new blog: Ease into a California Vacation at Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre

[LeahZ]

http://www.disunplugged.com/2011/11...a-vacation-at-hollywood’s-el-capitan-theatre/

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Hi Everyone, I took John Lasseter's Hollywood Walk of Fame induction as an opportunity to recap the El Cap's elaborate Cars 2 attraction they had this summer. Let me know what you think!

 

[Sleepless Knight]

Nice work. I think the El Capitan can provide some not to be missed Disney experiences.

I've been able to see a movie at the El Capitan 3 different times. Sleeping Beauty twice and Beauty and the Beast 3-D once. As each one was a little bit different, I'll give the highlights of each.

Sleeping Beauty opening night: For the 50th anniversary of the film in 2009, Disney had a 2 week screening of Sleeping Beauty in 2008. For the opening night screening, they had a panel discussion featuring Imagineer Tony Baxter, former Sleeping Beauty animators Blaine Gibson and Ken Anderson, and international opera star Mary Costa, the speaking and singing voice of Princess Aurora. Tony Baxter talked about the influence of the film and the others talked about what it was like to work on the film. Especially interesting was Mary Costa talking about specific instruction Walt Disney gave her in bringing Aurora to life.

Also in attendance that night were Richard Sherman and Kathryn Beaumont (voice of Wendy from Peter Pan and Alice from Alice in Wonderland). It almost felt like a red carpet kind of experience, right down to Disney having the title character herself out in the lobby posing for pictures with ticketholders before the film started. Mary Costa was gracious enough to sign autographs and take pictures for a very long line after the film finished.

These opening night experiences are for one night only and have to work with your schedule, but they are well worth doing.

Sleeping Beauty regular screening: As this is my favorite Disney movie, I decided to see it on the big screen again on my way home from the weekend trip. Princess Aurora came out on stage and spoke with the audience for a couple of minutes and danced across the stage while Once Upon A Dream played in the background. Then the movie started.

Beauty and the Beast: I opted to do the Breakfast with Belle character breakfast before the film started. Guests who arrived early/on time for the start of the breakfast could take a picture with Belle upon entering the Soda Fountain and Studio Store. After the initial group, guests were seated at their tables and Belle went around visiting each table. At some point during the breakfast, a cast member would come by and ask if you wanted to get your picture taken with Belle. So, if you missed the start of the breakfast, you'll still get a photo opportunity. And two photos are included with the price of the breakfast with a special border for the event.

Be aware that character meet and greets are only available if you do the character breakfast. Otherwise, there is no opportunity.

After breakfast, you go into the lobby, pick up your popcorn and drink if you bought the reserved tickets, and enter the theatre. If you have a reserve ticket, the usher will take you right to your seat.

And one final note. Be absolutely sure to arrive at least 30 minutes early. Before every screening, there is an organist sitting at the Wurlitzer organ playing Disney standards from all the decades. He usually finishes with a song from the film being screened. I really enjoyed just sitting in my seat and listening to so many Disney classics played on the organ.

Coming attractions were shown and then Belle came on stage to thank everyone for coming, danced across, and then the movie began.