Exclusive ! Disney and more " Personas " to customize your web browser tool bar !

As promised yesterday, i have a surprise for you today. And i think you're going to love it. It's brand new, it's an idea that NO other Disney fan web site ever had before, and we will call it the "Disney and more Personas". In less than 10 minutes you'll have the coolest customized web browser!

What are the "Disney and more Personas"? Well, first, this will work only with Firefox. If you don't use Firefox as web browser you can download and install the latest version HERE. Firefox is MUCH better and faster than Internet Explorer - although the latest version of Safari is incredibly fast. And don't worry about your bookmarks as, when you will install Firefox it will ask you if you want to import your bookmarks from your previous browser, so you will NOT have to put all your bookmarks again.

Now, at the top of any web browser we all have the tool bar, the one where you type the url adress of any web site. Normally this tool bar looks like this - see picture below.



Now, would you like it to look like THIS with a Disneyland theme?...



Or like this, with a Space Mountain theme ?



Yes? So, let me tell you how to do it, it's very easy, it will take you ten minutes only, and it's free! I've designed specially for you what Firefox call "Personas images". What ever the one you will choose below there will be a "header" and a "footer" image. Always download both header and footer as you will need both of them.

Let's begin: First go at this page: http://www.getpersonas.com/ and download and install "personas for firefox ". This little plug-in is done by Firefox, so it's totally SAFE, don't worry about that.

Once it's done it will ask you to restart firefox, which is okay.

Now, choose any header/footer couple images below, the one you prefer, as you will need them in one minute.

Have a look now at the very bottom left of your firefox page, you will see a tiny fox head in the corner. Here is how it look (see image below, the little fox head is on the bottom left , on the left of the word "done")



Then, have a look at this page : http://www.getpersonas.com/demo_create and go down the page to the section: "Option 1: Using the Custom Persona setting within Firefox" and follow what they say. Just in case you would need to be registered to access the page, here is a screen capture below, it will be easier. Follow the instructions.

As you probably have understood by now you have to click on the tiny fox head to access the Personas menu to custom the header image.



When you arrive at part 4 "custom persona", it's here where you will use the two header/footer files you've choosen below. One of the file is the one you must select for the "header". The other file is the one you must select for the "footer". When it's done, click on okay, and that's it!

Here are the different "Personas" themes i did for you. Double click on each picture as you MUST download them in full size. Once again, for each theme you must download the header and the footer image.

The first one is a Disneyland theme:

Header image:



Footer image:




Next is a WDW Space Mountain theme.

Header image:



Footer image:




Next one is a Jungle Cruise - Adventureland theme.

Header image 1st choice:



Header image 2nd choice:



Footer image:




Next theme is a Epcot theme.

Header image:



Footer image:




The two last one have animation movies theme, and the first one is a UP! theme.

Header image:



Footer image:




And this very last one is a Princess and the frog theme, i did it with a panoramic rendering of New Orleans and the Bayou.

Header image:



Footer image:



I'm also planning to do one with a Toy Story theme very soon.

I'm not a photoshop genius, but some of you are! So here is what i suggest: create your own Disney themed "Personas" and send me the one you like, i will post them in the new "Personas" section and every one will be able to enjoy it as well as new one i will do in the future!

One last thing: Just in case you would like to comeback to the previous normal "grey" header, click again on the little fox head on the bottom left and choose "default theme".

Hope you succeed to do everything, i've tried to be as clear as possible in my "tutorial". One last thing, as i've said, it works only with Firefox , of course.

So, what do you think of these Disney and more Personas? Just let me know!

All pictures: copyright Disney or Pixar

A brand new design for Disney and more !

Dear Disney and more readers, this is it. As promised some weeks ago Disney and more has a brand new design! A much larger column which will allow to post in future articles pictures in bigger size - although previously posted pictures will stay at the same size - as well as larger videos, more "space" which makes the reading more pleasant, a new typo, and above all a design more pure which is exactly what i was looking for since i began the site two years ago.

But this is only the beginning of many other changes. As you can see the side bar on the right always have many links to the previous articles. This will change too, little by little. Although Disney and more looks now more like a site than a blog, the Blogger structure is still there and some things are impossible to do. For instance, on a real web site, if you click on a button to go to another section - let's say for instance the "pictures" section - you can have a different design on that page or a different header, colours, etc... With a blog structure it's not possible. If you click on any link on the side bar, you'll arrive on the page of the article, but with the same header image, etc...

And, as i would like precisely to change the design, header, colours, for each section, the question was: how to resolve this problem. I found the solution - thanks to a little cheating - and this will allow me to begin the "phase two" of the D&M new design. In fact, the trick is to create new blogs for each section (artwork, pictures, Disneyland Paris, etc...) and that's what i did. Little by little i will transfert each article of each section to its new blog - the "artwork" articles in the "Disney and more artwork" blog, for instance - and once it'll be done, all the "artwork" articles links you have on the side bar will disappear except one link to the "Disney and more artwork" blog. A normal reader won't even notice that he's sent from a blog to another one, but most of all it will allow to have different colours, a different header, etc... in all, there should be more or less ten different "Disney and more" blogs, just as many sections you'll have now on the side bar.

The goal, finally, is to give you an even more pleasant web site, but also more beauty as you will see when everything will be finished. All my thanks goes too to the young Maureen for her precious help in this new design. Hope you will enjoy the new Disney and more - thanks to let me know in your comments!

Edited June 29: Thanks to your comments, i've noticed that some little things must be fix, beginning by the links which disappear when you put your mouse on them. I have fixed this problem now. As for the too long side bar, as i explain above this is DEFINITELY going to change soon. Thanks for your patience, it will be even better in a near future!

WDW Hall of Presidents re-open July 4 with Barack Obama Audio-animatronic !

Next week, the Hall of Presidents at WDW Magic Kingdom will re-pen, and the new show will have many improvements, beginning by Barack Obama audio-animatronic. Here is the full press release with all the infos!

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – A remarkably lifelike Audio-Animatronics figure of President Barack Obama enters the spotlight in a revised and refreshed Hall of Presidents show that reopens July 4 in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.

The recently installed figure of the country’s 44th chief executive – which comes to life with recognizable mannerisms and makes comments that were recorded recently at the White House – is only part of an eight-month makeover so significant that the iconic attraction in the park’s Liberty Square has been retitled Hall of Presidents: A Celebration of Liberty’s Leaders. Other updates to the “re-Imagineered” attraction which has been entertaining Magic Kingdom guests since 1971:


A re-programmed Abraham Lincoln delivers arguably the greatest speech in the history of the presidency – the Gettysburg Address.
For the first time in the attraction’s history, George Washington stands and delivers a stirring speech.
Developed with the assistance of Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, the show now tells a moving story of the bond between the presidents and “We, the People,” focusing on the chief executives who have guided America through trying, turbulent times.


“Our goal with every major Disney attraction is to completely immerse our guests in a compelling story,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “The stories associated with the American presidency are some of the most engaging and relevant our guests will hear while they are with us. And, like all great stories, these stories inspire, motivate and teach us to appreciate the challenges and personal triumph that comes with overcoming adversity.”



True to Walt Disney’s vision, Hall of Presidents features the appearance on stage of every United States president – life-sized, three-dimensional and fully animated. Seven presidents have been added to the “Hall” since the attraction opened during the presidency of Richard Nixon.

The figure of President Barack Obama is not only the seventh addition but also the most dynamic figure Disney has ever created. Disney Imagineers, who’ve been refining Audio-Animatronics technology since 1963, have discovered new ways to integrate an array of subtle movements and facial expressions into the figures. Imagineers also worked closely with White House staff to create realistic clothing and accessories worn by the figure in the show, right down to a lapel pin and watch.



Kathy Rogers, senior show producer for Walt Disney Imagineering, says the show pays particular tribute to the strength of the bond between the people and the president “that led us through the most troubling times in our nation’s history.

“We still present that ‘mighty cavalcade of history’ that Walt Disney originally envisioned,” Rogers says, referring to “headline moments” of America’s past that are depicted in the film, “but it is viewed through the lens of the presidency.”

The 25-minute show begins with the story of George Washington and the struggle to build a new nation. It continues through today, highlighting presidents who have reached out to the people during times of strife. Disney senior show writer and director Pam Fisher, who worked closely with Kearns Goodwin to develop the story, describes the revised Hall of Presidents as “a very human story – one that we hope strikes a chord with all guests.”

A soaring new musical score written by Emmy-winning composer Joel McNeely adds another emotional dimension to the experience.

The show’s impact is bolstered by the stirring performances of actor David Morse, who voices Washington, and the late veteran actor Royal Dano, who voices Lincoln. Morse played Washington in the award-winning HBO miniseries, “John Adams.” Dano was selected by Walt Disney himself to voice the first animated Lincoln figure, which debuted at the 1964 New York World’s Fair and later became part of the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln attraction at Disneyland in California. Obama’s speech, recorded in the White House Map Room, includes the presidential oath of office and his thoughts about “the American dream.”

In the tradition of earlier versions of the show, the rewritten story begins with a large-format movie, but this time it is projected in crystal-clear, high-definition video. Imagineers digitized many of the huge scenic paintings of historic America made for the original movie by Disney legends including Herb Ryman and Sam McKim. In addition, the team combed through the National Archives, Library of Congress, museums and private collections to acquire more than 130 new images ultimately woven into the show.

Imagineers enhanced the soundtrack with digital production and state-of-the-art speakers; they also upgraded the lighting with energy-efficient LED technology.

The new Hall of Presidents experience begins in the pre-show lobby, which has been transformed into an expanded gallery of presidential artifacts. The inaugural exhibit showcases the women behind the presidents. Large display cases exhibit dresses and personal objects worn by several First Ladies, including Edith Roosevelt (Teddy’s wife), Elizabeth Monroe and Nancy Reagan. The historical gallery also displays presidential portraits of Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and other chief executives, plus two cases filled with personal artifacts of presidents including Gerald Ford, Franklin Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover and George Washington.

Presentations of the Hall of Presidents show will take place daily and are included with Magic Kingdom admission.

WDW Magic Kingdom Pirates League Sets Sail June 29 !

The new Pirates League at WDW Magic Kingdom will open June 29! It's the newest buccaneer adventure in the Magic Kingdom, featuring makeovers that turn theme park guests into savvy swashbucklers.



Some weeks ago i show you the rendering below, and now, here come the pictures.



On the picture below, a young boy receives the "Cursed Pirate" makeover. Depending on the pirate package, a trained Pirate Master can transform boys, girls (ages 3 and up) and grownups into pirates, buccaneers and maidens using facial effects, fake scars, removable teeth, hats, bandanas and other costume accessories. Included in each of the three packages offered: a sword and sheath, earring and eye patch, temporary tattoo, exclusive pirate coin necklace, map case folder, a personalized pirate oath and a pirate portrait.





Here is the full Disney press release:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Calling all scoundrels, rogues and ne’er-do-wells – Captain Jack and the crew of the Black Pearl want you.

Starting in late June, the Pearl drops anchor in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom for The Pirates League, recruiting and training Walt Disney World guests ages 3 and up in the scurrilous ways of buccaneers.

Each guest checking in at the plunder-filled pirate’s lair gets an official pirate name. Then it’s off to Muster Station for applications of beards and eye patches, scarves and scars, earrings and gold teeth – all done with the savvy skill of a veteran pirate who shares his own tales of sea-sailing adventures.




After the new buccaneers recite a sacred pirate oath, they are officially part of Captain Jack’s motley crew, leaving their old identities behind. Past a hidden portal and into the treasure room, the shipmates have their “pirate portrait” taken before being turned loose on an unsuspecting Adventureland – and no doubt feeling right at home at the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.



Guests can choose from three daily pirate packages:

First Mate Package: Includes bandana; choice of facial effects; scars; tattoos; fake teeth; earring and eye patch; sword and sheath; pirate coin necklace; one 5x7-inch photo; and personalized pirate oath -- $49.95 plus tax.

Empress Package: Includes bandana; shimmering makeup; face gem; tattoos; nail polish; earring and eye patch; sword and sheath; pirate coin necklace; one 5x7-inch photo; and personalized pirate oath -- $49.95 plus tax.

Captains Package: Includes choice of costume/outfit from selection; choice of facial effects; scars; tattoos; fake teeth; earring and eye patch; sword and sheath; pirate coin necklace; three 5x7-inch photos; and personalized pirate oath -- $124.95 plus tax.



Newly donned swashbucklers can test their pirate prowess on the streets of Adventureland where they search for clues and discover treasures. And for mateys who need a little more training, learn the secrets for survival by the captain himself during “Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial.”



Boys, girls and grownups ready for the pirate life can start the process by calling 407/WDW-CREW



Above, a picture of the Magic Kingdom Pirate's League team.

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All pictures and artwork: copyright Disney - Kent Phillips, photographer.

Michael Jackson at Neverland - Video Tribute

The whole world is under schock of Michael Jackson's death today. As i've said yesterday in my tribute post Michael was the uber Peter Pan, the only one who ever had the means to stay a "Peter Pan" all his life. And, as any Peter Pan he was dreaming to live in his own Neverland. The only difference being that he actually did it, and built his own Neverland.

He was also the only one to have a replica of Main Street Station and the Disneyland railroad...




So let's have a last visit in what was Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch thanks to the videos below.





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Michael Jackson died after being taken to a hospital on Thursday after suffering cardiac arrest

Michael Jackson died after being taken to a hospital on Thursday after suffering cardiac arrest, according to multiple reports including the Los Angeles Times and the Associated Press. He was not breathing when paramedics arrived at his home and had been in a coma at the hospital. Whatever one can think about Michael, i think we can remember all the good times we had at Disneyland with Captain Eo, and most of all, his great great music, specially when Quincy Jones was his producer.


http://disneyandmoretest.blogspot.com/


Michael always said that "he was Peter Pan" and real Peter Pan don't necessarily live old. Michael's love for Disneyland was so sincere that, as we know, he built his own Magic Kingdom at his "Neverland". I think it's fair to say that, of all the Peter Pan who exist on this planet, Michael was the only one who have "pushed" his "Peter Pan syndrome" to the very end - he also was the only one who have no limits - financially speaking - to do it and to escape reality. This was his destiny.

Very sad news, really. We love you, Michael, wherever you are.

Below, a rare video of Michael at Disneyland Paris in 1992 or so, at a time where he was persona grata.



And here is the full Captain EO movie.





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Pictures and videos: copyright Disney

Hong Kong Disneyland phase two agreement to be announced on June 30th !

Great news for Hong Kong Disneyland as Reuters Press agency announced that a HK government and the WDC have a deal on the expansion of the park, and this should be announced officially on June 30th! Let's just cross our fingers that this time, it's for real.

From Reuters.com:

HONG KONG, June 25 (Reuters) - Hong Kong has reached a deal with the Walt Disney Co (DIS.N) to expand the local Disney theme park, seen as necessary to bolster the park's long-term prospects against a Shanghai rival, a newspaper reported on Thursday.

The agreement is expected to be announced by June 30, with details of the deal to be laid out to local legislators in a special meeting, the Hong Kong Economic Times reported.

A spokeswoman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, which oversees the Disneyland project, confirmed to Reuters that a special meeting had been called, but disclosed no specifics.

The report said the deal was expected to be worth HK$7 billion ($903.3 million) of which HK$4 billion would be used for expansion.

The size of Hong Kong Disneyland, the smallest of Disney's magic kingdoms, is expected to almost double, with construction to begin within a year, pending approval from the city's legislative council in July, the newspaper reported.

Hong Kong's Financial Secretary John Tsang travelled to Los Angeles in May, where he met senior Disney executives. The trip is seen to have paved the way for the breakthrough after Disney earlier said it would stall any expansion amid the credit crunch.

There was no immediate response from Tsang's office.

When contacted by Reuters, a Disney official in the United States said discussions are ongoing, without giving any specifics.

The Walt Disney Co (DIS.N) earlier indicated it would likely invest more capital in Hong Kong Disneyland and allow the Hong Kong government to convert its loans to equity to maintain its majority share of the theme park, a source involved in their talks told Reuters earlier.

The Hong Kong government, which owns 57 percent of the underperforming resort, desperately needs the expansion to boost flagging attendance, with a much larger rival Disneyland expected to be built in Shanghai in 2014 that could draw much visitor traffic from the burgeoning mainland China market.

"At this stage, we have to support the expansion otherwise it will be very difficult to compete with Shanghai in five to six years time," said legislator Fred Li of the Democratic Party, who said his party backed the expansion as long as Disney boosted its financial transparency in future on attendance figures. (Additional reporting by Gina Keating in Los Angeles) (Reporting by James Pomfret; Editing by Chris Lewis and Muralikumar Anantharaman)

EDITED 26/6: Business Week.com brings interesting details about the deal itself:

"It looks like the Walt Disney Company (DIS) and the Hong Kong government have finally reached an agreement to expand their undersized and underperforming Hong Kong version of the Magic Kingdom... However it appears as though Disney ended up making all the concessions. According to press reports, Disney will pay for the entire expansion costing as much as $800 million. The government will convert its debt to equity to prevent its share from being diluted below the 50% mark. The Hong Kong government, quite rightly, was reluctant to pony up any more cash into the money-losing park considered too small to attract enough first time visitors, let alone getting them to come back. Although Hong Kong covered more than 80% of the initial $2.9 billion cost of the project, the government has just a 57% share in the joint venture, with Disney holding the other 43%."

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Text: copyright Reuters.com and Business Week.com