New Disney Dream Portrait by Annie Leibovitz to Debut Wednesday
By George Sawas on the Disney Parks Blog:
Tomorrow we’ll be sharing the latest image by acclaimed photographer Annie Leibovitz for Disney Parks.
Until then, any ideas?
Exclusive First Look: New Annie Leibovitz Disney Dream Portrait Featuring Taylor Swift as Rapunzel
By George Sawas on the Disney Parks Blog:
Today we are letting our hair down to show you one of the most stunning images yet created for Disney Parks‘ ongoing Disney Dream Portrait series. Created by legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz and featuring six-time Grammy winner Taylor Swift as Rapunzel, our latest portrait is captioned “Where adventure awaits.”
This beautiful image can be seen in upcoming issues of Vanity Fair, InStyle and People.
Check back Friday and I’ll take you behind the scenes on the set of this “hair-raising” photo shoot.
Fantasy Faire Architecture to Extend Fantasyland at Disneyland Park
By Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:
If you’ve visited Disneyland park recently, you may have noticed that Fantasy Faire is quickly taking shape next toSleeping Beauty Castle. Opening this spring, Fantasy Faire will not only be a home for Disney princesses, but it will also be a natural extension of Fantasyland. To find out how the look and architecture of this new area will be designed to flow with Sleeping Beauty Castle and Fantasyland, I went to the creative lead for the project: Michel Den Dulk, Creative Director, Walt Disney Imagineering.
“My goal,” he said, “was that the new Fantasy Faire would meld over into the existing Fantasyland naturally.” He said that his intention would be for first-time visitors to never suspect that this addition came later than the rest of Fantasyland. “I took a lot of inspiration from the classic Disney movies like ‘Pinocchio.’ There’s some reference that’s in the architecture to the way the backgrounds of ‘Pinocchio’ are drawn. I took inspiration from the castle – you’ll see that there’s a lot of gold finials and beautiful banners and turrets that are similar to Sleeping Beauty Castle … So it really looks like it’s all part of the existing Fantasyland.” Another key piece of architecture in Fantasy Faire will be the Royal Theatre, which was the former Carnation Plaza Gardens Stage. “My main inspiration there,” Michel explained, “was a Gothic kind of fair. King Arthur Carrousel and all the structures surrounding Dumbo – those were the main inspiration for the theatre structure.”
We’ll have more updates on Fantasy Faire – including the opening date – here on the Disney Parks Blog in the coming weeks, so keep checking back!
Disneyland Resort Turns Up the Romance During ‘True Love’ Week, All Part of ‘Limited Time Magic’
ANAHEIM, Ca., Jan. 28, 2012 – Love is in the air at Disneyland Resort as fairy tale princesses find true love with their princes, and “happily ever after” becomes a reality. It all happens during True Love Week February 11-17, 2013 at Disneyland Resort.
The weeklong love fest is part of “Limited Time Magic” at Disney Parks, where each week in 2013 guests will be treated to a sprinkling of Disney magic, with fun and surprises that enhance their vacation memories.
During True Love Week, a tapestry of romance is woven throughout the resort — from special entertainment and limited-edition Valentine’s merchandise to candlelit dinners for two and new, themed photo locations offering encounters with beloved Disney sweethearts – all for a limited-time only.
The weeklong event celebrates the love of friends and family, and invites couples to rekindle the flame. Here is the lineup:
- Romantic Setting: Guests will feel the romance at every turn, as heart-shaped signage and sweetheart-themed décor adorn Disneyland Park, making it an ideal place to celebrate Valentine’s week.
- Blushing Castle: At dusk, hues of red and pink will bathe Sleeping Beauty Castle, with projections of flowers and hearts.
- Floral Heart: A giant floral heart makes a sweet setting for a Valentine photo, in Town Square, Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland.
- Valentine Wishes: Flowers, garlands and decorative doves will create a second ideal location around Snow White Wishing Well near Sleeping Beauty Castle. At night, magical lighting adds a romantic touch to the wishing well and Snow White Grotto.
- Disneyland Sweethearts: Also near Town Square, guests will find a photo location with resident Disneyland sweethearts – Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck.
- Dinners for Two: Romantic dinners for two with prix fixe menus will be offered at select restaurants during the most romantic week of the year. Specially-created menus at Blue Bayou and Café Orleans in Disneyland, Carthay Circle Restaurant in Disney California Adventure Park, Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel or Napa Rose in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel make ideal choices for a romantic evening. To book call 714-781-DINE (714-781-3463).
- Cupcake Lovers: Chefs have prepared a specially themed Valentine’s dessert: a chocolate cupcake with raspberry mousse filling and dark chocolate mousse frosting. It will be available at Jolly Holiday Bakery Café in Disneyland, Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café and Pacific Wharf Café in Disney California Adventure, and Disneyland Hotel Coffee House.
- Valentine’s-themed Takeaways: Limited-edition pins, plush, newly-designed apparel and Vinylmations will be available at select merchandise locations.
- Ears for your Sweetheart: The classic Disneyland ear hat gets a total glitz makeover just in time for the most romantic time of the year. It will dazzle your Valentine and become the most sophisticated pair of ears in your collection.
- Royal Romance: Guests will enjoy a rare opportunity to get photos of Disney Princes as they escort their Princesses along The Royal Walk in Fantasyland. In New Orleans Square, guests will find another pair of sweethearts, Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen.
- In Search of True Love: Guests may also encounter the Wandering Wallflowers, in search of “true love.”
The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla., will celebrate True Love week with similar in-park offerings. VisitDisneyworld.com for details.
For more information about “Limited Time Magic,” guests may visit www.LimitedTimeMagic.com or search for Twitter hashtag #LimitedTimeMagic.
Fantasy Faire set to open March 12th!
By Shawn Slater on the Disney Parks Blog:
We’ve been giving you peeks into the new Fantasy Faire coming to Disneyland park here on the Disney Parks Blog, and today, I’m pleased to let you know that this area will officially open for guests on March 12.
One of the highlights of Fantasy Faire will be the Royal Theatre, where you’ll be treated to two unique shows relating the tales of “Beauty and the Beast” and “Tangled,” as told by a pair of Renaissance Storytellers, Mr. Smythe and Mr. Jones.
Messieurs Smythe and Jones are men of the theatre and lovers of legend and lore. The storytellers present the tale as old as time and the hair-raising tale of Rapunzel, with the assistance of some fellow villagers, all to the musical accompaniment of Sir Samuel of Morocco. Even Belle, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider appear onstage to help tell their own stories.
“We’re using our imaginations to create these stories,” said Show Director Chris Utley. “The storytellers will play a variety of roles, filling in as the other characters. They may put on a costume accessory to pretend to be Beast, or Gaston or Mother Gothel. ”
“The stories are told in a fast-paced, whimsical kind of way – very fun and theatrical,” said Chris. “It’s kind of a Renaissance vaudeville style, and the two guys are reminiscent of the old comedy duos of Gallagher & Shean, Abbott & Costello and Laurel & Hardy. They tell their stories with a lot of humor and heart.”
The storytellers will take to the stage of the Royal Theatre when Fantasy Faire opens on March 12.
Go on an Adventure with Mickey Mouse and the Mapmakers When ‘Mickey and the Magical Map’ Comes to Disneyland Park This Summer
By Shawn Slater on the Disney Parks Blog:
The all-new, live stage production, “Mickey and the Magical Map,” debuts this summer at Disneyland park, and today I’m excited to be able to tell you a little more about the show and what you can expect to see when it opens!
The show begins with the timeless character of Yen Sid, the wise sorcerer from Disney’s classic “Fantasia,” who appears within his mysterious workshop to tell us of a wondrous map with the power to take dreamers to any place imaginable. Yen Sid sets his mapmakers to work painting the enormous map – a map so large it covers the entire breadth of the stage.
This is when our hero Mickey Mouse enters, full of curiosity, and dreams of being more than just an apprentice. He’s a bit of a rascal and doesn’t realize what he’s about to get into. When Mickey picks up a brush to paint the map’s one unfinished spot, he soon discovers this is no ordinary map. That’s when his adventures really begin!
The mapmakers are an ensemble of male and female performers who excel at singing, dancing and acrobatics. They wield enormous, magical paint brushes as they follow Mickey on his journey, helping bring to life fantastic worlds of music, color and beloved characters.
“Mickey and the Magical Map” will be presented in the newly-refurbished Fantasyland Theatre, a venue that merges the tradition of live outdoor performances with the latest in theatrical technology. This is Disney storytelling at its most thrilling, brought to life in the very heart of the most magical of lands, Fantasyland.
“Each new show we create is a chance to push storytelling in a new direction,” said Michael Jung, Vice President of Theatrical Development. “At Disney, we love the challenge of continuously looking at our classic tales and most recent stories to see how we can bring live entertainment and excitement to today’s audiences.”
Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog in the coming weeks and months, as we’ll have even more to share about the extraordinary new show, “Mickey and the Magical Map.”
Last-Minute Holiday Shopping Tips at the Disneyland Resort
By Michelle Harker on Disney Parks Blog:
Happy Holidays, Disney fans!
It’s been another great year filled with events, releases, promotions and so much more. Thank you for sharing the ride with me.
For those who have things “wrapped” or buttoned up for the holidays, I commend you. You would think as the shopping queen out here, I’d be a little further ahead but that’s not the case. So for all of you doing last-minute shopping like me, here are a few things you may want to consider.
Vintage Buena Vista Street Holiday Merchandise – Here’s a look at the art which appears on a variety of items including tees, fleece, ornaments, mugs, greeting cards, tapestry throws and more. Find them at Elias & Co. and Trolley Treats in Disney California Adventure park.
A few weeks ago I shared some of our holiday gear for Cars Land. If you haven’t made a pit stop at Radiator Springs Curios, don’t wait much longer – folks are racing for it. New for the season from our friends at HARVEYS is the Minnie & Mickey in Love seatbeltbag collection. Buckle up and head over to Disney Vault 28 and the Fortuosity Shop and get ready for a great ride.
Next on the list… A sweet Holiday treat, maybe? Then you’re in luck. Candy Palace, Marceline’s Confectioneryand of course, Trolley Treats are filled with goodies for anyone with a sweet tooth. Holiday cupcakes, apples, peppermint break up and fudge are high on the list, but the true hidden gem this season is the gourmet marshmallows, flavored to peppermint and egg nog. Take this from a girl who isn’t typically a fan of egg nog … It’s incredible! Now, we can’t forget the famous candy canes made by our talented team of candy makers, that alone is a true holiday treat to watch.
Fellow Disney Parks Blog author Steven Miller recently shared some of this year’s best holiday deals and stocking stuffers tips. If you haven’t had the time to check out his post yet, be sure to set some time aside.
Wondering how you can find out more about other “must have” holiday gifts and deals? Well those currently following @Disneyland, @WaltDisneyWorld and @DisneyParks on Twitter know the trick, because we are right in the middle of our 25 Days of Tweets which offers a different gift item or holiday idea each day. How do you find these tweets? Simply look for #GiftDisney.
So get shopping, get wrapping, watch movies, sing carols, bake cookies and just enjoy the holiday time with your loved ones. After all, isn’t that what it’s all about?
Have a safe and happy holiday and I’ll see you here next year with a lot more exciting merchandise news to share!
Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for more updates on the holiday season at Disney Parks, and join the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag #DisneyHolidays.
Nighttime Holiday Magic at the Disneyland Resort!
By Valarie Sukovaty on The Disney Parks Blog:
I love to visit the Disneyland Resort during the holidays – where it snows, the Christmas trees glow and icicles hang in rows. You wouldn’t think I’d be describing a magical place in sunny Southern California, but that’s the power of Disney magic! Our talented teams transform the Disneyland Resort into a winter wonderland during the holidays. This video captures highlights of the holiday décor at night. It includes Disney California Adventurepark, where you can find snowflakes made of wrenches at the new Cars Land. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas! Enjoy!
—
Featured image by Tim Alcoser.
Three Kings Day Celebration Returns to Disneyland Park
By Erin Glover on The Disney Parks Blog:
Here’s a look at the performers scheduled to appear at our Three Kings Day celebration:
January 4
10 a.m. – Baile Folklorico Teyacapan (Ballet Folklorico)
12:30 p.m. – Mariachi Tesoro de San Fernando (Youth Mariachi)
2 p.m. – Paramount Dance Company (Ballet Folklorico)
5:30 p.m. – Resurrreccion Mexican Folk (Ballet Folklorico)
January 5
10 a.m. – Garey High School Latin Jazz Ensemble (Latin Jazz Musicians)
12:30 p.m. – Sabor de Mexico (Ballet Folklorico)
2 p.m. – Ballet Folklorico Jalisciense (Ballet Folklorico)
5:30 p.m. – Ballet Folklorico Orgullo Mestizo (Ballet Folklorico)
January 6
10 a.m. – Grupo Folklorico Tierra del Sol (Ballet Folklorico)
12:30 p.m. – Ballet Folklorico Mixteco Juvenil (Ballet Folklorico)
2 p.m. – Ballet Folklorico Mixteco East Los Angeles (Ballet Folklorico)
5:30 p.m. – Ballet Folklorico de Riverside (Ballet Folklorico)
New 10K Race Added to Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend
By Faron Kelley on The Disney Parks Blog:
I am excited to let you know the Happiest Race on Earth just got happier! Today runDisney announced the 2013 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend is expanding with the addition of the Disneyland 10K at Disneyland Resortin Anaheim, Cal.
The new 10K will be a timed event and take runners through Disneyland park, Disney California Adventure park and on the streets of Anaheim. As with all runDisney races, participants will receive a newly designed finishers medal.
Runners looking for a bigger challenge can register for the Dumbo Double Dare. A limited number of runners will have the opportunity to take the dare and run the Disneyland 10K on Saturday and the Disneyland Half Marathon on Sunday – 19.3 miles total. Finishers will receive a special finisher medal to help celebrate their accomplishments, in addition to the half marathon and 10K medals.
The 10K is one of the most popular race distances for runners, next to the 5K and half marathon. With race weekends featuring kids races, 5K, 10K, 10-Miler, half marathons and a marathon, runDisney offers runners at every level a chance to experience a runDisney event, run through Disney theme parks and earn coveted Disney medals.
Registration for all Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend races opens on January 22, 2013. Last year, the popular half marathon sold out in little more than a month, so I encourage interested runners to act quickly. For more information about the race weekend and other runDisney events, go to www.rundisney.com.
On behalf of myself and some special friends in the video below, I invite you to join us August 30 – September 1, 2013, at Disneyland Resort.