Disneyland's World Famous Dr. Lee!

New cell number:

2012-01-30T15:50:00.000-08:00

Ok,it was like this, I remember placing my cell phone on top of my car about 11p.m. last night as I was putting on my jacket. I drove home,about 15 miles, and when I arrived home,nothing??? Looking around and thru out my car and then saying to myself,"Dummy,Dummy" I contacted my cell phone carrier who gave me another phone complete with new number. 951-213-1820.

sorry about that...Dr Lee

New sounds come to Main Street, U.S.A.

2012-01-30T13:04:00.000-08:00

Hear anything different on Main Street, U.S.A.?? It's not your imaginanation. For the first time in 20 years, new music has been added to the iconic entrance music of Disneyland Park.

Though there have been many updates over the years, the last refresh of the musical score on Main Street, U.S.A. was back in 1992, when selections recorded for Disneyland Paris were brought back to Disneyland Park.

This time around over a dozen new tunes, arranged and recorded specifically for Main Street, U.S.A., will join many of the existing songs. Included in the new mix are such iconic period pieces as "Meet Me in St. Louis, Louis," "In the Good Old Summer Time," "Alexander's Ragtime Band," "Oh You Beautiful Doll," Scott Joplin's "Maple Leaf Rag," and a recent tune given a turn - of - the -last - century arrangement, Michael Giacchino's "Married Life" from Disney/Pixar's "UP."

Like walking down Main Street,U.S.A., so much to see and do...Dr Lee

Super Bowl 'connection' turns 25:

2012-01-30T12:50:00.000-08:00

On January 25, 1987, following the New York Giants Super Bowl XXI victory, quarterback Phil Simms became the first person to be featured in a commercial with the now-famous phrase," I'm going to Disneyland!!"

But how exactly did the marketing idea come about?

Michael Eisner, former CEO of The Walt Disney Company, credited his wife, Jane, with the campaign idea in his 1998 memoir, "Work in Progress." While at Disneyland Park for the Star Tours attraction grand opening in 1987, the couple dined with Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager, who in December 1986 had piloted the first aircraft to fly around the world without stopping or refueling. After such an adventure, Jane asked the couple what they could do next to possibly top the excitment of traveling around the world. They replied,"Well, we're going to Disneyland." Later, Jane remarked to Michael that the phrase would make a great advertising campaign.

Just a few weeks later, Disney launched the new commercial series. To date, more than 50 sports heroes, musicians- even Santa Claus- have shouted the famous slogan.

So who will be next to say the famous line? Find out Feb.5,2012, as the New York Giants take on the New England Patriots on Super Bowl Sunday.

I say New York by 7 will take Super Bowl Sunday...Dr Lee

Joe DiMaggio:

2012-01-26T16:39:00.000-08:00

Joe DiMaggio has a famous quote:

"I want to thank the good lord for making me a Yankee."

Years ago, while tending the bar at Club 33, Joe DiMaggio stop by my bar and I had a short chat with him. He was having lunch and was walking thru the Club to take it all in. Talking with Joe, I informed him that ever since I was a little kid ,I have and always will be a Yankee fan. He smiled and then told me his quote.
With baseball season just a few short weeks away,I thought this was a nice thing to blog about. Let me know in the comment section below who you like,what teams and so on.

play ball...Dr Lee

For those Guests who feel the need for speed:

2012-01-23T11:14:00.000-08:00

A ride of a Lifetime at Walt Disney World Resort's Disney Speedway.

She is a sleek, bright yellow 562 horsepower Lamborghini Gallardo - just one of the handful of "supercars" that Guests can drive as part of the new Exotic Driving Experience that is being offered by Petty Holdings at the speedway.

The Exotic Driving Experience offers the chance to drive a Ferrari 458 Italia, Porsche 997 S and Audi R8 in addition to two types of Lamborghinis, with more supercar models coming. Prices range between $199 - $389 for six laps depending on which model you choose.

a real bucket list kind of thing...Dr Lee

New Disney cruise ship, Fantasy, floated out in Germany:

2012-01-23T10:59:00.000-08:00

The Disney Cruise Line's newest ship, the Disney Fantasy, has taken to water for the first time.

The 2,500 - passenger vessel was floated out from a dry dock in Germany where it has been under construction for than a year - one of the last major milestones before its maiden voyage in March.

A sister to the much heralded Disney Dream, which debuted last year, the 130,000 - ton Disney Fantasy is arriving as Disney gears up for a major expansion that includes its first cruise out of New York, Seattle and Galveston, Texas.

The two new ships are Disney's first in more than a decade and together are more than doubling the line's capacity.

The Disney Fantasy will be similar but not identical to the Disney Dream. Last month, the line unveiled plans for a new show on the Fantasy called Wishes, and the ship also will have a new nighttime entertainment district for adults called Europa and an elaborate new dinner show.

Like the Disney Dream, the Disney Fantasy also will boast and innovative "water coaster" called AquaDuck that wraps around the pool deck and extensive childern's areas.

the Disney Dream, and Disney Dream are more than 50% larger than Disney's two pervious ships, the 14 year old Disney Magic and the 13 year old Disney Wonder.

Scheduled to sail on its maiden voyage on March 31,2012, the 1,250 cabin Disney Fantasy still must undergo several weeks of interior finishing work at Germany's Meyer Werft shipyard before it is delivered to Disney. The initial stages of a cruise ship's construction take place in a dry - dock facility,but once exterior outfitting is completed, final construction takes place in a wet dock.

The Disney fantasy will be placed in Port Canaveral, Fla., and operate alternating, seven - night sailing to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

With spring just a few weeks away ( ok,about 10 weeks,but still)let's consider a Disney cruise...Dr Lee

King Arthur Carrousel at Disneyland Park:

2012-01-20T11:08:00.000-08:00

Although King Arthur Carrousal made its Disneyland Resort debut when the park opened in 1955, its history goes back much futher. Just how old is the carrousel? Well, I shall give you some interesting facts!

A...Walt Disney bought the 1875 Dentzel carrousel for $22,000 from Sunnyside Park in Toronto, Canada.

B...Since Walt Disney wanted only jumping horses for his carrousel-not the other animals which were part of the deal - additional horses were added from another at Coney Island. Each horse on King Arthur Carrousel is a hand-carved antique.

C...About one in every five Disneyland Park Guests takes a spin on King Arthur Carrousel.

D...The King Arthur Carrousel horses are touched up daily, and every year each horse undergoes a complete refurbishment. More than 30 colors are used on the horses - no two of which are painted the same.

E...There are a total of 72 leaping horses on King Arthur Carrousel. Walt Disney himself insisted that all horses would be leaping, so some of the original horses were reconfigured to the proper pose.

Like this attraction...Dr lee

Other 2012 Disney highlights:

2012-01-20T10:44:00.000-08:00

WINTER...

1) Tinker Bell Half-Marathon. January 27-29, Disneyland Resort

SPRING...

1) "John Carter" debuts. The Walt Disney Studios

2) "Newsies" debuts on Broadway. Disney Theatrical Productions

3) Disney Fantasy maiden voyage. Disney Cruise Line

4) Chimpanzee premieres. Disneynature

5) "Avengers" premieres. The Walt Disney Studios

6) Disney's Art of Animation Resort opens. Walt Disney World Resort

SUMMER...

1) "Brave" premieres. Disney/Pixar

2) "Phineas and Ferb Summer of Teal." Disney/ABC Television Group

3) Toy Story Mania. Tokyo Disney Resort

4) Grizzly Gulch. Hong Kong Disneyland

Fall...

1) Fantasyland expansion

2) First Disney Baby Store opens at The Americana at Brand, Glendale, California. Disney Stores

3) Disney Epic Mickey 2 release. Disney Interactive Studios

4) Katie Couric talk show debuts. Disney ABC Television Group

5) Goofy's Paint 'n' Play House. Tokyo Disney Resort

I'm sure there is more,will let you know soon...Dr Lee

Whats new in 2012??:

2012-01-19T12:47:00.000-08:00

From a 24 - hour Leap Day celebration to a land that brings the world of "Cars" to life, the opportunities to create lasting memories at the Disneyland Resort will be seemingly endless in 2012. Here's a glimpse of some of the most exciting events, openings and enhancements to look forward to over the next 12 months.

WINTER...

One More Disney Day.
To celebrate the second year of "Let the Memories Begin," Guests will get One More Disney Day to make memories on Leap Day. The bicoastal celebration will have Disneyland Park in Anahiem and Magic Kingdom Park in Orlando,Fla., staying open 24 hours, from 6a.m.,Feb.29,to 6a.m.,March 1.

"Minnie's Fly Girls"
In February, look for the debut of "Minnie's Fly Girls" in Disney California Adventure Park. This musical salute to air travel features a trio of smart and ssassy flight attendents and,of course, Minnie Mouse.

SPRING...

Pixar Play Parade
Get ready to have some fun with your favorite Pixar characters in late spring, when Pixar Play Parade returns to Disney California Adventure Park.

Ghirardelli
Have a sweet tooth? Get your fix this spring when Ghirardelli opens up in the Pacific Wharf at Disney California Adventure Park, bringing some of the sweet treats from the original San Francisco chocolate shop to Southern California.

Main Street,U.S.A.
Now that Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe is open,the enhancements continue at Disneyland Park with the expansion of Carnation Cafe and updates to Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor and Refreshment Corner.

SUMMER...

Mad T Party
Don't be late for a very important date at the Mad T Party, inspired by Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland." In Summer 2012,Guests at Disney Califorina Adventure Park will travel "down the rabbit hole" and into wild, psychedlic world filled with surprises. A hip live band, fun-filled games, dancing,signature food and drink and must-have merchandise await our Guests at this wonderfully off-kilter celebration.

Cars Land
When the light turns green at Disney California Adventure Park this summer, the world of "Cars" will come to life in the 12 - acre CarsLand as Lighting McQueen and Mater cruise Route 66 and meet with Guests in Radiator Springs.
Entering the land, you will hear Mater singing one of the seven original songs recorded for Mater's Junkyard Jamboree, where baby tractors help "whip"Mater's junkyard into shape. Futher on down the highway, take a spin on Luigi"s Flying Tires, inspired by the 1960s Disneyland Park attraction, Flying Saucers. Get ready for the race of your life at the six-acre Radiator Springs Racers, the largest attraction at the Disneyland Resort. The four-minute journey begins in Stanley's Oasis, named for the town's founder, and continues as you meet many of the towns's residents before you race.

Dining locations include Cozy Cone Motel, Fillmore's Taste - In and Flo's V8 Cafe, the most popular restaurant in Carburetor County. Specialty merchandise will be sold at Radiator Springs Curios, Sarge's Surplus Hut and Ramone's House of Body Art.

Buena Vista Street

As you enter Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure Park this summer, prepare to be transported to the 1920s and 1930s, during the era of Walt Disney's arrival to California. First stop: Oswald's-where Guests can load up on all of their memory-making essentials, including autograph books,hats,bags,and key chains before hopping on the Red Car Trolley. Next, you'll see Los Feliz Five & Dime, Big Top Toys and, for fashion and accessories, Elias & Co. Also keep an eye out for Kingswell Camera Shop, Atwater Ink and Paint,Trolley Treats and Julius Katz & Sons,which will sell home decor and seasonal merchandise. Food and beverage locations include Mortimer's Market, Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe and Clarabelle's Hand-Scooped Ice Cream, designed in Neapolitan ice cream colors.
The Hollywood of the 1930s will come to life at the Carthay Circle Theatre, a replica of the Los Angeles theater that hosted the premiere of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" in 1937. Inside, "theater - goers" will discover the resort's newest fine dining experience.
Near the center of the street,look for "Storytellers-a new statue featuring a young Walt Disney ready to make his dreams come true with the mouse who, as he said, "started it all."

See you at the Disneyland Resort in 2012...Dr Lee

A new look for the Disneyland Hotel:

2012-01-18T13:15:00.000-08:00

Storytelling is at the heart of everything we do as Cast Members or Imagineers, and the new design elements incorporated into the Disneyland hotel are certainly no execption. From carpet patterns to costumes, every new detail at the hotel weaves together a story.

As you walk into the Fantasy Tower lobby,the Mary Blair artwork, bright blue lights and plush purple-and -blue carpeting create an instant connection to "it's a small world." Completing the theme, one of the gift shops has been renamed small world Gifts and Sundries. Guests waiting in the lobby can relax in Mad Tea Party-inspired chairs.

In front of the Frontier Tower, a geyser and waterfall pay tribute to the Mine Train through Nature's Wonderland, a Disneyland Park attraction that dates back to the 1960s. Entering the tower's lobby, a scale model of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad provides Guests with a glimpse of the magic they will experience in Frontierland. Jungle Cruise characters are incorporated into the design of the Adventure Tower.

The centerpiece of the hotel is the new E-Ticket pool, along with the D-Ticket pool and Monorail water slide, which opened in May and includes a replica of the iconic marquee that welcomed Guests to "The Happiest Place on Earth" from 1958 to 1989. Two new dining locations, Trader Sam's- Enchanted Tiki Bar and Tangaroa Terrace, also opened in May.

When I first started as a cast member,I was an attraction host on the Mark Twain,Tree House,Shooting Gallery and the Jungle Cruise...Dr Lee

Every day's a holiday at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe`:

2012-01-18T10:54:00.000-08:00

The Blue Ribbon Bakery was famous for its irresistible pastries and desserts like fresh - baked chocolate chip cookies, chocolate croissants and Mickey Krispie Treats. Now the charming old-fashioned bakery has a new home and a new name:Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, named after the Sherman Brothers famous song, "Jolly Holiday" from Walt Disney's 1964 film adaptation of "Mary Poppins."

The elegant bakery cafe,once the home of the Plaza Pavilion at the far end of Main Street, U.S.A., will offer more than sweets. In addition to bakery and expresso offerings, the new counter service menu includes deli sandwiches, fruit and cheese plates,soups,salads,coffee,tea and other beverages.

Guests will experience a Victorian influence in the ornamentation adorning the exterior of the Queen Anne - style bakery cafe. Inside, artwork reminiscent of the film includes colorful mosaics of pavement chalk drawings, stained glass windows with penguin waiters and two models of the carousel featured in the film's "Jolly Holiday" sequence. Guests will enjoy a music box soundtrack of "Jolly Holiday" playing in the background as they savor their sweets, sandwiches and beverages.

Did You Know???

The Victorian building that houses the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe dates back to the opening day of Disneyland when it was known simply as the Pavilion. After many years as the Plaza Pavilion restaurant, it became the Annual Passport Processing Center and also the site for special offerings, such as the Junior Chef program.

So much history, the old with the new. Disneyland Resort will never be finished...Dr Lee

Main Street legend Oscar Martinez marks a milestone:

2012-01-17T15:09:00.000-08:00

Guests at Carnation Cafe are often looking for more than a meal.

Cook Oscar Martinez, who celebrated his 55th anniversary with Disneyland Park on December 29,2011, has attained legendary status at the cafe on Main Street,U.S.A., with guests often asking him to join them in family photos. To mark the anniversary-which makes Oscar the longest-serving Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Cast Menmber- Disneyland Resort President George A. Kalogridis presented a specially designed statue to Oscar at a December 30,2011 ceremony at the Main Street Opera House.

Hired at Disneyland Park in 1956, Oscar,76, has gone from busboy at the cafe to a sort of celebrity, donning a chef's hat as he waves to and chats with Guests as they enjoy his signature potatoes. So how did Oscar move his winning personality out from behind the grill?

"Mike Berry used to be in charge of food and he said,"We are going to take pictures," Oscar recalled. "The first picture I took I had two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and I stood behind a family. So I started doing that a little by little more guests came. Now I have guests from China,Tokyo,Canada and Australia that come looking for me. They say,'Are you the one that is on the computer?' and I say 'Yes, I guess.' I never check the computer."

To date, Oscar is one of only six cast members of The Walt Disney Company to reach 55 years of service, with legendary Imagineer John Hench having the longest tenure at 65 years.

A sign of a great company, long term cast members...Dr Lee

Lightspeed to Endor:

2012-01-17T14:40:00.000-08:00

The world of Star Wars came to life at Disneyland Park on January 9,1987, with the debut of Star Tours in Tomorrowland. A 60 - hour party marked the opening of the new motion simulator attraction, and Star Wars creator George Lucus and Michael Eisner, then CEO of The Walt Disney Company, were joined by characters from the iconnic trilogy to declare the attraction officially open. During a press conference, George stated that he was "approached to do a lot of amusement parks, but I've always felt that here was the only one first-class amusement park operation, and this is it- the Rolls Royce of its genre."
Nearly a quarter of a century later on June 3,2011, a reimagined version of the popular attraction debuted as Star Tours - The Adventures Continue. The updated attraction features more than 54 possible story combinations and the addition of Disney Digital 3-D.

As a young cast member, I remember Star Tours being built...Dr Lee

24 hour party at Disneyland:

2012-01-09T12:01:00.000-08:00

Disneyland will hold a 24 - hour party on Leap Day 2012. Disneyland will remain open for 24 hours starting 6 a.m. Feb. 29,2012 ending 6 a.m.March 1,2012. Disney made the announcement on "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin'Eve" with Ran Seacrest show. Magic Kingdom in Flordia also will have a 24 - hour party.

As part of the One More Disney Day campaign, Disney also plans to give away a vacation package daily through Feb.29,2012.

This isn't the first time that Disneyland has been open overnight. In 1987, the park hosted a 60 - hour party for the opening of Star Tours. Disney says this will be the first time that both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom will be open 24 hours on the same day.Both regularly - priced passports and annual passes can be used to enter the overnight party. Current price for a one - day passport is $80 for ages 10 and up.

I am thinking of attending,let's say 6a.m. to 6a.m.,yes,thats right the full 24 hours, care to join me!!!!!!!!! Dr Lee

SoCal residents can get a deal on Disney Parks:

2012-01-09T11:44:00.000-08:00

Disneyland Resort has started it's annual promotion of discounting park passports to Southern California residents: $99 for two days.
Residents can pay $99 for two days of passports, which can be used at one park per day. Guests can choose to visit both parks,Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, or go to the same park twice. For an extra $30, vistors can add a passport for an extra day.
The regular cost of a single-day passport is $80 for guests ages 10 and up.Local residents can use the SoCal passport to attend the special 24-hour party on Leap Day, Feb. 29 at Disneyland.
The passports are valid today thru June 9,2012 and must be purchased by June 1,2012. Passports are blacked out during the busy spring break days.

This time of year,mid-week (tuesday thru thrusday) is a great time to play at the Disneyland resort,few guests and no lines...Dr Lee

Bartender Wisdom:

2011-12-30T12:11:00.000-08:00

With the new year just a day away, here is some wisdom from Dr Lee,retired bartender from Club 33 Disneyland:

1...Plan your evening with family/friends.

2...If you are staying out late,dress warm.

3...If you are walking some were, travel in groups, not alone.(flashlights are a good thing)

4...Bring your camera to photo the new year.

5...Eat all the sweets or junk food you want, because in the new year (at least for a few weeks)you shall diet,ha-ha.

6...However,most of all, if you wish to drink and bring in the new year drinking,remember, "DO NOT,UNDER ANY CONDITIONS,DRIVE",PERIOD END OF STORY!!!! THANK YOU

7...In closing, just be safe,enjoy and I will throughout the new year, update weekly this blog for all to enjoy,,,,,happy new year..Dr lee

Merry Christmas to everyone:

2011-12-20T11:14:00.000-08:00

This time of year is great?

As we look back at a very busy year, I would like to thank all those who take time out of their busy day to enjoy this Disney web site. I would like to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and safe New Year.

Looking forward to the new year in 2012, Carsland,Sweet!,Ghirardelli"s, Aulani,a Disney Resort & Spa,Shanghai Disney Resort (opening in 2015)and so much more. Oh yes, one more thing new for 2012,starting Dec.20,2011, Adventures by Disney will launch a one - day itinerary that puts the magic of moviemaking and the glamor of Hollywood into an unforgettable package. Tour the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, including lunch at the Studio Commissary. From there, take a behind-the-scenes tour of either the Kodak Theatre or Grauman's Chinese Theatre (depending on time of year) in Hollywood. Explore Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame and then Sunset Boulevard and Rodeo Drive. The day conludes with a private sunset reception at Gladstones in Malibu. Roundtrip transportation via luxury coach from Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is included. Book your tour by calling The Walt Disney Travel Company at 800-363-4763. Looking forward to the new year and will up - date this web site several times a week.
Again, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year and Thanks for the support.

Dr Lee...Signing off for 2011.......Bar is open!!!

Bar Joke:

2011-12-14T10:30:00.000-08:00

Did you hear about the terrible accident???

Yes,the little snail was run over by the turtle...

While the snail was in the hospital talking to his snail family, he told them that he does not remember a thing,because it all "happened" so fast!!!
ha-ha-ha

Happy holidays...Dr Lee

Computer humor?

2011-12-14T10:24:00.000-08:00

Once you completely understand your computer......It's probably obsolete!!!

Don't you just love technology...Dr Lee

Matterhorn at Disneyland Park:

2011-12-13T11:06:00.000-08:00

Winter is here, and some of you may be hearing the swish-swish of skis sliding down a snow-covered mountain-even if only in your head. At the Disneyland Park,there is a mountain range,it's called the Matterhorn!

Here are some things you might not know about this monument to Alpine adventure:

1...A Disneyland icon since 1959, the Matterhorn was part of the first major expansion to take place at Disneyland Park since the park's debut in 1955. The Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction opened on June 14, 1959, along with the Disneyland Monorail and the Submarine Voyage.

2...The Matterhorn Bobsleds was the first roller coaster in the world to employ a tubular steel track and an electronic dispatch system which enabled more than one car at a time to be on the track.

3...The Disneyland Matterhorn was built to 1/100th scale of the original Matterhorn, or 147 feet versus the 14,700 feet of the original.

4...The Matterhorn has been the highest point in Disneyland Park since 1959. It is the second highest point in the Disneyland Resort, behind the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, which stands at 183 feet tall.(California Adventure Park)

5...The attraction was inspired by the live-action Disney adventure film, "Third Man on the Mountain," which starred James MacArthur and Michael Rennie as mountaineers. The movie was filmed in Switzerland, on and around the real Matterhorn.

6...Guests who look quickly while whizzing through the Matterhorn caverns may spot mountaineering supplies and other evidence of the "Wells Expedition." These scenic details are a tribute to the late Frank Wells, who was President and Chief Operating Officer of the Walt Disney Company from 1984 until his death in 1994. Wells was an experienced mountain climber and skier.

7...There is a half court for basketball inside the Matterhorn. For cast members only!

One of the best attractions at the Disneyland Resort...Dr Lee

Side note...I have two daughters, both were cast members, my oldest, Kimberly,now 28,was an attraction hostess on "it's a small world"(trainer),Storybook,guest controll on parades and Matterhorn.

Ghirardelli shop in Disney California Adventure :

2011-12-05T11:47:00.000-08:00

Chocolate samples will replace free tortillas when a new Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate shop opens in Disney California Adventure.
The Ghirardelli venue will go where Mission Tortilla Factory previously ran. The chocolate shop is set to open in late spring. The California chocolate shop is designed to be similar to another Ghirardelli location at Florida Downtown Disney in Walt Disney World.
Mission Tortilla Factory closed May 31,2011 after a 10 years in the park's Pacific Wharf area.Guests could get a free,warm,freshly made tortillas after a tour at the attraction.
Ghirardelli, a company that started in 1852 at the historic Ghirardelli Square in San Franscisco, plans to retain the San Francisco feel of the Pacific Wharf area of the park. This new shop will hand out free Ghirardelli Squares chocolate samples, as well as selling products. The fountain will feature popular sundaes topped with fresh hot fudge that is made daily. This park shop is the only Ghirardelli location in Orange Coounty. Another soda fountain and shop runs in San Diego, California while an outlet is in Ontario,California.

Living in the east bay, (San Franscisco is about 12 miles from my house,just get on the "BART" and travel under the water for about 10 minutes),been to Ghirardelli Square, the """chocolate sundaes topped with hot fudge"""...yummy...Dr Lee

History and Heritage:

2011-12-05T11:21:00.000-08:00

Just in time to celebrate the 110th anniversary of Walt Disney's birthday on Dec.5, the Disney Gallery on Main Street, U.S.A. has opened a new exhibit showcasing one of Walt's favorite things- trains.

"All Aboard...A Grand Circle Tour of the Trains of Disney," which debuted Nov.12,2011 and runs through June 2012,showcases the artwork and inspiration for Disney railroads, trains and train attractions.

Walt was always fascinated with trains, begining with his early childhood in Marceline, Mo. As a teenager, he worked on a railroad selling fruit, drinks and newspapers, and his fascination grew while working with Studio cast members who were also railroad enthusiasts. This passion culminated in the construction of a 1/8th-scale "live steamer" at his home in Holmby Hills.

Even in his earliest drawings of Disneyland, Walt always surrounded the park with a train. Today, trains continue to be the focal point at Disney parks worldwide.

All Aboard...Dr lee

Trivia...Which two Disney resorts named a steam train after Walt Dismney???

answer...The Walt Disney World Resort and the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort are the only two Disney resorts with steam trains named afteer Walt Disney.

Jake is newest character at Disneyland Resort:

2011-12-01T17:35:00.000-08:00

A new pirate showed up at the Disneyland Resort over the weekend, this time at Disney California Adventure.

Jake from the Disney Channel's animated series "Jake and the Neverland Pirates," is on board as the newest walk-around character.

In the show, Jake heads up a three-character band of child-like pirates who look for hidden treasure. The show takes place in Neverland, as featured in the Disney animated film "Peter Pan." Three characters from the film also appear in the show: Captain Hook, Mr. Smee and Tic-Tock the Crocodile; Captain Hook attempts to get treasure at the expense of Jake and his crew.

The cartoon series is part of the Disney Junior line-up of television programming aimed at childern ages 2-7.

As a child, I liked Peter Pan...Dr Lee

Christmas at Disney California Adventure:

2011-12-01T17:23:00.000-08:00

Disney California Adventure gets a taste of Christmas as the Christmas Tree reaches for the sky near Ariel's Grotto in the Paradise Pier.
There aren't as many holiday decorations at Disney California Adventure as there are at Disneyland Park, but one of the most significant is the Christmas tree that sits outside Ariel's Grotto. The tree, along with decorations at Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta and other areas, are put up at the same time as those placed at the Disneyland Park. Next to the tree,at the base, sits a small town-square-like holiday setting where Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters visit to give guests a chance to take pictures with them.

I like the holidays at the Disneyland Resort...Dr Lee

Cars Land Mountains :

2011-12-01T12:38:00.000-08:00

The Cadillac Mountains Range that serves as the backdrop for Cars Land at Disney California Adventure appears to be nearing completion.
Cars Land's Cadillac Mountain Range is nearing completion as the fictional town of Radiator Springs "springs up" in the foreground at Disney California Adventure. The land is based on the Disney/Pixar film "Cars." For the last two years,scaffolding was all you could see, and most of the scaffolding is gone.
In the foreground,the structures that will form part of the town of Radiator Springs are also taking shape. Most buildings will house either restaurants or souvenir shops.
The land, based on the Disney/Pixar film "Cars," will be home to three attractions. One is called "Radiator Springs Racers," visitors will travel into and around Cadillac Mountain Range.
At 12 acres, the land is the largest expansion of the theme park at the Disneyland Resort and is expected to open in 2012.

Summer of 2012 is going to be great...Dr Lee