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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Character Magic: Cruella and Man's Best Friend

It's been a long time since I've done a Character Magic: Making Memories in the Park post, but today I found the perfect video to share for the third installment in the series! For a brief description, this series revolves around Disney Characters in Character!

We all know that crazy, bi-color-haired lady obsessed with puppies...

Image via Disney Movies Anywhere on Tumblr.

But, what happens when she meets one in the parks?



Cruella's acting here is superb, right along with her character. She's very elegant and classy, with dark undertones. And the way she always refers to the dog as merely "it" -- well, I think it just shows what that dog really stands for in her mind: not a living creature, but a fur coat.

Best line? "You've got no idea what I have in store for you."

If you have a character moment you'd like me to post, please share the link in a comment below. I'll be sure to check out each suggestion!

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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.

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit's USA Debut!

He made his Disney Parks debut back in April at Tokyo DisneySea, and I ended my post with the request for him to arrive at the States.

Now, the Disney Park’s Blog has announced that Oswald the Lucky Rabbit will be making his USA debut at Disneyland California Adventure starting September 14!

He is so pumped!
Image from Disney Digital Files.

Oswald’s appearance has long been desired by Disney fans, especially in Disneyland, as he has his own "gas station" there already!

Image from WDWMagic forums.

The video below shows the energetic and excited Oswald meeting guests in Tokyo.



Who’s excited to start meeting him in September?

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***UPDATE***

Inside the Magic has reported that Oswald has already made his debut: however, it was at a special event only for Disneyland's annual passholders.

The event, called "Fall Back to Fun," required registration in advance to attend (and again, only for annual passholders). The event featured rare characters mingling with guests.

And Oswald appeared!

Image and video from Inside the Magic.

He'll be appearing for regular meet-and-greets starting September 14.

Coming 2017: ‘Pirates of the Caribbean 5’!

OMD has just announced the release date for the next installment in a very popular franchise…Pirates of the Caribbean 5!

Image from OMD post.

Johnny Depp is slated to return as Captain Jack Sparrow because really, who else could play our favorite pirate?

Image from moshing-leprechauns.tumblr.com 

No plot details have been revealed just now, but Inside the Magic has some tidbits for us:

“Pirates” series producer Jerry Bruckheimer’s partnership with Disney recently fizzled out, leaving the future of the franchise unknown.

But with billions of dollars under its belt, the “Pirates” films will surely continue to succeed as long as Captain Jack is on the big screen. The fifth movie’s subtitle is reportedly “Dead Men Tell No Tales” but Disney has not confirmed or announced that just yet.

I have to admit, I still haven’t seen any of these movies other than the first (due to my parent’s rules – don’t ask…).  What are your thoughts on the fifth installment in the Pirates franchise?

See you all real soon.

***UPDATE***

Just realized it will open the day after my 22nd birthday...and I am super excited!

More Media Content of Kristoff’s Debut!

Of course, the Kristoff face character debut during the “Frozen Summer Fun” event at Hollywood Studios has been getting lots of attention on social media everywhere.  I’ve collected some various photos and videos of Kristoff from the event.

Do you have a picture of Kristoff from “Frozen Summer Fun”?  Share it on my Facebook page or tag me on either Twitter or Instagram, and I’ll add it to this post!  You will get all credit.

Disneyland’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’ Dark Ride Updated with Digital Projections

(Whew, long title.)

Yesterday, Disneyland reopened the Alice in Wonderland dark ride, which had been updated with digital projections.  The update also took care of some safety issues, after a cast member slipped in 2010.

Image from Wikipedia.

Inside the Magic took a POV video of the new ride:

Both videos from YouTube.

To understand the changes, here is Inside the Magic’s explanation followed by a video of the previous version of the dark ride.

Besides the safety enhancements, WDI took the rehab time to install several new Alice figures and many new digitally projected effects. New effects can be seen immediately as one rides down the rabbit hole into the attraction. A fully animated scene from the movie is projected onto a set piece showing Alice chasing after the White Rabbit. There are several more projected animated bits in the flower section and in the Queen of Hearts section.

None of the figures feature video-projected heads, like those seen in the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train attraction in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, despite the rumors on other Disney fan sites.

The newly rebuilt down ramp still features the twists and turns regular Disneyland visitors remember, albeit on a wider track. The new rails on the exit (left) side of the vehicles reflect the vine architecture of the exterior. There is also a digitally projected animated tea party seen when entering the final scene at the bottom of the down ramp.

Check out Inside the Magic’s article for more, including a former Imagineer’s opinion of the changes.

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***UPDATE***

Here's a video my friend Sara shared on her blog, The Disney Den.  It provides a side-by-side comparison of the old and the new.  Enjoy!

‘Frozen’ Summer Fun at Hollywood Studios!

Starting July 5, “Frozen Summer Fun: Live at Hollywood Studios” is coming to Walt Disney World!
Olaf would be so happy.

“Frozen Summer Fun” consists of special Frozen-themed events that will come with regular park admission.  The fun lasts from July 5 to September 1.

The best part?  Kristoff is going to make an appearance!

Image from Disney Insider.

From Disney Insider, here are some of the highlights:

• Olaf on Summer Vacation – Olaf the snowman is having the time of his life on his very first summer vacation! He chimes in throughout the day to keep everyone updated on all his adventures. Plus, you can pick up your very own Take-Along Olaf from locations in the park, so he can join you on your summer vacation. And when you share your photos with Olaf on social media, be sure to tag them with #OlafSummerVacation. They may just get selected to appear in that day’s grand finale!

• Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome – At 11:00 a.m. each day, Elsa and Anna arrive in Hollywood as part of their goodwill tour of neighboring kingdoms, making their way down Hollywood Boulevard in a horse-drawn sleigh. Kristoff is along for the fun, too, joined by a flurry of skaters, skiiers, ice cutters and more! The entire procession culminates in a special moment at the Sorcerer’s Hat Icon Stage to officially welcome the visiting royalty to this kingdom of Hollywoodland.

• For the First Time in Forever: A “Frozen” Sing-Along Celebration – Cool down inside the Premiere Theater, where Anna and Elsa join the Royal Historians of Arendelle for a fun and comedic retelling of the unique history of their Kingdom, filled with delightful, sing-along moments from “Frozen.”

• Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post & Frozen Funland – Inside Soundstage One, Oaken and his cousins have created a Frozen Funland filled with cold weather activities, unique photo opportunities, and more! There’s a frozen pond with ice skating demonstrations, wintertime fun for kids in the “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” play area, a “big summer blowout” with plenty of “Frozen” merchandise, and special “Frozen”-inspired food and beverage offerings.

• “Coolest Summer Ever” Dance Party – Starting at 5:30 p.m. each day, a dance party takes over the area around the Sorcerer’s Hat Icon Stage, with a DJ, live band, and more! The band plays a variety of classic and contemporary summer rock & roll hits, as well as a cool, rocking medley of “Frozen” favorites. It’s going to be hot!

• “Frozen” Fireworks Spectacular – Everything wraps up at 9:45 p.m. when Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf come together at the Sorcerer’s Hat Icon Stage for a grand finale to the day’s festivities, kicking off an awe-inspiring fireworks display set to the glorious music of “Frozen!”

Just a note, the royal welcome is not Elsa and Anna’s rumored coronation into the Disney Princess franchise.

You’re not going to want to miss out on all this Frozen fun!  CLICK HERE to get a free quote on a Disney vacation from Destinations in Florida!

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***UPDATE***

Inside the Magic just posted this to their Facebook page on Friday:

Post by Inside the Magic.

The Seven Dwarf Mine Train!

These past few days have been very important for New Fantasyland.  The media was invited to a special event to cover the Seven Dwarf Mine Train, during which there was a special dedication as well as chances to ride the new attraction.

Image from filmic-light.blogspot.com

At the dedication ceremony, it was announced the official opening  will be May 28th this year.

Meaning, it’ll be open by the time I go!

Until then, there may be a few soft openings.

Inside the Magic posted this video of the dedication.

Both videos from YouTube.

Of course, I had to interview my very own Seven Dwarfs to see what there thoughts were on the newest attraction in New Fantasyland…and here’s what they said!

The Disney Freak’s Blog original video. And yes, they are speaking Japanese. Totally legit Japanese.

Translation, anyone?

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Disney Animation News from D23!

So this past weekend, I was up north at my grandma’s house.  But over in California, something else, something much more amazing, was happening.

The D23 Expo.

For those of you who don’t know, D23 is the ultimate Disney fan club, and they now have free membership by the way!  (Which for some reason, I cannot seem to be able to buy, and it’s really frustrating me to no end.)

Now, a lot happens at the D23 Expo, so I’m not going to cover it all.  But I am going to cover what I think is one of the most important events: the animation panel.  This is when Disney reveals the upcoming animated films, which for me is very exciting.

So let’s dive in!

Ursula the Ghost Host

Doesn’t it make you smile when the voice actors of your favorite Disney characters still got “it” in them?

Take Pat Carroll, for example, the unforgettable voice of Ursula.

She recently attended this event called Spooky Empire’s May-hem, where she was requested to read the well-known lines of the Ghost Host of the Haunted Mansion.  In Ursula’s voice.

Let’s just say, she rocked it.

Both videos from YouTube.  Click here for the full Q&A session with Pat, over 30 minutes long, I warn you!

This is absolutely amazing.  The fact that she can still do those awesome laughs sends chills down my spine!



Reaction: Evilly perfect.
Source

See ya all real soon!

King Louie’s Still Got the Beat!

Extremely recently, I posted about the upcoming show ‘Mickey and the Magical Map,’ coming to Disneyland’s Fantasyland Theater.  In fact, said post had a title basically the same as this one’s (find the difference?).

In that post, I shared with you a clip of a backstage rehearsal of The Jungle Book number “I Wanna Be Like You” used in the show.

Well, literally two days ago, InsidetheMagic.net (get used to see them mentioned a lot around here!) shared even more exclusive sneak peeks at the show.  One of the videos they posted shows a preview of a dress rehearsal for the show, including the King Louie piece, now complete with costumes and set!

And, sorry Dewey, but the stilted dancers aren’t giraffes.

Video form YouTube. Check out the InsidetheMagic.net article for another cool behind-the-scenes video! Random, but in the thumbnail, Flynn looks like he’s just seen a ghost!

The screen (er, I mean, the magical map) looks great.  However, Yen Sid did look a bit…unfinished?  Something just seemed off with him.

I really really love the “I Wanna Be Like You” number, especially with the colorful jungle set!  I thought it was interesting that the trumpet player wasn’t the same guy from before -- and yet the article has a picture with the original guy.  And did some of the dance moves for Louie change?  Well, I still love it anyway.



Love this set so much!
Video screencapture by THE Disney Freak and
taken from the included video.

And the ending scene (of the video) with Flynn and Rapunzel, Pocahontas, and Mulan almost gives me chills.  It’s very well-done.  I had a hard time understanding what Pocahontas was singing – “I See the Light” with our Tangled stars or “Just Around the Riverbend”?  I’m not sure.



Such a great scene.
Video screencapture by THE Disney Freak and
taken from the included video.

All in all, I am really excited to see this show – online, of course, and hopefully someday at Disneyland.  While I don’t expect it to replace Fantasmic! as my absolute favorite show (really, anything Disney), I do think Mickey and his magical map will become a new favorite of mine.

See ya all real soon!

King Louie’s Got the Beat!

There’s a new show coming to Disneyland Park’s Fantasyland Theater: Mickey and the Magical Map!

Opening later this month (May 25th, to be exact), the show will be about (who else?) Mickey Mouse who through the powers of a (I’ll let you guess) magical map, travels to different worlds and meets up with some favorite Disney characters.

Many popular Disney sites, such as InsidetheMagic.net and the Disney Parks Blog, have shared this short clip of a rehearsal of the The Jungle Book segment, featuring an awesome articulated King Louie!

Video from YouTube.

InsidetheMagic.net (one of my new favorite sources) has a great article detailing some more sneak peeks to the show.  As the article states, “[Disney’s] trying to put a modern twist on some Disney classics. This one infused a slight Bollywood feel into the swingin’ tune. Don’t be alarmed. They’re not ruining the classics. This was a really good arrangement.”  I totally agree.  This is a great version of an old Disney classic.

Finally, just wanted to point out that the trumpet player is indeed really playing.  I also love the fact that even just watching the dancers instead of King Louie is entertaining.  Great dance moves for this song.

I’m really curious what the dancers on stilts are supposed to be in the final show.  Guess I’m gonna have to wait and see in ten days!



Video screencapture by THE Disney Freak and taken from the included video.

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Merida’s New Look

NOTE: I promised this post a week ago.  Before I start, please be aware that a lot has happened in those seven short days concerning this controversy, so I will try to sum it up as best I can.

Hopefully, you are aware of our newest Disney Princess Royal Court member – Merida.  If not, I direct you to this previous post.

Along with including Merida in the Royal Court, Disney also is including her in Disney Princess merchandise. To do so, they had to convert her from 3D to a 2D figure.  As they did with Tangled’s Rapunzel.

You’d think this would be simple.

It wasn’t.

Welcome…Princess Merida!

It’s official – Merida, Scottish star of Disney-Pixar’s features Brave, is now an official Disney Princess.

Not just a princess in the Disney franchise.  No, she’s now the 11th member of the Disney Royal Court aka the official lineup for the Disney Princess franchise.

Take a look with me at the royal festivities!

I Am Merida…And I Am a Princess!

This morning at 9:30, the ceremonies began at Disney World. 

Video from YouTube. Leave it to InsidetheMagic.net to always create an amazing video!

In a pretty epic coronation ceremony, all the members of the Royal Court showed up in front of Cinderella Castle to welcome the newest member, who came in riding on Angus (that was sweet!) with banners and Scottish dancers.  Let me just say at this point that I love how “Merida” stayed in perfect character during the entire ceremony – just wonderful!



All images, unless specified, are from InsidetheMagic.net.

Joining the Royal Court on the stage, Merida told everyone how excited she was to be here and then the proclamation was read.  Her mother Queen Elinor (yeah, that’s right!  Her first Park appearance!) came out and crowned Merida, making her the 11th member.



I love Queen Elinor so much!
The speech she gave to Merida was so cute!



Image from Stitchkingdom.com

Then there was a really really cute hug between mother and daughter.



I can't tell you how much I am in love with this!

And then the best part: Merida happily stood before the audience in her new crown and proclaimed, “I am strong. I am brave.  I am Merida…and I am a princess!”

I just can't.



Love love love!

Cue fan girl screams now.  Man, Disney sure knows how to do it right.

After Queen Elinor gave Merida her bow, Merida joined the rest of the Royal Court for a final photo opportunity – a once-in-a-lifetime one until Princesses numbers 12 and 13 come in 2014.



Wishing so hard that I had been there!

Welcome Princess Merida to the Disney Royal Court!



What a smile!

Reaction: *sigh*...just magical
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***UPDATE***

Here’s the video of the coronation from Disney Parks Blog, showing different angles/views of the event!  Enjoy!

***UPDATE***

Mary Connor at the blog Capturing Magical Memories got an up-close spot at the coronation, and her pictures of the ceremony really make you feel as if Merida and the others are standing right in front of you!

Looks Like the Start to a Monstrous Summer!

I may be at Benedictine College now, but I can guarantee that come June 21, I will happily be on another campus!  “Where?” you might ask.  Monsters University campus, that’s where!

So if you didn’t get my “joke” there, what I mean is that I’ll be going to see the new movie Monsters University, the Pixar prequel to Monsters, Inc., when it comes out in June.

To celebrate the upcoming release, Disney has started an event called “Monstrous Summer!” at both ends of the US: Disney World in Florida and Disneyland Park in California!

Image from wdwinfo.com after a Google search

Remember One More Disney Day last year?

Well, Monstrous Summer also has an all-nighter event going on during Memorial Weekend – 24 hours straight from May 24 to May 25.

And to announce the upcoming all-nighter, Mike Wazowski himself took over Spaceship Earth.

Video from YouTube.

Not only that, but both scary stars of the flicks are soon to do meet and greets in their college attire.  Sulley now sports his college jacket, while Mike has a MU hat and retainer.

Video from YouTube.

While they’ve only met the media and Disney employees so far, “Mike and Sulley will soon be personally meeting and greeting with guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in their collegiate attire at the Monsters University Student Union, complete with a view of the campus.”

(Brigante, Ricky.  “Mike and Sulley debut in ‘Monsters University’ attire, ready to meet Walt Disney World guests at Hollywood Studios.”  InsidetheMagic.net.  Inside the Magic, 26 Apr. 2013. Web. Retrieved 26 Apr. 2013)

For more about the events during this Monstrous Summer, check out any of the links.

Who’s ready for one Monstrous Summer?

See ya all real soon!

Royal This, Royal That: New Fantasy Faire

Just today, InsidetheMagic and DisneyParks posted several new videos showcasing the new Fantasy Faire at Disneyland, which officially opens March 12 this year (also TDM’s birthday!).

Video from YouTube.

It seems I am not able to put the InsidetheMagic videos here in my blog, so I will just include a link to those.

The most important part about this new area at Disneyland is the Royal Hall, where you can meet some of your favorite Disney Princesses, as shown in this video.

Another fun attraction is the Royal Theatre, with two fun shows!  One tells the story of Rapunzel and Flynn/Eugene from Tangled.  The other tells the story of Belle from Beauty and the Beast. The cool thing about both shows is it incorporates what you could call “simple theatre,” with really just two actors/narrators doing the parts, with Flynn and Rapunzel or Belle playing themselves.

This video gives you an idea of the two shows:

Video from YouTube. The Mother Gothel and Rapunzel part was really well done!

This first link is for the full Tangled show.  And this second link is for a video of the entire Beauty and the Beast show.  Enjoy!

I’m upset that someone commented that the Belle show is better than the Enchanted Tales attraction.  From what I’ve seen and heard, the Enchanted Tales attraction is very amusing and fun, and I can’t wait to experience it in person someday!

Personally, I’m thinking the Fantasy Faire is going to be a pretty fun addition to Disneyland.  All the designs, styles, and costumes remind me of Renaissance Festivals, such as the one here in Minnesota, which I enjoy immensely because the Renaissance era and fantasy stories are my favorite things!

A sleepy Figaro and the bird who seems to be disturbing his nap!
Video screencapture by THE Disney Freak from the first included video.

To close this post (but not the day – look for an Oz post tonight!), here’s a fun video of the Figaro animatronic you got an introduction to in the first video.  I agree with the commenters on the InsidetheMagic video that the animatronic (*ahem, ahem*) looks a bit unfinished or something, but since it’s up, it must be done.

Video from YouTube. I love the Tangled music playing in the background! Very fitting.

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