Disneyland's World Famous Dr. Lee!

Bartender thoughts and humor:

2013-05-22T12:43:00.003-07:00

1...Aspire to inspire before you expire!!!!

odd bar humor....

2...what is the best wood in California????

answner...Hollywood---------HaHa

ok,ok, HaHa......Dr Lee

Disney Magic offers Guests brand-new experiences and reimagined spaces:

2013-05-18T15:17:00.001-07:00

There's an extra dose of magic coming aboard the Disney Magic, when Disney Cruise Line vessel relaunches with new spaces, reimagined areas and exciting additions for the whole family. Guests will experience new adventures from stem to stern throughout their journey on the Cruise ship that set the standard for oceangoing majesty and family fun.

Enhancements include a redesigned atrium lobby, the addition of Disney*Pixar and Marvel characters to the kids area, a three-story water slide on the ship's upper deck, a new restaurant and much more.To learn more about Disney Cruise Line: visit www.disneycruise.com

let me tell you, back in April/May 08, I went on the Disney Cruise ship" Magic," Wow and amazing. If you want to lose the kids for a few hours, no problem, so much to do for all age groups. My girlfriend went to the spa,her two kids all day long were having fun and learning something new at all the different kid clubs. Those nightly stage shows, fireworks at sea, the Guest service,the food,wonderful!!!!! The only concern I had, there was no food service between the hours of 3 a.m. and 5 a.m (for two hours, I had to starve)., haha....Dr Lee

24 hours of monstrous magic:

2013-05-18T14:58:00.000-07:00

The summer kicks off in Disney style with a 24-hour all nighter at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks from 6 a.m. May 24 to 6 a.m. May 25 as our favorite "scare students" Mike and Sulley drop in from the upcoming Disney*Pixar film, "Monsters University," to scare up some school spirit.

Guests at Disney California Adventure Park will find monstrously fun photo opportunities at the new "dorms" in Hollywood Land near the Hyperion Theater and a new "Monsters University" float leading the "Pixar Play Parade." The new 24-hour event will also take place at the same time in Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, with Mike and Sulley as grand marshals of the "Celebrate a Dream Come True" day parade.

The events on both coasts will feature characters in pajamas, dance party fun and photo opportunities. For Guests looking to bring home a tangible memory or get a taste of this Limited Time experience, specialty merchandise and food and beverage offerings will be available.

This event will be an amazing opportunity for our Guests to make even more memories with their family and friends, and for some, 24 consecutive hours worth.

Remember, a day off is only a phone call away...Dr Lee

It's a beneficial bug's life:

2013-05-14T15:45:00.001-07:00

Guests staying at the Disneyland Resort Hotels got into the spirit of Earth Month by releasing hundreds of thousands of ladybugs into hotel flower beds at three separate events in April. Ladybugs help keep plants healthy and reduce the need for pesticide by eating destructive insects.

This is the third year the Resort District Programs team in partnership with Horticulture, conducted the ladybug release. About 75,000 ladybugs were released at each of the three events at the Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, for a total off approximately 225,000 ladybugs. Guests staying at all three hotels were invited.

Ladybugs are cute....Dr Lee

Jokes and Quotes:

2013-05-14T15:36:00.000-07:00

A..."Drink and dance and laugh and lie. Love the reeling midnight through. For tomorrow we shall die!

(But,alas, we never do.) Dorothy Parker (1893-1967) U.S. author, poet, journalist, humorist.

B..."Eat and drink measuredly, and defy the mediciners." - Proverb

C...A man with a penchant for alcoholic refreshment took a prescription from his doctor to his favorite bartender,(Dr Lee, haha).

"What made you think I could fill this? asked Dr Lee, "Well," was the answer, "I want it in the GIN-eric form.....

Just some bartender humor...Dr Lee

The future is now at Innoventions:

2013-05-13T13:42:00.000-07:00

With the opening of "Iron Man 3" in theatres May 3,2013,Guests and Cast Members have been getting their own personal preview as they virtually "suit up" in Iron Man armor at Innoventions` latest exhibit, Iron Man Tech Presented by Stark Industries, a new limited-time exhibit at Innoventions. in Tomorrowland.

The centerpiece of the exhibit is Tony Stark's Hall of Armor, featuring Iron Man suits Mark I-VII, as well as his latest creation, the Mark XLII suit from the new movie. Through simulation technology, Guests can virtually try on the suit and see if they have what it takes to be a superhero. Tony Stark's computer walks novice heroes through the augmented reality experience of Stark Industries simulation module and lets them see firsthand what it would be like to be Iron Man.

I like the movie.....Dr Lee

Question????

2013-05-13T13:29:00.000-07:00

Why does it not "Tickle" when you "Tickle " yourself!!!!!!

interesting.....Dr Lee

'Disney's Planes' reveals full voice cast:

2013-04-30T11:36:00.002-07:00

Audiences worldwide are fastening their seatbelts as "Disney's Planes" prepares to take off this summer. Joining Dane Cook, who provides the voice of Dusty, are Stacy Keach, Brad Garrett,Teri Hatcher, Cedric the Entertainer,Julia Louis-Dreyfus, John Cleese, Carlos Alazrequi, Priyanka Chopra, Gabriel Iglesias, Roger Craig Smith, Colin Cowherd, Sinbad, Oliver Kalkofe and Brent Musburger.

Adding some high-flying flair from the classic feature film are Anthony Edwards and Val Kilmer.

Inspired by the world of "Cars" and directed by Disneytoon Studios veteran and aviation enthusiast Klay Hall ("King of the Hill," "The Simpsons"), "Disney's Planes " is an action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure about Dusty's dream of competing as a high-flying air racer- and his decidedly unfortunate fear of heights. The film takes off in theaters in 3D on Aug. 9.

all abroad...Dr Lee

Main Street is all a "Buzz"...

2013-04-26T13:17:00.001-07:00

Imagine being asked by Walt Disney to select the best location to build "The Happiest Place on Earth." As your mind begins to fill with thoughts of traffic patterns, climate, tourism trends and revenue streams, you ask what he thinks. Walt responds only by saying, "You tell me."

Luckily, Walt handpicked someone who was able to do just that.

And on April 9,2013, economist Harrison "Buzz" Price was honored posthumously with a window on Main Street, U.S.A., for his ability to look at a horizon of orange groves and visualize the perfect location for Walt's new concept in outdoor entertainment- Disneyland.

"Buzz", who was with the Stanford Research Institute when Walt approached him, embarked on a mission with an impossible timeline- the park was set to debut to the world just two years later. But like so many who worked with Walt, Buzz made the impossible a reality.

Buzz's impressive work on the Disneyland land acquisition promted Walt to encourage him to form his own consulting company. In 1958, Buzz founded Economics Research Associates, and the company went on to conduct more than 100 studies for Walt and his brother, Roy. When they asked Buzz in 1963 to recommend a site for what would become Walt Disney World, "most people thought it would be Miami, but Buzz said that the Orlando area was the key- it was where tourists crisscrossed the state by car and passed through on their way south to Miami area.

Years later, Buzz assisted with the site for the Tokyo Disneyland project.

Outside of the company, Walt personally entrusted Buzz to help manage the future of the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), and Buzz remained a loyal trustee for the institute for many years. In 1994, he received a lifetime achievement- an award that has since been renamed the Buzz Price Thea Award. In 2003, Buzz was named a Disney Legend. He passed away Aug.15,2010.

very cool indeed...Dr Lee

One Hundred & One Tips on Being a great Bartender...

2013-04-26T12:40:00.000-07:00

1...Smile

2...Say Thank You

3...Introduce yourself

4...Use premium brands

5...Replace each drink with a clean napkin

6...Use a clean glass with new drink

7...Suggest drink specials

8...Use new dollar bills

9...Have a flashlight

10...Do not push drinks

11...Keep abreast of new drinks

12...Read newspaper everyday

13...Have taxi cab numbers available

14...Make eye contact with Guests and fellow Cast Members

15...HAVE FUN

16...Have local phone book available

17...Have two bartender guides

18...Keep a sports almanac

19...Have note pads

20...Never argue with the Guests

21...Remember Guests drinks

22...Address Guests by their first names

23...Present and offer bar snacks or bar menu

24...Have coffee/tea available

25...Have mocktails (non-alcoholic drinks) available

26...Keep hands and fingernails clean

27...Do not touch ice with hands

28...Do not touch rim of glass

29...Keep beer glasses cold

30...Hair neat and groomed

31...Have extra costume available

32...Costume clean and pressed

33...Have a Disneyland Guide book

34...Give last call 1/2 hour before

35...Last call is last call

36...DO NOT CHEW GUM

37...Present check to Guest

38...Know current Disneyland Resort hours

39...Don't spend to much time with one Guest

40...Have current Disneyland Resort entertainment schedule

41...Don't talk about other Guests business

42...Don't talk about money

43...Don't talk about religion

44...Don't talk politics

45...Do not settle arguments

46...Know at least two clean jokes

47...Don't use foul language

48...DON'T BE A MATCHMAKER

49...Do not make fun of Guests

50...Do not talk about other Cast Members

51...Do not talk down about current management

52...Do not take or place bets

53...Say "Goodnight" or "Good Bye"

54...Invite Guests back,soon

55...Replace spilled drinks free

56...Do not eat behind the bar

57...Keep bar surface clean and dry

58...Do not yell

59...LISTEN

60...Do not argue with fellow Cast Members

61...Congratulate Guests on birthdays/special occasions

62...Do not mix business with pleasure

63...Do not drink behind the bar

64...Do not over-serve Guests

65...DO NOT LEND MONEY TO GUESTS

66...Do not borrow money from Guests

67...Be active in local charities

68...Work fast and neat

69...Leave personal problems at home

70...Have local map available

71...Keep back bar clean

72...Make drinks in front of Guest when possible

73...Keep bottles clean/capped with pourers

74...Do not use slang words

75...Do not criticize other Guests

76...Use correct measurements

77...Keep fruit and garnish fresh

78...The correct glass for the correct cocktail

79...Serve the lady first

80...Keep the bar snacks full

81...Do not over-extend your break

82...Wear a watch

83...Avoid cutting corners

84...Create your own signature cocktail

85...Don't complain about tips

86...Have a calender available

87...Take a class on alcohol awareness

88...Listen to information from salemen and distributors

89...Keep extra reading glasses behind bar

90...Be on time

91...Put things back were they belong

92...Have bottled water available

93...Keep toothpicks out of your month

94...Keep toothpicks behind bar for Guests

95...If your not sure, check I.D.

96...Make phone calls brief

97...Count change back to Guests

98...Do not count tips in front of Guests or other Cast Members

99...Keep undated suppliers list

100..Have working pens behind bar

101...Work and make it a career, then retire like Dr Lee..........

That's all for now...Dr Lee

Did you know?????

2013-04-12T13:10:00.000-07:00

1...The Disneyland Resort is home to approximately 18,000 trees and 125,000 shrubs.

2...Approximately 1 million annuals are planted each year.

3...A young Cottonwood tree that was started as a seeding on the Disney family farm in Marceline, Mo., is planted along the Rivers of America.

4...The Mickey Mouse flower "portrait" at the Disneyland Park main entrance is planted up to nine times a year with 10,000 bedding plants.

5...The Jungle Cruise attraction hosts plants from four continents.

6...Drip irrigation can use as much as 20 to 50 percent less water than a conventional water system. Since Disneyland Resort started using drip irrigation, there is over 25 miles of tubes around the resort.

Pretty cool stuff,huh......Dr Lee

Disneyana to relocate to make room for Starbucks:

2013-04-10T16:39:00.000-07:00

As it prepares for the debut of Starbucks products in the fall, Market house will close April 14 to begin expansion into the adjacent space now occupied by Disneyana in Disneyland Park.

Market house will reopen this fall, still themed as a turn-of-the-century general store, serving Starbucks coffee,espresso and specialty beverages, artisan breakfast sandwiches and a selection of Disney pastries.

Disneyana, which sells Disney collectibles and artwork, will move down Main Street, U.S.A., into the Bank of Main Street building, now home to the Disney Gallery. The new location will be called Disneyana and will continue to offer the gallery's rotating exhibits and select art and collectibles.

Disneyana is very cool ... Dr Lee

Disney Junior "Live on Stage":

2013-03-28T13:41:00.001-07:00

Part of the fun of visiting the Disneyland Resort is getting to experience some of the newest Disney characters and stories alongside beloved classics. On March 22,2013, new characters from Disney Junior hit shows will join the cast of "Disney Junior-Live on Stage!" at Disney California Adventure Park, ready to delight the preschool audience- and their families.

Joining the lineup are characters from "Doc McStuffins" and "Sofia the first," top animated shows on Disney Junior , the 24-hour channel and morning block on Disney Channel.

"Sofia the First" revolves around a little girl who suddenly becomes a princess when her mom marries the king. In that segment of the live stage production, Sofia, Disney's first preschool princess, is learning the royal ropes and needs some help making things magical for a ball hosted by her new stepdad, King Roland II. Set in the storybook world of Enchancia, Sofia is also joined by her new step-siblings, Amber and James.

One of the most magical things that happens during that segment of the show is that it snows inside this venue. It's really cool to watch the children's reactions but even more amazing when you see the adults looking around in awe and amazement.

Later in the show, Guests meet "Doc McStuffins," a 6-year-old girl who wants to be a doctor, just like her mom. When she puts on her stethoscope, something magical happens: toys, dolls and stuffed animals come to life and she can communicate with them. In the stage production, "Doc" heals her toys with a little help from her stuffed animal friends, Stuffy the blue dragon, Hallie the hippo,Lambie the lamb and Chilly the snowman.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary next month, the show originally opened as "Playhouse Disney- Live on Stage!" and has been updated over the years to incorporate the newest, most popular shows kids love to watch on Disney Channel. In 2011, the show was renamed "Disney Junior-Live on Stage!" to coincide with the launch of the Disney Junior programming block and added characters from "Jake and the Neverland Pirates." The live host, Casey, interacts with all of the characters in the various segments, bridging the gap between the puppets and young viewers.

TWIN TALENT BRINGS CHARACTERS TO LIFE:

Twin brothers James and Scott Silson share more than the same parents- and the same birth date. The brothers also are working side by side on the same stage for the relaunch of "Disney Junior- Live Stage !" at Disney California Adventure Park and at the Walt Disney World Resort.

James and Scott are both puppet masters with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entrainment, although James, who is also show director, is based at the Walt Disney World resort and Scott is based at the Disneyland Resort. Together,they are working to blend the characters from Disney Junior 's hit shows "Doc McStuffins" and "Sofia the First" into popular stage production aimed at preschoolers.

But it certainly isn't the first time the brothers have worked together. For most of their childhood, they traveled the country performing with their parents,who are professional musicians,and their three younger siblings. "We were like "The Partridge Family- we even had a VW bus," laughs James. "It was an unorthodox way of growing up, but it kept us firmly ensconced in entertainment-driven from a very young age.."

By the time the twins were teenagers, they were talented musicians and songwriters ready to launch their own band. By then, the family had settled in Florida and the twins needed a "day job" while they performed locally. In 1998, they saw an audition at the Walt Disney World resort for puppeteers and figured they'd give it a try, despite the fact that they hadn't worked with puppets before. They were both hired for the "Pocahontas and her Forest Friends" show for opening of Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

The brothers took to puppeteering so quickly, in less than a year they were training others,"Sometimes you choose your career and other times your career chooses you," said James. "This was one of the times when our career chose us."

James became a puppet specialist and then puppet master, traveling to Hong Kong and Paris, and he is now on the show director team. Scott also became a puppet specialist in Florida and was promoted to the puppet master role at the Disney Resort last summer.

Although they are now based on opposite coasts, they fall right back into a routine when working together, as they have with the "Disney Junior-Live on Stage" relaunch, which debuts on March 22,2013.

"We probably know each other better as work partners than as brothers," Scott said. "We sang together, we rehearsed together, wrote songs together, did outside theater together- we were even mimes together."

Although the brothers are fraternal twins, they look practically identical , which has led to some interesting mix-ups."People confuse us every day," Scott said with a laugh. "When James became puppet master and joined the Creative team, he was allowed to were jeans and grow a beard. I used to get feedback about wearing jeans and having facial hair and I"d have to ask, "Was my brother here."

Only one Dr Lee,that's enough don't you think, HaHa...Dr Lee

Grand Canyon diorama debuts on the Disneyland Railroad:

2013-03-27T12:56:00.002-07:00

All aboard for the Grand Canyon:

On March 31,1958, Guests riding the rails of the Disneyland Railroad first marveled at this "grand" new attraction to the Grand Circle Tour of Disneyland Park, located between the Tomorrowland and Main Street, U.S.A. stations.

The diorama recreates the view from the south rim of the Grand Canyon, depicting native animals like deer, skunks, wild turkeys and mountain lions living among aspen and pine trees. Stretching 306 feet wide and 34 feet tall, the diorama features a seamless canvas backdrop painted by Delmer Yoakum, an artist and motion picture scenic designer, who used 300 gallons of paint to recreate the canyon's colors under weather phenomena like snowfall, sunsets and rainbows. The trek is set to composer Ferde Grofe's "On the Trail" from his "Grand Canyon Suite."

Later in 1958, Disney released the documentary featurette "Grand Canyon," which won an Academy Award for Best Short Subject (Live Action). In 1966, the grand Canyon diorama was bookended by the dinosaurs of Primeval World, relocated from the Magic Skyway attraction of the 1964 World's Fair.

Love riding the rails at Disneyland...Dr Lee

Fastasy Faire:

2013-03-21T13:43:00.001-07:00

Once upon a time, fairy tale Princesses were in search of a Royal Gathering place to receive Guests of the Kingdom. This Royal Hall should be surrounded by Enchantment in the form of a Royal Theatre brimming with Music, dancing and Merriment. Henceforth, this wondrous place shall be known as Fantasy Faire.

A "FAIRE" TO REMEMBER:

Since 1955, Sleeping Beauty Castle has been the heart of Disneyland Park, an iconic symbol of "The Happiest Place on Earth," where dreams come true every day. And on March 12- nearly 58 years later-Fantasy Faire continues that legacy. A natural extension of the castle and Fantasyland, Guests will be invited into a charming European village inspired by their favorite Disney stories and meet beloved Disney princesses in a new setting befitting royalty.

Located in the former Carnation Plaza Gardens, Fantasy Faire's architecture was designed to blend seamlessly with Fantasyland, with turrets and a castle wall adding that royal touch.

Like Fantasyland, Fantasy Faire is filled with unique Disney touches and hidden details for Guests to explore and discover. However, the true magic of Fantasy Faire lies within the characters and Cast Members who populate the area, bringing the story to life for every Guest.

ROYAL THEATRE:

Reminiscent of the medieval faire theme of the original Fantasyland, the Royal Theatre is an open-air venue where the lively Renaissance storytellers Mr. Smythe and Mr. Jones will present the tales of "Beauty and the Beast" and "Tangled" - with vaudeville flair-each day, to the musical accompaniment of Sir Samuel of Morocco.
However, Guests won't have to use their imaginations for every character, as Belle, Lumiere, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider will join in on the fun. After each performance, Guests can greet the shows respective princess.

MAURICE'S TREATS:

Get twisted with Maurice's treats, a gypsy wagon that has been transformed into a food "invention" cart concocted by Belle's lovable (and slightly discombobulated)father. Guests can choose between flaky strawberry or chocolate twists, or savory cheddar garlic bagel twists that pair perfectly with the new Boysen Apple Freeze drink, topped with passion fruit foam.

CARNATION PLAZA GARDENS CREST:

Just above a facade that adorns the passage to Frontierland is a crest with three carnations and the letters "CPG." That's a tribute to Carnation Plaza Gardens, which occupied the site from 1956 to 2012.

FAIRY TALE TREASURES:

Within this new merchandise location, young Guests create their own happily ever after with princess costumes,accessories, toys and more. Look closely and you may discover a hidden acorn within the treasure chest on the shop sign. A nod to the friendly woodland creatures from such classics as "Sleeping Beauty" and "Cinderella" squirrels admiring their acorn "treasures" can be seen throughout the shop.

ROYAL HALL:

Once Guests step into the Gothic-inspired interior of the Royal Hall, they will travel from room to room, meeting some of their favorite Disney princesses, including Ariel, Aurora and Cinderella, each in their own area of the hall beneath crown-inspired chandeliers. Its like seeing the princesses living inside their castle and you're a part of their world.

RAPUNZEL'S TOWER:

In the middle of the square is a 16-foot-high stone sculpture of Rapunzel's tower from "Tangled." At the top, Rapunzel peeks through the window and every so often, Mother Gothel's song plays, bringing Rapunzel's hair to life. At night, something magical will happen, and every now and then her hair will glow. Her hair is twisted around the column, so twinkling lights will surround the whole column.

FIGARO THE CAT:

If you peek up into the windows of Fantasy Faire, you may catch Figaro, Geppetto's cat from Pinocchio,sleeping on a window balcony next to a bird cage. The bird whistles melodies from several classic Disney tunes, which sometimes wakes Figaro, causing him to meow and interact with his feathered friend.

CLOPIN'S MUSIC BOX:

Come one, come all to Topsy Turvy Day in Clopin's Music Box. With one turn of the crank, Guests will set a scene in motion featuring Clopin, the leader of the gypsies in"The Hunchback of Notre Dame." Once the music begins to play, the whole scene comes to life.

This an amazing attraction,everyone should see...Dr Lee

Beautifully Disney cosmetics:

2013-03-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

Beautifully Disney, a new character-inspired cosmetics collection created especially for Disney parks, is now available at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. Wickedly Beautiful, the first of many collections from Beautifully Disney, takes Guests into a world of good versus evil, with villain-and princess-inspired lacquer creme, shimmer and glitter nail polish, lip gloss and eye shadow.

Beautifully Disney was developed for Guests of all ages that love to experiment with colorful makeup and the latest trends. Available now at Disney Vault 28 and other select locations.

I am to good looking for makeup,ha ha.....Dr Lee

Bring the magic of TV home at Property Control sale:

2013-03-13T11:59:00.000-07:00

For the first time, Property Control is giving Cast Members an opportunity to shop for props and costumes from favorite TV shows and movies through a new partnership with Disney/ABC Television Group.

On March 23-24, the first Disney/ABC Television Group Property Control Sale will take place at Company D in Anaheim, as well as through a special online auction. Cast Members will have the opportunity to buy designer clothing and accessories worn as costumes in favorite Disney/ABC shows and movies, including "High School Musical," "Lemonade Mouth," "Camp Rock" and "Hannah Montana." A wide variety of props from these shows will also be available at liquidation prices.

What you need to know...

Date: March 23 (costumes)-March 24(props)

Location: Company D, 1601 E. Cerritos Ave., Anaheim

Time: 9a.m.-430p.Online Auction: March 25-29

Website: www.CastAuction.com

Just a thought:

2013-03-06T11:23:00.001-08:00

"Laughter is the best cosmetic...so grin and wear it!

Dr Lee

Closing days at Mr Stox...

2013-03-06T11:20:00.001-08:00

Only days remain for Mr Stox in Anaheim,California. Closing March 15,2013 (approx 8 business days,closed Sun/Mon).....

So many sad faces are seen in the bar and throughout the restaurant,and with the closing just days away,it's only going to get sadder!!!

Opened since 1968 and owned by the Marshall family since 1977, this has been a land mark here in Anaheim. Fine dining, a wine list that is like a small novel and staff to complete your experience, not many of these old school restaurants are still around.

So if possible, do stop by before those last words are spoken, ""THE BAR IS NOW CLOSED.""

it has been a fun ride...Dr Lee

Elton John makes music history at Hyperion Theatre:

2013-02-25T12:57:00.001-08:00

Music superstar and Disney Legend Elton John played pianos across 11 countries on January 25,2013 for the 125th anniversary of Yamaha- and he did it all from the stage of the Hyperion Theatre at Disney California Adventure Park. The famed musician used Yamaha's groundbreaking Disklavier piano, powered by RemoteLive technology. The new technology developed by Yamaha, the resort's official music instrument provider,makes it possible to stream visual, audio and other information related to performances via the Internet.

Other music stars participating in the special private concert included Amy Grant, Chaka Khan, Earth, Wind & Fire, David Foster, Michael McDonald and Sarah McLachlan.

Disneyland Park Guests can experience Yamaha's Disklavier technology every day at the Innoventions Dream Home in Tomorrowland.

ever changing technology, don't you just love it...Dr Lee

Snow White-An Enchanting Musical opens at Disneyland Park:

2013-02-25T12:38:00.000-08:00

February 24,2004:

The Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland Park will revive its tradition of live stage performances with the debut of "Mickey and the Magical Map" this summer. That tradition dates back to 1985, when the open-air venue opened as Videopolis. Future Broadway stars like Stephanie J. Block and Eden Espinosa, plus musical acts spanning from New Kids on the Block to Oingo Boingo, have performed on the Fantasyland Theatre stage over the years.

The last stage production at this venue was "Snow White-An Enchanting Musical," which opened February 23,2004. This 28-minute adaptation of Walt Disney's first animated feature film transformed the Fantasyland Theatre into a lush forest, flanked by an imposing, gargoyle-topped castle tower for the Evil Queen to peer down from. The seven dwarfs entered through the audience, singing the classic refrain of "Heigh-Ho," and their 30-foot-wide, 15-foot-tall cottage rotated to let audiences see inside.

A unique element of the production was the Magic Mirror, voiced by Patrick Stewart, Developed by Michael Curry-who went on to design the puppets for "the Lion King" on Broadway-the Magic Mirror's animated face was created from shifting fragments of specially lit, back-painted Lexan plastic.

2004,wow times moves on...Dr Lee

A sign of the times:

2013-02-15T14:26:00.001-08:00

Instead of telling passers-by about it's products, Ganahl Lumber offers fun sayings and words of wisdom.

Motorists traveling the busy streets of Anaheim, California are bombarded with signs advertising fast-food meal deals, clothing sales and constantly fluctuating gas prices.

For years, those passing by Ganahl Lumber's headquarters on Ball road(about 1 mile from Disneyland) have seen a different sign: 12-inch-tall white plastic letters that form a message not to get to your wallet but, instead, to appeal to your mind.

"A fine is a tax for doing wrong. A tax is a fine for doing well," or another: "He who buys what he does not need steals from himself."

Not what you might expect to see in front of a company-in business, after all, of making money. "The idea is to bring inspiration, a smile or create a lighthearted moment in people's day," saided Peter Ganahl, CEO of lumberyard and hardware store company, family owned since 1884.

The 24-foot-long by 8-foot-high sign has been the same since 1978, when Ganahl moved to 1220 E. Ball Road( approx. 3/4 of a mile from Mr Stox), also the home to the company headquarters.

Ganahl considered up-dating the sign to an electronic version when the store was remodeled a few years ago, but city officials said no deal. Turns out the sign no longer conforms to city standards- too big: but it's been grandfathered in because it predates current codes. Any changes to the sign and it would have to come down for a smaller one.

Of the lumber company's nine locations around Southern California, Anaheim is the only site to maintain a reader board.

Every two weeks, the message is changed, usually on Fridays. From customers to employee's to on line searches, even bumper stickers, this is were those sayings come to be. The only other messages that go up now are to notify the public of the rare "closed for inventory'" days or periodic blood drives. No messages have ever been repeated.

Often the messages are themed for holidays or events around town- the start of Angels baseball (Angel stadium is approx. 2 miles) ,or to motivate marathon runners on a course winding by Ganahl Lumber.

Ganahl Lumber had a message," Knowledge talks, Wisdom listens."

In closing, the one message I really liked was for New Year's Day....."Drive hammered. Get nailed!!!"

Driving to work at Club 33 or Mr Stox,I would drive by Ganahl Lumber and read their messages...Dr Lee

Flying high:

2013-02-13T12:00:00.001-08:00

More than 12,000 runners took flight in the Tinker Bell Half Marathon at 5 a.m. on Sunday ,January 20,2013. Hosted by Disneyland Resort and the city of Anahiem,the race led runners through a character-filled 13.1-mile course at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Parks, as well as by several Anahiem landmarks. At the finish, runners received a commemorative Tinker Bell "wings" medal.

Angela Escay, who was running her first race in three years following ankle surgery, set a course record of 1:24:10 in the second annual women-focused event. Approximately 180 Disney Cast Members and family members were among the participants, who came from 15 countries and all 50 states.

5 a.m.,interesting,reminds me of my Army days in bootcamp,(Fort Ord,California)...Dr Lee

Peter Pan:

2013-02-08T11:07:00.000-08:00

Sixty years ago,Febuary 5,1953,"Peter Pan" was adapted from the play by English anthor James M. Barrie.

From the second star to the right and straight on `til morning, a boy who refuses to grow up flies through the window of a London home, where a girl is hanging on to her childhood. With a touch of pixie dust, Peter Pan takes Wendy and her two brothers soaring into a fantasy world of Indians, mermaids and Lost Boys. But to return from Neverland, they must outwit the nefarious pirate Captain Hook, who's occasionally unnerved by hungry crocodiles and being called a codfish.

Walt Disney had hoped to make it one of his earliest animated films, starting the planning in 1935. Rising young star Bobby Driscoll played Peter Pan and Kathryn Beaumont, who had just voiced "Alice in Wonderland," played the part of Wendy. Actress Margaret Kerry was the live-action reference model for Tinker Bell- not Marilyn Monroe, as an urban legend incorrectly suggests.

At Disneyland Park, Peter Pan's Flight has soared through Fantasyland since opening day in 1955. Guests can also meet Tinker Bell and her fairy friends at Pixie Hollow.

Peter Pan and childhood, they go together...Dr Lee

Hats off to third shift:

2013-01-28T11:47:00.000-08:00

Before the last Guest head to the park exits at the end of the evening,third-shift Cast Members are already busy preparing the resort for the next day. From custodians and scuba divers to security hosts and horticulturists, nearly 1,500 Cast Members work through the night in a variety of roles.

"Each and every thrid-shift Cast Member is vital to ensuring our Guests have a safe and memorable visit," said Disneyland Resort President George A. Kalogridis. "From the Main Street flower arrangements to all of our safe-running attractions to the overall cleanliness of the parks, their work helps create happiness for millions of Guests each year."

On January16,2013, before the sun came up, the hard work of third-shift Cast Members was celebrated at the Disneyland Hotel during the annual third-shift celebration, this year with a Disney/Pixar "Monsters University" theme and hosted by resort executives.

A role that never sleeps...

Unlike in the theme parks, hotel Cast Members interact with Guests 24 hours a day.Third-shift Cast Members are reponsible for checking in Disneyland Hotel Guests-regardless of what time they arrive. It is peaceful at night allowing Cast Members to close up for the night and set up for the next day.

Keeping the lights bright...

A stroll down Main Street,U.S.A., is full of delights any time,but one of the most magical sights to see is how the street is transformed with lights at dark. But who replaces all those light bulbs when they burn out? The answer, third-shift Utilities Support Services Cast Members, that support the resorts electrical needs. With the park empty, these Cast Members can get their work done without the Guests seeing them at work. With the start of a new day, and Guests arriving, these Cast Members are heading home to relax and sleep,ZZZZZZZZZ.

Keep the party going...

Guests have been traveling down the rabbit hole to enter Mad T Party since May 2012. Keeping the party fresh is the responsibility of the Stage Technicians. This team of Cast Members focuses on preventive maintenance and repairing light fixtures and set pieces. Safety is really important here,so when working with lifts, we always have spotters everywhere, regardless of where we are. With other departments working in the same area, it is very important to keep all Cast Members safe.

Think green...

With approximately 16,000 trees beautify the landscape of the Disneyland Resort, there is a department with only 3 Cast Members who sole job is to maintain these trees. Meet the Horticulture department, and they all have a "Green" thumb, just note all those wonderful trees throughout the resort.

Show ready...

Like all Cast Members, third-shift Custodial is responsible for following The Four Keys. Most of the roles require safety equipment, such as protective glasses and safety vests. But another key that third-shift Cast Members are able to perfect overnight is Show as they deep clean the resort from top to bottom-literally.
From high pressure washing of Main Street, U.S.A., to gently cleaning the top of the Red Car Trolley, everything is cleaned. Every restroom,trashcan,even the bar at Club 33 is cleaned by third-shift Custodial. Sometimes working the evening dinner shift at Club 33 as the bartender,closing up, I would interact with third-shift Cast Members. I would be going home and these Cast Members were just starting, how would you like lunch at 3:30 a.m..
Walking to my locker at 1:00 a.m. , I would see trucks driving on Main Street, U.S.A., not Guests,notice Third-shift repairing a roof , Cast Members in lifts,trimming trees, painting a wall, on and on. Why, because here at the Disneyland Resort, when the sun comes up on a new day, Guests will feel like it's their day to explore and feel that magic.

proud to be a Cast member...Dr lee