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:

• King Louie Joins Rehearsal for ‘Mickey and the Magical Map’ at Disneyland Park
• First Look: Setting the Stage for ‘Mickey and the Magical Map’ at Disneyland Park
• Making Music for ‘Mickey and the Magical Map’ at Disneyland Park

Tagged: DL, DLR

Filed: Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort

It’s almost here! We’re just a few days away from the premiere of “Mickey and the Magical Map” in the newly refurbished Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland park. Mickey Mouse and his friends have been rehearsing their ears off (see what I did?), and we’ve got the first photos of the star of the show along with some of his friends onstage.

 
In these first shots, Mickey Mouse and King Louie pose on the Fantasyland Theatre stage with the Mapmakers.

Here we see Mickey Mouse interacting with a giant-sized Yen Sid, thanks to the sorcerer’s magical map.

Pocahontas leads Mulan and Rapunzel, along with Flynn Rider, in one of the show’s musical numbers.

King Louie joins the Mapmakers in a new take on “I Wanna be Like You” from “The Jungle Book.”

“Mickey and the Magical Map” opens this Saturday, May 25, at Disneyland park – so join us at the Fantasyland Theatre for a journey to imagination with Mickey Mouse, King Louie and more of your Disney friends.


Find out more about “Mickey and the Magical Map” in these posts:

• King Louie Joins Rehearsal for ‘Mickey and the Magical Map’ at Disneyland Park
• First Look: Setting the Stage for ‘Mickey and the Magical Map’ at Disneyland Park
• Making Music for ‘Mickey and the Magical Map’ at Disneyland Park

Tagged: DL, DLR

Filed: Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort

We’re gearing up for some “monstrous” fun on May 24, when both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks (in addition to Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort) will stay open from 6 a.m. on Friday, May 24, until 6 a.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2013. If you’re planning to visit the Disneyland Resort during this special event, I’ve got some important information you should know.

Park Hours and Attraction Information

• Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks will open at 6 a.m. on Friday, May 24, and select attractions, entertainment and services will remain open until 6 a.m. on Saturday, May 25, with the following exceptions:
• Cars Land, Paradise Pier, Pacific Wharf and Twilight Zone Tower of Terror will be available exclusively to Grad Nite guests from as early as 10:15 p.m. (May 24) until 3:30 a.m. (May 25).
• Radiator Springs Racers will be available to Disney California Adventure park guests from 9 a.m. – 10:15 p.m. on May 24. FASTPASS Service distribution will begin at 6 a.m. for this attraction.
• “a bug’s land” will be available to Disney California Adventure park guests from 6 a.m. – 10:15 p.m. on May 24.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be closed for refurbishment.
• Other attractions may close early due to maintenance or other reasons. Please check the Entertainment Times Guide on the day of the event for a more complete listing of scheduled closures.

Queue Instructions for Park Opening on May 24

• The early arrival queue will open to guests on Disneyland Resort property at 10 p.m. on May 23. Cast members will be available in the Disneyland Resort Esplanade to direct guests to queue location upon arrival.
• Parking will initially be available in the Anaheim GardenWalk parking area with overflow parking at the Pumbaa Parking Lot, if necessary, and standard parking rates will apply. Please be aware that no shuttle service will be offered from the Anaheim GardenWalk or Pumbaa Parking areas prior to 8 a.m. on May 24.
• All guests in line will be able to temporarily leave the line to use the restroom, purchase food or beverages, and return or retrieve items from their vehicles/hotel rooms.
• Portions of the early arrival queue will be located beyond the guest screening checkpoints, beyond which certain items will not be permitted. Be sure to check the list of prohibited items here. Exceptions will be made for items such as large blankets and pillows, but all items must be able to be stored in a locker prior to entering either park. No tents, inflatable mattresses, coolers or heating equipment will be permitted in the queue.
• Restrooms will be available to guests in the queue, and ticket purchases will be available beginning at 3:05 a.m. the morning of May 24.
• Disneyland Resort Hotel guests who wish to enter either park at 6 a.m. on May 24 will be directed to the main queue in the Central Esplanade. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel gate into Disney California Adventure park will open to Disneyland Resort Hotel guests at 7 a.m. on May 24.

Annual Passholder Information

• SoCal Select Annual Passports will not be valid for admission on May 24.
• SoCal or Deluxe Annual Passports will be valid for admission during the entire 24-hour period.
• Annual Passholders and their guests who carpool to the Monstrous Summer All-Nighter at the Disneyland Resort can receive a special button, while supplies last. Here are the details:
• There must be at least three (3) people in the vehicle and at least one (1) person must be a valid Annual Passholder. Valid Passport must be presented upon entry to the participating parking area. Photo ID may be required.
• One (1) button will be given to each person who is legally seated in the qualifying vehicle. Supplies are limited and are not guaranteed.
• Buttons will be available at the Mickey & Friends, Pumbaa, Simba, Toy Story, and Anaheim Convention Center parking areas. Buttons will not be available at the Anaheim GardenWalk parking location.
• This special offer will be available from 5 a.m. 6 a.m. on May 24 to 6 a.m. on May 25, or while supplies last.
• More information can be found at: www.disneyland.com/apmagic

Stay Connected

• Be sure to follow @Disneyland, @DisneylandToday and @DCAToday on Twitter to stay connected and receive the latest updates during your visit to the Disneyland Resort. We will also have live updates throughout the day here on the Disney Parks Blog.
• More information on the Monstrous Summer All-Nighter can be found here.

Valid Theme Park admission required, and admission will be subject to capacity constraints and other scheduled park events. Information and event and offer elements are subject to restrictions, change and cancellation without notice.

Tagged: DCA, DL, DLR, Limited Time Magic

Filed: Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort, Special Events

UPDATE: Confirmation emails for the Disney Parks Blog Magical Meet-Up have been sent. All registered participants should receive a confirmation email.

UPDATE: The Disney Parks Blog Magical Meet-Up has reached capacity, and confirmation emails will be sent shortly. Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for future events!

“Mickey and the Magical Map” is just around the corner at Disneyland park, so we’re getting ready to celebrate here on the Disney Parks Blog. Join us May 31, 2013, for a private showing of the new Fantasyland Theatre show! And afterward, we’ll hear from some of the people behind the scenes who are bringing the show to life.

Space for the event is limited and you must sign up here. Please remember the following:

• All participants who sign up for the event must be 18 years or older, but guests do not need to be 18.
• Limit one guest per registrant.
• Meet-up confirmations are non-transferrable and have no cash value.
• Confirmation will be for the accepted registered person plus one guest.
• Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in.
• Park admission will be provided beginning at 4:30 p.m. for the event, but participants will be responsible for any parking fees.

I will give an update at the top of this post when capacity has been reached. Please note the event is subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Tagged: DL, DLR, Meet-Up

Filed: Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort

As we gear up for the debut of “Mickey and the Magical Map,” the latest and greatest new show at Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland park, it triggered memories from my colleagues about what’s been featured in this popular theatre in years past. Many of them grew up in Southern California. They danced at Videopolis, had a front-row seat to “Animazement” and celebrated the holidays watching “Mickey’s Nutcracker.” Those are only a few of the fun shows, so check out this video and take a trip down memory lane. Enjoy!

Tagged: DL, DLR, Video

Filed: Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort

I can’t wait for the upcoming all-night party that will kick off a Monstrous Summer at Disney Parks on May 24, 2013. I had a blast at last year’s 24-hour party with my fiancée, so I imagine this one will be even more “eye-mazing!” As part of Limited Time Magic, Disney Theme Park Merchandise has created some commemorative items featuring Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan, stars of Disney•Pixar’s upcoming film “Monsters University.” Here are some things you can expect starting May 24.

We will have a new logo shirt featuring Mike, created just for the 24 hour party. The shirts will be similar on each coast except for a small logo change on the sleeve (either “Magic Kingdom” for guests in Florida or “Disneyland Resort” for guests in California). This shirt will also be offered on our Disney Parks online store from May 24-27 at http://www.DisneyStore.com/ParkEvents. (Please note that items will be shipped in 6-8 weeks from time of order.)

My favorite items are the Sulley-inspired Disney ear hat (it’s furry!) and Mike’s one-eyed novelty sunglasses. We will also be offering an embroidered Disney ear hat with a “Monstrous Summer” logo that day.

The apparel, ear hats and sunglasses will be released at the Emporium and select locations in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort. At Disneyland Resort, look for these items in Emporium at Disneyland park and Elias & Co. at Disney California Adventure park, among other select locations. Please note we will have a purchase limit for the Mike Wazowski sunglasses and the Sulley ear hat; Guests may purchase a maximum of two of each item.

The Consumables team will offer some treats inspired by Mike and Sulley, including blue and green cotton candy, cake pops, and decorative candy apples. My favorite (mostly because they gave me a sample to try) is the delicious cupcake complete with green icing and a chocolate logo square. Look for select goodies in locations like the Main Street Confectionery in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort, Candy Palace at Disneyland park or Trolley Treats at Disney California Adventure park.

All of these items will be available for a “limited time” only beginning May 24, while supplies last.

Finally, I invite you to follow the Disney Parks Blog on May 24, as I will be traveling coast-to-coast to party in three Disney Parks that day. I look forward to seeing friends on both the east and west coasts! If you are in the parks, please say hello!


Check out these posts to learn more about our Monstrous Summer All-Night Party on May 24:

• 24 Hours of Fun and Entertainment in Three Disney Parks
• Video: Spaceship Earth Transforms from Disney Parks Icon to Disney●Pixar ‘Eye-Con’
• First Three-Park All-Nighter Kicks Off Monstrous Summer at the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts

Tagged: DCA, DL, DLR, Limited Time Magic, MK, WDW

Filed: Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort

It’s a beautiful, if a bit warm, afternoon here at Disneyland park – a great day to find a shady spot and enjoy the sights and sounds all around you. I like the little spot next to the Mad Tea Party, where this guy is hanging out. It’s cool, a little tucked away, and the perfect vantage point for all the action that happens in this corner of Fantasyland.

What is your favorite spot to relax and cool off at the Disneyland Resort? Let me know in the comments.

Tagged: DL, DLR

Filed: Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort