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Home , Big Thunder Ranch, Disney Vacation Club, Don Iwerks, George Scribner, John Pomeroy, Josh Flitter

Winter 2009 vol. 18 no. 4 Disney Files Magazine is published by the good people at I look at this edition of Disney Files Magazine, and I see a world of laughter. A Vacation Club tears. A world of hope. A world of fears. (Well maybe not tears or fears, but stay with me.) P.O. Box 10350 I’m reminded that there’s so much that we share. That it’s time we’re aware. Sing it with me Lake , FL 32830 now. “It’s a small world after all.” To help celebrate the debut of ’s first California resort (cover and All dates, times, events and prices pages 2-4), we’ve reached beyond our home state of to deliver a broader mix of news printed herein are subject to change without notice. (Our lawyers and perspectives than ever. This puppy’s so global and happy that it should’ve been delivered do a happy dance when we say that.) by a pack of singing dolls. (Stupid budget constraints.) Let’s begin our journey in the aforementioned Golden State, where , the official MOVING? community for Disney fans, recently hosted the first D23 Expo. Fans gathered. News broke. Update your mailing address Films premiered. Legends were crowned. (Or inducted. But we think there should’ve been online at www.dvcmember.com crowns.) And your Disney Files staff recorded the highlights for those unable to attend (pages 5-6). Perhaps you were too busy sailing on the S.S. Member Cruise to attend the MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS? Expo. If not, check out the cruise recap on page 7. Contact Member Services from Staying out west, we’re pleased to report that President has returned 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Eastern daily at (800) 800-9800 or (407) 566-3800 to ® Park (page 17). Alright, so it’s a state-of-the-art Audio-® representation of honest Abe. We’re just glad he’s back, advancing the art form, inspiring Fax Number: (407) 938-4151 Guests and preparing to intervene if any tensions mount between and Square. (That’s right, a Civil War joke. Too soon?) Throw in some notes about a new E-mail Member Services at: ® “studio,” a new Main Street, U.S.A.® window honoring a great friend of [email protected] Disney Files Magazine and transformation plans for the iconic (all on page 21), and we’ve covered California like Seacrest on a red carpet. (For more Seacrest references, Stay up to date on the news between see pages 8 and 25.) magazines at www.dvcmember.com Further broadening our scope, we present Imagineering’s blue-sky This edition’s cover art by concepts for the expansion of ® Park (page 18) and span the globe to Don “Ducky” Williams break down the merry mix of holiday happenings at Disney Parks everywhere (pages 19-20). Add an exclusive visit with the creators of The Princess and the Frog (pages 23-24), an exploration of Disney’s connections to the film’s “hometown” (pages 27-28) and a fun look at Members enjoying their magazine during worldwide travels (pages 29-30), and you have an editorial reminder that there is just one moon and one golden sun. That a smile means friendship to everyone. That, while the mountains divide, and the oceans are wide, it’s a small world after all. (Note to self: no more ® rides before writing.)

Disney Files Magazine proudly uses Welcome home, recycled paper and soy-based ink.

Ryan March Disney Files Editor

Disneyphiles (Diz-nee-fyles) noun, plural: really cool people who love, or are attracted to, all things Disney

Disney Files (Diz-nee-fyles) noun, plural: a really cool magazine for Disney Vacation Club Members, the ultimate Disneyphiles Parham Keelan by Illustration

DVC-MBR-65-I FROM THE DESK OF JIM LEWIS top news & perspectives

by Jim Lewis, President, Disney Vacation Club

REALIZING A GOLDEN DREAM

In 2005, as Disney our originally announced November opening date. Parks prepared to mark the I’m so pleased to see Member families enjoying their golden anniversary of the new California “home” and being part of Disney history. Disneyland® Resort with Some are experiencing our villa-style accommodations for “The Happiest Celebration the first time. Others are discovering how the iconic hotel’s On Earth,” Disney California Arts and Crafts style has influenced the amenities Vacation Club saw a they’ve come to enjoy in other Disney Vacation Club Resorts. golden And all are reminding us that this golden dream was worth opportunity. dreaming. While Hotels had long been part of our Disney Collection of exchange resorts, we knew that Members wanted – and deserved – much more at the place that started it all. We recognized that Disney Vacation Club wouldn’t even exist without Walt’s fulfilled vision in those Southern California orange groves, and we were committed to bringing our magical community full circle. Step one, achieved during an astonishingly fast 14-week effort, was establishing our first Disney Vacation Club sales operations in Anaheim. With Guests discovering the “best- kept Disney Secret” at Information Centers throughout the Disneyland Resort and learning more about the magic of Membership through our new onsite preview center (where a miniature doll-house-style replica of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa accommodations preceded our eventual full-scale model room), we officially became part of the Disneyland family and opened new doors for our Member community. Our heightened presence at this landmark Disney destination immediately enhanced the Member experience, with new Member perks, attraction previews and Member events making the Disneyland Resort feel a lot more like “home.” We were proud of what we achieved in Anaheim in such a short amount of time, but we were far from satisfied. (We rarely are.) We understood that, for Members to really feel at home, we needed to build them a “home.” Fast forward to 2007, and we were raising walls on The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa, the first Disney Vacation Club Resort accommodations on the West Coast. Granted, the wall I helped raise personally was purely ceremonial, Disney Vacation Club President Jim Lewis, left, assists Mickey but the real ones soon followed with remarkable . Mouse at a 2007 “wall-raising” ceremony marking the official Construction work on this ambitious project was so smooth, in start of construction on The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian fact, that this new addition to your neighborhood was able to Hotel & Spa. welcome its first Members “home” in September, well ahead of

page 2 dvcmember.com If you’re an avid reader of Disney Files Magazine (and we trust that you are), you already know a lot about

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa, now open at the Disneyland® Resort in Anaheim. For example, you know that the 50 new two-bedroom-equivalent Disney Vacation Club villas – the first on the West Coast – reflect the California Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, showcased in painstaking detail throughout the hotel. You’re aware of the hidden Mickeys in the villas’ carpeting and the Pinocchio cues detailing bathroom walls. You even know that Mariposa (the new pool nearby) is Spanish for “butterfly.” But how much do you really know about the grand hotel upon which the new villas were built? Are you truly prepared to impress others with your knowledge of its art, , flora and fauna? Are you suitably equipped to beat your traveling party in a spontaneous game of “name that beam style?” We can’t leave anything to chance. So to help celebrate the newest addition to the Disney Vacation Club neighborhood, your Disney Files staff is pleased to present this handy guide to Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa fun facts. We’ll even give you the conversation starters. It’s what we do.

page 3 dvcmember.com Where: Front of hotel center, crews cut through traditional tie beams and support What: Trellis-like entry gate the remaining portions, known as hammer beams, with You say: “Unmistakably Bernie.” curved braces from the wall. If you want to really impress (or annoy) your traveling party, make a snooty reference to The entry gate was inspired by renowned architect Bernard England’s Westminster Hall, which houses what many Maybeck’s designs for the Lawson House, built in the San experts believe is the finest example of hammer beam roofs. Francisco Bay Area after the great earthquake of 1906. The scored lines and tile accents seen on the hotel’s exterior also Where: Hearthstone Lounge reflect the influence of Maybeck, who’s noted as being What: The “three-circle” chandeliers hanging from the ceiling among the first architects to use cement in his buildings. You say: “I’m getting flashbacks to Berkeley!” Where: The Porte Cochere Insipired by a Bernard Maybeck design, which features What: The vintage car on display three identically sized circles, Imagineers shrunk the upper You say: “Quick everyone, name that Clooney film!” two circles in their version, paying homage to the same mouse celebrated in the aforementioned clock. The original This 1932 Cadillac V-8 seven-passenger sedan has been used Maybeck chandelier is located in the First Church of Christ in Hollywood as a studio prop, appearing in such television Scientist in Berkeley, Calif., which is the only Berkeley shows as “Charmed” and in a variety of feature films, building to be designated as a National Landmark. including the George Clooney-starring O Brother, Where Art Thou?, released in 2000 by Disney’s . Where: Storytellers Café What: The seven, six-foot murals depicting life in California Where: Great Hall (lobby) You say: “Bet you can’t name all seven stories!” What: Grandfather clock near Acorn’s Gifts and Goods You point, jump up and down, and scream: “Mouse!” From west to east, the murals draw inspiration from The Cruise of the Dazzler by Jack , The Mark of Zorro by Specially commissioned for the hotel, the wooden clock Johnston McCulley, Tortilla Flat by John Steinbeck, The features a hand-hammered copper face that, upon closer Californians by Gertrude Atherton, the Miwok Indian inspection, reveals a hidden silhouette of the big cheese. Legend Ahwahnee Tale, The Celebrated Jumping Frog of (Mickey, not .) Calaveras County by Mark Twain and Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell. Where: Great Hall What: Ceiling beams Where: Anywhere at the hotel (making this one particularly useful) You point to the ceiling and shout: “Hammer time!” What: Anything made of wood The style used for the Great Hall trusses is called hammer You say: “There must be about 30 varieties of wood in this place!” beam, an architectural term describing a Gothic, open- timber roof design. To give the roof greater height at its You’d be right. (Smarty.) Disney leaders, visionaries, legends and celebrities States; Don Iwerks, son of Disney Legend and the gathered in California with fans this fall for the first D23 developer of revolutionary film systems used in landmark Expo, turning the Anaheim Convention Center into a news- Disney films and attractions; Leota Toombs Thomas, a Walt breaking, buzz-building, secret-revealing wonderland of all Disney Imagineer immortalized as the disembodied head of things Disney. Madame Leota in attraction; and Presented by D23, the official community for Disney Hollywood A-lister , whose acting credits fans, the sprawling exhibition pressed the Disney Files include such Disney films as Aladdin, Good Morning Magazine staff into “double-duty,” gathering news from the Vietnam, Dead Poets Society and Old Dogs. Pacific while presenting similar sneak peeks in the Atlantic The ceremony continued a 22-year tradition (actor Fred (as in the ocean) as part of the S.S. Member Cruise 2009 (see MacMurray became the first Disney Legend in 1987) and page 7). created a rare opportunity for fans to witness the typically “This was an extraordinary stretch of days for our private festivities. Like the 227 legends who preceded them, company,” said Disney Files Magazine Editor Ryan March. the new inductees participated in a special hand-print “All of us at Disney Vacation Club were excited to be part of ceremony, creating molds for bronze plaques that will grace the Expo, giving fans an inside look at The Villas at Disney’s the pillars of Plaza at the Walt Disney Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa, while at the same time, Studios in Burbank, where previous Disney Legends partnering with our friends at D23 to share some ceremonies have taken place. unbelievable sneak peeks from the Walt Disney Studios with “This year’s recipients have had a truly indelible Members at sea. Disney fans have never had this level of influence on the Disney legacy,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said at access to official insider information, which makes this a the ceremony. “Whether on screen or behind the scenes, really fun time to be in the Disney-news business.” these 10 men and women have contributed their talents in For those unable to attend, here are a few of our favorite countless ways, and we are very honored to name them as news items from the D23 Expo. Disney Legends.”

Legendary: , , Rue McClanahan and Tours II: Darth Vader and an army of stormtroopers , stars of the Disney-produced television series joined Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman “The Golden Girls,” were among the 2009 Disney Legends (pictured below) on stage as he announced the October 2010 Award honorees. (To each golden girl we say, “Thank you for closing of the popular ™ attraction at Disneyland® being a friend.”) Other new legends included , Park in California and at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ in the raspy voice of ; , the goofy voice Florida. Far from sad news, the announcement continued of, well, Goofy (Bill had a busy week, appearing at both the with the revelation that a new version of the attraction is expo and the S.S. Member Cruise); Harry Archinal, the former President of Buena Vista International who helped expand Disney’s cinematic presence outside of the United

Star Tours II

page 5 dvcmember.com slated to open in its place in 2011, launching Guests on a new coasts in 2011). Other plans call for an extreme makeover to adventure with cutting-edge technology, including a 3-D the iconic the Flying Elephant attraction, doubling digital projection system that promises to take the experience its capacity and surrounding Guests with new interactive light years into the future. Jay noted that the updated elements under a three-ring circus tent. attraction would do things, “that have never been done in Looking ahead to 2013, the expanded land is scheduled Images presented are concept designs only. All elements are subject to change. any Park attractions before at any Theme Park anywhere.” to welcome , allowing Guests to join Tinker Bell and friends in a magical world of towering flowers, giant Fantasyland® expansion: Confirming a frenzy of Internet blades of grass and plenty of dust (pixie dust, of course). rumors, Jay officially revealed that the Fantasyland area of the ® Park in Florida will double in size by Perfect stranger: While famous faces became almost 2012, marking the largest expansion project (represented in commonplace at the star-studded expo (Miley Cyrus, Nicolas renderings below) in the Park’s nearly 40-year history. Cage and John Travolta were just a few of the attendees), our A new area called Fantasy Forest will let Guests explore favorite celebrity moment came when the incomparable the fairytale homes of their favorite Disney princesses. Guests appeared in full Captain Jack Sparrow regalia will learn how to waltz at Cinderella’s chateau, attend a to wrap The Walt Disney Studios movie preview experience. surprise 16th birthday party for Princess Aurora in her The fourth film in the hit series, slated for a summer 2011 cottage, be magically transported from Belle’s house to the release, now has an official title: – On Beast’s castle and more. Stranger Tides. Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, the immersive new ride- through attraction now in development as part of the Watch Disney Files Magazine for in-depth coverage of expansion of Disney’s California Adventure® Park in these and other future projects. And to learn more about Anaheim, will open a second location in Florida as part of D23 membership, visit www.disney.com/d23. the sweeping project (look for the attraction to open on both news and insight from around the neighborhood

Sailing on the waves of disney inspirations

Animation inspirations take center stage

Members returned “home” to the ® this fall, sailing once again on the waves of Disney Inspirations as they enjoyed the S.S. Member Cruise 2009. “We introduced the Disney Inspirations theme on our S.S. Member Cruise 2008 with high expectations, but we couldn’t have predicted just how well it would play out at sea,” Disney Vacation Club Events Manager Jennifer Haile Tinn said in a special edition of Disney Files Magazine, distributed exclusively in S.S. Member Cruise 2009 staterooms. “Inspirations are at the heart of everything we do at Disney, and revealing those inspirations allows you to see even the most familiar worlds through new eyes.” Focusing the inspirations concept in 2009 tightly on the art of , the team peeled back the curtain on future films, freed lost animation from the Disney vault, celebrated legendary voice talents, previewed a masterfully restored classic and more. Walt Disney Studios Pictures Group International executive Mari Gastineau offered an inspiring look at “Animation’s Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” giving Members a sneak peek at films in development, including The Princess and the Frog (see pages 23-24 for more details about that film), Cars 2, a new Winnie the Pooh feature, 3, Rapunzel and the upcoming ABC Television animated holiday special “Prep & Landing” (read more about “Prep & Landing” on page 25). Disney animation veteran Dave Bossert, meanwhile, showcased “Disney’s Lost Animation,” presenting deleted sequences from Disney classics and concepts for never- completed animated features. Dave even treated audiences to a screening of “Plight of the Bumble Bee,” a short created decades ago but never released, and an abandoned version of the “Pomp and Circumstance” sequence from , in which the Disney Princes and Princesses marry and start families. In another show, Dave shared his firsthand knowledge of the painstaking film-restoration process before presenting a high-definition advance screening of Walt Disney’s original full-length masterpiece, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (allowing Members to see the film in HD weeks before its Disney Blu-ray Disc release), outdoors and under the stars on the ship’s giant Ariel screen. Other highlights of the voyage included a lively talk show featuring the voice actors behind some of Disney’s most beloved animated characters, including Disney Legend Kathryn Beaumont, voice of Alice in Alice in Wonderland and Wendy in Peter Pan, and new Disney Legend (inducted just days before the cruise) Bill Farmer, voice of Goofy and other iconic characters; and an interactive experience starring acclaimed Disney artist Don “Ducky” Williams, who helped Members create their own animation cel. There’s little time for rest at Disney Vacation Club headquarters, as the S.S. Member Cruise planning team is hard at work on a new slate of offerings for next year’s voyage.

page 7 dvcmember.com Clever CoutureWho by Andrew Santelli 2Call Disney Vacation Club Advance Sales Associate (and Disney Files Magazine contributor) AndrewWhat Santelli has a keen eye for wearable wit.4 Disney Files Magazine is pleased to share some of the most memorable T-shirts Andrew has observed on Guests from his prime viewing location at Disney Vacation Club Information Centers throughout the ® Resort. Enjoy the madcap, short- sleeved hilarity.

Where: Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park T-shirt slogan: What was the greatest thing before sliced bread? Why I loved it: It’s a great conversation starter. I Your Disney Files staff has received several recent vote for the knife. What would sliced bread be questions about questions (that’s not a typo), and without it? we’re here to help by offering this handy little breakdown of who to call for what. (Fortunately, it’s Where: Magic Kingdom® Park less confusing than this sentence.) T-shirt slogan: Oedipus was a momma’s boy. Why I loved it: Because who doesn’t love a little You have questions about your resort while staying ancient Greek trash talking? (Kudos to those who in said resort: Use the labeled buttons on your in- recall that the original version of room phone to connect directly to the appropriate on- at ® featured ancient Greeks performing site department (Housekeeping, Maintenance, Front Oedipus Rex.) Desk, etc.). Where: Disney’s Contemporary Resort You have questions about your Membership, T-shirt slogan: This statement is false. Vacation Points or Disney Vacation Club offerings Why I loved it: It got me thinking about other in general: Call Member Services (800-800-9800). confounding statements. Like Rhode Island being neither a road nor an island. Or Greenland being You have questions about sales promotions or new icier than the considerably greener . resorts joining the Disney Vacation Club neighborhood: Call your Vacation Club Guide. Where: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park T-shirt slogan: Rock is dead. Long live paper and You want to know how to work 17 jobs and still have scissors! great hair: Call Ryan Seacrest. Why I loved it: Because, try as you might, rocks can’t make those cool snowflake decorations that bring holiday cheer to elementary school cafeterias.

They’re kidding. Don’t call me.

This statement is false. happy new year!

Enhanced perks begin Jan. 1, 2010 sports activities before noon, while continuing to save 10 percent after noon. Call (407) 939-0754 for reservations. WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort: Forget the hype Hungry after all that activity on the lake? House of about New Year’s resolutions. (Your weight’s fine, the time Blues at Downtown Disney® West Side will increase its lunch you spend playing those fantasy warlord games is perfectly and dinner discount from 15 percent to 20 percent healthy, and we’re fairly certain that you’ve got your online- (excluding alcohol, tax and gratuity), and its famous shopping addiction under control.) Let’s talk about some Sunday Gospel Brunch will continue to let Members save cool Member Perks that are poised to get even better 20 percent off advance tickets or get a free ticket with the in 2010. purchase of three at the regular price (lowest priced ticket is Your friend Sammy Duvall will invite you to continue free). (Other restrictions apply to the brunch discount, saving 10 percent on merchandise (excluding sale items) at which is not valid with any other offer.) his Curl by Sammy Duvall store on Pleasure Island, and as No offense, but when you’re done with your soul-food- an added bonus for the new year, Members who spend eatin’, wakeboard-ridin’, free-T-shirt-wearin’ day-o- $100 or more will get a free T-shirt (a $22 value). discounts under the Florida sun, you’re going to be in dire Now if the name Sammy Duvall sounds familiar need a bath. Why not make it extra special with some (hence our calling him a “friend” just a paragraph ago), it’s indulgent soaps from the good people of Basin® at probably because the Sammy Duvall Watersports Centre at Downtown Disney Marketplace? After all, they’re increasing Disney’s Contemporary Resort Marina has sent Members their Member discount from 10 percent to 15 percent. and Guests flying over and across for years. If that’s not a good enough reason to look forward to Popular activities include parasailing, personal watercraft, January, we don’t know what to tell you. Though we can waterskiing, wakeboarding and tubing. Members in 2010 remind you that January begins the final season of “LOST” will save 20 percent (currently 10 percent) off all water on ABC. (‘Tis the season for synergy!)

page 9 dvcmember.com perks beyond the parks

Golden opportunities in the Golden State Bombs that won’t land you in prison: To be clear, they’re bath bombs, and the only thing they’re really capable of DISNEYLAND® Resort: For some vacationers, the destroying is stress. Pick up some of these fizzy friends or any perfect Disney day doesn’t involve piloting a pachyderm, number of scented soaps, shampoos or massage bars at jumping to light speed or picking up a hitchhiking ghost. In Basin®, and be sure to take advantage of your 10 percent fact, it doesn’t involve a Park at all. (Insert collective gasp from discount. (Note: the discount soon gets even better, growing to Disney brass here.) 15 percent effective Jan. 1, 2010.) For this trendy traveler, it’s all about the shopping. The thrill of the hunt. The ecstasy of finding the unexpected. And The bear necessities: See what we did with there? You will the smug sense of satisfaction that comes with whipping out a in a second. It’s a 10 percent discount on merchandise at the Disney Vacation Club Member ID card at the register, as if to Build-A-Bear Workshop®, the place that lets you choose from say “not so fast, my friend” to the friendly person announcing more than 100 outfits as you add distinctive accessories to your total. your custom teddy bear. (Restrictions apply. Not valid on gift To these wranglers of , we present some of the card or party purchases.) Now you see how fun our bear pun surprising stuff one can get at a discount while conquering the was? Let’s move on... Downtown Disney® District at the Disneyland Resort. Unmatched socks: Known for selling non-matching Your youth: While you can’t actually get younger, the socks in sets of three to encourage self-expression through AMC® Theatres let you turn back the clock on ticket prices. mixing and matching, LittleMissMatched™ has expanded its Visit on Tuesdays, for example, and buy adult tickets at child offerings to include everything from books to bedding, PJs to ticket prices. On Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays pencil pouches and flip flops to furniture, and the place offers and Sundays, buy adult tickets at matinee prices. a 10 percent Member discount.

Kids in pots: Explore the flagship store of famed Mahogany flying machines: Take a tropical trip to Island photographer Anne Geddes, whose iconic images of babies Charters, where hand-crafted airplanes, authentic flight dressed as flowers have made Moms look at gardening jackets and collectible models are among the treasures eligible through new eyes. Members get a 10 percent discount on for your discount of 10 percent off any single item priced at regularly priced photographs, clothing and other merchandise $50 or more. items (excluding limited-edition prints). Bricks: We’re talking the brightly colored, stacking variety available at the LEGO® Imagination Center, which invites you to “build a bridge to family fun.” (Clever LEGO marketers!) Shop from a huge collection of LEGO merchandise and enjoy a 10 percent discount off any purchase of $50 or more.

A bright future: Okay, so we can’t guarantee your prosperity. But when we got to this perk, we started singing that “My Future’s So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades” song. Save 10 percent on select merchandise at Sunglass Icon, home to “must-have” sunglasses from such noted designers as Prada, Versace, Gucci, Oakley and others.

(The symbolic equivalent of) second place at the Winter Olympics: Disclaimer time again. We’re certainly not giving you athletic talent. Just a discount on silver. Discover unique jewelry and accessories for men and women at Something Silver®, and proudly claim your 10 percent discount.

*All shopping perks are subject to change without notice. Must show your Disney Vacation Club member ID Card to receive discount or benefit. 10 fun things about hawai’i

While Members will have to wait until a planned 2011 10: Looking to get away? You can’t get much opening date to check into Disney Vacation Club villas on further away (without leaving civilization the Hawaiian island of O‘ahu, they don’t need to wait that entirely) than Hawai‘i. Located 2,390 miles from long to enjoy the Aloha State through the magic of California, 3,850 miles from Japan and 4,900 Membership. With exchange resorts on Kauai, Maui, O‘ahu miles from China, Hawai‘i holds the distinction of and the “big island” of Hawai‘i, RCI® offers a variety of being the most isolated population center on opportunities to whet your island appetite. Earth. Member Services can get you on your way, but it’s our job here at Disney Files Magazine to 9: Looking for pleasant weather? History make sure you’re packing suggests there’s no safer bet than Hawai‘i. enough random facts to Excluding Alaska, Hawai‘i stands out among all annoy others. So without other states as having recorded the highest further delay, please record-low temperature and lowest record-high enjoy 10 of the many temperature. In other words, with summer things we find fun averages in the low 80s and winter averages in about Hawai‘i. the low 70s, the weather’s pretty darn pleasant.

8: At 10 miles long and 3,500 feet deep, Waimea Canyon on the island of Kauai is known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Just don’t forget to fill your tank before you get there, as gas stations don’t exist along the 40-mile Waimea Canyon Road. Also note that early morning offers the best canyon viewing, as clouds typically roll in by afternoon.

7: While Honolulu is the nation’s 11th largest metropolitan area, it’s technically the largest city in the world. How is this possible? The state’s constitution dictates that any island or islet not belonging to a particular county belongs to Honolulu by default. This includes Midway Island, located 1,500 miles northwest of Hawai‘i. By that technical definition, Honolulu’s physical width would stretch halfway across the 48 continental .

6: The hit ABC television series “LOST” films on the island of O‘ahu. (You can’t really visit the set, but including this fact on our list gave us an excuse to publish a photo of star Evangeline Lilly, who’s rather attractive.)

page 11 dvcmember.com 5: In your fall magazine, we mentioned that South Africa trails only Australia in total number of windmills. (And then we made a delightfully clever Don Quixote reference, if we do say so ourselves.) Those places may have more windmills than Hawai‘i, but not bigger windmills. O‘ahu sports a 20-story-high windmill equipped with dual 400-foot-long blades, making it the world’s largest wind generator. And in case you’re wondering, the “big island” of Hawai‘i is home to the world’s largest telescope.

4: The state fish is called the humuhumunukunukuapua‘a, which we’re pretty sure dominates the annual “Most Frequent Use of the Letter U in State Animal Names” competition. If you struggle to pronounce the name when whipping out this particular fun fact, it’s also known as the rectangular triggerfish.

3: Downtown Honolulu’s Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the U.S., sported electric lights four years before the White House.

2: If you see a snake in Hawai‘i, it’s a tourist, not a native. The state has no indigenous snakes, and the few illegally “introduced” snakes found on the islands are the target of aggressive eradication programs.

1: The Hawaiian alphabet includes only 12 letters: A, E, I, O, U, H, K, L, M, N, P and W. All of us at Disney Files Magazine (or ine ile Maaine) hope you learned a little something today about your new island neighbor.

Just missing the cut: Hawai‘i leads the nation in life expectancy. (Forget vacationing in Hawai‘i. We’re moving there!) page 13 dvcmember.com 13 page

ANSWERS: (1) The boy on the left now has a Mickey Mouse-shaped float on his fishing pole, (2) the boy in the middle has lost his back pockets and (3) gained a fish in his bucket, (4) the boy on the right now has a really bad haircut, (5) the Treehouse Villa in the background has lost its windows, (6) more trees have grown on the left side of the forest and (7) a vertical post is missing above the

railing on the right.

ALTERED

ORIGINAL

the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. & Resort Springs Saratoga Disney’s at Villas Treehouse the

Put that skill to the test by spotting the seven things we’ve altered in this photo, shot at shot photo, this in altered we’ve things seven the spotting by test the to skill that Put

The Disney Vacation Club Member community has a famously sharp eye for detail. for eye sharp famously a has community Member Club Vacation Disney The

S I H T E R U T C I P

P P

I I S S

I I C C

T T H H

U U T T

R R E E SPICY SEARED SWORDFISH

To help celebrate the opening of The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa in Anaheim, Disney Files Magazine is pleased to present this simple and tempting recipe from the nearby Storytellers Café. If you’ve had swordfish sitting in your fridge and just didn’t know what to do with it, this is your answer. If you don’t have any, get some. We’ll wait.

Serves 4

Main dish ingredients: 4 (6-8 ounce) swordfish filets 1/2 cup olive oil 4 teaspoons store-bought Cajun spice

Main dish steps: 1. Coat the swordfish with olive oil. 2. Rub the oiled filets with Cajun spice and sear both sides in a hot sauté pan for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the filets reach your desired internal temperature. (“Medium rare” typically occurs at an internal temperature of 125 degrees Fahrenheit, while “well done” occurs at 140 degrees.) 3. Top with tomato-garlic relish (see below).

Relish ingredients: 5 Roma tomatoes 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil 1/4 cup olive oil (any variety) 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 medium sweet white onion, diced large 1 green pepper, seeded and diced 1/4 cup dry white wine 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon store-bought Cajun spice

Relish steps: 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Place tomatoes in baking pan and drizzle with the teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil and bake for 30 minutes in the pre-heated oven. (The cooked tomatoes should be tender but not too soft.) 3. Remove from oven, let tomatoes cool, then peel the skins and squeeze out the seeds. Chop in large chunks and set aside. 4. In a pan over high heat, sauté the garlic and onions in the 1/4 cup of olive oil until slightly browned. Add the green pepper and sauté until tender. 5. Stir in wine and balsamic vinegar, loosening browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Add tomatoes and season to taste with Cajun spice. 6. Add the relish to your swordfish filets, serve and enjoy!

Tip: You can prepare the relish in advance, refrigerate and reheat before serving.

page 14 dvcmember.com A refrigerator is more than just a place tourface store onyour which holiday to fruitcake. It’s a place of family honor, a s display report cards, award certificates or that disturbingly fun photo of Captain Hook attackingDisney your Files terrifiedMagazine kid on celebrates the . Like a proud parent, the achievements of Members and their families here on the “Fridge-o-Fame.”

istance: Early this year, David Going the d Helgesen of New Mexico, Member since 2005, successfully completed his first marathon.Marathon His for Walt Disney World® selection of the his endurance-running debut and his brilliant choice in inspirational reading material easilyDisney earned Files him a place on our fridge. All of us at Magazine congratulate runner 16206 on his personal triumph and praise his impeccable taste in periodicals.

Honor your family: Send your family’s good news, along with your name, address, phone number and Member Since year, to Disney Files Magazine’s Fridge-o-Fame, Disney Vacation Club, 1390 Celebration Blvd., Celebration, FL 34747. (Submissions become property of Disney Vacation Club and will not be returned.) When sending your submission, please sign and include our release form for each person pictured or referenced. For your convenience, the form is available in the download center of your Member Web site at www.dvcmember.com/releaseform. SMALL TALK

Your annual dues dollars at work: Crews at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort have installed 30 solar panels to heat water serving the Inn Building, reducing both propane costs and the resort’s carbon footprint. The installation follows the earlier introduction of new heat-pipe systems and Guest room thermostats as part of an ongoing effort to support Disney’s Green Initiatives. The resort also has increased the occupancy of its one- and two-bedroom vacation homes by adding a sleeper chair. Elsewhere in the neighborhood, Disney’s Beach Club Villas and Disney’s BoardWalk Villas are refreshing soft and hard goods, and similar efforts are on tap for Disney’s Old Key West Resort in 2010. Watch Disney Files Magazine for more details.

UR ROOM IS RDY: The new Mobile Room Ready many as 180 days before each dining-reservation date.) Notification Service lets Members and Guests who arrive Members who encounter any challenges booking their dining prior to their select Disneyland®, Walt Disney World® or reservations online may call Member Services to book by Disney Vacation Club Resort hotel check-in time to simplify phone. their arrival by alerting them through their cell/mobile phone when their room is available. To utilize the service, Important Web site news: Details about changes to the simply provide your cell/mobile phone number upon check- Home Resort Rules and Regulations regarding the rights and in and request a return-notification preference. When your limitations of an Associate (effective Nov. 30, 2009) are room is ready, a text message or automated call will alert you available at www.dvcmember.com. Also watch the Web site for to your room number. details about a new travel insurance option in the works.

For your protection: Disney Vacation Club has a variety of Valet parking update: Complimentary valet parking for measures in place to protect Members from unauthorized use Disney Vacation Club Members has been discontinued. of their Vacation Points. As a reminder, Members must Similar to other fee-based services, such as additional provide their Club ID or Member number when calling housekeeping or additional room amenities, only those Member Services. A Vacation Advisor can help Members add Members who choose to valet park will be charged ($12 a a password to their account, which can be used on future calls day), instead of including fees as part of the annual dues for in place of the aforementioned numbers. Members also must all Members. Complimentary Resort hotel self-parking is verify the last four digits of their Social Security Number if available for all Members and Guests, and drivers with they are U.S. residents. (Members who aren’t U.S. residents or disabled parking permits will continue to receive have no Social Security Number on record must verify their complimentary valet parking. home address or phone number.) Associates (individuals authorized to use a Member’s Vacation Points) also must Pool hopping: When using your Membership to stay at a provide their home address and phone number, along with Disney Vacation Club Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort the Member’s Club ID or Member number (or password). or at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, you and any Guests staying with you are permitted to pool hop to most other pools if Online dining reservations: Members and Guests now may they are not at capacity. Due to expected high occupancy, make dining reservations for select table-service restaurants pool hopping isn’t available Nov. 23-29, 2009, and Dec. 13, and dinner shows at the Walt Disney World Resort online at 2009-Jan. 3, 2010. Other restricted dates may be added. Pool www.disneyworld.com/dining. Members and Guests with Walt hopping is never available at Bay Cove Pool at Bay Lake Disney World Resort hotel reservations may enter their Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Uzima Pool and resort-reservation number to book as many as 10 days worth Samawati Springs Pool at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, of dining reservations (depending on the length of their Stormalong Bay at Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, the Resort stay) beginning as many as 180 days before their leisure pool at Disney's Beach Club Villas, or at the resort check-in date. (Members and Guests without Walt Disneyland® Resort in California. Full details are available in Disney World Resort hotel reservations may simply book as Portable Perks and at www.dvcmember.com.

page 16 dvcmember.com DESTINATIONS news and insight from the places where dreams come true

THE INCREDIBLE MR. LINCOLN

Reimagining a Disney classic

DISNEYLAND® Resort (California): This winter, Disneyland Guests are scheduled to once again enjoy “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.” The reimagined attraction marks the latest of an Audio-Animatronics® experience Walt Disney created for the 1964 New York World’s and moved later to . The show underwent a series of changes until closing to make room for a film called “Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years,” honoring the Park’s golden anniversary in 2005. “Faced with an opportunity to reintroduce this classic attraction, we challenged our team to bring a new sense of realism to Mr. Lincoln,” Walt Disney Imagineer told Disney Files Magazine. “You can literally now, in the computer, design a jawbone, and once it’s been animated on the screen, the image can be sent to a three-dimensional printer that literally grows that design element. It comes out as a finished piece that’s much more sculptural and organic, a dramatic departure from the nuts-and-bolts, robotic look of pieces used in the past. This is a big step toward what we believe will be a new generation of Audio-Animatronics figures.” Inspired by this and other technological breakthroughs, Imagineers turned their attentions to the attraction’s storyline. “In creating the original attraction, Walt considered using Lincoln’s famed , which the president had delivered to a wounded, post-war nation,” Tony said. “But instead, Walt selected words Lincoln spoke to deliver a more optimistic message. In looking at our options for the new show, we kept going back to Walt’s selections. We saw, in the state of our country today, a real need to give audiences a shot in the arm, to remind ourselves that this is a pretty great place. We really liked the words Walt had selected. Walt saw way into the future with everything he did, creating experiences that remain relevant for generations beyond the time in which they were created, and that’s proven to be the case once again with this project. You listen to the words Walt selected, as spoken by President Lincoln 150 years ago, and it sounds like he’s addressing the issues we face today.” Next, Tony and his team looked to music, an element regarded by fans and Imagineers alike as a Disney hallmark. “When you hear a song on the radio, you turn the volume up and say, ‘I love this song,’” Tony said. “Music is a big part of what makes attractions repeatable. So we’ve put four major musical compositions into this show. They’re stirring pieces that we believe Guests will look forward to hearing every time they return.” More than an Audio-Animatronics presentation, the multi-media attraction is filled with new and refreshed elements designed to surprise even the most seasoned Disneyphile. Restored digital soundtracks bring even the most subtle breaths of the show’s star to life. Emerging filmmaking technology animates still paintings created by Disney Legends. New imagery from renowned animator John Pomeroy reflects the artist’s passion for Civil War art. Even dialogue from a lost holiday version of the attraction (which Walt once planned to present on the Fourth of July and other patriotic occasions) finds its way into the show. “We open our show with the song ‘America the Beautiful,’ and dialogue from the never-heard holiday show gave us the perfect transition from that song to Mr. Lincoln,” Tony explained. “Spoken by narrator , the line reads, ‘No one cared more about America than the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.’” Hong Kong Expansion plans green lit

Theme Park to welcome three new lands

HONG KONG DISNEYLAND® Resort: Walt Disney Parks and Resorts recently received approval from the Legislative Council of Hong Kong to expand the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort by nearly 25 percent, adding three new lands and dozens of new experiences to Hong Kong Disneyland Park. While more details about the expansion plans will materialize during the months ahead, Disney Files Magazine is pleased to share a sneak peek at the initial “blue sky” concepts from . Our lawyers, of course, would like us to point out that the art presented is concept art, that some of the elements depicted are owned by Hasbro and are not yet approved, and that the concept designs are not final. (We’re nothing if not lawyer-friendly.)

Grizzly Trail: The path along Grizzly Trail will welcome Guests to a town called Grizzly Gulch (founded on Aug. 8, 1888 – the luckiest day of the luckiest month of the luckiest year), where miners have discovered gold in the surrounding hills. Guests will board mine cars for a thrilling, out-of-control adventure, racing through bear caves, a rickety mine shaft and the middle of town. Explorers also will pose with the largest gold nugget ever found in these here parts (and use phrases like “these here parts”), hop aboard the Geyser Gulch Stage Line for a photo and step into the old time jailhouse for a portrait behind bars. Thirsty travelers will find Frontier refreshments at the local saloon, while shoppers will find mining supplies and souvenirs at the Bear Necessities.

Mystic Point: Somewhere in the heart of a dense, tropical rainforest lies , the site of mysterious forces and supernatural events. Strange happenings are afoot in , home to a collection of exotic artifacts gathered by a group of international explorers. Guests will travel through the old mansion, where unexplained phenomena and bizarre turns of events take place in a dazzling array of special effects as they follow a mischievous monkey. Plans also call for the manor to house a merchandise shop and restaurant (where diners will feast amid a vast collection of relics, antiques and a few surprises). In the manor garden, meanwhile, Guests will discover a hidden world of illusions and mysteries from ancient cultures, and pose with unusual artifacts from around the world at the local freight depot.

Toy Story Land: While Andy’s away, the toys will play. Shrinking to the size of a toy, Guests will join the stars of the hit Disney• Toy Story films, taking a spin with Slinky Dog on a whirling roller-coaster in the round, dropping in parachutes from an 80-foot tower with the toy soldiers and riding with RC Racer on a huge, plastic half-pipe race track.

©Disney•Pixar Slinky®Dog is a registered trademark of Poof-Slinky, Inc. All rights reserved. Barrel of Monkeys®, Tinker Toy® and Lincoln Logs® are registered trademarks of Hasbro, Inc. Used with permission. ©2009 Hasbro, Inc. All rights reserved. ©K’NEX 2010

page 18 dvcmember.com holi-dates around the world

What will you celebrate this holiday season? ? Hanukkah? Kwanzaa? National Handwashing Awareness Week? (We didn’t make that up. It’s Dec. 6-12.) Whatever you’re celebrating, Disney Parks are pulling out all the festive stops to help you mark the occasion in memorable style. (Here’s hoping the Cast Members who stock the restroom soap dispensers are prepared for the Dec. 6 rush!) To help you plan your travels, Disney Files Magazine is pleased to present our annual breakdown of key holi-dates from Disney Parks around the world. Enjoy. (And wash your hands.)

DISNEYLAND® Resort (California) ESTINATIONS Disneyland Park: “it’s a small world” holiday embarks on the merriest cruise that ever sailed, Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle

D twinkles beneath a blanket of snow, A Christmas Fantasy Parade takes to the streets, holiday fireworks fill the sky, Santa and his reindeer take up residence at and sends doom buggies through Christmastown. (Through Jan. 3, 2010)

Disney’s California Adventure® Park: The recently enhanced Disney’s Electrical Parade returns to the Park to help celebrate the season. (Dec. 18, 2009-Jan. 3, 2010)

WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort

Magic Kingdom® Park: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns with the spectacular Castle Dreamlights, the “Holiday Wishes—Celebrate the Spirit of the Season” fireworks spectacular, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade and more. Tickets to this “after hours” party are available online at www.disneyworld.com/holidays (remaining dates as this magazine begins mailing include Dec. 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 18; 7 p.m.-midnight).

Epcot®: International holiday foods and traditions enrich the World Showcase® area throughout the day as part of Holidays Around the World, while nightfall brings a joyous finale to Illuminations: Reflections of Earth and, of course, the popular Candlelight Processional, with multiple nightly performances (5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.) pairing celebrity narrators (including such newcomers as and Vanessa L. Williams) with a mass choir and 50-piece orchestra for a grand retelling of the Christmas story (through Dec. 30).

Disney’s Hollywood Studios™: What started as a power-sucking, traffic-creating, headline-grabbing display at a private Arkansas home has gone Hollywood, becoming the annual Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights along the Streets of America, “bathed in bulbs of brilliance” as millions of lights keep time with the beats of a high-energy holiday soundtrack (through Jan. 4, 2010).

Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park: Jammin’s out and jinglin’s in as Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade becomes Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade, and Disney characters don their holiday best for greetings at Camp Minnie-Mickey (through Jan. 3, 2010).

TOKYO DISNEY® Resort

Tokyo Disneyland Park: Sparkling décor, a holiday parade and special entertainment create a “Christmas Fantasy” (through Dec. 25), while Jack Skellington hosts his “Haunted Mansion Holiday Nightmare” (through Jan. 14, 2010).

Tokyo DisneySea® Park: The lighting of a waterbone Christmas tree on Mediterranean Harbor as part of the “Candlelight Reflections” show (this year marks the final performances of the “Candlelight Reflections” show, which debuted in 2003) highlights the “Harborside Christmas” experience (through Dec. 25).

page 19 dvcmember.com DISNEYLAND® Paris

Disneyland Park (Paris): ’ Village returns to the Park, inviting kids to meet the man himself and post their holiday wish lists at the Santa Claus Post Office. Guests also enjoy the Disney Once Upon a Christmas Dream parade and the nightly lighting spectacular (through Jan. 6, 2010).

HONG KONG DISNEYLAND® Resort

Hong Kong Disneyland Park: A “Sparkling Christmas” celebration transforms the park into a winter wonderland. Catch the “Let it Snow” Christmas Parade, enjoy a merry voyage with It’s a Small World Christmas and take in the illuminating spectacle of the Lights of Winter (through Jan. 3, 2010).

To learn more, access each destination’s Web site through www.disneyparks.com MORE TO REPORT good to know before you go

Disney Gift Cards: Disney vacations would make perfect holiday gifts, if only castle spires weren’t so darn tough to wrap. Fortunately, there’s the Disney Gift Card. ESTINATIONS Loaded with dollar amounts ranging from $5-$1,500, the reloadable cards are

D accepted as payment for food, merchandise, accommodations and more at the Disneyland® and Walt Disney World® Resorts, and onboard the ® ships. They’re even valid at Disney Stores and at DisneyStore.com. Dozens of new card designs are available this holiday season online at www.DisneyGiftCard.com.

DISNEYLAND® Resort (California): The new Studio Disney 365, now open in the Downtown Disney® District at the Disneyland Resort, is helping young Guests ages 3 or older, accompanied by an adult, rock out like some of their favorite stars. Five unique Studio Star makeover packages are available, along with a variety of wardrobe options. Visit www.downtowndisney.com/disneystudio365 to learn more. For reservations, call (714) 781-STYLE (7895).

DISNEYLAND Resort (California): A bold renovation project is bringing both interior and exterior changes to the landmark Disneyland Hotel. The historic hotel will remain open throughout the project, which will be conducted in phases and is scheduled for completion in 2012. Reimagined Guest rooms will sport a contemporary look, anchored by Sleeping Beauty Castle-inspired headboards complete with fiber optic fireworks. Black-and-white art, meanwhile, will offer a nostalgic look at Walt Disney’s original Theme Park. Large, double-pane windows, designed to be energy efficient and filter outside noise, will replace the rooms’ sliding doors and faux balcony railings, giving the three towers – Magic, Wonder and Dreams – a sleek look with a radiant-blue tint. Work began with the Dreams tower, scheduled for completion in June 2010.

DISNEYLAND Resort (California): Disneyland Park marked the retirement of , Executive Vice President and Walt Disney Imagineering Ambassador (and Disney Files Magazine contributor), by honoring him with his own Main Street, U.S.A.® window. Walt Disney established the cherished tradition of window dedications as a way to pay tribute to the men and women who were instrumental in the creation and operation of the Park. Marty’s window, located above City Hall, reads, “Main Street College of Arts & Sciences, Martin A. Sklar, Dean.” Marty began his Disney career in June 1955 as Editor of The Disneyland News, worked with Walt on several major projects, and helped develop every Disney Park thereafter. Look for Marty’s “Park Perspectives” column to continue in select editions of Disney Files Magazine as the Disney Legend enjoys his well-deserved retirement.

DISNEYLAND Resort (California): at Disneyland Park has re- opened in a new location, showcasing Disney art and artifacts (such as the Haunted Mansion piece by , pictured here) next door to the Opera House in the former Bank of Main Street. The gallery previously operated above the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction and closed to make way for the Disneyland Dream Suite. Walt Disney Imagineers have maintained the building’s distinctive architecture, retaining the vault and other key features to visually tell the story of an old bank turned into an art gallery. For a list of upcoming exhibits and events, visit www.ArtOfDisneyParks.com. DISNEYLAND® and WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resorts: Princess Tiana, star of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ highly anticipated movie The Princess and the Frog (look for details about the movie on pages 23-24), is making herself at home in the places where dreams come true. In addition to joining Prince Naveen to meet adoring Guests at the Magic Kingdom® Park in Florida and Disneyland Park in California, the newly crowned princess is starring in a limited engagement of Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee at both Parks through Jan. 3, 2010. This immersive riverboat extravaganza brings characters and music from The Princess and the Frog to life both on the riverboat and along the riverside. Check each Park’s Times Guide for details.

WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort: La Cava del Tequila has opened next to the San Angel Inn restaurant inside the Mexico pavilion at Epcot®, celebrating the heritage and tradition of tequila-making in Mexico through its décor, artwork, original artifacts and authentic spirits. The quick-service bar serves more than 70 authentic tequilas; exotic margaritas featuring tropical fruits, spices and flavored salts; and tapas-style snacks ranging from tostadas to freshly made guacamole. An on-site “Tequila Ambassador” enhances the experience by educating Guests on the history and heritage of tequila- making.

WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort: The Sum of All ThrillsTM, the first ride ever created for at Epcot®, recently opened to Guests. The experience lets Guests custom-design their own , bobsled or jet plane thrill ride using mathematical tools and an innovative touch-screen table before riding their creation from beginning to end on the robotic KUKA RoboSim 4-D simulator. The attraction is a core component of the Raytheon MovesUTM program, which aims to engage middle school students in math and science activities, and to help create the next generation of innovators. After returning home from their experience at the attraction, Guests may continue their adventure online at www.mathmovesu.com.

DISNEY CRUISE LINE®: Disney Cruise Line officials have unveiled sweeping enhancement plans for Disney’s private island paradise, . Planned highlights include an expansion of the Castaway Family Beach, a new Cookies Too lunch buffet near the expanded beach, a new Sand Bar beach bar, a new Flippers & Floats rental location, a second merchandise store, new water play areas (including the offshore Pelican Plunge, pictured right), the island-based Spring-a-Leak and a new play area for the island’s youngest Guests at Scuttle’s Cove), 20 new private beach cabanas, a new location for Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure, a new secluded teen space called Hide Out, the new In Da Shade Game Pavilion, three new massage cabanas and more. The project is scheduled for completion by summer 2010.

DISNEY CRUISE LINE: As the new Disney DreamTM ship debuts at Port Canaveral in 2011, the Disney Wonder® ship will move to Alaska for a four-month season of seven- night sailings. Book-ending the 2011 summer season in Alaska, the ship will sail seven- night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. The ® ship, meanwhile, which will spend most of 2011 sailing Caribbean itineraries out of Port Canaveral, will return to the Mediterranean for summer 2011 voyages out of Barcelona. Call Member Services for more details about Disney Cruise Line vacations.

page 22 dvcmember.com DIVERSIONS enjoying Disney between trips

THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG

New movie drawn in the “classic Disney lineage”

Meet Tiana, the newest addition to the celebrated league of Disney princesses. Tirelessly waiting tables in 1920s New Orleans, our new heroine sweats, struggles and saves every discretionary penny as she dreams of doing something more. (As you know, the whole “dreaming of something more” thing is a prerequisite for the Disney Princess gig.) While focused on her goal of opening her own restaurant, Tiana’s journey takes a surprising detour when she reluctantly locks lips with an arrogant amphibian. There’s more to the story, of course, as audiences will discover when Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Princess and the Frog opens in theaters this holiday season. The highly anticipated new film from acclaimed directors Ron Clements and John Musker – the team behind such hits as The Little Mermaid and Aladdin – builds on the classic Grimm Brothers tale of “The Frog Prince” with a sweeping story that aims to revive Disney’s grand tradition of musical fairytales, add a dynamic new face to Disney royalty and return the legendary studio to its celebrated hand-drawn roots. Disney Files Magazine caught up with the directing duo to get their perspectives about this ambitious project.

Disney Files: There’s been a lot of buzz in the press about Tiana being African American, but this character is about so much more than her ethnicity. This is a very modern princess.

Ron: Absolutely. Her dream has nothing to do with romance. She isn’t focused on finding a man or true love’s kiss. In fact, falling in love is more of an obstacle to Tiana; an unexpected hurdle between her and her dream of owning a restaurant. We’re at once celebrating the great tradition of Disney Princesses and taking the genre in a bold, new direction.

John: The Disney Princesses have almost become a band of superheroes. There’s a certain pressure involved in creating a new princess that upholds this tradition.

DF: As if that wasn’t enough pressure, you took a bit of a risk by telling this story through the somewhat abandoned medium of hand-drawn animation.

John: Everything we do at Disney begins with the story, and this story was truly written for the hand-drawn medium. Whether you’re talking about clay animation, hand-drawn animation, computer-generated (CG) animation or even the puppetry arts, you’re really just talking about different paint brushes. It’s all about finding the right brush to paint your story. Hand-drawn animation puts The Princess and the Frog in the classic Disney lineage. It’s a style that Ron and I were fortunate to learn under Walt’s legendary ‘Nine Old Men.’ Hand-drawn animation is so loose and organic. The water, curvy cypress trees, Spanish moss and other elements of the bayou in this film really lend themselves to this medium. I’m also a caricaturist by trade, so I have great affection for the hand-drawn approach to developing characters. With just a little slip of the pencil, you can really tweak an expression. As filmmakers, this establishes a unique connection between artists and their characters, and I think that comes across on screen.

page 23 dvcmember.com DF: Fans may be surprised to know that the decision to return to the hand-drawn medium began with , whose success in computer animation led studios to abandon traditional methods in the first place.

Ron: John Lasseter [who, with Disney’s acquisition of Pixar Animation Studios, became the first animation filmmaker since Walt Disney himself to lead the company’s animation studios] loves hand- drawn animation as much as he loves computer Ron Clements John Musker animation, and he’s been our biggest supporter. shooting thousands of photos that really inspired the art DF: Many of John Lasseter’s films have benefited from direction of the film. Even some of the film’s characters came the musical talents of , who wrote seven out of those trips. A famous storyteller who toured us new songs for The Princess and the Frog. What led you to through the Garden District, for example, became the basis Randy for this project? for Mama Odie in the film. John: Randy spent summers in New Orleans as a kid, John: Another tour guide inspired Ray, our Cajun firefly and he has great affection for that city. We listened to a classic character. And we met an accomplished restaurateur who song he wrote called “Louisiana 1927,” which really showed started her career as a waitress. She really helped us pull how perfect he was for this project. We’ve always believed in Tiana’s character into focus. the marriage between music and animation. It goes all the way back to the “Silly Symphonies” … It gets you to the DF: With all due respect to both the princess and the heart of a story in such a visceral way. frog, the city of New Orleans itself may be the film’s most important “character.” Ron: And musical numbers are such fun to do. John and I divide up the directing duties, with each of us taking John: It’s everything in this story. In researching New individual sequences of the film. We’re always fighting over Orleans history, we learned of these grand, formal balls the musical sequences. attended by European royalty, which gave us this wonderful opportunity to weave the aristocracy of a fictitious country DF: Speaking of behind-the-scenes fighting, tell us with this great American city. We’ve read comments on the about your working dynamic. Internet from fans asking, “How can you have a princess in New Orleans? What are they thinking?” When you see the John (laughing): Fortunately, you have a producer to film, it all makes sense. play referee. Seriously, it’s a great chemistry. Ron has a really strong sense of story structure, making sure that all of the See for yourself when The Princess and the Frog opens in scenes advance that story, interlock and pay off later. I’m a U.S. theaters on Dec. 11, after earlier debuts in New York and little more focused on the specifics of the dialogue, the Los Angeles. individual performance of the characters and perhaps the humor. We play to each other’s strengths.

DF: And nothing helps build that chemistry like some good research trips to New Orleans.

Ron: John and I had never visited New Orleans, so we made three trips, once taking our entire production crew, DIVERSIONS broadcast special after capturing the imagination traditional short and evolved to become a 30-minute animated feature based on an idea by Chris Williams (co-director the of stirring. It’s a world we’ve never seen before.” tree is just the right height, that there are no creatures is clear, that there’s no fire in the fireplace, that the Christmas Files Service,” co-director Stevie Wermers-Skelton told Wayne among his idols. on the job, with Lanny, an eager young recruit who counts love Christmas of has been dampened by hundreds years of Studios pairs Wayne, a disgruntled whose elf special from the Walt Disney Animation Landing,” the new computer-animated the big guy’s arrival. Titled “Prep & elves to prepare the world’s homes for operation deploying specially trained Center, a high-tech, top-secret North Pole Christmas Eve Command audiences get their first look at the taking any chances. “Prep & Landing” Here’s the scoop. the house just of about every television viewer in America. double dose holiday of magic from the house Mouse of to those tears, kids. The ABC Television Network is beaming a ABC airing Disney holiday magic IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME ON TV ON TIME WONDERFUL MOST THE IT’S Inspired by the classic holiday specials yesteryear of and “Think these of guys [pictured below] as Santa’s Secret This holiday season, ABC Television Santa Claus is coming to town, but he’s not Can’t get to the Disney Parks this holiday season? Dry Magazine. “They’re charged with making sure the roof Bolt ), “Prep & Landing” began as a

“Prep & Landing” Disney Kelly” co-star Kelly Ripa, and at the aforementioned and his “Live with Regis and BoardWalk Resort) may detect some familiar influences in special edition “Welcome of Home Wednesdays” at Disney’s Expo, onboard the S.S. Member Cruise 2009 and during a whom enjoyed sneak peeks the of special during the D23 our Santa Claus.” storytelling, and he inspires everyone around him. He’s really director Kevin Deters. “He has an incredible passion for producerof John Lasseter. the comfort home. of viewers the gift Disney of Theme Park entertainment from newlyof renamed “Disney Parks Christmas Parade,” giving Central), ABC renews a holiday tradition with its broadcast On Dec. 25 (10 a.m. Eastern, 9 a.m. Pacific, Mountain and “Disney Parks Christmas Parade” perspectives on the spirit giving of as Disney Parks roll out procession celebrating the colorful music New of Orleans. the Frog (voice Princess of Tiana in what’s expected to be among the show’s biggest spectacles, holiday movie Stevie Wonder, Demi Lovato and the canine stars the of new the Yanni Voices, “American Idol” Kris Allen, Celine Dion, appearances by the Jonas Brothers, Gloria Estefan, Yanni and Talent,” the show is scheduled to include performances and Ryan Seacrest, along with Nick Cannon “America’s of Got “American Idol” host and one-man-entertainment-empire the new “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” program, which aims to celebrate the generosity a of million volunteers in 2010 with tickets to Disney Theme Parks. Learn more about the program online at special feature story in the spring edition of Magazine, scheduled to begin mailing in February. the film. Discerning Disney Vacation Club Members (some of “John is a great collaborator and leader,” added co- Hosted at the Christmas isn’t Christmas until Regis works on his tan. Throughout the broadcast, stars will share their online at Landing” on ABC may view the special for free ) will lead an over-the-top, Mardi Gras-style Kingdom North Pole,” Kevin acknowledged. “And our offices Course in Florida. We’re big fans the of Parks.” have been covered with inspirational photos from Disney’s Miniature Golf “The layout of Viewers who miss the Dec. 1 debut “Prep of & www.abc.com : The Legend of Santa Paws ® Walt Disney World Park absolutely inspired the design our of www.disneyparks.com Disneyland . Disneyland ® ® Resort by the Park and the The Princess and , and look for a Disney Files ® Resort by Magic . In SANTA BUDDIES: THE LEGEND OF SANTA PAWS

Disney Dogs get festive Nov. 24 enjoying our dog puns) begins as Puppy Paws, the fun-loving son of Santa Paws, grows tired of life at the North Pole and Forget the dog days of summer. These puppies are all battles boredom by sneaking a peek at Santa’s closely about Christmas! guarded “naughty” list. Seeing Budderball’s name atop the On Nov. 24, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment infamous list, Puppy Paws heads south to meet the Buddies unleashes Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws, the latest and find out how ordinary pups (if you call talking puppies title in the hit “Buddies” series. “ordinary”) spend their days. But when the world begins to The phenomenon began in 1997, when became forget the true meaning of the holidays and the magic of the a box-office hit and launched a beloved library of home- season begins to literally melt away, it’s up to Puppy Paws entertainment adventures. Following in the four-legged and his newfound Buddies to save the day in an adventure footprints of Air Bud’s canine star, an endearing quintet of highlighting the importance of collaboration, courage and scene-stealing puppies (B-Dawg, Budderball, Buddha, tradition. Mudbud and Rosebud) grabbed the spotlight in , The film features the voice talents of such stars as Tim the most successful live-action, direct-to-DVD movie of Conway (“The Carol Burnett Show”), Richard Kind (“Spin 2006. Far from one-hit wonders, the pups returned to No. 1 City”), Tom Bosley (“Happy Days”), Field Cate (“Pushing in 2008 with and rocketed up the charts again Daisies”), (Nancy Drew) and in February 2009 with . (“The Bill Engvall Show”), along with the on-camera acting “The overwhelming success of each of our ‘Buddies’ talents of George Wendt (“Cheers”) and Christopher Lloyd adventures really highlights how irresistible Disney Dog (Back to the Future). returns to produce and movies are and what great family entertainment can be,” direct his fourth “Buddies” film. said Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment President Stores are carrying the film on standard-format Disney . DVD, and in a combo pack featuring both the standard DVD The popular pups’ new holiday tale (or “tail” if you’re and high-definition Disney Blu-ray Disc.

page 26 dvcmember.com by Disney-history VAULT expert Jim Korkis

Disney’s New Orleans tradition

Colorful connections to the Big Easy

Walt Disney Pictures’ upcoming animated feature The Princess and the Frog (pages 23-24) will build on some of Disney’s greatest traditions: dynamic princesses, treasured fairytales, sweeping musicals, hand-drawn worlds and creative influences from New Orleans. Allow me to explain that last one. A century before animators placed Princess Tiana against the vibrant back drop of “The Big Easy,” a young Walt Disney was fascinated with the grand steamboats of the Mississippi River. Entering adulthood, he had grown to love that river’s bustling port city, which he visited with his wife, Lillian, in the late 1940s. As the couple browsed antiques in the city’s eclectic shops, Walt discovered a small, windup birdcage containing a moving, singing, mechanical bird. Walt purchased the piece and presented it to his team of artists at the studio as they helped develop Walt’s dream of entertaining audiences in three dimensions. In 1963, the Enchanted Tiki Room began inviting Disneyland® Guests to a place “where the birds sing words and the flowers croon.” Inspired by that New Orleans trinket (now housed in the Walt Disney Archives), the attraction gave birth to the Audio- Animatronics® art form that remains a cornerstone of the Disney Parks experience. But it wasn’t the only piece of New Orleans to influence the happiest place on earth. When the Park opened in 1955, Walt already had plans to develop a New Orleans area. Opening-day broadcast hosts Ronald Reagan and Bob Cummings even referenced the southern flavor “down on New Orleans Street over in ®.” Four years later, Walt met Blaine Kern, a New Orleans float designer known as "Mr. Mardi Gras." Walt was particularly taken with one of Kern's more inspired creations: an 18- foot-tall gorilla containing five men, who operated the walking, expressive beast. Kern's gorilla landed a spot in an episode of Walt’s “Carnival Time” television program (March 4, 1962), in which Ludwig Von Drake sends Donald Duck to report on the Mardi Gras festivities from New Orleans. Walt offered Kern a job designing floats for Disneyland parades, though the famed designer opted to remain in his home city. (Kern’s son, Barry, carries on the family business today, designing props and sculptures for Disney Parks and other destinations.) Walt’s television productions returned New Orleans to the airwaves on April 15, 1962, when music legend (and New Orleans native) Louis Armstrong appeared in a show titled “Disneyland After Dark,” filmed during the annual “Dixieland at Disneyland” event. The hit show later reached domestic and international audiences as a short subject in movie theaters. Beyond the “Dixieland at Disneyland” event, the music of New Orleans filled the Frontierland area year-round with the sounds of groups like the “Young Men from New Orleans,” "Royal Street Bachelors," "Side Street Strutters”

from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort and "Bayou Brass." It was 1982 Walt’s vision for a dedicated New Orleans area of the Park came when the to fruition on July 24, 1966, with the official grand opening of New company Orleans Square. New Orleans Mayor Victor Schiro was on hand for announced plans the opening ceremony, as was a New Orleans reporter, who to develop a described as being “the next best thing” to New Orleans moderately Disney’s Port Orleans Resort itself and reported (with an assist from Disneylandpublicity priced, New materials) that the land was built for almost the exact amount paid Orleans-themed for the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. resort at the Florida site that later At the ceremony, Walt explained that, "Disneylandhas always became Downtown Disney® Pleasure Island. The had a Big River and a Mississippi sternwheeler. It made sense to build Empress Lilly steamboat-themed restaurant (known today as a new attraction at the bend of the river, and so Fulton’s Crab House), was to anchor a riverfront town in came into being -- a New Orleans of a century ago, when she was the which Guest rooms would be "hidden" on upper floors of 'Gay Paree' of the American frontier." buildings resembling a cotton mill or a boatwright’s shop. When New Orleans Square opened, Guests could hear the Financial turmoil in chants and ringing bells of a voodoo queen living off a balcony on prevented the concept from materializing and left the Florida the backside of the square. I often wondered if it was the infamous property without a New Orleans-themed destination until Marie Laveau, who practiced voodoo in New Orleans in the 1700s 1991 (the same year that the aforementioned “Party Gras” and 1800s, and whose portrait appears in the land’s two signature parade entertained Guests in the Sunshine State), when attractions: Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort opened its wrought-iron- Perhaps I’ll never know. detailed buildings and cobblestone streets to Guests. Walt was so fond of New Orleans Square that he selected a site Trombone playing alligators are among the whimsical Disney above the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction for a new apartment touches found at the resort, while authentic Mardi Gras for his family (larger than his apartment atop the Main Street, props (some of which the company purchased directly from U.S.A.®, fire station). Mardi Gras warehouses in New Orleans) salute the city’s Unfortunately, the New Orleans Square ceremony was famed holiday festivities. (In 2001, the resort merged with Walt’s last public appearance at the Park before his passing on the nearby Disney’s Dixie Landings Resort and became Dec. 15, 1966. known as the French Quarter district of the now broadened Decades later, as DisneylandPark celebrated “35 Years of Magic” Disney’s Port Orleans Resort.) in 1990, the New Orleans influence returned once again with the So as you head to theaters this holiday season to enjoy “Party Gras” parade. Singers, dancers, and stilt walkers threw beads an endearing animated musical set against the rich backdrop and Party Gras coins to Guests, as 40-foot-tall, inflated floats of New Orleans, remember that it’s just the latest example celebrated favorite Disney characters and dwarfed Main Street, of the company’s longstanding love affair with the city by U.S.A.buildings. the bayou. The parade shipped across the country the next year to help celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Walt Disney World® Resort, Did you know? ’ animated which had come close to welcoming its own New Orleans-themed feature The Hunchback of Notre Dame premiered at site a decade earlier. the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans.

from The Princess and the Frog

page 28 dvcmember.com from your cameras PHOTOFILES to our pages

Have we mentioned how much we enjoy seeing you take Disney Files Magazine on vacation? We must have, because our inbox has runneth over. (But don’t worry, we got a bigger box.) From Stonehenge to Trevi Fountain, and from the White House to the Great Wall, the Files have logged some impressive miles. We’ll return to our usual mix of Member photos in the spring, but first we’re dedicating this entire spread to our unapologetically self-promoting “File it Away” gimmick. Keep those photos coming!

Eric and Deborah Kirby of Florida, Members since 2008, take a break from their European vacation to read the Files at Stonehenge.

Stephen and Amanda Scherer of Florida, Members since 2001, take the Files to the White House in Washington, D.C.

Alexander and Barbara Thompson of Minnesota, Members since 1998, share the with Queen Elizabeth II (or at least her wax facsimile at Madame Tussauds museum) during a visit to London. Files Robert and Carolyn Neth of Indiana, Members since 2003, take the great magazine to the Great Wall (of China, lest you confuse it with the far-less-impressive Great Wall of Kissimmee).

While celebrating 10 years of marriage to husband Tim, Carolyn Bennett of Illinois, Member since 2007, catches up on some reading at Rome’s Trevi Fountain. I did NOT give you authorization to pick my nose, MAGGOT!

Royal Ribbit

It’s official. Carter Kleoppel Congratulations to the of Kansas, Member since Valedofsky family of Rhode 2004, is funny. Carter Island, Members since submitted our favorite 2006, for winning our caption for the “Best “Royal Ribbit” challenge Pick-ture” photo of young with this photo of their Member Anthony Potope adorable princess and frog. in our fall magazine. We’ve The Valedofsky family sent Carter his very own home now sports a Disney Files Magazine limited-edition serigraph baseball cap and pin (which from Walt Disney apparently are big hits on Animation Studios’ eBay, not that we endorse The Princess and the Frog, that kind of thing). signed by the film’s producer, Peter Del Vecho.

Share your memories Send your vacation photos to Disney Files Magazine, Disney Vacation Club, 1390 Celebration Blvd., Celebration, FL 34747. Submissions become property of Disney Vacation Club and will not be returned. Remember to include your name, hometown and “Member Since” year so the staff can credit you with the submission, as well as your phone number so we can contact you with questions. Also remember to sign and include our release form for each person pictured. The form is available in the download center of your Member Web site at www.dvcmember.com/releaseform.

Tip: Photos that tell a story have the best chance of getting into the magazine. So look for your best tight, candid shots that focus more on people than places. If you can make the staff laugh or cry, even better!

page 30 dvcmember.com BACK FILES Disney through the rear-view mirror

Pluto channels his inner mad scientist as he lights the Christmas tree on Dec. 1, 1989, at the fledgling Theme Park known today as Disney’s Hollywood Studios™. We’ll assume the camera angle made this festive moment appear more maniacal than it actually was. From all of us at Disney Vacation Club, happy holidays!

This concludes this edition of Disney Files Magazine. We’ll be back in a few months, of course, but it’s still a sad moment. Like the moment learned he wasn’t a real space . Until the spring magazine arrives, you can fill the editorial void by getting the latest news about special offers, events and more through the magic of e-mail. Simply visit www.dvcmember.com/email to register for e-mail communications. You’ll even get an animated e-mail signature when you sign up. We hope you enjoy being an e-mail insider while we work on the next installment of the Files!

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