Saturday, December 14, 2019

Disneyland Paris Autopia Re-Opens Today at Discoveryland !



After a long refurbishment, Disneyland Paris Autopia re-opened today at Discoveryland and thanks to Max, D&M contributor and DLP Welcome webmaster we have pictures of it, shot this morning.

What has changed? Not that much: first they had to redo Autopia's road which was in really bad condition, with holes, etc, and the road is just brand new now. Then, they also added some tiny lights along the road. But the most important thing is the addition of a new lighting at the entrance with changing colors lights in the holes under teh top antennas( top picture above ). Let's have a look at the pictures, would we?




















Here is an Imagineering video explaining the works during the renovation of Autopia.



Check this short video from Max showing the tests of the new night lighting, two weeks ago.


And here is the video of the full ride, filmed this morning at dawn by Max.




A last look, in direction of Space Mountain, in the cold light of dawn.



Folks, It seems that it was written that this last quarter will be unbelievably difficult for me and i have to stop D&M again for quite a while to take care of the "real" reality.  So, there will be probably NO NEW ARTICLES OR POSTS, or just a few like this one, at least until next year. Last August i asked for your support and a few dozens of D&M faithful readers - whom i thanks again a lot - kindly sent a donation to D&M. Since years, there is around 5000 readers coming each day on D&M and if you've not sent your support before, please send it NOW as Disney and more needs urgently your support. It's serious, so please make sure to read below how to send your support.


The easiest way to send your support is through Paypal and i've created a page on Paypal where you can send your donation. There is a minimum donation of 20€ but you're welcome to send more, of course. Also, an important note: this is NOT a subscription, meaning that you won’t have to pay each month or so, it’s a one-time only donation, unless of course you wish to donate again to D&M. And there is also a good news: everyone who will donate will be rewarded by great gifts, and all are great ones! So, after you sent your donation, don't forget to send me an email with your name to let me know at : amplittaye@gmail.com so you can get the surprise gifts to thank you.

HERE is the link to the Paypal page to send your support ( if there is a problem to access the page, please let me know, but normally it should work fine ): https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8hbx9SRxoL

Most of all, i thank you by advance, and i hope to see you soon, in the meantime follow me on the D&M Facebook page where i might continue to post good links and have all a great Christmas!

Pictures and videos: copyright DLP Welcome

At Last We Have Artworks of the Cars land Dine-In Restaurant That Never Was !



A long time ago i had been told by a good friend Imagineer that, originally, a restaurant like the popular Sci-Fi Dine-In at WDW DHS had been envisioned for DCA Cars Land, but had to be cut for budget reasons. Imagineers kept the project for a future addition to the land ( which now won't happen as the big Avengers ride show-building will take the land ) but in the Part 5 of the incredibly perfect The Imagineering Story documentary series we can see during a few seconds for the first time the renderings for this Cars Land restaurant that never was.

I did screen captures of both, showing the outside and the inside - above and below - and you'll note that, although there was similarities with the Sci-Fi Dine-In as guests would have sit inside cars and watch movies on the screen, here the theme for the projected movies wouldn't have been a "Sci-Fi" theme.



Artworks: copyright Disney

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea Expansions Update !



New details were unveiled for Tokyo Disneyland Expansion opening on April 15, 2020 and i have for you a huge update about Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea expansions with dozens of rendering including new ones released by Oriental Land as well as others new pictures for the highly awaited Beauty and the Beast E-Ticket ride. Note that a lot of the renderings below are in large size and the best enhanced quality you'll find on the net! Here we go with, first, the new press release from Tokyo Disney Resort:

Oriental Land Co., Ltd. announced new details for the expansions coming to Fantasyland, Toontown and Tomorrowland on April 15, 2020, as part of the largest expansion since Tokyo Disneyland Park opened. The details include descriptions of attractions, theater entertainment, merchandise and menus that will allow guests to feel like they have entered a Disney film as they meet their favorite Disney Characters and listen to well-known music. This new experience will immerse guests in the world of Disney like never before.

The additions to Fantasyland will bring Disney’s Beauty and the Beast film to life through the Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast attraction, shops and food facilities. Also in the new area will be Fantasyland Forest Theatre, an indoor theater featuring performances of the new show “Mickey’s Magical Music World.”

Tomorrowland will see the opening of The Happy Ride with Baymax attraction and a shop specializing in popcorn. Toontown will see the addition of a new Disney Character greeting facility called Minnie’s Style Studio.



Fantasyland

New area themed to Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

This area stretches from the village where Belle lives to the forest where the Beast’s castle is secluded. At the entrance to the village is the home of Belle’s father: Maurice’s Cottage (Disney FASTPASS machines are located here). Inspired by the film, a fountain dedicated to Gaston can be found at the center of the village. La Taverne de Gaston restaurant and Village Shoppes, including one themed to the bookstore that Belle frequents, line the street. With music from the film playing, guests will feel as though they have stepped right into Belle’s world.



Leaving the village behind, guests enter the forest where Beauty and the Beast Castle looms. Inside the castle, guests can experience Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast attraction.



Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast

Rising to a height of nearly 30 meters, Beauty and the Beast Castle houses the major attraction, Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast. Guests board magical cups that “dance” in rhythm to the animated film’s well-known music as they take guests through scenes depicting the story of Belle and the Beast.



Guests step into the Beast’s castle located deep in the forest to experience the “enchanted tale.” In the first scene, the beautiful Belle encounters a prince who has been transformed into a beast by a powerful enchantress.

Aboard enchanted cups that move and turn as if they are alive, guests travel through various scenes to experience the world of the film. There’s the banquet where they “dance” together with the dishes and cutlery to Lumiere’s singing...



...the snow-covered garden where they glide over the ice as Belle and the Beast find themselves growing closer.




The castle is filled with magical moments and surprises, so guests will discover something new each time they visit.



Will Belle and the Beast find love and thus break the spell before the last petal of the enchanted rose falls? Guests can look forward to the magical romance of Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast.








Below, a picture of the ride vehicle in which ten guests will be able to seat.


Overview of Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast

Attraction type: Ride-through

Duration of ride: About 8 minutes

The following services are available for this attraction: ▪ Disney FASTPASS ▪ Single Rider ▪ Happy 15 Entry (a special privilege that allows guests staying at a Disney hotel to enter the Park 15 minutes before the regular Park opening time)

Here are the latest pictures of the construction of Beast Castle.




WDI Imagineers have created outstanding Audio-Aimatronics for this Beauty and the Beast attraction, including Audio-Animatronics of Belle and The Beast in several different scenes, Lumière, and even the Belle's horse.
















If you've never watch it before, definitely check the video below showing these Audio-Animatronics in action during their programming by WDI Imagineers!




SHOPS

Village Shoppes

Inspired by the shops in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and filled with ornamentation and other details created by the artisans of the little village where Belle lives, Village Shoppes consists of La Belle Librairie, Little Town Traders and Bonjour Gifts. This trio of shops provides a delightful, one-of-a-kind shopping experience.



La Belle Librairie is designed like the bookshop that Belle visits in the film. Guests may recognize many details from the film, including the rolling ladder to reach books on the high shelves and Belle’s favorite book.

Little Town Traders is the shop where village craftspeople sell their wares. Guests will find hand-made toys, candlesticks and dishware decorating the shop.



Bonjour Gifts is themed as the shop of the village’s talented clothier and hatmaker. Guests will find dresses and the clothier’s tools in the shop.

SPECIAL MERCHANDISE

The shops will offer around 100 different types of special merchandise that will enhance the ambience from the Beauty and the Beast film. Mugs and dishes with romantic designs featuring Beauty and the Beast Castle or Belle dancing with the Beast, as well as playful items like eyeglass stands and cushions with designs of the strong and handsome Gaston, will be available. Merchandise with motifs of the enchanted rose from the story will also be available, including the Melody Light Rose, a toy that emits light and sound.

FOOD FACILITIES

Restaurant: La Taverne de Gaston

Seating around 200 guests, this counter service restaurant is styled after the tavern in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.



The interior of the tavern proudly displays trophies celebrating Gaston’s many accomplishments. There’s even the large portrait of Gaston above the fireplace as seen in the film.


This restaurant serves hearty fare themed to Gaston. Guests can enjoy the ambience of the Disney film while enjoying a sausage in a croissant, a sweet-and-savory French toast sandwich with cheese, or a soft drink version of Gaston’s favorite brew.

Restaurant: LeFou’s

Opening next door to La Taverne de Gaston will be LeFou’s, a small snack shop named after Gaston’s sidekick. Served here will be apple-caramel churros, a new flavor for Tokyo Disneyland.

Popcorn Wagon: Le Petit Popper

This little popcorn wagon in village where Belle lives serves up freshly popped corn.

ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

Fantasyland Forest Theatre

Deep in Fantasyland, in a fairytale setting, lies the immersive Fantasyland Forest Theatre. This is the first indoor theater at Tokyo Disneyland.





With half-timbers, tree forms and pillars, both the exterior and interior design of this theater were inspired by the forest. The chandeliers, which appear to use candles, are rustic as well. The theater is decorated with beautiful tapestries and murals which celebrate the forest and the woodland creatures from Disney animation.



Here are the latest pictures of the construction of the theatre and its area.






Presented in the theatre will be the musical “Mickey’s Magical Music World.”

Overview of Fantasyland Forest Theatre

Theater type: Theater for live entertainment

Capacity: About 1,500 persons

ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM

Mickey’s Magical Music World

Venue: Fantasyland Forest Theatre

Duration: About 25 minutes

Performances: 5 to 9 times daily

Disney Characters: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Snow White, Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket, Woody, Jessie, Lumiere, Belle, Alice, Mary Poppins, Baloo, King Louie, Timon, Cinderella, Jasmine, Rapunzel, Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Mr. Smee, and others

This original Tokyo Disneyland show features Mickey Mouse and his Pals in a spectacular performance of music and dance that makes full use of the theater’s large-scale stage sets and effects.

One day, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy find a giant music box deep in the forest. They turn the music box’s large golden key and doors suddenly open. Accompanied by the songs associated with them, various Disney Characters appear including Snow White, Pinocchio, Woody and his friends from the Disney and Pixar Toy Story film series, and more.


Mickey and his Pals are delighted with the surprising development and are excited to hear the next song. But when the last door opens, no one appears and no music is heard. Worried, Mickey and his Pals set off on a journey to find the missing song.

Along the way they encounter characters from many Disney films. Lumiere from Beauty and the Beast welcomes them with a colorful banquet. King Louie and others from The Jungle Book together with Timon from The Lion King put on a powerful jungle-style performance. In a lovely world of starry skies and mirrors, the Disney Princesses dance a graceful waltz. And then Ursula from The Little Mermaid and Captain Hook from Peter Pan appear in a thrilling scene. Will the journey of Mickey and his Pals lead them to the lost song?

Guests of all ages will enjoy this dynamic entertainment offering with many of their favorite Disney Characters, unforgettable music, and spectacular scenes featuring a blend of stage effects, image projections and live performances.

SPECIAL MERCHANDISE

Around 15 different types of plush toys and plush badges of Mickey Mouse and his Pals wearing costumes like the ones they wear in “Mickey’s Magical Music World” will be available.

Tomorrowland

ATTRACTION

The Happy Ride with Baymax

Opening in Tomorrowland, The Happy Ride with Baymax is the world’s first rotating ride attraction themed to the Disney film Big Hero 6 (released in Japan as Baymax).

The brilliant young inventor Hiro Hamada learned from his robotic personal healthcare companion Baymax that the first step in making people healthy is to make them happy, so he and Baymax developed this wild, musical ride that is sure to make everyone happy.


As Hiro’s favorite up-tempo music plays, guests aboard vehicles pulled by Baymax’s nursebot friends can enjoy being whirled around in unexpected ways.

A device on the attraction’s ceiling “scans” the guests with lights to measure their happiness while on the ride. The levels of happiness are sure to be high as guests enjoy the surprises and unexpected twists of the ride.

Overview of The Happy Ride with Baymax

Attraction type: Rotating ride

Duration of ride: About 1.5 minutes

The following service is available for this attraction: ▪ Disney FASTPASS Guests must be 81 cm or taller to ride.

Note: The Happy Ride with Baymax is presented by Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

FOOD FACILITY

The Big Pop

Opening in Tomorrowland next door to The Happy Ride with Baymax is The Big Pop, a cosmic-themed shop specializing in popcorn. This is the first shop in Tokyo Disney Resort dedicated to popcorn.



Appropriate for its location in Tomorrowland, the shop is themed to outer space. Hanging from the starry ceiling is a huge popcorn chandelier representing the “big bang” that created the universe. Large windows allow guests both inside and outside the shop to view the kitchen where the popcorn is being made and enjoy the aroma.

The Big Pop offers a variety of popcorn buckets that can be filled with a choice of three flavors of popcorn: Cookie & Cream, available for the first time at the Park, Caramel & Cheese and Strawberry Milk. The mushroom-type popcorn offered here is aromatic and hearty.

MERCHANDISE FACILITY

Stargazer Supplies

This merchandise wagon, featuring a giant telescope, is themed to a gathering place for both astronomers and stargazers

Toontown

DISNEY CHARACTER GREETING FACILITY

Minnie’s Style Studio

For the first time at Tokyo Disneyland, guests will be able to meet Minnie Mouse in her very own greeting facility when Minnie’s Style Studio opens in Toontown. As a world-renowned fashion designer, Minnie Mouse will greet guests while wearing her latest design, which will change each season.



Decked out with a big, polka-dot bow, Minnie’s Style Studio is where she designs, creates and photographs her new fashions. Guests enter the lobby where posters of magazine covers featuring Minnie are on display, visit her office where she draws her original designs, and then pass through the workroom where Minnie’s designs become outfits. Finally, guests will enter the photo studio where Minnie will greet them wearing her latest high-fashion design for the season.



Minnie’s costumes will come in four designs, one to match each season. When Minnie’s Style Studio opens she’ll greet guests in a hat and a dress with a floral design perfect for the spring season.

Note: Toontown is presented by Kodansha Ltd.

SPECIAL MERCHANDISE

In each of the four seasons of the year, special merchandise with motifs matching the costume Minnie wears at the studio will be available. In springtime, eight different types of merchandise, including hairbands and plush badges will be offered. [Tokyo Disneyland] Nouvelles attractions à Toontown, Fantasyland et Tomorrowland (15 avril 2020) - Page 7 Zzzzzzzzzzz25 Tokyo Disney Resort

MORE SPECIAL MERCHANDISE

Guests will find nearly130 types of special merchandise in two different designs featuring the four new major attractions opening in Tokyo Disneyland.

One design, which shows Mickey Mouse’s excitement over the opening of the new attractions and other facilities, will be used on about 90 types of merchandise. Greeting cards with pop-out images of the four facilities, tissue holders, keychains, and Chocolate Crunch, a long-time favorite souvenir, and other items will feature this design.

The other design will feature the distinctive logos of the new facilities. The stylish design will be used on about 40 types of merchandise including T-shirts, caps, neck straps and pass cases that can be used both inside and outside the Park.




DISNEY HOTELS

Tokyo Disneyland Hotel, Disney Ambassador Hotel and Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel will welcome guests with various programs starting from April 8, 2020 and continuing through March 19, 2021. The lobby and other areas of these three Disney hotels will feature decorations commemorating the opening of Tokyo Disneyland’s new attractions and facilities.

Guests staying at Tokyo Disneyland Hotel or Disney Ambassador Hotel will find complimentary postcards and paper gift bags with a limited-edition design in their rooms. Guests at Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel will also receive a limited-edition design postcard.



In addition, restaurants in Tokyo Disneyland Hotel and Disney Ambassador Hotel will be serving special menus for a limited period only.

Note: The limited-edition design postcards and paper gift bags will be available in all Disney Ambassador Hotel guest rooms with the exception of the “KINGDOM HEARTS Special Room” and “KINDOM HEARTS Special Room – Remind.”

DISNEY RESORT LINE

At the four monorail stations of the Disney Resort Line, day pass tickets will be available in two different designs. One design is based on the Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast attraction, while the other design shows Mickey Mouse and images of the four new facilities that will be opening. The day passes will be available starting from April 8, 2020.



TOKYO DISNEY RESORT VACATION PACKAGES

This online service is offering a two-day plan commemorating the opening of the new facilities at Tokyo Disneyland. The plan includes accommodations at a hotel within Tokyo Disney Resort and FASTPASS selections that do not have specified times. The plan also provides a ticket for front row seating to view “Mickey’s Magical Music World” as well as FASTPASS without specified times to experience Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast and The Happy Ride with Baymax. Guests using this plan will also be able to experience Minnie’s Style Studio with a minimal wait.

Meanwhile at Tokyo DisneySea...

Works on Tokyo DisneySea expansion continues on Fantasy Springs - TDS new "port" with themed mini-lands basen on Frozen, Tangled and Peter Pan as well as a new hotel - scheduled for an opening in 2022. For the record, i repost here the renderings of each mini-lands and hotel, and you have more artwork in D&M previous article HERE.











Now, have a look at this first aerial picture below posted on Twitter by @satella747, in which you can see the future land next to TDS



Then, check the other picture below showing the same aerial view before works began on TDR parking lot where they build Fantasy Springs.



This next picture posted on Themeparx shows the model with Fantasy Springs mini-lands indicated.



Right now the construction site is full of cranes and, considering the opening of Fantasy Springs is in three years, there is of course not much to see.






And that's it for this big update about Tokyo Disney Resort ...and i'm sorry to say also for a while for more updates on Disney and more too, as you will read below.


Folks, It seems that it was written that this last quarter will be unbelievably difficult for me and i have to stop D&M again for quite a while to take care of the "real" reality.  So, there will be NO NEW ARTICLES OR POSTS at least until next year. Last August i asked for your support and a few dozens of D&M faithful readers - whom i thanks again a lot - kindly sent a donation to D&M. Since years, there is around 5000 readers coming each day on D&M and if you've not sent your support before, please send it NOW as Disney and more needs urgently your support. It's serious, so please make sure to read below how to send your support.

The easiest way to send your support is through Paypal and i've created a page on Paypal where you can send your donation. There is a minimum donation of 20€ but you're welcome to send more, of course. Also, an important note: this is NOT a subscription, meaning that you won’t have to pay each month or so, it’s a one-time only donation, unless of course you wish to donate again to D&M. And there is also a good news: everyone who will donate will be rewarded by great gifts, and all are great ones! So, after you sent your donation, don't forget to send me an email with your name to let me know at : amplittaye@gmail.com so you can get the surprise gifts to thank you.

HERE is the link to the Paypal page to send your support ( if there is a problem to access the page, please let me know, but normally it should work fine ): https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8hbx9SRxoL

Most of all, i thank you by advance, and i hope to see you soon, in the meantime have all a great Christmas!

Pictures: copyright Disney, Oriental Land Co