As part of the New Fantasyland grand opening event, I had the opportunity to interview Imagineer Chris Beatty who was creative director for the expansion. During the roundtable discussion Beatty explained the process of designing a new attraction with a focus on the Seven Dwarfs… Read More »Imagineer Chris Beatty on Creative Process Behind New Fantasyland
It took major star power and two ceremonies to officially open the newest area of the Magic Kingdom. Enchanted Forest and Storybook Circus were dedicated in a special ribbon cutting ceremony and then a larger celebration was held on the stage at Cinderella Castle. The star of “Once Upon a Time” kicked off the “happily ever after” at the grand opening. Ginnifer Goodwin, who plays Snow White on the hit ABC-TV drama, joined pop star Jordin Sparks and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs in ceremonies filled with favorite Disney characters, daytime fireworks and timeless melodies from classic Disney films.
“Walt Disney once promised that Disneyland, and by extension all of our parks, would never be complete as long as there is imagination left in the world,” Staggs said. “New Fantasyland is a spectacular addition to the Magic Kingdom that delivers on Walt’s promise. We’re thrilled to take guests beyond the walls of Cinderella Castle to discover new worlds featuring iconic Disney characters and stories in ways that are more imaginative, more interactive and more immersive than ever before.”
Earlier in the morning there was a smaller ceremony where the New Fantasyland section was dedicated by Tom Staggs with Sparks and Goodwin doing the official honors of cutting the ribbon.
Imagineer Kim Irvine hosts a new video that takes us through some of the changes brought by recent remodeling along Main Street U.S.A. at Disneyland. I can almost taste the delicious decor in the Candy Palace and am impressed with what they’ve done with the… Read More »Tour Main Street U.S.A. at Disneyland with Imagineer Kim Irvine
When Test Track officially re-open in December it will have a new story, a new sponsor (Chevrolet), and a new look to go with it. Disney has just released an artist rendering of how that new look will makeover the exterior of the building at… Read More »New Facade for EPCOT’s Test Track
I have not yet made it out to see the revised Country Bear Jamboree show for myself. Because of that, I’m keeping away from what other people are saying about the changes. However, I know that the show is shortened, many characters have a new… Read More »Imagineers excited about Country Bear Jamboree Makeover
I posted my tour of Be Our Guest restaurant yesterday, and now Walt Disney Imagineers have released their video tour of the beautiful dining facility. We also get a few of our first glimpses of the mysterious West Wing. If you found that beautiful, you… Read More »Be Our Guest Restaurant – Imagineer Video Tour
One of the things that impressed me about Belle’s Village in New Fantasyland is how the details work to make you feel like you’ve actually stepped into the movie. From boxes of books left on the bookstore’s backdoor to a water fountain disguised as a… Read More »Belle’s Village Details – New Fantasyland Dress Rehearsal
Just as Walt Disney loved to tinker with his park, modern day Imagineers are always looking to make improvements to the guest experience. One area at Disney’s California Adventure that has been neglected since its opening in 2001 is Beast’s Library and the “Which Character… Read More »Disney Updates “Which Character Are You Most Like” Exhibit at DCA