Disney Animator Eric Goldberg to Present ‘Animation Academy’ to Disneyland Passholders
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Advertised as one of its Limited Time Magic events exclusively for Passholders, the Disneyland Resort has announced that it will be offering annual passholders to attend a special presentation of the Animation Academy, located at the Animation Building at Disney California Adventure, hosted by animator Eric Goldberg, best known for characters such as Genie, Phil, Louis and Rabbit.
Goldberg will offer four presentations to passholders for free on May 17, each lasting approximately 45 minutes. Registration is required to receive a wristband for admission and can be obtained on May 17 at the Animation Building beginning at official park opening.
For additional information, visit the official event page.
Categories: California Adventure, Disneyland Resort, Theme Parks Tags: Animation, Annual Passholders, DCA, Disney California Adventure, Disneyland, DLR, Events, Limited Time Magic, Passholders
Limited Time Magic: Super Bowl Countdown, Lunar New Year
Disney Parks has updated its ‘Limited Time Magic’ schedule to include events that begin today, February 1 and run through February 11, 2013.
At the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort is the ‘Countdown to Super Sunday,’ running from February 1 through February 9. There will be a daily pre-parade including an MVP appearance on February 4. Just before the Celebrate a Dream Come True parade, Disney football ‘star’ Goofy will hit the streets of the park for a lively pigskin celebration.
Also from February 1 to February 9, 2013, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland will be dishing up Super Sunday menu items, including ‘Soup-er Bowls’ of lobster bisque and tomato basil bisque.
Meanwhile at Disneyland Resort’s Disney California Adventure, it’s all about the Lunar New Year, from February 8 through February 11. Guests are invited to celebrate the Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures for the most magical Lunar New Year Party under the moon. Festivities include Mulan’s Chinese New Year Procession, cultural performances and fun-filled activities — as well as Disney Character greetings with Mulan, Mushu, Mickey and Minnie dressed in traditional Chinese outfits. A limited-edition pin will be available while supplies last.
Fantasy Faire to Open at Disneyland March 12
For many guests at Disneyland Park, the encounter with a Disney Princess and her story is an essential part of any visit. Beginning March 12, 2013, Disney Princesses will await these guests at the new Fantasy Faire, a storybook world that extends Fantasyland and brings its timeless tales to life in fun and surprising ways.
Fantasy Faire creates an enchanting, immersive environment for guests who treasure magical fairy tales. Designed in the charming, old world style familiar to lovers of Fantasyland, this regal village fair is located on the west side of the “Hub” or Central Plaza, expanding Fantasyland beyond its current boundaries and into a location (the former Carnation Plaza Gardens) near the forecourt of Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Visitors will walk a beautiful pathway leading into the corridors of the Royal Hall, where Princesses await them. Along the way, they will encounter whimsical design touches, including Geppetto’s cat Figaro dozing (and occasionally waking) on a window sill, and “Clopin’s Music Box,” a fascinating, interactive mechanical toy representing the Feast of Fools from “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.”
Guests may also explore a charming village square highlighted by Tangled Tower, a magical sculpture inspired by the story of Rapunzel. After dark, Rapunzel’s hair, twisting around the tower sculpture, comes to life with twinkling lights.
A highlight of the Fantasy Faire experience is the Royal Theatre, where guests will be treated to two different shows: the tales of Rapunzel (“Tangled”) and Belle (“Beauty and the Beast”) as presented by Mr. Smythe and Mr. Jones, a pair of vaudeville-style Renaissance storytellers. The princess heroine, Rapunzel or Belle, will join in the fun and remain with the audience to greet guests following the conclusion of the story.
Fairytale Treasures, a shop found inside Fantasy Faire, offers all kinds of Princess dresses, accessories and gifts. For guest refreshment, Maurice, Belle’s inventor father, has transformed an old gypsy wagon into a colorful food cart, Maurice’s Treats, serving bread twists – cheddar cheese garlic and strawberry almond cream flavors – along with a signature beverage, the Boysen Apple Freeze.
The addition of Fantasy Faire will be one of the highlights of the guest experience for Spring-Summer 2013 at the Disneyland Resort. Also coming to Disneyland in time for summer is “Mickey and the Magical Map,” a new, live show presented in the Fantasyland Theatre. And at Disney California Adventure Park, new characters Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins join the show “Disney Junior – Live on Stage!” beginning March 22.
New ‘Mickey and the Magical Map’
“Mickey and the Magical Map” presents Mickey Mouse in his timeless role as the sorcerer’s apprentice. Sorcerer Yen Sid sets his Mapmakers to work and this ensemble cast of male and female performers paints a wondrous map – capable of taking dreamers to any place imaginable and so large it spans the entire stage of Fantasyland Theatre.
Apprentice Mickey lets his curiosity get the better of him and stumbles upon the map’s magical powers. Mickey’s youthful mischief takes him, along with the audience, on a fantastic journey of imagination in the company of the Mapmakers, who help bring his adventures to life.
The journey, presented through amazing theatrical wizardry, colorful visuals and wonderful music, includes encounters with such classic Disney characters as Pocahontas, Mulan, King Louie from “The Jungle Book,” Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog” and others. “Mickey and the Magical Map” is designed for Disneyland guests of all ages and represents Disney storytelling at its most thrilling.
Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins Join ‘Disney Junior – Live on Stage!’
Fans of the Disney Junior television hits “Sofia the First” and “Doc McStuffins” will enjoy interacting with these characters at “Disney Junior – Live on Stage!” They join the gang from “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” and “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” in a show that invites preschoolers to sing, dance and play with enchanting puppets, fanciful scenery and lively music.
Sofia the First, Disney’s first little girl princess, and other characters in the show share ideas with guests, encouraging them to become part of the stories. Sofia is known for showing every little princess-in-training how to sparkle – inside and out. Doc McStuffins cares for and nurtures toys in need. When the Doc is in, she really knows her stuff, consulting her Big Book of Boo Boos to help diagnose and mend her toy friends.
“Disney Junior – Live on Stage!” is presented several times a day at Disney California Adventure Park.
Categories: California Adventure, Disneyland Resort, Theme Parks Tags: Disney Princesses, Disneyland, Fantasy Faire
Cars Land to Remain Open Later for Passholders on Thursdays in February
The Disneyland Resort has announced that it will allow its annual passholders to experience Cars Land up to two hours after the Disney California Adventure theme park closes to day guests on Thursday evenings throughout February 2013.
All participating Annual Passholders and their Guests (ages 3 and older) must be valid Annual Passholders on the day of entry for admission to the Park, for check-in and admission to the Annual Passholder Extended Hours event.
Wristbands, which will be required for the event, will begin distribution at 12:00 pm the day of the event inside the park’s main entrance, to the right of the turnstiles. All attendees over the age of three must be present to register and possess an annual pass. Passholders with wristbands may enter the event until thirty (30) minutes prior to the end of the event.
Categories: California Adventure, Disneyland Resort, Theme Parks Tags: Annual Passholders, AP, Cars Land, CarsLand, DCA, Disney California Adventure, Disneyland, DLR, Passholders
Sneak Peek: Disneyland’s ‘Cars Land’ Float for 2013 Rose Parade
We are just under a week from the New Year and — with it — the 124th annual Rose Parade held on New Year’s Day in Pasadena, California. This year’s theme is taken from the Dr. Seuss classic, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! and Disneyland Resort hopes to transport the parade’s millions of viewers to Cars Land, it’s newest addition at the Disney California Adventure theme park.
The Disney float, dubbed ‘Destination: Cars Land,’ showcases the landmarks of Cars Land in a colorful re-creation of the roadside town of Radiator Springs. Shaped like the state of California, the 125-foot long float — the longest in this year’s parade — features flowing water, smoke-puffing baby tractors and 45 animated parts, including replicas of Lightning McQueen and Sally as they relive their fun-spirited road race from the first Cars movie. Mater, the tow truck, follows along behind the float.
Here’s a breakdown of what viewers may spot aboard the 125-foot long, 35-foot tall float:
- At the front of the float, is a postcard-style ‘Welcome to Cars Land’ sign, flanked by a trio of baby tractors emitting puffs of smoke while their eyes move in a playful manner.
- Further ‘up the road’ are likenesses of Lightning McQueen and Sally, moving forward and backward as if jockeying for race position.
- The main buildings of Radiator Springs are marked by spinning signs for the town’s landmarks, including the Cozy Cone Motel and Flo’s V-8 Cafe.
- Guests aboard the float will ride vehicles from two Cars Land attractions: a tractor from Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree and a bouncing tire from Luigi’s Flying Tires.
- The iconic Radiator Springs mountain range, a Cars Land landmark, is re-created on the float, with characters Luigi and Guido perched on the rocks.
- The mountain range is home to a miniature version of the popular Radiator Springs Racers attraction, complete with small-scale race cars zooming across the landscape.
- High above everything, Barney Stormin’ the airplane tows a banner that reads: ‘The Happiest Place on Earth Just Got Happier.’
Via Twitter, volunteer @BigD923 recently shared some of the following images of the float as it is being assembled (in two parts) and decorated:
The parade steps off at 8 am PST on Tuesday, January 1, in Pasadena and will be broadcast live on ABC, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, KTLA (Tribune), NBC, RFD-TV and Univision. The Parade is also seen in more than 220 international territories and countries.
Categories: California Adventure, Disneyland Resort, Theme Parks Tags: Cars, Cars Land, Disneyland, Disneyland Resort, Flowers, Pixar, Rose Bowl, Rose Parade, Theme Parks, Tournament of Roses
Music From ‘Paperman,’ ‘The Circle Sessions’ and ‘Haunted Mansion’ on Digital Download
There’s a definite odd-man-out in this trio of mentions, but as they all came up in one of our routine product reviews, all have the same release date and should all be on most everyone’s wish list this holiday season, here they are all presented as one beautiful-sounding package.
First up is a recent Disney Parks release, ‘The Circle Sessions: The Music of Carthay Circle
‘The Haunted Mansion
Last, and certainly not least, is Cristophe Beck’s Paperman
All three titles will be available for digital download from Amazon.com beginning December 18, 2012. Previews for the first two titles are currently available on their respective product pages.
Categories: California Adventure, Disneyland, Disneyland Resort, Movies, Music, Theme Parks Tags: Animation, Buena Vista Street, BVS, California Adventure, Carthay Circle, Christophe Beck, Circle Sessions, DCA, Disney Californa Adventure, Disneyland, Disneyland Resort, DLR, Haunted Mansion, MP3, Music, Paperman, Soundtracks, The Circle Sessions, The Haunted Mansion
Cars Land, Carthay Circle, Aulani Amongst 2013 Thea Award Recipients
The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) today announced the recipients of its annual Thea Awards during the IAAPA Attractions Expo. The prestigious Thea Awards recognize and celebrate excellence in the creation of compelling experiences and places. TEA serves the global attractions industry, including theme parks, museums, world expos, heritage centers and resorts.
Among the named recipients is a triple-threat from the newly revamped Disney California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort. In addition to the Cars Land themed area itself, Radiator Springs Racers and the Carthay Circle Restaurant located on Buena Vista Street are recipients of TEA’s Awards for Outstanding Achievement.
Radiator Springs Racers is being recognized for demonstrating ‘true excellence in design, technical innovation and in execution… the animated figures break new ground in creating the illusion of live animation, and the technical elements, including special effects, sophisticated, in-vehicle sound, and a sophisticated ride system, have all been transparently integrated into the highly enjoyable story and experience. In addition, the design team incorporated an extremely large attraction footprint into the plan of the overall Cars Land footprint in a way that creates multiple notable scenic vistas, and overlooks and seamlessly intertwines the environment and attraction into a total experience greater than the sum of its parts.’ TEA refers to RSR’s home, Cars Land, as ‘a destination attraction in and of itself. The sensitive layout, sophisticated use of scale, extension of character details and the high quality of execution combine to make this an outstanding example of experiential design.’ TEA also hails Carthay Circle Restaurant as ‘a truly outstanding achievement in a theme park,’ citing its ambiance and quality of food.
Also being recognized is Disney’s Aulani Resort, which the TEA defines as ‘an exceptionally cohesive, immersive and entertaining resort experience. Interlaced throughout the entire resort are many layers and references to native Hawaiian culture, both traditional and contemporary, including murals and music commissioned for the resort that successfully unites families in a shared experience of pure Hawaii. Mickey himself is seen on site as only another of many tourists enjoying the educational and entertaining offerings at Aulani.’
The Buzz Price Award, formerly known as the lifetime achievement reward, also underscores Disney’s history as it is being awarded to Frank Stanek. Stanek’s career reaches back into the 1960s when he served as part of the team that brought “it’s a small world” to life at the 1964-65 World’s Fair. His most notable project for the company would be the development of the Tokyo Disneyland Resort, but his hands reached much further inside and outside of Disney, notably also at Universal. Marty Sklar has this to say about Stanek: ‘Frank is one of those “unsung talents” who make our projects happen – much as Buzz Price did from the beginning of the industry. Perhaps no one has had more impact on the two biggest players in our business – Disney and Universal – than Frank Stanek has had – especially in the growth and development of the industry in the international marketplace.’
The Thea Awards will be formally presented on April 6, 2013 at the 19th Annual Thea Awards Gala, a ticketed, black-tie dinner affair, open to the public, at the Disneyland Resort. For more information on these and other recipients, see TEA’s full list here.
Disneyland Details Holiday Festivities at Buena Vista Street, Cars Land
This summer, the eagerly anticipated additions of Buena Vista Street and Cars Land opened to excited Guests as part of a major expansion at Disney California Adventure Park. Now, those popular areas will undergo a spectacular holiday makeover, meaning that The Happiest Place on Earth Just Got Merrier.
Bustling and busy Buena Vista Street, which now welcomes you when you enter Disney California Adventure Park, is themed to a Los Angeles business main street from the 1930s. It re-creates the era when Walt Disney was establishing his world-famous animation studio.
A community Christmas
“For this first holiday celebration, we imagined that all the businesses on Buena Vista Street got together like a chamber of commerce to bring the community together,” explained David Caranci, Manager of Resort Enhancement. “It becomes a matter of civic pride to decorate the street and stores and to erect a huge, 50-foot-tall Christmas tree in the heart of the city as a spot for everyone to join in singing carols.
“Even Mickey and his friends will sport a retro look — how they appeared in the 1930s — to match the rest of the theming on Buena Vista Street. We’ll also have wonderful vintage toys for display under the huge Christmas tree. From a tin robot to a blimp — all sorts of hidden surprises from that time period.”
The bell motif on the garlands and street decorations is continued on the oversize ornaments on the massive Yuletide tree as well. The Buena Vista Street Community Bell Ringers will perform as they wander up and down the street and participate in the evening tree lighting.
Re-creating magical holiday moments
“On the episode entitled ‘Holiday Time at Disneyland’ on ‘Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color’ TV series in 1962, Walt was seen in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle ringing bells and standing beside a group of carolers,” said Carla Carlile, Show Director, Walt Disney Entertainment. “We are very excited to re-create that concept with our own bell ringers in a ring-along, sing-along encouraging our Guests to join in by singing familiar carols and ringing in the season.”
“One of the things that I love about the creative people at The Walt Disney Company is their attention to detail,” said Alan Bruun, Creative Director, Walt Disney Entertainment.
“The amazing people in Resort Enhancement studied what type of trees might have been used during that time period in Los Angeles. The Buena Vista Street tree is completely different from any others in Disney Parks. All the decorations are large-scale replicas of actual decorations that would’ve been on a Los Angeles Christmas tree in the 1930s.”
Underneath the airy tree will be a custom-made 1/16th-size train chugging along with sound and lights through the specially designed gifts, evoking Walt Disney’s love of model trains.
The Citizens of Buena Vista Street, the improvisational performers at the Park, will share in the holiday cheer with Disney California Adventure Park Guests, treating them as if they were residents of the town. Molly the Messenger will have forms for children to fill out to send their letter to Santa.
Speaking of the jolly old elf himself, Mr. Claus will be found in the lavish Elias & Co., a sprawling shop that evokes the grandeur of classic department stores. Just like those fondly remembered stores of yore, Santa will be at his special seat surrounded by his many helpers so that children can share their secret wishes with him.
Getting all revved up for the holidays
Cars Land is celebrating its first Christmas season as well, in an enchanted creative partnership between Resort Enhancement, Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering. “We all came up with some very imaginative answers to the question, ‘How would cars celebrate the holiday season?’” said David.
Look for Snowy the Snow Car, a brand-new automotive holiday friend. He’s the Cars Land version of a snowman. “We have all fallen in love with him already because he is just so endearing,” said David. A nice photo next to this whimsical, seven-foot fellow might be just the thing to include with your holiday cards this year!
Every resident of Cars Land has incorporated their own personality into their holiday decorations. Mater has a nine-foot-tall tree with an arching sparkplug on top as the star. Luigi and Guido added holiday flair to the red, white and green color scheme of their shop—the colors of the Italian flag. Sarge sports a six-foot-tall, red, white and blue tree with a military star on top. And Flo’s nine-foot-tall tree is made out of oil cans!
Around almost every corner of Cars Land, you’ll discover new imaginative decorations and surprises — even the 20-foot-tall tree at the courthouse has a hubcap for every ornament. The courthouse statue of Stanley, the founder of Radiator Springs, is adorned with a Santa hat and a big bag of rims, wheels, accessories and other goodies for all the good residents of Cars Land.
“We’ve never done a land like this before,” David added. “Our Guests won’t see these types of unique decorations anywhere else in any of the Disney Parks.”
Beyond Cars Land and Buena Vista Street, the spirit of the season will also glow throughout Disney California Adventure Park. The lights on Mickey’s Fun Wheel on Paradise Pier will be specially programmed for the holidays. Not far away, good pals Flik, Princess Atta and Princess Dot have decorated “a bug’s land” so it’s crawling with goodwill to men, women — and cute bugs!
The rocking Mad T Party will offer its own holiday spin on its special entertainment repertoire — including a live band and dancers with an icy, cool look for this party in the streets. Don’t be surprised if, just as things start to really heat up, a surprise snowfall doesn’t cool things off for a bit before the fun begins again!
Of course, one of the most acclaimed wonders to appear in recent years is World of Color, the nighttime water spectacular. It’s the festive finale to any day — or several days — of Disney California Adventure fun, but during the holiday season, look for special surprises added especially for this delightful time of year.
“One of the most exciting things for all of us is creating new holiday traditions,” said Alan, echoing the enthusiasm of his fellow Cast Members on the makeover team. “Now there are holiday things to enjoy on our ‘two main streets’ to add to the existing memories traditions at Disneyland Resort.”
Categories: California Adventure, Disneyland Resort, Theme Parks Tags: Buena Vista Street, BVS, Cars, Cars Land, CarsLand, Christmas, DCA, Disney California Adventure, Disneyland, DLR, Holidays, Pixar, Theme Parks, Xmas
‘Frankenweenie’ Exhibition Passholder Preview Experiences Available at Disneyland Resort
The Disneyland Resort has announced that it will be offering a special preview opportunity for Annual Passholders to view the ‘Art of Frankenweenie‘ traveling exhibit on the evening of September 13, before it becomes accessible to regular park guests.
Passholders have the choice of packages, either a simple viewing experience or a complete dining package with both experiences taking place after park closing.
The preview-only experience is free and requires registration which will open on September 5. While registrants can register up to three additional guests, all must be annual passholders to attend the event which will run from 8 pm to 12 am. When registering, passholders can choose from available slotted times (in 20 minute increments) to visit the exhibition in the animation courtyard in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure and will be able to visit select attractions that will remain open until 12 am. Space to the event is limited.
The dining package is available for $290 (tax inclusive) per person and runs from 7 pm through 12 am with the a champagne reception taking place in the exhibition area at 7 pm. At 8 pm, a multi-course dinner with wine pairings will be served in front of the Tower of Terror. In addition, valet parking at the Disney Grand Californian is also included with this package as well as a surprise ‘special experience’ from 11:30 pm until 1:30 am. Tickets for the event can be purchased by September 9 over the phone by calling (714) 781-PASS (7277) or in person at any Disneyland Resort ticket booth, while space is available. As with the free event, attendees will also have the opportunity to visit select attractions through 12 am.
In addition to the attractions, attendees can also visit the Muppet*Vision 3D theater for an 8 minute sneak peek of the film in 4D as well as have access to special Frankenweenie-themed merchandise before it goes on sale to the public.
Below is our gallery of photos and video from the exhibit as well as the merchandise on display when it was on display at San Diego Comic-Con. Click on any of the thumbnails below to see a larger version.
Categories: California Adventure, Disneyland Resort, Theme Parks Tags: California Adventure, DCA, Disney California Adventure, Disneyland, Events, Frankenweenie, Theme Parks, Tim Burton
‘Cars Land Racers’ Brings Disney’s Cars Land to World Wide Web
Disney California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort has already released an innovative flash app to promote its new Cars Land expansion, allowing online guests to virtually tour the new land (by car, of course), visiting each of the residents of Radiator Springs to see their wares and learn more about the new shopping, dining and attraction experiences. Guests can even create, customize and share their own virtual Cars-inspired avatar for the virtual road trip.
Now the theme park is revving up to plus the experience, offering a new online game titled ‘Cars Land Racers.’ When the site is complete, guests will be able to visit CARSLANDRACERS.COM and compete their custom vehicle in races against friends and even the Radiator Springs residents on tracks inspired by their respective real-world attractions (Lightning McQueen’s Radiator Springs Racers, Tow Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree and Luigi’s Flying Tires).
Winning races awards players prizes such as better acceleration, handling and top speeds, while leaderboards show how players stack up against their Facebook friends and worldwide. Add to that, there’s a total of 20 (at launch time) achievements one can unlock by completing various challenges.
Categories: California Adventure, Disneyland Resort, Internet, Theme Parks Tags: Cars, Cars Land, CarsLand, Disney California Adventure, Disneyland, Games, Lighting McQueen, Mater, Pixar, Tow Mater
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