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Advent Calendar - 9th December
DisneyDan  Monday, December 9, 2013 12:34:11 PM
Today is the ninth of December, which means it is time to open door nine of our special Character Central Advent Calendar!

Click to find out who is behind it today!

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Advent Calendar - 6th December
DisneyDan  Friday, December 6, 2013 1:21:20 PM
Today is the 6th December, which means it is time to open the next door of our very special Character Central advent calendar!

Click to find out who it is today!

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Dining with Royalty, Auberge de Cendrillon - A Review
DisneyDan  Thursday, November 7, 2013 1:03:20 PM
This week's restaurant review is for Auberge de Cendrillon, in Disneyland Paris' Fantasyland.

Auberge de Cendrillon (or simply Auberge as we'll call it, for easiness sake) is an expensive character dining location, that offers lunch and dinner in the company of Suzy, Perla and the Disney Princesses.

DLP Halloween 2009 - Wandering through Fantasyland

Lunch at Auberge de Cendrillon

Auberge is designed after the Tremaine's stately French home, and the theme throughout tells the story of Cinderella.

There are murals, glass engravings, stained glass windows, and pumpkin chandeliers that all add to the ambience and mood of the restaurant.
The restaurant is beautifully designed, and comes complete with Cinderella's pumpkin coach in the courtyard.
The setting is quite formal, and the experience is a table service one.

Auberge de Cendrillon

Auberge de Cendrillon

DLP Feb 2009 - Auberge de Cendrillon

Lunch at Auberge de Cendrillon

Lunch at Auberge de Cendrillon

You have to chose from a set menu, of which there are fairly limited options for such an expensive experience, I think.
The menu is, for the want of a better phrase, "very French". We have dined here several times, and I have to say it's not my most favourite place in the world! The food has improved over the years, but it's definitely an acquired taste.
For example, to most people, roasted vegetables would be served hot. Not in Auberge. They are cold, on purpose. If you're not expecting it, it's quite a shock!
France is notorious too for under-cooking meat. If you are a "well done" person, you need to ask for the food to be cremated, and even then it'll be more like medium-well.
For starters, I actually think the soup is pretty good, but I haven't seen it on the menu recently. I'm not sure if it has been removed completely, or if you can still ask for it.
Dessert is a set trio of items all served together, and again, is pretty good.

Lunch at Auberge de Cendrillon

Lunch at Auberge de Cendrillon

Lunch at Auberge de Cendrillon

Lunch at Auberge de Cendrillon

Lunch at Auberge de Cendrillon

Lunch at Auberge de Cendrillon

Lunch at Auberge de Cendrillon

DLP April 2012 - Having Lunch at Auberge de Cendrillon

I think the biggest problem really, is if you order a starter that is particularly French, and then the mains are not anything to write home about anyway, you could have a pretty dire experience. But, on the other hand, if you order the right starter (I'd definitely say the soup is the safest option, if available), and you order the goose option, or potentially a dark meat but ensuring it is cremated, then along with dessert, you could end up with thinking Auberge is not bad.

You get one drink included, called the Prince's Cocktail. It's a non-alcoholic mixed fruit drink, and it's quite nice.

Lunch at Auberge de Cendrillon

Of course, one of the primary reasons for wanting to dine here is that it is the Resort's only dedicated Princess dining venue.
At every meal you are pretty much guaranteed Suzy, Perla and Cinderella. Quite often Prince Charming is in attendance too, and on rare occasions the Fairy Godmother.
Other Princesses and Princes join Cinderella, but these can vary day to day. You might find here any random combination of Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip, Snow White and the Prince, Belle and Prince Adam, Ariel and Prince Eric, Rapunzel, or Princess Tiana.
Disneyland Paris is the only place in the world you can meet Princess Aurora in her blue dress, and where you can meet the Beast in his human form of Prince Adam! Though it should be noted that Princess Aurora's dress colour may change - sadly - once she receives her new dress design from the US Parks. It is unknown at present if they have designed a new blue one for her, or if it'll become the new standard pink one.

Lunch at Auberge de Cendrillon

DLP April 2012 - Having Lunch at Auberge de Cendrillon

DLP Feb 2013 - Lunch at Auberge de Cendrillon

DLP Dec 2010 - Eating at Auberge de Cendrillon

DLP Dec 2010 - Eating at Auberge de Cendrillon

DLP April 2012 - Having Lunch at Auberge de Cendrillon

As with any character meal, the characters will walk around the dining room, greeting each family at their table as they dine.

Overall, I would say that if you are a big character fan, then meeting Princess Aurora in her blue dress and meeting Beast in human form could make the expense worthwhile - but of course they aren't guaranteed at any given meal, as the characters rotate depending on which member of royalty is available that day.
If you're a fan of trying new food styles, or not much phases you, again, you might not care so much, but I would definitely err on the side of caution for most non-French guests.
Before we look at the prices, let's take a look at some more interior photos we have taken over the years, detailing some of the exquisite details and superb theming that this restaurant has to offer.

DLP Halloween 2012 -

DLP Halloween 2012 -

DLP Halloween 2012 -

Lunch at Auberge de Cendrillon

Lunch at Auberge de Cendrillon

Lunch at Auberge de Cendrillon

Lunch at Auberge de Cendrillon

Lunch at Auberge de Cendrillon

Lunch and dinner both offer the same menu, and prices start from €65 (about US$88!) per person for adults, and €29 for children aged 3 through 11 inclusive.
Annual Passholders receive a maximum of 10% discount no matter what pass they hold, and Shareholder Club members receive 15% on presentation of a valid Shareholder's Club card and ID.
Reservations are recommended, and can be made at any guest service location at the two theme parks, any Disney Hotel concierge, or by calling the Disney Dining line up to 30 days in advance on +33 1 60 30 40 50.

You can leave your comments by clicking here, where you will be magically transported to our forum.

Dan.

Lunch at Auberge de Cendrillon

Lunch at Auberge de Cendrillon
Inventions, Re-Inventing Character Dining - A Review
DisneyDan  Tuesday, October 29, 2013 6:38:56 AM
Hello everyone,

This week's restaurant review is about one of Jon and I's absolute favourites at any Disney Park or Resort - Inventions at the Disneyland Hotel in Disneyland Paris.

Inventions is situated on the second floor (European, or third floor to Americans), in the main "hub" area (known as Main Street Lounge), of the deluxe Disneyland Hotel.

The Disneyland Hotel is hard to miss, as it serves not only as the resort's flagship hotel, but also as the entrance to Disneyland Park.

Inventions is one of two restaurants at the Disneyland Hotel, the other being California Grill right next door. There is also a bar across the way, called Cafe Fantasia.

Inventions is always a buffet restaurant, regardless of the meal, but don't let that fool you, as I know some people don't really go for buffets.

The theme of the restaurant is a beautiful infusion of Victorian architecture, with that typical Disney twist, but a decidedly French flair.
The dining rooms are filled with details and artefacts from the Victorian era of discovery and travel. Bicycles, cogs, dirigibles, cameras and instruments line the walls and even the ceiling!
Virtually all tables (though not all) are situated next to windows which look directly onto Main Street below! You can see Main Street Station, the tops of the buildings beyond, and even the majestic Sleeping Beauty Castle.

DLP Dec 2010 - Inventions

DLP Dec 2010 - Inventions

Parisian Brunch with the Characters

DLP Dec 2010 - Inventions

DLP Dec 2010 - Eating Breakfast at Inventions

DLP Dec 2010 - Eating Breakfast at Inventions

Inventions has class, theme, detail, an unbeatable view, and as you'll discover below, incredible food at every meal!

Let's start at the beginning of every day, and that's with breakfast.

Breakfast at Inventions is served free for Disneyland Hotel guests, on presentation of valid Hotel ID, and is available usually from 7am until about 11am (it's best to check on the day of your arrival).
If you are staying at one of the other on site Disney Hotels, you may also eat here, but you may be charged an extra €12 per person, depending on how busy the restaurant is.
The main reason for other hotel guests to dine here is that Inventions actually serves really good, hot food, such as sausages, eggs and beans. The other Disney Hotels offer decent food, but it's all croissants, rolls, cold meats etc. The Disneyland Hotel is a premium buffet, and that's why it's usually extra for non Disneyland Hotel guests.

DLP June 2011 - Inventions

DLP June 2011 - Inventions

DLP June 2011 - Inventions

DLP June 2011 - Inventions

Moving on, and we come to lunch and dinner. Lunch is usually presented from 12.30pm until 3pm. Dinner is from 6pm until 10.30pm.
Lunch may or may not be attended by Disney Characters - you'll know when you arrive as they usually have a sign - but dinner is always in the presence of our beloved Disney pals.

Lunch and dinner offerings are varied, and really good. I could go on and on about the food, but I'll let the photos speak for themselves!
There are several stations, each offering different a course for your meal, from seafood, cheeses, salad and starters, to mains, and finally desserts.

DLP Feb 2011 - London Character Brunch at Inventions

DLP June 2012 - French Brunch at Inventions

DLP April 2012 - Easter Brunch at Inventions

DLP Aug 2011 - Stitch's Hawaiian Brunch at Inventions

DLP April 2012 - Easter Brunch at Inventions

Characters in attendance at dinner can be fairly standard, but they can also be pretty random at times - you just have to get lucky!
Here's a few of the Disney Characters we've seen during dinner here over the years.

DLP Dec 2010 - Eating at Inventions

DLP Dec 2010 - Eating at Inventions

DLP Dec 2010 - Eating at Inventions

DLP Dec 2010 - Eating at Inventions

DLP Dec 2010 - Eating at Inventions

DLP Dec 2010 - Eating at Inventions

DLP Dec 2010 - Eating at Inventions

DLP Dec 2010 - Eating at Inventions

DLP Dec 2010 - Eating at Inventions

DLP Dec 2010 - Eating at Inventions

DLP Dec 2010 - Eating at Inventions

DLP Feb 2013 - Dinner at Inventions

DLP Feb 2013 - Dinner at Inventions

DLP Feb 2013 - Having Dinner at Inventions

DLP Feb 2013 - Having Dinner at Inventions

DLP Feb 2013 - Having Dinner at Inventions

Finally we come to the best thing about Inventions, and the best character dining experience at the resort. The Sunday Brunches.
The Inventions Sunday Brunch happens every Sunday, from around midday (times can vary) until 3pm.
The brunch theme changes every week, meaning that every week the Disney Characters who appear are from a particular theme, movie or region of the world! Some of the brunch themes include:

and at seasonal times of the year can include:
The food at the brunches is usually a mixture of their standard lunchtime fare, and some additional items especially for the theme (for example London cuisines, or exotic dishes).
They usually try to decorate the buffet area too, and you may find the Cast Members in special clothing, as well as excellent themed ice sculptures, or other carvings!

New Year's Day Brunch at Inventions

Parisian Brunch with the Characters

DLP April 2012 - Easter Brunch at Inventions

DLP Halloween 2012 - Brunch at Inventions

DLP Jan 2012 - New Year's Day Brunch at Inventions

Fun at the Halloween Brunch

Here's some of the fun characters we've met during the small number of themed brunches we have attended (we really want to attend them all, but that would mean being there all year round!)

New Year's Day Brunch at Inventions

New Year's Day Brunch at Inventions

New Year's Day Brunch at Inventions

Parisian Brunch with the Characters

Halloween Brunch at Inventions

Parisian Brunch with the Characters

Having fun at the Easter Day Brunch

Meeting Hawaiian Dale

Meeting Mr Penguin

Meeting Mary Poppins and Bert

Meeting Hawaiian Mickey Mouse and Carnival Minnie Mouse

Prices for Inventions can vary depending on when you visit, but are upwards of €35 for lunch and €54 for dinner. Brunch starts at €59, but at seasonal times can be a lot more. The drinks available for purchase are varied, and include wines, fruit juices and soft drinks. Birthday cakes can be arranged, and come at a significant extra cost (at least €25 for a cake that serves up to 8 people).
Reservations are highly recommended at Inventions, as the themed brunches can be very popular. You can make reservations with any Disney Hotel concierge, any guest relations location at the theme parks, directly at the restaurant itself, or 60 days in advance over the telephone by calling +33 1 60 30 40 50.
Annual Passholders get a maximum of 10% discount (as it's classed as table service), and Shareholder Club members get 15% with a valid Club Card and ID.
Yes, it is expensive, but to us, it's always worth it for the beautiful theming, the excellent food and the wonderful characters. If you are coming for the first time, it's a once in a life time trip, or you visit infrequently enough that you can save some money and you want something special, then Inventions is definitely worth the extra cost.

You can leave your comments by clicking here, where you will be magically transported to our forum.

Dan.
Re-inventing Christmas, the Disneyland Paris way
DisneyDan  Sunday, October 27, 2013 12:05:08 PM
Hello everyone,

As the Halloween Season draws to a close this week, I can't help but think about Christmas!
This year Jon and I will be at Disneyland Paris just after Christmas itself, for the Christmas Season and New Year's celebrations at the Resort.

We are both really excited to be going back to Disneyland Paris this year for Christmas, as there will be many new things, which only Disneyland Paris offer.

I have been to Disneyland Paris for Christmas Season at least five other years of the past ten, so let's take a look back at some of what has been offered over the year, before we come back to the new offerings this year.

This is a very photo heavy post, so be warned that it may take a while to load all the images below.

For the longest time Disneyland Park had a Christmas addition to its regular day parade, usually just tacked on at the end. This happened during the old Wonderful World of Disney Parade, and the Once Upon a Dream Parade. There was never a Christmas parade, per se. There was a Santa's Sleigh, Toy Soldiers, and more recently Duffy.

Disney's Once Upon a Dream Parade - Dreams of Christmas

Other long running entertainment included the enchanting Mickey's Winter Wonderland show at the Chaparral Theater in Frontierland, and the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Town Square.
Mickey's Winter Wonderland remained unchanged for many, many years, but was a firm fan favourite every holiday season.
The Tree Lighting Ceremony was also incredibly popular, and always starred Mickey and Friends lighting the big Christmas Tree in Town Square. Some aspects of the show changed slightly over the years, but it basically remained the same.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Tree Lighting Ceremony

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

DLP Feb 2009 - Mickey's Winter Wonderland

Mickey's Winter Wonderland

Disneyland Paris also pioneered the beautiful Christmas lights that now adorn the other Disney Castles of the world. Disneyland Park would present a special Castle Lighting show. As with the Tree Lighting, the way in which this was done changed slightly from year to year, but overall the concept remained the same.

DLP Dec 2010 - Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant at Christmas

Character greetings have included Santa Claus, Elves, and of course Mickey and Friends in seasonal costumes at both parks. Other characters in Christmas costumes have included the Winnie the Pooh friends, and Duffy the Disney Bear. Some years back, Belle also used to meet in a pretty red jacket.

DLP Jan 2012 - Santa's Elves have fun in Town Square

Meeting Santa Claus

Santa Goofy

Pere Noel

Meeting Christmas Belle and Beast

Meeting Eeyore

For 21 years, the Christmas Tree in Town Square was the same. Last year they added some 20th Anniversary ornaments to it, but it remained identical otherwise.
Some years ago, the park used to also feature the stunning Lights of Winter (which EPCOT also used to have) along Main Street USA, but these were sadly retired nearly 10 years ago now.
After the lights of winter the Princess Crowns graced the street for a couple of years, but were quite unpopular by all accounts.
Like the other parks, snowfall on Main Street is a regular occurrence, although in Paris, as we have personally experienced, it isn't always just the magical Disney snow that can fall across the park!

DLP Dec 2011 - Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant at Christmas

DLP Dec 2011 - Walking down Main Street USA at Christmas

Phantom Manor in the snow

City Hall in the snow

View down Main Street in the snow

View of Main Street in the snow, from Inventions

In Fantasyland guests used to be able to discover a Christmas market, straight from the world of Beauty and the Beast, 'Belle's Christmas Village'.

Belle's Christmas Village

Belle's Christmas Village

Finally, a staple of the holiday season for some years has been the "it's a small world" overlay, becoming "it's a small world" Celebration during Christmas Season.

"it's a small world" Celebration

"it's a small world" Celebration

"it's a small world" Celebration

Now we fast forward from our trip through the past, to 2012. Last year Disneyland Paris took a giant leap away from previous Christmas offerings.
Mickey's Winter Wonderland did not return, the Princess Crowns were ditched, brand new garlands graced Main Street, there was a new live entertainment offering starring Mickey, and a fantastic new Christmas Cavalcade was launched.

Unfortunately we were unable to attend last year (although we were in California for their Christmas Season, so that was a great substitute!).
That means that this year will be our first year seeing the new offerings, and what's more, there is set to be even more this year than last year! Of course, some old favourites will still be there too.

This year the park has got a brand new Christmas Tree, which is really exciting for me, as I love Christmas Trees! As well as the new Tree, last years there were brand new garlands all along Main Street and giant character snowmen in Central Plaza. This is as well as all the beautiful decorations that find their way throughout the resort, with nearly every restaurant, store being decorated inside and out. The Disneyland Hotel also has a yearly traditional giant gingerbread house.

The Christmas Gingerbread House

The Cavalcade is said to be receiving some extra characters, making it better than last year, and the Tree Lighting Ceremony has been changed again, this time being narrated by Jiminy Cricket and Pinocchio.
Santa and his Elves will still be at the Ranch, snow will still fall on Main Street USA, and "it's a small world" Celebration has been reinstalled.
The Jingle Bell Boys are set to return too. That's a live band that also stars Mickey Mouse showing off his dance moves at the Videopolis in Discoveryland.
I have also heard that Jack Skellington is sticking around after Halloween Season ends, but will be putting on his Sandy Claws outfit! Now that would be really awesome!
One of the biggest things that the park is doing this year is a brand new version of Dreams especially for Christmas!
Disney Dreams! is the most spectacular nighttime show ever created by Disney Imagineering, and for the holidays it'll switch to featuring scenes from the new Disney movie Frozen, a Toy Story Nutcracker tale, and much more!



If all that wasn't enough, there are a few more things that are continuing some Disneyland Paris traditions.
For many years, the Disney Hotels have offered special meals during the holidays, some of which are character ones.
On the 29th December we are planning to attend the Christmas Brunch with the Disney Characters at Inventions, in the Disneyland Hotel, and on New Year's Eve there is a special character dinner at the Hotel New York, which we are also attending.

Usually on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, the Disneyland Hotel puts on special entertainment too. We really hope that this returns this year also, as we've really enjoyed this in the past. And speaking of New Year, both parks and Lake Disney all will continue their annual New Year's Fireworks. Two years ago we saw them in Disneyland Park, this year we plan to see them on Lake Disney due to our meal at the Hotel New York.

Huey, Dewey and Louie Present The Nutcracker

Mickey and Friends Opening Event with the Mayor of Main Street

Mickey and Friends Opening Event with the Mayor of Main Street

The Disney Princesses Present The Sugar Plum Fairy

Although nothing has been officially been announced as to which characters will be greeting in special Christmas costumes this year, there will be no doubt be some old favourites, and perhaps some new ones!

Finally, as we as the new additions to last year's brand new Cavalcade, the regular day parade's Romance float has been out for refurbishment, and will be returning at the start of the holidays with Anna and Elsa atop it, on a brand new, redesigned Frozen float!

To say that we are really excited is actually an understatement. I think this year is going to be the best Christmas Season at Disneyland Paris for many years. Let's hope they keep adding to it, and keep reinventing themselves, always offering something just as magical, but new and different.

I'm going to leave you now with a load more photos of the Resort at Christmastime. Enjoy!

Dan.

The World of Disney Store

Special Christmas sweet treats at Belle's Christmas Village

Christmas at Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlour

Christmas in Town Square

Christmas plush at La Boutique du Château

"it's a small world" Celebration

Christmas in Town Square

Special Christmas sweet treats at Belle's Christmas Village

"it's a small world" Celebration

Christmas at Fuente del Oro Restaurante

Disney's Santa Claus Village

Sleeping Beauty Castle lit up for Christmas

Pere Noel's Elve's Workshop

Disney's Santa Claus Village
Park Side Diner at Disney's Hotel New York - A Review
DisneyDan  Sunday, October 27, 2013 7:08:56 AM
Hello everyone,

I have decided that I am going to try and write more for the Blog, on a regular basis, covering all topics from dining and attraction reviews, as well as other important news.
Of course, we will still be a Disney Character based website - that will never change! Our love for the Disney Characters is infinite, and they remain our top priority! But, both Jon and I have felt recently the site has grown so much, and now has such a big fan base now, that we would like to start encompassing more and more of the world of Disney.

Anyway, as my first review, I want to talk about a new dining experience we had at Disneyland Paris recently.

On our most recent trip to Disneyland Paris in October 2013, one evening we chose to eat at Park Side Diner at Disney's Hotel New York, for the first time.
The restaurant is a buffet restaurant, located on the ground level, to the right of the hotel's main lobby if you're entering from the Lake Disney entrance (I guess you could say from the park side entrance, which is true, and perhaps why the restaurant has its name!).

Dinner at the Parkside Diner

It was actually pretty late when we arrived, and there were literally only a handful of people inside.
My first impressions were that the "diner" felt a bit dated and bland. It was nonetheless clean and well kept, and the service staff were efficient enough, but I don't think the place has been updated since it opened nearly 22 years ago. The theme of course is meant to be a New York diner, and I can see it to some extent, but I have to say, I think it fails a bit. There are giant paintings on the walls of "American" foods, and the cold metal tables and chairs (albeit padded) make the place too sterile.

Dinner at the Parkside Diner

The food itself was ok, but not anything you couldn't find anywhere else, and actually could have been more varied and better presented. I don't know if it was just because we got there late, but the food looked and tasted as though it had been there for a while, and the desserts were looking a bit of a mess!
Dishes included rice, chicken, pasta, salad, potatoes, pizza, pork, beef and vegetables.

Dinner at the Parkside Diner

Dinner at the Parkside Diner

They also had some strange "make your own sandwich" area. Various breads and rolls were laid out, along with cold meats and other toppings, for you to create your own sandwich.
I didn't really think this was a substantial option for dinner, and felt that they could have used the space to have more hot food out.

Dinner at the Parkside Diner

Dinner at the Parkside Diner

Overall I was left a little disappointed with Park Side Diner, especially given the price, and that it is located inside a 4-star hotel. Jon and I won't be rushing back any time soon!

The price is €29.99 per adult, and €15.59 for children aged 3 to 11. Drinks are not included for adults, but children get a small drink included in theirs.
Drinks available for purchase include wines, beer, mineral water, coffee, and sodas. Discounts on the buffet and on non-alcoholic drinks are allowed for Annual Passholders and members of the Shareholder's Club on presentation of a valid AP/membership card. AP is to a maximum of 10% and can vary depending on your level of pass, Shareholders get 15%.
Restaurant hours are limited to dinner time only, and are 6pm-10.30pm.
Reservations can be made by calling the Disneyland Paris Dining Reservations line on +33 1 60 30 40 50 up to 30 days in advance.

You can leave your comments by clicking here, where you will be magically transported to our forum.

Dan.
Long Lost Updates... News and Rumours from Around the World
DisneyDan  Tuesday, August 20, 2013 9:28:11 AM
Hello everyone,

First off, I would like to apologise for the lack of updates lately - especially since there has been
so much character news! I really feel like we've failed the last couple of weeks in bringing you the latest news and rumours.
But, sadly, "real life" gets in the way, and we have indeed been very busy with some rather life changing adjustments.

Anyway, with that said and done, let's take a look at what we've missed, and also some actual news, too!

Over in Disneyland, the vote for the next Long Lost Friends concluded, as announced by the Disney Parks Blog, and yesterday (being Monday and the start of a new Limited Time Magic week) those beloved Disney pals returned to the Big Thunder Ranch at Disneyland Park.
The full line up is as follows:

  • Merlin
  • Hercules, Megara and Hades
  • Pinocchio, Gepetto, Foulfellow, Gideon and Jiminy Cricket
  • Meeko, Pocahontas, John Smith and Governor Radcliffe
  • Snow White and Dopey
  • Robin Hood, Prince John, Friar Tuck and the Sheriff of Nottingham
  • Lilo and Stitch
  • Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Mr Smee and Wendy
  • Tarzan, Jane and Terk
  • Brer Bear, Brer Fox and Brer Rabbit.

A lot of those made appearances last time, and some, as always, aren't rare at all, but overall it's a good mix. Definitely very cool to see Hades and Merlin greeting guests! They do not get out at all these days! All characters are on a rotational system, and subject to change or cancellation at any time.

Staying with California, but rewinding back to D23 which saw some really awesome character opportunities.
Debuting for the first time (as official Disney Characters at least, and not at Universal or elsewhere) were Iron Man, Spider-Man and Captain America.
Doc McStuffins also made her grand debut in her Disney Parks make-over look (Doc could already be seen, and still can in fact, in the Disney Junior Live! show, where she looks a little different...)
Other characters that were at the event included some Mickey and Friends, Phineas and Ferb, and I believe Agent P, but I don't have confirmation of him. Characters from ABC's Once Upon a Time also greeted fans, although this was not the first time they've been seen - they were also at the San Diego Comic-Con recently, too. I believe there were five characters - Emma, David, Regina, Mary-Margaret and Hook.
Of course, the highlight for the fans attending though was when Dreamfinder made a surprise limited appearance! This is the second time in recent history Dreamfinder has shown up (the other being at Destination D: Walt Disney World in 2011), and gives fans a glimmer of hope that someday he might return full time, perhaps once WDI figure out what to do with the current Journey Into Imagination at EPCOT.

Dreamfinder links us in nicely to Walt Disney World, where it has been confirmed that Jack and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas will debut at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party this year (held at the Magic Kingdom). This will be their first ever regular appearance at the Florida Resort.
Other MNSSHP changes include Phineas and Ferb joining the dance crew on Main Street before the Boo To You Parade, and the Tomorrowland dance party being re-themed to Monsters University.
Friday the 13th of September will also be a spooktacular Halloween occasion, as Disney's Hollywood Studios will hold a special Limited Time Magic event for all regular park guest that day, 'Unleash the Villains'.
Originally perceived to be a dance party featuring the Disney Villains, there have been rumours that cool creeps such as Hades and Maleficent could show up for meet 'n' greets too! (Though, again, there is no actual confirmation of this, as far as I know)
They will also hold a special fireworks spectacular that night, 'Villainy in the Sky', as well as feature special merchandise just for the evening. The event will be held from 8pm to 1am. It's best to check the Limited Time Magic website nearer the time for more details.

Finally for WDW, and WDWMagic posted that they think the epically long running Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade will finally end right before Christmas. The parade is definitely being retired due to the fact that earlier this year Disney announced the Magic Kingdom would finally be getting the brand new Festival of Fantasy Parade.

Over in Disneyland Paris, the Dreams of Romance '2' float was taken out of the parade earlier this month, for a 2 month long re-imagining, ready for its (rumoured) October 1st debut featuring the brand new Frozen characters, Anna and Elsa! We'll be in DLP for a few days mid-October, so we really look forward to seeing them for the first time!

If you had been following our Facebook page and Twitter last week, you'd have seen that we launched the second in our Trip Planner series, this time for Hong Kong Disneyland! Covering practically every aspect of trip planning for the park, from flights, tickets, hotels, dining, shopping, FastPasses, local area information and much more, it really is an invaluable resource.
For those interested, our first one was for Tokyo Disney Resort, and covers similar information, but of course for Tokyo.

Ok, I think that's all for now. Have a great week everyone!

Dan.
News and Rumours from Around the World: Captain America coming to DCL! And more!
DisneyDan  Wednesday, August 7, 2013 9:28:44 AM
Hello everyone,

There is breaking news today from the Disney Parks Blog. They just announced that Marvel's Captain America will appear starting in October aboard the re-imagined Disney Magic cruise ship!
He will feature at Marvel’s Avengers Academy in Disney’s Oceaneer Club, aboard the ship.
The really annoying thing about this is that the Oceaneer Club is just for kids. Regular guests are not normally allowed to go down there unless it's an open house (at which time things like the Marvel Academy would not normally be running).
The biggest thing we can take out of this is that, besides the expected appearances at D23 this week, this is the first official confirmation from Disney that any Marvel character will appear to regular guests on a Disney owned property.
I wonder how long it is now until we can expect them in the parks? Time will tell.

In other news, yesterday the Disney Parks Blog also announced that Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort is returning once again from 12th November through 6th January.
This will be a relief for anyone who has been hearing the strong rumours across the internet that Christmas this year would be very different, and would even perhaps have ticketed events for the bulk of the seasonal offerings, like at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

I was busy last week, and didn't get chance to post about the latest Long Lost Friends Week for Limited Time Magic.
Disneyland had a vote on the Disney Parks Blog (now closed), which featured pretty much the same characters as before, with a few more thrown into the mix.
From what I recall characters included the Robin Hood gang, Hunchback friends (still no Quasimodo though), the Three Good Fairies, Merlin (he was a new one), Flik and Atta (Atta was also a new option), and Chicken Little (Abby wasn't listed, oddly enough, even though she was for WDW).
There is no official date for this event yet, but it is expected by most to be in the next two weeks.

Disneyland Paris fans have been hearing rumours across the internet for a few weeks now that Jack Sparrow would be setting sail from the parks after a long running stint there, in October this year. Pirate fans need not despair though as rumour has it that Jake from the Neverland Pirates will start appearing, as well as Sofia the First, over at Walt Disney Studios around the same time Jack goes away.
It'll be nice to get some new characters at the park. The last new characters from any new movie or TV show that DLP got were Rapunzel and Flynn.

Staying with DLP, and Timon has decided to sport his new look in DLP as of yesterday. This now brings him in line with the other parks.

Finally, although we (sadly) aren't attending, D23 takes place this week and is expected to star some brand new characters. We'll of course keep you all posted.

Ok, I think that's all for now,

Dan.
Halloween News for Disney Cruise Line and Disneyland Paris, and more!
DisneyDan  Wednesday, July 17, 2013 2:13:30 PM
Hello everyone,

Today the Disney Parks Blog announced that for Halloween Season this year aboard all ships sailing between late September and the end of October would feature Halloween costume parties with the Disney characters, as well as other small entertainment and food offerings.
On the Disney Dream though, they seem to be going a bit further, and for the first time there will be a special programme of entertainment specifically for that ship, which includes a full deck party/show titled 'Mickey's Calling All the Monsters Mouse-Querade Deck Party', greetings with Jack and Sally, and Halloween storytelling with a "mysterious Sea Captain" (I wonder if Captain Hook will show up?...).
The whole event will be called Halloween on the High Seas.

The Blog promised that an announcement about Christmas on the ships would come tomorrow - we look forward to hearing what new things they'll be offering!

Staying with Halloween, and French forum ameworld posted what appears to be an official statement from Disney regarding Halloween this year, though Disney themselves haven't released anything yet. The news is that the Castle Stage show Mickey's Halloween Treat in the Street will not return for a third year, but instead we will see a brand new Halloween cavalcade that will feature Mickey and friends, including Huey, Dewey, Louie, Scrooge McDuck and for what is believed to be the first time ever at DLP, Clarabelle Cow!
All other regular Halloween elements are expected to return, such as meeting the Disney characters in special costumes including a brand new location for Minnie, and the return of Bon Bon Goofy in Town Square, greetings with the ever popular Disney Villains, Jack and Sally in Frontierland, and all the cool decorations that usually feature throughout the park. Disney's Halloween Party will also feature on 31st October, as it always does.
Jon and I will be at DLP for Halloween Season again this year and cannot wait to see the new cavalcade!

Finally, today is Disneyland in California's 58th Birthday, and so if you're going to be there, or thinking about going, you should know that there will be "something special" happening Town Square at 2.30pm Pacific Standard Time this afternoon! In the past these celebrations have usually involved a rededication of sorts, and a vast number of random Disney characters appearing for a brief time (flashmob style).

Ok, I think that's everything for now. I'll try to make an update tomorrow when we hear from Disney about the winter Cruise offerings.

Dan.
Happy 21st Birthday Disneyland Paris!
DisneyDan  Friday, April 12, 2013 4:55:25 AM
Hello everyone,

Today is the 21st anniversary of the grand opening of Disneyland Paris' main theme park!

Often described as the most beautiful of all the Magic Kingdom style parks, I can't say I disagree! From the gorgeous Sleeping Beauty Castle, to the incredible detail in every land, attraction, boutique and restaurant, Parc Disneyland at Disneyland Paris is stunning.

I could talk all day about all it's magical experiences and wonders, but I think by now many of you have read my blogs, and seen enough online - or even been there - to know what a truly breathtaking place it is, so, in my usual tribute style, I'm going to post some of Character Central' pictures below, for your enjoyment!

Happy 21st Birthday Disneyland Paris!
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