Hi all,

This week saw the official opening of Disney's Aulani resort in Hawaii. Mickey and Minnie were there in their Hawaiian finest of course, along with some of the top Disney executives. There are loads of posts on the Disney Parks Blog about it, so head over there to see one of the many videos and photos they have posted.

Speaking of Hawaii and Disney Cruise Line announced that it will be offering a second LA to Hawaii cruise late next year. This presents a really amazing opportunity for those lucky enough to be able to do it - you could start your trip in Disneyland, then sail on a Disney Cruise to Hawaii, then finish your stay at the new Aulani resort! Imagine the character fun to be had on a trip like that!  [ Read More... ]

Hi all,

Let us begin today's news in California, where apparently the Pooh meet 'n' greet area is being removed. At the moment it is unclear as to whether there is a replacement in the works, or if the Pooh characters are being permanently evicted. I guess we'll see in a few weeks, but it is strange that they didn't work on this when the whole land (Critter Country) was completely closed for several months earlier this year! California doesn't really need any less characters, and the Pooh friends are especially popular, so let's hope they return in a fab new location soon!  [ Read More... ]

Hi all,

I have some big news regarding Disneyland Paris's Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Parties that was revealed to me today!

A good friend of ours, who has good inside contacts has told me that for the first time since the parties began three years ago, they are having a complete change of the entertainment offerings for the four ticketed evenings.

Let us begin with what is being ditched. The Merlin Witch Academy show at Castle Courtyard has been dropped, the Cavalcade and the Winnie the Pooh show.

They have been, for the last three years, the key events of the evenings, apart from the character meets of course.

The other key event of the parties was a stage show, which this year is being replaced with a new unique finale show.

The Winnie the Pooh show is being replaced with a new 'Minnie's Pirate Halloween Party', a Minnie Mouse happening over at the new Peter Pan stage in Adventureland. She will wear a new Pirate outfit.

The biggest news of all is that the Merlin replacement will be a new happening with none other than Huey, Dewey and Louie!! Titled 'Huey, Dewey and Louie's Trick or Treat Party', this will be the first time in MANY years that the three nephews will appear for regular park guests.

Of course, before you all go rushing off checking the pages on this site, Jon and I have met Huey, Dewey and Louie a number of times in the last year at DLP, but these were always at exclusive special events that we were invited to, and not available to the public. I just thought I would clarify that point!

This is really exciting news for not just Disneyland Paris, but character fans, and I am pleased to be able to share it here exclusively first!

If and when I hear more details I will of course let you all know!

Dan.

Hi all,

Just some small updates for you this evening.

First off, over in California Halloween Season has gotten under way this weekend. Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Chip and Dale have all began appearing in their seasonal costumes on Main Street, and the Villains have returned to the Small World Mall area. Over in DCA Duffy has donned a special pumpkin hat and sweater and his meet 'n' greet area has been given a neat seasonal overlay.

Loren should have a full photo update on the Character Central Forums by the end of the weekend, so look out for that one!

Across the country in Florida, and just one minor change to the characters at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party - Donald and Daisy have moved from the Adventureland Gazebo to near the Winnie the Pooh attraction in Fantasyland. I imagine this is due to the fact there is quite a high volume of characters in that one small area of Adventureland, and they needed spreading out more (others just in Adventureland include Tarzan, Jane and Terk, Rafiki, the Fairies, Aladdin, Jasmine and Genie, and Jack Sparrow; hence the need for the move).
You can check out the full 2011 MNSSHP Character line up here.

Over in Disneyland Paris the Princess Pavilion in Fantasyland is coming along really nicely, and is expected to officially open on October 8th. It will be the new permanent home of the Disney Princesses and is a new, extravagantly themed indoor location. It utilises the space formerly occupied by the Small World post show.

Finally, staying in Paris, but in the Studios, Push the Talking Trash Can has made a random, but much welcomed return this week. He has been spotted out and about on a few occasions. We don't know if this is permanent yet, but we hope it is.

Ok, that's all for now,

Dan.

Hi all,

So last night saw the first Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party of the season at the Magic Kingdom, and so we can now officially confirm what the line-up is!

Starting on Main Street, in Town Square Theater's Princess Room there are Cinderella, Prince Charming, Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Snow White and The Prince.

In the Magician's Dressing Room are Mickey and Minnie. Interestingly, when they go for their break from sets, they return in alternating outfits. So you could potentially see either the Magician and Witch outfits as seen from the last four years, or Pirate Mickey and Princess Minnie as seen at the old Pirate and Princess Parties from long ago.

In Town Square you can meet the Pooh friends. Three of the four's outfits remain unchanged from previous years (Pirate Tigger, Clown Eeyore and Butterfly Piglet), but this year Pooh has ditched the Super Sleuth outfit, and is now an orange and black Tigger-esque bumblebee!

On the other side of the street at the Tour Guide Garden Duffy joins the celebrations, and can be found wearing an orange pumpkin design sweater and a pumpkin hat.

Moving up to the Hub, and the Villains were as expected - the Tremaines, Lotso, Jafar and Gaston.

Moving left into Adventureland and Aladdin appeared with Jasmine and Genie, but I haven't seen anything of Abu yet. Hopefully he is there too, and was just on a break at the time!

Donald and Daisy have also moved to Adventureland this year due to the closure of Toontown. Daisy is still in her Princess costume, but Donald has now ditched his former pumpkin outfit in favour of the Pirate outfit as seen from the Pirate and Princess Parties, just like Mickey. UPDATE 17th September: Donald and Daisy have now moved to near the Winnie the pooh attraction in Fantasyland as Adventureland was getting quite crowded with all the characters!

As expected, Tinker Bell, Vidia and Rosetta were at in Pixie Hollow by the Veranda, and outside Tarzan, Jane and Terk, also as per previous years.

Rafiki was also in Adventureland, and I presume Timon, as he was meant to be, but I haven't seen anything about him as yet.

Jack Sparrow was meeting near Pirates of the Caribbean.

Going into Frontierland and by Splash Mountain were the Seven Dwarfs. In the Golden Horseshoe Woody, Jessie and Bullseye had their dance party as per previous years.

In Liberty Square Tiana and Naveen were at their regular daytime spot in the Glade.

Fantasyland features Alice and the Mad Hatter. Suzy and Perla also made an unannounced appearance, and later on Main Street, too.

In the Fairytale Garden was Aurora and Prince Phillip.

In Tomorrowland, Buzz Lightyear occupied his regular daytime spot, and Stitch donned his 626 outfit and joined Space Chip, Dale, Pluto and Goofy for his dance party at the Rockettower Plaza Stage.

The Villains Dance Mix and Mingle sees the return of Frollo as opposed to Jafar this year (last year Frollo was dropped in favour of Dr. Facilier, who also still stars).

As previous years, you can meet the Villains after the show. The Queen, Maleficent, The Queen of Hearts, Dr. Facilier, Cruella, Hook and Frollo come down from the stage for a short meet.

Finally to the parade. The opening title float has changed, and there is now a new mini Haunted Mansion float featuring some gravestones. Different characters now include Angelica, Christopher Robin (who used to be in it, but not for a few years) and Pooh in his new outfit that I described above. Sadly Horace Horsecollar has been dropped, and Clarabelle is now at the begining.

I think that's everything. If I have missed anything be sure to hit the Discuss button below and mention it on our forum!

That's all for now,

Dan.

Hi all,

This week has been fairly quiet on the character news front, but there are now a few more details emerging about the upcoming Halloween Season across the parks.

At Walt Disney World the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party line up has been released and can be found on our forums here. There are no real surprises as rumours had been flying around for a while. Just confirmation really of some of those expected, including Jack Sparrow, Lotso and Gaston.  [ Read More... ]