‘Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun!’ to be New Parade at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
According to cast member Paul Chadkin, the new parade debuting on January 16, 2011 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World will be titled ‘Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun!’ The parade will consist of characters from several Disney/Pixar films including Toy Story, The Incredibles, A Bug’s Life, Ratatouille, Monsters, Inc., and Up.
‘Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun!’ will replace the existing afternoon parade at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, ‘Block Party Bash’ which will see its final performance on January 1, 2011.
Entertainment Schedule for Independence Day at Walt Disney World
Guests celebrating the Fourth of July at Walt Disney World Resort will have a choice of fireworks shows as Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios present special pyrotechnics, and Epcot adds a patriotic “tag” to its famous “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” spectacular. Here’s what’s in store (entertainment and park hours are subject to change without notice):
- Magic Kingdom – “Celebrate America Fireworks” will fill the sky at 9 p.m. July 4 (guests who’d like to begin the celebratory weekend a day early can enjoy the special fireworks on July 3 at 9 p.m.). After the fireworks, guests can enjoy Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” of lights, music and magic at 10 p.m. and midnight on July 4 (on July 3, the parade will be at 10:30 p.m.). Park hours on July 4 are 8 a.m.-1 a.m.
Photo: Main Street Electrical Parade Passes Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom
Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade marches through the Magic Kingdom this summer, twinkling with approximately half a million lights. One of the original floats, the “Title Drum Unit” near the beginning of the parade, was created using an actual bass drum, one of the world’s largest in 1972. This drum had been used in Disneyland parades in the 1960s, when Mickey Mouse used to beat it using large drumsticks. The beloved parade returns to Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. to headline “Summer Nightastic!” June 6 through Aug. 14, 2010. Photo by Gene Duncan, courtesy of Disney.
First Look: Disney Cruise Line’s ‘Sailor Mickey’ Helium Balloon for Macy’s Parade
Earlier this week, we told you about the new ‘Sailor Mickey’ balloon that will be making its debut during the 83rd Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City, representing Disney Cruise Line. Pictured to the left is the actual, inflated balloon as it gets its final preparations underway for smooth sailing come Thanksgiving morning.
Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line
Mickey Mouse to Act as Grand Marshal of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile Lights Festival®
Mickey Mouse will serve as Grand Marshal for the 18th Annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® taking place November 21 along Chicago’s North Michigan Avenue. Mickey will be joined by some of his friends as Disney Parks presents its own float in the procession. Also attending and performing during the event will be Disney recording artist and Disney Channel star Mitchel Musso.
Mickey will also be in town to celebrate being this year’s official Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade mascot by appearing later this week as we reported here.
For more information on the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, visit the festival’s official website.
Magic Kingdom’s SpectroMen Will Light up the Night in All New Costumes
Leading the (arguably) best ‘regular’ parade Walt Disney World has to offer, the SpectroMen and SpectroTrumpeters have haunted the memories of young children and many adults for years in the night-time extravaganza SpectroMagic. It wasn’t too long ago that they got their last makeover in late 2007, shedding the masks in favor of faces and fibery-opticky multi-colored hair.
Now the SpectroMen are set to shock the World once more as they don new costumes and lighting effects as they lead SpectroMagic throughout the Magic Kingdom. Pictured below are photos we acquired of the new costumes (SpectroMen on left, SpectroTrumpeter on right):
‘Sailor Mickey’ Balloon to Debut at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (Artist Rendering)
Representing Disney Cruise Line, Sailor Mickey will tower over the streets of New York on Thanksgiving morning as part of the Macy’s 83rd Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade procession. Sailor Mickey (pictured left, upper left corner), is 48.1 feet long, 33.6 feet wide and 60.9 feet tall and will be filled with 14,750 cubic feet of helium during his maiden voyage. The anchor on which he rides is approximately four times the size of an actual cruise ship anchor.
Other new balloons this year include the Pillsbury Doughboy, a new Ronald McDonald and an all-new Spider-man.



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Photos: Disney Cruise Line Takes Helm of Disney Fantasy; First Look at