Underneath The Station

Those of you who have visited Disneyland Paris, or have read this blog for a while, will remember that we enter the Parc underneath the Disneyland Hotel. This is where the ticket booths are, and the queues during the morning waiting for Rope Drop (or when the Parc officially opens to guests).
But we also go underneath another 'iconic' Disney theme park feature - the Disneyland Railroad Station! Similar to the other parks in North America, this is a handy place to pass through to pick up some guidemaps and times guides.

Underneath the Railroad is also the location for Wheelchair and Pushchair Rental pick up, and drop off also.
If you don't have to rush into, or out of, the parc, make sure to take some time and have a look at the posters 'hanging' around the tunnels. They are just more examples of how fantastique the Imagineers are in the Disney theme parks.

What's Happening at Disneyland Paris

With us approaching the Easter holidays here in the UK, and the summer holidays all over the world, there are a lot of visits and trips planned for families to the Paris resort over the next few months. Because of this I thought I would take some time to give you all a small round-up of the latest news and happenings over at Disneyland Paris!

As I have mentioned in previous News articles, this year introduces the New Generation Festival at Disneyland Paris. As well as several new attractions that will be premiering at the Walt Disney Studios, the Festival will bring a new 'Castle Show' to the Hub. Entitled Disney Showtime Spectacular, the show will allow guests to see Mickey up close and personal, as well as some other very special Disney characters. If you want to read more about this show you can over at the DLRP Today website, but beware there are spoilers! DF'82 will bring you more about this show in the next few months.

Another fun snippet of news is that there is a new Ratatouille themed car in the Stars N' Motorcars Parade at the Studios. You will be able to see Remy and Emile and their cookery themed float up close and personal!

In other news... Casey Jr Train and the Storybook Land (Le Pays du Conte de Fees) are both closed until 2nd July...The Mystery of the Nautilus in Discoveryland is also closed but only until 2nd April... It appears that Hakuna Matatta counter service restaurant is also closed for refurbishment... And the Panoramagique balloon is temporarily deflated for refurbishment, but for how long is unknown.... Over in Walt Disney Studios, the Studio Tram Tour will be closed until 30th April.

Picture copyright www.disneylandparis.co.uk

A Little Piece of Tokyo

To beat the Monday blues, let's pretend that we're visiting the parks at Tokyo Disneyland! It's the beginning of August and we need to know what we can go and see... Shall we have a look at the Times Guide to see what we fancy?

Enjoying a Moment...with Snakes?

As someone who has a very small but very real fear of snakes, I still enjoy the various Indiana Jones attractions around the different Disney theme parks. As long as I am not up close and personal with those snakes!

The attraction in Disneyland Paris, as you know, is a rollercoaster so there really isn't any animatronic snakes to be scared of. However, I managed to take this Moment before I boarded the attraction, and it does beg the question why did it have to be snakes?

An Eye On Main Street

It's been a while since we have looked at some of the Windows of Main Street, Disneyland Paris, so today let's have a look at a window near the Newstand. This business would come in handy should any of us need a detective whilst we are visiting the park!

The Third Eye Detective Agency
John Larsen
Gerard Degonse

From the period of 1989 to 1994, Gerard Degonse served as the Vice-President, Financial Manager and Secretary General of EuroDisney.

I have been unable to get solid information regarding John Larsen, but there is a John Larsen who works with Disney through more creative means (including working with Disney on the recent Finding Nemo Animal Kingdom show). If you have any more information, please let me know!

Disney Details of Disneyland

Hopping across the world, we will have a brief moment in Disney's California Adventure, over in Anaheim. We will enter the park and head over to what is Hollywood Boulevard, to my favourite store.
Off the Page stocks beautiful Disney Art and my favourite, of course, books about Disney. The shop is attached to the Disney Animation attraction, and is somewhere you can spend hours browsing.

And just outside the shop, there is some interesting details on the ground. Just another piece of Disney Details from the Imagineers that we love so much.

Hup Two Three Four

In a previous post I promised you a tour of Colonel Hathi's Pizza Outpost, and we are going to do that today! This counter service location is a hub for adventurers from all over the world. And the building houses many of their treasures from their different explorations. A sort of Adventurer's Club for Adventureland.
This description from the Disneyland Paris website explains briefly the theming of the Pizza Outpost:

This is where chattering parrots invite you to pick your favourite dishes: pizzas, lasagnes, pastas, salads... Intrepid explorers of all ages meet to tell their tales in this restaurant, on the edge of the tropical forest, relaxing in front of the stone fireplace or enjoying the view from the veranda.

There is beautiful decoration throughout this restaurant, with so many things to see and do! The main dining area houses a massive tree where there are animatronic birds surrounding you. Not unlike Walt's original idea for the Enchanted Tiki Room.
Let's take some time to have a look at some of the hidden treasures.

Enjoying a Moment with Mickey

It's Humpday, it's Midweek, and so what better way to enjoy it than spending a moment with the Big Cheese. Here we are in the middle of Mickey's Magical Party Stage Show at Disneyland Paris.

Remember...Fireworks!

I love the entertainment and show behind all the Disney Theme Parks, as well as the fantastic attractions and theming. One of my favourite pieces of entertainment when I visit the parks is the fireworks shows at the end of a long, but fun, day.

When the Royal Family has visited Disneyland in previous years, the firework show was Remember...Dreams Come True and it was a beautiful, heartwarming display. It was originally created for the park's 50th Anniversary and at the time was the most fantastical display ever put on at Disneyland.
The entire display was so top secret that the trial runs for the show took place in China's Gobi Desert! The introduction, and conclusion, is narrated by the Disney Legend Julie Andrews, and features music from all the different lands around the Park. It lasts just over 17 minutes and is estimated to cost $33,000 per showing.

Barber Shop of Main Street

When you are visiting Main Street U.S.A., perhaps you will be in need of a haircut. Well, have no fear, there is the fantastic Dapper Dan's barber shop there which will happily give you a short back and sides.

Along with it's brother barber shop in Magic Kingdom, Florida (entitled Harmony Barber Shop), Dapper Dan's Hair Cuts will cut your hair with a slight Disney twist. The shop is still open and operating today, but it is advised that you book in advance at City Hall.
The Dapper Dan's name originate from the singing barbershop quartet that were founded by Walt at Disneyland. While Paris doesn't have a singing quartet at present, there was a group originally called 'The Main Street Quartet'. This group were eventually lost to the Parc due to financial constraints.

And those of you with a keen eye will have noticed an advertising billboard outside the barber shop. This fun advert advises you to Contemplate a New You...Picture Your Self with a Harmony Moustache. And you can do just that - look into the mirror and picture yourself with a Harmony!

A Quick Bite At Colonel Hathi's

A beautiful counter service restaurant, tucked away in Adventureland, is Colonel Hathi's Pizza Outpost. This is one of my favourite throughout the Disneyland Paris park, and is a must for me when we visit. It's quiet, roomy, and during the summer there are gorgeous outdoor areas to sit. The restaurant is built in a very Victorian style, and the inside dining rooms are packed with mementos from explorations. In a future post we will look at the decor of this restaurant in more detail, but for now, let's have a quick bite!
As I mentioned, this counter service restaurant is situated in Adventureland, not far from the Indiana Jones' Coaster. And as the name suggests, it has a very Jungle Book related theme. The menu is quite varied, but with the usual pizza, salads, spaghetti and lasagne - all of which I can very highly recommend! There are set menus (including the pizza one at under €10) and dining options for kids.
My personal tip for this quick bite location is to get there early - during the year the restaurant opens around 11am, and if you get there prior to midday you can usually have a pick of the seats. And get your food quickly too! It doesn't get exceptionally busy, but I think it is somewhere you need to take the time to enjoy. Especially if you want to really feel like an explorer! The Pizza Outpost tends to be closed Mondays and Tuesdays during the low season, and typically shuts one hour before park closing.

Floating Along...

Phew, it's almost the end of another busy week here in the Royal Household. I don't know about you, but I just feel the need to escape!

So how about another trip over to Tokyo Disneyland and experience the wonders of their Rivers of America.

Walking Right Down The Middle

There is just something so special about Main Street U.S.A in Disneyland, California. I'm not sure if it's the setting, the warm sun hitting you as stroll, or the fact that Walt himself had walked in your footsteps. Or possibly it is just the sheer history that surrounds you when you're there!

And when I say history, I don't just mean the fact that this was the first and original Main Street U.S.A. Oh no - there is a history to some of the places in Main Street before there even was a Disneyland! For example, in Town Square there are two cannons which were originally built for, and by, the French Army and are as old as the 19th Century!
Staying in Town Square, the flagpole that you see as you enter the Stage of Disneyland? Well, the pole is actually recycled from a lamppost that was purchased from the city of Los Angeles for five dollars! The pole was originally a lamppost which was knocked over after a car accident on Wilshire Boulevard.

And as you walk down the rest of Main Street U.S.A., as you are eager to see the beautiful Castle, you pass several gas streetlamps. These are over 150 years old and originate from Baltimore, Philadelphia and St. Louise. They were purchased by Disneyland for around three cents a pound.Of course, they are just for show, right? Well, back in December 1982 there was a power cut in Disneyland and these lamps managed to show the way to the exit when the park had to be evacuated!

Adverts on Main Street

We've already seen some of the professions that are on offer at Main Street U.S.A. - those which have some very deep meaning, and those that are just a bit of fun!

I think it's about time we saw some more - don't you? I mean, there has been many a time I have been visiting Main Street and realised that I am in need of a good typist. Well, look no further than Mrs Twiddle's Secretarial Services. I'm sure they can provide me with an excellent Secretary!And perhaps one needs to purchase a new sewing machine? Oh look - there's an advert for one:

It Stands At The Head copyrighted by the "Domestic" S.M.Co. New York 1882
The Star That Leads Them All
Unequalled for Simplicity of Construction, Ease of Operation and Durability
The Light Running "Domestic" Sewing Machine

And if you are in need of a design company, look no further than Chastain Design Company of Glendale.Budgets and Schedules Met Guaranteed. I think I will have to drop in to see them at some point for sure!

Enjoying A Moment...Of Hauntings

Today let's stop by the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland, California. What time is it, I hear you cry. No, it's not time for a High School Musical 2 song - it's half past haunted! Mwah-ha-ha-ha!

Exclusive: D23 First Year Party at Disneyland

Heading back over to Disneyland for an exclusive from D23 Member since first day, Leigh Canzoneri, who was lucky enough to attend a D23 event out at the California Park on Wednesday night. She's taken some time from her busy schedule to sit down with Royalty and tell the readers of DF'82 what it was like!

So Leigh, what was the event and how did you find out about it?
The event was the 1st anniversary of club D23. The D23 website informed all members when and where this event would be held for both the ‘Land and ‘World. I attended as a guest of Bill Farmer – the voice of "Goofy/Pluto/Practical Pig". It was available for a charge for D23 Members.

Ah so they were having it in both American parks? Excellent! What was the party going to consist of, for Disneyland?
Fantasyland was to be operational after regular park hours, and there would be rare characters seen in and around the ‘land. Celebrity and "Disney Legends" guests, desert bars, a commemorative pin and the ability for D23 members to get to know one another. The park would be open until midnight for D23 members.

That’s good – like a large social gathering for those fans. So, what happened when you arrived?
We were driven to the park from Grand Californian. There was myself, Bill Farmer, his wife Jenn and Kathryn Beaumont (the voice of "Alice/Wendy"). Bill would be meeting and greeting with the Disney fans, so we drove in through a back gate and were walked in from the cast members’ area behind Fantasyland, accompanied by a Guest Relations Cast Member.

Were there decorations or any D23 touches around Fantasyland?
Minimal. Just on the castle as you entered and the decorative tables where the deserts were

What was happening in the park once you entered?
The party was in full swing. Rides were going, music was playing, characters were in their spots doing meet and greets. There was a bar, and tables of cupcakes, Mickey rice crispy treats, cookies all around the back area in front of Casey Jr. train – there to help yourself! All rides were operating! And I highly recommend the story book canal boats at night! It could be considered better at night than during the day. It was gorgeous!

I can imagine – it is a beautiful attraction. What characters were there?
All 3 little pigs, Maleficent, Cinderella, Clara Cluck, Clarabelle, Alice, Mad Hatter, Mickey in his Band Leader outfit, The Country Bears, and I believe Peter Pan was there somewhere as well.

How did you spend your evening?
Bill signed many, many autographs and took photos with fans – it was a great experience for both him and the members. While Jenn and I went to some attractions, Peter Pan and Storybook Land, leaving Bill to meet the fans. We would check back on him to make sure he was given sufficient breaks in the ‘green room’. We chatted to Imagineer Bob Gurr for a while.
Then as the night progressed we all sat around and chatted with the original Bobby from the Mickey Mouse Club, Tony Baxter, Bob Olzweski, Margaret Kerry (“Tinkerbell”) and Bill Rogers "The VOICE of Disneyland". We also experienced a lot of the atmosphere, simply walking around and feeling involved with everything. And managed to grab some cookies too!

Would you say it was worth it for what you got to experience? And what were your overall opinions on the night.
I would say it was worth it. It was a great night for the D23 members. Not such a great night for the talent. But it isn't about the actors and the Imagineers, It’s about the Disney fans, community and D23 members so, I am guessing it went wonderfully for them and that the feedback will be positive. I haven't read anything on websites or what not, but I'm sure it was enjoyable for some and others, may not feel it was worth it. I think it was.

Pictures from D23 website - to read more about the event please visit D23.

It's A Jungle Out There!

It's true - it is a jungle out there. And Tokyo Disneyland is no exception! To make sure we get through it safely, we will book a cruise with the Jungle Navigation Co. Limited and one of their exceptional skippers! So let's find out more about it.

Round and Round Again

Spending some more time at Disneyland, California, today I thought it would be nice to have a quick look at King Arthur's Carrousel, in Fantasyland.
Interestingly enough, this Carrousel is different to other carousels, which commonly have one third of the animals on the attraction stationary. The King Arthur's Carrousel has been modified in such a way that all the animals move - and as all the animals are horses, they all jump!
Another fun fact, is that orginally only one of the horses on the Carrousel was white. This became so popular, that the horses were all painted white, but still remain slightly unique! And there's a very special horse aboard the Carrousel.

This horse was recently dedicated to Mary Poppins herself, Julie Andrews. And you can see the small motif on the horse's neck, representing Mary Poppins infamous umbrella.

Enjoying a Moment...in Mexico

It's the start of another week here in the Royal Household, so I thought it would be nice to escape to sunnier climes. Perhaps the beautiful Mexico Pavilion in Epcot, Walt Disney World!

Looking Up To Fantasy

It's been a while since we looked up to the beautiful wind vanes of Disneyland Paris. And seeing as this week has been some sort of Fantasy, why not stay in the fun land of Fantasyland. Today if we look up, we will see this interesting wind vane above the Peter Pan attraction.

Isn't It A Wonderland!

If you haven't had a chance to see Alice in Wonderland yet, the new Tim Burton and Disney movie, let's take some time to look at the Alice in Wonderland attraction out at Disneyland.

The attraction opened on June 14th, 1958, and is still in Fantasyland today. The attraction was originally going to be a walk-through attraction, and was to be ready for Opening Day in 1955. This, however, did not work as time and money were not on the Imagineers' side. So a ride-through attraction was then conceived and it opened almost 3 years later.

The main designer of the attraction is Claude Coats, who worked on the animated film of the same name. Tony Baxter, the now Senior Vice President at Disney Imagineering, worked on the renovation in 1984.

The ride continued until the Fantasyland 'revamp' in 1982, when it was shut until 1984. To add to the unique-ness of the attraction, part of it takes place in the outdoors! This does mean that on occasion it can be closed due to inclement weather. It is a beautiful attraction, and can be enjoyed by the whole family. The twists and turns, and topsy-turvy feeling to the attraction fits in line with the animated film and the classic novel by Lewis Carroll.

It's a Tokyo World

Let's head back over to Tokyo Disneyland and have a trip aboard the Happiest Ship That Ever Sailed, it's a small world, of course!

Keeping With The Theme

To keep in with the Alice in Wonderland theming, today's blog post will take a close look at something situated in Fantasyland, in Parc Disneyland. Something close to Alice's Curious Labyrinth. And something that is part of the DF'82 Lighting Up series.

These beautiful lights are scattered amongst the edging of the labyrinth before you enter the maze. They are, what you could call, a-maze-ing! (Yes, I know, don't give up the day job!) And yet another example of how Imagineers are constantly keeping with the theming of the parks. Wonderful!

Time To Enter The Wonderland

Today marks the release of the new picture by Disney and Tim Burton, Alice in Wonderland. There is a lot of hype surrounding this release, and the Royal Family here are very excited about going to see it this weekend!

To get us even more excited, I thought I would share some of the fun aspects of Disneyland Paris which relate to Alice and her Wonderland friends. And it also is a good excuse to look at some nice pictures, too.

And if you need some more Alice fun to keep you occupied, check out this interesting article about Johnny Depp's portrayal of the Mad Hatter. Why am I sharing this with you? Well, this Princess just happens to come from Glasgow!