Saturday, April 30, 2016

Shanghaî Disneyland Week-End Update - New Spectacular HD Drone Video !


Here comes the Shanghaî Disneyland week-end update you're waiting for and we have something great today as a new HD drone video was uploaded on Youtube providing new views of the park, some on angles never seen before. As usual i did screenshots for you and, as the video was shot at sunrise, i've enhanced all pics and lighted them a bit. Definitely click on each picture to see them in larger size.

The two first pictures above and below showing Mickey Avenue and Disneytown in the background are interesting. First, you can see how short Mickey Avenue is from park entrance point - probably half the lenght of a regular Main Street so guests will be on Gardens of Imagination - SDL "Central Plaza" - pretty fast. Two, you can see clearly how close to Mickey Avenue Disneytown is - literally stick to it - and i'm curious to see how will work the visual intrusion from one to another as at least the high red building of the Walt Disney Grand theatre will be visible.




Next picture shows the castle and Gardens of Imagination as seen from the entrance to Adventure Isle.



On the two next pictures the first one shows SDL castle, Dumbo ride and TRON dome in the background, and the second one provide a view of SDL Fantasyland with Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster.





The next screenshot shows of course Treasure Cove, but what is interesting is these two unused big piece of lands on the left. For sure, something will be built there in the future!



The next picture shows Adventure Isle on the left but have also a look at the big backstage "avenue" area in the center.



The drone then turned in direction of SDL Tomorrowland providing a view on the land, also note the unused piece of land at the entrance of Tomorrowland.



The drone then went over this huge piece of land close to Adventure Isle Roaring Rapids and there is no doubt that they have the room there to build a whole land or a very large hotel. It's a bit curious they didn't used it from the start as when they will build something there it will be hard to avoid cranes, etc... which will be visible both from guests in the park and those who will arrive from the train station behind.






Great view of Adventure Isle and the park as seen with the drone over this big piece of unused land.



The two next pictures shows a great view of the park entrance  and the Wishing Star lake nearby. They give a pretty good idea of the distances you'll have to walk to reach the park entrance.



We'll end these screenshot series with three perfect views of SDR train station, the lake and areas nearby.








Now, i suppose that you're dying to see this new drone video so here it is below, make sure to watch it in HD 1080p!




See you soon for a new Shanghaî Disneyland update and don't forget that this week-end is the last days to enjoy the special offer on the Disneyland Paris book at 60€ only - see offer below or on the right column!

LAST DAY to enjoy the best special offer ever on the Disneyland Paris, From Sketch to Reality Book !



LAST DAY to enjoy the best special offer ever on the Disneyland Paris, From Sketch to Reality Book, you have until Sunday evning California time ( Monday morning 9a.m European time ) to order the book  at the special price of 60€, so don't miss it!

Disneyland Paris celebrates its 24th Anniversary this month and to celebrate it from April 10 to April 30 the "Disneyland Paris, From Sketch to Reality" book in its english regular and updated edition OR in its french collector edition has an awesome special offer at the special price of 60 € (+ 15 € shipping worldwide) for the english updated edition or the french collector edition, and the 15 first orders whether for a french or english edition will get a SIGNED copy for the same price! The signed copies are sold normally 90€ plus 15€ shipping, so this 60€ offer for a brand new sign copy is really the best deal ever for this fantastic book, and a great way to celebrate DLP 24th Anniversary!

Special note to buyers with a shipping address in ITALY or BELGIUM : For shipments to Belgium or Italy, the shipping cost is 25 €.

In addition, ALL buyers will receive a surprise gift that everyone will love!

Do not miss this DLP Anniversary special offer, and to place your order please send an email to: neverlandeditions@gmail.com  


Please let me know in your email if you want the english or french edition!

You can pay by Paypal, credit card or bank transfer. 

Paypal payment must be sent to the same email address: neverlandeditions@gmail.com or you can also use the Paypal button below or on the right column, make sure to choose how many copies you want. 

The Paypal button works for both french or english edition but confirm me by email or in your Paypal payment which edition you want ( english or french ).

Also note that the Paypal button includes an additional discount for those who want to order 2 or 3 copies instead of one. 


If you do NOT have a Paypal account you can pay by credit card, or bank transfer, just send me an email about it at: neverlandeditions@gmail.com

Those of you who have never seen the book will find below a video presentation of the full book which will show you each of the 320 pages of the book AND you can see more pictures on the book website HERE.
Disneyland Paris From Sketch to Reality Book





Although you've probably heard about this beautiful book, many of you may have never seen a copy of it. So we've done a video presentation of the full book which will show you each of the 320 pages of the book! The book includes 750 pictures of the park, including 250 gorgeous renderings of Walt Disney Imagineering and stunning pictures of the park seen from above. The book is so big that it took us seven and a half minutes to show you the full book, and that's without stopping turning each pages! So, if you want to have a closer look at a page don't hesitate to stop the video!



Video: copyright Alain Littaye 2012

Friday, April 29, 2016

First Pictures of the Evening Projection Show on Shanghaî Disneyland Enchanted Storybook Castle !




We'll have a great Shanghaî Disneyland week-end update later today but in the meantime enjoy these first pictures of the evening projection show on Shanghaî Disneyland Enchanted Storybook Castle. And if one was wondering if there will be fountains, the picture brings the answer, and it's yes! It seems that Steve Davison designed a new wonder!

Shanghaî Disneyland Treasure Cove and Pirates of Caribbean Update


We're back at Shanghaî Disneyland today for a special look at SDL Treasure Cove and Pirates of Caribbean Battle for the Sunken Treasure, thanks to pictures posted on Chinese social website Weibo by various people.


The first pictures above and below shows the entrance of the highly awaited POTC ride.


Next picture shows a warning at the entrance of the land: "Abandon all hope ye who enter here!"


And to make sure you understand the warning a look at this throne and its death skull should make things clear...


A view of the lagoon and the wrecked ship on a cloudy day...



Next is a quite good picture showing the pirate galleon in Treasure Cove lagoon...


A picture of Treasure Cove lagoon with Skull Island on the right...



The sign of Doublon Market, one of the shops of the land...


Next photo was shot from the top of POTC fortress... of course all what you see on the roof will be hidden to the sight of SDL guests.


We'll end with a great picture showing part of the "underwater" scenes with the sunken ship and its treasure - remember the ride title "Battle for the Sunken Treasure"? Obviously the underwater "dry for wet" lighting is not working yet on this picture.


See you soon for a new Shanghaî Disneyland update!

Thursday, April 28, 2016

"Mickey and the Magician" at DLP Walt Disney Studios: An incredible show with amazing illusions.




Disneyland Paris released a new press release providing more details about the awaited Mickey and the Magician show which will start July 2 in the former Animagique theatre at the Walt Disney Studios park. Here it is:

Entertainment just keeps on creating new surprises at Disneyland Paris. This summer, the public will be able to enjoy "Mickey and the Magician" for the first time. This show, specially created for Walt Disney Studios Park, will star the mouse who started it all.

Mickey is poised to become the hero of a brand new story. Far from his recent roles of master of ceremonies, this new show will take him back to where Disney magic all began. He is embarking on a unique experience where magic fuels dreams. Mickey will learn valuable lessons from iconic Disney Magicians leading him to his dream of becoming a Magician. But these lessons are full of surprises, because, although enthusiastic by nature, Mickey is terribly clumsy.

A new adventure for Mickey

Go back in time to Paris at the turn of the 19th century… and enter a great Magician’s atelier, where the assistant is no other than a certain Mickey Mouse! Night has fallen. Tinker Bell has spread a little stardust. When he is given the task of cleaning up the atelier before sunrise, the young apprentice gets distracted! Nothing turns out as expected. Mickey finds himself accidentally transported to the most magical Disney film worlds. He becomes the hero in this incredible show where illusion is key and the audience find themselves plunged into a world of magic and delight.

A magical story

To illustrate this return to where the magic all began, the creators of "Mickey and the Magician" draw inspiration from the great illusionist Georges Méliès and the famous magician Robert-Houdin. This is not a traditional magic show. The illusions will form the basis of this brand new story. Disneyland Paris has called on the acclaimed magician Paul Kieve to create these illusions.   “It’s hard to think of the word ‘Disney’ without also thinking of the word ‘Magic’. I became fascinated with magic when I was 10 years old and was always inventing ideas in my head. One of the great things about working on ‘Mickey and the Magician' is that I can bring some of these ideas into reality!” said Paul Kieve.
“When I was 10 years old I was taken to Disneyland in California. Magic of course became my life, so to have the opportunity to bring wonderful magic into a permanent live show in Disneyland Paris, surrounded by these classic Disney characters is a dream come true for me. I’m excited that thousands and thousands of kids of all ages will be introduced not only to live magic, but to high quality live theatre by watching Mickey and the Magician. I hope it will be an experience they will never forget.”

Stars from Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Aladdin and Frozen all lend a hand

Every object has a story and the Magician’s secret attic is cluttered with amazing artefacts, curious props, and mysterious objects: a hat, a candlestick, a zoetrope, a lamp and a crystal ball among other things. Distracted from his task, Mickey stirs the magic within each object. He then embarks upon an extraordinary journey strewn with breath-taking illusions magical moments, and crosses paths with iconic Disney magicians.

The Fairy Godmother from Cinderella unveils her famous spell, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo. Rafiki, the mandrill and great mystic from The Lion King will remind him of the meaning of "The Circle of Life". The Genie from Aladdin performs an eccentric number for him to the tune of the famous song "Friend Like Me". Lumière, the French candlestick from Beauty and the Beast has a surprise in store for him with his new enchanted version of "Be Our Guest". Finally, Elsa, from Frozen, will show him how to…"Let It Go"!

He will learn from each in turn as they share amazing magical moments with him, to help him discover the true meaning of the word "magic".

The magic of the music

The unforgettable songs that helped to make each of these major films such a success have been specially reorchestrated. "Mickey and the Magician" promises the audience great music featuring completely unexpected sounds. For example, "Be Our Guest", the star song from Beauty and the Beast, will feature the sounds of the circus; while "Friend Like Me", sung by the Genie from Aladdin, takes on a Broadway style, integrating tricks and tap dancing. The show also features a brand new song.


A new daily show at the Walt Disney Studios Park

"Mickey and the Magician" will make its debut on 2 July 2016 and will run until 8 January 2017. There will be several Franco-English shows per day at Animagique Theater, Toon Studio, Walt Disney Studios Park.

"Mickey and the Magician" sees Mickey take on a different role and gives the audience another opportunity to see the stars of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Aladdin and even Frozen come to life on stage. A funny, musical, mischievous and moving show… full of illusions! Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo!

Picture and text: copyright Disney

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Breaking News: MAJOR Announcement of New Attractions for Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea with New Artworks, and more!


Oriental Land did a MAJOR announcement today with the press release below announcing plenty of new attractions for Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, and this with dozen of new artworks! Here is the full TDR release, and all this sounds extremely exciting!

Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea Development Plans Confirmed Through Fiscal Year 2020 

URAYASU, CHIBA—Oriental Land Co., Ltd. has announced the plans through fiscal year 2020 (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021) for the further development of Tokyo Disneyland® and Tokyo DisneySea® Parks.

In the 2014 statement, "Oriental Land Co., Ltd. in 2023," 2023 was set as the target for achieving a constant attendance level of over 30 million Park visitors annually due to sustained Guest satisfaction. Owing in part to the faster-than-expected increase in Park attendance since fiscal year 2014, the target has been brought forward to fiscal year 2020 and a portion of the previously announced investment plan has been reconsidered accordingly.

Through continued investment of about 50 billion Japanese yen annually in the large-scale development of new areas of the Parks and new major attractions, as well as in enhancing the Guest services and facilities, Oriental Land will continue to improve the two Parks in a variety of ways. Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea will continue to evolve with unforgettable theme park experiences that are unlike anywhere else in the world.

1. Tokyo Disneyland Facilities Development Plan
 
Grand Circuit Raceway, StarJets and some food facilities and shops currently in Tomorrowland will close permanently to make way for the proposed redevelopment. The expansion of Fantasyland will include a theater for live performances and a new area anchored by a major attraction themed to Beauty and the Beast. In neighboring Tomorrowland and Toontown, a new attraction and a Disney Character greeting facility will be opened in each themed land respectively. Total investment for the development of the new area and facilities is expected to be about 75 billion Japanese yen ( $674 Millions ). In addition, plans are being developed for new versions of current attractions and entertainment programs.


This concept image is not an exact representation of the development area of the facilities. © Disney

◆ Beauty and the Beast Area (tentative name)

This new area opening in Fantasyland will let Guests experience the world of the Disney film Beauty and the Beast. With the Beast’s castle and the village where Belle lives, the entire environment of this area will make Guests feel like they are in the film. Located within the Beast’s castle will be a major attraction themed to Beauty and the Beast that can be experienced only in Japan. And in the village, there will be a shop and a restaurant.

Area Overview Facilities: One major attraction, One shop, One restaurant

Attraction Overview Duration: About 8 minutes
Description: Guests board enchanted serving dishes that dance in rhythm to the film’s well-known music and follow Belle on a romantic musical adventure inside the enchanted Castle where she dances her way into the heart of the Beast, just in time to break the fateful spell. Guests will feel like they have entered right into the film.
Opening: Spring 2020 (tentative)
Investment Amount: About 32 billion yen (tentative) ( $287 Millions )


New Area of Fantasyland Overall View


Village in Beauty and the Beast Area (tentative name)


Exterior of Major Attraction


Concept image of Guests experiencing the major attraction
These concept images are subject to change. © Disney 

◆ Live Entertainment Theater (Theater name to be determined)
Opening in a new area of Fantasyland, this will be the first full-scale indoor theater for live entertainment at Tokyo Disneyland. Signature Disney entertainment unique to Tokyo Disneyland and featuring the Disney Friends will be presented in this storybook theater environment. 


Type: Live Entertainment Theater 

Capacity: About 1,500 persons 
Opening: Spring 2020 (tentative) 
Investment Amount: About 17 billion yen (tentative) ( $153 Millions ) 


Exterior of Live Entertainment Theater 



Interior of Live Entertainment Theater 


These concept images are subject to change.
© Disney 

◆ New Attraction themed to the Disney film, Big Hero 6 (Attraction name to be determined) 


A ride-type attraction themed to the Disney film, Big Hero 6, will open in Tomorrowland. Also, for the first time in either Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea, a shop themed to outer space and selling popcorn in multiple flavors will open next to the new attraction. 


Type: Ride Duration: About 1.5 minutes 

Description: The lovable robot Baymax, from the Disney film, Big Hero 6, invites Guests to join their own personal healthcare companion for an exciting musical “whip ride” that swings them unpredictably round and round. 
Opening: Spring 2020 (tentative) 
Investment Amount: About 6 billion yen (tentative) ($54 Millions) 


Concept image of Guests experiencing the attraction themed to Big Hero 6 


This concept image is subject to change. © Disney 


◆ New Disney Character Greeting Facility (Facility name to be determined) 


A new Disney Character greeting facility where Guests can meet Minnie Mouse will open in Toontown. 


Description: Minnie Mouse, as a fashion designer, will greet Guests in her studio dressed in fashionable costume. After walking through Minnie’s design studio and her work area with interactive elements, Guests can meet Minnie in person, take pictures with her, and generally spend a memorable time together. 

Opening: Spring 2020 (tentative) 
Investment Amount: About 2 billion yen (tentative) ( $18 Millions ) 


Concept image of Guests experiencing the new Disney Character greeting facility


This concept image is subject to change. © Disney 


Notes: To make way for the new development areas and the new facilities, the following attractions in Tomorrowland will close: Grand Circuit Raceway in January 2017 and StarJets in autumn-winter 2017. 


2. Tokyo DisneySea Facilities Development Plan

 
A large scale, simulator type attraction will open at Mediterranean Harbor in Tokyo DisneySea. In addition, plans are being developed for new versions of current attractions and entertainment programs. 



Area to Be Developed 


This concept image is not an exact representation of the development area of the facility. © Disney 


◆ New Attraction at Mediterranean Harbor 


A simulator attraction, Soarin’ (tentative name), will open at Mediterranean Harbor in Tokyo DisneySea. This very popular attraction, which has been enjoyed by Guests visiting the Disney parks outside Japan, can now be experienced at Tokyo DisneySea with original scenes and the newest visual images. 


Type: Simulator 

Duration: About 5 minutes 
Description: Guests who visit the attraction overlooking Mediterranean Harbor will be able experience a journey soaring over famous landscapes of the world, while feeling the breezes and scents that match the various scenes. 
Opening: Fiscal year 2019 (tentative)
Investment Amount: About 18 billion yen (tentative) ( $161 Millions ) 


Exterior of Soarin’ (tentative name) 



Concept image of the Guests experiencing Soarin’ (tentative name) 


The above concept images are subject to change. © Disney 


3. Human resource development and maintenance of environments at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea Parks


Oriental Land will expand the systems to educate and train Cast Members, thus raising their level of knowledge and skills for providing services to Guests, and together with communication measures and enriched award systems, will further promote the creation of work environments where Cast Members can sense their own growth and feel satisfaction in their work. Through these efforts, Cast Members, who play an essential role in Disney parks, will be able to offer Guests an even higher level of hospitality. 


In addition to expansion plans for attractions and entertainment programs, other measures will be taken to improve Guest experiences at the Parks shops, restaurants and service facilities. 


4. Plans for fiscal year 2021 and after

 
Investment plans for the further development of Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, applicable for fiscal year 2021 and after, are currently being considered by Oriental Land. For Tokyo Disneyland, the new development plans will apply to all seven themed lands, including Fantasyland as mentioned earlier in this release. An area-based development for each themed land, to take place in stages, is intended to leave a lasting impact on the Park. 


The large-scale development plans for Tokyo DisneySea, making use of multiple expansion sites, are meant to achieve a rapid evolution of the only Disney park themed to the sea, and thereby broadly raising the degree of Guest satisfaction from both a qualitative and quantitative standpoint. 


In addition, Oriental Land intends to investigate various ways to add more value to Tokyo Disney Resort® as a whole, such as increasing the number of guest rooms at the hotels within the Resort. Moreover, regarding plans for further growth through new business other than the Tokyo Disney Resort business, Oriental Land will continue planning for a new and separate business segment that is not constrained by a specific timeframe.


Note: Other development plans to add value to Tokyo Disney Resort, other than those mentioned in this release, are currently under consideration. Those plans will be announced as soon as they are determined. 


All Artworks: copyright Disney - Oriental Land Co.