Quick Tidbits

Hey everyone!

Sorry for the lack of posts in recent months, but It looks like I may have just a little bit more time to post in coming months, but we'll have to see. Certainly, if I can't get around to it, you aren't going to be hearing any more lame excuses from me. Moving on, I want to say I have updated our quote, feel free to check that out if you haven't already and help me out by sending in your favorite Disney Quote!

A quick park update here: Over at the original Magic Kingdom in Anaheim, both "it's a small world holiday" and the Sleeping Beauty Walkthrough have reopened over Thanksgiving week. "it's a small world holiday" is, from what I hear, about the same as it has been in years past, except for a shortened scene or two, possibly the Rainforest one. As of right now, no new Disney characters have been added and the American Scene is covered up until the unveiling of the ride after the holiday Season. The Sleeping Beauty Walkthrough has also reopened recently, and you should check out this report HERE if you want to see what it looks like. I think it was great for the Imagineers to bring back this classic for the anniversary of the movie. I also like the animated style of the new attraction more then the old Emporium style it had. If you have a chance to see it your yourself, please leave a comment and tell us what you think.

Moving to the east coast for a quick rumor, WDW News Today reports,
"It was made official on the Walt Disney World website that the Studio Backlot Tour at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be closed for a refurbishment from January 4th through February 28th, 2009. It is rumored that during this time they will be testing and installing an automated spiel to replace the Cast Members who actually narrate the attraction for guests and have been doing so since the tour opened back in 1989. This would not be a far cry from the changes that took place sometime ago over at Living with the Land, where the Cast Member guides were also replaced with an automated spiel. This would certainly mean a much smaller number of cast members would be staffing the attraction, and can certainly be looked at as a cost-cutting measure."

No idea if this is going to happen or not, but I feel it would be really sad. One of the reasons people go back to narrated attractions like that, other than just to ride them, is because the personal touch that makes every ride different. You may be seeing the same thing as before, but you;re getting told something completely different. It would be a real shame if Disney wont through with this.

On a different note, I saw Bolt this past week, I thought it was really good. It was apparently popular, because it was put on the biggest screen at the theater we saw it at, but there was hardly anyone there! If you haven't seen it, GO SEE IT. NOW. Some parts were predictable cliches, but it is certainly not just a kids movie. It doesn't matter if you have lost all sorts of faith in Disney movies, go see it because it was practically a Pixar movie. Of course, that's just my opinion, but any movie that can get people coming back again and again to see it when the economy is this bad has to be good.

On the personal side of things, I participated in a book blog Christmas swap this year. I don't know if it is open to all bloggers, but they let me in, so maybe you don't actually have to have a book blog, but a love of reading would probably a good thing to have. Anyway, I got my present recently and, not knowing what it was, opened it. My person sent me The Disneyland Encyclopedia by Chris Strodder, and I have barely put it down since I got it. It is a great informational read on all things Disneyland past and present, and occasionally a rumor of things to come as well. Already, I have learned so much from my book, including finding out more about things I remember as a kid, but have gone away. Anyway, if you are reading this Kim, thank you very much, I cherish your gift.

Well that's all for now, but I hope to be back soon. No promises now! And as always, feel free to leave any sort of comment or question, and I'll try to mention you in my next post. Until next time!