Top Disneyland ride creator steps down

Tony Baxter began scooping ice cream at Disneyland in 1965 as a college job and rose up to spearhead the creation of some of the park's biggest rides, including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Star Tours.

URL: http://www.topix.com/who/walt-disney/2013/02/top-disneyland-ride-creator-steps-down?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-8284a8ac5968b532bf4c1359c2719bc0

Walt Disney Imagineer Tony Baxter steps down

Walt Disney Imagineer Tony Baxter steps down from his full-time role and becomes a part-time consultant.

URL: http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/General_Disney_News/Walt_Disney_Imagineer_Tony_Baxter_steps_down.htm

Return to Oz in the All-New Spring Issue of Disney Twenty-Three on Stands February 12

The spring issue of Disney twenty-three , the flagship magazine of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club , hits stands February 12, loaded with articles to delight both Disney fans and the general public.

URL: http://www.topix.com/who/walt-disney/2013/02/return-to-oz-in-the-all-new-spring-issue-of-disney-twenty-three-on-stands-february-12?fromrss=1

Wonder rules on the high seas

Magic and memories abound on new Disney sailings from Miami

Now that Disney Cruise Line is sailing from Miami for the first time and offering Florida resident and other promotions, it's more convenient and affordable than ever for local families to book their dream cruise vacation.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/sfe-sfp-disney-wonder-miami,0,7834883.story?track=rss

After 'Epic Mickey' fizzles, Disney shuts down game studio

Walt Disney Co. has shut down the Texas game studio behind "Epic Mickey," the Burbank media giant's  unsuccessful attempt to reinvent Mickey Mouse for the interactive age.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/la-et-ct-epic-mickey-disney-junction-point-20130129,0,5356492.story?track=rss

New TV show and film to have Disney theme park tie-ins

A new TV show and film are in the works, both of which have their beginnings in attractions at the Disney theme parks.

URL: http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/Television_and_Film/New_TV_show_and_film_to_have_Disney_theme_park_tie-ins.htm

DisneyRewind: February 1, 1956 -- Mule Pack Ride and Stage Coach in Frontierland Close at Disneyland

On February 1, 1956, the "Opening Day" attractions, "The Mule Pack Ride" and "Stage Coach Ride" both close down.  These attractions were around on Disneyland's opening day, July 17, 1955.

Pack Mules:

This attraction featured real mules which guests would ride to view simulated frontier lands and deserts.

The attraction was renovated, upgraded and renamed "Rainbow Ridge Pack Mules" from 1956-1959.  In 1960, it was again renovated, upgraded and renamed "Pack Mules Through Nature's Wonderland" until 1973, when "Big Thunder Mountain Railroad" and "Big Thunder Ranch" replaced it.

Stage Coach:

This featured a real horse-drawn stagecoach.  In 1956, after some new scenic landscape was added, the attraction was then called "Rainbow Mountain Stage Coaches" , until its closing in 1960.