In Disney News...

...D23 recently announced the dates for the 2013 Expo. It will be held in Anaheim August 11-13, 2013. Of particular note, given the access issues at the last Expo, Disney promises "expanded capacities at some of our most popular venues."

...The neon signs in Cars Land are going to look fantastic at night! Here's a video from Disney. Can hardly wait to have the chance to see it all in person when Cars Land opens this summer at California Adventure.

...Disney Imagineering Legend Alice Davis will receive Disneyland's highest honor, a tribute window on Main Street U.S.A., on May 10th. This recognition is greatly deserved. Davis worked with Mary Blair creating It's a Small World, and she also designed the costumes for Pirates of the Caribbean. Davis also played a key role in designing the look of Briar Rose's costume in SLEEPING BEAUTY (1959). Davis's late husband, Marc, was previously honored with a window; I wonder if the Davises are the first husband-wife team to be honored with Disneyland windows? It was a thrill to see Alice speak as part of an Imagineering Legends panel at Destination D in 2010.

...Al Lutz describes the historic 24-hour "One More Disney Day" Leap Day event at Disneyland, which unexpectedly drew such enormous numbers of passholders that the park had to close to new admissions in the late evening hours on the 29th. I like the photo of the Disney characters in their pajamas waving farewell at 6:00 a.m. on March 1st! Our daughters were there overnight and had a fun time. (My oldest daughter's boss knows she's a big Disney fan and, after hearing about the event on the radio, spontaneously offered her a vacation day in order to attend!)

...MiceChat has photos of Leap Day as well as the latest changes at the Blue Sky Cellar. Also posted recently: great photos of Disneyland's gardens.

...Video proof that there's half a basketball court inside the top of the Matterhorn! The Matterhorn reopens on June 15, the same day Cars Land opens.

...I'm hoping to be able to get tickets next week to see Hayley Mills and George Sanders in IN SEARCH OF THE CASTAWAYS (1962) on the Disney lot in June. Fingers crossed!

...Thanks to Missy for passing on the news that Julie Andrews was honored with the Gypsy award by the Professional Dancers Society. Andrews' MARY POPPINS (1964) costar Dick Van Dyke was in attendance. London's Daily Mail has photos.

...For more recent links of interest, please check out the February 20th Disney News roundup!