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We have lots of Disney and theme park news and discussion coming your way in today's Round Up. We have all sorts of photos rolling in from the parks, Merida has invaded Disneyland, Flynn’s Arcade shows up on the second floor of the Starcade and some lamented rocking chairs return. But that is just the start of it! We hear there is a new musical that Steve Davison is staging in Long Beach, CA, and there is new Duffy Merchandise in Tokyo as well. Then there are the Gumball Rally results AND a big contest from our friends at the Anabella Hotel and Carousel inn and Suites which may have you zooming into Cars Land! All this plus a new Communicore Weekly and a new Sarah video in today’s MiceChat Round-Up! ~ CakvalaSC

EDITOR’S PICK

Micechat Round-Up

'Brave' characters coming to Disneyland Park
Disneyland has welcomed its newest redheaded Princess, along with three bears? Get the details and photos here!

Win a 2 Night Stay Plus Tickets to Visit Cars Land at the Disneyland Resort
It's TRUE! Just tell us the reason you want to see Cars Land. When you do, you could win a two night stay at the Anabella or Carousel, along with 4 one day park hopper passes to the resort for the opening of Cars Land!


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MiceChat is NOT affiliated with the Walt Disney Company in ANY way.
The Disney web site is located at www.disney.com


Ask the Columnist

Al has a brand new column this week, you can view it here!

Got a question for Al or any of the MiceAge columnists?
Email them to [email protected]
Your question may be featured in a future MiceChat Round-Up,
but keep in mind due to the volume of mail received he may not be able to personally respond.

Disneyland
Depressing news hit hard this week with a substantial increase in the entrance fees to Disneyland and DCA. Thank goodness there are alternative choices this year for experiencing new attractions. Is that Goldilocks and the 3 bears in Fantasyland? But why did she dye her hair red? Then take a look at the magic that was performed on the monorails, as they suddenly became enchanted, and more than just a source of transportation! ~ Aladdin

Micechat Round-Up

Gumball Rally 2012 - RESULTS
The results are in and the winners have rolled across the finish line. Learn who won the Gumball Rally and see the hijinks that filled the weekend from Friday to Sunday in the recap thread.

Gumball Rally 2012: Everything's coming up Gumballs!
RPDigger has returned from the MiceChat Gumball Rally and has some great pictures from the event!

Disneyland Resort Ticket Price Increase
Were you planning your summer vacation to check out Radiator Springs? After hearing this bit of news, your family might just want to change that destination on your GPS, to ride a Manta or experience a world of Transformers up close rather than Route 66!

Got to ride the Lilly Belle!
HiddenMickeyBook had a short but sweet ride aboard the Lilly Belle. Here is her short report!

Monorail to get a DCA wrap.
The 3 monorails have had personality implants and they have even showed their face! Welcome Manny, Moe, and Jack? No, it's Manny, Mona, and Mandy Monorail!

Flynn's Arcade games seen in the Starcade second floor!
Dreamfinder noticed that some arcade games from Flynn's Arcade were moved to the 2nd floor of the Starcade! Could Flynn's be relocating to Tomorrowland


MiceChat Round-Up

Join The MiceChat Vancouver To Los Angeles Cruise This September!
Our Disney Dream cruise last year was such a hit that we've booked another remarkable voyage at low group rates. Join us September 10th through 16th as we voyage from Vancouver to Los Angeles with a two night stop in San Francisco. We'll even visit the acclaimed Walt Disney Family Museum along the way. Don't miss out on this affordable, relaxing, and fun MiceChat adventure!


Disneyland Rumors

Micechat Round-Up

New Fantasyland Thoughts
A new model display has been placed, are you excited for the new fantasy land expansion? What are your thoughts on the entire project?

They are building EPCOT
It seems there is someone building EPCOT. Not the theme park but an experimental prototype city of tomorrow. (EPCOT) Now it's not exactly what Walt Disney had in mind, Quentin notes.

Monorail connecting DAK
Tyler1994
started up a discussion why they do not have all the Walt Disney Parks connected via the monorail system? Why do you think this has happened and should they expand it?

The Rocking Chairs are Back!!!
Our very own Witches of Morva, bring us news from the Magic Kingdom about the famous Rocking Chairs of the Exposition Hall!


The A/V Room

We have a new Communicore Weekly with topics on: Ginger snaps, Bob Gurr's memoir, Japan Pavilion and the five legged goat goes to Casey’s Corner!

We also have a new video from Sarah!

Then we have a new Just Ask Alex. If you haven't seen these videos, they're hysterical.



Magic 24.7

LIVE BROADCAST AT RALPH BRENNAN'S JAZZ KITCHEN
As the official venue of choice for MAGIC 24.7, Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney Anaheim will be hosting a live broadcast from the Ralph Brennan Radio Booth in the Jazz Kitchen on August 11, 2012 (exact time of broadcast TBA).

We'll be doing a live cooking demo, featuring our station's own signature drink (Twisted Magic), doing live contests and bringing on special Disney Park guests. We hope you can join us! For the full itinerary, check out our special event website: magic247live.com!

YOUR DISNEY TOP FIVE
The Time Rovers are going live again this Thursday at 6pm Pacific for one hour! Here's what we're discussing: If Disney gave you a free pass to do ANYTHING to any of it's parks...what would it be? Call us LIVE on Skype (username Magic24.7) or on our MAGICLINE at (424) 270-1955 and get in the discussion!

Remember to bookmark our site (magic247radio.com) and listen between 6am-4pm Pacific Monday to Friday for your official MiceChat.com Newscasts featuring YOUR posts and more Disney Park news! We also have welcomed former Weather Channel meteorologist Jeff Mielcarz to the station, who will provide you with Disneyland & WDW weather Monday to Friday!

PODCAST UPDATE
Every Monday to Friday between 6-9 am Pacific, we give you your MiceChat.com Newscast. Coming soon, you’ll be able to get a full recap of news from your favorite site.


Have you signed up for MiceDeals?
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area theme park, restaurant, hotel and attractions!
Visit MiceDeals.com today and sign up at the top of the page for your daily
deal reminder. Hurry, because they sell out quick and don’t last long


Other Parks
Universal Studios and Knotts Berry Farm are still getting buzz this week, and we are treated to stunning photos from Italy! ~ Trekkie Dad

MiceChat Round-Up

A few days in Italy - a Pictorial TR
I don't know how he did it, but mikeland saw a lot of Italy in a single week. Take a look at the pictures.

Steve Davison to stage a musical review called, THE SOUND OF MUZAK in June
Back here in Long Beach, imagineer Steve Davison is staging a musical revue that In the Parks can't resist.

Will Knotts market their value vs. Disneyland's admission prices?
With Disneyland raising prices (again!), jcruise86 thinks Knotts has an opportunity to market the value of its offerings.

Transformers opening at 7:30 AM Memorial Weekend
F!an reports that Universal Studios Hollywood will open the Transformers ride early on Memorial Day weekend.

Jurassic Park Refurb, taking a bit too long?
howhigh52 thinks that it's been far too long that a primary animatronic in this ride has been covered with a trash bag.

Why doesn't USH take advantage of their great views?
jcruise86 thinks Universal Studios Hollywood should take better advantage of the view from the hillside.


Entertainment

New TOKYO Duffy Merchandise
DuffyDaisuki
has some news from Tokyo that they are getting some great new Duffy the Bear outfits! Check it out here!


MiceAge

MiceChat Round-Up

MiceChat Round-Up
5/22: Al Lutz – No Parking
Why the steep admission hike, opening ceremonies for Disney’s California Adventure, Racers review and more.

MiceChat Round-Up
5/22: From the Wilds of the Jungle to Adventures in Space with Aaron!
This week, we talk to Aaron. He started his Disney career at Walt Disney World, exploring the rivers of the world on the Jungle Cruise, before winding up in the final frontier on Space Mountain.

Micechat Round up
5/22: Star Wars Weekends have arrived, Uni and SeaWorld construction, Final Flowers
Wookies, Sith Lords and Jedi! OH MY! Yes, it's Star Wars Weekends at the Disney Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. But that's not all that is happening at Orlando Theme Parks. We have the last bits of news from Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival and a recent look at the Fantasyland expansion at the Magic Kingdom. We then move on to Universal Orlando to see the work on Despicable Me and how they seem to be using the new parade floats between shows. Finally, we trim things up by riding the current through SeaWorld to check in on Antarctica and the bizarre new paint job at Clyde and Seymore's. We also have the winners from Gatorland's ticket giveaway to announce, so let's get hopping.

Micechat Round up
5/21: Higher Prices at the Happiest Place on Earth
The Happiest Place on Earth just got more expensive as Disneyland made considerable increases in their admission prices over the weekend. The biggest price hike is a $150 jump for Premium Annual Passholders, a pricing change that will help deter some Passholders from renewing this summer as Disney re-launches a newly renovated and expanded Disney California Adventure park. The new additions at California Adventure will be joined with numerous other new and overhauled attractions, shops and restaurants at Disneyland and in the Downtown Disney area. With a record-breaking summer on the horizon for Disney, the higher prices will be a small price to pay for tourists arriving to see California Adventure's new Cars Land and Buena Vista Street areas as well as the newly overhauled Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland.

Micechat Round up
5/20: Themeparkology, Journey to the center of the World
Walt Disney World seems to lack the meticulous archive of information that the Anaheim property has enjoyed for years. George discovers this when he takes a journey to the center of the Disney World in search of Center Street. Yes, Center Street, the lavishly themed outdoor portion of Main Street, U.S.A. features such unique things as a Chinese laundromat and an florist and greenhouse. It has all since been enclosed. However George unearths the few images he could find and discusses this piece of Disney World History.

Micechat Round up
5/20: The History Of The Haunted Mansion Part 2
Hello foolish mortals and welcome to part two of our series on the history of the Haunted Mansion. Last week we explored the early history of this classic Disney attraction. Today, we'll bring the story full circle.

5/18: Studio Ghibli: The Secret World of Arrietty, Whispers of the Heart, Castle in the Sky
Do you know Disney's Best Kept Secret? No, not the Disney Vacation Club. Disney's real secret is their association with Studio Ghibli and the famed writer/director/animator Hayao Miyazaki. Today George Taylor reviews three Miyazaki films, The Secret World of Arrietty, Whispers of the Heart, Castle in the Sky and examines their new Blue Ray releases. These movies are stunning works of art, but do these new releases live up to the expectations of fans? Learn all about it here.

Micechat Round up
5/18: Shrekfeast; Princess Merida; Alice Davis Window; Christmas on the Disney Dream
So many wonderful photos. First up we have an Orlando report from Denise Preskitt. She and Jeff had dinner with Shrek and his family. She also visited with the Magic Kingdom's newest resident, Princess Merida, in her new Fairytale Garden. Alice Davis received a window on Disneyland's Main Street and Scarlett Stahl has a wonderful story on this Disney Legend. Finally, Rya86n has another installment of his epic honeymoon trip. He took a cruise on the Disney Dream at Christmas time. The decorations are amazing. Rya86n sent me a massive report that I had to break into two parts. The first part includes his day at Atlantis Paradise Island Resort in the Bahamas.

Micechat Round up
5/18: Fantasyland Rising, World Showcase Touch-Ups, Star Wars Weekends, and MORE!
Welcome to Dateline Disney World! This week, Cory Disbrow brings us   more progress on the New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom, along with a bunch of small improvements happening all around the park, and also the newest addition to the Disney character family arriving at the park. One of the World Showcase pavilions received some TLC over at Epcot, and preparations are in full force (no pun intended) for the madness that is Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Micechat Round up
5/18: Car-o-rails at Disneyland, DCA Wraps Up, Knott’s News, SeaWorld
Even though we are on the verge of an epic Summer, there is plenty of action going on at the Southern California Theme parks to keep fans occupied until all the big new rides open. We begin with Disneyland where we find the Monorails have been given a cute new Cars overlay. Next, we check up on Disney California Adventure and the actual Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and Mad T Party. We also get to stop by Knott's Berry Farm and then we drop down to San Diego to check on the progress of their new family coaster, Manta! It's heady times, so let's get to it!

Micechat Round up
5/18: The Bell System presents America the Beautiful in Circarama
Enter the world of immersive imagery in the Circarama theater presented by the Bell system.  As you stand in a round room, eleven movie screens surround you with 360-degree movie. Most other guests are staring at the front screen. But you know better. You’re turning around to see what’s going on all around you.  Journey from Vermont to California, just don't sit down.

Micechat Round up
5/17: Sue Kruse – Sweet!
From movies to candy and everything in between, here’s what we’ll be discussing today: 20 years of Fantasmic! • Sugar Rush • Block Party • Pop-Up Snow • From The Silver Screen To Your Closet • Muck Motors • Walt’s Barn • Bat’s Day!

Micechat Round up
5/16: Ten Easy (and Oh-So-Sneaky) Ways to “Find” Money for Your Next Disney Vacation.
Do you ever wish that you had known about a great deal, long after the time passes?  Fear no more! We have excellent ways for you to save on amazing deals. All that you have to do is look and you will find the money. Sometimes, "finding" money is about being smarter. It’s money that’s just there for the taking if you dig a little deeper. By its nature, it's easy and doesn't take too much sacrifice, but the rewards can be great. Here are the Park Wise top ten tips for “finding” money for your next vacation.

Micechat Round up
5/16: Unhappily Ever After? The Last Days of Snow White at Walt Disney World
As the last days of the Snow White ride in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom come to a close, Sam Gennawey takes a final ride on the attraction and reminisces about the origins of the original in Disneyland. How did all of these wonderful innovations come into play? The detailed sets, the mix of incandescent lights and black lights, and the immersive storytelling. Learn how Walt Disney's imagineers took the basic dark ride and elevated it with creative theatrical design for Disney's original park, and how it is being removed in Florida.


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MiceChat

The MiceEars Crew and MiceChat News Club put a lot of time and effort into making these Round-Ups happen. Here are the members:

Your Editors: Dustysage, Fishbulb and CakvalaSC

The MiceEars Crew: Demigod, Aladdin, elly, pezz lightyear, Yoyoflamingo, Tinkermonkey, Pineapplewhipaddict, KnittingKnerd, Trekkie Dad, DLandFansAZ, RegionsBeyond, HKDLFAN and Disney Wrassler!

The MiceChat News Team: sir clinksalot, ALIASd, Disneytim, OogieBoogie.

The MiceEars Crew can be e-mailed at: [email protected]
Please keep in mind they may not be able to respond to each note personally.

© 2012 Dusty Sage/MiceChat

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