Last week, Disneyland hosted a group of press, bloggers and podcasters for a special treat: a media event describing more (but not all) of what to expect from the upcoming 60th Anniversary, including spectaculars, ride enhancements, special food and a ton of merchandise.
It opened with a film and description of how the Cast Members are the most important part of the event. I later learned that this is actually part of the anniversary training for Cast Members, and attendees were actually in the exact same place where the Cast Members will be getting their information about the upcoming anniversary. Rest assured that the Cast will know this anniversary inside and out by May 22.
Jessica Bernard, one of the Disneyland Ambassadors, reminded attendees that while still cameras would be allowed in the next room, no video would be allowed at all. She explained how Cast Members will be “informed, inspired and ready to dazzle”, including new name tags worn “right over their hearts”. This anniversary will have a special kind of magic, in food, beverage, decor, entertainment and “New Magic” (get to know that phrase, it’s important). New Magic includes enhancements to Peter Pan, The Haunted Mansion and The Matterhorn Bobsleds, among other things. She also announced the “Disneyland Diamond Days Sweepstakes”, which I briefly described in my last news column. Prizes include a VIP tour of the park with “preferred access” to attractions, dining and VIP viewings of parades and spectaculars. There will be daily and weekly prizes, and special prizes for special dates, like July 17. The Dream Suite stay is actually paired with 1 and 2-carat diamonds and the Cinderella’s slipper is bedecked with a topaz heart and diamonds. There’s also a private party in Fantasyland, a romantic cruise aboard the Mark Twain, and lots of other one-of-a-kind, money-can’t-buy experiences. (I’ve been doing Disneyland anniversaries since the 25th, and have never won a single thing. Perhaps this is my year!) Jessica closed out with a fantastic quote:
“It has been said that Disneyland is like a diamond, it is a timeless, precious gem passed down through generations, filled with exciting and special moments and memories that our guests have shared over the years. And, like a diamond, it is also the promise of a bright new future. For, who is responsible for giving
Disneyland that extra sparkle and shine? Well, it’s like Walt Disney once said: ‘You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world, but it requires people to make the dreams a reality.’ -and that means the Cast Members right here at the Disneyland Resort. By continuing to give dazzling and exceptional guest service, we extend that feeling of celebration to our guests.”
As the room broke to go to the main event, attendees got to hear a jazzy theme song about how people said Walt was crazy but he believed and dreamed and made Disneyland. A classic like America Sings, Carousel of Progress type song. I really like it. Hope we can buy a copy! Other songs playing during the break were all diamond-themed, including Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.
Merchandise Cast Members were there to describe some of the upcoming offerings: lots of blue and silver, “amped up” designs, dinnerware, bowls, the D Mug is “killer”, even the seasonal stuff has diamond embellishments. Everything has a little more “sparkle, dazzle, woo!” The Diamond Collection is luxury items, more upscale stuff. She said that the clarity of the rhinestones is amazing. I most want the D Mug and the TRAIN, which at this date will retail for $196.00. It’s blue and silver, the smokestack is a diamond and, when you plug it in, it lights up and gooooooes. The 60th anniversary merchandise will only be available at Disneyland; you can’t buy it at Disney’s Animal Kingdom; same goes for the Paint the Night paintbrush, but US only – you can also get it in Hong Kong, but you can’t get it at Walt Disney World.
They then talked about the importance of guest interaction with all spectaculars, where “everywhere that our guests look, they’ll find a spirit of celebration and a sense of invitation to not only experience the magic, but also to live it.” They know that their guests are well-educated and know Disney so well, they want them to feel welcome. When I heard that there will be “abstract mid-century reminders of the time and place when the park was created, to an optimistic look at the future”, I have to admit that it warmed the cockles of my pickled heart. They’re even going back to the park banner styles used from 1955-1968. Nice touch.
There will be blue 3D diamonds hidden throughout the parks, and I can name at least three people who will be able to tell me where each and every one is located within the first week of the celebration, without a cheat sheet. Their goal is to combine large-scale decor and design with providing guests with personal, one of a kind experiences – in the hotels, there will be special room keys, stationery, postcards, pens and other small goods. Even the ESPN Zone, home of Bacon of the Gods (it’s a MiceChat thing), is getting into the spirit: their Did You Know? game will only feature questions and answers having to do with the number 60, and sports-related photos of Walt Disney will decorate the walls.
Peter Pan’s getting a new nursery, an old pal is returning to the attic, and Harold’s making a bold new presence. This we know. Now we get to Chef John’s favorite part: Food and Beverage. They were actually a little vague. They mentioned crispy rice treats, candy corn, caramel apples, cotton candy, diamond celebration cupcakes, and a pomegranate sparkler, but I have a feeling we’ll see much more in the later weeks. The coolest thing, yes, even cooler than the bucket, are the Made with Magic light-up sippers – they “glow with the show” while you enjoy your beverage.
The presentation was interrupted by a video by “Ineeda Goodstory”, Disney megafan and blogger with a definite Leslie Hall vibe. She had just broken into the Merchandise office and was greeted by Michelle Harker, who agreed to show her some items while they waited for Disney Security to come. These included a rhinestone Mickey mitt, a sparkly clutch, a rhinestone zipper jacket that I must own, castle dinnerware, a heritage charm, lanyards and the aforementioned “killer” D Mug. The Character Set had a tote, the train set, couture ears, and an embellished Minnie headband. Every 60 days a new piece of art will debut from the Artists’ Collection: a pin, mug, plate, t-shirt, and more – as if any of us needed an excuse to go to Disneyland again and again! Finally, a light up phone case – when the phone rings, it lights up. Well, not “finally” – there will be over 500 ways for guests to take home a piece of the magic.
In-park experiences will include sing-a-longs, dance-a-longs, even march-a-longs with the Disneyland Band! They will be emotional, will take you to new places, involve storytelling and interaction and many atmosphere characters. If you’re klutzy like me, don’t worry, the moves are really easy to learn and do, like in Japan. Experiences will be in other languages, as well, so no one will be left out.
Over at Disney California Adventure, guests will see DCA through the eyes of Mickey, and there will be a song featuring one of my favorite Disney quotes. Walt never said it, but Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald wrote it for Horizons, my all-time favorite Disney attraction: “If you can dream it, you can do it”. Mickey will state what he wants to make of himself in song and dance, and even Minnie will make an appearance. The popular Mad T Party is returning with a new story: the Tweedles will share things in a twisted way for the anniversary, and there will be even more dancing and a bigger stage area. The Carthay Circle will be, as you know, bedecked in anniversary sparkle as well.
Mickey and Minnie showed up to show off their new costumes, and then Steve Davison took the stage. I’ll tell you all about it in the next installment!
While you’re waiting for the rest of the news, I’d like to let you know about the epic Broadway to Hollywood event on Friday, May 29. The Walt Disney Birthplace is throwing a gala fundraiser at the famous Roosevelt Hotel (the site of the very first Academy Awards), a mouse-ears’ throw away from Disney’s El Capitan Theater. Slated to appear are Paige O’Hara (Beauty and the Beast), Michael-Leon Wooley (The Princess and the Frog) and a few other performers, legends and other special guests whose identities we have to keep under our hat for now. The evening includes cocktails, dinner and entertainment. The VIP package includes dinner with Paige O’Hara and a special signed keepsake. To learn more and/or buy tickets – you REALLY DO NOT want to miss this (especially what’s in the Silent Auction, that’s all I’m sayin’!) go to wdbspring.eventzilla.net .
