'The Three Caballeros' Animatronics Added to Gran Fiesta Tour in Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT

The Gran Fiesta Tour boat ride in the Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT isn't a huge crowd favorite, but even so: at the end of last year, it got a nice little update.

Animatronic figures of the Three Caballeros -- namely, Donald Duck, Jose and Panchito -- were installed at the finale of the ride. The animatronics aren't brand-new, as they used to appear in Mickey Mouse Revue in Magic Kingdom, closed since 1980. However, the animatronics were given a nice little refurbishment and look amazing.

Image via wdwsisters on Flickr.

The animatronics definitely bring a better show effect than a screen with the animated characters, as previously seen.

Image via f**kyeahepcot.tumblr.com

Because I love the Three Caballeros, and thus the ride, taking a trip to EPCOT to check out the new additions was no hassle for me. I even got a video!



What do you think of the improvements? All I want now is to have Jose and Panchito meet with Donald at Mexico.

Image via everythingdisney on Flickr.

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'Inside Out' Opens, Characters Appear in Parade Float at DCA

Pixar's Inside Out opens today, and at the Disney Freak's Blog, we couldn't be more excited! Very soon, I'll see the movie and post my review!

Get to know the little voices inside your head - TODAY at a theater near you! #insideout #Pixar #disneyside #disneysidecast #Disney #joy #anger #sadness #disgust #fear #emotions #majoremotionpicture #mollythedisneyfreak #mollytdf #silly #goofy #WeAreFunny

A photo posted by Molly the Disney Freak (@mollythedisneyfreak) on Jun 19, 2015 at 8:57am PDT

In conjunction with the film's release, the emotional stars of the movie are now appearing in a pre-parade float in Pixar Play Parade at Disney California Adventure.

I can't get over how cute Sadness is.
Also, I imagine that Fear and Disgust are on the other side.
Both images via Disney Parks Blog.

Love using Riley's memories as props.

The meet and greet characters debuted at the Hollywood premiere and previously appeared at a special Inside Out meet-up at Downtown Disney earlier this month.

As soon as a video of the float is uploaded, I will update this post to include it!

Love Inside Out? Check out this sale on merchandise inspired by the major emotion picture.

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***UPDATE***

SoCal Attractions 360 has provided this short and sweet video of the pre-parade float. The emotions are created through animatronic figures versus costumed characters, which I didn't realize till I watched the video. Also, look very closely to find Fear!



I have to say, I'm a little disappointed in the float. While the animatronics are extremely well-done, with plenty of smooth movement, there's definitely a lack of energy. Perhaps using more music and less dialogue would help, and giving the dancers something to do that's more interactive with the crowd would definitely improve the overall feel. Of course, once more people have seen the movie, I'm sure there will be more reaction from the crowd.

However, points to Disney for Anger's head actually lighting on fire -- that's really cool!

New Abominable Snowman Effects, Animatronic on Disneyland's Matterhorn Bobsleds

For Disneyland's Diamond Anniversary (just three days away!), several rides have been getting updated. Even the Matterhorn Bobsleds.

Mainly, a few new Abominable Snowman effects and a whole new animatronic.

Image via seeyoulatertrashcans.tumblr.com

This is a vast improvement from the original animatronic (nicknamed "Harold"), which was mainly stationary and extremely robotic in motion.

Image via randar.com

Now, if only the Yeti at Expedition Everest could get a reboot....

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***UPDATE***

Inside the Magic has provided great videos of both sides of the full ride with the new effects and animatronic. I'm not an expert on the Matterhorn, but I do believe this is a good improvement!





Some Matterhorn enthusiasts have complained about the lack of Harold's signature yells -- which you can hear quite clearly in the above interview video. However, if you play very close attention to any of the videos featuring the new animatronic, you can faintly hear his signature scream. Honestly, it should be amplified, to make it much more frightening than the current halfhearted growl.

Disney Releases Photo, Video of Hatbox Ghost

Disney released a backstage look at how Imagineers brought the Hatbox Ghost back to life after a nearly 50 year absence from Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion.

Image via Disney Parks Blog.

You can kind of get an idea of how what improved technology resurrected this happy haunt, and while I personally think it’s slightly lazy, it’s still very impressive.



The Hatbox Ghost (or “Hatty,” as he’s called by his cult following) was added to the Haunted Mansion just in time for Disneyland’s Diamond Celebration. No official word yet on whether or not he’ll be added to Walt Disney’s version of the ride as well.

See ya all real soon!

Today: Hatbox Ghost and his Triumphant Return!

After almost 50 years, the wait is over.

Concept art via the Disney Parks Blog.

Perhaps you’ve heard about the Hatbox Ghost? He appeared in the Disneyland Haunted Mansion when it first opened in 1969, but due to the guests being able to figure out the effect, he was removed almost immediately.

But he’s back! Just in time for Disneyland’s Diamond Anniversary.

And we’ve got the video to prove it. Take a look.





Originally, the effect was that the Hatbox Ghost had two heads—one in his box, the other attached to his body. Different lights would go on and off. But guests were close enough to decipher how the effect worked, so he was removed and never brought back.

Despite this, he’s remained a huge fan favorite, so it was no surprise that Imagineers perfected how to raise him from the dead…well, not literally: he’s still a ghost, ya know.

If you’re not sure how they’re doing the trick now, I think I know, but I’ll only tell you if you ask.

Otherwise, enjoy the magical resurrection of the Hatbox Ghost!

First official spotting of #HatboxGhost #welcomeback to the #HauntedMansion 👻

A photo posted by Bridget McCarty 💖🐭 (@bridgetmccartyart) on May 9, 2015 at 9:32am PDT

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‘Frozen’ Fun Commercial Features Animatronics Singing 'For the First Time in Forever'

Walt Disney World’s “Frozen Summer Fun” has (sort of) moved to Disneyland, with some similarities and some differences.

To promote this latest addition to the Frozen craze, Disney created this TV and online spot, which features classic animatronic characters and others singing “For the First Time in Forever.”



“Frozen Fun,” ends May 15, as revealed in the end of the ad. However, this ending date could (is likely to) change, if the program becomes popular. (If it’s like the Walt Disney World event, Disneyland’s will be incredibly popular.)

Scan the QR code or click to book!

My favorite was the Grizzly Peak bear mountain, followed closely by the bellhop. How about you?

The best part about the commercial is that Disneyland actually reprogrammed the featured animatronics, just for this ad. Below, get a backstage glimpse at the filming of the Tiki Room segment.



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First Look: Seven Dwarfs Animatronics!

Disney is hurriedly preparing for the opening of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train roller coaster in New Fantasyland.  Now, they have unveiled the impressive animatronics of the Seven Dwarfs in this great video!

Video from YouTube.

Personally, this blows me away.  These are some of the most impressive and advanced animatronics Disney has yet created.  It’s simply incredible how fluidly the characters’ facial expressions are!

Image from InsidetheMagic.net

The Seven Dwarfs have popped right out of the film into real life!

GIF image from disney-darling.tumblr.com

Book your Disney trip with Destinations in Florida and see these animatronics first-hand when you experience the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train!  CLICK HERE to book today!

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Au Revoir Chef Remy!

You shall be sorely missed!

Remy, the pint-sized star of Disney-Pixar’s Ratatouille, finally got his wish to become a chef!  Because at Les Chefs de France, a restaurant at the French pavilion in Epcot, Chef Remy meets his guests as they eat, an appearance brought to life by the animatronic magic of the Disney Imagineers.

Both videos from YouTube.

Isn’t he just adorable?!

But now, according to DisNews, Remy will no longer be meeting his guests after October 24.  No reason has been given.

Reaction: sad day.
Source link missing.

Personally, I’m a bit disappointed because I’ve been longing to meet Remy since he first debuted.  Hopefully they’ll bring him back?

Even Remy doesn't know!
Image from mission-food.com

What are your thoughts?  Tell me in the comments below!

See you all soon!

(PS: As I was writing this, my roommate wrote her own blog post on how life is not a Disney movie.  Awkward.  Just kidding.  But seriously, we're not on speaking terms.  Just kidding again.)

A Life-Size WALL-E!

Okay, this is seriously one of the coolest things I have ever seen.

Video from YouTube.

I’m not geeky enough to understand all the technical building stuff, but McMasters’ WALL-E is simply spectacular!  Can you imagine all the dedication he had to go through to get the final robot?

I do want to point out that Disney Imagineers created an animatronic version of WALL-E, a lot like this one, and have had him appear at D23, but the fact that a regular guy created WALL-E basically just because he wanted to is amazing.  Wow!

Where can I buy one?

Or I guess, who wants to help me build one?

Interesting to note, I thought it was funny how Michael McMaster, when referring to WALL-E,  called it “the first movie”.  Possible hint?  Nah, I think it was just a honest mistake.

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When I See An Elephant Fly!

Well, now I've seen everything!

I guess I was wrong in a previous post because….

Dumbo isn't the only flying elephant apparently! Video from YouTube.

Thought this was too cute not to share.  I’ll admit, I meant to share it sooner, closer to when I posted the other post, but oh well.

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(PS: I’m sorry I haven’t posted in awhile.  I have been really bored and tired with school, so I've procrastinated on homework and watched movies instead or hung out with my future roommates.  I honestly forgot about posting!)

Tell Me a Story!

While the my Fairy Grandmother sits down with YDF, MDF, and unnamed brother to watch Pocahontas II, I thought I would finish up some other posts I have drafts of.

One of the new areas in New Fantasyland is Beauty and the Beast-themed, featuring Prince Adam’s castle and Belle’s village.  In Belle’s village, there are two new places: Gaston’s Tavern and Belle’s Cottage.  In her cottage is where probably one of my new favorite attractions: Enchanted Tales with Belle.

Let these first two videos do the explanation of the attraction for you.

Video from YouTube. Part 1.

Video from YouTube. Part 2.

When I first saw these videos, I instantly fell in love with the new attraction.  It sounds so fun to have the chance to participate as an audience in storytelling, especially that of one of my favorite Disney films!  Aside from the storytelling part of this experience, I think that Magic Mirror is the best part!

And this video showing the entire experience makes me very badly want to go to New Fantasyland so as to tell Belle her story! (Oh, and wasn’t the lady playing the wardrobe just great with Wardrobe’s signature high note?)

Video from YouTube.

So while I’m sad about the whole destruction of Snow White’s Scary Adventures, I’m torn because I’m really excited for the new rides and attractions Disney is putting in.  Did they have to destroy one of the best rides there for New Fantasyland to happen?  I really don’t think so.

Before I go, I encourage you to check out this site for more on the Lumiere (*ahem*) animatronic.

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