Loren
Posts: 250
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What a fantastic last few days it has been at the Disneyland Resort!
As you know, I reported that Disneyland is hosting the New Orleans Bayou Bash for the next several weekends throughout February and March in, of course, New Orleans Square. I went to go check it out on Sunday and it was so much fun. As I imagined, it is very similar to the Mardi Gras Celebration that Disneyland held last year as part of their Family Fun Weekends.
New Orleans Bayou Bash by Loren Javier, on Flickr
New Orleans Bayou Bash by Loren Javier, on Flickr
My first stop was the Court of Angels where Tiana and Naveen came out to meet around 10 am, which is when the New Orleans Bayou Bash was scheduled to begin. It's always nice to see Tiana and Naveen here and it really made me wonder why they're not there more often anyway given that New Orleans Square is inspired by the very city in which their story takes place.
New Orleans Bayou Bash by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Meeting Tiana and Naveen by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Meeting Tiana and Naveen by Loren Javier, on Flickr
I was sad that Louis wasn't able to join them, but, I kind of got why he couldn't. The characters have to make it down a staircase to the meet in the Court of Angels and Louis is not able to do so. And, we wouldn't want Louis to get hurt, would we?
From the meet-and-greet, I headed down to the Esplanade near the Rivers of America where a stage was set up for performances throughout the day. At 10:30 am, there was a procession from the New Orleans Square Train Station along the Espalande to the stage featuring the Jambalaya Jazz Band, accompanied by Mickey, Minnie and Goofy in their Mardi Gras (or, as some remember it, Parade of Dreams) best.
IMG_8432 by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Jambalaya Jazz Band Show by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Jambalaya Jazz Band Show by Loren Javier, on Flickr
The Jambalaya Jazz Band then got on the stage and performed while Mickey, Minnie and Goofy danced with the kids. Throughout the chaos, people can jump in and get their pictures with the characters.
Jambalaya Jazz Band Show by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Jambalaya Jazz Band Show by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Jambalaya Jazz Band Show by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Jambalaya Jazz Band Show by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Jambalaya Jazz Band Show by Loren Javier, on Flickr
At 11:00 am, Princess Tiana's Mardi Gras Celebration began with a procession starting near the Golden Horseshoe up to the stage along the Rivers of America.
New Orleans Bayou Bash by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Princess Tiana's Mardi Gras Celebration by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Princess Tiana's Mardi Gras Celebration by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Princess Tiana's Mardi Gras Celebration by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Princess Tiana's Mardi Gras Celebration by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Princess Tiana's Mardi Gras Celebration by Loren Javier, on Flickr
When the Procession arrived, Tiana, Naveen and Louis went up on stage and performed several numbers from The Princess and the Frog.
Princess Tiana's Mardi Gras Celebration by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Princess Tiana's Mardi Gras Celebration by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Princess Tiana's Mardi Gras Celebration by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Princess Tiana's Mardi Gras Celebration by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Princess Tiana's Mardi Gras Celebration by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Princess Tiana's Mardi Gras Celebration by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Princess Tiana's Mardi Gras Celebration is basically a scaled down version of the wildly popular Tiana's Showboat Jubilee that was performed on the Mark Twain Riverboat back when the film first premiered. And, while some of the numbers have been removed (for example, Dr. Facilier's number is not in the show), it still remains as special as it always has.
At 11:30 am, a procession and show similar to the Jambalaya Jazz Band show at 10:30 performs. The only difference is that, instead of the Jambalaya Jazz Band, it is the the New Orleans Traditional Jazz Band and features some of the Jubilee dancers along with Mickey, Minnie and Goofy. The New Orleans Traditional Jazz Band is the band that perform this show throughout the day.
New Orleans Bayou Bash by Loren Javier, on Flickr
New Orleans Traditional Jazz Band Show by Loren Javier, on Flickr
New Orleans Traditional Jazz Band Show by Loren Javier, on Flickr
New Orleans Traditional Jazz Band Show by Loren Javier, on Flickr
New Orleans Traditional Jazz Band Show by Loren Javier, on Flickr
I then went back to the Court of Angels to see who was meeting. It was Chip n' Dale in their Mardi Gras vests.
Meeting Mardi Gras Chip n' Dale by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Meeting Mardi Gras Chip n' Dale by Loren Javier, on Flickr
And, I happened to be there at the right time where Goofy was coming to replace our favorite Chipmunks. So, I was also able to get pictures with him, as well.
Meeting Mardi Gras Goofy by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Meeting Mardi Gras Goofy by Loren Javier, on Flickr
I understand that Mickey and Minnie also met throughout the day, but I ended up missing them and hope to get them before the Bayou Bash ends at Disneyland. What was different from this year is that Donald and Pluto are not out. I'm not sure why. But, other than that, the New Orleans Bayou Bash is stellar and another fantastic celebration put on by the Disneyland Resort.
I was also able to go to Disneyland on Valentine's Day. I had heard that the Princes met the Princesses on Valentine's Day, but was never able to go. But, having gone this year, I'm going to make this a tradition. The Princesses and Princes were having so much fun together. It just felt so special.
Throughout the day, we saw Snow White and The Prince...
Meeting Snow White and The Prince by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Meeting Snow White and The Prince by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Cinderella and Prince Charming...
Prince Charming and Cinderella by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Meeting Cinderella and Prince Charming by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Ariel and Prince Eric...
Meeting Ariel and Prince Eric by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Meeting Ariel and Prince Eric by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Belle and the Beast...
Meeting Belle and the Beast by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Meeting Belle and the Beast by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Meeting Belle and the Beast by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Prince Ali (Aladdin) and Jasmine...
Meeting Prince Ali/Aladdin and Jasmine by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Meeting Prince Ali/Aladdin and Jasmine by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Tiana and Naveen...
Meeting Tiana and Naveen by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Meeting Tiana and Naveen by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Naveen gives Tiana a Kiss by Loren Javier, on Flickr
and, while I didn't get to see Prince Phillip (Aurora explained to me that he was battling Maleficent at the time), Aurora and Prince Phillip were out...
Meeting Aurora by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Meeting Aurora by Loren Javier, on Flickr
At one point in the day, all the Princes and Princesses came out and did a photo shoot. Even Rapunzel and Flynn Rider stopped by from their meet-and-greet in Fantasyland to join the others. It was just such a magical moment.
The Disney Prince Photo Shoot by Loren Javier, on Flickr
The Disney Prince Photo Shoot by Loren Javier, on Flickr
The Disney Prince Photo Shoot by Loren Javier, on Flickr
The Disney Princess and Prince Photo Shoot by Loren Javier, on Flickr
The Disney Princess and Prince Photo Shoot by Loren Javier, on Flickr
The Disney Princess and Prince Photo Shoot by Loren Javier, on Flickr
The Disney Princess and Prince Photo Shoot by Loren Javier, on Flickr
The Disney Princess Photo Shoot by Loren Javier, on Flickr
The Disney Princess Photo Shoot by Loren Javier, on Flickr
The Disney Princess Photo Shoot by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Here are some other fun photos of the Princesses and Princes together.
The Beast and Belle say hello to fans before leaving the Royal Walk by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Belle and the Beast leave the Royal Walk by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Cinderella, Ariel and Snow White say hello by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Snow White and the Prince by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Ariel and Prince Eric by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Cinderella and Prince Charming by Loren Javier, on Flickr
And, if the Princesses and Princes weren't enough, I also managed to spot Pocahontas along the Big Thunder Trail. Now, while it's not entirely rare the Pocahontas is out, she never seems to be out while I'm there and I was starting to take it personally. LOL! Just kidding. But, it was certainly wonderful to see her while I was there.
Meeting Pocahontas by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Meeting Pocahontas by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Meeting Pocahontas by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Meeting Pocahontas by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Over at Disney California Adventure, there's some good news and bad news.
The bad news first - Monday, February 13 marked the final performances of Jedidiah Jones and the Miner 49'ers, the bluegrass band who appeared across from Rushin' River Outfitter on Highway 49 in the Grizzly Peak Recreation Area. The Miner 49'ers were one of the best musical acts in all of the Disneyland Resort and Jedidiah Jones, who one could argue is a character, was always fun. While nobody knows exactly why their show ended, there's speculation they needed to make cuts to make room for Minnie's Fly School Charter Airline in Condor Flats and upcoming entertainment for Buena Vista Street and Cars Land. Whatever the case might be, Jedidiah Jones and the Miner 49'ers will be truly missed.
Jedadiah Jones and the Miner 49'ers by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Meeting Jedidiah Jones and the Miner 49'ers by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Speaking of Minnie's Fly School Charter Airline, the new show, featuring Minnie Mouse and songs from the 30s, 40s and 50s (although, another source said 40s, 50s and 60s), is set to premiere on Friday. The stage and signage is already set in Condor Flats.
Stage is set for Minnie's Fly Girls Charter Airline Show by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Minnie's Fly Girls Charter Airline by Loren Javier, on Flickr
Stage is set for Minnie's Fly Girls Charter Airline Show by Loren Javier, on Flickr
While I'm excited to see this show, I'm not sure why they decided to start this show now given the heavy traffic going through Condor Flats while the temporary entrance lets out there. It will be interesting to see what kind of log jams, if any, the show creates. I'll be there this weekend hopefully to check out the show, so I'll be sure to share photos.
Click here to see more of my photos from the New Orleans Bayou Bash!
Click here to see more of my photos from Valentine's Day!
Until next week! 
edited by Loren on 2/15/2012
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disneyphilip
Posts: 130
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It seems to me that the only two prince & princess couples that haven't been together for Valentine's Day at DL are Pocahontas & John Smith and Mulan & Shang. Kinda odd, considering the fact that Pocahontas and Mulan are official princesses and they both make appearances at the Princess Fantasy Faire from time to time as well.
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Loren
Posts: 250
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Yeah, many people were remarking that it was sad Pocahontas was out alone on Valentine's Day. I would have loved to have seen Pocahontas and John Smith. And I would die to meet Li Shang! That said, it was an incredible day seeing the Princesses and Princes that we did get to see.
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disneyphilip
Posts: 130
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Loren wrote:
Yeah, many people were remarking that it was sad Pocahontas was out alone on Valentine's Day. I would have loved to have seen Pocahontas and John Smith. And I would die to meet Li Shang! That said, it was an incredible day seeing the Princesses and Princes that we did get to see.
Hope you went to City Hall to mention all that. It's the only way to get things to happen. That and writing letters.
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Loren
Posts: 250
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I always stop by City Hall and talk to whomever will listen to me. LOL! The good news is that Disneyland has been spending a lot of time surveying people about their expectations on characters during their visits. I've received a survey and I know others who have as well. And, they seem to be refining them as well.
For years, Disneyland had been stuck in the mud about the same old characters being out. But, recently, over the last year, they've gotten much better at giving us characters off the beaten path or characters in different costumes. If the rumors I've been hearing about Disney California Adventure are true come this summer, then the Disneyland Resort will be a fantastic place for the character aficionado.
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PeterPanFan
Administrator
Posts: 392
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Great pics and report as always Loren!! THank you 
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Visit the Disney Character Central Blog for all the latest character news and information!
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disneyphilip
Posts: 130
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Loren wrote:
I always stop by City Hall and talk to whomever will listen to me. LOL! The good news is that Disneyland has been spending a lot of time surveying people about their expectations on characters during their visits. I've received a survey and I know others who have as well. And, they seem to be refining them as well.
For years, Disneyland had been stuck in the mud about the same old characters being out. But, recently, over the last year, they've gotten much better at giving us characters off the beaten path or characters in different costumes. If the rumors I've been hearing about Disney California Adventure are true come this summer, then the Disneyland Resort will be a fantastic place for the character aficionado.
I know that one for DCA was shared on MouseInfo.com, but did they make a seperate one for Disneyland Park as well?
If so, what characters were included on the DL list?
I wish there was some way I could take such a survey too. Do you know how I can get to do it?
P.S.: I hope WDW will do something similar to this as well. At least the new Fantasyland is going to have new and different characters, including some of the new ones that DCA is supposedly getting (Pete, Oswald, Horace, Clarabelle, the 3 Little Pigs, etc.).
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Loren
Posts: 250
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Disneyland, apparently, has had several versions of a character survey. It seems that they are refining the surveys as they go. The one that I received was not as ridiculous as the one I saw on MouseInfo where they just named random characters for DCA. Instead, this focused on units of characters (such as TRON, Alice in Wonderland, Pirates of the Caribbean, etc.). While there was a question that listed a bunch of characters I'd like to see at the Disneyland Resort (the whole resort and not one park), it also gave me an opportunity to tell them what characters specifically I'd like to see (essay rather than checkbox). And, it also asked some interesting questions like "Why is your favorite character like the person you want to be?"
Every time Disneyland has one of these special events such as the Dia de Reyes, Lunar New Year and Bayou Bash, I make a point of talking with the entertainment folk as well as the cadre of surveyers they send out to talk to guests. While slowly but surely, it seems like throwing rare characters into the mix is getting Disneyland's attention. The Character Fan Weekend they had last year was so popular and they were taken by surprise when people went nuts when the Three Caballeros made appearances at Dia de Reyes and the Annual Passholder Event. They're nowhere near perfect, but, I feel they have been making some kind of effort.
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DisneyDan
Administrator
Posts: 414
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Thanks for the great update as always Loren!
We look forward to hopefully seeing the Minnie's Fly School in the summer!
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Check the Character Central Blog for all the latest news and rumours!
Check my Flickr page for all my Disney photos!
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Maleficent Freak
Posts: 89
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Hey Loren, glad you had fun. I really want to go to the Valentine's Day Princess Fantasy Faire Event. The only princes I have met are Naveen and Aladdin. I found out I will not be able to attend the Bayou Bash or the One More Disney Day. I sadly have other commitments. I agree. It would have been nice to have seen Shang or John Smith out. I get off schooI in two weeks and plan to make a trip to Disneyland every week except for one. Hopefully, they will have some kind of event going on when I go. If not, I plan to go visit new things such as Minnie's New Show and Goofy's new outfit at his ride. Let me know when you are going any day but Saturday so maybe we can meet up and find some cool characters together!!!!!
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Connor
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Shiva
Posts: 55
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Awesome report & pictures, Loren! I so want to go to DLR on Valentine's Day! Maybe next year. I had to go to the MNSSHP on my first WDW vacation last year to finally meet most of the princes, since DLR is notorious for almost never having any of them available, with the exceptions of Flynn Rider and Aladdin. I still need to meet Beast and Prince Eric someday. I know Beast is at Epcot in the early afternoons on most days, so it's just a matter of waiting in the line for him. Prince Eric is known to appear in the Adventurland Veranda with Ariel, but somehow I missed them last October. In any case, what a treat to see them all in the same place at DLR!
Oh, and I've met this particular "friend" of Pocahontas before! In fact, she is the first Pocahontas I have ever met. She's great! When I met her last summer, she was walking through the back of Frontierland looking for Meeko. Most of the park guests were looking at her like she was nuts. Don't they know who Pocahontas is anymore? After all, unless it's the Halloween ticketed event, adults cannot wear costumes, so obviously she is a character performer. Oh well, their loss was my gain. Few people mustered up the courage to approach her to meet with her.
edited by Shiva on 2/21/2012
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"You have to live your life spherically--in many directions. Never lose your childish enthusiasm, and things will come your way." - Lindsey Duncan in Under the Tuscan Sun
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Loren
Posts: 250
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Thanks, Shiva!
Yeah, I think Valentine's Day is the only day you'll see the princes out at Disneyland with the exception of the princes you mentioned (although Naveen is out right now in New Orleans Square during the New Orleans Bayou Bash). Interestingly enough, the Beast has made an appearance on a few occasions this year at Disneyland, but, as you know, he is rarely out. Hopefully, you'll be able to meet him and Prince Eric soon.
As for Pocahontas, I think this friend is the regular friend for Pocahontas. She's not rare anymore to Disneyland, but, she's usually out only on the weekdays when I'm not there. So, it was a great treat to see her when I went on Valentine's Day. And, I agree, she's great. And, she was so nice to do fun Pocahontas poses for me, too.
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