Disneyland Resort (DL, DLR, DCA) Discussion Thread

[COASTER FREAK 11]

From the Disney Parks Blog

 

 

 

Storytelling at the Royal Theatre in Fantasy Faire, Opening March 12 at Disneyland Park

posted on January 31st, 2013 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment

 

We’ve been giving you peeks into the new Fantasy Faire coming to Disneyland park here on the Disney Parks Blog, and today, I’m pleased to let you know that this area will officially open for guests on March 12.

 

One of the highlights of Fantasy Faire will be the Royal Theatre, where you’ll be treated to two unique shows relating the tales of “Beauty and the Beast” and “Tangled,” as told by a pair of Renaissance Storytellers, Mr. Smythe and Mr. Jones.

Messieurs Smythe and Jones are men of the theatre and lovers of legend and lore. The storytellers present the tale as old as time and the hair-raising tale of Rapunzel, with the assistance of some fellow villagers, all to the musical accompaniment of Sir Samuel of Morocco. Even Belle, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider appear onstage to help tell their own stories.

“We’re using our imaginations to create these stories,” said Show Director Chris Utley. “The storytellers will play a variety of roles, filling in as the other characters. They may put on a costume accessory to pretend to be Beast, or Gaston or Mother Gothel. ”

 

“The stories are told in a fast-paced, whimsical kind of way – very fun and theatrical,” said Chris. “It’s kind of a Renaissance vaudeville style, and the two guys are reminiscent of the old comedy duos of Gallagher & Shean, Abbott & Costello and Laurel & Hardy. They tell their stories with a lot of humor and heart.”

The storytellers will take to the stage of the Royal Theatre when Fantasy Faire opens on March 12.

 

 

And another: Disney Parks Blog

 

Earlier this month, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland park closed for a major refurbishment that includes all-new track and updates to the mountain itself as well as other visual elements. One area receiving an update will be the Rainbow Ridge Mining Town. Dating back to 1956 and the Rainbow Caverns Mine Train attraction, Rainbow Ridge Mining Town is a classic feature of Frontierland.

When the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad refurbishment is complete this fall, Rainbow Ridge Mining Town will look very much the same as it always has. It is being refurbished with new materials, but many items from the original area will be reused such as props, signs and select doors, windows and shutters. Several other items are being turned over to the Disney Archives.

“The wildest ride in the wilderness” reopens fall 2013, so hold onto your hats and glasses until then!

[WFChris]

Thinking about Pixar, their last few films have been a little lacklustre but The Incredibles present some possibilities.

 

Really? I thought Wreck It Ralph was the best thing they have done since the Toy Story franchise.

[adeuce02]

^^^Wreck It Ralph was from Disney not pixar. Pixar had Brave last year.

[azza29]

^^I liked Wreck It Ralph too, but as has been noted it was a Disney film (great to see Disney Animation catching up to Pixar!)

 

Brave, Wall-E and Up were good but I felt they lacked the 'wow' factor of Pixar's earlier films. Their last franchise I really liked was Cars, and Disney have done an awesome job bringing that into DCA.

 

 

Storytelling at the Royal Theatre in Fantasy Faire, Opening March 12 at Disneyland Park

 

This looks like it could be pretty cool. I really want to make an effort to check out more shows next time I'm at Disneyland, rather than just bouncing around from ride to ride all the time.

[robbalvey]

Brave, Wall-E and Up were good but I felt they lacked the 'wow' factor of Pixar's earlier films.

Brave was mediocre at best. Wall-E was "ok", but kind of weird and boring, and Up was just god awful. When the dogs started talking I thought for sure I was watching a Dreamworks movie that Pixar bought the distribution rights for. I wasn't a fan of Cars at all, so the last Pixar movie, other than Toy Story, that I really liked was Ratatouille. Pixar was untouchable for me from Toy Story through Incredibles with their first 6 movies being some of my "all time favourites!" But I really only like 2 of the last 7 movies they've put out since. Really hoping Monsters U changes that streak.

 

I don't mind the characters from Cars, Up, Wall-E, etc, being in the parks, but they just aren't movies I ever care to see again. I thought Carsland looked great and RSR was a lot of fun, but I kinda wish I could appreciate it a bit more since I'm not a fan of the movies.

Edited February 1, 2013 by robbalvey

[JRHcoasterki]

^ Did you just say Wall-E was "ok" and Up was "god awful"?! Seriously?! I'm offended!

[robbalvey]

^ Did you just say Wall-E was "ok" and Up was "god awful"?! Seriously?! I'm offended!

Yup! Honestly, I could barely watch either one of them. But I don't like movies with annoying fat kids, stupid grouchy old people, or talking dogs. So Up was seriously one of the worst movies I've ever seen. The only thing that could be worse would be a back-to-back marathon of Cocoon, Goonies, and All Dogs Go To Heaven.

 

....I guess in a way that movie was all three of those terrible films wrapped into one! lol

[WFChris]

Wall-E and Up were both pretty boring to me. Those movies are actually why I stopped going to theaters to see Pixar movies.

 

And the Up and Wall-E segments in 'World of Color' are short and useless as well.

[azza29]

^^^^I wanted to like Brave and Wall-E more than I did, thought the animation and artwork outshone the story in both*. Up peaks in the first ten minutes and is downhill from there.

 

Cars is a weird one - I know plenty of people who hate it, and plenty who think it's awesome. I'm in the latter group and liked it better than any Pixar film since Monsters Inc (except for maybe Toy Story 3). The sequel was rubbish though, very disappointing.

 

I really hope Monsters University is good. When last year's Madagascar and Ice Age sequels were on a par with Pixar's original offering something is very wrong.

 

(*I'm well aware that saying a movie is good because of the art design is the equivalent of saying a girl has "a nice personality". But there it is.)

[Simipour'sTrainer]

Man, I must be one of the very few who actually enjoyed "Cars 2." I caught it when it was being shown on T.V. Sat down, watched it and granted it is Pixar at their worst, but I couldn't help but still enjoy it. I guess it does help that I do like Mater and didn't find him that annoying. Plus, it's still Pixar animation and it still looks gorgeous (especially when they were in Italy).

 

I don't know, all I heard were people saying that this was one of the worst movies ever created. In all honesty, I didn't think it was as bad as people made it out to be.

[WFChris]

I saw Cars 2 a few times on HBO, and I think it was good in the same way that Speed Racer was. Fun to look at but not very deep. I think I would have been disappointed if I went to a theater to see it as watching it on television felt appropriate. Then again, I have never really been a fan of Disney sequels beyond Toy Story. I mean, most if not all of them fall flat when compared to the original, and most of them went straight to video as well.

Edited February 1, 2013 by WFChris

[Simipour'sTrainer]

^ True. If I had to pay $10 to see "Cars 2" in theaters as opposed to free on T.V. I probably would be a bit peeved too. But my opinion on "Cars 2" still stands.

[rcdude]

As far as Pixar movies go, Monsters, Inc. and Ratatouille are probably my favorites, with the Toy Story trilogy, Finding Nemo, and Wall-E falling in somewhere behind them. I didn't really care for Incredibles, Bug's Life, or Up, but Cars is definitely my least favorite (although I haven't seen Cars 2 (no interest) or Brave (just haven't got to it yet). I'm hoping Pixar will spring back as their latest movies haven't been quite as well recieved as most of their earlier projects and the lineup for the next few years doesn't look all that great either (but that is yet to be determined...perhaps Monsters University will be a surprise hit). When it comes to rides, I look at the ride independent of the movie and don't automatically write off an attraction that's based on a movie I don't like. For example, Cars is my least favorite Pixar movie but I really like Cars Land (not just RSR, but the whole area in general), but even though Monsters, Inc. is one of my favorites I rarely ride the ride just because it is somewhat pathetic (though still better than the awful Superstar Limo that was there before it).

 

As for a third gate at the resort, I've always thought it would be neat to have a park entirely based on Disney's major movie franchises, with each land themed to a different franchise. For example, they could have Star Wars land, Marvel land, Pirates land, etc. I don't think it would be a big deal if a franchise had attractions at other parks provided the attractions in the new park are significantly different (for example, Star Wars land could have anything except for a simulator, an Indiana Jones land would need to avoid having a high-tech dark ride, no shooting dark rides in a Toy Story land, and so on). I do think a whole park themed around any one franchise would be too much (even one as large as Marvel), although it would probably still be really popular.

[silverstreak]

Whoa! I Never saw so much Cars haters in one place. lol! Cars is my all time favorite Disney/Pixar movie ever! Of course Toy Story the original is a solid second. I also like Incredibles, Monsters Inc, Bugs Life, Finding Nemo. Also my son & I actually like & watch Meet the Robinsons. Least favorites has to be Ratatouille, UP, Wall-E & Cars 2. The rest was ok i guess.

[Jew]

Lots of reports that Tony Baxter is leaving Disney...I guess later today there will be an official release on his status w/ the company.

[Erik Johnson]

I glad I am not the only 80's kid who does not like The Goonies. I am too not really much of a Cars fan, but I thought the new land at DCA is a home run. For me my least favorite Pixar would probably be either Cars 2, or Brave: Brother Bear 3. My favorite is probably The Incredibles or The Toy Story series.

[Double0Kevin]

Lots of reports that Tony Baxter is leaving Disney...I guess later today there will be an official release on his status w/ the company.

 

Awww... Major bummer! I guess it was only a matter of time when he would eventually retire, just sad to see the time come. I hope he is leaving on good terms, I just assume it's retirement.

[BelizeIt]

I have been a annual pass holder for over half a decade plus, but given this years price increases (about 30% for the premium) which I've had for a while.....It seems a bit extreme!

 

Granted at DCA they have added new life to the park, and made many improvements....

 

But at Disneyland, spare me......They haven't added a new E-ticket attraction since Indiana Jones (AKA 1996!!!) Sorry but rehashing the subs doesn't count as anything new...)

 

Disneyland, the massive cash cow for the Disney corp which needs something new to bring us back into the fold. There are countless 'rumors' about improvements to tomorrowland, but who really know???

 

I look forward to to the future, where Universal Studios builds a new Harry Potter empire near by......perhaps then Disney will decide up update their semi outdated park.

 

I will renew my pass in the future, but Disney needs update to the 'Disney' standard I would expect.

 

If Disney has countless 'Billions' of dollars to spend on other acquisitions, then they can spare a little to improve Disneyland.

[Wes]

File this under "Disneyland fanboys are completely spoiled".

[COASTER FREAK 11]

They just added crap loads to DCA and have been adding stuff to DL as well. Just cause its what you wish they would build doesn't mean the park is outdated. Not every ride or attraction has to be something major. As well, they ave been going through and doing major rehabs to a lot of rides to make sure they actually still work for you to ride on!Id prefer Space Mountain to work well then have it never open because of poor maintenance.

[BeemerBoy]

I have been a annual pass holder

I stopped reading at this point.

[robbalvey]

File this under "Disneyland fanboys are completely spoiled".

Pretty much.

 

If you can't find value in your Disneyland annual pass. Stop going.

[SharkTums]

I do think that the Disneyland Resort California Pass is overly expensive for what you get, but you have to remember they're doing that on purpose as they have a much larger local population base than Florida has. Kind of like how the Tokyo Disney Pass is over $1000 because pretty much the whole country lives within a 3 hour radius of the park and they have to price people out.

 

We stopped renewing our passes to California for two reasons...they raised the prices again and it was taking longer and longer to get their due to traffic! They're still great parks, and they have been adding stuff, but like others have said you have to pick and choose what you spend your money on. For us it was more cost efficient to go and buy discount tickets a few times a year then get a pass.

[Double0Kevin]

Annnnd this is why I've stopped trying to defend California. Telling a Californian to not bitch is like telling a fish not to swim. You could suck it up and realize you have 2 amazing theme parks in your back yard (actually you have more, but for the sake of this conversation I'm talking about Disney). Think of people in Nebraska... they have no theme parks at all, and they live in Nebraska. The only positive there is they don't have to deal with Californians.

 

I agree that the prices for an AP are pretty high, but I love the parks and I go enough to get my moneys worth. Plus the payment plan has been majorly helpful in making me feel like my wallet isn't getting totally raped. Hell, I pay almost about the same per month on my gym membership.

[COASTER FREAK 11]

Heres more on the new show!

 

Disney Parks Blog

 

Go on an Adventure with Mickey Mouse and the Mapmakers When ‘Mickey and the Magical Map’ Comes to Disneyland Park This Summer

posted on February 1st, 2013 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment

 

The all-new, live stage production, “Mickey and the Magical Map,” debuts this summer at Disneyland park, and today I’m excited to be able to tell you a little more about the show and what you can expect to see when it opens!

The show begins with the timeless character of Yen Sid, the wise sorcerer from Disney’s classic “Fantasia,” who appears within his mysterious workshop to tell us of a wondrous map with the power to take dreamers to any place imaginable. Yen Sid sets his mapmakers to work painting the enormous map – a map so large it covers the entire breadth of the stage.

This is when our hero Mickey Mouse enters, full of curiosity, and dreams of being more than just an apprentice. He’s a bit of a rascal and doesn’t realize what he’s about to get into. When Mickey picks up a brush to paint the map’s one unfinished spot, he soon discovers this is no ordinary map. That’s when his adventures really begin!

 

The mapmakers are an ensemble of male and female performers who excel at singing, dancing and acrobatics. They wield enormous, magical paint brushes as they follow Mickey on his journey, helping bring to life fantastic worlds of music, color and beloved characters.

“Mickey and the Magical Map” will be presented in the newly-refurbished Fantasyland Theatre, a venue that merges the tradition of live outdoor performances with the latest in theatrical technology. This is Disney storytelling at its most thrilling, brought to life in the very heart of the most magical of lands, Fantasyland.

“Each new show we create is a chance to push storytelling in a new direction,” said Michael Jung, Vice President of Theatrical Development. “At Disney, we love the challenge of continuously looking at our classic tales and most recent stories to see how we can bring live entertainment and excitement to today’s audiences.”

Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog in the coming weeks and months, as we’ll have even more to share about the extraordinary new show, “Mickey and the Magical Map.”