Christmas At Sequoia Lodge

In our 'Ticket To' Series, we had a very brief look at the Sequoia Lodge resort at Disneyland Paris. It is actually one of mine, and my family's, favourite resorts in Paris. For those of you who have been to Walt Disney World, it is similar to Wilderness Lodge, and for those from Disneyland, it is close to Grand Californian Resort and Spa.Because of the Wilderness style of the Sequoia Lodge, it is a beautiful hotel once it has been decorated for Christmas. Let's have a short tour of some of their Christmas decorations.
We start of with the main entrance to the Lodge, where the restaurants are situated and where you exit and enter if you are going to and from the parks.

We then have the lobby area of the hotel, which also gets into the Christmas Spirit.

And finally, my favourite area of the main building of the Sequoia Lodge - the ski-style bar area. Beautiful!

What's Happening At Disneyland Paris

As we are rapidly approaching the Christmas holidays, I thought it would be appropriate to have a quick look at how Disneyland Paris is celebrating the Christmas and New Year season for 2009!

A brand new show has been introduced to the Castle Stage, since the start of the Christmas season. Entitled Snow White's Happily Ever After, the show features the beautiful Snow White, her handsome Prince, the Seven Dwarfs and - oh no, I think the Evil Queen/Old Hag also makes an appearance. Although she frightens me, I have no doubt that this show will be a must see during the festivities in Paris!

It's a small world Celebration has also been reintroduced to the Fantasyland area of Disneyland Paris, where a brand new Christmas soundtrack also features. The site DLRP Today (a great source for all Disneyland Paris fans) has a brilliant article detailing this celebration, as well as some videos, and an interview with the Costuming Production Senior Manager.
Of course, Christmas at Disneyland Paris also includes the favourite attractions such as Belle's Village, Snow Flakes on Main Street, Santa's Village, the Christmas Parade and the Christmas Castle Tree Lighting Ceremony.


First Picture from DisneylandParis.com

Get Ready For Some Magic!

We previously looked at some of the Information cards from Tokyo DisneySea, and today we are introduced to another! This one is for the Magic Lamp Theatre, a 3D attraction at Tokyo DisneySea.

What Do You Celebrate?

Today's DF'82 celebrate interview is with a celebrity of sorts! Chuck Canzoneri is a huge Disney fan, with a love for all areas of the company's operations. He has also co-hosted several All About the Mouse Podcasts, so you may recognise him! He resides in California, and is lucky enough to travel to Anaheim on a regular basis.

How did you become a Disney fan?
I lived in Florida as a child, just 90min from WDW. My family would plan trips and not tell me about them. So we'd be woken up super early in the morning, put in the car where I would fall back asleep. And when I woke up again I was at the Magic Kingdom. (How cool is that surprise.) There's a lot of factors that go into making a Disney Fan: the films, the shows, the toys and games. But I'd say all of that was the gunpowder and the surprise trips are what lit the fuse.

What is your favourite Disney Theme Park?
Epcot. Always loved the Future World Half and as I grew up, I became more excited to visit World Showcase. The delicious food is what makes this a no-brainer.

Which is your favourite attraction - past or present - and why?
That changes every year/month/day/hour. It's been Tower of Terror, Thunder Mountain, Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular. Right now I'm really big on Billy Hill and the Hillbillies. And while I deeply miss the original Journey into Imagination, I keep finding my way back to Pirates of the Caribbean (Disneyland Version). The level of detail is beyond belief and I'm impressed by how this slow moving boat ride with very few thrills remains a "must do". It must be the atmosphere which completely transports you away from reality.

Is there one show or parade, which you feels best embodies the spirit of Disney?
Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams. It even contains "To all who come to this happy place... welcome". It features the classic Disney films, past and present and was the perfect mixture of characters and dancers. It didn't need a special angle like Stars n Motor Cars or Jammin Jungle Parade. Disney itself was the hook.

What is your Disney "guilty pleasure"?
Figment, and I'm not guilty about it at all. I love Figment. It's the only character I've met where I was meeting HIM. It's the one who makes me smile whenever I see him.

How do you bring your love of Disney into your daily life?
You'll find your answer here...

Ending the Studio Tram Tour

Thank you for joining us on our small look at the Studio Tram Tour at Walt Disney Studios, Paris. Just as the tour is ending, we have a look at a few more boneyard pieces which are now left here as distant memories. Shall we have a look at them before disembarking?
Well, thank you again. Remember, please mind your head and watch your step as you leave the vehicle, and enjoy the rest of your day here at DF'82.

There May Be Dragons Here

After experiencing Catastrophe Canyon, we can breathe a sigh of relief that it was all just a movie set. But as we pass by the boneyard and film set again, we eventually come to London, England, 2022. And all is not what it seems.
Now we are on a replica of the set from the 2002 film "Reign of Fire". In this, dragons invade the city and destroy it. But don't worry, we don't actually come face to face with a dragon. Just some of his very hot fire and large roar!

And Then There Was This Tanker...

If you have visited Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida then you will already be familiar with our next stop on the Studio Tram Tour in Paris. It is, of course, the infamous Catastrophe Canyon.For those of you unfamiliar with it, the Canyon consists of a rocky area, similar to the Grand Canyon, which has a large petrol tanker. The Studio Tram drives through and, unfortunately, has a problem and has to stop. It is then we are greeted with some amazing special effects! Yes, we become the Extras in this film sequence, and take part in the action. All we have to do is act scared. That shouldn't be too easy on this...Let's have a look at some of the facts from this attraction - please don't read any more if you want to be surprised by what exactly happens! Over 265,000 litres of water is used on this attraction, amongst the earthquake and fire effects. It can get hot, and the left side of the tram may get a little, well, wet!