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Hi all,
This week we attended the first MNSSHP of the season at the Magic Kingdom in Florida.
There are a few minor changes this year to the line-up, but nothing too noteworthy.
The Boo To You Parade is down by 3 characters this year, sadly. Angelica, Liver Lips and Shaker have all been cut.
There are some additional performers, and some new outfits for the performers in the parade.
There is also the new Not So Scary Street Jam! which is basically a street dance party right before the parade. We don't rate this very much, and think that of all the things Disney could have added, they wasted a group of performers' talents, whereas they could be additional characters in the parade!
There is some new merchandise, including the usual pins and t-shirts.
The atmosphere seemed to be a bit more lacking than previous years, with less smoke effects and projections, I thought. Sadly, as the years have gone on, there has been a steady define in the MNSSHP offerings.
Now, for the most important part, the character meet 'n' greets!
Phineas and Ferb at the Arboretum next to City Hall
Mickey and Minnie in Town Square Theater (in Halloween costumes)
Cinderella, Prince Charming, Snow White, The Prince, Rapunzel and Flynn in Town Square Theater
Villains around Central Plaza at select times - includes Jafar, Gaston, The Tremaines' and Lotso
Villains Dance Mix 'n' Mingle - briefly meeting after the show are Dr Facilier, Cruella, Maleficent, The Queen of Hearts and Frollo (as far as we could tell - it is always chaos around there!)
Adventureland Veranda - Tarzan, Jane and Terk
The Nook - Tinker Bell and Periwinkle
Agrabah Bazaar - Aladdin, Jasmine, Genie and Abu
Jack Sparrow outside Pirates of the Caribbean
The Glade (Liberty Sq, behind the Christmas Shoppe) - Tiana and Naveen
Liberty Square boat dock - Duffy (in a Halloween costume)
Frontierland Dance Party - Woody, Jessie and Bullseye (hard to meet unless you dance with them)
The Seven Dwarfs outside Big Thunder Mountain
Castle Courtyard - Aurora and Phillip
Fairytale Garden - Merida
Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet outside the Pooh attraction (in Halloween costumes)
Donald and Daisy opposite the Pooh attraction (in Halloween costumes)
Alice and the Hatter at the Tea Cups
Tomorrowland Dance Party - Goofy, Pluto, Stitch, Chip and Dale (hard to meet unless you dance with them) (in space costumes, including Stitch as 626!)
Buzz Lightyear next to his attraction
The biggest changes this year are the addition of Merida, Periwinkle, Phineas and Ferb. Of course, all these can be met in the parks during the day, but nonetheless, here they are.
To see our full detailed page about MNSSHP, click here.
Ok, I think that's everything for now!
If we hear of any changes as the parties progress, we'll be sure to update you on the blog!
Dan. |
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Hi all,
Just a few small updates this evening for you.
Starting in Disneyland Paris, and the Summer Season has officially begun. In the past this would mean longer hours, the start of Fantillusion, the Tarzan show and nightly fireworks. this year is a bit different. Disney Dreams! runs every night of the year - it has since April and will until at least next April - cancelling out the need for fireworks, the Tarzan show started back in June, and due to the 20th, the Parks are open quite late now anyway - 11pm being fairly normal these days. So "Summer Season" has been somewhat reduced in its value to being just being the start of Fantillusion's run.
On saying that, it does mean though of course that the park has now got a full schedule for the summer season, with a nighttime spectacular and the night parade. It is an awesome time to be at DLP! The 20th Anniversary certainly has done it wonders!
We have also been getting reports from friends who are at the parks daily, that more and more random characters are starting to show up again - something that until recently DLP really did well, and prided itself on. Sadly in recent months character numbers had dwindled, but I am happy to report that it appears to be back to normal! We have seen friends post pictures of Snow White, The Prince and all the Dwarfs, the Villains and some other randoms out and about. Rapunzel also seems to be back appearing outside again, making an additional princess meet 'n' greet on top of the Pavillion. As well as all that characters have been showing up in more unusual outfits at the Hotel morning meets too. As DLP fans, we LOVE the fact that they always have characters at the hotels throughout the day, but it appears since the start of July, they have really been having some fun with them, with different characters and costumes showing up randomly (Summer outfits and beachwear at the New York for example, and Mickey in sports shirts at the Sequoia for the Euro football games).
As an additional note, Minnie Mouse appears to have a brand new permanent outfit at the Sequoia Lodge. It is now yellow, replacing the old green one.
Jumping across the pond to WDW, and July 4th saw Patriot Mickey, Goofy, Donald, Chip and Dale appear at EPCOT. At Mickey's Backyard BBQ dinner Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald wore special outfits, and were joined by Phineas and Ferb - they NEVER appear there! - as well as Chip and Dale in their regular BBQ attire.
Finally for the park news, I saw pictures earlier in the week of Angel meeting outside Space Mountain in Tokyo Disneyland. I have no idea if this is a permanent arrangement, but it did make me wonder something. We had heard that Angel is going to start appearing in DLP soon, and so maybe this is the start of Angel appearing in a number of the parks regularly? Will she appear in DLP in the near future? It seems more likely if she is now also in Tokyo. But I guess we'll see what happens.
A few updates from us here at Character Central now.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have had to scale back our summer adventures some, but will still be visiting both Disneyland CA and WDW during the summer. We also will be visiting Tokyo Disney Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland - just later in the year now. At WDW we are attending the first Mickey's Not So Scary of the season on the 11th September.
Finally tonight, just a reminder that we are trying to get to 2000 Likes on our Facebook page so that we can run another big giveaway like we did in April! So go to the page and share it with your friends so we can run another awesome competition!
Ok, that's all for now,
Dan. |
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Hi all!
Wow it has been a crazy few weeks for us, but things are finally settling down, and I can catch up on all the character news in the world! Ok, so we might be a little late on some of this, but it's good to have it all in one place, and who knows - you may have missed something!
So, first up California.
The Disney Parks Blog revealed a few things about the new Cars Land, and some coming entertainment offerings.
Big Red and DJ, both characters from the popular movie series will debut on June 15th - Cars Land official opening date - in two new unique shows.
All the details can be found here on the Parks Blog. We can't wait to see these this summer!
Across the Esplanade, Disneyland surprised us all by announcing that they will be adding a new weekend entertainment to the Ranch area of Frontierland. It sounds like there could be some really awesome things going on there, with some rarer characters too, such as the Country Bears, Clara Cluck, Clarabelle and Horace - as well as Mickey and the gang in special themed outfits!
We're not sure that this will still be there when we go in the late summer, but we hope it is, as it sounds really neat!
MiceAge king, Al Lutz reported that the new Fantasy Faire, which replaces the Carnation Gardens (which closed this past week), will feature a daytime show which will rotate between the different princesses, and a special new meet 'n' greet area. Apparently the new meet 'n' greet rooms will be better than the new WDW versions which are going in to the Snow White attraction's space, which doesn't surprise me to be honest!
Over in Tokyo, they are gearing up for a summer of fun, and the Disney Parks Blog (in an unusual move) released some details about some of their character filled events.
There are a few different festivals and celebrations going on, which includes all your favourite pals in some neat outfits. Sadly I think we'll probably miss these when we go, but if you are able to get there we'd love to see your pics on the Forums!
The Parks Blog ALSO announced information regarding Tokyo's 30th Anniversary, which is coming up next April. The new parade will be titled Happiness is Here, and will replace the current day time parade, Jubilation (which incidentally is just four years old right now!). Tokyo sure do like to get through new parades! You can find a link to the official OLC Press Release on the Forum here.
Over in Walt Disney World, Princess Merida has been making surprise appearances ahead of her grand debut. She has been spotted by fans in EPCOT this week. Our fans here at Character Central have posted some awesome pictures to this thread here on our Forum, so be sure to check those out!
Finally, WDW have announced their dates for this years Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween and Very Merry Christmas Parties.
Check out all the dates and prices here for Halloween, and here for Christmas!
We attended Halloween last year and were really happy to see some great additions such as Gaston to the line-up. We can't attend this year due to other plans (how about Tokyo and Hong Kong for Halloween instead?! ;) ), but we look forward to hearing which villains might show up this year!
If you posted to our forums in the last month, be sure to check out the results of our competition that was held for our forum users!
Ok, that's all for now!
Dan. |
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Hi all, Friday saw the official opening of the brand new Princess Pavilion in Fantasyland at Disneyland Paris. Following a few days of soft openings, the Disney Princesses were there at 9.30am along with some other courtiers to officially dedicate the new meet 'n' greet location. Our good friend Hilde (who is also a life long Disney fan), posted a blog entry to her tumblr account which includes some really nice pictures. You can discuss the Pavilion here on our official forum thread. [ Read More... ] |
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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. |
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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. |
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 | Mickey's Not So Scary line-up! (updated 17/9/11) | |
| DisneyDan
Wednesday, September 14, 2011 9:17:31 AM |
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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. |
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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... ] |
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Hi all, DLRP Magic confirmed today what I already said yesterday, that Stars 'n' Cars would be made into a proper parade, running across the park. The show stops will basically be a meet 'n' greet opportunity apparently. Over in Florida, Walt Disney World have now put on sale their Halloween and Christmas Party tickets. More information can be found on Jon's forum posts here (Halloween) and here (Christmas). Star Wars Weekends are due to start soon, and WDW have been promoting the fantastic annual event by visiting malls across Florida. Small stages have popped up in at least four locations, and have included appearances by Jedi Mickey, C-3PO and R2-D2! I have also heard from an inside source that Dumbo and the Three Little Pigs (Fiddler, Fifer and Practical) might be making a return once the new Fantasyland is complete. It has been suggested their costumes may be redesigned, but that is not confirmed by any means. This would be fantastic if they did! We hope this rumour comes true. Over in Disneyland, California correspondent Loren ran the Orange County AIDS walk, and raised over $4000! Read his post here on the forum to see which amazing characters he saw along the way! Well done Loren! Finally, as always we have been uploading huge amounts of photos to our Flickr pages, which in turn should automagically appear on their respective pages on this site. Lots of new Florida, Disney On Ice and Disneyland Paris photos should now be on many different pages. The latest images can always be seen by clicking the Most Recent tab on the main photos section of each page. I have also updated the calendar to reflect some slight changes to our travel plans. Ok, that's all for now, Dan. |
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