BEAUTY and the BEAST Review

Tale as old as time.  Be our guest.  Kill the beast.  Those three phrases probably just sparked some singing in your head right now.  Or maybe you are belting it out in your living room.  Either way, these iconic lyrics have been shared with Disney fans since 1991 with Disney’s original animated feature BEAUTY and the BEAST. 

Now the adventure is available on Blu-Ray, DVD, and Digital HD as a live-action adaptation. This film stars Emma Watson as Belle, Dan Stevens as the Beast, Luke Evans as Gaston, and Josh Gad as LeFou.  This is a star packed movie as Ewan McGregor, Kevin Kline, Audra McDonald, Stanley Tucci, Ian McKellen and Emma Thompson round out the cast. It is unbelievable that Disney was able to put all of these talented people together for this grand tale. The story you love is literally brought to life with the wonderful songs you have come to expect with a Disney classic. Emma Watson is beautiful, smart, and strong as Belle.  I love that she is so interested in inventions. Her version of Belle may make her one of the first females to study STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math).  It is so cool to watch the bonus extra that shows how Dan Stevens brought the Beast to life.  He must have calves of steel to do all of his scenes on those stilts and in that suit! My absolute favorite bonus extra was Enchanted Table Read. The whole cast is there to read through the script and to bring the complete story to life through actually performing the musical scenes.  Oh to be at that table that day! I also enjoyed the interviews with Disney Legend Alan Menken.  It must be exciting for him to see his songs inspire so many people. I have seen the animated classic countless times, and I have seen the stage production of Beauty and the Beast. I was happy to now add the live-action version to my collection.  Disney’s Beauty and the Beast on Blu-Ray, DVD, and Digital HD is a tale as old as time that must be a part of your life.  It is a magical experience that will have you waltzing through the dining room and maybe even talking to your teapot and candlesticks!

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BAMBI-Anniversary Edition Review

I am sure everyone thinks of the same thing when the animated feature BAMBI is mentioned…..the fate of his mother.  What an iconic, yet very sad, scene from a Disney classic! It had been a long while since I had viewed Disney’s BAMBI, now on Blu-Ray, DVD, and Digital HD in an anniversary edition. I remembered my favorites, Thumper the bunny and Flower the skunk.  I remembered the ice skating scene. I remembered the moment Bambi is left alone in the forest.  What I did not remember was the amazing artwork from the legendary Disney animators.

It is so interesting to watch it with an adult eye.  As a child I wouldn’t have paid attention to the background artwork or the new techniques the Disney animators used. A few years ago I was lucky enough to see the famous Multiplane Camera when I took a tour of the Disney studios and archives in California. I was mesmerized watching the bonus extras and seeing behind the scenes. Studio Stories: Bambi and Inside Walt’s Story Meetings were just so interesting to me. I could literally watch the “making of” footage with Walt and his staff all day.  I also enjoyed The Bambi Effect.  In this bonus extra we get a glimpse into how BAMBI has influenced more recent Disney animated features like Zootopia and Moana. While kids today may be used to more action packed cartoons, BAMBI is a classic adventure that has actually shaped how animated features are made for modern audiences.  Sometimes it is nice to slow down and enjoy a Disney tale that our parents and grandparents grew up with.  The Anniversary Edition of Disney’s BAMBI is a must for any Disney movie collection.

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There’s More Than Meets the Eye – Or the Warlock’s Eye – at Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

For the first time in any Disney theme park attraction anywhere in the universe, guests will join an adventure with the Guardians of the Galaxy, a gang of cosmic misfits who appear in Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! As they step into this story in Disney California Adventure Park, guests will discover everything from galactic species to exotic plant life, creature sounds, the powerful Warlock’s Eye and even a Russian space dog named Cosmo.

Cosmically Cool Facts About The Collector’s Fortress

  • The Collector (aka Taneleer Tivan) has brought a Fortress filled with his priceless collection of rare artifacts from throughout the galaxy to Disney California Adventure. True to his eccentric and mysterious personality, he chose a location that will be visited by many to display his most prized possessions, the Guardians of the Galaxy.
  • Displayed prominently in gold on the front of the Fortress is the logo for The Tivan Group, The Collector’s company. The logo is triangular in shape with a downward arrow representing The Collector’s mining colony on Knowhere, the realm located at the edge of the universe. Miners extract precious spinal fluid to sell on the galactic black market, generating funds for The Collector’s next acquisitions.
  • Cast members wear the Tivan logo on the sleeves of their galactic garb, created in bold tones of purple and gold, in line with The Collector.
  • Some characters and creatures that guests may know from the new film, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” also appear in the new attraction, including Mantis and the Abilisk.
  • In the Fortress Lobby, a video welcome from The Collector Introduces guests to his assistant, Apheta. A Krylorian, Apheta is new to the world of Guardians of the Galaxy, making her first appearance in the Fortress. Like all Krylorians, Apheta is pink.
  • Guests who look carefully may spot some items in the Tivan Collection that are familiar in Disney Parks. For example, the video shown in the Lobby features The Collector’s desk, and on that desk is a maquette of the ghost dog from the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland Park.

 

Numbers Out of Knowhere

Guests may discover these details and more on opening day, May 27, 2017.

  • 183 Terran (Earth) feet marks the height of The Collector’s Fortress, which holds Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! The tallest attraction in the Disneyland Resort, it also extends 40 feet underground.
  • 525 new shrubs, including 25 varieties, grow outside the Fortress as part of Tivan’s Oasis (aka the “Gardens of the Galaxy”).
  • 30 trees, representing 13 varieties, grow in Tivan’s Oasis, including Queensland Bottle, African Tulip and Song of India trees.
  • 25 potted plants, representing 20 varieties, also grow in Tivan’s Oasis. On display are numerous examples of rare and unusual plants such as Cyphostema juttae (also known as Namibian grape), Dioscorea elephantipes (Elephant’s Foot), and Tylycodon reticulatus (Sifkop or Sieve Head).
  • 14 overhead vitrines hang in the Lobby, containing both familiar and mysterious artifacts.
  • 2 large portraits of The Collector remind guests of his importance. One of these depicts The Collector playing a game with his brother, The Grandmaster, on The Grandmaster’s home planet of Sakaar.
  • 2 languages are used throughout one’s visit to the Tivan Collection: English and Celestial, which is native to the realm of Knowhere.
  • 1 special cameo features Stan Lee, well-known writer of Super Hero comic books and a forthcoming Disney Legend, somewhere in the tour of the Tivan Collection.

Browse Among 2,200 Galactic Artifacts

Inside the Fortress, a collection of more than 2,200 rare artifacts from around the galaxy contain plant life, creatures, weapons, costumes and other items of unique interest. Guests might be familiar with many of these items through their knowledge of Super Hero films and comic books. The Collector may choose to change out these artifacts at any time as new items come into his possession. On opening day, the Tivan Collection will include:

  • Cocoon of unknown origin: The Collector does not wish to disturb the creature inside the cocoon, therefore he leaves it in place in hopes it will one day emerge and reveal itself for all to see.
  • Cosmo, a test dog in the Russian space program of the 1960s (Terran date).
  • A damaged Ultron Sentry from the Battle of Sokovia
  • Warlock’s Eye, a powerful weapon that allows those who control it to wield an almost hypnotic mind control over its victims
  • A Blaster weapon taken from the Guardians of the Galaxy’s “pet rodent,” Rocket
  • A case of Dark Elf artifacts
  • A case of Kree artifacts including Terrigen Crystals
  • A Nova Corps uniform
  • A Royal Guard’s Uniform from Asgard

Listen Up for Fun Details

  • The Collector gathers sounds as well as artifacts, so guests will want to listen carefully for some auditory “Easter eggs,” especially in the outside garden. Examples include:
    • Famous speeches, such as a 1903 recitation of the Gettysburg Address
    • Bird calls and other creature sounds from planets throughout the galaxy
    • Musical instrument sounds from a wide variety of civilizations
  • Guests on board the gantry lift will experience one of six songs that play throughout their experience. The Disney Imagineering team experimented with more than 100 songs inspired by the films’ soundtracks, testing many of them on board the vehicle before settling on the final six for opening day:
    • “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar (1980)
    • “Give Up the Funk” by Parliament (1975)
    • “Born To Be Wild” by Steppenwolf (1968)
    • “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5 (1969)
    • “Free Ride” by The Edgar Winter Group (1973)
    • “Burning Love” by Elvis Presley (1972)
  • Music playing throughout the Lobby and Tivan’s office may sound familiar. It was composed by Tyler Bates, composer of the music for the two “Guardians of the Galaxy” films.
  • Employees of the Tivan Collection (those wearing the Tivan logo on their sleeves) know they are always under the watchful eye of their employer, The Collector. They also are aware of what Rocket is up to, however, and they support his efforts by murmuring secret words of encouragement to guests they meet.
  • Guests of the Tivan Collection should pay close attention with their ears as they exit the attraction, too. In addition to hearing songs from the films’ soundtracks, they might hear some of the creatures that have escaped from their vitrines, including a certain duck which might be known to the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Last Stop at the Fortress: Newly Acquired Items Now Available

As guests exit the attraction, they will discover that The Collector’s Warehouse is no ordinary gift shop. In what would have been the final scene of their tour, all the creatures are running amuck, the power is fluctuating wildly and Tivan Group staff members have decided to take advantage of the chaos by selling off some of the newest items, offering guests a chance to acquire them.

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Marvel, Pixar & Star Wars: 7 Disney Crossovers We Need to See!

Disney is currently on top of the world. They own some of the best assets in Hollywood today, with major franchises like Marvel, Pixar, and Lucasfilm, there’s no stopping Walt Disney’s amazing legacy.

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VISITING PANDORA: A PHOTO TOUR OF DISNEY’S NEW AVATAR LAND

The Verge’s own Bryan Bishop and James Bareham take you on a guided photo tour of what it’s like to spend a day (and night) in Pandora.

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Unique Boutiques, Culinary Surprises, Lively Entertainment and More – Disney Springs

Wrapped in Florida-inspired, made-for-strolling promenades, arcing footbridges, flowing streams and waterfront charm, Disney Springs treats Walt Disney World Resort guests to an exciting, one-of-a-kind blend of shopping, dining and entertainment – with an unmistakable Disney touch.

By day or night guests can expect a vibrant scene, whether they are shopping top-name retail brands, enjoying high-quality entertainment, having that special dining experience, pleasure boating on Lake Buena Vista or hopping a balloon skyward for spectacular views of Walt Disney World and beyond.

The former Downtown Disney completed a dramatic, multi-year transformation in 2016, was renamed Disney Springs and more than doubled – to more than 150 — the number of shops, restaurants and other venues for guests to explore and enjoy.

Stop for a snack or cool drink, listen to talented musical performers or enjoy a meal at one of many great dining establishments. From sweets to street food to everything in between, there is something for every taste at Disney Springs.

If it’s a memorable meal you’re after, Disney Springs offers unforgettable dining experiences – some created by celebrity chefs and James Beard award-winning chefs. Chefs including Matsaharu Morimoto, Art Smith, Kevin Dundon and Rick Bayless call Disney Springs home with exciting restaurants offering unsurpassed dining.

Newest dining choices include The Polite Pig, where renowned Orlando chefs James and Julie Petrakis serve up modern barbecue with Southern sides and a bourbon bar offering more than 50 selections, and Paddlefish – an elegant old paddlewheeler reimagined into a modern yacht experience dishing up fresh seafood and steaks, a delicious Sunday brunch and a late-night menu with starry views from a deck-top lounge.

If shopping is your thing, Disney Springs is an experience like no other, with many great venues you won’t find anywhere else. Guests can shop a “Springs” brimming with everything from fashion apparel and jewelry to collectibles and artwork. For that special something, unique shopping found only at Disney Springs includes Uniqlo, American Threads, the Coca-Cola Store, Trophy Room, Shores and Sugarboo & Co. And The Force is more than with you at the Star Wars Galactic Outpost – great Star Wars merchandise is, too.

That’s only part of the shopping story. Fans of All Things Disney can stock up on Disney merchandise at World of Disney and Marketplace Co-Op. Uniqlo, Vera Bradley, Pandora, Alex & Ami and more stock Disney co-branded merchandise.

In creating the largest expansion in its history, Disney planners infused Disney Springs with the same focus on storytelling and attention to detail that are hallmarks of Disney theme parks, resort hotels and cruise ships, creating a welcoming space that only Disney can provide.

The story of Disney Springs begins as Florida’s did, with bubbling springs and natural beauty that first attracted settlers to the area. At the turn of the 20th century waterfront towns sprang up, dotting Florida’s landscape. Today’s Disney Springs fittingly starts with a clear water stream and fans out to exciting precincts for entertainment, dining, lounging and shopping.

Guests will find four outdoor, fun-to-stroll areas, each with its own personality:

  • Town Center offers a sophisticated mix of noteworthy shopping and dining along with a promenade where guests can relax, refresh and reconnect. Town Center features Spanish “Revival” style architecture, drawing from a rich history of explorers that landed in Florida centuries ago. Stop at Sprinkles where yummy cupcakes dispense from an ATM-style machine. Or order up an artisanal pie at Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza and it’s “fired up” oven-to-table in a lightning-fast 180 seconds. Long noted for Hollywood stars, the newly-renovated and renamed Planet Hollywood Observatory sets its sights on celestial ones. Its out-of-this world setting is home to a revamped menu that includes signature burgers from celebrity chef Guy Fieri.
  • A colorful and thriving commercial district called The Landing offers inspired dining and breathtaking waterfront views. High-quality retailers are found along its lantern-lined byways, including Sanuk for footwear, Chapel Hats and The Art of Shaving. Dine fine at STK, Morimoto Asia, dine fun at Paradiso 37 or the Raglan Road Irish Pub. The BOATHOUSE serves up a great menu and terrific lakeside views. Book a romantic sailing on an Italian water taxi or opt for the thrills of an Amphicar: vintage-style cars that transition from the land to the water for an unforgettable cruise of Disney Springs sights.
  • The family-friendly Marketplace continues to delight guests of all ages by combining new experiences such as an over-the-water pedestrian causeway, along with classic Disney favorites, including a Lego Store for hands-on play or an expanded World of Disney store – largest Disney character store in the world. Cooling refreshments at the water’s edge are found at Dockside Margaritas. For the little ones, a spin on the Marketplace Train Express or a charming Venetian carousel is sure to bring smiles. Treat the family to dino-themed dining at T-Rex Café or jungle-style at Rainforest Café.
  • The West Side delivers an exuberant atmosphere with lively entertainment, retail and dining along with a series of new elevated spaces that provide both shade and an overlook to the activity below. From Cirque du Soleil to iconic restaurants like House of Blues to bowling with a stylized twist at Splitsville Luxury Lanes, West Side offers something for everyone. For unmatched aerial views of Disney Springs and beyond, hop aboard Characters in Flight. Operated by Aerophile, the world’s largest tethered helium balloon ascends 400 feet.

Thanks to new slot-smart parking decks where green lights indicate available spaces (and take the guesswork out), parking is convenient to the entire Disney Springs scene – and free. Valet parking also is available.

Disney Springs is easily accessed from I-4, Central Florida’s major interstate, and connected to the rest of Walt Disney World Resort by motorcoach, watercraft or pedestrian pathways. Guests can visit disneysprings.com for all the exciting details.

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FIRST GUESTS TO ROCK GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY – MISSION: BREAKOUT! AT DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE PARK

Last weekend, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! officially opened for Disney California Adventure® Park Guests, and the reviews were out of this world! Here’s a look at the excitement and exhilaration Guests experiences as they anxiously awaited their turn to help break out the Guardians of the Galaxy.

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Summer of Heroes: Time to Hero Up at the Disneyland Resort – Fact Sheet

Guests will experience more fun than ever at Disney California Adventure Park this summer, with an opportunity to “Hero Up” during the epic Summer of Heroes. Beginning May 27, 2017, special entertainment and limited-time experiences will thrill guests of all ages as some favorite Super Hero stories come to life in Hollywood Land. Also opening May 27 is the new attraction Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

Learn Some Terms from the Super Hero Universe

Super Hero fans may recognize these terms from films, comic books and animated TV series, while those new to the stories will have fun learning terms of the Super Hero Universe that come to life during Summer of Heroes.

  • Terra – The planet known as Earth
  • Terrans – Citizens of Earth, also known as humans
  • Vitrine – The glass display case that houses each of the Guardians of the Galaxy in The Collector’s Fortress
  • Gantry lift – The vehicle guests board in the new attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, as they help Rocket bust his fellow Guardians out of  captivity.
  • Knowhere – The realm at the edge of the universe, located inside the floating head of an unidentified Celestial. The Collector has made it a mining colony.
  • Celestial language – The language used in Knowhere, with its own Celestial alphabet
  • Avengers – The most prestigious and mightiest Super Hero team on Earth; an ever- shifting assemblage of super beings, adventurers and crime fighters devoted to protecting the planet from menaces beyond the scope of conventional authorities.

Encounter Epic Super Hero Fun

  •  “Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off!”
    • Star-Lord fires up his old-school boom box to get a party started in “Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off!”
    • Guests will show off their moves at this awesome rock ‘n’ roll bash and “dance off” on Fun team names include “Team Pop,” “Team Lock,” “Team Rock” and “Team Roll.”
    • Star-Lord, also known as Peter Quill, is the irreverent, hilarious leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy and host of this experience.  He’s obsessed with classic pop music from the ‘60s and ‘70s—which plays an important part in the Dance Off.
    • Gamora, the daughter of Thanos, joins Star-Lord to engage audiences in the fun.
    • Groot, of the species Flora Colossus, arrives at end of the Dance Off to greet excited fans. Guests will only ever hear him utter three words: “I am Groot!”
    • “Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off!” features classic hits from the ‘70s inspired by the cinematic world of Guardians of the Galaxy.  Guests will move and groove to songs such as:
      • “ABC” by The Jackson 5 – 1970
      • “Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone – 1973
      • “Fox on the Run” by Sweet – 1975
      • “Shake Your Groove Thin” by Peaches & Herb – 1978
      • “All Over the World” by Electric Light Orchestra – 1980
  •  Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
    • On opening day, the attraction will feature more than 2,200 props from and inspired by the Super Hero universe and six ride profiles, each paired with a pop song inspired by the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films’ soundtracks.
    • An 8-foot-tall, gilded statue of The Collector, Taneleer Tivan, greets guests at the entrance to this thrilling new He is depicted holding an Orloni (a small rodent-like creature, native to Morag).
    • The Collector’s imposing Fortress looms over the skyline at Disney California Adventure at 183 Terran (Earth) feet high.
    • Tivan’s Oasis, also known as the “Gardens of the Galaxy,” features nearly 60 plant species with shrubs, trees and potted plants decorating the attraction queue.

  • Heroic Encounters with Spider-Man and Captain America in Hollywood Land
    • The friendly neighborhood web-slinger Spider-Man swoops in from New York City.  As guests meet with Spider-Man, they will notice the area features nods to the Daily Bugle, the newspaper where Peter Parker is a photographer.
    • Captain America, considered the First Avenger, flexes his strength for guests, wielding a special shield made of the precious metal vibranium, found in the African nation of Wakanda. Guests will encounter Captain America outside a New York Police Station, decked out in red, white and blue bunting.

Limited-Time Summer of Heroes Entertainment

  • Avengers Training Initiative
    • Throughout the day, young guests will participate in this daring adventure on the Hollywood Backlot, to see if they have what it takes to become “Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. ” .
    • Young Avengers learn defensive and attack maneuvers to defeat the villain Arnim Zola, who is known by Captain America fans to be from the evil HYDRA organization.
    • Black Widow, also known as Agent Natasha Romanoff, is the commander of the training, demonstrating defensive combat techniques
    • World-class archer and marksman Hawkeye, also known as Agent Clint Barton, assists Black Widow in the training.  He is considered the most proficient archer ever known.
    • Tony Stark, the man behind the famed Iron Man suit, surprises young recruits with a video appearance from the Stark Expo at Hong Kong Disneyland – more than 7,000 miles away!
    • Special Agent Cabe, director of Avengers training, joins Tech Specialist Agent Crosby and a team of field agents to assist Black Widow and Hawkeye.
    • Recruits receive a special Avengers Training Initiative security clearance band upon completing the training program.
  • Heroic Encounter with Black Widow
    • When not training new recruits, the heroine Black Widow canvasses the Hollywood Back Lot, interacting with guests and civilians in a black armored vehicle, known as the Avengers Armored Transport.
    • The Avengers Armored Transport vehicle uses the special radio call sign Patrol One.

Heroic Food and Beverage

  • Dishes and drinks in lively colors of green, purple, red, blue and orange reflect the bold personalities of some favorite Super Heroes.
  • Guests will find Super Hero-inspired eats at six different locations in the Hollywood Land area, including Schmoozies, Award Wieners and Market Place.
  • Guests may try a variety of new dishes and fun, themed beverages, each with a Summer of Heroes theme.
  • Inspired by baby Groot, the new dessert Angry Little Pudding Cup features chocolate pudding with crumbled chocolate sandwich cookie, whipped cream and funnel cake fries.
  • Guests who enjoy the Mickey-shaped sourdough bread available in Disney California Adventure will want to check out the fun, new Groot-shaped sourdough and jalapeno breads.
  • The Most Dangerous Tacos in the Galaxy, a must-try, are inspired by the fiery personality of Gamora, featuring barbacoa, green onion slaw and habanero salsa.

Summer of Heroes Merchandise:

  • On their shopping adventures, guests may choose from four new product lines, each with a unique theme to celebrate Super Heroes at Disney California Adventure.
  • Ten popular toys and games inspired by the ‘70s and ‘80s are sure to be a hit with the young at heart, including mini arcade games and light-up toys.
  • Guests may take home their own Groot, Cosmo, Rocket and Howard the Duck plush, packaged in a vitrine case and available from The Collector’s personal collection. Disgruntled employees who work for The Collector have decided everything must go.
  • Retro-inspired apparel takes cues from 1970s style fonts, colors and designs.
  • Pin traders looking to add to their collections may choose from eight new Super Hero-inspired trading pins.
  • Guests will pay homage to some of their favorite characters with Super Hero shirts, available in five designs resembling the armor and costumes of classic Super Hero characters.
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‘Fantasmic!’ Returns to Disneyland Park This Summer with Mickey’s Dream, New Scenes and Dazzling Visual Effects

“Fantasmic!,” Disney’s longest-running and most popular nighttime spectacular, returns to the Rivers of America in Disneyland Park this summer with enhanced, awe-inspiring effects, innovative state-of-the-art projection technology, and new storytelling elements.

The heart of the show, treasured by Disneyland guests for more than 25 years, remains. Once again, guests journey into Mickey Mouse’s fertile imagination as he conjures dreams of beauty, adventure, romance and, in the show’s thrilling climax, danger.

New magic is incorporated with Aladdin and Jasmine floating over a bed of fog on their flying carpet, Captain Jack Sparrow at the helm of a ghostly pirate ship, and special new appearances by characters from “The Lion King” and “Finding Nemo.” and Rapunzel and Flynn Rider from “Tangled” join other Disney couples in an inspiring romantic sequence.

Additional enhancements give the popular show an even brighter look, with more vibrant projections and new mist screens. Every inch of every surface on the show’s island “stage” has been digitally mapped. Projection mapping and three-dimensional video combine, allowing the creative team to transform the island as never before. All technical elements of the show, including lighting, fountains and water screens, have been upgraded.

The return of “Fantasmic!” coincides with the reappearance of some other classic Disneyland attractions this summer. The Disneyland Railroad, Pirates’ Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, and the water crafts that sail around the Rivers of America in Frontierland – Mark Twain Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia, Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes – all are returning for summer 2017.

FUN FACTS

  • Central to the magic of “Fantasmic!” are the three mist screens, each 60 feet wide by 30 feet tall, upon which the films are projected.
  • New scenes will feature songs such as “Friend Like Me” and “A Whole New World” from Disney’s animated classic, “Aladdin.”
  • Captain Jack Sparrow and a crew of ghost pirates man an eerie pirate ship that appears on the Rivers of America. These professional stunt performers execute all the spectacular duels and falls.
  • Each night, more than 100 cast and crew members bring “Fantasmic!” to life, in the 23-minute show.
  • As part of the “Fantasmic!” story, the wicked Maleficent from “Sleeping Beauty” will rise to a height of 45 feet in 17 seconds, before transforming into the dragon.
  • The dragon is a fully animated three-dimensional design that replicates the movements of the dragon in “Sleeping Beauty.”  The dragon is 45 feet tall by 28 feet wide and weighs approximately 18,000 pounds.
  • The dragon lights the Rivers of America on fire for 25 seconds.
  • Approximately 9,000 guests can view “Fantasmic!” at each performance. The audience is approximately 70 feet from the main stage on Tom Sawyer Island.
  • Water effects include 21 fountains and six “whale tails” in the scene when Monstro the whale charges across the Rivers of America.
  • At the beginning of the show, two light towers appear on either side of the main stage.  During the day, these towers rest 26 feet underground.  They rise to a height of 40 feet in less than a minute.
  • The audio surrounding the “Fantasmic!” spectators is created by four speaker stacks on Tom Sawyer Island and three on the mainland.
  • Kaa, the conniving snake from “The Jungle Book” who slithers across the “Fantasmic!” stage, is 100 feet long.

HISTORY

  • Fantasmic!” premiered to the public on May 15, 1992, at Disneyland.
  •  An enhanced version of that original “Fantasmic” presentation, featuring digital projections and the spectacular new 45-foot-tall dragon, premiered June12, 2009.
  •  The main stage on Tom Sawyer Island, including underground housing for many special effects, was specially built for “Fantasmic!” By day, it is a boat dock and “cider mill” visited by guests on the island.
  •  In 1992, the original estimate for the prospective audience size was 6,500. Spectators, however, found every space they could and the average number of guests per performance was 11,000 that first summer.
  • Within days, the area was re-landscaped to accommodate more guests in the viewing areas. “Fantasmic!” was scheduled for three shows per night that year, and extended to four shows on July 4 and New Year’s Eve. Before summer 1993 arrived, the walkways and planters in New Orleans Square had been redesigned in the “terrace” style from which today’s guests view the show.
  • A different version of “Fantasmic!” premiered in October 1998 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (then Disney-MGM Studios) at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
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THINGS TO EXPERIENCE IN PANDORA – THE WORLD OF AVATAR AT

Pandora – The World of Avatar is now open to Guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park.

The land itself serves as an amazing attraction for guests to explore and interact with, and the area’s two experiences – the thrilling Avatar Flight of Passage and the family friendly Na’vi River Journey – are already wowing Guests. But did you know there are actually many other ways guests can have fun throughout Pandora – The World of Avatar?

Here are seven must-do suggestions on how guests can have the most immersive experience possible during their next expedition to Pandora – The World of Avatar.

1. Match With A Banshee – Already a Guest-favorite experience, the land’s Windtraders Merchandise shop is home to the Rookery, a nook where banshees reside, waiting to be “matched” with Guests.

2. Visit at Swotu Wayä (“Sacred Place of Song”) – Located in the heart of Mo’ara Valley, guests can interact with a collection of instruments fashioned by the Na’vi. They are connected into the moon’s root system and as Guests play the instruments, the area just may respond with music and light.

3. Test Out A Na’vi Translator – Also found in Windtraders, this fun device helps guests learn Na’vi words.

4. Dine at Satu’li Canteen – Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Satu’li Canteen offers one of the most interesting menus at the Walt Disney World® Resort. Featuring international-inspired cuisine, vegetarian options and specialty libations, it’s the ideal place to refuel on an expedition through the Valley of Mo’ara.

5. Help Regrow the Flaska Reclinata – One of the largest and most fascinating plants on Pandora, guests can help this rare plant “re-seed” itself on Pandora simply through touch.

6. Channel Your Inner Na’vi – Windtraders offers a selection of Na’vi inspired merchandise. Here, guests can buy their own set of Na’vi ears or a Na’vi tail. They can also get a Na’vi inspired look over at Colors of Mo’ara.

7. Get Camera Ready – Pandora – The World of Avatar is chock-full of unbelievable photo opportunities – from towering floating mountains, to surprising water falls and much more. And if guests want professional pics, Disney PhotoPass guides are on-hand at multiple locations throughout the land.

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