I’m starting to feel that “end of Summer & Fall is calling” feeling. Maybe it’s the mild weather we’ve been experiencing here in southern California, maybe it’s those backstage Haunt photos In The Parks showed us last week, maybe it was me going to see Young Frankenstein at the Pantages. I don’t know but what I do know is ... I’m longing for all things pumpkin & Disneyland’s gearing up to fill that need. Pumpkins have been spotted off the Mickey and Friends tram route and I hear the Disney candy makers are getting ready planning yummy treats for you, and you, and you. And for me. Got your costume planned for Mickey’s Halloween Party yet Dear Readers? Better get on it.
In the mean time here’s a little light reading for you to contemplate ... Today’s Pressing Matters are ... Hidden LA & touring the LA River • A childhood fave is back • Fall brings yummy goodness to Disneyland • Noah makes an appearance at D Street • Wedding planning at the Parks • D23 & Refer A Fan • Speaking of D23 – Destination D merchandise • Haunted Mansion and Chess
We’ll get right into it with Hidden LA’s tour of the LA River:
Have you ever *really* seen the LA River? Do you ACTUALLY know anything about it? Sure, maybe you've passed a concrete slab with an LA River sign... but have you seen where it flows? Do you know the *true* stories of the river's past and present beyond the fictional details you remember from seeing Chinatown? And what about its future? There's much more to the story than meets the eye as you pass from a speeding car while commuting.
On this tour, we'll walk and drive along the river, as we talk about its central role in the city's history and the necessity of the ambitious revitalization to LA's future. PLUS enjoy some fantastic tacos and cream puffs along the way. This tour is perfect for people of all ages who would like to learn more about the river that once brought fresh water to Los Angeles.
Hidden LA’s river tour takes place this Sunday, August 15, 2010 from 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM. For more information, including ticket price & meet-up spot visit this site.
I don’t think one ever really grows out of one’s childhood toys, do they? Like Andy from Toy Story 3, we may not play with them any more, but that doesn’t mean we don’t still love them. And that’s why it’s always exciting to me when I hear about a vintage toy being reissued for a whole new generation. The parent can wax nostalgic and the kiddy gets to play something that provides classic fun. Such is the case with Fisher-Price’s Music Box Record Player. After a 30-year absence, this cute little record player is back in the toy aisles at Target:
Available for the first time in 30 years, the Fisher-Price Music Box Record Player will make its retail debut exclusively in Target Stores beginning August 2010. The iconic pre-school toy features a classic wind-up mechanism that plays the records as they spin around the turntable. Each player comes complete with five individual records featuring 10 songs (two songs per record), and features a convenient compartment for storing the records and built-in handle for tunes on the go.
First introduced by Fisher-Price in 1971, the Music Box Record Player is easily one of the most beloved preschool toys of the 20th century. Beautifully designed, with vintage graphics and a retro color palette, it appeals not only to those who remember it as a child, but to all who love the simplicity and styling of the era.
This next one is short but definitely sweet and I can’t wait till it arrives. I guess I’ll have to though because it won’t show up in the Disneyland Resort candy locations until September. When I heard about it I was all giddy with sugary glee because it means the most wonderful time of the year is not far away:
Trick or Treat - Mickey Pumpkin Apple arrives at the Disneyland Resort on September 1st. And through October 31 Annual Passholders can purchase the $8.95 regularly priced Mickey Pumpkin apple, for only $6.95 (plus tax).
Look for these little pumpkins at Marceline's Confectionery, the Candy Palace on Disneyland’s Main Street, and other select locations at Disneyland & also at the Walt Disney World Resort.
While we’re on the subject of the Disneyland Resort let’s talk about the next artist appearance at Downtown Disney’s D Street:
The artist Noah will be on hand for a special appearance and signing from 2 pm to 5pm at D Street in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort. Available for purchase will be a special 5ft. World of Color inspired Vinylmation figure which was created during the World of Color premiere event, as well as original and limited edition artwork. Noah has also designed an edition World of Color-inspired 9" custom Vinylmation figures. They are limited to an edition size of 24 and will be available for $595, plus tax.Wristbands for the figures will be distributed beginning at 7am on the day of release. D Street will open at 10 am.
For more information on Noah’s D Street appearance visit: www.ArtofDisneyParks.com. Or Noah’s web site: http://noahfineart.com/
It was a long time ago now and seems like it was in a galaxy far, far away, or maybe I should just say ... Once upon a time I had to plan a wedding and I can tell you, it’s a lot of work. Oh that podcasts existed in that galaxy far, far away.
Now just imagine planning a wedding at Walt Disney World or Disneyland. Only ... you don’t even live in that state. Or maybe you do. Well, where ever you live, if your dream wedding is a Disney wedding, have I got a podcast for you. It’s brand new and filled to the brim with everything you need to know when it comes to planning a fairy tale-perfect wedding:
Inside Disney Weddings is the only program dedicated to weddings and honeymoons at the Disney parks and on the Disney Cruise Line. Each week, Scott Sheppard and Carrie Hayward take a look at what’s new and exciting in the world of Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings. Topics range from the latest news, planning information and money-saving tips to in-depth interviews and event coverage. The program also features special guests, including industry experts and real Disney brides and grooms, along with caller Q&A, giveaways and contests.
Inside Disney Weddings is released weekly on Wednesday and is available via iTunes worldwide or at: http://www.insidedisneyweddings.com as well as on Facebook.
Now ... let’s talk about D23, I’ve got a couple of things to fill you in on. Are you a member? If you are and you know someone who’s thinking about joining D23, make sure you let them know to mention you when they join. Why? Because D23 has a new program called Refer A Fan and when someone you refer joins, you get perks!
Current D23 Members who refer new members are eligible for exclusive rewards!
• Refer one fan, receive an exclusive collector pin
• Refer five fans, receive one exclusive three-pin set
• Refer ten fans, receive a tour of the Walt Disney Archives
• Refer fifteen fans, receive one year of a free Gold level D23 Membership
Read all about Refer A Fan here.
Continuing on with D23, you all know that Destination D is fast approaching I’m sure. Just in case you are sitting there thinking, “Huh?” ... The info on this mini-expo is here. But ... have you seen the Destination D event exclusive merchandise yet?
I’m particularly fond of the Mickey Mouse Club Ice Cream Dishes (below, $12.50 ea)...
...and there's the Mickey Mouse Club Straw Dispenser (above, $24.00): both by artists Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily. And for all you David Avanzino fans his Mickey Mouse Club Icon Letters Shadowbox (below, $850.00) will be limited to 25 units.
D23 Members who have registered to attend Destination D will be offered the first opportunity to pre-purchase select Destination D and 55th Mickey Mouse Club Anniversary merchandise via the Random Selection Process. For a look at all the Destination D merch visit here.
We’ll wind up this week’s edition of Pressing Matters with a mention of my favorite Disneyland attraction:
This past Monday was the Haunted Mansion’s 41st anniversary. On my way to take a spin in a Doombuggy that day, I spotted a very limited edition Haunted Mansion chess set in Disneyana.
The Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Chess Set (Huh? Must be a leftover from last year’s merchandise event) is priced at $2000.00 and limited to an edition of 40.
If only I was fabulously wealthy.
Okay, that should do it till next week when we meet again.
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And that should do it for this week's... |
