The Magnificent Seven ... Plus One

As a kid, I was fascinated by the costumed characters seen walking around Disneyland. Back in the day there was no scheduled "meet and greet" times or autograph books like today; Mickey and company would just appear out of nowhere for a surprise photo op. The magic was a lot more spontaneous back then.

Of course, my view of the characters changed when I worked for the Mouse. It was always a bit disturbing to me to see "headless" critters roaming about in the "backstage" areas. (Although I must say, I didn't mind spotting a particularly hairy-chested Prince Charming strolling around shirtless one day. That Cinderella was one lucky bitch.)

Any way, hop on over to The Disney Hub as they stroll down memory lane with the various incarnations of Snow White and her Seven Dwarfs over the years.

In other Disney theme park news:

- Blue Sky Disney, in an article covering the upcoming overhaul of the Anaheim resort, drops a hint about a future Jerry Bruckheimer production that may spawn a Frontierland attraction. The term "Kemo Sabe" is used, so that could only mean ... The Lone Ranger? Well, anything would be better then The Legend of the Lone Ranger.

- Pixar continues its seemingly inevitable takeover of all the Disney parks with rumors of a Cars-themed "Test Track"-type attraction at California Adventure and an Incredibles "Incredipods" ride to replace the infamous Rocket Rods in Tomorrowland, not to mention a new Monsters, Inc. show at Tokyo Disneyland.

- Sure, a new exhibit at Epcot called "National Treasures" has nothing at all to do with the Nicolas Cage movies.

- The upcoming Jungle Book DVD will have a premiere event at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

- In more Pirates of the Caribbean rumors: could Captain Jack take up residence in the now-closed "River Country" water park?

- And the celebrity narrators for Epcot's annual holiday tradition, the Candlelight Processional, will include Neil Patrick Harris, Marlee Matlin, Rita Moreno, John O'Hurley, Phylicia Rashad, Gary Sinise and others.

Links via TheDisneyHub.blogspot.com, BlueSkyDisney.blogspot.com, Imdb.com, Screamscape.com, LaughingPlace.com and OrlandoSentinel.com.