Enjoying A Moment...With the Castle

Another chance to Enjoy A Moment in Disneyland Paris. This time, early one morning on Main Street U.S.A. The first folk enjoy a trip on the autobus, heading up to the Chateau.

Societies and Clubs of Main Street

Some of the windows along Main Street U.S.A. in Disneyland Paris don't appear to be directly related to any of the Imagineers or Cast Members of the Walt Disney Company. Take, for example, these windows:

They are the home of The Paleontologist's Society and what appears to read Somnabulist Club. One enjoys the study of lifeforms from prehistoric times, and the other club, well, could perhaps be a small typing error and should read Somnambulist, which would be a club for sleepwalkers!

A Trip to Endor Via Japan

If you're feeling adventurous once you've made it to Tokyo Disneyland, perhaps you would fancy going on yet another journey? How about a trip to somewhere exotic...such as the Moon of Endor?

Well, you can do just that by jumping aboard a Starspeeder 3000, part of the Star Tours attraction!

Travelling Around Main Street

Here at DF'82 we've mentioned before about different forms of transport to get around Main Street. Previously, we had a look at the autobus that was becoming a very popular mode of transportation.
There is, however, still a more traditional way to get around the Street. As you can see, you can still hop on the horse-drawn tram, powered by the Main Street Transportation Company, and including service to and from Main Street, Flower Street and Market Street. Fantastic!

Enjoying A Moment...In Paris

It's Monday, it's the start of a new week, so let's start off as we mean to go on - with another in the Enjoying a Moment series. Today, it's a beautiful shot of le Chateau de la Belle au Bois Dormant here in Disneyland Paris.

Let's Take A Trip On The Western Railroad

Last time we were at Tokyo Disneyland here on DF'82, we took a look at Honey I Shrunk the Audience. Today we shall take a trip on the Western River Railroad!

Musical Windows

Today's Windows of Main Street U.S.A. in Disneyland Paris have a very musical theme to them.

They read (windows left to right):

J. Norworth
&
A. Von Tilzer
Songwriters

Take Me Out To The Ball Game
Now available in sheet music

"Take Me Out To The Ball Game" is the unofficial anthem of baseball, played during many matches and a fan-favourite. The song was penned in 1908 by Jack Norworth, who wrote the words on a Subway train, and Albert Von Tilzer, who set the words to music. Although both authors denied the song was written specifically for baseball!

Around the turn of the 20th Century, the song was very popular, and had been originally recorded by The Hayden Quartet Singing Group. Whilst the chorus hasn't changed since the 1908 version, some of the verses were updated and changed in 1927. The chorus goes as follows:

Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd;
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack,
I don't care if I never get back.
Let me root, root, root for the home team,
If they don't win, it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,
At the old ball game.

Links to Disney's Hollywood

Hollywood Boulevard is one of the newest additions to Walt Disney Studios in recent years, and I have taken you, the dear reader, on a walking tour of the area previously. However, there is one facade that we have overlooked.
As you can see, the buildings next to the Tower of Terror look very real. But they are actually building facades, made out of cardboard-like material and painted very realistically. Similar to those "buildings" at the end of New York Street in Disney's Hollywood Studios, Florida.

Additionally, the buildings stay close to the Art Deco styles of the Boulevard area. There is also a reference to El Capitan Theatre, on Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA. The theatre has been leased by The Walt Disney Company since 1989, and has also been renovated and restored by the Company. The theatre re-opened with the premiere of The Rockateer in 1991, and is now the location for many of Disney's feature films and made-for-TV movie premieres.

The Fantasy Of The Restroom

After looking at the toilets in the Hollywood Boulevard area of Walt Disney Studios yesterday, it reminded me of another area which beautifully themed restrooms - at least on the outside.

These toilettes (as they call them in French - doesn't everything sound better in French?) in Fantasyland in Parc Disneyland are some of my favourite!

Keeping With The Theme

On Sunday's post here at DF'82 we looked at the area surrounding the Tower of Terror, and the theming of Art Deco that had been kept throughout.

This theme is also carried over to the restrooms in Hollywood Boulevard. While they are still very modern, European toilet facilities, the facade remains very much Art Deco and 1930s.

Enjoying a Moment In Liberty Square

Today's "Enjoying a Moment" will take place in Liberty Square, Walt Disney World. Looking through the gates towards the Haunted Mansion.

The Detailing of the Tower

In Walt Disney Studios, Paris, there is the area known as Hollywood Boulevard, which I have discussed many times before here on the blog. This area was recently extended with the introduction of the Tower of Terror at the end of 2007, and as I have mentioned (and adore) the area is full of interesting references and links to the Hollywood Connection. Another reason I love these improvements is how much of the area has referenced 1930s and 40s Hollywood - and the Art Deco period.
Between the entrance to The Tower of Terror and the main stretch of Hollywood Boulevard, there is a small alcove area, which embodies the Art Deco beautifully. There are some chairs and tables, and a small outdoor cafe area, where you can grab a soft drink or a French coffee, and sit and feel 'away' from the rest of the Park.

Honey I Shrunk Tokyo

As the return of Captain E.O. is quite topical at the moment, I thought it would be good to look at some of the information regarding the Honey I Shrunk The Audience at Tokyo Disneyland! Of course, this requires us to attend the Imagination Institute. So to be prepared let's check out the safety cards for the above.

Enjoying A Moment In Disneyland Parc

Sometimes it's just nice to enjoy the Parks, and as I have said many a time, Disneyland Parc is one of the most beautiful theme parks I have ever had the pleasure to visit.

From time to time I would like to share with you some images from the theme parks, especially in Disneyland Paris. Today's image is from Fantasyland and features some details of Alice's Curious Labyrinth, which I have talked about previously. Please click to view the picture larger.

Things To Do Around Disneyland Paris...Cafe Mickey

We all know that there are lots of things to do in Disneyland Paris and the Parks - we've covered a lot of it here! But there are also fun things to do around the Disneyland Paris area. Either in the Resorts, or in the Disney Village.

One such place, for example, is Cafe Mickey, situated at the end of the Disney Village - furthest away from the Train Station, but at the closest point to the Hotel Area. But what's so exciting about Cafe Mickey? Well, it is the main character dining location in the Resort Area.

It is a really bright, lively place, always full of couples and families enjoying the chance to get up close and personal with many different Disney characters usually including Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Pluto and many more! There are TV screens within the Cafe, showing Disney cartoons (which is always enjoyed by kids - and several grown-ups!), and the decor is quite basic but features parts of Mickey throughout!

There is a breakfast buffet from 8-10.30am, a lunch between noon-5pm and dinner, 5pm-close, which lunch and dinner having a very similar menu. Apart from the ability to meet characters, this restaurant is in a great location - allowing some space from the Parks - and the variety of cuisine in here is also good, ranging from pizza and pasta, to seafood and also vegetarian dishes (which can often be hard to come-by in France). There is also a 3-course set-meal, as set-meals are very common in Europe. And for dessert, well, it is an All-You-Can-Eat Buffet - so who can say no to that?!

Looking Back At The Times

In order to introduce you to a world outside the Disney Parks in America, let's have a look at a times guide from Tokyo Disneyland last year. Imagine the scene - it's the middle of August and you have arrived at the Tokyo Disney Resort, and you are ready to explore Tokyo Disneyland. It's busy and you want to make the most of your visit, so you need to know what to do. So you pick up what looks like a Times Guide.
But wait a minute - this is all in Japanese. We're not going to understand this! But luckily you find one of the English written Times Guides.Great, now we know what we will be able to do during the park. As you can see, there are plenty of shows to watch and enjoy. So, shall we look at what Tokyo DisneySea has during the same time period?

If You Need a Cruise In Main Street

It has been a long time since we have visited the fantastic windows of Main Street U.S.A. in Disneyland Paris, so today let's have a look at a window that is very poignant considering recent events.


The window above stands in the right hand side of Town Square, once you enter under the Train Station. It is dedicated to Roy E. Disney, and reads as follows:

Pyewacket Cruise Lines
For a Day You Will Treasure
Book a Cruise That's a "Pleasure"
Capt. Roy E. Disney

Roy was a very keen sailor, and was very well known of his love of sailing. He had also held several speed records, including one which was the Los Angeles to Honolulu monohull time of 7 days, 11 hours, 41 minutes and 27 seconds back in July 1999. This was set on his faithful boat, Pyewacket, hence the title of the window that he holds.

As you know, Roy E. died on December 16th 2009, so although the Disney community was devastated by his loss, it is great to know his memory and name still live on throughout the parks!

The Mystic Powers in Tokyo

Reaching the end of our journey throughout Tokyo DisneySea, we head over to the Hanger Stage where we meet the fantastical and mythical "Mystic Rhythms".

Let's have a look at our journey's end.

The Seaweed Is Always Greener...In Tokyo

Today's attraction in the spotlight at Tokyo DisneySea is one where we can get up-close-and-personal with Ariel and her friends, from The Little Mermaid. We head into the Mermaid Lagoon Theatre, ready for the "Under the Sea" production.

But first, some friendly words of advice.

Experiencing More of Tokyo Disneyland

In order to help beat the winter and January blues, let's take a trip back to Tokyo Disneyland over the next few days, and look at the remainder of Journey Pamphlets related to some of the rides at Tokyo DisneySea.

Today, it's the turn of the attraction called Storm Rider. Let's have a look at it and prepare ourselves!

Something So Old

On the recent Royal Trip to Disneyland, we came across some fantastic Hidden Treasures. If you are a regular reader of this blog, you will know that I love Disney Details and Hidden Treasures!
This Hidden Treasure is one that upon further research is probably not that Hidden at all, but more like an Overlooked Treasure! It has been described as the oldest attraction in Disneyland, being aged between 55 million and 70 million years old. The Petrified Tree's remains was purchased by Walt Disney and family in 1956, from the Pike Forest Fossil Beds in Colorado.After residing at the Disney residence for more than a year, Lilian Disney presented the tree to Disneyland after deciding it was too big for their home! There is an inscription beneath the tree which reads:

Petrified Tree
from the Pike Petrified Forest, Colorado

This section weighs five tons and measures 7 1/2 feet in diameter. The original tree, estimated to have been 200 feet tall, was part of a sub-tropical forest 55 to 70 million years ago in what is now Colorado. Scientists believe it to be of the Redwood of Sequoia Species. During some prehistoric era a cataclysmic upheaval caused silica laden water to overspread the living forest. Wood cells were changed during the course of time to sandstone. Opals were formed within the tree trunk itself.

Presented to Disneyland
by
Mrs Walt Disney
September 1957

Perhaps this is where the Sequoia Lodge in Disneyland Paris got its name from?

Sailing on a Gondola in...Tokyo?

To fully enjoy our Venetian Gondola experience in Tokyo DisneySea, it's important that we read the pamphlet, which points out some of the exciting and interesting sights of the Mediterranean Harbour.

Let's have a look!

Fancy Seeing a Movie?

Now that Christmas and New Year is out of the way, perhaps you are looking for something to do - something to pass the time. I always think January is a bit of a 'down' month, so I am always interested in cheering myself up! Last year I booked a trip to Walt Disney World during it!

I am not suggesting you book a holiday to our favourite place in the world, but if you need your injection of Disney - and especially if you live in North America - why not go along and see The Princess and the Frog? The reintroduction of 2D, 'old fashioned' animation is a great way to bring a little bit of Disney into your life, whilst seeing a fun movie in return!

If you are like myself and the Royal Family, however, and live in a country where the film has yet to be released, there are many other ways you can cheer yourself up with Disney! I recently purchased a Disney-themed jigsaw, and I also love to make scrapbooks and photo albums in relation to my previous Disney trips.

But that doesn't mean we can't look forward to the release of The Princess and The Frog in a cinema near us in the meantime. For the UK market, the film is released 5th February 2010. And here are just some of the other major market dates, so make sure to make a note in your 2010 diary!

Please note, all dates are subject to change
France - 27th January 2010
Switzerland - 27th January 2010
Netherlands - 3rd February 2010
Spain - 4th February 2010
Hong Kong - 18th February 2010
Norway - 19th February 2010
Finland - 19th February 2010
Japan - 6th March 2010

Happy New Year!

Just a small message from us here at DF'82 to wish you all a beautiful and magical Disney-full 2010!

May all your dreams come true and may all your days be healthy, happy and bright!