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Hello!
It has sadly been a long time since I really had chance to update the blog properly with any real updates. Actually, there hasn't really been any good character news for a long time, either, so that coupled with Jon and I always being mega busy makes for more sporadic posting than I would like!
Anyway, here we are with the first proper update of 2013, and it's shaping up to be quite the year so far - which of course is good news for us character fans!
We'll start with the US Parks, and first up is California.
As you may recall, the old Fantasyland Theater in Disneyland has for the longest time been used for a Princess meet 'n' greet, which just about everybody agreed was a massive waste of time and space. Last year Disneyland closed it and finally started making preparations for a brand new show to debut there.
Since then we have all waited anxiously to find out what new show would appear at the theatre.
Well, our questions were answered this week, finally, when the Disney Parks Blog announced that 'Mickey and the Magical Map' would start in "summer 2013". I am hopeful that this will become a well loved show, as it looks quite neat, and that we get to see it when we visit in August (providing it has started by then!).
Since the show is taking over Fantasy Faire, you may also recall that Disneyland are relocating their Princess meet 'n' greet to what was the beloved Carnation Plaza Gardens area, next to Sleeping Beauty Castle. They are of course making some massive upgrades, and this week, again, the Parks Blog announced that we would see the opening of the new location in "spring 2013" - which could mean as early as say, the end of March (that's what I've heard, but who knows!).
Disney never like to give much away, but we are still anticipating - though it hasn't been re-confirmed properly for quite some time. They keep missing that detail out... - that the former stage area from Carnation Plaza Gardens will remain, and there will be some sort of mini show or live entertainment there, also.
Staying with Disneyland, and last weekend saw the return of their popular Day of the Three Kings event, which featured entertainment, and of course characters! Mickey and Minnie were out in special Mexican clothing, and Donald appeared with none other than Panchito and Jose! I believe though, that this was being billed as "special" for the new Limited Time Magic promotion, despite not really being new at all!
Which then brings me to Limited Time Magic itself. Loren informs me that he has been told by Cast Members in Disneyland that their Chinese New Year entertainment will also return this year, but will be advertised as one of the Limited Time Magic events, and also something similar to last years Character Fan Weekends will reappear as a Limited event, too.
I am of course very happy that these things are returning, but it makes me a little sad that they cannot think of something new and special, instead of re-branding something existing.
Of course, Disneyland are also getting their Horseshoe Revue Back for a very limited run, which I know has proven to be a very popular move.
That brings me to Florida, and their Limited Time Magic.
So far, as far as I am aware, they have had a Tomorrowland dance party, and limited edition ear hats as their first two "special" events. The problem with both of these is that they are, well, not new! Anyone who has been to Florida in the last two years will have seen Stitch and the gang rock it out in Tomorrowland almost constantly! The only real difference is that Stitch is wearing his Elvis outfit.
Incidentally, before we move on, it was Elvis's birthday yesterday, and the little blue guy we all love wanted to just pay a small tribute...
Going back to Limited Time Magic, and although we don't know much else right now, we do know that for Valentine's the parks are planning some special things (though I don't think we can expect too much), and in September in Florida a Villains dance party for Friday the 13th.
You can check out the official Limited Time Magic website here, but be warned, you might die of boredom before anything exciting is put on there! (It's a pretty dire page!)
Over at Disneyland Paris, although I am not yet allowed to reveal any details, I would say that if you were thinking about planning a trip over any time soon, especially around Valentine's Day, then you most certainly should... I have heard there will be something really extra special and magical this year! (That will be additional to their regular Valentine's offerings, which usually consist of a character brunch, special character meets and a special Magical Moment at the Disneyland Hotel).
When I am allowed to say more, trust me, I will let you all know!
Speaking of brunches, a friend informs us that there is a Chinese New Year brunch at Inventions (with characters of course) on Sunday 10th February. I thought I would point that out, as that is pretty unique. As well as Mulan and Mushu, I wonder if Li Shang will appear?...
Also, I have heard that DLP's long running Tarzan show will once again return this summer to Frontierland.
I just want to take the opportunity to direct you to my recent New Year post, which has a special message from us here at Character Central.
You might also want to check out my now (finally!) completed Hong Kong Trip Report here, my Tokyo Trip Report here, and my latest report which is from our day trip to Universal Studios Hollywood at Christmas, here.
Ok, I think that is everything for now.
Happy New Year everyone!
Dan. |
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 | Advent Calendar - 14th December! | |
| DisneyDan
Friday, December 14, 2012 12:06:25 PM |
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Today is Friday the 14th of December, so that means it is time to open the 14th door of our magical Character Central Advent Calendar!
Here we go!...
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 | Advent Calendar - 8th December! | |
| DisneyDan
Saturday, December 8, 2012 1:06:46 PM |
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Today is the 8th of December, which means it is time to open door number eight of our Character Central Advent Calendar!
Behind today's door it is...
[ Read More... ] |
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Hi all!
We are back form our crazy round the world Halloween trip, and I have a few small updates for you this evening!
Over the coming weeks I plan to write a full trip report for both Tokyo and Hong Kong, and of course in due course the pages on this site will be updated with all the most recent pictures and character, show and parade information. But that might take a while!
I don't want to go into too much detail right now, as I don't really have the time, but here's a recap of some fo the things that happened while we were away that I didn't get to blog about...
- For Halloween at WDW, some very special characters appeared at the Hotel Resorts, including Panchito and Jose, and Louis the Aligator!
- Ralph and Venellope from Wreck-It-Ralph started meet and greets at Disneyland CA and Hollywood Studios at WDW.
- WDW announced that Santa Goofy will meet guests at a special location on the Streets of America during Christmas Season, while the Osborne Lights are there.
- Scrooge will return for meets at the Magic Kingdom for the Parties.
- There was also some BIG news for the Magic Kingdom... They will FINALLY be getting a new day parade! Hooray!
At Disneyland Paris, their Christmas Season will be kicking off this Friday, and although the schedule has not been released yet, a good friend of ours has provided the information for us! It looks set to be an amazing season, filled with true Holiday magic!
Here's the schedule as it stands right now. Please note ANYTHING can change at ANY time.
Characters Meet and Greet:
- Mickey and friends 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Town Square
- Duffy the Disney Bear 9:30 - 4:00 PM
Location: Town Square
- Santa Goofy 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Gazebo, Town Square
- Stitch and Angel 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Christmas Tree, Town Square
- Winnie the Pooh 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Location: Casey's Corner, Main Street USA
- Belle 11:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Old Mill, Fantasyland
- Jack and Sally 10:30 AM - 4:45 PM
Location: Phantom Manor, Frontierland
- Santa Clause 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Cottonwood Creek Ranch, Frontierland
Shows and Parades:
- Disney Magic on Parade 4:30 PM
- Christmas Cavalcade 11:15 AM, 12:15 PM, 1:15 PM
- Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 6:15 PM
- Castle Lighting Ceremony 6:45 PM
- Disney Dreams 8:15 PM
I think that's everything for now!
Dan. |
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Hi all,
This is a very brief news update, as we are on our way to Hong Kong Disneyland later today!
I saw a couple of character related things around the internet this week that were worth mentioning.
First off, and maybe the biggest news was that the US Parks and Resorts, next year (2013), will be dubbed "Limited Time Magic", and will feature a year full of new and interesting events on both coasts.
Of course there are some oddball ones, such as the Dapper Dans singing pop songs (!), but there are also some for us character fans, including "Long Lost Friends Week", which is due to feature, to quote, "lesser known" Disney characters.
There will also be themed weeks, such as the week of 4th July, that will feature Mickey and Friends in their patriotic clothes, and Pirate Week, which, as you can imagine, features them in their pirate gear.
We look forward to hearing more about these events, and the full line-up for the year. We only hope that they release dates for each specific week in advance enough so that everyone can plan the week they want to attend.
You can check out our member's forum post about it here, which also has a link to the Parks Blog post.
In WDW, EPCOT is due to close the Character spot for a lengthy - and long overdue - overhaul.
The new version is due to reopen in February. In the meantime Mickey and Friends are being moved around the park. Though nothing official has been announced yet regarding the future of it, it is expected that they are going to take a leaf out of their own books, and their recent efforts at the brand new Silly Sideshow at the Magic Kingdom. Hopefully EPCOT will finally get an appropriately themed character location, with Mickey and Friends wearing some neat new Future World outfits.
Again, you can check out our forum post about it here.
Over in DL, although this is not official, Miceage king Al Lutz has reported that the West Coast park is due to cut their Christmas offering s from 2013, and instead host ticketed Christmas Parties, like the Magic Kingdom. I won't get into the whole thing here, as I am on limited time (our flight to HKDL awaits! LOL!), but you can read his article here. I for one would be sad if DL went down this route. DL's seasonal offerings are one of the many great things that often sets them apart from WDW, and is another anil in the coffin towards the US Parks becoming standardised, much to the fans disappointment.
With the announcement in NY earlier this week regarding the Limited Time Magic, it was also made apparent that the Disney Princesses would be getting a makeover. Cinderella was there, and if you check that Parks Blog post I mentioned above, you'll see a picture of her in her new dress and hairstyle. I have also heard that the other core Princesses will also be receiving makeovers. As yet, as far as I know, there is no date for their official relaunch. If anyone knows otherwise, just let me know!
Ok, I think that's all for now then.
Like I said, we're off to Hong Kong Disneyland tonight, and later next week Tokyo Disney Resort!
We'll try to update our Facebook page regularly, as well as our Twitter account, with pictures from our adventures at the parks, so be sure to follow us there!
Dan. |
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Today is the 41st Anniversary of the opening of the Magic Kingdom, Disney's Polynesian Resort and Disney's Contemporary Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Also, on this day 11 years later, EPCOT opened, which means it is also celebrating, and is 30 years young today!
Over the years Walt Disney World has strived to be the number one vacation destination in the world; and for us Disney fans, I think you'll agree that it really is a truly beautiful and magical place.
Magic truly lives at Walt Disney World, and I am sure that Walt Disney would be proud of the work that his company has achieved. Walt had one goal - to provide a place where people can come to have fun and escape the real world. He also dreamed of a place where a diverse range of cultures come together and live their dreams in a vast community built on the ideals and promises of a better future.
Those dreams and ideals have come true, and tens of nationalities work at Walt Disney World, and many more visit every day.
Happy Birthday Walt Disney World Resort. Long may you bring us joy and happiness, and a vision of a better tomorrow, for all.
Seeing as the most notable birthday today is EPCOT, my photo tribute will be primarily EPCOT orientated, with some pictures of the Contemporary, Polynesian and Magic Kingdom added at the end.
Dan. |
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Hi all,
This week we attended the first MNSSHP of the season at the Magic Kingdom in Florida.
There are a few minor changes this year to the line-up, but nothing too noteworthy.
The Boo To You Parade is down by 3 characters this year, sadly. Angelica, Liver Lips and Shaker have all been cut.
There are some additional performers, and some new outfits for the performers in the parade.
There is also the new Not So Scary Street Jam! which is basically a street dance party right before the parade. We don't rate this very much, and think that of all the things Disney could have added, they wasted a group of performers' talents, whereas they could be additional characters in the parade!
There is some new merchandise, including the usual pins and t-shirts.
The atmosphere seemed to be a bit more lacking than previous years, with less smoke effects and projections, I thought. Sadly, as the years have gone on, there has been a steady define in the MNSSHP offerings.
Now, for the most important part, the character meet 'n' greets!
Phineas and Ferb at the Arboretum next to City Hall
Mickey and Minnie in Town Square Theater (in Halloween costumes)
Cinderella, Prince Charming, Snow White, The Prince, Rapunzel and Flynn in Town Square Theater
Villains around Central Plaza at select times - includes Jafar, Gaston, The Tremaines' and Lotso
Villains Dance Mix 'n' Mingle - briefly meeting after the show are Dr Facilier, Cruella, Maleficent, The Queen of Hearts and Frollo (as far as we could tell - it is always chaos around there!)
Adventureland Veranda - Tarzan, Jane and Terk
The Nook - Tinker Bell and Periwinkle
Agrabah Bazaar - Aladdin, Jasmine, Genie and Abu
Jack Sparrow outside Pirates of the Caribbean
The Glade (Liberty Sq, behind the Christmas Shoppe) - Tiana and Naveen
Liberty Square boat dock - Duffy (in a Halloween costume)
Frontierland Dance Party - Woody, Jessie and Bullseye (hard to meet unless you dance with them)
The Seven Dwarfs outside Big Thunder Mountain
Castle Courtyard - Aurora and Phillip
Fairytale Garden - Merida
Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet outside the Pooh attraction (in Halloween costumes)
Donald and Daisy opposite the Pooh attraction (in Halloween costumes)
Alice and the Hatter at the Tea Cups
Tomorrowland Dance Party - Goofy, Pluto, Stitch, Chip and Dale (hard to meet unless you dance with them) (in space costumes, including Stitch as 626!)
Buzz Lightyear next to his attraction
The biggest changes this year are the addition of Merida, Periwinkle, Phineas and Ferb. Of course, all these can be met in the parks during the day, but nonetheless, here they are.
To see our full detailed page about MNSSHP, click here.
Ok, I think that's everything for now!
If we hear of any changes as the parties progress, we'll be sure to update you on the blog!
Dan. |
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Hi all,
I was going through some old emails and I noticed one I had sent to myself before the California trip regarding some news... But of course I had forgot to report it! LOL!
Anyway, there is some new news this evening, so I thought I would report this old news and new news altogether :)
The Disney Parks Blog finally announced when the New Fantasyland would fully open (minus the Fairytale Hall and Mine Coaster - they are both coming a lot later) on December 6th this year! This means that the new character features should be open by then too, including the new Enchanted Tales with Belle (replacement for Storytime with Belle), Pete's Silly Side Show (which I reported on earlier this week, and includes some cool new outfits for the VIPs!), Ariel's Grotto (which will see the return of Ariel in her true Mermaid form!) and also some new character appearances! We have heard that Gaston and Beast will start greeting guests in the New Fantasyland, as of course it will be heavily themed towards their home village.
We have also heard "someone" will move from EPCOT to Magic Kingdom. My theory is that this is Beast. He is a difficult character to cast, and thus having him two places would be awkward. So, although I could be wrong, the EPCOT character that is moving, in my opinion, will probably be Beast.
On top of that, because of the fact Donald and Goofy will now appear in the new Circus area in new outfits, they will no longer both meet in Frontierland. I have heard that Chip and Dale will be leaving Tomorrowland and will appear in Frontierland instead. This will leave Stitch and Buzz in Tomorrowland.
Overall this means we are gaining Gaston to the regualr character line-up at the Magic Kingdom.
For Mickey's Not So Scary in the Magic Kingdom, Panchito on our forum reported that Phineas and Ferb may appear in Town Square. Their addition could mean the loss of Rafiki and Timon in Adventureland.
At Disney's Hollywood Studios, Agent P is now strongly rumoured to start appearing in the Fall. If we hear more we'll report it!
Over at Disneyland Paris, you may recall that I had mentioned a while ago that Duffy had been sidelined in favour of more popular characters during quieter hours. Well, now it appears that he has been taken off the times guides altogether. The new one for this week completes omits his location on Main Street. We still hear he will be around for Halloween Season though in a special costume.
Also at DLP, a while ago I had heard that the Cowboy Cookout was returning to a regular restaurant from the start of November. User Frollo on our Forum now reports that he has heard this will be from the start of October. So, say goodbye to the the most peculiar tea party in the Wild West! (For those of you who aren't aware, Cowboy Cookout was an amazing counter service restaurant at DLP in Frontierland. About 3 years ago they stopped the regualr operation of the venue and added a "Tea Party with Disney Characters". A tea party with Woody, Jessie and the VIPs in their Western gear, in Frontierland. It was a n odd concept, but one which was very well received, reasonably priced, and offered good food).
I actually look forward to it returning as a counter service restaurant, despite being a huge character fan. It is more fitting that such a grand restaurant fulfil it's true potential.
That isn't all this week's news - check my post from two days ago, too, for some other relevant things!
Ok, I think that's all for now. Please remember that everything is rumour or speculation until confirmed by Disney. We try to be as accurate as possible, but s with everything, things can change!
Dan. |
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Hi all,
After our hectic trip to California and other things that get in the way, I have some news to report this evening! Hooray I hear you all cry!
Starting in California, and the Disney Parks Blog announced this week that the Princess Fantasy Faire will close on August 12th to make way for a brand new show that will debut in summer 2013!
The Princesses will be moving to a temporary location along the Small World Mall until their new Fantasy Faire next to the Castle is completed - which the article claims will be next spring.
We look forward to seeing the developments on the new show and the new Princess meet 'n' greet area.
At Disneyland Paris, Angel has been seen out with increasing frequency. She was with Stitch at the Disneyland Hotel again this week, further laying the path for her to start meeting regularly in the Park. We understand that she will be in Discoveryland on a regular basis. My guess is that it is going to be sooner rather than later, seeing as she is being seen more often in random spots. Maybe in time for Halloween?
I have also heard that for Christmas this year, despite the rumours, that FantIllusion will return, but the long running Mickey's Winter Wonderland will not.
I have also heard on a more exciting note, that there will be a cavalcade for Christmas Season this year too. I had heard previously that DLP are reluctant to change the Parade this year due to it being the 20th Anniversary. So, a separate daily cavalcade would be a great addition instead!
Of course, these things are not confirmed officially by Disney yet. When we know more, we'll let you know!
Also, we and a few of our fans on our Forums here at Character Central have noticed that DLP have seemingly increased their character offerings again, and have returned to how they were before the 20th Anniversary began. For the first half of this year, DLP seemed to suddenly lose a lot of characters, which was mostly due to the massive resources required for launching the 20th. But, DLP has always had a good reputation for random characters, and true to form, the last few weeks have seen a dramatic increase once again. Friends in the Parks have reported to us that they have seen everyone from the Sheriff of Nottingham to Friar Tuck! (Not to mention Angel, like I reported above!)
At Walt Disney World, the Disney Parks Blog, just today in fact, revealed - finally - some information about the new Pete's Silly Sideshow in the New Fantasyland. Minnie and Daisy will appear together, as will Goofy and Donald. All of them are now confirmed to be getting brand new circus themed outfits. I especially love Daisy's! No date has been set yet, but reading the comments, the Blog replied to one person saying the dates would be coming very soon. We'll keep you posted!
Finally, we have been working really hard to get more and more content on the site, and to update pages that had been left behind. We are really excited for some brand new features and new content that I promise will be coming soon! Just a little more patience! In the meantime be sure to have a look around, discover some of the new stuff - including a bunch of new characters! - and let us know what you think by going to our Forums and joining the conversations and fun there!
Ok, I think that's all for now,
Dan. |
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