Twice the Color!

This year, Holidays at the Disneyland Resort will offer a double-bill of “World of Color” shows on Paradise Bay in Disney California Adventure Park. The traditional holiday “World of Color – Winter Dreams” will return, featuring Olaf the snowman from the Walt Disney Pictures animated hit “Frozen” and a variety of wintry scenes with Disney characters.

Also on the holiday schedule is the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration spectacular “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney,” a fun and exciting tribute to the vision and creativity of Walt Disney, hosted on the giant screen by Mickey Mouse and award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris.

“World of Color – Winter Dreams” is the first show of the evening, followed by “World of Color – Celebrate!” Guests will need a FastPass to see the shows, and may check the park entertainment schedule for show times, usually 7 and 8:15 p.m. nightly, or 9 and 10:15 p.m., depending on Disney California Adventure park hours.

“World of Color – Winter Dreams”

  • The popular holiday version of “World of Color” features more than a dozen songs and unfolds in seven sequences, each one a dreamlike adventure:
    1. Wonder – Season’s Greetings: Guests join Anna and Elsa from “Frozen” as the sisters play in a magical world created by Elsa’s powers of snow and ice.
    2. Snow – A Winter Wonderland: Olaf takes guests on a breathtaking winter sleigh ride, encountering Bambi, Thumper, Beauty and the Beast and other classic Disney characters.
    3. Enchantment – The Toy Story Nutcracker: This familiar ballet is danced in some delightful, offbeat renditions by favorite “Toy Story” characters.
    4. Glow – A Season of Light: Holidays from around the world are celebrated with a magical pop-up holiday card, touching moments with Disney characters, and a sky filled with luminaria from “Tangled.”
    5. Spirit – Olaf’s Sing-Along: Snowman Olaf invites everyone to join in singing holiday classics, from “Jingle Bells” to “The Dreidel Song” and “Feliz Navidad.”
    6. Olaf’s Wish – In Summer: Olaf has always loved the idea of a warm summer. He innocently imagines himself enjoying the sunshine “In Summer,” before melting into another favorite “Frozen” musical moment, “Let It Go.”
    7. Finale – Merry & Bright Holiday Lights: Olaf welcomes a surprising Santa as 700 newly installed lights blaze to life for a colorful finale around the lagoon.

“World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney”

  • “World of Color – Celebrate!” unfolds in five exciting sequences:
    1. Opening: The “World of Color” overture and the magic of Tinker Bell’s pixie dust introduce our hosts, Neil Patrick Harris and Mickey Mouse.
    2. It Was All Started By A Mouse: From black-and-white cartoons to Technicolor stardom, “World of Color – Celebrate!” honors Mickey Mouse.
    3. The Golden Age of Animation: A dazzling exploration of Disney animated features stirs hearts with a kaleidoscope of happy memories.
    4. The Dream of Disneyland: A celebration of Disneyland, the “Happiest Place on Earth,” from Walt’s opening day dedication to creating smiles around the world.
    5. Finale: Infinity & Beyond – A Celebration for Years to Come: The finale warmly wishes everyone to stay “Forever Young,” holding on to their dreams.
  • Emmy- and Tony- award-winner Neil Patrick Harris is a longtime Disney fan whose numerous acting credits include starring roles on Broadway, television and films.
  • More than five minutes of new animation were created by Walt Disney Feature Animation to allow Mickey Mouse to step into the imaginative new journey of “World of Color – Celebrate!” Pixar animators also created new animated footage, allowing Mater, from the film “Cars,” to kick up his wheels with the baby tractors.

Enduring Popularity and Theatrical Technology

  • The nighttime spectacular “World of Color” debuted in 2010. Since then, more than 10 million guests have experienced the show at Disney California Adventure, in more than 2,800 performances.
  • Nearly 1,200 dancing fountains are the talented stars of “World of Color,” generating excitement through synchronized, computerized movements. From geysers and dancers to water whips and flower spouts, the fountains are all just beneath the surface of the bay, anticipating their big moments and leaping at any chance to perform.
  • The show’s theatrical technology features a 380-foot wide water screen used for digital projection. The water screen takes on live characteristics, changing shapes, creating special effects, and interacting with other media in the show: color, fire, lasers and fog.
  • The “World of Color” screen uses more than 30 million pixels. By comparison, a high definition television image uses 2 million pixels.
Share this:

‘Thor: Ragnarok’ Movie Plot, Cast Info, Rumors and News for 2017 Release

Marvel superhero Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth, will be returning to the big screen for his third movie titled Thor: Ragnarok, set to be released Nov. 3, 2017, according to Cinema Blend.

Full Story

Share this:

Disney’s ‘Lion King’ Revival Series ‘The Lion Guard’ to Premiere in January

Following huge ratings for its precursor TV movie, Disney’s “The Lion Guard” series will premiere Friday, Jan. 15 at 9:30 a.m., the kids’ cabler announced on Wednesday.

Full Story

Share this:

Walt Disney Co Prepares to Open Its 1,000 Acre Piece of Heaven

The second largest segment at Disney parks and resorts, is expecting strong tailwinds from its massive new project.

Full Story

Share this:

The Walt Disney Family Museum Presents Mel Shaw: An Animator on Horseback

The Walt Disney Family Museum is pleased to present Mel Shaw: An Animator on Horseback. Open from January 13 to September 12, 2016, this exhibition is the first-ever retrospective of the life and work of Disney Legend Mel Shaw (1914–2012)—an artist and storyteller whose skills were in demand by the icons of Hollywood, from Orson Welles to Walt Disney. Shaw’s own life story as an artist, creative entrepreneur, and master horseman is as romantic and adventuresome as the animated stories he helped bring to life. The exhibition is guest-curated by Academy Award®-nominated producer Don Hahn (Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Maleficent).

This retrospective features more than 120 works, including caricature sketches, storyboards, and conceptual artwork from some of the most influential films of the twentieth century, stretching from Fantasia (1940) to The Lion King (1994). The exhibition also includes sculptures, oil paintings, ceramics, iconic toys, and artifacts documenting Shaw’s redesign of the character we now all recognize as Howdy Doody. Many of the objects in this exhibition will be on view for the first time.

Read more

Share this:

NEW STAR WARS EXPERIENCES ARRIVE AT DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

The Force is growing stronger at the Walt Disney World® Resort with the addition of new Star Wars-inspired entertainment now open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®.

Star Wars Launch Bay

At Star Wars Launch Bay, located in Animation Courtyard, guests can interact with Star Wars characters by choosing to encounter the Dark Side in a Star Destroyer themed area, or visit with the brave Rebels in a makeshift Rebel Base. One path may lead to Darth Vader, while the other leads to Chewbacca.

Guests can also visit two different exhibits – Celebration Gallery and Celebration Hallway to view iconic ships from the Rebel Alliance and Imperial Navy fleet, as well as replica Star Wars props and murals. Guests excited for the upcoming film Star Wars: The Force Awakens can head to Preview Gallery to explore an area filled with costumes, artwork, models and more from the new film. And of course, shoppers can get their fix at Launch Bay Cargo, a unique shop that will offer a wide selection of Star Wars merchandise, including original artwork.

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

This popular attraction, which takes Guests on a daring journey through the Star Wars galaxy, has been enhanced to feature new characters and adventures from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple

Younglings can get in on the fun over at Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. This popular offering, which allows young Guests to step into the shoes of a Jedi in training, has been enhanced to feature new characters, including a new villain – the Seventh Sister Inquisitor from Star Wars Rebels.

Star Wars: Path of the Jedi

If guests wish to be introduced to (or relive) the adventure and excitement of the Star Wars film franchise they can do so at Star Wars: Path of the Jedi. Here, they can view an abridged cinematic reel that reviews Star Wars episodes I-VII.

Galactic Food

New Star Wars-inspired items have been added to menus at Food & Beverage locations throughout the park. Guests can enjoy Blue Milk Panna Cotta, Padawan Limeade, BB-8 Lemon and Butter Cream Cupcakes, and much more.

But the fun doesn’t end there. The “Symphony In The Stars: A Galactic Spectacular” nightly fireworks show will begin blasting off Dec.18, 2015. And, beginning Jan. 5, 2016, guests can watch the fireworks from a reserved viewing area during a special dessert party – “Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party.” Guests can enjoy Star Wars-themed desserts and drinks. Plus, they’ll receive a souvenir stein featuring one of the most beloved Star Wars characters, Chewbacca. The dessert party costs $69 for adults and $39 for children. Tax and gratuity are included.  Book today by calling 407-939-3463 or by visiting Disneyworld.com/dine.

Share this:

The 32nd Annual Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade Promises to be the Most ‘Unforgettable’ Special Yet! Tune in for the Magic December 25 on ABC

This Christmas, Disney Parks celebrates not only the joy of the holiday season, but the unforgettable family moments it has helped guests create over the past sixty years. “Disney Parks Unforgettable Christmas Celebration” airs Friday, Dec. 25, 2015 (10:00 am.-12:00 p.m ET; airtimes vary; check local listings) on the ABC Television Network.

Now in its 32nd year, the unforgettable Christmas special welcomes back Robin Roberts of ABC’s “Good Morning America” (GMA) as lead host. Reporting from the Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida, Roberts is accompanied by Jesse Palmer, who joins the event for the first time as a correspondent. New to the GMA team as a special contributor, Palmer shares key parade updates in the midst of the action on Main Street, U.S.A. Janel Parrish, star of the ABC Family hit show “Pretty Little Liars” – which will debut under the new network name, Freeform for its winter premiere on Jan. 12, 2016 – serves as music correspondent alongside Stitch from Cinderella Castle.

The holidays have long been cherished for their ability to bring family and friends together from near and far to create heartfelt memories to last a lifetime. In the spirit of “Unforgettable Happens Here,” throughout the celebration Disney Parks will tell the inspiring real-life stories of three families whose personal connection to Disney Parks will make their Christmas dreams come true. It all culminates with an unforgettable Christmas Day surprise that is sure to warm the hearts of television audiences across the country, providing the perfect toast to the most festive time of the year.

For a dose of nostalgia, viewers are also treated to magical memories from the Disney Christmas shows of yesteryear, along with beloved Disney Park moments shared by actors and actresses from both classic and current Disney films.

Bringing together the biggest names in music and entertainment, music industry legend, David Foster, joins today’s top artists to sing their interpretations of Disney classics from the “We Love Disney” album, along with a mix of Christmas favorites. The star-studded lineup includes the following:
*performance lineup subject to change

  • Jason Derulo shakes up this year’s parade with his rendition of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” – available on the “We Love Disney” album
  • International superstar, Ariana Grande pays tribute to the Greek demi-god, Hercules with the Disney favorite “Zero to Hero,” also available on the “We Love Disney” album, along with her latest single, “Focus”
  • GRAMMY® winning artist, Seal dazzles parade spectators with his interpretation of “This Christmas” and new hit, “Every Time I’m With You”
  • Country music legend, Reba McEntire sings her original song, “Going Out Like That” and the popular Christmas tune, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”
  • Breakout musical artist, Andy Grammer delights the crowd with medley of “Honey I’m Good” and his new single “Good to be Alive,” along with the iconic Christmas song, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
  • Rising pop star, Charlie Puth adds Christmas cheer with “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and his own single, “One Call Away”
  • “Should’ve Been Us” singer, Tori Kelly spreads Disney magic with the beloved classic “Colors of the Wind” from “Pocahontas” – available on the “We Love Disney” album – and the holiday favorite, “Winter Wonderland”
  • Soulful singer, Charles Perry jazzes up the festivities with a “World of My Own/Ev’rybody Wants to be a Cat” medley and his own spin on the famous Christmas duet, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”
  • The cast of the Disney Channel Original Movie, “Descendants,” Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce, Booboo Stewart, and Sofia Carson, pay tribute to Disney’s most infamous villains with “Rotten to the Core”

Featuring floats and characters from movie favorites including “Toy Story,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Inside Out,” and the wildly-popular “Frozen,” along with the all-new “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and upcoming “Finding Dory” movie, slated for release next summer, this year’s Disney Christmas Parade is expected to be the most spectacular of all. Viewers can also look forward to watching other Disney parade stars take the spotlight, such as beloved Disney princesses, characters from Disney Junior, a special performance from the stars of the Disney Channel Original Movie, “Descendants,” and of course, the iconic Disney Toy Soldiers and Santa Claus.

The 32nd annual Christmas celebration airs nationwide on December 25 at 10 a.m. EST and 9 a.m. CST, MST and PST on ABC-TV. The show will also air in Canada on CBC Network and across the globe on the American Forces Network.

For more information, visit Disney.com/DisneyParksChristmas to learn about the special telecast, including local broadcast times and a full list of parade talent. Guests can also join in fun online by using the hashtag #DisneyParade.

Share this:

Broadway Star Jeremy Jordan Sings an Epic Disney Medley at TrevorLIVE

Broadway star and Supergirl actor Jeremy Jordan brought down the house at the Hollywood Palladium during Sunday evening’s TrevorLIVE event with an epic mashup of some of our favorite Disney classics.

Full Story & Audio

Share this:

Harrison Ford Promises Older, Wiser Han Solo in ‘The Force Awakens’

When speaking about Star Wars, there are few topics that inspire a twinkle in Harrison Ford’s eyes.

Full Story

Share this:

The ‘Disney Cone’ limits building heights near Disneyland to keep the fantasy alive

Hotels will never rise tall enough to scrape the skies near Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.

Full Story

Share this: