Report at OrlandoSentinal.com today - So it looks like the bowling alley theory reported in another post may not be so far off after all!

Pleasure Island may get makeover
Susan Strother Clarke - Orlando Sentinal
Published December 21, 2005
 
Don’t be surprised if the new year brings some changes to Disney’s Pleasure Island.

I’m hearing Mouse officials are reviewing the nighttime entertainment complex with the idea of some updates. Given the competition from places like Universal’s CityWalk, that’s understandable.

Among the things under consideration, I’m told, is opening a bowling alley and dropping the every-night-is-New-Year’s-Eve theme, which has been around since 1990.

And, for certain, the West End stage on the Island, where a deejay is often found, is going away to make entering the island easier.

Earlier this year, Disney got rid of the admission charge to the Island, replacing the $20.50 gate charge with individual covers at the clubs.

Report at OrlandoSentinal.com today - So it looks like the bowling alley theory reported in another post may not be so far off after all! < more... >

Just how long does it take to come to terms on a distribution agreement. You make and come to agreement on the basic deal points in a week, you haggle out the last few annoying issues over another couple of weeks. Each side’s lawyers spends no less than $40,000 worth of billable hours working on a contract (that should be mostly boiler plate stuff but is written from scratch because it’s better for the law firm that way). The whole thing shouldn’t take longer than 60 days really.

So why are Disney and Pixar still negotiating. Obviously (to me) there must be something more than just a distribution agreement in the works here, and I’m not alone in that suspicion. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette agrees, saying that while the general consensus is that the two sides are just working on a standard distribution agreement…

There is another, more fanciful, theory buoying Pixar’s share price, though: Disney could buy Pixar and make it, in effect, Disney’s animated-film division. That idea has been floated in recent research reports, including several by Credit Suisse First Boston analyst William Drewry, who doesn’t own any Pixar shares and has an outperform rating on the stock. Mr. Drewry further speculated that Pixar’s chief executive, Steve Jobs, could become a member of the Disney board and a significant shareholder in the media giant.

Personally I’d love to see Steve Jobs on the Disney board. Heck, I’d like to see him as CEO. Steve understands that a strong brand isn’t enough. You also need a strong product, high quality, and loyalty to your consumers.

The line to get on the Steve Jobs for Disney CEO bandwagon forms here. Or not. You’re choice. 

Just how long does it take to come to terms on a distribution agreement. You make and come to agreement on the basic deal points in a week, you haggle out the last few annoying issues over another couple of weeks. < more... >

Now you too can step into the world of Narnia at Disney’s MGM Studios.  Just head to Soundstage 4 where you will find the wardrobe. You actually get to walk through the wardrobe into Narnia just as Lucy, Susan, Peter, and Edmund do. I really felt as though I was in Narnia. There are lots of snow covered pine trees, a snow like floor, and of course the lamppost.  The White Witch even makes an appearance. Then there is a large movie screen that plays clips from the movie.

After the clips you can then walk the rest of the way through which includes actual props from the movie such as Mr. Tumnus’s cave entrance, and the White Witch’s sleigh. There are also costumes that were worn in the movie, weapons that were used, and some of the stone statues, along with some artwork from the planning of the movie.  I guess I was expecting a bit more but it was still very good. Unfortunately, Disney was not allowing guests to take any pictures inside the attraction so the only way to experience it is in person.

Now you too can step into the world of Narnia at Disney’s MGM Studios.  Just head to Soundstage 4 where you will find the wardrobe. You actually get to walk through the wardrobe into Narnia just as Lucy, Susan, Peter, and Edmund do. I really felt as though I was in Narnia. < more... >

There were lots of meets going on during MouseFest but there is one meet that is my personal favorite…  The Dole Whip Meet.  Remember, I am the person who moved to Florida just so I could get a Dole Whip more often so you surely know where my priorities stand.

Coleen and Annette on a serious Dole Whip high.

This year the meet was held on Thursday and the day started out a little chilly (at least for me) which made me question if I would really be up for eating anything cold - even my favorite treat. It was so cold that I must say it was the first time there was no line at Aloha Isle. However, the Dole Whip gods must have been smiling on us because it warmed up just in time for the meet and of course, the line began to form and it didn’t seem to stop! Many people came out to enjoy the sweet treat in the company of other MouseFesters.

I was thrilled to meet some new friends from Tagrel.com and there were a few webmasters and authors joining us, including Mike Scopa and Mark Goldhaber from MousePlanet, Deb Wills from ALL EARS Net, Lou Mongello from DisneyWorldTrivia.com, and Steve Barrett the Hidden Mickey author.  It is always fun to get to meet and talk to these wonderful people that share the same love for all things Disney.

We spent awhile talking and catching up with old and new friends and then decided to go hop on Pirates of the Caribbean. After the ride we decided to walk back through Adventureland on our way to Main Street. Asd we approached the area of Dole Whip goodness, we were surprised to find the meet still going on! So who could resist joining the festivities once again! Finally, we decided there are other things to see and do besides Dole Whips. (I know.. I know… it was hard for me to accept) But! I am already counting down the days to next year’s Dole Whip meet!

There were lots of meets going on during MouseFest but there is one meet that is my personal favorite…  The Dole Whip Meet.  Remember, I am the person who moved to Florida just so I could get a Dole Whip more often so you surely know where my priorities stand. < more... >

I just returned from the MouseFest festivities at Walt Disney World where we hosted a special viewing of the Jingle Jungle Parade in the Animal Kingdom. This was a great time for children and adults alike! What is MouseFest? That’s a subject for another post but for now let me tell you about the VIP treatment at AK!

Nothing like having a special spot to see the parade reserved for you – and only you! And you don’t have to camp out for that spot. The guest at this parade sat at tables looking over at the Tree of Life and enjoyed

Ice Cream Bars and assorted beverages. Nice refreshing break in the middle of the day. We enjoyed talking with each other about our trips and the attractions yet to be seen.

Then the chairs were pulled up to the parade viewing area and guest were seated to see the Parade. Several of the Characters came especially over to the group to greet each guest. The children loved the special attention they received and the Parents enjoyed seeing the smiles on the children’s faces. We almost felt like part of the parade as it was so close to us. We even got hit with some snow!

I just returned from the MouseFest festivities at Walt Disney World where we hosted a special viewing of the Jingle Jungle Parade in the Animal Kingdom. This was a great time for children and adults alike! What is MouseFest? That’s a subject for another post but for now let me tell you about the VIP treatment at AK! < more... >

Kickoff the New Year with an electrifying celebration at the ultimate nightlife destination! It’s time to party hearty and there’s no place like Pleasure Island on New Year’s Eve from 8:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.! Join the countdown to 2006, as Smash Mouth, S.O.S. Band, Paul Jackson Jr., and other sensational musical groups turn Pleasure Island into a giant kinetic street party. Enjoy a champagne toast and a spectacular midnight fireworks display. A variety of dynamic nightclubs, live music acts and exciting entertainment will have you dancing ’til next year!

Buy tickets online now or call 407-W-DISNEY.

Price: Adults 21 and over: $89.00+tax

Dates: December 31, 2005 - January 1, 2006

Location: Downtown Disney®

Additional Information

• All guests must be at least 21 years old with proper ID.
• Entertainment subject to change without notice.

Kickoff the New Year with an electrifying celebration at the ultimate nightlife destination! It’s time to party hearty and there’s no place like Pleasure Island on New Year’s Eve from 8:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. < more... >