D Que Blog is dedicated to all the magic, dreams and imagination that created Disneyland and the Disneyland Resort. Join us on a wonderful look at what makes this The Happiest Place on Earth.
“To all who come to this happy place; welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past...andhere youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams and the hard facts that have created America...with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.” - Walt Disney
The first of the limited time magic announcements have been made and can be seen below. Check back each week in 2013 for updates on the offerings at the Disneyland Resort.
Three Kings Celebration
January 4 - January 6
Delight in the Three Kings Day party at
Frontierland, part of the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree at Disneyland Park from
January 4 through January 6, 2013! Celebrate the end of the holiday season with
3 days of music, activities and cuisine that pays tribute to Southern
California's Mexican culture.
A Salute to the Golden Horseshoe Revue
January 10 - February 4
For a limited time only, you and your family can
experience this musical variety extravaganza inspired by the renowned
Frontierland show enjoyed by Walt Disney himself! Join Miss Lily and her Saloon
Girls for an homage to the classic Golden Horseshoe Revue, a fun-filled show
filled with plenty of family-friendly comedy, singing and dancing. Performances
are Thursday through Monday, from January 10 through February 4,
2013.
New this year at Disneyland is the newest incarnation of Big Thunder Ranch. Santa & Mrs. Claus have travelled from the North Pole and are spending the winter here in Southern California. Once again they are wintering at "the ranch", but this year they are joined by Billy Hill and the Holiday Hillbillies.
Billy and crew have several shows each day and do not disappoint. The lively music, silly jokes, and good old fashioned holiday spirit are sure to entertain even the most jaded among us. Adults can sit and enjoy the show while the little ones play in the surrounding area.
Hiya Folks! My name is Billy...and these are my brothers Billy & Billy
The kids can take part in several activities around the ranch.
There are chances for cookie decorating, reindeer games, and holiday crafts.
Don't miss out on your chance to meet Santa himself.
This little hidden gem in the back of the park is really a great place to spend some quality time with the whole family. Big Thunder Ranch is just down the path from Fantasyland, but presents a whole new winter fantasy for guests to enjoy. Be sure to take some time out of your hustle and bustle and enjoy this little holiday treat.
If you've never heard of the Candlelight Processional then you have been living under a rock. Granted that may not be a bad thing, but still this has been a big deal at Disneyland each Christmas season.
In past years (or decades) this event, which takes place in the middle of Town Square, has been a private two-night event. For years it has been a special hard ticket event that required the temporary transformation of the train station platform into a giant stage full of cast choir members, trumpeters, and celebrity story tellers. It's no surprise that due to it's exclusive nature many park guests may have never seen or heard of the event. That will all change this year.
No longer will this be a relatively quick two-day event. The stage and surrounding seating area will no longer be put up and taken down within the span of a week. This year the twice nightly event will be performed over a twenty day period. Yes, I said 20 days! Twice a night, seven days a week, from December 1 - December 20 Town Square will be turned into a special event stage.
Why, you may ask, is this event expanding? Different viewpoints abound, but the bottom line is that Disney is trying something new. This change is linked to many other changes which will be coming down the road. The additional days of Candlelight Processional will be open the Annual Passholders as a perk. More details on this and other perks for Passholders will be coming next year.
For more details on this years expanded event click here.
In addition this year there is merchandise available to celebrate. Click here for details.
What are your thoughts about this change? Leave a comment.
Lots of new things have been added to Disney California Adventure this Summer. The new lands, Buena Vista Street & Cars Land, are of course a huge draw to tourists. Big draws on Buena Vista Street include two new shows (Red Car Trolley News Boys / 5 & Dime) and all the new shops (including Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe). Cars Land of course has the big draw of Radiator Springs Racers, which on a good day has standby lines of 90 minutes, but mostly lines are 2+ hours. So, all things considered, DCA is really buzzing.
One of the hidden gems of the summer has to be on Paradise Bay.
Instant Concert: Just Add Water, a highly entertaining and fun little show featuring Maestro Goofy. The Maestro arrives to a booming announcement which sets the tone for what is to come.
Below are just some random Bits & Pieces that I have gathered
Some will eventually end up in other projects.
A few are just things I have recorded/photographed while in the parks.
Either way, enjoy these different things.
Have you ever ridden Toy Story Midway Mania and just walked past Mr. Potato Head. Stop sometime and just listen. Occasionally he even makes comments about people in line. It's a lot of fun.
I've got a sinking feeling about this.
A few days ago, in the early morning while in the park,
I was waiting to view the first showing of
Instant Concert: Just Add Water.
I noticed the fountain rig was up in maintenance position.
Two workers were checking it out, and after exiting it
it began its descent into Paradise Bay.
This is what I saw in the first clip below:
After the rig failed to lower, an announcement was made
canceling the first showing of the show.
The workers returned to the rig, fixed something,
and the rig started down into the water again.
After some trouble the rig finally submerged.
Good thing too, because I was then able to record the show(s)
fast approach the first day of Fall, it's time to reflect.
One of the most inspiring additions to Disneyland park this summer
was the limited engagement of The Voices of Liberty
at the Main Street Opera House.
This group originally started at Walt Disney World,
specifically at Epcot's American Pavilion.
They are a fabulous group of talented choral singers,
and I hope they return again, or find a permanent home here.
To encourage those passing by to come in a hear more
the members of the troupe put on a little mini-show outside.
Then, park guests are invited inside to hear more.
The Voice of Liberty perform a pre-show of sorts, before the
Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln that makes its home at the Opera House.
The Muppets are by far one of my favorite childhood & adulthood memories. When the Disney Company acquired the right to use the Muppets I was beside myself. Two of my favorite things would be found together. Alas, Disney has not used the merger to its full potential, but I still hold out hope that Kermit, Piggy, Fozzie and the rest of the crazy gang will have a more important role to play in the Resorts future.
In Honor of the Muppets here are a few videos to end the month on a happy note:
A Silly little bit that still makes me laugh.
A Quintessential Muppet Show Song
The Muppets do Disco ??
A Little "Classical" Muppets
And Finally - The Muppets ROCK
Next time your walking down Hollywood Blvd. toward the Tower of Terror, be sure to take a quick detour into the backlot area and visit the gang for a quick show. In the summer heat remember that the theater is air conditioned.
All the things you love about Disneyland are part of this whimsical show.
Video projections and low key pyrotechnics help to make this a fun addition to the nightly entertainment roster at the park. Check below for the Summer version of:
