Are you excited to visit Cars Land or see Mickey and the Magical Map for the first time? Now you can enjoy these exciting attractions and more while saving 20% on Resort rooms at the Disneyland Resort! Now the whole clan can stay in the middle of the magic. Disneyland Resort hotels are more than just a place to stay. From the stately elegance of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa to the renovated Disneyland Hotel to the contemporary updates at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, you will find something for everyone at one of the Disneyland Resort onsite hotels. The distinctive selection of shopping, dining experiences and themed pool areas will fill your day with excitement and enchantment.
Save up to 20% on rooms at the Disneyland Resort most Sunday-Thursday nights for stays April 20-June 8. This offer must be booked by May 8. The 20% savings available at the Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa on Premium, Deluxe, Woods/Garden/Courtyard, and Concierge rooms, excluding suites, except for Artisan and Regal suites, and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel rooms, excluding suites, except for Paradise suites. 15% savings available on standard rooms at the Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.Why not turn your hotel stay into an unforgettable vacation? Choose to upgrade to a 2-night or longer Walt Disney Travel Company package – including Theme Park tickets – and enjoy a variety of magical extras that will make your stay more memorable than ever!
When Heather isn’t busy sharing Planning tips about Walt Disney World, the Disneyland Resort, Universal Orlando, and more, you can find her planning Disney and Universal Orlando vacations. Contact her on Facebook at Heather Abbott-Agent with Destinations in Florida. For more info and to book your travel, use the Price Your Vacation Form in the Sidebar or click here. You can also call 877-918-8941 and ask for Heather to book. Make sure to mention that you were referred by Socalthrills.com! Safe travels everyone!
Elsa, Anna, and Olaf. You know the names. “Let It Go.” You know the song. Everything about Frozen permeated pop culture and society to such a degree that it was almost impossible to avoid. Love it or loathe it, you’ve probably seen the film, possibly multiple times, and formed a definitive opinion about it. In fact, having sold 32.5 million units in it’s first day of home release, there’s a good chance that you already own it. Having said all that, there’s nothing that I can say that will sway your opinion one way or the other. However, I can say that I fall into the “love it” camp, and still found myself disappointed with the home video release.
If all you care about is the movie, then this is a great set. The Collector’s Edition contains the Blu-Ray, the DVD, and a Digital HD copy of the film. Rest assured, the amazing visuals translate flawlessly to home video. With it’s gorgeous production design animated meticulously, this is a perfect film to utilize as a demonstration for your home entertainment system. However, if you’re looking for insight into the film itself, there’s not really much being offered.
Adding insult to injury is the feature called “The Making of Frozen.” One would be forgiven for thinking that this feature is actually a look at the making of Frozen. In fact, the box describes this feature as a place to “learn the secret of how the movie was made in this musical extravaganza.” That sounded great, until I got the end of the musical number I thought was introducing the actual documentary. It turns out that the entire bonus feature is the one song building to the ultimate punchline, “the secret,” which I will ruin now…”we don’t know.”
Yes, it’s an elaborate song and dance number through the halls of Disney animation, even featuring a cameo from John Lasseter. Josh Gad, Kristen Bell, and Jonathan Groff sing there way through the building, amassing an array of singers and dancers along the way. And it ends with them revealing that they don’t know how the movie was made, and then walking away. Literally, that was it. There is no actual making-of feature on the set at all, despite advertising to the contrary. It was a huge bait and switch, and one I found very disappointing.
(Film Clip: Let It Go)
That’s not to say that there aren’t any interesting features at all. There’s actually a fascinating, albeit very short, feature called D’frosted: Disney’s Journey from Hans Christian Andersen to Frozen.” I consider myself pretty knowledgeable when it comes to Disney history, but I was actually surprised by this one. It turns out that there was a brief development period where Walt was putting together an attraction for Disneyland inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen.” It would have been an air-conditioned respite from the So Cal heat, featuring whimsical depictions of a mystical ice world. There was a significant amount of production art created for this project, and this bonus feature showcases quite a bit of it. The Queen of the title even bears a striking resemblance to Elsa, despite the director’s insistence that they hadn’t seen this art prior to their designs. I love learning about lost pieces of history such as this. While I wish this segment was longer, it was compelling enough to almost make me forgive the “Making Of” misdirection.
(Film Clip: The Party is Over)
Other features include a few deleted scenes, such as an alternate introduction for Kristoff, a sequence featuring Elsa in full villain mode, and an early scene involving shoes that really showcased the sisterly connection between Elsa and Anna. They’re interesting little insights into the development process, but nothing truly fascinating. Rounding out the extras are two videos for Let It Go, one by Demi Lovato and the other by Martina Stoessel, and of course, the Mickey Mouse short, Get A Horse.
Considering the huge impact this film had upon it’s release, I really expected a truly packed Blu-Ray experience. Maybe that’s coming down the road, but for now, this is only worth owning for the movie itself. It’s great to see Disney at the top of their game, and I truly believe kids of today will be talking about this film in 30 years, just as kids who grew up with Little Mermaid still talk about that classic film. Disney has created a timeless masterpiece, and while this particular set doesn’t have a lot of extras to offer, the film alone is more than enough to make this a worthy purchase.
The gigantic voice talents of Justin Long (Alvin and the Chipmunks franchise) and John Leguizamo (Ice Age franchise) take you on a thrilling prehistoric journey the whole family will enjoy! In a time when dinosaurs rule the Earth, the smallest of the pack — a playful Pachyrhinosaurus named Patchi — embarks on the biggest adventure of his life. As he tries to find his place in a spectacular world filled with fun-loving friends and a few dangerous foes, Patchi will discover the courage he needs to become the leader of the herd…and a hero for the ages.
The film opens with Karl Urban (collecting a paycheck, I assume) and his kids off to dig up dinosaur bones. His son Ricky dismisses the importance of a fossilized tooth previously discovered, and even has the nerve to mock the research regarding the correlation between dinosaurs and birds. Electing to stay at the car while his dad and sister go digging, a talking bird voiced by John Leguizamo appears to tell him the story of a Pachyrhinosaurus named Patchi. There is no correlation between this kid’s negative attitude and the bird’s story, but that doesn’t seem to matter.
Right off the bat, this felt like a really weird setup for the film. However, I knew things were really going to go badly when the bird’s mouth didn’t move, but Ricky could understand him. The bird sat there staring, as the voice-over telepathically communicated with Ricky. I don’t know what the creative process was here, but it was very awkward to see a bird just sitting there staring while supposedly introducing this story. It was when the bird morphed into what is supposedly an accurate depiction of what birds looked like in the Cretaceous era that I just about gave up.
However, as we were introduced to this dinosaur world, I couldn’t resist losing myself in this world. I’ve always been a sucker for dinosaurs, and this film depicts them terrifically. The backgrounds of the film are entirely real, but the dinosaurs are pure CGI. They never look photo-realistic, but the way they are presented is truly beautiful. Gorgeously lit and animated to convey the power and majesty of these creatures, I would much rather have seen a silent film or a straight-forward documentary with these same visuals.
Unfortunately, we have to sit through the clichéd story of Patchi’s rise to power in his herd. The film spans several years as we watch Patchi’s herd migrate. There are some action beats involving various other dinosaurs, and a pretty intense sequence involving Patchi’s dad. Mostly though, it’s just a lot of walking. Of course, along the way the screenwriters had to check off the list of cliches, including Patchi falling in love, getting in a rivalry with his brother, and on and on. It’s never a question as to whether he’ll learn how to be a good leader. It’s just a question of when these characters would stop being so annoying.
Not helping matters is the terrible voice-over work across the board. Every performance reminded me of a kindergarten teacher reading a story to the students. Every line was exaggerated just enough to not be an actual performance, but designed to convey an over-the-top mindset of that particular character. Justin Long (an actor I greatly admire) voices Patchi, and I was never able to associate his voice with that character. Likewise, John Leguizamo brings his typical lack of subtlety to the bird narrator.
I understand this is a movie for kids. I also appreciate that throughout the film, they stopped the story to present dinosaur facts across the screen. Really, really young kids will probably enjoy this, and maybe even find inspiration to do some research beyond the film. A great place to start would actually be the extras on the Blu-Ray set. The Ultimate Dino Guide is a pretty ingenious system, encouraging kids to interact with the extras. Utilizing maps, games, and lots of visual stimulation, there are lots of opportunities to learn about the real dinosaurs these characters were based on. It’s highly immersive, and for children truly interested, a great way to lose yourself in this virtual dinosaur encyclopedia.
It’s just a shame that the movie wasn’t even remotely good. As the success of countless other children’s films have shown, kids don’t need to be pandered to. They can handle a good story with compelling characters. This film is so dumbed down, it’s almost insulting. Still, it’s a beautiful movie, and while I personally couldn’t tune out the awful script and voice-work, some people might be able to let the visuals guide the experience. Overall though, despite my love of all things dinosaur, I just can’t bring myself to recommend this to anybody but the very young.
Adventure Awaits During the Northern Europe Summer Season with First-Ever Cruises to Norwegian Fjords, Iceland and the Faroe Islands
In summer 2015, Disney Cruise Line is charting a magical new course for northern Europe – exploring for the first time the Norwegian fjords, Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Plus, Disney Cruise Line is returning to the Baltic for all-new itineraries, including sailings from Copenhagen, Denmark to St. Petersburg, Russia. Cruises to the Mediterranean, Alaska, Caribbean and Bahamas also are included in the summer lineup.
Bookings open to the public on March 27, 2014. More details on 2015 itineraries can be found on the Itineraries and Ports for 2015 section of disneycruise.com.
To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, use the Vacation Quote Form in the side bar or Click here to request a form!
Norwegian Fjords
On seven and nine-night sailings departing from Copenhagen, Disney Cruise Line guests are immersed in the splendor and charm of Norway with exciting new ports, steeped in Viking history. An 11-night sailing on the Disney Magic takes guests to Iceland and the Faroe Islands for the very first time.
The Norwegian fjords served as the inspiration and backdrop for Disney’s blockbuster animated film, “Frozen.” Here, guests will discover breathtaking natural wonders such as magnificent mountain ranges, massive glaciers, steaming geysers and majestic fjords. The enchanting Scandinavian culture of the region comes to life through local attractions, stunning architecture, storybook villages and historic city centers.
NEW Seven-night Norwegian Fjords
Ports: Copenhagen, Denmark; Stavanger, Alesund, Geiranger and Bergen, Norway
Ports: Copenhagen, Denmark; Oslo, Kristiansand and Stavanger Norway; Akureyri and Reykjavik (overnight), Iceland; Torshavn, Faroe Islands; Dover, England
Departure date: June 29
Rates start at $1,561 per person for seven-night cruises, $2,133 per person for nine-night cruises and $2,453 per person for 11-night Norwegian fjords cruises for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
Northern Europe
On northern European cruises, the Disney Magic will sail the Baltic waters where guests will explore richly diverse cultures and national capitals including Helsinki, Finland; Stockholm, Sweden; Copenhagen, Denmark and St. Petersburg – Russia’s second largest city known as the country’s cultural capital. These itineraries depart from Copenhagen, Denmark and Dover, England – just a quick jaunt from London.
NEW Seven-night Northern European
Ports: Copenhagen, Denmark; Tallinn, Estonia; St. Petersburg, Russia; Helsinki, Finland; Stockholm, Sweden
Departure dates: May 30, June 13
12-night Northern European
Ports: Dover, England; Copenhagen, Denmark; Warnemunde, Germany (July 10 cruise only); Stockholm, Sweden; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia; Tallinn, Estonia
Departure dates: July 10 and 22
Rates start at $1,463 per person for seven-night cruises and $2,844 per person for 12-night Northern European cruises for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
Mediterranean
The Disney Magic returns to the Mediterranean, treating guests to popular European destinations. Departing from Barcelona, Spain, these sailings take guests on an exciting journey of cultures and locales, with romantic boulevards, iconic locations, mild climates and the brilliant blue Mediterranean Sea.
Five-night Mediterranean
Ports: Barcelona, Spain; Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence (La Spezia) and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
Departure date: Aug. 10
Seven-night Mediterranean
Ports: Barcelona, Spain; Naples, Rome (Civitavecchia) and Florence (La Spezia), Italy; Nice (Villefranche), France
Departure dates: Aug. 15, 22 and 29
Rates start at $1,255 per person for five-night cruises and $1,302 per person for seven-night Mediterranean cruises for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
Alaska
In 2015, the Disney Wonder will sail seven-night cruises from Vancouver to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska.
These cruises combine the grandeur, natural wonder and adventurous spirit of Alaska with the unparalleled, family-friendly experience found on a Disney ship. Disney Cruise Line works closely with Alaskan tour operators to create exclusive-to-Disney family-friendly Port Adventures that allow guests to experience Alaska’s natural beauty and rich history.
Seven-night Alaska:
Ports: Vancouver, Tracy Arm (scenic cruising through fjord), Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan
Departure dates: June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; July 6, 13, 20, 27; Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Rates start at $1,155 per person for seven-night Alaska cruises for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
Caribbean and Bahamas
In 2015, Disney Cruise Line will sail from Port Canaveral and Miami to the Caribbean and Bahamas on a variety of itineraries. These cruises include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.
From Port Canaveral, rates start at $495 per person for three-night cruises, $662 per person for four-night cruises, $1,465 per person for five-night cruises and $1,145 per person for seven-night cruises for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
From Miami, rates start at $400 per person for four-night cruises and $500 per person for five-night cruises for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
All pricing reflects a category 11C standard inside stateroom. Government taxes and fees, gratuities and Port Adventures are not included.
To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, use the Vacation Quote Form in the side bar or Click here to request a form!
Check-out these amazing photos from the 2015 Trip!
Tinker Bell fluttered onto the red carpet at the World Premiere of Disney’s “The Pirate Fairy” at the Walt Disney Studios Lot. She was joined by film talent Christina Hendricks (Zarina), Mae Whitman (Tinker Bell), Carlos Ponce (Bonito), Angela Bartys (Fawn), Pamela Adlon (Vidia), Kari Wahlgren (Sweetpea), Natasha Bedingfield (sung original song “Who I Am”), Peggy Holmes (Director) and Jenni Magee Cook (Producer). Special guests included Samantha Harris (Dancing with the Stars), Ali Landry (Criminal Minds), Eva Bella (Frozen), Aubrey Anderson-Emmons (Modern Family), Maitland Ward (Rules of Engagement), TV personality Daphne Wayans, August Maturo (Girl Meets World) and Chloe Noelle (True Blood). The premiere of DisneyToon Studios animated adventure “The Pirate Fairy,” is executive produced by Academy Award® winner John Lasseter.
The all-new swashbuckling film from the latest Tinker Bell adventure comes, The Pirate Fairy, which follows a smart and ambitious dust-keeper fairy named Zarina who’s captivated by Blue Pixie Dust and its endless possibilities. When her wild ideas get her into trouble, she flees Pixie Hollow and joins forces with the scheming pirates of Skull Rock, who make her caption of their ship. Tinker Bell and her friends embark on an epic adventure to find Zarina, and together they go sword-to-sword with the band of pirates led by a cabin boy named James, who’ll soon be known as Captain Hook himself. With laughter, heart, magic and thrills, “The Pirate Fairy” sets sail April 1st on Blu-ray ™ and Digital HD.
X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST
Action-adventure
Release: May 23, 2014, in 3D
Director: Bryan Singer
Screenplay by: Simon Kinberg; Story by Simon Kinberg and Matthew Vaughn & Jane Goldman
Producers: Lauren Shuler Donner, Bryan Singer, Simon Kinberg, Hutch Parker
Cast: Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Halle Berry, Anna Paquin, Ellen Page, Peter Dinklage and Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen. Evan Peters, Omar Sy
The ultimate X-Men ensemble fights a war for the survival of the species across two time periods in X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST. The beloved characters from the original “X-Men” film trilogy join forces with their younger selves from the past, “X-Men: First Class,” in order to change a major historical event and fight in an epic battle that could save our future.
The Queen Mary welcomes back the West Coast BBQ Classic for an afternoon of finger lickin’ food for the whole family on Saturday, May 10 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The West Coast BBQ Classic is where barbeque experts and amateurs convene for a showdown full of flavor featuring the best in smoking, grilling and all around BBQ.
BBQ styles from around the country sizzle over open flames, drawing on regional flavors from Tennessee, Kansas City, Texas and more. The competition is an official California-State-Certified, KCBS-Sanctioned, BBQ championship, and offers tasting portions from registered pitmasters for $2 apiece. Competition categories include chicken, ribs, pork, and brisket and will be critiqued by judges for a stake in over $10,000 cash prizes and the title of “West Coast BBQ Pitmaster Champion.”
Savory delights are not the only attraction at the outdoor food festival. The BBQ Classic will feature live entertainment, watermelon and cobbler eating contests, backyard games, a merchant market. Children are invited to enjoy Kids Country featuring inflatables and more fun.
General admission tickets for the West Coast BBQ Classic are $10 online or $15 at the door for adults, and $5 for children ages 4-11. Children 3 and under gain entry for free. Event parking is $12.
Pitmasters and their crews have an opportunity to create food that’s synonymous with filling both appetites and the soul. Team registration for the event is $260 and includes entry into all four food categories, plus the opportunity to win the coveted “People’s Choice” award. Teams participating in tastings will receive $0.91 back from each tasting ticket at the conclusion of the event. The Grand Champion will earn $2,500 cash, with places ranking from Grand Champion through 5th. For more information, visit http://www.queenmary.com/bbq/.
Disney Interactive and Harmonix Music Systems today reveal new details about the upcoming “Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved” video game. Newly revealed details include multiplayer gameplay, an all-new realm, as well as new songs from award-winning artists, including Lorde, Nicki Minaj, David Bowie and White Stripes, and classical composer Antonin Dvorak.
The two-player multiplayer gameplay for “Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved” is played cooperatively and as part of a friendly competition, allows players to collaborate and engage with the classic hits that they love in an entirely new way. By choosing unique remix paths and discovering musical interactions to create new melodies, beats, and more, “Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved” gives players an unprecedented amount of freedom to be creative while having fun!
Newly announced tracks that will appear in the game are:
David Bowie – “Ziggy Stardust”
Antonin Dvorak – “Symphony No. 9 from the New World”
Lorde – “Royals”
Nicki Minaj – “Super Bass”
White Stripes – “Seven Nation Army”
Disney and Harmonix also reveal an all-new interactive discovery realm, “The Hollow.” This mysterious forest environment comes to life as users perform songs and interact with the world to add light, color, and characters to the scene. From creating their own melody by sprouting musical mushrooms to guiding frolicking fairies through this woodland wonderland, players will be delighted by what they discover in “The Hollow”.
“Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved” is a breakthrough musical motion video game inspired by Disney’s classic animated film “Fantasia,” and will be available for Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft and Kinect for Xbox 360 in 2014. Featuring over 30 tracks – including contemporary hits, classic rock, classical music, and more – “Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved” transports players to a breathtaking world where music and magic combine to transform extraordinary interactive landscapes in entirely new and creative ways.
“Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved” will be available in 2014 and is currently not rated by the ESRB. For additional information about “Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved,” join the Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/fantasiagame, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @FantasiaGame and view all videos on our YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/FantasiaGame.
Around the world, Disney is celebrating the 50th anniversary of “it’s a small world,” which debuted at the 1964 New York World’s Fair as an exhibit to salute UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund). Since UNICEF is dedicated to the welfare of children all over the world, the theme for “it’s a small world” became an international voyage celebrating the happy spirit of children everywhere.
Now considered a quintessential Disney theme park experience, “it’s a small world” can be found at five Disney parks on three continents. The parks and attraction opening dates are: Disneyland Park in California (May 28, 1966), the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida (Oct. 1, 1971), Tokyo Disneyland (April 15, 1983), Disneyland Paris (April 12, 1992) and Hong Kong Disneyland (April 28, 2008).
The design of the iconic “it’s a small world” dolls – bold yet childlike – was created by Walt Disney Imagineering art director Mary Blair, who was honored as a “Disney Legend” posthumously in 1991. Blair also created artwork for such classic Disney films as “Cinderella,” “Peter Pan” and “Alice in Wonderland.” Her sense of design and use of color and shapes enhance the storytelling for “it’s a small world” and have influenced every version of the attraction since the 1964 original.
By the Numbers, Around the World
• Around the world, hundreds of millions of riders have experienced “it’s a small world” and many have walked away singing the catchy little song … for days!
• During a 16-hour operating day in the parks, the “It’s a Small World” song is played, on average, 1,200 times.
• Although specific numbers vary, each version of “it’s a small world” worldwide features at least 240 Audio-Animatronics figures representing children around the world. In addition, each version of the attraction features dozens of props and toys.
• A 30-foot-high clock tower is the centerpiece of the entrance to “it’s a small world” at Disneyland in California, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland. Each clock marks every quarter hour with a parade of colorful international “characters,” along with animated props and music.
Fun Facts about “it’s a small world” at Disneyland Resort
• After two hit seasons at the New York World’s Fair in 1964 and ’65, “it’s a small world” moved to Disneyland in California, where it was expanded and then reopened as a major attraction in 1966. Shipping stickers with 1965 dates can still be found on the back of some set pieces.
• Guest research has found that one in four Disneyland guests – families with children and those who grew up riding the attraction – consider “it’s a small world” a tradition. They plan a voyage whenever they visit the park.
• At Disneyland, the attraction has a specific doll that is a nod to Mary Blair, the Disney Imagineer who designed the dolls. Blair appears as a little blonde with glasses, flying from a balloon over the Eiffel Tower in the Paris scene.
• Disneyland Resort Horticulture creates and maintains a widely admired menagerie of animal-shaped topiary plants outside “it’s a small world.” It often takes five years before a topiary figure is ready for its onstage debut.
• A new “it’s a small world” tradition began on November 27, 1997, with the debut of “it’s a small world” Holiday at Disneyland in California. Each holiday season, the attraction undergoes a festive holiday redressing with new decorations, soundtracks, costumes, props and effects. The show depicts children of the world celebrating the joys of the season, and the “It’s a Small World” tune becomes part of a medley featuring “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls.” The “it’s a small world” Holiday also exists now at Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris.
Fun Facts about “it’s a small world” at Walt Disney World Resort
• The façade of “it’s a small world” in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World is incorporated architecturally into Fantasyland integrated with the facades of other attractions rather than set apart. The inside queue area, however, features an intricate three-dimensional white-and-gold façade similar to the outside façades at the other attractions worldwide.
• The Pinocchio Village Haus restaurant at Walt Disney World has a window that overlooks the queue area. Guests in the restaurant’s seating area can wave to riders as they start their voyage.
• During extensive refurbishments in 2004-2005, the clown piloting a hot air balloon in the “it’s a small world” Finale at Walt Disney World changed his demeanor. He now smiles and carries a balloon in his hand. Formerly, he frowned and carried a sign saying, “Help.”
Fun Facts about “it’s a small world” at Tokyo Disneyland
• The “it’s a small world” attraction at Tokyo Disneyland features the largest Japan section of any version.
• Although the façade is modeled on “it’s a small world” at Disneyland in California, the Tokyo Disneyland façade is done in a greater variety of colors rather than the white, blue and gold palette of California.
• As in Florida, the Tokyo Disneyland “it’s a small world” has an indoor boarding area. The boarding area features a unique 360-degree mural in the Mary Blair style, depicting landmarks (the Eiffel Tower, Tower of Pisa) and landscapes of locations around the world.
Fun Facts about “it’s a small world” at Disneyland Paris
• The holiday version of “it’s a small world” at Disneyland Paris includes scenes celebrating Diwali in India, Saint Lucia’s Day (Italy and Scandinavia) and Ded Moroz, the Russian equivalent of Father Christmas.
• For Disneyland Paris, a new arrangement of the theme song was orchestrated by Emmy Award-winning composer John Debney and performed by the London Chamber Orchestra in conjunction with 60 of the finest studio musicians in London.
• A team of 18 seamstresses, tailors and milliners worked for two years in the Creative Costuming shop at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World to create the dolls’ traditional costumes for Paris. Authentic materials were used for each region, including silks for the Indian saris and fine wool for the Scottish bagpiper.
• The attraction stands out as the largest in Fantasyland and is dressed up in 150 different colors of paint.
Fun Facts about “it’s a small world” at Hong Kong Disneyland
• The compass rose in the forecourt of “it’s a small world” at Hong Kong Disneyland has arrows pointing in the direction of eight major cities, along with the distances from Hong Kong. The cities include Bangkok, Nairobi, Mumbai, Paris, Beijing, Seoul, New York and Manila.
• The score for “it’s a small world” at Hong Kong Disneyland features Chinese instruments: the Xiao, the Guzheng, the Pipa and the Erhu.
• “it’s a small world” at Hong Kong Disneyland adds four new languages to the song: Cantonese, Putonghua, Korean and Tagalog.
• The Cantonese lyrics were originally written more than 30 years ago by lyricist James Wong for a Disney musical in Hong Kong. They are still sung by Hong Kong children today!
How “it’s a small world” is Similar Around the Globe
• Each “it’s a small world” attraction worldwide continues the theme of children of the world, represented by Audio-Animatronics dolls who sing the “it’s a small world” anthem in the language and costumes of their respective regions.
• At Disneyland in California, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland the façade of “it’s a small world” is a vast, whimsically stylized interpretation of world-famous architectural landmarks, such as Big Ben, the Taj Mahal, the Eiffel Tower and the Tower of Pisa.
• At Disneyland in California, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland, dolls appear every quarter hour from the clock tower, in a procession highlighting cultures around the world. Guests may see a boy from Italy rowing a gondola, a kimono-clad girl from Japan with a parasol, a girl from Africa carrying a pot on her head, a boy from Mexico doing the traditional hat dance with maracas, a boy from Australia throwing a boomerang and a girl from Egypt posed as an ancient Cleopatra wall painting.
• Disneyland in California, Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland all have a holiday version of the attraction.
• Disneyland in California and Hong Kong Disneyland include “it’s a small world” dolls dressed as classic Disney Characters, including Ariel and Flounder (“The Little Mermaid”) in the Pacific Island scene; Mulan and Mushu (“Mulan”) in Asia; Aladdin and Jasmine (“Aladdin”) in the Middle East; and Donald Duck, Panchito and Jose Carioca (“The Three Caballeros”) in Latin America.
The Iconic Song
• The “It’s a Small World” song was composed by Richard M. and Robert S. Sherman, the Academy Award®-winning composers of “Mary Poppins,” at the request of Walt Disney. Arranged and orchestrated with instruments from all over the world – bagpipes in the attraction’s Scotland scene, Peruvian reed flutes, Tahitian drums, etc. – the music not only provides accents to each scene, it underscores the attraction’s theme of unity.
• The original concept for the attraction featured the dolls singing the national anthems of the various countries. The result was, in Richard Sherman’s words, “a cacophony.” The Sherman Brothers composed a simple song that could be translated into many languages and sung consistently throughout the attraction.
• With the 1992 opening of “it’s a small world” at Disneyland Paris, the cheerful “it’s a small world” anthem may be heard somewhere on the planet every hour of the day.
• “It’s a Small World (After All)” Lyrics
It’s a world of laughter
A world of tears;
It’s a world of hopes
And a world of fears.
There’s so much that we share
That it’s time we’re aware
It’s a small world after all.
It’s a small world after all,
It’s a small world after all,
It’s a small world after all,
It’s a small, small world.
There is just one moon
And one golden sun
And a smile means
Friendship to ev’ry one.
Though the mountains divide
And the oceans are wide,
It’s a small world after all.
In a historic, global event, guests and cast members at Disney Parks around the world will unite in song to celebrate the 50th anniversary of “it’s a small world,” the classic Disney Parks attraction that opened as a tribute to peace and hope at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Fans from around the world can join the festivities in a first-of-its-kind, online global sing-along at SmallWorld50.com.
On Thursday, April 10, 2014, hundreds of voices from Disneyland Resort in California, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan, Disneyland Paris in France and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort will sing the unforgettable theme song of the “happiest cruise that ever sailed the seven seas.”
Fans around the world also are invited to join the global sing-along virtually. SmallWorld50.com launches today as a “global hub” of music and harmony where guests may record videos of themselves singing the classic song and create virtual “it’s a small world” dolls to benefit UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund). UNICEF provides health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more to children around the world.
” ‘it’s a small world’ has inspired hundreds of millions of people through its timeless theme,” said Tom Staggs, chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Every moment of every day there are Disney guests enjoying ‘it’s a small world’ somewhere around the globe. The 50th anniversary of this attraction represents a celebration of the shared optimism, hope, and humanity of people throughout the world.”
New Video Features People Around the World Singing “It’s a Small World”
To help announce the celebration, Disney Parks released a video featuring people around the world singing, dancing to and playing “It’s a Small World.” Filmed across six continents in more than 25 countries, the video features international “performers” – including bagpipers in Scotland, Bollywood movie actors in India, a firefighter in New York City, and members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir – to create one worldwide video.
That video and others will be part of the launch of SmallWorld50.com, the global website for the attraction’s anniversary. Fans around the world are encouraged to participate online by recording on the Small World 50 website videos of themselves singing “It’s a Small World” and by creating virtual “it’s a small world” dolls to share with their friends through social media.
The Walt Disney Company will donate $150,000 to benefit UNICEF in honor of the 50th anniversary of “it’s a small world,” plus $1 for every sing-along video recorded on SmallWorld50.com and another $1 for every virtual doll created on the website, up to $100,000. Disney began its relationship with UNICEF in 1964 with the debut of “it’s a small world” at the New York World’s Fair. More recently, Disney and UNICEF have worked together to create a brighter tomorrow for thousands of children through programming that helps foster imagination and creativity.
Throughout the day, Disney Parks also will sponsor Google Hangouts that invite people from around the world to participate in the anniversary events. Fans are encouraged to visit SmallWorld50.com for details.
Disney Store adds to the Golden Anniversary celebration with the “it’s a small world” doll collection, inspired by the original Fantasyland attraction, and stores nationwide will offer fans a chance to celebrate at “it’s a small world” events. From Thursday, April 10, to Sunday, April 13, children are invited to visit a participating Disney Store to take a journey on an imaginary boat ride around the globe, learning how to say “hello” in various languages and singing “It’s a Small World” along the way. Guests are encouraged to call their local Disney Store or visit DisneyStore.com to confirm participation and details.
The Creation of a Classic
One of the most beloved attractions in the history of Disney Parks, “it’s a small world” is featured at all five Disney Resorts around the world. The original attraction premiered at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City, created by Walt Disney himself and WED Enterprises, which eventually became Walt Disney Imagineering (the creative masters behind Disney theme parks and attractions).
The attraction features a gentle boat ride through a Lilliputian land populated by colorfully dressed Audio-Animatronics dolls representing children from many regions of the world singing a simple song about universal harmony. A team of WED artistic geniuses, including Disney Legends designer Mary Blair and costumer Alice Davis, created its now iconic style.
In 1963, Walt Disney was asked to create an exhibit for the 1964 World’s Fair to salute UNICEF and children around the world. With Walt’s blessing, Marc Davis, one of the original Disney animators, designed the boat ride attraction through the regions and countries of the world. The first version of “it’s a small world” entertained and thrilled more than 10 million visitors in New York from 1964-65. In 1966, after some major enhancements, including an enlargement of approximately 33 percent, the attraction found a permanent home at Disneyland in California.
In the attraction, hundreds of dolls “sing” the familiar song, “It’s a Small World,” in five languages (English, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and Swedish). Academy Award® winning composers Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, who won two Oscars® for their work on Disney’s feature film “Mary Poppins,” were asked by Walt Disney to create a simple, yet catchy piece that could be sung in many different languages while guests traveled by boat through the attraction. The resulting song, “It’s a Small World (After All),” became one of the most well known and happiest of all Disney tunes.
Disney’s “Muppets Most Wanted” takes the entire Muppets gang on a global tour, selling out grand theaters in some of Europe’s most exciting destinations, including Berlin, Madrid, Dublin and London. But as luck would have it, the World’s Number One Criminal, Constantine (who by the way looks like Kermit the Frog), with his sidekick Dominic portrayed by Ricky Gervais, come up with an international crime caper that would get the Muppets in hot water.
According to director James Bobin, a caper of this magnitude needed to be set in an international locale. “If you’re going to do a 60’s style caper, it needs a world setting and Europe gives it that classic feel. London, Madrid, Berlin and Dublin are the places to go if you’re going to steal great treasures.”
“In film, I am Number One Criminal,” says Constantine, who joins the Muppets for the first time in “Muppets Most Wanted.” “I have a secret plan with Number Two to steal the crown jewels of London. This plot has never been done before-well, at least not with Muppets.”
In a recent press conference, we had the opportunity to speak with the filmmakers, Stars and some of the Muppets themselves. Kermit the Frog, Constantine, Sam Eagle and Miss Piggy were in attendance.
Kermit the Frog was asked, why he didn’t play both himself and Constantine because it would have really enhance his acting credits. He replied by saying “Well, you know it didn’t make sense for me to play Constantine ‘cause we do have a few scenes together and I don’t really work on green screen, so we couldn’t really make that work. But plus, listen Constantine is actually a distant cousin, from Russia.” Constantine chimed in by saying “But what is weird thing is I cannot speak any Russian words.”
“I play the role I’ve trained for my whole life-Kermit the Frog,” says the amphibian extraordinaire. “But this is me like you’ve never seen me, where you’ve never seen me-in prison. Ulp!”
Tina Fey, Rickey Gervais and Ty Burrell who were at the conference as well was asked about their singing and if they were nervous at all about being in a movie musical and how did they approached as well as if there will be more musicals in the future? Ricky Gervais started to answer “Well, I was okay with singing. I’m a failed pop star. I always sneak a song into everything I do, whether it’s David Brenn or Simpson’s or but, my dancing is a little awkward. A little embarrassed about that. I don’t move well. But I was with a frog.” He continued by saying “… I’ll do anything with a frog. That’s—that’s my motto.” Tina Fey added “Yeah, you know you have a good voice. And my singing sounds like if you’ve ever seen the version of Oliver when the little boy sings and you can hear the hiss of how loud they had to turn up the microphone, it’s—my singing sounds like that.” Kermit interjected by adding “No, no that’s not true. You were great, you were great.” Tina seemed to like what Kermit said as it got laughter from the cast and the audience.
“America and the world were spared my singing voice except for two notes. I don’t know if you noticed that. I think it was by design. I spoke, I spoke my song but I was thrilled to do it. I, a huge fan of Bret McKenzie.” said Sam Eagle. Bret McKenzie is the Original Song Writer and Music Supervisor on “Muppets Most Wanted.”
Ricky Gervais was tapped to fill the role of Dominic Badguy (pronounced “Badgee,” it’s French!), and the award-winning actor did most of his scenes with newcomer Constantine. “I’ve been a fan of the Muppets for about 35 years, but this is my first time acting opposite a frog,” says Gervais, “but it’s probably the best experience of my life. This is a big Hollywood Production. The sets are amazing. The effects are great. It’s a really funny caper plot.”
Tina Fey plays Nadya, a feisty prison guard. “She loves entertainment and Broadway,” says Fey, who was called on to portray the complicated Russian. “She’s been in charge of the prison review here for years. and when Kermit is wrongly imprisoned in the gulag, she’s very excited to force him to help her make the show good.”
“Tina is fantastic and so funny,” adds Kermit. “My only problem was that she really gets into character, and I really don’t think she had to leave me locked up when we finished shooting each night. But what can I say? She’s an artist.”
Ty Burrell, portrays the outlandish Frenchman Jean Pierre Napoleon who is an Interpol agent who’s charged with solving the elaborate crime spree. He’s not alone in his mission, however, as Sam Eagle, CIA, is assigned to the same case.
“Ty Burrell is a suspicious character,” says Sam Eagle. “And while he claimed to be understanding Interpol agent Jean Pierre Napoleon, he is actually an actor. Imagine my shock! Needless to say, I had to keep track of him throughout the production to make certain he did not try to steal any scenes. Sadly, he does – repeatedly.”
“For me, as a kid growing up – and now as an adult – the Muppets represent the best of both worlds,” says Burrell. “They’re sweet and wholesome, but so funny.”
When asked, What do you guys think that kids will like most about this movie? Fey responded with “I think they’re gonna like how funny the movie is because, you know, I think there’s a lot of jokes in the movie and kids who are like 8, 9, 10 years old they take a lot of pride in getting the jokes.” Gervais added by saying, “Yeah, it doesn’t patronize kids.” Ty Burrell started to comment, “I have an IQ of a seven-year-old and I loved this movie so much, I also love juice.”
Miss Piggy finished by saying, “What’s going to compel people to see this movie? Moi. If people don’t go to the theater on their own, I’m going to personally come to their doorstep and drag them there.”
In the grand tradition of the Muppets, the film features a host of cool cameos. Among them are Danny Trejo, Tom Hiddleson, Celine Dion, Salma Hayek, Sean Combs, Christoph Waltz and Ross Lynch.
“Muppets Most Wanted” is Rated PG and is now playing in theaters!
As a comedian growing up I had many influences. Growing up as a girl who was funny has always been a challenge because frankly women aren’t supposed to be funny. Of these many female comedians, Gilda Radner, Carol Burnette and of course Lucie Ball were my biggest Heroes. I Love Lucy was a staple for me growing up, Lucy was the epitome of hilarious and I wanted to know how that red head got that timing so right! I would have given anything to meet Lucille Ball during her life but going to see I Love Lucy Live! was as close to sitting in the studio audience of DesiLu productions as I could get.
This show is polished and clean and so fun to watch! I enjoyed witnessing the making of this great gem of the golden age of television. Each cast member delivers laughs, and really makes you feel that you are sitting watching a brand new episode of I Love Lucy being taped. The character work shows on the faces, mannerisms and expressions of all the main characters, which for a diehard Lucy fan such as myself was very nice to see. From start to finish, the audience interactions and the true spirit of a “live” taping of the show was easy to believe.
This gifted cast of characters has you laughing and feeling great! I must pay a great tribute to Sirena Irwin, who plays the incomparable red head. Ms. Irwin was spectacular stepping into some big shoes! She not only looked like Lucille Ball but walked, talked and even got the tone of her speak correct. My only desire as, again, a die hard Lucy fan and comic is that the timing be a bit quicker on delivery of punch lines and the tried and true Luciesque lines. However, this small detail is not to take away from Ms. Irwin’s wonderful job as Lucy.
Hats off to Bill Mendieta who plays Ricky Ricardo just as charmingly and charismatically as Desi Arnaz did so many years ago! I had to blink a couple of times to make sure I wasn’t staring at Desi as Bill embodies the beloved Cuban! Kevin Remington’s Fred and Joanna Daniels’ Ethel Mertz would make William Frawly and Vivian Vance proud! And the supporting cast… There are no words to say how amazing and funny they each were!
Each moment of this show keeps you laughing, surprises you and delights! I would love to see this show again and again! Its been a while since I’ve seen so much heart, so much joy in a production!
I Love Lucy Live on Stage is at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts thru the 23rd of March, DO NOT MISS IT!
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