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Time-lapse video of Disneyland at Christmas, retro-scrapbook items from the Disneyland Hotel, a video of the leaning tower of tires being installed in Cars Land and MiceChat's 7 year anniversary events are just some of the interesting things you will read about in today's MiceChat Round-Up. Plus, Al has some comments on Disney without Walt, and we bring you the latest videos from Sarah and Matt. There's even news on the first phase of Fantasyland expansion opening at Walt Disney World and more to see from the fantastic Universal Singapore. Enjoy! ~ CakvalaSC

EDITOR’S PICK'S

Aulani Trip

Disneyland Christmas 2011 Time-Lapse Video
Tom Bricker, has published a new photo book about Disneyland & has also posted a fascinating time-lapse video of Disneyland at Christmas. We know you'll be amazed by his photography in both!

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The Disney web site is located at www.disney.com

Disneyland

Boy, did I get a lot of e-mail on this subject. The flurry started when a news item was quoted on the boards about how Disney was rebranding their film division, changing the name from Walt Disney Pictures to just one word, Disney. Rather soon afterwards that report disappeared, and the few people we could reach at the company that worked with or in the film division didn't seem to think anything was happening. But then a closer look at current film releases and available trailers show that the company changed how they brand their films.

Up until the release of the Muppets movie, Disney films have opened with the following logo:

The current Muppets trailer, the film itself in theaters, and the trailer for the upcoming John Carter (of Mars) now feature the following opening logo:

It's obvious what's missing. The question is, is this a wholesale renaming of the film division, or simply an easier way to identify a film for audiences and marketing purposes? Considering this new logo was also used at the beginning of Muppets film, it certainly appears that they are taking the Walt out of the Disney name for their movies.

When Michael Eisner came to Disney he made a point of using the full Walt Disney name not only as a tribute, but also a savvy marketing tool to give the impression that the new releases from the studio were in the same category as the successful titles from their past. Initially there was some controversy about this, in that the Walt Disney name would be used for films he had nothing to do with. But as time has gone on the Walt Disney name has evolved into a brand, in the same way that the Ralph Lauren name has evolved into one for the fashion industry.

In the past few years, in particular under the direction of Bob Iger, there has been a move to further simplify the brand by using the one word "Disney" even to the point of eliminating the apostrophe s. As I discussed a while back in one of my updates, this has led to some incredibly stupid stuff being done, like a push at Walt Disney World to redo all the signage and other related materials so that as an example, "Disney's Grand Floridian Resort" is now the grammatically incorrect "Disney Grand Floridian Resort." Even home video has jumped into the act. What used to be "Walt Disney's Dumbo" is now simply "Disney Dumbo." Boy do those two words say a lot.

Isn't it time that the marketeers get a little common sense? You'd think the millions alone that could be saved by not chasing down and eliminating apostrophe s's would be better spent.

To that end I'd like the Internet community to join me in reminding the Disney company that "it all started with Walt." As you can see below we've created some T-shirts, plus a few simple graphics that you can copy and paste into your websites to let folks know how you feel.

  

Before the brand, there was the man. Let's not forget that.

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.

Save The Dates of January 27th through 29th
for a magical MiceChat 7 Year Anniversary celebration

Aulani Trip

It all begins on Friday January 27, 2012. Join us on a very special one day Adventures By Disney "Hollywood Magic" trip that starts at the Walt Disney Studios and then takes you to other famous Hollywood locations with your MiceChat pals. We'll tour the Walt Disney Studios, see the famous Disney Archives, dine in the commissary and shop in the studio store. Then it's off to Hollywood where you'll tour the El Capitan and the Kodak Theaters (the latter the home of the Academy Awards) as well as other famous tinseltown and Sunset Strip sights and landmarks. The day wraps up with a cocktail reception on Malibu Beach at sunset. What better way to kick off the MiceChat anniversary weekend! Less than 10 spots remain ($179 per person) - e-mail Teresa Cory of Fairy Godmother Travel today for details/bookings: [email protected]

Then it continues on Saturday January 28th, our DCA day, filled with fun and games. The grand finale is on Sunday January 29th which is our traditional Disneyland day with breakfast along the Rivers of America, a grand circle tour of the happiest place on earth and the classic noon meet at the right hand of Walt Disney himself. We hope you'll be able to join us. Details about the meets, events and special opportunities will be posted soon.


Disneyland
This week we take a look at some of the Christmas Lights at the Disneyland resort, then catch a glimpse of the latest addition to DCA’s Radiator Springs. ~ Aladdin

Micechat Round-Up

Disneyland Hotel History: Bonita's Scrapbook
Old Hotel Guy returns with a special look at the Disneyland Hotel, direct from Bonita Granville's own personal scrapbook!

Cars Land - Luigies Spinning Tires - Leaning Tower of Tires Installed (Video)
Ride Warrior brings to our attention, a video featuring the leaning tower of tires being installed in DCA along with some information on the attraction that it will mark!

Micechat Round-Up

12/10/11 - Christmas decorations
Ron W has some photos of the Christmas lights from around Disneyland and DCA.


The A/V Room

Kevin Yee has a new video slideshow up...

MAGIC 24.7

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NEW MUSIC MONDAY
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APP UPDATE
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PODCAST UPDATE
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Off Shore Parks
A lot of big news going on in WDW this week, despite the holidays. We have a new DVC, a confirmation of Fantasyland openings (at least the beginning) and lots more to see this week! ~yoyoflamingo

Micechat Round-Up

First Phase of Magic Kingdom Fantasyland Expansion to Open February 2012
Dustysage brings news that the beginnings or Fantasyland's Expansion will start opening in early 2012. See what's scheduled to open, as well as voice your opinion on the staggered opening for the land.

Grand Floridian DVC confirmed!
It's one of the worst kept secrets, but Disney has confirmed DVC is coming to the Grand Floridian. Is it a good idea, or one DVC too many? Share your thoughts here.

Green Builder Media Announces Vision House in Innoventions in EPCOT
A new exhibit in EPCOT's Innoventions focusing on greener living. Sound promising? See the press release and share your thoughts here!

Dining at WDW
Here's a questions sure to attract our veteran WDW visitors: Where do you eat when you go to the World? What memorable places are there to eat at WDW?


Off Shore Parks

Wedding proposal at Disneyland Paris
There's a Dutch television show called, 'Let's Get Married' which filmed a wedding proposal at Disneyland Paris. Even if you don't speak the language, it is really fun to see how this surprise was done.


Other Parks and Destinations

DVC Annual Meeting
DVC Mike attended the DVC annual Meeting and brings us information of what the future holds for DVC. If you're a member or just curious you may want to check this out.

DLR and Union settle thier labor dispute.
The Disneyland Resort and their labor union have come to an agreement. swampymarsh brings us the information on what was agreed upon.


Off Shore Parks
It's all Universal Studios this week--Hollywood, Florida, and Singapore. ~ Trekkie Dad

Micechat Round-Up

Universal Studios Singapore Weekly Updates
Disneyland95
starts this thread and promises to give us regular updates.

Fire at Universal today
A fire broke out at Universal Studios Hollywood on 12/8, and SpaceMountain1974 just happened to be driving by.

Micechat Round-Up

Highlights Of Macy's Christmas At Universal Studios Florida
Ride Warrior found these pictures and video and shared them. Who knew there was a Macy's parade in Florida?

Grinchmas Steals Hearts Every-who-where At Seus Landing (2011 videos)
Grinchmas! Hollywood or Florida? Looks like Ride Warrior brought us some of each.


Lounges
On the first day of Christmas your true love gave to thee, one report from the entertainment lounge!

RIP Harry Morgan, M*A*S*H's Col. Sherman Potter.
MASH was only a highlight for this actor with such a familiar face in a long career on both film and television.


Lounges
On the second day of Christmas your true love gave to thee, a report on the main MiceChat lounge!

Barbaraann's Christmas Tree Survey
Barbarann is in the Christmas spirit! One of our favorite micechatters asks the tough questions, like, 'Do you prefer an artificial or a real tree?' among other things. Join in on this fun discussion and let us know how you like to decorate for the Holidays!

Who's Your Santa?
The noble Ride Warrior asks the hard questions like, 'Who's your Santa?' and 'Who in your life makes your holidays more enjoyable?' All that's missing is hot cocoa.


MiceAge

Micechat Round-Up

Micechat Round up
12/13: Nick@Night
Kevin stays at the Nickelodeon Hotel and explores a facility that is obviously more than just a hotel, but not quite a theme park.

Micechat Round up
12/13: A Detailed Look at Disney World’s Fantasyland Construction Progress
Welcome back to the Orlando Parkhopper. We'll continue our look at Christmas time at Disney World and central Florida parks, peek at the major construction advances on the big Fantasyland expansion at WDW's Magic Kingdom and check up on the sorry state of the PeopleMover. Christmas Cheer at Disney need not cost you a fortune, we'll show you the joys of touring the resort hotels. Lastly, we hop over to Universal Orlando Resort to take in the new Grinchmas celebration at Islands of Adventure.

Micechat Round up
12/12: Mary Poppins moves in and a Carthay sneak peek
Disneyland is gearing up for the season's biggest crowds over the next couple weeks - but they aren't slowing down construction crews as new details emerge at the upcoming Jolly Holiday Bakery-Café at the end of Main Street and large portions of the Carthay Circle Theater in Disney California Adventure are uncovered. Meanwhile, Cars Land continues to see major new show elements and props go up. Outside the parks, a long-running Downtown Disney shop prepares to close its doors and the Disneyland Hotel's fancy new Monorail water slides are forced to go into early refurbishment due to problems with rust.

Micechat Round up
12/10: Bieber At Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland Christmas, Walt Disney Studios Special Event
Today's Weekend Update starts at Walt Disney World​ where Justin Bieber was spotted for the taping of the Disney Christmas Day Parade special. There's also a look at Disney's Art of Animation Hotel. Today also marks the last installment of Roger55's comprehensive report on the Christmas holiday festivities at Tokyo Disneyland Resort. We also have a report from Scarlett Stahl on the D23 Preview Event at Walt Disney Studios.

Micechat Round up
12/9: Wizarding Worlds, Cars Land Testing and Merry Grinchmas
It's been an amazing week for Southern California theme park enthusiasts. First the Candlellight Processional took place at Disneyland. Then came the news that Hogwart's is coming to Universal Hollywood. The same day, we caught our first glimpses of Radiator Springs Racers testing in the new Cars Land at DCA! Universal then kicked off Grinchmas with a special press event and we find ourselves ever closer to the Transformers ride opening. We even take you on a trip to the San Diego Zoo.

Micechat Round up
12/9: World Showcase Then and Now
Werner Weiss takes us on a 30 year journey through Epcot's World Showcase. See the pavilions as they were when Epcot first opened and how they look today.  So many changes and yet so much remains the same.

Micechat Round up
12/8: The Hollywood That Never Was And Always Will Be – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Today, SAMLAND take a look at Disney's Hollywood Studios park in Orlando Florida. Opened in 1989 and originally known as the Disney-MGM Studios, the park was designed to be a half-day experience and to compliment a visit to Typhoon Lagoon and Pleasure Island. Join us as we explore the park, it's design principles, and see if you think it was a good model for the parks which would follow it.

Micechat Round up
12/7: Disneyland’s Parades, Attractions and Merchandise in the 1970’s
From The Mouth Of The Mouse is a MiceChat blog dedicated to telling the stories of Disney cast members. This week, we talk to Stephen, who worked at Disneyland from 1977 through 1982. He has held many, various positions during his time there, starting as a toy soldier in the very first Very Merry Christmas parade, to working at the Golden Horseshoe, at New Orleans Square merchandise and much more! He's got some great stories to share about the One Of A Kind shop, Michael Jackson, Lillian Disney and leaches. We think you'll really enjoy this interview.

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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.

© 2011 Dusty Sage/MiceChat

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