#Disneyland60...... Today In Disneyland History...........September 1, 2009

Dragon Debuts In Fantasmic

September 1, 2009

On September 1, 2009, Fantasmic’s animatronic dragon debuted during the nighttime extravaganza on the Rivers of America after facing technical trouble all summer.  This extravagant musical, pyrotechnic spectacular tells the story of the forces of good and evil as they battle in Mickey’s dream during this 22 minute show. Fantasmic combines fireworks, live actors, water effects, pyrotechnics, music, boats, rafts and projections onto large mist screens featuring reworked Disney animation. The show originated at Disneyland in 1992 after Disneyland's entertainment department was asked to create a nighttime spectacular involving water and fireworks to invigorate the space in front of the Rivers of America. Disneyland Entertainment employed the resources of Walt Disney Feature Animation and Walt Disney Imagineering. Much of the area around the Rivers of America needed to be reworked, including terracing the walkways to accommodate viewing and modifying part of Tom Sawyer Island so that it could act as a stage for much of the show's live action.  Now more than 22 years, thousands of guests have gathered around the banks of the Rivers of America to see if Mickey will be able summon the forces of good to stop the evil for taking over. 

What’s the best way to view Fantasmic? From the comfort of your own reserved seat of course. The Fantasmic! Premium Viewing Dessert Package allows you to take in the show from a preferred perspective near the French Market Restaurant and Café Orleans. This premium viewing option includes a sweet dessert sampler. Guests can reserve your seat up to 30 days before the show by calling (714) 781-SHOW (7469) for ticket prices and to reserve your seat in this elevated section in New Orleans Square. Reserved seating is first come, first served, so get there early!  All guests can become a part of Fantasmic as well as Disneyland Fireworks, World of Color and Mad T Party with your very own Become part of Disneyland Resort nighttime spectaculars with Ear Hats that change colors to correspond with various shows. These technologically advanced Mickey Ears light up to match the colors and flash to the beat of each of the nighttime spectaculars.  When you're not watching the coordinating shows, switch to demo mode and enjoy your own light show.

Glow with the Show Ear Hats are $25, including tax, and are available at World of Disney store in Downtown Disney District and at select Disneyland Park locations, including: Emporium on Main Street, U.S.A. ,Disneyana on Main Street, U.S.A., Pooh Corner in Critter Country, The Star Trader in Tomorrowland, Gag Factory in Mickey's Toontown as well as many merchandise carts.  Be sure to put Fantasmic at the very top of your “must do” list when visiting the Disneyland Resort! “Some imagination, huh?” And that’s what happened today in Disneyland history.  

On August 23, Will You Ready for "Villains Unleashed" at Disney's Hollywood Studios?

Photo Credit Disney Parks Blog

Are you ready to get your inner villain on? The countdown in on for when one month from today, August 23, 50 villains –count them 50, will be invading Disney’s Hollywood Studios as part of the park’s new, separately ticketed event, “Villains Unleashed.” As reported in the Disney Parks Blog, while some of the surprises being planned for this one-night-only party remain hidden under a cloak of mystery, other tantalizing details are beginning to emerge, and it’s shaping up to be one fiendishly fun evening.

·       Hades Hangout - The party kicks off at 8 p.m. at the main event stage, where hosts Hades, Megara, Pain and Panic are killing ‘em with comedy. They’re joined throughout the night by the Underworld Dancers, DJ Igg Nite, live music from Bernie Briquette and Brimstone, and a rogues gallery of roaming rottens, from the Queen of Hearts and Sheriff of Nottingham to the Big Bad Wolf and Captain Hook.

·       Villains Dominion – For this one special night, the Streets of America area of the park will be swarming with baddies. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to meet favorites like Cruella De Vil, Jafar, Dr. Facilier and Gaston, along with more rarely seen baddies such as Shan Yu from “Mulan,” Bowler Hat Guy from “Meet the Robinsons,” or Captain Gantu and Dr. Hämsterviel from “Lilo & Stitch: The Series.” In addition to these dedicated villain encounters, you may spot even more wandering evildoers in the area. Look for Judge Claude Frollo, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia, Drizella, and more!

·       The Dark Side – During “Villains Unleashed,” the area around Star Tours – The Adventures Continue becomes a wretched hive of scum and villainy, the place to find nefarious bounty hunter Boba Fett, Sith apprentice Darth Maul, and the ultimate villain – Darth Vader! And that’s not all! Wandering the area, you’ll stumble upon more malcontents from that galaxy far, far away: Zam Wessel, Aurra Sing, Asajj Ventress, Jango Fett, Greedo, Jawas, and others.

·       Villainous Encounters – Visit Stage 4 (where The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow attraction is seen during the day), and you can “Parlay” with the one and only Hector Barbossa. And just around the corner in the Animation Courtyard is where you’ll discover a bit of the Moors, where you can have an audience with the mistress of all evil, Maleficent!

·       Oogie Boogie’s Freaky Funhouse Show – Over on Sunset Boulevard, Theater of the Stars presents a production of extreme performances, hosted by the original master of scare-monies, Oogie Boogie. It’s an all-new show that’s sure to thrill!

·       Fantasmic! – Strolling up Sunset Boulevard, a gang of villainous henchmen, known as the Night Crawlers, tempt you to join them for a special pre-show to the evening’s performance of Fantasmic!, itself a celebration of the power and intrigue of some of the greatest Disney villains.

·       “Villainy in the Sky” Fireworks – Ultimately, Hades summons Maleficent to the main event stage to close things out with a devilishly dazzling display of pyrotechnics!

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And the fun doesn’t end there!

 

Photo Credit Disney Parks Blog

You can get a Villains ExScream Makeover with complimentary face painting at stations around Echo Lake, join in on one of the dance parties taking place in the park, and enjoy a wicked cabaret atmosphere – not to mention some delectable, small-plate menu items – at Club Evil in the Hollywood Brown Derby.

Here is a sneak peek at a portion of the invite list. Many more villains will be on hand at the  event, but here’s a few names you may recognize. ( Please note, entertainment is subject to change).

•      Hades

•      Meg

•      Pain

•      Panic

•      Anastasia

•      Drizella

•      Lady Tremaine

•      J. Worthington Foulfellow

•      Gideon

•      Big Bad Wolf

•      Cruella De Vil

•      Captain Hook

•      Mr. Smee

•      Bowler Hat Guy

•      Queen of Hearts

•      Gaston

•      Jafar

•      Darth Vader

•      Darth Maul

•      Boba Fett

•      Asajj Ventress

•      Emperor Palpatine

•      Stormtrooper

•      Zam Wessell

Jango Fett

For fans of Disney’s darker characters, “Villains Unleashed” promises to be a nightmare come true! It’s all happening one night only, August 23, 2014, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You won’t want to miss it, so get your tickets now, before they all disappear!

Guest Author Sunday

Guest Author Sunday

Welcome Robert Eckman-This week's Honorary "Gal"

Disney Gals is pleased to welcome Robert "Hit It Bob" Eckman as this week's Guest Author. Recently retired from a life of managing a college university bookstore, this highly gifted and talented professional keyboard player came into the Disney way later in life but now has taken the plunge into the deep end of the pool with both feet and no floaties. So how does someone go from a Disney newbie to a full fledged, card carrying annual pass holder? Read his story of how Disney has changed his life!

Mickey Pancakes and More!

When our friends over at Adult Side of Disney asked what some of our favorite Disneyland eating spots were, River Belle  Terrace immediately came to mind as a must do on every Disneyland trip.  Located across from the Rivers of America where Frontierland meets Adventureland lies one of my family’s favorite eating spots in all of Disneyland-the River Belle Terrace.  Not only is this one of the original eateries from when Disneyland opened in 1955, but it is the only place in the Park to get the coveted Mickey Mouse Pancakes. This quick service restaurant boasts incredible menu choices throughout the day. 

For breakfast, choices range from the Mickey Pancakes, to the Mark Twain platter of scrambled eggs, country-style potatoes, bacon or sausage, and a biscuit to a fresh fruit platter large enough to be shared by the entire family and the perfect choice for those with special dietary considerations in your group. Lunchtime selections include our favorite the Tennessee BBQ pork while the Vegan traveler in our group loves the Vegetable Po’ boy.

The Plantation roast beef salad with southern ranch, the citrus-tarragon-dressed rosemary turkey breast salad and Aunt Polly’s harvest medley offers something a little lighter to save room for bigger meals later in the day.  Every Disneyland insider knows that not only does the River Belle Terrace offer incredible food, but come nightfall, the outdoor patio area offers one of the best seats in the house for viewing of Disneyland’s nighttime spectacular, Fantasmic.  Pull up a table along the fence of the patio and enjoy an evening meal of Huck’s Slow Roasted Beef served with horseradish gravy, the Catch of the Day or for those needing specialty items to take care of other dietary considerations, the River Belle

 Be sure to save room for dessert.  Choices range from the melt in your mouth Key Lime Pie to a delectable Red Velet Cake to a Minty Grasshopper Pie or my personal favorite, the Café Au Lait Cheesecake. So let’s review-Mickey Mouse Pancakes for breakfast, great quick service meals throughout the day with something for everyone combined with the nostalgic feel of one of the original Disneyland eateries and the perfect view of Fantasmic-the only question to answer is now is what are you waiting for? Head on over to the River Belle Terrace located in the heart of Disneyland across from the Mark Twain. 

Gayle is a lifelong educator by day and avid blogger by night and is the owner and cofounder of the Disney Gals, one of the most popular Disney blogs around! Proud mommy to 5, Grammy to 4 she is blessed to share her life with an amazing man who encourages her to chase her dreams, no matter how bumpy the road or where they may lead.  When not in the classroom, she can be found following her son as he dances his way through life, or working with young performers in free nationally recognized after school children’s theater program that she founded 13 years ago.  She believes that life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain. On any given day you will find Gayle skipping her way through life with a giggle and a smile knowing that today is meant to be lived and enjoyed. To learn more about Gayle, click here.