E Ticket Does a Interview with Dazzling Dan! #47

First of all, I want to thank you for taking time to do this interview with "E" Ticket to Tomorrowland. We have 12 Questions.

#1 ETTT: At what age did you realized you loved the theme-parks?

DD: The moment I entered Main Gate in 1989. I was a anxious 8 year old waiting to turn the turnstiles. The main gate man looks at me , gives me a Mickey Mouse Button in secret and whispered in my ear "Only really special people get one of these buttons". Then he winked. My jaw dropped cause I was in Aww. This guy made me feel like the coolest kid in the world. Immediately I was in LOVE with DISNEYLAND Park.

#2 ETTT: Have you always worked for the Disneyland Resort? when did you start?

DD: On my 18th birthday I applied to work at the Disneyland Resort. My Cast member journey began in Main Street store operations.

#3 ETTT: What was your first job?

DD: My first job was to put on some Mickey Mouse gloves and start waving at guests.
"As soon as the guests approach you, you give them a "High Four" - My Disney trainer.

#4 ETTT: Would you recommend anyone  to work at the parks?

DD: I recommend the entire world to come to work at the Disneyland Resort. The Company pays you to be happy?  Come on , what else do you need? I loved every minute of my time as a Cast Member.

#5 ETTT: What is your favorite ride at Disneyland?

DD: My favorite Disneyland ride I called " The cast member journey" Holy Cow. Being a Disneyland Cast member is the most fun you will ever have. My ride lasted 15 years. Wooooooooo!!! :)

#6 ETTT: What will you miss most , now that you have a new goal?

DD: I am going to miss all the education that Disney provides to all the Cast members. They allow you to meet new people from all over the world. This place is all about safety and a healthy lifestyle. I lost 32 pounds just cause I was getting taught how to make good food choices at Disney. Schools should be designed like Disneyland.

Daniel Nava a.k.a. Dazzling Dan:
We did not finish this interview as I know how emotional these can be. We wish you luck on your new adventure Dazzling Dan.
Thank you for the small interview. :) Good Bless

 When guests would visit the parks, They wanted their pictures taken with two Icons, Mickey Mouse and Daniel Nava!!
I remember I was at the Press pass event , Red Carpet Lone Ranger event and There he was on the Red Carpet with his tiny Hat. He worked as a lead with my wife at WOD. and she said he was a Great guy.
DCA will miss him, as I am sure his friends do too.

JUST RELEASED!! PIXAR ANIMATION STUDIOS TO HIT D23 EXPO 2015 AUG. 14-16 #17

PIXAR ANIMATION STUDIOS TO HIT D23 EXPO 2015 AUG. 14–16

                      PIXAR TO SHARE NEW FOOTAGE FROM UPCOMING FILMS,                    

EXCITING SECRETS AND LARGER-THAN-LIFE BUZZ LIGHTYEAR HELIUM BALLOON AS IT OFFICIALLY MARKS TWO DECADES OF FEATURE FILMMAKING

 

Pixar Presents Its First-Ever D23 EXPO Booth, Plus Provocative Panels

and a One-of-a-Kind John Lasseter Hawaiian-Shirt Exhibit

 

 

BURBANK, Calif. – June 25, 2015 – Buzz Lightyear will welcome visitors to D23 EXPO 2015 as Pixar Animation Studios celebrates the 20-year anniversary of Toy Story, among a host of exciting presentations, demonstrations and panels that pay homage to Pixar’s past while looking ahead to its roster of exciting new films. The fearless space ranger, who appeared in Pixar’s groundbreaking CG-animated feature-film debut Toy Story in 1995, as well as Toy Story 2 (1999) and Toy Story 3 (2010), has taken flight in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade^® six times as a giant character helium balloon, measuring 67.7-feet long, 39.9-feet wide and 34.3-feet tall. This summer, the Disney•Pixar Buzz Lightyear balloon travels to the West Coast for the first time ever, welcoming guests to D23 EXPO 2015 as it soars outside the Anaheim Convention Center on Friday, Aug. 14, 2015. D23 EXPO 2015 takes place through August 16. 

 

Finding Dory

Inside Out

The Good Dinosaur

 

 

Calendar of Key PRESENTATIONS/ PANELS/ Events:

 

Every Story Is a Journey: The Upcoming Films of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios

Friday, August 14, 3:00 pm  – Hall D23

After meeting the Emotions inside the mind of an 11-year-old, taking a trip to San Fransokyo where a boy genius and his robot save the world, and falling in love with a queen with icy powers who wants to “let it go,” come see where Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios plan to take you next. In what has become a D23 EXPO must-see, host John Lasseter, chief creative officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, presents “Every Story is a Journey.” Filmmakers will unveil never-before-seen footage from Pixar’s upcoming The Good Dinosaur and Finding Dory and Disney Animation’s Zootopia and Moana. The event will include surprise announcements, musical performances, and appearances by the films’ star voice talent. Cell phones, cameras and all recording devices will be checked for this presentation.

Moana

 

 

 

In Conversation with the Filmmakers and the Emotions Behind Inside Out

Friday, August 14, 2015, 11:30 am – Stage 28

Get the inside story on the making of Pixar’s latest summer release Inside Out. Hear from Academy Award^®-winning director Pete Docter (Up, Monsters, Inc.) and producer Jonas Rivera (Up) as they reminisce and share their personal stories of creating a world that everyone knows, but no one has ever seen.

 

Pixar Secrets Revealed! Hear the Stories They Didn’t Want You to Know!

Saturday, August 15, 2015, 3:00 pm – Stage 28

Ever wonder where your favorite Pixar stories began? Hear the stories you don’t know about the classic films that you love. Pixar senior development executive Mary Coleman hosts this experience, welcoming the storytellers behind some of Pixar’s most successful films, including Darla K. Anderson (A Bug’s Life, Monsters, Inc., Cars, Toy Story 3), Mark Andrews (The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Brave), Ronnie del Carmen (Up, Inside Out) and Dan Scanlon (Cars, Toy Story 3, Monsters University), as they talk about the twists and turns of crafting a narrative and share some of the crazy story ideas that didn’t make the final cut.

 

Toy Story: 20 Years Later, the Original Crew Looks Back

Saturday, August 15, 2015, 4:30 pm – Stage 23

From flipbooks to feature films, animation has taken audiences to fantastical new worlds, far beyond the limits of any real-world setting. Pixar Animation Studios has been at the forefront of this evolution, blurring the line between art and technology and bringing beloved characters to life with heart and humor. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of 1995’s Toy Story, the first computer-animated feature film, join members of the original crew, including filmmakers John Lasseter, Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich, Galyn Susman, Ralph Eggleston, Sharon Calahan, Eben Ostby, Bob Pauley and Bill Reeves as they share their stories and the challenges they faced along the way.

 

 

 

ON THE EXPO SHOW FLOOR:

 

Animation – Show Floor Exhibition

For the first time ever, Pixar Animation Studios is creating a show-floor experience at D23 EXPO. Pixar teams up with Walt Disney Animation Studios for an unforgettable adventure that showcases magic from both animation studios, featuring live demonstrations, presentations and autograph signings with top filmmakers, free giveaways and interactive displays. With highlights from films like Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur, Zootopia, Finding Dory and Moana, animation fans will get the inside scoop on their favorite films and characters.

 

Say Aloha to John Lasseter’s Film-Themed Hawaiian Shirts

Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios John Lasseter takes Disney and Pixar animation to heart—literally. For nearly every film—from Finding Nemo and Wreck-It Ralph to Frozen and Inside Out, Lasseter has commissioned an exclusive movie-themed Hawaiian shirt. And those who know the Oscar^®-winning storyteller know that he loves his Hawaiian shirts—and dons one for almost every occasion. Animation fans will see their favorite film characters “materialize” before their eyes in this colorful collection, which will be exhibited on the show floor.

 

Fans can take home their own shirt, thanks to Disney Store at D23 EXPO. This D23-exclusive Reyn Spooner-design features characters from all the feature films produced under the creative guidance of Lasseter. The simple, appealing collage joins many of Disney’s and Pixar’s most beloved recent characters on one wearable canvas. The shirt will retail for $99.95.  

 

Items at this years D23 Expo Dream Store

 

 

 

Tickets for D23 EXPO 2015 are available at a discounted price for a limited time. Through June 30, 2015, tickets are $67 for a one-day adult admission and $48 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $58 for a one-day adult admission and $42 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available. D23 Members can save as much as $188 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for D23 Members and general admission, visit D23EXPO.com.

 

About D23 EXPO 2015

D23 EXPO—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. For the latest D23 EXPO 2015 news, visit D23EXPO.com. Presentations, talent, and schedule subject to change. To join the D23 EXPO conversation, make sure to follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube, and use the hashtag #D23EXPO.

 

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

 

Fans can join D23 at Gold and General Membership levels at D23.com and at DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.

 

About Pixar Animation Studios

Pixar Animation Studios, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is an Academy Award^®-winning film studio with world-renowned technical, creative, and production capabilities in the art of computer animation. Creator of some of the most successful and beloved animated films of all time, including the Toy Story and Cars films, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Ratatouille, WALL•E and Up, the Northern California studio has won 30 Academy Awards and eight Golden Globes^®, and its 14 feature films have grossed more than $8.5 billion at the worldwide box office. Disney•Pixar’s Inside Out is in theaters nationwide; next up for the studio are The Good Dinosaur on Nov. 25, 2015, and Finding Dory on June 17, 2016.

 

 

Here is an Article I saw posted in last months AAA Westways magazine. Ears to 60 milestones. #16

Few Disneyland visitors notice the park bench inside Main Street U.S.A.'s Opera House. Originally in Griffith Park. This bench may have been one where Walt Disney passed afternoons watching his daughters on the merry-go-round and, by his account, began envisioning Disneyland. As Disneyland Resort celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, the bench is a unique connection to this towering cultural figure. Here are a few other SoCal locations that played a role in Disney's remarkable career. written by Matt Jaffe.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN: UNCLE ROBERT'S GARAGE
When Walt moved to California from Missouri in 1923, he lived with his Uncle Robert on Kingswell Avenue in Los Feliz. Walt paid $5 rent per week, and used a redwood garage--a shed by todays standards--as his animation studio. Reassembled at Garden Grove's Stanley Ranch Museum, it`s now filled with Disneyana, a vintage projector and a workbench likely assembled by Walt. Adults, $5 donation; children, $1 donation. Tours at 1:30 pm on the first and third Sundays of the month. 12174 Euclid Street, Garden Grove, Ca. (714) 530-8871 www.stanleyranchmuseum.com .

HOME, SWEET HOME: WALT'S DISNEYLAND APARTMENT
In the window above Main Street U.S.A. fire station in Disneyland, a lamp shines day and night. The lamp marks the 500-square-foot apartment where Walt often stayed with his family, making sandwiches on a grilled cheese press (it`s still there complete with knife marks). You can go inside the apartment during the three-hour Walk in Walt's Disneyland footsteps tours, an intimate look at the man and the park. Tours, $109. (714) 781-8687

DINNER WITH WALT: THE TAM O'SHANTER
One of Walt's favorites, The Tam O'Shanter restaurant  was near the Disney Studios on Hyperion Avenue. In a half-timbered building where Snow White would feel at home, this 1922 spot displays original color illustrations by Disney Studio artists. And you can make reservations for Walt's fireside Table 31. 2980 Los Feliz Boulevard, Los Angeles. (323) 644-0228; www.tamoshanter.com


Walt Disney's table #31

ALL ABOARD: WALT'S RAILROAD BARN
It comes as no surprise that Walt loved trains. In the early 1950s, he even had a 1/8-scale steam line, The Carolwood Pacific Railroad, on his Holmby Hills estate. The railroads red barn was later moved to the Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum in Griffith Park. Inside, you'll see train and Disney memorabilia, including engines and a section of track  from Walt's backyard railroad. Free. Open 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. the third Sunday of the month. 5202 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles. (818) 934-0173; www.carolwood.com

Walt's Barn at Griffith Park

Walt's Carolwood Pacific Railroad at his Holmby estate.

It want to thank Westways Magazine for the article, I added the photo's as they only had one picture.

"E" TICKET TO TOMORROWLAND INTERVIEWS DISNEYLAND RESORT MUSICIAN ACTOR ANDERS SWANSON. #11

ETTT Asks:1, At what age did you learn to play a Instrument, Is it the same one you play now?
Anders Swanson: 9 yrs. old. No

Anders Swanson Stand up Bass

ETTT: 2, How many instruments do you play and what is your main instrument?
AS: 3 B ETTT: 3, Who or what inspired you to play or sing?
AS: My Parents both were musicians.

ETTT: 4, have you been in and bands with famous performers?
AS: yes

ETTT: 5, When did you start working for or at the Disney company?
AS: 1990

ETTT: 6, If you have any children, Do they take after you and play a instrument or Sing?
AS:  Yes, they sing.

ETTT: 7, How many "FRIENDS" do you know at the parks ,and where do you hang out with them?;)
AS: Well as Anders said ,Come see for yourself :).

ETTT: 8, What New and exciting plans are in store for you in the Future, Do you teach a musical instrument or acting?
AS: Anders plays Jazz wherever.

ETTT: 9, What New and exciting plans are in store for you in the Future, Do you teach a musical instrument or acting?
AS: Santa Cruz, Yes he teaches.

ETTT: 10, Do you want to add anything about the 60th? I did want to ask, What is your favorite Ride at the parks or place to eat?
AS: No but he likes Pizza Port at Disneyland.

ETTT: 11, Would you like to include a Link from your website, that I can include in the blog.

AS: Facebook.com/anders.swanson1
ETTT: 12, What is your favorite Disney song?

AS: Wow!! you are like me, I too do not have a favorite song, There are too many to choose from.

Well Thank you Anders for taking  time out as I caught you on your way to another gig. and Hopefully we can catch your shows Very soon.

ETTT A CHAT WITH DISNEYLAND MUSICIAN RAGTIME ROBERT part of our Interviews with Disneyland Resort Musicians. #10

Hello and welcome to our Blog, Tonight we have a interview with Ragtime Robert Glenn. You can find him playing at Coke Corner in Disneyland.

ETTT:1, At what age did you learn to play a Instrument, Is it the same one you play now?


Robert answered: I started piano at 4

 

 
ETTT: 2, How many instruments do you play and what is your main instrument?

Robert`s reply is: I play piano and can play organ a bit and I sing.

ETTT: 3, Who or what inspired you to play or sing?

 RG:   My parents and grandparents were musical.

Robert and his Dad

Robert and his Mom and her dog

ETTT: 4, Have you been in any bands with famous performers?

RG:  I have performed with many famous people but not in a band always as an accompanist.

ETTT: 5, When did you start working for or at the Disney company?
RG:  2006

ETTT: 6, If you have any children, Do they take after you and play a instrument or Sing?

RG:  I have two children. my son learned trombone in HS my daughter is not musical but she loves her daddy performing.

ETTT: 7, How many "FRIENDS" do you know at the parks ,and where do you hang out with them?


RG: I don't socialize outside of Disney. I have a rather private life away from work. My socializing is all at the park on stage and backstage. I'm not a character per se. 

I'm only me however I have performed with Mickey and Minnie, Cruella, Evil Queen. Queen of Hearts Dee and Dum, Hook, Peter, Wendy, Alice Hatter, Mary and Bert, Cinderella, Goofy, Chip and Dale, Aladdin and Jasmine and Genie.

ETTT: 8, What New and exciting plans are in store for you in the Future, Do you teach a musical instrument? 

 

RG:   I teach piano. I have this show on May 30th, I'm performing with a barbershop quartet in Dana Point and I'm recreating my bar nights in June also, an evening called Rainbow Night. I am invited twice a year for give a musical lecture at Chapman College 

 

 ETTT: 9, Where did you grow up and do you have any other siblings that sing or play a instrument?

 

RG:  I grew up in Whittier and La Mirada. I have a sister who took lessons and was very good but she didn't stay with it.

 

ETTT: 10,Do you want to add anything about the 60th? I did want to ask, What is your favorite Ride at the parks or place to eat?

 

RG: My 60th year on the bench show is a lot of what I did before Disney and little bit of Disney as well. Lots of vocals and fun material that evening,

My favorite ride Star Tours, then Space Mountain. Favorite place to eat is Flo's.

Robert having fun on Space Mountain

 

ETTT: You can catch Ragtime Robert here: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fshakespeareoc.org%2F2015-season%2F2015-60-years-on-the-bench-an-evening-with-ragtime-robert-glenn%2F&h=TAQHQy-Qy

 

ETTT 11: Would you like to include a Link from your website, that I can include in the blog.

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ragtimerobert.net%2F&h=AAQFSiKfU 

 

http://www.facebook.com/ragtimerobert?__mref=message_bubble

Here are some pictures of Ragtime Robert when he isn't playing Piano.

 

Robert said this is his dad my son my daughter in law and my grandson

Robert`s Daughter and grandchildren



ETTT:12, And the last question of the night, What is your favorite Disney song?

RG: A tie between Cruella de Vil and when you wish upon a star.

 



Once again I want to Thank Robert for taking time out of his busy schedule to do this interview with us.

 

Stay tuned for more interviews with Disneyland Resort Musicians.



 

 

 

HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO LINE UP FOR THE DISNEYLAND RESORT DIAMOND CELEBRATION 24-HOUR EVENT THIS FRIDAY MAY 22ND. #9

The Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration kicks off this week with a 24-hour event on May 22-23 at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks! Some of you may be planning to arrive early in the hopes of being among the first to celebrate with us. If so, I’ve got some important information to share with you.

Parking

• Pumbaa lot will open for early arrivals at 10 p.m. the evening of May 21.
• Mickey & Friends Parking Structure will open at 4 a.m. and Toy Story Lot will open at 5 a.m. on May 22.

Pre-Opening Queue

• Guests may bring games, blankets, chairs, tents and sleeping bags, but guests must return these items to their cars or hotel rooms and return to the line by 2 a.m.
• At 2 a.m., all guests in line will be moved through Security checkpoints to the Disneyland Resort Esplanade, where they will receive a commemorative keepsake while supplies last.
• No smoking, fighting or loud music will be allowed in line.
• All guests in line will be able to temporarily leave the line to use the restroom, purchase food or beverages, and return or retrieve items from their vehicles/hotel rooms.

Opening Celebration

• At 4 a.m., guests who choose to begin their day at Disneyland park will be escorted onto Main Street, U.S.A., to prepare for the opening celebration moment, which will take place at approximately 6 a.m. inside Disneyland park.
• Guests who choose to begin their day at Disney California Adventure park will be escorted onto Buena Vista Street at 5:30 a.m.

Costumes and Prohibited Items

• Costumes for adults are not allowed for this event. Please refer to the guidelines listed here.
• Be sure to check the list of prohibited items here.
• Lockers in the Disneyland Resort Esplanade and inside Disneyland park will be available at 4 a.m. Disney California Adventure park lockers will be available at 5:30 a.m.

Tickets

• Regular park admission used on May 22 is valid for the entire 24-hour period (6 a.m. on May 22 through 6 a.m. on May 23). A special ticket is not required for this event.
• Disneyland Resort ticket booths will open at 2 a.m. on May 22.
• SoCal and SoCal Select Annual Passports will not be valid for admission on May 22.
• Premium, Deluxe and Premier Annual Passports will be valid for admission during the entire 24-hour period.

I would like to thank Erin Glover from the Disney Parks blog, for allowing me to share this with you.

I am starting a new segment called Interviews with Disney Park Musicians, Things could get "Mad" #8

As we all know May 22nd is approaching fast! In just 1 week from today, Disneyland will kick off it`s Year long 60th Diamond Celebration with a 24 hour party, There will be plenty of Musicians playing in the parks, Why not celebrate their stories on how they got to work/play at these great parks.
First stop Wonderland, Yep down the rabbit hole we go.. to chat with one of it`s newest musicians.
So please stay tuned for this exciting interview next week, just before the 22nd.