Hearsay and Rumors 2: Hatbox Ghost

Hatbox Ghost from Doombuggies.com

Time to return to the hearsay and rumor page to fill you in on a subject that "materializes" every so often. This is an elusive apparition found in the attic of the Haunted Mansion, the Hatbox Ghost. This spirit appeared in the Haunted Mansion for only a limited time but it was enough to leave a lasting impression on its guests. One guest in particular was Tony Baxter. You can see Tony talk about it himself in this video and will also tell you about the Hatbox Ghost at length.

Now this rumor in particular is of a return of the Hatbox Ghost. This rumor has gained some steam lately. We begin with the display of the Hatbox Ghost audio animatronic (AA) figure at the D23 Expo 2013. This was made out of an old Lincoln AA figure and was at the Imagineering pavilion at the expo. Sadly, I was unable to attend but here is a great video of what the character looked like and did.

Some more evidence for this has come from a new bit of art that is featured at Disneyland's Disney Gallery. It shows some concept art for the aforementioned Hatbox Ghost and states "rematerializing August 2014." Of course this made fans go crazy. It seemed to be evidence of a return of the Ghostly resident but it seems not to be. As Inside the Magic states, a cast member (CM) stated this is for a cel to be released.

Upsetting, yes, but lets think of what could have been or may still be. I am a proponent of not wasting so it seems odd to me that Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) would waste their time with repurposing an AA for no reason. I also believe in "plussing" when there is good reasoning. I think this would be perfect for plussing the Haunted Mansion for next year's 60th Anniversary of Disneyland and would be a great way to celebrate without doing much. It would be perfect to help promote the park for less. Of course, I know that they had issues with the effect but as evidenced in WDI's new video for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, this could be perfected with projection technology. Mind you, I do not prefer projections over physical figures but for this effect, it would be effective (cheesy!). So here's hoping we get this instead of a Johnny Depp or Eddie Murphy AA!

Also, doesn't Hatbox look an awful lot like the Skeleton or Ezra? It'd be cool if they were the same person, however, I know Hatbox has a gold tooth while Ezra does not. But if it was revealed they are the same ghost it might make for a good backstory. Just a thought....

But what do you think? If you have a Google account just leave a comment, you can tweet me, or email me at giodisney113@gmail.com.
-Josh

Infant Trip Planning Part 2: Character Meet and Greets

Cars Land Postcard

Finally I'm bringing my second in my series for infant trip planning, character meet and greets. As an adult male I will say I've never really done meet and greets but for my daughter we made it a point to do them. Now with her at 3 months I will say she didn't really respond to the non human characters. Now at 5 months, she actually responds a little more to the non human characters. I suppose it's because they are just big plush to her. She loves to try to eat Donald's bill. It's awesome. 

There are a few locations to find specific characters and I'll list them for you. 

Goofy in Main Street

Main Street 

Fab five

Mary poplins and Bert

Cruella de vil

Random princess: jasmine, Tiana

Alice and mad hatter

Fantasyland

Princess fairy tale hall: Ariel, Cinderella, aurora

Flynn and rapunzel

Merida

Elsa and Anna

Tomorrowland

Pixie hollow

Storm troopers

Darth vader

Darth maul

Thor

Captain America

Buzz

Frontierland

Long lost friends

Woody

Jessie

Adventureland

Aladdin

Genie

New Orleans Square

Tiana 

Naveen

Louis

Critter country

Pooh, eeyore, tigger

Toon Town

Donald

Mickey

Minnie

Goofy

DCA

Buena vista

Fab five

Streetmosphere

Hollywoodland

Disney junior

Mike and sulley

Frozone

Mr incredible

Elastigirl

Redwood creek

Dug and Russell

CarsLand

Mater

Red

Lightning

Dj

Bugs land 

Flick and atta (not sure how often if even they appear)

Paradise pier

Mickey

Toy story

Duffy

Condor flats

Minnie

Pooh Corner with Tigger

Now when it comes to the many places you can find certain characters you have to remember that they wear different outfits in locations. Specifically mickey, Minnie, Donald, goofy, chip and dale, Pluto wear different outfits where in DCA locations. If you want to be a completist, it's imperative to get each one. 

Another great note is to get an autograph book. You can pick them up in just about every store at Disneyland resort but you can also pick them up at stores around Disneyland for cheaper. If you're into Pinterest you can make your own; I've seen some awesome ones. My fav is the adventure book from up. 

Ellie was not a fan of Merida's overzealous voice during a nap

One of the best tips I would give you is find a location that you want to take a photo at. If you visit often or even visit occasionally this is a great keepsake from your trip. There are a few locations that are very popular. Partners, castle, Matterhorn, storytellers and the CarsLand postcard. Some other key spots are places like the White Rabbit's door and the Sword in the Stone.
One of my favorite things are the attraction vehicles. There are Mr. Toad's automobile and a Dumbo in Fantasyland and other vehicles in Mickey's Toontown.

crazy baby drivers

Another great spot to visit is the Disney Visa picture spot in DCA. It is over by the Mad T Party Mad Arcade. You have to have a Disney Visa card from Chase. You get a free 3x5 from Disney Photopass. Now the characters here vary so you have to check and they also only run it for a few hours.
Well, I hope you found this very informative and that it will help you out on your next trip out to the Disneyland resort.
As always feel free to tweet me or email me with anything you want to add or comment on at giodisney113@gmail.com.
Thanks,
-Josh (gioDisney)

the White Rabbit's door

Star Wars Cast revealed!

Today Star Wars officially announced the cast of the still untitled Star Wars VII. You can head to the Star Wars official site here. Rumor is that the title will be revealed at Comic Con later this year. But I thought I would give you run down of the cast, and tell you who the new cast is. I know I did not particularly recognize some of the new cast.

official still from Star Wars with the entire cast

The original cast to return are Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker. For the uniformed that is Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, C-3PO, Chewbacca, and R2-D2.
The new cast are Max von Sydow, Andy Serkis, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, and  Domhnall Gleeson.
Max von Sydow is probably the best know of the new cast, some credit to him are The Greatest Story Ever Told as Jesus, The Exorcist as Father Merrin, and in Minority Report as Director Lamar Burgess.
Andy Serkis is another familiar name as he is Gollum/Smeagol, Caesar in Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and was even King Kong in the 2005 remake.
Here is where the names become less recognizable.

John Boyega

John Boyega is a newer face having a guest star in Law & Order: UK, will be appearing in the 24: Live Another Day mini event, and was Moses in the film Attack the Block.

Daisy Ridley

Daisy Ridley has done guest spots on BBC shows like Mr. Selfridge and Silent Witness.

Adam Driver

Adam Driver is from the HBO series Girls and has appeared in films like Lincoln, J. Edgar, and Inside Llewyn Davis.

Oscar Isaac

Oscar Isaac is another familiar name for those who enjoy more independent films, he has starred in Inside Llewyn Davis and appeared in Drive, 10 Years, and Sucker Punch.

Domhnall Gleeson

Domhnall Gleeson is best known for being Bill Weasley in the last Harry Potter films but has also appeared in About Time, True Grit, and Dredd.

Affordable Disneyland: character erasers

Hello and welcome to the first in a new series I am presenting, Affordable Disneyland. This idea came when a friend of mine pointed out that Disneyland can often be quite expensive and that they're not sure what would be more

Affordable options. I decided I might try to help with presenting some of the more affordable souvenirs, restaurants, and even shops around and inside Disneyland. 

Today I begin with one of my favorite quick souvenirs and deals, the cash wrap deals. I begin with these cool new Disney Mickey Mouse and friends and Disney Princess erasers. The deal is 3 for $5 and they come in different characters. They are mystery packs and you can get Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse,  Donald, Goofy, Pluto and a mystery character (though it looks like Chip and Dale). In the Disney Princess you have Cinderella, Rapunzel, Belle, Ariel, and Tiana and a mystery princess (looks like Aurora). 

you can find these in bins in the queue of the checkout at stores

As always, you can tweet me or email me with any questions or comments at giodisney113@gmail.com
-Josh (gioDisney)

News: Frozen is officially the highest grossing animated film

photo credit thestranger.com

Today it was announced that Frozen had officially become the highest grossing animated film of all time. Frozen has just hit 1.072 billion dollars at the worldwide box office, surpassing Toy Story 3. I have not made it a secret how I feel for the film but I will say credit is due. This finally puts Walt Disney Animation at their rightful spot at the top. My only concern is I hope the company takes heed and makes sure to take care of this film. I don't want them to start pumping out sequels and tv series like they've done so many times before. I would hate to see them saturate the audience with stuff to make more money.

photo credit: frozenheartburninghands.tumblr.com

Now of course if the story is there and it works, do it. Personally I hope if they make a Frozen 2 that it has a story I saw online. The idea is that Hans has fire powers which explains why he always wore gloves like Elsa. This could start off with a magical showdown with Elsa for the kingdom.This could carry on to a great moment where Hans and Elsa fall for each other and realize that together they can control their powers. And can they do the Heat Miser/ Snow Miser song. Just wishful thinking I guess. 

Thanks for reading and tweet me or email me.
Josh

Hearsay and Rumors: Disneyland's Astro Orbiter

Hi there, this is a new post that I am introducing to cover the hearsay and rumors going on in the Disney-sphere of things and my thoughts. 

Me posing in front of the rocks and Astro Orbiter

I am sure you all know by now that the newest Disneyland rumor is that the Astro Orbiter that has cluttered the entrance to Disneyland's Tomorrowland would be moved. Where to you might ask, according to the ghosts of the Peoplemover, there are two locations depending on who you listen to. One is up on the Peoplemover track where it used to be and the other is up on the helipad area of the outside queue of Space Mountain. This would be part of the rumored Star Wars Tomorrowland retheming. Also the huge rocks will leave according to this rumor.

I am a little skeptical right now about this as you may have heard that the highly rumored Nemo Subs going away was dispelled by Bob Iger at the Shareholder's meeting. I am sure most people are now skeptical about Disneyland moving or removing anything for the time being, as am I. I also am a little on the fence because this would make the walkway into Tomorrowland even more messed with the construction walls and it would also force another attraction into the out of commission list. But I suppose this would have to start soon so as to be cleared in time for next year, Disneyland's 60th Anniversary.

Now let me furthermore add that I welcome this as I hate the bottleneck you get at the entrance to Tomorrowland. Any visitor to Disneyland knows that this area is a high traffic area even in the offseason. It is particularly bad because on the sides of the path you have the extended queues of Star Tours and Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters and smack in the middel is the Astro Orbiter and it's switchbacks. I have to admit though that I do think the rock work at the entrance gives it a kind of epic look but I don't mind those leaving either.

from Yesterland.com

Now to jump onto my soapbox, I would much rather have the Peoplemover/Rocket Rods track worked on and the Peoplemover returned to it's rightful place. I know they would have to spend money on the track but is it really that hard to replace? Also consider that it doesn't need a real queue as it is such a fast loading people eater that you can basically just install a moving ramp up to it, like at Walt Disney World. Personally, I loved the Peoplemover and every trip I've made to WDW, the Peoplemover is the attraction I ride the most. It's so easy going and you get a great sight of all of Tomorrowland. It would be perfect to return to Disneyland. Not to mention, Disney fans have been begging for it's return since it left. We might get lucky though since as announced at the Shareholders meeting, we are finally getting the one Pixar sequel we all wanted the Incredibles.

from Yesterland.com

Also when it comes to the Star Wars Tomorrowland retheming or even going as far back as the Avengers Tomorrowland retheming, I don't like the idea of retheming all of Tomorrowland as a franchise. I believe more so in Disneyland Paris and to a lesser extent WDW's "Tomorrowland That Never Was". It's true that it's hard to not date yourself with a land of tomorrow theming but it works so well to be the "tomorrow that never was." It would be easier too to explain having the Avengers, Buzz Lightyear, Star Wars, Tron, and even Captain EO all in the same place under this theme.

Let me also add that the proposed area that the Astro Orbiter would go would block out the sight of Space Mountain. This is such an iconic showbuilding. So personally I hope we just get a return to the old Astro Orbiter or Rocket Jets. Couple that with a return of the Peoplemover and you've got a little kinetic energy to the entrance sight line.

Also the Orbitron needs to go.

And for my brother, Hunter, let's add Alien Encounter somewhere.

from Endorexpress.net

So this will wrap it up for this first Hearsay and Rumors post, what did you think? 

Leave a comment, 

tweet me at twitter.com/giodisney 

or email me at giodisney113@gmail.com

Thanks for reading,

Josh

Trip Planning for an Infant Part 1: Attractions!

the Giordano and Garcia clans meet up to celebrate Ellie's first trip

I recently made a couple of trips to the Disneyland Resort (DLR) to enjoy my 3 month old's first trips to my favorite destination in the world and second home, Disneyland. One thing I love to do is plan for trips. I will say that I am still open to suggestions and will alter around it, but for the most part I know what I will be doing on a trip. Now planning this trip was a whole new experience. This was completely different from any other trip I've taken. I thought I would share with you some of my experiences and hopefully help you out too. Now this post was taking up so much time and was so lengthy I have decided to split it up, so I hope you enjoy!

Some of us were not so amused by Ellie's driving skills

Attractions- I love attractions. I hate to admit it, but yeah I will tend to go commando and just ride everything. Naturally, the biggest change was the fact that I could not do this. I thought there were far less attractions that were good for all ages, however, most attractions in Disneyland are for all ages. Of course, Disney California Adventure has fewer attractions. I must warn you though, between the bathroom breaks and feedings, you will not do probably half of this list. Here are the attractions suitable for all ages:

Obligatory Partners shot and no, I am not asleep

Disneyland

Main Street

• Disneyland Railroad
• Main Street Vehicles
• Horseless Carriage

Fantasyland

• Peter Pan's Flight
• Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
• Snow White's Scary Adventure
• Pinocchio's Daring Journey
• King Arthur Carousel
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Casey Jr.
• Storybook Land Canal Boats
• Mad Tea Party
• Alice In Wonderland
• "it's a small world"

Tomorrowland

• Astro Orbiter
• Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters
• Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage*
• Monorail

Adventureland

• The Enchanted Tiki Room
• Jungle Cruise
• Tarzan's Treehouse

New Orlean's Square

• Pirates of the Caribbean
• The Haunted Mansion

Critter Country

• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Frontierland

• Mark Twain Riverboat
• Sailing Ship Columbia

Mickey's Toontown

• Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin

A new favorite spot, Storytellers

Disney California Adventure

Buena Vista Street

• Red Car Trolley

Hollywoodland

• Monsters Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue

a bug's land

• Flik's Flyers
• Heimlich's Chew-Chew Train
• Francis' Ladybug Boogie

Paradise Pier

• Golden Zephyr
• King Triton's Carousel
• Mickey's Fun Wheel
• Toy Story Midway Mania

My one caveat would be that Toy Story Midway Mania, though an all heights attraction, you should not do. I say this from experience. I took my daughter on there at three months and instead of enjoying the attraction, I spent it preventing her from the whiplash-esque turns. It was definitely way too intense.

Cars Land postcard sign

I would also like to take this time to tell you to use the Child Switch pass to your advantage. I had never done this before this trip but it definitely helped out a lot. The way it works is that both parents cannot ride an attraction together when they have no one to watch the baby. Instead of having to bypass the attraction, the Child Switch pass is given to the family member sitting off and the rest stand in line and ride the attraction. When the family member sitting off gets to go, Disney doesn't expect them to suffer riding the attraction by themselves. Instead they can bring 2 others with them to the FastPass line and ride the attraction. Another tip on that would be, you can use it on FastPass. This means that the general group heads on using their FastPass and the person sitting off gets the Child Switch "FastPass" to head back on with 2 others. It definitely made it possible to do such must sees as Radiator Springs Racers!

Ellie was quite excited in the mornings!

Remember though, you are not doing this for the enjoyment of attractions but for the memories that you will cherish for years to come and reminisce fondly on later.I know I will always remember how she slept through half of the "it's a small world holiday" then woke up halfway to confusement of what was happening. Or when we rode The Little Mermaid attraction and she would get excited when hearing Part of your World and Under the Sea because we sing them to her all the time. These are some of the reasons why I have been touring Disney Parks all my life and why I could not wait to bring my own daughter and make some memories of our own.

Getting in that quick nap before "small world"

Hopefully this list and tips will help you out on planning your trip with your infant and please feel free to comment or chat with me on twitter. Also expect to see more posts as this will be a 4 part series, next is Character Meet and Greets! Thanks!

Ellie and I try our hardest to pull this weight!

In the Pinbag!

Hi there, this is a new set of posts I am starting to share with you some of my Disney swag. As you can tell with the title, this will be featuring pins in my Pin Trading bag. My pin bag is from Walt Disney's 100th birthday in 2001. This bag came with a special pin that was part of Eric C. Robison's One Hundred Mickeys collection.

The pin I will be featuring today is from the 45th Anniversary of Disneyland. This is part of the many pins collected before Disney branded it and it became a huge commodity. This is one of the first pins I ever collected and so, it has a special meaning to me. It features the Partners statue, which is the staple of every Magic Kingdom park in the world and is meant to be a constant reminder to guests of the man behind Disneyland and Mickey Mouse. Enjoy!

In the Pinbag Part 2: The Happiest Homecoming on Earth!

Hi there, just wanted to make a quick pin blog entry so here are some Disneyland 50th Anniversary pins that my mom has! These are a few of the designs made for the Disneyland 50th Anniversary celebration, which was a worldwide event being celebrated at all the parks around the world. I really liked the last one, as a Pirates fan myself (and I mean attraction). Enjoy!