My Disney Fix

I found Tinkerbell!-
I was surfing the internet for Disney info. when I stumbled across the most charming website. It's http://www.tinkerbelltalks.com/ , the official website of Margaret Kerry. She was the model used for creating Tinkerbell's body and facial expressions for the original in Peter Pan movie. When you see the pictures of her on the set, you can easily see her features brought to life in Tinkerbell. You can read all about Margaret's journal of her time spent in the Disney Studios and working with Walt Disney himself. There are also some fantastic classic b&w photos of her portraying Tink that I loved looking at. I also really enjoyed reading Margaret's blog "Tink's Thoughts"- you'll have to check it out for yourself! Margaret is also currently working on an autobiography entitled "Tinkerbell Talks- Tales of A Pixie Dusted Life" , you can an excerpt from her new book on the website.

Hot Air Ballon Ride Coming Soon Over Downtown Disney-
In an article on the closing of Pleasure Island in Downtown Disney, there was a mention of a new attraction being planned there, which is a tethered hot air balloon ride. The attraction is being called Character in Flight. The attraction is now under construction and the site is on (over?)the water. It will be directly behind the information booth in the transitional area between West End and the bridges of Pleasure Island. It's coming Spring 2009- just around the corner!

Cruising with your Babies
Beginning March 15, families preparing to sail on Disney Cruise Line with little ones will have access to an online service that allows them to order baby supplies in advance of their cruise and have them delivered to their stateroom. The new service is exclusive for Disney Cruise Line guests and provided by Babies Travel Lite, an online retailer offering more than 1,000 brand-name baby products including diapers, baby food, infant formula and specialty travel items.By visiting disneycruise.com, guests will be able to access a special section of the Babies Travel Lite Web site where they can create orders for familiar brands in quantities customized to the duration of their cruise.
Thanks to Dana Hammerman for this info!

"It's A Small World" Attraction re-opening in Disneyland
A beloved Disneyland attraction returns to Fantasyland on Friday, Feb. 6, when “it’s a small world” opens with some new storytelling magic. With the premiere of a new “Spirit of America” scene, new musical enhancements, and a new look for some of the attraction’s familiar child dolls, “it’s a small world” will once again take guests of all ages on “the happiest cruise that ever sailed.”

"American Idol" Attraction opening this weekend at WDW
With all the thrills and suspense that have made it a television and pop culture phenomenon, “American Idol” comes to WDW in a groundbreaking new attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. Each show takes place in a 1,000 seat, indoor theater that features the twirling neon signs and a multi-layered backdrop inspired by the actual “American Idol” set in California. Building on its hallmark of attention to detail, Walt Disney Imagineering worked with the Hollywood set designer who designed the actual TV show set for “American Idol.” The newly designed venue is the most technologically advanced theater found at Walt Disney World Resort.
Hidden Disney Treasure- The Cinderella Fountain
Next time your at the Magic Kingdom, look for the Cinderella statue found on the left hand side of the castle, also known as La Fountaine de Cindrillon. This traditional stone fountain was inspired by the french fairytale and the Walt Disney classic film. Hot tip: Not only is this a great photo spot, it is also a good place to cool off at nearby shaded benches after you have filled up on some water from one of the fountain's drinking water dispensers. Now- with a little bit of Disney magic: bend down to your child's height and see for yourself how the scroll-work behind her magically transforms into a crown on her head! I love this hidden Disney treasure and I take a picture of it everytime I visit- (although this pic in particular is a little off-sided) :) Disney Imagineer's vision was that as guests took a drink from the fountains, they were in effect actually "bowing" to Cinderella!

Disney and Dreamworks, A Movie-Making Dream Come True
Steven Spielberg's DreamWorks Studios have reached a new distribution deal with Disney, replacing one that was announced with Universal last year.
According to the terms of the new deal, Walt Disney Studios will be marketing six DreamWorks live-action movies a year.
"Disney is the birthplace of imagination and has always been as close to the worldwide audience as any company ever has," Spielberg said.

Disney Luggage Tags
Effective February 10 2009, Disney's Magical Express will now mail one luggage tag per person. If you need additional tags, you can contact Disney's Magical Express at 866-599-0951.

WDW Closings and Rehabs
EPCOT:
Ellen's Energy Adventure - 1/5 - 3/22/09

Magic Kingdom Park:
The Hall of Presidents - 11/1/08 - 7/1/09
The Liberty Square Riverboat is going to be closed from February 19 - 28, 2009
Buzz Lightyear 3/2 – 3/6/09
Space Mountain 4/19/2009-late 2009
Tomorrowland Transit Authority - 4/19/09 - 8/19/09

Animal Kingdom Theme Park:
Tricera Top Spin - 1/20/09 - 2/12/09

Disney's Hollywood Studios:
Backlot Tour - January 4 – February 28, 2009
Sounds Dangerous- temporarily closed, operates seasonally
Sorcerer Hat Shop- 1/5/09 - 2/5/09

Disney Vacation Specials:
WDW- Book a 4-night Walt Disney World® Resort Magic Your Way package and get 3 more nights - Free! This offer has been extended for booking through March 29, 2009. Offer requires a minimum 5 night stay and is valid for travel most nights Jan 25- Apr 4, 2009 & Apr 19 - June 27, 2009. (some black out dates apply) And... A Very Magical Bonus Offer! While it lasts! Travel between January 25, 2009 -March 29, 2009 and get a $200 Disney Gift Card too!

Disneyland- From January 6 through April 30, 2009, when you purchase a 3-Day or longer Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® souvenir ticket, you’ll pay the kid’s price—even if you’re only a kid at heart! So bring your whole family and celebrate in both Theme Parks—Disneyland® Park and Disney’s California Adventure® Park.

Disney Cruise- Kids 12 and under sail FREE on most 3-Night cruises 1/22/09 - 5/28/09 with two full-fare Guests in the same stateroom. (Government Taxes and Fees not included)Adventures by Disney- Don't miss the opportunity to save in a big way on the vacation of a lifetime. Our Early Bookings Rates are still available on select new 2009 itineraries when booked 90 days prior to departure. A family of four can save at least $1600 with our Early Booking Rate!*