Spectacular MickeyBlog News for June 9, 2019
In the wake of the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disney’s slowed down the news cycles quite a bit. They’re far too busy to stop, though. So, a slow week for Disney would be a massive week for literally any other theme park business. Let’s get you caught up with everything going on in the wide world of Disney right now.
Tale of The Lion King
Disneyland Resort recently received a new presentation when Disney California Adventure introduced their version of Mickey’s PhilHarmagic. Now, the other park at Disneyland has added another special show at the Palisades Stage.
Called Tale of The Lion King, this show is a story passed down from generation to generation. It has roughly 20 cast members who sing, dance, and narrate the story of The Lion King. This presentation takes place outdoors and is performed several times daily.
Fans of The Lion King and especially its soundtrack will love the experience. It includes three of the most famous songs from the soundtrack, Hakuna Matata, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, and Circle of Life. More importantly, it recounts how Simba grew up and became a worthy king of his people. In any typical week, Tale of the Lion King would be the most significant addition at a Disney theme park…but not this week!
Disney Villains After Hours
After a bumpy first year, Disney After Hours has grown into one of the most successful ticketed events at Walt Disney World. Park visitors get to spend time at Magic Kingdom when it’s closed to the general public.
The benefit is that lines are shorter, giving guests a chance to ride more attractions during these three hours. Experienced Magic Kingdom fans could feasibly do more during Disney After Hours than they could in a full park day.
For 2019, Disney officials wanted to plus it. They added a new wrinkle, a limited time offering called Disney Villains After Hours. This version of this event is just like the regular one, only villains are in charge. They host a show and a parade during the evening. Some of the rides have unique villainous themes, too.
Nobody knew exactly what to expect from Disney Villains After Hours since it was brand new. Its first night proved to be a huge success thanks to several special offerings. The exclusive show, Villains Unite the Night, is a hugely entertaining 22-minute display of why Disney’s baddies are the best. And the Maleficent parade shows just how terrifying a fire-breathing dragon is.
As a special bonus, some of the attractions have live performers, too. Disney tried this last year with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and got a lot of compliments for it. Now they’ve brought it back for Disney Villains After Hours and even improved it.
Captain Barbossa, the nemesis of Captain Jack Sparrow, appears toward the end of Pirates of the Caribbean. He’s one of three different live actors you could meet while you’re at the attraction. Over at Space Mountain, the pitch black ride overlay is back for this event, too.
While Disney Villains After Hours isn’t cheap, costing more than Disney After Hours, it’s worth the money. The reviews for opening night were rapturous.
Magic Happens Parade Coming to Disneyland
Mickey’s Soundsational Parade made a triumphant return to Disneyland earlier this year. At the time, Disney officials indicated that it would be a limited time engagement. We now know why.
Back in April, a rumor sprang to life that a new Disneyland daytime parade is in the early stages. While Disney hasn’t confirmed it yet, the show called Magic Happens has become an open secret in recent days.
This parade will celebrate the magic intrinsic to Disney movies. It’ll have floats that commemorate unforgettable moments from these films. And when I say magic, I mean literally.
Mickey’s scenes from Fantasia will allegedly open the parade. Later, more recent Pixar sequences like Moana’s water magic and Coco’s day of the dead interactions will be on display for all to enjoy. Other films rumored for Magic Happens include The Princess and the Frog, Cinderella, and The Sword in the Stone, my favorite Disney movie.
I should point out that Disney may yet change the name from Magic Happens. The current belief is that the parade will be announced at D-23 in August or possibly even sooner at the Parks Blog. It’s expected to begin in 2020. Those of you who love Mickey’s Soundsational Parade should watch it while you can.
New Fireworks Shows
Speaking of Disneyland, Mickey’s Mix Magic is done. As part of the 90th birthday celebration of Mickey Mouse, Imagineers crafted this excellent nighttime fireworks presentation. It was always intended as a limited time engagement.
Disney switched to its replacement this past weekend. Yes, the crowd-pleasing Disneyland Forever is back at the Happiest Place on Earth this summer!
The belief is that it won’t last for an extended period, either. You’ll want to visit Disneyland in 2019 to watch Disneyland Forever. Speak to a MickeyTravels agent to book your vacation immediately. You’ll get to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge as part of the package!
Takumi-Tei Dress Code
Fans of Japanese cuisine are waiting with bated breath for the arrival of Takumi-Tei. This Signature Dining experience will debut at the Japan Pavilion at Epcot later this summer.
Since opening day is nearer, Disney has added an official webpage for the restaurant. We’ve learned that Takumi-Tei will have five rooms where guests may be seated. The most prestigious place to eat will be the Chef’s Table in the Water Room.
When you plan to eat here, you should know a couple of things. First of all, the Disney Dining Plan (DDP) isn’t accepted here, at least at the start. You’ll need to pay for your food rather than use DDP entitlements.
Second of all, this place is the second one at the World Showcase to come with a dress code. Here are Disney’s official rules:
“Men must wear khakis, slacks or dress shorts and collared shirts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition. Sport coats are optional.
Women must wear Capri pants, skirts, dresses or dress shorts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition.
Not permitted are tank tops, flip-flops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, hats for gentlemen, cut-offs, torn clothing and t-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics.”
Make yourselves look presentable and get ready for Japanese delicacies, my friends!
