Tomb Sweet Tomb: The Haunted Mansion

At the back of Liberty Square looms the Haunted Mansion, an imposing brick and stone manse that houses a group of retirees....

Although the general consensus of the Disney fan community is that the exterior design of the Mansion is based on the Harry Packer Mansion in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, there exists no real evidence that this is the case. Rather, the appearance seems a combination of random Gothic and Victorian elements, as filtered through the keen eyes of the Imagineers.

"Toy Story Mania" Aims to Open Summer '08

The official teaser for "Toy Story Mania" has been posted onto the Walt Disney website. Planned to open both at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World and Disney's California Adventure at Disneyland Anaheim, the 3D attraction will allow guests to travel in special vehicles through a series of carnival games, and use their spring-action shooter to hit projected targets that react to the guests. Adjusting the levels of difficulty according to the players score, the attraction should prove to be enjoyable to both youngsters and more seasoned sharpshooters alike.

In addition to concept art of how the shooting galleries will appear, the flash-based site offers an introductory video from Tom Fitzgerald, Executive Vice President & Senior Creative Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering. Enthusiastically, he describes the general gameplay of the attraction, and continues: "...Buzz and Woody and Hamm and Rex and Bo Peep and all your Toy Storyfriends are there to cheer you on, give you clues, and make sure that you have the best time of your life!"

Visit the website at http://www.toystorymania.com.

All Aboard: The Iron Spike Room at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

Tucked away off the lobby of the Villas at the Wilderness Lodge hides a wonderful, secret place: the Iron Spike Room. Intended as a lounge where Disney Vacation Club members can kick back by the fire and read, play checkers, or shoot the breeze, the room is filled with memorabilia and artifacts from Walt Disney's personal railroad, the Carolwood Pacific.

On display are actual cars from the railroad built by Roger Broggie, photographs of Walt Disney, and enough memorabilia to keep you occupied for quite some time. What always impresses me is how serene and calm the room is; I could see myself sitting in front of the fire, dozing off for hours, if it weren't for that priority seating at Le Cellier that I have for dinner.... Here's a photograph that closely captures the lighting and ambience of this hidden treasure:



MousePlanet has a wonderful article with details about the Iron Spike Room; why not board the train and ride on over!

Down the y-axis of the Rabbit Hole

Tim Burton, writer and producer of the classic The Nightmare Before Christmas, has signed a deal with the Disney Company to produce and direct a 3D version of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. The film will combine live-action footage with motion-capture computer-generated imagery. With pre-production already under way, and filming scheduled for completion in May 2008, a release date in 2010 is expected.

The screenplay is being written by Linda Woolverton, a writer on Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and Mulan.

This news confirms previous rumors that Disney is committed to 3D films, and that we can certainly expect more quality 3D productions in the future. Good news, indeed!

Dragon, 25, Slain by St. George in Lake Buena Vista

In the legend of St. George and the Dragon, there is a spring from which the townsfolk get their water. Unfortunately, the Dragon has made his nest there, and every time the people want to get water, they have to get the Dragon to move. They do this by luring him out of the way with a daily human sacrifice. One day, lunch happens to be the Princess; she appeals to her father to spare her life, to no avail. Then, just as the dragon is about to strike, in comes riding St. George, who slays the Dragon and rescues the Princess. Elated and overjoyed at her new lease on life, she asks him, "What are you going to do next?" And, of course, he replies, "I'm going to Walt Disney World!"



And, there he is today. Or, at least, a replica of the statue in Rothenburg, Germany. As the centerpiece of the town square at the Germany Pavillion at EPCOT center, our hero sits mightily on his horse, gazing upon us civilians as we drink our beer and eat our pretzels. In 3D, the effect is so compelling, you can almost smell the bratwurst.