Disney News

Animator’s Palate has long been a favorite main dining restaurant on the ships of Disney Cruise Line®.  Animator’s Palate serves up something more than just fine food: an innovative dinner show celebrating the art of Disney storytelling and animation, where many of your favorite Disney characters come to life right before your eyes.

On the Disney Wonder® and the Disney Magic®, Animator’s Palate features a spacious yet stylized dining room that recalls a real life hand-drawn environment, showcasing characters and scenes from classic Disney films adorn the walls around you.  Throughout your meal, Disney character sketches located on the restaurant walls slowly transform from stark black and white to brilliant color, amid the familiar classic orchestral themes of Disney movies playing overhead.

On the Disney Dream™, Animator’s Palate is inspired by the magic of Disney animation, filled with everything you would expect to find inside an actual animator’s studio. Character sketches, maquettes, light boxes, paint brushes, colored pencils, computer work stations and other tools of the animation trade delightfully decorate the venue; and scenes and characters from popular Disney films adorn the walls—creating a one-of-a-kind experience sure to captivate the entire family.  During the meal, characters from the favorite Disney•Pixar film, Finding Nemo, magically appear swimming around the restaurant and interacting with guests.

The Animator’s Palate on the newest ship, the Disney Fantasy™ (scheduled to set sail in April 2012), the restaurant will feature a totally new experience for cruisers.  Guests are invited to draw a character of their own using a simple template on their placemat. After dinner, animated curtains are opened on screens and Sorcerer Mickey conjures their drawings, which are fully animated and brought to life side-by-side with characters such as Mickey Mouse, Jiminy Cricket, Cinderella and Snow White in scenes from beloved Disney movies. At the end of the show, Mickey returns to say “so long” to the Guests while credits roll on screen showing each Guest’s name listed as a Guest animator.  Check out this sample video of what Guests may see while dining at Animator’s Palate on the Disney Fantasy™ (actual animation may vary in final product).

  For more information on dining at Animator’s Palate on any of the Disney Cruise Line® Ships, please contact your Magic Maker® or click below to request a quote.

Review of The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure

by Magic Maker® Larilyn Hanson

For over two decades, little girls have watched as Ariel sang about her desire to be part of our world.  Teens and young adults empathized with her heartache and yearned for Ariel to achieve her dream.  How wonderful would it be if she was able to spend her happily ever after with the prince of her dreams?  They wanted her to become part of our world and share in the experiences that we have.  How many of these same little girls do you think have wanted to be able to spend time discovering Ariel’s under water world?

Well now every mermaid lover, young or old, can have their chance.  At the Disney California Adventure® Park at the Disneyland® Resort, there is a brand new ride that opened in June.  The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure is a dark ride, similar to the original ones found in Fantasyland®, where the guest can embark on a journey through a life size storytelling of one of their favorite fairy tales.  As guests wait in line, everything from the sea shells atop the railing posts to the shimmering shells embedded into the cement walk way let you know that this is going to be an experience that completely transports you away from Paradise Pier.

Once inside the main building, guests board consistently moving pastel colored clam shell cars (think Haunted Mansion style).  As you settle into your seat and travel forward, you hear Scuttle beginning to tell the tale that is so familiar to most of us.  Then your shell starts to dip back as you are “submerged” into the ocean and see this story come to life before your eyes.  You travel through the grotto, filled with gadgets and gizmos aplenty!  You take a turn amongst Sebastian and all of his musically inclined fishy friends singing about life under the sea.  And then you come upon one of the most amazing audio animatronic figures that Disney Imagineers have ever created when you come face to face with that monstrous sea-witch:  Ursula!  Her movement is so fluid and lifelike, you really feel as if you are in the middle of the movie!  The Imagineers who worked on this ride definitely outdid themselves.

The story continues to unfold, and there are many more things to see.  As the familiar songs are sung, you can hardly keep yourself from singing aloud.  It really reminds you why so many people fell in love with the Disney telling of this story to begin with.  The ride ends with all of the characters waving goodbye and sending you back out into the real world.    Don’t be surprised if once you exit the ride, everyone wants to head right back in!  The magic that can be found within this beautifully executed ride is almost tangible.

And what better way to conclude this journey into Ariel’s world?  Take the short walk across the pier and dine with her and many other Disney Princesses at Ariel’s Grotto!  This is sure to become a can’t miss duo for many families and little girls!

Click below to book your vacation to the Disneyland® Resort to experience this attraction for yourself!

Visiting the Walt Disney World® Resort next year?  Then be sure to head to the Magic Kingdom® Park to experience this attraction as part of the Fantasyland® Expansion.  Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid is currently scheduled to open late in 2012.

It is that time of year again!  From November 14 to January 8, the Disneyland® Resort transforms into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights, fireworks and even snow falling in sunny, southern California!   Here are just some of the holiday fun you can expect this year at the Disneyland® Resort.

• Mickey’s Toontown will debut an 18-foot cartoon-style Christmas tree in front of Toontown City Hall.  Don’t forget to stop Mickey’s and Minnie’s houses to see their Christmas trees and festive decorations.
• At The Disney Gallery on Main Street, U.S.A., “All Aboard for A Grand Circle Tour of the Trains of Disney!” will display vintage and new art celebrating Walt Disney’s love of trains.
• In Disney California Adventure® park, a holiday addition to the “World of Color” nighttime water spectacular will feature Lanny and Wayne, Santa’s techno-savvy elves from the “Prep & Landing” holiday specials.
• Phineas and Ferb will be throwing a rockin’, rollin’ holiday party on the streets of Disney California Adventure® park, inviting you to join in the fun.
• Take an enchanting voyage on the classic attraction, “it’s a small world,”  that celebrates unique holiday festivities and traditions around the globe. At “it’s a small world” Holiday, you’ll delight in all of the seasonal costumes, decorations and lighting.
• Sleeping Beauty decorates her castle with snow-capped turrets, sparkling icicles and shimmering lights.  Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle is an enchanted place to behold.
• Heralded by trumpeting toy soldiers, romping reindeer and skating snowflakes, the Christmas Fantasy Parade has become a magnificent tradition. Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and other Disney Characters don their most festive apparel for this extravaganza that welcomes Santa Claus to Main Street, U.S.A.
• Look to the nighttime sky as “Believe… in Holiday Magic” Fireworks Show burst to the sounds of the season. Experience child-like wonder as Disneyland® Park glows and snow falls in an unforgettable finale. The show is best viewed from Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, “it’s a small world” and New Orleans Square.
• Create cowboy-inspired gifts, decorate holiday cookies and join in line-dancing and sing-a-longs in Frontierland at Santa’s Reindeer Roundup. Mrs. Claus, Santa and real reindeer invite one and all to the Holiday Ho-Ho-Ho Hoedown.
• Season’s Screamings! From Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, Jack Skellington and his crew give the Haunted Mansion a Christmas makeover. Don’t miss the ginger-dread house as the Oogie Boogie Man and others scare up festive fun. If you make it through, reward yourself with Jack’s Chocolate Mud Coffin dessert!
• Experience the holidays through a bug’s eyes in”a bug’s land” at Disney California Adventure® park. See what it’s like to be knee-high to a grasshopper as you observe wondrous, oversized ornaments. This favorite attraction is inspired by Disney·Pixar’s A Bug’s Life.
• Santa can also be found soaking up rays in Paradise Pier at Disney California Adventure® park. Come for a visit at his gazebo in Santa’s Seaside Pavilion, tell him your list and get a picture to boot!

The Walt Disney World® Resort’s newest resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is currently scheduled to start opening in phases beginning on May 31, 2012.

Located near Disney’s Pop Century Resort, the new resort will offer 1,120 family suites (including a bedroom and living room) themed after “The Lion King,” “Cars” and “Finding Nemo” animated films.  The family suites are designed to comfortably accomodate up to six guests.  Each suite includes two separate bathrooms, a master bedroom, and three separate sleeping areas within the living space.

There will also be 864 standard guest rooms inspired by “The Little Mermaid.” The current opening timetable has the “Finding Nemo” wing opening May 31, the “Cars” wing in late July, and “The Lion King” wing in late September. The final wing, themed after “The Little Mermaid,” is scheduled to debut in December 2012.

Although Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is still several months away from opening, it’s already set to break records by planning the largest swimming pool at the Walt Disney World® Resort (aside from the water parks). This pool will be located in the “Finding Nemo” wing, and will measure 11,859 square feet. The resort also will feature two other pools and a children’s water play area.

You can now start making reservations to stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort for your vacation to the Walt Disney World® Resort.  Talk to your Magic Maker® for more information or click below to request a quote.

*Images are Walt Disney Imagineering Concept Art, actual construction may vary

Little fans of  “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” now have the opportunity for some swashbuckling fun at the Disney Parks! Jake, from the popular Disney Junior show, will begin greeting guests this month at both the Disneyland® Resort and the Walt Disney World® Resort.

Starting today (November 13), Jake will be making regular appearances at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ at the Walt Disney World® Resort. He joins Handy Manny, Special Agent Oso and June from “Little Einsteins” at the Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine at the Hollywood & Vine restaurant on Disney’s Hollywood Studios‘ Hollywood Boulevard. Guests at the character dining experience will be able to get into the action by swabbing the deck, rowing the boat and shouting “yo ho” to songs from the show, including “Roll Up the Map,” “Hot Lava” and “Talk Like a Pirate.”

Jake will join the Stars of Disney Junior at their meet and greet location in the Animation Courtyard. In order to make way for Jake, the Little Einsteins will no longer appear at that location.

Jake fans visiting the Disneyland® Resort will also be able to meet their favorite little pirate beginning November 20, along Hollywood Boulevard at Disney California Adventure® park.

Guests visiting both parks can also see Jake, Izzy, Cubby, and Skully as the sneak up on Captain Hook and Mr. Smee at the Disney Junior- Live on Stage show.  The little pirates from Jake and the Never Land Pirates join Mickey and gang, the Little Einsteins, and Handy Manny and his tools in this fun, interactive show geared just for preschoolers.

Be sure to check daily entertainment guides for show times, character greeting times and locations.  Talk to your Magic Maker® about making a reservation to eat with Jake, Handy Manny, Oso, and June at the Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine.  Characters appear at the Hollywood & Vine restaurant for breakfast and lunch.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a hard-ticket* event that takes place after the Magic Kingdom® Park closes. Enjoy snow falling on Main Street U.S.A., special holiday entertainment, additional character meet-and-greets, complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, and a performance of Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season fireworks.

This year, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade will feature an appearance by Duffy the Disney Bear and a special appearance by Santa Claus, himself.  New character meet and greets will be available, including Phineas & Ferb in Tomorrowland, the Seven Dwarfs in Frontierland and Duffy the Disney Bear in Town Square.

Castle Dream Lights
Be sure to catch the enchanted Cinderella’s Holiday Wish stage show, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald, Goofy, Pluto and Cinderella appear to admire the lovely holiday decorations at the park. Then they share their ideas on how to decorate Cinderella Castle for the season. The Fairy Godmother covers the castle in glittering ice, making it look just like her special glass slippers.

You can see the show nightly at the Magic Kingdom® Park throughout the holiday season with regular admission.

Contact your Magic Maker® to reserve your tickets now!

*Parties will take place Nov. 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27, 29 and 30, Dec. 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16 and 18. Day-of-event pricing is $62.95 and $57.95 for ages 3-9. Savings of $6 per ticket are available if tickets are purchased in advance.  Entertainment and ticket prices subject to change without advance notice.