Disney News, Discussion & an Element of Fun - 2023 Edition

[HokieRaven5]

Elemental - Official Trailer - In Theaters June 16

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https://twitter.com/x/status/1640775763526819844

 

[HokieRaven5]

Meet the Artists Extending the ‘Happily Ever After’ Story Beyond the Castle Walls
The words “the story comes alive” will soon be heard echoing through Magic Kingdom Park once again when ‘Happily Ever After’ returns beginning April 3. For the team of Disney Live Entertainment artists working to bring the story to life in a whole new way, those words are more than just lyrics. They are an assignment.

For months, over 50 digital artists and animators have been hard at work behind the scenes creating stunning new projections that will surround guests on Main Street, U.S.A.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would work on a show as iconic and beloved as ‘Happily Ever After.’ It was so exciting to look at the show with fresh eyes and take advantage of technology that we didn’t have available when it first opened,” said Katrina Mena Rick, Creative Producer for the nighttime spectacular.

“Each of the 25 buildings we’re projecting on is so unique and special, with their own individual paint colors, textures, trims, windows, and doors. Our goal was to celebrate that uniqueness as we transformed the buildings, immersing you in these beautiful character worlds while ensuring that Cinderella Castle remains the main storyteller throughout the show.”

Moments after the show begins you’ll see this expertly choreographed dance play out, as if the stories are radiating from the castle and then drawing you back in – all building to a shimmering finale where Tinker Bell takes flight. The team used this final hero moment to introduce some fresh faces to the show, with new characters adorning the street in stylized stained-glass portraits.

“My favorite character to create was Meilin from Pixar’s ‘Turning Red.’” said J.P. Perez, the artist tasked with illustrating all 32 of the characters featured on the building’s facades. “Beyond red pandas being my favorite animal, her character is very relatable. Seeing her story take place in my generation at that age really makes me connect with her.”

With the addition of Miguel, Mirabel, Raya, Luca, Rapunzel, Elena and more, the goal is that everyone watching can find a connection with a character or story.

Each of the artists working on the show also brought with them their own stories as well, like Lead Animator Ana Beltran, who had the unique experience of animating the new projections alongside her father.

“I grew up seeing how much love and passion my dad had for animation, and how hard he worked when we moved to the United States. That’s what ultimately inspired me to pursue a career in the arts.” said Ana. “We often joked how great it would be for us to say one day that ‘Making magic is the family business.’ Now, just like in the show, we’ve followed that dream and made it a reality. To borrow a term from “Inside Out,” working on this show with my dad will always be a core memory for me.”

 

[Gusey]

I think this ship could be very interesting and have an appeal that the others haven't. I think it won't be as princessy/fairytale themed as the others.

I'm definitely enjoying the Adventureland vibes from this ship's atrium and now this outfit. Hopefully this is a tease that we'll get a lot more info soon like we did with the Wish announcement video

 

[soniam]

I'm definitely enjoying the Adventureland vibes from this ship's atrium and now this outfit. Hopefully this is a tease that we'll get a lot more info soon like we did with the Wish announcement video

I am hoping it will feel more like a real pirate ship at sea

 

[HokieRaven5]

RUMOR: Main Street Electrical Parade Returning to Walt Disney World, Paint the Night Returns at Disneyland in 2024

 

[soniam]

RUMOR: Main Street Electrical Parade Returning to Walt Disney World, Paint the Night Returns at Disneyland in 2024

Maybe my MSEP MB+ will do special things during the parade. I think they will eventually have redone every one of these floats or have completely covered them in duck tape I hope we get to buy DVC at the new Disneyland Hotel. I need a compelling reason to see Paint the Night again, assuming I can't make it to D23 Expo in 2024.

 

[BrianL]

RUMOR: Main Street Electrical Parade Returning to Walt Disney World, Paint the Night Returns at Disneyland in 2024

Both are desperately needed!

 

[Smugpugmug]

RUMOR: Main Street Electrical Parade Returning to Walt Disney World, Paint the Night Returns at Disneyland in 2024

Wish WDW was getting a new parade instead of a 50 year old one but at this point I'll take anything.......

 

[soniam]

Wish WDW was getting a new parade instead of a 50 year old one but at this point I'll take anything.......

Beggars can't be choosers

 

[BrianL]

Beggars can't be choosers

Also, presumably it will be the newest version as recently run at Disneyland. Maybe they will make some additional updates.

 

[soniam]

Also, presumably it will be the newest version as recently run at Disneyland. Maybe they will make some additional updates.

I have seen it at DL the last 2 times it showed, including the latest one, and I really liked it. It's not as good as Paint the Night. How could it be It's sentimental for me though, and I will always watch it.

 

[Bibbidi_Boo]

Wish WDW was getting a new parade instead of a 50 year old one but at this point I'll take anything.......

I think just updating the old one would even be good. So many love MSEP and with how many first visits everyday of the year those won't care. I just miss having a night parade, though I loved spectro more (but that is long gone).

 

[Smugpugmug]

I think just updating the old one would even be good. So many love MSEP and with how many first visits everyday of the year those won't care. I just miss having a night parade, though I loved spectro more (but that is long gone).

I mean I agree that it's better than no night time parade but at the same time part of me is like, MSEP again? On the flip side seeing the quality of Enchantment, maybe it's best that they stick to something that's already well loved.....

 

[BrianL]

I have seen it at DL the last 2 times it showed, including the latest one, and I really liked it. It's not as good as Paint the Night. How could it be It's sentimental for me though, and I will always watch it.

Paint the Night is like MSEP on steroids! I love the original too though. I had hoped to see it, but I didn't get out to DL during the short run.

 

[soniam]

Paint the Night is like MSEP on steroids! I love the original too though. I had hoped to see it, but I didn't get out to DL during the short run.

It had me tears and flashing back to the first time I saw MSEP as a kid on my first WDW visit. It's spectacular! It's really a crime that they have waited so long to have it showing anywhere.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

I mean I agree that it's better than no night time parade but at the same time part of me is like, MSEP again? On the flip side seeing the quality of Enchantment, maybe it's best that they stick to something that's already well loved.....

I would like something new as well. I grew up on Spectromagic (really miss that song!) so MSEP doesn't have the same pull for me as it does for others. But agreed, any nighttime parade would be great. Would also be nice if the other parks got parades like they used to!

 

[HokieRaven5]

Disney Outlines Next 6 Months of Disney100 “Story World” Celebration Plans for Walt Disney World

Starting this April, Disney World will begin celebrating “story worlds” as part of the global Disney100 celebration taking place in Disney parks around the world. There will be 6 months of themed celebrations of various franchises and initiatives at Walt Disney World. A different theme every month will bring limited-time merchandise, photo ops, and entertainment activations. The monthly themes celebrating the Disney100 anniversary start this April with a celebration of Disney’s conservation efforts and the 25th Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Moana will begin meeting guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on April 22nd.

In May, the attention will focus from our own Earth Month celebrations to a galaxy far, far away and the Star Wars franchise as Disney World celebrates Star Wars month. Guests will be encouraged to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and ride Star Tours – The Adventure Continue. Disney World will also highlight the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, which has begun to offer spring and summer discounts ahead of reducing operations this October.

In June, Disney World will celebrate Pixar and the characters that take the story worlds to infinity and beyond. Highlights for the Pixar franchise include Toy Story Land, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!, and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Disney World also recently opened the first-ever Toy Story-themed table service restaurant in Roundup Rodeo BBQ.

July will bring a focus on Mickey, Minnie, and friends as they provide “swell fun” for all. Highlights for Mickey and Minnie will include Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, Fantasmic!, and the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros.

In August the Disney Princesses and Frozen characters “take the throne”. Highlights for the Princesses will include Enchanted Tales with Belle, Under the Sea, Akershus Royal Banquet Fall, and meet & greets. Highlights for the Frozen franchise in August will include Frozen Ever After, the Frozen Sing-Along at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the Olaf meet & greet. It’s possible that the new Mirabel meet & greet could debut as part of this monthly theme, but Disney has only announced that she will start meeting at Magic Kingdom “this fall”.

*September will have a focus on super heroes.

 

[Naomeri]

Disney Outlines Next 6 Months of Disney100 “Story World” Celebration Plans for Walt Disney World

Starting this April, Disney World will begin celebrating “story worlds” as part of the global Disney100 celebration taking place in Disney parks around the world. There will be 6 months of themed celebrations of various franchises and initiatives at Walt Disney World. A different theme every month will bring limited-time merchandise, photo ops, and entertainment activations. The monthly themes celebrating the Disney100 anniversary start this April with a celebration of Disney’s conservation efforts and the 25th Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Moana will begin meeting guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on April 22nd.

In May, the attention will focus from our own Earth Month celebrations to a galaxy far, far away and the Star Wars franchise as Disney World celebrates Star Wars month. Guests will be encouraged to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and ride Star Tours – The Adventure Continue. Disney World will also highlight the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, which has begun to offer spring and summer discounts ahead of reducing operations this October.

In June, Disney World will celebrate Pixar and the characters that take the story worlds to infinity and beyond. Highlights for the Pixar franchise include Toy Story Land, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!, and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Disney World also recently opened the first-ever Toy Story-themed table service restaurant in Roundup Rodeo BBQ.

July will bring a focus on Mickey, Minnie, and friends as they provide “swell fun” for all. Highlights for Mickey and Minnie will include Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, Fantasmic!, and the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros.

In August the Disney Princesses and Frozen characters “take the throne”. Highlights for the Princesses will include Enchanted Tales with Belle, Under the Sea, Akershus Royal Banquet Fall, and meet & greets. Highlights for the Frozen franchise in August will include Frozen Ever After, the Frozen Sing-Along at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the Olaf meet & greet. It’s possible that the new Mirabel meet & greet could debut as part of this monthly theme, but Disney has only announced that she will start meeting at Magic Kingdom “this fall”.

*September will have a focus on super heroes.

I’m curious how September will have a focus on superheroes in WDW, when they can’t use most of them

 

[HokieRaven5]

I’m curious how September will have a focus on superheroes in WDW, when they can’t use most of them

They can use some, just can’t say Marvel. Probably will be a focus on the Guardians and what heroes they can use.

 

[Naomeri]

They can use some, just can’t say Marvel. Probably will be a focus on the Guardians and what heroes they can use.

That almost sounds lamer than just not using them at all

Licensing issues are weird