Hi all,

Yesterday I reported on the information supplied by Magic Forum member Poppy about the new Dreams show at DLP for the 20th anniversary. With my head all over the place for my upcoming trip, I totally forgot to mention that he also revealed some interesting new changes to the Parade for the 20th also.

Jon and I had heard about some of these before, but never had any proper confirmation, so I guess now we can say with some more conviction that the parade will be reworked next year. Changes rumoured so far (that Jon and I have also heard from sources) include Mickey and friends moving to the current Princess 2 unit, and Disney Fairies (not specified which brand yet - classic, or the new Tink and Friends) to go to the Dreams of Imagination float. Check out his post for the rest of the details.

Over on the our forum, Loren posted some information that a contact of ours sent us regarding the Mickey's Halloween Parties that start tonight in Disneyland. Check out the complete list of who is appearing here (you will have to scroll down). Note also that the Cavalcade will be having two showings per night!

In Florida, Inside the Magic reported (no link sadly as it was on their Facebook), that the Trick or Treat special event that was held in the Magic Kingdom last night (you may recall they announced it on the Parks Blog a few weeks back), was a big hit, and included Dr Facilier among the character meet 'n' greets. No other details of who was there yet, but when I get them, I'll post here or to the forum.

Finally, as you may have gathered, I am off to the opening weekend of Halloween Season Disneyland Paris tomorrow morning, and will be there all day tomorrow and Sunday. I intend to see both of the new shows at least twice each, and check out all the special characters (Villains, Jack and Sally, Fab 5 in costumes etc).

I will be back at my desk Monday afternoon, so expect an update then!

Until then, have a fantastic weekend everyone! For those in London, remember Rapunzel's coronation tomorrow, those in Paris be sure to be at the Halloween open, and for those in Florida make sure you see the character cavalcade at 10am tomorrow for the 40th!

Dan.

Hi all,

As I had previously reported, Rapunzel is having her coronation in London on Saturday (further info in previous post - location etc), and will be joined by all the other Disney Princesses. There have been some neat press photos released this week of Rapunzel's trip to London before her big day. I couldn't find an official Disney source, but Stitch Kingdom reposted some here.

Disneyland in California has said that they will be holding some exclusive new annual passholder events from mid-October, but sadly to begin with these will be by invite only. The first of these parties will include an exclusive evening showing of the Soundsational parade, showing off it's neat light effects not normally seen. Al Lutz has more details here, and there is more to the events than I have time to explain here, but if they are eventually opened up to other passholders, I can see that these will be a success (see Al's post as to my meaning about "if" here).

Over in Disneyland Paris, the opening weekend of Halloween has had it's schedule posted online, much to my joy (I go for two days this Saturday for the opening). It is really good to see some decent times for the two new shows, and some good times for the Villains meets, Jack and Sally, and the Tremaines.

Staying with Paris, and on the Magic Forum, user Poppy has posted some more info about the 20th anniversary Castle show, which I had speculated on previously. The character link here is that Mickey or Peter Pan may appear - but only one of them! Of course, nothing is confirmed yet.

DLP have also announced that there will be an exclusive preview of the new Princess Pavilion for annual passholders (Dream only) on the 5th and 6th of October between 10am and 1pm. If you're there be sure to check it out and let us know what you think!

Finally, our friend Drew posted on the WDWMagic Forum that on Saturday, for WDW's 40th anniversary, the cavalcade I had previously mentioned will be at 10am down Main Street USA, and will feature 60 characters. It will be followed by a speech by Meg Crofton, at CInderella Castle.

Ok, that's all for now,

Dan.

Hi all,

Yesterday the Disney Parks Twitter account very subtly announced that on October 1st - just 3 days away (and after much fan speculation) - there would be a character cavalcade, a sing along at the Castle and special merchandise "and more".

This is the first and only time this has actually been announced in any official form, but finally ends the months of speculation that something might happen in the Magic Kingdom on that day.

Sadly we can't be there, but will be watching the events unfold, and hope to bring you all the latest information when we have it.  [ Read More... ]

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... ]