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Monday
May 31, 2004
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Disney movies rank high on gorillas' list of favorite shows
While he likes cartoons and public television, he's bored with
sports. But National Geographic specials fascinate him.
"We tried to put on sports, even though we were
concerned it might generate aggressive behavior, but he really
wasn't interested," said Cindy McCaleb, one of his
keepers.
Patrick is among five western lowland gorillas who have
been moved to the Dallas Zoo's indoor holding area since a
March 18 escape and attack by another gorilla.
During the attack, a 13-year-old western lowland gorilla
escaped from an outdoor exhibit and injured three people
before police killed him.
Patrick and the other gorillas have shown some signs of
stress since being kept away from the public. Zoo officials
have come up with some creative ways, including television, to
keep the gorillas entertained.
The gorillas are fond of Disney cartoons, with "The
Little Mermaid," "The Lion King" and
"Beauty and the Beast" ranking high on their list of
favorites.
"They don't follow the story, of course," McCaleb
said in Sunday's editions of The Dallas Morning News.
"They like the music, the color and the movement."
There also seems to be differences in the viewing habits of
the gorillas depending on their age.
Patrick watches more television than some of the older
gorillas who don't pay much attention to TV shows, McCaleb
said.
The gorillas also have other activities and games.
Zoo officials hide food in large Coca-Cola syrup barrels
and put sandwiches in mesh cages that they have to figure out
how to open.
Employees also put up posters of nature scenes, and most
recently a Georgia O'Keeffe painting. They also play the
radio.
"I tend to go classical," McCaleb said. "It
tends to mellow them out."
Only the keepers are allowed to have contact with the
gorillas when they're inside the 8,000-square-foot holding
area.
The apes will be held in the area until a study is
completed on whether the outdoor exhibit is safe. The study
was expected in mid-May, but zoo officials don't know when it
will be done, said zoo spokeswoman Ellen Villeneuve.
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Blue, I Feel So Blue
Disneyland Paris--Discoveryland progresses at an
impressive speed. While the Nautilus still sits in the empty
lagoon while the submarine and the lagoon undergo refurbishment
the exterior of Space Mountain now gets brighter with every day.
Since the lauch tunnel has been repainted already, work centers
now around the actual dome of the building is at the center of
attention. As the photo to the right shows the final color for the
huge metal elements has been chosen... In the meantime work
continues inside the Videopolis, too as the photo below shows. The
new question here is: what is hiding below the plastic sheets in
the auditorium??
Looking for more progress? After what seems like years the
fountain in front of It's A Small World finally runs with water
again. Looks like summer? Seems so, as the water fall on the top
of the underground lift hill of Big Thunder Mountain has been
turned on again too. If you got wet during thsi ride or while
playing with the hands in the fountain there is now more sun on
Main Street, U.S.A., as trees here are replaced one by one.
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It's IMAX-time
Disneyland Paris--It was announced 2001, a building permit is
displayed on site since 2001 and the ground behind the Gaumont
has been cleared since 2001, too. But it took another three
years among financial troubles of the movie theater chain of
Gaumont till finally work progresses again. A week ago new
equipment arrived on the cleared site of the future IMAX theater
and new work begun. So far nothing major can be seen, but work
seems to have started on preparing the ground further. Now
everybody keep the fingers crossed that it does not take another
three years before actual construction of the building starts.
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Sunday
May 30, 2004
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Starring Rolls Café now open
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- A new "star"
was recently born at Disney-MGM Studios when the quick-service
nook known for years as Starring Rolls Bakery re-opened with a new
look, an expanded menu and a new name to reflect the additional
offerings.
Starring Rolls Café features sandwiches and salads plus pastries,
desserts, gourmet chocolates and a house-blend coffee that is
roasted on-site. House-made sandwiches -- including roast
tenderloin, turkey on focaccia, vegetarian on flatbread and smoked
salmon on a bagel -- are offered along with the signature salad of
The Brown Derby restaurant at Disney-MGM Studios, the world-famous
Cobb salad.
The Cobb salad, a mouth-watering blend of chopped lettuce,
watercress, bacon, chicken, cheese, egg, avocado and more, is the
most popular salad ordered by guests anywhere at Walt Disney World
Resort. Chefs at the adjacent Brown Derby restaurant hand-prepare
the Cobbs, which are served in a smaller portion size at the new
Starring Rolls Café.
Pastry Chef Isaac Tamada, who also served on the opening team at
Kona Café at Disney's Polynesian Resort, has created a palette of
handmade and handcrafted chocolates, pastries and
"mini-desserts" such as tiramisu and flourless chocolate
cake.
Menu items vary in price from $.99 (mini-pastries) to $8.99
(tenderloin sandwich platter).
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Dinosaur Re-opened
Animal Kingdom--Dinosaur has reopened after its
rehab ahead of schedule. Apart from general rehab work, the
exterior Fastpass queue and distribution has had a change around.
The exterior garden area is now serving as part of the queuing
system.
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New Members of the Management
Disneyland Paris--Even so the huge increase in
marketing and advertising spending since early last fall has not
resulted in any increase in hotel occupancy or theme park
attendance the resort plans to continue to emphasize marketing
and distribution to lure more guests to Europe's leading tourist
attraction ... with the help of Norbert Stikema, who is in a
"executive leadership" position in regard of these
endevaors. He only recently joined EuroDisney S.C.A. after
working for the airline KLM which had to find a partner after
being unable to survive on their own on their business strategy.
According to official information he will work in a close
relationship with the new vice president for Strategic Planning
& Pricing Andrew de Csilery. He joined the company only
recently too, coming from Six Continents, who only recently
split the hotel and soft drink business (Intercontinental Hotels
Group) from the retail business (Mitchells & Butlers). It
needs to be seen of two managers without any recent experience
in the theme park business were the right choice for positions
as vital to long term sucess as "strategic planning".
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Saturday
May 29, 2004
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Disney's impact on recovery touted
Tourism is recovering, and Disney is a key source of jobs and
tax revenue, an economist said.
Tourism is on the rebound and Walt Disney World is leading the
region out of the slump as the No. 1 employer and taxpayer, with
a payroll that tops $1.3 billion and spending in Central Florida
of nearly $2.6 billion a year, a regional economist said
Thursday.
The downturn in visitation to the state and Orlando in the past
few years was the deepest "since the Arab oil embargo of
the 1970s," said Hank Fishkind, president of Fishkind &
Associates in Orlando, speaking at an annual Disney briefing for
the business media.
But the region has "completely recovered" from the
slump, Fishkind said, and he predicted that 2005 and 2006 would
also be good years for Central Florida tourism, although
probably not as strong as 2004. He cited rebounding theme park
attendance, record Orange County hotel tax receipts and
increasing airport traffic.
Fishkind, who has conducted paid research for Walt Disney World
for years, said the tourism giant accounts for about $5.1
billion, or nearly 9 percent, of metro Orlando's gross regional
product, the total of all products and services produced in the
four-county area.
He said he uses a standard federal computer model to calculate
the multiplier effect of Disney's revenue, spending and taxes on
the region. Without Disney's economic benefits, Fishkind said,
the average household in the region would probably pay about
$476 more in local taxes.
Four years ago, Fishkind estimated the tax savings at $499 a
year. He noted Thursday that Disney's overall contribution to
the local economy has declined on a percentage basis in the
recent past because the rest of the economy has continued to
grow.
But Fishkind said that Disneycame through the recent slump
"in amazingly strong shape." The company is the
nation's largest single-site employer, with more than 50,000
workers in Orange County, and accounts for 110,000 direct and
indirect jobs locally, he said.
Orange County Comptroller Martha Haynie said she has never
analyzed Fishkind's tax-savings estimate and has no idea if it
is accurate.
"Disney certainly pays a huge amount of property
taxes," particularly benefiting schools, Haynie said. But
the question, she said, is how much Disney's impact offsets the
benefits. "Visitors come in and use our services," she
said.
Both Jay Rasulo, president of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts,
and Al Weiss, president of Walt Disney World Resort, said the
company is healthy and optimistic about the future.
"The past three years have been challenging," Rasulo
said. But "millions of people around the world have never
stopped dreaming of a Disney vacation."
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How Disney handled 'War Years'
With the dedication of the World War II memorial today in
Washington, D.C., Disney fans can return to the 1940s and see how
the Mouse factory went to war via a new DVD set out this month.
It's called "Walt Disney on the Front Lines: The War
Years" and is the latest in a "Walt Disney
Treasures" series of uncut and restored vintage films, issued
in a limited number of tin boxes.
The two-DVD set contains cartoons of Donald Duck getting
drafted and trying to pitch a tent; the Seven Dwarfs buying war
bonds with their diamonds; clips from military training films
never seen by the general public; and most interestingly, the
feature "Victory Through Air Power," a politically
charged film that argued for a much greater investment in American
air power.
Leonard Maltin, a self-professed Disney fan, TV host and author
of various film books, oversees the Disney Treasure series and
said the company resisted for years releasing its wartime work.
"They were worried about offending someone, that it might
be inappropriate to show it under the family brand," he said.
But the special series offered a way to package the films aimed
at collectors and film aficionados, even though some of the
cartoons will be as entertaining to today's youngsters as those of
60 years ago.
"What we didn't anticipate when we started working on this
was that there would be resonance from this day's world
activities," Maltin said. "What we find interesting is,
it seems every time we go to war or have a skirmish or a conflict,
we tend to demonize our enemy. This is part of human nature. If
you're fighting someone, you turn him into the enemy, a villain,
and caricature or ridicule is one way to do it."
Also released for the first time on DVD are several TV programs
about the American space effort, originally broadcast on the
"Disneyland" anthology show in the 1950s.
Maltin, 53, grew up on Disney TV fare and said the shows gained
an enormous viewership in the days of limited TV choice and even
caught the eye of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
"It's almost impossible to measure the impact these shows
must have had on the public's consciousness and awareness,"
Maltin said, "and the possibility of and the benefits from
space travel."
The double-DVD package "Walt Disney's Tomorrowland"
includes shows on space, the moon, Mars and satellites, all with
entertaining segments as well as history and scientific
speculation on interplanetary travel.
Perhaps bravely, Disney also included "Our Friend the
Atom," an optimistic look at peaceful uses for atomic power
without reference to any of the environmental downsides we know so
well today.
As he does on all the Disney Treasures discs, Maltin offers
commentary and context into the current thinking that the atom
isn't the energy panacea many Americans were told 50 years ago.
Also a nonstarter of sorts was Walt Disney's original vision
for Disney World in Florida. His promotional film, unavailable to
general audiences until now in the "Tomorrowland" set,
sketched out an "Experimental Prototype Community of
Tomorrow" where the latest in urban design and construction
materials were to be showcased in a city of 20,000.
After Disney died in 1966, Disney's corporate heirs recast
EPCOT into a permanent world's fair of corporate and international
pavilions.
Two other entries in this latest release cover Mickey Mouse's
later color cartoons and featurettes, and Donald Duck cartoons
from 1934 to 1941. Some have been generally available on video,
but all of have been restored to their pristine state.
One treat is the collection of Mickey Mouse introductions to
the daily "Mickey Mouse Club" TV segments. Maltin hinted
that a future Disney Treasures release will focus on the MM Club
– a project he said he is keen to get his hands on.
The Disney Treasures sets, only on DVD, retail for $33.99 each
but are widely available at discounted prices. So far, the series
has included two sets of early Mickey Mouse cartoons, one on
Goofy; a collection of "Silly Symphony" cartoons; the
"Davy Crockett" TV shows from the 1950s; various shows
and documentaries on Disneyland; and "Behind the Scenes at
the Walt Disney Studios," a set of films and TV shows over
the years.
On all the DVDs, besides Maltin's commentary, there are
additional treats, such as still photos, sketches, interviews with
animators and Disney executives and "Easter eggs" of
hidden features found by clicking on certain elements in the setup
screen.
Maltin said the Disney Treasures series has been renewed for
another year.
"I've had the time of my life for the last three years
working on the discs," he said.
"I feel like I knew Walt Disney. I grew up with the
'Disneyland' show and 'Mickey Mouse Club.' People who only know
the name Disney as a corporate name don't really have that
connection to Walt Disney. I did because I watched him every week
(as host of 'Disneyland'). That had a lot to do with my becoming a
movie buff, an animation buff."
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Disney 'High' on Youngster for Superhero Pic
Michael Angarano, who played the junior version of Tobey
Maguire's character in "Seabiscuit," will star in the
Disney comedy "Sky High," which centers on a high
school for superpowered teens in a world where superheroes are
an everyday occurrence.
The story follows Jeremy, the son of superheroes Commander
Stronghold and Jetstream, and his attempts to become a regular
teenager and a possible future hero.
The project has a start date of Aug. 20 in Los Angeles. Mike
Mitchell ("Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo") is directing.
Angarano also played the young William Miller, Patrick
Fugit's character, in "Almost Famous." He also was a
series regular on NBC's "Will & Grace." He is
filming the skateboarding movie "Lords of Dogtown."
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Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories
Chain of Memories looks to bridge the gap between the Kingdom
Hearts and Kingdom Hearts 2 and takes place
shortly after the events of the original game have transpired.
This isn't you standard action/RPG as it does incorporate card
elements into the game play.
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'Toga party at Disney
Disney opened the first phase of its new resort. Even the mayor
of Saratoga Springs showed up.
With a splash of water from the real Saratoga Springs, the Walt
Disney Co. christened its seventh -- and eventually its largest
-- time-share resort Thursday and suggested there may be more to
come.
Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, built on the former site of
the Disney Institute across from Downtown Disney, opened with
184 units.
Units range from simple studios the size of a typical motel room
to two-story suites with whirlpool tubs, full kitchens and DVD
players with surround-sound speakers.
Inspired by the upstate New York country retreats of the late
1800s, the resort was designed around the themes of natural
springs and Saratoga's tradition of horse racing. Several
"springs" dot the resort, and silhouettes of
thoroughbred racehorses circle lampshades in the rooms.
The first guests arrived earlier this month, but the resort was
dedicated Thursday morning by the mayor of Saratoga Springs,
N.Y., Michael Lenz, who poured a pitcher of spring water into
the resort's swimming pool.
Disney executives said Phase One of the resort was
three-quarters sold, and they announced plans to expand the
resort by another 644 units by 2007.
Saratoga Springs "is part of our long-term strategy to
continue to give guests what they want," said Al Weiss,
Walt Disney World's president.
Beginning with Disney's Old Key West Resort in 1991, each of
Disney's previous time-share resorts has sold out, Weiss said.
"Obviously," he said, "they're demanding our
Disney Vacation Club product in a big way."
As with other time-share programs, Disney Vacation Club sells
part-ownership in a property. Disney's program gives members the
option of staying at any of its time shares or certain Disney
hotels, or they may exchange their "vacation points"
to stay at other properties.
The average price for a unit at Saratoga Springs is about
$19,000 for a two-bedroom suite, Disney said. Buyers also are
required to pay an annual maintenance fee of $800.
During weeks when a unit isn't being used by a vacation club
member, Disney will treat it the same as a hotel room, renting
by the night. Rates will start at $254 a night for a
355-square-foot studio.
Disney is weighing plans to build more time-share resorts in
Orlando and elsewhere. "We see a lot of opportunity on both
fronts," said Jim Lewis, senior vice president for Disney's
time-share division.
Lewis wouldn't give details but said, "We still have a lot
of green space to expand."
Lewis said the company wants to build its time-share business
because owners tend to visit more often and spend more money --
twice as much as those who stay at a Disney hotel and seven
times as much as those who stay off property.
Saratoga Springs' opening gives the company five time shares at
Walt Disney World and one each in Vero Beach and on Hilton Head
Island, S.C.
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Downtown Disney speeds up the service
New eateries offer faster food and lower prices to appeal to
tourists and locals.
ANAHEIM – After hitting the amusement
parks, Andrea Violett and her family, including four grandkids
under 7, wanted a fast, inexpensive meal at Downtown Disney
before trekking back to the hotel for afternoon swimming. So
they headed to a new taqueria in the popular entertainment
center and ordered $3 tacos.
"We needed something quick and the kids don't eat that
much," said Violett of Lodi as she organized the family
around outdoor tables.
The restaurant strategy for Downtown Disney, which is
adjacent to Disneyland and California Adventure and part of the
Disneyland Resort, has been evolving to address the needs of
families like the Violetts since the center opened in 2001. More
casual eateries with counter service, faster turnaround and
lower prices are gradually being added to the mix to balance the
full-service, high-concept restaurants.
"There was a clear void there," said restaurant
consultant Randall Hiatt, president of Fessel International in
Costa Mesa. "My guess is that they could go a lot further
and continue to add that kind of option."
The taqueria, where guests order from a limited menu at a
window, is attached to Tortilla Jo's, a new full-service,
560-seat Mexican restaurant owned by The Patina Group and famed
chef Joachim Splichal that opened in April and replaced Y Arriba
Y Arriba.
Patina was interested in opening the taqueria after the
success of Napolini, which opened last summer, a Patina-owned
"grab and go" eatery that sells slices of pizza,
gourmet sandwiches and salads. The group also operates the full
service Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria and Catal Restaurant and
Uva Bar at Downtown Disney.
"(Napolini) was successful beyond our
expectations," said Octavio Becerra, vice president, chef,
and co-founder of The Patina Group. "It inspired the
taqueria."
A Jamba Juice also opened six months ago, replacing a
sunglass shop, to offer a healthy fast-food option. Ralph
Brennan's Jazz Kitchen and La Brea Bakery Cafe have
quick-service areas in addition to full-service restaurants, and
the operations of both fast-service businesses have been
improved in the last year.
While Jamba Juice is found throughout Southern California,
the other quick-service restaurants are "uniquely
branded," fitting with Disney's strategy for the center,
said Dan Hough, Downtown Disney operations manager.
With the full-service Tortilla Jo's, Disney officials were
interested in keeping prices lower than Y Arriba Y Arriba, which
featured elegant tapas – small appetizer-size plates that were
time-consuming to prepare and might not have been hearty enough
for many visitors.
"Most want comfort food they are familiar with, prices
that are reasonable and big portions," Hough said.
While Tortilla Jo's prices may be lower than Y Arriba Y
Arriba's, they are still higher than those at a typical Mexican
restaurant. At a recent lunch, chicken fajitas were $14.50, a
carne asada burrito was $12.50, a large Caesar salad with no
chicken was $11.50, and a Diet Coke cost $3.50.
Most restaurants and stores at Downtown Disney have
higher-than-average prices, officials said.
"Resort pricing is in place," Hough said.
The expensive restaurants were a turnoff for the Arteagas of
Modesto last week. The family had one dinner at the Rainforest
Cafe, but otherwise ate at IHOP or Denny's offsite or brought
their own sandwiches to the parks.
"It's too expensive to eat here," said Yadira
Arteaga, 30.
The newer, more casual restaurants didn't appeal to the
Arteagas, who still wanted comfortable booths to relax in after
a long day at the park rather than eating outdoors or at small
tables, they said.
Some tenants and retail experts said Downtown Disney prices
are higher than average because rents and construction costs to
finish stores are also high. Restaurant consultant Hiatt
estimates some larger tenants, such as the high-profile,
full-service restaurants, could be paying $1 million or more a
year in rent.
Wayne Heck of Newport Beach, owner of the Haagen-Dazs store
at Downtown Disney, which is No. 1 in sales nationwide for the
Haagen-Dazs chain, said the huge crowds make up for the pricey
rent.
"When you are doing a lot of volume, you are happy to
pay the landlord," Heck said. "I write those checks
with a smile on my face."
Becerra of Patina said on a busy Saturday his company serves
4,500 to 5,000 guests in its Downtown Disney restaurants.
An estimated 18 million people visited Disneyland and
California Adventure combined in 2003, according to Amusement
Business magazine. Downtown Disney officials would not say how
many people came to the center, but about half are tourists and
half live in the region, Hough said.
| COUNTER
SERVICE: Customers line up for a fast bite at Napolini,
which opened last summer at Downtown Disney.
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Only four businesses have closed since Downtown Disney opened,
and so far this year, sales are up 14 percent over 2003, which was
a record year, he said.
In the future, Disney may expand Downtown Disney and is
discussing options internally. One obvious void is an Asian
restaurant, which Hough said would be a good fit for the center.
While Downtown Disney is drawing a lot of people, it should be
doing even better, said Greg Stoffel, a retail consultant based in
Irvine.
"To be a good financial engine for the company they need
to broaden their customer base to include both tourists and a
healthy dose of locals," said Stoffel, who thinks the balance
has tipped more toward tourists recently.
He believes adding restaurants that are still unique but not
necessarily tourist attractions and without the sticker- shock
menu prices could help draw more nearby residents.
Hough said Disney has been addressing those issues by adding
restaurants like Tortilla Jo's, Jamba Juice and Napolini.
"We feel very comfortable where we are going with our
quick-serve options," he said.
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Friday
May 28, 2004
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Disney confident its theme parks are safe from terrorism
LAKE BUENA VISTA -Despite heightened
concerns of terrorism, top Disney company executives today said
they are not overly concerned about the safety of the company's
various properties.
The meeting today by top Disney executives has
several goals, including giving a glimpse of the company's future
business strategies and detail the economic benefits of the
entertainment company's various operations in a 2004 world
economic-impact report.
Central Florida is the home of Walt Disney World, one of the
world's most popular vacation destinations and major component of
Florida's tourism industry.
Meeting at Walt Disney World to officially
unveil its newest resort, Disney Saratoga Springs Resort &
Spa, Al Weiss, president of Disney World Resort, said the company
would not open its gates "if we didn't feel it was safe for
our guests or cast members."
Weiss and other Disney executives also said they
are optimistic about the Central Florida tourism industry heading
into the summer vacation season.
"Tourism recovery is happening," Weiss
said. "Summer looks very strong."
Weiss noted record passenger loads at Orlando
International Airport in March as evidence of the area's tourism
rebound. The 2.93 million passengers passing through the airport
was the busiest month since March 2001, when 2.91 million
passengers used the airport.
Tricia Kearns, spokeswoman for the
Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau Inc., said
a 2002 study put together by the visitors bureau showed 71 percent
of domestic tourists to the Orlando area visited at least one of
the area's theme parks, including those operated by Disney or its
competitors.
Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa is the fifth
Disney Vacation Club to be built at Walt Disney World. Disney
announced plans for Saratoga Springs Resort, which includes 184
vacation homes, more than two years ago.
The resort is themed in Victorian architecture
with the historic influence of horse racing. The lakeside
community recaptures the heyday of upstate New York country
retreats in the late 1800s.
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Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue celebrates 28,000 shows
They’ve been singing for your supper for 30 years Make ‘em
laugh.
For three performances a day, every day, the Pioneer Hall
Players, better known as The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, show up
for work at Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and
Campground.
Since June 1974, that adds up to more than 28,000 performances,
which has to be a record of some sorts, certainly for a dinner
theater production in the state of Florida.
Through the years there have been literally dozens of men and
women who have played Dolly, Flora, Jim Handy, Johnny Ringo, Six
Bits and Clair, the six characters who make up the Pioneer Hall
Players.
And once a Pioneer Hall Player, apparently, always a Pioneer
Player.
As the Hoop-De-Doo Revue nears its 30th birthday event, Disney
officials gathered up a few of the original players to view a
performance of the ever-popular Western vaudeville-style show.
And that means plenty of reminiscing and singing along.
“Our guests just come back time after time to see the
show,” said Gene Columbus, a former production stage manager
with the revue starting back in 1977.
The revue actually got its start as a college workshop summer
production, but proved to be so popular that a permanent
professional cast began performing the show in September of 1974.
“The audiences just love the characters, and I believe the
actors feel the same way” about the roles they play. “It’s
hard to find an actor who didn’t love the show.”
Maybe one of the things that makes a couple from Ohio who saw
the show 10 years ago on their honeymoon and return for their
anniversary is its continuity.
The more the world changes, the more the Hoop-De-Doo show
remains the same.
Maybe the price has gone up over the past 30 years — a
newspaper article reviewing the show in 1976, commented that the
adult ticket priced at $12.50 was a bit expensive, “you do get
fed and feted right,” — there is a lot of comfort in the
familiar down home humor and music, served up along with all those
spare ribs, fried chicken, corn and baked beans, and that
strawberry shortcake.
The dinner show, including tax and gratuity, is now $49.01 for
adults, ages 12 and up, but that doesn’t stop the show from
being sold out daily. Indeed, reservations are required.
Sitting at a table full of former Hoop-Dee-Doo performers is
not unlike attending a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Everyone knows the words to every song, along with all that corny,
homespun dialogue.
“The show has changed somewhat through the years, but it
really hasn’t strayed that much,” said Patty Kalber, who
played Dolly from 1983-89 and is now an entertainment manager at
Epcot.
Kalber, who is also a veteran of the old Diamond Horseshoe
Revue over at the Magic Kingdom, said being a part of the
Hoop-Dee-Doo ensemble, was something she always wanted to do, and
like her fellow former Pioneer Players, she still misses those
performances.
Both on-stage and off, just about everyone associated with the
show is part of one big family.
“Even the service staff feels the same way,” said Kalber,
who was greeted time and time again with hugs and smiles as more
food was brought to the table. “Some of them have been here for
25-30 years.”
“People who come back year after year, usually look for the
same server,” said Wayne Gagne, who performed Jim Handy in the
1970s, moved to California, only to return for another stint with
the show 1981-86.
If anyone should be familiar with the show, it would be Gagne,
who also worked as stage manager. And even though the years have
passed, he still seemed to know every line and routine from the
show. So he wasn’t all that surprised when he was singled out by
Dolly early in the show as the object of her flirtation and
sweetly called him Wayne at tableside.
What Gagne forgot, though, is that the bit has a closure at the
end, and the entertainer, who is still an entertainment team
leader at Disney, was immersed in conversation at the table when
Dolly purrs up on stage that what she really wants is Wayne.
Gagne looked up in horror and said his own name in unison with
Dolly.
Dolly immediately came running down from the stage, with bright
spotlight in pursuit, and planted a big kiss on the former
performer.
“I can’t believe I forgot about that,” said the red-faced
Gagne, “but actually, it was kind of fun.”
And fun is what the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue has been excelling in
for the past 30 years. The cast really has a good time putting on
the show, and it rubs off onto the audience.
“I really miss the feeling of family with the cast and the
audience,” said Gagne. “And the ribs. I miss the ribs.”
There will be a special private midnight performance of the
Hoop-De-Doo Revue on June 14 marking the 30th anniversary of the
show. The cast will include many of the original performers from
the show, and the audience as well will be made up of former
members of the Pioneer Hall Performers.
Daily showtimes are 5, 7:15 and 9:30 p.m. For reservations call
407-WDW-DINE.
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Impact of Disney mixed
$9 million in taxes, but most wages are low
Walt Disney World pays its fair share of taxes to Osceola County
but floods the area with low-wage jobs, contributing to a
middle-class community with a vulnerable, tourism-based tax
base, according to a recent report and county officials.
This week, Disney released a report on its financial impact
on the region that stated the average salary of a Disney
employee working in Osceola County is $23,013. The salary is
nearly 15 percent less than Disney employees in Orange County.
Produced by Disney-hired economist Henry Fishkind, the report
said Disney has more than 8,300 direct and indirect employees
working in Osceola, including the staffs of Disney’s Wide
World of Sports and the Pop Century Resort.
With an average salary of $23,013, a two-income family of
Disney employees would earn slightly more than both the national
and county median household income.
Those wages are not high enough and have created a population
of workers living check to check, according to some county
officials.
“Though we celebrate Disney, they are just an average job
and we need to do better than average,” said County
Commissioner Atlee Mercer.
The report also stated that Disney pays $9 million in
property tax and generates 30 percent of all tourist development
tax for the county.
Fishkind said Osceola has taken its first steps to increase
its tax base by upping both the transportation and school impact
fees.
The result is more expensive housing, an increase that could
price out Disney employees, he said.
“Workers will be pushed into Polk County.”
But County Commission Chairman Ken Shipley said the increase
should not cause a decline in home purchases. Early indicators
point to little more than a $30 increase in monthly payments on
a 30-year mortgage, he said.
“I don’t think it would preclude anyone from buying a
home in Osceola County.”
Shipley said Disney’s wages are acceptable for newcomers to
the job market who are renting or buying a starter home, but
probably are not high enough for a family to survive.
“I don’t think that is enough for a single person raising
a family,” he said. “That’s why you have mom and dad both
working.”
The affordable housing available to those types of families
and its effect on the tax base has its challenges –
particularly in a county where Disney employs 15 percent of the
workforce.
Additionally, the report stated that Disney set aside an
8,500-acre preserve, called the Nature Conservancy’s Disney
Wilderness Preserve. Ironically, all of that tax-exempt acreage
is in Osceola County, according to the report.
“On one side, we say, ‘Isn’t that wonderful?’”
County Commissioner Atlee Mercer said. “But on the downside,
we do suffer a revenue shortfall because of it.”
If the county wants to increase its tax base and services, it
must continue taking steps to offer higher-wage positions,
according to officials.
The county’s Economic Development department is now trying
to attract non-tourism corporate headquarters, manufacturers and
distribution centers that could offer those positions, complete
with year-round work and benefits.
It most recently lured Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse,
which will operate a 700-person regional distribution center.
The average pay is more than $24,000, according to Maria Grulich,
director of economic development.
“A community needs a diverse job base to be viable,” she
said.
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Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort in Walt Disney World Celebrates
10 Years
Today marked the Tenth Anniversary of
the Wilderness Lodge Resort at Walt Disney World. The Resort
opened on May 28, 1994 and was built to bring the feeling of the
old National Parks Era. Did you know that the architect for the
Wilderness Lodge is also the designer for the Disney's Grand
Californian and Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge? |
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Star Wars Weekends at Disney's MGM Studios Continues
Star Wars Weekens continue with special guests
Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) & Andy Secombe (Watto) May 28, 29
& 30
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Disney attractions tops with families
Five Disney attractions, including the Magic Kingdom in Florida
and California's Disneyland, top a list of most popular leisure
destinations for families.
The prestigious Zagat Survey, best known for ranking
restaurants, lodging and nightlife in cities around the world,
released its first U.S. Family Travel Guide in association with
Parenting magazine.
The guide features more than 1,000 family-friendly sites and
destinations from amusement parks to zoos reviewed by more than
11,000 travelers who have actually been there.
The Magic Kingdom in Orlando was the most popular attraction.
Epcot was second, followed by New York's American Museum of
Natural History, Disneyland in Los Angeles, Central Park in New
York, Disney-MGM Studios in Orlando, Metropolitan Museum of Art
in New York, Disney's Magic Kingdom in Orlando, New York's Bronx
Zoo and Yosemite National Park in California.
With family vacations and domestic travel the fastest growing
sectors in their industry, time-starved parents need a
trustworthy and comprehensive guide to the best sites and
attractions for their families, said CEO Tim Zagat.
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Disney World to expand Saratoga Springs
Disney World officials today announced plans for Phase III of
its new Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, adding another 276
units by 2007.
The resort opened this month with 184 units. Al Weiss, Walt
Disney World president, said 75 percent of Phase I has been
sold.
When Phase II is completed -- 368 units by 2005 -- the
time-share resort built on the site of the former Disney
Institute will have 828 accommodations.
Saratoga is the seventh and largest of the Disney Vacation Club
properties.
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Disney Cartoon Sequels Could Damage Pixar -Analyst
In a private meeting this week with a leading Wall
Street analyst, Walt Disney Co. CEO Michael Eisner confirmed
earlier company statements that the studio has several sequels in
the works to the blockbuster films Pixar has created for the
company.
While analyst Jessica Reif Cohen of Merrill Lynch apparently
regards that as a positive for Disney, she cautions that such
sequels could have an "adverse impact" on Pixar, which
called off contract extension talks with Disney in January, ending
a partnership that resulted in such hits as "Toy Story,"
"Finding Nemo" and "Monsters, Inc."
"The unproven writing and graphics quality of Disney's
work with computer-guided-image animation may have an
unintentional 'contagion' impact since consumers may
subconsciously associate these films as Pixar product," Reif
Cohen said in a report issued Thursday. "In addition, too
many releases may fatigue CGI's scarcity value, which has created
consumer intrigue for this 'event' animation format."
Reif Cohen's comments mirror those made by Pixar CEO Steve Jobs
(news
- web
sites) in recent months. Addressing the issue of
Disney-produced sequels during his company's fourth-quarter
earnings call in February, Jobs was blunt about his feelings on
the subject.
"We feel sick about Disney doing sequels because if you
look at the quality of their sequels ... it's been pretty
embarrassing," Jobs said, citing such examples as Disney's
recent sequels to "Peter Pan" and "The Lion
King."
As much as Jobs dislikes them, such sequels have been major
hits for Disney, which has generated more than $1 billion in cash
flow to date from direct-to-video releases. Reif Cohen estimates
that Pixar would receive an 8% royalty fee from Disney on such
releases, while Disney would keep the lion's share of the profits.
Reif Cohen said Disney is looking to turn out these sequels in
hopes to in some degree replicate the 'Shrek 2' phenomenon. The
DreamWorks-produced sequel to "Shrek" has broken several
box office records since being released last week.
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Disney leading kids to hell?
New book series W.I.T.C.H.
pushes witchcraft, astrology
A new Disney book series for adolescent girls
aptly named W.I.T.C.H. promotes witchcraft and magic, a
development that adds to the arsenal of those who criticize the
company for being anti-family.
"Mickey Mouse leading children to Hell"
is the headline on one website alerting readers to the new
books.
"[The books are] about five teenage girls
(ages 13-14) who practice witchcraft. Disney is not only selling
witchcraft, they are selling lust and astrology – to children!
Look at the way they have them dressed!" shouts the site.
According to a statement from Disney Publishing
Worldwide, the book series was introduced in the U.S. last month
after years of success in other nations.
"Since W.I.T.C.H. was first introduced in
Italy in 2001, we have experienced an unprecedented global
response to the characters and the concept," said Robert Iger,
president and COO of The Walt Disney Company. "W.I.T.C.H. is
a great example of Disney's ability to create and launch exciting
properties in different parts of the world and by the many
talented people at Disney's different divisions. Its expansion
into the world's largest market through multiple business units of
the company should ensure duplicating the success it has seen
around the world."
The nine-book series is patterned after
"the fastest growing girls' comic magazine in the world,
published monthly in over 64 markets and in 27 languages,"
Disney says.
The name W.I.T.C.H. is comprised of the first
initials of the five girls who are "ordinary friends with an
extraordinary secret – they each have the power to control a
natural element."
Said the Disney statement: "Will controls
energy, Irma commands water, Taranee has power over fire, Cornelia
controls earth, and Hay Lin dominates air. The girls use their
powers to guard against evil and to uncover the truth behind
mysterious portals leading to other worlds."
The critical site, ac18.org, claims the books
"no doubt will begin a gradual progression toward the occult
practice for some young people. Satan wants nothing more than for
a person's life to be filled with things that appear to have
meaning, but in the end have none and keep a person from tasting
the truth. He tries to use a world filled with illusions and
fantasies … to fill our lives with things that only deceive and
bear no fruit."
On the W.I.T.C.H.
website, each of the five girls has a page with a bulletin
board that provides information about them. Among other things,
each board contains a sign announcing that person's astrological
sign.
Disney claims 50 fan websites have begun in
response to the "W.I.T.C.H. phenomenon," and that a
major consumer-products campaign is under way to respond to "tweens
… clamoring for more W.I.T.C.H."
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EuroDisney gets more time for financial deal
French theme park operator Euro Disney has obtained additional
time from its lenders and main stockholder the Walt Disney Co.
to finalise financial restructuring negotiations, it said on
Friday.
It said in a statement that it would be unable to meet all of
its debt obligations if no agreement or memorandum of
understanding with the lenders was reached by June 30.
Under the extended deal, its lenders had agreed to forgo
until May 31, their rights with respect to some financial
covenants and other obligations, including some security deposit
requirements, it said in the statement.
"The purpose of the new extension, the first stage of
which is valid through June 8, 2004, is to allow the primary
negotiating parties time to finalise a memorandum of
understanding for the resolution of the company's financial
situation," it said.
If a memorandum was reached no later than June 8, a second
stage of the waiver agreement along with other proposed
concessions, including deferral of the maturity of a credit line
from TWDC, would run through June 30 to allow for approval of
the memorandum by all the lenders, it said.
Euro Disney CEO Andre Lacroix said in the statement that an
agreement was close and he hoped to release details in the
near-term.
Euro Disney has been keeping afloat thanks to temporary
waivers from its banks on a debt pile bigger than its
shareholder capital, but has to renegotiate its borrowings in
what would amount to its second restructuring in a decade.
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Weinsteins buy "Fahrenheit 9/11" from Disney
Miramax film studio founders Harvey and Bob Weinstein have
personally acquired rights to Michael Moore's documentary
"Fahrenheit 9/11" from Walt Disney Co. after Disney,
which owns Miramax, declined to distribute it, Disney said on
Friday.
Miramax had funded the film but Disney said it was too
politically charged for the family-friendly company.
After more than a week of talks, the Weinsteins have bought
rights to the film, estimated to have cost about $6 million, and
will arrange for its theatrical and home video distribution.
The film won the Palme d'Or, the highest award of the Cannes
film festival this month, but plans for a U.S. theatrical
release had been held up while Disney and the Weinstein's
negotiated.
Moore, who criticizes U.S. President George W. Bush and the
war on Iraq in the film, said on May 5 that Disney had refused
to distribute the picture.
Disney said that it had made its decision a year earlier and
accused Moore of conducting a publicity stunt.
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At Walt Disney World
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FOR parents whose taste runs more to South Beach than Blizzard
Beach, there's probably no more frightening prospect than the
seemingly obligatory "but everyone else has been" visit
to Walt Disney World. But take heart. Though most of the 14
million people who come through Disney's Orlando, Fla., megaresort
each year spend at least three days, you can cram a visit into a
(relatively) painless long weekend. Not cheaply, however; Disney
World is a place where time really is money, and doing speed
Disney requires staying at one of the "on-campus"
resorts, buying length-of-stay passes and renting a car. Expect to
make liberal use of the Fastpass kiosks (the system, which is
available on many of the most-popular rides and shows, gives you
an assigned window of time in which to ride without waiting in
line). And forget seeing it all. This itinerary, tailored to the
tastes of a 5-year-old boy, takes in just three of the parks —
the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and the Animal Kingdom — and skips many
minor attractions. But, do you really want to see the Country Bear
Jamboree?
Friday
4 p.m.
1) Backdoor to the Future
Your hotel room at a Disney resort comes with a
parking pass. Make good use of it by driving to the Beach Club
Resort. Then it's just a five-minute walk through Epcot's
backdoor, the International Gateway, to the heart of the park. In
the northeast corner of the Future World section are two of
Disney's most popular thrill rides: Test Track and Mission: Space.
Depending on which attraction still has Fastpasses (by 4:20 on a
recent Friday afternoon the ones for Test Track were gone, while
Mission: Space had slots starting at about 7), get a Fastpass for
one and get in line for the other. Either way, expect to wait more
than an hour for a five-minute ride. At Test Track, where you're
supposedly testing out a new model for G.M., you'll spend most of
that time listening to head-banging assembly-line percussion
punctuated by a near constant whoosh! from overhead — which will
soon be you, roaring around the steeply banked outdoor curve of
the track in your test car, screaming with joy.
6 p.m.
2) What's Cooler Than Cool?
To kill some time before your Fastpass comes up,
head across the Epcot plaza to the Imagination building. Each of
Disney World's parks has its own 3-D show, and Epcot's "Honey
I Shrunk the Audience," with Rick Moranis reprising his movie
role as the inept inventor Wayne Szalinski, is fairly mild (though
you'll want to watch out for the sneezing dog). On your way to
"Honey," make a quick detour through Ice Station Cool, a
lumpish igloo near the Innoventions West building. Inside is an
unexpectedly child-pleasing walk-in fridge with free samples of
Coca-Cola brands from around the world, including VegitaBeta from
Japan, Krest ginger ale from Mozambique and the acutely medicinal
Lychee Mello from Thailand. On your way out of "Honey"
make time for the dancing fountains nearby. And when you finally
do get on Mission: Space, heed the advice of a father dropping his
sons off for their second ride: "Look straight ahead and
don't shut your eyes."
8 p.m.
3) Fill Up and Wind Down
The tacos al carbon ($6.99) and combo platters
(a chicken taco, a beef burrito and a quesadilla; $7.49) are only
passable at the Cantina de San Angel, but a bracing frozen
margarita ($7.25) should help clear the space whirl in your head.
After dinner at one of the Cantina's outdoor tables, get another
margarita to sip as you stroll back toward the International
Gateway bridge, a perfect spot for taking in the 12-minute
IllumiNations spectacular that lights up the sky with lasers,
fireworks and a giant floating globe. Even better, as soon as
Kellie Coffey stops singing "We Go On," you can scoot
back to your car and be home within minutes, while everyone else
is still waiting for the parking lot tram.
Saturday
8 a.m.
4) Glass-Slipper Special
If you think getting a reservation at Chez
Panisse is hard, you haven't tried breakfast at Cinderella's Royal
Table in the Magic Kingdom, the holy grail of character breakfasts
(call exactly 90 days in advance at 7 a.m. Eastern time, credit
card in hand; spots are usually gone by 7:15). Easier to land is a
priority seating at the Crystal Palace restaurant, below, also in
the Magic
Kingdom, where Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore and
friends make the rounds of the tables. (If it's princesses or bust
in your household, try the Princess Storybook Breakfast at
Restaurant Akershus in Epcot's Norwegian castle.) The extensive
buffets run from the staggering breakfast lasagne (a concoction
involving pancakes, waffles, pound cake, pastry cream and fruit)
to granola and yogurt; Mickey-shaped pancakes are cooked to order
(children, $8.99; adults, $16.99). Book for as close to 8 o'clock
as possible. You need to be at "rope drop" — the
park's official opening — by 9.
9 a.m.
5) Head for the Mountain
On top of many Disney must lists is Space
Mountain, a rocket ride in the dark filled with quick turns and
unexpected drops. If you're game, cut across Main Street U.S.A.
toward Tomorrowland, above, and join the crowd waiting for the
rope-drop stampede. Then send one of your group to Space Mountain
to get Fastpasses while the rest of you get in line for Buzz
Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. This ride-through arcade game —
you're helping Buzz fight the evil emperor Zurg — is far more
fun than it ought to be for anyone over 6. By the time you can get
on Space Mountain, you'll have been able to ride Buzz twice, not
to mention take a spin on the Astro Orbiter and maybe even the
Indy Speedway.
10:30 a.m.
6) Twin Peaks
Remember, your children won't know what they're
missing if you don't tell them. So avoid Mickey's Toontown Fair
and cut back across Main Street to Frontierland, where two more
mountains beckon: The Old West-themed roller coaster Big Thunder
Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain, above, a water flume ride
with a Br'er Rabbit storyline and one big, wet drop. They're right
next to each other, so Fastpass one and get in line for the other.
Noon
7) Hunny Pots and Teacups
By this point you've done the Magic Kingdom's
major thrill rides, so head over to the tamer attractions of
Fantasyland, including old favorites like the spinning teacups of
the Mad Tea Party, Cinderella's elegant Golden Carrousel and the
singing dolls of "it's a small world," if you must. One
of the mysteries of childhood is just how enthralling these can be
for the same child who loved Mission: Space. Fastpass what you can
— Peter Pan's Flight, "Mickey's PhilharMagic" (the
Kingdom's 3-D show featuring the mouse as maestro) and the Many
Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (you ride a hunny pot past scenes
from the Pooh movies) and wait where you have to.
2 p.m.
8) In the Swim
The line for Dumbo is more than an hour, the
people behind you are eating Vienna sausages straight from the can
and your son won't stop harping on the toy Zurg you refused to buy
hours ago. It's time for a break. Depending on where you're
staying, take a boat or the monorail, below, back to your hotel
for some time by the pool. At the Wilderness Lodge, the Silver
Creek Springs
Pool can become noisy and crowded, but its
spouting geyser, twisting water slide and pair of spas make up for
the crowds.
5:30 p.m.
9) Flying With Elephants
The Florida sun and toddler meltdowns will have
thinned the crowd a bit, making another sortie through the Magic
Kingdom seem less daunting. If you can, get into Pirates of the
Caribbean or the Magic Carpets of Aladdin in Adventureland, or,
failing that, grab a Fastpass to ride one of the doom buggies in
the Haunted Mansion. While you're waiting for your time slot, give
in and get in line for Dumbo: A late afternoon spin in the flying
elephants, with sunlight glinting
off the medieval roofs of Fantasyland and a view
of the ducks paddling in Ariel's Lagoon, is a lovely way to end
your day.
8:30 p.m.
10) Cafe Societyland
No one will blame you — really — if you park
your children at the kids club and sneak out for an adult dinner.
On the top floor of the Contemporary Resort, the California Grill
is the Disney version of a hip Los Angeles restaurant, complete
with a sushi bar, a "market-inspired" menu and an
extensive list of California wines, many offered by the glass.
It's all as ersatz as everything else at Disney, and you don't
usually find children sleeping in strollers at Matsuhisa. What's
not fake is the view of the Magic Kingdom, making this spot a
major draw for the 9 p.m. fireworks display. The sushi appetizer
of yellowfin tuna three ways (poki, tartar and tataki) is an
intriguing combination of tastes ($18.75), and the halibut steamed
in a banana leaf is moist ($28), though the molten chocolate cake
wasn't the least bit lava-like. But with a glass of Mer Soleil
chardonnay ($19.75; a bottle is $79) in hand, and light filling
the sky over Cinderella's Castle, do you really care?
Sunday
9 a.m.
11) Good Morning, Hippo
Many critics complain that there's not enough to do at Disney's
newest park, the Animal Kingdom, but that means you can squeeze it
into Sunday morning. Arrive a little before the gates open at 9
(the Rainforest Cafe by the front gate starts serving at 8:30),
then head straight to the park's biggest attraction: Kilimanjaro
Safaris, the Disney version of a trip to the East African savanna,
featuring a drive-through photo safari with a tacked-on story line
(you're supposedly chasing some poachers). Tune out the plot and
concentrate on the up-close views of giraffes, lions, crocodiles
and hippos in extraordinarily realistic habitats.
10:30 a.m.
12) Switch Continents
For even more intimate views of animals, head to
the park's Asia section and the Maharajah Jungle Trek, which winds
through what Disney calls the Anandapur Royal Forest. The main
attraction is the group of Bengal tigers that lounge regally among
the picture-perfect ruins of a jungle palace (the giant fruit bats
and Komodo dragons are pretty neat, too). On your way out, check
out the Fastpass situation at the Kali River Rapids — by now,
the return times will probably be about 1 o'clock. Take one.
11 a.m.
13) Prehistoric Pleasures
Walk east out of Asia and over the bridge —
it's so new, it isn't even on Disney's maps yet — to DinoLand
U.S.A. On the way, you'll pass what's likely to be the park's next
big attraction, Expedition Everest, under construction. DinoLand
is a kitschy recreation of a summer carnival, complete with arcade
games. Ride the TriceraTop Spin (think Dumbo with dinosaurs) but
be forewarned: the animatronic Dinosaur ride is too intense for
some children. ("Mom, are we going to do that again?"
asked one 5-year-old nervously on the way out.) Much gentler is
the Boneyard, a themed playground where children can climb, slide
or dig for dinosaur bones in a giant sand pit, while parents relax
and listen to cleverly chosen dino rock, from "I'm a Little
Dinosaur" by Jonathan Richman to "Alley-Oop" by the
Hollywood Argyles.
Noon
14) Lunch in the Shade
On your way to lunch snag a Fastpass for the
"It's Tough to Be a Bug" 3-D show, which has Flik and
Hopper from "A Bug's Life" doing battle (a little too
fiercely for some children). Depending on the time, you may be
able to fit it in just after lunch. Then grab a table on one of
the patios behind the Flame Tree Barbecue. While the food —
pulled-pork sandwiches ($6.79), grilled chicken salads ($6.99),
barbecued ribs ($8.49) — doesn't quite live up to the smells
wafting through the park, the cool, leaf-dappled shade is welcome.
1 p.m.
15) Take the Plunge
The people donning plastic garbage bags should
be your first hint: On Kali River Rapids you will get wet. This
faux whitewater rapids ride (you're floating in a 12-person rubber
raft) takes you past artfully decaying temple ruins and spouting
fountains and through a clearing where voracious loggers have
devastated the scenery (the ubiquitous Disney plot working
overtime). Depending on where you are sitting, when you tip over
the edge of Kali's big cataract, brace yourself for a deluge. You
can change in the car.
Visiting Disneyworld
Orlando International Airport is 20 miles from
Walt Disney World. You'll need to rent a car. From the airport
take the south exit to Route 417S to the Osceola Parkway West
(Exit 3) to the Walt Disney World exits.
Doing Disney World quickly means staying at one
of the so-called on-campus resorts that have easy access to the
Magic Kingdom. The Victorian-style Grand Floridian is perhaps the
most luxurious of Disney's hotels, and it looks across the Seven
Seas Lagoon to the Magic Kingdom (reachable by monorail or boat).
Its 867 rooms are $339 to $840 a night.
The Wilderness Lodge, above, was built to
resemble the great national park lodges of the American West, with
added Disney touches like an artificial geyser and a bubbling hot
spring. The rooms, $199 to $475, tend to be small. Boat service to
the Magic Kingdom starts a half hour before the park opens, before
then, take the boat to the Contemporary Resort and walk to the
park.
Farther away, but also a boat ride from the
Magic Kingdom is the Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground,
which has 784 campsites (from $36 to $86 a night) as well as 409
air-conditioned cabins that sleep up to six people ($229 to $329).
There's a nightly campfire and marshmallow roast with Disney
characters, as well as a Disney movie shown outdoors.
Length-of-stay tickets give you unlimited access
to the parks from the time of check-in through the day of
check-out (you have to stay at a Disney resort). Two-night,
three-day passes are $161 each for those 10 and over; $129 each
for children aged 3 to 9.
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ABC network to broadcast names of troops killed in war on terror
The ABC television network was set to broadcast on its
"Nightline" news magazine the names of 122 soldiers
killed in the war on terror, following a similar roll call for
Iraqi war dead a month ago.
Veteran ABC anchorman Ted Koppel will read the names of 122
service men and women who died while serving in Afghanistan and
around the world in "Operation Enduring Freedom."
The programme will mirror a broadcast on April 30 when Koppel
and the network generated some controversy by reading the names
of more than 500 troops killed in Iraq with photos of each of
the dead men and women on screen.
"We felt strongly about paying a similar tribute to the
service men and women who have died in our names fighting the
War on Terror," said "Nightline" executive
producer Leroy Sievers.
Last month's tribute was rejected by a number of ABC
affiliates across the United States, including seven owned by
the Sinclair Broadcast Group which said the show was motivated
by a "political agenda" designed to undermine US
efforts in Iraq.
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New Disney resort offers splash of Saratoga
More than two years of
planning, designing and building officially came to life at 8:30
a.m. Thursday with the sound of buglers' horns and a splash of
Saratoga spring water.
Saratoga Springs Mayor Michael Lenz, arriving in a horse-drawn
carriage with Mickey Mouse and followed by six jockeys and horses,
helped introduce Walt Disney World's newest resort -- Disney's
Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.
Under a bright blue, cloudless sky, Lenz poured a pitcher of
spring water into the resort's pool, which is fashioned after and
inspired by the springs in Saratoga Spa State Park, to bring
together the real city and its Disney counterpart.
'They've really captured the Victorian era,' Lenz said of the
resort.
'Saratoga Springs is not just another resort -- it's a living
postcard of a time gone by,' said Al Weiss, Walt Disney World
Resort president.
The day's festivities were like the Spa City's Victorian
Streetwalk, with musicians, food and men and women dressed in
Victorian garb. The only difference, of course, was that
Thursday's temperatures soared into the 90s.
Despite the searing heat, hundreds of Disney Vacation Club members
descended upon the new resort to get a taste of what Saratoga
Springs is all about.
They enjoyed a private concert by Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel
from 'The Little Mermaid,' and a repeat performance of Lenz's
opening ceremony. This time, with the resort as his backdrop, he
poured spring water into a bowl, which set off fireworks and
geysers in the lake behind him. Lenz then moved on to be the grand
marshal of the Founder's Day parade.
There were many familiar faces at the grand opening, including
City Council members Tom McTygue and Stephen Towne and Saratoga
Sweets President Michael Fitzgerald, who was handing out samples
of his Peppermint Pigs.
Fitzgerald said a Disney executive happened upon a Food Network
program where the Peppermint Pigs were featured and called
Saratoga Sweets to offer Fitzgerald the opportunity to sell his
product at the resort.
'I was a little concerned about the summer aspect,' Fitzgerald
said about selling the pigs, which are normally only available
around the holidays. But after some thought, he decided to do it.
'I'm honored to be a part of it,' he said.
Other tastes of home for sale at the resort include Sundaes Best
fudge sauce, Saratoga Salsa and Saratoga Water.
'(Disney) certainly didn't have to reach out to any of us, but
they did,' Fitzgerald said.
In addition to the officials on hand, there were some local and
area residents checking out the resort. Stacy and Jeff Jennings of
Clifton Park were touring the resort with their 9-year-old son,
Nicholas, and Nicholas' grandparents, Mary Ann and Fred Conley,
also of Clifton Park.
'I love the rooms,' Stacy said. 'You really feel like you've gone
back in time.'
'They captured a lot of the architecture of Saratoga,' Fred said.
'They did a good job.'
Lenz and McTygue echoed the sentiments about the architecture.
'They've done a really good job of capturing the rooflines and
columns,' Lenz said.
'You can see some of the architecture,' McTygue said. 'But there's
nothing like home, nothing like Saratoga.'
Disney's also announced that resort membership
sales were so brisk that plans have been put forward to expand the
property by another 276 units
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You won't Believe why they're changing the fireworks!
Why is the fireworks show being changed? I've heard
everything from the believable 'to keep people off the
castle while it's being rehabbed' to the ridiculous 'they're
putting on a really, really bad show called 'Imagine'
so no one will notice that 'Remember' isn't as good as
'Believe'' I schwear the schwear, I am not kidding.
It's on the MouseInfo.com boards. Hi Michael!
While the castle construction is being presented to me as solid,
here's another interesting bit of evidence sent along by Amos:
California Bill ab 826 will greatly lessen the amount of
perchlorate used in the state.
Yeah? So?
Fireworks are made from perchlorates. It's the thing that
makes them go boom. This explanation's a
little dry, but you learn that pre-'Imagine' fireworks consisted
of about 67% potassium perchlorate - so you might expect to
see fewer fireworks displays in California until everyone's
able to get their hands on lower-perchlorate ones.
What's so bad about perchlorate? Larry Ladd's Perchlorate
Information Page gets a bit scary in parts, but it's a
fascinating read: http://www.perchlorate.org/
Not everyone, however, thinks that there's any harm in
perchlorate:
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The Magic of Disney Fine Art Show
The Magic of Disney Fine Art Show Celebrating Nostalgia in
Animation, July 24-August 29, 2004, at Hands of Time Art
Gallery, Historic Savage Mill, Savage, Maryland -- Classic
Heroes, Heroines, Princesses, Villains from Disney Studios
Artists, Animators, and Others
“a natural” for an art gallery called “Hands of Time”: A
show celebrating a parade of beloved characters from Disney
classic films through the years. Original framed art and
personally signed limited editions on canvas by legendary
artists from Walt Disney Studios and others will “magically”
appear at the Hands of Time Art Gallery in Historic Savage Mill
for an exclusive exhibition and show July 24 through August 29,
2004.
In scenes from a multitude of Disney classic films and in pop
art portraiture, among the stars of this show are: Mary Poppins,
Bambi, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Sleeping
Beauty, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Snow White, Lady & the
Tramp, and a cast of characters from animation features such as
Jungle Book, Beauty & the Beast, and 101 Dalmatians.
According to Robert Capone, Gallery Director, 'Interestingly,
'villains' have been the most popular character among our
customers, so there was no question we would select renowned
Disney villain artist Mike Kupka’s work and host him in the
Gallery for our meet-the-artist reception to open the Disney
Show.' Kupka will be in the Gallery on July 24-25 for a
meet-the-artist reception.
The art of illustration is multifaceted and requires extensive
training as well as artistic ability. This is apparent in
Kupka’s work, whose affinity for the darker characters in life
has developed into quite a “scary portfolio” of Disney
villains, including Captain Hook from Peter Pan, Cruella De Vil
from 101 Dalmatians, and the Wicked Queen from Snow White &
the Seven Dwarfs.
Kupka’s art reveals a great range of emotions in his dastardly
subjects, achieved through his skill with shadow, mood,
composition and color, whether it’s Captain Hook’s eyes
boring into you sizing you up, or Cruella dreaming about the
newest batch of puppies for her next fur coat. Kupka captures
the very essence of Hook: A pirate with a grudge, with an
arrogant smile and cold, dark lifeless eyes belying the true
nature of his character. One thing is certain; you know the
characters Kupka renders are so “glad to be bad.” Art
Magazine names Kupka, 32, as one of the “25 Artists You Should
Know.”
Other artists’ work featured in the Disney Show include Peter
Ellenshaw and James Coleman. Among Ellenshaw’s first projects
upon arrival at the Disney Studio in the 1950s was to create a
conceptual rendering of something called “Disneyland”. His
work depicting an aerial view of the proposed park was used by
Walt Disney to help introduce television audiences and attract
financial backers to the new project. Ellenshaw won an Academy
Award in 1964 for his work in Mary Poppins.
A master of color, light and design in background painting,
design and styling, James Coleman, 55, has become one of the
most collected contemporary artists around the world. During his
22-year career with Walt Disney Studios, James styled and worked
on 12 feature films and over 30 short subjects which included
Winnie, the Pooh and Tigger, Too, The Little Mermaid, and
Academy Award-winning Beauty and the Beast. Coleman works in
oil, watercolor, gouache and pastel. His work is impressionistic
and luminous. In November 2004, Hands of Time Gallery will also
host a meet the artist reception with Coleman and a one-man show
of his work.
Collectibles Art Also Featured
Along with fine art, the recent surge in interest in animation
collectibles results from a wave of nostalgia for the memorable
characters and stories which are part of our collective
childhood memories of the animated cartoon. Animation characters
are also expressed in three dimensional mediums, or
“collectibles art”. Hands of Time Clocks & Collectibles,
also in Savage Mill, has represented lines of Disney
collectibles art, and many others, for most of our 18 years in
the Mill, including figurines and sculpture in glass, crystal,
and porcelain, along with framed original animation cels.
It’s easy to explain the fascination with these collectibles,
particularly with Disney magic touching almost everyone’s
life. There seems to be a universal urge to acquire and admire.
And speaking to the fascination with villains and antagonists,
earlier this year, Hands of Time hosted a “Leading Ladies
Series” special event from Disney Classics. A show favorite
was a limited edition figurine of vampy “Jessica” from the
feature film Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Jessica’s signature is
quite apropos -- “I’m not bad, I’m just drawn that way.”
The magic continues with events and shows through November,
beginning with the Annual Collectors Fair at Hands of Time on
August 28 featuring a Disney artist in attendance. Then, in
September the Gallery reprises an exhibition and reception with
Cuban-American artist 'Orlando Raphael Quevedo”.
Known professionally as “Orlando,” he is a proponent of the
'Magical Realism' style, expressed in original oil paintings and
limited edition giclees. He creates a delicate yet vibrant
combination of colorful architectural interiors gently mixed
with illusion.
Orlando's canvasses are widely collected not only for their
striking interior subjects but also for their remarkable and
unusual depiction of memorable works of master artists. A
typical Orlando painting may include three or more
representations of works by renowned artists such as Picasso,
Chagall, Monet, Miro, Van Gogh, and Rembrandt. His Cuban
heritage and past are evident in his choices of colors and their
intensities and combinations, and the vibrancy of his painting
style. Orlando’s work often contains a theme of windows, doors
or other portals which look out upon the sea, reflective of his
nostalgia for his former island home.
2004 Events & Shows at Hands of Time
Disney Show -- Opening Weekend July 24-25 (Meet artist Mike
Kupka Sat. 1-8 PM, Sun. 12-4 PM)
Show continues until August 29.
Annual Collectors Fair -- August 28
Art Exhibition & Meet-the-Artist Receptions
Orlando -- September 18-19
Max Hayslette -- October 9-10
James Coleman -- November 6-7
Hands of Time Art Gallery and Hands of Time Clocks &
Collectibles are both located in Historic Savage Mill, 8600
Foundry Street, Savage, MD 20763. Robert Capone is the Gallery
Director and owner of both, and has been in the business of art
and collectibles for more than 25 years.
Collections from the art gallery have been featured on Maryland
Public Television’s “ArtWorks This Week” program. For the
calendar of events, online previews, and more information, visit
www.handsoftimeart.com
or call 1-800-773-8463. Robert Capone can be reached at handsoftimeart@aol.com.
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Thursday May
27, 2004
________________________________________________________________
Disney resort debuts today
Firm to
unveil economic report
Walt Disney World
officials today plan to unveil Disney's newest Orlando-area
resort, the Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, while outlining the
company's future growth strategy in its parks and resorts segment.
Top
Disney executives plan to release a 2004 world economic-impact
report, showing the economic benefits of the entertainment
company's various operations.
Scheduled
to make comments at today's event are Walt Disney Parks &
Resorts President Jay Rasulo and Walt Disney World Resort
President Al Weiss.
Central
Florida is the home of Walt Disney World, one of the world's most
popular vacation destinations and major component of Florida's
tourism industry.
Tricia
Kearns, spokeswoman for the Orlando/Orange County Convention &
Visitors Bureau Inc., said she couldn't estimate how much a new
Disney resort might boost tourism in the area.
However,
she said a 2002 study put together by the visitors bureau showed
71 percent of domestic tourists to the Orlando area visited at
least one of the area's theme parks, including those operated by
Disney or its competitors.
Saratoga
Springs Resort and Spa is the fifth Disney Vacation Club to be
built at Walt Disney World. Disney announced plans for Saratoga
Springs Resort, which includes 184 vacation homes, more than two
years ago.
The
resort is themed in Victorian architecture with the historic
influence of horse racing.
The
lakeside community recaptures the heyday of upstate New York
country retreats in the late 1800s.
Downtown
Disney changes: In another development, visitors to Downtown
Disney now will be able to enter Pleasure Island for free after
dark.
In what
is expected to be a three-month test, the $21.84 admission fee
will be waived. However, if guests go into any of Pleasure
Island's eight nightclubs, they will be charged.
"This
is a test," said Rena Langley, a Disney spokeswoman.
"This kicked off on Sunday, where we're allowing guests to
walk into the Pleasure Island area without paying to enter."
Pleasure
Island separates Downtown Disney's Marketplace area from the West
Side.
"It
allows guests to walk from the Marketplace, which is the Downtown
Disney shopping district, to the west side of Downtown Disney,
where there are movie theatres, Cirque du Soleil and House of
Blues," Langley said. "This allows people to walk
through Pleasure Island."
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Animatronic Stitch for Walt Disney World
Here is a picture of Disney's
Animatronic Stitch that will be used at Tomorrowland in the Magic
Kingdom at Walt Disney World.
The attraction is currently under construction and Slated to be
open late 2004. Here you see a Disney Imagineer putting the
final touches on one of the Stitch animatronics.

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Moving Forward in the Wake of Disney Orlando Closure
Orlando animation professionals look ahead in the wake of
Disney’s January shutdown.
 |
 |
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The Good ‘Ole Days: Lilo
& Stitch and Mulan showed what Florida
had to offer. © Disney Enterprises Inc. All rights
reserved.
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The closure of Walt Disney Feature Animation’s Orlando, Florida,
operations on January 12, 2004 — and the associated layoff of
250 people — came as a shock to the central Florida animation
industry. Many former Disney employees subsequently have moved
from Orlando to seek jobs in California, Canada and even India,
some permanently and some leaving their families behind in the
hopes of returning. Others have left the animation business
altogether or are trying to survive as freelancers. Meanwhile, a
handful of former Disneyites have launched new studios, hiring a
few people initially and hoping to use additional animators on a
project basis.
Disney Orlando employees had
heard about the troubles at Disney’s worldwide feature animation
operations, including massive layoffs in California and at the
company’s Paris- and Canada-based studios. Closer to home, they
had taken pay cuts and seen smaller layoffs of Orlando workers.
But many believed that Orlando would be exempt from any large
upheaval because of its strong track record since it was
established in 1989.
Orlando had begun as a satellite
operation with between 50 and 100 animators, working on Roger
Rabbit shorts including Rollercoaster Rabbit. After
successfully completing portions of Beauty and the Beast,
among other feature projects, the studio built a reputation for
quality and was able to pitch Florida-developed projects, such as Mulan
and Lilo
& Stitch, to the studio. By 1998, the Orlando
animators, which numbered 400 at peak times, had their own
four-story building and seemed to be going from success to
success.
It was this history that made
the closure so surprising. At a minimum, animators thought they
had until the completion of A Few Good Ghosts (a.k.a. My
Peoples), at least a year away, before any significant cuts
would occur. Even then, the generally accepted worst-case scenario
was that Disney Orlando would be reduced to a satellite capacity
of 40 to 50 people, like it had been in the early days. Virtually
no one thought the studio would be shuttered completely.
The biggest shock came a month
prior to the closure, when Disney announced it was ending
production on A Few Good Ghosts. While the company cited
creative problems as the reason, Orlando animators point out that
other films, like The Emperor’s New Groove, had faced
more significant challenges but the studio had invested what was
needed to overcome the difficulties and finish the film. The new
regime at feature animation, however, with David Stainton
replacing Tom Schumacher as the division’s president, supported
an altered strategy, animators say.
The stoppage of A Few Good
Ghosts came without warning. “That was upsetting and
disheartening,” said Tom Bancroft, a former Disney and Big Idea
animator and now a partner in Funnypages Productions, which is
relocating from Orlando to Franklin, Tennessee.
After production on A Few
Good Ghosts ended, the studio took a month to ponder the
future of Orlando. When the decision finally came, “it was a
surprise and it wasn’t a surprise,” said Rob Corley,
Bancroft’s partner at Funnypages, who was working on My
Peoples/A Few Good Ghosts. “Many people were
expecting that after My Peoples, that would be it.”
“It’s a culture shock,”
says Jeffrey Varab, founder of Genesis Orlando, a nearly
four-year-old 3D studio that has hired and trained some former
Disney employees. “There’s sort of a pseudo-security when
you’re at a studio.” He notes that while there are always ups
and downs in animation, people who joined the industry within the
last 10 years caught a rising wave and are adjusting to the new
realities of the marketplace.
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Florida
animators found it frustrating when Disney wouldn’t rise
to overcome creative problems with A Few Good Ghosts
as it had for Emperor’s New Groove. © Walt
Disney Pictures. All rights reserved.
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New Directions
Disney kept staffers on salary for three months after the closing,
opening up the editorial department and archives so employees
could update their reels, and selling equipment ranging from desks
to LunchBox systems (for pencil tests) to animators at a
significant discount. Recruiters from studios such as Pixar, ILM,
DreamWorks and CORE Animation of Canada immediately came to
Orlando. “It was like buying a Disney animator cheap,” said
Bancroft.
“A Disney-seasoned veteran is
a pretty prime opportunity for a studio,” says Corley. “It’s
not just about the talent and the classical training, but about a
professional production mentality.”
“A lot of people are leaving,
which is sad,” Corley continues, adding that many of those who
have decided to stay in Florida for personal reasons are finding
jobs outside animation. Clean-up artists, in particula | |