With all the changes and transformations Disneyland has endured throughout its more than five decades of existence, many attractions unfortunately have gone by the wayside. However, not all originality is lost as there are still many attractions in the park today that were present on opening day – July 17th, 1955. Do you know which ones they are?
Cedar Fair, the company that owns and operates some of the greatest amusement parks in the world including Knotts Berry Farm and the roller coaster capital of the world, Cedar Point, has announced $62 million in new attractions, roller coasters and family rides to debut in 2009.
I was able to visit The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland in Anaheim three times last Thursday and Friday, enjoying the Nightmare before Christmas holiday overlay that Disney Imagineers install every year from October to just after the New year. Every time I visit what has become one of my favorite Disneyland attractions, I secretly wish I could just walk through the mansion after the park closes, so I can take my time looking at every detail.
Walt Disney Company has struck a deal with Verizon Wireless that will allow it to remain in contact via mobile phones with visitors (guests) to its theme parks – even when they step outside the turnstiles in both Anaheim and Orlando. It is being pitched as a way to enhance the “theme park experience,” enabling parkgoers to use their mobile phones for tasks such as saving a spot in line at a popular ride and zeroing in on where Cinderella can be found signing autographs.
Have you ever imagined what it would be like to walk in the footsteps of Walt Disney himself during and after Disneyland was built? Now you can with a new pocket sized guide entitled “Imagineering Field Guide to Disneyland” which aims to answer the question, “What would it be like to walk through Disneyland with Walt by your side?”
Excitement is beginning to build for the premiere of Walt Disney’s latest animated film BOLT – an animated comedy adventure that features a super-dog named BOLT (voice of John Travolta), whose days are filled with danger and intrigue—at least until the cameras stop rolling.
Will it be Barack Obama or John McCain – not only as the next President of the United States but the newest addition to Disney’s Hall of Presidents attraction located in Liberty Square at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom? Disney Imagineers are preparing for the new arrival as only one of the presidential candidates will get to address visitors each day in the theme park once the animatronic attraction undergoes a renovation.
Disney Interactive Studios is releasing a new interactive trivia game for Wii and PlayStaion 2 called TH!NK Fast featuring a TV game show format in which contestants use quick wits and agility to answer both general knowledge and Disney-themed questions. The game is filled with beloved Disney characters and hosted by the wisecracking but always charming Genie from Disney’s “Aladdin.”
As the United States prepares for this historic election, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin resort is making its own presidential history by giving one lucky guest and their family the opportunity to be treated like a president with their very own presidential vacation.
Move over princess Ariel and make room for Tinker Bell. A new “meet-and-greet” area called Pixie Hollow has taken the place of Ariel’s Grotto which is located near the Matterhorn Bobsleds. Here you’ll be able to meet Tinker Bell in person which of course will offer excellent photo opportunities. The soft opening occurs today with the official opening will occur sometime next week.
