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Hi all,
Not much again on the news front, but let's take a look at some of the things I've heard this week regarding DLP's 20th Anniversary.
The new version of the Character Express, as expected will feature the VIPs in their new sorcerer outfits, but surprisingly the train will feature Mickey Mouse, as well as the increasingly uncommon Clarice!
In all previous incarnations of the train Mickey has not featured - he is the Big Cheese - you have to make the special effort to go meet him on Main Street (or soon at his new home in Fantasyland, which I'll come to in a minute...).
It is great to hear that they will be making scheduled stops in Central Plaza and the whole gang will be there, including Clarice, and we really look forward to seeing them all in April for the 20th Anniversary!
Above, I mentioned Mickey's meet 'n' greet. As we all know by now, he is moving into the former Fantasy Festival Stage at the back of Fantasyland. We now hear that this has been delayed a bit, and will not open right at the start of the 20th celebrations, but is more likely to be May (which means we'll see it for the first time in June).
DLR Today posted this article suggesting that the new version of the parade will begin soft openings from the 26th March! Of course this could mean that some elements are not yet complete, or may not even run the new version at all some days from then 'til official launch, but nonetheless, if you're there at the end of March you should be i nfor an early 20th treat!
Finally, you might want to check out my latest in my special article series revealing the top 10 places at the Disney Parks and Resorts for meeting characters.
Ok, that's all for now,
Dan. |
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As we all know, Disney never throws anything away. This could not be more true in the case of the Casey Jr Circus Train at Disneyland Paris.
The train started it's life in the Wonderful World of Disney Parade in the 1990's.
In 2007 Disneyland Paris celebrated it's 15th anniversary, and the cute little engine became the Disney Character Express. The Character Express was a fantastic way of meeting some quite random characters, from Peter Pan, the Sheriff of Nottingham, Eeyore and many more.
After the 15th ended its (2 year) run, the train underwent it's second transformation to become its third incarnation - Minnie's Party Train.
A similar idea to the Character Express, but somewhat more limited in characters - and virtually always including Minnie Mouse the Party Train stayed for a year, then became the Disney All Stars Express.
Once again, a way of meeting an increasingly less random number of characters - and usually PIXAR or Fab 5.
Last year for Mickey's Magical Celebration, the poor train suffered another make over, but this time around lost the meet 'n' greet part, and presented a small interactive show called the Disney Dance Express.
Probably the most popular version of the train since the Character Express, the show sadly ended just recently... and guess what?
You got it! The Casey Jr will be returning once again for the 20th anniversary in its SIXTH incarnation, but this time as the 20th Anniversary Celebration Train (name subject to change).
From the concept art we have seen, this looks to probably be our personal favourite since the Character Express way back in 2007.
With new colours, and fantastic new 20th anniversary costumes for the characters, we look forward to singing Choo Choo Papa, Choo Choo Papa for at least another year!
Dan. |
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