Monday, May 30, 2011

Disneyland Announces Summer Deal for Southern California Residents

Photo ©Disney
 Disneyland has announced their summer pass deal for residents of Southern California. The summer pass for 2011 includes 3 days with 1 park per day for $139. For the parkhopper pass, it costs $154 for 3 days. The pass goes on sale June 3rd and is good through September 3rd. Last year's prices for the summer pass was $109 for the 3 day, one park per day ticket and $129 for the 3 day park hopper pass. Check back to this page for more information about black out dates.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Star Tours 2 and The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure Soft open at Disneyland

The inside of The Little Mermaid attraction. Photo via MouseWait.
  This past week, Star Tours 2 and The Little Mermaid attractions have been soft opening to the public at both parks. Star Tours 2 has been soft opening with Fastpass available in between Cast Member and Annual Passholder previews. The Little Mermaid also has been soft opening after Cast Member previews concluded. Annual Passholder previews happen next week and you only need to show your AP card to get in. Since these are soft openings, Cast Members can close off the attraction and clear out the line at all time. To find out up to the date information on soft openings for both attractions visit MouseWait. The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure and Star Tours 2 both officially open on Friday, June 3. Check back to find out more information about the opening ceremonies for both rides.


D23 Expo 2011 Info (Updated)


  This August, D23 will be holding the 2nd D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center. The Mouse's Report will be there to cover every part of the D23 Expo 2011. The coverage will take place in the D23 Expo 2011 Coverage page right next to the Shanghai Disneyland Coverage page. If you don't see the page now don't worry, it will be up by the end of July. Be sure to keep checking back to this page as more information is released.

Dates:
August 19-21, 2011

Travel:
  Many hotels have raised their prices for the D23 Expo this year. Visit Nohea Travel for special deals on airfare, hotels, and cars. Nohea Travel will take care of all of your travel needs especially if you need to travel to the D23 Expo this year.  Nohea Travel is the official Travel Agent for The Mouse's Report.


Schedule: 
As of July 16, 2011.
Friday:
11:00 a.m. -
12:30 p.m.

2011 DISNEY LEGENDS CEREMONY

D23 Expo kicks off the first day by honoring the latest recipients in Disney's 24-year tradition.
Arena
3:30 p.m. -
5:00 p.m.

WALT DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS

Glimpse into some of the exciting projects currently underway at Disney's parks and resorts.
Arena
6:00 p.m. -
7:30 p.m.

ULTIMATE DISNEY TRIVIA TOURNAMENT

One very knowledgeable individual will be crowned Ultimate Disney Trivia Champion.

Stage 23
Saturday:
11:00 a.m. -
12:30 p.m.

THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS

Exclusive video clips, live performances, filmmaker discussions, star appearances and more!
Arena
6:00 p.m. -
7:30 p.m.

THE LION KING 3D

Get an exclusive advance screening of the Disney Digital 3D version of The Lion King.
Arena
7:30 p.m. -
9:30 p.m.

D23 EXPO LIVE AUCTION

Bid on unique experiences, tours, artwork, props, and one-of-a-kind Disney treasures.
Stage 23

Sunday:
10:00 a.m. -
11:30 a.m.

MARVEL COMICS

Hear about the evolution of Marvel, beginning with its first comic book in 1939.
Arena
2:30 p.m. -
4:00 p.m.

DISNEY CHANNEL

A spectacular live performance, featuring stars of Disney Channel's hit series Shake It Up.
Arena



Events (Updated)
Disney Legends Ceremony 2011: 
 A ceremony that recognizes the men and women that have made contributions to the Disney legacy.

An exclusive advance screening of The Lion King in Disney Digital 3D:
  Fans attending Disney's D23 Expo will have access to an exclusive advance screening ofThe Lion King in Disney Digital 3D, ahead of the film's highly anticipated theatrical and home entertainment releases, The Walt Disney Studios announced today. The screening will be held August 20 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.

The Walt Disney Studios will give fans a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse at the exciting roster of project on the horizon. From exclusive video clips and live performances to filmmaker discussions and star appearances, audiences will be treated to an up-close look at select movies from the Studio's upcoming film slate.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will be showcasing its "great big beautiful tomorrow" with a sneak peek at imaginative new experiences in the works for Disney Parks around the world, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures By Disney and Disney Vacation Club.

D23 Expo Live Auction:
 Tickets went on sale on June 20, 2011 for $45 each and contains admission to the live and silent auctions at the D23 Expo, 1 D23 Expo Auction Catalog, 1 D23 Expo Auction Paddle, and 1 D23 Expo Auction Pin. For tickets while they last click here: http://bit.ly/kZv6ow

Ultimate Disney Trivia Tournament Presented by Hasbro Trivial Pursuit: Disney for All Edition (Updated):
 An exciting new addition to D23 Expo 2011. The eccentric, professorial quack-meister Ludwig Von Drake will preside over the festivities as competitors demonstrate their deep knowledge of all things Disney, including park attractions and shows and parades, past and present; films and TV shows through the years; consumer products, games, company history and, of course, Walt and his family. No corner of Disney's magical kingdom will be left unexplored in this quest to find that uniquely talented individual who knows more about Disney than anyone else. Trials for the Tournament will take place on Thursday, August 18 at the Convention Center, the day before the Expo opens.

Venues:
D23 Arena: 
  The D23 Arena is the main stage for some of the most high-profile, not-to-be-missed events taking place at the D23 Expo. In this 4,000-seat venue, an exciting program of presentations will take you behind the magic and into the imaginations of many of Disney's most prestigious executives, musicians, artists, entertainers, and more. This is also where thousands will gather to honor the newly named Disney Legends and see who will be crowned king or queen of The Ultimate Disney Trivia Tournament.

Storyteller's Theater: 
  From Disney Theme Parks to films, the Storytellers Theater is where you'll meet the men and women who pen those beloved Disney tales. You'll hear about upcoming projects, get glimpses behind the scenes and experience firsthand how Imagineers, cast members and artists bring Disney's greatest stories to life every day. Storyteller's Theater has been removed from the D23 Expo 2011. It has been replaced with Stage 28 as seen below.

Stage 28: 
  From Disney Theme Parks to films, Stage 28 is where you'll meet the men and women who pen those beloved Disney tales. You'll hear about upcoming projects, get glimpses behind the scenes and experience firsthand how Imagineers, cast members and artists bring Disney's greatest stories to life every day.

Stage 23: 
  Experience Disney as you've never before imagined it at Stage 23! In the spotlight will be an unprecedented schedule of seminars and presentations, which include luminaries from throughout the world of Disney. Whether you're curious to know more about what makes the magic at Disney or just want to hear about what's the next top toy, there will be something for fans of all ages at Stage 23.

Pavilions:
D23 Expo Dreams Store: 
  Prepare to shop 'til you drop! Step inside the D23 Expo Dream Store, which will be filled to the brim and bursting with D23-themed merchandise and other specialty items from Disney Theme Park Merchandise. From souvenirs and upscale logo assortments to Disney inspired art and collectibles, ear hats, pins, Vinylmation™ and more, it's a Disney enthusiast's "dream" come true.

Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives (Updated): 
(Update) D23 has announced that the archives will now be 12,000 square feet on the second floor of the expo and will include props from famous Disney movies such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Alice in Wonderland  
  
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts:
  Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will be showcasing its "great big beautiful tomorrow" with a sneak peek at imaginative new experiences in the works for Disney parks around the world, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures By Disney and Disney Vacation Club. 

Walt Disney Studios:
  Movies, music and more! The Walt Disney Studios will take D23 fans on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of some of the most anticipated theatrical releases of 2011 and beyond. Rock out with The Muppets, tour Mars with the natives and get animated with the Disney·Pixar gang. Be prepared! With the Studio steering the ship, you can almost always count on a few surprise stowaways.

Disney Living:
  Disney Living showcases the Disney lifestyle through the worlds of style, play, celebrations and more. From the crib to the runway, hot toys to cool electronics, birthdays to weddings, Disney Living is fun, fashionable and exciting. See close up the latest products, collections and guest experiences designed especially for Disney fans, and meet the artists, designers and innovators who bring them to life. You might even take some magic home with you!

Disney Channel:
  The magic of Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior will jump off the screen at this year's D23 Expo! Look for special appearances from many of your favorite stars from our biggest shows — and once-in-a-lifetime experiences sure to delight the whole family.

Radio Disney:
  Radio Disney invites you to join the party as we celebrate the ultimate Disney fan event with music, fun and games. Look for us at the D23 Expo each day for your chance to win special prizes and meet some of your favorite Radio Disney stars!

ABC:
  Join some of your favorite ABC stars for a sneak peek at the network's upcoming new shows plus a look at some of their current hits.

Disney Interactive Media Group:
  Come to the Disney Interactive Media Group pavilion to enjoy your favorite Disney stories and characters brought to life digitally though exciting interactive experiences on videogame consoles, mobile and online, as well as fun crafts and activities from the web.

Disney Corporate Citizenship:
  Visit the Corporate Citizenship pavilion to see how Disney champions the happiness and well being of kids and families around the world, from Friends for Change to Magic of Health Living. Participate as an "honorary" Disney VoluntEAR, take part in an environmental scavenger hunt or become an honorary D23 Green Team member!

Collectors Forum:
  A can't-miss opportunity for any Disney Fan is our elaborate Collectors Forum area. A broad range of colorful exhibitors will come together to form a dazzling display of Disney. Browse fine art collections, collectible pins and memorabilia and vintage Disney animation artwork and cels... whether you're looking for that hard-to-find Disneyana artifact or want to connect with other fans from Disney discussion boards and enthusiast groups, there's something for everyone to enjoy! Interested in being an exhibitor? 
Updated June 27: Here are the vendors that will be at D23 Expo 2011.

3D Studio Gallery
3D Studio Gallery features the exciting pop art of internationally renowned artist Charles Fazzino. Fazzino, best known for his whimsical, vibrant style and 3D technique, masterfully blends the characters of Walt Disney into his own fun and detailed compositions. Featured Artwork: The Great Disney Balloon Race.

AAA Travel
AAA Travel, with more than 1,000 offices in North America, offers exclusive benefits when you purchase a Disney vacation to Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resorts, an Adventures by Disney tour, or a Disney Cruise Line vacation. You can even save on Disney tickets at participating locations. Stop by and learn more!

Brian Rood Art
Brian Rood is a professional illustrator working throughout the entertainment industry. Brian is currently working on a unique fine art line for a wide variety of Disney titles, Star WarsStar TrekIndiana Jones,TarzanZorro, sports icon Mohammad Ali, and numerous other properties. Make sure you stop by the booth to see his new line of fine art prints and original artwork from your favorite films and animated classics!

Carol Lawrence Fine Art Galleries, Beverly Hills, CA
Carol Lawrence Fine Art Galleries has the animation cels you'll want to buy! These hand-painted cels, sericels, and drawings are signed by various original Disney animators, including Disney Legends Marc Davis, Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston, Ward Kimball, and more. At the D23 Expo, Carol Lawrence Fine Arts Galleries will include an exclusive offer: Purchase a piece of Disney art and receive one share of Walt Disney stock. Carol Lawrence also has the largest inventory of Disney posters and specialty pins.

CelMates, LLC
CelMates, LLC offers a unique collection of limited-edition and original Disney artwork, primarily Publisher's Proofs, Artist's Proofs, and Hors de Commerce editions. We also have Artist's Proof Walt Disney Classic Collection pieces and a variety of rare Disneyana memorabilia.

Choice Collectibles
Choice Collectibles is proud to present Disney fine art, featuring selected works by Disney Artists James Coleman and Lorelay Bove, and exclusive artist appearances by Trevor Carlton and Tim Rogerson.

Disneyana Fan Club
Disneyana Fan Club will have Paige O'Hara (Belle), Bill Farmer (Goofy), Margaret Kerry (Tinker Bell), and Susan Egan (Belle on Broadway) along with others to sign and sell photographs during the Expo. Check with our booth for appearance times and learn about joining our fun-filled club.

Garner Holt Productions, Inc.
Garner Holt Productions, Inc. (GHP), a leading manufacturer of animatronics for the themed entertainment industry, will premiere a new concept in consumer animatronics. They will also offer unique collectibles and apparel based on GHP's animatronic characters and technologies.

Gary's Collectibles
Gary's Collectibles will showcase a wide range of Disney collectibles from vintage to recent—including Halloween and Christmas-themed, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Sea, figurines, CDs, records, books, plates, pennants, banks, cups, mugs, games, Disneyland and Walt Disney World souvenirs, posters, paper items, Medicom Vinyl Dolls, and Nightmare Before Christmas items.

Gifts By Small Fry
Specializing in authentic autographs and collectibles, Gifts by Small Fry has Disney art, photos, and books signed by famous Disney personalities, plus much more. Stop by and meet special guests Margaret Kerry, Disney's original reference model for Tinker Bell, and Carolyn Carroll, wife of Eddie Carroll, the voice of Jiminy Cricket from 1973 to 2010.

Golden Image Jewelers
Golden Image Jewelers is a fine jewelry store in Southern California. We carry officially licensed Disney fine jewelry in sterling and 14k gold. Check out our earrings, necklaces, and customizable Disney character charm bracelets from Chamilia.

Hidden Mickey Novels
At Hidden Mickey Novels, take an E-Ticket ride through the world of adult-level novels. In Journey through Disneyland, Walt Disney's long lost diary is found, and friends embark on a wild cross-country quest seeking out his hidden treasure. Read an exciting adventure about journeys and exotic locations, face formidable foes, and traverse time—all to preserve Walt's legacy.

K1 Speed
K1 Speed is a revolution in indoor karting, with its award-winning centers, European-style racing, and professionally designed racetracks. Its emission-free electric karts are the best available. The 20-horsepower machines reach speeds of 40 mph, faster than gas karts and without the smog. At the K1 Speed Phoenix location, a large lobby area, meeting rooms, mezzanine, racing memorabilia, and exhilarating indoor-racing excitement for junior and adult racers alike make for the perfect venue!

MiceChat.com and MiceAge.com
Visit the folks behind MiceChat.com and MiceAge.com. They'll have tips on Disney vacation planning, prizes to win just for stopping by, as well as news on its new daily deals site, MiceDeals, which delivers one amazing deal every day for Anaheim and Orlando theme park and family travelers.

Mighty Fine
Mighty Fine produces an array of Disney-themed items—all of your favorites, from Pixar to Pirates to classic Mickey and friends—in kids through adult sizes, from standard tees to fashion apparel. It's Mighty Fine fun for the entire family!

Monster Mouse Collectables
Monster Mouse Collectable specializes in Disney theme park items from all of the parks around the world! Everything from press events, street signs, limited-edition artwork, cels, guide books, Haunted Mansion,Pirates, watches, ticket books, Imagineering, Club 33, framed art, posters, pins, buttons, and lots of paper goods!

MouseFanTravel.com/WDWRadio/Celebrations Magazine/Guide to the Magic! 
Discover podcasts, books, magazines, and everything you need to celebrate the magic anytime, anywhere. Stop by for giveaways, contests, and more! You might even win a trip to Walt Disney World!

Morehouse Collectibles
Morehouse Collectibles features Disney movie memorabilia, posters, press kits, lobby cards, movie stills, lithographs, framed artwork, postcards, pins, coins, watches, figurines, Tomart's Disneyana Updates, and more!

Morpheus Prototypes 3D Printing
Morpheus Prototypes LLC, based in Torrance, California, is one of the most successful independent 3D printing service bureaus in the world. Services include: Digital Sculpting, 3D Printing, Hand Painting, Molding, and Digital Scanning. Stop by the Morpheus booth to view examples of its 3D printing process.

Noah Fine Art—Official D23 Expo Dream Store Artist 
Be sure to stop by the Noah Fine Art booth, to meet Noah, this year's official artist of the D23 Expo 2011. Be sure to check out some of the newest releases from the Noah Fine Art collection including original and limited artwork, apparel, and more. Noah will be painting live, and meeting D23 and Disney fans.

NRB Relic
Artist/designer NRB Relic incorporates her comprehensive artistic experience to bring you one-of-a-kind Vinylmations. Get a glimpse at the most detailed collection of custom-painted Vinylmations, includingSurvive, which showcases the endangered big cats of Africa and India.

Orlando Attractions Magazine
Orlando Attractions Magazine covers all the theme parks in Florida through its magazine, website, newsletter, and weekly video show. Stop by to purchase back issues and get a special offer on a subscription. Follow us @Attractions on Twitter for the latest Disney World news. Also find them on Facebook and YouTube.

PinSurplus
Pinsurplus specializes in all collectibles Disney related with a focus on Pins and Vinylmations—from the inexpensive to the extremely rare and unusual. Check out thousands of pins from the past decade at great low prices, and stop by the booth to check out the great deals.

SACC Collectibles 
SACC Collectibles specializes in Disney limited-editions figurines, artwork, and hard-to-find pins, and vintage merchandise from Disneyland, including Olszewski, Lenox, Enesco, Royal Doulton, and many others.

Sanders Art Studio
Sanders Art Studio provides memories that hang on the wall for collectors around the world through the sale of exquisite offerings from the Disney Fine Art portfolio. In addition to being an official D23 discount partner, Sanders is also the official publisher of DreamWorks Animation Fine Art.

ThemeParkConnection.com
Buy, sell, and trade Disney items from all over the World. From props and signs, to one-of-a-kinds and anything in between, let ThemeParkConnection.com be your connection to your Disney collection. Visit us at our Orlando warehouse or on our website atwww.themeparkconnection.com to learn more.

United States Postal Service
Go home with an official D23 Expo Commemorative Postmark Cancellation. D23 Expo guests can ship their merchandise home during the D23 Expo daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The United States Postal Service will also debut the new First day of Issue Disney·Pixar Send a Hello stamps, available for purchase.

Vacation Field Guides
With Vacation Field Guides, you can discover theme parks like never before. Explore the Kid Tips travel series and curriculum-based Adventure field guides for kids by award-winning author Tracie Cook. Follow cryptic clues, decode hidden messages, solve challenging puzzles, and unlock exciting secrets. Stop by and submit your tip for her next book.

VanderStelt Studio
Jerry VanderStelt is a commercial illustrator that has worked in the Sci-Fi/Fantasy genre for the last 15 years, after beginning his career creating book jacket illustrations for major Sci-Fi/Fantasy publishers. Jerry has also been producing artwork for several well-known movie titles, such asStar WarsIndiana JonesStar Trek, and The Lord of the Rings.

Walt's Hometown Marceline, Missouri 
"To tell the truth, more things of importance happened to me in Marceline than have happened since or are likely to in the future," Walt Disney once said. Stop by and see why! Marceline, Missouri, the boyhood home of Walt Disney, offers unique memorabilia from its Walt Disney 100th Birthday Celebration.

Wonderful World of Animation
Don't miss a glimpse into the extensive archives of Wonderful World of Animation. View rare Kai Nielsen Fantasia concepts, signed Walt Peregoy concept backgrounds, and a vast array of original vintage production cels and drawings. Pick up complimentary copies of published articles on animation art, collected by owner Debbie Weiss.

PLEASE NOTE: The exhibitors in the Collectors Forum are not affiliated with The Walt Disney Company. Exhibitors' materials and their presence at the D23 Expo do not represent endorsement by The Walt Disney Company.

Disney Pin and Vinylmation:
  Disney Pin and Vinylmation Trading is a unique activity where guests of all ages can make friends and trade items from their personal collections. The D23 Expo welcomes new and seasoned traders to our massive Disney Pin Trading Area to meet traders from around the world.

Fan Art Gallery:
 Step into Disney's Fan Art Gallery and visit art created by you, the ultimate Disney fans! Finalists in the Disney Fan Art Contest will be honored with their work on display for the entire Expo. This year's contest honors the beloved animated film One Hundred and One Dalmatians, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Star Tours 2 Soft Opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios

What the Star Tours 2 Fastpass looks like. Photo from  @startours2live.
 
  Yesterday was the first day that Star Tours opened for the first day to the public due to a soft opening. There are no photos allowed inside but the ride is getting rave reviews from riders. Star Tours 2 officially opens on May 20. Here are some more photos from @startours2live.

Oh snap.

Look at outside of ride

Photos from @DatelineDisney


Star Tours: The Adventures Continue has soft opened at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida. A sneak peek at the queue
Inside the queue. 

A look at the 3D glasses for Star Tours: The Adventures Continue —
The 3D glasses for Star Tours 2.









Thursday, May 5, 2011

Disney Launches "Soundsational Summer" Campaign

Logo for Disneyland's summer campaign: Soundsational Summer. Photo ©Disney.
  Disney has launched their new summer campaign called "Soundsational Summer" has launched on their website. "Soundsational Summer" will run from June 3rd till September 5th. Last year's summer campaign was called "Summer Nighttastic"and focused on World of Color. The main focus of this year's campaign is the 3 new attractions that are opening, the new parade "Soundsational", and the many new restaurants that are opening at Disney California Adventure and the Disneyland Hotel. The special summer offer for Southern California has not been announced yet but check back to this page as it will be updated with more information as it comes out.