Halloween Disney Style!

Another Disney Blog and BLOG CANDY!

Today I want to introduce you to a fellow Disney addict AND fellow crafter!  If you love Disney and Disney-related crafts, you'll want to sign up to be a follower over at Disney Dreamer Designs.  Be sure to tell Melissa how you found out about her when you visit, and leave a comment before midnight tonight for a chance to win crafty blog candy!  Thanks for the candy Melissa!

What's New In Orlando?

Disney's Art of Animation Resort is scheduled to open by the end of 2012 featuring nearly 2000 family suites.  The new hotel complex, located near the Pop Century Resort, will feature interiors and exteriors themed to The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Cars, and Finding Nemo.  A 35-foot tall King Triton will tower over guests at the resort.

In Downtown Disney, a hip new store called D Street has opened on the West Side.  The store will sell trendy and retro clothing and accessories, and it will be the headquarters for buying and trading Vinylmation figures, the hottest new Disney collectible.  Fans of the Adventurers Club will enjoy a visit to the store just to reminisce over the props on display from the former club. The former McDonald's will be the new home of Pollo Campero, but you won't recognize the building by the time the redo is complete.  It's been totally gutted to make room for the new restuarant, which will feature Latin-style chicken dishes.  At the old Virgin Megastore site, Ridemakerz is  opening for a limited time.  Customers will be able to design their own toy and remote control cars.  There's no word how long this store will be open.

Over at Hollywood Studios, there are lots of changes.  Disney has sold the rights to Power Rangers back to the original owner, so that show disappeared August 7.  Toy Story Mania has already gotten an addition to promote the Toy Story 3 movie, and Lots-O-Huggin' Bear (aka Lotso) is meeting guests in the Magic of Disney Animation.  Though he's not so nice in the movie, he's giving out hugs at the park, and appearing in the Block Party Bash.

In the Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland, visitors will see lots of construction walls while Ariel's Grotto and Pooh's Playful Place are closed.  Toontown will be closing as well.  Cinderella's Golden Carousel has a new name.  It's now the Prince Charming Regal Carousel. Disney says the name change is to "further develop the rich storylines in Fantasyland and help tell the rest of the Cinderella story."

Captain EO, the 3D Michael Jackson movie that played in Epcot 1986-1994, returned in July to the same theater it where it originally played, replacing Honey, I Shrunk The Audience.  We hear some new effects have been added.  Word is that Captain EO is a limited engagement, so HISTA or something new will return in the future.

Stay tuned for info about Disney's new luxury pet resort!

"Name" that Disney Fact

Most Disney fans know that Mickey Mouse was originally called Mortimer. He was renamed Mickey at the suggestion of Walt Disney's wife, Lillian. But see how many of these more obscure Disney names you know:

Disneyland's It's A Small World was originally named Children of the World.

Timon has a last name - Berkowitz - as revealed in Disney's Timon & Pumba series.

In Disney's The Incredibles, the family's last name is Parr.

In Disney's The Emperor's New School, Kronk's last name is Pepikrankenitz.

In Disney's The Little Mermaid, Sebastian's full name is Horatio Felonious Ignacious Crustaceous Sebastian.

In Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the prince had no actual name.

In Disney's Lilo & Stitch, Lilo and Nani's last name is Pelekai.

Sleeping Beauty Castle in the California and Hong Kong Disneyland parks is inspired by Germany's Neuschwanstein Castle.

Italians call Mickey Mouse Topolino.