Thursday, December 10, 2015

DCP: New Role, New Location for Spring 2016!

When I discovered I'd be extending till May for my DCP, all I knew was that I'd be transferring into Attractions. What I didn't know was where I would be, what show or ride I'd be manning -- I didn't know any of the details.

Source link missing.

Someone told me the information would show up on our record card. Someone else told me leaders were handing out the new training schedules.

Turned out my second friend was correct -- and you'll never guess where I'm headed!



That's right: I am headed to DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney's Animal Kingdom! As of now, I don't know if I'll be doing the carnival games, Primeval Whirl, TriceraTop Spin, The Boneyard and/or Dinosaur.

And although I am slightly disappointed in my new location, I'm going to try to make the most of it and create lots of Disney magic for Guests!

A photo posted by Molly the Disney Freak (@mollythedisneyfreak) on


What's your favorite part of DinoLand? Comment below!

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Skipper Canteen Update: Signs and Soft Openings

Last week, the signs for Skipper Canteen were posted behind construction walls.

Both photos taken by Molly Blaeser for The Disney Freak's Blog

Skipper Canteen is the new Jungle Cruise-inspired restaurant coming to Magic Kingdom. It's located in Adventureland, right across from the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse.


I was able to get a very, very short video showing the signs and size of the new restaurant.



Apparently, the cast preview was this past Monday, while I was at Hollywood Studios checking out Star Wars Launch Bay -- darn! Soft openings are supposed to happen soon, or may have already started. The actual opening date is still unknown, but the restaurant is supposed to start serving guests sometime this month.

What do you think of Skipper Canteen? I'm sure there will be plenty of corny jokes, a la Jungle Cruise style, so I'm excited!

See ya real soon.

Sunday, December 6, 2015

'Frozen' Gingerbread Castle Returns to Contemporary Resort for Holidays

Due to the popularity of Frozen (though, Cinderella and Rapunzel's wait times have finally overtaken Anna and Elsa's), the Frozen-inspired gingerbread castle has returned for a second year to the Contemporary Resort!

All photos taken by Molly Blaeser for The Disney Freak's Blog.

The castle is located on the 4th floor, in front of the 'it's a small world' mural on the other side of Contempo Cafe. Because the Contemporary gets most of its lighting from outside through huge windows, going in the daytime is best for good lighting.



The castle is also inspired by Alice Davis' designs for 'it's a small world,' apparent in the stylized look of Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Sven.


New to the castle this year are the Snowgies from "Frozen Fever."

Olaf appears next to a sand castle. I enjoyed the hidden Nemo!

 


The bakery team also hid 15 Olaf silhouettes throughout the castle. I overhead lots of children pointing them out to each other and keeping track of how many they'd found.





To the side of the display are holiday sweets for purchase. Check out the video below for Cast Member Alexander's top picks.



See you all real soon!

Monday, November 23, 2015

Pentatonix Performs 'Star Wars' Score at AMAs

Last night, at the American Music Awards, a capella group Pentatonix performed the score from Disney's upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

And despite being an a capella group, Pentatonix's performance included an orchestra.

An interesting combination.

Image via Entertainment Weekly.

Take a listen below and decide what you think about the irony.


Arlington natives Pentatonix took the #AMAs stage Sunday night with a live orchestra for a special rendition of the "Star Wars" theme. Oh, and they were introduced by Han Solo himself, Harrison Ford!
Posted by WFAA-TV on Sunday, November 22, 2015


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Sunday, November 15, 2015

Your Pixie Dust Worked: I'm Extending till May!

A long, long time ago, I applied for a program extension -- that is, to lengthen my stay in the Disney College Program. I asked for your extra pixie dust from all my followers, friends and family members.

The good news? It worked!

I can fly! I can fly! I can fly!
Image via brianlamontburgess.tumblr.com

I will be extending my program until May 2016! As for my new role, I'll be transferring into Attractions at the start of January. At this point, I don't know what park I'll be at, what ride or show -- I know nothing.



So, if you can't tell, I'm just really excited to stay longer at Disney and to be able to continue making more magical memories, for Guests and myself!

Just, hopefully, I'll finally blog about it....



See y'all real soon!

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

More and More Dory in First 'Finding Dory' Trailer!

My absolute favorite Pixar movie is Finding Nemo, and my favorite character from the film is Dory.

Because Dory is my spirit animal.

This is me. Every day.
Image via brachobitch.tumblr.com.


So when Ellen DeGeneres, who voices Dory, announced the upcoming sequel would be all about our favorite blue fish, I freaked out!

We've been waiting forever to find Dory. Yesterday, we found her for a brief moment when the trailer debuted on Ellen's TV show!

Check it out below and love everything about it:



Honestly, I'm freaking out so much that it's hard to write coherent thoughts. And as you'll see in my trailer reaction video (COMING SOON) below, I couldn't really do more than laugh. Because Ellen as Dory makes me genuinely laugh.

And that's exactly why I'm excited for this sequel. We're getting more and more Dory.



It'll be interesting to see how Pixar handles a movie about a fish who notoriously cannot remember...anything, basically. How ever will the plot -- I mean, our main character -- stay focused? But I put my faith in Pixar and Ellen. I know this will be an amazing movie.

It's not like we've been waiting more than ten years for this!

Even the poster is perfect.



Finding Dory opens in June 2016.

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Monday, November 9, 2015

Flash Mob Brings 'A Goofy Movie' Medley to Life!

Two YouTubers, Peter Hollens and Stuart Edge, collaborated to create a nostalgic medley comprised of A Goofy Movie songs. But then, that wasn't enough.

They decided to perform the medley live, a la flash mob.

Image via Peter Hollens on Instagram.

With multiple camera angles, back-up dancers, costumes and lines straight out of the movie, Peter and Stuart created an incredible music video that will please anyone who grew up with Max Goof!



My favorite part? I just love how excited the crowd gets during the whole show. They were so excited! Can you imagine? A real Powerline concert!

I'd be excited, too!

What did you think of the medley and video? Let me know in the comments section below!

See ya real soon!

Friday, November 6, 2015

Time's Up: 'Alice Through the Looking Glass' Trailer

Time is, indeed, up.

All images via lagerthalodbrok.tumblr.com

Because the trailer for Alice Through the Looking Glass has finally arrived, and it's pretty fantastic.



I have not actually seen Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, but I have seen the Disney classic and love the original story. But even so, I can still appreciate a trailer like this -- a movie like this -- because just look at those visuals!



Already we can tell that this is going to a visually-stunning movie. It has a stellar cast from the first film, adding Sacha Baron Cohen as Time, so we know the acting will be good. And from the chilling rhyme narrative, it sounds (heh heh) like it'll be a pretty good storyline!



Favorite part of the trailer? Helena's wonderful laugh as the Red Queen, just in those last few seconds of the video!

Alice Through the Looking Glass opens May 27 next year.

Are you excited for Alice Through the Looking Glass? Comment below!

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Thursday, October 29, 2015

Club Villain Coming to Hollywood Studios Next Year, Starring Dr. Facilier

At first, Theme Park Tourist hypothesized a new Disney villain-themed show would be coming to Hollywood Studios, based off a Disney auditions posting.

And with Halloween just days away, Disney finally gave us official details!

The hypothesis is indeed true: Dr. Facilier will be hosting your favorite Disney villains in a new dining experience coming to Hollywood Studios, starting January 16!

Image via Disney Parks Blog.

The event is called Club Villain, taking place in the new Sunset Showcase location. And as the event's official Walt Disney World page states:

This spellbinding evening features decadent New Orleans delicacies like tender beef striploin rubbed with herbes de Provence, Voodoo sticky “pig wings” with citrus gremolata and spicy shrimp sautéed with Andouille sausage, tomato, okra and onions over creamy polenta.
Trick or treat yourself to fiendish cocktail concoctions—specialty alcoholic drinks plus beer and wine—hilarious stage-show numbers and up-close encounters with Disney’s most dastardly doomsday divas. Mix and mingle with mysterious Maleficent, hilarious Queen of Hearts, the delirious Evil Queen and the always fur-fetched Cruella De Vil—and wicked jams from our house DJ!
Tickets to Club Villain can be purchased for $99 per person, tax and gratuity included. Reservations are recommended and can be made up to 90 days in advance, either by booking online here or by calling (407) 939-3463.

And according to Disney Parks Blog, reservations started today!

Loving the logo!
Image via Disney Parks Blog.

Sunset Showcase will host multiple themed events and experiences over time. The first event, Club Disney, will debut December 4. I'm assuming Club Villain replaces it, unless there's a Star Wars-themed event I'm forgetting.

See y'all real soon.

Monday, October 26, 2015

Get in the Mood for Halloween with a Villainous Jazz Medley

With Halloween right around the corner, it's time to start sharing some villain-themed Disney videos. And to start us off is this absolutely gorgeous medley, in a jazz style, sung by Jonathan Freeman, voice of Jafar and performing the same role on Broadway.

Image via Oh My Disney


undefined on Disney Video

I don't know about you, but I think this medley could have been a whole lot longer! Jonathan's voice is absolutely mesmerizing, and I adore the 1920s jazz feel to the music and even the setting. My suggestion? I would have loved to hear him sing "Be Prepared" or "Friends on the Other Side"!

What do you think of the medley? Listen to it on repeat to help you prepare for the villainous holiday right around the corner!

See y'all real soon.

Friday, October 16, 2015

Happy Anniversary, Walt Disney Animation Studios!

There are multiple branches within the Walt Disney Company, but my favorite will always be the Walt Disney Animation Studios. Like I always say, if I could actually draw, I'd be an animator.

And on this day in 1923, the Walt Disney Animation Studios began, marking today as it's 92nd anniversary!

To celebrate, here's a simply beautiful tributes to 92 years of animation, unforgettable characters and magical moments.



Which moment was your favorite? I love all of them, but I do get pretty teary-eyed at Bambi's final scene.

I think the entire video really highlights the magic in the Disney movies and shorts we love -- magic that only the talented animators could bring to the screen!

Animators like Eric Goldberg, who created this lovely drawing to commemorate today's anniversary. The fact that Eric can just draw this off the top of his head blows my mind!



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Thursday, October 15, 2015

Update: Bette Midler in 'Hocus Pocus' Debut Show?

Not long ago, I shared a rumor Magic Kingdom Cast Members were spreading as true.



That rumor, my friends, has been officially...denied.

A very close friend of Winifred's reached out to me and told me the rumor is false. Bette Midler did not appear at the debut show of Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular. It was indeed the one and only Winifred Sanderson.

Image via mkbc.tumblr.com

If it makes my fellow Disney fans feel better, we weren't the only ones fooled!

For more information, see Divine Deception on Facebook.

See y'all real soon!

DCP Update: Program Extension Application!

I know, I know. I haven't posted pretty much a darn thing about my Disney College Program, and here I am posting about a recent update... Basically, you want me to back up first, right?

Let me explain.

I'm still planning on blogging about my Disney College Program adventures thus far, but this update is too important not to share now, even if I'm skipping a bunch of chapters!

Because, my loverly friends, I need lots of pixie dust sent my way!

This is basically me, right now.
Image via isadoblepapas.tumblr.com

A week ago, I applied to extend my program -- meaning that if I'm accepted, I'd be staying till May (instead of January). And I'd be switching roles.



Do I hope I get extended? Yes, and no. I'd love to continue working for Disney, but I'm also okay with moving to Kansas City to pursue theatre.

If I do stay with Disney, I'd like to switch roles. The experiences and opportunities I've had thus far are absolutely incredible, and I wouldn't trade them for the world. So I think the cool thing behind extending is that with a new role, I can have these same experiences and opportunities but with new eyes, new people, etc., if you understand what I'm saying.

Plus, I really have no interest in staying in food service. (Though, like I said in the vlog, I do make a killer stromboli, my friends.)

In the end, extending would be a great opportunity for me, so please send pixie dust -- this Disney fanatic wants to fly!

Extension application results are released Wednesday, October 21.

A photo posted by Molly the Disney Freak (@mollythedisneyfreak) on


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Wednesday, October 14, 2015

'Kimbra's Wish' Masterfully and Beautifully Pays Homage to Classic Disney Song

I absolutely love featuring creative talent by my fellow Disney fans. Which is exactly why I got excited upon receiving this tweet:



Adam is a visual effects artist, who has even worked on Coraline (Tim Burton fans, get excited!). He sent me "Kimbra's Wish," a Disney tribute he made with New Zealand singer-songwriter Kimbra.

Both images via divatox.tumblr.com


What I absolutely love about this video is the rotoscoping. As a classic animation fan, rotoscoping is one of my favorite things. Keeping the original and beautiful animation from the film and combining it with a rotoscoped version of Kimbra results in a magical music video!

If you like music, you'll enjoy this. If you like animation, you'll enjoy this. So give it a watch below!


Kimbra's Wish (A Disney Tribute) from Adam C Sager on Vimeo.



Kimbra's take on the music is so unique, which is what makes this video stand out! It reminded me of "Wishery" by Pogo (who actually tweeted about "Kimbra's Wish"). Her voice and remix has a spellbinding and darker undertone, which took me a few listens before I could really appreciate it.



If you aren't super familiar with the original song from the classic film, here's a video for comparison. Many of Kimbra's facial expressions and gestures are exactly like Snow's!



And for even more magic, check out this behind-the-scenes video.



More behind-the-scenes footage can be found at Adam's Instagram.

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Tuesday, October 13, 2015

New Offer from Destinations in Florida!

Destinations in Florida has just released this great new way you can save on your next Walt Disney World vacation!

Click to book!

The Disney Freak's Blog is a proud affiliate of Destinations in Florida, an authorized Disney travel agency. Just tell them I sent you!

See y'all real soon.

Saturday, October 10, 2015

'Aladdin' Cast Reunited on GMA for Film's Diamond Edition Release!

With the recent release of Aladdin Diamond Edition, many cast and crew members of the movie appeared on Good Morning America to talk about how the film impacted their lives.

L-R back row: Jonathan Freeman (Jafar), Alan Menken (composer), 
John Musker and Ron Clements (co-directors)
L-R front row: Scott Weinger (Aladdin), Linda Larkin (Jasmine),
Brad Kane (Aladdin, singing), and Lea Salonga (Jasmine, singing)
Image via Rotoscopers.


ABC Breaking News | Latest News Videos

During the show, Brad Kane and Lea Salonga performed "A Whole New World" live. In the film, Brad portrayed the singing voice of Aladdin; Lea, the singing voice of Jasmine. Accompanying them was Alan Menken, who wrote the music for the movie.


ABC Breaking News | Latest News Videos

Simply breathtaking, right? I absolutely love imagining that Aladdin and Jasmine are still singing this maybe a few decades after the film takes place, just based on how Brad and Lea's voices have matured.

Image via freshprinceofmaldonia.tumblr.com

But perhaps the best part of the whole show was the brief glimpse of the outtakes from Robin Williams' voice recording sessions for the Genie. Robin's absence isn't overlooked, with people around the world still honoring one of comedy's funniest men after his suicide last year.



WATCH: Never-before-seen outtakes of Robin Williams as Genie revealed in Disney's Aladdin digital release: http://abcn.ws/1Llz8Dh (Even a Star Wars reference!)
Posted by Good Morning America on Friday, October 9, 2015


The rest of the outtakes can be seen in the bonus features of the Diamond Edition Blu-Ray, hitting stores this Tuesday. For now, it can be purchased on Disney Movies Anywhere.

What was your favorite part of the interview? Comment below!

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Thursday, October 8, 2015

Rumor: Bette Midler Actually Performed in Debut 'Hocus Pocus' Show?!

Apparently, this is something Magic Kingdom Cast Members are gossiping about...and since I went to the first show, my friend knew she had to pass on the information.



If this "rumor" (and I use quotation marks because, apparently, it's a real thing) is true, that means I saw the incredible Bette Midler perform as Winifred in Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular!

Image via mydarkestsin.tumblr.com

I haven't heard any official word, from either Disney or Bette herself. But I'd honestly believe it, just because Winifred was so on point that night, it seemed as if Bette had been cloned!

Watch my video of the show again and tell me what you think:



See ya all real soon!

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

It's Official: Downtown Disney now Disney Springs

Yesterday, after an official ceremony, Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World officially changed its name to Disney Springs.

Image via Disney Parks Blog.

Previously, road signage around Walt Disney World displayed the name change, and new maps were slowly introduced.

Image via Inside the Magic's Facebook page.

Watch this video of the name-changing ceremony:


The same day, two new restaurants had their grand openings. The first is Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar, which is Indiana Jones-themed. The second is Morimoto Asia, inspired by Iron Chef Morimoto. Yesterday, Morimoto made a 60 foot sushi roll at the grand opening!


Morimoto is making a 60-foot long sushi roll! @WaltDisneyWorld
Posted by Inside the Magic on Tuesday, September 29, 2015




I'm not against the Disney Springs name change, but I didn't see any problem with Downtown Disney. I liked the idea of going "downtown," just like at home. It will definitely take some getting used to the new name, of course!

What are your thoughts? Are you excited to try out the two new locations? Comment below!

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Free dining at Walt Disney World? Find out more at Destinations In Florida

Monday, September 28, 2015

Duffy the Disney Bear Will Permanently Leave EPCOT Oct. 3

The rumors had been swirling around for months: not-so-popular-in-the-US Duffy the Disney Bear would be retired from his meet and greet spot in EPCOT sometime this year.

In the end, the rumors were confirmed.

Duffy will indeed be retired from his meet and greet area on Oct. 3 this year. Daisy Duck will replace him.

Image courtesy of Disney PhotoPass.

I find this news sad, but I'm in the minority. Duffy is Mickey Mouse's teddy bear, and he was first introduced in America but never gained a popular following. So Disney brought him to Japan, where cute things are absolutely the rage. As expected, he became quite popular there, and Disney brought him back to the US Disney Parks in hopes that he would become popular here, too. He's got a pretty good fan following, but he never really caught on with enough people.

So, now, Disney is saying goodbye to this hug-loving teddy bear. In truth, this comes as no surprise, as he'd already been retired from Disneyland.

Fortunately, I've been able to meet Duffy twice so far during my program. I have plans of meeting him a few more times before he's retired, as well.

Watch the videos of me meeting Duffy for the first time and then introducing him to my very own Duffy:





Are you sad, happy or neutral about the news of Duffy's retirement? Comment below with your answer!

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Monday, September 21, 2015

WATCH: Full Walt Disney Documentary from PBS

The much-anticipated documentary on Walt Disney's life and accomplishments aired on PBS Sept. 14-15.

Image via bloglikeaprincess on Tumblr

In Disney Housing, TVs are not provided, so I, like many, was unable to watch the documentary.

But, PBS heard the pleas of those who missed the airing and responded by posting the entire video to their website, and I have embedded it here!



I don't know about you, but I'll be watching this for years to come!

The fact that this documentary was finally made fills me with so much happiness. Walt is the reason I am the person I am today. Thank you, for teaching me to believe in magic.



See ya all real soon!

'The Good Dinosaur' International Trailer: Hear the Dinos Speak!

The first trailer for Pixar's upcoming The Good Dinosaur never highlighted the voices behind the dinos. But now we get to hear them in the first international trailer for the film!

Aren't you curious to hear what they sound like?
Image via dragonlikecats.tumblr.com

The trailer is similar to the US version, just with talking and a few different clips. Watch it below:



I'm still getting a The Land Before Time vibe from this movie, but I'm absolutely in love with Arlo's human friend. He's just so cute!

Who's your favorite character from the trailer? Comment below!

The Good Dinosaur opens this Thanksgiving.



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Sanderson Sisters Debut in Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular at MNSSHP 2015!

Disney announced many months ago that the Villains' Mix and Mingle would not be returning to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) this year.

A few weeks later, further details were announced: the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus would be starring in the new show, making it their Disney Parks debut!


The first day of MNSSHP was Tuesday, September 15. I was lucky enough to be there and see the first show -- during which there were many, many excited screams from Hocus Pocus fans!

Their first appearance!
Images via mgmpluto.tumblr.com

Watch the full debut Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show below:




As sad as I was about Villains' Mix and Mingle being replaced, I'm actually really in love with this new show. I think it's absolutely incredible!

The coolest part about the whole show? It really seemed the sisters had walked right out of the movie. I read in a Cast Member magazine that Costuming was able to get their hands on the original dresses Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker wore in the film in order to make the most accurate replicas. And also, fun fact: that's live dialogue and singing from the sisters!

Of course, the video doesn't do the show justice -- you really need to go in person and see it! Along with HalloWishes and the Boo to You Parade, MNSSHP is an absolute must for any Disney or Halloween fan!

"The Sanderson Sisters are back!"

Interested in attending MNSSHP? It requires an extra ticket, which you can get by clicking HERE. The party happens on select nights until November 1!

Happy (early) Halloween! See ya real soon.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Behind the Scenes Look at 'Tangled: The Musical'

Disney Cruise Line is debuting Tangled: The Musical, a brand-new stage show which even features a few new songs by Alan Menken!

Image via Disney Cruise Line Blog.

And for the first time, Disney Parks Blog is giving us a backstage look at cast rehearsals for the show!



I'm eager to know the theatre magic behind Rapunzel's hair. And I cannot wait to see the stage makeup for Mother Gothel, something we unfortunately don't get a glimpse of here.

But, all in all, it's looking to be a fantastic show!

Tangled: The Musical opens on the Disney Magic in November. Want to catch a cruise and see the show? Book your cruise with Jennifer Hardy by clicking HERE!

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Update: Dream Along with Mickey Returns, Despite Closing Rumors!

Months ago, a rumor spread that Dream Along with Mickey would be closing after its brief refurbishment period. (And by "brief," I mean a month-long.)

But happily, the show did not close and returned to its normal performance schedule on August 23!

Image via clarabellecows.tumblr.com

Of course, the only problem was that castle hub construction was still going on, so the show and its audience were separated by a tall and wide wall.



Even with the wall, it was nice to be able to once again share in the castle party with all your favorite Disney friends!

See ya real soon!