 | Character of the Week - Princess Aurora |
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| DisneyDan
Thursday, February 20, 2014 9:32:57 AM |
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Princess Aurora is the beautiful daughter of King Stefan and his Queen, from Walt Disney's 1959 masterpiece, Sleeping Beauty.
She was betrothed since her birth to King Hubert's son, Phillip. At the celebration of her birth, Aurora was blessed by two of the three good fairies with the gifts of beauty and song, but as the third gift was being given, the evil fairy Maleficent arrived. Disgusted not to have been invited to the celebrations Maleficent curses Aurora with death by the pricking of her finger, by the time the sun sets on her 16th birthday.
The three good fairies could not dispel the curse, only lessen it's power. Merryweather makes it so that in the event Aurora did prick her finger, she would fall into a timeless slumber, until her true love came to wake her.
Despite the fairies best efforts to protect Aurora as she grows up in exile, hiding from Maleficent's all-seeing gaze, ultimately nothing could stop the Mistress of all Evil. Tricked into pricking herself, Aurora is laid in state at King Stefan's castle. Prince Phillip came to her rescue though, defeating Maleficent and breaking the spell.
At the Parks and Resorts
At the Disneyland Resort in California, you can visit the original Sleeping Beauty Castle, which opened with Disneyland in 1955 - four years before the film was released! The Castle features a walkthrough experience that tells the story of Sleeping Beauty in beautiful detail.
When Hong Kong Disneyland opened in 2005, it came complete with a copy of Disneyland's Castle, but sadly minus the walkthrough experience.
Disneyland Paris also has a Sleeping Beauty Castle, but instead of being a copy of the Californian one, it is much more majestic. It features 16 dreamy spires (Aurora's age when she touched the spinning wheel), a dragon's lair and an absolutely beautiful gallery on the upper level that retells the story of Sleeping Beauty through stained glass and tapestries.
There is a lot of merchandise available, including plushes, accessories, toys, dolls and clothes, at most, if not all, the Disney Parks and Resorts (the Asian parks might not have quite so much).
Princess Aurora can also be seen in many parades and shows around the world, from Soundsational at Disneyland, Dream Along with Mickey in Walt Disney World, Disney Magic on Parade at Disneyland Paris, One Man's Dream at Tokyo Disneyland, and the Flights of Fantasy Parade at Hong Kong Disneyland.
Meeting Princess Aurora
Aurora is fairly regular at the Disney Parks.
At Walt Disney World she can sometimes be found in France at EPCOT, and the Akershus Restaurant. In the Magic Kingdom she is normally at the Princess Fairytale Hall. She may also usually be found at Cinderella's Royal Table.
In Disneyland California Aurora can sometimes be found at the Princess meet 'n' greet in Fantasyland, and Ariel's Grotto at DCA.
In Disneyland Paris she is often at the Princess Pavilion and in Auberge de Cendrillon in Fantasyland.
In Tokyo Disneyland she is out in Fantasyland and World Bazaar almost daily.
In Hong Kong she sometimes appears near the Wishing Well.
Aurora meets guests aboard select Disney Cruise Line sailings. You should check your Personal Navigator for details.
I should point out that, for the foreseeable future at least, Princess Aurora greets guests in her blue dress at Disneyland Paris; the only place she does so regularly.
More information
For more information about Princess Aurora, where to find her at the Disney Parks and Resorts, and lots more photos, you can check out her dedicated page here at Character Central.
And finally…
Through the power of true love, Prince Phillip and Princess Aurora bring together their kingdoms and live happily ever after.
The vote is now open for the next Character of the Week!
Voting is conducted by polling on the forum topic for this article. Click here to cast your vote and leave your thoughts about this article and Princess Aurora!
The options are:
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Goofy
- Wendy
- Christopher Robin
The next Character of the Week is likely to be about 8 days from now – which gives you all plenty of time to vote!
Dan.
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 | Happy 61st Anniversary Peter Pan! | |
| DisneyDan
Wednesday, February 5, 2014 11:13:07 AM |
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Today, 5th February, is the 61st anniversary of the premiere of Walt Disney's classic, Peter Pan. Debuting at the Roxy Theatre in New York City in 1953, it is the studio's 14th animated feature film.
Peter Pan, his Lost Boys, the Darling children and the pirates have gone on to become some of the most iconic characters ever produced by Walt Disney. They feature in many parades, shows and attractions round the world, as well as still greeting their fans.
Just as time stands still in Neverland, time has been good to Peter Pan and friends, allowing them to continue to have adventures for the past six decades, bringing joy and happiness to millions across the world, with their two simple beliefs that you should never grow up and if you think of all the joy you'll find when you leave your worries behind, you really can fly.
Youthful and timeless, and not looking a day older than their debut in 1953, Peter Pan, Wendy and all their friends will continue to bring adventure to those who believe for many more years to come.
Happy 61st Anniversary Peter Pan and friends!
Here's a selection of pictures from our travels through Neverland with Peter and the gang over the years.
Dan. |
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 | Character of the Week - Chip 'n' Dale | |
| DisneyDan
Saturday, February 1, 2014 4:09:19 AM |
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| Chip 'n' Dale are the cheeky, mischievous duo who first appeared on 2nd April 1943, where they started their onscreen careers harassing poor Pluto, in Walt Disney's animated short, 'Private Pluto'. [ Read More... ] |
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 | Kung Hei Fat Choi! Happy Lunar New Year! | |
| DisneyDan
Friday, January 31, 2014 12:25:47 PM |
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Kung Hei Fat Choi!
It's the start of a new Lunar New Year for Chinese people across the world, and also the start of the Year of the Horse.
Some of our favourite Disney Characters are here to celebrate with us, in our usual cavalcade of photos, including of course Mulan and her friends, Mickey and his friends in special Chinese outfits, and some equine pals (for it is their year after all!)! Also, I thought I would share some photos that have a distinct Chinese theme to them from the Disney Parks around the world, including China at EPCOT, and of course Hong Kong Disneyland.
If you're thinking of planning a trip to Hong Kong Disneyland, you should most definitely check out our excellent, in-depth trip planner here at Character Central. We have everything covered from flights, hotels, shopping, attractions, dining and tonnes more.
Kung Hei Fat Choi!
Dan. |
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 | Happy 55th Anniversary Sleeping Beauty! | |
| DisneyDan
Wednesday, January 29, 2014 11:41:08 AM |
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Today, 29th January 2014, is the 55th anniversary of the release of Walt Disney's beloved masterpiece, Sleeping Beauty.
Despite the fact that the film was not released until 1959, Walt Disney opened Disneyland in 1955 with Sleeping Beauty Castle as it's central icon, an icon which has since been duplicated in Hong Kong Disneyland (2005), and vastly improved upon at Disneyland Paris (1992).
In our usual Character Central style, let's celebrate with a cavalcade of photos from the Disney Parks around the world.
Happy 55th Birthday Sleeping Beauty!
Dan.
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 | Character of the Week - Eeyore | |
| DisneyDan
Friday, January 24, 2014 7:48:27 AM |
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Eeyore is the ever melancholy donkey from the world of Winnie the Pooh, who mopes around from this place to that, looking for somewhere to live. He is one of Christopher Robin's best friends, and a much loved member of the Hundred Acre Wood.
Eeyore, sadly, never has much luck, and often finds himself without a house, a tail, and under a raincloud. His perpetual bad luck gives him a rather dim outlook on the world around him, and he can often be heard saying things such as, "Most likely lose it again, anyway”, "...but nobody listens to me, anyway” and “If it is a good morning, which I doubt.”
Eeyore often finds himself getting mixed up in the adventures with his more daring friends, often reluctant to get involve but somehow pulled along.
At the Parks and Resorts
Eeyore remains a very popular character, and can be found in many parades and other performances across the Disney Parks, including Disneyland Paris's Disney Magic on Parade, Hong Kong Disneyland's Flights of Fantasy Parade, Tokyo Disneyland's Happiness is Here Parade, special Christmas and Halloween parades in Florida, California and Paris, as well aboard the Rainy Day Express in Hong Kong.
Merchandise can be found at all the Resorts, with some of the cutest items we've ever seen at Hong Kong Disneyland.
Eeyore features in the Winnie the Pooh attractions in Florida, California, Tokyo and Hong Kong.
Meeting Eeyore
Eeyore makes frequent appearances at the Disney Parks and Resorts around the world.
At Walt Disney World you can always meet Eeyore at the Crystal Palace character meal, alongside the other 100 Acre Wood friends. In the past he has also made appearances in Fantasyland next to the Winnie the Pooh attraction, in the UK pavilion at EPCOT, and on the Streets of America in Hollywood Studios during 'Characterpalooza'. Aside from the Crystal Palace though, most of these other appearances are fairly random now, and cannot be guaranteed.
At Disneyland, Eeyore is nearly always at the Pooh and Friends meet 'n' greet in Critter Country, and is often at the Minnie and Friends Breakfast at the Plaza Inn.
At Disneyland Paris, Eeyore can pop up randomly in Fantasyland, on Main Street, at the Disneyland Hotel and the Sequoia Lodge quite frequently.
In Tokyo, you can often find Eeyore near the main entrance (in World Bazaar).
As far as we know, Eeyore does not appear at Hong Kong Disneyland or on the Disney Cruise Line at this time.
More information
More information about Eeyore, plus a lot more pictures of him, can be found on his official page here on this site.
And finally…
Despite his gloomy outlook on life, Eeyore is a loving and caring member of the Hundred Acre Wood, always willing to help his friends, and always puts others before himself. With his calm nature and big heart, Eeyore is a truly loved donkey by all that meet him.
The vote is now open for the next Character of the Week!
Voting is conducted by polling on the forum topic for this article. Click here to cast your vote and leave your thoughts about this article and Eeyore!
The options are:
- Chip 'n' Dale (together)
- Emperor Kuzco
- Mary Poppins
The next Character of the Week is likely to be about 8 days from now – which gives you all plenty of time to vote!
Dan.
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 | National Hug Day | |
| DisneyDan
Tuesday, January 21, 2014 2:28:56 PM |
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Today is National Hug Day for many countries, so I thought we could spread the love and share some hugs here on the blog!
Here's some of your favourite Disney friends hugging.
And who of course could forget Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear!
Dan. |
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.jpg) | Penguin Awareness Day | |
| DisneyDan
Monday, January 20, 2014 3:05:25 PM |
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Today is Penguin Awareness Day, which is a day to celebrate these beautiful animals.
Of course, a penguin lover myself, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to celebrate with a post dedicated to them and our favourite Mr Penguin from Walt Disney's Mary Poppins!
Happy Penguin Awareness Day everyone!
Dan. |
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Hello everyone,
The Disney Parks Blog announced this week that Disney California Adventure would play host to Disneyland Resort's Lunar New Year Celebrations this year, which will feature Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Chip and Dale, Mulan and Mushu over at Paradise Gardens. There will be crafting, Chinese dragon and lion dances, as well as Vietnamese and Korean dance groups. The event will run from 31st January until 2nd February inclusive, from 11am until 5pm.
The Disney Parks Blog also announced that the Disneyland Resort is playing host to another round of rare character weekends from now until May, yes May! Every Friday through Sunday you can head over to the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree to see who is appearing. Our good friend Loren was there last weekend, and you can check out his report on who he met, here.
The Tokyo Disney Resort Blog made a post revealing some information (albeit all in Japanese) about this year's spring events at the resort. From the 2nd April through 23rd June inclusive, the resort will play host to various shows and parades at both parks.
At Tokyo Disneyland, after a hiatus last year, the park sees a spring parade back on its streets, titled Hippiti-Hoppiti Spring Time. The parade will feature seven new floats, starring Mickey and his friends in their spring finest, as well as Marie. The blog also mentions Easter Bunnies, but it's hard to make out whether it means that the Easter Bunny himself will feature, or if he's just a statue on a float.
At Tokyo DisneySea, Lido Isle Welcome to Spring, Easter in New York and Springtime Surprise all return for another year, at the various ports around the park.
In addition to the shows and parade featuring the characters, there will be special menus, merchandise and decorations.
Jon and I will be there in May, and cannot wait to see the new parade!
I want to also point you to my previous news posts from the last week or so, in case you missed them, because there were some interesting things that are still relevant.
To find out about news for Captain America, Marie, and a brand new Disney On Ice show featuring the Frozen characters, click here.
To find out about Disneyland Paris Spring events, queue lines, Aurora and Camp Minnie-Mickey, click here.
To find out about Doc McStuffins and other news, click here.
For my tribute to the recently retired Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade, click here.
For my tribute to the recently closed Camp Minnie-Mickey, click here.
For my massive photo-filled year in review for 2013, click here.
For my most recent dining review for Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, click here.
Finally, I have been adding more and more content to the site, including locations and characters! As well as that, new photos show up across the site on many pages almost daily, as we continue to work through our massive backlog! Whenever you visit a page on the site, you never know what you might see that's new or different! So be sure to check back regularly.
Ok, I think that's everything for this evening,
Dan. |
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Hello everyone,
Today's dining review is of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show with Mickey and Friends, at Disneyland Paris' Disney Village.
We have experienced Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show (BBWWS) several times over the past few years, most recently in October 2013 with family members who were visiting Disneyland Paris for the first time.
BBWWS is located in the same building complex as the Gaumont Cinemas and IMAX, which is at the "front end" of Disney Village (nearest the parks and Marne La Vallee Chessy train station).
To begin your experience you have to wait in the lobby area; there are double doors which people usually start forming a line in front of about forty five minutes before showtime, though Disney suggests arriving an hour in advance. There is some vague theming and the menus are displayed. Once it is time for you to enter, the doors will open and you will proceed down the line to the check in area. You'll be assigned a coloured zone and given a straw hat with the appropriate coloured band on it to wear during the show and keep afterwards.
Once checked in and with your groovy new hat on your head, you'll find yourself in the Colonel Cody's Saloon. There is a bar selling alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, a stage (which I'll explain in a moment) and a character greeting area. You'll often find Mickey Mouse meeting his fans wearing his special BBWWS costume if you arrive early enough, or sometimes another character, but nearly always Mickey. There is also a store selling Western Disney themed merchandise.
The stage in the bar area comes alive shortly before the main show with a band and lasso demonstrations performed by a talented stuntman. Near the end of the show Goofy joins them on stage for a few minutes, before it's announced the main show is about to begin.
Once you're allowed into the main arena you'll have to follow the coloured signs to your appropriate section. You'll have to go up some stairs on the bar side, and down stairs into the arena on the other side. If you have a disability when you check in they'll assign you the green section, and once in the bar you can ask a cast member to use the elevator to the arena, where you'll be seated at the top of the green section.
The main show is quite lengthy and features Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Chip, Dale, alongside historical figures William Cody (Buffalo Bill), Chief Sitting Bull, Auguste Durand-Ruel and Annie Oakley. There are several different acts, featuring stunts which include live animals (buffaloes and horses), so if you have allergies or asthma you should be aware that the dirt and sand can be spread throughout the arena. You'll get to see stunts such as lassoing, rough riding, gun slinging, races, buffalo herding and competitive cowboy games between the performers and characters.
During the show you'll be presented with all your food and drink directly at your bench. You'll get a chilli starter, cornbread, a main consisting of potatoes, sausage, chicken and ribs and a dessert which is usually ice cream and crumble. The food is actually pretty good (the pictures don't do it justice really), but it is hard to eat in the dark while trying to watch such a lively performance! Some may find picking at the chicken on the bone a pain while watching the show. There are vegetarian and pork free options available, too.
The show lasts for about an hour and a half, and while enjoyable I do feel that it needs some updating. About three years ago they added the Disney characters, after having the same show for nearly 20 years, but even now I feel that the show needs some reworking. Some scenes last too long, and it can feel a little drawn out. Having said that, it is fun, and I do recommend it for first timers.
During seasonal times of the year, such as Halloween and Christmas, the show usually receives an overlay meaning you'll get to see a slightly altered, festive version.
The show runs up to twice nightly during peak times (6.30pm and 9.30pm), but off peak it often only operates a few nights per week, or even only one performance per night. Reservations are encouraged, though the show is rarely sold out. Typically, shows are daily, except Wednesdays and Thursdays, but this can change with season and demand.
There are two tiers of seating; first category and second category. Prices for 2nd category seating start from 59,90€ for adults and 46,90€ for children. Prices for 1st category seating start from 74,90€ for adults and 61,90€ for children. Disneyland Paris quite often have special offers for the show, with tickets occasionally even as low as 20€ per person, so be sure to keep an eye out for those.
Annual Passholders receive up to a maximum of 20% discount, depending on the pass they hold. Shareholder Club members also receive up to a maximum of 20% discount on presentation of a valid Shareholder Club card and ID.
Reservations can be made 60 days in advance by calling the Disney Dining line on +33 1 60 30 40 50, by visiting the BBWWS box office at its Disney Village entrance, through any Disney Hotel concierge, or by stopping into guest relations at either theme park.
You can leave your comments by clicking here, where you will be magically transported to our forum.
Dan. |
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