure.
Message in a Bottle (link)
Jim Hill shares and comments on a letter from a reader detailing the
noticing of maintenance cutbacks at Walt Disney World.
Tokyo New Year (link)
LaughingPlace offers a feature with first-person descriptions and colorful
photographs about spending New Years Eve at Tokyo Disneyland and waiting
for a day to see the Countdown Parade.
Another English/Metric "Spacecraft" Problem
(link)
Slashdot reports on the nature of the Space Mountain accident at Tokyo
Disneyland, following the release of the official accident report.
Magic didn't cross ocean to EuroDisney (link)
The Motley Fool, via the Rocky Mountain News, discusses stocks and Disneyland
Paris.
Universal Studios Hollywood Appoints Heidi Geier...
(link)
Yahoo! Finance offers a press release announcing the apointment of Heidi
Geier, who was formerly the general manager of West Coast Operations
for the Disneyland Resorts, to the position of senior vice president
for Food and Retail.
Disney Will Shutter Florida Theme Park and Resorts
(link)
The Spoof offers some humor and satire on a Monday.
Sunday, January 25, 2004
Disneyland Resort Update (link)
DisneyGeek offers a photo update from the Disneyland Resort, featuring
construction on Main Street's City Hall and its neighboring rest rooms,
a look behind the construction walls all around Tomorrowland, reversed
traffic in the Autopia queue, painting in Mickey's Toontown and on Big
Thunder Mountain Railroad, work being done on the Mark Twain Riverboat,
turnstiles at the Animation attraction at Disney's California Adventure,
and many other photos of details and other atmospheric elements at the
Disneyland Resort parks.
"The Terrible Twos" (link)
Condor Flats evaluates the second year of operation for Disney's California
Adventure.
Saturday, January 24, 2004
DLR Mini-Pictorial (link)
A Disney Forever Discussion Boards poster offers an update for the Disneyland
Resort, featuring construction on City Hall on Main Street, a Segway
Human Transporter in Tomorrowland, new paving in Tomorrowland, pruned
trees in Tomorrowland, a preview of the elaborate sets for the upcoming
Snow White musical in Fantasyland, some construction being done on Big
Thunder Mountain Railroad before it reopens, and other happenings at
the resort.
More Support for Roy, More Goodies for Indy!
(link)
Michelle Smith, the Fabulous Disney Babe, reports that the Indiana Jones
Adventure, which is scheduled to begin a lengthy refurbishment on Monday,
will reopen with "new special effects" and a new snake.
Disneyland Resort News & Information (link)
MouseInfo offers an update from the Disneyland Resort, featuring photos
of the upcoming Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction at Disney's
California Adventure, the newly paved street in front of it, construction
on Main Street at Disneyland, and new signs advertising upcoming films
in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot.
disney.com hacked? (link)
Michelle "Fab" Smith reports that the official website for
the Walt Disney Company was hacked to have the following text: "WaltWaltWaltWalt."
Friday, January 23, 2004
Cause of the Space Mountain Incident Determined at
Tokyo Disneyland Park (link)
The Oriental Land Company has released a statement regarding the cause
of last month's train derailment at its Space Mountain attraction at
Tokyo Disneyland. According to the report, the derailment was caused
when the axle on a rear wheel broke. This was caused by a gap between
the axle and bearing, created when axles received in 2002 were thinner
than specifications, a result of a conversion from inches to the metric
scale. The attraction will reopen in mid-February following safety testing.
Disney casts a magical spell (link)
The Romford Recorder offers a personal narrative about a visit to the
Disneyland Resort, complete with new adventures, discoveries, and sights.
An interesting look at the parks from a British perspective.
Night Life, Part 2: More things to do when the parks
close early (link)
Sue Holland at MousePlanet takes a look at theme park alternatives at
Walt Disney World, including relaxing at Pleasure Island, putting at
a mini-golf course, and shopping at Downtown Disney.
Hidden Views of "Le Visionarium" (link)
Jim Hill Media takes a look at the Disneyland Paris incarnation of the
Circlevision 360° theater attraction.
DISNEY + DALÍ = DESTINO! (link)
SaveDisney.com takes a look at a collaboration between Salvador Dalí
and Walt Disney.
Thursday, January 22, 2004
50th Overhaul: Outlet Empress, Pouring on the Paint,
Rehab & Construction Photos (link)
Al Lutz at MiceAge offers a Disneyland Resort update, reporting that
former president of the Disneyland Resort Cynthia Harriss will become
the head of the Gap outlet stores chain, the big media kick-off featuring
plans for Disneyland's 50th anniversary will be postponed until summer,
painting and refurbishment are going up everywhere to spruce up the
park, the infamous Superstar Limo attraction at Disney's California
Adventure will open sometime before Memorial Day, and other photos and
news regarding what's new at the resort.
Disneyland Resort Pictorial (link)
Disney Forever offers another photo update of the Disneyland Resort,
featuring refurbs in Downtown Disney and Main Street, a clear photo
of "Bones" on the Indiana Jones Adventure, The Haunted Mansion
back from its recent refurb to remove the holiday overlay, King Triton's
Garden under refurb, the upcoming Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction
at Disney's California Adventure — the newly installed sign at
the front entrance and the building lit up at night, and other new features
at the resort.
Ex-Disney Executive Moving to Gap (link)
The Los Angeles Times reports that former Disneyland Resort president
Cynthia Harriss is joining Gap Inc. to head the retail chain's outlet
division. According to the article, half of the dozen executives on
Gap's top management team are former Disney executives.
Splendid night parade adds festival atmosphere to Hong
Kong (link)
People's Daily reports that Hong Kong Disneyland participated in a nighttime
parade in Hong Kong to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The article states
that classic Disney characters greeted audience members in traditional
Chinese garb alongside a "magical celebration on wheels featuring
spectacular lighting and lively music."
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
Disneyland Resort News & Information (link)
MouseInfo offers an update for the Disneyland Resort, featuring an inflatable
advertisement for The Lion King 1 1/2, a few photos of the Rose Parade
float featuring the upcoming Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction,
photos of photos and concept art on display featuring a sneak peek at
the inside of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, a fascinating video
of a segment from Live with Regis and Kelly featuring Howie Mandel actually
experiencing the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror on camera, new lighting
fixtures and LCD flat-panel screens for the Honey I Shrunk the Audience
queue in Tomorrowland, a completely repainted Space Mountain, and construction
and repaving in Tomorrowland.
Surgeon's suit against Disney set for trial
(link)
Reuters reports on an upcoming trial with regards to a surgeon who claims
to have suffered severe injuries after riding the California Screamin'
roller coaster at Disney's California Adventure because of a safety
restraint issue.
WDW - Photo Updates for Everest, Studios and Soarin'
& more (link)
Screamscape offers new photos of construction on Soarin' at Epcot, the
upcoming motor stunt show at Disney-MGM Studios, and Expedition Everest
at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Stepping It Up: Disney hosts another great — but
cold — marathon weekend (link)
MousePlanet features a run-down of the recent Walt Disney World Marathon.
Tuesday, January 20, 2004
Tower Of Terror Update (link)
Condor Flats has a photo update featuring the upcoming Twilight Zone
Tower of Terror attraction at Disney's California Adventure.
Disneyland Resort Pictorial (link)
Disney Forever offers an update of what's going on at the Disneyland
Resort, including the taping of Live with Regis and Kelly at Disney's
California Adventure, a preview of the new logo for the upcoming Snow
White: An Enchanting New Musical, photos of the upcoming Twilight Zone
Tower of Terror attraction with the new sign installed, flowers at Disneyland,
new window displays on Main Street, paving in Tomorrowland, a sneak
peek at the elaborate set for the Snow White musical, and other new
elements.
Roy Disney at NFFC (link)
LaughingPlace offers coverage of Roy Disney's appearance at the NFFC
convention this past weekend.
News Update for The Disneyland Resort (link)
Westcoaster offers a short Disneyland Resort update (random commentary
and Photoshopped-to-include-random-elements included), featuring the
upcoming Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction at Disney's California
Adventure, construction walls in Tomorrowland and around "it's
a small world," the Mark Twain Riverboat getting its hull redone,
and "Live with Regis and Kelly" filming in the Hollywood Pictures
Backlot at Disney's California Adventure.
Firefighters, Disney government at odds (link)
The Boston Globe reports that emergency workers at Walt Disney World
are dissatisfied because they have been working without a contract for
two years. The article takes an interesting look at the Reedy Creek
Improvement District, which is Disney's private governing board that
oversees the land of the Walt Disney World Resort.
Design by Mary Blair (link)
Sue Kruse at MiceAge talks about the new book on artist Mary Blair and
her work for the Walt Disney Company, which is much more than just "it's
a small world"!
Game Boy: Confessions of a game show participant addict
(link)
Ben Tritle, contributing writer for MousePlanet, offers a story on what
it's like to be a serial game show contestant, with some mention of
winning the grand prize at the Who Wants to be a Millionaire attraction
at Disney's California Adventure.
DISNEYLAND
People Mover Attraction Vehicle
DISNEYLAND
Space Mountain Attraction Vehicle
DisneyAuctionEars offers on eBay auctions for vehicles from a couple
of classic attractions from Disneyland's Tomorrowland.
Monday, January 19, 2004
Park Update: Disneyland Resort: Beached (link)
MousePlanet offers a Disneyland Resort news update, reporting that the
attractions department is looking to run the Rafts to Tom Sawyer's Island
on the Rivers of America with only one operator instead of two. Apparently,
the second cast member helps the driver look out for traffic and docking,
leaving some to wonder if cutting that position might compromise safety.
Other news items include reports of a return of a small petting zoo
near the Festival Arena, a new menu for the PCH Grill, a photo of the
now completely-white Space Mountain, a supposed return date for the
currently-shuttered Big Thunder Mountain Railroad after the fatal accident
last year, pedestrian traffic jams in Tomorrowland due to construction
walls, and new display windows on Main Street for the upcoming full-length
animated feature Home on the Range.
A rant about a Disneyland Resort ad (link)
DisneyGeek offers commentary on a new commercial for the Disneyland
Resort and how it does not feature Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure,
or even a Disney character.
Walt Disney World Update (link)
MousePlanet reports that more attractions at the Magic Kingdom are facing
later openings, the queue for Tomorrowland's Timekeeper attraction has
become a merchandise location, and the exits for the former Alien Encounter
attraction are being reconfigured for the new Stitch overlay.
Sunday, January 18, 2004
Roy Disney rallies the faithful at Disneyana convention
(link)
The Miami Herald reports on Roy Disney's appearance at this weekend's
NFFC convention. The article reports that Disney will be attending the
Walt Disney Company's annual shareholders' meeting in Philadelphia on
March 3.
"The Vision: A Work In Progress" (link)
Roy E. Disney offers some words and his thoughts on SaveDisney.com.
Roy Disney at NFFC: "We should be in the creative
business..." (link)
The Fabulous Disney Babe reports from the NFFC convention this weekend
on Roy Disney's speech.
Walt Disney World Pictorial Part 2 (link)
Disney Forever offers the second installment of its Walt Disney World
update. The update includes the Magic Kingdom's Big Thunder Mountain
Railroad, Country Bear Jamboree holiday version, various pavillions
at Epcot's World Showcase, holiday decorations at Epcot, and a video
of Mickey Mouse's evening goodbye at the Magic Kingdom, a wonderful
way to say goodnight and goodbye to park guests.
Saturday, January 17, 2004
The NFFC, "The Club for Disneyana Enthusiasts," convention
is this weekend. Roy E. Disney is scheduled to speak today to kick off
the event in Garden Grove, California..
Heidi moves over for Mickey Mouse (link)
This article from SwissInfo features Arosa, a ski resort in the Swiss
Alps that has signed a licensing agreement with the Walt Disney Company.
This allows the resort to use the Disney name and logo, according to
the article. The resort says it chose Mickey Mouse and Disney because
of its international appeal and marketing power.
www.SaveDisney.com (link)
Roy Disney's online effort to restore the Walt Disney Company in the
spirit of its founder has a new look!
The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland reopens today following the removal
of the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay for Haunted Mansion Holiday.
Friday, January 16, 2004
Disneyland Resort Update (link)
LaughingPlace offers a look at what's new around the Disneyland Resort,
including renovations at the Paradise Pier Hotel, the Rose Parade float
"A Sudden Drop in Pitch" on display at Disney's California
Adventure that advertises the upcoming Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
attraction, Bill Trow - Disneyland's 500 millionth visitor - and his
family from Australia, repaving in in Tomorrowland, and much more.
Jim Hill: Why For? (link)
Jim Hill answers questions from readers, reporting that in terms of
international theme park projects, Walt Disney Imagineering is focusing
on possible parks after Hong Kong in Shanghai, then Japan, Australia,
and South America. He also talks about "Plectu's Fantastic Galactic
Revue," an Audio-Animatronics show that was reported to go into
the Carousel of Progress building as part of "Tomorrowland 2055"
at Disneyland.
Disney 2014: Be very afraid of where the company is
headed (link)
David Koenig at MousePlanet paints a bleak picture of the direction
of the Walt Disney Company, offering predictions of the company's state
of affairs ten years from now.
Thursday, January 15, 2004
The Devil's in the Details: Kevin takes a closer look
at Michael Eisner's recent comments (link)
Kevin Yee of MiceAge analyzes the speech Michael Eisner delivered at
the Smith Barney Entertainment, Media and Telecommunications Conference
on January 6.
Xinhuanet
reports that Hong Kong Disneyland will have a display booth
at the Hong Kong 2004 Stamp Expo to promote the upcoming theme park,
set to open in 2005 or 2006.
Wednesday, January 14, 2004
Step By Step: The Odd Tale of Disney's "Steps
In Time" (link)
Jim Hill Media columnist Drew C. Hackney looks at the debut show at
the Hyperion Theater in Disney's California Adventure.
On Track: Disneyland's Mark V Monorail (link)
MousePlanet takes a look at the history and design of the revolutionary
transportation system at the Disneyland Resort.
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
Iger's Walk in the Park — Plus: 50th Retooled,
Space Mt. Update, Parade Float, Resort Logo Change, more (link)
Al Lutz at MiceAge has a Disneyland Resort update, reporting a possible
evening parade for the upcoming 50th anniversary celebration, a daily
lowering of Sleeping Beauty Castle's drawbridge (which has previously
only been lowered twice in the park's history), the current state of
affairs in Tomorrowland, and other news and rumors.
A JHM Exclusive: In-depth coverage of David Stainton's
meeting yesterday with the WDFA-F crew (link)
Jim Hill reports that David Stainton allegedly confirmed yesterday that
Disney is getting out of the 2-D animation business "for a while,"
focusing instead on 3-D animation.
Ruffing It: Service dogs at Disneyland — notes
from a puppy raiser (link)
MousePlanet offers a column regarding what to look out for when bringing
taking guide dog to Disneyland.
Monday, January 12, 2004
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports on the shuttering of Disney's
Florida animation unit today. (link)
Jim Hill Media reports that in anticipation of Walt Disney Feature
Animation Florida being shuttered, Disney PR is creating a diversion
by announcing a new, "high profile project" - a new computer-generated
feature film entitled "A Day with Wilbur Robinson." (link)
Also on Jim Hill Media, Michelle "Fab" Smith reports that
Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom will not receive a new Haunted Mansion
Holiday at the end of this year due to the decision to install the Alien
Encounter replacement featuring Stitch. (link)
MousePlanet features a Disneyland Resort update featuring information
about Disneyland's 500 millionth visitor, "The Happiest Homecomings
on Earth," and information about upcoming events. (link)
DisneyGeek offers one last chance to see photos on the site of a drained
Rivers of America at Disneyland during its lengthy refurb last year.
(link)
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