Here’s a tip for the next time you visit Disney California Adventure park – visit the Disney Animation Building on Hollywood Boulevard. There’s no line, it’s cool inside and “The Art of Animation” show recently expanded its unique display of Disney and Pixar animated films. You can see it on the array of screens that surround you inside the Courtyard Gallery, just inside the main entrance.

Several new releases are now featured, including images and songs from “Tangled” (2010) and “Toy Story 3” (2010).

Tom Fitzgerald, executive vice president for Walt Disney Imagineering, described it this way: “’The Art of Animation’ show celebrates the art and music of our animated classics – from Disney and Pixar. The show has been a highlight of the Animation attraction at Disney California Adventure park since opening day. Now, we’re updating the show to include many of the classic films which have been created in the past decade.”

Here are some of the films featured in “The Art of Animation” show:

• “The Little Mermaid”
• “Beauty and the The Beast”
• “Fantasia“
• “Bambi”
• “Finding Nemo”
• “Cinderella”
• “Mulan”
• “Lilo & Stitch”
• “Alice In Wonderland”
• “UP”
• “Lady and the Tramp”
• “Dumbo”
• “The Lion King”
• “Cars”
• “Aladdin”
• “Peter Pan”
• “Pinocchio”
• “The Princess and the Frog”

What’s your favorite activity in the Disney Animation Building?

Tagged: DCA, DLR

Filed: Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Resort

With more than 55 years of history at the Disneyland Resort, it’s fun to look back now and then at special dates that have influenced the magical storytelling that happens here every day. Tomorrow, March 31, is the anniversary of the 1958 grand opening of the Grand Canyon Diorama on what was then called the Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad.

When you ride the Disneyland Railroad between the Tomorrowland Train Station and Main Street, U.S.A., you’ll travel through a tunnel with two distinct dioramas. Today, we’re celebrating the anniversary of the first of those scenes to appear in Disneyland park.

Going from the bright, natural light of the park inside the tunnel plunges you into darkness, and that gives way to the enthralling vista of the Grand Canyon Diorama. Depicted from its south rim, the canyon is revealed on a canvas that is 306 feet long and 34 feet high, making this backdrop one of the world’s longest dioramas. Another remarkable aspect of this canvas: it’s seamless and handwoven.

This replica of the Grand Canyon required 300 gallons of paint to capture its natural marvels, including a snowfall, a storm, a sunset and a rainbow. The scene is based upon Walt Disney’s Academy Award-winning live-action short subject of 1958, “Grand Canyon.”

As passengers are pulled slowly past this famous American landmark, flora and fauna native to the landscape appear in realistic detail. The canyon ridges are filled with all kinds of critters, including deer, mountain lions, skunks and wild turkeys. The mood is set by the click-clack of train wheels, accentuated by music from the “On The Trail” section of American composer Ferde Grofe’s Grand Canyon Suite.

I’ve seen this diorama several times while riding the Disneyland Railroad, and each time I’m impressed with the natural wonder of the Grand Canyon. This photograph made me wonder what Walt Disney might have imagined when he was directing the project. Walt visited many spectacular places around the world and many of his “mental photographs” later became a part of Disneyland park – almost like a 3D scrapbook of his memories. I’m glad he decided to share these special marvels with all of us.

Have you visited the Grand Canyon via the Santa Fe and Disneyland Railroad? What are your favorite scenes along the Disneyland Railroad journey?

Tagged: DL, DLR

Filed: Disney History, Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort

Pirates swept into Disneyland park this past weekend for an exciting adventure, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides – Sneak Peek,” featuring an exclusive 3D film sequence from the upcoming Disney film, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.” Here’s a look at the first night of this new experience, which invites guests to join the crew of Captain Jack Sparrow.

Guests begin their adventure along Big Thunder Trail in Frontierland, where they meet some of Captain Jack’s scallywags, including Captain Squawk, a wise-cracking, peg-legged parrot. As they make their way into Festival Arena, it’s as if they were boarding a great pirate vessel. That’s when the action begins.

You can catch this “Sneak Peek” adventure on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights now through May 30 at Disneyland park. The event will play nightly from April 15-May 1. And look for the movie in theaters beginning May 20.

Tagged: DL, DLR, Video

Filed: Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort

With “Disney Junior – Live on Stage!” making its debut today at Disney California Adventure park, we thought it would be fun to ask some of the show’s “biggest” fans what they like about it. Take a look at this video for a peek at “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” and to see what kids think about this interactive experience.

Along with Jake and his pals, “Disney Junior – Live on Stage” brings back cast members from three audience favorites – “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “Handy Manny” and “Little Einsteins.” The production is jam-packed with music, dancing, beloved characters and Disney storytelling.

Dan Fields, creative director for the show, said it was exciting to be able to add Jake and his pals to the production within a month of their appearance on Disney Junior.

He added: “‘Disney Junior – Live on Stage!’ is the only place where Mickey and friends are the same size as toddlers, so the show is very approachable and fun for young guests and their families. The Disney characters directly ask the audience to be part of the action. Plus, there are more than a dozen musical moments in the show, so it’s pretty action-packed if you’re four or five years old!”

The new television creation Disney Junior launched in February, introducing “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” to children across the country. The park production opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida earlier this month.

What do you think of the new marquee at Disney California Adventure park?

Tagged: DCA, DLR, Video

Filed: Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Resort

Since its debut at Disneyland park in 1967, the Pirates of the Caribbean adventure has thrilled guests with its rollicking fun and detailed storytelling. The attraction inspired the first “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie in 2003, and now a new, engaging entertainment experience at Disneyland park will give guests an exclusive, 3D “peek” at the newest Pirates film.

“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides – Sneak Peek” debuts tonight at Festival Arena, just after nightfall. In this exciting pirate experience, guests will join Captain Jack Sparrow and his rowdy crew for an extended film sequence from “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” (opening May 20).

Here’s a look at the Disney crew getting everything ready to hoist the sails. Show Director Glenn Kelman says he hopes guests “feel like they’ve become a Pirate of the Caribbean.”

As night falls, look for scallywags and pirates along Big Thunder Trail. Guests will start the adventure there and may be surprised to find a special, peg-legged parrot among the pirates.

The “sneak peek” previews will begin after dusk and run continuously until park closing – weather permitting, of course.

If you can’t make it tonight, you can join Jack’s crew on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights through May 30, and seven nights a week from April 15 through May 1. You can find additional information on the Pirates of the Caribbean – Sneak Peek page.

Follow the film on Facebook and Twitter to find out more about the upcoming Disney Pictures release “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.”

Tagged: DL, DLR, Video

Filed: Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort

Have you ever noticed that Disneyland park has its own unique addresses? They’re one of the many details that Imagineers have placed in the park through the years to make Disneyland a new experience every time you visit.

As you would expect, Main Street, U.S.A., boasts many numbers that mark a particular place. Many of you are probably familiar with the Disneyland Fire House near City Hall. Just above the Fire House, there’s a window where the light is always on – signifying Walt Disney’s presence. But did you know the engine company has an actual address? 105 Town Square, Main Street, U.S.A., Disneyland.

Over in Mickey’s Toontown, look for the iconic yellow house that is Mickey’s residence. It’s officially located at 1 Neighborhood Lane, Mickey’s Toontown.

There are many such addresses throughout the lands, attractions and shops, including several in New Orleans Square. Looking for a little Jack Skellington fix? Why not duck into No. 35 Royal Street, where the gothic Le Bat en Rouge awaits you. But that’s only if you can resist the sweet aromas coming from No. 31 Royal Street, home of the Blue Bayou Restaurant.

What are some of the unique addresses that you’ve spied in Disneyland park – or elsewhere at the Disneyland Resort?

Tagged: DL, DLR

Filed: Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort

Last week, we shared the exciting news that you can join Captain Jack Sparrow at Disneyland park for a new pirate experience that includes an exclusive, extended 3D film sequence – a sneak peek of the upcoming movie, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.” What better way to join Jack’s crew than to dress the part?

To help you get in touch with your inner pirate, the Disneyland Resort will offer a variety of merchandise near Festival Arena. Looking for a new sword? Perhaps a patch or a hook? And, no true pirate would be caught dead without his hat. For all your scallywag needs, check out the new, pop-up merchandise locations on site for the sneak-peek events — held weekend nights from March 25 to May 30, and seven nights a week from April 15 through May 1.

Never fear, ladies, you won’t be left out. A new line of Pirate Princess merchandise is set to arrive just in time for the pirate parties. Look for scarves, hoodies, tanks and tees, and a whole lot more.

And what’s a pirate sneak peek preview without a mug of grog? Look for a special food cart that will offer this “spiced” fruit punch, with the Caribbean flavors of orange, guava, pineapple and passion fruit. Our grog is suitable for pirates of all ages and it’s delicious served with a glow cube!

In May, Disney Vault 28 will join the pirate party by offering a make-up demonstration that celebrates the launch of a new line of mermaid- and pirate-inspired make-up, titled Isla Sirena. Keep watching the blog for more information about this new offering. We challenge you to start deciding now, ladies, whether you’ll be wanting the look of a mermaid, a pirate or a treasure!

What’s your favorite pirate accessory?

Tagged: DL, DLR

Filed: Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort