by me
The Matterhorn opened with the Tomorrowland of 1959. The ride revolutionized the way the steel roller coasters were built. After seeing a failed attempt by W.E.D. engineers with flat iron Walt Disney saw Arrow Development’s presentation with a simple tubular steel ride and awarded them the contract. The ride was built within a 147-foot tall man-made mountain, the coaster was 80-feet tall and reached a top speed of 18 m.p.h. There were two different tracks, one on either side of the mountain. One side ran 2,037 feet and the other was 2,134 feet long. The ride ended with a splash down in a small lake; an idea that the men from Arrow pitched to the Disney people half-way through construction. Except for the fact that two sleds now run in tandem, the Matterhorn operates much the way it did after it opened in 1959.
circa: 1960
The ride also passed a replica of Old Faithful. It sprayed up 70 feet into the air and signaled the entrance to the Rainbow Cavern. From the spot above the train looped in a circle and then went back through the tunnel. Inside the tunnel was a beautiful mine ride that featured many traditional dark ride tricks like rocks painted in black light paint.
Top 5 Disney Gift Ideas for the Holidays
Hi there, I’m Michelle. As the Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager for the Disneyland Resort it’s my job to find out all about our Disney Theme Park Merchandise ‘must have’ items and of course, share it with all of you, especially with the holidays right around the corner. I know we’re getting started early this year, but since holiday shopping is in full swing by November, I thought I’d give you a sneak peek at this season’s top 5 Disney Gift ideas!
5. Dress up your holidays at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and Studio Disney 365! Experience the magic of our Disney makeovers, the perfect gift for kids and kids-at-heart. Be transformed into a princess, knight, rock star or studio star in the blink of an eye. The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeovers I’ve seen done typically range from $49.95 – $205.85, while some of the Studio Disney 365 makeovers can range from $29.95 – $59.95. You’ll find more information on these experiences at www.ArtofDisneyParks.com or you can book your reservations by calling 714-781-STYLE.
Insider Tip: A fan favorite makeover at Studio Disney 365 is Color Cue, where you can actually choose different colored streaks to put in your hair. So ask yourself, are you ready for your close- up?
4. Disneyland Resort Annual Passport - The Annual Passport is an ideal gift for anyone who visits the Resort more than two or three times per year … or would like to! The gift of a Disneyland Resort Annual Passport lets friends or family members celebrate throughout the year with the magic of Disneyland Resort.
3. The holidays have never looked (or tasted!) so good! Your taste buds will shout with glee when you enjoy our seasonal peppermint bark and Mickey Shaped Peppermint Lollipops, among other delectable seasonal favorites.
Insider Tip: If there’s a coffee connoisseur on your list…then be sure to heat things up with our Mickey’s Swell Coffee Holiday Collection. Seasonal flavors include Egg Nog, Holiday Cheer, Cinnamon Pecan & Vanilla Cream. These flavors are available for a limited time only and it goes fast!
2. The Game of LIFE – Haunted Mansion “Welcome to the After-LIFE” Disney Theme Park Edition - It is the classic game of LIFE with a chilling spin. “Welcome to the After-LIFE” incorporates the stories, mythology, history and the scary fun of the various Haunted Mansion attractions. There are pictures of the game and other fun facts available on www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.
Insider Tip: This thrilling and chilling game is one of the hottest family gifts to give this year. You’ll find it at theWorld of Disney Store and other select locations in the Resort. So get it, before it’s gone!
1. Looking for that perfect gift, but not sure what to get? Then let us help you…Disney Gift Cards are one of the best gift giving items of the year. You’ll find a variety of themed Disney Gift Cards available throughout theDisney Theme Parks & Resorts. Visit www.DisneyGiftCard.com for more information about the Disney Gift Card program.
Hopefully these helpful tips for our Top 5 gift ideas will help you wrap up your holiday shopping! For other holiday gift ideas, visit www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.
via… http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2009/11/top-5-disney-gift-ideas-for-the-holidays/
How to get free coffee at Disneyland
Did you know” is a feature where you can read and share your pieces of little known advice, tips or hidden treasures with fellowAround Disney readers. If you have a ‘Did you know?’ to share, leave a comment below or send us an email here with the words ‘Did you know’ in the subject line.
Did you know that you can get free refills on coffee at Disneyland?
Since 1955, Main Street’s Market House has given free refills on coffee. Purchase a cup of coffee (regular, decaf, vanilla or hazelnut) for $2.59 and save your receipt.
There’s no need to keep the cup. Just bring back the receipt and enjoy free refills all day.
At other food venues, visitors can get free refills only as long as they are continuing to dine at the location, said David Gill, a Disneyland Resort spokesman. They can’t come back later for free refills. That’s a unique deal at Market House only.
Market House sells mostly standard coffee.
If you want a fancier treat (but no free refills), you can find sweet drinks, such as flavored lattes and mochas, at the Blue Ribbon Bakery across Main Street. An employee said that guests can expect holiday-related drinks, like eggnog lattes and peppermint mochas, for the upcoming season.
The prices are pretty much on par with Starbucks and Coffee Bean.
Speaking of Starbucks, Disney officials deny that Starbucks is coming to the park, as the MiceAge.com Web site reported as a rumor recently. Instead, Disney got another new coffee supplier — Joffrey’s. The new coffee began in mid-October, said Suzi Brown, a Disneyland Resort spokeswoman.
Around Disney reporters Sally French and Sarah Tully wrote this report. Photo by Joshua Sudock of The Orange County Register.
via…. http://ocresort.freedomblogging.com/2009/11/05/how-to-get-free-coffee-at-disneyland/23911/
