Issue #3 - Robinsons Zooming, Gardens Blooming and Gran Fiesta's Looming
The Happiest News on Earth
April 7th, 2007 Issue #3
Established March 2007
Subscribership: 133
From the Editor
Mouse House News is proud to be back in your inbox offering you our third issue of Walt Disney World news. With an increase from 60 readers last week to 133 this week, it looks like Mouse House News is here to stay!
As many of
you celebrate the Easter holiday, we invite you to take some time to
peruse this issue. You will notice a couple of changes this week. One
change is the addition of our Mouseketeers section. In it, we welcome aboard a couple of new sponsors that we hope that our readers will support. Please check it out.
Last week we told you about our Google Groups site: http://groups.google.com/group/mousehousenews
Well, after viewing the site, one of our contributors generously offered to help us make a proper website. So, MHN is delighted
to introduce Stephen Champion as our new webmaster! The website is
currently under construction and we have set its launch date as April
14th. We are continuing to raise money to purchase a domain.
Enjoy the issue and the holiday!
Ali Sampson
Editor-in-Chief
Mouse Mail
Dear MHN:
I think [the last issue] was a great job by all
and makes me proud to have contributed. I just want to say
congratulations to everyone for putting together such a wonderful piece
of work. From top to bottom, it was a great read.
Tom Corless
Dear MHN:
About the Easter article [in the
last issue] ... If you got that Roger Rabbit Bunny Hunt from me, it was
a joke. A rabbit hunt has never existed in my memory. Hopefully it
was a joke. If not you may want to consider a retraction.
Adam Dworkin
The second letter refers to our mention of the Annual Roger Rabbit
Bunny Hunt being cancelled along with the Easter Parade. It was in
fact meant to be a joke but nobody else seemed to pick up on it. So
just to clarify: Walt Disney World never had its guests shoot fluffy
bunnies.
Do you have a question or comment that you would like to see addressed in Mouse Mail? Do you have something to say about one of the news items discussed in this issue? E-mail us at
mousehousenews@gmail.com and your letter might appear in one of our issues thus making you famous.
Front Page
Meeting the Robinsons
In our last issue, MHN
reported mixed reactions to the first viewings of Disney's latest
animated feature, Meet the Robinsons. So, we thought we would check
out the film for ourselves. In this issue, Brian Kenyon brings us a
review from a typical moviegoer's perspective.
Rating: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
Meet the Robinsons is a great family movie
with a lot of heart. I happened to get the opportunity to see it in
Disney Digital 3-D and the technology was absolutely flawless. I
highly recommend seeing this movie the way it was intended. People
think of 3D movies and automatically think of things flying out of the
screen tempting you to reach out and grab them. Meet the Robinsons in
3D does not do any of this. It is simply the normal movie with a third
dimension added. During the show they didn't stoop to any cheap
3D tricks (to quote a very famous amphibian).
Like most Disney movies, the main character has a troubled family life. Lewis is an orphan quickly
approaching his teenage years. He wants nothing more than a family of
his own. Lewis loves inventing things to simplify life. For example,
he thinks that making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich should be a
lot easier than it is. His mission is to develop a machine that can go
into his brain and extract the memory he had of the night his mother
dropped him off on the orphanage doorstep. If he can go back to that
night, he can find out who his real mother is and reunite with her.
Just when things can't get any worse for Lewis, a "time cop" named
Wilbur comes back from the future to help him ... and that is where the
fun begins.
The colours were stunning, the sound was
amazing, and the characters were very enjoyable. The story is where
the movie falls a little short. I found myself bored about halfway
through the film because the story seemed to just fluff out to fill
time. Children, though, will be glued to the screen due to the
fast-paced nature and the vibrant colours used.
One major flaw I found with the movie is the
lack of character development. If the movie had more input into the
lives of the Robinson family, it would've been an incredible movie.
Clocking in at a mere 92 minutes, there was definitely time left to
show the quirks that each of the family members had and why they had
those quirks.
The movie did have some twists and turns that
may be great for children but any adult can see where the movie is
headed 15 minutes in. This movie is not Pixar quality (as far as story
or animation goes) but it does have a place in the Disney family with a
very good message, some funny moments, and likable characters.
All in all I was not
disappointed with the film because I wasn't expecting a Pixar-like
experience. I would have been disappointed if it had the Pixar name
attached to it, for sure. There were two nice touches to bookend this
movie. The first was a classic animated short that was also in 3D from
1953 starring Donald Duck and Chip & Dale. The movie
ended well with a quote that went along with the message of the movie
from a very famous person that we all know and love, even if we haven't
met him.
Theme Park Notes
Spaceship Earth - How Will It End?
As
anyone who has ridden Spaceship Earth lately can see, the post-show
area is under construction. No indication has been given as to when
the new post-show will debut but currently guests are being re-routed
around the old hub area to exit the attraction as the rehab takes
place. A construction wall has been raised outside the building and a
"coming soon" sign sporting the Siemens name has appeared. But what's
going on inside? Caleb Hayworth provides us with the scoop.
What
is Walt Disney World cooking up now? Well maybe something we won't be
seeing quite so soon but in the near future a new post-show area is
coming to Epcot's Spaceship Earth. Siemens and Walt Disney
Imagineering have teamed up with students at Carnegie Mellon to build
arcade games to fill the abandoned Global Neighbourhood area.
The
9000 square foot post-show area will feature several exhibits that
relate to health care, transportation and energy. The games are aimed
at individuals between the ages of ten and fourteen. The ETC Project website offers the following description:
"The games offer a fun and exciting look at how Siemens technologies make our lives better. Siemens, one of the world's largest technology and energy companies, is also a world leader in supporting education with key initiatives such as Generation 21 and Siemens Science Days. Project Spaceship Earth will serve as yet another way that Siemens hopes to inspire the next generation of scientists, today."
Let's just hope these games are more fun and educational than they are attempts to buy sponsors' products.
The Show Must Go On
From Disney-MGM Studios: Recent visitors to MuppetVision 3D have reported a major need for refurbishment. Apparently, the curtain is not working which means guests walk in to see a blank white screen. Some of the other problems include animatronics that are out of sync with the audio, no smoke or steam when there is supposed to be smoke and steam, and not as many bubbles being released as there should be. Looks like Kermit and the gang need some help to put on the show!
Fashionably Late for the Gran Fiesta
From
Epcot: According to WDW's own website, the Gran Fiesta Tour starring
the Three Caballeros was to open on April 2nd. This attraction
replaces Mexico's only ride Il Rio Del Tiempo. Apparently many guests
made their way directly to the new attraction only to find the familiar
construction walls and signs still in place with no cast member, no
manager or no new signage there to explain the delay. While some
guests experienced the soft opening of Gran Fiesta on April 5th, the
attraction supposedly had its official opening yesterday, April 6th.
You will have to anxiously await the next issue of MHN for a review of the boat ride with Donald Duck and friends.
Mouse House Eats
There's A New King in Downtown
If there's one thing that Disney likes
more than pirates lately, it's dinosaurs! These rascally reptiles are
even creeping their way into your dinner. Assistant editor Bruce Smith
explains how.
It appears as if more dinosaurs are scheduled
to come to WDW next year, and this time you can eat right among them.
T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure is a new restaurant and store
scheduled to open in 2008 at the Marketplace in Downtown Disney.
T-Rex comes from Steve Schussler who also created the Rain Forest Cafe.
The new restaurant, which already has a franchise in Kansas City, reportedly will be three tiers. Much of the ambiance resembles that of the Rain Forest Cafe chain, with animatronic dinosaurs replacing gorillas and boa constrictors. The air is full of prehistoric roars and volcanic explosions. Much of the ambiance comes from the elements of fire, water and ice, and according to Schussler, the focus this time will be more on the food in order to maintain a returning customer base. But one of most interesting things about this new restaurant is the merchandise store, complete with dino-themed beds, toys and clothing for customer to purchase after their meals. As well, it will offer the Dino-Dig , an area that allows children and adults alike to dig for actual fossils, for a small fee of course. Participants are allowed to keep every fossil they find.
The new restaurant, which already has a franchise in Kansas City, reportedly will be three tiers. Much of the ambiance resembles that of the Rain Forest Cafe chain, with animatronic dinosaurs replacing gorillas and boa constrictors. The air is full of prehistoric roars and volcanic explosions. Much of the ambiance comes from the elements of fire, water and ice, and according to Schussler, the focus this time will be more on the food in order to maintain a returning customer base. But one of most interesting things about this new restaurant is the merchandise store, complete with dino-themed beds, toys and clothing for customer to purchase after their meals. As well, it will offer the Dino-Dig , an area that allows children and adults alike to dig for actual fossils, for a small fee of course. Participants are allowed to keep every fossil they find.
Stay tuned to http://www.trexcafe.com
as more information becomes available. Also watch out for a new
restaurant in Animal Kingdom also from Schussler called Asia that will
incorporate a Himalayan village theme.
Electric Umbrella Zaps Back
The Electric Umbrella at
Epcot is back open for business. The counter service restaurant has
undergone a few small changes during its rehab time. Of importance to
note is the removal of the topping bar. While the typical ketchup and
salt are still available, most toppings now come with the food items.
Where the topping bar used to be is a self service drink area. Also
note that the beef sandwich has been replaced with a chicken sandwich.
Scandalous!
Food on the Fly
Tired of waiting in line for food at the parks? Walt Disney World feels your pain. Several counter service restaurants throughout the World are utilizing "cash only" express lanes shortening the distance between you and your lunch. These express lanes offer a shorter wait time by offering a limited menu . For instance, at Pinocchio's Village Haus, the express lane offers a choice of two types of pizza and the regular beverage selection while the other lanes continue to offer the full menu. Cosmic Ray's (MK) is another restaurant that has gone express.
Resort Clips
Luxury Disney
Back at the
beginning of March, Disney announced that it would undertake two major
expansion projects on its Walt Disney World Resort property. The first
is the construction of a luxury resort by the Four Seasons Hotels and
Resorts that includes a world class golf course. The second project is
the development of a new retail and dining district. Both are to be
housed on the western edge of the property.
This expansion, however, is only one of many
attempts that Disney is making to bring a touch of luxury to its
enterprise. (As if their products weren't quite expensive enough
before!) This year Disney has also introduced a line of bridal gowns
that are designed to imitate the gowns worn by the likes of Cinderella,
Belle and Ariel. They have stamped their name on a high-end furniture
line as well as a clothing line that abandons the cartoonish qualities
of the typical Mickey, Donald and Goofy swag. And they continue to
offer luxurious cruise vacation packages to their guests.
We'll keep you posted on the success of this new approach from Disney.
A Contemporary Question
According to Lou Mongello over at WDWRadio,
the new tower that is being built at the Contemporary Resort will not
be part of the Disney Vacation Club. This would lead one to assume
that this space will simply provide more hotel rooms for guests.
However, MHN thinks that any word on the future of this tower at this
point is nothing more than speculation. We'll just have to wait and
see!
Into the Bush
Previously offered only to Animal Kingdom Lodge resort guests, a
new kids program is now available to all children between the ages of
six and fourteen. The Bush Camp is a three hour program where
participants join characters from the Lion King to learn about the
African culture through various activities including exploration
of animals on the AKL savannah. This experience costs $70 (USD) per
child and runs from 1 - 4pm on Saturdays. Part of the proceeds go to
the Wildlife Conservation Fund. No word yet on when George W.
will make his appearance.
Mousellaneous News
Flowers and Gardens and Festivals...Oh My!
It's ba-ack! For the fourteenth year, the Flower & Garden Festival delights WDW visitors. Every weekend different events take place including bug releases, a Cinco de Mayo celebration, gardening workshops, and other family fun. Tom Corless experienced the gardeny goodness of Epcot and brings the highlights to MHN.
Having attended the 2007 International Flower & Garden Festival, I offer you a rundown of what this event has to offer.
The main display in front of Spaceship Earth this year celebrates pirates. A large pirate ship display showcasing Peter Pan, Captain Hook, The Crocodile, and Stitch welcomes guests to the festival. In Inoventions Plaza, Cinderella and her Prince return in a display behind Spaceship Earth. In front of the World Showcase Lagoon, pirate topiaries of Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto, and Goofy stand in action poses. The Disney Vacation Club also has a display this year. In order to promote the new villas at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, an African display featuring the Lion King has been prepared.
Each individual country in the World Showcase features a phenomenal display of its own. Canada has a display from Bambi, featuring colorful Bambi and Thumper topiaries. The United Kingdom has the Winnie the Pooh characters on display. Mexico features topiaries of the stars of the new Gran Fiesta attraction - Jose, Ponchito and Donald. Norway features its usual troll display, while Japan features miniature zodiac topiaries along with miniature gardens. Germany features both the usual train garden as well as a new Seven Dwarves display.
All this and more awaits you at Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival, happening now through June 4th, 2007.
Dreams Come True for Everyone!
Despite backlash from the religious right, on
Thursday Disney announced that it would now allow same-sex couples to
participate in its Fairy Tale Weddings program. CNN reported that
commitment ceremonies will be offered at Disney's two American resorts
and its cruise line. Previously, Disney would only allow same-sex
couples to arrange their own ceremonies at rented meeting rooms at the
resorts. Spokesperson Donn Walker said, "This is consistent with our
policy of creating a welcoming, respectful and inclusive environment
for all of our guests." Couples will no longer be required to
produce a valid marriage license from California or Florida to have the
wedding of their dreams.
A European Birthday Bash
When people say that every day with Disney is
a celebration, they might just be right. April marks the beginning of
yet another year long celebration, this time for the Disneyland Resort
Paris. Until March 2008, Disney invites you to celebrate DRP's 15th
birthday with them. The party includes more characters, parades,
attractions, and shows. The Once Upon a Dream Parade debuts along with
the nighttime spectacle which revolves around Sleeping Beauty's
castle. Then in June two new attractions open - Crush's Coaster and
Cars Race Rally. If you find yourself in France, check it out.
Mouse House News Reviews
Exclusive Travel Agency of MHN
As you all know, perhaps the most
important part of any Walt Disney World vacation is trip planning and
preparations. We here at Mouse House News want to help you make that
planning stress-free and help your family to save as much money as
possible. In our quest to do so, we came across Magical Vacation
World Travel. We were so impressed with the services they offer that
we have decided to name them as the exclusive travel agency of MHN and
we highly recommend them to all our readers. We have invited Linda
Rose from M.V.W.T. to introduce you to this wonderful travel agency.
We hope that you will support them! (And if you do, let them know that
you were referred by Mouse House News.)
I am here with a brief message to tell you about Magical Vacation World Travel. We are a wonderful travel agency that books
all aspects of Disney - Walt Disney World in Florida, Disneyland in
California, Disneyland in Paris and the Disney Cruise Line.
Unlike many other
companies, we have 21 years combined experience working in the Disney
Reservation Centre in Orlando, Florida. We worked in the Walt Disney
Travel Company division which meant we did all the booking for travel
agencies. When you called your travel agent, they called us to book
your vacation. Now you can call us directly.
Not
only do we offer all of our services completely free of charge but we
don't stop working for you once your reservation is booked. We
continually monitor your reservation for any discounts or specials that
may become available during your stay. This is done every morning,
24/7. We will even take care of your advanced dining reservations and
any other aspects of your package.
At
Magical Vacation World Travel, we always offer what we feel is best for
your family. We don't book the highest priced package we can find.
Saving you money that is what we are here for!
Come on over to our
website
and take a look at our deals and offers. Ask us for a quote for your
upcoming Disney vacation and be sure to tell us that you heard about us
here, at MHN. We are looking forward to becoming your Disney
vacation travel planner and are proud to have been chosen as the
exclusive travel agency of Mouse House News.
The Staff at -
Final Word
And the final word comes from you, the Disney fans. Last week we asked you which Walt Disney World restaurant that you enjoyed the most. You responded with:
Top Ten Favourite WDW Restaurants
10. Hollywood & Vine (Disney-MGM Studios)
9. Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom)
8. Chef Mickey's (Contemporary Resort)
7. Rose and Crown (Epcot)
6. California Grill (Contemporary Resort)
5. Liberty Tree Tavern (Magic Kingdom)
4. 50s Prime Time Diner (Disney-MGM Studios)
3. Coral Reef (Epcot)
2. Kona Cafe (Polynesian Resort)
1. Restaurant Marrakesh (Epcot)
For next week's issue, we want to hear more
from you. Please tell us what your favourite animated Disney movie
is. E-mail us at
mousehouse@gmail.com with "FINAL WORD" in the subject line.
Mouseketeers
Please support our sponsors.
Magical Vacation World Travel is the exclusive travel agent of Mouse House News.
With fantastic service and wonderful deals, we highly recommend this
agency for all your Walt Disney World vacationing needs. If you use Magic Vacation World Travel, be sure to mention that you saw their ad here at Mouse House News!
Want to become a Mouseketeer? Want our readers to know about your business or website? MHN has advertising opportunities available. E-mail us at mousehousenews@gmail.com with "ADVERTISE" in the subject line for more information.
Contributors
Ali Sampson - Editor-in-Chief
Bruce Smith - Assistant Editor, Mouse House Eats
Stephen Champion - Webmaster, Resort Clips photo
Susan Puig - From the Editor photo
Brian Kenyon - Front Page, Them Park Notes photo, Mousellaneous photo
Opus Moreschi - Front Page photo
Caleb Hayworth - Theme Park Notes
Dave McBride - Mouse House Eats photo
Tom Corless - Mousellaneous
Linda Rose - Mouse House News Reviews
David & Cara Silipigni - Final Word photo
Our Readers - Final Word
Nothing in this publication may be used without the permission of Mouse House News. If you would like to contribute to
MHN or if you have any feedback or questions, please contact us at
mousehousenews@gmail.com . Please note that Mouse House News is
a not-for-profit, volunteer publication but we are saving up to buy a
domain. If you would like to advertise with us for a small fee, please
contact us at mousehousenews@gmail.com
with the word "ADVERTISE" in the subject line for more
information. This newsletter is available by subscription only. Anyone
who would like to subscribe can do so by e-mailing us at mousehousenews@gmail.com
with "SUBSCRIBE" in the subject line. You are receiving this
newsletter because you subscribed, or because it has been forwarded to
you by someone who does subscribe. If you wish to unsubscribe, please
e-mail mousehousenews@gmail.com with "UNSUBSCRIBE" in the subject line. If you have trouble viewing this newletter, please let us know immediately.