James Lopez is a former Disney animator and an instructor at CalArts. He did not survive last year’s purge of hand drawn animators from Walt Disney Animation. But maybe there’s hope that one day Disney will bring that art form back in house.
In the meantime, Lopez is working on his own to keep the tradition and skill of hand drawn animation alive. One of his projects will be near and dear to every Disneyland fan’s heart – an animated recreation of the yesterland attraction ‘America Sings.’
We previously highlighted the near finished version of sequence one from Lopez. He just shared sequence 2 & 3, both storyboard work-in-progress, from his ‘America Sings’ project. The end goal will be an animated recreation of the much beloved Disneyland attraction.
Today Disneyland marked the 59th anniversary of its opening with a ceremony attended by 59 of Walt’s most famous characters. At the ceremony they announced yearlong Diamond Celebration that salutes 60 years of magic at Walt’s park. “It’s an incredible time at the Disneyland Resort… Read More »Disneyland marks 59th Anniversary, announces yearlong promotion for 60th.
We’ll let the historians debate whether opening day for Disneyland was July 17th, when the live TV broadcast and dedication was made, or July 18th, when the first public ticket was admitted through the gate. Either way, it’s a pretty remarkable thing that Walt’s little… Read More »59th Anniversary of Disneyland’s Opening Day
The last few years at the Disneyland resort has seen one of the holidays traditionally neglected by the park, become a huge special event that really helps drive attendance during an otherwise slow period of the year. Mickey’s Halloween Party is back with an expanded offering this year. There are now 14 nights to pick from, so you’re sure to be able to find a night that fits your schedule.
Mickey’s Halloween Party invites adults and children to dress up in costume and trick-or-treat at Disneyland Park, enjoying candy and healthy treats. Party guests get the extra benefit of being able to arrive early and play in Disneyland for three hours prior to the start of Mickey’s private bash.
The “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular, hosted by “Master of Scare-omonies” Jack Skellington (presented exclusively for guests of Mickey’s Halloween Party)
“Monsters U Dance Party” at Tomorrowland Terrace, where guests can join Mike & Sulley and their fellow students of Monsters University in a fun and family-friendly frat party.
“Mickey’s Costume Party” cavalcade featuring some favorite characters, performed twice nightly
Disney villains arriving amid thunder and lightning to transform Town Square into Villains Square, on Main Street, U.S.A.
The Cadaver Dans ghoul quartet, performing Halloween-themed tunes aboard a drifting graveyard-themed raft on the Rivers of America
An opportunity for everyone in the family to attend the park in costume.
Photo locations with popular Disney and Pixar Pals, and Disney Villains
Nearly all the Disneyland rides and attractions, plus Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy
Parking for one standard-size vehicle is included with the purchase of Mickey’s Halloween Party tickets.
Tickets to Mickey’s Halloween Party go on sale for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members and Disney Visa Card members on Wednesday, July 16, and for the general public on Wednesday, July 30.
Of course there are the regular treats of the season that you can enjoy without attending the hard-ticket event:
After issues from OSHA, a crappy tarp and weird railings adding “protection” and a multi-month closure, Disneyland’s Alice In Wonderland has reopened and it is gorgeous. Not only has the new second level received a nice compromise, but the meat of the attraction has also… Read More »Newly Refurbed Alice In Wonderland is Unveiled
Last week we kicked off our Year of Giving to celebrate The Disney Blog’s 10th anniversary. I’m happy to announce that Rebecca Clark Guerrero was the winner of the first drawing for a MyMagic+ watch and bag.
For the second week, we’re giving away a copy of my recently published book “Dispatch From Disneyland.” It’s chock full of stories, essays, & interesting facts from the Happiest Place on Earth – Disneyland.
As a student involved in the performing arts in high school, one of my dreams was to travel to Disneyland with our show choir and perform. Alas, we never were able to convince the rest of the choir to fundraise enough money to make the… Read More »Disney Performing Arts Program Prepares Rising Stars
