Dates For Mickey’s Soundsational Parade, The Little Mermaid, and Star Tours

WDWNT on February 26, 2011

From the Disney Parks Blog:

As days get longer and the weather gets warmer (well, hopefully!), we are very excited about summer 2011 at the Disneyland Resort. And today I’m thrilled to share the grand opening dates for three new experiences headed your way.

Grand opening June 3: At Disney California Adventure park, get ready for an all-new voyage with one of Disney’s most beloved characters, Ariel. The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure will invite guests to take a journey under the sea to experience all the fun and adventures in Ariel’s world. From the great songs to state-of-the-art animatronics and special effects, guests will become a part of her world in a way that’s never happened before.

The Little Mermaid attraction is the next big milestone in the expansion of Disney California Adventure park. “World of Color” debuted last year and continues to wow guests every night with magic that combines choreographed fountains, lights, lasers, music, animation and Disney storytelling. And on the horizon, guests can see the awesome Cadillac Mountain range taking shape as the backdrop to the 12-acre Cars Land, which opens in 2012.

Here’s a first look at the vision Walt Disney Imagineers have for Ursula, who will play a big role in The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.

Ursula of The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel's Undersea Adventure

Across the esplanade at Disneyland park, guests this summer will be dancing to the beat of a whole new parade and jetting off to new galaxies far, far away.

May 27 Premiere: “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” officially steps off for Memorial Day weekend, with an explosive musical score, thrilling rhythms and bold percussion that will have people dancing to many of their favorite Disney tunes. Look for whimsical float units, live musicians and some of your favorite characters. Mickey Mouse and his pals will be jamming like never before and creating an atmosphere that will be…soundsational!

Here’s a peek at the preparations:

Grand opening June 3: And for those who dare to venture into the deep, dark corners of the universe, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue officially launches in Tomorrowland at Disneyland park, taking guests on interstellar adventures to Coruscant, Tatooine, and other destinations in the “Star Wars” galaxy. With the return of favorite Star Wars characters and the addition of more familiar faces and destinations, guests are going to experience Starspeeder travel in an all-new way…in 3D!

You may remember, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue also launches at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort on May 20. May the Force be with you!

Star Tours - The Adventure Continues at Disneyland Resort

Summer Fun: Along with these three exciting additions, guests will find even more fun this summer at the Disneyland Resort. So, stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for updates.

What are you most looking forward to this summer at the Disneyland Resort?

ElecTRONica Extended Through Labor Day

WDWNT on February 14, 2011

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Guests have had so much fun at ElecTRONica, the grid will be open all summer long at Disney California Adventure park!

ElectTRONica is a nighttime celebration that features music, live performances and interactive experiences, and it has become the place to dance the night away. Inspired by the computer-world environment of “TRON: Legacy,” ElecTRONica comes to life each evening in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot. The Disney film “TRON: Legacy” debuted in theaters in December, 2010.

ElecTRONica at Disney California Adventure Park

Special featured acts continue to keep the experience fresh. Here are some current highlights of the party:

  • DJs keep the energy going with electronic party music while dancers costumed as “Sirens” and “Programs” from the movie rock out at locations throughout the party.
  • Dance Crews, including “We Are Heroes,” the first female dance crew to win MTV’s “America’s Best Dance Crew,” bring their signature moves to the Backlot Stage on selected nights.
  • Also appearing on the Backlot Stage is LASERMAN, demonstrating his unique talents and skill in a stunning performance that combines music, lights, and lasers.
  • An amazing, full-scale model of a Light Cycle from the Disney film “TRON: Legacy.”
  • A re-creation of Flynn’s Video Arcade, which was a key location in the “TRON: Legacy” adventure. Gamers shoot for the highest scores as they enjoy classic 1980s arcade games. For ElecTRONica, you can find Flynn’s at the back of the party, near End of Line club.
  • Fun food items and glowing beverages.

LASERMAN at Disney California Adventure Park's ElecTRONica

Be a part of the action and enjoy a fun-filled night of games, music and dance as ElecTRONica electrifies the summer at Disney California Adventure park. Keep watching the Disney Parks Blog for updates on new performers.

If you were visiting ElecTRONica tonight, where would you head to first?

Full-Scale Model of a Light Cycle from Disney’s “TRON: Legacy”

More New Star Tours Characters Revealed in New Toys

WDWNT on February 13, 2011

From StarWars.com:

Two new packages of Star Wars figures exclusive to the Disney Parks should be arriving just in time for Star Tours: The Adventures Continue!

The top row of action figures is the Star Tours Ambush Pack. Among the figures are two of the new Skytroopers, Darth Vader on a platform, and bounty hunter Boba Fett. This is representing the run-in with the Sith Lord guests will have in the attraction.

The bottom line is the Star Tours Travel Agency Pack. Among the figures are pilot C-3PO, Aly San San and the pilot guests are supposed to have, ACE. The figures also give us an early look at two new characters, a luggage droid and another pilot, possibly from one of the rival Starspeeder services. If that’s not enough, there’s even some space luggage!

“Walk of Magical Memories” Tiles To Be Discontinued

WDWNT on February 12, 2011

From The Art of Disney Website:

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

Over the last 11 years, Disney’s “Walk of Magical Memories,” the personalized commemorative paving stones between the main entrances to Disneyland® and Disney California Adventure™ parks, have offered guests an opportunity to be a part of Disneyland Resort history. As we continue to evaluate our offerings throughout the Resort, we have made the decision to no longer continue the Disney’s “Walk of Magical Memories” program. Beginning February 28, 2011, the Disneyland® Resort will no longer offer sponsorship of a Disney’s “Walk of Magical Memories” paving stone. Existing stones will continue to receive general maintenance, as necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Why has sponsorship for Disney’s “Walk of Magical Memories” paving stone program ended?
A: As we continue to evaluate our offerings throughout the Resort, we have made the decision to no longer continue the Disney’s “Walk of Magical Memories” program.

Q: Is there a way Disney can place me on the “waiting list” if new paving stones become available?
A: A wait list is not available.

Q: Are there any plans to remove or relocate Disney’s “Walk of Magical Memories” paving stones?
A: At this time, there are no plans to remove or relocate the paving stones.

For more information visit The Art of Disney Website

A “Star-Studded” Cast for Star Tours: The Adventures Continue

WDWNT on February 11, 2011

From the Disney Parks Blog:

One of our goals for the new Star Tours show was to pack as much Star Wars into the attraction as possible. That meant traveling to different planets, and meeting up with classic characters from the saga.

Of course you already know that R2-D2 and C-3PO are back, reprising their roles in the pre-show, and taking on bigger roles (especially C-3PO) in our Starspeeder adventures. And some time ago, we introduced you to two new droids in our show…Star Tours Pilot Ace (AC-38) and Spokesbot Aly San San.

So who else is joining the cast?

Admiral Ackbar

Well, it wouldn’t be a Star Wars adventure without Darth Vader. The Dark Lord of the Sith will be accompanied by legions of stormtroopers and some new “skytroopers,” designed especially for our show. Boba Fett, everyone’s favorite bounty hunter, also will be after us, as well as an assortment of nasty droids and creatures.

Balancing out the villains are some classic good guys – and even a princess! Master Yoda, Admiral Ackbar (pictured above in a still image from Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi) and Princess Leia will appear in the show to help guide our adventures. We may even run into Chewbacca along the way!

First Look at Your New Star Tours Pilot

WDWNT on February 2, 2011

From Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald on the Disney Parks Blog:

It was a big day for Star Tours recently, as Star Wars creator George Lucas, joined by producer Rick McCallum, paid a visit to Disneyland Park to take a few test rides on the attraction with our Walt Disney Imagineering team. After experiencing adventures to several of the Star Wars worlds aboard the Starspeeder 1000, George and Rick gave the team a big thumbs up on their progress. George even took a moment to pose with the Audio-Animatronics figure of C-3PO in the Starspeeder cockpit!

Stay tuned for more Star Tours updates.