Monstrous Summer All-Nighter at Disney Parks

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

posted on May 23rd, 2013 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment


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!”

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

posted on May 22nd, 2013 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment


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:

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24 Hours of Fun and Entertainment in Three Disney Parks

posted on May 17th, 2013 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment


We’re just one week away from our next Limited Time Magic event, the huge Disney Parks Monstrous Summer All-Nighter on May 24! Pam Brandon and Steven Miller will be along later to share details about some of the great food and merchandise you can expect to find, but first I’d like to tell you more about the special entertainment we have in store.
Mike and Sulley of Disney•Pixar's 'Monsters University' Will Join the Fun at Magic Kingdom Park During Disney Parks' Monstrous Summer All-Nighter
Everything kicks-off with special opening moments in front of the parks, leading up to 6 a.m., and then you’re off and running for 24 hours of fun!* Many of your usual favorite characters and shows will be happening throughout the day, but we also have some extra things planned just for this event.

At Magic Kingdom Park, Mike and Sulley from this summer’s new Disney•Pixar film “Monsters University” will pop in to “scare up” some excitement at the “Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It!” Street Party, and serve as Grand Marshals during a special pre-parade, complete with a cheer squad, flag corps and a marching band playing the MU Fight Song! You can catch this procession just ahead of each of that day’s two performances of the “Celebrate a Dream Come True” Parade. In Tomorrowland, the Rockettower Plaza Stage plays host to a “Monster Mania” DJ Dance Party from 4 – 9 p.m. and “Monsters University Movie Night” from 11 p.m. – 5 a.m., featuring back-to-back showings of the original “Monsters, Inc.” and an opportunity to meet Mike and Sulley! Finally, you can dance the night away at Disney’s Up All Night Dance Party at Cinderella Castle, keeping things lively from 2 – 5:45 a.m.

At Disneyland Resort, the fun spreads out across two Disney Parks! Disney California Adventure park is having a Hollywood Viewing Party, screening “Monsters, Inc.” inside Muppets Theater and hosting Mad T Party outside in Hollywood Land. Both start at 9 p.m. and continue through the night. Elsewhere, the “Monsters University” gang will be out and about with the new MU float from the Pixar Play Parade, happy to pose for pictures with you.

Disneyland park celebrates with a Disney Character Pajama Party, starting after midnight in Mickey’s Toontown with classic Disney cartoons, a Mickey Mouse Party Zone with DJ and activities for kids, plus goodies available for purchase, like hot chocolate, milk and cookies and other treats. Over in Tomorrowland, there will be Star Wars characters to meet and the TLT “Monstrous” Dance Club at Tomorrowland Terrace, where you can keep the party going from midnight to 5:30 a.m.

During the All-Nighter, the Royal Theatre at Fantasy Faire hosts a Royal Swing Ball, with a live band from 10 p.m. – 1:40 a.m., and beginning June 15 the “Jump, Jive, Boogie Swing Party” will return to the Royal Theatre for select nights during the summer. Keep an eye on the calendar page on Disneyland.com for dates and information.

So whether you’re heading to Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort for the Disney Parks Monstrous Summer All-Nighter, you’re in for a monster-sized good time!

*Hours of operation 6:00 a.m. on 5/24/13 to 6:00 a.m. on 5/25/13; subject to capacity restrictions. Only select attractions, entertainment and services will be available. Valid theme park admission required. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

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The New Adventurers Outpost Opens Today at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

posted on May 15th, 2013 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment


Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse have a new home base at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Adventurers Outpost opens today on Discovery Island, and it’s the exploration headquarters for everyone’s favorite globetrotting duo, where they get together with friends old and new.

The New Adventurers Outpost at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Step inside Adventurers Outpost, and you’ll find mementos from Mickey and Minnie’s expeditions around the world, including stunning photographs from their trips to destinations as varied as the mountains of Nepal and the savannas of Africa.

Of course, some of the best memories of all come when you get your chance to meet Mickey and Minnie, share stories of your own travels and capture that postcard-perfect photo with your Disney pals, before heading out to continue your adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

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Don’t Miss Woody’s All-American Roundup This Summer at Disneyland Park

posted on May 10th, 2013 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment


Ever since Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree opened last year at Disneyland park, this corner of Frontierland has been the place to go for fun times, from the Halloween Carnival and Santa’s Jingle Jangle Jamboree to a “Limited Time Magic” reunion with some “long lost” Disney friends. Well, this summer the Jamboree is introducing something new in the form of Woody’s All-American Roundup, a flag-wavin’ patriotic celebration of the Old West!
Don’t Miss Woody’s All-American Roundup This Summer at Disneyland Park
Sheriff Woody is bringing his Talent Roundup to the stage of the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree. You’ll delight at the sight of Jessie’s slingshot tricks and Woody’s skill with a lasso. There will even be plenty of dancin’, strummin’ and singin’, thanks to guitar-playin’ cowboy Buckaroo Bob.

Between Talent Roundup shows, everyone’s favorite Billy Hill and the Hillbillies will take the stage in “Red, White and Bluegrass!” You’ll even have a chance to meet Woody, Jessie and Mickey and Minnie Mouse, dressed in their finest cowboy (and cowgirl) duds!

And that’s not all! Woody’s All-American Roundup will feature Rodeo Games, crafts and activities for the whole family and a selection of merchandise and yummy food.

So mosey on down to Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree for Woody’s All-American Roundup, starting June 14. It’s gonna be loads of rootin’, tootin’ fun!

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King Louie Joins Rehearsal for ‘Mickey and the Magical Map’ at Disneyland Park

posted on May 1st, 2013 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment


It’s May, and that means “Mickey and the Magical Map” opens later this month at Disneyland park! Our Entertainment cast and crew are working hard behind the scenes to create a dazzling musical spectacular for the newly refurbished Fantasyland Theatre. Here’s a sneak peek from a recent rehearsal, when King Louie joined the ensemble for a run-through of the “I Wanna be Like You” number from “The Jungle Book.”

I really like this new arrangement of the classic song and can’t wait to see it onstage when “Mickey and the Magical Map” debuts May 25!


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

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Attend Monsters University at Disney Parks This Summer

posted on April 25th, 2013 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment


It’s shaping up to be a Monstrous Summer at Disney Parks, with a colossal lineup of unforgettable experiences, including entertainment enhancements celebrating the newest Disney•Pixar animated feature, “Monsters University.”

Meeting Mike and Sulley at Disney's Hollywood Studios Meeting Mike and Sulley at Disney California Adventure Park

 
Mike and Sulley are dropping in from MU to scare up fun all summer long. Some of the monstrous surprises in store include all-new, collegiate settings in which to meet your favorite aspiring scarers. On the Backlot at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll find the Monsters University Student Union, complete with a view of the campus. Meanwhile, when Sulley and Mike step through the door to Disney California Adventure park, you’ll find them right outside the university dorms, recreated in Hollywood Land.

Also at Disney California Adventure park, Mike and Sulley show their MU spirit as they lead daily performances of the Pixar Play Parade, and at Magic Kingdom Park, you’ll chuckle along with the gang at the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor, where they’ve been studying new jokes and are ready to graduate to new comedic bits in honor of their alma mater.

It may be summer vacation, but Monsters University will be in session all season at the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts! The fun starts on May 24th!

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Making Music for ‘Mickey and the Magical Map’ at Disneyland Park

posted on April 25th, 2013 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment


We’re just one month away from the May 25 opening of the new live show spectacular, “Mickey and the Magical Map,” in the Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland park! I’ve mentioned before that “Mickey and the Magical Map” is a musical extravaganza, and today I’m thrilled to offer you a little taste of what you’ll hear in the show.

Creative Entertainment Executive Producer Doug McIntyre and Music Director Bruce Healey recently oversaw the recording of the show’s soundtrack, with a full orchestra on a Hollywood scoring stage. Have a listen!

In addition to a sumptuous, motion picture-quality score and classic Disney tunes, I can also tell you “Mickey and the Magical Map” will feature an original song written just for this show. The song, entitled “Journey to Imagination,” is inspired by Mickey’s journey in the show. It’s about letting go and believing in the world of dreams and imagination.

Composers Adam Watts and Andy Dodd, whose credits include everything from Disney productions like “High School Musical” to writing for artists like Kelly Clarkson and Jesse McCartney, wrote the music and lyrics for “Journey to Imagination,” with orchestration by Timothy Williams.

“We’ve written numerous songs for various Disney TV and film projects,” said Adam and Andy. “’Journey To Imagination’ was particularly unique and special in that it was an opportunity to work on a song specifically for a feature at the park that includes so many classic songs and characters. Being Southern-California natives, we grew up loving Disneyland, and to be a part of it on the creative side is truly an honor. It’s exciting to know that people from all over the world will hear our song in the show every single day. We thoroughly enjoyed the process, as well as working with such a talented team.”

I can’t wait to hear the song performed live and see all the magical things that happen onstage! What are you most excited for in “Mickey and the Magical Map”? Let us know in the comments!

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Bringing New Disney Dreams to Disneyland Paris

posted on April 12th, 2013 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment


It’s April 12, the 21st anniversary of the opening of Disneyland Paris, and the resort is celebrating by extending their incredibly popular 20th Anniversary Celebration through September 30, 2013. One of the biggest hits of the past year has been the new nighttime spectacular, Disney Dreams!, in which Peter Pan’s shadow takes us on a journey into great moments from Disney animation.
Bringing New Disney Dreams to Disneyland Paris

Not content to rest on their laurels, the Creative Entertainment team has introduced some enhancements to the show, just in time for the extended celebration.

“Following the outstanding success of the show, Peter’s mischievous shadow will be taking us on new adventures into the worlds of ‘The Lion King’ and ‘Brave,’” said Show Director Katy Harris. “These two new scenes were chosen by our fans, and it’s our way of saying thank you for celebrating our 20th anniversary with us.”

According to the Vice President of Parades and Spectaculars, Steven Davison, “The two new pieces fit into the ‘Free to Dream’ segment of the show. Both Simba and Merida are trying to find their place in the world. Like the original show, the shadow stumbles in on these moments.”
Bringing New Disney Dreams to Disneyland Paris

Audiences enjoying Disney Dreams! will soon become part of those moments themselves with this summer’s introduction of Disney Light’Ears, interactive Mickey Mouse ear hats similar to the “Glow with the Show” ears available now at the Disneyland Resort. Each guest wearing a pair of Disney Light’Ears will become an ever-changing pixel of color, synchronizing in real time with the show and adding another layer of fun to the spectacle.

“It’s great to see the audience react so positively toward the show. It makes all the hard work worth the effort,” adds Steven. “Dreams will be like the movie ‘Fantasia.’ It will always be refreshed and changing, bringing new dreams for years to come.”

Take a look at these amazing photos from a recent preview of the new Disney Dreams! with Disney Light’Ears. It makes me want to book a flight to Paris this summer!

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New Friends Join Disney Junior – Live on Stage! at Disney California Adventure Park

posted on March 18th, 2013 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment


Disney Junior – Live on Stage!, presented in the Disney Theater in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure park, reopens this week with all-new segments featuring characters and stories from hit Disney Junior shows “Doc McStuffins” and “Sofia the First.”
“New

Sofia enlists the help of sorcerer Mr. Cedric in casting a spell to make her stepfather the king’s royal ball a sparkling success. Later, when her friend Lambie comes down with a case of “the rippies,” Doc McStuffins knows just what to do to help her feel “so much better.” The new sequences join returning stories from “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” and “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” for a live show sure to captivate young fans and their families.
“New

The new Disney Junior – Live on Stage! opens Friday, March 22, at Disney California Adventure park and is now playing at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort.

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