I’m going to tell you about a new show at Disneyland park that takes the façade of “it’s a small world” and does some amazing things. It turns it into an animated, coloring pad; it coaxes the singing dolls from inside the attraction to appear outside in the show; and it weaves hundreds of guest photos into a giant, surprise mosaic.
Even after I tell you about it, and we share a video sneak-peek of tonight’s first show, I must admit the real thing is so much better.
If you can get here, quit reading now and get here to see “The Magic, The Memories and You!” The nightly, 10-minute spectacular utilizes projection technology and animation to transform the architecture of “it’s a small world” in ways that will make you wonder what happened to the walls.
The nightly show combines guest photos from that day in Disneyland park with photos and videos taken from Disney’s “Let the Memories Begin” online hub. Classic Disney music is woven into the new “Let the Memories Begin” theme song, creating a musical and visual journey that traces the family vacation experience from surprise announcements through arrival and fun at the Disneyland Resort.
The show finale features a burst of fireworks over “it’s a small world.”
That’s what it looks like. It’s harder to tell you what the show feels like. Watching the photos will remind guests of all ages of their most cherished Disney memories, as a kaleidoscope of images is projected onto the “it’s a small world” attraction.
WHO: As part of the thousands of photographs projected each night, roughly 500 photos will be of guests who made memories in Disneyland park that day – resulting in a different “The Magic, the Memories and You” presentation each night.
WHERE: An ideal place to see the projections will be from the Fantasyland esplanade, which runs from the front of “it’s a small world” to the entrances of the Matterhorn Bobsleds and Mad Tea Party attractions.
WHEN: Tonight’s 6 p.m. “preview” show is a special preview, followed by the official debut at 7:30 p.m. The current show schedule is:
7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday
8 p.m. and 9:10 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
Show times are at www.disneyland.com and are subject to change or cancellation
HOW TO PARTICIPATE: Your photo will be considered for that night’s unique show if you have your photo taken by a PhotoPass photographer during the day. You will have the option to decline participation in the show.
Tell us about some of your favorite photo moments at the Disneyland Resort.
And here is the official press release for “The Magic, The Memories, and You:”
ANAHEIM, Calif., January 27, 2011 – Starting tonight, the façade of “it’s a small world” in Disneyland park is being transformed each night into a breathtaking display of moving, ever-changing photography, video, animation and music as Disneyland celebrates guests’ memories with an innovative new show – “The Magic, The Memories and You!”
Guests of all ages will be reminded of their Disney memories, and may even see themselves in the nightly show, as a kaleidoscope of larger-than-life images is projected onto the classic Fantasyland “it’s a small world” attraction. Included in the thousands of photographs each night will be approximately 500 photos of guests who made memories in Disneyland that very day – resulting in a different “The Magic, The Memories and You!” presentation every night.
“Disneyland has been making very special memories for families and guests of all ages for more than 55 years,” said Disneyland Resort President George A. Kalogridis. “Now guests recalling and cherishing those memories will become stars of the show as well.”
After the sun goes down, the 10-minute spectacle combines that day’s photos with photos and videos taken from Disney’s “Let the Memories Begin” online hub, and brings them to life with the help of amazing new projection technology that transforms the architecture of “it’s a small world” in never-before-seen ways. Classic Disney music is woven into the new “Let the Memories Begin” theme song and, via some magical effects, even the singing dolls from inside the “it’s a small world” attraction find their way outside to appear in the show. The finale features a burst of fireworks over “it’s a small world.”
“We’re really taking it to the Nth degree and we’re doing it for our guests,” observes show director Alan Bruun, associate creative director, Disney Destinations Entertainment. “Some guests will spot their own photographs in the show, and yet our goal is for everyone watching the show to be able to say, ‘These are my memories. I recognize that moment, that emotion.’ ”
The visual and musical journey that takes place in “The Magic, The Memories and You!” traces the family vacation experience, from planning and travel all the way through arrival and fun in Disneyland. The show closes, appropriately, with a classic Disney memory. A similar show featuring guest images projected onto the soaring spires of Cinderella Castle premiered Jan. 18 in the Magic Kingdom park, Walt Disney World Resort, Florida.
Disney Parks guests also are becoming the stars of television commercials. For the first time, Disney Parks is featuring the home videos and snapshots of real guests telling their own Disney stories in television ads and other marketing.
At the online memories hub that launched Sept. 23, guests have been celebrating their only-at-Disney memories by sharing their stories and by uploading photos and videos. To access the site, visit www.DisneyParks.com/memories.
Vacation memories hold a special place in the hearts of families, according to a recent survey of Americans and Canadians conducted by Ypartnership, a leading research firm that tracks consumer insights and trends in travel. Nine out of 10 parents polled said they plan their vacations with the express hope of creating a lasting family memory. And most memories don’t fade with the passage of time. Nearly three-quarters of those surveyed said they think back “often” or “very often” on their most cherished vacation memories.
When the Blue Sky Cellar reopens on Jan. 28, don’t miss the walls.
Yes, I said the walls of Blue Sky Cellar.
This building in Disney California Adventure park previews the “blue sky” ideas of Imagineers, with models and sketches that reflect the evolving landscape of the theme park. But before you peek at all the Imagineers’ handiwork, take a moment to enjoy the new artwork on the walls of the entryway. (And find out how you can purchase your own copy very soon.)
The posters are part of a rich tradition within Disney Parks worldwide – a tradition that dates back to 1956 and the original park, Disneyland.
In the summer of 1956, Disneyland was about to enter its second summer. Most people had little knowledge of what Disneyland really was, and they knew even less about the attractions inside the park. According to an upcoming book, “The Poster Art of Disney Parks” by Walt Disney Imagineering’s Danny Handke and Vanessa Hunt, the posters were a fast, clear and visually attractive way to convey an image of each attraction.
Over the years, the style of the various attraction posters has come to reflect the time period in which they were created, as well as the tone and visual palette of the attractions and themed land where they were located.
This tonal tradition is carried on in the latest series of posters featuring the Paradise Pier attractions. With a nod to the classic travel poster aesthetic, the new attraction sequence graphically conveys the excitement and character of each Paradise Pier attraction.
This newly released artwork is the first of several scheduled attraction art releases. Additional series releases are scheduled within months of the initial Paradise Pier series. The first California Adventure attraction posters will be available at retail locations throughout the park on Jan. 28.
Are you familiar with the Disney Parks attraction posters? Let us know if you have a favorite among the hundreds that have been created over the years.
As the exciting expansion of Disney California Adventure park moves forward, the Disney Parks Blog continues to give you a front row seat and backstage pass to all of the excitement. Since the expansion was announced, we have opened Toy Story Mania!, Games of the Boardwalk, Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Silly Symphony Swings and of course, the nighttime spectacular, “World of Color.” Now, Walt Disney Imagineering has turned its sights to the next highly-anticipated opening: The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, coming soon in 2011. In this video, Imagineer Lisa Girolami takes you behind the curtain (or under the waves) to give you a first look at Ariel’s world. From the drawing board to the incredible scenery, this is an attraction sure to make a splash with guests.
Since 1983, the Village Haus Restaurant at Disneyland park has been a great place to grab a bite surrounded by the fun and whimsy of Fantasyland. Recently, the location reopened with a spiffy new look. Today the update will be complete as the Village Haus debuts a new menu.
The menu features many fast-casual options that guests have enjoyed over the years including hamburgers or cheeseburgers with french fries or a healthy side, and pepperoni or cheese pizzas. With a playful nod to the uniquely European flavor of the restaurant, many new and reimagined items have been added as well.
Chicken Sausage Topped with sauerkraut served in a pretzel roll
Angus ⅓ lb. Pastrami Cheeseburger Angus chuck burger, pastrami, pickles, caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, lettuce and a creamy horseradish sauce
I cannot lie, for me no meal is complete without dessert, and the Village Haus is offering a perfect way to top off your visit with either a Black Forest Cupcake or Warm Apple Strudel.
Kids ages 3-9 have their own menu choosing from a hamburger, pizza or macaroni and cheese, all served with sliced apples and a choice of a small low-fat milk, Minute-Maid juice or small Dasani water. There truly is something for everyone as toddlers under age 3 can choose “Yummy Cheesy Macaroni” served with smooth applesauce and a small low-fat milk.
On your next visit to the Disneyland Resort let your conscience be your guide and Hi-Deedle-Dee-Dee your way to the Village Haus restaurant in Fantasyland to try all the fun and delicious new offerings.
Max Guggenheim was at The Disneyland Resort today and captured a plethora of newsworthy photos to share. As the parks continue into the slow season, a lot of interesting things are happening around the resort…
Do you like fiestas, hoedowns, Mardi Gras, Lunar New Year and Disney Characters? Then you won’t want to miss the next eight weekends at Disneyland park. We’re calling them “Family Fun Weekends” and they run Jan. 14 through March 6.
Families know they can find magic and excitement whenever they visit Disneyland Resort, and the next eight weekends will offer a special reason to play at Disneyland park.
“Family Fun Weekends” are themed events that invite guests to enjoy music, dancing, and special food and merchandise, along with a chance to meet and take photos with some Disney characters in specially themed attire. This weekend, for example, Fiesta Mickey and Minnie Mouse will greet you at Festival Arena in colorful, folklorico attire.
These events take place weekend days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The first five weekends will be held at Festival Arena (at the back of Frontierland), and the final three weekends will move to New Orleans Square.
Here’s a brief description of the fun, and we’ll tell you more in the coming weeks.
Fiesta Disneyland – Jan. 14-16: The first weekend celebrates the Hispanic culture and experience in a colorful, lively event, featuring performance groups such as award-winning Mariachi Divas.
Disney’s Kickin’ Country Weekend – Jan. 21-23: This weekend will feature live music – including band Forth Worth West – and a Disney hoedown with Cowboy Mickey and Cowgirl Minnie Mouse.
Character Fan Days – Jan. 28-30: This is your chance to meet and take photos with some rarely seen characters. Think of this as the ultimate Disney character reunion – featuring the characters that you told us you would most like to meet. (We’ll announce the results of our Character Facebook poll later this week on the Disney Parks Blog.)
Lunar New Year Festival – Feb. 4-6 and Feb. 11-13: Two weekends will be devoted to Lunar New Year, when time-honored traditions and family celebrations are observed within the Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures as the sun and moon begin their journeys for another year.
Mardi Gras – Feb. 18-20, Feb. 25-27 and March 4-6: Three weekends will be devoted to a lively, New Orleans-style Mardi Gras event, with vibrant excitement, jazzy music and sensational food of New Orleans. Where else? At New Orleans Square. Princess Tiana, along with a cavalcade of some Disney characters in their Mardi Gras finery, will appear at a photo location in the Court of Angels, staffed by Disney PhotoPass photographers.
Check back on the Disney Parks Blog each week, for more details on the weekend events.
Which of the “Family Fun Weekends” are you looking forward to most?
Preparations continue for the arrival of the Disney Wonder to its new home in the Port of Los Angeles, as well as the inaugural voyage of the newest ship in Disney’s fleet, the Disney Dream in Port Canaveral, Florida. In the coming weeks, The Disney Gallery will pay tribute to all the ships on land and at sea, including some of those near and dear to our hearts at our very own Disney Parks.
This new exhibit, titled “Magic on the Water – The Art of The Happiest Fleet on Earth” will highlight nearly 60 years of nautical designs by Walt Disney Imagineers, from the smallest Storybook Land canal boat to the newest modern classic for the Disney Cruise Line, the Disney Dream.
From submarines and sailing ships to jungle launches and pirate bateau, water and watercraft have always played a key role in the design of Disney Parks. Through the years, the Disney maritime fleet has taken guests through uncharted jungles, under the polar ice caps, across lagoons to the Magic Kingdom and a World Showcase at Epcot, to a storybook land of enchanted fairytales and around the world on the happiest cruise to ever sail the seven seas.
“This particular exhibit is different from any other because it displays concept art from all our theme parks around the world. Tokyo DisneySea, Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Paris, all join Disneyland Resort art to form a display of various types of interesting watercraft, Disney style” says Walt Disney Imagineering Director, Concept and Show Design, Kim Irvine.
Also in store for you as we launch this new exhibit will be Disney Cruise Line-inspired original art, giclees and deluxe prints by notable Walt Disney Imagineers, Disney Design Group and Disney-inspired artists including Jeremy Fulton, Greg McCullough, Larry Nikolai, Noah, Randy Noble, George Scribner, Mark Seppala, SHAG, and Darren Wilson.
Special Tip: On Saturday, Jan. 29, Jody Daily, Jeremy Fulton, Kevin Kidney, Larry Nikolai, Noah and George Scribner will be on hand for a special appearance and signing from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at The Disney Gallery. For details visit www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.
So set sail with us on a retrospective voyage of memories – and prepare for an ocean of new ones.
Do you have a favorite Disney character you have never met?
For the first time ever, we’re giving you a chance to decide which rarely seen Disney characters you want to see in Disneyland park. Starting today, you can cast your vote in polls that can be found only on the Disneyland Facebook page, and those votes will determine which characters appear during our new Character Fan Days Jan. 28 through 30. The Characters Fan Days weekend is one of five, family-fun events coming to Disneyland park Jan. 14 through March 6 as part of “Family Fun Weekends.”
To vote, look for three polls on Facebook spanning three days, Jan. 7 through Jan. 9. Each poll will appear at 2 p.m. PT and will feature different characters – some you see often and some you don’t. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the characters included in the poll: the Seven Dwarfs, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, Clarabelle Cow and the Country Bears.
The top two vote-getters from each day’s poll will appear in the Festival Arena in Disneyland park Jan. 28 through 30 during the all-new Character Fan Days (sorry – no write-ins accepted).
On a personal note, there’s a “character” you won’t be seeing around the Disneyland Resort as often – me. Today marks my last day leading social media at the Disneyland Resort and my last post as the primary Disneyland author on the Disney Parks Blog. On Monday, I begin a new role. I’m not going too far, and I’ll still be in touch with you. I’ll be joining the social media team at the main offices of The Walt Disney Company, in Burbank, Ca., and I hope to share all kinds of interesting stories with you from there!
I’ve really enjoyed the five years I’ve spent on the Disneyland Resort Public Relations team, and I’ve had a lot of fun with all of you since we launched the Blog in September, 2009. I know I’ve said this at just about every Disneyland meet-up we’ve held, but my favorite part of the job is reading your comments and meeting you in person. Thank you for your comments, questions, interest and enthusiasm. I even appreciate the corrections when they’re warranted.
On Jan. 14, Michele Himmelberg will join the Disney Parks Blog to write about Disneyland Resort. She will share the poll results and details about how to see the winning characters during Character Fan Days.
What are you waiting for? Go cast your vote in our Disney character poll on the Disneyland Facebook page.
