Meeting Merida at Magic Kingdom Park
posted on May 21st, 2012 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment
Merida, the adventurous heroine from Disney•Pixar’s upcoming feature film, “Brave,” has begun making special appearances at Fairytale Garden in Magic Kingdom Park. In this setting, young guests are invited to engage in archery practice and other activities, in addition to meeting Merida and mischievous bear cubs from the film. Take a look.
My little boys can hardly wait to see “Brave,” and they’re definitely going to want to meet Merida. They’re excited to try out the bows and arrows, and they’ve already fallen for the bear cubs, after just glimpsing them in trailers for the movie.
For guests at Disneyland park, Merida’s bringing some of this Scottish fun to you too, in an area across from “it’s a small world,” and everyone will discover more about Merida’s epic story when “Brave” opens in theaters June 22.
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Disney•Pixar’s ‘Brave’ to Join ‘World of Color’ at Disney California Adventure Park
posted on May 14th, 2012 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment
This time next month, all the new entertainment and attractions at Disney California Adventure park will be open for you to enjoy. I, for one, can’t wait to see everything. June 15 will be a full day of memorable experiences, capped off with the stunning “World of Color” nighttime spectacular!
Since “World of Color” made its debut back in 2010, the show has featured occasional updates and surprises, delighting audiences with forays into new worlds ranging from “TRON: Legacy” to “Prep & Landing.” Just in time for one of the biggest summers in Disney California Adventure park history, “World of Color” is set to introduce another new sequence, inspired by the Disney•Pixar film “Brave.”
Set to “Brave” composer Patrick Doyle’s stirring Scottish score, the sequence introduces us to the film’s adventurous heroine Merida, as she races across the Scottish Highlands, bow and arrow in hand, on her faithful horse Angus, and follows the mysterious will o’ the wisps on an epic journey to change her fate.
“Brave” opens in theaters June 22, but you’ll be able to catch the “Brave”-inspired sequence in “World of Color” starting June 15.
Creating ‘Fantasmic!’ for Disneyland Park
posted on May 11th, 2012 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment
“Fantasmic!”, the incredible nighttime spectacular at Disneyland park, marks its 20th anniversary this weekend. I’ll never forget the first time I saw the show. What had been a tranquil scene during the day was magically transformed at night by the power of Mickey’s imagination, and when the Sailing Ship Columbia fired its cannon and suddenly appeared as Captain Hook’s galleon during the show, it gave me goose bumps. It still does!
I recently had the opportunity to speak with Barnette Ricci, Vice President/Show Director of Special Events for the Walt Disney Studios, who 20 years ago was senior show director for Disneyland park. She shared some of her memories of creating Fantasmic!
We had no new attraction opening that summer of 1992, so I was asked to create a show that could be marketed as something really special. I always felt that the [Rivers of America] was a truly unique venue, but I wanted to use it in a new way to create something different for our guests.
We researched all kinds of water-related special effects, and we discovered these water screens in France. We found that projecting animation footage on the water looked absolutely spectacular! By layering the dancing water fountains, special lighting, lasers, pyrotechnics and black light, along with live performers on watercraft and this new way to project animation on water, I was convinced all of these elements combined would create a rather exciting show!
It took months of searching through Disney film footage to find the right clips for the storyline and to create the film elements so they would look great on the water. We spent three months of ‘all-nighters’ out there on the river, programming all the effects and meticulously finessing the timing based on the time code of the film. Every burst of water, pyrotechnic, laser and live element had to be exactly timed and rehearsed to be in sync with what happened on the screen and with the fantastic musical score.
The show was originally called ‘Imagination’, as the title song implies, but everyone felt it needed a stronger title, so finally – and fortunately – it was renamed ‘Fantasmic!’
The first time we performed the show for a real audience, I was thrilled watching and hearing their reaction to the show. Words cannot express how proud I am of ‘Fantasmic!’ and how proud and thankful I am of everyone who worked so hard to bring it to life, and who continue to keep it going strong, night after night.
We Direct Your Attention High on the Icy Slopes of the Matterhorn at Disneyland Park
posted on May 8th, 2012 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment
Matterhorn Bobsleds has always been my favorite attraction at Disneyland park. Nothing beats the giddy thrill of hurtling through caverns of ice, encountering the Abominable Snowman and splashing down in an Alpine stream.
One of my earliest memories in the park is of walking down Matterhorn Way and stopping in my tracks when I realized there were people actually climbing the famous Swiss peak. Having real mountain climbers on the mountain is a tradition started by Walt Disney in 1959 when the attraction opened. Over the years, climbers going by the names Hans, Otto and Fritz took on the challenge of reaching the summit.
I’m excited to tell you that this summer, brave mountaineers will once again scale the icy slopes of the mighty Matterhorn. Look for them starting June 15 when the Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction reopens. Seeing them is one of those only-in-Disneyland experiences that will make you yodel with joy!
Come on Down to the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree at Disneyland Park
posted on April 20th, 2012 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment
We have some great news to share today! Starting May 3, we’ll be rounding up some good times and bringing a whole new energy to Frontierland at Disneyland park with the opening of the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree.
Encompassing the former Festival Arena site, the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree will feature music, dancing, crafts, pin trading and plenty of Disney characters in their finest Western wear. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we’ll be throwing a good, old fashioned Hoedown, where you can kick up your heels with the likes of Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and Chip ‘n Dale. From time to time, classic favorites like Horace Horsecollar, Clarabelle Cow, Clara Cluck or those silly Country Bears might even stop by!
What’s more, Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree is also going to be the newest spot to catch visiting performing ensembles as part of Disney Performing Arts. Disney Performing Arts provides an opportunity for middle and high school students and community groups from across the country to perform in Disney Parks as well as take workshops taught by entertainment professionals to improve their performance skills. You’ll be able to enjoy some of these young instrumentalists, singers and dancers as they put on the performance of a lifetime onstage at the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree.
Look Who’s Rolling into Cars Land June 15 at Disney California Adventure Park
posted on April 20th, 2012 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment
We recently told you about some of the shows and characters coming to Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure park. Well, that was just the beginning! When Cars Land opens June 15, the tiny town of Radiator Springs will also be teeming with atmosphere entertainment inspired by the Disney•Pixar film, “Cars.”
Big and red on the outside, gentle and good-natured on the inside, Red the Fire Truck shows up with his sirens blaring and his bell ringing, heading to meet up with his good buddy, a Volunteer Firefighter. The Firefighter lets everyone know the flowers in the area need watering. It’s “Red to the Rescue,” but each time the Firefighter attempts to use Red’s hose, it backfires on him! In all the fun, the plants manage to get wet, and you might too!
Bringing a completely different kind of beat to the street is “DJ’s Dance & Drive.” DJ, the ultimate party car, rolls into town with his giant speakers, built-in disc changer and his very own dance party, led by a girl named Spinner. This gang stops traffic everywhere they go, creating a spontaneous, interactive dance party. Spinner and the crew teach us moves like the Overdrive, the Reverse and the Hairpin Turn, while DJ calls up the hits, from “Life in the Fast Lane” to “Car Wash.” DJ’s going to shift Cars Land into high gear!
Cruise on down to Cars Land this summer at Disney California Adventure park. The residents there will be glad you rolled into town!
Want to read more Cars Land news? Check out these posts:
The Voices of Liberty Will Soon Ring Out at Disneyland Park
posted on April 16th, 2012 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment
After nearly three decades, the talented 8-part a cappella group The Voices of Liberty continues to “wow” guests at Epcot in Walt Disney World Resort with their amazing harmonies on such American classics as “Ol’ Man River” and “Yankee Doodle.”
Today, I’m pleased to tell you Disneyland park is getting its very own Voices of Liberty, bringing one of the great traditions of Walt Disney World Resort to the Disneyland Resort for the first time. Soon, guests from sea to shining sea will be able to enjoy the impeccable sounds of this beloved group. The new Voices of Liberty will hold court at the Main Street Opera House, also home to The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.
For those of you who have not yet had the pleasure of hearing The Voices of Liberty sing, I hope you enjoy this video of the group at Epcot. To truly appreciate The Voices, however, you simply must experience it in person!
Read more Disneyland park news in the posts below:
Your Pixar Pals Are Getting Ready to Come Out and Play at Disney California Adventure Park This Summer
posted on April 13th, 2012 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment
After taking a break for the past year to accommodate the Disney California Adventure park expansion, all your favorite Pixar pals are getting ready to bring the party back to the streets with the return of the Pixar Play Parade.
The Pixar Play Parade brings to life the worlds of some of the most popular Disney●Pixar films, from “Toy Story” and “Cars” to “Finding Nemo” and “Monsters, Inc.” Along the way, the infectious soundtrack and energetic spirit of the performers get everyone into the fun of the show.
And when the Pixar Play Parade starts rolling again on June 15, fans of the procession will notice a few updates. “The biggest change that fans will see is that we reconfigured the Omnidroid float in ‘The Incredibles’ unit,” says Show Director Robin Trowbridge. “Jack Jack is now repositioned, and we are introducing Violet to the parade for the first time. It’s really cool!”
More people than ever will be able to “join in the party,” too, as the parade is presented up to twice daily along the new, longer Disney California Adventure park parade route, winding from the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror in Hollywood Pictures Backlot all the way to Silly Symphony Swings on Paradise Pier.
To prepare for the return of the Pixar Play Parade, “Pixar Pals! Monster Mayhem” and “Pixar Pals! The Incredibles: Heroes in Training” will come to a close April 29. “Our Pixar Pals have done a great job keeping guests entertained during the construction effort in the park,” said Robin. “Now, we’re excited to bring back the full parade, better than ever!”
Here’s a look at what went into the creation of the Pixar Play Parade, back when it was first introduced in 2008.
An Entertaining Cast of Characters for Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure Park
posted on April 2nd, 2012 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment
When you enter Disney California Adventure park this summer, you’ll step back in time to Los Angeles of the 1920s and ‘30s on Buena Vista Street. One of the keys to creating a truly immersive environment like this is populating it with interesting and believable characters, so Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment has been hard at work developing the unique personalities and show experiences that will bring the new entrance avenue to life.
Buena Vista Street is alive with optimism and opportunity. It’s a boulevard of dreams and dreamers… like the Citizens of Buena Vista Street. This cast of characters will interact with guests in this area of the park, creating impromptu laughs, smiles and memories wherever they go.
The Red Car News Boys roll into town on one of the shiny Red Car Trolleys, belting out “California, Here I Come!” Inspired by the spirit and style of Disney’s “Newsies,” the Red Car News Boys bring the latest headlines and engage their audience with fun songs of the ‘20s and ‘30s.
Over “On the Sunny Side of the Street,” the musical group Five & Dime arrives in Carthay Circle to jazz things up. This ensemble of friends and relations, headed up by a vivacious singer named Dime, has travelled down Route 66 all the way from Chicago in the hopes of making it big. Like everyone who comes to Buena Vista Street, great things await them just around the corner!
Stay tuned. We’ll have more to share about these entertaining new offerings coming to Disney California Adventure park as we get closer to the opening of Buena Vista Street on June 15.
Disney•Pixar’s Adventurous New Heroine from “Brave” Is Coming to Disney Parks
posted on March 29th, 2012 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment
In the upcoming Disney•Pixar movie “Brave,” Merida is a headstrong teenager with a vibrant spirit and a softness of heart, struggling to take control of her own destiny. You’ll be able to discover Merida’s story when “Brave” opens in theaters June 22 and, beginning in mid-May, Merida will be coming to Disney Parks in an all-new character greeting experience.
At Magic Kingdom Park, Merida will appear in Fairytale Garden in a setting inspired by her Scottish Highlands home, where young guests will be invited to engage in archery lessons and other activities until it’s their turn to meet her. Joining Merida are three mischievous bear cubs, whom you’ll learn more about when you see “Brave” in theaters.
To prepare for Merida’s arrival, Rapunzel will be moving from Fairytale Garden April 15, to the Town Square Courtyard (adjacent to City Hall) where she will continue to greet her loyal fans and subjects.
When visiting Disneyland park in California this summer, Merida and the wee, playful bears will find a home away from home near “it’s a small world” in Fantasyland, where guests will also be able to participate in activities inspired by Merida’s story.
According to Creative Director Reed Jones, “These new play and greet experiences at both parks will immerse our guests in ‘Brave,’ giving them the opportunity to be a part of Merida’s Scottish clan. And we’re all excited to have the bear cubs join Merida with their silly antics, creating a whole new way to bring our beloved Disney Characters to life.”
“Regardless of where they find Merida,” said Reed, “Guests are really going to fall in love with her and the bears.”
