There’s a lot going on at Disney World right now, let’s take a quick run down of the news items. Pay particular attention to the Downtown Disney one if you are planning on visiting there this summer. If you’re not into downer news related to Disney, by the way, this blog is not for you.
Pipe Bomb Explodes
A pipe bomb or a similar device exploded very early yesterday morning in a remote parking lot’s trashcan. Though Orange County sheriffs are considering it an isolated incidence, there is a heightened terror alert due to the bombings that have occurred in London and Glasgow. An employee who heard a loud noise and saw a white smoke reported the incident; the deputies then recovered what they labeled a crude, low-level device that was likely home made.
Downtown Disney Security Increased
You may have heard about the incident with two Disney World visitors who were kidnapped from the Downtown Disney area? The Mouse definitely heard about it and in conjunction with Orange County has increased their security measures for the playground area that is Downtown Disney. On the two previous weekends, visitors were expelled from the area if they were rowdy or loitering in such a manner that was considered detrimental to the visitors. The area crackdown also included 15 off-duty deputies along with other private security officers seeking to increase the personal safety of every Downtown Disney Visitor. This last weekend passed with no incidence and no visitors being ejected. The message has been delivered.
Art Stevens Passes Away
Disney animator, Art Stevens (92) died May 22 in his home in Studio City. The cause of death was a heart attack. The veteran animator began working for Walt Disney when the icon began work on Alice in Wonderland. He co-directed The Fox and the Hound and The Rescuers.
Stevens also worked on:
Stevens retired from Disney in 1983 and is survived by Penny, his wife of 68 years as well as two children and four grandchildren.