DF'82

How To Slink

2012-01-27T08:20:00.007Z

When you pick up your Slinky ZigZag Spin, you might need to figure out how to assemble the game.

No need to worry - it comes complete with instructions!

Make sure to follow the figures and steps, otherwise it might not turn out exactly as expected.

Buy Your Tyres

2012-01-26T08:05:00.002Z

Heading through Radiatorville you may find that you are in need of some new tyres.

Look no further than Luigi's Casa Della Tires!

It looks like they are having a Lightyear Tire Sale at the moment, too. It must be part of the post-Christmas January Blues!

And luckily it looks like they might be open after hours as well. Thank goodness!

Through to the Other Side

2012-01-25T14:19:00.004Z

After yesterday's look at the barrel of fun to be found in Toy Story Playland, we step through the barrel to see what is on the other side...

Just another example of how Disney Imagineers change the theming as you step out of one land and into another.

Perhaps this is some preparation for an area themed around the Disney Pixar movie Ratatouille?

Only time will tell.

Barrel of Fun

2012-01-24T08:10:00.012Z

You can't have too much fun when you visit Walt Disney Studios in Paris. In fact, you can have a barrel of fun!

One of the main entrances to Toy Story Playland in Paris is through a tub of Barrel of Monkeys.

And watch out for some of the Barrel of Monkeys playing around overhead!

Back From the Bathroom

2012-01-23T08:15:00.008Z

After a New Year's break, DF'82 is back with avengance! And for the next few days, we're going to go back to where it all began at this blog... Disneyland Paris! Perhaps some of the most overlooked of the Disney Parks, Parc Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios have so much to offer the regular tourist and the Disney Uber-fan.

Let's test your memory. Can you think where you might find these toilets, or maybe a little bit more polite, bathrooms?

If you think about where you can also meet Prince Charming and Cinderella, you are much closer to the answer.

Of course, at Auberge de Cendrillon!

Pause For Thought

2012-01-03T08:00:00.004Z

DF'82 is going to be quiet for the next few days, readying our brain for some fantastic Disney Details and Hidden Treasures from the Disney Parks around the world!

We will be back later in January, roaring and ready to go with some Magic well into 2012!

Mele Kalikimaka!

2012-01-02T08:10:00.003Z

As the title suggests, DF'82 wants to wish you a (belated) Merry Christmas from Hawaii!

Or more specifically, Disney's Polynesian Resort.

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou (Happy New Year!)

All The Best

2012-01-01T08:00:00.001Z

Happy New Year to all the readers of DF'82 and your families.

May 2012 be a truly magical year for all!

Christmas At Sea

2011-12-31T08:00:00.013Z

As the Christmas season continues, let's head over to Disney's Yacht Club Resort to have a look at their decorations for this period.

In the lobby, we have this beautiful winter scene, looking over a small village celebrating the holidays.

Surrounded by garlands of winter bloom over the balconies in the lobby and reception area.

And their tree is, of course, decorated with decorations fit for a sailor!

Merry Christmas From DF'82

2011-12-25T07:00:00.002Z

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, from the Royal Family here at DF'82.

From The Springs to the West

2011-12-24T08:00:00.007Z

Every resort in Walt Disney World gets into the Holiday Season, with gifts perfect for this time of year to decorations and trees, themed to fit in perfectly with the Resort itself.

Take, for example, the decorations at Old Key West, placed around the main area.

These wreiths near the entrance to Olivia's are almost ready to go fishing themselves!

Whereas over at Coronado Springs, the decorations have are a much more laid-back affair, perhaps reflecting the easy-going nature of the resort itself!

Flo-ing with Christmas Spirit

2011-12-23T08:20:00.009Z

A trip to Walt Disney World during the Holiday Season just isn't complete without visiting the Grand Floridian Resort. From the minute you approach the resort, you are welcomed with beautiful poinsettas and decorations.

And once you enter the lobby area, well, you can guess what we see first!

But don't forget, this is the location of the original Gingerbread House.

And in this House you can actually buy your very own piece of gingerbread - to save you feeling the need to nibble on the walls.

A Lodge Full of Christmas

2011-12-22T08:05:00.008Z

At any time of the year, Wilderness Lodge in the Magic Kingdom area of Walt Disney World is one of my favourite Resorts. A place full of nooks and crannies, and beautiful theming, it's a perfect place to stay while visiting the World. Of course, during the Holidays, the place becomes even more charming and cosy!

The magnificent tree stands tall in the centre of the lobby, whilst the balconies around the lobby are decorated with hanging garlands.

You can even see a nod to some of the animals of the Wilderness above the entrance!

Sporting Christmas

2011-12-21T08:15:00.004Z

The All-Start Sports Resort, in Walt Disney World, is also ready to enjoy the Holiday Season, with their heavily themed tree in the lobby!

They shoot, they score!

Down At the Board-Christmas-Walk

2011-12-20T08:00:00.011Z

Just a short hop-skip-and-jump from Beach Club, we go to Disney's Boardwalk Resort, to have a look at some of their Christmas decorations.

And we are introduced to a beautiful tree before we even enter the Resort itself!

But once we enter the lobby, we see that the Holiday Season is well and truly upon us. And we can see that there is also a Gingerbread House in this hotel.

Let's take a closer look.

And don't forget to take in the information about the Gingerbread House, which it looks like Stitch may have built.

You can also buy a piece of Gingerbread from the Gingerbread shop, next door.

I'm sure it's all perfectly delicious, with no, um, alien ingredients!

Lying On The Beach At Christmas

2011-12-19T08:15:00.012Z

We now take this chance to head over to the Beach Club, the closest resort to Epcot, and have a look at their Holiday decorations, including this special piece of artwork. Or would you say special snack?

Yes, this is their Gingerbread 'House'! Although as you can see, we have a castle, and a beautiful carousel of horses instead of the traditional house.

Each horse has been individually created, with hundreds of hours of work put into these masterpieces.

Pepper

Holly

Captain

Wonderland

and last, but not least, Ariel. Fitting for the Beach club!

And here we have some more information about the Gingerbread House and Carousel.

Don't eat it all at once!

Enjoying a Moment...With Eye-Popping Colour

2011-12-18T17:23:00.000Z

With only a week to go to Christmas, and just a few days to Hannukah, let's enjoy a moment in the Pop Century Resort. It's time to gather round the tree for a family photo...although, you may notice that the colours are, well, slightly off!

It's just the fun of photoshop - don't worry, you haven't had too much eggnog.

Christmas in the Sun

2011-12-17T08:00:00.004Z

Heading over to the Caribbean Beach Resort in Walt Disney World, the holiday season is still very much present but at a quieter, more relaxed pace. Without going for a big tree as soon as you enter the Old Port Royale Centertown, you are greeted with decorations that pleasantly fit in to the area.

But it's the little details that make Christmas at Disney unlike Christmas anywhere else...

Decorating the road signs.

An Animal Christmas

2011-12-16T08:00:00.002Z

At any time of the year, the Animal Kingdom Lodge at Walt Disney World is one of the most beautiful and well-themed resorts of them all. But when you add Christmas-time and the Holiday Season into the mix, you get a really wild kinda time!

Here is the beautiful tree, standing in all its glory in the main lobby of the hotel. Towering almost as high as the ceiling itself, it makes you wonder how they got it in there in the first place...

And don't forget the decorations adorning the balconies on each floor.

Contemporary Christmas Time

2011-12-15T08:00:00.017Z

We've had a few days off here at DF'82, due to the busy-ness of the Royal family at this time of year, but to help get us into the Christmas and Festive mood, today we're going to head over to the Contemporary Resort in Walt Disney World!

This may be one of the largest Hidden Mickey decorations I have ever seen - even bigger than the one in the Royal Household!

And here is the Contemporary's Christmas Tree - heavily influenced by the artwork of Mary Blair.

I love how the decorations fit in with the mural by Mary Blair - great attention to detail!

And don't forget the Gingerbread House!

The Gingerbread Houses are situated at most of the Disney Deluxe resorts during the Holiday Season.

Enjoying a Moment...In Japan

2011-12-11T08:00:00.001Z

Just before we start on the Christmas and Holiday Season here at DF'82, let's head over to World Showcase at Epcot and enjoy a moment overlooking the Lagoon.

Get Ready for Armageddon

2011-12-10T08:15:00.008Z

Walt Disney Studios, in Disneyland Paris, has a show based on the Special Effects used in the blockbuster film 'Armageddon' (released in 1998).

Outside the attraction, there is a noticeable prop from the film.

Along with the plaque, explaining this contraption (and you know how this Princess loves a plaque!):

Built for Battle
A 50-person special effects crew designed and built the Armadillo to battle the asteroid villain of Armageddon. Its features include a Humvee chassis and 12 specially-designed tires inspired by the Mars "Sojourner" vehicle.

Fire!

2011-12-09T08:20:00.003Z

If you are visiting the Grizzly Peak area of Disney's California Adventure, and just before you become a Wilderness Explorer, you will learn how to protect the park from the risk of fire, using these simple diagrams courtesy of Humphrey the Bear:

Looking Up At Ariel

2011-12-08T08:10:00.003Z

When joining Ariel for her Undersea Adventure, be sure to follow one of DF'82's requests to Always Look Up.

If you do, you will be able to see and appreciate some truly beautiful theming for this attraction.

Can you see how the lighting fixtures are shaped in such a way that they look like seaweed, or other sea-plant-life?

And take a careful look at those shells against the corners. Could they be speakers?

Further Legends

2011-12-07T08:15:00.006Z

Heading back over to the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, and we can see another familiar statue in the Partners' Courtyard.

You may recognise this beautiful tribute to Roy O. Disney - you can find it in Tokyo and the Magic Kingdom Disney parks, in a similar vane to here in Burbank. A nice tribute to the man who helped bring Walt Disney World to Florida.

Views of New York

2011-12-06T08:15:00.005Z

If you get the chance to visit, or stay, in Disneyland Paris' Hotel New York, be sure to take a walk around the hallways just off the lobby-area. The walls in these areas are adorned with photos and pictures that represent New York City in various ways.

Like these photos which represent one of New York's favourite sports - Baseball.

And if you look closer, you may end up at Wall Street.

Where you can catch a train from Union Square, Grand Central or Penn - or perhaps you might just enter a conference room or two.

Further Stories of Cinderella

2011-12-05T08:00:00.016Z

We revist Auberge de Cendrillon in Disneyland Paris, to have a look at another couple of Cinderella story portraits.

The first one is a tapestry we are introduced to when we enter the restaurant, and meet Cinderella before being seated.

It reads:

Il etait une fois, dans un pays lointain, un royaume paisible, prospere et riche de traditions et de legendes.
(Once upon a time in a land far-far away, [there was] a peaceful kingdom, prosperous and rich in traditions and legends)

Gus and Jaq also appear to welcome us to the start of the story.

Inside the restaurant, however, we see another portrait from one of the more memorable scenes of the film.

When Cinderella tries on - and fits! - the Glass Slipper. C'est superbe!

Enjoying A Moment...In The Sun

2011-12-04T08:30:00.001Z

When you pass through the Castle in any Disney Park, how often do you turn around to appreciate the back of the beautiful building?

Today, we are going to pass through Cinderella's Castle in Tokyo Disneyland, and take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the backside of the Castle. Enjoy!

Toilets at Toontown

2011-12-03T08:00:00.001Z

If you head over to the ladies' restroom in Toontown at Disneyland, in California, you will see a fun reference to the popular Jessica Rabbit.

Outside Del Oro

2011-12-02T08:10:00.001Z

Looking around the outside of the Fuente del Oro restaurant in Frontierland, be sure to pay attention to some of the fantastic Disney Details of the architecture and finishings of the building.

We have looked at some of the decor before, but small details, like the items on the window ledge abover, give the building a lease of life, even when the restaurant isn't open.

Night Time Racing

2011-12-01T08:00:00.004Z

To top-off our 45 minutes in the RC Racer queue (which strangely felt like 3 days), we take a look at the queue area in the evening.

A great way to highlight some of the details that are so-often overlooked in the daylight hours.

Build Your Own Racer

2011-11-30T08:20:00.003Z

As the title suggests, when you are at the final area of the RC Racer queue, and almost ready to board the Racer Coaster, you can spend some time deciding how to make your own Racer.

As you can see, the walls have various parts that can be put together to help build your own toy car.

Then you'll be all set to have a ride on RC Racer.

Time To Fuel Up

2011-11-29T08:00:00.002Z

As we get closer to the main attraction and 'rollercoaster' of RC Racer, we pass buy a gas station with a familiar theme around it.

Yes, as you can see, if you need to make a pit-stop on your way to the main attraction, fill up on some Dinoco Fuel!

Looks like RC is getting a top-up himself.

Get Set To Race

2011-11-28T08:00:00.018Z

RC Racer is part of the new Toy Story Playland area of Walt Disney Studios in Disneyland Paris. A fun attraction, we briefly looked at here at DF'82 a few months ago.

We head back to the attraction to have a look at possibly one of the most fun areas of the new 'land - the queue for RC Racer! And as the rider has a slow guest turnaround, you may spend quite a while in this line before you can experience the fun of the Racer for yourself...

As we enter, we see we are about to follow our own Racer-style track.

Winding through the queue is great fun, for adults and children a-like! Take some time to enjoy the curves and bends, as you get closer to the hold building.

Also take some time to appreciate the shaping of the trees, all made to feel like you are a small RC Racer car, winding around traffic cones.

Enjoying A Moment...At The Bay

2011-11-27T08:30:00.002Z

This Sunday, let's head over to a part of Tokyo DisneySea, where we can see Mount Prometheus and the bay area, and just sit back and relax.

Today...In October

2011-11-26T08:00:00.002Z

Bang up-to-date and Tokyo Disney Resort is still celebrating Halloween and Be Magical!

Today...in September

2011-11-25T08:00:00.008Z

As we get ever closer to the present, September in Tokyo Disney Resort involves some great celebrations - it really is a fun time to visit Japan!

Tokyo Disneyland has just kicked off their Halloween Celebrations, which run through 31st October 2011.

While Tokyo DisneySea is celebrating it's 10th birthday with Be Magical! Don't you wish you could be there?

Today...In August

2011-11-24T08:00:00.000Z

Last month there were the Cool the Heat celebrations in Tokyo Disneyland, which are still happening this month too!

And so the Summer Oasis Splash in Tokyo DisneySea is also ongoing, this time with Chip and Dale to entice you.

Today...in July

2011-11-23T08:00:00.007Z

Moving onto July 2011, the celebrations at the Tokyo Disney Resort have moved on from last month. Tokyo Disneyland has an Entertainment guide for 1st to the 7th July 2011, with lovely Daisy on the cover.

This is to celebrate the Star Festival, on the 7th July (the Star Festival is also referred to as Tanabata, and you can read more about the festivities in Japan here).

And moving on from that, the remainder of the month is attributed to the Cool the Heat celebrations.

This year, with a Pirate theme in Tokyo Disneyland.

While Tokyo DisneySea has the Summer Oasis Splash 2011, another festival to beat off the hot July weather!

Today...in June

2011-11-22T08:00:00.002Z

For the rest of the week, as the Royal Family is away in Walt Disney World, DF'82 is going to take a look at the different Times Guides to the Tokyo Disney Resort for the latter half of 2011.

Today, we're going to jump in our Delorian and take a look at June 2011.

Where Easter Wonderland was still in full swing in Tokyo Disneyland.

And Tokyo DisneySea was still celebrating the new nighttime spectacular Fantasmic.

Adventures in Tokyo

2011-11-21T08:00:00.000Z

Over the summer months, mainly through August, children in Tokyo Disney Resort could pick up a book and have their own adventures in the parks!

A great way to keep children occupied during the busy, and warm, summer months, the Disney Kids Summer Adventure Books were available and featured quizzes, questions and 'things to do' in both Tokyo Disneyland:

And Tokyo DisneySea:

The book has a section for each 'land' in the parks - shown below is Fantasyland and Mermaid Lagoon.

Each book also contained a selection of stickers (shown below for Disneyland and DisneySea) which could be used for the children when they completed a set activity!

Enjoying a Moment...With Ariel

2011-11-20T08:00:00.004Z

Heading back over to Tokyo DisneySea, today we are going to enjoy a very colourful moment, in front of Mermaid Lagoon in the Park.

A beautiful, undersea world, where one of the best shows in all the Disney Parks can be seen in the Mermaid Lagoon Theatre. Have a great Sunday, everyone!

Tick Tock

2011-11-19T08:00:00.003Z

If you are visiting Tokyo Disneyland and suddenly realise that your watch is broken, or you have a clock that requires repair, then look no further than Toontown!

As you can see, this reliable and trustworthy looking repair shop should be able to repair your clock no problem! Although the sign looks like it might need to be repaired to give shoppers a little more confidence...

It's a Small Plaque After All

2011-11-18T08:10:00.006Z

One of the most infamous attractions in all the Disney Parks is the Small World attraction. Disneyland, Anaheim, is no exception to this rule, with 'it's a small world' being situated at the far end of Fantasyland, ready for all to set sail on the happiest cruise!

But make sure to look at little closer at this attraction before climbing aboard, as you'll see this beautiful plaque, a dedication from Roy E. Disney:

"it's a small world"

First Voyage April 22, 1964

New York World's Fair

For 25 years, "the happiest cruise that ever sailed" has shown millions a world of peace, understanding and friendship. We re-dedicated "it's a small world" to the ideals of UNICEF, and re-affirm the commitment of the Walt Disney Company to all the world's children.

August 8, 1989 Roy E. Disney

Going Undersea

2011-11-17T08:15:00.004Z

One of the newest additions to Disney's California Adventure park is The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure attraction, which opened earlier this year.

The queue has some beautiful details, as does the entire ride load and unload area, which we will look at here at DF'82 in the future. For the meantime, going completely against the usual motto of Always Look Up, in this case, remember to look down. As you may find some beautiful and interesting details as you enter the queue area for Ariel's Adventure.

Donald's Desk

2011-11-16T08:00:00.006Z

If you wanted to buy a Disneyland Paris Annual Pass, in previous years, you would go to the Annual Pass Processing Centre inside the park, near Tomorrowland. More recently, however, you can head to a place just across from the entrance to the Disneyland Hotel.

Here is the location to Bureau de Donald, or 'Donald's Desk'. A small office which is set up to process all types of Annual Pass, and also help guests with queries related to their pass.

A lovely small, hidden detail of Paris with a nice nod to the number one duck!
*Small child is not included in any annual pass transaction

Looking Up At Liberty

2011-11-15T08:00:00.004Z

If you are trying to figure out which arcade is which, when you are at the end of Main Street U.S.A. in Paris, closest to the Castle, you just need to look for the special 'topper' on the Arcade sign.

As you can see, from Looking Up, this arcade is most definitely the Liberty Arcade.

At Law On The Street

2011-11-14T08:15:00.038Z

It is about time we pop back over to Main Street U.S.A. in Disneyland Paris, as I suddenly feel the need to visit a lawyer...

As we can see here, this is the best place to find some Attorney's At Law!

Attorneys At Law

Stephen JUGE

Andrew HIBBERT

Joe SHAPIRO

Patents

Wills

Claims

No Claim

No Settlement

Stephen Juge worked as Vice President and General Counsel of Disneyland Paris (then Euro Disney) from November 1987 until March 1996, then becoming the Senior Vice President of the Walt Disney Company (Europe). During his time at Disney he also served as European Legal Counsol and General Counsel, before leaving in 2000.

As the window suggest, Andrew Hibbert also worked in the legal profession with Euro Disney SCA from 1990 until 1995, as Vice-President, Legal Affairs, Deputy General Counsel.

Possibly the more well known of the names on this window, Joe Shapiro was the Euro Disney General Counsel and main negotiator for the (then Euro Disney) Disneyland Paris development plans negotiations. In December 1985, the negotiations were underway, spear-headed by Shapiro, after he joined the Company in 1984 as the Company's legal department head. Joe unfortunately died in 1999 of non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

This window is a great tribute to three men who helped shape the park we see today, albeit in a more legal sense!

Enjoying A Moment... A Star Tours

2011-11-13T08:00:00.000Z

Bonjour a Star Tours, dans Parc Disneyland!

Read All About Them

2011-11-12T08:00:00.005Z

On the last Royal Visit to Disney's California Adventure park in Anaheim, the Park could have been mistaken for Construction City, due to all the workings that are happening in the area.

However, in true Disney style, the construction walls are adorned with highlights of what we can look forward to from the 'new' park! Let's take a moment to wet our appetites at what's to come...

Red Sox Fans Look Away

2011-11-11T08:11:00.004Z

Disney's Hotel New York in Disneyland Paris has some great theming scattered throughout the hotel. If you are visiting the Hotel, be sure to walk further afield than the lobby area.

If you head along to some of the meeting or conference rooms, or perhaps Club Manhattan or Park Side Diner, you will see a symbol of a sporting team which is strongly associated to New York.

As I said in the title, Boston Red Sox fans should perhaps avoid this!

The Root of All Legends

2011-11-10T08:10:00.000Z

If you are a long-term DF'82 reader (first of all, thank you!), you will remember an article looking at the Disney Legends Statue in front of the Disneyland Hotel in Disneyland Paris. Have a look here to refresh your memory. The Statue in Paris celebrates those Europeans who have became Disney Legends.

But if you are lucky enough to visit the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, you will come across the original Disney Legends Statue, which is a replica (albeit at a much larger scale) of the award a person will receive when they become a Disney Legend.

Standing at the end of Legend's Plaza, the Statue has some descriptors underneath - and we all know how much Princess Fee loves a plaque!

Disney Legends

On this seventy-fifth anniversary of the Walt Disney Company,

we dedicate the Disney Legends Plaza and the Disney Legends Sculpture

to acknowledge and honor the many individuals whose

imagination, talents, and dreams have created the Disney Magic

Michael D. Eisner Roy E. Disney

October 16, 1998

And the inscription on the Sculpture itself reads as follows:

This sculpture is dedicated to the Disney Legends;

a program honoring the many individuals whose work has made a significant

and lasting impact on the Disney Legacy.

The spiral stands for imagination, the power of an idea.

The hand holds the gifts of skill, discipline and craftsmanship.

The wand and the star represent magic: the spark that is ignited when imagination and skill combine to create a new dream.

Bridge at the Waterfront

2011-11-09T08:09:00.016Z

Passing between the New York Harbour section and the Old Cape Cod section of the American Waterfront area of Tokyo DisneySea, you pass over a bridge linking the two.

There is the New York Harbour area, where Tower of Terror resides, as well as the docking area for the S.S. Columbia:

And there is the beautiful Old Cape Cod area, which is full of detail and contains one of the larger Duffy (the Disney Bear) stores in the Park:

But be sure to pay carefull attention to the bridge:

On this date in

1774

the brave men

of Cape Cod village

fired the shot

heard down the road

A perfect little 'in' joke from Disney Imagineers!

Bone Signs

2011-11-08T08:00:00.008Z

Toy Story Playland in the Walt Disney Studios, Paris, has to be one of the most fun areas to explore. The theming in the newest 'land of the Studios is top notch, and a welcome addition to the Park.

Take, for example, entering the queue area of Slinky Dog's ZigZag Spin is a treat in itself. But as you zigzag your way through the queue, you may notice the usual Warning and Safety signs scattered throughout. But even these signs are themed to match the experience of the attraction.

I don't think this Princess has a bone to pick with the Imagineers over this sign!

Props Upon Props

2011-11-07T08:00:00.003Z

Hidden at the far end of the Walt Disney Studios, Paris, next to the Disney Blockbuster Cafe, is the Props' Warehouse of the Studios.

Of course, there are so many Props that some of them overflow into the Guest Areas of the Park. Such as this small area:

You can see this is where Props such as parking metres, gates, paving and statues are left, ready to be stored elsewhere. Maybe some blockbuster has just been filmed, and this is where the Props have been put aside!

Enjoying a Moment...At the Boardwalk

2011-11-06T08:00:00.001Z

We've not taken a moment out in a Disney Theme Park for several weeks, so today we're going to head over to the Boardwalk Resort area in Walt Disney World. Imagine a world just choc-full of colour!

Looking Up In Toontown, Japan Style

2011-11-05T08:00:00.007Z

Jumping across the waters again, we head to Toontown in Tokyo Disneyland. Do you remember that DF'82 always wants you to look up? Well, let's do just that...

Where in Toontown would a building topper like this be situated? We have already seen Chip and Dale's place, Donald's place and Goofy's home. Maybe this is Mickey Mouse's residence? No, I'm sure he wouldn't put fireworks on top like that!

Of course, it's Toontown City Hall! At least we will always be able to tell the time :).

Building of Dwarfs

2011-11-04T08:00:00.011Z

When you visit the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, there is one building that will not go unnoticed. And one of the most infamous buildings in Disney History.

The Michael D.Eisner Building (Team Disney) was completed in 1990, currently houses the boardroom for the Directors of the Walt Disney Company and Bob Iger's (CEO) offices, as well as several other persons of high importance within the Company.

The building was designed by the architect Michael Graves, who also created the Swan and Dolphin Resorts in Walt Disney World and Disney's Hotel New York in Disneyland Paris. It is iconic in the sense that the building's roof is 'held up' by the Seven Dwarfs, from the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs film. Interestingly enough, the film, which was Walt Disney's first feature length animation, provided the Studios with the revenue to buy the Burbank Lot where the Michael D. Eisner Building currently stands.

Originally named the Team Disney Building, it was re-dedicated as the Michael D.Eisner Team Disney building in 2006 to celebrate Eisner's 21-year leadership of the Walt Disney Company.

Skate Off

2011-11-03T08:06:00.002Z

Main Street U.S.A and its surrounding area. is the ideal place to pick up a brand new pair of rollerskates, according to this piece of advertistement:

The 'Tasker' Skating Shoe

Sent to any part of the United States for $3.00

Manufactured by

H. & F. H. Tasker

991 and 993 Fulton Street.

Details Sideways

2011-11-02T08:00:00.002Z

After passing the Welcome to Frontierland plaque, and truly entering Thunder Mesa, you will see this piece of decoration 'sticking out' from the building, sideways.

Cast your mind back several weeks and you may recognise this decoration as part of Fuente Del Oro!

A Frontier Welcome

2011-11-01T08:20:00.000Z

Frontierland in Disneyland Paris has a small nod of welcome to the area, in the form of a plaque. And if you're a regular to DF'82, you will know just how much this Princess adores plaques and signs from the Disney Theme Parks!

Often overlooked by many guests, the plaque reads as follows (in English, and French):

The frontier of the Far West

was a rugged landscape

of great expectations and grand illusions,

where dreams rode wild,

and simple lives became legends.

As you pass through these gates,

follow the footsteps of the pioneers...

and dream.

Welcome to FRONTIERLAND

Cinderella Through Paintings

2011-10-31T08:04:00.002Z

Auberge de Cendrillon, in Fantasyland in Disneyland Paris, has some beautiful decor situated throughout the entire restaurant. With many paintings and portraits depicting key moments from Cinderella's infamous story.

Like this piece of tapestry, showing Cinderella doing her usual, hard-working chores.

Or this collage of her night at the ball.

And this final beautiful painting, showing the true love between Cinderella and Prince Charming.

Legends: Part Five

2011-10-29T08:00:00.001+01:00

It's the last day of our look at the Disney Legends of the Legends Plaza. I hope that you have enjoyed this journey, and there are even more Legends that we haven't even touched on!

Remember to click on the links to read more about the Legends - we may come back and have a look at some of them in more detail here at DF'82!

Carl Barks (Animation & Publishing) Sterling Holloway (Animation)

Fess Parker (Film & Television) Bill Walsh (Film & Television)

Bob Schiffer (Film Production) Randy Newman (Music)

Carl Bongirno (Imagineering) Ron Logan (Parks and Resorts)

Robin Williams (Film & Animation) Leota Toombs Thomas (Imagineering & Attractions)

Tony Anselmo (Animation Voice) Bill Farmer (Animation Voice)

Legends: Part Four

2011-10-28T08:00:00.016+01:00

If you have managed to stick with our tour of the Legends Plaza at the Walt Disney Studios, Burbank, thank you! We have another few today, and a few more tomorrow, so let's go look at Legends!

Remember to click on the links to read more about the Legends - we may come back and have a look at some of them in more detail here at DF'82!

Roger Broggie (Imagineering) Joe Fowler (Attractions)

John Hench (Animation & Imagineering) Richard Irvine (Imagineering)

Fred MacMurray (Film) Ub Iwerks (Animation & Imagineering)

Les Clark (Animation) Milt Kahl (Animation)

Angela Lansbury (Film) Dean Jones (Film)

Wathel Rogers (Imagineering) X Atencio (Animation & Imagineering)

Legends: Part Three

2011-10-27T08:00:00.029+01:00

Remember to click on the links to read more about the Legends - we may come back and have a look at some of them in more detail here at DF'82!

Kathryn Beaumont (Animation Voice) Kurt Russell (Film)

Vladimir Tytla (Animation) Wilfred Jackson (Animation)

Roy E. Disney (Film & Animation & Administration) Norman Palmer (Animation)

James Alger (Animation & Film) Lloyd Richardson (Animation)

Dick Van Dyke (Film) Glynis Johns (Film)

Masatomo Takahashi (Administration) Matsuo Yokoyama (Character Merchandise)

Marc Davis (Animation & Imagineering) Ward Kimball (Animation & Imagineering)

Frank Thomas (Animation) Ollie Johnson (Animation)

Legends: Part Two

2011-10-26T08:00:00.027+01:00

It's another day here at DF'82, and it's time to look at more Disney Legends. I hope you are enjoying these as much as this Princess is!

Remember to click on the links to read more about the Legends - we may come back and have a look at some of them in more detail here at DF'82!

Tom Murphy (Administration) Roone Arledge (Television)

Dave Smith (Archives) Lucille Martin (Administration)

Sir Elton John (Music) Joe Ranft (Animation)

Peter Jennings (Television) Jimmy Johnson (Music)

Richard Sherman (Music) Robert Sherman (Music)

Julie Andrews (Film) Don Dagradi (Film)

Ken Anderson (Animation & Imagineering) Mary Blair (Animation & Imagineering)

Claude Coats (Animation & Imagineering) Bill Evans (Imagineering)

Legends: Part One

2011-10-25T08:00:00.033+01:00

As mentioned in yesterday's post, every day this week we are going to have a look at some of the Disney Legends from the Legends Plaza at Walt Disney Studios, in Burbank.

Remember to click on the links to read more about the Legends - we may come back and have a look at some of them in more detail here at DF'82!

Lillian Disney (Founder) Edna Disney (Founder)

Floyd Gottfredson (Publishing) Al Taliaferro (Publishing)

Betty White (Television) Bea Arthur (Television)

Rue McClanahan (Television) Estelle Getty (Television)

Phil Collins (Music) Maurice Chevalier (Film & Music)

Sir Tim Rice (Music) Sir John Mills (Film)

Alan Menken (Music) Howard Ashman (Music)

George Bruns (Music) Frank Churchill (Music)

Week of Celebrating

2011-10-24T08:00:00.009+01:00

For the next week, DF'82 is going to do some celebrating - no, we're not going to celebrate the Halloween season (well, not just yet, anyway!) - but we're going to celebrate the Disney Legends. As per the Walt Disney Company website:

The Disney Legends program was established in 1987 to acknowledge and honor the many individuals whose imagination, talents and dreams have created the Disney magic. The awards are given annually by Robert Iger and Roy E. Disney during a ceremony at The Walt Disney Studios.

At the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank there is the Disney Legends' Plaza, an area of the Studios dedicated to all the Disney Legends. Make sure to check out the Disney website, where you can read a little bit more about the Plaza and the award that each Legend receives.

Every day we will have a look at just some of the people who have been immortalised by becoming Disney Legends, and are honoured as such at the Disney Plaza. Join us for this fantastic journey - and click on the links, where you can find out more about these Legends.

Enjoying a Moment Through The Gazebo

2011-10-23T08:00:00.002+01:00

I love entering under the Disneyland Paris train station, and emerging to see the Castle at the end of Main Street U.S.A.

And if you find just the right angle, you can get a great shot of le Chateau through the gazebo lines. Enjoy!

Sea Hidden Mickeys

2011-10-22T08:30:00.015+01:00

The Tokyo Disney Resort is awash with fantastic Imagineering, brilliant Disney Details and several Hidden Mickeys.

If you happen to visit Tokyo DisneySea, and notice a lot of people standing looking at rock formation near the entrance to Mysterious Island, it could be that they are looking for a Hidden Mickey!

I, myself, have not been able to spot this Hidden Mickey - and yes, I did stand for a while trying to find it! So, to bring some fun to your weekend, here are some shots of the rock wall, and perhaps the fantastic DF'82 readers can spot the Hidden Mickey?

I Should Be So Lucky

2011-10-21T08:00:00.000+01:00

The Lucky Nugget Saloon is an often walked-by area of Disneyland Paris by those who don't decide to dine at this fine establishment.

But as you walk-by, you may notice a poster or two advertising the Saloon. Be sure to give the artwork a once-over!

Welcome to the

Lucky Nugget Saloon

The Most

Foot Stomping

Hand Clapping

Show

This Side of the

Rockies

Frontierland

Lighting The Fuente

2011-10-20T08:04:00.005+01:00

The restaurant, Fuente del Oro, in Frontierland is one of my favourite detailed spots in Disneyland Paris. As you know, we have looked at this restaurant from time to time here in DF'82! And if you are a regular reader, you will also know that we have a motto to Always Look Up here at the blog.

So be sure to do this at the Fuente, and you will take notice of some fantastic detailing of the lighting displays.

If you look carefully, you can see the details are animals, commonly found in the Frontierland area.

Barbering In Paris

2011-10-19T08:00:00.004+01:00

The Dapper Dan's Hair Cuts, barber shop, is located just off Main Street U.S.A. in Disneyland Paris. We have briefly mentioned the barbers here at DF'82 before!

But today, we are going to have a look inside, and see if we can get an insight into the Dapper Dans themselves.

The barber shop is well-stocked and very neatly kept, making it one of the most hygienic places on Main Street U.S.A.! But do you notice something on the far wall?

Yes, it's a telephone - perhaps for making important calls? Let's see what it says in English:

Listen In

At the turn-of-the-century, when telephones were still new to the American way of life, it was not unusual for four or five households to share a common telephone line, or "party line". "Eavesdropping" - the act of listening to someone else's telephone conversation - soon became a favorite pastime.

Running on Gas

2011-10-18T08:05:00.000+01:00

When you are using some of the new-fangled Motor Cars on Main Street U.S.A., you may need to fill up on some gasoline, or petrol if you are from the British side of the Atlantic.

So be ready to stop by the Auto Service, where you can fill up at a reasonable price!

Looking closely, we can see the brand of gasoline used by Main Street Motors:

White Rose

Motor Oils

for sale here

Better Gasoline

Closed In Flight

2011-10-17T08:10:00.010+01:00

Kitty Hawk Bicycle Shop in Disneyland Paris sells some of the most fantastic - and futuristic - looking bicycles in the country.

On our last visit to the Parc, I was looking forward to perhaps purchasing a bicycle or two. But unfortunately, it looks like the shop is closed for the time being!

Yes, the shop is closed for Flight Testing. I wonder if now Kitty Hawk is looking into acquiring a different form of transportation altogether!

Enjoying a Moment...In The Parks

2011-10-16T08:00:00.003+01:00

Sometimes a moment in the Disney Parks can make you totally forget where you are, and the hundreds of people around you.

Such as today's Moment, where we are standing in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle in Disneyland Paris, and just happen to notice a family of ducks, also enjoying a moment. Perhaps they have a FastPass for Peter Pan?

Psychics on the Street

2011-10-15T08:02:00.005+01:00

It's been a while since we looked at a window on Main Street U.S.A. over at Disneyland Paris, so today we are going to do just that!

Dick Nunis

Consultant At Large

World Famous Psychic

Predicts Your Future

Knows Your Past

Open House

Many a Disney Geek will know of and about Dick Nunis, who this window was dedicated for. Nunis started working for Disneyland in its opening year, 1955, and continued working for the Walt Disney Company until his retirement in 1999.

Amongst the many roles he played in the company, he was head of Park Operations for Disneyland, helped develop Walt Disney World and later became executive Vice President of both theme parks. For Disneyland Paris, or Euro Disney as it was, Dick was part of the consultation plans whilst being a member of the Walt Disney Productions Board of Directors.

You can read more about this Disney Legend here.

Hurry Back

2011-10-14T08:00:00.003+01:00

If you remember last week on DF'82 we had a look around Fuente del Oro restaurant in Frontierland. But do you remember how we say to always look up?

Remember to do just that as you exit the restaurant, and you'll see a nice goodbye just for all us cowboys!

Flower Power

2011-10-13T08:00:00.006+01:00

The Tokyo Disney Resort consists of two main theme parks, several hotels and a reasonably sized shopping area. In order to get between these attractions, the best method of transport is the Disney Resort Line monorail service.

As you can see, the monorail can also be decorated to celebrate whatever season or festivity the Tokyo Disney Resort is partaking in at the time! In this case, it's for Tokyo DisneySea's Spring Carnival 2010.

The monorail serves the Maihama Station & Disney Ambassador Hotel (train station), Tokyo Disneyland (TDL Hotel and Bon Voyage! shop), Bayside (the official hotels of Tokyo Disneyland) and Tokyo DisneySea (including MiraCosta hotel).

Howdy, Goofy!

2011-10-12T08:10:00.003+01:00

When walking through the Thunder Mesa area in Disneyland Paris, always keep an eye out for characters.

You may bump into a kinda goofy looking character!

Through the Stained Glass

2011-10-11T08:00:00.007+01:00

When thinking about Disneyland Paris, and mentioning stained glass windows, you could think about the beautiful Sleeping Beauty images within le Chateau, or the windows in the Pinocchio restaurant. But today, we head over to Auberge du Cendrillon restaurant and point out an often overlooked window in the reception area.

A nice homage to the pumpkins which eventually turned into Cinderella's beautiful coach (which can be seen outside the restaurant, also!). If you want to know what dining at the restaurant is like, read my review from earlier in the year.

What's The Time in Tokyo

2011-10-10T08:10:00.005+01:00

Let's step back into our time machine, set the dateometer to April and May 2011, and have a look at what might be on at Tokyo Disneyland during this time!

Enjoying a Moment...in Mexico

2011-10-09T08:00:00.004+01:00

After the recent Mexican-inspired posts from Fuente del Oro in Disneyland Paris, today we will take a long trip - maybe about 8 hours - from Paris to Orlando, and to the Mexican Pavilion in Epcot.

Let's enjoy a more moody kind-of moment.

Details of del Oro

2011-10-08T08:00:00.006+01:00

After yesterday's bite of lunch at Fuente del Oro, let's take some time to explore some of the beautiful details of the restaurants outside dining area.

Especially look at this beautiful focal point, situated at the centre of the entry and dining way. Like a typical Mexican-inspired fountain, which you would find in a dried-out desert town.

A Quick Bite At... Fuente del Oro

2011-10-07T08:00:00.021+01:00

Situated deep in Frontierland, across from Big Thunder Mountain, is the Fuente del Oro restaurant. A great place to grab a bite to eat, whilst eating in a beautifully themed Mexican-Western fusion restaurant.

This is the best place in park to buy Mexican themed food items, such as chicken fajitas or a taco salad. They also do a great Chilli con Carne (with nachos) and some Mexican fries!

If you decide to eat around lunchtime in the parks (12-2pm), this is a great place to choose as there is plenty seating inside and outside (which has enough covering that even in the cooler months you could sit outside to enjoy the world).

The restaurant usually opens from 10am until 7pm, and is open at least 6 days a week. With enough dining choices to please almost everyone, and in such a fun location, it is a great option for a quick bite.

Buildings of Curiosity

2011-10-06T08:15:00.015+01:00

For those of you who have read DF'82 regularly, you will know that one of the most important things to do when visiting the Disney Parks (apart from enjoy yourself, eat as much possible, see the characters...) is to Always Look Up!

When in Adventureland, and passing by le Girafe Curieuse, don't forget to take a good look at the building itself.

It really has a great decoration based on African tradition, mixed with touches from other countries adorned with an Adventurous reputation!

Nuts About Toontown

2011-10-05T08:05:00.008+01:00

Heading back over to Toontown in Tokyo Disneyland, we're going to play another game of guess the house! So, let's have a look at the decorations adorning the top of this house.

I think you all have a pretty good idea of who lives in this house. Maybe the larger picture will be a good indicator?

Of course, the house is home to Gadget's Go-Coaster, which means Chip and Dale must be the proprietors of this fine establishment!

Creating a Stink

2011-10-04T08:07:00.008+01:00

Disneyland Paris has an exciting area named Woody's Round-Up Village, in Frontierland. A place where you can meet some of the Toy Story characters, as well as other Disney characters in their Frontierland outfits!

And if you're lucky - or maybe unlucky, depending on your point of view - you could end up just another Stinky Pete collectible!

Complete with gold, dynamite and gunpowder!

The Gates At Tokyo

2011-10-03T08:00:00.013+01:00

The hub in Tokyo Disneyland is one of the most peaceful, yet busiest, spots in the whole of the park. The large area, home to Cinderella's Castle, is a great place to people watch, or prepare for any of the parades (which actually encircle the entire hub).

As you can see from the picture above, there a couple of turrets just before you reach the Castle itself. And near these hubs, are the following gates, which highlight some beautiful attention to detail and - in my opinion - are hidden treasures in themselves!

The gates close off the central part of the hub (should it be required) and are adorned with Jaq and Gus, the two mice from Walt Disney's Cinderella! Beautiful work in a beautiful park.

Enjoying A Moment...Away From It All

2011-10-02T08:00:00.004+01:00

It's been a busy week, jumping between Tokyo, Paris, Anaheim, Burbank and back to Tokyo!

So today, for a moment's rest, we visit Port Orleans French Quarter in Walt Disney World, to experience one of the best hidden treasures the World has to offer: Peace and Quiet.

All Aboard the Daisy

2011-10-01T08:15:00.005+01:00

Over in Toontown, in Tokyo Disneyland, can you guess who's house this boat might belong to?

It's the S.S. Miss Daisy and if you look closely at the temporary 'washing' line on the boat, it may highlight who lives here!

Of course, it's Mr Donald Duck himself. If the name of the boat didn't give it away, it was his clothes hanging up along the mast.

A Diamond of a Dinner!

2011-09-30T08:00:00.026+01:00

If you fancy a Dinner Show in Tokyo Disneyland, look no further than the Diamond Horseshoe in Westernland.

A very popular restaurant experience, the dinner show is available at lunch and dinner time. Slue Foot Sue is the owner of the Diamond Horseshoe, and welcomes one and all to this show!

During the Lunch Time Horseshoe Roundup, there is plenty of singing and dancing, with characters from Toy Story. In the evening, Peco Goofy invites us to the Frontier Revue where there is more comedy and dancing, with Goofy and real can-can dancers! And I am sure that Mickey Mouse will make an appearance at some point...

But as you can see from the advertising on the building, there is more than meets the eye:

The Diamond Horseshoe

Singing Dancing

Entertainment

Dine & Relax

In Elegant Surroundings

See It!

A Most Memorable Experience

Please note, if you are lucky enough to get a chance to visit here, reservations are required and recommended!

Building Dedicated to a Legend

2011-09-29T08:00:00.023+01:00

Frank G. Wells is a Disney Legend, and there is very few Disney Geeks who have not heard of this great man. He joined the Walt Disney Company in 1984, and worked alongside Michael Eisner through many great achievements of the Walt Disney film, animation and theme park divisions.

Wells, unfortunately, died in 1994 in a helicopter crash, and a building at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, is dedicated to this great man.

Frank G. Wells

1932-1994

President of the Walt Disney Company

1984-1994

"Here was a man to hold against the world,

A man to match the mountains and the sea

As when a lordly cedar green with boughs goes down

With a great shout upon the hills,

And leaves a lonesome place against the sky"

From "Lincoln Man of the People" by Edwin Markham

Humility is the Final Achievement

The building was opened in 1998 and currently houses the Walt Disney Archives and several divisions of the ABC Television Station.

Fun Disneyland Facts!

2011-09-28T08:10:00.009+01:00

Welcome one and all to this, the 4th Anniversary of DF'82! Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to read my little blog, and an even bigger thanks for all your contributions. Limited Edition 4th Anniversary Pins are available from the gift shop. Now, let's enter our 5th year...

It's the middle of the week, so let's take some time to again look at one of my favourite Disneyland books, Little Known Facts About Well-Known Places.

As we all know, Disneyland is the original Disney Theme Park, and after less than eight weeks of operation, it had its one-millionth guest! Not too bad for a theme park in Anaheim.

As per page 185/6:
The original site Walt had his eye on was the six-acre tract across from his studios in Burbank, California (currently the location of the hat-shaped Walt Disney Feature Animation Building), but as his team came up with more and more ideas, his Mickey Mouse Park evolved into Disneylandia (ultimately, just Disneyland), and the location shifted south to an orange grove in Anaheim, California.

Anaheim, which in the early 1950s was predicted to become the population center of Southern California, was selected from among more than seventy proposed sites for Disneyland. Beach towns were the most suggested, but Walt believed it would be impossible for his park to compete against the ocean.

Details All Around

2011-09-27T08:01:00.011+01:00

As the title suggests, and following on from yesterday's attention to detail in Tokyo, we pop back to Disneyland Paris, still celebrating the release and the success of Disney Pixar's Ratatouille!

Even the merchandise displays in the Resort have a Parisian feel to them, whilst still hinting at the success of the France-based movie.

The display reads le Rat des villes et le Rat des champs. Roughly translated as 'the city Rat and the country Rat'. Fun additions for the merchandise displays!

Look Closer

2011-09-26T08:00:00.006+01:00

After our last visit to Monsters Inc. Ride and Go Seek, over in Tokyo Disneyland, we could be forgiven for being a little overwhelmed by the whole experience. It was a busy, holiday day and there were a lot of people eager to try out the ride after a refurbishment!

But did you notice some of the fantastic hidden treasures of the Fast Pass Distribution area of the ride?

Yes, there is a Giggle-O-Meter on the distribution detail area!

Time For A Break

2011-09-18T23:59:00.000+01:00

We're going to have a short break here at DF'82 - time to regenerate and rejuvinate!

We have some fantastic Disney Details and Hidden Treasures coming up for you, from Tokyo Disneyland, to Disneyland Paris, with some stops at the Walt Disney Studios thrown in!

So, add DF'82 to your RSS feed, or check back after our short break.

Enjoying A Moment...Of Donald!

2011-09-18T08:15:00.001+01:00

This moment doesn't take too much explaining... Back in the day when it was Mickey's Fun Wheel in Disney's California Adventure, even Donald Duck was trying to get in on the fun!

Save Me A Space

2011-09-17T08:20:00.001+01:00

Just outside Gower Books and Music in the Hollywood Tower Hotel area of Walt Disney Studios, there are some lusted after parking spots.

But don't forget that you can only parallel park, and you will need to remember to feed the metre!

Haunted in Japan

2011-09-16T08:06:00.007+01:00

As we start to creep closer to Halloween, I can't help but think about the Haunted Mansion and how appropriate it is at this time of the year.

However, if you visit Tokyo Disneyland, the building for the Haunted Mansion attraction (which is coincidentally situated in Fantasyland) can make any day feel like it's Halloween.

Just look at the detailing on the building, the way it looks abandoned and falling apart. Surely there can't be anything too scary in there...right?