A Guide to Walt Disney World's greatest theme park!
TwitterFacebookYouTubeEmail

Video of Celebrate the Magic Show Highlights and Interview with Show Director

The Walt Disney World resort recently debuted their new castle project show at the Magic Kingdom park called “Celebrate the Magic.” We managed to snag some footage of highlights from the show along with a quick interview with show director Katy Harris.

As Katy explains, Celebrate the Magic is based on the concept of Walt Disney’s paintbrush coming alive to share classic Disney stories with the audience. She also touches on some of the challenges in making the show work on such a complex surface.  in addition to the classic films the show explores, newer films like Wreck It Ralph and Pirates of the Caribbean are also explored.

Imagineering Files Permits for Adventureland Interactive Adventure Installation

There’s not a lot of details, but Imagineering has filed the first paperwork for what’s going to be an interactive experience in Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom theme park themed to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.

The paperwork refers to the project simply as “PIRIM” (Pirates Interactive something something… Media?) and refers to the Audio-visual and Show Control component installation locations.

The new items will be installed at and around the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction itself as well as other locations dotted around Adventureland. The paperwork covers 5 major install sites.

Kevin Kee recently posted rumors that the game would include the following elements:

  • Touching a skull activates the movement of the mouth of a talking tiki idol, which will reveal a jewel in his mouth.
  • Touching a blunderbuss activates the movement of sails that cover a bird cage, the sails will open to reveal an animated parrot.
  • Touching the fuse of a cannon activates an air cannon in the water as well as a light and smoke effect.
  • Touching a piece of parchment activates a skeleton captain emerging from the water.
  • Touching a snake charmers basket activates a spitting snake.
  • Touching a vase activates an image on a nearby tapestry.
  • Touching a shark tooth activates circling shark fins in the water
  • Touching a sand dollar activates a mechanical giant clam
  • Touching the carvings on a shelf will activate cannon blasts on ships in a bottle causing one ship to sink

Magic Kingdom Adding FASTPASS to Six Existing Attractions

UPDATED: Address list updated to include identification of Haunted Mansion and “it’s a small world.”

The Walt Disney World resort has filed permits to add Fastpass signage to six existing attractions at the Magic Kingdom theme park. The permits only refer to the attractions by their addresses within the park, so deciphering exactly which attractions are getting the system is a bit difficult, at the same time we can rule out the new New Fantasyland additions as we know their addresses to compare.

The list includes Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion “it’s a small world” and The Magic Carpets of Aladdin. The two remaining “unknown” attractions are located at 1220 and 1305B Monorail Way.

Disney Announces Top Ten Most Wanted Holiday Toys for 2011

Disney Consumer Products has revealed their 2011 “Most Wanted Holiday Toys” list featuring toys inspired by favorite Disney characters and stories, making it easy for families to find that special plaything that will bring squeals of delight throughout the holiday season and beyond. This ultimate holiday toy assortment includes ten fun, entertaining and innovative new toys that tap into Disney’s rich storytelling heritage and offer lasting play value. Several playthings feature exciting technology that transforms playtime into a truly magical experience.

“Year after year, Disney toys are among the most popular items on holiday wish lists”

Many items on Disney’s “Most Wanted Holiday Toys” list have already been recognized with awards and accolades from key media outlets and toy industry experts including Disney FamilyFun, National Parenting Center Seal of Approval, Parents and Time To Play. And for the first time, renowned animators from Walt Disney Animation Studios have collaborated with Disney Store to design an exclusive Disney Princess doll collection.

“Year after year, Disney toys are among the most popular items on holiday wish lists,” said Mary Beech, vice president of Disney Toys. “Kids love to bring home their favorite characters, and parents know that Disney toys are the ones that kids go back to over and over again, offering both a great play experience and exceptional value.”

Disney’s “Most Wanted Holiday Toys” are available this holiday season at mass retailers including Kmart, Target, Toys “R” Us and Walmart, and Amazon.com. With toys ranging from $19.99 to $149.50, there’s something magical for every budget.

DISNEY’S “MOST WANTED HOLIDAY TOY” LIST

Top Picks for Preschoolers

Rock Star Mickey – Everyone’s favorite mouse is ready to rock! Mickey Mouse really gets things going as he sings, bobs his head, dances across the stage and finishes with his signature move — the mouska-split — where he plays the guitar with his nose. Kids can learn how to rock along with Mickey in the “You’re a Rock Star!” mode. Designated by Toys “R” Us as a hot toy for preschool-age kids, the interactive plush features three rock songs, including the classic “You Really Got Me.” Kids can rock out alongside Mickey with the Role Play Guitar by pulling the whammy bar for cool guitar sound effects, pressing Mickey’s head for fun phrases, sliding his hand up and down to change the pitch of the melodies and pressing the strings to step-through notes. The guitar plays four songs.

Best Toys for Boys

Disney AppmatesTM Mobile Application Toys – The new Disney Appmates feature miniature Disney·Pixar Cars 2 vehicles with sensors on the base of each toy that are recognized as a unique footprint by an app with no cable or Bluetooth connection required. Simply download the free Cars 2 Appmates app from the iTunes App Store, place your favorite Appmates toy character on the screen and play. Disney Appmates has been named a Time to Play People’s Play Award nominee and a “Best Toys” pick by Parents Magazine.

Cars 2 Remote Control Vehicles – Take the Piston Cup champion for a spin with Disney Store’s exclusive edition Lightning McQueen remote control vehicle. Sporting his new Cars 2 look, Lightning has lots of great features including 15 phrases, lights and turbo speed function for greater high-speed thrills. Additional characters include Tow Mater and Finn McMissile.

Cars 2 Bomb Blastin’ Mater Stealth, sleek and totally tricked out—it’s Mater like you’ve never seen him before. Reenact some of the most exciting scenes straight from Cars 2 with the ultimate Mater spy vehicle. He’s got lights and sounds, dynamic eye and mouth movement, booster rockets, and even a bomb tied to his hood. Bomb Blastin’ Mater moves around by himself and talks, including phrases voiced by actor Larry the Cable Guy.

Pirates of the Caribbean LEGO Black Pearl – Davy Jones has come to take Jack Sparrow back to the Flying Dutchman, and his brackish crew is in no mood to surrender just yet! Recreate a battle against Davy Jones and his crew by building the Black Pearl with more than 800 pieces in this LEGO® set, available beginning in November. Includes six minifigures – Jack Sparrow, Will Turner, Joshamee Gibbs, Davy Jones, Maccus and Bootstrap Bill.

Hot Toys for Girls

Disney Animators’ Collection Princess Toddler Dolls  – These young renditions of your favorite Disney Princess characters were re-imagined by and created under the guidance of two of the Walt Disney Animation Studio’s most renowned animators, Glen Keane and Mark Henn. The collection has been named one of “The Year’s Best Toys” by Disney FamilyFun.

My First Disney Princess Singing & Story Telling Belle – This soft-bodied, 20-inch Singing & Storytelling Belle reads aloud her favorite Beauty and the Beast short story and can use her microphone to sing her favorite songs. Belle recognizes and interacts with friends Chip, Mrs. Potts and Lumière, a microphone and her storybook. Named a Time to Play People’s Play Award nominee, the Belle doll also includes a deluxe brush and can say more than 100 phrases.

Disney Tangled Rapunzel Deluxe Story Bag – This enchanting playset allows girls to play out all their favorite movie moments with the Rapunzel deluxe story bag shaped just like Rapunzel’s tower. Includes Rapunzel doll, Flynn Ryder doll, Maximus the horse, and chameleon Pascal. Plus fun new fashions and additional accessories for girls to take fairytale adventures anywhere, anytime on the go.

Best Choice for Tweens & Fun for the Whole Family

Disney Spotlight – Disney Spotlight bridges the gap between gaming and performing, providing a fun way for kids to connect with their favorite Disney music. By downloading the free Disney Spotlight app and connecting the mic to an iPad, kids can unlock Disney Channel hits or sing along to music from their own iTunes library. Kids can also purchase additional songs and create music videos to share with friends.

Trivial Pursuit: Ultimate Disney Edition – Awarded with The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval and created for the whole family, the game features three innovative question types: “Take 2 Trivia” – giving two chances to earn the wedge; “My Disney” – personal trivia sparked by favorite Disney moments or characters; and “Disney List” – work together to create lists or choose which don’t belong. With these questions players don’t have to be a Disney genius to play, and with the help of a “secret reveal” device players can see just how much their family loves Disney!

.