Two Men Arrested for Tokyo Disneyland Ticket Fraud
Sources say that two Chinese men have been arrested on suspicion of attempted fraud after trying to exchange illegally obtained admission tickets to Tokyo Disneyland on December 25.
One of the men arrested is a 24 year old student, and both men were caught trying to exchange approximately 10 Disneyland “e-tickets” at a ticket counter on Christmas morning. These online tickets retail for around 62,000 yen, and authorities say the tickets were illegally purchased using a man and woman’s credit cards that were reported stolen earlier this year.
The men have adamantly denied the accusations against them, and told police that “A middle-aged man told us that if we got the e-tickets exchanged, he would give us 500 yen for each.” As of this writing, the case has been sent to prosecutors. We’ll keep you updated on the verdict.
Disneyland fireworks temporarily stopped
Disneyland’s nightly holiday fireworks show was canceled Tuesday night for the fifth time in the last week. The display, “Believe in Holiday Magic,” was first canceled on Dec. 22 because of weather conditions and a technical issue. The same night, … Continue readingDisney Channels gear up to welcome New Year
Disney Television Network the #1 entertainment destination for kids and their families is set to turn up the dial with its wonderfully varied programming to celebrate the New Year. Kids and families are invited to end 2011 with the award … Continue readingDisney Parks Blog Highlights of 2011
If you ask me, this was by far the best year yet on the Disney Parks Blog. Just look back at the stories and conversations – it’s tough to narrow down the months of wonderful stuff to a few “highlights” but here’s our attempt. And before wrapping up 2011 and moving on to the New Year, we also wanted to stop and share a quick thank you to all of our readers for the inspiring comments and amazing support – it was the best year yet!
Disney Parks Blog Highlights of 2011 by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog
Damage to Disney cruise ship prompts boosted security at shipyard
Security has been increased at a German shipyard after a mysterious water-valve leak caused damage to the 2,500-passenger Disney Fantasy, under construction at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. According to the shipyard, access to the ship was restricted after the … Continue readingAdventures by Disney Moments Around the World
As 2011 comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to share with all of you some of the special moments our Adventures by Disney Adventure Guides have shared with me from their trips around the world this year:
One of my favorite memories of 2011 was on a Costa Rica trip during sea turtle nesting season. There was a little girl who tried very hard to stay awake on the night walk because she wanted to see a nesting turtle so badly, but ended up falling asleep (it was very late for a 7 year old) and missing the sighting. The next morning, a couple was walking along the beach and saw a turtle laying her eggs (very rare to see in the day). They ran all the way back to the hotel to get the girl and she was able to see the turtle just before it went back into the ocean. I love this memory because it is a perfect example of the kind of magical moments that happen on Adventures by Disney trips.
- Laura Farrell
Visiting Walt’s Apartment is one of the highlights of our Backstage Magic tour, especially to a mother-daughter tandem who came all the way from Belgium. Our docent gave us a heartfelt story about Walt Disney’s little abode which deeply touched that mother’s heart. Seeing her sincere tears of gratitude to Walt Disney is one of my favorite memories of 2011. It was not only a magical moment for her, but also for me in knowing that I am working with a team that connects guests from around the world to a man and his creation, one I truly believe in. And in knowing that I am an Adventure Guide not just to exclusive backstage access but also access to memories people will keep for a lifetime.
– Christian Cruz
During the welcome dinner on a tour to Australia a guest shared with the group that he had chosen to come Down Under to see a platypus. He loved platypuses. Yes, really! While in elementary school he even dressed up as a platypus for Halloween. Our visit to Sydney’s Taronga Zoo, therefore, required seeing one of these creatures. We had to visit the platypus house twice (they are quite shy) before one finally made an appearance. Only a few times in my life have I ever seen anybody as truly happy as this gentleman was upon seeing his beloved animal. He was even wearing a platypus t-shirt for the occasion. It was a wonderful moment the whole group got to share, one I will never forget!
- Kira Butler
I hope you have had a wonderful year and if you have any special vacation memories on a recent trip, leave a comment and share them with us. Happy New Year from all of us at Adventures by Disney!
Adventures by Disney Moments Around the World by Josh D'Amaro: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog
Photos of Vinylmation ‘Tunes’
Disney Vinylmation ‘Tunes’ will bring six different musical genres to life with a little help of some of our favorite Disney characters including: Pop 80′s Chip Disco Goofy Country Daisy Classical Mickey Classic Rock Donald Punk Rock Stitch For now, … Continue readingVintage Walt Disney World: Ringing in the New Year at Pleasure Island at Downtown Disney
In honor of ringing in 2012 in just a few days, here’s a shot from the glory days of Pleasure Island at Downtown Disney when New Year’s Eve was celebrated every night from 1990 until 2005 with music, dancing and just a little bit of confetti. Ok, a lot of confetti. Happy New Year!
Vintage Walt Disney World: Ringing in the New Year at Pleasure Island at Downtown Disney by Nate Rasmussen: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog