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Hi all!
We are back form our crazy round the world Halloween trip, and I have a few small updates for you this evening!
Over the coming weeks I plan to write a full trip report for both Tokyo and Hong Kong, and of course in due course the pages on this site will be updated with all the most recent pictures and character, show and parade information. But that might take a while!
I don't want to go into too much detail right now, as I don't really have the time, but here's a recap of some fo the things that happened while we were away that I didn't get to blog about...
- For Halloween at WDW, some very special characters appeared at the Hotel Resorts, including Panchito and Jose, and Louis the Aligator!
- Ralph and Venellope from Wreck-It-Ralph started meet and greets at Disneyland CA and Hollywood Studios at WDW.
- WDW announced that Santa Goofy will meet guests at a special location on the Streets of America during Christmas Season, while the Osborne Lights are there.
- Scrooge will return for meets at the Magic Kingdom for the Parties.
- There was also some BIG news for the Magic Kingdom... They will FINALLY be getting a new day parade! Hooray!
At Disneyland Paris, their Christmas Season will be kicking off this Friday, and although the schedule has not been released yet, a good friend of ours has provided the information for us! It looks set to be an amazing season, filled with true Holiday magic!
Here's the schedule as it stands right now. Please note ANYTHING can change at ANY time.
Characters Meet and Greet:
- Mickey and friends 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Town Square
- Duffy the Disney Bear 9:30 - 4:00 PM
Location: Town Square
- Santa Goofy 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Gazebo, Town Square
- Stitch and Angel 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Christmas Tree, Town Square
- Winnie the Pooh 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Location: Casey's Corner, Main Street USA
- Belle 11:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Old Mill, Fantasyland
- Jack and Sally 10:30 AM - 4:45 PM
Location: Phantom Manor, Frontierland
- Santa Clause 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Cottonwood Creek Ranch, Frontierland
Shows and Parades:
- Disney Magic on Parade 4:30 PM
- Christmas Cavalcade 11:15 AM, 12:15 PM, 1:15 PM
- Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 6:15 PM
- Castle Lighting Ceremony 6:45 PM
- Disney Dreams 8:15 PM
I think that's everything for now!
Dan. |
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Hi all,
This is a very brief news update, as we are on our way to Hong Kong Disneyland later today!
I saw a couple of character related things around the internet this week that were worth mentioning.
First off, and maybe the biggest news was that the US Parks and Resorts, next year (2013), will be dubbed "Limited Time Magic", and will feature a year full of new and interesting events on both coasts.
Of course there are some oddball ones, such as the Dapper Dans singing pop songs (!), but there are also some for us character fans, including "Long Lost Friends Week", which is due to feature, to quote, "lesser known" Disney characters.
There will also be themed weeks, such as the week of 4th July, that will feature Mickey and Friends in their patriotic clothes, and Pirate Week, which, as you can imagine, features them in their pirate gear.
We look forward to hearing more about these events, and the full line-up for the year. We only hope that they release dates for each specific week in advance enough so that everyone can plan the week they want to attend.
You can check out our member's forum post about it here, which also has a link to the Parks Blog post.
In WDW, EPCOT is due to close the Character spot for a lengthy - and long overdue - overhaul.
The new version is due to reopen in February. In the meantime Mickey and Friends are being moved around the park. Though nothing official has been announced yet regarding the future of it, it is expected that they are going to take a leaf out of their own books, and their recent efforts at the brand new Silly Sideshow at the Magic Kingdom. Hopefully EPCOT will finally get an appropriately themed character location, with Mickey and Friends wearing some neat new Future World outfits.
Again, you can check out our forum post about it here.
Over in DL, although this is not official, Miceage king Al Lutz has reported that the West Coast park is due to cut their Christmas offering s from 2013, and instead host ticketed Christmas Parties, like the Magic Kingdom. I won't get into the whole thing here, as I am on limited time (our flight to HKDL awaits! LOL!), but you can read his article here. I for one would be sad if DL went down this route. DL's seasonal offerings are one of the many great things that often sets them apart from WDW, and is another anil in the coffin towards the US Parks becoming standardised, much to the fans disappointment.
With the announcement in NY earlier this week regarding the Limited Time Magic, it was also made apparent that the Disney Princesses would be getting a makeover. Cinderella was there, and if you check that Parks Blog post I mentioned above, you'll see a picture of her in her new dress and hairstyle. I have also heard that the other core Princesses will also be receiving makeovers. As yet, as far as I know, there is no date for their official relaunch. If anyone knows otherwise, just let me know!
Ok, I think that's all for now then.
Like I said, we're off to Hong Kong Disneyland tonight, and later next week Tokyo Disney Resort!
We'll try to update our Facebook page regularly, as well as our Twitter account, with pictures from our adventures at the parks, so be sure to follow us there!
Dan. |
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 | Happy 45th Anniversary to The Jungle Book! | |
| DisneyDan
Thursday, October 18, 2012 10:00:44 AM |
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Today is the 45th anniversary of the release of Walt Disney's classic, The Jungle Book.
Based on the novel by Rudyard Kipling, it tells the story of a boy who is brought up by wild animals deep in the jungles of India.
Sadly, it was the last animated feature to be personally overseen by Walt Disney himself.
Let's celebrate with Mowgli and the gang with some pictures of their Disney Parks adventures, and wish them a very happy 45th birthday!
Happy 45th Birthday Mowgli, Baloo, King Louie and all the jungle animals!
Dan. |
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 | Happy 2nd Anniversary Duffy! | |
| DisneyDan
Sunday, October 14, 2012 12:49:38 PM |
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Today (October 14th) marks the second anniversary of the launch of Duffy the Disney Bear on a permanent basis at the US Parks (WDW and DLR).
Duffy is one of Mickey Mouse's best friends, and was created by Minnie for Mickey when he went on a long sea voyage, to keep Mickey company.
Duffy is soft, fluffy and always very happy to give you a hug. With open arms and gentle paws, Duffy is not just a teddy bear, he is THE most loveable, huggable Disney bear.
Happy 2nd Anniversary Duffy!
The pictures below are just from the US Parks, as it is ONLY his anniversary in the US today.
Dan. |
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 | World Space Week | |
| DisneyDan
Sunday, October 7, 2012 2:05:10 AM |
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This week, from 4th to the 10th of October, is the internationally recognised, and UN declared, "World Space Week".
It recognises that:
- On October 4th, 1957 the first human-made Earth satellite, Sputnik 1, was launched.
- and on October 10th, 1967 the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activites of States in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, was signed.
There have been many, many Disney movies and TV shows over the years that have included elements of space exploration, and of course it was Walt Disney himself that brought us the idea of a better, more promising future. First, through his vision of Tomorrowland at Disneyland, with all it's gadgets and technology, and then through his vision for EPCOT.
To celebrate World Space Week, and being Character Central, some of our favourite interstellar Disney Character stars have come down to Earth to visit!
Happy World Space Week, everyone!
Dan. |
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 | National Badger Day | |
| DisneyDan
Saturday, October 6, 2012 2:11:57 AM |
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Today here in the UK - October 6th - is National Badger Day, an awareness day for these beautiful underground creatures.
Disney has just one resident badger, Friar Tuck.
Friar Tuck would like you to check out The Badger Trust's homepage to find out how you can help protect badgers in your local community, and help keep these beautiful animals part of British wildlife.
You can see their website here.
In support of this good cause, and to say thanks, Friar Tuck wants to share some pictures with you of him at the Disney Parks.
Dan. |
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Hi all,
Not really a news update per se, but more just some updates regarding some things that have been going on at the Parks over the last week or so.
Halloween has of course started now at DL and DLP.
DLP has seen a massive overhaul of it's Halloween Season this year, with some FANTASTIC new decorations, lots of new entertainment (at least 3 new bands!), as well as the return of the Trick or Treat stage show starring Mickey and Friends.
The Villains have all returned, and meet daily in Fantasyland, and Jack and Sally are back at Phantom Manor. Villains I have confirmation of this year are: Maleficent, The Witch, Dr Facilier, The Tremaines, Frollo, Gaston, Cruella, Gideon, Ratcliffe, Jafar, the Queen of Hearts, Shan Yu and Hook.
Goofy also has a new location on Main Street, as well as brand new outfit. Pooh has returned once again in his Bumblebee costume, too.
In California, the bulk of their Halloween offerings have moved to the Big Thunder Ranch in Frontierland.
The Villains and Mickey and Friends are all there in their Halloween finest. There are also some other small Halloween offerings, activities and games that take place there.
Of course, the park is decked out for the season too.
Much to the fans sadness, and although it was almost expected, Buena Vista Street was not decorated this year for its first Halloween.
This year we'll be visiting FOUR of the Resorts (9 of 11 parks!) for Halloween! We've already done WDW two weeks back, next up is Hong Kong, followed by Tokyo, the finally Paris! 17 days and counting until that craziness begins!
Speaking of Halloween and Florida, they had one of their many marathons that they hold, just last week, and it was a special Halloween themed one. More accurately, it was Villains, and there were some really neat characters there. Most notable were the Hyenas and the Haunted Mansion Gravediggers! We would LOVE to meet the Hyenas!
Jumping back to Paris, you may have noticed that Duffy was missing from the list of characters for Halloween. It was originally expected that he would appear in the same outfit as the US Parks, but in fact, he has been recently dropped from the park altogether (namely due to lack of interest from Guests).
We have heard that he will probably not return for Christmas, either.
Over in Florida, we have heard that at Disney's Hollywood Studios, the long running Beauty and the Beast show will be leaving, as will the Little Mermaid show. No word yet as to when, or what their replacements will be.
Florida has also mixed up some characters this autumn. Marie has moved from EPCOT to Magic Kingdom, Beast has left altogether (to get ready for his debut in the winter at MK presumably) and Chip 'n' Dale have moved from Camp Minnie-Mickey to Rafiki's Planet Watch.
I think there may have been some other minor changes too, but I don't recall what they were right now!
Back to DLP now, and today saw something quite unusual. The Three Good Fairies - Flora, Fauna and Merryweather - made a surprise appearance in Fantasyland! Apparently DLP is considering having them out regularly, and so they asked the Fairies to appear for Guests today to test their popularity! Amazing!
We had heard previously (and I have mentioned this before I think), that DLP want to start having more and more rare characters appear (something that they have always been good at anyway!), and so maybe this is the start of that? A very good start I would say!
Recently there was a promotion in France by Disney for the new Cinderella DVD release, and something quite odd happened. Disney France gave Prince Charming a name for the very first time! Disney has always insisted that the Prince's name was indeed Charming, but now I guess they have decided otherwise! The name was Henri (French of course for Henry)!
So next time you see Prince Charming in the Parks, call him Prince Henri, and see what he says!
And now to Christmas at DLP. I have to say that when I saw the release for the Holiday information this year, it made me REALLY sad that we won't be in DLP for Christmas, as we'll be in DL instead (which I'm still really excited about, of course!).
Here's a list of EVERYTHING that has been confirmed for DLP Christmas thus far, including some really neat BRAND NEW character related items!
Both DL Parc and WDS are getting brand new Christmas Trees and decorations! The DL Parc Tree will feature all new lights and decorations on it.
DL Parc is also getting brand new decorations and garlands all up Main Street, as well as brand new "snow scenes" around Central Plaza featuring character snowmen!
Brand new 3 times per day Christmas Cavalcade in DL Parc featuring Mickey and Friends, Toy Story, Santa and other Holiday friends. FOUR floats - 2 of which are brand new!!
NO MORE PRINCESS LAMP POSTS!! HOORAY!!
Christmas lights ("ice") on the rooftops of the Castle.
Tree Lighting Ceremony with Mickey and Friends
Brand new outfit and Christmas photolocation on Main Street for Minnie!
Brand new Christmas photolocation for Mickey in the Studios that is a "Christmas Tree Forest"
Santa Goofy in Town Square
Santa Claus at the Cottonwood Creek Ranch
Snowfall on Main Street
"it's a small world" Celebration
NEW Christmas photolocation at the Old Mill for Belle! (replaces Belle's Christmas Village)
Jack and Sally at Phantom Manor - they will be staying after Halloween Season to meet throughout Christmas, for the first time ever!
How amazing does all that sound?!
Ok, so I think that is all for now! It was quite a DLP-heavy article today, but then, I guess that is because they have the most news to share!
As always, you can share your own thoughts and discuss with others on our Forums.
Dan. |
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Today is the 41st Anniversary of the opening of the Magic Kingdom, Disney's Polynesian Resort and Disney's Contemporary Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Also, on this day 11 years later, EPCOT opened, which means it is also celebrating, and is 30 years young today!
Over the years Walt Disney World has strived to be the number one vacation destination in the world; and for us Disney fans, I think you'll agree that it really is a truly beautiful and magical place.
Magic truly lives at Walt Disney World, and I am sure that Walt Disney would be proud of the work that his company has achieved. Walt had one goal - to provide a place where people can come to have fun and escape the real world. He also dreamed of a place where a diverse range of cultures come together and live their dreams in a vast community built on the ideals and promises of a better future.
Those dreams and ideals have come true, and tens of nationalities work at Walt Disney World, and many more visit every day.
Happy Birthday Walt Disney World Resort. Long may you bring us joy and happiness, and a vision of a better tomorrow, for all.
Seeing as the most notable birthday today is EPCOT, my photo tribute will be primarily EPCOT orientated, with some pictures of the Contemporary, Polynesian and Magic Kingdom added at the end.
Dan. |
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On our most recent trip to Florida we decided to stay offsite for a night so that we could go to Universal Orlando Resort for 2 days (see my trip report for that here).
The idea was that by staying offsite and having a hire car it would force us to go to Universal, which, for the longest time we had put off and pushed back. Staying outside of Disney meant we HAD to go!
The choice of hotel, and for me, the deciding factor in staying offsite for a night came down to certain offerings at one hotel in particular.
We had been wondering where to stay. There are a lot of options in the Orlando area, that's for sure.
Then I found out something that changed the game completely...
Nickelodeon had recent bought the rights to the Ninja Turtles, and had commissioned a new series, which at time of writing hasn't yet started.
So, they were going to be featuring the Ninja Turtles as characters at their Nickelodeon Suites Resort hotel in Florida, starting in the summer.
For anyone who knows me well, will know that my childhood heroes, and favourite characters of all time are the Turtles. No questions about it. I would have given a limb to meet them as a kid, and still would have - and here they were in Orlando!
They would be featuring at a special buffet meal at one of the hotel's buffet restaurants.
That was it, the hotel was booked and we called a couple of weeks beforehand to make our dining reservation to ensure we dined with the Turtles!
As I had already discussed in my Universal trip report, we hired a car from Disney (click here to read about that), so that we could check out of the All Stars and drive directly to the Nick Hotel.
We arrived early to check in because we were going to Universal for the day, and returning later for our special Turtles meal.
The outside of the hotel is fairly standard looking, but has some bright colours and pictures of various Nickelodeon cartoon stars around the top.
When you walk into the lobby you are hit by the bright colours!
Check in was as simple as any other hotel, and then you are directed to the information desk to find out all about the hotels diverse entertainment programme.
At the information desk you can find out about their shows, character breakfast, other family entertainment, character dinner and character meet 'n' greets that take place throughout the day.
I have to say that we were quite impressed with the range of entertainment and other things offered. We were a little sad that we wouldn't have the chance to experience it all, as we only had a limited time to go to Universal during our one night away from Disney (and of course Universal had to take priority over the hotel).
Once we had our room key, we headed upstairs to the suite.
I have to say that I was expecting a little more in the way of theming.
Maybe I've been a Disney die-hard for so long that I compare everything against it (lol), but being that this was a Nickelodeon Hotel and was heavily family orientated, I expected the suite to have fun colours and pictures on the walls.
Now don't get me wrong, the room was spacious, had good facilities (bunk beds for kids, kitchenette, living area etc), and for the money you couldn't complain.
It's just that I expected it to be Nickelodeon themed. Guess you can't expect everything!
All the main hotel facilities were located in a separate building to the main lobby, which they called the Mall.
Outside of the Mall there were regularly scheduled busses to all the local Orlando theme parks (Disney, Universal, SeaWorld etc).
When you go inside, once again you are hit by the hideously bright colours (ok so it wasn't THAT bad, but there is only so much orange and green I can take lol!).
Overall though it is a great space. They have a Nickelodeon 3D attraction (pay activity), a large gift site selling a wide range of Nick products, several counter service eateries, including some major chains, an arcade, and two hotel run buffet restaurants. One of those was where they have the Turtles dinner. The same restaurant is also used for the character breakfast.
During our time at the hotel that morning and that evening for dinner, we came to see that it was a great place for families. It is where all the characters had their meet 'n' greets.
While we were there we saw lots of characters meeting, including SpongeBob, Sandy and lots of other Nick characters (my memory fails me right now as to who else, but there were a lot more!).
But of course, our main reason for choosing this hotel in particular for our Universal side-trip, was because they had the Ninja Turtles there for a special dinner buffet!
I'll be honest with you, I'm not sure that it is humanly possible to be any more excited than I was! The Turtles are my lifelong heroes, as I had said before.
I was wearing my Turtles t-shirt, had TWO Turtles hats with me, my autograph book, and of course my camera with spare batteries and memory cards in case something disastrous happened!
Our reservation was for the opening time of the restaurant, which was 5pm.
The host could see I was there to meet the Turtles and how excited I was, and so gave me what was normally reserved for kids... Turtle eye masks! I got 2 of each colour!
Now I was REALLY set! LOL!
We were shown to our table, and we specifically asked for one where we could see the Turtles coming in and out, so we could grab extra pics - and so the Turtles could see me in all my Turtle gear and might pay me more attention! LOL!
The hosts were very accommodating.
The Turtles didn't start their meets until 5.30pm, and we were told we could head to the buffet. Jon did, but I simply couldn't eat! I was so anxious, I couldn't do ANYTHING until I had met all four Turtles!
When the Turtles appear, they come out as a group, do a small show around the dining room, showing off their ninja skills, and then two of them return for a pizza break, while the other two work their way around the room.
They work in half hour rotations, so half an hour later, the other two would appear again, they would all do the mini show, and the two new ones would stay, and the others would leave for a pizza break.
Aside from the fact I was fulfilling a lifelong dream, and we could have been sitting in a baron wasteland for all I cared (LOL!), I have to say that from a guest point of view, as a whole experience was FANTASTIC. The hosts, servers, Turtles, food was all completely excellent. Jon and I have only the highest compliments for the team in that dining room.
The entire experience was a complete pleasure from start to finish.
I actually think that Disney could pick up a thing or two from them about how much fun a character meal should really be!
The food was great, the price was really good for character dining - and we even got an "early bird" discount because we were seated before 6pm! Amazing from start to finish.
Eventually, of course, we met all four Turtles, and I could finally calm down enough to go eat some food!
Michelangelo even let me feed him some pizza! So now my life is complete. I have not only met the Turtles, but I FED Michelangelo his favourite food! LOL!
Overall our experience at the Nick Hotel was completely wonderful. I know I said the theming could use some work, but for the price of a two bedroomed suite, and the activities, characters and facilities they offer, it is an amazingly good value family hotel, right in the heart of Lake Buena Vista.
Highly recommended.
Dan.
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 | Happy First Day of Autumn/Fall! | |
| DisneyDan
Saturday, September 22, 2012 10:40:44 AM |
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Today is the first day of Autumn/Fall (depending on where you're from), which is also known as the Autumnal Equinox.
To celebrate this diverse time of year where leaves change colour, animals start to gather for the winter and farmers harvest crops, here's a harvest full of seasonal shots from the Disney Parks around the world!
Happy Autumn/Fall, everyone!
Dan. |
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