‘Monstrous Summer’ Event at Walt Disney World Details
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In addition to some of the upcoming additions to the Disney Cruise Line Disney Magic that we reported earlier today, we have some details on Walt Disney World’s ‘Monstrous Summer’ that are expected to be confirmed/announced later this week during a press event.
To confirm reports from other sources, on May 24, 2013, the Magic Kingdom will play host to a 24 hour party, which will feature appearances by Mike Wazowski and James P. ‘Sulley’ Sullivan as their Monsters University meet and greet persona, as pictured here.
The Magic Kingdom will also be ‘updating’ its Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor attraction so that jokes and the material presented will honor the performers’ alma mater.
Also being updated is the duo’s permanent meet and greet location at Disney’s Hollywood Studios which will be transformed from the current Monsters Inc. work environment to the MU student union.
And perhaps quite unsurprisingly, a monorail wrap which is Disney is already promoting as the ‘Monsterail’ will make its resort debut in support of Disney/Pixar’s Monsters University, in theaters June 21, 2013.
UPDATE #1: 04/24/13 – The official Disney Parks blog has confirmed the ‘monsterail’ monorail wrap and has provided the concept art in which the students of Monsters University appear to be riding the monorail:
Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow Full Video, Photos (Spoilers) from Walt Disney World
The brand-new ‘The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow’ Pirates of the Caribbean experience began operating in soft opening mode this morning, allowing the first guests to visit the high-tech show and enter the world of the popular film franchise. The attraction, which will officially open on December 6, 2012, is located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, in Soundstage 4 (between Toy Story Mania! and the Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream exhibit.
Like its predecessor, the Chronicles of Narnia experiences, the show begins in a pre-show area, in which a talking skull a la the original Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, introduces the show and questions the integrity of those waiting to go inside and join Jack Sparrow’s crew.
For the main show, guests enter a large room which is decorated with various props along the sides and features a large scale model of the Black Pearl which serves as a portion of the show’s projection screen. Using Disney’s high-resolution, projection mapping system such as the one used in ‘The Magic, the Memories and You’ and ‘Celebrate the Magic,’ the now floating skull invites the pirate pledge holding the iron key (chosen prior to the show) to ‘insert it into the treasure chest’ (the child really just holds it up) and the show begins. From here, the audience journeys through each of the films in an immersive show that involves physical and lighting effects in addition to the projections: from a skeleton army to Davy Jones to the Kraken and more, the lifelike projections also appear to literally fly off the screen along the back of the wall to over the Black Pearl and other objects inside the room. Eventually Captain Jack Sparrow himself appears aboard the ship and, after defeating Davy Jones, leads guests through the pirate’s oath in a way that only Jack Sparrow can.
The show is billed as interactive, but it’s really only in the vein of television shows like ‘Jake and the Never Land Pirates’ as guests are encouraged to engage in activities such as yelling out phrases and stomping their feet.
Below is our video of the full experience as well as a brief look at some of the props which include many from the films such as Elizabeth Swann’s corset, the ‘Pirates – Ye be warned’ sign and more, along with many sight gags such as my favorite, the pirate who died by cannonball.
As you can see from the video, the best view may actually be towards the right side of the room as you enter, with the starboard side of the ship still in complete view.
We also have some photos from around and inside the attraction, but bear in mind the show building is very dark and time inside is limited, so the quality isn’t as great as it could be.
Photo: Phillip Phillips Poses with American Idols Mickey and Minnie Mouse
The reigning ‘American Idol’ champion Phillip Phillips poses August 2, 2012 with Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse at ‘The American Idol Experience’ attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Phillips, who is currently touring the U.S. as part of the ‘American Idols Live!’ concert series, surprised park guests by making an appearance on-stage during one of ‘The American Idol Experience’ shows.
Photo by Matt Stroshane, courtesy Walt Disney World Resort
‘The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow’ Experience to Open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Fall
The summer 2012 edition of the Mickey Monitor, Walt Disney World’s newsletter for Annual Passholders has announced that ‘The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow’ will be opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in summer of this year. It will be placed in Sound Stage 4 which has historically been known for sharing behind-the-scenes props and footage from films such as Haunted Mansion and films from The Chronicles of Narnia series, but ‘The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow,’ while based on The Pirates of the Caribbean films, is not reported to continue that genre.
In fact, the newsletter describes the attraction as ‘a first-of-its kind sensory experience’ and quotes Walt Disney Imagineering Project Manager and Show Designer Jason Roberts as saying, ‘this is going to be an immersive experience. We’ll really delve into the story of Captain Jack Sparrow and put our Guests in the middle of it all in new and exciting ways.’
UPDATE #1: 5/2/12 – The Disney Parks official blog has confirmed the new attraction but has stated it will open in fall, not summer as previously reported.
Categories: Disney's Hollywood Studios, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: Attractions, Captain Jack Sparrow, CJS, DHS, Pirates of th Caribbean, POTC
‘Star Wars’ Author Timothy Zahn to Offer Signing at Walt Disney World, October 14
On Friday, October 14, 2011, noted author Timothy Zahn will be on hand to sign his latest Star Wars novel, Choices of One as well as the 20th anniversary edition of the best-seller, Heir to the Empire.
Zahn will be at The Writer’s Stop located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios from 1 – 3 pm. As always, theme park admission is not included and items must be purchased at the event (no personal items).
In Choices of One, eight months after the Battle of Yavin, the Rebellion is in desperate need of a new base. So when Governor Ferrouz of Candoras Sector proposes an alliance, offering the Rebels sanctuary in return for protection against the alien warlord Nuso Esva, Luke, Leia, Han, and Chewie are sent to evaluate the deal.
Mara Jade, the Emperor’s Hand, is also heading for Candoras, along with the five renegade stormtroopers known as the Hand of Judgment. Their mission: to punish Ferrouz’s treason and smash the Rebels for good.
But in this treacherous game of betrayals within betrayals, a wild card is waiting to be played.
Categories: Disney's Hollywood Studios, Publishing, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: DHS, Events, Signings, Star Wars
WDW Refurb Update: Studio Backlot Tour, HISTK Playground Closures in September
The official Walt Disney World website has begun listing closures for both the ‘Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure’ and the ‘Studio Backlot Tour’ beginning on September 4, 2011 and re-opening on September 25.
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Be the first to know when changes that potentially affect your trip occur by signing up with ReSearch! The only Disney Parks refurbishment schedule that covers attractions, dining and resorts, lets you drill down to your own specific dates and even emails you when your dates are affected — and it’s completely free!
Categories: Disney's Hollywood Studios, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: Backlot Tour, Closures, DHS, HISTK, Refurbishments, Refurbs, Rehabs
PHOTOS: ‘American Idol’ Scotty McCreery Performs at Walt Disney World
Newly crowned “American Idol” Scotty McCreery poses May 30, 2011 with Mickey and Minnie Mouse in front of “The American Idol Experience” attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. McCreery was honored in a parade at the Disney theme park and performed his new song, “I Love You This Big.” On Wednesday, the 17-year-old singer was crowned the new “American Idol” on the season finale which was viewed by an estimated 29.3 million people.
Photo by Matt Stroshane, courtesy Walt Disney World Resort
Newly crowned “American Idol” Scotty McCreery takes a celebratory ride May 30, 2011 with Mickey Mouse through Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. McCreery was honored in a parade at the Disney theme park and performed his new single “I Love You This Big.” On Wednesday, the 17-year-old singer was crowned the new “American Idol” on the season finale which was viewed by an estimated 29.3 million people.
Photo by Matt Stroshane, courtesy Walt Disney World
Newly crowned “American Idol” Scotty McCreery performs his new single “I Love You This Big” May 30, 2011 in front of “The American Idol Experience” attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, FL. McCreery was honored in a parade at the Disney theme park. On Wednesday, the 17-year-old singer was crowned the new “American Idol” on the season finale which was viewed by an estimated 29.3 million people.
Photo by Gene Duncan, courtesy Walt Disney World
Newly crowned “American Idol” Scotty McCreery performs his new single “I Love You This Big” May 30, 2011 in front of “The American Idol Experience” attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. McCreery was honored in a parade at the Disney theme park. On Wednesday, the 17-year-old singer was crowned the new “American Idol” on the season finale which was viewed by an estimated 29.3 million people.
Photo by Matt Stroshane, courtesy Walt Disney World
Newly crowned “American Idol” Scotty McCreery (right) signs an autograph May 30, 2011 for fan Sarah Solley (left), age 15, from Orlando, Florida, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. McCreery was honored in a parade at the Disney theme park and performed his new single “I Love You This Big.” On Wednesday, the 17-year-old singer was crowned the new “American Idol” on the season finale which was viewed by an estimated 29.3 million people.
Photo by Matt Stroshane, courtesy Walt Disney World
Categories: Disney's Hollywood Studios, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: American Idol, Celebrities, DHS, Events, Scotty McCreery
Video: ‘Cars 2′ Segment in ‘Moteurs.. Action!’ at Disneyland Paris; Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
As part of the new Magical Moments Festival at Disneyland Paris, a new segment featuring Mater, Lightning McQueen and a villain vehicle has been added to the Moteurs… Action! car stunt show at Walt Disney Studios Park at the Disneyland Paris Resort. Footage of the new segment has made its way onto YouTube:
In addition, the Cars 2 segment will also be added to the show’s U.S. counterpart, Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort, this June (replacing the Herbie segment).
All the world’s a racetrack as racing superstar Lightning McQueen zooms back into action, with his best friend Mater in tow, to take on the globe’s fastest and finest in this thrilling high-octane new installment of the Cars saga. Mater and McQueen will need their passports as they find themselves in a new world of intrigue, thrills and fast-paced comedic escapades around the globe.
[video by loaloauk / via Paul Chadkin]
Categories: Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disneyland Paris, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: Cars, CARS2, DHS, LMA
First Look: ‘Cars 2′ and ‘Winnie the Pooh’ Exhibits at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort, the Animation building traditionally plays host to an exhibit featuring the latest in Disney animation. Until recently, this honor was held by Disney’s Tangled, but with the threat of spring and summer looming and two animated features soon to be released, the installation was very recently switched over to promote both films: Winnie the Pooh from Walt Disney Animation Studios (July 15) and Cars 2 from Pixar Animation Studios (June 24).
As usual, the exhibit is chock full of concept art, most of which is on public display for the first time ever, stills, maquettes and even props created to add to the excitement and help cross over from the animated world to the real world.
So without further ado, we’d like to be one of the first to present to you these new, unique exhibits highlighting these widely anticipated films. For your enjoyment, we present these photos in a slightly larger-than-usual size so you can zoom in to appreciate some of the details. Click on each of the thumbnails to see a larger version and, if the resize arrows appear when you hover over the photo, click it to see the photo in its original size.
Categories: Disney's Hollywood Studios, Movies, Pixar, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: Cars, CARS2, DHS, Winnie-the-Pooh, WTP
Photo: Aerosmith’s Joey Kramer and Goofy are Rock’n'Rollers at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer poses with Disney character Goofy February 25, 2011 at Walt Disney World’s Disney’s Hollywood Studios in front of the “Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith,” the Walt Disney World roller coaster that is named after the band. The high-speed, indoor roller coaster features Aerosmith music combined with a high-speed launch and multiple inversions.
Photo by Diana Zalucky, courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort
Categories: Disney's Hollywood Studios, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: Aerosmith, Celebrities, DHS, Goofy
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