The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure Park

It’s Almost ‘Game On’ for Wreck-It Ralph at Disney Parks

posted on October 23rd, 2012 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment


“Ralph,

Meet Ralph, the “bad guy” who really wants to be a “good guy” in Disney’s newest animated adventure comedy “Wreck-It Ralph.” In the movie, Ralph goes game jumping across the arcade to prove he’s got what it takes to be a hero.

Now, Ralph’s set to do some park hopping, too! Ralph will be taking the train from Game Central Station to the Tomorrowland Starcade at Disneyland park, where you’ll be able to meet him starting this Friday, October 26.

Beginning October 28, Ralph will also be stopping in at The Magic of Disney Animation attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where part of the candy-coated cart racing game “Sugar Rush” is being recreated right now. So race on over to Disney Parks this fall to say “Hi!” to Ralph and his pal, Vanellope, and be sure to catch “Wreck-It Ralph” in theaters in 3D November 2.

Check out these posts for more from “Wreck-It Ralph”:

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Ten Disney Villains You Can See at Walt Disney World Resort

posted on October 19th, 2012 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment


This time of year, the Disney Villains seem to be in the spotlight more than ever. Even at Disney Parks, where we like to keep things happy and light, the occasional baddie pops in to stir things up. Here are some of my favorite Disney Villains you can see around the Walt Disney World Resort this fall:
The Evil Queen at Walt Disney World Resort

  1. Headless Horseman – Nothing says Halloween quite like “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” and no villain is more ominous than the Headless Horseman, who makes special appearances during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park. He gives me chills every time I see him galloping down the street with his glowing jack-o-lantern.
  2. Maleficent – During Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Mickey’s dream turns into a bit of a nightmare when the Disney Villains take over, and none is more foreboding than Maleficent from “Sleeping Beauty.” When she transforms herself into a dragon and sets the river on fire, it’s one of the most awesome moments in the entire nighttime spectacular.
  3. Captain Hook – Hook is as suave and sophisticated as he is scheming and maniacal. He’s one of many things which have always made “Peter Pan” my favorite Disney animated film. The Captain is especially delightful during his appearance in Dream-Along with Mickey at Magic Kingdom Park, as he and Mr. Smee face off against their old nemesis.
  4. Ursula – Before New Fantasyland, we’ve been able to go “Under the Sea” with Voyage of the Little Mermaid at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where Ursula has loomed large for the past two decades. As she floats out from the shadows, the sea witch captures the attention of Ariel – and us – with her wriggling tentacles and glowing eyes.
  5. Jafar – The Sultan’s evil vizier from “Aladdin” slinks down the street during the Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade at Magic Kingdom Park. Luckily, the Genie is always close by, ensuring Jafar doesn’t get out of line.
  6. The Queen – In Fantasmic!, the wicked Queen has more to be jealous of than just Snow White. Belle and Ariel also inhabit Mickey’s imagination, and she’s not having it! The Queen casts a magic spell in the black of night, calling forth the forces of evil from her Magic Mirror and transforming herself into the Hag in the process.
  7. Governor Ratcliffe – Another infamous scoundrel appearing during Fantasmic! is the self-serving Governor Ratcliffe from “Pocahontas,” interested in little more than forcing others to dig, dig, dig for his own gold and glory.
  8. Lady Tremaine – Cinderella’s stepmother may not be as flamboyant as Ursula or Captain Hook, but she’s just as evil. Lady Tremaine’s piercing stare in the shadow of Cinderella Castle is tempered only by the ridiculous antics of her two awkward daughters, Anastasia and Drizella.
  9. Lotso – Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear ruled Sunnyside Daycare with an iron fist in “Toy Story 3.” Luckily, he seems to be “reformed” after spending time at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where you can catch him in the Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun! Parade.
  10. Gaston – This man among men may not seem to be a traditional villain, but he is definitely the antagonist in the “tale as old as time.” Gaston takes part in Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and beginning this fall, you’ll actually have a chance to meet him when he begins making regular appearances outside Gaston’s Tavern in New Fantasyland.
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Gaston at New Fantasyland: ‘There’s No Man in Town Half As Manly’

posted on October 11th, 2012 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment


Previews for New Fantasyland are just around the corner. As the date gets closer, we’re happy to be able to share more and more with you about this largest expansion in Magic Kingdom Park history.

Within the Enchanted Forest area of New Fantasyland, the world of “Beauty and the Beast” comes to life. Enchanted Tales with Belle transports you to the Beast’s Castle for a wonderful storytelling experience with Belle and Lumiere, and over in Belle’s Village, you’ll soon be able to meet another memorable character from her story – one with biceps to spare!

You’ll Soon be Able to Meet Man Among Men, Gaston, in Belle's Village in New Fantasyland

That’s right. That man among men, Gaston, will be tromping around the village square. As a specimen, yes, he’s intimidating, but he’s also everyone’s favorite guy, happy to pose for portraits, comment on the fine statue he has donated to the town or just generally talk about, well, himself.

You can ask any Tom, Dick or Stanley, and they’ll tell you Gaston will be in New Fantasyland when it opens for previews November 19.

Read these posts for more news about the upcoming New Fantasyland expansion:

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Our Cast of Characters Put the ‘Cars’ in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park

posted on October 3rd, 2012 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment


Have you had a chance yet to get out to the new Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park? It’s really incredible how fully immersive the entire place is. From Route 66 to Ornament Valley, you really feel like you’re in Radiator Springs! Of course, the experience wouldn’t be complete without getting to meet some of the town’s automotive residents. In this video, Sr. Show Director Glenn Kelman introduces us to Red, DJ, Mater and Lightning McQueen.

I’m already looking forward to my next chance to “motor west” and visit the gang in Cars Land!

Read on for more news from Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park:

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Meet Molly the Messenger at Disney California Adventure Park

posted on October 1st, 2012 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment


Today, we continue our video series introducing you to some of the friendly citizens who live on Buena Vista Street, the new entryway to Disney California Adventure park, inspired by 1920s and ‘30s Los Angeles. Our latest subject is Molly Melville Matterhorn McMummery the Third, but you can just call her Molly the Messenger. This delightful young bicycle-riding messenger loves making people happy by delivering messages to them, even if she occasionally gets lost along the way!

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‘Wreck-It Ralph’ Characters Are Coming to Disney Parks This November

posted on September 20th, 2012 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment


I’m excited to tell you Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope Von Schweetz, two of the main characters from Disney’s newest animated adventure comedy “Wreck-It Ralph,” will soon be making their debut at Disney Parks.

Ralph Runs Into Feisty Misfit Vanellope VonSchweetz From “Sugar Rush”

My family and I can’t wait to see “Wreck-It Ralph.” In the movie, video game “bad guy” Ralph is tired of being overshadowed by Fix-It Felix, the “good guy” star of their game who always gets to save the day. Ralph takes matters into his own massive hands and sets off on an adventure across the arcade, with potentially disastrous results! Along the way, he runs into feisty misfit Vanellope VonSchweetz from the candy-coated cart racing game, “Sugar Rush,” and the unlikely duo must team up to try and save the day.

Ralph Helps Out A Few 'Forgotten' Friends At Game Central Station

“Wreck-It Ralph” is going to be great, and meeting Ralph and Vanellope in the parks will be just as fun. At The Magic of Disney Animation attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll step through Game Central Station, catching glimpses of the various game worlds from the film on your way to “Sugar Rush,” where Vanellope and Ralph are waiting to meet you at the finish line.

Meet Ralph and Vanellope at the 'Sugar Rush' Portal in the Tomorrowland Starcade

At Disneyland park, the arcade world of “Wreck-It Ralph” comes to life within the Tomorrowland Starcade. When Ralph and Vanellope are there, you’ll have an opportunity to meet them at the portal to “Sugar Rush” and can even play a round on the classic arcade game “Fix-It Felix, Jr.”

Look for each of these experiences to open this November, and be sure to catch “Wreck-It Ralph” in theaters November 2 in 3D!

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Halloween Carnival Takes Over Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree at Disneyland Park

posted on September 7th, 2012 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment


“Halloween

There’s something new this Halloween Time at Disneyland park, and it’s happening over at the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree in Frontierland. That’s where you’ll find a magical Halloween Carnival filled with fun for the whole family, with favorite Disney characters in Halloween costumes, special Halloween entertainment, amazing pumpkin carvers, activities, holiday merchandise, yummy treats and even the Disney Villains!

You can make your own Halloween mask at the craft station, and then join Mickey Mouse and his pals in a “Mask-Parade.” Try your hand at carnival games, like tossing rings on a witch’s hat or spinning the Crystal Ball Fortune Wheel to seek your own happy Halloween fortune. Everyone’s favorite Frontierland musical group joins the fun, too, as Billy Hill and the “Haunted” Hillbillies take the stage six times a day for a round of appropriately spooky tunes, all done in their inimitable bluegrass style.

The highlight of the Halloween Carnival is sure to be the Magic Cauldron Sideshow. Dare to venture into this tented area, and you may be asked to help cast a magic spell, conjuring a Disney Villain from his or her realm to meet your group before returning to worlds beyond. Disney Villains fans will want to visit more than once, since you never know which Disney Villain might be summoned each time. Sounds like a real “scream!”

The Halloween Carnival at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree opens September 14 and continues most days through October 31. Please check the park Times Guide for daily operating schedules.

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Meet Donna the Dog Lady at Disney California Adventure Park

posted on August 28th, 2012 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment


We recently introduced you to Officer Calvin Blue, one of the friendly citizens who lives on Buena Vista Street, the new entryway to Disney California Adventure park, inspired by Los Angeles of the 1920s and ‘30s. Today, we’d like you to meet Donna and her adorable dog, Lady. Donna is very fond of her pet…and everyone else she meets along this boulevard of dreams!



Read more about Buena Vista Street in the posts below:

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Frost Fairy Periwinkle from Disney’s ‘Secret of the Wings’ Will Soon Join Tinker Bell at Disney Parks

posted on August 23rd, 2012 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment


In the newest Disney Fairies movie “Secret of the Wings,” coming to Blu-ray and DVD October 23, Tinker Bell journeys into the mysterious world of the Winter Woods, where curiosity and adventure lead her to an amazing discovery and reveal a magical secret that could change her world forever. In the Winter Woods, Tinker Bell meets Periwinkle, a frost fairy who turns out to be Tink’s sister, born of the same baby’s laugh.

Frost Fairy Periwinkle from Disney’s ‘Secret of the Wings’ Will Soon Join Tinker Bell at Disney Parks

Soon, you’ll be able to meet Periwinkle, too, as we bring a bit of the Winter Woods to Tinker Bell’s Magical Nook at Magic Kingdom Park and Pixie Hollow at Disneyland park. These areas will receive a sparkling layer of snow and ice, creating the perfect environment to greet Periwinkle and make her feel at home. Even Tinker Bell will be dressed for the occasion, wearing her warm, wintry ensemble from the film.

Look for Periwinkle to join her sister at Disneyland and Magic Kingdom parks, beginning in mid-September.

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‘Celebrate the Magic’ Nighttime Show Coming to Magic Kingdom Park

posted on August 22nd, 2012 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment


Beginning this November, guests visiting Magic Kingdom Park will be able to enjoy a new nighttime projection show on Cinderella Castle. “Celebrate the Magic” will incorporate favorite elements from the current show, “The Magic, The Memories and You!,” with all-new music, storytelling and special effects.
The 'Celebrate the Magic' Nighttime Show Is Coming to Magic Kingdom Park

“‘Celebrate the Magic’ takes us on a journey to the heart of the most beloved Disney stories and characters,” said Show Director Katy Harris. “This amazing show will magically transform Cinderella Castle with spectacular projection effects, choreographed to a new music soundtrack. The show will be full of emotion and storytelling, proving that, with imagination and magic in our hearts, anything is possible.”

“The Magic, The Memories and You!” will be presented for the last time on Labor Day, September 3, at both Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland park. While “Celebrate the Magic” will be exclusive to Magic Kingdom Park, Disneyland Resort guests can look forward to the return of “it’s a small world” holiday later this year, as well as the debut of a new live entertainment experience in the Fantasyland Theatre, opening in summer 2013.

Read on for more news from Magic Kingdom Park:

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