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Hello everyone,
First off, I would like to apologise for the lack of updates lately - especially since there has been so much character news! I really feel like we've failed the last couple of weeks in bringing you the latest news and rumours.
But, sadly, "real life" gets in the way, and we have indeed been very busy with some rather life changing adjustments.
Anyway, with that said and done, let's take a look at what we've missed, and also some actual news, too!
Over in Disneyland, the vote for the next Long Lost Friends concluded, as announced by the Disney Parks Blog, and yesterday (being Monday and the start of a new Limited Time Magic week) those beloved Disney pals returned to the Big Thunder Ranch at Disneyland Park.
The full line up is as follows:
- Merlin
- Hercules, Megara and Hades
- Pinocchio, Gepetto, Foulfellow, Gideon and Jiminy Cricket
- Meeko, Pocahontas, John Smith and Governor Radcliffe
- Snow White and Dopey
- Robin Hood, Prince John, Friar Tuck and the Sheriff of Nottingham
- Lilo and Stitch
- Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Mr Smee and Wendy
- Tarzan, Jane and Terk
- Brer Bear, Brer Fox and Brer Rabbit.
A lot of those made appearances last time, and some, as always, aren't rare at all, but overall it's a good mix. Definitely very cool to see Hades and Merlin greeting guests! They do not get out at all these days! All characters are on a rotational system, and subject to change or cancellation at any time.
Staying with California, but rewinding back to D23 which saw some really awesome character opportunities.
Debuting for the first time (as official Disney Characters at least, and not at Universal or elsewhere) were Iron Man, Spider-Man and Captain America.
Doc McStuffins also made her grand debut in her Disney Parks make-over look (Doc could already be seen, and still can in fact, in the Disney Junior Live! show, where she looks a little different...)
Other characters that were at the event included some Mickey and Friends, Phineas and Ferb, and I believe Agent P, but I don't have confirmation of him. Characters from ABC's Once Upon a Time also greeted fans, although this was not the first time they've been seen - they were also at the San Diego Comic-Con recently, too. I believe there were five characters - Emma, David, Regina, Mary-Margaret and Hook.
Of course, the highlight for the fans attending though was when Dreamfinder made a surprise limited appearance! This is the second time in recent history Dreamfinder has shown up (the other being at Destination D: Walt Disney World in 2011), and gives fans a glimmer of hope that someday he might return full time, perhaps once WDI figure out what to do with the current Journey Into Imagination at EPCOT.
Dreamfinder links us in nicely to Walt Disney World, where it has been confirmed that Jack and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas will debut at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party this year (held at the Magic Kingdom). This will be their first ever regular appearance at the Florida Resort.
Other MNSSHP changes include Phineas and Ferb joining the dance crew on Main Street before the Boo To You Parade, and the Tomorrowland dance party being re-themed to Monsters University.
Friday the 13th of September will also be a spooktacular Halloween occasion, as Disney's Hollywood Studios will hold a special Limited Time Magic event for all regular park guest that day, 'Unleash the Villains'.
Originally perceived to be a dance party featuring the Disney Villains, there have been rumours that cool creeps such as Hades and Maleficent could show up for meet 'n' greets too! (Though, again, there is no actual confirmation of this, as far as I know)
They will also hold a special fireworks spectacular that night, 'Villainy in the Sky', as well as feature special merchandise just for the evening. The event will be held from 8pm to 1am. It's best to check the Limited Time Magic website nearer the time for more details.
Finally for WDW, and WDWMagic posted that they think the epically long running Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade will finally end right before Christmas. The parade is definitely being retired due to the fact that earlier this year Disney announced the Magic Kingdom would finally be getting the brand new Festival of Fantasy Parade.
Over in Disneyland Paris, the Dreams of Romance '2' float was taken out of the parade earlier this month, for a 2 month long re-imagining, ready for its (rumoured) October 1st debut featuring the brand new Frozen characters, Anna and Elsa! We'll be in DLP for a few days mid-October, so we really look forward to seeing them for the first time!
If you had been following our Facebook page and Twitter last week, you'd have seen that we launched the second in our Trip Planner series, this time for Hong Kong Disneyland! Covering practically every aspect of trip planning for the park, from flights, tickets, hotels, dining, shopping, FastPasses, local area information and much more, it really is an invaluable resource.
For those interested, our first one was for Tokyo Disney Resort, and covers similar information, but of course for Tokyo.
Ok, I think that's all for now. Have a great week everyone!
Dan. |
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Hello everyone,
There is breaking news today from the Disney Parks Blog. They just announced that Marvel's Captain America will appear starting in October aboard the re-imagined Disney Magic cruise ship!
He will feature at Marvel’s Avengers Academy in Disney’s Oceaneer Club, aboard the ship.
The really annoying thing about this is that the Oceaneer Club is just for kids. Regular guests are not normally allowed to go down there unless it's an open house (at which time things like the Marvel Academy would not normally be running).
The biggest thing we can take out of this is that, besides the expected appearances at D23 this week, this is the first official confirmation from Disney that any Marvel character will appear to regular guests on a Disney owned property.
I wonder how long it is now until we can expect them in the parks? Time will tell.
In other news, yesterday the Disney Parks Blog also announced that Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort is returning once again from 12th November through 6th January.
This will be a relief for anyone who has been hearing the strong rumours across the internet that Christmas this year would be very different, and would even perhaps have ticketed events for the bulk of the seasonal offerings, like at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.
I was busy last week, and didn't get chance to post about the latest Long Lost Friends Week for Limited Time Magic.
Disneyland had a vote on the Disney Parks Blog (now closed), which featured pretty much the same characters as before, with a few more thrown into the mix.
From what I recall characters included the Robin Hood gang, Hunchback friends (still no Quasimodo though), the Three Good Fairies, Merlin (he was a new one), Flik and Atta (Atta was also a new option), and Chicken Little (Abby wasn't listed, oddly enough, even though she was for WDW).
There is no official date for this event yet, but it is expected by most to be in the next two weeks.
Disneyland Paris fans have been hearing rumours across the internet for a few weeks now that Jack Sparrow would be setting sail from the parks after a long running stint there, in October this year. Pirate fans need not despair though as rumour has it that Jake from the Neverland Pirates will start appearing, as well as Sofia the First, over at Walt Disney Studios around the same time Jack goes away.
It'll be nice to get some new characters at the park. The last new characters from any new movie or TV show that DLP got were Rapunzel and Flynn.
Staying with DLP, and Timon has decided to sport his new look in DLP as of yesterday. This now brings him in line with the other parks.
Finally, although we (sadly) aren't attending, D23 takes place this week and is expected to star some brand new characters. We'll of course keep you all posted.
Ok, I think that's all for now,
Dan. |
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Hello everyone,
There really hasn't been a lot of news surrounding Disney Characters for some time, but finally today, I have a few small things to tell you.
In the last couple of weeks Sofia the First from the Disney Channel show of the same name has began making regular appearances at Disney California Adventure. I don't think she has started appearing in WDW yet, but I could be wrong. I haven't seen anything saying she has.
In a random piece of "news", Disney's ever popular Vinylmation series released a new Beauty and the Beast set. The chaser was Beast in human form. Now, as some of you may be aware the fan community usually refer, unofficially, to him as Prince Adam. This stems from a really old, rather random, PC-CD ROM trivia game that mentioned his name. Well, guess what? Some 20 years later and the bottom of the new Vinyl says the character's name is Prince Adam! I guess we can now all breathe a sigh of relief and live content in the knowledge that he is indeed Prince Adam!
Of course the biggest news is the latest Limited Time Magic offerings.
Disneyland doesn't really have anything exciting lined up. More of the Dapper Dans singing out-of-character songs, and musicians on the side of the Matterhorn.
Over in WDW though they have had a few interesting weeks, with more lined up.
The 4th July celebrations saw Mickey and Friends appear at EPCOT and some WDW Resort Hotels in patriotic costumes. Sadly we weren't there, but it looked like fun.
Then, this week Mickey and friends have been rocking out the America Gardens Theater in an energetic show featuring hip-hop, acrobatics and more.
Then there is the latest news... The next Long Lost Friends Week vote is in, and dates are revealed!
From 15th July through the 21st, guests can meet the following at the Magic Kingdom:
- Louis and Dr Faciilier
- Chicken Little and Abby Mallard
- Robin Hood and Friends
- and Br'er Rabbit, Br'er Bear and Br'er Fox.
What is interesting is that on the official Disney Parks Blog they fail to mention Br'er Rabbit, or Louis and Facilier, yet they are mentioned on the in the blurb on the Limited Time Magic page.
Hopefully all four sets will turn up, and there aren't any oddities.
Anyway, that is everything for today. If I hear anything else, I'll be sure to post it, as always.
Have a great weekend,
Dan. |
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Just a few minutes ago the Disney Parks Blog announced its list for the vote for the next Long Lost Friends Week at Walt Disney World.
The list consists of:
- Clarabelle Cow and Horace Horse Collar
- Robin Hood, Friar Tuck, Sheriff of Nottingham and Prince John
- Fifer Pig, Fiddler Pig, Practical Pig and Big Bad Wolf
- Clarice, Chip and Dale
- Wendell, Liver Lips, Shaker and Big Al
- Chicken Little and Abby Mallard
- Brer Bear, Brer Fox and Brer Rabbit
- Flik and Princess Atta
- June and Leo from Little Einsteins
- Tweedle Dum, Tweedle Dee and Queen of Hearts
- Louis the Alligator and Dr. Facilier (Face)
- Penguins from Mary Poppins
- Suzy and Perla
I have to say, overall, the list is somewhat disappointing. The first three sets were out last time!Chip and Dale are regulars, and although Clarice is "rare" for WDW, she can be met all the time in Paris, Tokyo, and sometimes in California.
The Country Bears are out regularly in California, Tokyo, and actually at the Christmas Parties in the Magic Kingdom, too!
I give them credit where it is due for Chicken Little and Abby Mallard - they are definitely rare these days.
The Brers, well, all three can be met in Tokyo, and Brer Fox and Brer Bear are out in California often.
Flik used to be out daily in WDW, and still is at DCA in California. Atta is definitely more unusual, but was at the dance party for the Party for the Planet LTM recently at Animal Kingdom. Why not also have Francis and Gypsy, or some other bug friends?
June can be met everyday at the Play 'n' Dine at DHS, if you eat there. Leo is definitely more rare, but was out regularly until just about two years ago. But why not have Quincy and Annie too?
The Tweedles and the Queen of Hearts are out daily in California, Paris and Tokyo, and the Queen of Hearts can be found at the Halloween Parties in the Magic Kingdom too.
Louis is definitely a rare one. Dr Facilier can be met during Halloween in Paris and California, and at the Halloween Parties in the Magic Kingdom.
The Penguins from Mary Poppins are OUT in WDW sometimes - we saw them when we were there last month! Ok, they aren't regular, but they DO appear! There is also a good chance of finding them in the afternoon pop-up surprise sets on the Streets of America at DHS! Definitely not a good option.
Suzy and Perla are out fairly often in California and Paris, though not all the time. For WDW they are definitely uncommon.
I realise my comparisons are between the other parks, but as you can see, these characters are not truly "Long Lost" - and some of them CAN be found at WDW! It just depends on the time of year (Christmas, Halloween etc).
Overall I think they really needed to up their game with this one, especially after Disneyland held such an AWESOME one that totally blew everyone away! For those who don't recall, DL had REAL rare characters such as the Three Good Fairies, John Smith and Ping (Mulan's alter ego).
Let us know what you think by hitting the 'Discuss' button below, and commenting on the Forum!
Dan. |
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Hello everyone,
There's a few things of interest this week that I thought I'd share. Sadly I haven't really had time to catch up properly recently after the big around the world trip, so you'll have to just go with it!
Anyway, Disney's Monstrous Summer at both US resorts has now started, and brings with it some new characters and greeting opportunities.
At Walt Disney's World's Disney's Hollywood Studios, Mike and Sulley can be met in their new MU dorm setting (same place as their old location), in their new MU outfits.
At the Big Hat they perform in the homecoming show, which is basically a large pop/rock dance party.
At Disney California Adventure, Mike and Sulley can be met, again at a new MU dorm setting, down in Hollywood Land.
The PIXAR Play Parade has been refreshed too, and stars Mike, Sulley and some brand new Monsters friends! Art, Scott "Squishy" Squibbles, Terry and Terri, and Archie the Scare Pig all join them! We'll be there in August and really look forward to seeing them!
Art was out for meets during the most recent 24 hour event back in May. Sadly we were not there to meet him (we were in DLP at the time!).
From the 1st to the 7th of July at both US resorts, Independence Day will be celebrated for a whole week, and will feature special character opportunities.
At Disneyland you will be able to meet Mickey Mouse in patriotic clothes, in Town Square every evening.
At Walt Disney World Goofy, Donald and Pluto will feature in patriotic clothes in a special pre-parade at the Magic Kingdom, which will also feature EPCOT's Fife and Drum Corps, as well as the much loved Citizens of Main Street (just how WDW use them in other pre-parades).
Interestingly, WDW have not yet said whether there will be character greetings at the American Adventure in EPCOT this year. Every year, for the last few years at least, WDW have featured Mickey and friends in patriotic clothes, as well as appearances by historical figures such Betty Ross and Benjamin Franklin.
I hope that the pre-parade is not a replacement for those greetings. That would be quite sad indeed to cut those.
You can read more about what is happening during Independence Week at the US Parks on the Disney Parks Blog which I linked to above (includes details of 4th July fireworks and more)
Probably the biggest news this week is that for the first time ever Disney will feature Marvel characters! Of course, they will be for limited sets at this years D23 Expo event in August, but it is a huge step nonetheless.
It is expected that Spider-Man and Iron Man will appear for limited sets on one of the days.
D23 will also feature Sofia the First (who debuted in the Christmas Day Parade at WDW last year, but not seen since), and for the first time Doc McStuffins!
The programme of events also listed characters from Jake and the Neverland Pirates, but of course we already have Jake at the parks, sparking speculation that maybe Izzy or Cubby might be coming!
Our friends at Inside the Magic have a complete breakdown of the entire event, with the greeting times, so be sure to check out their post here.
Here at Character Central we have been working hard to update the website and add more new content, including characters, autographs and movies. Be sure to check them all out! (You'll have to look for them - I don't want to make it too easy for you!)
Ok, I think that's everything for today.
Dan. |
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Hello everyone,
Today is the 15th anniversary of the grand opening of Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Set in the most lush and natural surroundings of any Disney Park (and probably any theme park!), Disney's Animal Kingdom is dedicated to the preservation of life, and researching new ways of saving the animal kingdom from extinction.
At it's centre and carved with over 300 animals, is the magnificent Tree of Life, which towers above the park.
From the trails, animal habitats, and of course the mind blowing Kilimanjaro Safaris, Disney's Animal Kingdom is incomparable in concept, design, and sheer beauty.
Happy 15th birthday Animal Kingdom!
By no coincidence, April 22nd is also Earth Day. Earth Day celebrates the diversity and beauty of the only known planet to support the ecosystems and life that is found here. Earth Day spreads the important message that we all need to do our bit for the planet through research and conservation, we can all hope to reach the goal of sustaining a better future for every living creature on this beautiful little blue and green world.
Happy Earth Day everyone!
The picture cavalcade below is all from Disney's Animal Kingdom, but of course matches both themes appropriately.
If you're at Disney's Animal Kingdom this week, why not check out their special combined birthday and Earth Day celebrations, 'Party for the Planet', which includes some cool character happenings! (The official LTM website has more information here.)
Dan.
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| After many random fairy sightings in Epcot the last few weeks it doesn't come as a surprise but the official Limited Time Magic page has been updated with "Disney Fairies Week" April 15th to April 21st, 2013!
This will be coming to both Walt Disney World and Disneyland; however, it sounds like Walt Disney World is getting the better version of the week as it mentions Iridessa, Rosetta, Silvermist, Fawn, Vidia, and Terence in addition to Tinker Bell while at Disneyland it only mentions Tink, Rosetta, and Terence (which isn't much better than normal).
In both resorts the fairies will be found at their normal locations ( Tinker Bell's Magical Nook in Magic Kingdom and Pixie Hollow at Disneyland). If you are a big Disney Fairies fan, it sounds like Walt Disney World will be the place to be next week! |
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Hello everyone,
Sadly as much as we would have LOVED to have been at Long Lost Friends Week this week at Disneyland, we can't be everywhere at once, especially since they didn't announce the dates until just last week.
Although we are very sad we aren't there, fortunately the only character who has appeared so far that we haven't met is Ludwig (yes, he was in WDW, but for the same reason, we didn't see him! So annoying!)
Anyway, for those of you like us who can't get out to DL this week, I've put together my own collection of pictures from my adventures meeting all the same characters at the Disney Parks around the world! (Except Ludwig, of course...)
Not to criticise their efforts this week (it really looks amazing), but this post also proves that actually, with some effort - and luck - you could actually meet nearly all these characters at all the other parks, which brings me to this: who truly is "long lost?"
Who would you put out this week? Who is the "rarest of them all?"
I'll post my suggestions later in this post!
Meanwhile, back to this weeks offerings...
So, here it is! Character Central's very own "Stay at Home Long Lost Friends Week!"
[ Read More... ] |
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Hello everyone,
Today sees the start of Disneyland's much anticipated Limited Time Magic event, Long Lost Friends Week.
As you may recall the Disney Parks Blog had previously held a vote, and these are the characters that officially won:
- Esmeralda, Frollo and Clopin from The Hunchback of Notre Dame
- Pocahontas, John Smith, Meeko and Governor Ratcliffe from Pocahontas
- Robin Hood, Friar Tuck, Prince John and Sheriff of Nottingham from Robin Hood
- and Scrooge McDuck and Ludwig von Drake
User ssaamm on our Character Central Forum also informs us that they have also seen Lilo and Stitch, the Three Little pigs, the Big Bad Wolf, Peter and Wendy, and Tarzan and Jane appear so far at the Ranch! None of these won the vote.
It's definitely very cool that Disneyland have stepped up their game on this one. I am just immensely sad that we are not there for it!
If anyone else appears this week, I'll be sure to let you all know.
On Facebook, the Unofficial Disney Character Hunting Guide posted pictures of Princess Aurora sporting her new look at WDW, which debuted just the other day. Of the three Princesses that have been redesigned so far, I personally think that Aurora is the best one.
Also at WDW, although this is now old news, just as a reminder, Countdown to Fun and Disney Channel Rocks at Hollywood Studios ended permanently this past weekend. This now leaves the Studios without a parade until further notice.
Tokyo Disneyland have had a "soft opening" of their brand new parade for the 30th anniversary. Happiness is Here features some of our favourite characters, including some that are being let out in the parks for the very first time!
The Ugly Duckling, a Heffalump, and the King of Hearts are all welcomed additions! The King of Hearts was technically a character a very long time ago, but hasn't been seen in decades. |
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 | Welcome Back Roger Rabbit! | |
| DisneyDan
Tuesday, March 26, 2013 11:52:04 AM |
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Hello everyone,
For a while now there have been whispering amongst Disney Cast Members and some guests in-the-know that a certain rabbit, who has been absent for many years, would make his grand return this year... For the most part it's been a closely guarded secret, but here and there, information has been leaked...
Yesterday, in keeping with those rumours, finally after a long time away, the much loved Roger Rabbit made his first of several appearances this week at Disneyland, for their Limited Time Magic Easter "Bunny Hop" down Main Street USA!
I can honestly say I don't think that my friends and I could have been any more shocked that Disneyland actually have him out this week!
To see Roger Rabbit actually back in the park is amazing.
After years of legal wrangling about licensing for his appearances, Roger has finally been let out of Toontown and back to the Disney Parks! Up until now, fans have only been able to see Roger whilst taking a spin through Toontown in his attractions at both Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland.
For those of you, who for some reason don't know, Roger Rabbit is the adorable but über excitable bunny from Disney's 1988 movie "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?"
Roger was framed for a terrible crime, and faced erasure! Or course, there was a happy outcome, and Roger was reunited with the love of his life, another toon named Jessica Rabbit.
Along with the rumours that he was coming to Disneyland, I have also heard from several sources that he will make further appearances at some of the other Disney Parks in the very near future! Although just rumour at this stage, he might appear in Tokyo Disneyland, in their new parade (not yet confirmed), and also later on this year at Disneyland Paris!
Of course, these are just rumours, but then again, so was the Disneyland one, and that came true this week!
Now that Disney have apparently overcome whatever issue they had with him visiting the parks, let's hope that even if the rumours aren't exactly true, that at some point we start seeing more and more of him - and soon!
Our good friend Loren Javier was in Disneyland yesterday, and has let us use these two pictures he took of Roger, for all your enjoyment!
Hopefully someday soon, here at Character Central, we will have our own pictures of him too!
Welcome back, Roger! We have missed you!
Dan.
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