Latest Press Release from 'Disney Twenty Three'!

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DISNEY TWENTY-THREE GETSINTO THE GAME WITH AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE MAKING OF THE 3D ANIMATED ARCADECOMEDY "WRECK-IT RALPH" IN ITS ALL-NEW WINTER ISSUE
Diane Disney MillerGives Fans a Sneak Peek Of The New SnowWhite Exhibit At The Walt Disney Family Museum
Go Behind The ScenesWith Epic Mickey Creative Director WarrenSpector And Discover How Disney Creates Blockbuster Video Games
Exclusive InterviewsWith Alan Menken And Sarah Silverman

BURBANK, Calif. – October30, 2012 – It’s time to get your game on, as the winter issue of Disney twenty-three, the flagshipmagazine of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, takes readers on a vivid journeythrough the world of Wreck-It Ralph,the sensational new film from Walt Disney Feature Animation. The hilarious andtouching film begs the question, Whatwould happen if a video game bad guy decided he was tired of being bad?
Available nationwideon Nov. 13, Disney twenty-three answersthis question through exclusive interviews with director Rich Moore, writerPhil Johnston, star Sarah Silverman and more. The naturally animated Silvermanalso offers her personal take on getting toon-ed into the sassy characterVanellope von Schweetz. Along with the new issue, D23 Gold Members will receivea special member-only gift: a vibrant set of pixelated Wreck-It Ralph window clings featuring Ralph, Fix-It Felix, Jr. andthe Nicelanders.
“Wreck It Ralph is an imaginative, heartfelt adventure that connectsmany of our favorite classic video game characters with a host of new ones andis sure to delight Disney fans of all ages,” said Steven Clark, head of D23:The Official Disney Fan Club. “In the winter issue, we invite D23 Members toget in the game as we take them behind the scenes with the stars and creativeteam of the film.”
The winter issue alsocelebrates the opening of the new SnowWhite and the Seven Dwarfs exhibit at the Walt Disney Family Museum with anin-depth look at the collection with a peek from Walt’s daughter, Diane DisneyMiller, and an exclusive interview with Snow White’s live-action referencemodel, Marge Champion. Plus, Epic Mickeycreative director Warren Spector writes about digging into the Walt DisneyArchives to create blockbuster Disney video games.
Disney twenty-three also offers the latest on exciting newprojects from the world of Disney and a look at some celebrated classics. Inits pages, Disney fans will be able to:

• Take to the stage as D23’s Billy Stanek and Radio Disney DJ Jake Whetter step into roles in Newsies and Mary Poppins on Broadway
• Learn “30 Thing You Just Might Not Know About Epcot” from never-built attractions to roaming eight-foot-tall dolls
• Enter the Magic Kingdom for a look at Walt Disney World’s spectacular Fantasyland expansion
• Get answers to “23 Questions” with The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Newsies composer Alan Menken
• Enjoy a tour D23 Presents Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives and see some of the iconic pieces now on display at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum  

In conjunction withthe release of winter issue of Disneytwenty-three, www.D23.com will feature original andexclusive stories that complement the contents of D23’s beautiful, glossymagazine. Only available on D23.com, beginning November 13:

• Exclusive outtakes and insights from Warren Spector’s revelations about the creation of Disney video games.
• In celebration of The Lion King on Broadway’s 15th anniversary, Julie Taymor and Thomas Schumacher reflect on the opening night of what has become the fifth-longest running show on Broadway.
• Expanded interviews and behind-the-castle-walls photos of the Fantasyland expansion at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom 

Disney twenty-three is delivered directly to the doorstepof all D23 Gold Members, along with a special gift.  Disney twenty-three magazine isalso available at retail locations across the country for $15.95, and can alsobe purchased online at DisneyStore.com and throughout the Disneyland® and WaltDisney World® Resorts.
D23:The Official Disney Fan Club celebrates the remarkable past, present and futureof Disney, taking its name from 1923, the year Walt Disney founded hisworld-famous company. D23 brings its members a host of exclusive benefits,including a weekly e-mail newsletter; an array of discounts and special offers;free gifts throughout the year; and exclusive, member-only special events.
Disneyfans can join the world’s onlyOfficial Disney Fan Club by visiting www.D23.com,or at select shops at the Disneyland® Resort, the Walt Disney World® Resort andwww.DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep upwith all the latest D23 news and events, follow “DisneyD23” on Twitter, YouTubeand Facebook.

Lyrics to 'Trick or Treat'

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"Trick or Treat" is also the title for the great bouncy song in this cartoon written by Paul Smith. It is sung by the great "Mellomen" which included the voice actor Thurl Ravenscroft. I promise you will be singing this all evening and into tomorrow, once you hear it ]:)

Trick or TreatTrick or TreatTrick or Treat for HalloweenBetter give a treat that's good to eatIf you want to keep life serene
Trick or Treat (Trick or Treat)Trick or Treat (Trick or Treat)Trick or Treat the whole night throughLittle scalawagsWith fiendish gagsCan make it tough on you
So when ghosts and goblins by the scoreRing the bell on your front doorBetter not be stingy orYour nightmares will come true
Trick or TreatTrick or TreatTrick or Treat for HalloweenWhen the pumpkin shellsCast evil spellsYour little white house turns greenYour little white house turns greenYour little white house turns green
Every postIs a ghostIf you've got a witch's brewAnd if you want your gate to circulateHo ho! We can do that too!
Trick or TreatTrick or TreatTrick or TreatTrick or TreatTrick or Treat for HalloweenWhen ghosts and goblins by the scoreRing the bell on your front doorYou'd better not be stingy orYour nightmares will come true
So when ghosts and goblins by the scoreRing your bell or pound your doorBetter not be stingy or


BOO!

The New Fantasyland: Construction Continues

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We're wrapping up an awesome week in Walt Disney World today. Hard to believe we haven't been here since May, 2011 and when we were last here, Fantasyland was still intact and construction walls were up and work had begun on the New Fantasyland!
The lay of the land had really changed since that last visit. Snow White's Scary Adventure was gone, Dumbo the Flying Elephant had been moved, construction walls were still up in the center area. Toon Town was no more and now a new area called Storybook Circus. The Chalet near Peter Pan's Flight was gone and new construction was going there and Disney's latest heroine was now represented with the Tower from Tangled.
The area were the Tower is located was behind walls as they were constructing the new restroom area and once complete, work will began on Peter Pan's Flight, expanding the queu area into the area where the restrooms currently are.  Below are construction photos taken yesterday.



What a difference an hour makes.  Within an hour of the above photos being taken, the cupula was covered with roofing paper.

Not long after, while riding the Liberty Square Riverboat, I could see where roofing shingles were starting to be applied to the roof.



To the right of the construction you were given a glimpse of things to come as this new area will tie into the building where It's a Small World is located.

Looking forward to our next visit to see the end results!

The New Fantasyland: Storybook Circus

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Part of the New Fantasyland expansion, Storybook Circus invites you to explore a lively world inspired by the Disney animated film Dumbo. Storybook Circus dazzles with a glittering array of classic Disney characters and classic Disney storytelling! From the colorful big-top circus tents to the interactive line queues to the animal footprints that pepper the pavement, Storybook Circus offers imaginative touches at every turn.Delight in the following circus-themed attractions:

* Dumbo the Flying Elephant
* The Barnstormer
* Casey, Jr. Splash and Soak Section
* Pete's Silly Sideshow
* Big Top Souvenirs 


Photos from the Storybook Circus Area

Walt Disney Classics Collection Moving Forward in 2013 with New Licensee

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As most aware, December 31, 2012 would mark the end of the current contract between Enesco, LLC and the Walt Disney Company for the Walt Disney Classics Collection. 

On Thursday, December 6th, Enesco, LLC released the following announcement that they were passing the torch back to Disney and the line will continue in 2013 under a new licensee to be announced in early 2013.

Many, like myself have been collecting the line since its inception and wondered if the line would continue beyond this year.  It's bittersweet, as it great news the line will continue but not moving forward with the current team that many of us have gotten to know personally over the years, who have put their heart and soul into the collection, will not be moving forward with the line.

To the Enesco Team, the talented sculptors, mold makers, artisans and painters, to those involved in the packaging and shipping of the product, a well deserved Thank You for giving us collectors 20 Years of pure magic!

It will be interesting to see what direction the new licensee will take the line, seeing the collection through a different vision and the complexity of sculptures they will release.  

The announcement released by Enesco, LLC on Thursday, December 06, 2012:








From its introduction in1992, the award-winning Walt Disney Classics Collection has celebrated theartistry and legacy of Disney’s animated and live-action shorts and films byfaithfully recreating memorable moments and beloved characters in innovative andexquisitely hand-crafted porcelain sculptures. In 2004, Enesco was entrusted with continuing the collection as the WaltDisney Classics Collection’s first licensee and we are honored to have played apart in helping the brand reach its 20^th Anniversary this year. 
The past several years havebeen challenging for luxury products and we’re proud to have maintained thebrand’s artistic integrity and complexity while keeping the line relevant anddesirable to reach this year’s milestone. And now, after nine amazing and creatively fulfilling years, Enesco ishanding the torch back to Disney to appoint a new licensee to re-imagine thenext chapter for the Walt Disney Classics Collection.  In order to not disrupt your business, and toallow your customers time to complete their collections, we will continue tosell the limited inventory of Walt Disney Classics Collection sculptures wehave remaining.
Enesco would especially liketo thank the dedicated team of sculptors, artists, painters and mold-makers whostarted with the line at Disney and joined us for this journey.  Their unparalleled talent established thehigh standards of artistry and attention to detail that have always been thehallmark of the Walt Disney Classics Collection and have contributed immeasurablyto its longevity. 
Throughout its long andcelebrated history, the Walt Disney Classics Collection has drawn inspirationfrom Walt Disney’s legendary creativity, inventiveness and vision.  Ensuring that Walt’s legacy of artistry andexcellence continues to be preserved and celebrated throughout the collectionhas been the mission of Disney Creative Director and Master Artist DavePacheco.   From a tiny field mousereaching up for a crystal dewdrop to a dashing prince sweeping Snow White intohis arms, Dave has provided a consistent vision and meticulous attention todetail that has made the line what it is today. 
While our collaboration onWalt Disney Classics Collection in nearing a close, Enesco will continue toprovide Disney magic through many of our other lines, including DisneyTraditions, Disney by BRITTO™, Grand Jester Studios, and Disney ShowcaseCollection. 
Finally, it has truly been an honor to play asignificant role in the history of the Walt Disney Classics Collection.  We thank you for your loyalty and support ofthe collection and your contribution to the success of the line.  Everyone at Enesco who has worked on - andadded to - the collection has taken enormous pride in the line, and we wish itevery success going forward.

THE LODGE AT PEBBLE BEACH

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THE LODGE AT PEBBLE BEACH
PEBBLE BEACH, CALIFORNIA

THE LODGE AT PEBBLE BEACH1700 17-MILE DRIVEPEBBLE BEACH, CA  93953800-654-9300www.pebblebeach.com
Should you ever need to drive from San Francisco to any point south, I would highly recommend driving down California Highway 1 and taking the 17-Mile Drive detour.  The drive will cost you around $8 but it is worth every penny to enjoy the sights and California coast.  We stopped at the Lodge at Pebble Beach to take in the beauty of the golf course and clubhouse that are both giants in the golf world.  Pebble Beach has hosted the U.S. Open five times and has been one of the greatest courses in America since 1919.  As you walk through the small front door to The Lodge you enter a large lobby overlooking the 18th hole.  The lobby is beautiful.  People were enjoying cocktails and drinks in the lobby and outside on the open air patios.  We walked across the beautiful grass lawn and stood on the 18th green overlooking the Pacific.  Quite a sight for any golf lover.

THE LODGE AT PEBBLE BEACH

ENTER THE LODGE AND YOU ARE IN BEAUTIFUL LOBBY OVER LOOKING THE 18TH HOLE

THE LOBBY AT THE LODGE

THE LODGE CLUBHOUSE ON THE 18TH HOLE AT PEBBLE BEACH

THE 18TH HOLE AT PEBBLE BEACH IS SPECTACULAR

TROPHY CASES IN THE HALLS WITHIN THE LODGE AT PEBBLE BEACH

GOLF'S GREATEST PLAY PEBBLE BEACH

17 MILE DRIVE IN CALIFORNIA IS A MUST DRIVE FOR EVERYONE!

PLENTY OF WALKING TRAILS ALONG THE 17 MILE DRIVE

CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS IS A GOLF TEE.  YOU TEE OFF STRAIGHT INTO THE PACIFIC

LOTS TO SEE ON THE 17 MILE DRIVE

17 MILE DRIVE IS WORTH THE $8 FEE

CRUISING DOWN THE CALIFORNIA COAST

CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY 1 IS ONE OF THE BEST DRIVES IN AMERICA

DOES NOT GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS ON A CALIFORNIA DRIVE

NOVEMBER DAY ON HIGHWAY 1 CALIFORNIA

SAND DUNES OFF HIGHWAY 1

FOGCATCHER INN - CAMBRIA, CA

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 FOGCATCHER INNCAMBRIA, CALIFORNIA
FOGCATCHER INN6400 MOONSTONE BEACH DRIVECAMBRIA, CA  93428800-425-4121 RESERVATIONS805-927-1400www.fogcatcherinn.comreservations342@fogcatcherinn.com

I liked our stay at the FogCatcher Inn.  The hotel sits across from Moonstone Beach in the beautiful little town of Cambria which is about four hours from Los Angeles or San Francisco.  Cambria is a gem of a place where the ocean meets the Pine Trees.  Life here is relaxing.  Simply one of the most beautiful places in California.  The FogCatcher Inn offers nice clean rooms at affordable prices.  We did not spend much time in the room but when we were there it was comfortable.  Loved the gas fireplace that heated the room at night.  Rooms include breakfast and internet plus free parking.  After paying $45 per day to park in San Francisco and another $15 for internet, it was nice to have this included in the room price.  I did not sample the complimentary breakfast but my wife and daughter said it was very good.  Bacon, eggs, sausage and some pretty good home made salsa.  Rooms come with a coffee maker, microwave and small refrigerator.  The grounds are beautiful and well maintained.  Surprised to see that the pool was heated and people were swimming in late November.  The highlight of a stay here is the front yard which is Moonstone Beach.  

THE FOGCATHER INN ON MOONSTONE BEACH

SMALL MAIN OFFICE IN FRONT 

BREAKFAST ROOM FOR A COMPLIMENTARY HOT BREAKFAST EVERY DAY

FOGCATHER INN IS DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM MOONSTONE BEACH

ROOMS ARE ALL ON GROUND FLOOR

FREE PARKING RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOUR ROOM

WAKE UP AND TAKE A WALK ACROSS THE STREET

MOONSTONE BEACH IS JUST STEPS AWAY FROM HOTEL

ENJOY THE OCEAN VIEW FROM BENCHES IN FRONT OF THE FOGCATCHER INN

LARGE HEATED PULL AND A HOT TUB

BEAUTIFUL FLOWER BLOOMING IN NOVEMBER

INSIDE IS CLEAN AND COMFORTABLE

FIREPLACE KEPT US TOASTY WARM AT NIGHT

SMALL SEATING AREA.  WATER IS CHARGED AT $1.50 PER BOTTLE

NICE FLAT SCREEN AND DESK AREA

MICROWAVE, COFFEE MAKER AND REFRIGERATOR IN ROOM

LARGE CLOSET WITH ROBES

CLEAN BATHROOM WITH PLENTY OF TOWELS

NICE AMENITIES

MOONSTONE BEACH

MOONSTONE BEACH IN CAMBRIA CALIFORNIA - DOES NOT GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS