X Atencio Disney Animator And Imagineer Dies At 98

Posted: September 23, 2017

X Atencio, the legendary Disney animator and Imagineer who worked on "Pinocchio" and "Fantasia" and helped bring the Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion attractions to life at Disneyland, died on Sept. 10. He was 98. Atencio worked for Disney from 1938 through 1984. He left the studio temporarily during World War II to join the Army Air Corps. He was inducted as a Disney Legend in 1996. Atencio was a favorite of Walt Disney's for his versatility as an animator, tunesmith, writer, and innovator who brought indelible touches to some of Disneyland's best-loved attractions.

Magic Kingdom Legacy Cast Member Recalls Walks With Walt Disney And Imagineer Father

Posted: September 16, 2017

Darlene Kingsley grew up the daughter of a Disneyland Imagineer, and some of her favorite childhood memories are of holding Walt Disney's hand - Uncle Walt, as she called him - on her regular visits to the park. "This was that person you always felt comfortable to talk with," she said. " That was the norm for me." Her grandparents also worked for Disney, and so did the family cat, whose likeness appears in the parks today. So it's no surprise that Kingsley's dream was to work there, too. These days, Kingsley, 58, is in guest relations, leading tours around Magic Kingdom. She

This Is What It Is Like To Eat At The Secret Club In Disneyland That Has A 14-Year Waiting List

Posted: September 6, 2017

Right in the middle of New Orleans Square in Disneyland, located across from La Mascarade d'Orleans, is the inconspicuous entrance to one of the most-whispered-about spots in Disney parks across the globe: Club 33. Club 33 is a secret five-star restaurant that the regular public cannot access. There are only two ways to get into Club 33: being an exclusive member, or being invited by one. Membership costs up to $100,000 annually, with a reported $12,500 to $30,000 in additional annual fees. As of 2012, there was a 14-year waiting list for membership applicants. The club was the

Star Wars Land Hits Construction Milestone

Posted: September 6, 2017

Disney's Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge construction continues at both Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios, but the Calfornia version just hit a construction milestone ahead of both parks' 2019 openings. The crew at Disneyland just installed what will be the highest point in the park, a steel structure that will hold up the rock façade that makes up the landscape surrounding the 14-acre themed land. "We invited all cast members from around the resort to come and sign the steel beam," said spokesperson Alexa Garcia. "Cast members had a chance to write their names, write well wishes

Disneyland Cleared To Add 455 Parking Spaces To Its Toy Story Lot

Posted: August 26, 2017

In a move that will help prepare for the expected onslaught of visitors to its "Star Wars" land opening in two years, Disneyland Resort is adding more parking spaces to its off-site parking lot. Disneyland got unanimous approval from the Anaheim Planning Commission last week to add an additional 455 parking spaces to its Toy Story lot off Harbor Boulevard and Convention Way. Guests parking there are shuttled over to the theme parks' entrance. The Toy Story lot will increase to 5,378 parking spaces. Disney charges a $20 parking fee. "We're pleased to be able to offer even more parking options for our guests," said George Savvas, a Disneyland spokesman. As part of the agreement with the city, Disneyland will replace 6-foot walls separating the parking area from nearby apartment complexes with a 16-foot-tall, sound wall made of masonry blocks and will landscape with rows of Canary Island Pine trees. Disney plans to add

One Of Disneyland Classic Attractions Is About To Close For Good Catch It While You Can

Posted: August 24, 2017

All good things must come to an end, and, just as it did for the first time 20 years ago, Disneyland's Main Street Electrical Parade is flipping the off switch on Sunday, August 20. The encore performance of the parade, which initially ran from 1972 to 1996, was originally scheduled to end in June before being extended to the new date. The parade, which features more than half a million lights, had been traveling to other Disney theme parks around the world before returning to Disneyland on January 20 of this year in celebration of its 45th anniversary. The parade's current