Christmas is Coming to the Disneyland Resort

Christmas is Coming to the Disneyland Resort 

Christmas is officially coming to the Disneyland Resort! The decorations have already started going up but the official start date of the “2013 Holiday Season” is November 12^th.

On November 12^th the “Believe” Holiday fireworks, ”It’s A Small World” Holiday overlay will be open as well as the general decorations, Jingle Cruise overlay on the Jungle Cruise and the decoration of the homes in the “Storybook Land Canal Boats”.

This year “It’s A Small World” will also have a new “Holiday Light Show” in the evenings that turns the entire facade into a giant clock work! Every evening the video show will play out on the front of the attraction.

Here is a video that Disney Parks put out:

is what the Disney Parks Blog has to say about it:

Evenings beginning November 12^th, the smiling clock on the front of “it’s a small world” Holiday will mark every quarter hour in a surprising new way. Using advanced 3D projection technology, the façade of the entire attraction will be transformed into an enormous, clockwork mechanism.

The gears and springs pull back to reveal a world of holiday wonders hidden behind the clock, from an incredible toy factory to a scrumptious gingerbread house that builds itself!

DisneyParksBlog

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/10/new-surprises-in-store-for-its-a-small-world-holiday-at-disneyland-park/

My Christmas book, “An Angel Remembers 25 Voices of Christmas” is available!!

This is a collection of 26 short Christmas stories that together bring the amazing events of Christ’s birth alive. It is my hope that this will help encourage families to spend 10-15 minutes a day together during the busy holiday season remembering the true reason for the season.

You can find it for ALL eReader formats and PDF at:

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94784

For your Nook the link is:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/an-angel-remembers-25-voices-of-christmas-carolyn-hoagland/1106912931?ean=2940032802624

It is also available at the iTunes book store and many other ebook seller sites.

The only big site not carrying my book is Amazon.

You can download a Kindle version from Smashwords.com

Disney Can't Fix What They Don't Know is Broke!

Disney Can’t Fix What They Don’t Know is Broke!

I’ve seen a couple of reviews of the Disney Magic’s first cruise after her Re-Imagining. Now I was not lucky enough to go on this 2 day to nowhere in particular cruise so let me share what I’ve heard.

There have been glowing reviews of the changes made on the pool deck with the addition of the new AquaDunk, new slide and pools along with changes to the restaurant there from Topsiders to Cabanas. The new lounge area has gotten rave reviews as well for theming and fun. The re-theming of Parrot’s Cay to Carioca’s has been praised with people liking the new menu. The Kids Clubs have also been praised and reports say kids are really enjoying the new adventures to be had there. Even the shops had good reviews with the exception of stating that there seemed to be a lack of items. Stock did not seem to arrive in time even with the delay in the first sailing.

The fact that at the Port of Miami you enter the ship through Deck 4 instead of the usual Atrium Lobby of Deck 3 was an issue. Seems the Deck 4 entry area shows rust and was dirty. This was shocking to past cruisers that were used to being wowed when they came onto the ship.

Public areas not on the list of things changed, such as the Promenade Lounge have been reported to be in bad repair, faded and even ripped seating etc. . . Seems the entire ship did not get a good looking over.

Disney said that the staterooms were re-imagined during the dry dock. Carpets and some furniture was changed as was the linen. Some people reported a layer of construction dust on all surfaces in their cabin and in their closet along with missing handles on new night stands. It was stated if you had electricity, working toilet, hot water and A/C you were lucky. Some cabins had 1 or more of the above not working! There are pictures showing that a cabins Navigator Veranda was in very bad repair. It had obviously not been stripped and repainted, wood on the veranda was rotten and things were missing!

This is all shocking to hear about a Disney Cruise Ship! Now I’ve heard from people that sailed on the new ships that there have been issues there as well, mostly problems with service and un-Disney type attitudes from crew.

So what should you do when you have a bad experience either on a Disney Cruise or at a Disney Park? My response and experience says report it to Disney! Here are the steps!

·        Understand that any company, including Disney cannot fix what they don’t know is broken! Tell them what happened! If it is not life threatening stay calm and figure they just missed it and you are helping them.

·        Try to solve the problem when it happens. Report it to the people in charge of the area and if that does not does not get a satisfactory response go above that level. Go to Guest Relations if needed.

·        If not satisfied with Guest Relations response, once you leave call and write a letter to the Cruise Line (or park) discussing your concerns. Kept it clear and as free of emotions as you can. State what happened and how you feel it could be fixed. Tell them how it affected your time there.

·        Understand many problems can’t be fixed “overnight”, things take time!

·        Disney Company requires that each letter or email they receive be read and responded to. So WRITE your concerns down!

I have followed these steps and have gotten good results. I’ve seen policies changed after I’ve written a letter. I’m not saying it was “My Letter” that made the difference. My letter along with others let Disney know there was a problem that needed to be fixed. Disney let me know they were appreciative of me letting them know about my concerns.

If you call and write it has more affect than just doing one or the other. If you only have time to do one, write a letter. A written complaint has more weight than just a phone call.

Don’t sit back and think, “Someone has already told Disney about that problem.” or “Disney will not listen to me.” Most people do not step up and report a problem. If more than one person reports a problem it is more likely to get attention and that attention will come quicker. Mostly I want to say Disney does listen! You may need to write several letters but do try! At least you know you did the right thing reporting the problem!

Here is a link to a blog that has a good balanced review of the Magic’s sailing:

http://disneycruiselineblog.com/

Here is a link to where you can contact Disney Cruise Line:

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/contact-us/

You will find “Contact Us” links at the bottom of the site for every Disney Park that takes you to a link like the one above.

My Christmas book, “An Angel Remembers 25 Voices of Christmas” is available!!

This is a collection of 26 short Christmas stories that together bring the amazing events of Christ’s birth alive. It is my hope that this will help encourage families to spend 10-15 minutes a day together during the busy holiday season remembering the true reason for the season.

You can find it for ALL eReader formats and PDF at:

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94784

For your Nook the link is:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/an-angel-remembers-25-voices-of-christmas-carolyn-hoagland/1106912931?ean=2940032802624

It is also available at the iTunes book store and many other ebook seller sites.

The only big site not carrying my book is Amazon.

You can download a Kindle version from Smashwords.com

Demonstration at Disneyland

Demonstration at Disneyland

Sunday a friend of mine, who happened to be at DLR posted a picture on Facebook of a small group of people picketing at the entrance. These were people picketing against the changes in the assistance Disney gives disabled visitors to the park. While I agree with this groups concerns and understand that the new, “one size fits nobody” DAS system has problems I disagree with picketing the park . . . YET.

I have not talked to this group but I can guess from what I saw in the picture and what my friend said she saw on their posters what their concerns are. They are the same concerns I have. Here are my concerns.

·        The new system’s name is offensive.

·        Those with problems with lines have to wait in 2 lines not 1 per ride.

·        Those that can only spend a few hours in the park at a time due to disabilities now have to spend that time in lines instead of finding the respite from their disabilities.

·        People with legitimate needs for assistance are being turned down because they do not “look” disabled. From reports I’ve heard this is happening more at WDW hat at DLR.

The name was changed from GUEST Assistance Card (GAC) to Disability Assistance System (DAS). What?!?! Are people with disabilities no longer guests? Instead of being simply accommodated disabled guests are being put into a “system”.

The new system requires those with the new DAS card to go to a kiosk (stand in line) and show their card to get a return time for an attraction. (At WDW they go to the attraction to get a return time.) Then they will go to the attraction and enter either the Fastpass line if there is one or an alternate entrance if there is no Fastpass line. If you have a child within the Autism Spectrum or with ADHD this is really hard for them. Those with PTSD or Anxiety Disorders may also find this difficult.

There are people that, due to physical or emotional limitations can only spend a few precious hours in the park. They can’t spend an entire day playing in the park like most of us. They spend the same amount of money to get in the gate as someone who spends the entire day there but they know they will only be there a few hours. With the old system this people were able to go up the Fastpass line or use an alternative entrance so they might get on 2-3 rides in the 3-4 hours there. Now they will be lucky to get only 1. They will spend their time in lines instead of finding their happy place that can help them deal with their disability outside the parks.

Cast Members are looking harder at who they give the cards too, as they should. This is because of the abuse of the system that was going on. Because of this some people will fall through the cracks for now. I believe this will be a temporary problem that will be worked out as people speak up.

Here is another problem that I have been seeing for a long time but the new system is making it worse. I did not list it above. Those in wheelchairs, on crutches and using walkers and canes are now put in the regular line. While in line for a “regular attraction” that is not as much of a problem but when it is for a show I feel this is wrong. When the doors open people run to the seats in places like the Hyperion Theater. Those using mobility assistance devices are not able to move as fast as the flow of people headed in. They can be knocked over or accidently trip someone. I’ve seen it happen more than once. In my opinion this is a hazard for both the person with mobility issues and those around them! The simple solution to the possible danger of being tipped over or being tripped by those with mobility assistance devices is to let them enter the seating area first!

I do understand the issues the protesters are trying to bring attention to. I understand and share their concerns. BUT! I do not think picketing at this time is necessary. The system needed to be changed to stop the abuse that was happening at both WDW and DLR. It was getting out of hand and people were using it to earn money.

Instead of picketing I suggest if you experience problems with the new DAS program go to Guest Relations and make your voice heard. Politely and calmly state your need/concern and why you think the new program did not your need. Do not get rude or aggressive with the Cast Member, the policy is not their doing. They are just doing their job! If the front line CM can’t make a difference for you ask for the Lead CM.

If talking to the Cast Members in Guest relations does not make the difference or you feel they are not taking your concern seriously then by all means write a letter to Disney! You can ask the CMs for the address and name of the correct person to contact or you can go to the Disneyland or Disney World website and click on the “contact us”  at the bottom of the page and send them an email! They are required to respond to every email or letter so this is the best way to make sure your concern is read and responded to.

Give Disney time to work out the problems in the system. Disney knew changes would be needed. It is impossible to make such sweeping changes in a program that touches so many people with so many different kinds of needs and expect it to work right off the gate. If Disney does not respond to concerns and make changes to make the system work THEN by all means picket, protest and boycott! I honestly don’t think it will need to go to that with Disney. Give them feedback so they know what to fix! They can’t fix what they don’t know is broken!

Magic Bands at Disney Parks and Cruise

Magic Bands at Disney Parks and Cruise

  

What I’m going to share is the information Disney has put out about their Magic Bands and my opinion and concerns. I wish to share both the good and the potentially bad for these new devices.

What is a Magic Band? A Magic Band is a “bracelet” you ware at the parks. (For now only being “tested” at WDW) It acts as your resort room key, park ‘ticket’, Fastpass and even charge card. Sound good to you? Well that is just PART of the good things it can do. Let’s explore more about how it works.

The Magic Bands have an RFID chip in them that you can place near (about 2 inches) a RFID reader on your room door or resort pool that acts as your “key” opening the locks. These RFID chips are also programed to act as your park tickets so you place your wrist near the reader at the park entrance and are let into the park. No fumbling for your Key to the World Card or paper tickets! Your credit card information can be programed to work with your Magic Band for charging purchases. Well the Key to the World room key cards also did that so why change?

Here is something the Key to the World Cards did not have. There is a new program in the final testing phase. It is call Fastpass+. With Fastpass+ you will go online and/or download an app to your smartphone. Before you leave your home for the parks you can schedule times for rides that have a Fastpass option! Just think! No more running to Toy Story Mania, Space Mountain or Test Track to get a Fastpass just to return hours later! Just go online or pick up your smartphone and schedule 3 Fastpasses for one park per day! Want to change your Fastpass? Decided not to go to the park chosen or you would rather go on a different ride? No problem! Pull out that smartphone and using the app change it! No smartphone? No problem! Just stop by one of the kiosks and make the changes.

You can add “bling” to your Magic Band! You can wrap it up and embellish it with many different options.

Do you have a member of your party celebrating a birthday or achievement? Make note of it on their Magic Band! When they walk up to a character the character will great them by name and wish them a Happy Birthday or congratulate them for their achievement!

Did you ever want to be part of the parks? Want your name on a tombstone in the Haunted Mansion graveyard? Well, you Magic Band could trigger it! Some attractions, like the Haunted Mansion will “readers” that read your Magic Band and will put your name on something in the area, such as the tombstone!

This sounds like so much FUN!!! Who would not want Mickey Mouse to wish their child Happy Birthday BY NAME?!? So what am I concerned about?!?! What could be the problem with these Magic Bands that can add so much Pixie Dust to your time at Disney? It is possible that in the future some rides, such as Small World and Pirates of the Caribbean will be able to make use of the Magic Bands to call you by name during the ride and actually interact with you.

Recently Magic Bands have been added to the Kids Clubs on the Disney Cruise Line. This means the kids no longer have to have a Key to the World Card or a lanyard they can remove and lose. One Magic Band that can be soaked and played hard in and keep working will get them through the cruise.

As stated these bands have RFID chips and some reports also state they have Bluetooth in them. This makes them readable/tractable from both short and long distance. (RFID a few inches where Bluetooth could be as far as 150 feet depending on signal strength.) Well, it is Disney doing it so why worry, right????

Having been a victim of stocking I’m careful of putting my location out. Yes, while I’m at Disney I’ll post on Facebook, “I’m at Star Tours!” or “Just got off Radiator Springs Racers!” So why am I worried about Disney knowing where I am? I also may wait a while and post I’m on a ride after I’ve left that location. The point is it is MY decision to put the information out there.

I’m also concerned because there are reports of people downloading RFID reading apps and being able to “see” their Magic Bands with their phones. The person I know of did this did not know how to interpret the information they saw but who knows what someone else could do with the information.

Over all Disney is a good and trustworthy company. I feel they have the guest’s best interest in mind when they do things. BUT! Like any company they cannot guaranty that ALL employees are as ethical or trustworthy as the company as a whole. Statics prove that a percentage of people any company hires, no matter how stringent background checking is done, will be criminals and possibly dangerous. Just look at several news articles from the past year to prove my point. Disney has had employees arrested for theft, credit card fraud and even child porn on the job! I am not thrilled with the idea of the outside possibility of some unknown person being able to know where I am and possibility other information.

Here is an article about the Magic Bands on the Disney Parks Blog:

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/01/taking-the-disney-guest-experience-to-the-next-level/

Here is an article that mentions the Bluetooth on the Magic Bands that is found in The Next Web:

http://thenextweb.com/insider/2013/05/29/disney-goes-into-wearable-tech-with-the-magic-band/

Avatarland at Disney Animal Kingdom

Avatarland at Disney Animal Kingdom 

It was announced sometime back that Disney had teamed up with James Cameron to bring Avatar alive in the Disney Animal Kingdom Park. New technology has been created to bring this new land alive.

Here is what was reported in the Disney Parks Blog and video shown at the D23 in Japan, October 14, 2013.

"Over the weekend, Tom Staggs wowed the crowd at the first-ever D23 Expo in Japan with an early glimpse of what’s planned for AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park. He shared some breathtaking concept renderings of floating mountains, bioluminescent plants and other awe-inspiring experiences guests will encounter in the mythical world of Pandora.

Also at the D23 Expo Japan, Tom shared video of filmmaker James Cameron and Walt Disney Imagineer Joe Rhode highlighting the creative work already underway on the project. Joe said when the AVATAR-inspired land is completed, it’ll be a transformational experience that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Today, we wanted to share the entire video with Disney Parks Blog readers."

And now I’m sharing it with you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3fkuaQNGHI

Personally I will not go to Avatarland. Yes, I did see and “enjoy” the movie.

I’m not interested in it as part of Disney. I do not think it fits in the Animal Kingdom. Animal Kingdom has real animals and creatures from history as a base of its attraction. It is not a park designed for fantasy, it is designed to educate you to the nature of OUR world not the fake world of Pandora.

I could think of many other more interesting things to put into the space they are dedicating to Avatarland. How about a creatures of legends area? Show the real animals that may have been the base of the legend. What about adding attractions that have the Disney dragons in them? Fly with Maleficent’s Dragon, have an adventure with Mushu and Mulan or a wizard fight with Mad Madam Mim to add to the fantasy side. How would the Disney Dragons fit? It could be tied in by showing the flying lizards that were found in Indonesia in recent years.

Check out what WiKi has to say about these types of creatures:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draco_volans

What a way to teach people about our fantastic world and the creatures here! What a fun way to let kids know that people’s imaginations have been spurred by the creatures they see around them.

Jingle Cruise!

Jingle Cruise!

It was announced on the Disney Parks Blog yesterday that early November the Jungle Cruise at both Disneyland (DL) and Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom (MK) will get a Holiday makeover and become the Jingle Cruise!

This will make the fourth attraction at DL that gets a Holiday makeover. Haunted Mansion gets its makeover courtesy of Jack Skellington. It’s A Small World becomes It’s A Small World Holiday with all the children singing Christmas carols. Storybook Land Canal Boats have a subtle makeover with Christmas decorations and lights added to the little houses. I believe this will be the first attraction to get a holiday overlay.

The Jungle Cruise Skippers have gotten homesick for the Holidays. Listen closely while in line and you may hear a new radio show. They are planning on decorating the boathouse with ornaments sent to them from home and some they made themselves. The Skippers have renamed the boats for the Holidays.

I wonder what new jokes the Skippers will come up with! Will we see the “Backside of Ice” now? Will Trader Sam have a Holiday sale? Sam will give you 2 of his for 1 of yours! I wonder what other jokes will change. Will the Lions have the sleepy Zebra over for a Holiday meal or maybe they are watching him sleep after he had too much Holiday cheer!

I’m looking forward to taking the Jingle Cruise!

Check out what the Disney Parks Blog has to say:

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/10/jungle-cruise-goes-jingle-cruise-for-the-holidays-at-disneyland-park-magic-kingdom-park/

My Christmas book, “An Angel Remembers 25 Voices of Christmas” is available!!

This is a collection of 26 short Christmas stories that together bring the amazing events of Christ’s birth alive. It is my hope that this will help encourage families to spend 10-15 minutes a day together during the busy holiday season remembering the true reason for the season.

You can find it for ALL eReader formats and PDF at:

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94784

For your Nook the link is:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/an-angel-remembers-25-voices-of-christmas-carolyn-hoagland/1106912931?ean=2940032802624

It is also available at the iTunes book store and many other ebook seller sites.

The only big site not carrying my book is Amazon.

You can download a Kindle version from Smashwords.com

The Disney Cruise Addiction

The Disney Cruise Addiction

Many first time Disney Cruisers are caught unaware just how addictive cruising with the Disney Cruise Line is. What is so addicting about the Disney Cruise Line?

·        Let’s start with the obvious, Disney Service. Just like the service at Disney Parks is above other amusement parks the service on the Disney Cruise Ships is a cut above the rest.

·        Attention to detail is high on the Disney Ships. Not only do they pay attention to the cleanliness and repair of all areas of the ship they pay attention to the little stuff. Things like knowing you like your meat medium rare not well done. Not minding that you would like some extra Navigators to take home and leaving a couple of extras in your cabin. Seeing you need help taking your lunch outside from the restaurant topside and just stepping up to help.

·        Family Friendly entertainment abounds. Broadway caliber shows with Disney Characters to entertain you and your children. Adult after hours entertainment in the lounges, adult only restaurants for a small extra fee and lounges that are available for viewing sports and getting an adult drink all day.

·        Separate areas of the ships for children, teens, families and adults. From the Kids and Teen Clubs, pools for little kids, families and adults only, lounges for the adults, and entertainment designed for each age group as well as families to enjoy together.

·        Free use of things like Wave Phones to keep in touch with your family and friends on the ship.

·        Free soda all the time from the soda fountain next to the pool and with your meals in the restaurants.

·        Free room service. Most of the food delivered to your room is free. Some items cost.

·        No matter where you walk around the ship the crew asks how you are doing and if you need anything.

·        The treatment from the ship continues on Disney privet island, Castaway Cay. Areas with counselors for the kids, a beach for the teens with extreme sports, family beach with snorkeling and other fun, great food and a beach just for the adults.

With all of this it is easy to see how people become addicted to Disney Cruising!

Do you want to risk becoming addicted? You can go to the Disney Cruise website and book or call your favorite travel agent. Need help planning a Disney Cruise? I can help you plan a cruise, just send me an email.

Carolyn@YourFairytaleVacation.com

My Christmas book, “An Angel Remembers 25 Voices of Christmas” is available!!

This is a collection of 26 short Christmas stories that together bring the amazing events of Christ’s birth alive. It is my hope that this will help encourage families to spend 10-15 minutes a day together during the busy holiday season remembering the true reason for the season.

You can find it for ALL eReader formats and PDF at:

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94784

For your Nook the link is:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/an-angel-remembers-25-voices-of-christmas-carolyn-hoagland/1106912931?ean=2940032802624

It is also available at the iTunes book store and many other ebook seller sites.

The only big site not carrying my book is Amazon.

You can download a Kindle version from Smashwords.com

D23 Screening of Hocus Pocus

D23 Screening of Hocus Pocus

On October 19th, there was a special screening of Hocus Pocus at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, Ca. Take a peek at what happened at the screening!

D23_HocusPocus_10192013_005

An original limited-edition (300) Giclee, illustrated by renowned film designer Miles Teves, was created exclusively for D23’s 20^th Anniversary Screening of Hocus Pocus at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California on October 19, 2013. Hollywood composer John Debney stopped by to sign copies of the Hocus Pocus soundtrack.

D23_HocusPocus_10192013_032

Props and costumes from the Walt Disney Archives were on display at D23’s 20^th Anniversary Screening of Hocus Pocus at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California on October 19, 2013.

D23_HocusPocus_10192013_104

D23 Members, dressed as the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus, pose in front of the famous intersection of Mickey Ave. and Dopey Drive at D23’s 20^th Anniversary Screening of Hocus Pocus at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California on October 19, 2013.

D23_HocusPocus_10192013_114

Actress Thora Birch (Dani) tries on her trick-or-treater costume hat that she wore in Hocus Pocus at D23’s 20^th Anniversary Screening of Hocus Pocus at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California on October 19, 2013.

D23_HocusPocus_10192013_129

Actress Kathy Najimy (Mary Sanderson) poses next to her costume in the Walt Disney Archives display at D23’s 20^th Anniversary Screening of Hocus Pocus at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California on October 19, 2013.

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Omri Katz (Max) and a young Hocus Pocus fan at D23’s 20^th Anniversary Screening of Hocus Pocus at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California on October 19, 2013.

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Actress Vinessa Shaw (Allison) signs an autograph for a Disney fan at D23’s 20^th Anniversary Screening of Hocus Pocus at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California on October 19, 2013.

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Actor Doug Jones (Billy Butcherson) and actress Vinessa Shaw (Allison) visit the Walt Disney Archives display at D23’s 20^th Anniversary Screening of Hocus Pocus at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California on October 19, 2013. 

For more D23 News go to the official D23 website https://d23.com/

Treasures of The Walt Disney Archives

Treasures of The Walt Disney Archivesat the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago Opens

October 16, 2013 • By D23.com

Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, an exhibition which encompasses more than 300 artifacts from nine decades of Disney history, opens at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI) on October 16, 2013—the 90th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company.

The exhibit showcases the creative accomplishments and innovations of one of Chicago’s native sons, Walt Disney, and the ongoing legacy of the company that bears his name. From Mickey Mouse and Mary Poppins to Captain Jack Sparrow, the exhibition features many artifacts from Disney’s rich history that have not been widely seen by the public—including drawings; props; costumes; artwork from classic Disney animated films, theme park attractions, TV shows and live-action films; plus items from contemporary Disney milestones. This exhibit will run at MSI through May 4, 2014 and is presented by Walgreens.

“Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives showcases the creativity and innovation that has defined Disney for 90 years,” said Robert A. Iger, chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company. “We’re proud of this heritage, and we are very pleased to share this rare glimpse into our rich history with Chicago’s world-renowned Museum of Science and Industry.”

In addition to myriad fascinating artifacts that are sure to stir childhood memories and be familiar icons to many, the exhibition will feature hands-on, interactive stations that will bring Disney technological breakthroughs in animation and motion pictures to life. Guests can explore the technology behind the 53 animated Disney feature films and even learn the steps to drawing some favorite Disney characters in the “Animation Academy.”

“Through this exhibit we’re pleased to showcase Walt Disney as both a master storyteller and innovator whose creative legacy continues to inspire people of all ages,” said David Mosena, president and CEO of the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. “Guests will be immersed in Walt Disney’s ‘can do’ spirit, optimistic outlook and never-ending curiosity that propelled him through his impressive career. This spirit continues to be the creative inspiration behind many of the incredible experiences created by Disney today.”

The Early Years
Travel back to Walt’s childhood and younger years to learn about the history behind Walt’s creative genius. From his initial interest in drawing, to establishing his first animation studio and ultimately deciding to move to Hollywood, this first gallery presents Walt’s backstory to set the stage for the legendary brand he later created.

Early Hollywood
Here, guests will get the chance to understand Walt’s role as a film pioneer when he first moved west. Beginning with his silent animated films, Walt experimented with the production of animation, eventually culminating in the creation of fan favorite Mickey Mouse. The success of his cartoons—featuring such icons like Mickey, Donald Duck and Goofy—led to the creation of his first full-color, hand-drawn animation feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937.

Animation Tools & Techniques
Learn how Walt’s artistic accomplishments and storytelling paved the way for an era of invention and innovation. Following Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Walt created classic Disney films in succession: Pinocchio (1940), Fantasia (1940), Dumbo (1941) and Bambi (1942). Learn about Walt’s contributions to the production of animated films— including the invention of the storyboard, perfecting character development and personality animation, creating stylized backgrounds, and the creation of the multiplane camera—all of which set the bar for the future of animated films.

Walt: Showman of the World
By the late 1940s, Walt Disney was a household name for creating quality films for family entertainment. But Walt wanted to expand his talents into the realm of live-action moviemaking. Discover how he made the transition from animated classics to his full-length, live-action movies, in addition to dabbling in television. During this period, Walt released movies Treasure Island and20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and television series Disneyland, The Mickey Mouse Club andZorro.

Mary Poppins
This special area of the exhibition is dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the release of Mary Poppins. The film was nominated for 13 Academy Awards and won five Oscars, including Best Actress for Julie Andrews in her very first film role, Best Song (“Chim Chim Cheree”), Best Music Score, Best Film Editing and Best Visual Effects.

Theme Parks
This area salutes Disneyland® Park in California and Magic Kingdom® Park in Florida, showcasing artwork, Audio-Animatronics® characters, and memorabilia from such popular attractions as it’s a small world, Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln and The Hall of Presidents, as well as early plans and correspondence for Walt Disney’s vision of Epcot.

Disney Today
Explore how audiences today enjoy Disney. The Walt Disney Company has adhered to the creativity and business spirit of its founders from the first live-action films Disney released, like20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, to more contemporary hit films, such as Pirates of the Caribbean.

Animation Academy
Experience the artistry, storytelling and technology still used in the Disney animated films of today. Since The Little Mermaid was released in 1989, Walt’s legacy has continued with more hit films like Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, Pocahontas, The Princess and the Frog,Tangled and Wreck-It Ralph. Explore the innovations used during this second “Golden Age” of animated films, like morphing and 3D painting/rendering techniques

https://d23.com/museum-of-science-and-technology-walt-disney-archives/

On a personal note:

I was able to go tot he D23 Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit when it was at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. It was a fantastic experience. I believe this is even a larger exhibit so I believe if you are in the area you should do what you can to see it.