New Orleans Bayou Bash Promising “Some Hand-Clapping, Dancing-In-The-Streets Fun”

It’ll be party time in New Orleans Square at Disneyland park when “New Orleans Bayou Bash!” brings the sights and sounds of a New Orleans-style celebration on weekends, Feb. 10 through March 11, plus Feb. 20 and 21 for the Presidents’ Day holidays. Jazz musicians will perform throughout New Orleans Square, and Princess Tiana and her friends from “The Princess and the Frog” will lead guests in hand-clapping, dancing-in-the-streets fun.

  • Dates for “New Orleans Bayou Bash!” will be Fridays through Sundays, Feb. 10-12, 24-26, March 2-4 and 9-11, and Friday through Tuesday, Feb. 17-21 (Presidents’ Day weekend). Entertainment is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • New Orleans Square and the adjoining banks of the Rivers of America will be adorned with masks, beads, feathers and colorful celebration banners in bright shades of purple, green and gold.
  • A stage along the Rivers of America will provide a performance area for a variety of “New Orleans Bayou Bash!” talent, including “Tiana’s Mardi Gras Procession” and the New Orleans Traditional Jazz Band.
  • In “Tiana’s Mardi Gras Procession,” Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Louis the alligator and a crew of colorfully costumed dancers burst into New Orleans Square in a musical celebration taking place six times a day. They sing lively tunes from “The Princess and the Frog” as they make their way through the streets and down to the Rivers of America stage.
  • The New Orleans Traditional Jazz Band will appear five times per day in a rousing Mardi Gras procession through New Orleans Square. In traditional “second line” style, an umbrella dancer leads the mash-up of musicians and colorful street performers. Guests are asked to join the procession, which travels through the streets and down to the river stage.
  • Additional “New Orleans Bayou Bash!” entertainment will include performances by Jambalaya Jazz Band and the bluesy Royal Street Bachelors on the stage at the French Market restaurant in New Orleans Square.
  • In the Court of Angels Photo Location in New Orleans Square, guests celebrating the New Orleans Bayou Bash can pose for pictures with an ever-changing lineup of beloved Disney characters in Mardi Gras attire:  Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Chip and Dale.

“New Orleans Bayou Bash!” fills New Orleans Square with vibrant excitement, jazzy music, street performers and the sensational food of New Orleans. Guests can savor a celebration seasoned with Southern hospitality.

Max Guggenheim’s 2/9/11 DLR Photo Report

DLNT Reporter Max Guggenheim was at the Disneyland Resort a few days ago and captured some really neat photos to share. Photos include Buena Vista Street, Cars Land, and much more…

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World of Color banners in Downtown Disney

And also Star Tours banners

La Brea Bakery construction

Over in DCA, a look into the North Plaza area of Buena Vista Street

In Condor Flats, the stage has been set up for Minnie’s Fly Girls

I like this picture

The Carthay Circle fountain

Looks like there are a lot of jets on this fountain we haven’t seen on yet

Moving on, Time for the Pixar Pals may be running out very soon

Over in Cars Land

Looks like some aerial pictures or footage being taken

Work on the parade route in front of Mermaid continues

Though it looks done…

A new desert at Paradise Garden Grill, a Chocolate Brownie and Strawberry Skewer

And one quick photo in Disneyland in Town Square

Five & Dime Joining the List Of Entertainment Offerings on Buena Vista Street

It looks like another musical group has been added to Buena Vista Street. Joining the Lonely Sisters, the Five & Dime will be a swing band playing with “Five” musicians and one singer or “dime.” Here is one posting from the auditions website,

Disney Parks Talent Casting is seeking FEMALE VOCALISTS for Five & Dime, a high-energy musical group (“Five”) fronted by a female singer (“Dime”) with the vocal stylings of Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. Together, they will play and swing to popular standards of the ’30s while interacting with park Guests.

Rehearsals begin early May, show opens early June.

Entertainers for this show are covered under the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement with the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA).

Role

Dime: Female vocalist of African heritage, knowledge of ’30s swing and scat singing, reminiscent of Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, must sing “G” below middle C to “D” a 9th above middle C, lots of personality

Requirements

  • Please prepare 16 bars of music in the appropriate style, an accompanist will be provided
  • Must be at least 18 years of age to audition
  • Bring a picture and résumé

Also along with this posting, it confirms the rumors that indeed the early June opening for Cars Land and Buena Vista Street may be true.

“Minnie’s Fly Girls Charter Airline” Takes Flight Today

From Shawn Slater on the Disney Parks Blog:

“The
“Minnie’s Fly Girls Charter Airline” opens for business today at Disney California Adventure park. This tune-filled “travelogue” of song, dance and audience interaction takes place in Condor Flats, across from Soarin’ Over California, featuring songs from the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s in a colorful new show sure to appeal to the young and young at heart.

Creating something to delight multiple generations was a central focus during production and a personal passion of the creative team. Senior Writer Carolyn Gardner said, “I’ve been surrounded by pilots ever since I can remember. My dad was a private pilot [and] flight instructor, my mom flew her own ‘solo’ flight, my big brother worked at our local airfield and my cousin’s an air traffic controller. I hope audiences feel their own hearts take wing when the show’s flight crew launches into the fun-filled, flight-themed songs.”

“A
“Come Fly with Me,” originally performed by Frank Sinatra, introduces the crew – Amanda, Pat, Kate and Lee – to all their potential “passengers” (the audience). Minnie makes her grand entrance during “Straighten up and Fly Right,” a hit song by Nat King Cole. The performance also includes two medleys, incorporating a number of other musical favorites. “Destination Medley” is a fun, ‘round-the-world collection of standards such as “Brazil,” “I Love Paris” and “Lady of Spain.” The Disney “Flying Medley” is an uplifting blend of Disney tunes, including “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” and “When I See an Elephant Fly.”

Art Director Brian Sandahl’s challenge was to design a stage that doesn’t look like a stage. “When the show is not being performed, the stage fits nicely into the aged look of Condor Flats, and you’d almost not even notice it,” says Brian. “The décor for the stage looks very industrial, very much like found objects you would see in Condor Flats; however, when the show begins, a common flight sign becomes the ‘show sign,’ a steel drum magically becomes a check in counter and an old trunk becomes a prop trunk for the many props in this show.”

The music, costumes and props send this latest addition to Disney California Adventure park soaring to new heights. You’ll definitely want to “book a flight” with “Minnie’s Fly Girls Charter Airline” on your next visit!

Be sure to check the park Entertainment Guide for show times.

Duffy, Disneyland and… Color Blocks? June 29th

We were originally told Duffy the Disney Bear would not be hitting D-Streets until July 6, however that date has been moved up to June 29th. Both the sailor and flocked version will be on shelves and retail for $14.95 each.

While both coasts get the release this day, only Disneyland will have a signing with artist Monty Maldovan. The signing will take place from 1pm-3pm at Treasures of Paradise inside Disney’s California Adventure. Also from 1p-3p, Disney Design Group artist Quynh Kimball will be signing at Disneyland’s D-Street.

All this is part of a larger event called Gear Up for Adventure… where a slew of pins (no vinyls) will be released that morning at Downtown Disney, along with artists signings. Then that night, at the Paradise Pier Hotel, a Free Disneyland Pin and Vinylmation trading event will be held from 7pm-10pm. Monty and Quynh will also be on hand there to sign vinyls and pins.

Another interesting spin to this day, is the release of the “Color Block Series”. Not sure what this is yet, but it is listed in Disney’s Events calendar as an open edition retailing for $12.95 a piece. This will be released at both D-Streets.

Blue Sky Cellar To Re-Open Feb. 29 Featuring New Cars Land Exhibit

From Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:

‘The Road to Cars Land’ Coming to Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar on February 29
There’s a big update coming to Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar at Disney California Adventure park on Wednesday, Feb. 29. “The Road to Cars Land” will be a sneak preview of the plans for Cars Land, featuring a model of the land, maquettes of some of the new ride vehicles, and sketches and early concept art.

And of course, brand-new Cars Land attractions posters will be included in this latest update. Other items to be featured will include the shovel used during the ground-breaking ceremony in July 2009 with the signatures of John Lasseter, Director of “Cars” and Principal Creative Advisor, Walt Disney Imagineering, and other project team members. A new video at Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar will feature John, the Cars Land design team, project architects and landscapers providing insights into the innovations behind the new land opening this summer at Disney California Adventure park.

Once the expansion is complete, Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar will continue to be a preview center for new experiences planned for the Disneyland Resort.

What’s For Sale Down Route 66

From Michelle Harker on the Disney Parks Blog:

Rev up your engines Disney fans, and hang on, because I’m taking you on the inside track for a quick look at some of the stores racing your way this summer into Cars Land.

Radiator Springs Curios Coming to Disney California Adventure Park
Our first destination will definitely have you putting on the brakes, because Radiator Springs Curios is sure to ‘drive’ you crazy for trading. Fill up on kitsch roadside must-haves like pins and Vinylmation themed to all things “Cars,” or grab some quick pick-me-up items like antenna toppers, window clings, license plate frames and magnets that are sure to make you the envy of others on the open road.

Ramone’s House of Body Art Coming to Disney California Adventure Park
I’m going to need you to keep your cool for our next stop… because we are cruising into Ramone’s House of Body Art. This high-octane, garage-like environment has all the tools needed for you to hit the road in style. While some will race in to become a member of the Low & Slow Car Club Radiator Springs, the Champion Custom Speed Shop collection is sure to meet your need for speed with signature pin-stripe style and laid-back look which appears on a variety of shirts for work and play, hats and accessory items.

Next week, I’ll be able to give you a glimpse at some of the actual products from these collections. Until then, check out the renderings of the store fronts. Sweet, right?

Had enough? Me neither.

Sarge’s Surplus Hut Coming to Disney California Adventure Park
So finally it’s time to earn your stripes as you “march in” to the barracks of Sarge’s Surplus Hut, but don’t let its military-style characteristics fool you – it’s sure to get your engine racing. Don’t be fearful that you’ll have to “drop and give Sarge twenty,” because you’ll find that every inch of merchandise in this facility will pass “inspection” by the troops, with its broad selection of offerings featuring Lightning McQueen, Tow Mater and other classic “Cars” characters. From kids clothing, costumes and hats to novelty items, toys and plush, you will find all the necessary rations before you race on to your next adventure.

So where will you make your first pit stop? Radiator Spring’s Curios, Ramone’s House of Body Art or Sarge’s Surplus Hut?

Hayley Nance’s 2/21/12 DLR Photo Report

DLNT Reporter Hayley Nance was at the resort a few days ago and has some newsworthy photos to share.

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Matterhorn Refurbishment continues

All you Jimmy Kimmel fans could have been in the show…

More Matterhorn

Over in New Orleans Square, the Bayou Bash was a popular event

Rather slow day in Disneyland

Work on the Tomorrowland Train Station

Over in DCA, Parade Route still behind walls in front of Mermaid

Time for a spin on the Fun Wheel

WOC getting ready for the night

Matterhorn really sticks out on the

The backside of Cars Land is looking good

Cones looking cozy

You can see the detail on the gates for the Pacific Wharf entrance to Car Land

The Pacific Wharf Bay has been drained for the Grizzly River Run refurbishment

Carthay Circle in the distance

Finishing off the report are some nice nighttime photos of Soundsational

Thanks For Reading

Special Entertainment Offerings During Your “One More Disney Day”

From Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:

’Fantasmic!’ at Disneyland Park
One More Disney Day is the chance for guests to enjoy an extra day of Disney fun, and at Disneyland park we’re adding in a few sprinkles of extra magic that day. In addition to commemorative ear hats for guests entering the park at 6 a.m. (limited to 2,000), special food items and regularly scheduled park entertainment that day, Disneyland park guests can look forward to:

  • Dance party featuring KIIS DJs at Tomorrowland Terrace from 8:30 p.m. – 4 a.m.
  • Second showing of Mickey’s Soundsational Parade at 10 p.m.
  • Performances by Billy Hill & the Hillbillies at The Golden Horseshoe from 11:15 p.m. – 4:45 a.m.
  • Special showing of “Fantasmic!” at 1 a.m.
  • Character meet & greets throughout the night (subject to change):
    • Mickey Mouse and friends in pajamas at Carnation Plaza Gardens
    • Darth Vader and Stormtroopers in Tomorrowland
    • Country Bears in Frontierland

Please remember that all show times and Disney character appearances are subject to change. Be sure to check the park Entertainment Guide for show times and character greeting times and availability.

Michael Wada’s 2/24/12 DLR Photo Report

DLNT Reporter Michael Wada was at the Disneyland Resort a few days ago and took some beautiful photos of the resort to share. Photos include Cars Land, Buena Vista Street, The Matterhorn, and much more…

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The Grizzly River Run Refurbishment has drained the Pacific Wharf Bay and workers are taking the opportunity to paint some things

Hmmmm. First the Condor Flats letters were painted over by the land entrance, now this has been painted on the Pacific Wharf Cafe

Cars Land

You can see just the top of the “Welcome to Radiator Springs” sign

A look at the mash potato building… Err, Carthay Circle Theater

Excellent…

Clarabell’s

The sign has finally been pulled off the Candy Shoppe

Elias and Company looking farther behind than the rest of the buildings

Over in Disneyland…

Blue Ribbon Bakery is no more as its space is transformed into Carnation Cafe

Hearing that Coke Corner actually reopened today

Scaffolding is already coming down at the top of the Matterhorn

You can definitely notice the difference in color from top to bottom. Get ready for a much darker Matterhorn.

Thanks for reading!