In this week’s edition of your favorite feel-good Disney Parks newsletter: get ready for Fantasmic, learn about the new Haunted Mansion Parlor on the Disney Treasure, your weekly crowd report, updated Pixar Fest tips, discounts, and more!
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Fantasmic! Returns
The highly anticipated return of “Fantasmic!” to Disneyland Park is set for May 24, 2024, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. This beloved nighttime spectacular has been on hiatus since April 2023, following an incident where the Maleficent dragon caught fire during a performance. The new edition of “Fantasmic!” will feature significant changes, including the removal of the dragon and the introduction of new special effects and a thrilling battle scene between Sorcerer Mickey and Maleficent.
Key Updates and Changes:
- New Special Effects and Scenes: The show will now include a new battle scene between Sorcerer Mickey and Maleficent, replacing the previous Pirates of the Caribbean sequence with a fan-favorite Peter Pan scene.
- Dining Packages: The Fantasmic! Dining Packages are returning, offering various options for guests to enjoy the show from reserved viewing locations. Participating restaurants include Blue Bayou, River Belle Terrace, and Hungry Bear Restaurant, with prices ranging from $38 to $89 for adults and $27 to $45 for children.
- Reservation System: Disneyland Resort continues to enforce its theme park reservation system. Guests must purchase a ticket and make a reservation for May 24 to attend the show. Reservations for dining packages are expected to open on March 24, 2024.
Viewing Tips:
- Standby Viewing: Standby viewing areas open two hours before the first show and can fill up quickly. The best spots are along the waterfront near the Harbour Galley restaurant and River Belle Terrace.
- Second Show Advantage: The second showing of “Fantasmic!” is generally less crowded. Guests can watch the fireworks from Frontierland and then find a spot for the second performance.
- Accessibility: A designated viewing area for guests with disabilities is available near the Haunted Mansion, though it may not offer the best view. Guests with disabilities are advised to obtain a dining package voucher for better seating.
This week’s Pixar Fest report:
Pixar Fest 2024 is in full swing at Disneyland Resort, running from April 26 to August 4. This celebration of Pixar’s beloved stories and characters features a variety of entertainment, food, merchandise, and more. Here’s your quick guide to the best of Pixar Fest this week.
Best Things to Eat
Pixar Fest offers a plethora of themed food and snacks that are sure to delight fans of all ages. Here are some must-try items:
- Cosmic Chili Pasta – Available at Alien Pizza Planet, this dish features jalapeno cheddar pinwheel pasta, spiced chili, crushed corn chips, and green onions.
- Sea Monster Friends Parfait – Inspired by “Luca,” this parfait is available at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe.
- “Silenzio Bruno!” Sandwich – Another “Luca”-inspired treat, this sandwich is a hit among visitors.
- Red Panda Bao – A jumbo pork and vegetable stuffed bao with chile-garlic sauce, available at the Town Favorites marketplace starting May 10.
- Pineapple Coconut Float – A refreshing treat perfect for the summer heat.
Best Souvenirs
Pixar Fest features exclusive merchandise that fans won’t want to miss. Here are some highlights:
- Pixar Fest Spirit Jersey – Featuring characters like Woody, Mei, Miguel, and more, this jersey is a popular item.
- Pixar Lug Bag – A versatile bag that can be worn as a crossbody or belt bag, featuring the Pixar ball and festival wordmark.
- Pizza Planet Truck Popcorn Bucket – A light-up bucket that doubles as a toy, available at various popcorn stands throughout the parks.
- Coco Guitar Popcorn Bucket – Shaped like a guitar from “Coco,” this bucket is a unique collectible.
- Reversible Bucket Hat – Featuring a comic book style with Pixar characters, this hat offers two ways to show your Pixar pride.
Events and Entertainment
Pixar Fest is packed with entertainment options that bring Pixar stories to life:
- “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” Parade – This new parade at Disney California Adventure features dynamic floats and over two dozen Pixar characters, including Red Panda Mei, Joe Gardner, and Luca.
- “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” – A nighttime show at Disneyland Park with new scenes from “Onward,” “Soul,” “Luca,” “Turning Red,” and “Elemental”.
- Pixar Pals Playtime Party – Held at Fantasyland Theatre, this event includes dance shows, Pixar shorts, crafts, and photo opportunities.
- Character Meet and Greets – Meet your favorite Pixar characters, including Joy and Sadness from “Inside Out,” Woody and Buzz from “Toy Story,” and more.
Additional Highlights
- Pixar Fest Marketplaces – Starting May 10, six new food marketplaces will offer dishes inspired by various Pixar films.
- Decorations and Photo Ops – Brightly-colored banners, sculptures, and interactive installations enhance the festive atmosphere throughout the resort.
- Collectible Medallions – Limited-time medallions themed to Pixar films are available from machines around the resort.
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Updates from the Lounge
Brighten your day with a grand circle tour through the MouseWait Lounge! You’ll find incredible posts like the ones below.
Upcoming Events at Disneyland & Disney World
Here is our updated list of upcoming events and refurbishments for both Disneyland and Disney World:
For a larger view, visit this page. You can also access it from the “Home” tab of the MouseWait for Disneyland and Disney World.
And now, let’s take a look at Walt Disney World:
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VOYAGEERS: Finding Hidden Treasures in the Parks
On March 12, 2023, the world bid farewell to Rolly Crump, a legendary Disney Imagineer whose whimsical and innovative designs left an indelible mark on Disneyland and beyond. As a tribute to his enduring legacy, Disney Cruise Line is set to introduce the Haunted Mansion Parlor on the Disney Treasure, a first-of-its-kind bar inspired by Crump’s original concepts. This new venue will bring the beloved Haunted Mansion experience to the high seas, offering guests a spooky and immersive adventure.
Rolly Crump’s Contributions to Disneyland
Rolly Crump’s journey with Disney began in 1952 when he joined Walt Disney Studios as an in-betweener in the animation department. His early work included contributions to classic films such as “Peter Pan,” “Lady and the Tramp,” “Sleeping Beauty,” and “101 Dalmatians”. However, it was his transition to WED Enterprises (now Walt Disney Imagineering) in 1959 that truly showcased his creative genius.
Crump’s imaginative designs played a pivotal role in shaping some of Disneyland’s most iconic attractions. He was instrumental in the creation of the Enchanted Tiki Room, Adventureland Bazaar, and the whimsical “It’s a Small World” attraction, for which he designed the Tower of the Four Winds marquee for the 1964 New York World’s Fair. His work on the Haunted Mansion, in particular, stands out as a testament to his innovative spirit.
The Haunted Mansion and the Museum of the Weird
One of Crump’s most notable contributions to Disneyland was his work on the Haunted Mansion. Collaborating with fellow Imagineer Yale Gracey, Crump developed numerous concepts and illusions that would become integral to the attraction. Among these was the idea for a “Museum of the Weird,” an exhibit featuring bizarre and eerie artifacts, including the now-famous Candle Man. Although the Museum of the Weird never came to fruition, many of Crump’s ideas were incorporated into the final design of the Haunted Mansion, adding to its mystique and charm.
Rolly Crump’s Relationship with Walt Disney
Rolly Crump’s relationship with Walt Disney was one of mutual respect and admiration. Walt recognized Crump’s unique artistic vision and often referred to him as a “diamond in the rough”. Crump’s unconventional and whimsical designs intrigued Walt, leading to a close working relationship between the two. Walt’s trust in Crump’s abilities was evident when he assigned him to work on high-profile projects like the 1964 New York World’s Fair and the Haunted Mansion.
Crump’s son, Chris Crump, recalls the special bond between his father and Walt Disney. He shared stories of how Walt would challenge Imagineers to push the boundaries of creativity, a challenge that Rolly embraced wholeheartedly. This relationship not only shaped Crump’s career but also left a lasting impact on the Disney parks and the Imagineering community.
The Haunted Mansion Parlor on the Disney Treasure
In a fitting tribute to Rolly Crump’s legacy, Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Treasure, will feature the Haunted Mansion Parlor. This unique bar will bring Crump’s original concepts to life, offering guests an immersive experience inspired by the Haunted Mansion.
The parlor will include an “Aquarium with Ghost Fish,” a portrait gallery of wandering souls, and eerie decor reminiscent of a first-class drawing room from a classic cruise liner.
Guests can look forward to themed cocktails, exclusive merchandise, and interactive elements that pay homage to Crump’s imaginative designs. The Haunted Mansion Parlor aims to capture the spirit of Crump’s work, blending nostalgia with new storytelling elements to create a truly unforgettable experience.
As the Disney Treasure sets sail, it will carry with it the legacy of Rolly Crump, ensuring that his whimsical and innovative spirit continues to enchant and inspire guests for generations to come.
Well, that’s all for this week, {{contact.first_name}}!
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Wishing you the best week,
Kelly
May 21, 2024 Issue #21 to 29,891 Disney fans
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