| Happy 13th Anniversary Tokyo DisneySea! |
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DisneyDan
Thursday, September 4, 2014 7:08:36 AM |
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Today, 4th September, is the 13th anniversary of the grand opening of Tokyo DisneySea at Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan.
Extravagant, incredibly detailed, beautifully themed and elaborately decorated, Tokyo DisneySea set a new bar in theme park design, becoming an instant hit with not just the Japanese, but world over. Last year alone, Tokyo DisneySea attracted over 14 million visitors, making it the 4th most visited theme park in the world.
Its seven themed ports offer an incredible array of attractions, stores, dining venues and experiences that are all amazing in their own individual ways. We have been fortunate enough to visit Tokyo DisneySea numerous times over the years, most recently in May of this year, which of course means we have taken many, many photos there!
In my usual style, I want to share with you a selection of our photos from our various trips (below).
Happy 13th anniversary Tokyo DisneySea!
Dan.
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| Happy 50th Anniversary Mary Poppins! | |
DisneyDan
Wednesday, August 27, 2014 4:34:01 PM |
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Today is the 50th anniversary of the premier of Walt Disney's Mary Poppins at the Grauman's Theater in Hollywood.
In our usual Character Central style, let's celebrate with a cavalcade of photos of Mary Poppins, Bert and Mr Penguin at the Disney Parks around the world!
Happy 50th Birthday Mary Poppins, Bert and Mr Penguin!
Dan. |
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| Happy 59th Birthday Disneyland! | |
DisneyDan
Thursday, July 17, 2014 11:52:47 AM |
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Hello everyone,
Today (17th July) is the 59th anniversary of the grand opening of the original Disney theme park, Disneyland in Anaheim, California!
For a change, for my photo tribute, I thought I'd share with you non-character pictures. Let's celebrate and enjoy the beauty of the park itself!
Happy 59th Birthday Disneyland!
Dan. |
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| Happy 12th Birthday Lilo and Stitch! | |
DisneyDan
Saturday, June 21, 2014 11:32:54 AM |
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Hello everyone,
Today is the 12th anniversary of the general release of Disney's Lilo and Stitch. Although I would normally go by premiere date for birthdays, I was out of the country on Monday (16th) when it was theirs. Therefore their general release date is considered their secondary birthday!
Without further delay here are a cavalcade of pictures of the stars of the film, Stitch, Lilo, Captain Gantu and Dr Jumba Jookiba!
Happy 12th Birthday Lilo and Stitch!
Dan. |
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| Happy 80th Birthday Donald Duck! | |
DisneyDan
Monday, June 9, 2014 10:23:24 AM |
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Today is Donald Duck's 80th birthday!
Starring in more roles than his best pal Mickey, Donald Fauntleroy Duck is hot tempered but ever loveable. His very human, and often hilarious, frustration with the more irritating side of life has provided entertainment to his fans since his debut in the Silly Symphonies in 1934. Donald Duck’s ever suffering love interest is Daisy Duck, who along with her short temper, make the perfect match.
A very keen traveller, Donald is also friends with Jose and Panchito whom he met on his exploits to South America.
While something very small can make him flip, Donald's down to earth approach to life means he is adored by generations of fans world over.
Happy 80th Birthday Donald Duck!
In our usual Character Central style, here's a cavalcade of photos from some of our favourite moments with Donald at the parks.
Dan. |
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Hello everyone,
Note: Some of you may wonder why I am posting this on the Character Central blog. Well, actually we pride ourselves in being the definitive source for all theme park characters around the world. Our database here at Character Central includes characters from the Universal theme parks, Hershey Park and Alton Towers, amongst others. It just so happens that most of our travels take us to the Disney Parks, and that tends to be where most of the characters we meet appear. Our name isn't Disney Character Central, it is Character Central. So with that taken care of let's get down to the subject at hand!
As you may be aware by now, my most favourite characters of all time and my childhood heroes are the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. First appearing in their comic book debut in May 1984 (they were previewed at comic book convention in New Hampshire on 5th May, to be precise!), the TMNT have gone on to become one of the most successful brands of all time. As well as the original, long running comic, they have spanned three separate animated TV series (1987-1996, 2003-2009 and 2012-present), a live action series (1997-1998), four live action films (1990, 1991, 1993 and 2014), two animated films (2007 and 2009), endless merchandise and further comic book series taking the TMNT to new and exciting heights.
In the early 1990's the Disney-MGM Studios (now Disney's Hollywood Studios - which celebrated its 25th anniversary yesterday) featured a show starring the TMNT and their friend April O'Neil (see, there was a Disney link here!), something which I would have given a limb to see as a kid! A while ago I found a book at work which had some photos of the old show, which I took some photos of on my old phone. Sadly, I no longer have access to the book, and the images aren't the greatest quality, but I thought I would share anyway.
When Nickelodeon bought the TMNT in 2009 they revitalised the brand and in 2012 launched the third incarnation of the Turtles in the new and current series seen on their network. One of the best things that Nickelodeon did was to launch the TMNT as characters at their Nickelodeon Suites Resort in Orlando, Florida. Jon and I have been there and attended the special meal held by the TMNT, and it was one of the most exciting moments of my life - coming face to face with my heroes! You can read all about our wonderful experience at the Nick Suites, here. Some of my most favourite photos from that trip are below.
Last year the TMNT started appearing at other locations around the world, including a theme park in Germany, the Mall of America in Minnesota, and various theme park locations across the UK. In November last year they made an appearance at a local toy store, and I of course just had to be there!
This year the Nickelodeon series will enter its third season, and with no sign of slowing down - especially with a new movie on the way - we have a lot to look forward to with the TMNT.
Happy 30th Anniversary to the Heroes in a Half Shell, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
Dan.
Why not visit our dedicated pages for each individual Turtles here at Character Central!
Donatello
Michelangelo
Leonardo
Raphael
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Today is the 25th anniversary of the grand opening of Disney's Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Originally named the Disney-MGM Studios, the park has seen many new additions over the years, including characters!
So let's take a character filled tour of the Studios as we wish it a very Happy 25th Birthday!
Happy 25th Birthday Disney's Hollywood Studios!
A Belated Happy 16th Bitthday to Disney's Animal Kingdom
Last week saw the 16th anniversary of the opening of Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Sadly Jon and I were not available to post anything, but, better late than never, right?! So, here's a few pictures from our fun times at Animal Kingdom in celebration of its 16 years.
Dan.
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| Happy 22nd Birthday Disneyland Paris! | |
DisneyDan
Saturday, April 12, 2014 3:32:01 PM |
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Hello everyone,
Today is the 22nd anniversary of the grand opening of Disneyland Paris' main theme park!
Often described as the most beautiful of all the Magic Kingdom style parks, it features the gorgeous Sleeping Beauty Castle, and incredible detail in every land, attraction, boutique and restaurant. Parc Disneyland at Disneyland Paris is simply stunning.
So, in our usual tribute style, I'm going to post some of Character Central' pictures below, for your enjoyment!
Happy 22nd Birthday Disneyland Paris!
Of course, let's not forget that Disneyland paris features it's second park the Walt Disney Studios, plus seven themed hotels, Golf Disneyland, Lake Disney and Disney Village!
Happy 22nd Birthday Disneyland Paris!
Dan. |
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| Happy 71st Birthday Chip 'n' Dale! | |
DisneyDan
Wednesday, April 2, 2014 11:28:58 AM |
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Today is the 71st birthday of the adorable furry duo, Chip and Dale! First appearing on this day in 1943, they were seen causing Pluto trouble in "Private Pluto" - something which they have continued to do ever since! With their distinctive high pitched voices, hysterical laughter and obsession for acorns, they have won the hearts of millions world over.
At the Disney Parks and Resorts they can always be found greeting guests, starring in the parades and shows, and generally causing mischief where ever they go. We love meeting Chip 'n' Dale, and they are amongst our absolute favourite Disney pals to play with at the parks.
Thanks for all the fun and memories, and here's to many more years of cheeky laughter and fun!
Happy 71st Birthday Chip 'n' Dale!
In our usual style, here's a photo cavalcade of some of the fun times we've had with them at the parks over the years.
Dan. |
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Today, 12th March 2014, is the 12th anniversary of the grand opening of Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris.
A lot has changed over the last 12 years, and the park has continued to grow into its own identity; a park filled with great shows, thrilling attractions and of course our favourite Disney character friends.
The park is not without its flaws though, and while many often claim that is lacks the attraction count of the other parks it does have 14 permanent attractions, 2 long running "permanent" shows, a parade, character greetings, and of course shops and restaurants. Of those 14 attractions and 2 shows, 5 are completely unique to Walt Disney Studios, and many of the others have a definite Parisian twist or alterations to them to make them "distinctly Disneyland Paris".
Later this year the park will be opening a brand new attraction, again that will be completely unique, which will utilise new technologies. "Ratatouille: L'Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy" will whisk guests into the world of Remy and Emile from Disney-PIXAR's Ratatouille, shrinking them down to size in a magnificent Parisian adventure! As well as the attraction, the park will gain a brand new restaurant and a new store, too.
We very much look forward to the next 12 years as the Walt Disney Studios continues to grow. It'll bring more depth and more storytelling to its lands, binding together the magical worlds of Disney and the wonders of movie world.
For this photo tribute, I have deliberately left out many character photos, as we nearly always post characters shots to the blog anyway. I thought the park deserved some attention for its 12th birthday, and so nearly everything you see below are non-character photos, but of course, I have thrown a few character ones in for good measure!
Happy 12th Anniversary Walt Disney Studios Park!
Here's to the future!
Dan.
If you're considering a trip to Disneyland Paris, you can check prices and availability on the official Disneyland Paris website. They have some great offers right now, including up to 30% off hotel and and park tickets, and half board meal plan!
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