Posts Tagged ‘Disneyland’

On September 12^th, the book will close on Storytime with Belle in the Fairytale Garden at the Magic Kingdom.  Happily, it seems that Belle is awaiting the construction of her new home which will include an expanded version of Storytime: Enchanted Tales with Belle.

The area will be reimagined and open on October 15^th as a play and greet area featuring the stars of the upcoming movie “Tangled.”  Rapunzel, the princess with magical hair who has been imprisoned in a tower her entire life, and dashing bandit Flynn Rider who accidentally discovers her, will be on hand to greet guests at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland parks.

This new animated film, scheduled to be released this November, has been designed to recreate the look of classic fairytales, with details and ambiance inspired by Disneyland’s Fantasyland.

It’s not unusual to hear complaints from loyal Disney fans who continue to pine for long-lost attractions and entertainments.  While we expect to see new and ever more spectacular offerings, we don’t want to lose any of our sentimental favorites.   There was so much fuss about the Wonders of Life, for instance.  Now, I have to say that no one was more distressed than I to hear news of this closing so I understand the dismay.  However, it was open seasonally for a very long period after the announced closure.  I went every time I visited Walt Disney World, and I would stay there for several hours because I always felt it might be the last time I would set foot in the building.  I’d watch the show, play the games, sit and have lunch…I was pretty much alone.  Only a handful of people came through, and this was often at Christmas time when the parks were jammed.

Disney doesn’t shut down a ride to antagonize millions of people who throng to the attraction.  Most often, it closes because it because it isn’t pulling its weight – no one is visiting.  Horizons closed because it wasn’t getting the traffic, the same with, yes kids, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.

Other attractions closed for different reasons.  With the opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Discovery Island became redundant.  The company chose to build new water parks rather than address the issues of fresh water and an aging infrastructure at River Country.  We know that 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea was both slow-loading and not handicapped-accessible, as well as being incredibly expensive to maintain.  The Skyway to Tomorrowland was shut down for many of the same reasons.  The Plaza Swan Boats suffered from ongoing engine problems; the Tapestry of Dreams Parade was adversely affected by winds across the World Showcase Lagoon. If You Had Wings lost its sponsorship.

Because Disney is in the business of making people happy, it’s easy to forget that, first and foremost, they are in the business of making money.  It’s not reasonable to expect any company to continue to foster an element that is no longer financially feasible due to its being out of date thematically, mechanically, or historically; too expensive to update or maintain; or simply not pulling sufficient numbers through the doors.

Yes, I miss the time when today’s bright red double-decker “Character Bus” was a fun and relaxing form of public transportation around the World Showcase; and I loved the World of Motion.  It’s sad to know that the wonderful Streetmosphere cast at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been reduced.  But, I’m not sorry that ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter has passed into memory, and I wish Stitch’s Great Escape! would follow.  Don’t hear much clamoring for a return of Tarzan Rocks!, either.

On the bright side, after 45 years, the Carousel of Progress is still turning.  The PeopleMover is still moving people, and It’s a Small World is still big.  If you have a special affection for a ride or show, don’t pass it by.  Make a point to experience your favorites each time you visit – show your support with your feet!

September 8^th marks the closure of another well-loved Walt Disney World attraction, Star Tours, as it undergoes dramatic changes before re-emerging in 2011 as an exciting new immersive, 3-D adventure.  Disneyland’s Star Tours closed on July 27^th, while the version at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is going out in style with a “Last Tour to Endor” party on August 14^th.

Loyal fans of this perennial favorite seem to be looking forward to the planned “reimagining” which will include new journeys to familiar Star Wars destinations.  A new ride system and motion-simulator, hi-def video and 3-D technology, as well as new special effects, promise an out-of-this-world experience. We’re hearing talk of podracers, prequels, and multiple ride experience possibilities.

Currently, the attraction is scheduled to reopen in Disneyland on May 9, 2011 and at Walt Disney World on May 16, 2011.

Reservations are now being taken for 2011 vacation packages at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts.  This is good news for those who enjoy the anticipation of a Disney vacation.

Booking early allows guests to ensure their first choice of accommodations, and leaves plenty of time for planning and getting the jump of those all-important dining reservations.

A $200.00 deposit will hold your Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort vacation package reservation and you can sit back and relax.  The Concierges at Whimsical World Travel track all special offers and will have your reservation modified to reflect any savings from available, applicable specials.

There’s no risk to secure a reservation – deposits for packages without airfare are fully-refundable (except for the cost of optional travel insurance) up to a minimum of 46 days before your departure.  So:

“Rap on a table, it’s time to respond,
Send us a message from somewhere beyond.

Wizards and witches wherever you dwell,
Give us a hint by ringing a bell.”

Statuary – it’s everywherey!  Disney is in love with statues and guests will find them all over the parks, resorts, shops, and ships.

From a tiny finial to a larger-than-life likeness, Walt, Roy, and the cast of characters are recreated for the delight of visitors.  They hide in flowers, sit on benches, look up, peer down, wave, and welcome.

Among the most charming are the small bronzes surrounding the hub in front of Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World.

Here, we find the classic characters, Dumbo, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald, Br’er Rabbit; their personalities perfectly captured – an iconic pose, a special smile, a famous friendship.  They surround what is unquestionably the most well-loved bronze of all, Partners.

I think my son said it best.  Although he had visited Walt Disney World a dozen times with his grandmother, it was my very first trip.  I suggested giving the attraction a pass and he looked at me with horror, “But Mom, we have to do this; It’s A Small World is Disney.”

And so it is.

The cheerful little title tune, the subject of so much whining, is actually thought to be the most widely-performed and translated song in the world.  Yes, it is sung for ten minutes straight, in five different languages by audioanimatronic figures backed up by assorted animals and animated props, as guests float past a variety of scenes representing many world cultures.  But the ride, first created for the New York World’s Fair of 1964, also embodies so much of the Disney tradition and spirit.

Overseen by Walt himself, it was designed by Mary Blair, best known for her murals in the Grand Concourse of Disney’s Contemporary Resort.  It also features the work of other Disney legends: Joyce Carlson, and Marc and Alice Davis.  The original attraction found a home in Disneyland but it has been recreated for Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Tokyo Disneyland.

The exquisitely-detailed costumes alone are worth the voyage over the Seven Seaways.  Small children, dressed to evoke their native lands, bounce and twist to the ever-present music.  It is charming and colorful, promoting a message of goodwill and unity – and, let’s be honest, every vacation can generally use a dash of goodwill and unity!

It’s a Small World

Magic Kingdom, Fantasyland

Approximately 10 minutes

Guests must transfer from wheelchair and ECV to ride vehicle

No flash photography

Handheld captioning device available

Park admission required

Planning a visit to Walt Disney World this summer?  There are lots of amazing surprises in store as Disney launches Summer Nightastic!  The most exciting news is the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade.  Arriving in June of 2010 for a limited engagement, this wondrous parade returns with magical enhancements including a brand new lead float featuring Tinker Bell.

The original “light parade,” the Main Street Electrical Parade in Disneyland, was modeled on Walt Disney World’s Electrical Water Pageant which remains one of the World’s best-loved attractions, nearly forty years after its debut in October of 1971.

Initially, some of the floats that made up the Main Street Electrical Parade had flat screens mounted on platforms, much like the screens mounted on the barges of the Electrical Water Pageant.  Over the years, the light parades have undergone many changes – moving from park to park; being copied for one park from another; renamed, replaced, reincarnated.

SpectroMagic has enjoyed two long runs in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World; a second version of the Main Street Electrical Parade also ran in the Magic Kingdom for a number of years before moving to Disneyland Paris, and the original Disneyland parade was featured there briefly during the Millennium celebration.  Dreamlights, Fantillusion, Light Magic; none had the staying power of the Main Street Electrical Parade which finally returned to Disney’s California Adventure as Disney’s Electrical Parade in 2001.  Since then, there have been upgrades and additions which combine new themes and technology with the classic feel of the original.

In addition to the new parade, guests will be treated to a spectacular summer fireworks show, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is receiving a special effects makeover, and there are more new entertainment features yet to be announced.  Stay tuned!

One of California’s finest exports, Soarin’ has been a star attraction at EPCOT since it debuted in 2005 as part of the Happiest Celebration on Earth event that marked Disneyland’s 50^th anniversary.

Experience some of the most memorable sights, sounds, and smells of the Golden State enhanced by a deeply-moving soundtrack from composer Jerry Goldsmith.

Technology delivers a series of stunning illusions as you glide over ocean, mountain, and desert, buzz the deck of an aircraft carrier, and swoop through the night and into Disneyland.

Enjoy the fragrance of sun-warmed oranges or the crisp scent of a pine forest; the rush of ocean breezes as you skim the waves, so close to the water that you lift your feet to keep from getting wet.

More than four years after its introduction, Soarin’ remains a hugely popular attraction.  While interactive games have been added to the stand-by queue to help pass the time, it can be a very long wait; head directly to The Land upon entering EPCOT and pick up a FastPass.

Soarin’

The Land, EPCOT Future World

Continuous performances daily

Approximately 5 minutes

Guests must transfer from wheelchair to ride seat

40″ minimum height requirement

Park admission required

If you’re fortunate enough to be in the Magic Kingdom first thing in the morning, you might catch the Dapper Dans jumping off the Main Street Trolley for the first of their nine daily performances.  They stroll up and down Main Street U.S.A., in and out of shops, and, of course, spend time at the Harmony Barbershop.  Each day at 5:00 p.m., they join the Main Street Philharmonic for the Flag Retreat.

In Disneyland, the Dans have been a fixture since 1959 and are often seen on a classic Schwinn four-seater bicycle, specially commissioned years ago by Walt Disney.  They also roam by byways of Hong Kong Disneyland, delighting guests with their four-part harmonies.

The Dapper Dans entertain the crowds with a lively mix of song, dance, and comedy, featuring the vintage charms of the unique and melodious Deagan Organ Chimes.  Look for their striped vests, colorful hatbands, elegant sleeve garters, and the occasional well-waxed handlebar mustache, the next time you visit the parks!

Disney Parks will continue the popular “What Will You Celebrate?” theme in 2010 with a new focus.  At a time when many are facing challenges, Disney has chosen to celebrate volunteerism for the coming year.  Hoping to inspire one million people in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada to contribute a day of service, Disney will reward program participants with a one-day ticket to a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort.

Guests who are visiting on a vacation package or have an Annual Pass or Passport can choose one of the following:

• a special FastPass for the participant and up to five additional guests
• a collectible Ear Hat figurine with trading pins
• the option to donate the ticket to a designated non-profit organization

Beginning January 1, 2010, individuals six and older may log onto the dedicated “Give a Day. Get a Disney Day” program website to search and sign up for a selected activity.  Upon completion of the service, Disney will email a confirmation certificate which can be exchanged for a ticket to be used on the day of redemption or upgraded to a multi-day ticket or Annual Pass at additional cost.  The one-day ticket will be valid for most days through December 15, 2010 with the following exceptions:

• March 29 to April 8, and July 4, 2010 at the Walt Disney World Resort
• February 13 and 14, March 21, June 21 and 22, July 4, November 21, and December 11 and 12, 2010 at the Disneyland Resort

For more information about the program, and to sign up for email reminders, visit the website and start planning your own special celebration!