‘Toy Story Land’ Opens at Hong Kong Disneyland
Yesterday marked the official grand opening of Toy Story Land at Hong Kong Disneyland! The new land features plenty of fun Toy Story-themed attractions, including Slinky Dog Spin, RC Racer and Toy Soldier Parachute Drop. Additionally, the land was designed to make visitors feel small – shrunk to the size of a toy – in Andy’s backyard, where you can play with all of the iconic Toy Story characters.
This isn’t the end of Hong Kong Disneyland’s renovations, however. Toy Story Land is only the first of three new themed lands coming to the park. The other two are Grizzly Gulch and Mystic Point, which are expected to open in 2012 and 2013, respectively.
We’ll keep you updated with any further developments.
Celebrate Mickey Mouse’s Birthday with Disney Channel November 18
Today marks a special occasion for Disney fans everywhere – it’s Mickey Mouse’s birthday! From 11 a.m. onwards, you can celebrate the iconic character’s special day with the Disney Channel, who will be airing special episodes of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on Disney Junior and a one hour special episode of Road Rally Adventures. In this feature, Mickey, Donald and Goofy unite in a story inspired by The Three Musketeers. Additionally, you’ll want to stay tuned for the premiere of Mickey’s solo debut with a song he’s written exclusively for fans on his birthday.
Throughout the day, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn facts you may not have known about everyone’s favorite mouse. For example, Mickey first debuted on November 18, 1928 with the release of Steamboat Willie, the first cartoon made with synchronized sound. His name was originally supposed to be Mortimer, but Walt’s Wife convinced him to change the name to “Mickey,” who she felt personified fun.
Other fun facts include:
- Mickey was the first cartoon character to have his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; he received his star in honor of his 50th anniversary on November 18, 1978.
- In Opry House, a short released in 1929, Mickey started wearing his iconic white gloves. He has worn them ever since!
- Walt Disney earned an honorary Academy Award in 1932 for his creation of Mickey Mouse.
- In The Band Concert, which debuted in February 1935, Mickey Mouse first appeared in color.
- In 1934, Mickey was given an entry in the Encyclopedia Britannica.
- While Mickey and Minnie Mouse have never been married on-screen, Walt said in a 1933 interview that “In private life, Mickey is married to Minnie.”
Don’t forget to tune in to the Disney Channel today from 11 a.m. onwards to help celebrate this legendary Disney character’s birthday.
Disney Dream Honored with ‘Best New Cruise Ship’ Award
Yesterday, it was announced that Disney Cruise Line was awarded several honors by the 2011 Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards. Among the award winners was the Disney Dream, Disney’s newest ship, whose maiden voyage set sail earlier this year. The Disney Dream picked up the “Best New Ship” award along with the “Best Inside Cabins” award.
For overall best inside cabins, the Disney Cruise Line picked up that award as well.
A fourth ship, the Disney Fantasy, is currently being constructed and will set sail on its maiden voyage on March 31, 2012.
Disney Cruise Line Celebrates the Holidays Starting November 19
Beginning Novemeber 19, Disney Cruise Line will kick off the holiday season with three Thanksgiving voyages, including the Disney Magic Eastern Caribbean cruise; the Disney Wonder Mexican Riviera cruise, and the Disney Dream Bahamanian cruise. There will be plenty of on-board Thanksgiving-themed activities for guests, and Mickey, Minnie and pals will even make an appearance in their finest Thanksgiving attire!
During these cruises, guests will also be able to experience the winter holiday celebrations as well, including:
- Holiday storytellers featuring Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa stories
- Holiday crafts perfect for families, including make-your-own gingerbread houses and holiday cards
- “King Triton’s Tree Lighting” nightly in the lobby; each day, a child is chosen to help Disney characters light the magnificent tree
- Special holiday editions of the Disney Cruise Line’s farewell party – “Till We Meet Again” on the Disney Magic and “See Ya Real Soon” on the Disney Dream
- Holiday feasts
Additionally, guests who visit Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, will be able to experience “snow flurries,” character meet-and-greets, Christmas trees, holiday activities and carolers. Plus, Santa and his elves will be on-board Christmas morning with cookies and milk, as well as special surprises, for the kids. Finally, the ships will also have New Year’s Eve parties to help ring in the new year. All in all, this makes for a truly festive celebration aboard the Disney Cruise Line! Will you be on board this year?