Sunday, September 23, 2012

EPCOT 30TH Anniversary Celebration - Communicore Original Artwork

In tribute to Epcot 30th celebration, here is the part two of a series of articles about Epcot original artwork.
In this part three we will have a closer look to the original renderings for the Communicore area. As always, click on each picture to see them in big size.

Communicore? Yes, for those of you who were too young to knew it, this is how was called the area where stands now "Innoventions". And, of course, it was a totally different concept.

The main entrance to Communicore was when you exit Spaceship Earth, here is above the first concept artwork.

Here is another great one. I don't remember the final result looking like this , but i may be wrong.

Two other rendering for the "inside"

And this one below show what was called the Communicore Forum. Last time i walk through Communicore was in the early 1990's, so i must admit that i don't remember it very well. In fact, i don't remember this Communicore Forum, but may be some of you do.

Here is another artwork, obviously showing an area where guests could experiment....but what? I feel really embarassed to don't be able to give you more details , but any of you who can, please let us know in the "comments"

More Epcot original artwork coming soon! In the meantime, those of you who like WDI renderings will be happy to know that you can find 250 gorgeous WDI artwork in the Disneyland Paris, From Sketch to Reality book which has until September 30 a great special offer!

Don't miss the special offer on the DLP book! : Order a copy of the acclaimed Disneyland Paris, From Sketch to Reality book this month of September and save $45 including Free Shipping! You'll find all infos to order an ENGLISH edition HERE and for the FRENCH edition it's HERE. Watch below the video showing the whole book!

All Artwork: copyright Disney Enterprises

Saturday, September 22, 2012

EPCOT 30TH Anniversary Celebration - Spaceship Earth Original Artwork

In tribute to Epcot 30th celebration, here is a series of articles with Epcot's WDI original artwork. In this part one we will have a closer look to the original renderings for Epcot icon: Spaceship Earth. Mot of the renderings below were done by artist/illustrator Claudio Mazzoli, except the rendering on the top which was done by Herb Ryman.

We begin by this Herb Ryman painting showing the exterior of Spaceship Earth. Next are some artwork for the cro-magnon cave sequence.

Strangely, it seems that a scene with dinosaurs was considered before being cancelled.

Here is the rendering of the egyptian temple sequence.

This one is for the Phenician scene.

Three renderings , now, for the Gutenberg press scene.

Artwork for the Michelangelo - Sixtine chapel scene.

Two artwork for a scene called "the age of invention"

The model for the telephone-telegraph scene of the "age of invention"

Let's end with three artwork for the outer space "planetarium" sequence as it was envisioned at the beginning

All artwork: copyright Disney Enterprises

Friday, September 21, 2012

Space Shuttle Endeavour flying over Disneyland and California Landmarks during its final journey !

Editor's Note: Article now edited with today's videos of space shuttle Endeavour flying over Disneyland And California Landmarks!

If you are at Disneyland today keep an eye on the sky as the space shuttle Endeavour will fly above Disneyland Resort today just like it did three days ago over Walt Disney World! This is Endeavour's final journey before it goes to California Science Center where you'll be able to see it starting October 30! Endeavour is also supposed to fly today above the Golden Gate and the famous Hollywood sign!

Edited: Here are some great videos showing space shuttle Endeavour on its final journey to California! The first video below shows Endeavour going east over San Francisco Bay, turning south over the Golden Gate Bridge, and then going west over San Francisco.

Here is another short one showing Endeavour flying over the Golden Gate bridge...

This next one Endeavour are fantastic footage showing Endeavour flying over the Hollywwod sign and L.A Griffith observatory! Lot of people were on the hills and you can feel their excitement!

And there is Endeavour flying over Disneyland resort!

Many people on one of DL parking lot waiting for Endeavour, as you will see!

And finally , on this video Endeavour is flying over Los Angeles Airport ( Runway 25 ).

And these two next ones are officials NASA videos - filmed from one of the air fighters flying with Endeavour - are showing Endeavour flying over Golden Gate bridge, Alcatraz in San francisco bay, Los Angeles, Hollywood sign, and up to its final landing!

And, finally, if you've missed the footage showing ENdeavour flying over Walt Disney World three days ago, here it is!

Videos: copyright NASA and many others great people who were there yesterday and filmed this historical moment. Thanks a lot to each of you!

Two new clips from Tim Burton's Frankenweenie !

Tim Burton's Frankenweenie will be released soon, and two new clips are now available! you can watch them below, the first one is called "Sparky is alive" and the second one is called "Edgar knows"...and what "he" knows is in relation with the fact that "Sparky is alive". It looks good, so go ahead, watch them!

And for those of you who are still wondering what this Frankenweenie is talking about here is "Frankenweenie Tale", a trailer done like they were doing them in the 1950's.

Videos: copyright Disney

Herb Ryman's Disneyland Map Artwork

I've got something great for you today. We all know the first and famous Disneyland artwork done by Herb Ryman for Walt in 1954. I've found it for you in a mega-file which is no less than 1,23 meter large! Although the definition is in 72 dpi only, as it is difficult to find this legendary artwork in a size as large as this one so you should enjoy it anyway.

And, in addition to this great black and white file of Ryman's artwork here is also a rare color version of the Disneyland map, not as large as the one above but in pretty good size too.

Talking about Disneyland if you haven't read yet Al Lutz update this week, you should read it as Al reveals that for the first time since Disneyland's opening big changes are coming to Main Street U.S.A with nothing less than the addition of new streets! Go ahead and have a read on Mice Chat HERE.

Artwork: copyright Disney

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Breaking News : The Walt Disney Company Re-Finances Disneyland Paris for an Amount of $1.7 Billion !

Big news today from Disneyland Paris as DLP announced officially the refinancing of Euro Disney debt with a new financing provided by the WDC for an overall amount of 1332 Million euros ( $1.734 B )! Yes, that's a lot of money, but don't think that all of it will go in new attractions as it's basically an operation to re-finance DLP debt. Basically it means that DLP will use most of the money to pay off the debt they had with the banks...and will owe the same amount or so to the WDC.

What's the point of doing this, you ask? Well, as it is said in the official press release that you can read below "This refinancing will enable us to reduce our financing costs and give us greater investment and operational flexibility". Also, DLP will benefit from "a more gradual repayment schedule that will provide for 225 million euros of additional cash flow".

So, is this good news yes or no? Of course it is, the park will save a lot of money on the debt interest that until now they were paying to the banks, and this saved money will very probably be used to the parks development. What we can be sure of is that the WDC knew that there was no way out with DLP financial set-up as it is right now. Instead to invest in the parks development and build new attractions DLP was spending its money to pay off the debt interest, etc... It had became totally insane and in fact there was no other choice than doing what is happening now. DLP still owe a lot of money but for the big part it will be to the WDC instead of many banks and this will change everything.

You probably remember that recently TIME magazine announced that the WDC was planning a buyout of EuroDisney SCA. Finally it didn't really happened this way - may be the original agreement between EuroDisney SCA and the french government didn't allowed the WDC to increase their shares? - but for sure what has been announced today is another way to get the control on DLP, a kind of undirect control just like anyone would have on someone to whom he did a $1.7 B loan! Or may be it's a first step to a real buyout, the future will tell...

That said, this is good news for DLP which was in a critical financial condition, and hopefully we will know soon if this operation will also bring new attractions in the parks.

Below the official press releases in english and in french versions. Let me know in your comments what you think of all this!

Euro Disney group improves its debt profile with the €1.3 billion refinancing of the group’s debt by The Walt Disney Company

(Marne-la-Vallée, on 18 September® 2012) - Euro Disney S.C.A., parent company of Euro Disney Associés S.C.A., operator of Disneyland Paris, announces the refinancing Euro Disney group’s debt (excluding debt already extended by The Walt Disney Company) with new financing provided by The Walt Disney Company and two of its French subsidiaries, for an overall amount of 1,332 million euros.

The workers’ council has been consulted on the transaction and has rendered a favourable opinion thereon. In addition, the consent of all the creditors, necessary to implement the transaction, has been obtained.

The Supervisory Board of Euro Disney Associés S.C.A. met today and approved the transaction.

With this refinancing, the Group's average interest rate on its debt decreases meaningfully and the Group benefits from greater operational flexibility by removing the restrictive covenants under existing debt agreements, notably those related to restrictions on capital expenditures. Moreover, the extended maturity of the total debt to 2030 together with a more gradual debt repayment schedule will better position the Group to invest in long-term growth and drive value for all shareholders. The transaction is expected to close on 27 September 2012.

« This refinancing will enable us to reduce our financing costs and give us greater investment and operational flexibility. This is a key step in the development of our Resort that we pursue for the benefit for all of our stakeholders. I strongly believe this will be highly beneficial to the Company, its cast members and shareholders.», declared Philippe Gas, Chief Executive Officer of Euro Disney S.A.S.

Philippe Gas added: « The Walt Disney Company, with this transaction, reaffirms its continued confidence in Disneyland® Paris which has successfully become, over the past 20 years, the number one tourist destination in Europe, a growth driver of French tourism and an important ambassador of the Disney brand across Europe ».

Principal terms and impacts of the refinancing

- As of September 30, 2012, the Group’s debt will amount to 1,710 million euros.
- The new financing will be composed of term loans totaling 1,232 million euros and a 100 million euros standby revolving credit facility available until September 30, 2017 and fully drawn on as part of the transaction. These two components of the new financing are unsecured and will carry a 4.0% and a EURIBOR + 2.00% rate per annum, respectively.
- The interest expense incurred by the Group will be reduced by a total of 45 million euros over the next 5 years.
- The Group will repay 217 million euros of debt principal over the next 5 years, according to a more gradual repayment schedule that will provide for 225 million euros of additional cash flow.
- For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012, the Group will incur an additional financial charge related to the early exercise of the purchase options under the lease agreements, partially offset by a net gain on the debt extinguishment. The Group estimates the fiscal year net impact on financial charges to be an approximate 30 million euros.
- This transaction does not have any impact on the royalties due to The Walt Disney Company under the license agreement.

And now the french version of the press release for D&M french readers:

Le groupe Euro Disney améliore le profil de son endettement grâce au refinancement de sa dette, à hauteur de 1,3 milliard d’euros, par The Walt Disney Company

(Marne-la-Vallée, le 18 septembre 2012) - Euro Disney S.C.A., société mère d’Euro Disney Associés S.C.A., société d’exploitation de Disneyland® Paris annonce le refinancement de la dette du groupe Euro Disney (à l’exception des financements déjà consentis par The Walt Disney Company), par des prêts octroyés par The Walt Disney Company et deux de ses filiales françaises, pour un montant global de 1 332 millions d’euros.

Le comité d’entreprise, consulté sur l’opération, a émis un avis favorable. En outre, l’accord de tous les créanciers, nécessaire à la mise en œuvre de cette opération, a été obtenu.

Le Conseil de surveillance d’Euro Disney Associés S.C.A. s’est réuni aujourd’hui et a approuvé l’opération.

Grâce à ce refinancement, le taux d’intérêt moyen de la dette du Groupe sera réduit de façon sensible et le Groupe bénéficiera d’une plus grande flexibilité opérationnelle. Ce refinancement permettra également de supprimer les contraintes financières imposées par les accords de financement actuels, notamment celles relatives aux limitations des investissements. Enfin, l’extension de la maturité de la dette jusqu’en 2030 ainsi qu’un échéancier de remboursement plus progressif permettront au Groupe d’améliorer sa capacité à investir dans le développement de son activité sur le long terme et à créer plus de valeur pour l’ensemble de ses actionnaires. L’opération devrait être finalisée le 27 septembre 2012.

« Ce refinancement nous permettra de réduire le coût de notre dette et de bénéficier d’une plus grande flexibilité en termes d’investissement et de gestion opérationnelle. Il s’agit là d’une étape essentielle dans le développement de notre destination touristique, développement que nous poursuivons dans l’intérêt de toutes les parties prenantes. Je suis convaincu des effets très positifs de cette opération pour notre entreprise, ses cast members et ses actionnaires», a déclaré Philippe Gas, Président d’Euro Disney S.A.S.

Philippe Gas a ajouté : « The Walt Disney Company, avec cette opération, donne une nouvelle preuve de sa confiance dans l’avenir de Disneyland® Paris, qui est devenu, en vingt ans, la première destination touristique européenne, un moteur du tourisme français et un puissant ambassadeur de la marque Disney en Europe ».

Principaux éléments et impacts du refinancement

- Au 30 septembre 2012, la dette du Groupe s’élèvera à 1 710 millions d’euros.
- Le nouveau financement comprendra deux prêts d’un montant total de 1 232 millions d’euros ainsi qu’une

ligne de crédit réutilisable de 100 millions d’euros disponible jusqu’au 30 septembre 2017 et utilisée en totalité dans le cadre de l’opération. Ces financements, non assortis de sûretés, porteront intérêts, respectivement, aux taux annuels de 4% et de Euribor + 2%.
- La charge d’intérêts encourue par le Groupe sera réduite de 45 millions d’euros sur les cinq prochaines années.
- Le Groupe remboursera 217 millions d’euros de principal de la dette au cours des cinq prochaines années selon un nouvel échéancier plus graduel permettant ainsi de disposer de 225 millions d’euros de liquidités supplémentaires.
- Au titre de l’exercice clos le 30 septembre 2012, le Groupe devra supporter une charge financière supplémentaire liée à l’exercice anticipé des options d’achats au titre des contrats de crédit-bail, charge financière partiellement compensée par un gain net associé à l’extinction de la dette. Le Groupe estime l’impact net sur les charges financières de l’exercice à approximativement 30 millions d’euros.
- Cette opération ne modifie pas les accords relatifs aux redevances de licence dues à The Walt Disney Company.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Captain EO back this October at Disneyland Paris Discoveryland at selected dates

Good news for Michael Jackson fans as Captain EO will be back at Disneyland Paris Discoveryland at selected dates, starting October 1st. The attraction will be open every day except from Oct 3 to Oct 5, from Oct 10 to Oct 12, from Oct 17 to Oct 19 and from Oct 24 to Oct 26. Which means that it will be closed three days each week. Captain EO which was closed permanently earlier this year will also be open in November. Chances are that these four days a week only opening will last until the park has found something else to replace Captain EO, may be the Star Wars Land project that we talked about some months ago...

Anyway, this Captain EO is a good opportunity to re-post this great video interview of WDI Imagineer Rick Rothschild who was part of the team who designed the original concept. In the video Rick was of course talking about the return of the attraction at Discoveryland but also reveals that other concepts were first envisioned for a Michael Jackson attraction, back 20 years ago! And to discover or watch again Rick's interview jump on Disney and more MAX HERE!

While we talk about michael Jackson here is a short fun video posted today by Le Monde in which Spike Lee tells never heard before stories about Michael. Spike just finished a great documentary about MJ called "Bad 25" which will be released on TV in the U.S next November and in France early next year.

Picture: copyright Disney - Lucas Film

Don't miss the special offer on the DLP book! : Order a copy of the acclaimed Disneyland Paris, From Sketch to Reality book this month of September and save $45 including Free Shipping! You'll find all infos to order an ENGLISH edition HERE and for the FRENCH edition it's HERE. Watch below the video showing the whole book!