Sunday 31 October 2010

Happy Halloween!

Today's Enjoying a Moment takes place in Animal Kingdom, with our Ghost Mickey popcorn bucket enjoying the fact it is almost Halloween...

Hello Halloween Mickey!

Saturday 30 October 2010

Below Deck In The Deep

As Halloween is this weekend, I thought it would be a fun opportunity to head back to the fantastic walk-thru attraction, Les Mystères du Nautilus.We have visited this before, but there is so much to see in the depths of this attraction that we can still see something new heading back there. Situated in Discoveryland, the Nautilus is based on the writings of Jules Verne and the tails of Captain Nemo.

As I mentioned, this attraction is a walk-thru, and usually has no wait. Although it is usually only open between 11.30am and 5pm, and can be closed in incliment weather (due to the steps that one has to take to get into the submarine). But it's open for us - so let's go in and take a wee walk around!But beware - every so often there is something that attacks the submarine...what could that be? Oh no, is it a monster...or perhaps a...a giant squid?
I knew this place was spooky enough to take you to for Halloween!

Friday 29 October 2010

The Beauty of Cinderella

There is a spot in Fantasyland in Tokyo Disneyland which, no matter how busy the rest of the park is, will always make me feel calm, quiet and collected.The beautiful Cinderella Fountain is situated behind Cinderella's Castle, similar to Paris and Orlando. A beautiful piece of detailing by the Imagineers, and a sort of Hidden Treasure amidst the mayhem of the Japanese park.

There is a small sign that highlights this is La Fountaine de Cendrillon:

Cinderella Fountain
Inspired by the French fairy tale and the Walt Disney film classic.

And if you also notice the fantastic upkeep of the statue, the fountain and the area around it. The whole of the Disney theme parks in the Tokyo Disney Resort are like this, with great care and attention to all the sights and attractions no matter how old.

Thursday 28 October 2010

Eureka Moment!

Heading through Frontierland in Disneyland Paris we pass the queuing area for Big Thunder Mountain. But what is this?
It's a trailer for the Eureka Mining Solutions, the mining company that owns Big Thunder Mountain here in Thunder Mesa. As you can see, the mine car is a John Deere car. Deere and Company is a world famous American manufacturer of agricultural and construction equipment. John Deere founded this company, and was originally an American blacksmith.

But as you can also see from the photograph, the car is situated at the Big Thunder Mountain Company Loading Platform. But we are in luck! Deliveries are permitted today - but not on Saturdays!

Wednesday 27 October 2010

Eggtastic

Although Halloween is quickly approaching, here on DF'82 we are going to head over to Tokyo Disneyland during their Easter Wonderland. Specifically to Toontown and to Goofy's House!
Along with the fantastic Parades and shows that are held in Disneyland during their Easter celebration, there are activities for children and families to take part in. Like the Egg Hunt that you can take part in.Eggs are hidden all over the Tokyo Disneyland resort, and children are given a map to find all the locations and to tick them off. Let's have a look at some of the eggs!

Tuesday 26 October 2010

No Strings in Tokyo

Tokyo Disneyland is lucky enough to have the Pinocchio's Daring Journey attraction in their Fantasyland.
A popular attraction, but one I have always found a little scary, no matter what language it is in! Of course not as scary as Snow White's Scary Adventures - which could be why I have never written about that here at DF'82...

The Tokyo Fantasyland is a really fun place to walk around, even if you are not participating in the attractions themselves. Just like this fountain placed outside the Pinocchio attraction, showing a happy Pinocchio skipping off to school!
Hidden treasures like this can often be overlooked in the Disney theme parks, and are set to remind us the amount of sheer detail, time and effort has gone into building these Parks for us to enjoy!

Monday 25 October 2010

Main Street Adverts in Asia

One of the things I adore about the Magic Kingdom, and the theme parks similar to it around the Disney World, is the way there are many experiences that are different but also familiar.

For example, you have the Castle that you will see upon approach to the hub from the entrance. Whilst they may not all be the same, they still give you that sense of wonder and a "I'm Here!" moment. Although the bus transportation throughout the Parks may not give us wonder and excitement, it is still a fun sight to see in any Main Street U.S.A. or World Bazaar.
Just like this autobus that you can spot in the Tokyo Disneyland Park, from the Tokyo Disneyland Transportation Company. Complete with adverts for the different attractions throughout the Disney-land!

Sunday 24 October 2010

Enjoying a Moment...At The Manor

It could be one of the most photographed attractions in Frontierland, Disneyland Paris, but I never get tired of the different shots that can be taken of the Phantom Manor.

As Halloween approaches, let's enjoy a moment at the Manor in Paris, as shot from Boot Hill.

Profile of the Manor (DLP)

Saturday 23 October 2010

Windows of Imagination

Today's Window comes direct to us from World Bazaar in Tokyo Disneyland. Situated above the entrance to the Bazaar, this window is dedicated to the person who imagined all of this in the first place.
The window is dedicated to Walt Disney, so let's look at it in some more detail:
Walter E. Disney Associates
Design & Masterplanning
If it can be imagined...it can be created

Like the window in Disneyland, California, Walt's window is able to overlook the wondrous Cinderella Castle, giving this beautiful view.I'm sure Walt would be impressed.

Friday 22 October 2010

Playground for Pirates

I think Adventure Isle is one of the most interesting and explorable (if that's a word!) places in Disneyland Paris.
Although exploring through relatively dark caves, and climbing over rope bridges may not be everyone's cup of tea, there is a fantastic hidden treasure for guests of younger ages over by the Pirate ship.La Plage des Pirates, or Pirates Beach as it is in English, is a great play-area for young wannabe-pirates. Complete with slides and climbing areas, parents can watch over as children use up some of that energy that they seem to have in bucket loads!

Thursday 21 October 2010

Above and Below

With Halloween fast approaching, we are getting in the spooky mood here at DF'82! And when I feel particularly spooky, I like to head on over to Phantom Manor in Disneyland Paris and walk around the grounds.

I adore the tombstones on Boot Hill, and all the details and hidden treasures from the Imagineers. Take, for example, this almost hidden tombstone:B. Arnold
Cold Is My Bed
But, Oh, I Love It,
For Colder Are
My Friends Above It.

And there is this other fantastic tombstone. Of course, there aren't many, ahem, humans around Boot Hill to keep the grounds tended, so it is quite difficult to read this particular stone. Maybe one of our readers could offer their services? I am sure there is a spare room at Phantom Manor.

Wednesday 20 October 2010

Having Another Bite At Bella

It's mid-week and what better way to look forward to the upcoming weekend than to think about food! Or perhaps food at Disney! And when I think of Disneyland Paris I can't help but dream of visiting La Pizzeria Bella Notte for a delicious pizza, or some gorgeous pasta.With that in mind, I thought we should pop back over to Bella Notte to have a look at their menu, and to see what they have in store for our next visit!I, for one, am looking forward to having some of the Menu 1 option - the penne pasta in the neopolitan sauce. Although, I can heartily recommend any of the pizzas.

And as you will remember from previous posts here at DF'82, we had a look at the interior of the restaurant and the Disney Details. Here is another shot from inside the restaurant, showing the baskets and utensils used for picking the tomatoes or vegetables for the dishes we'll be enjoying!

Tuesday 19 October 2010

Details Of Ships At Dock

When heading to Pirates of the Caribbean, in Disneyland Paris, we pass the infamous ship, docked on Adventure Isle. As we have previously mentioned, I hope there are no pirates wandering loose.But if you exit the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, and into Le Coffre du Capitaine, have a look at some of the in-store decor. Like, this replica of another impressive ship.Perhaps this is a memento of another ship the Pirates may have commandeered?

Monday 18 October 2010

For The Li'l Yanks

As we stroll along Main Street U.S.A. in Disneyland Paris, we can notice some more fantastic adverts adorning the buildings on the main street. But we have to look up!

Above the Disney Clothiers store we have a couple of fun adverts.
One of which advertises Tomlinsons Stove Polish - vital for today's current appliances.
And another advertising dungarees:
TUGG and SONS
Quality Dungarees
"Give Your Li'l Yanks Tuggs!"

Sunday 17 October 2010

Enjoying a Moment...In Le Chateau

Let's enjoy a moment within the Castle walls in Disneyland Paris, enjoying the reflection of the stained glass windows against hidden doorways.

Door In Beauty (DLP 09)

Saturday 16 October 2010

Minnie and Roy

One of my favourite parts of the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World is the beautiful statue of Roy O. Disney and Minnie Mouse.

So, I was pleasantly surprised when I visited Tokyo Disneyland and found the same statue situated at the front of World Bazaar. Given as a gift to the Tokyo Disney Resort, this is a lovely tribute to Roy on the other side of the planet!

And as you can see, there is another lovely plaque (if you read DF'82 regularly, you will know I love my plaques almost as much as my windows!), let's take the time to read it:

With this gift to our friends at Tokyo Disney Resort.

The Cast of The Walt Disney Company honours your 25 wonderous years of sharing the magic with all who come to this happy place.

April 15 2008


Roy O. Disney

Joining his keen business sense with the creative genius of his brother, Roy O. Disney helped cofound the Walt Disney Company in 1923. Together, Walt and Roy created new forms of family entertainment that included groundbreaking animated films and the landmark Disney Parks around the world.

Friday 15 October 2010

Looking Around the Academy

A fun place for kids of all ages is the Animation Academy in Walt Disney Studios, Paris. This is a place where you can try your hand at creating your own Disney masterpiece, with Cast Members teaching you how to draw certain Disney characters.
The Academy can be entered after the Animation pre-show, or directly from the Art of Disney store. And, as you can see, there is some beautiful artistic decorations adorning the walls!

Thursday 14 October 2010

Stairs to the Railroad

Last June we looked at the Hints of the Past at the Railroad in Paris, and if you haven't read this article please take the time to have a look at it.

But for today, we are quickly returning to the Euro Disneyland Railroad to have a look at the beautiful detailing on the metal stair-railings.
These are one of the first sights upon entering Disneyland Paris, and I just love that they still show the initials E D R R.