|
 |
Hello everyone,
There's a few things of interest this week that I thought I'd share. Sadly I haven't really had time to catch up properly recently after the big around the world trip, so you'll have to just go with it!
Anyway, Disney's Monstrous Summer at both US resorts has now started, and brings with it some new characters and greeting opportunities.
At Walt Disney's World's Disney's Hollywood Studios, Mike and Sulley can be met in their new MU dorm setting (same place as their old location), in their new MU outfits.
At the Big Hat they perform in the homecoming show, which is basically a large pop/rock dance party.
At Disney California Adventure, Mike and Sulley can be met, again at a new MU dorm setting, down in Hollywood Land.
The PIXAR Play Parade has been refreshed too, and stars Mike, Sulley and some brand new Monsters friends! Art, Scott "Squishy" Squibbles, Terry and Terri, and Archie the Scare Pig all join them! We'll be there in August and really look forward to seeing them!
Art was out for meets during the most recent 24 hour event back in May. Sadly we were not there to meet him (we were in DLP at the time!).
From the 1st to the 7th of July at both US resorts, Independence Day will be celebrated for a whole week, and will feature special character opportunities.
At Disneyland you will be able to meet Mickey Mouse in patriotic clothes, in Town Square every evening.
At Walt Disney World Goofy, Donald and Pluto will feature in patriotic clothes in a special pre-parade at the Magic Kingdom, which will also feature EPCOT's Fife and Drum Corps, as well as the much loved Citizens of Main Street (just how WDW use them in other pre-parades).
Interestingly, WDW have not yet said whether there will be character greetings at the American Adventure in EPCOT this year. Every year, for the last few years at least, WDW have featured Mickey and friends in patriotic clothes, as well as appearances by historical figures such Betty Ross and Benjamin Franklin.
I hope that the pre-parade is not a replacement for those greetings. That would be quite sad indeed to cut those.
You can read more about what is happening during Independence Week at the US Parks on the Disney Parks Blog which I linked to above (includes details of 4th July fireworks and more)
Probably the biggest news this week is that for the first time ever Disney will feature Marvel characters! Of course, they will be for limited sets at this years D23 Expo event in August, but it is a huge step nonetheless.
It is expected that Spider-Man and Iron Man will appear for limited sets on one of the days.
D23 will also feature Sofia the First (who debuted in the Christmas Day Parade at WDW last year, but not seen since), and for the first time Doc McStuffins!
The programme of events also listed characters from Jake and the Neverland Pirates, but of course we already have Jake at the parks, sparking speculation that maybe Izzy or Cubby might be coming!
Our friends at Inside the Magic have a complete breakdown of the entire event, with the greeting times, so be sure to check out their post here.
Here at Character Central we have been working hard to update the website and add more new content, including characters, autographs and movies. Be sure to check them all out! (You'll have to look for them - I don't want to make it too easy for you!)
Ok, I think that's everything for today.
Dan. |
|
 | Happy Father's Day! | |
| DisneyDan
Sunday, June 16, 2013 4:51:25 AM |
|
 |
Today, Sunday 16th June, is Father's Day in many countries around the world.
In the magical worlds of Disney there are many characters who are a dad, or who have been seen as a dad, or performed fatherly duties.
Let us thank them all, and celebrate with our own dads, in this special photo cavalcade.
First up, it's the original Disney dad, Goofy! Although he often embarrasses his son Max, they make quite the pair, and are more alike than Max cares to admit.
King Triton has seven daughters, the most famous of which is of course Ariel. Despite Triton's concerns about the human world, he loves his daughter so much that he allows her to become human, and marry Prince Eric.
The King wanted his son Prince Charming, to find his true love, and so threw a ball in his honour. The plan worked, and Charming found Cinderella!
The Sultan of Agrabah was maybe not as easy on his daughter Jasmine, and was quite happy for her to marry his evil advisor, Jafar. In the end though he saw the spark of true love between Aladdin and Jasmine, and was happy for them to marry.
Mr Incredible is a real hero to his son Dash. Literally, he is a superhero and full time dad!
Crush is a totally rad dad, and lets Squirt ride in and out of the EAC all on his own!
Dr Doofenshmirtz is father to Vanessa. Although an unlikely role model, he does love his daughter, and they get along... in their own way!
Gosalyn Mallard's father is Drake Mallard, AKA Darkwing Duck (but don't tell anyone!).
Next is the kindly Italian toy maker, Geppetto. Geppetto carved his son, Pinocchio, out of wood, and wished upon a star for him to become a real boy.
Carl Fredricksen didn't have a ny children of his own, but when Russell accidentally ends up in his house traveling to South America, their share a bond that is truly unique and special.
Emperor Zurg claims to be Buzz Lightyear's father, but that is unconfirmed, and something which I am sure we will never get from Buzz himself! Definitely not a role model, nor a good influence!
The Little Green Men had only ever known The Claw as their guide. Choosing candidates to go off with humans for a new life, for better or worse. When Mr Potato Head came along, they found stability, and through his grumpy facade, a potato that actually cares.
Dr Jumba Jookiba is the mad scientist who created Stitch (Experiment 626), and Sttch's other 625 "cousins". Though technically they are genetic experiments, Jumba is now one of their guardians, exiled on Earth. When they are in trouble, he tries to fix them using Earth's limited technological resources.
Kerchak was the leader of the gorillas, when Kala brought Tarzan to him. Although a reluctant fatherly figure, Kerchak taught Tarzan how to be a strong leader, and excellent warrior.
Despite his flaws, Frollo looked after Quasimodo in the bell tower of Notre Dame for many years, teaching him, and bringing him what he needed.
Jango Fett cloned himself, and raised his "son" Boba to follow in his footsteps.
Finally, Darth Vader, otherwise known as Anakin Skywalker. Although he turned to the Dark Side for many years, there was still good in him. When confronted with the choice of redeeming himself to save his children, or continuing down his path of power and destruction, he ultimately chose his own death in order to save his son and daughter.
So, there we have it! Have a very Disney Father's Day from us here at Character Central!
Dan. |
|
 | Happy 79th Birthday Donald Duck! | |
| DisneyDan
Sunday, June 9, 2013 8:19:28 AM |
|
 |
Hello everyone,
Today is June 9th, which is Donald Duck's 79th Birthday.
First appearing in the Silly Symphony 'The Wise Little Hen' in 1934, Donald Duck went on to become a super star in his own right.
Despite being ever infuriated with the trivial things in life, and perpetually harassed by the naughty duo Chip 'n' Dale, Donald is loveable and sweet. His heart belongs to the love of his life, the equally hot tempered Daisy Duck.
In our usual Character Central style, below is a photo cavalcade of some of our favourite moments with Donald at the Disney Parks and Resorts around the world.
Happy 79th Birthday Donald Duck!
Dan. |
|
 | World Environment Day | |
| DisneyDan
Wednesday, June 5, 2013 9:35:35 AM |
|
 |
Hello everyone,
Today, 5th June, is the United Nations declared "World Environment Day".
It is a day where citizens of the world are encouraged to think about their environments, how they affect them, and what they can do to protect our planet from the damage being done.
This year the theme of World Environment Day - or WED as it is known (notice that, spooky huh?...) - is food waste.
The United Nations says that "food waste is an enormous drain on natural resources and a contributor to negative environmental impacts."
Their information page here has some shocking facts and figures about the affect food waste has on our planet.
I'm sure that you will all agree that there is more we can do, and I know our Disney Character friends would also want to contribute in whatever way they can!
This is Character Central after all, so here's a few of our Disney friends, from different environments, who would like to share the message of reducing waste, and saving our planet.
Chip 'n' Dale, and their critter cousins live amongst us in our gardens and parks. We must take care to protect them...
Ocean pollution is a big problem for Ariel and her under the sea friends...
Pocahontas is at one with nature, and understands that you must protect the land...
Fawn the animal fairy, Rosetta the garden fairy, and Silvermist the water fairy are all very much in touch with the environment...
Jiminy Cricket is Disney's official ambassador for Environmentality...
Tarzan reminds us that the jungles and rain forests are delicate habitats, abundant with wildlife...
Flik and his bug friends are important for many reasons, including decomposition, and we should take care to treat them as fairly as other creatures...
Russell is learning how to be good to others, and the environment through his Wilderness Explorer club. Russell recommends that families look at Disney's fun and interactive Disney Planet Challenge website for more information about how you can help your local environment.
Push, the Talking Trash Can from the Disney Theme Parks encourages you to dispose of your waste appropriately...
Remember everyone, we don't own the Earth, we share it with billions of other creatures, and it's the only home we have.
Dan. |
|
 | We're back! | |
| DisneyDan
Wednesday, May 29, 2013 5:15:23 AM |
|
 |
| Hello everyone!
Jon and I have finally returned from our epic around the world adventures, as part of the Disney Dreamers Everywhere experience! Hopefully most of you have been following our adventures on Character Central's Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages the past month. If not, then you have been missing out! Honestly, we have no idea where to begin with tens of thousands of pictures we have from the trip, and it will take us some time to get back into the swing of things here, since we were away for so long, and we have "real life" to get back to as well! Fear not though, gradually you'll see some brand new content being added across the site, most notably brand new characters that we met will be added to the character collections, and of course all the brand new parades, shows and events that we experienced will be added to the guide book pages. For now though it will be a slow process.
While we were away I don't really recall anything big or noteworthy happening in the world of Disney itself. Hopefully I didn't miss any big news or announcements. If I did, then feel free to let me know!
Ok, that's all for the moment. Have a great day everyone.
Dan. |
|
|
|
Hello everyone,
Today is the 15th anniversary of the grand opening of Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Set in the most lush and natural surroundings of any Disney Park (and probably any theme park!), Disney's Animal Kingdom is dedicated to the preservation of life, and researching new ways of saving the animal kingdom from extinction.
At it's centre and carved with over 300 animals, is the magnificent Tree of Life, which towers above the park.
From the trails, animal habitats, and of course the mind blowing Kilimanjaro Safaris, Disney's Animal Kingdom is incomparable in concept, design, and sheer beauty.
Happy 15th birthday Animal Kingdom!
By no coincidence, April 22nd is also Earth Day. Earth Day celebrates the diversity and beauty of the only known planet to support the ecosystems and life that is found here. Earth Day spreads the important message that we all need to do our bit for the planet through research and conservation, we can all hope to reach the goal of sustaining a better future for every living creature on this beautiful little blue and green world.
Happy Earth Day everyone!
The picture cavalcade below is all from Disney's Animal Kingdom, but of course matches both themes appropriately.
If you're at Disney's Animal Kingdom this week, why not check out their special combined birthday and Earth Day celebrations, 'Party for the Planet', which includes some cool character happenings! (The official LTM website has more information here.)
Dan.
|
|
 | Disney Dreamers Everywhere! | |
| DisneyDan
Monday, April 22, 2013 8:46:17 AM |
|
 |
|
Hello everyone,
Today I am very honoured to be able to share with you for the first some details of a spectacular, extra magical event taking place at all, yes, that's right, all the Disney Parks around the world throughout the month of May!
For the first time in Disney history, Disney are holding a series of events at all the Disney Parks around the world for a very special group of guests, who will be called the "Disney Dreamers!"
Designed by the excellent talents of Disneyland Paris' creative team, Disney Dreamers Everywhere will take its guests on a fantastical journey that encompasses the dreams of Disney fans and the beloved Disney Characters alike. Guests will share experiences and truly wondrous happenings, the likes of which have never been seen before, with the passion and storytelling that only Disney can create.
The global events will culminate in a bedazzling grand finale at Disneyland Paris, which will feature two days of events, topped off with the most extravagant Disney musical ever produced for the Disney Parks!
Character Central and some of our friends are extremely honoured and fortunate enough to be travelling with other Disney fans from around the world on this once in a lifetime tour, and of course want to bring the magic to you, at home.
Throughout the month of May we will be posting live from the parks and events through specially created Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts, dedicated to the Disney Dreamers Everywhere.
All of our group will be posting into these social networks, so you'll be treated to the multifaceted experience through not just one persons eyes, but through all of our eyes - all directly through the single, dedicated accounts that are being set up!
This means you'll never miss a moment of the action!
I have set up a dedicated page here at Character Central, where you can visit to find out the latest updates and information, and links to all the social networking pages that the Disney Dreamers will be using throughout the trip.
Finally, as you may have noticed at the top of this article is a very special logo. This logo is the exclusive logo created by Disneyland Paris especially for the event and the Disney Dreamers! It's a unique logo that reflects the exclusive nature of these truly magical happenings.
So, stay tuned to Character Central and all the Disney Dreamers Everywhere social networking pages throughout May, and join us as we celebrate dreams and magic around the world, only at the Disney Parks and Resorts!
Dan. |
|
 | Happy 30th Birthday Tokyo Disneyland! | |
| DisneyDan
Monday, April 15, 2013 11:18:19 AM |
|
 |
Hello everyone,
Today is the 30th anniversary of the opening of Tokyo Disneyland at Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan.
Often billed as the most successful theme park of all time, it was Disney's first theme park venture outside of the United States.
We have been fortunate enough to visit Tokyo Disneyland (and the rest of the resort of course), a few times, most recently in October 2012 for Halloween. We will also be back again in just a couple of weeks, to check out all the 30th anniversary offerings!
So, in our usual Character Central celebratory style, here's a photo cavalcade from our adventures there!
Happy 30th Birthday Tokyo Disneyland!
[ Read More... ] |
|
|
 |
| After many random fairy sightings in Epcot the last few weeks it doesn't come as a surprise but the official Limited Time Magic page has been updated with "Disney Fairies Week" April 15th to April 21st, 2013!
This will be coming to both Walt Disney World and Disneyland; however, it sounds like Walt Disney World is getting the better version of the week as it mentions Iridessa, Rosetta, Silvermist, Fawn, Vidia, and Terence in addition to Tinker Bell while at Disneyland it only mentions Tink, Rosetta, and Terence (which isn't much better than normal).
In both resorts the fairies will be found at their normal locations ( Tinker Bell's Magical Nook in Magic Kingdom and Pixie Hollow at Disneyland). If you are a big Disney Fairies fan, it sounds like Walt Disney World will be the place to be next week! |
|
 | Happy 21st Birthday Disneyland Paris! | |
| DisneyDan
Friday, April 12, 2013 4:55:25 AM |
|
 |
Hello everyone,
Today is the 21st anniversary of the grand opening of Disneyland Paris' main theme park!
Often described as the most beautiful of all the Magic Kingdom style parks, I can't say I disagree! From the gorgeous Sleeping Beauty Castle, to the incredible detail in every land, attraction, boutique and restaurant, Parc Disneyland at Disneyland Paris is stunning.
I could talk all day about all it's magical experiences and wonders, but I think by now many of you have read my blogs, and seen enough online - or even been there - to know what a truly breathtaking place it is, so, in my usual tribute style, I'm going to post some of Character Central' pictures below, for your enjoyment!
Happy 21st Birthday Disneyland Paris!
[ Read More... ] |
|