Disneyland Confirms that the Hatbox Ghost Will Return to the Haunted Mansion

WDWNT on April 13, 2015

HBG462015

He’s back… The short-lived Hatbox Ghost who briefly haunted the attic of the Haunted Mansion back in 1969 will return to Disneyland this May. Due to technical issues, the figure never worked properly and was quickly removed from the ride, but he has managed to build a huge cult-following in recent years and has been featured on a ton of merchandise for the attraction. Disneyland today confirmed the long-rumored return and has stated he will be in place at the Haunted Mansion in-time for the park’s 60th anniversary celebration.

Tomorrowland Movie Preview Coming to Epcot and Disneyland; Is Captain EO Closing for Good?

WDWNT on April 13, 2015

For a limited time, a sneak peek of “Tomorrowland” will be presented with special in-theater effects at the Imagination Pavilion theater at Epcot and the Tomorrowland Theater at Disneyland park, current and former homes to the Magic Eye Theater and the Captain EO attraction starring Michael Jackson. At Disneyland, you will also be able to discover an exhibit inspired by the movie, featuring production artwork and props used in the “Tomorrowland” film.

tomorrowland54fa25d19980e

Captain EO closed at Disneyland last year and the now-renamed Tomorrowland Theater has hosted sneak peeks for Guardians of the Galaxy and Big Hero 6 since then, meanwhile Captain EO has never returned as promised. It will be interesting to see if it ever does and if the April closure of Captain EO at Epcot is the final curtain for the 1986 classic in Florida. Only time will tell…

The Disney Parks-exclusive “Tomorrowland” sneak peek begins in mid-April at Epcot and Disneyland park. “Tomorrowland” opens in theaters on May 22, 2015.

Disneyland Park’s Innoventions to Close March 31st; Marvel or Star Wars on the Way?

WDWNT on March 19, 2015

On February 28, when the Disneyland Fire Department quickly extinguished a backstage spot fire on the side of the its a small world show building after a fireworks display, it was really no big deal. More sparks have flown among the fan community over the quiet Friday announcement of the shuttering of Innoventions on March 31st.

Inno

Not that folks loved the exhibition style attraction, the smaller sister of the sprawling Epcot overhaul of 1982’s Communicore. The show space has been gradually diminished, even its 1998 debut with an Audio-Animatric host, contemporary computers, gaming opportunities and other slightly forward looking oddities. The space lurched forward in later years, mainly operating as a meet and greet area for characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

“As part of our continuing efforts to offer our guests new magic, we regularly make modifications and enhancements throughout the Disneyland Resort, said park spokesman John McClintock on Friday. “We have nothing further to announce at this time.”

Fans meanwhile are agog at the possibilities for Innoventions’ replacement.

Busting the idea that the “paperboy” can’t land the internet on your porch, the Orange County Register laced its Saturday Innoventions closure article with blog-esque Star Wars attraction speculation. The Disney Parks have also fed this brand of breathless speculation through the legions of U.S. park enthusiasts, by sitting silently on an abundance of popular franchises, Star Wars and Marvel among them. Under agreements Marvel struck before its acquisition by Disney in 2009, it is barred from creating U.S. attractions “east of the Mississippi.” This has focused intense interest on the Disneyland Resort and on Disney off-shore parks, particularly those in Asia, as sites for high-end Marvel attractions.

But the idea that something substantial in scope will be announced or begin to be built in or on the site of the former Carousel Theatre in the short term seems unlikely, even though some persist that a 60th anniversary exhibit would fill the former Dream Home space downstairs.  A promotional space for the Tomorrowland theatrical film that opens May 22 – the same day that the Diamond Celebration entertainment premieres at the Disneyland Resort, also does not appear to be imminent (at least for this particular space).

No plans have been revealed for the future of the Marvel meet and greets that already exist in the Innoventions building. Grander announcements are far more likely during D23 Expo, August 14 -16th at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Disney Parks “Coolest Summer Ever” Brings Another 24-Hour Day; Frozen Summer Fun Returns & More

WDWNT on March 19, 2015

Walt Disney World Resort will kick off the “Coolest Summer Ever” with 24 hours of nonstop fun during a special event May 22-23 at the Magic Kingdom, hosted by Olaf, the summer-loving snowman from Disney’s blockbuster animated hit “Frozen.”

0311ZV_0267PM1-742x495

Memorial Day weekend is the traditional start of family vacation time, and Walt Disney World Resort will launch into the season full force. The Magic Kingdom will be open 24 hours to guests from 6 a.m. to 6 a.m., Friday May 22 to Saturday, May 23. Guests will be invited to come in costume to show their Disney Side while a selection of favorite attractions, entertainment, special event merchandise, plus food and beverage are on tap all night long to celebrate the start of the “Coolest Summer Ever” at Walt Disney World Resort. The around-the-clock celebration features Disney character greetings, dance parties and surprises into the wee hours of the night.

The summer offerings at Walt Disney World will include the return of Frozen Summer Fun to Hollywood Studios, with the fireworks show, DJ dance party, and small parade re-joining the sing-along celebration. Frozen Summer Fun will be hosted June 17th through September 7th.

Disney also took this opportunity to announce the water park hopper ticket we have been talking about a rumor for some time now.

On the West Coast, Disneyland Resort will kick off the summer with a dynamic 24-hour event of its own, May 22-23, to launch the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration. Marking the 60th anniversary of the resort, the Diamond Celebration includes the premieres of three new nighttime spectaculars: “Disneyland Forever” fireworks, “Paint the Night” parade and “World of Color – Celebrate!”

The all-day/all-night revelry of the 24-hour party will include dancing and special character encounters at locations in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks, along with enchanting Diamond décor throughout the resort and the exciting shows and attractions that bring guests back year after year.

60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration at Disneyland to Adorn Sleeping Beauty Castle in Sparkling Jewels

WDWNT on January 29, 2015

If the following artwork is any indication, Sleeping Beauty Castle will look a little different come Spring 2015 when the 60th anniversary festivities kick-off at Disneyland:

B6rK3KwIUAAJoq1

Much like the golden make-over the castle experienced in 2005 for the Happiest Homecoming on Earth, we expect thousands of sparkling “diamonds” to adorn the facade of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland throughout the celebration of 60 years starting in the Spring.

Disney has not confirmed this nor any other festivities for the event, but a new nighttime parade for Disneyland Park and several attraction upgrades & refurbishments are also planned to coincide with the year-long celebration.

Disneyland Diamond Celebration Begins 5/22, 3 New Nighttime Shows Announced

WDWNT on January 29, 2015

60thCastleCarthay2up

Each of the Disneyland Resort’s iconic centerpieces will receive diamond studded overlays. Image © Disney Enterprises Inc.

Before an invitation only crowd at Disneyland Park tonight, Tom Staggs, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts was joined on stage by Steve Davidson, executive for parades and spectaculars with Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment, as they revealed the entertainment line up for the park’s 60th Diamond Celebration that will debut May 22.

DForeverParadeRender

The “Disneyland Forever” pyrotechnic spectacular will seemingly surround viewers with incredible Disney motifs. Image © Disney Enterprises Inc.

A new fireworks spectacular “Disneyland Forever” will feature pyrotechnics, immersive projections, and other effects that will transform several areas of Disneyland Park. This new generation edition of traditional Disney nighttime entertainment boasts the largest installation of projection mapping technology in a Disney park and up-close special effects. Main Street, U.S.A., and several other Disneyland Park locations become a “magical canvas” transporting guests into familiar Disney experiences, from flying above the London skyline from “Peter Pan” to a dance with King Louie in “The Jungle Book.”

“Disneyland Forever” also features two original songs, the theme “Live the Magic” and the inspiring closing song “Kiss Goodnight,” written by Disney Legend Richard Sherman.

SullyDoorFloat

A couple of the Pixar units from Paint the Night. Image © Disney Enterprises Inc.

After a nearly a 20 year hiatus, Disneyland will host an evening parade with the U.S. premiere of Paint the Night. A modern alteration of the long departed, fan favorite Main Street Electric Parade, the new show will feature classic Disney and Pixar character scenes, magically realized with state of the art lighting technologies. Paint The Night is currently running at the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort where it will continue indefinitely. A second copy of the show is being created for the Disneyland fete with a unit portraying a scene from Frozen.

Opening the same day is “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” – featuring Mickey Mouse on a fun-filled and inspirational journey through the unparalleled imagination of his creator, in a first-of-its-kind spectacular, presented on the magic canvas of “World of Color” with compelling animated imagery, live-action footage, fountains, lasers, special effects and a stirring musical score.

The “Frozen Fun” events that debuted earlier this month will continue through the celebration year. Other events and special enhancements are still rumored to join the party, so check-in often at WDWNT.com.

DLDiamondLogo

Image © Disney Enterprises Inc.

 

“Frozen Fun” Formally Announced for Disney California Adventure, Frozen Invades Fantasy Faire and Storbookland

WDWNT on December 30, 2014

We’ve been waiting a while for this one, but Disney has finally put the word out to the public on “Frozen Fun” at Disney California Adventure…

frofro869911

Beginning on December 20th, despite an “official” start date of January 7th, Disney California Adventure will play host to the following as part of “Frozen Fun”:

“For the First Time in Forever – A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” – The Muppet*Vision 3D theater in Hollywood Land has been transformed for this event into the beautiful Crown Jewel Theatre from Arendelle. You’re invited to step inside and join the Arendelle Historians – along with special appearances by Anna, Elsa and Kristoff – for a fun and comedic retelling of the unique history of their kingdom, filled with delightful, sing-along moments from “Frozen.”

“Olaf’s Snow Fest” – Stage 17 in Hollywood Land plays host to an immersive winter wonderland straight out of the Kingdom of Arendelle, complete with a giant snow play area and musical performances by The Frolicking Fjords and The Tubadors. You can glide down a snow slide, build a snowman of your own and visit everyone’s favorite snowy pal, Olaf, and give him a warm hug. “Olaf’s Snow Fest” has so much to offer, from beautiful photo opportunities to scrumptious treats and special “Frozen” souvenirs. It’ll be a great spot for making memories that’ll warm your heart.

Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post – Head back outside, and nearby you’ll find Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post, where you can pick up the latest “Frozen”-inspired apparel, plush, toys, mugs and more.

“Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome” – Anna and Elsa, the beloved sisters from “Frozen,” move from Fantasyland to an elegant new location inside the Disney Animation attraction at Disney California Adventure park, where you can meet them as part of a special royal greeting. The colorful and varied display in the Animation Courtyard will also now include scenes and music from Disney’s Academy Award-winning blockbuster hit, “Frozen,” and at Animation Academy, a Disney artist asks, “Do You Want to Draw a Snowman?” It’s a unique opportunity to learn how to draw your very own sketch of Olaf or Marshmallow.

“Freeze the Night! A Family Dance Party” – Each evening, you’re invited to “chill out” in Hollywood Land with music, dancing, interactive fun and more in this new, family-friendly experience. You’ll arrive at the party through an icy archway to find wintry décor, dazzling lighting effects, cool photo spots, yummy treats and frosty beverages for all ages. Throughout the night, a giant thermometer registers the drop in temperature, as things get so cool they ultimately reach the freezing point when everyone lets it go in a spectacular “Frozen Fun” crescendo! UPDATE: A Marshmallow walk-around character will be appearing during this event.

Starting January 7th, something new and Frozen will debut, a show at Fantasy Faire at Disneyland Park. The Anna and Elsa pre-parade prior to Soundsational will also return on this date.

Before that, a Frozen section is being added to Storybook Land Canal Boats on December 20th, featuring the fjord-side village of Arendelle, including the stately castle where Anna and Elsa grew up, Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post, and Elsa’s mountaintop ice palace.

So, is this enough Frozen for the west coast now?