Disney Parks Blog

Live Blogging the Monstrous 24-Hour ‘All-Nighter’ at Disney Parks

Thomas Smith — Fri, 24 May 2013 10:00:30 +0000

Welcome to the Monstrous Summer “All-Nighter” at Disney Parks. For a full 24 hours, we have a team of blog authors in the parks sharing live updates from Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, including one author who will be visiting all three parks – on both coasts – in one day. Keep refreshing this post for new video, images and stories and experience monster madness in the parks.

Three Cheers for ‘Monsters University’ Merchandise at Disney Parks

by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager

On this “monstrous” day at Disney Parks, I stopped by the Emporium on Main Street, U.S.A., in Magic Kingdom Park to check out the new merchandise for Disney•Pixar’s upcoming film “Monsters University.” The film opens in U.S. theaters on June 21, 2013, and, after attending an early screening, I can say that it’s awesome! Like previous film releases such as “Oz The Great and Powerful” Disney Theme Park Merchandise partnered with the Disney Store to introduce some of the plush and toys they created. There are, however, a handful of items created specifically for Disney Parks.

The Emporium had an entire wall of “Monsters University”-inspired goods. They were mixed with some classic items we’ve had for years like the Mike Wazowski “eye” shirt, the Boo baby plush in a blanket, and the “Monsters, Inc“. figure playset.

I particularly liked the new D-Tech on Demand cases for the iPhone 4/4S and the iPhone 5. I also liked the “MU” hat that looks like it came directly from the film (the worn spot is a nice touch).

While in the Emporium, I had some fun with my favorite new traveling buddy today – the Scare Pig plush, who is the school mascot from “Monsters University” rival, Fear Tech. Look for additional items arriving in June including a mystery pin set and a limited edition opening day pin. I’m particularly excited for the new Vinylmation mystery set designed by Disney artist Ron Cohee coming to Disney Parks on June 14. Go MU!

Don’t forget to leave us a note in the comments section.

Watch Live Coverage of Monstrous ‘All-Nighter’ at Walt Disney World

by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks

If you’re not able to join us in the parks for our “all-nighter,” we’ve got the next best thing to being here – live video from Magic Kingdom Park in Florida. Along with our live blogging coverage, we have a live video stream showing the fun on Main Street U.S.A., as it happens.

During the 24-hours, we’ll be featuring the live video stream in our live blogging content stream. We’re also making it available on a special Disney Parks Blog page to check anytime during the event.

Don’t forget to leave us a note in the comments section.

Three Parks In One Day? Sure!

by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager

I’m no stranger to staying up for 24 hours. While in college, I remember pulling a few “all-nighters” to finish writing papers for class. I also attended a few 24-hour science-fiction movie marathons when I lived in Columbus, Ohio (that was crazy but fun!). Today, I have another excuse to stay up all night – the Monstrous Summer “All-Nighter” to kick off a summer of fun at Disney Parks. This is a big bicoastal party, which I will be attending for most of the day at Magic Kingdom Park in Florida. This evening, I’ll finish out the night in Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park in California.

Throughout the day, I’ll be sharing updates about my adventures on the Disney Parks Blog. I’d love to get photographs with friends on both coasts dressed in their best Monstrous Summer attire. I’m also looking forward to enjoying a refreshing Citrus Swirl early this afternoon in Adventureland. Anyone care to join me?

Don’t forget to leave us a note in the comments section.

Kicking Off A Monstrous Morning Meet-Up at Pecos Bill’s

by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at our Monstrous Morning Meet-Up at Magic Kingdom Park where we’re officially registering our guests as new “Monsters University” students! They’re also enjoying a special Monstrous Donut & Fruit Bar, photo opportunities and more. Check out the gallery below for an inside look.

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Kicking Off a Monstrous Morning Meet-Up at Pecos Bill’s at Magic Kingdom Park

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Monstrous Summer 24-Hour ‘All-Nighter’ Begins at Walt Disney

by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks

We’re off and running at the Walt Disney World Resort. Our first-ever three-park all-night party to kick off a Monstrous Summer at Disney Parks is now officially underway in Florida. And we have a special treat – live coverage of our opening moment.

Guests joined the blog team outside of Magic Kingdom Park as early as 4:30 a.m. this morning to be among the first to enter and kick off the Memorial Day Weekend in a big way. We’ve started the day here in Florida but there’s plenty more to see and experience during the next 24 hours.

Keep checking for complete coverage of our “all-nighter” at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort – Erin will be joining us with updates soon. Our reports will include a live stream from Main Street U.S.A., and a few other surprises.

Live Blogging the Monstrous 24-Hour ‘All-Nighter’ at Disney Parks by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Disney Parks After Dark: Making Wishes at Magic Kingdom Park

Jennifer Fickley-Baker — Thu, 23 May 2013 23:57:56 +0000

This week’s “Disney Parks After Dark” photo was shot at Magic Kingdom Park during the Wishes nighttime spectacular. I just adore shots of fireworks at Cinderella Castle, don’t you?

Is Wishes your favorite nighttime sight at Walt Disney World Resort? Or do you prefer IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot? Or Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Tell us in the “Comments” section below!

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Disney Parks After Dark

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See the posts below for more from the “Disney Parks After Dark” series:

Disney Parks After Dark: Making Wishes at Magic Kingdom Park by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Let the Journey to Imagination Begin with ‘Mickey and the Magical Map’ at Disneyland Park

Shawn Slater — Thu, 23 May 2013 21:57:38 +0000

It’s almost showtime! “Mickey and the Magical Map” opens this Saturday, May 25, at Disneyland park. Here’s a look at the nearly two-year-long journey the Creative Entertainment team has undertaken to bring the show from concept to reality, along with a glimpse of the amazing, musical “Journey to Imagination” you’ll go on with Mickey Mouse when you take a seat in the newly refurbished Fantasyland Theatre. The premiere is just around the corner, so we hope to “see ya real soon!”

Let the Journey to Imagination Begin with ‘Mickey and the Magical Map’ at Disneyland Park by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Then and Now: Fantasyland at Disneyland Park

George Savvas — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:57:36 +0000

As we approach the 30th anniversary of “The New Fantasyland” at Disneyland park, I thought it would be fun to compare what Fantasyland looked like when it opened in 1955 to the Fantasyland we know today, which has remained mostly unchanged in its fairytale village style since it reopened on May 25, 1983.

We started with a vintage black and white photo taken somewhere inside Fantasyland and tried to recreate it. King Arthur Carrousel and the Mad Tea Party were moved from their original locations in 1983, so it was Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride and Sleeping Beauty Castle that helped us establish the location perfectly.

Whether you first experienced Fantasyland in the last 30 years, or you remember it during its “medieval faire” years, it has been and always will be as Walt described it on opening day: a timeless land of enchantment.

Read on for more posts about the history of Disneyland park:

Then and Now: Fantasyland at Disneyland Park by George Savvas: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Behind The Scenes: Exploring the New Mystic Manor at Hong Kong Disneyland

Thomas Smith — Thu, 23 May 2013 18:30:42 +0000

When we shared a first peek at Mystic Manor in Hong Kong Disneyland, I know many Disney Parks Blog readers immediately added it to their “must do” list – me too. Today, there’s even more to share. Walt Disney Imagineering’s creative executive Joe Lanzisero is taking us on a behind-the-scenes tour of Lord Henry’s stately Victorian mansion.

One of the critical elements for making Mystic Manor a great attraction was the music and the addition of legendary composer Danny Elfman, according to Joe. “Danny has the ability to create tension and excitement but there is always a grin underlying it,” he said. “He has a sense of scary fun, so Danny was perfect.”

Along with an amazing soundtrack, the attraction features a trackless ride system and combines innovative special effects, state-of-the-art technology and Disney storytelling to create an immersive experience.

Mystic Manor opened on May 17 so you can now tour Lord Henry’s home yourself by boarding his latest invention – the “Mystic Magneto-Electric Carriage.” But be sure to keep an eye open for Albert, Lord Henry’s pet monkey, because when he opens a peculiar music box in the museum, all of Mystic Manor’s contents magically come to life.

Behind The Scenes: Exploring the New Mystic Manor at Hong Kong Disneyland by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

This Week in Disney History: ‘The New Fantasyland’ Opens at Disneyland Park, 1983

Valarie Sukovaty — Thu, 23 May 2013 16:57:05 +0000

This Saturday marks the 30th anniversary of an important celebration. The year was 1983, the day was May 25, and a new, redesigned Fantasyland was unveiled at Disneyland park. Of course in true Disneyland fashion, there was a grand opening, including the lowering of the drawbridge at Sleeping Beauty Castle. That hadn’t happened since the park opened in 1955! Creative Advisor to Walt Disney Imagineering, Tony Baxter, was one of the Imagineers on the redesign team. Disney Parks Blog spoke with him about that opening day and what other attraction they used as inspiration. Enjoy!

This Week in Disney History: ‘The New Fantasyland’ Opens at Disneyland Park, 1983 by Valarie Sukovaty: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Vintage Walt Disney World: Inside the Backlot Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Nate Rasmussen — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:27:11 +0000

Today, in 1993, the Backlot Theater opened on New York Street at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This 1,500-seat theater was home to two major productions – The Spirit of Pocahontas and Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame – A Musical Adventure.

The Spirit of Pocahontas explored the film’s love story between Pocahontas and John Smith, and the balance between man and nature. This 28-minute show was the first Broadway-style theatrical production at Walt Disney World Resort and included wind, water and fire effects as part of the dramatic retelling of the story.

Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame – A Musical Adventure closely followed the story of the film. Set in the Court of Miracles (the Gypsy “underworld”), this 30-minute show featured many of the characters from the movie, including 13 Gypsy players who brought the story to life via puppetry and props.

Check out more posts from the “Vintage Walt Disney World” series:

Vintage Walt Disney World: Inside the Backlot Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios by Nate Rasmussen: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Behind the Scenes: Recording the Soundtrack for Test Track Presented by Chevrolet at Epcot

Jennifer Fickley-Baker — Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:02 +0000

What are some of the sounds that make Epcot, well, Epcot for you? The laughter of Figment? The uplifting music of Soarin’? The narrator’s dim of the torches before IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth?

In this video, which we just received from our friends at Walt Disney Imagineering, our Imagineers offer a look at how they designed a new soundtrack for one of the park’s attractions: Test Track Presented by Chevrolet. Check it out – there are definitely some things you’ll want to listen for next time you stop by.

Which Epcot attraction has your favorite soundtrack? Let us know in the “Comments” section below.

Behind the Scenes: Recording the Soundtrack for Test Track Presented by Chevrolet at Epcot by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Creating Costumes for ‘Mickey and the Magical Map’ at Disneyland Park

Shawn Slater — Wed, 22 May 2013 21:57:49 +0000

We’re just a few days away from the premiere of “Mickey and the Magical Map,” the spectacular new musical production being staged in the Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland park.

One of the cool things about the show is the design of the costumes for the Mapmakers, Yen Sid’s apprentices who are well versed in the ways of the sorcerer’s amazing map. I spoke with Senior Costume Designer Matt Davidson, who shared some of his inspiration behind the designs.

“The costumes needed to have a modern infusion of style and edginess, while still retaining an antique quality that comes with Fantasyland and its older, European roots,” said Matt. “I have always liked the inventiveness of Steampunk, which for those who may not know, comes from the Jules Verne, H.G. Wells world of futuristic-styled technology being possible in the Victorian era. The aesthetic uses lots of copper, antique brass, leather and rivets. It’s kind of a warm, hand-crafted look that fit perfectly.”

Here’s a look at some of those designs, as Matt and Costumer Chris Bermudez were fitting the show’s cast for a recent dress rehearsal. You’ll be able to see the costumes in action, of course, once “Mickey and the Magical Map” opens May 25!

Learn more about “Mickey and the Magical Map” in the posts below:

Creating Costumes for ‘Mickey and the Magical Map’ at Disneyland Park by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Putting More ‘Room’ in Staterooms on the Disney Magic

Jonathan Frontado — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:57:02 +0000

If you’ve ever cruised with Disney Cruise Line, you know that all of our staterooms are designed with families in mind. We know that traveling families always need more space, so features are included in each room to provide more usable space, like the split-bath feature that Disney introduced to the cruise industry.

When the Disney Magic relaunches this October, guests will see changes that make the staterooms even more family friendly. Take a look at this video to hear about some of these enhancements and get a glimpse at the refreshed art deco-inspired design of the staterooms and suites on the Disney Magic.

Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog and Disney Cruise Line Facebook page, and follow @DisneyCruise on Twitter for all of the exciting updates about the Disney Magic’s transformation! While you’re on Twitter, join in the conversation by using the hashtag #DisneyMagic.

Check out these posts for more updates from the Disney Magic:

Putting More ‘Room’ in Staterooms on the Disney Magic by Jonathan Frontado: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog