I’m going to tell you about a new show at Disneyland park that takes the façade of “it’s a small world” and does some amazing things. It turns it into an animated, coloring pad; it coaxes the singing dolls from inside the attraction to appear outside in the show; and it weaves hundreds of guest photos into a giant, surprise mosaic.
Even after I tell you about it, and we share a video sneak-peek of tonight’s first show, I must admit the real thing is so much better.
If you can get here, quit reading now and get here to see “The Magic, The Memories and You!” The nightly, 10-minute spectacular utilizes projection technology and animation to transform the architecture of “it’s a small world” in ways that will make you wonder what happened to the walls.
For those of you who can’t see the show right away, I’ll share a few more details. Also, check out Show Director Alan Bruun’s post about the same type of show he created for Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.
The nightly show combines guest photos from that day in Disneyland park with photos and videos taken from Disney’s “Let the Memories Begin” online hub. Classic Disney music is woven into the new “Let the Memories Begin” theme song, creating a musical and visual journey that traces the family vacation experience from surprise announcements through arrival and fun at the Disneyland Resort.
The show finale features a burst of fireworks over “it’s a small world.”
That’s what it looks like. It’s harder to tell you what the show feels like. Watching the photos will remind guests of all ages of their most cherished Disney memories, as a kaleidoscope of images is projected onto the “it’s a small world” attraction.
WHO: As part of the thousands of photographs projected each night, roughly 500 photos will be of guests who made memories in Disneyland park that day – resulting in a different “The Magic, the Memories and You” presentation each night.
WHERE: An ideal place to see the projections will be from the Fantasyland esplanade, which runs from the front of “it’s a small world” to the entrances of the Matterhorn Bobsleds and Mad Tea Party attractions.
WHEN: Tonight’s 6 p.m. “preview” show is a special preview, followed by the official debut at 7:30 p.m. The current show schedule is:
- 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday
- 8 p.m. and 9:10 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
- Show times are at www.disneyland.com and are subject to change or cancellation
HOW TO PARTICIPATE: Your photo will be considered for that night’s unique show if you have your photo taken by a PhotoPass photographer during the day. You will have the option to decline participation in the show.
Tell us about some of your favorite photo moments at the Disneyland Resort.
Comments
Loved the show! I saw at least 3 separate pictures of the various kids in our group, is there any way to get a copy or download of the show? our whole group didn’t make it to the viewing.
I am so excited to see the changes made to Disneyland since the last time I went. This looks so amazing!
To comment on my earlyer post(comment 18): I have seen show twice now and the attaction has been closed due to the fireworks shot off during the show.
@Alexis – that’s a fantastic idea. I hope Michele passes that along to the Photopass folks!
after i was born, i have seen every show of disneyland even i dont remember it, Most of the shows that disneyland presents to their guests were in the sleeping beauty castle or in tom’s island like the classic shows of fantasmic and multiple different shows of fireworks.
I know that its a small world already had projections on it but now im glad that its a small world has his own show during a good time to stop and say: “hey there is a show at this time why not we stop on are way to tomorrowland and watch it”.
after all that is what disneyland is about: to slow down watch the hard work of many people smile and be happy 🙂
If you use a guests picture you should add the show to their photopass so that if they miss the slide show they can still experience their moment in it or maybe flag the pictures you use so they know what the others guests got to see for sure
I saw it tonight, its very cool.
Thank you for the response.
I am really looking forward to see it next year.
I always enjoy seeing new things every time i come to Disneyland.
Thats what makes going so exciting.
They are always updating and looking for better ways to improve the guests experiences.
Also thank you for informing us crazy Disney fans of the new events and attractions.
I read the blog everyday.
I saw the show last night, amazing! But my question is its a small world still run, after its referbishment, during the show because some of the outside ride lights are still on during the show?
The “it’s a small world” attraction will be open during the show.
Walt would be very proud….
It was a pleasant surprise to get to see it last night. I was there last week when we had our picture taken while we sat at Coke corner listening to Robert play the piano. But then when the photo pass person saw us and one friend who I was with, happened to be a cast member, they said they couldn’t use that picture.
So yesterday, I was there with a friend who came in from Chicago and we came across a photo pass guy at the hub, he took a bunch of pictures of us. And one actually made it into the show. It was cool to see the picture come up. Some of the picture are kind of small, and they go by real fast. But this is an amazing thing they are doing. And to end my day, as the president of the Disneyland resort was leaving, I said hi to him and he came by and he was kind enough to pose for a picture for me. Sorry I can’t spell his last name. But President George, thank you for doing that for me. That is a Disney memory I will treasure always.
Margo, thanks for sharing your memory. President George A. Kalogridis asked me to send this message along to you: “Margo, It was great to meet you. Thanks for visiting Disneyland park, and I’m glad you enjoyed our new show, ‘The Magic, The Memories and You’.”
this show was great i saw my lil rincess picture u there it was great loved it
Saw it today – I smiled through the whole show. It will be extra special when the guests find their photo from that day in the video! I especially liked the Small World Dolls parade part, the balloons and confetti, and the parts where the projection changes from black & white to bright colors. And thanks for the shooting star fireworks at the end!
All I can see here is a unique expression-smiling!
Wish one day in Shanghai Disneyland, I can see more about the Chinese smiling.
This show looks fantastic. Two questions though: 1. What will it look like when the Disneyland Railroad passes by? 2. Is this is showing, will they still have the holiday projection show at christmas time?
I wish I knew if they used my picture…love to see that.
Last Saturday, my son & I were in Disneyland for the weekend and stayed at the Disneyland Hotel for the first time. Taking advantage of the Magic Morning, we were on the Teacups for the third consecutive time. When we left the ride, I was approached by a PhotoPass photographer who explained that she was taking pictures for use in the “test runs” of the show, and she gave me a Pass so I could see the pictures they might use.
I never got a chance to see the show, of course, but if you happen to see a picture of a woman with short curly blonde/brown/grey hair, wearing glasses and a blue hoodie, hanging over the side of a teacup and grinning like a fool, that’s me!
How long will this be running?
Can’t wait to see it. The section at 36-40 seconds in that video is just amazing.
I have a question.
Will this show only be as a promotion for “Let the Memories Begin” or will it continue on into next year?
I will not be going to Disneyland until 2012 and would really love to see this.
Yes, you can see it if you come next year. “The Magic, The Memories and You” show is scheduled to run through 2012.
Wow!
What song is playing?
Going tomorrow, (Friday), can hardly wait for another day of Magic, Memories and maybe us on the Small World building. A D23 member, so hoping the Disney Geek will be there too.
Oh! Will they show photos from the website “Let your memories begin” if the photos were taken in Disneyland Paris for example?
Okay, so when I first read about this, I thought, “Oh no! I love Small World just they way it is!”. Now, after reading more about it, I’m thinking this is going to really be something to see…
Please PLEASE if anyone out there goes and sees this, post your thoughts/comments as I would love to hear what people who have actually seen it think about it. Thank you in advance and have a very magical day!
Looks pretty cool.
The projection show on Small World during the holidays is very cool, so I imagine that this new memories show is just as cool in person.
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