Disney Makes Series of Announcements for Parks Around the World at D23 Expo Japan 2018

Yesterday at D23 Expo Japan, Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, announced a series of exciting  new updates for Disney Parks around the world.

One of the most anticipated items that was announce at D23 Expo last July is the Star Wars-inspired resort planned for the Walt Disney World Resort.  According to Chapek, “It is going to be unlike anything that exists today.”  At the D23 Expo Japan Disney shared a new look of the first-of-its-kind resort that will combine a luxury resort with a complete immersion into an the Star Wars story.

Many of us Star Wars Disney fans were looking forward to the immersion at this resort will that will stand out among all of the Disney resorts around the globe.  The huge announcement was that it will be seamlessly connected to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  This will give guests a total Star Wars experience.

I don’t know if I’ll ever stay at this resort, but I am excited about the concept and the possibilites that could be incorporated into it.

Chapek also unveiled a first look at Epcot’s highly-anticipated “Guardians of the Galaxy”attraction. The big takeaway…. it’s a roller coaster!

According to Disney, “With the “Guardians of the Galaxy”-inspired coaster, we’re going big. This one-of-a-kind family attraction will be one of the world’s longest enclosed roller coasters when it’s added to Future World at Epcot.”

If the Imagineers at WDI do anything close to what they came up with for Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! this attraction could be truly amazing.  I for one cannot wait until it opens.

Now to the Disneyland Resort.  Chapek announced that Pixar Pier will open June 23 at Disney California Adventure park.  Pixar Pier will be featuring four whimsical neighborhoods representing beloved Pixar stories with newly themed attractions, foods and merchandise.

As announced earlier, Pixar Pier will also include the Incredicoaster.  This coaster will be a super combination of character figures, lighting and special effects that that is being promoted, will bring the Parr family racing alongside you in a high-speed adventure.

I am a huge Incredibles fan.  I think that it’s one of my favorite Pixar movies.  Of all of the things coming to Pixar Pier, this attraction is the one that I am looking forward to the most.

In addition to the Incredicoaster the announcement, Disney also announced that in June a dazzling new float for the popular “Paint the Night” parade featuring Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl and Frozone from “The Incredibles” will be coming to Disney California Adventure.

I absolutely love the “Paint the Night” parade.  In my opinion it’s the best nighttime parade Disney has ever produced for the domestic parks.  Adding an Incredibles float makes it even better.

Chapek also announced that Disney’s first Mickey-themed ride-through attraction, “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be  opening next year.

According to Chapek, “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will have a new catchy theme song created especially for the attraction as well as a new experience that defies logic that we’re calling 2 ½-D.”

While I will really miss “The Great Movie Ride,” I am really looking forward to this attraction.  I’m hoping that it’s done really well making it a fun attraction for the Studios.  The “2 1/2 – D” sound like it might be a lot of fun.  In Disney’s description it is supposed to be like 3-D except without the glasses.  What can I say….except….sign me up!

As for Disneyland Paris, Disney is re-imagining one of its resort hotels into Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel. Chapek shared a sneak peek into one of the rooms that will open the re-imagined hotel in 2020.

Chapek also announced that the Marvel Super Hero universe will be coming to Walt Disney Studios Park.  The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will be totally reimagined as a high-speed, hyper-kinetic adventure where guests riding the coaster will team up with Iron Man and their favorite Avengers.

I don’t know when I’ll ever get to Disneyland Paris, but if I ever do get there, this attraction will be on the top of my list to see and do there.

I like what Disney announced at D23 Expo Japan 2018.  What do you think?

Disneyland Announces Opening Date of Pixar Fest and Return of Paint the Night Parade

If you recall that Disney Parks Chairman Bob Chapek announced at the D23 Expo in July, Disneyland Resort guests are invited to celebrate their favorite Disney·Pixar stories during Pixar Fest. Disneyland announced that beginning April 13, 2018, this limited-time celebration of friendship and beyond will feature the debut of an all-new fireworks spectacular and the return of two favorite parades as well as even more beloved Pixar characters, new décor, atmosphere entertainment, themed food and beverage and new merchandise items.

“Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” will light up Disneyland beginning April 13. In addition to dazzling pyrotechnics and memorable music, the theme of friendship, ever-present in most Pixar films, is celebrated in this nighttime spectacular. Guests are invited to embark on an emotional journey that starts when unlikely Pixar characters first meet. As they set out on adventures and overcome obstacles together, “Together Forever” celebrates the everlasting friendships forged by beloved Pixar pals. The story comes to life through projections on iconic park locations: Sleeping Beauty Castle, the water screens of the Rivers of America, the façade of “it’s a small world” and the buildings of Main Street, U.S.A. This nighttime spectacular will even feature a special flyover by Buzz Lightyear at Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Also on April 13, the popular “Paint the Night” parade will return, this time to Disney California Adventure. The parade features many Pixar stories, including characters from “Toy Story,” “Monsters, Inc.” and “Cars,” and another Pixar story will join “Paint the Night” parade later in the year.

With the launch of Pixar Fest, “Pixar Play Parade” will make its way through Disneyland for the first time. The parade will begin as most Pixar films have, with an appearance by the iconic and adorable Pixar lamp. Other new parade elements will feature characters from “UP” and “Inside Out.”

The Pixar Shorts film festival will feature rotating favorites such as “For the Birds” and “Lava” at the Sunset Showcase Theater in Hollywood Land in Disney California Adventure throughout most of Pixar Fest. The Paradise Gardens area will feature a new Pixar-themed musical troupe along with Pixar character greeting opportunities as well as crafts and activities for our younger guests.

Guests can get into character and celebrate friendship with a host of new merchandise, including an exclusive Pixar Fest charm bracelet. With multiple bracelet options and a variety of charms with fun friendship messages and favorite Pixar characters, guests can mix and match for themselves, or friends and family!

All of these exciting new experiences come in addition to the many attractions and entertainment throughout the Disneyland Resort that include your favorite Pixar characters. Join the celebration when Pixar Fest begins April 13, 2018!

Disneyland Confirms ‘Paint the Night’ Not Returning after September 5th

Although not mentioned specifically in the Disney Parks Blog announcement which stated that ‘World of Color – Celebrate’ and ‘Disneyland Forever’ would not be returning when the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration ends on September 5th, Shawn Slater did confirm when asked in the comments section that ‘Paint the Night’ will not be returning after the Diamond Celebration ends.

MACK AND THE CARS CREW 'PAINT THE NIGHT' (ANAHEIM, Calif.) — Mack from the Disney●Pixar 'Cars' films appears with the Cars Crew in synchronized, LED costumes in the all-new after-dark spectacular at Disneyland park inspired by the iconic 'Main Street Electrical Parade.' 'Paint the Night' is full of vibrant color and more than 1.5 million, brilliant LED lights and features special effects, unforgettable music, and energetic performances that bring beloved Disney and Disney●Pixar stories to life. (Paul HIffmeyer/Disneyland Resort)

According to Shawn Slater, “‘Paint the Night’ was created for the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration and is scheduled to conclude its run with the close of the celebration on September 5.”

What if anything will be replacing ‘Paint the Night’ has not been determined or announced.

Reservations for ‘Paint the Night’ Parade Dining Packages now Open

Paint the Night - Tink

Back in November Disneyland announced the ‘Paint the Night’ Parade Dining Package.  And now, reservations for these packages are open!

At Blue Bayou Restaurant, the “Paint the Night” parade package is offered with regular dinner service and menu from 4 p.m. – close. Enjoy an appetizer, entrée and choice of dessert. Kid’s meals are available for guests ages 3 to 9.

Aladdin’s Oasis will have special On-the-Go meals that include “Paint the Night” parade viewing. Meals can be picked up beginning at noon. Adult entrees include salad with choice of dressing, dinner roll, marbled cheesecake and a beverage in addition to your choice of:

  • Herb-marinated grilled chicken with seasonal vegetables
  • Lasagna Bolognese
  • Vegetarian lasagna

Kids’ meals include seasonal vegetables, fresh fruit, a dinner roll, Mickey-shaped cookie and a beverage in addition to your choice of:

  • Herb-marinated chicken
  • Pasta
  • Macaroni and cheese

Each dining package includes a voucher for preferred viewing of “Paint the Night” parade for that day. Each voucher will list the location, arrival time and show performance time for the parade viewing. Availability of “Paint the Night” parade dining packages are limited. For reservations, visit Disneyland.com/dine or call 714-781-DINE.

‘Paint the Night’ Dining Packages Coming to Disneyland

Paint the Night

New dining packages with reserved viewing for the new “Paint The Night” parade will be available beginning January 11, 2016, at Disneyland park.

At Blue Bayou Restaurant, the dining package includes a three-course meal. Viewing for the Blue Bayou Restaurant “Paint The Night” parade dining package will be located on Main Street, U.S.A.

With a choice of three entrees, Aladdin’s Oasis dining package will give guests the option of taking their meal to-go or enjoying it in the Aladdin’s Oasis seating area. Parade viewing for Aladdin’s Oasis “Paint The Night” parade dining package will be located near “it’s a small world.”

Reservations for both “Paint The Night” parade dining packages will be available soon.

Holiday Shows Join Paint the Night and Disneyland Forever at Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Xmas Toy Soldiers

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort begins November 13th, and today Disneyland is sharing the details on what this dazzling holiday season will bring to Disneyland park, Disney California Adventure park and the Downtown Disney District.

At Disneyland park, “A Christmas Fantasy” parade returns, showing daily along with the new “Paint the Night” parade each night. “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” will return in January after the holiday season ends. Each night, the all-new “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular will light up the park as we continue the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration; “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks will not be presented this year.

“World of Color – Celebrate!” continues throughout the season at Disney California Adventure park, along with “World of Color – Winter Dreams.”

Be sure to check the calendar page of Disneyland.com for details on daily times for all shows and spectaculars.

Also at Disneyland park, Santa Claus will greet guests at a new location in Critter Country. When he visits Disney California Adventure park, Santa can be found at Elias & Co. on Buena Vista Street.

Here’s a look at this year’s returning favorites during Holidays at the Disneyland Resort:

Disneyland Park

  • Jingle Cruise
  • “it’s a small world” Holiday
  • Haunted Mansion Holiday

Disney California Adventure Park

  • Disney ¡Viva Navidad!
  • Holiday decor in Cars Land, “a bug’s land” and Buena Vista Street
  • Olaf’s Snow Fest
  • Buena Vista Street Community Choir

Downtown Disney District

  • Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink

‘Paint the Night’ is First Disney Parks Parade to Offer Audio Description and Handheld Captioning for Guests with Audio and Visual Disabilities

MACK AND THE CARS CREW 'PAINT THE NIGHT' (ANAHEIM, Calif.) — Mack from the Disney●Pixar 'Cars' films appears with the Cars Crew in synchronized, LED costumes in the all-new after-dark spectacular at Disneyland park inspired by the iconic 'Main Street Electrical Parade.' 'Paint the Night' is full of vibrant color and more than 1.5 million, brilliant LED lights and features special effects, unforgettable music, and energetic performances that bring beloved Disney and Disney●Pixar stories to life. (Paul HIffmeyer/Disneyland Resort)

 

If you have seen “Paint the Night,” you know that the parade illuminates Disneyland Resort with more than 1.5 million LED lights, bringing music, magic and brilliant color to our guests. What you may not know is that for the first time Disney engineers have made the parade available through both Audio Description and Handheld Captioning, making the new nighttime spectacular a more inclusive and memorable experience for guests with visual or hearing disabilities.

This service works by providing guests a small, handheld device that utilizes Disney-patented, wireless technology which enables the device to know its location in the park and triggers pre-programmed actions. For example, during “Paint the Night,” guests with visual disabilities who use the device hear descriptions of the visual elements of the parade. The device receives signals from each parade float as it passes by, prompting it to play pre-recorded audio that describes the float. The device, available at City Hall on Main Street, U.S.A., and offered at no cost with a refundable deposit, also provides amplified audio for assistive listening.

Disneyland Resort continues to offer these and other services for guests with disabilities for several shows and spectaculars, including “World of Color – Celebrate!” in Disney California Adventure park and “Fantasmic!” in Disneyland park.

Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration to Begin May 22 – Details Announced

Disneyland Forever Fireworks

Tonight, during a special after-hours presentation on Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park, Tom Staggs, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, announced that the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration marking the resort’s 60th anniversary, will begin Friday, May 22.

As part of the celebration, the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland park and Carthay Circle Theatre in Disney California Adventure park will glisten and gleam, each with its own diamond medallion featuring the letter “D.” The entire resort will sparkle with Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration décor and festive banners in shades of Disneyland blue. Also bearing the diamond anniversary theme, creative merchandise and food items will be designed to complement the celebration. We’ll have more to share on those special items soon.

“As time has shown, Disneyland marked the beginning of something bigger than anyone could have imagined and this Diamond Celebration embraces its rich history while honoring Walt Disney’s commitment to pushing boundaries to create exciting and innovative new experiences for our guests,” said Staggs.

Continuing a tradition of innovative, immersive storytelling begun when Walt Disney opened Disneyland on July 17, 1955, the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration showcases three electrifying new shows that will take you into the worlds of Disney stories like never before.

Tonight, Tom Staggs was joined on stage by Steve Davison, executive for parades and spectaculars with Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment, as they shared that during the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, Disney California Adventure park will present a special edition of the popular “World of Color” show.

Opening May 22, 2015, “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” illuminates the night in a contemporary and moving celebration of Walt and his dream of Disneyland, showing that anything is possible if we never give up on our dreams.

Mickey Mouse will take guests on a fun-filled and inspirational journey through the unparalleled imagination of Walt Disney, exploring his decades-long legacy of memorable animated moments and the dream of Disneyland park.

Both epic and intimate in scope, “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” brings to life the remarkable story of Walt and the Happiest Place on Earth in a first-of-its-kind spectacular, presented on the magic canvas of “World of Color” with compelling animated imagery, live-action footage, fountains, lasers, special effects and a stirring musical score.

For Disney’s next big entertainment unveiling of the evening, Tom Staggs and Steve Davison shared that they’ll soon be painting the night in fantastic new light with one of the brightest gems of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, the “Paint the Night” parade.

The “Paint the Night” parade brings some of the most innovative floats, vibrant costumes, dazzling special effects, unforgettable music and energetic performances ever presented at Disneyland Resort. This new, state-of-the-art nighttime parade floods Main Street, U.S.A., with stunning color, fun surprises and more than 1.5 million brilliant LED lights.

Paint the Night - Tink

Mickey Mouse uses his vivid imagination to harness the power of Tinker Bell’s pixie dust and “Paint the Night” in Disney dreams, bringing to light beloved characters and stories from “Monsters, Inc.,” “Cars,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Toy Story,” “Frozen” and more.

Wrapping up tonight’s big entertainment news for the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, Tom Staggs and Steve Davison have revealed a completely new kind of fireworks spectacular for Disneyland park, also debuting May 22, 2015.

“Disneyland Forever” shows just how magical the Magic Kingdom can be, in a sky-high celebration featuring sparkling pyrotechnics, immersive projections, and other effects that transform Disneyland park right before your eyes!

“Disneyland Forever” envelops you in an enthralling, breathtaking journey like never before, leveraging the largest installation of projection mapping technology in a Disney park and surprising special effects. Main Street, U.S.A., and several other Disneyland park locations become a magical canvas taking us into a world of dreams, from flying above the London skyline from “Peter Pan” to a dance with King Louie in “The Jungle Book.”

“Disneyland Forever” also features two original songs, the theme “Live the Magic” and the inspiring closing song “Kiss Goodnight,” written by Disney Legend Richard Sherman.

Walt Disney once said, “Disneyland will never be completed, as long as there is imagination left in the world.” As “Disneyland Forever” caps off each evening of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration, we discover Walt’s inspiring words still hold true today. Disneyland will continue to be home to all our dreams and adventures … forever!

Tonight, we’ve announced the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration will include a special edition of the popular “World of Color” at Disney California Adventure park, plus an impressive new nighttime parade and a fully-immersive fireworks spectacular at Disneyland park.

%d bloggers like this: