Visions Fantastic - News Center Archive http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/ An Archive of old News Stories. No new posts will be accepted in this forum. en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:20:47 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/images/misc/rss.jpg Visions Fantastic - News Center Archive http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/ Television Susan Boyle visits Disneyland http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/susan-boyle-visits-disneyland-27125/ Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:41:56 GMT Susan Boyle visits Disneyland *SuBo meet Dumbo*...

Susan Boyle visits Disneyland


SuBo meet Dumbo
Britain's Got Talent star Susan Boyle escapes to Disneyland after being mobbed by fans in Los Angeles

London Daily Mail
Susan Boyle seems to be lapping up her new-found fame and spent her first hours in the United States being given A-list treatment. The Britain's Got Talent star was whisked to Disneyland in Anaheim, California by burly minders and assistants and brought friends along for the ride.

The 48-year-old singer is in the U.S. ahead of her performance on the final of America's Got Talent, and was mobbed at the airport by adoring fans, press and paparazzi.

But during her first few hours on foreign soil, the Scottish spinster roamed Disneyland with her friends and took to the skies on the Dumbo ride. And she was beaming after a boat ride through the It's A Small World attraction. It is the first time the Scot has been out of Europe and she looked as if she was struggling in the brutal Californian sun.

On Wednesday's final show of America's Got Talent, Susan will perform the Rolling Stones song Wild Horses – the first single off her forthcoming album – as well as the Les Miserables’ classic which catapulted her to fame, I Dreamed A Dream

complete article and PHOTOS
Submitted by Ezra
]]> News Center Archive Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/susan-boyle-visits-disneyland-27125/ <![CDATA[Events 'Evolution of Mickey' at D23]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/evolution-mickey-d23-27072/ Sun, 13 Sep 2009 05:28:43 GMT

'Evolution of Mickey' presented at D23


Andrea Deja and Disney Freedom

From Mars to Marceline
The presentation of "The Evolution of Mickey" at D23 was truly Disney: it had intensity, fun and seriousness. Andrea Deja was artistically acrobatic in drawing several stages of Mickey, as David Pacheco posed to him, with grace and flexibility and humor, in Mickey's attire (no Mouse's head, and shades in the place of Mickey's eyes). It was great how they fully explained Mickey's evolution paralleling the current trends in art, design, architecture and decoration throughout the decades. True to form, Deja gave us a glimpse of the Disney freedom, that inventiveness that makes its own rules even if it has to break with established ones: he revealed that the face of Mickey, when seen frontally, had to "cheat" the laws of perspective, so that the Mouse could still retain its witty expression. First, Deja drew Mickey obliging those laws and pointed to the audience the fact that the Mouse's snout would cover his eyes and make him look dummy. Everybody agreed. Then, to the relief of all, the animator drew the perspective-cheating Mickey and there was everybody's beloved, "cheating" for honesty, or for the sake of being fully himself, Mickey! Only Disney can inaugurate its own laws, and only a talent like Deja can beautifully play with them, showing that expertise does not need to rely on academic tradition!
Eleonora Duvivier

Submitted by Ezra
]]> News Center Archive Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/evolution-mickey-d23-27072/ Events Hotel union protests D23 conference http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/hotel-union-protests-d23-conference-27052/ Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:44:14 GMT Hotel union protests D23 conference * Union protests Disney conference in Anaheim*...

Hotel union protests D23 conference


Union protests Disney conference in Anaheim

Orange County Register
Up to 100 workers representing the three Disneyland hotels gathered outside the Anaheim Convention Center today with full audio set and a stage – the loudest part of the protest was underway as Disney CEO Bob Iger was addressing a crowd of Disney fans inside.

Members of Unite Here 11, the hotels’ union, were chanting, “Si, se puede” or “Yes, we can” and listening to speakers in the 15th protest action against Disney in the 19-month contract dispute. According to Anaheim police, an estimated 75 to 100 workers were on scene.
by Adam Townsend

complete article
Submitted by Ezra
]]> News Center Archive Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/hotel-union-protests-d23-conference-27052/ <![CDATA[Resorts WDW Mom's Panel expanding]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/wdw-moms-panel-expanding-27045/ Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:25:39 GMT

Walt Disney World Mom's Panel expanding


Celebrating the Start of the Third Year:
Disney Expands Walt Disney World Moms Panel and Seeks New 'Mouse' Experts for 2010
Search for 10 panelists opens online Sept. 10, ends Sept. 20

PR Newswire
Is Disney your go-to family vacation? Are you a master at coordinating everything from character breakfasts to family reunions? If so, then Disney Parks would like you to apply to be on its third annual Walt Disney World Moms Panel. Disney Parks announced today its search for 10 park-savvy parents to reside on the 2010 Walt Disney World Moms Panel, www.disneyworldmoms.com, where they'll join panelists from previous years to make this the largest panel to date.

Similar to asking a friend or neighbor for advice, this online forum, led by parents sharing their ultimate park smarts, serves as a resource for families planning a Disney vacation. Beginning today, Sept. 10, the Moms Panel search begins online, www.disneyworldmoms.com/2010 and will close on Sept. 20, or when 20,000 applications are received, whichever comes first.

Parents who pride themselves on being Walt Disney World vacation experts are encouraged to visit www.disneyworldmoms.com/2010 for what will be a magical seat on Disney's Moms Panel.

"We realize moms and dads are online now more than ever, engaging in social media to research tips, connect with others and identify what's best for their family. The Moms Panel provides an online space where they can interact and receive feedback from parents just like them," said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort.
press release

complete press release
Submitted by Ezra
]]> News Center Archive Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/wdw-moms-panel-expanding-27045/ Company Disney enviromental school program http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/disney-enviromental-school-program-27043/ Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:06:37 GMT Disney enviromental school program *Disney launches new enviromental program*...

Disney enviromental school program


Disney launches new enviromental program

Los Angeles Business Journal
The Walt Disney Co. has launched a new nationwide project-based environmental competition for 4th-6th grade classrooms, called Disney’s Planet Challenge.

The program is a collaboration with the National Science Teachers Association, the K-12 Alliance, and state and federal government agencies. Participation in the program is free, and enrollment opened Sept. 9 at www.disney.com/planetchallenge.

Disney’s Planet Challenge Web site provides tailored lesson plans customized to reflect the curriculum standards of each state for each grade level. It also includes a range of multimedia features allowing students to create an online portfolio with classwork, videos, photos, charts and other documents.

Students identify a local environmental issue and come up with a solution that they manage and document from start to finish. Past examples range from implementing campus-wide water conservation programs and electronics recycling drives to protecting local habitats.
Orlando Business Journal

complete article
Submitted by Ezra
]]> News Center Archive Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/disney-enviromental-school-program-27043/ Events D23 Expo http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/d23-expo-27011/ Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:15:59 GMT Tens of thousands expected at D23 Expo *Tens of thousands expected at Disney expo*...

Tens of thousands expected at D23 Expo


Tens of thousands expected at Disney expo

Orange County Register
The D23 Expo is the first major Disney convention, coming Thursday through Sunday to the Anaheim Convention Center. It’s billed as the “ultimate Disney fan experience.” The event, open to the public, will cover everything Disney – from T.V. stars and toys to movie premieres and artifacts. CLICK ON MAP TO SEE D23 EXPO FLOORPLAN AND HIGHLIGHTS.

“D23 is an unprecedented way we opened doors to Disney to fans in a way they can’t get through any other venue,” said Steven Clark, the head of D23.

The concept for a Disney fan club came up about two years ago after Bob Iger, Disney’s president, kept receiving e-mails and letters asking for more connection to Disney. Even though other fan clubs exist, Iger wanted to give fans the opportunity to link directly with Disney. “When you look at the other Web sites and clubs that exist, we certainly aren’t pretending to be a replacement for them,” Clark said. “When you look at the Disney fan environment … there’s such a deep, voracious appetite for all things Disney. I think it would be foolish to think there’s a sole voice of Disney fandom. It’s a great option and great offering for fans.”

Disney and convention officials are unsure how many people will show up to the event. Initial projections showed between 30,000 and 40,000 people could attend the expo, said Charles Ahlers, president of Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau. But Disney officials would only say that they expect tens of thousands people and declined to release how many have signed up so far.

Registrants are coming from all 50 states and several countries, including Australia and Japan, Clark said. Convention planners expect that many will come for the day from the local region.
by Sarah Tully

complete article
Submitted by Ezra
]]> News Center Archive Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/d23-expo-27011/ Events Disneyland Half Marathon http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/disneyland-half-marathon-26993/ Mon, 07 Sep 2009 05:15:35 GMT Disneyland Half Marathon *Fleet feet, floppy ears at Disneyland Half Marathon*...

Disneyland Half Marathon


Fleet feet, floppy ears at Disneyland Half Marathon
Over 13,500 runners course through theme park and Angel Stadium

Orange County Register
Leave it to the folks at Disneyland Resort to make the notion of pounding 13.1 miles of pavement "fun."

That was the buzz word among the more than 13,500 runners from 50 states and 13 countries who participated in the 4th annual Disneyland Half Marathon Sunday morning, galloping through the still-empty theme park as the sun came up.

It's the lighthearted feel that sets this race apart. Costumed characters appeared throughout the route to cheer runners on, along with marching bands, dance troupes and hundreds of Boy Scouts who misted the competitors with water bottles and shouted much-needed encouragement at mile 9, just before participants entered Angel Stadium. continue reading
by Erika Chavez

complete article


Related Links:

Complete results of Disneyland Half Marathon
Orange County Register

Video: Disneyland Half Marathon winds through Anaheim
Orange County Register


Press Release:

Jaeyung Hyung, of Las Cruces, N.M., Wins Fourth Annual Disneyland Half Marathon
Disneyland Resort Newsroom
Submitted by Ezra
]]> News Center Archive Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/disneyland-half-marathon-26993/ Events Michael Jackson burial (NOT) near Walt Disney http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/michael-jackson-burial-not-near-walt-disney-26957/ Thu, 03 Sep 2009 03:52:52 GMT Michael Jackson to be buried near Walt Disney *Edit:* this article has proved to be incorrect. Michael Jackson was buried at the Great...

Michael Jackson to be buried near Walt Disney



Edit: this article has proved to be incorrect. Michael Jackson was buried at the Great Mausoleum, on the other side of the property from the location of Walt Disney's grave.


Michael Jackson Burial
Freedom Mausoleum, Forest Lawn Glendale

The National Ledger
Michael Jackson will be buried close to two of his idols - Walt Disney and Three Stooges actor Larry Fine. Family sources said the King of Pop will be laid to rest near the pair at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.

Jackson is set to be entombed in the Freedom Mausoleum at the cemetery tomorrow night. Disney is buried in a garden just outside the two-storey structure, while Fine - best known as wise-cracking Larry of comedy act The Three Stooges - lies inside the mausoleum's first floor. Jackson was going to be entombed at the Great Mausoleum at Forest Lawn, but loved ones switched gears to get him near Disney and a Stooge.

"The family believed this is what Michael would have wanted," a close family friend revealed.
by Gavin Wilson

complete article
Submitted by Ezra
]]> News Center Archive Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/michael-jackson-burial-not-near-walt-disney-26957/ <![CDATA[Resorts DL dragon's first public appearance]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/dl-dragons-first-public-appearance-26956/ Thu, 03 Sep 2009 03:45:46 GMT

Disneyland dragon's first public appearance


Disneyland dragon makes first public appearance

Orange County Register
The Disneyland dragon has finally joined the Fantasmic! show. On September 1st, the problematic dragon came out in public for the first time during a water-and-light show on the Rivers of America.

Disney officials announced this afternoon that the animatronic dragon would debut after facing technical trouble all summer. The official summer season ended last month without an appearance by the dragon, which was the centerpiece in promotional materials.

Several in the audience had been waiting all summer and came just to see the show.
by Mark Eades

complete article and VIDEO
Submitted by Ezra
]]> News Center Archive Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/dl-dragons-first-public-appearance-26956/ Events Disney Legends at D23 Expo http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/disney-legends-d23-expo-26954/ Thu, 03 Sep 2009 03:15:40 GMT Disney Legends Awards presented at D23 Expo *D23 Expo: Robin Williams, Golden Girls to win awards*...

Disney Legends Awards presented at D23 Expo


D23 Expo: Robin Williams, Golden Girls to win awards

Orange County Register
Disney Legends Awards will go to actor Robin Williams, actresses who played “The Golden Girls” on the T.V. show and others during a major Disney expo next week, Disney announced today.

The awards ceremony will be part of the four-day D23 Expo, the first convention of the new official Disney fan club. The ceremony is set for 11 a.m. Sept. 10.

The full list is in the press release.
by Sarah Tully

complete article


Press Release
2009 Disney Legends Award Recipients to Be Honored During D23 Expo in Anaheim
Reuters/PR Newswire
Submitted by Ezra
]]> News Center Archive Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/disney-legends-d23-expo-26954/ Products Disney costumes support charity http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/disney-costumes-support-charity-26924/ Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:33:41 GMT

Disney costumes support childrens' Aids charity


Toys'R'Us, Inc. and Disney Consumer Products Dress Up Their Support of Children Affected by Aids Foundation
Toys'R'Us and Disney Provide Joint Donation, Expand Halloween Costume Assortment Dedicated to Highlighting CAAF

Reuters
Toys'R'Us, Inc. and Disney Consumer Products (DCP) today announced that Toys'R'Us will carry an expanded assortment of exclusive Disney-themed Halloween costumes for boys, girls and babies to highlight the good works of Children Affected by AIDS Foundation (CAAF). Toys'R'Us, Inc. and DCP made a joint contribution of $50,000 to kick off the 2009 costume program.

Beginning in September, an expanded line of 25 costumes based on popular Disney characters can be found at Toys'R'Us and Babies'R'Us stores and online at Toysrus.com, including beautifully crafted costumes resembling Disney Princess characters, Disney Pixar Toy Story's "Buzz Lightyear" and "Woody", Power Rangers, Winnie-the-Pooh and Tigger, and Disney Fairies' "Tinker Bell." The number of costumes doubles the offering from last year, and each bears a hangtag featuring the CAAF logo and a united mission statement from both companies.
PR Newswire

complete press release
Submitted by Ezra
]]> News Center Archive Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/disney-costumes-support-charity-26924/ Resorts Snow White wins Lottery http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/snow-white-wins-lottery-26892/ Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:54:42 GMT Snow White wins Lottery *Former Snow White at Disneyland wins lottery*...

Snow White wins Lottery


Former Snow White at Disneyland wins lottery

Orange County Register
Natalie Marston’s trips to the wishing well paid off this weekend. The Rancho Cucamonga resident was working as Snow White at Disneyland when she bought a lottery ticket on a whim in February. That ticket just made Marston a millionaire.

Marston, 22, won the $5.2 million jackpot on the “Make Me a Millionaire” show by the California Lottery on Saturday. The show airs 7:30 p.m. Saturdays on KCAL-9. “I know I played Snow White, but I feel more like Cinderella,” Marston said in a prepared statement.
by Sarah Tully

complete article
Submitted by Ezra
]]> News Center Archive Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/snow-white-wins-lottery-26892/ Travel New cruise ship ceremony http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/new-cruise-ship-ceremony-26882/ Thu, 27 Aug 2009 02:29:56 GMT

New cruise ship ceremony

Disney Dream's keel-laying ceremony today in Germany

Orlando Sentinel
In a ceremony in Papenburg, Germany, earlier today, Disney Cruise Line Captain Tom Forberg (with an assist from Donald Duck) places a commemorative DCL coin under the keel of the Disney Dream, the company's cruise ship under construction there. The keel-laying ceremony marks when the first block of the ship is lowered into the building dock. The coin goes under the keel for good luck.
The Dream is scheduled to debut in 2011.
by Dewayne Bevil

complete article
Submitted by Ezra
]]> News Center Archive Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/new-cruise-ship-ceremony-26882/ Resorts Stars aid WDW Moms Panel http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/stars-aid-wdw-moms-panel-26881/ Thu, 27 Aug 2009 02:21:02 GMT

Stars aid Walt Disney World Moms Panel


Stars Lend Their Vacation Planning 'Talents' to the Walt Disney World Moms Panel

Walt Disney World Resort Newsroom
Looking to plan an unforgettable Walt Disney World vacation? Stars Joey Fatone of Dancing with the Stars, Lisa Whelchel from The Facts of Life {and 1977's New Mickey Mouse Club ~Ezra} and Alfonso Ribeiro of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air have teamed up with the Walt Disney World Moms Panel to share vacation planning tips in helpful, funny and practical “How-to” videos available at DisneyWorldMoms.com – home of the Moms Panel. From keeping up with their own little princesses to sharing personal in-park memories, these family-focused celebrities step in front of the camera to offer guests their favorite Disney tips.
press release

complete press release
Submitted by Ezra
]]> News Center Archive Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/stars-aid-wdw-moms-panel-26881/ Products Imagineer Harriet Burns book http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/imagineer-harriet-burns-book-26880/ Thu, 27 Aug 2009 02:11:35 GMT New book about Imagineer Harriet Burns *New book about Imatineer Harriet Burns* _ Visions Fantastic News Center _ A new website,...

New book about Imagineer Harriet Burns


New book about Imatineer Harriet Burns

Visions Fantastic News Center
A new website, ImagineerHarriet.com has recently been created as advance publicity for an upcoming book "Walt Disney's First Lady of Imagineering, Harriet Burns" written by Burns' daughter Pam Burns-Clair and her friend Don Peri.

Burns built models of attractions based upon artists renderings, and many early Disneyland attractions were created directly from her models. She was also called upon to creat life size props for attractions and movies, and even sewed feathers and hair into most of the earliest Audio Animatronic figures.
Ezra David Haith

Written and submitted by Ezra
]]> News Center Archive Ezra http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/imagineer-harriet-burns-book-26880/ Resorts WDW property values fall http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/wdw-property-values-fall-26879/ Thu, 27 Aug 2009 01:45:42 GMT Walt Disney World property values fall *Sign of the times: Property values fall even within Disney World*...

Walt Disney World property values fall


Sign of the times: Property values fall even within Disney World

Orlando Sentinel
Even Walt Disney World isn't immune from slumping real estate values. The assessed value of all the land within the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which covers all of Disney World, has fallen by 3 percent, according to the district's preliminary budget. That's not necessarily bad news for Disney, since lower property values typically lead to lower property tax bills.
by Jason Garcia

complete article
Submitted by Ezra
]]> News Center Archive Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/wdw-property-values-fall-26879/ Events Haunted Mansion Sleepover family interviewed http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/haunted-mansion-sleepover-family-interviewed-26852/ Sun, 23 Aug 2009 08:44:41 GMT Haunted Mansion Sleepover family interviewed Image: http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/gallery/files/1/5/2/2/7/suttonext_thumb.jpg * Haunted...

Haunted Mansion Sleepover family interviewed

Haunted Mansion Sleepover:
A post-traumatic interview with the Sutton Family

Visions Fantastic News Center
On the night of August 9, 2009, VF member Tim Sutton (PhotoJoe), his wife Cyndi and daughters Jessica (12) and Stephanie (10) spent the night in The Haunted Mansion. VF News Editor Ezra recently conducted an in depth follow-up interview.
You can read it here!
Ezra

complete interview
Written and submitted by Ezra
]]> News Center Archive Ezra http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/haunted-mansion-sleepover-family-interviewed-26852/ <![CDATA[Movies Pixar wins 'Golden Lion']]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/pixar-wins-golden-lion-26836/ Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:07:44 GMT

Pixar wins Venice Film Festival's 'Golden Lion'


Lucas to honor Lasseter at Venice
Director to hand Golden Lion to Pixar guru

Variety
George Lucas has been recruited by the Venice Film Festival to present the Golden Lion for lifetime achievement to John Lasseter and the directors of the Disney/Pixar team. Lucas will lionize Lasseter, Brad Bird, Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich in a ceremony at the Palazzo del Cinema’s Sala Grande on Sept. 6.

Before Pixar’s inception in 1986, Lasseter worked in the graphics group of the computer division at Lucas’ Lucasfilm. Lucas, who will make the trek to the Lido for the first time, is being hailed by the fest as “a leader in Hollywood’s digital revolution.”
by Nick Vivarelli

complete article
Submitted by Ezra
]]> News Center Archive Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/pixar-wins-golden-lion-26836/ Company Disney donates $100,000 to Red Cross http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/disney-donates-100-000-red-cross-26835/ Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:59:12 GMT Disney donates $100,000 to American Red Cross *Big Disney donation*...

Disney donates $100,000 to American Red Cross


Big Disney donation

Orange County Register
The Walt Disney Co. made a $100,000 doination to the American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles in support of the organization’s Catastrophic Disaster Plan, it was announced Tuesday. The disaster preparedness plan outlines how to feed and shelter 250,000 people following a major disaster, such as a large-scale earthquake.

The Disney donation aided the Red Cross in qualifying for a $1 million challenge grant. To date, the total committed donations to the plan are nearly $5 million, a chapter representative said.
City News Service

complete article
Submitted by Ezra
]]> News Center Archive Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/disney-donates-100-000-red-cross-26835/ Events Disney Records lecture in FL http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/disney-records-lecture-fl-26834/ Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:54:31 GMT Disney Records lecture in West Palm Beach FL Sunday Exhibition Lecture: *Mouse Tracks: The Story of Walt Disney Records*...

Disney Records lecture in West Palm Beach FL


Sunday Exhibition Lecture: Mouse Tracks: The Story of Walt Disney Records
Sunday, August 23, 2009 3:00 PM

Norton Museum of Art
Greg Ehrbar, author of Mouse Tracks: The Story of Walt Disney Records, will discuss the little-known history, fascinating personalities and performers, from Annette Funicello to the Jonas Brothers, who created one of Walt Disney Studios most successful projects. Ehrbar’s lecture, illustrated by slides and musical selections, is followed by a book-signing by the author. This presentation is for all ages.
by Megan Patel

complete details
Submitted by Ezra
]]> News Center Archive Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/disney-records-lecture-fl-26834/ Resorts Another WDW stunt performer dies http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/another-wdw-stunt-performer-dies-26811/ Wed, 19 Aug 2009 03:36:54 GMT Another Walt Disney World stunt performer dies *Disney performer dies after suffering head injury*...

Another Walt Disney World stunt performer dies


Disney performer dies after suffering head injury

CNN
A Disney stunt performer died Monday night after suffering an injury during a rehearsal, company and local officials said. Walt Disney World spokeswoman Zoraya Suarez said the performer was injured while performing a tumbling roll for the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at Disney's Hollywood Studios, part of the Orlando, Florida, theme park.

It was the third fatal incident at the park in less than two months. Earlier this month, a performer was injured in a pirate show and later died. In July, two monorail trains collided, killing a driver. "'We feel a sense of loss for these valued cast members," Suarez said. She said a review would be conducted on each incident. Performers receive extensive training, she said.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department identified the performer in the latest incident as Anislav Varbanov, 30, and said he had been pronounced dead at a hospital.

Security personnel at Hollywood Studios called 911 Monday evening to say a cast member had suffered a head injury during the rehearsal, the sheriff's department said. No other details were given. The sheriff's department said the incident is under investigation.
by Carolina Sanchez


Submitted by ryguy222. Edited by Ezra
]]> News Center Archive Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/another-wdw-stunt-performer-dies-26811/ Products Disneyana Fan Club (NFFC) http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/disneyana-fan-club-nffc-26789/ Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:02:17 GMT NFFC to become Disneyana Fan Club *NFFC to become Disneyana Fan Club* (http://thedisneyblog.com/2009/08/17/nffc-to-become-disneyana-fan-club/) ...

NFFC to become Disneyana Fan Club


NFFC to become Disneyana Fan Club

The Disney Blog
The largest unofficial Disney fan club in the US has voted to change its name from “NFFC The Club for Disneyana Enthusiasts” to the “Disneyana Fan Club”. While there was some passionate debate about the name change among the groups membership, the final vote was 166 for and only 54 against the name change.

All in all I think this is a positive move for NFFC. It was threatened by the the presence of Disney 23 and hobbled by a confusing name. With the new name, a clearer brand, and as the cheaper alternative, the Disneyana Fan Club is poised to pick up new members with the right leadership.

“The name National Fantasy Fan Club, which we later shortened to NFFC and still later amended to include the tagline The Club for Disneyana Enthusiasts, has always presented our group with a series of challenges,” said Gary Schaengold, President of NFFC The Club for Disneyana Enthusiasts. “It just didn’t do a very good job of telling people who we are and what we’re all about.”
by John Frost

complete article
Submitted by Ezra
]]> News Center Archive Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/disneyana-fan-club-nffc-26789/ <![CDATA[Company Alice Comedies' Virginia Davis dies]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/alice-comedies-virginia-davis-dies-26786/ Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:40:02 GMT

Alice Comedies' Virginia Davis dies


Disney’s first actress dies at age 90

Orange County Register
Virginia Davis, best known as Disney’s first actress, passed away Friday night at age 90. Davis starred in Walt Disney’s short film series, The Alice Comedies. During her career as Alice, Davis was able to star in 13 titles in the series, each five to 10 minutes long and featuring simple plots.
by Sally French

complete article
Submitted by Ezra
]]> News Center Archive Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/alice-comedies-virginia-davis-dies-26786/ Resorts Parking lot at DLR strawberry field http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/parking-lot-dlr-strawberry-field-26765/ Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:57:59 GMT Parking lot planned for DLR strawberry field *Disney parking lot set for third theme park site*...

Parking lot planned for DLR strawberry field


Disney parking lot set for third theme park site

Orange County Register
Disney plans to build a massive parking lot on the field that it originally bought for a possible third Anaheim theme park. That means that a new park likely would be at least six to 10 years away when the lot is no longer needed.

Disney wants to add 2,570 new parking spots for guests to the Harbor Boulevard site, eating up the majority of the remaining open space on a former strawberry field that the company bought about 11 years ago in anticipation of building a third theme park.

The new parking lot plan is set to go before the Anaheim Planning Commission at 2:30 p.m. Monday at City Hall. City officials are recommending that the plan be approved, said Sheri Vander Dussen, the city’s planning director.

“The presence of a temporary parking lot at this location in no way enhances or discounts the potential of future investment at this location,” said Suzi Brown, a Disneyland Resort spokeswoman. “We’ll grow business when and where it makes sense to do so. But our focus at this time is on the expansion of Disney’s California Adventure.”
by Sarah Tully

complete article
Submitted by Ezra
]]> News Center Archive Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/parking-lot-dlr-strawberry-field-26765/ Events DLR Canoe Races http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/dlr-canoe-races-26764/ Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:51:24 GMT Disneyland Resort Cast Member Canoe Races Image: http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/gallery/files/1/5/2/2/7/canoe09dlr.jpg © Disneyland Resort ...

Disneyland Resort Cast Member Canoe Races


© Disneyland Resort
Disney canoe race winners announced

Orange County Register
In a tradition that dates back to Walt Disney’s days, Disney employees raced in the Disneyland’s river this week. The 46th annual Cast Member Canoe Races concluded this morning.

Here are the winners... continue
by Sarah Tully

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]]> News Center Archive Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/dlr-canoe-races-26764/ Company Iger to Moderate Digital Event http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/iger-moderate-digital-event-26745/ Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:16:15 GMT

Iger to Moderate Digital Event


Iger to Moderate HRTS' Digital Event
Event represents organization's push into digital space

The Wrap
Disney President-CEO Bob Iger will moderate “The Digital Chiefs: A Special Conversation on the Future of New Media in the Digital Age” on Sept. 8 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel. The panel will kick off the Hollywood Radio and Television Society's Newsmaker Luncheon Season and also launches HRTS’ new initiative to focus activities on the industry’s transition into the digital space.

Taking part in the panel are Chris Anderson, Editor in Chief, Wired Magazine; Chad Hurley, CEO and co-founder, YouTube; Jason Kilar, CEO, Hulu; and Jonathan F. Miller, Chief Digital Officer, Chairman and CEO, Digital Media Group News Corporation.

“This discussion couldn’t have come at a better time as our industry now relies so much on new media. In this expanding digital space, content can be created, distributed and marketed to audiences all over the world,” said HRTS President Kevin Beggs stated.
Biz News

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]]> News Center Archive Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/iger-moderate-digital-event-26745/ Resorts WDW stunt performer dies http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/wdw-stunt-performer-dies-26734/ Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:04:56 GMT Injured Walt Disney World performer dies *Disney performer dies days after performance fall*...

Injured Walt Disney World performer dies


Disney performer dies days after performance fall

Orlando Sentinel
A performer at Walt Disney World and theater-community mainstay died Monday, four days after he was injured during a show at the Magic Kingdom.

Mark Priest, 47, fell Thursday while playing in "Captain Jack's Pirate Tutorial," an interactive show in which actors lead guests through a series of pirate-skills tests, a Disney spokeswoman said.

Priest, who was in a mock sword fight, stumbled on a wet spot at the show's location, near Pirates of the Caribbean, and then banged into a wall, said friend Jeffrey Breslauer. His injuries included a broken vertebra in his neck and a cut that required 55 stitches to his scalp.

Priest was moved out of intensive care and appeared to be improving, but he experienced complications Monday and died at Florida Hospital Orlando, friends said. An official cause of death has not been determined.
by Willoughby Mariano and Jason Garcia

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]]> News Center Archive Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/wdw-stunt-performer-dies-26734/ Company Evie Coats dies (oldest Disney cast member) http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/evie-coats-dies-oldest-disney-cast-member-26723/ Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:45:12 GMT

Ink & Paint girl Evie Coats, wife of Claude Coats,
dies


Evelyn Henry Coats 1910 – 2009
Artist was oldest Disney employee
Supervisor on Snow White

Disney History
Evelyn “Evie” Coats, one of the unsung heroines of animation’s past, has died. She was 99. The Burbank resident, the oldest employee to have worked with Walt Disney, died of natural causes July 13th at her home, said her son Alan Coats.

Hired by Disney in 1932 as an “inker” to trace animators’ drawings of cartoon characters onto clear sheets of celluloid, she joined the small staff at the Hyperion Avenue studio in East Hollywood. Coats soon began work on The Three Little Pigs, a box office success when released in 1933. Its theme “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf” became a hit song during the Depression.

Promoted to department head during the production of the first feature length animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Coats supervised a team of women working late nights and Saturdays to complete the film for its December 1937 premiere.

During a brief break in the Snow White schedule, she married studio background painter Claude Coats, whose 54-year career was acknowledged in 1991 with a “Disney Legend” award for his background and color styling on Disney features and his Imagineering show designs for the theme parks. He died in 1992 at age 78. more
by Alan Coats, via Didier Ghez

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]]> News Center Archive Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/evie-coats-dies-oldest-disney-cast-member-26723/ Resorts Grand Californian gas leak http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/grand-californian-gas-leak-26706/ Sun, 09 Aug 2009 01:13:29 GMT Grand Californian gas leak stops traffic *Disney hotel gas leak interrupts traffic*...

Grand Californian gas leak stops traffic


Disney hotel gas leak interrupts traffic

Orange County Register
Traffic was rerouted for about a half hour today because of a brief gas leak at a Disney hotel construction site. About 1:10 p.m., construction workers hit a minor gas line while digging in the area of the expansion of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, said Suzi Brown, spokeswoman for the Disneyland Resort.

Police were called to direct traffic off Disneyland Drive — a thoroughfare between the Grand Californian and Paradise Pier hotels. Traffic was interrupted for about a half hour, Brown said. Firefighters also came to help as a precaution, Brown said.

The hotel and surrounding areas were not affected by the leak, Brown said. No evacuations were necessary and no illnesses were reported. The total cleanup took about an hour.
by Sarah Tully

complete article
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]]> News Center Archive Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/grand-californian-gas-leak-26706/ Resorts Grand Californian pizza fire http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/grand-californian-pizza-fire-26703/ Sat, 08 Aug 2009 19:48:15 GMT Grand Californian Hotel pizza oven fire *Smoking pizza oven causes fire scare at Disney hotel*...

Grand Californian Hotel pizza oven fire


Smoking pizza oven causes fire scare at Disney hotel

Orange County Register
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel was evacuated earlier after one of the pizza ovens started smoking. Smoke was first seen August 7th at about 2 p.m., causing a fire scare. The fire was cleared up within 30 minutes.

“As a precaution we began evacuating the hotel, but it’s really a non-issue,” Disney spokeswoman Suzi Brown said. The number of people evacuated was not immediately known.
by Sally French

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]]> News Center Archive Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/f120/grand-californian-pizza-fire-26703/