Captain EO returns

After much speculation over the months since Michael Jackson's death, Disney finally made it official that the King of Pop will be returning to Disneyland for a "limited engagement" starting in February.


Personally, I think this is a good idea. The current show in the Magic Eye Theater ("Honey, I Shrunk The Audience") has outlived its useful life. When we saw it last year, the theater was much less than half full, while the park in general was packed. Hopefully this blast from the past will provide some new enthusiasm to what has become, in my opinion, the area of the park that needs the most updating. Hopefully, Disney is / will be working on a new show experience worthy of "the future" for this space, once Captain EO retires for the 2nd time. In combination with an updated Star Tours, this would provide much reason for hope of a renewal of Tomorrowland.

So, what do you think? Will the chance to once again watch (or watch for the first time) Captian EO, Hooter, and the rest of his motley crew "change the world" cause you to try to make a special trip to Disneyland?

Oh, and one more FYI: Speaking of Disneyland homecomings, Mr. Lincoln is returning to the stage in the Opera House as of today.

halloween haunts

Happy Halloween! From the gang at Disneyland.

star tours II

At the Disney Expo last month, Disney announced the renovation of the classic Star Tours ride. Even though many fans think the original ride shouldn't be tampered with, I agree with Disney. Star Tours needs a bit of an update and a re-vamp. I'm looking forward to the new ride in 2011.

halloween screams firework spectacular

I am envious. There's no other way to put it. This fireworks show looks completely amazing! Disney really knows how to pull out all the stops and somehow they keep making everything bigger and better. My favorite part is Zero flying over the castle.

muppet marketing

Look closely at who is riding Dumbo in these couple of shots taken recently inside Fantasyland.

Yes, it appears some of our favorite Muppet friends have decided to venture outside the Muppet*Vision 3D theater, and have made their way across the esplanade to check out Walt's original park.

There's Gonzo with a few of his chicken friends. Looks like Sam the Eagle also decided to analyze the aerodynamic genius of Dumbo's ears -- but I am sure he is claiming to anyone that cares to listen that an eagle's wings are superior in every way. Some Muppet penguins (or are they the rats?) can also be seen.

Back in California Adventure, here's Fozzie and Gonzo taking a shot on Toy Story Midway Mania.

What's going on you ask? The Muppets will be featured prominently in the parks 2010 marketing campaign, and these were some of the shots captured during recent commercial filming sessions. They will be encouraging everyone to "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" by volunteering in your community in order to earn a free ticket to the parks.

It seems the whole gang put in some service hours, and so got to enjoy their Disney Day, including a ride in the Fire Engine down Main Street.

villains run the show

If you haven't seen the new commercial promoting this year's Halloween Time at Disneyland, click on "videos" at the previous link.

My favorite part is Hades lighting the fireworks with his hair.


And then Jafar, with his Mickey balloon, enjoying the show with the rest of his villain friends out on Main Street... He-he!


This new "Halloween Screams Fireworks" show will reportedly include a huge inflatable Jack Skellington over the castle, and his dog Zero flying down from the Matterhorn.

Also new this year is an overlay of Space Mountain, called "Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy". Captain Hook sure seems to be enjoying it!

summer nightastic... was it worth the wait?

As mentioned in a previous post, the new Fantasmic! dragon finally made it's debut, only two and a half months late. Here's everyone's favorite Disneyland tour guide, TJ, to fill us in on the details.

new fantasmic! dragon

After months of technical difficulties and hang-ups the new and improved dragon has finally made an appearance. Looks pretty great!

disney cloud of magic

love that mouse

Here's a collection of delightful Mickey pics I found. I sure do love that little mouse.

we have a winner!

"When you think about it, there's so much in life worth celebrating!" Such as winning a prize! I entered a chance to win a Disney vacation as part of the "What Will You Celebrate?" marketing campaign going on at the Disney Parks this year. And, guess what... No, unfortunately no vacation, but I did win a new pin to add to my collection. Yes, that's right, I am the proud winner of a "What Will You Celebrate? Tour Collector Pin". It came in the mail recently and here is a peek at the beauty. Definitely a keeper!

that looks familiar...

Lately I've been painfully remembering the Happiest Place On Earth and all the fun that I've had there. This is a slideshow of various places, objects and attractions around the park. Can you tell where all the pictures were taken?