Report: Free ‘Inside the Lion King’ Exhibit Opens in New York for Limited Time
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On November 13, 1997, Disney brought the staged, musical adaptation of its animated smash, The Lion King, to Broadway. Fifteen years later, it is now the the fifth longest-running musical in Broadway history, contains to sell out nightly and consistently has one of the top box-office intakes out of the dozens of theatrical offerings on Broadway alone.
As a thank you to the tens of millions of theater-goers who have seen the show as well as the millions more who will, Disney Theatrical has produced a free, time-limited exhibit appropriately titled ‘Inside The Lion King.’ Located at the corner of 42nd St and Sixth Ave in Manhattan, the exhibit gives visitors unprecedented access to not only ‘The Lion King,’ but the entire theatrical process. From concept design to modeling and mock-ups to fully realized costumes, the exhibit virtually makes the visitor part of the backstage experience itself. Here, photography is not only allowed, but encouraged, as is the ability to touch the costumes themselves and explore how they are constructed.
The individual displays are arranged around the exhibition by logical groupings as evidenced by the free exhibition ‘guide map’ handed out. Although the map has sections laid out in a circle, life appears to be more of a square. The map also encourages photos in particular with the Rafiki and Scar wax figures (on loan from Madam Tussauds) along with the adult Simba costume, but the truth is every step along the way is a virtual photo-op here, in particular with Zazu and Bertha, the elephant.
As guests travel around the exhibition, they’ll encounter several exhibition staff members willing to share information and enthusiasm about the musical. One of the several facts I personally heard over and over was that it takes four performers to operate Bertha [the elephant] — that’s one in each leg. In addition to the staff, there are two interactive touch-screen operated kiosks located towards the exit which offer up a wealth of information about the show across several categories.
While costumes and other artifacts make up the perimeter of the exhibit, the center portion of the room is dedicated to show merchandise — it is Disney after all. Virtually every item that can be purchased while attending the show is available to purchase here, though to be honest, the items are available through limited online channels as well. In either case, it’s a far broader offering than the limited theatrical merchandise one would find at the Disney Store in Times Square, making this a great place for a last-minute holiday gift or Christmas tree ornament. There is, however, one exclusive tshirt for the exhibit itself, offered only here. On a confusing side note, purchases seem to show up on statements as ‘Sister Act merchandise.’ From what I am told there are no discounts beyond Disney Cast Member, but there is a purchase with purchase offer: a reusable ‘The Lion King’ tote for $5 with any purchase. That said, it might be worth checking in towards the close of the exhibition just to be sure on any of the 2012. Another reason to stop by the exhibition is that tickets to the shows’ performances are being sold at the exhibit’s exit.
The exhibition will also play host to several workshops geared towards children aged six and up. For more information and for the current schedule, you can visit the official exhibition page.
‘Inside the Lion King’ is open daily from now through December 16 from 10 am – 8 pm, with limited hours on December 3 for private events. Admission is free.
Below is our gallery of images from the exhibit which represent a sample of what’s available to see hands-on, along with a video showing some of the highlights.
Categories: Theatre Tags: Broadway, Disney Theatrical, Events, Exhibits, Free, Lion King, Museums, Musicals, New York City, NYC, The Lion King, Theater, Theatre, TLK
D23 Offers Muppets Meet & Greet Opportunity at Disney Store Times Square
Disney D23, the fan club of The Walt Disney Company, has announced that on Tuesday, November 27, it will be allowing a limited number of its members and their guests a rare opportunity to meet and greet in person with Kermit the Frog and Pepe the King Prawn at the Disney Store Times Square in New York City. The meet & greet opportunity will follow an exclusive conversation with the Muppets.
In addition to the event, D23 members will also have the opportunity to shop at the store and receive a special 15% discount. Cast members will also be armed with Muppet-related prizes for answering trivia questions.
The event will take place on November 27 at 10:30 am (with check-in occurring at 10 am). Tickets are free (plus a $5 processing charge) and will be available beginning November 15 at 1 pm ET. For more information and to reserve tickets when available, visit the official event page.
Categories: Merchandise Tags: D23, Disney Store, Disney Store Times Square, Events, Muppets, NYC, Nyew York City, The Muppets
NYCC: Disney Publishing Announces Booth Giveaways, Signings and Panels
Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) kicks off New York Comic-Con 2012 with several exciting author/illustrator panels, in-booth signings, and exclusive giveaways at the DPW booth, #1132.
BOOTH GIVEAWAYS:
From Rick Riordan’s Heroes of Olympus to Disney “It’s a Small World,” there is something for everyone. Giveaways include:
- Marvel preview booklet
- Heroes of Olympus water bottles
- Rick Riordan’s The Red Pyramid: The Graphic Novel posters
- Disney “it’s a small world” tote bags
PANELS
Passion, Power, and Paranormals! (Friday, October 12 @ 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm, Room 1A14)
Authors Keri Arthur, Maureen Johnson, Tahereh Mafi, Tonya Hurley, Margaret Stohl, Dan Krokos (False Memory), Alexandra Bracken (The Darkest Minds) and Kalayna Price discuss the inclusion of romantic elements in their action-packed novels. If dating the undead wasn’t tricky enough, these protagonists must also battle the forces of evil while trying to keep their sanity and the world safe from destruction. Moderator Jocelyn Davies will have the authors divulging the steamy details behind creating their characters and their tricky love affairs.
Hocus Pocus: Magic & Monsters in Science-Fiction and Fantasy (Saturday, October 13 @ 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm, Room 1A08)
Science-Fiction and Fantasy authors discuss the costs and consequences of ‘magic’ in their novels. Moderator Beth Revis will have authors Andrea Cremer, Jacqueline Carey, Jocelynn Drake, Kim Harrison, Max Gladstone, Cecil Castellucci, Victoria Schwab (The Archived) and Richard Kadrey dishing about the the scary, hairy, and dangerous creatures that lurk in the worlds they have created.
The World of Graphic Novels (Saturday, October 13 @ 7:45 pm – 8:45 pm, Room 1A06)
Restaurants, outer space, fantastical worlds, high school — graphic novels today will take readers to all these places and more! How do graphic novelists combine words and pictures to create the worlds within their books? Authors Fred Chao, Zack Giallongo, Ben Hatke, Tyler Crook, and Orpheus Collar (The Red Pyramid: Graphic Novel) discuss how world-building works in the world of comics.
Action-Packed Comics to Grown On (Sunday, October 14 @ 10:45 am -11:45 am, Room 1A08)
Want to raise a comic book aficionado? Start here! With characters ranging from a neurotic rabbit to a crime-fighting lunch lady and formats from graphic novels to pop-ups, authors Patrick McDonnell (Mutts comic strip), Philip Amara (So You Want to Be a Comic Book Artist), Ben Hatke (Legends of Zita the Spacegirl), Zach Giallongo (Broxo) and Orpheus Collar (The Red Pyramid: The Graphic Novel) are masters at penning favorites for the youngest age group. Look forward to a discussion about presenting the comic book genre to the littlest readers in an accessible and often downright hilarious way guaranteed to have them reading AND creating works of their own.
Kids/YA Publisher Spotlight (Sunday, October 14 @ 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm, Room 1A07)
Come hear the advance buzz about what’s coming up from Disney Publishing Worldwide, First Second, Macmillan Kids, HarperCollins, Little, Brown, Random House, Penguin Young Readers, Scholastic, Simon & Schuster and Tor! Editors and marketing staff come together to recommend their favorite upcoming books by exciting new authors and illustrators — accompanied with giveaways, trivia and — most of all — FUN!
SIGNINGS:
Friday, October 12th:
- Dan Krokos (False Sight advance copies) and Alexandra Bracken (The Darkest Minds advance copies) @ Disney Publishing Worldwide, Booth 1132 (11:00 am – 12:00 pm)
- Post-Panel signing: ‘Passion, Power and Paranormals!’ @ Autographing Area, Tables 2, 3, and 4 (3:15 pm – 4:15 pm)
Saturday, October 13:
- Victoria Schwab (The Archived advance copies) 11:00 am – 12:00 pm @ Disney Publishing Worldwide, Booth 1132 (11:00 am – 12:00 pm)
- Post-Panel signing: ‘Hocus Pocus: Magic & Monsters in Science-Fiction and Fantasy’ @ Autographing Area, Tables 2, 3, and 4 (2:45 pm – 3:45 pm)
Sunday, October 14:
- Post-panel signing: ‘Action-Packed Comics to Grown On’ @ Autographing Area, Tables 2, 3, and 4 (12:00 pm – 1:00 pm)
- Orpheus Collar (The Red Pyramid: Graphic Novel) @ Disney Publishing Worldwide, Booth 1132 (1:00 pm – 2:00 pm)
Categories: Publishing Tags: Comic-Con, Disney Publishing Worldwide, DPW, New York, New York City, NYC, NYCC
‘Frankenweenie’ Early Screening in New York City on September 23
In conjunction with the New York International Children’s Film Festival, Walt Disney Studios will be offering a special pre-release screening of Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie this Sunday, September 23 at 11 am at the IFC Center in New York City.
Tickets are $18 per adult, $14 per child/senior and $13 for IFC members, which is a bit on the pricey side, even for New York, but this will guarantee you the opportunity to see the film nearly two weeks in advance of its theatrical debut on October 5.
Tickets can be purchased online here and are expected to sell out well in advance. For more information, visit the event page.
Categories: Movies Tags: Cinema, Film News, Frankenweenie, Movie News, Movies, New York, New York City, NYC, Screenings, Tim Burton
Disney/ABC Television to Bring Presentations, Activities to World Maker Faire 2012 in New York
Disney/ABC Television Group will sponsor interactive activities for kids and families to celebrate creativity and innovation, at World Maker Faire 2012, a two-day exposition spanning science, technology and the arts at the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI), September 29-30. These next generation of thinkers and tinkerers are invited to take part in an inventive healthy cooking demonstration by celebrity chef Carla Hall, co-host of ABC’s popular daytime series “The Chew”; participate in activities inspired by Disney’s hit series “Phineas and Ferb” and “Jake and the Never Land Pirates”; and use human-power to activate an eco-friendly Disney XD game.
“Imagination and innovation inspire everything we do at Disney/ABC, so we applaud and encourage these dreamers and thinkers who delight in the magic of discovery to drive positive changes in the world,” said Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney/ABC Television Group. “The New York Hall of Science and World Maker Faire are perfectly aligned with our mission to connect kids and families to the excitement of innovation through entertainment, learning and play.”
“Disney has been a sponsor of NYSCI for more than a decade. We have collaborated on many projects that encourage kids and families to think creatively and be curious about our world,” said Margaret Honey, president and CEO of NYSCI. “Disney/ABC Television Group is a natural partner with World Maker Faire, and we are thrilled to have Carla and the entire Disney team involved in what is quickly becoming New York’s premiere showcase of science, technology and invention.”
“We are thrilled to have such a creative and innovative company like Disney/ABC Television Group participating in World Maker Faire and bringing hands-on activities and their incredible TV personality for attendees to interact with,” said Sherry Huss, maker-in-chief. “Disney’s connections to young people and their commitment to getting kids and families creating make them an ideal partner.”
The lineup of Disney/ABC Television Group activities at World Maker Faire 2012 includes:
Saturday, September 29 at 11:00 a.m. Make: Live Stage (Zone D)
- Carla Hall from ABC’s “The Chew” gives a culinary demonstration on making a delicious dish healthier for the entire family.
Saturday, September 29 from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Dsney Channel’s “Phineas and Ferb” inspire a kite-making activity worthy of the animated duo’s coolest inventions.
- Disney XD goes green with “The Wash Out,” a clothes laundering game using human-powered technology.
Sunday, September 30 from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Kid crafters can engage in Disney Junior’s “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” swashbuckling sword-making activity.
- Disney XD goes green with “The Wash Out,” a clothes laundering game using human-powered technology.
More information about World Maker Faire 2012, including ticket prices, is available at makerfaire.com.
Muppets Named Family Ambassadors for New York City
The Muppets were today named New York City Family Ambassadors by NYC & Company, New York City’s tourism and marketing organization. As part of the year-long collaboration, the Muppets will encourage family travel to New York by highlighting the best ways for families to experience and enjoy the many dining and shopping venues, cultural institutions, parks and attractions across the five boroughs.
“I’ve loved New York ever since I arrived in New York harbor and saw that the Statue of Liberty is green. What a welcome! New York is a great place for families, frogs, pigs, bears and…uh, whatevers to visit. We can’t wait to show the world the best ways to hop around the city!” said Kermit the Frog, the world’s most famous amphibian.
Added Miss Piggy, “New York is the most fabulous city in the world. In fact, it’s almost as fabulous as moi. So don’t just sit there! Get ready world! You’re about to take the ultimate diva’s tour of moi’s favorite city! Lucky vous!”
The Muppets will also encourage locals to explore different neighborhoods across New York City by highlighting family-friendly things to do, see, and visit. The Muppets will share their personal City preferences at www.nycgo.com/family where Miss Piggy will discuss shopping, Kermit will help visitors navigate the five boroughs, Swedish Chef will focus on cuisine and more.
“We could not imagine better NYC Family Ambassadors than the lovable and enchanting Muppets,” said George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company. “Appealing to fans of all ages across the globe, the Muppets will highlight what they love about the five boroughs and illustrate why New York City is the perfect place for families to visit this year.”
Footage from today’s announcement has been posted to YouTube courtesy of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s office:
Categories: Uncategorized Tags: Events, Muppets, New York, New York City, NYC
EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Disney Fantasy Arrives in New York City
Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Fantasy, arrived in New York City with great fanfare this morning after having made her Transatlantic voyage. With a US Coast Guard escort and being trailed by a helicopter documenting her arrival, she pulled into New York Harbor, next to the Statue of Liberty, just in time to make her national television debut on ABC’s ‘Good Morning America.’
After blowing all of her musical horns (she has all the same horns the Disney Dream has plus a couple of bars of ‘New York, New York’ and a water salute from an FDNY fireboat, she headed up the Hudson River to her temporary home at Pier 88 in Manhattan. The Disney Fantasy is scheduled to remain in New York City through March 1, when she’ll receive her christening that evening.
Although the Disney Fantasy will be heading to her home port in Port Canaveral in Florida, sister ship the Disney Magic will begin a limited number of sailings out of New York City this summer.
Below is our photo gallery of the Disney Fantasy arriving in New York City this morning, taken while aboard the Staten Island Ferry as well as from Battery Park, where many fans had gathered to get their first in-person look at the luxury cruiseliner.
Categories: Disney Cruise Line Tags: DCL, Disney Fantasy, New York City, NYC
Disney Cruise Line Announces Excursions for New York City, Walt Disney World
For those guests planning on making the trek to New York City to board the Disney Magic as she begins to set sail on May 25, 2012, Disney Cruise Line has made available details for a few special excursions in the city, available only on debarkation day.
The Midtown Manhattan & Top of the Rock excursion will take you into the heart of midtown aboard an air-conditioned motor coach. You’ll visit the ‘Top of the Rock’ observation deck located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza which offers unparalleled views of the Big Apple. The breathtaking landscape stretches for miles in every direction and includes panoramic views of: Central Park, the Empire State Building, The Hudson River, Brooklyn Bridge and much more.
Return to street level and your guide will take you around the Rockefeller Center and across Fifth Avenue for a brief photo stop. You will re-board your coach and the tour will continue passing the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Central Park, Fifth Avenue Shops, Empire State Building and Times Square. Stop at Grand Central Terminal to take some pictures of this beautiful Beaux-arts building in midtown Manhattan and free time to browse or purchase a snack.
The length of the excursion is 4 to 4.5 hours and costs $129 per adult and $89 per child. It also includes a transfer to LGA, JFK or EWR airports. For more information, visit the excursion page.
The New York by Land & Sea excursion takes you aboard the ZEPHYR, a state-of-the-art, custom built luxury catamaran to enjoy an approximate 60-minute tour of New York’s waterways. You”ll experience unparalleled views of the skyline and the port as your tour guide provides an informative English narration while smoothly plying New Yorks’s waterways.
You’ll also sail under the Brooklyn Bridge and see the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, the Woolworth Building, the World Financial Centre, the famous borough of Brooklyn, and Staten Island as well as the State of New Jersey and Ellis Island, immigrant gateway to America and a brief stop in front of the Statue of Liberty (visit to the Statue not part of the excursion). Finally, disembark the ZEPHYR at the South Street Seaport for free time to shop, sightsee, and have a snack at some of the dozens of eateries that fit every taste and budget before being dropped off at your departing airport.
The length of the excursion is 4 to 4.5 hours and costs $129 per adult and $89 per child. It also includes a transfer to LGA, JFK or EWR airports. For more information, visit the excursion page.
The American Museum of Natural History & Central Park will take you by motorcoach on a short scenic drive to the Fifth Avenue side of Central Park, where your walking tour through the park will begin. Central Park is more than 150 years old and covers an area of 843 acres. See areas where countless movies were filmed, the homes of the rich and famous, and many iconic sights including The Boathouse, Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, Strawberry Fields and, above all, The Alice in Wonderland Sculpture. It stands 11 feet tall in bronze, surrounded by the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit and a few of her other friends. Atypical of most sculptures, children are invited to climb, touch and crawl all over Alice and her friends.
The adventure continues beyond Central Park and visits the American Museum of Natural History, one of the world’s largest and most accomplished in its field. Over 140 years old with over 30 million specimens, the exhibits range from one of the world’s best collections of dinosaur fossils to The Rose Center for Earth and Space. As part of your tour you will enter the planetarium to embark on a stunning voyage though time and space to experience the life and death of the stars in our night sky. Tour familiar constellations, explore new celestial mysteries and discover the fascinating story that connects us all to the stars.
The length of the excursion is 4 to 4.5 hours and costs $139 per adult and $99 per child. It also includes a transfer to LGA, JFK or EWR airports. For more information, visit the excursion page.
Lastly, a new Port Canaveral excursion has been added, this one for a private viewing of Illuminations at Epcot with a full dessert bar. Price has yet to be determined, but you can visit the excursion page for more information as it becomes available.
Categories: Disney Cruise Line, Epcot, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: DCL, New York City, NYC
Disney Parks to Host ‘Disney Memories’ Event in Times Square, November 19
We have learned that Walt Disney World will be hosting a ‘Disney Memories’ event this Saturday, November 19, in the New York City Times Square area, as part of its ‘Let the Memories Begin’ / ‘One More Disney Day’ campaign. Details are sketchy, but sources have told us the event will take place at 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm by the Disney Store location and will involve virtual appearances by Mickey Mouse and some of his friends.
We believe the event may be tied to a proper launch of the Disney Memories app that was recently released (and subsequently pulled within hours) on the Apple App Store. Perhaps the app may have been released prematurely, as Disney Parks later activated a site for the app at DPARKAPP.COM which goes to a page designed for mobile devices and directs visitors to either the App Store or the Droid Marketplace for the app (at this time, the Droid link goes to the Radio Disney app). Part of its functionality, the app allows the user to unlock special content at Disney Store Times Square.
Additionally, Disney Parks has established another mobile site at DisneyMemoriesNYC.com which appears to allow online visitors to take a photo with an app and contribute it, a suggestion that it may offer some element of interactivity with the giant Disney Store LCD screen above the store.
We will update as more information becomes available to us.
UPDATE #1: 11/17/11 – The Disney Parks blog has announced that the event will be an open event on Friday and Saturday and involves using the Disney Store Times Square’s electronic billboard to allow guests to interact with it.
We’ll be checking it out first thing tomorrow morning and will have more details then.
Categories: Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: Disney Store, Events, Let the Memories Begin, New York City, NYC, Times Square
Justin Bieber Joins Lady Gaga in Times Square on New Year’s Eve
Recording artist Justin Bieber will perform live in Times Square on “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2012,” Saturday, December 31 on the ABC Television Network. He joins previously announced act Lady Gaga for the 40th anniversary of the annual year end celebration.
The bi-coastal celebration will include over 5 1/2 hours of special performances and reports on New Year’s celebrations from around the globe, as well as the American tradition of Dick Clark counting down to midnight from Times Square in New York City. The complete lineup, beginning Saturday night, December 31 on ABC is:
“New Year’s Rockin’ Eve: The 40th Anniversary Party” (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET)
“Dick Clark’s Primetime New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2012″ (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET)
“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2012, Part 1″ (11:30 p.m. – 1:08 a.m., ET)
“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2012, Part 2″ (1:08-2:11 a.m., ET)
“Dick Clark’s Primetime New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2012″ is a presentation of dick clark productions, inc with Dick Clark, Ryan Seacrest and Orly Adelson serving as executive producers. Larry Klein produces.
Categories: Television Tags: New Year's Eve, New York City, NYC, NYE
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