2005 Trip stuff

Hey there all. In preparing for my trip in June, I figured it would be cool if I shared some of my favorite pictures from my trip to wdw in 2005. We stayed and the Wilderness Lodge Resort and I have to tell it was simply wonderful. The whole place had a very peaceful overtone to it. It was a pretty quiet resort and I loved the lobby. It was very well themed and is definitely on my list of favorite resorts. So, speaking of Wilderness Lodge, here is a wallpaper that I took from my stay there. Enjoy. Later.

Night Kingdom and Pictures of 2005 trip

Hey there everyone. I was listening to this weeks Magical Definition podcast with Jim Hill about the Night Kingdom attraction. I found the Orlando Sentinel blog post about it that mentions Jim Hill's article. The article is provided below, you just have to right click and save it to your computer. Also, I am starting to post a couple of pictures from my 2005 trip down to the world. They double as wallpapers so I hope you enjoy. The first is this cool pic of Expedition Everest while it was still under construction. I am probably most excited to ride this ride over all the others I haven't yet experienced. Talk you all later.

Hey there all. To give a little more information from comments I got yesterday. I haven't been to WDW since 2005. Yeah I know, it's been too long. So there are a lot of attractions that I haven't experienced yet that I am much looking forward to. Let's see there's Expedition Everest (it was still under construction when I was there), the Finding Nemo musical, the new canada film, the Seas with Nemo and Friends, the Laugh floor, the new haunted mansion updates, and probably some other things that I am forgetting. If anyone thinks of anything else let me know. Hopefully we will get lucky and Toy Story Mania will be open by then since they could be holding soft openings as early as April I hear. But last time that we were down we stayed at the Wilderness Lodge. What a wonderful resort that was. It was very serene and calm there. It was very nice to just walk around the resort at night. The transportation was surprisingly good there as well. I don't think we waited more than 10 minutes for a bus the whole time we were there. And we had the boat to the Magic Kingdom which was nice. But yeah, can't wait to get down, I'm so excited now that it's official. One of my goals is to get some good night time pictures in and around the parks. So today wallpaper comes all the way from Disneyland Paris. This is the Phantom Manor and I would love to visit this attraction. The theme here is just perfect and very well done. Enjoy and talk to you all later.

My Trip Is Official!

Hey there all. Just wanted to say one thing. I'm going to Disney World! We called and made our reservations yesterday. We will be there June 3rd through the 10th, staying at the Fort Wilderness Cabins. We have eight day park hopper passes and I am so excited I can hardly contain myself. My girlfriend just laughs at me when I get excited about it and says things like "You are just like a little kid". I kindly respond with a subtle, "You just don't get it yet, but you will". Also, here are some wallpapers I found on the DIS of the castle at night that you will enjoy. Peace.

Updates and AK wallpaper

Hey there everyone. Hope you all had a good weekend. Mine was ok, my little brother turned 19 on the 24th. I also found out that our disney trip has gotten just a bit sweeter. We are staying for 8 days and 7 nights now. How sweet is that? I can't wait to get down there. It's been three years since I was there last and let me tell you, that is way too long. But as always, here is a beautiful wallpaper that I found of the Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom. The color is very good in this picture. Let me know what you guys and gals think and if you have suggestions or requests, let me know, because if I can't find them, I will make them. TTFN!

Nightmare Before Christmas, How can I forget?

Hey there all. You know Rae, I totally forgot about Spaceship Earth in my post yesterday. I can't wait to see the updates there since it has always been one of my favorite attractions. We've stayed at the cabins before when I was younger, and I would definitely suggest that if you have never stayed in them, do it. You owe it to yourself. There are quieter than any of the other resorts. If you have a car you park it in front of your cabin (which is so much easier). And you still have the buses there if you don't want to drive or if you don't have a car, and you can take the boat to MK. I believe they are the lost point as far as price with any of the villas. They sleep 6 I believe and are perfect for any family because it's your own separated place, you have a kitchen, and enough room for you whole party. But anyways, at the request of Rae, here are some Nightmare Before Christmas wallpapers for everyone. You all can thank her on her blog http://raeplace.blogspot.com/. TTFN!

Snow, Ice, and Walt Disney World

Hey there guys. How's everyone doing? I got to drive  into work in a mix of ice and snow this morning. It's 19 degrees outside right now and it's not supposed to stop snowing until tomorrow evening. But you know, I guess it could be worse. So I don't think that I told everyone that my trip to California and to Disneyland got canceled. It's was fun finding that out from my parents. The money just wasn't there so we decided to hold off. But the goods news is, I'm talking everyone into going to WDW now. It's not a for sure thing yet, but we should know within the next month or so. Thinking about staying in the cabins at Fort Wilderness. That would be perfect because there is just enough bed space to fit all five of us. We are going to drive down because let's face it, it's cheaper than flying. We are planning 7 days and 6 nights at my favorite place in the world, Walt Disney World. I really hope that we can do this because not only would it make me feel better about California, but it's definitely maybe a little better. Just because I was looking forward to walking where walt walked. But whatever. I get to finally ride expedition everest. There were still building it when I was there in 2005 (if anyone would like construction photos I have them. And then there's the seas with nemo and friends,  finding nemo the musical, and the laugh floor comedy club. I think that's everything new since the last time I was there. Anyways, here are some Alice wallpapers, these are some of my favorites. If anyone has any tips, tricks, or suggestions about the world, let me know. Thanks. Laters.

Princess Tiana and a new Monorail for Disneyland

Believe it or not, it’s been over 10 years since there was a Disney movie about a princess. Anyone with a young daughter is probably familiar with the “Princess Collection” line of merchandise, but the most modern princess in there, Mulan, came to us all the way back in 1998.

Those same people with young daughters are probably anxiously awaiting The Frog and the Princess, a 2009 Disney release that boasts the distinction of starring Disney’s first African-American princess. A story set in New Orleans during the Jazz Age, Frog and the Princess stars Princess Tiana, a girl going on a journey of self-discovery with the help of a singing crocodile and some good ol’ Cajun magic and voo-doo.

It’s been since Lilo & Stitch, way back in 2002, that there was an animated Disney movie about a girl, and we all know that movie was really about the Elvis-loving alien anyway.

Disney had once announced that Home on the Range would be the studio's last 2-D entry to their animated features canon, but after the company bought Pixar in 2006, it was reported that Ed Catmull and John Lasseter were interested in going back to 2-D. Ron Clements and John Musker, directors of successful 2D Disney films Aladdin, Hercules and The Little Mermaid will be writing and directing this all new animated feature. I am truly excited to see this film. 2-D feature animation back where it belongs, coming out of Disney.  So what does everyone else think? Excited, not excited, want to wait and see, tell me.

Also, I found a pic of the new Mark VII Monorail that are going in at Disneyland in California. They are very cool looking and I think have a bit of a retro look to them. They seem like a throw back to the monorails of the past mixed the monorails we know and love today. Hope you enjoy. Peace.

For Those of You Who Didn't Already Know...

OK, for anyone who is behind on Toy Story Mania: it's a dark ride, set to open sometime in summer in the area that previously housed “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire -- Play It!” The exterior is definitely getting a facelift; it's behind a construction wall now. It's a competition, with park guests aiming at targets with "spring-action" cannon devices on board. The vehicles spin and "everyone has a front row seat.

There are four original songs written especially for the attraction. The backstory is that Andy (the child from the Toy Story movies) has been given a midway games playset that features five carnival booths. After Andy and his mom go to Pizza Planet, Woody and the other toys drag the set under the bed and assemble. Guests to the Hollywood Studios will then be "shrunk" down to toy size to play the games.

In the pre-show, a 5-foot-2 Mr. Potato Head acts as a boardwalk barker. He'll talk directly and specifically to guests (think Epcot's Turtle Talk With Crush). And he'll give clues for high scores and special targets.

Riders, after boarding their "carnival tram" vehicles and being shrunk to toy size, will receive some non-scored spring-action training. All characters are there, and Rex is the stage manager. The cannons can do 60 shots a second, and in the training area, you're launching virtual cream pies at targets.

OK, for anyone who is behind on Toy Story Mania: it's a dark ride, set to open sometime in summer in the area that previously housed “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire -- Play It!” The exterior is definitely getting a facelift; it's behind a construction wall now. It's a competition, with park guests aiming at targets with "spring-action" cannon devices on board. The vehicles spin and "everyone has a front row seat.

There are four original songs written especially for the attraction. The backstory is that Andy (the child from the Toy Story movies) has been given a midway games playset that features five carnival booths. After Andy and his mom go to Pizza Planet, Woody and the other toys drag the set under the bed and assemble. Guests to the Hollywood Studios will then be "shrunk" down to toy size to play the games.

In the pre-show, a 5-foot-2 Mr. Potato Head acts as a boardwalk barker. He'll talk directly and specifically to guests (think Epcot's Turtle Talk With Crush). And he'll give clues for high scores and special targets.

Riders, after boarding their "carnival tram" vehicles and being shrunk to toy size, will receive some non-scored spring-action training. All characters are there, and Rex is the stage manager. The cannons can do 60 shots a second, and in the training area, you're launching virtual cream pies at targets.

The ensuing games include "Hamm n Eggs," where you'll toss eggs at farm animals; dart throwing at balloons hosted by Wheezy and Bo Peep; throwing baseballs at a plate under the instruction of the Green Army Men; ring toss with Buzz Lightyear and the little green men (this is said to be the most difficult of the games); and a big-score opportunity in a saloon scene with Woody, Jessie, the Prospector and Bullseye.

Later, your score is revealed, and it's compared with the top scores of the day, the hour and of all-time for the attraction.

Hmmm, does this sound like Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin over at Magic Kingdom to you? This attraction has been in development for 2 years so my guess is that it may be a bit like Space Ranger Spin, but supercharged with cutting new technology and over-and-over ride-ability.  I can't wait for this attraction and I am looking forward to catching it when I go to the world for my honeymoon. Even that is a ways off, but I can still see it there on the horizon. Peace.

The ensuing games include "Hamm n Eggs," where you'll toss eggs at farm animals; dart throwing at balloons hosted by Wheezy and Bo Peep; throwing baseballs at a plate under the instruction of the Green Army Men; ring toss with Buzz Lightyear and the little green men (this is said to be the most difficult of the games); and a big-score opportunity in a saloon scene with Woody, Jessie, the Prospector and Bullseye.

Later, your score is revealed, and it's compared with the top scores of the day, the hour and of all-time for the attraction.

Hmmm, does this sound like Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin over at Magic Kingdom to you? This attraction has been in development for 2 years so my guess is that it may be a bit like Space Ranger Spin, but supercharged with cutting new technology and over-and-over ride-ability.  I can’t wait for this attraction and I am looking forward to catching it when I go to the world for my honeymoon. Even that is a ways off, but I can still see it there on the horizon. Peace.

Toy Story Mania and the weekend

Hey there everyone. How was the weekend? Mine was alright, just happy to not be at work really. My best friend had a baby girl friday afternoon so my girlfriend and I went up to the hospital to see the new baby (Kaida Lynn). Anyways, I was online looking at stories on the new Toy Story Mania attraction when I came across this photo.  The interactive Mr. Potato Head that will talk to guests is coming along nicely.  From what I hear, one of the most advanced things about this one is that his lips are supposed to move fluently and pronounce every syllable.  That will definitely be a site to see. Also, I'm trying to decide, would you all like to hear the facts and history on Illuminations  (my favorite show on property), Wishes, or Spectromagic? It really doesn't matter to me and I could also just do all three in the coming weeks. Let me know and I hope you are enjoying the blog. Peace

Couple More Wallpapers

I found some more wallpapers.  I will be doing a big post on the Toy Story Mania, but I want to do my research so I can provide an in depth, informative post.  Thanks guys and stay tuned. Peace

Happy Valentines Day!

Hey everyone, just wanted to pop in and say Happy Valentines Day and share a couple cool wallpapers that I stumbled across the other day.  If you all like them let me know and I will keep posting them. Peace

Another Album Review

1. Alice in Wonderland

2. In a World of My Own

3. I'm Late

4. The Caucus Race

5. How D'Ye Do and Shake Hands

6. The Walrus and the Carpenter

7. All in the Golden Afternoon

8. Alice in Wonderland

9. Twas Brillig

10. Very Good Advice

11. Unbirthday Song

12. March of the Cards

13. Finale

Hey there everyone, it's time for another album review.  I found this the other day on iTunes (not that I spend too much money there or anything). It is called "Alice In Wonderland: Music from the Score"  by the Camarata Chorus and Orchestra. This is a cool new twist on an already stunning soundtrack.  Alice in Wonderland is my favorite movie, and therefore the soundtrack is my favorite as well.  I wouldn't go as far as to say that this album is as good as the original, but is an interesting take on it.  There aren't to many odes to Alice since it was a very controversial film.  But that's a different story for another time.  But I were to rate it, I would give it a solid D-ticket rating. It's a great album and a good spin of the soundtrack so I would say if you are a fan of the original soundtrack, you can't miss this.  

Peace

Just a couple things today

1. Hercules: Go The Distance

2. Snow White: A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes

3. The Lion King: Can You Feel The Love Tonight?

4. Aladdin: A Whole New World

5. Pocahontas: Colors Of The Wind

6. The Little Mermaid: Under The Sea

7. Lady And The Tramp: Bella Notte

8. Snow White: Someday My Prince Will Come

9. The Hunchback Of Notre Dame: Someday

10. Peter Pan: The Second Star To The Right

11. Beauty And The Beast: Beauty And The Beast

12. Song Of The South: Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah

13. Pinocchio: When You Wish Upon A Star

Hey there everyone. Wanted start everyone out today with a product review for something I got from iTunes a couple days ago.  It is an album called "Color, Rhythm and Magic - Favorite Songs From Disney Classics" and it done by Earl Rose. This is a very calming album.  It has that old school type of piano jazz style to it. But the best part about, is they are all classic disney songs. They all have little things added here and there to round them into this jazzy style.  So if you like jazz, or if you just enjoy hearing your favorite disney songs in different ways, I highly recommend this album. It is definitely worth the 10 dollars on iTunes.

Also, I found this while doing a random disney photo search on google.  It is a scan of an original drawing from one of my favorite movies, The Three Caballeros. It is high resolution so click on the picture to get it full size, save it to your desktop. It is just the right size to make a cool desktop wallpaper. Enjoy and Peace

Hey there all.  Just updating my previous post about the new version of Aristocats.  I watched the movie over the weekend and I have to tell you, I was not disappointed. The color was remastered beautifully. But the best part of it had to be the sound. The music just seems more brilliant than the original movie.  I highly recommend this movie.  Really makes a positive change to a great classic animated feature. 

Peace

Disneyland Dream Suite

Again, when I was listening to the Inside the Magic podcast, I found out something very interesting. Disney has release official photos of the Disneyland Dream Suite in New Orleans Square.  These photos are amazing and I as I'm sure most of you would love to get the chance to stay in this 3 million dollar suite.  

Peace

Hot News!

I just found out listening to the Inside the Magic podcast that they are rereleasing The Three Caballeros and Saludos Amigos in one dvd set.  This is extremely exciting since that is one of my favorites.  The Three Caballeros that is.  I've never seen Saludos Amigos so I'm excited to seeing it for the first time.  The release date is April 29, 2008. Can't wait.

The Aristocats Back on DVD

I went to my local Best Buy last night and picked up the newest release of The Aristocats.  This was one of my favorite movies when I was a kid because of the great classic story and the memorable characters.  And now that I'm older I can appreciate the wonderful job that the Sherman Brothers did with the music for this movie. It's really crazy to put it into perspective as it's the 20th animated feature from Disney, and was premiered December 11, 1970. I only made it through the special features last night before I fell asleep, but I plan on watching what I'm sure will be a beautifully remastered classic Disney animated feature.  Can't wait for 101 Dalmatians next. You can pre-order it at the Disney store and get some free lithographs and an offer to pay 5 dollars more and get a little metal lunch box.  The release date for that movie is March 4, 2008. So yeah, let me know what you guys thought of the movie when and if you get it.  

Peace

My Very Own California Adventure

Hey there all. My family and I are finally ironing out plans for our very own California Adventure.  We are flying into San Fransisco and renting a car from there. It will be my parents, my brother (19), my girlfriend (20) and myself.  We are first going north to Sequoia National Park and then to Yosemite Park.  There will definitely be a lot of tree hugging going on here.  I love being outside and I love the state parks here in Missouri so I am really excited about this.  After that we are taking to good old highway 1 along the ocean all the way down to Disneyland!  This will be my first time to disneyland ever and I am extremely excited about it.  I am a little upset that we can't ride small world because it will be down for refurbishment, but oh well.  We will be spending 3 nights and 4 days staying at the Paradise Pier Resort.  The coolest part is that we get to disneyland on my girlfriends 21st birthday.  How cool is that? Then, to make things even cooler, our last day in the parks is my 23rd birthday. Can we all say sweet together. From there we are heading down to San Diego to take in the beaches and other sites down that way.  That rounding out our 2 weeks in California.  I will keep you all posted as plans develop and of whenever we get back at the end of July.

Peace

A little about me

Here is a little bit about the Dis Hippy.  I am born and raised in St. Louis, MO.  I am 22 years old and my birthday is July 25, 1985.  I just recently cut all of my hair off, 11 inches cut in one day.  It was a very monumental day.  I play the bass guitar, and enjoy music of all kinds.  My disney fan-hood started when I was a child.  We always had disney movies playing when we were kids and made many family vacations down to Walt Disney World. I am now a full on Disney nut.  I recently discovered disney podcasts and now subscribe to 19 different podcasts all about disney.  I am known at work as the "Disney Guy" and my girlfriend calls me a freak.  But you know, whatever, you can't help what you enjoy and what better thing to love than disney. Stayed tuned for more posts and discussions from you friendly Dis Hippy.  

Peace

First Blog! Ever!

Hey there everyone.  My name is Jeff Hamm.  Better known by my all about the mouse counterparts as Jeff From MO.  I am just your average disney hippy and I plan to discuss my favorite pass time, Disney.  And of course other random things that I decide to talk about.  The only thing I ask is that I want this to be interactive.  Let me know of any suggestions of topics or things any of you want to talk about.  Thanks to all for reading my blog and hope you enjoy.