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A World of Characters A World of Characters
Photos from Disney's Hollywood Studios 30th Anniversary Celebrations
DisneyDan  Friday, May 3, 2019 11:36:06 AM
Hello everyone,

On May 1st Disney's Hollywood Studios celebrated its 30th anniversary. I thought I would share with you some of my photos from the cavalcade that took place that morning at the park, plus a few extra pics of some of the fun items we picked up that day.

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Happy 30th Anniversary to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
DisneyDan  Friday, May 2, 2014 2:12:18 PM
Hello everyone,

Note: Some of you may wonder why I am posting this on the Character Central blog. Well, actually we pride ourselves in being the definitive source for all theme park characters around the world. Our database here at Character Central includes characters from the Universal theme parks, Hershey Park and Alton Towers, amongst others. It just so happens that most of our travels take us to the Disney Parks, and that tends to be where most of the characters we meet appear. Our name isn't Disney Character Central, it is Character Central. So with that taken care of let's get down to the subject at hand!

As you may be aware by now, my most favourite characters of all time and my childhood heroes are the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. First appearing in their comic book debut in May 1984 (they were previewed at comic book convention in New Hampshire on 5th May, to be precise!), the TMNT have gone on to become one of the most successful brands of all time. As well as the original, long running comic, they have spanned three separate animated TV series (1987-1996, 2003-2009 and 2012-present), a live action series (1997-1998), four live action films (1990, 1991, 1993 and 2014), two animated films (2007 and 2009), endless merchandise and further comic book series taking the TMNT to new and exciting heights.

Part of my TMNT collection!

In the early 1990's the Disney-MGM Studios (now Disney's Hollywood Studios - which celebrated its 25th anniversary yesterday) featured a show starring the TMNT and their friend April O'Neil (see, there was a Disney link here!), something which I would have given a limb to see as a kid! A while ago I found a book at work which had some photos of the old show, which I took some photos of on my old phone. Sadly, I no longer have access to the book, and the images aren't the greatest quality, but I thought I would share anyway.

Turtles at Disney-MGM Studios c.1992

Turtles at Disney-MGM Studios c.1992

Turtles at Disney-MGM Studios c.1992

When Nickelodeon bought the TMNT in 2009 they revitalised the brand and in 2012 launched the third incarnation of the Turtles in the new and current series seen on their network. One of the best things that Nickelodeon did was to launch the TMNT as characters at their Nickelodeon Suites Resort in Orlando, Florida. Jon and I have been there and attended the special meal held by the TMNT, and it was one of the most exciting moments of my life - coming face to face with my heroes! You can read all about our wonderful experience at the Nick Suites, here. Some of my most favourite photos from that trip are below.

Antonio's Pizza-Rama Dinner with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

Antonio's Pizza-Rama Dinner with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

Antonio's Pizza-Rama Dinner with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

Antonio's Pizza-Rama Dinner with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

Antonio's Pizza-Rama Dinner with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

Antonio's Pizza-Rama Dinner with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

Antonio's Pizza-Rama Dinner with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

Antonio's Pizza-Rama Dinner with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

Antonio's Pizza-Rama Dinner with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

Antonio's Pizza-Rama Dinner with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

Antonio's Pizza-Rama Dinner with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

Last year the TMNT started appearing at other locations around the world, including a theme park in Germany, the Mall of America in Minnesota, and various theme park locations across the UK. In November last year they made an appearance at a local toy store, and I of course just had to be there!

Meeting the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

Meeting the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

This year the Nickelodeon series will enter its third season, and with no sign of slowing down - especially with a new movie on the way - we have a lot to look forward to with the TMNT.

Happy 30th Anniversary to the Heroes in a Half Shell, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

Dan.

Why not visit our dedicated pages for each individual Turtles here at Character Central!

Donatello

Michelangelo

Leonardo

Raphael

Antonio's Pizza-Rama Dinner with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
Happy 30th Birthday Tokyo Disneyland!
DisneyDan  Monday, April 15, 2013 11:18:19 AM
Hello everyone,

Today is the 30th anniversary of the opening of Tokyo Disneyland at Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan.
Often billed as the most successful theme park of all time, it was Disney's first theme park venture outside of the United States.

We have been fortunate enough to visit Tokyo Disneyland (and the rest of the resort of course), a few times, most recently in October 2012 for Halloween. We will also be back again in just a couple of weeks, to check out all the 30th anniversary offerings!

So, in our usual Character Central celebratory style, here's a photo cavalcade from our adventures there!

Happy 30th Birthday Tokyo Disneyland!
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Happy 41st Birthday Walt Disney World and Happy 30th Birthday EPCOT!
DisneyDan  Monday, October 1, 2012 11:39:49 AM
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.

WDW Feb 2012 - Wandering through Future World

WDW 2008 Sept - Wandering around Canada

WDW April 2011 - The American Adventure

WDW April 2009 - EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival

WDW Sept 2008 - Wandering around Future World

Figment

WDW April 2011 - Meeting Mulan

WDW Sept 2008 - Exploring France

WDW Dec 2009 - Journey Into Imagination

WDW Oct 2011 - Exploring Germany

WDW April 2011 - Exploring France

WDW Dec 2008 - Enjoying Epcot at Christmas

WDW Mar 2012 - Exploring the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

WDW Sept 2008 - Epcot Japan

WDW Sept 2008 - Meeting Donald Duck in Mexico

WDW Dec 2009 - Wandering around World Showcase

WDW Oct 2011 - Exploring Morocco

Wandering thru Norway

WDW April 2009 - EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

WDW 2008 Sept - Meeting characters at the Character Spot

WDW April 2011 - EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival at the United Kingdom

IMG_3386

WDW April 2009 - Meeting Stitch in Future World

WDW Oct 2011 - Arriving at EPCOT

WDW Dec 2009 - Heading to the Magic Kingdom

WDW 2008 June - Heading to the Castle

WDW April 2009 - Wishes!

WDW Sept 2008 - Waiting for the ferry

WDW Sept 2008 - Dream Along with Mickey

WDW April 2009 - Roy And Minnie

WDW Feb 2012 - Waiting for the Parade

Dan.

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