If Marvel superheroes the Avengers, X-Men and Spider-Man all teamed up for a film, it would probably break box office records. Unfortunately, all three are owned by separate studios, and so the comic fan dream has long remained exactly that.
A family in Texas has been syncing their Christmas lights show with popular songs since 2010, so it’s understandable that this year they chose one of the year’s most notable songs to attract viewers to their Austin home.
When Walt Disney opened Disneyland, the original Disney theme park, on July 17, 1955, he said he hoped it would be “a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.” He famously observed: “Disneyland will never be completed…as long as there is imagination left in the world.”
Since 1955, the Disneyland Resort has welcomed more than 700 million guests. It has expanded to become an approximately 500-acre, world-class, multi-day, family vacation destination, complete with two renowned Disney theme parks, three hotels and the exciting shopping, dining and entertainment district known as Downtown Disney.
With the completion in June 2012 of the Disney California Adventure Park expansion, including Cars Land, the parks of the Disneyland Resort offer guests more classic characters, more storytelling, more attractions and more of the unique Disney heritage that gives Disney theme parks their special personality.
Disneyland Park – Upon its opening on July 17, 1955, Disneyland introduced a new concept in family entertainment and launched the theme park industry. Disneyland presented 18 major attractions on its Opening Day including the Mad Tea Party, the Jungle Cruise, Autopia and the Mark Twain Riverboat, and it featured five themed lands: Fantasyland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Frontierland and Main Street, U.S.A. Today, Disneyland is an evolving 85-acre American institution featuring more than 60 adventures and attractions in eight themed lands, having added New Orleans Square in 1966, Critter Country (originally Bear County) in 1972 and Mickey’s Toontown in 1993. The newest stage show, “Mickey and the Magical Map,” debuted in 2013. Favorite attractions include Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Tours, “it’s a small world,” Indiana Jones Adventure and the mountain range of thrill rides: Matterhorn Bobsleds, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain.
Disney California Adventure Park – Since its opening in 2001 with such popular attractions as Soarin’ Over California, California Screamin’ and Grizzly River Run, Disney California Adventure has been bringing adventure and fun to life with Disney storytelling magic. The extremely popular Twilight Zone™Tower of Terror attraction debuted in 2004.
With the addition of Cars Land and Buena Vista Street in 2012, the park features more than 35 adventures and attractions plus distinctive entertainment and dining. Cars Land, based on the Disney•Pixar movie “Cars,” offers three attractions: Radiator Springs Racers, Luigi’s Flying Tires and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree. Buena Vista Street creates a new entry to the park, highlighted by the Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge
With the completion of a multiyear expansion project in 2012, Disney California Adventure has grown from its original three themed lands – Golden State, Paradise Pier and Hollywood Pictures Backlot – to a total of eight lands including the 12-acre Cars Land and Buena Vista Street, “a bug’s land” (which opened in 2002), a renamed Hollywood Land, Condor Flats, Grizzly Peak and Pacific Wharf (all formerly parts of the Golden State area) and Paradise Pier.
The expansion of Disney California Adventure (announced in 2007) launched with the 2008 opening of Toy Story Mania!, an interactive, ride-through attraction where guests enter into a 4D carnival midway hosted by the “Toy Story” characters. In 2010, the expansion continued with the debut of “World of Color,” an award-winning, nighttime water spectacular featuring nearly 1,200 fountains that bring Disney animation to life. In 2011, Disney opened The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, a “dark ride” that transports guests “under the sea” to experience scenes and beloved songs from the Little Mermaid film.
In addition, several attractions in Disney California Adventure received new Disney themes during the park’s expansion. The Paradise Pier district now features Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Silly Symphony Swings, Goofy’s Sky School and Disney-themed Games of the Boardwalk.
Downtown Disney District -This lively, colorful, admission-free district of exciting restaurants, shops and nightclubs is centrally located between the Disneyland Resort theme parks and hotels. The 20-acre, 300,000 square-foot avenue features approximately 50 distinct venues including AMC Theatres, Catal Restaurant, ESPN Zone, House of Blues, La Brea Bakery Café, Rainforest Café, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Tortilla Jo’s, Build-a-Bear Workshop, Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria, WonderGround Gallery and, of course, the World of Disney store. The Earl of Sandwich eatery opened in fall, 2012.
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa -1600 S. Disneyland Drive, (714) 635-2300
Featuring 948 rooms and 50 Disney Vacation Club villas, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel is the flagship hotel of the Disneyland Resort. The design of this AAA Four-Diamond, award-winning luxury property is inspired by the turn-of-the-century California Craftsman movement. In 2009 the hotel became home to the first Disney Vacation Club units on the West Coast. It’s also the first hotel in the United States to be built inside a Disney park (Disney California Adventure).
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel offers suites, a large convention facility, swimming pools, Mandara Spa and two restaurants: Storytellers Cafe and the award-winning Napa Rose restaurant. With approximately 35 sommeliers, including several advanced sommeliers, Napa Rose boasts the most certified wine experts under one roof anywhere in the United States.
Disneyland Hotel – 1150 West Magic Way, (714) 778-6600
Significant new enhancements at the iconic Disneyland Hotel were completed in 2012, including re-imagined guest rooms, Disney-themed suites, a new restaurant and bar – Tangaroa Terrace and Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar – and a water play area with Monorail-inspired water slides. Other distinctive restaurants at the hotel include Goofy’s Kitchen and the award-winning Steakhouse 55. This AAA Four-Diamond hotel features 969 rooms, including specially themed Disney character suites, and one of the largest contiguous convention spaces in the Western United States with 136,000 square feet.
Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel – 1717 S. Disneyland Drive, (714) 999-0990
A casually elegant 481-room hotel themed to the colorful “day at the beach” California seaside culture of fun, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel features the whimsical Disney’s PCH Grill restaurant, a pool deck with cabanas and water slide, and 30,000 square feet of convention and meeting space.
Disneyland Resort Facts & Firsts
The new “Star Wars” teaser trailer tells us there’s been an awakening in the force, and it’s clear fans have felt it. The trailer has inspired crazy remakes, spoofs and some of the most powerful fan art the galaxy has ever seen.
The Disneyland Resort celebrates the opening of spectacular new “Frozen Fun” beginning Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015, featuring magical adventures with characters from the Walt Disney Pictures blockbuster film. Guests at Disney California Adventure Park will be able to meet Anna and Elsa in a new location, sing along with the “Frozen” soundtrack, play in the snow, meet Olaf the snowman and “chill out” at a nighttime, family dance party.
A sneak peek of many of the live experiences begins Saturday, Dec. 20, in Disney California Adventure and a new “Frozen”-themed show opens in Disneyland Park Jan. 7, 2015. “Frozen Fun” continues for a limited time at Disney California Adventure. For specific dates, along with places to see Anna and Elsa beyond “Frozen Fun,” guests may visit Disneyland.com.
Anna and Elsa will relocate Dec. 20 from their Fantasyland greeting area in Disneyland to a roomier new home, “Anna & Elsa’s Royal Welcome,” inside the Disney Animation building in Disney California Adventure Park. Additional new “Frozen” experiences in the Hollywood Land area of the park include ”For the First Time in Forever” – A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration in the newly dubbed Crown Jewel Theatre; the immersive “Olaf’s Snow Fest” featuring snow play, music, food and Olaf himself, and an after-dark offering “Freeze the Night! A Family Dance Party.”
“Frozen Fun” Sneak Peek at Disney California Adventure Park
“Anna & Elsa’s Royal Welcome” provides an elegant new location for Anna and Elsa to receive visitors in the Disney Animation building in Hollywood Land. (Note: The Anna and Elsa meeting location in Disneyland Park will close at the end of the day on Dec. 19.) The colorful and varied animation experience already on display in the attraction’s lobby will feature new scenes that pay tribute to Arendelle and the world of “Frozen.” As they did in the previous location in Fantasyland, guests will utilize the Return Time Ticket to meet the characters, avoiding long wait times by securing a reservation time to return to the Royal Welcome. Elsewhere in the Disney Animation building, guests at the Animation Academy will be asked “Do You Want to Draw a Snowman?” – offering an Olaf drawing experience with an added Marshmallow-drawing class.
“For the First Time in Forever – A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” transforms the Muppet*Vision 3D Theatre into the welcoming Crown Jewel Theatre of Arendelle, where Anna, Elsa and Kristoff take part in a comedic retelling of their story that features popular songs from the film. Two Arendellian Historians, acting as hosts, lead the festivities, with the “Frozen” characters making memorable appearances throughout. Some of the favorite musical sequences (and lyrics) are shown on large screens to make sure everybody enjoys all the fun.
“Olaf’s Snow Fest” takes place next door to the Crown Jewel Theatre in Stage 17, which is transformed into a charming castle courtyard reminiscent of Arendelle. Music and lighting bring to life an immersive wintry environment for guests to meet and share a warm hug with Olaf. Kids of all ages will have fun in a giant play area with real snow where they are encouraged to build snow creations and zip down a snow slide. Guests who wish to observe the icy fun will have a nearby viewing area. A traveling musical duo, The Tubadors, will celebrate the tales of Arendelle in storytelling and song while, on their own stage, The Frolicking Fjords will present arrangements of Arendelle-themed tunes. Guests may enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, complete with snowman marshmallows, and decorate their own Olaf cookie, making memories that will warm their hearts.
“Freeze the Night! A Family Dance Party” invites guests to “chill out” in a family friendly setting inspired by the icy environment of “Frozen.” Created for all ages, this interactive party celebrates “all things Frozen” with exciting music, games, photo opportunities, drinks and snacks, an ice sculptor, and plenty of interactive moments, all infused with a super-cool crackle of exhilarating energy.
Winter Celebration Continues at Disneyland Park and Downtown Disney
On Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015, “Frozen Fun” celebrates its official launch with all the fun in Disney California Adventure, while a new “Frozen”-themed show opens in Disneyland at Fantasy Faire. The team of Mr. Smythe and Mr. Jones will put their unique spin on the “Frozen” story as they adapt it for the Royal Theatre. As expected, they present the tale in their own inimitable way, with a fun-filled, fast-paced retelling of the story featuring their own wacky performances in key roles, along with Anna, Elsa and the Faire Maidens.
Additionally on Jan. 7, 2015, “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” resumes daily performances with Anna, Elsa and Olaf once again making a “pre-parade” appearance on their own special float.
Guests at Downtown Disney join the fun at “Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink” and the Downtown Disney Winter Village, in operation now through February 22, 2015. The Downtown Disney Winter Village chalets offer a variety of food, clothing and gift items. The 50-by-90-foot “Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink” features colorful graphics outlining the “Frozen” story and characters, with Olaf whimsically commanding the rink that bears his name. Sixty-minute skate sessions are scheduled between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursday, and 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
For more information about the Disneyland Resort, visit www.disneyland.com.
CURRENT EXHIBITIONS
All Aboard: A Celebration of Walt’s Trains
November 13, 2014–February 9, 2015
All Aboard: A Celebration of Walt’s Trains explores the influence that railroading had on Walt Disney’s life and work, and how his railroading legacy lives on to this day in Disney films and theme parks around the world. Through rare artifacts, firsthand accounts, archival videos, images, and running model trains, guests will learn how Walt’s passion for trains developed before manifesting itself in Disney short cartoons, feature films, and in Walt’s personal life at home.
The Lost Notebook: Secrets of Disney’s Movie Magic
November 26, 2014–January 12, 2015
Go behind the lens with one of the most enigmatic and fascinating characters of early animation: Herman Schultheis. On view from November 26 through January 12, 2015, The Lost Notebook: Secrets of Disney’s Movie Magic shares the special-effects wizardry behind Fantasia, Pinocchio, Dumbo, and Bambi, which was found in covert scrapbooks from this technician who worked at The Walt Disney Studios in the late 1930s.
SCREENINGS
FILM OF THE MONTH: Dumbo
Showtimes: 1:30 daily (check calendar for exceptions) | Theater
FREE with museum admission | Note: The museum is closed on Tuesdays
Soar high in the sky with Dumbo, the world’s only flying elephant, and his pal Timothy the mouse.
FILM OF THE MONTH: Christmas with Walt
Showtimes: 4pm daily (check calendar for exceptions) | Theater
FREE with museum admission | Note: The museum is closed on Tuesdays
Enjoy a peek into Walt’s life during the holidays—at work, at play, and at home with his family.
TALKS
SPOTLIGHT TALKS | All Aboard: A Celebration of Walt’s Trains
Sat, Dec 5 | 11am, 1 & 3pm | FrEE with museum admission
Celebrate Walt’s birthday by exploring one of his greatest passions! Learn about Walt’s love of trains as museum educators guide you on a brief tour of our new special exhibition, All Aboard: A Celebration of Walt’s Trains.
SPOTLIGHT TALK | The Animation Process
Every Fri, Sat & Sun in Dec | 11am, 1 & 3pm | FREE with museum admission
The production pipeline for an animated film goes through many different hands, from the beginning of the animation process up to the finished product. Join us for a brief discussion about the crucial steps taken by Walt’s studio to successfully complete an animated film.
TALK | The Disney Effect
Sat, Dec 6 | 3pm | $18 members | $20 general | $15 youth (17 and under)
Think like an animator! Join us for the second in a five-part program series covering the basics of animation production that was developed in Walt’s time and continue to be used today. This talk covers design and character development, the use of maquettes, and casting and voiceover for the role. Join guest speakers from Pixar Animation Studios: Ricky Nierva, production designer; Matt Nolte, art director; Jerome Ranft, character sculptor; Kevin Reher; casting director/feature producer; and Natalie Lyon, casting manager.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
A Birthday Celebration for Walt
Fri, Dec 5 | 10am–6pm | All Museum
In commemoration of Walt Disney’s birthday, The Walt Disney Family Museum offers FREE ADMISSION to all on Friday, December 5 from 10am to 6pm! Join us in celebrating this special occasion, during which we will host a number of exciting activities throughout the day that highlight Walt’s life, work, and legacy. Happy Birthday, Walt!
SPECIAL APPEARANCE | Train Release and Signing with Lowell Smith
Sat, Dec 6 | 10am–noon & 2–4pm | Awards Lobby
Join us for a celebration of the release of the fifth boxcar in the museum’s holiday train series! Train producer Lowell Smith will be available to sign the new boxcars and his specially produced The Great Locomotive Chase boxed gift sets. Offered in conjunction with the holiday exhibition, All Aboard! A Celebration of Walt’s Trains.
BOOK SIGNING | Bobby Burgess, Author of Ears and Bubbles
Sat, Dec 6 | 2:30–5:40pm | Lower Lobby
Join Bobby Burgess—known to generations of fans as a Mouseketeer on the original Mickey Mouse Club and then as a dancing star for over two decades on The Lawrence Welk Show—for a special book signing. Now, for the first time, Bobby shares his many behind-the-scenes showbiz stories along with humorous, heartwarming tales of his family life, world travels, and business ventures, including his famous Burgess Cotillion.
CLASSES & ACTIVITIES
OPEN STUDIO | Miniature Diorama Train: Hobbies
Sat & Sun, Dec 6 & 7, 13 & 14, 20 & 21, 27 & 28 | 1–4pm | Learning Center | FREE with museum admission
Inspired by Walt Disney’s fascination with trains and miniatures – some of his most notable personal hobbies – create a display of your own interests and hobbies within a small diorama. Connect your unique creation to others’ to form a miniature diorama train that will tour through our Learning Center!
LITTLE OPEN STUDIO | Fun With Winter!
Every Sat and Mon in Dec | 10–noon | Learning Center | FREE with museum admission
It’s getting cooler out, the night comes earlier, winter is in the air! Come join us in Little Open Studio to explore this wonderful time of year. Through open-ended, collaborative art activities, visitors will transform our Learning Center into a magical nighttime forest. Together we’ll explore the sights, sounds, and feelings of winter.
WORKSHOP | Story Workshop with Pixar Story Artists Matthew Luhn and Valerie LaPointe
Sat, Dec 6 | 10am–2pm | Art Studio | FREE with museum admission
For one amazing day, Students will learn how to develop full-length story ideas under the direction and supervision of Matthew and Valerie. This inspiring and engaging workshop makes it possible to immediately generate new ideas and develop stories on your own, and with others.
Forget the cold and picture warmer days as Olaf sings his ode to summer in 17 languages. Watch the full song: http://di.sn/h01H
Disney Movies Anywhere works with iTunes, Google Play and Vudu. Now it’s never been easier to take your Marvel, Disney and Pixar movies anywhere you go! This includes all your favorites like Maleficent, Frozen Sing Along, and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy! Learn more: http://www.disneymoviesanywhere.com.
Lucasfilm Ltd. and Marvel Entertainment are extremely proud to present your new look at the highly anticipated STAR WARS #1 – the blockbuster new ongoing series welcoming Star Wars™ back home to the House of Ideas!
Disney’s ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE,
NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY
Available on Digital HD, Blu-ray™ Combo Pack,
Disney Movies Anywhere and On-Demand – February 10th
Steve Carell Stars in the Hilarious Comedy that is perfect for the Entire Family!
Disney’s heartwarming comedy will have your entire family laughing out loud. Based on the best-selling book, it follows the exploits of Alexander as he experiences the most terrible and horrible day of his young life and wonders if bad things only happen to him. But he discovers he’s not alone when his dad (Steve Carell), mom (Jennifer Garner) and family live through their own terrible – and hilarious – day. It will tickle everyone’s funny bone, and warm their hearts as they discover how even on rotten days, families can grow closer.
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse turn on the charm this season, as part of PANDORA Jewelry’s new Disney-themed collection. The original assortment of hand-finished jewelry, released in collaboration with Disney Consumer Products, includes charms inspired by the iconic silhouettes, patterns and colors of Disney’s most iconic couple.
Sterling silver Mickey and Minnie icon dangles accented with black and red enamel celebrate Disney’s classic designs. Wear the charms on your favorite PANDORA bracelet, or style the charms as pendants on necklace chains of varying lengths to celebrate your love of Disney.
Disney’s eternal sweethearts are celebrated on a sterling silver “Minnie and Mickey Kiss” heart-shaped charm featuring red and black enamel designs, with engraved Walt Disney script expressing “Believe in Magic.” The Mickey and Minnie double-heart sterling silver dangle with six bezel-set black crystals and red enamel commemorates the pair’s courtship, which has been going strong since they first debuted together onscreen in 1928.
Mickey and Minnie sparkle on sterling silver clips encrusted with clear and red cubic zirconia. A sterling silver clear pave charm with intricate cutouts and a spacer set with 24 clear crystals are inspired by Mickey’s instantly recognizable silhouette. The charms add whimsical style to PANDORA’s layered leather bracelets, sterling silver bangles or multi-strand color cords.
“Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are not only favorite Disney characters, they represent optimism, goodwill and happiness,” said Beth Moeri, Chief Merchandising Officer, PANDORA, Americas. “We’re thrilled to offer charms that meet our exacting quality standards, while preserving the integrity and hopeful spirit of Walt Disney’s original designs.”
The initial launch of PANDORA’s co-branded Disney jewelry collection includes 25 charms, which are currently sold at PANDORA concept stores throughout the U.S., as well as Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Central America and the Caribbean. Sterling silver pieces from the new collection start at $35.
To discover the Disney jewelry collection from PANDORA, visit PANDORA.net.
