 | A Salute to SpectroMagic |
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| PeterPanFan
Tuesday, July 2, 2013 2:41:23 PM |
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| Various online sources are reporting that many of the SpectroMagic floats have been destroyed (Think it was first reported on WDWMagic here). When the Main Street Electrical Parade returned to the Magic Kingdom (originally as a special summer promotion) it was rumored that SpectroMagic would be receiving a large refurb and would be returning. Sadly this never happened and MSEP just stayed in Florida.
While Spectro was an old parade and was definitely in need of updates and improvements, it is still sad to hear that it will never return. Especially since it wasn't replaced by something newer and better. While MSEP is a classic and is a much beloved parade, it too is decades old and it pales in comparison to Dreamlights in Tokyo Disneyland.
With Hong Kong Disneyland (and apparently Disneyland) working on a new nighttime parade there is a big question about what will happen in WDW. Will they just run MSEP into the ground and then retire it without a replacement or will they join the bandwagon and begin working on a new nighttime parade?
I have loved the nighttime parades since I was a child and seeing them is always a must; however, after seeing Dreamlights it is obvious both MSEP and SpectoMagic were very outdated. While I am sad to see the demise of Spectro, I will hope that the popularity of the nighttime "light" parades means that eventually even the Magic Kingdom will get a new one (They are FINALLY getting a new day parade... is it too much to hope that they might eventually get a new night parade as well?). Personally I would love to see a new and improved version of SpectroMagic using new technology and the same (or slightly updated) soundtrack ... basically a "SpectroMagic Dreamlights"; however, if they wanted to do something completely new that wouldn't be bad either :)
Since it seems like SpectroMagic is truly gone now, we will have a picture tribute to the late, great SpectroMagic parade (you can find MANY more pictures on our SpectroMagic page)
"On this magic night, A million stars will play beside us, A special spell of light, Glimmering, shimmering, carousel-ling 'Round the world tonight, A symphony in SpectroMagic. Pure enchantment lights our way!" |
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 | Happy 120th Birthday Roy O. Disney | |
| DisneyDan
Monday, June 24, 2013 12:55:05 PM |
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Hello everyone,
Today would have been Roy O. Disney's 120th birthday!
Roy O. Disney was one of Walt's older brothers, and Walt's lifelong business partner.
Roy was responsible for the financial side of things at the Studio, and after Walt's death at the young age of 65, it was Roy who pursued with the Florida Project, and oversaw its grand opening in October 1971. It was even Roy who insisted the name of the new resort be changed from just Disney World to Walt Disney World, in honour of his brother's dream.
It is often said by those "in the know", that if it wasn't for Roy, we wouldn't have the company we have today. He kept Walt and the company in check, and ensured Walt Disney World opened without a single outstanding debt, which was quite remarkable.
The Walt Disney Company today does not forget Roy's amazing efforts, and there are tributes to Roy throughout the Disney Parks.
For this post, below I have shared some of our pictures of Disney's tributes to Roy that we have seen around the world.
Happy Birthday Roy! Thank you for your dedication to, and pursuit of Walt's ultimate dream!
Finally, outside the parks, on the real Hollywood Boulevard, Roy has his very own star.
Dan. |
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 | Welcome to Summer! | |
| DisneyDan
Saturday, June 22, 2013 2:41:02 PM |
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Hello everyone,
Last night was the Summer Solstice, which traditionally marks the start of summer. Across North America many schools finished yesterday for the long summer break.
So, today being Saturday, the first whole day of summer, and the first whole day off of school, I thought we'd take a look at what our beloved Disney Character friends might get up to this year!
Here's some snaps from them in past years of the Characters having fun around the world.
Maybe they'll join a Summer Camp again?
Maybe they'll hit the beach?
They might even do some surfing!
Or perhaps try some party games, such as the limbo!
They could even take a road trip down the famous Route 66, like Goofy!
Finally, these two guys seem to always know what to do! Phineas and Ferb will undoubtedly come up with some awesome inventions this summer!
Wherever your summer adventure takes you, I hope you all have tons of fun, sprinkled with Disney magic!
Dan. |
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 | Happy 25th Birthday Roger Rabbit! | |
| DisneyDan
Friday, June 21, 2013 12:26:10 PM |
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Hello everyone,
Today is the 21st June, which means it was 25 years ago today that 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit?' first premiered at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City!
Roger Rabbit is a much beloved character by many, but sadly has not made regular appearances in the parks for quite some time. Luckily, Character Central were at a very magical event recently, and Roger Rabbit made a surprise appearance, along with none other than Jessica Rabbit and Eddie Valiant!
So, please join us in celebrating with Roger, Jessica and Eddie, and enjoy these exclusive pictures from when Roger Rabbit came out of Toon Town for one very special morning last month at DLP!
Happy 25th Birthday Roger, Jessica and Eddie!
Dan. |
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 | Happy 11th Birthday Lilo and Stitch! | |
| DisneyDan
Friday, June 21, 2013 12:16:37 PM |
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Hello everyone,
Due to life circumstances, I missed the official premier date of Lilo and Stitch on the 16th of June (shocking I know, since Stitch is my favourite character!), but today is the day it was officially released in theatres across the US, making today its second official birthday.
Characters who have featured in the parks from the first movie include Stitch, Lilo, Captain Gantu and Dr Jumba.
So, let's celebrate with Lilo, Stitch and all the gang with our usual picture cavalcade!
Happy 11th Birthday Lilo and Stitch!
Dan. |
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Just a few minutes ago the Disney Parks Blog announced its list for the vote for the next Long Lost Friends Week at Walt Disney World.
The list consists of:
- Clarabelle Cow and Horace Horse Collar
- Robin Hood, Friar Tuck, Sheriff of Nottingham and Prince John
- Fifer Pig, Fiddler Pig, Practical Pig and Big Bad Wolf
- Clarice, Chip and Dale
- Wendell, Liver Lips, Shaker and Big Al
- Chicken Little and Abby Mallard
- Brer Bear, Brer Fox and Brer Rabbit
- Flik and Princess Atta
- June and Leo from Little Einsteins
- Tweedle Dum, Tweedle Dee and Queen of Hearts
- Louis the Alligator and Dr. Facilier (Face)
- Penguins from Mary Poppins
- Suzy and Perla
I have to say, overall, the list is somewhat disappointing. The first three sets were out last time!Chip and Dale are regulars, and although Clarice is "rare" for WDW, she can be met all the time in Paris, Tokyo, and sometimes in California.
The Country Bears are out regularly in California, Tokyo, and actually at the Christmas Parties in the Magic Kingdom, too!
I give them credit where it is due for Chicken Little and Abby Mallard - they are definitely rare these days.
The Brers, well, all three can be met in Tokyo, and Brer Fox and Brer Bear are out in California often.
Flik used to be out daily in WDW, and still is at DCA in California. Atta is definitely more unusual, but was at the dance party for the Party for the Planet LTM recently at Animal Kingdom. Why not also have Francis and Gypsy, or some other bug friends?
June can be met everyday at the Play 'n' Dine at DHS, if you eat there. Leo is definitely more rare, but was out regularly until just about two years ago. But why not have Quincy and Annie too?
The Tweedles and the Queen of Hearts are out daily in California, Paris and Tokyo, and the Queen of Hearts can be found at the Halloween Parties in the Magic Kingdom too.
Louis is definitely a rare one. Dr Facilier can be met during Halloween in Paris and California, and at the Halloween Parties in the Magic Kingdom.
The Penguins from Mary Poppins are OUT in WDW sometimes - we saw them when we were there last month! Ok, they aren't regular, but they DO appear! There is also a good chance of finding them in the afternoon pop-up surprise sets on the Streets of America at DHS! Definitely not a good option.
Suzy and Perla are out fairly often in California and Paris, though not all the time. For WDW they are definitely uncommon.
I realise my comparisons are between the other parks, but as you can see, these characters are not truly "Long Lost" - and some of them CAN be found at WDW! It just depends on the time of year (Christmas, Halloween etc).
Overall I think they really needed to up their game with this one, especially after Disneyland held such an AWESOME one that totally blew everyone away! For those who don't recall, DL had REAL rare characters such as the Three Good Fairies, John Smith and Ping (Mulan's alter ego).
Let us know what you think by hitting the 'Discuss' button below, and commenting on the Forum!
Dan. |
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Hello everyone,
Yesterday Oriental Land Company, the operating company behind Tokyo Disney Resort, released a press statement that revealed some changes to the entertainment line-up at the Resort from next year.
At Tokyo DisneySea, the long running Legend of Mythica will end on September 14th 2014. This seems a long way off, and no replacement has been announced for the epic harbour spectacular, but with over a year until its last performance, there is a lot of time for OLC to announce something new.
It is a very popular show, but by the time its last performance rolls around, it will have been at the park for over eight years, which is especially long for a Tokyo production (entertainment in TDR tends to change fairly frequently compared to the other Disney Parks. A maximum of about four years isn't uncommon).
Also in TDS, in Mermaid Lagoon, the Little Mermaid show will be given a compete overhaul, and will feature some new technology such as digital displays. Although the press release mentions characters such as Sebastian, Flounder and King Triton, it is not known whether they will be actual characters, or just digital versions or puppets.
The current show will have its final performance on 6th April 2014, and will be closed for about a year (no definite opening date announced yet - just 'spring 2015').
Finally for TDR, although not character related, OLC also announced that a new night time projection show would be coming to Tokyo Disneyland's Cinderella Castle. The press release talks about projection mapping technology to bring it all to life, which is what the ridiculously popular Disney Dreams! at Disneyland Paris uses - they even used a picture of DLP's Sleeping Beauty Castle in the release to illustrate their intention. Hopefully they won't lift directly from Dreams though, and instead have their own show. Disney Dreams! is a truly awesome show in every respect, and it really belongs uniquely at DLP.
Over in California, the DCA Today Facebook page yesterday announced (rather suddenly) that Dancin' with Disney is reopened at Hollywood Land.
There is no word as to which characters are appearing, but I will keep my eye out, and post on the Blog as soon as I hear anything.
Ok, that's all for today.
Dan. |
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Today is the 19th of June, and on this day in 1996 Disney's animated feature The Hunchback of Notre Dame had its world premiere in New Orleans.
Also on this day in 1998, Disney's Mulan was released nationwide across the US and Canada, having premiered 9 days earlier on the 10th June.
I have been busy and forgot to post about it on the 10th, so seeing as today is its general release date, I thought it was just as appropriate to celebrate it!
So, in our usual Character Central style, here's a photo cavalcade of our favourite Disney Characters from those movies!
Happy Birthday Quasimodo and friends, and Mulan and friends!
Dan. |
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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. |
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 | Happy Father's Day! | |
| DisneyDan
Sunday, June 16, 2013 4:51:25 AM |
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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. |
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