Tokyo Disneyland

News

Tokyo Disneyland Reopens Today

It has been closed since the devestating tsunami and earthquake hit Japan, but now Tokyo Disneyland is reopening its doors.

Starting today, Tokyo Disneyland will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The shorter-than-normal hours are part of an effort by Disney to conserve energy and power consumption.

Tokyo Disneyland will also be donating a certain amount per guest entering the parks to the Japanese Red Cross. Also, starting April 22, charity wrist bands will be available for sale with proceeds also going to the Red Cross to aid its relief efforts.

Tokyo Disneyland Update

The Tokyo Disneyland Resort is still closed in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan earlier this month and will remain closed until further notice.

Thorough inspections were conducted in Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySEA and found that structures and guest areas inside both parks were safe and sound. The same cannot be said, however, for the outside of the parks. More specifically, the parking lots of the parks have sustained damage from soil liquefaction which occurred when the earthquake's tremors caused the soil under the parking lots to act like liquid.

Disney Donates $2.5 Million to Red Cross

As all eyes continue to watch Japan in the aftermath of last week's devestating earthquake and tsunami, the Walt Disney Company is making a $2.5 million contribution to the Red Cross to aid efforts in that country. Disney also has set up a charitable giving program for all its employees and will match each dollar donated with a dollar up to an additional $1 million.

Disney Posts Update in Earthquake's Aftermath

As most are aware, an 8.9-magnitude earthquake occurred near Japan's coast on Friday. The Disney Parks Blog gave an update yesterday regarding Tokyo Disney Resort, the Disney Wonder and the under-construction Hawaiian resort of Aulani in the wake of the event.

Forum Posts

Articles

Profile of an Imagineer: Marc Davis

The creative of genius of Marc Davis created some of the most memorable Disney animated characters. Working as an animator, an artist, and an Imagineer Davis helped Walt Disney bring countless Disney characters to life on screen and was one of the creative forces behind Disneyland.

Profile of an Imagineer: Bill Martin

Can you imagine getting a phone call asking you to help out with Walt Disney's newest venture, building a new theme park? That is exactly what happened to Bill Martin.

Profile of an Imagineer: Claude Coats

A background painter, color stylist, and concept designer, Claude Coats worked with The Walt Disney Company for over 50 years. Known as the "gentle giant" because of his towering stature -- he was 6 feet, 6 1/8 inches-tall -- Coats worked on some of Disney Studio's most iconic animated features and helped bring Disneyland, Disney World, and other parks to life.

Coats was born on January 17, 1913 in San Francisco, California and graduated from the University of Southern California in 1934. After studying at the Chouinard Art Institute Coats joined The Walt Disney Studios in 1935.

Looking Back: The Mickey Mouse Revue

One of the three attractions at Magic Kingdom on opening day in 1971, the Mickey Mouse Revue was a dream of Walt Disney's and delighted fans for years before it was sent to Tokyo Disneyland in 1980.

Mickey Mouse Musical Revue PosterMickey Mouse Musical Revue Poster

Profile of an Imagineer: Xavier Atencio

How did a shy animator come to write some of the most recognizable lyrics in all of Disney World? According to Xavier "X" Atencio, "Walt had an uncanny ability of finding talent in these people that we didn't know we had ourselves."

Sunday Round-up for January 16, 2011

Lots of great writing from around the web by some of our favorite Disney web sites.

BRiTMiCK addresses a dangerous topic with "5 Things I'd Change About Disney World". Better be careful, people don't like change!

The Disney Food Blog tempts us with some new caramel apples in the parks.