Friday, October 19, 2012

Frankenweenie

Alright, so I saw the movie at Downtown Disney and it was one of the best movies I have seen in a while. The black and white movie was actually one I did not mind being in black and white. They did a great job with character development, and connected with children in terms of the relationship with the boy and his dog. There is also the fact that Tim Burton based it off of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" it is a great novel to those who have read it and you can see the many themes of the book inside of the movie as well.

The plot focus on Victor Frankenstein and his pet dog Sparky. He is killed and he decides to bring his dog back to life. Through science, which is almost considered taboo in the city of New Holland which has a large spinning wheel at the top of the town, there are many students who want to trump one another with their science fair projects and they think that Victor will win the science project with his mutant dog.

The whole movie leads you through horror, laughs, and thrills. It is a great movie and the score by Danny Elfman is just as good.

If you want a good Halloween movie to see that isn't going to make you scared out of your wits, but has enough horror for one to understand that it is horror, I recommend this movie completely!

Halloweentime at the Disneyland Resort



The same promo every year, but this is 2010's. I like the one from this year, as they have Ursula in the Tower of Terror.

Been a While

Sorry for not posting for a while. Been busy with a lot of stuff in real life. I have made many different Disney trips since my last post, and I have done almost all of Carsland. I have only missed one ride, and I will speak on the other rides, as well as our favorite time of the year...HALLOWEEN!

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Carsland

Well, I have been to Disney a couple times since the opening of the new Carsland and I STILL have not been on everything. The lines are EXTREMELY long, and it takes so long to even get into the area without getting elbowed in the spleen. So, I won't be able to report on anything else until the hype has died down. I plan on giving fun facts every once in a while now to keep up with while I try to think of another large post to give you guys. I hope on seeing some of the new Disney/Pixar movies coming out, and will ask those of you who see Nemo in 3D next month what you thought, so keep it up!

Sunday, July 8, 2012

CA Adventure Expansion is Done



What I love so much about this is how much the park has changed so much in about 2 years. I love how much the park is enhanced. Granted, as much as I loved the old park, the enhancements are great! I am yet to discover them all, and I plan on showing you all what exactly has changed more! I have told you about World of Color, Buena Vista Street, Little Mermaid Attraction, Radiator Springs main street and Mater's Junkyard Jamboree. There is still much more for me to tell you and show you! So, be on the look out in further months!

What Guests Can Expect....



I agree with them, completely!

Climbers on the Matterhorn


So interesting! I didn't know that you could climb the Matterhorn!

Friday, June 29, 2012

Carthay Circle Theater

Well, I wasn't able to eat at the restaurant, but the building looks amazing. The place is VERY expensive as I saw it with duck and shrimp, etc. All of these sound good, so I would suggest being able to go. But! know that it is almost $30 average to buy it! Take a look at the pictures, but other than that, I have nothing else to report on!



Carsland

Well, as I was able to, I went to Carsland yesterday and it was as incredible as I thought it would be. There shops, the food, the scenery. It was all of it. I loved every bit of it! I walked through Radiator Springs and thought I was exactly in the movie. They have everything there. Every last bit of the world we saw in Cars is there for you to love and enjoy. I really was impressed by it all. Sadly, I was only able to go on Mater's Junkyard Jamboree, only because the lines for the other rides were far too long. I would prepare that if you plan on the Cars Racers, then it will be over a 2 hour wait completely. I may do it one day, but as of now, it may take a while for one to do it.

Now, for Mater's Junkyard Jamboree. The queue was great. The best thing that they have added to the California heat, they have large fans that cool you off when you go through the rows. The Other thing that is great about that line is that you see the different things Mater has been in his shorts on the television.

The other funny thing about Mater's ride is that Larry the Cable Guy does all of the voice things, including his singing on the ride and also the directions of "keeping your hands, arms, feet , and legs inside the ride at all times". It is the best thing that one you would see.






I will report more on what Carsland will be like as time goes on, but the shops are great and soon I will eat the other places, (including the Cozy Cone), but it will be a great time anywhere!

Buena Vista Street

Alright, for those who have been looking all over for the new Buena Vista Street and what it had to offer, I am here to tell you exactly what it is like!

Buena Vista Street pays homage to Hollywood back in the 1920's and so you hear lots of jazz feeling music, and you hear people who shout out the headlines of papers, as it is true to the creation of the newspaper. There is also the homage to Walt Disney in many ways. The main 'company' that owns the street is Elias&Co. which is homage to Walt's father Elias Disney. There is also a shop named Mortimer, who was another stage of Mickey Mouse before he was the mouse we all know. There is also homage to Oswald the Rabbit who was another of Walt's first creations.

The area has a very big feel about the era of the Hispanic homage in their architecture. There is a large amount of homage to the earlier stuff of Walt Disney to Clarabelle who has her own ice cream parlor on the street hosted by Dreyer.

And finally, the thing that tops it off is that there is a STARBUCKS in CA Adventure now. So those of you who need that coffee, don't need to worry about going to Starbucks on your way to Disneyland, you can get it there! Alright, so there are some pictures for you to gawk at, and I will see if I can send some more pictures your way in the near future! 

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Carsland Tomorrow

Alright, so if all goes right with my life...and I REALLY hope so, I will be going to CA Adventure tomorrow. I meant to upload pictures I had from the trip to Disneyland I made by myself...(I may be writing about going to Disney by yourself) and I will tell you that I HAVE to see Carsland.

I check my wait times even if I am not there, and Carsland seems to be up the walls on how long. The Racers is 120+ constantly. So, be on the lookout for those while you work on this.

So, if my friend doesn't bail, I will be taking pictures of the new Buena Vista Street and Carsland, so keep on the lookout! I will let you know if I don't go. But trust I will be very upset if I don't go...

La Luna Pixar Short

The short before Brave was an excellent one if you get the chance to get there before the movie starts. It is a great short about a kid who is with his grandfather and his father who are working on the moon. It is a short story about how a kid, who looks up to both of these men can still get his own life and make something of himself without their help. So, with this, I encourage you all to see this short.

I have a feeling it is on YouTube or something, but still, when you see Brave make sure you see it! I think it is one of Pixar's best shorts.

Leave a comment on what you thought of the short!

BRAVE!

Well, I just came from seeing Brave, and it was not a bad movie. I found the plot to be very basic though. The artistry and the use of the Celtic culture was very accurate. Being a Celt myself, I found it interesting to see the portrayal, and I love the spirit of Merida. I also found it interesting with the use of the witch and detail to the wispy of hair as the Celts are very hairy people hehe.

But among this, the Brave storyline is much like what you would expect. I had expected there to be a time reversal or a whole fate being changed, but the plot was almost similar to that of Brother Bear. But, it was still very well done, and I like what they did with the movie. So, I give it a 4/5 stars, and still one that every Disney/Pixar fan should go see. If you have the time, go see it and make a decision for yourself!

If you have any other comments about the movie or something you thought about the movie, go ahead and leave a comment!

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Cars Land Opens this Friday!

Well, I need to see if I can get there. I have nothing standing my way...I think. But! With that being said, I am super psyched to see what will happen when this all goes down. It will be a great land, and from someone I talked to, if you are still at Disneyland and you want a way to see Cars Land, the Mickey's Fun Wheel is the best way to see it. I also am excited to see Buena Vista Street completed, and then there is the opening of Matterhorn once again on Friday as well. So make sure to go out and see it all! I saw there are some videos of the E-ticket attraction of the Radiator Springs Racers. I'll post it up here!


VIEW AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Brave

Well, with the premiere of the movie coming out soon. I have been seeing lots of it on T.V. lately, on billboards, and on previews on Itunes. So, with that, I have been very excited to see it. At first I thought it was going to be a dumb movie, but as I learn more, I'm excited. Cars 2 was a little of a let down for Pixar, so hopefully they would do better here. There has even been spotting for Merida at Disneyland in front of 'it's a small world' quite fitting if you think about it. So, they are planning on hyping this new celtic princess up. If you want to learn more of BRAVE, go ahead and look her up. I plan on reviewing it when it comes out in theaters. So be on the lookout for that, and hope you guys have a very Disney filled day! I'll see if I can get some more Disney history out there for you guys. 

Friday, June 1, 2012

Disneyland Resort: Behind the Scenes

I have been enhanced with wanting to know more about Disneyland, and this one movie that costs only $9.99 on iTunes, you can buy the movie and i highly recommend to see it. It has interesting information such as the Indiana Jones attraction, and how Soarin' Over California works and how it was thought of how for people to view it. It is a great movie and I recommend it!

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Fantasmic 15th Anniversary

Well, sadly, I was not able to go, but at the Disneyland resort they use recently celebrated the 15th anniversary of one of their largest nighttime shows. Fantasmic! was made as a new attraction for people to show the power of imagination. It I one of the most interesting and legendary shows of Disney and has inspired many different versions of it around he world. I will have to register tot he Fantasmic 10th anniversary podcast from Disney, but I you can check it out, for you learn how Fantasmic! was made and how intricate the show is to put every night. For those who went, what was it like? Let us know in the comment section!

Monday, May 28, 2012

Mater's Slip Up


Buzz Lightyear at CA Adventure


The Ship Columbia

I had the pleasure of finally going on the ship the Columbia which was definitely an experience. I liked being able to see all the parts of the ship that one would not see all the time. There is of course the joy of seeing what life was like on a colonial ship as some people made their way to the eastern seaboard, but there is also the fact that you could feel like what it would be like to be on a ship. Reminding me much too close of the Pirates of the Caribbean movie series.

It was a good experience and does allow to see some light on the Native American population and gives you a quick snippet of what their lives were like. I have to say I enjoyed seeing some of the minor things they put in, such as a child playing by a brook, and even the bald eagle animatronic on the port side of the ship.

This is something you may not do if you are visiting just for a day and don't come back for a few years, but for those who frequent this is a great attraction to ride.

Blue Bayou Restaurant

Well, about a month ago, I have the pleasure of having gone with friends who had reservations at the ever so hard to get into Blue Bayou Restaurant. I must say, the food was exceptional and in order to help pay for the food, as well as to keep us fed well, we split out meal. I was told all the food, even the kids macaroni and cheese was really well done. The steak was said to be very well done too. I had the ribs that were very delicious. The ribs also had come with it, unlimited bread, and a choice between salad or gumbo. The gumbo was completely delicious and those I was with said the salad was just as good.

As it was a friend's birthday we were also given their chocolate mousse which was equally as good and very delicious. The restaurant in my personal opinion is much more expensive than it needed to be. The cheapest meal was $33 which was stuffed mushroom and risotto. There are other more affordable and equally as good food found in New Orleans Square as well as other places such as the Plaza Inn on Main Street. But if you want that once in a lifetime experience, be their guest and go to the Blue Bayou! 

Change in Prices

Well, it is sad to say, and I was glad I got my pass before this happened, but Disneyland, though I am not sure of the other resorts in the world, have raised their prices. This is probably due to the final expansion and refurbishments on CA Adventure opening this coming June 15th.

Disney,whose prices were still large are now larger, and here are the following prices:

1 Day Ticket  - $87
1 Day Park Hopper - $125
2 Day 1 Park - $158
2 Day Parkhopper - $200

Passes:
SoCal Select - $269
SoCal  - $329
Deluxe - $469
Premium - $649

Prices are much pricier than they used to be, so if you plan on going make sure to get a pass or to save up! For inside the park is just as expensive.

Annual Passholder!

Well, it is official. As of two weeks ago, I am now a Disneyland Passholder! I have been excited to get this for a while, and now, I am planning on giving better updates. I have been bad with keeping up with this for life has been kind of crazy, BUT! With that being said, I have been paying attention to lots of things with Disneyland and the small things you should try and get into if you are a passholder or frequent visitor. Be on the lookout!

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Disneyland Trip!

Sorry, I've been SOOO MIA. I have been working hard on school and work, and life has been taking over...BUT! With that being said, I'm going to Disneyland tomorrow. I am looking forward to it, and I will see if I enjoy all of what this has to offer. Maybe i can get some good pics to send to you guys tomorrow!

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Top 5 Disney Songs

Well I have been listening to ALOT of Disney music as of late, and I wanted to share with you some of my favorite Disney music of the moment. Now, interesting enough some of these songs, I only like when there is the finale in it. So, I may list them here as well.

5. "Friend Like Me" - Aladdin
4. "Just Around the Riverbend" - Pocahontas
3. "Walrus and the Oysters" - Alice in Wonderland
2. "Circle of Life" - Lion King
1. "Cruella De Vil" - 101 Dalmations.

This is of the moment, I don't think this is it for my WHOLE collection. But what are some of your personal favorites? I loved all Disney music it is what Walt Disney always had in mind for his movies. That this was not a musical, the music was not there just for the sake of being there. Music was meant to enhance the story; to either better understand a plot in the story, to show an emotion, etc. All of this, and is still included today in Disney's pictures, which is something that was started all the way since the beginning of Snow White.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Fantasmic!

This is such a great show, and I have only ever got to see it a couple times, and the music has captivated me so much that when I go to Disneyland next Thursday (yes a week from today) I will be buying the album most likely. But I have to say as a person who has seen the show in California all my life, I have been watching the Florida one and I have to say music wise, I love it the most. But the most interesting of all the Fantasmic!s in my opinions would have to be the Tokyo Fantasmic! It is so good! I suggest taking a look at any of the Fantasmic! videos on YouTube, they are worth looking it up. Also nothing beats seeing it in person. I will be also hoping to see World of Color and get some better pics for my visit. Hope to see what I can get for you guys next week!

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Disney Vacation Planning DVD

So, I ordered this DVD a while back and wanted to get it so I could see what it seems like in order to help us know more about the parks, and the perks you can get from the parks. I will be watching this DVD and dissecting it. Though many of these can be seen on their website, it will help you guys in finding out all you need to know about the parks. So, if you have any questions that are VERY general, I can try and answer them! Ranging from WDW to Disneyland, CA though in honesty, I know more about Disneyland, CA than WDW. If you also want to get your own DVD, visit: Disney Vacation Planning. Blog you all soon!

Saturday, March 10, 2012

California Adventure Expansion

As I have covered, the expansion is coming to a close, and California Adventure has kind of told us a lot about the park itself. I have always been a fan of this park, even though it has not had the greatest of reviews. What I have learned is that California Adventure has sort of turned into the theme park all about Pixar. Not that I can complain, but with the Bug's Life land, the new Cars Land, Toy Story Mania, the Up! characters in the Redwood Forest trail, as well as Monsters Inc. with other Pixar characters in the parades. But like I said, I am not complaining, Pixar has proven its worth here in the Disney world. So if you can't fully grasp how great California Adventure is, take a look at the video.


Neon Signs for Cars Land

As we know, we are coming to the opening of California Adventure's Cars Land is coming up VERY soon! As I said, I will be attending this event -fingers crossed- that nothing stops me, but otherwise, I'm VERY excited for this. I recently rewatched Cars and all the announcements from a press conference last year about the park, and I am excited for it alot! I may post the video and give you the highlights so you don't have to see the whole thing or you can look it up on YouTubCars Land seems to be coming together very well with the inspiration of the movie and actual Route 66.


Sleeping Beauty Castle Sunrise

I saw this video on YouTube and thought it was amazing and beautiful at the same time. Take a look!


Wednesday, March 7, 2012

The Magic of Bonus Features

I just have to say, that the bonus features in each of the Disney DVD's are what is wonderful about any Disney historian or any Disney fanatic like myself. These bonus features are what I draw from for my posts, and it is these bonus features that draw it all the more interesting. These historians helped bring the old memories back to life. For examples, there are dictorians who stayed at each of the Disney movie meetings, and what they said about each of these. These are interesting and allow you to understand how Walt worked. But if you wanted to know more about these movies, take the time to listen to these interviews. Though these movies are the reason why you buy them, the thing that is the most interesting is the interviews itself.

So that is my advice to you today, just pop in the bonus features and have some fun.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

The Opening of Cars Land

Alright, I've decided that I am going to go to the opening of Cars Land at Disney's California Adventure which is set to open on June 15, 2012. Along with the reopening of the Matterhorn, this new land will be open and also the new plaza for the main entrance. It shall be an interesting day. So I have marked my calender, I hope to give you all lots of pictures and maybe even some video if I can get it! Look forward to that!

Villain of the Month

Alright for this month, I chose to honor Maleficent. She is one of the most iconic of the Disney villains aside from the Evil Queen and Ursula. Her transformation is one of the most powerful works of animation, and is also one of the most bone chilling, and biggest fights a villain put until Ursula, who made herself larger. The dragon is a symbol of the Disney villains and continues to be one of the most popular villains to be seen around more of Walt Disney World, but can be seen nightly on the show Fantasmic! Where she turns into the historic dragon, and breaths fire upon the Rivers of America.

Tell us here why you think Maleficent is such a great villain! Also, who would you like to see as April's villain?

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Get Another Disney day!

Alright, today is your get an extra Disney day! Sadly, I cannot attend Disneyland today, so let us know what is going on at the parks! Send in comments, videos, etc, and I will post them up on the blog! Have fun out there!

Matterhorn Refurbishment

Finding out that Disneyland, CA has its Matterhorn attraction down is not only saddening, but also is exciting at the same time! The Matterhorn, is an attraction that focused on the Abominable Snowman that rests in the caverns and the mountain it self. As many Disney enthusiasts know, it is also the point at the top where there is a basketball court at the top. Now, it is said that the Matterhorn hasn't had a huge refurbishment since the 1970's, and it is going to be given fresh pain, new station, and new vehicles as well that will hold up to 6 people. Though closed, it seems that it will be closed until June 15, the same month in which the new Cars Land at California Adventure will be released. I hope to be attending Cars Land opening day, and will hopefully give you all a full display of what goes on at California Adventure that day and will be getting to ride the new Matterhorn and let you all know about that. But until then, keep on reading! Stay tuned!

The video provided is released from Disney about the new coming of the Matterhorn.


Sunday, February 26, 2012

WINNER!

The nominee "Man or Muppet" in the Original Song category won! Congrats to those who worked on The Muppets movie and the composer. It is a memorable song!

Oscars 2012

Tonight, the Oscars will take place in Hollywood for the 84th year in Hollywood history. Now, not much of Disney was put in the Oscars this year, but so far, the nominations in the Disney world is that of The Muppets. For the category of Best Original Song "Man or A Muppet" is nominated along with "Real in Rio" from RIO. That is the only Disney nomination this year. Though Disney is no stranger to the Oscars, where Beauty and the Beast was nominated for Best Picture and the Lion King was taken a lot as well in its year. Do you think that song will win tonight? Take a look, and I will be posting the result tonight!

Over 1,000 views!

Thank you all so much to those who check this blog and read my articles. It means alot, and I love writing it. If you have the time, please go ahead and write comments on the blog as I continue to cover Disney movies, parks, and other things Disney. I will continue as much as I can. Please make sure to participate in the polls, and comment on the posts! If you have any other things you would like to see on the blog please let me know!

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Wreck It Ralph

The newest of the Disney animated films is "Wreck it Ralph". Set to release in November 2012. According to Wikipedia, the movie's premise is that it takes place in a video game world, were Ralph is a villain in the video games and wants to prove that he is not. Not much else is released about this movie, and not much for us to go on. The movie is set to feature the voice talents of John C. Reilly, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch, and Sarah Silverman. Apparently many classic video games are making cameos such as PacMan and many others. What do you guys know about this movie and what do you think of it being the 52nd Disney animated film? My opinion? I am a little disappointed. I am afraid the second half of the Disney animated films will be much more kiddy as opposed to the earlier films that could be child and adult friendly movies. The question is, will Disney make it through to the next 50, or will Disney rely on the movies of the past? Let us know here!

Once Upon A Time

ABC's hit drama came out in September about all of the Disney characters we know and love and put them in our real world. This is just a great show for any Disney lover. For as ABC is a Disney company they could put any of the Disney movies that we have there. The story revolves around the Snow White story, but they have included people such as the Genie, Red Riding Hood, Gaston, beauty, Rumpelstiltskin, Pongo etc. The show has had rave success and have even released the first five episodes on DVD at Target. The question is now, what do you guys think should be involved next? Ariel? Rapunzel?

All of these things are what to look forward to on Once Upon A Time. On every Sunday at 8 p.m. Leave reasons why you like this show below!

Friday, February 24, 2012

New Additions to the Blog!

Alright, so I decided to play around with the blog and all of that stuff. So! With that being said, I added the Dland Insider Twitter feed, I added a share button so if you like a blog post, make sure to share it with your friends! I also changed some of the fonts, and the coloring in the background for the page. Not a big person on the HTML coding, so I am working on it slowly and sure. I also decided to start adding polls, so if you guys want to participate in the polls, go for it! Something fun for you guys to do.

If you guys have any other things you'd like to see in the blog, PLEASE let me know! I'm open to suggestions!

New Brave Trailer

Pixar's newest movie to come out is "Brave" which I first showed you guys the trailer of a couple months ago. And now, a new trailer has emerged on the scene, and gives us a little more insight on the plotline of the story. But I bet many of you who are interested in this movie looked at the plotline before this second trailer.

The trailer tells us that the young Scottish princess doesn't like the idea that she has to be dainty and has to act proper, and she wants to be much like a warrior. That she doesn't want to be married off. So, we see here that her mother is basically her enemy in this case, and that she wants to be free of the social bonds.

Well, I am interested as any to see this movie. I'm excited to see a movie center around Celtic mythology as well, as we saw a similar to that of Stonehenge in the last trailer. So, tell us here at the Dland Insider what you are looking forward to for the new Brave movie!

Disneyland Explorer App

A new app has arisen in the Apple product world, but for us Disney fans, specifically, Disneyland, CA fans, this is a great addition to the many apps that are out there.

The Disneyland Explorer App allows you to feel as if you are in Disneyland and get a quick synopsis of what it to offer at the Disneyland Resort. They cover every attraction at Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure. They also go into Downtown Disney and show you what is there as well which is a popular spot to go to and just have fun with a splash of Disney fun.

This app is great. For each attraction there is either a synopsis of the attraction, an activity or a video. One of the greatest ones you can use is the World of Color, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and many more! Many of the E-ticket attractions are available with some sort of activity to do. The only one which did not benefit from this is Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye which continues to be a popular attraction today. But other than that, it is a fun app to have. OH! and one more thing...those of you who like the old Silly Symphony cartoons of Mickey Mouse and his friends, in Mickey's house, you can view up to 8 of these old cartoons FOR FREE! So go on and download the app on your iPhone or iPad, though I think that you can get more fun out of it if it was on the iPad for it is larger, but otherwise, have fun!

Thursday, February 23, 2012

HAPPY UNBIRTHDAY TO EVERYONE!


Alice in Wonderland

Alright, so going back some of the earliest of Disney films created by Walt himself, I have taken a fascination in the art that is his movies, and the era that Walt Disney created himself. It has become my personal mission to get the films that he looked over as they are some of my favorite films to date. Now, one of these films that I can't seem to stop watching and not getting tired of is Alice in the Wonderland. Released in 1951, Alice in Wonderland was a film that Walt wanted to create as the first film that he created instead of Snow White. Countless times the company had tried to find a way for Alice in Wonderland to work. Being replaced time and time again by Bambi, Cinderella, Dumbo, etc. until the sketches by Mary Blair gave Walt the inspiration he needed and the world that Alice could reside in.

This movie was a large success for the company and it also was a large part of the company itself. The Disney parks have a large emphasis on Alice in Wonderland. It is the only Disney movie to have two attractions, at least in Disneyland CA. Alice speaks to each generation, and the stories keep people entranced by a world that has no sense and would forever make people wonder what curiosity does for people.

What keeps me coming back to this movie is the amazing animation that has such bizarre characters inspired by Mary Blair, and the memorable characters such as the Mad Hatter, Dweedle Dee and Dweedle Dum, the Chesire Cat, etc. The music is unique much like that of the movie.

So, what is it that Alice in Wonderland does for you? Leave a comment below!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Lady and the Tramp


Has become one of my favorite movies right now. It is a classic Disney movie, and the Victorian America is beautiful in each scene of the residential homes. It also shows the classic story of how someone can fall for someone who may be deemed on the wrong side of the tracks, and also gives more of a view of how dogs feel. Much more intuitive than 101 Dalmations in my opinion. Also makes you feel for the dogs when then the baby is born and how we act as people when things change in our lives. So, another great movie, and is worth getting before it goes back into the vault!

Pat Carol


One of the most influential things about the artistry of the Disney franchise is its ability to portray the voices of these characters to bring them to life. Sure, we know that through the countless hours that animators put into their work that no character can truly thrive without the powerful voice to put behind them. This is true in the parks as well. No matter who is on stage, or in the attraction, the voices are just as important and they are art as well. Art transcends sketches and papers, it also has to deal with the emotional presence it puts on you. So for this month, I’ve decided to focus this blog on the still living artist of voice Pat Carol. 

Though I do not remember, since it is far back in my memory, Pat Carol was a neighbor of mine and never got to truly remember her, but we all do because of her powerful performance she puts into Ursula, time and time again. The woman is always put back into the character of Ursula, through attraction, parade, or even just a spot on a television show where Ursula is cast. It is because of this, that Ursula’s presence not only in the film, but in the countless parades and attractions that she is reborn and her voice is used. 

If her voice was not used, the striking fear we see when that float comes by in the parade when Ursula comes by is not just by the extravagant detail the concept artists put into the float, but the voice that erupts from the mechanical mouth that brings us to goose bumps. 

Mary Blair


This post will be dedicated to the Disney Legend Mary Blair. She was one of the most influential concept artist in Disney films, one of which was “Alice in Wonderland”. It was because of her artwork that the Disney Studios was finally able to produce the movie. Walt Disney had wanted to do Alice in Wonderland for a long time. He had even wanted it to be the film to do before Snow White, but because of the concepts and scripts they postponed. It wasn’t until Blair’s breakthrough work through her cartoon and bizarre drawings that allowed them to find the world of Alice to live in. 

She found that she was very successful in her artistry, and many of her work had helped bring about one of the most well known attractions in the world “it’s a small world”. Even her work has inspired animators in her style, such as in the paintings of “Up”. Her contributions to the Disney company are legendary and her art had made our world have a much more interpretive and intriguing way to see the world.

She is also known for her work in “Peter Pan”, “Cinderella”, “Three Caballeros”, and she also worked briefly on “Dumbo”, “Fantasia”, and “Lady and the Tramp”

If you look at her work, she has made each scene to be much more interesting that the next, giving what our characters have seen in the films. For just as important is the animators who create these wonderful characters and the voices that help bring them to life, there is the scenery that help give these characters a world that they could interact in. Especially in “Alice” the reason they had not been able to make the film was they could not figure out how to make the world she lived in. It was not bizarre enough, was not unique enough, and it was Blair’s sketches and designs that made it possible for them to bring the story to life. Without Mary Blair many of our favorite classic films would not have existed. So for my first blog post, I want to honor Disney Legend Mary Blair for her work and dedication to the Disney Company. 
Mary Blair passed in 1978, and became a Disney Legend in 1991.

Disney to Come...

Alright, it's time for me to get full swing into this. The blog has been lagging due to my busy schedule and college work, but never fear! I will be continuing my blog and posting lots of fun facts and information up soon! I will speaking more about Disneyland and some more of the history of the Disney movies and the random facts that you may not know! Make sure to still follow us @DlandInsider on Twitter, and please, make sure to send in comments on what you would like to see on the Dland Insider!

Thanks so much to those who have been following the blog and still checking in, it means alot that the blog has gone off so much since I stated posting. So thanks again!

Extra Disney Day

Well, the time is coming up to February 29th, the day that the Disney parks will be open for 24 hours straight with no interruptions and no reasons to not go! Except for those of us with work, it lands on a work day...The question is now, do you play hookie or do you continue on and wish you had gone to the Disney parks...OR! Are you going to be the risk taker and just go, leave in time for work and possibly go back?

Tell us here and let us know your plans for that extra Disney day!

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Villain of the Month

Sorry guys, I have been soooo busy with stuff. BUT I am trying to come back slowly and surely. So! with that being said, I will be posting our villain for this month. I shall see if we can get back to our lovely Villain of the Week, but, at least my favorite, villains, will be appearing back here.

So! This month, for the month of February is...MOTHER GOTHEL!

Now, why is she a good villain may you ask? She is probably the most dangerous of all the villains. Despite her not having any supernatural powers, besides her just living forever, she is deceiving, and she put the idea of being a mother in someone's head. She put the idea of someone and manipulated Rapunzel. That is probably the most dangerous and realistic of all the villains. This is a real life villain, for there are people that do that in our everyday lives. So for some, this could strike home to people. So, know for sure that she is perhaps one of the most powerful villains of all. She played with Rapunzel's fragile mind...

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Beauty and the Beast

Though it came out last week, Beauty and the Beast is back in theaters in Disney Digital 3D!


Top 3 Disney Movies Of the Moment

Well, this is my first post in 2012! Sorry it has taken so long guys. I have been super busy and haven't had a chance to do any posts. But! I will say that I have been watching lots of Disney movies in that time. I am especially into watching the older Disney movies. So, my top 3 older Disney movies of the moment are:

1. 101 Dalmations - such a classic. the music, the characters, everything was so well done, and was actually the first animated movie to incorporate Xerox and partial live action. Such as the cars, especially Cruella's were all live action. So, just a great movie in general.






2. Dumbo - Though I was not a fan at first, it has become one of my favorites right now. The production on Dumbo was so well done. Despite not getting alot of revenue from the movie, it was a great one and was one that Walt Disney liked as well as the animators who were some of the last of the greats who worked on that film.






3. Alice In Wonderland - The music is great, the concept art by Mary Blair is stunning. The songs are memorable, and it is interesting to note that Walt Disney wanted this to be the first Disney animated film, but until Mary Blair's drawings they could not decide on how to make it.

So those are my three choices. I hope to get more posts up soon!