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Hi all,
We have been busy as always here at Character Central, but here's this weeks roundup of all the latest character news.
There has been lots of PIXAR news this week.
We start with the news that the West Coast Cruises this Fall will feature a lot of favourite PIXAR Pals. There will be special meet and greets and events on board.
The picture posted by the Parks Blog shows fairly standard characters, and I doubt very much any real neat ones will show up.
What do you all think of this? Have you already booked a DCL Cruise for these dates? Would you have liked to have known it was going to be PIXAR centric?
Staying with PIXAR, some new PIXAR stamps were launched in the US this week, and the PIXAR pals were at the brand new Art of Animation Resort in WDW for a special launch event.
That leads me to talk about the new Art of Animation Resort... It opened this week with a character filled ceremony and a speech by the fan love her/hate her head of Parks and Resorts, Meg Crofton. Characters in attendance included Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Pluto, Timon, Ariel, Eric, and Chip 'n' Dale - and the Fab 5 friends were the talking head versions! Also there were puppeteers commanding Sebastian and Flounder alongside Ariel and Eric.
Continuing the PIXAR theme, and Downtown Disney in WDW has been hosting the Car Masters Weekend, and of course Disney took the opportunity to have some very famous stars there... Mater, McQueen and Finn McMissile! Although Mater and McQueen already meet in the Parks, Finn is a cool addition for those visiting this weekend.
Over in California, the PXAR Play Parade made it's return in "soft opening" mode, and will return officially on June 15th - DCA's official re-launch date.
The only float we can see that is missing currently is the Remy and Emile one, and that's probably due to the rats bouncing wires being too tall for the new overhead lines along Buena Vista Street.
Staying with DCA, and the Disney Parks Blog announced a few new cool things there. I thought I had mentioned these previously, but obviously completely forgot! So these are a bit late, I apologise lol.
When the new Buena Vista Street opens, some of the Fab 5 friends will get some fantastic new outfits to meet fans in the new land. We just LOVE Chip and Dale's outfits!
Also, as expected, but now confirmed, Mater and McQueen will be meeting Guests in Cars Land daily.
On top of all that, and I think maybe inspired by DLP's daily fountain shows that utilise the new Dreams technology, Goofy will be making appearances in his tux throughout the day at Paradise Bay, conducting the World Of Color fountains to music!
Finally for DCA (!), the Parks Blog also said that a character dance party will take place daily though the summer in Hollywood Land, and "you never know who might show up!"... We'll see whether that ends up being regular pals, or some more random ones (we of course hope the latter!).
We look forward to seeing all these new things this year!
Two last things, which aren't PIXAR related!
Rapunzel and Flynn have apparently been added to the day Parade in the Magic Kingdom, on the finale Castle float, which makes for a nice addition. As we all know, they are immensely popular, and so adding them makes sense - especially in the MK's ailing parade.
Finally, it has been announced (and confirmed by various sources) that place-making will begin at the Walt Disney Studios in Paris, alongside the new Ratatouille ride (scheduled to open 2014), and will continue through 2018!
I know this isn't character related, but it is a much welcomed announcement, and we can only hope that it will be along similar lines to the new DCA, and in turn will mean new character shows, greetings and entertainment!
Ok, that's all for now! Let us know your thoughts by hitting the Discuss button below and commenting on the forum!
Dan. |
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Hi all,
Sorry it has been a while again, but we have been ever busy, and to be honest, there hasn't been too much character news out there!
But, nonetheless I thought I'd just mention a few things that have happened in recent days.
At Disneyland Paris, the new Meet Mickey opened in Fantasyland at the former Fantasy Festival Stage location.
We don't have any of our own pictures to share right now, but from what I have seen of the inside, it is really neat! I think that they did a much better job of it than Town Square Theatre in the Magic Kingdom, that's for sure!
Disneyland Paris also released the new Winter brochure for this year, and it provides some small (very small) details about what to expect this Halloween and Christmas seasons.
Characters in themed outfits seem to be returning to both celebrations, and at Halloween the Villains too.
As we already knew, but now confirmed, the MNSSHPs are not returning (sadly), but the Soiree will.
At Christmas, Mickey's Winter Wonderland will return, and the description uses a plural - shows - so we expect that the Tree Lighting will return, and a new, reworked Castle Lighting (seeing that Central Plaza Stage has now gone).
Find a out a few more details, including dates, on our forum here (Christmas) and here (Halloween).
Over in Walt Disney World, Star Wars weekend began last week, and have, as always, been featuring all the best loved characters from the movies. I haven't heard of anything exceptional this year, or anyone new, but if I do I'll of course post it here.
Staying with the US Parks, both WDW and Disneyland launched Princess Merida from PIXAR's Brave last week.
Merida now meets at the Fairytale Garden in the Magic Kingdom, and near "it's a small world" in Disneyland.
Finally, last week I had posted a Happy Birthday Goofy post... I had done this because, according to numerous sources - including the Disney Parks Blog itself! - that it was indeed Goofy's Birthday. Now, according to Disney, it is Goofy's Birthday today!
I have double checked against various different sources, and most places seem to agree it is today, but some places still record it as the 12th of May!
Well, anyway, what ever the actual date (and my suspicion it is indeed today), we'll wish Goofy Happy Birthday again! Check out last week's post for a photo filled tribute to our favourite goof in action at the Parks and Resorts!
Ok, that's all for now,
Dan. |
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Hi all,
This week has seen a few small bits of new character information emerge.
The Disney Parks Blog has been surprisingly forthcoming with information about some new character experiences at the US Parks.
First off, Princess Merida, from the new Disney-PIXAR movie 'Brave' will come to both the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland by the summer. She will be the first PIXAR character to be represented in the parks as a face character!
At the Magic Kingdom, she will host her own Highland Games (ok, maybe not quite!) at the Fairytale Garden. It will be an interactive experience, complete with archery, according to the Parks Blog! It will be interesting to see how that one works out!
Rapunzel, who currently occupies the spot will be moving to Adventureland, and will be rejoined by Flynn Rider! It is rumoured that they will take Ariel's place at the Veranda, and Ariel could move to near the Swiss Family Treehouse. Nothing is certain at this stage, but that's what I've heard.
At Disneyland Merida will appear at a new location near "it's a small world".
At both locations she is going to be joined by her three bear cub friends in puppet form (so we hear, also subject to change). It will be interesting to see how that works out!
We really look forward to meeting Princess Merida in the summer.
At Disney California Adventure it has been confirmed that there will be a new cast of characters to bring the new Buena Vista Street to life.
Much like how Disney's Hollywood Studios features the Citizens of Hollywood, the Citizens of Buena Vista Street should prove to be a lot of fun. If the Hollywood folk are anything to go by, then expect a lot of random fun and a lot of laughs at every turn!
Just a few other smaller updates. Megara was seen at EPCOT yesterday, and rumour has it that Miss Bunny and Thumper will be leaving Animal Kingdom in the near future (sadly).
Also after a brief absence from the new parade, Tinker Bell has reappeared on the last float in Disneyland Paris, much to the fans delight!
Now, for something special!
As you all are quite aware by now, it is Disneyland Paris's 20th birthday. We will of course be there from Friday this week, and covering all the 20th anniversary happenings as they unfold on the day (next Thursday).
For the FIRST TIME EVER, we will be holding a special competition here at Character Central to win a special DLP 20th anniversary prize pack!
I won't give too much away right now, as we are still working on it, but to be in with a better chance, I might suggest you create an account on our Forums here at Character Central and start getting involved in some of our discussions! Membership is of course free, and quick and easy to do.
That's the only clue I'll give right now!
Ok, that's all for now,
Dan. |
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Hi all, It has been really quiet o nthe Disney Character news as late, but I have been searching around and have a few small items to share today. The Disney Parks Blog announced the dates for Star Wars Weekends next year. These events are always ridiculously popular, and are filled with some excellent Star Wars characters, as well as Disney Characters in Star Wars outfits. Dug and Russell are now meeting in Disney's Animal Kingdom, near the Flame Tree BBQ. I have also heard a rumour - and this really is jus tthat right now - that Dumbo may appear maybe in Aniaml Kingdom (although could be elsewhere) for the early part of next year while his ride relocates across the Magic Kingdom. This is certainly a viable rumour since they did the same thing back in 2005. Lastly for WDW, the Pooh characters are now meeting in Town Square, and not Fantasyland. Over in California, Loren has been keeping us up to date with all the happenings there. Be sure to check out last week's and this week's posts. The Disney Parks Blog also announced a brand new show coming to the Disney Fantasy, called Wishes. It looks pretty neat, so we look forward to hearing more about that one as it develops. Finally, don't forget to check out Part Five of my Grand Circle Tour of Disneyland Paris, which was about Frontierland. Of course, it features some of our favourite friends along the way! Jon and I are off to Disneyland Paris this weekend again, to check out the Christmas Season, and will be back at our desks Monday. Have a great weekend all! Dan. |
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It has been known for some time now that Fantasy Festival Stage in Fantasyland in Disneyland Paris will be closed and converted into the new pemanent meet 'n' greet location of Mickey Mouse.
In the last two weeks, as expected construction walls have indeed gone up around the theatre, and work has begun to install Mickey's new home.
The new 2012 DLP brochure, now available in travel agencies and online, which was released just about two weeks ago, also now has a small description that reads (and I quote)
"[Mickey] welcomes you to meet him backstage in the rehearsal room of his theatre in Fantasyland."
The description goes on to detail the "ornate music hall" where, while waiting in line, you can "laugh along with some classic short films featuring Mickey". [ Read More... ] |
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Hi all,
This week sees some sad news from Disney's Animal Kingdom. Apparently due to the new character lunch at Tusker House, WDW feel it apparently necessary to cut a whole bunch of characters from the Park's meet 'n' greet line up. To be honest nothing actually surprises me with WDW any more, and this is just another sad change that will go unchecked.
Quite why they have to cut regular meet 'n' greet characters - especially popular ones such as Lilo and Stitch, when they are receiving money for the meals anyway, is quite baffling. Doesn't it already cost enough to get into Disney, without having to pay for a meal to meet characters? Shouldn't the cost of the meal cover that service? Why should regular meet 'n' greets suffer? Let us know your thoughts on this by replying to this article, below.
Over at the Magic Kingdom, our friend Drew has posted some rumoured characters for Pete's Silly Sideshow. We hope that there are no cutbacks there, and some of those mentioned indeed come true! Oswald would be particularly amazing!
At Disney's Hollywood Studios Jake has finally made his official debut at both the Play 'n' Dine and outside Disney Junior Live at a meet 'n' greet. Sadly, once again, in favour of this one new character, ALL the Little Einsteins have faced the axe! The only one left that I am aware of is June, who still meets at the Play 'n' Dine (which is of course a paying service...) Jake has also started greeting at Hollywood Pictures Backlot in Disney California Adventure. I am sure Loren will have all the updates form that next weekend!
Here in Europe at Disneyland Paris, artwork has been released showing what is expected to be some of the changes to the Once Upon a Dream Parade for the 20th anniversary. I had already posted on the blog back in the early summer that the Fairies would appear at the front, and Mickey and Friends would move to the back onto Princess 2, but this seems to now be confirmed.
It also looks like there could be some new characters in the parade, such as Mowgli and Mike Wazowski. The Mickey and Friends characters are expected to have new outfits, which are the same ones which have been used for all the 20th anniversary advertising so far. Hopefully that will translate into meet 'n' greet outfits too, as they look pretty cool!
Regarding next year and Halloween, I had mentioned before that Halloween may be facing some cuts next year due to the massive expediture on the new "Dreams" night time spectacular. The new brochure (which can be found here, and also has a lot of the new artwork in it) does indeed confirm the sad demise of Mickey's Halloween Parties, but leaves the Soirée in place. It does confirm however that ther ewill be a Halloween Season, filled with characters and Disney Villains. Hopefully that means at least the Fab 5 friends, Pooh (Fab 5 and Pooh in Halloween outfits that is) and Jack and Sally will continue to meet, as they have always done, as well as all the cool Villains.
Ok, that's all for now,
Dan. |
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Hi all, We begin today's news with some details about Christmas Season across the parks, which has gotten under-way this week. First off, to Disneyland Paris, where they welcomed Duffy to the Resort officially. Duffy was inaugurated at special ceremony which incorporated the unveiling of the Gingerbread House at the Disneyland Hotel. He was joined by the band, as well as Mickey and friends in their Holiday finest. [ Read More... ] |
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Hi all, This weekend was quite an eventful one in the world of Disney. We shall begin with something close to home (at least for me!), and that is Rapunzel's coronation in London. Although I wasn't there (why did they have to have it the same weekend as DLP's Halloween Season open?!), there have been some videos posted to YouTube. I liked this one, and this one in particular. There was a small ceremony at an indoor location, which was presented by the Fairy Godmother and also featured Flynn Rider, and there was a horse-drawn procession outside. It was a neat and different way to induct her a the newest member of Disney Royalty, and I hope that Disney continue to do cool things like this in the future. [ Read More... ] |
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 | Happy 40th Anniversary Walt Disney World! | |
| DisneyDan
Friday, September 30, 2011 10:34:50 PM |
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Today is the Magic Kingdom's 40th Birthday, and so as a tribute, I have compiled a series of character pictures throughout the years, from the Magic Kingdom, in celebration of the big day.
Let us begin our magical tour on Main Street, USA... [ Read More... ] |
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Hi all, As I had previously reported, Rapunzel is having her coronation in London on Saturday (further info in previous post - location etc), and will be joined by all the other Disney Princesses. There have been some neat press photos released this week of Rapunzel's trip to London before her big day. I couldn't find an official Disney source, but Stitch Kingdom reposted some here. Disneyland in California has said that they will be holding some exclusive new annual passholder events from mid-October, but sadly to begin with these will be by invite only. The first of these parties will include an exclusive evening showing of the Soundsational parade, showing off it's neat light effects not normally seen. Al Lutz has more details here, and there is more to the events than I have time to explain here, but if they are eventually opened up to other passholders, I can see that these will be a success (see Al's post as to my meaning about "if" here). Over in Disneyland Paris, the opening weekend of Halloween has had it's schedule posted online, much to my joy (I go for two days this Saturday for the opening). It is really good to see some decent times for the two new shows, and some good times for the Villains meets, Jack and Sally, and the Tremaines. Staying with Paris, and on the Magic Forum, user Poppy has posted some more info about the 20th anniversary Castle show, which I had speculated on previously. The character link here is that Mickey or Peter Pan may appear - but only one of them! Of course, nothing is confirmed yet. DLP have also announced that there will be an exclusive preview of the new Princess Pavilion for annual passholders (Dream only) on the 5th and 6th of October between 10am and 1pm. If you're there be sure to check it out and let us know what you think! Finally, our friend Drew posted on the WDWMagic Forum that on Saturday, for WDW's 40th anniversary, the cavalcade I had previously mentioned will be at 10am down Main Street USA, and will feature 60 characters. It will be followed by a speech by Meg Crofton, at CInderella Castle. Ok, that's all for now, Dan. |
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