Opening dates for Soundsational Summer at Disneyland

[Disney4us2]

From the Disney Parks Blog:

As days get longer and the weather gets warmer (well, hopefully!), we are very excited about summer 2011 at the Disneyland Resort. And today I’m thrilled to share the grand opening dates for three new experiences headed your way.

Grand opening June 3: At Disney California Adventure park, get ready for an all-new voyage with one of Disney’s most beloved characters, Ariel. The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure will invite guests to take a journey under the sea to experience all the fun and adventures in Ariel’s world. From the great songs to state-of-the-art animatronics and special effects, guests will become a part of her world in a way that’s never happened before.

The Little Mermaid attraction is the next big milestone in the expansion of Disney California Adventure park. “World of Color” debuted last year and continues to wow guests every night with magic that combines choreographed fountains, lights, lasers, music, animation and Disney storytelling. And on the horizon, guests can see the awesome Cadillac Mountain range taking shape as the backdrop to the 12-acre Cars Land, which opens in 2012.

Here’s a first look at the vision Walt Disney Imagineers have for Ursula, who will play a big role in The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.



Across the esplanade at Disneyland park, guests this summer will be dancing to the beat of a whole new parade and jetting off to new galaxies far, far away.

May 27 Premiere: “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” officially steps off for Memorial Day weekend, with an explosive musical score, thrilling rhythms and bold percussion that will have people dancing to many of their favorite Disney tunes. Look for whimsical float units, live musicians and some of your favorite characters. Mickey Mouse and his pals will be jamming like never before and creating an atmosphere that will be…soundsational!

Here’s a peek at the preparations:



Grand opening June 3: And for those who dare to venture into the deep, dark corners of the universe, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue officially launches in Tomorrowland at Disneyland park, taking guests on interstellar adventures to Coruscant, Tatooine, and other destinations in the “Star Wars” galaxy. With the return of favorite Star Wars characters and the addition of more familiar faces and destinations, guests are going to experience Starspeeder travel in an all-new way…in 3D!

You may remember, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue also launches at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort on May 20. May the Force be with you!



Summer Fun: Along with these three exciting additions, guests will find even more fun this summer at the Disneyland Resort. So, stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for updates.


The pictures didn't come through. See the blog for pictures.

[BrerGnat]

I'm really hoping for some soft openings of the two new rides. I'm going to be hanging around the parks more often the two weeks leading up to June 3, just in case. :secret:

[tinkwest]

Disneyland Resort Celebrates Soundsational Summer with Premieres of ‘Mickey’s Soundsational Parade’ May 27, Star Tours and ‘Little Mermaid’ Attractions June 3


(April 2011) – Disney excitement of all kinds – from under the sea, to down Main Street, U.S.A., and to a galaxy far, far away – arrives at Disneyland Resort in summer 2011. Several highly anticipated attractions and entertainment experiences will make their debuts, enhancing all the fun and adventure that create memories for guests throughout the year at the Disneyland Resort. Highlights of this Soundsational Summer include the latest milestone in the expansion of Disney California Adventure park, The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, plus the sensational new 3D excursions of Star Tours and the exciting new “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” in Disneyland park.

* The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure – The adventures of Ariel will unfold in colorful scenes filled with Audio-Animatronics characters and memorable music from the Disney animated motion picture hit “The Little Mermaid” when this modern version of the classic Disney “dark ride” premieres in Disney California Adventure on Friday, June 3. The attraction brings the popular motion picture to life in magnificent scenes where guests will sing along with Sebastian and friends, keep an eye out for the evil Ursula, and experience the romance of Ariel and Eric. Special effects will transport guests “under the sea,” taking them into Ariel’s world in ways never before seen.

* Star Tours - The Adventures Continue – Guests will never know where the Force might take them as they embark on thrilling new Star Tours journeys, now enhanced with the breathtaking immersion of 3D. Premiering Friday, June 3, in Disneyland Tomorrowland, the new journeys will feature more than 50 different story combinations, bridging that “long, long time ago” between the two “Star Wars” trilogies. At the bustling new Spaceport where droids run the show and excursions to the stars are advertised overhead, eager travelers will board fully reimagined Starspeeders for interstellar treks to Coruscant, Hoth, Naboo and many more destinations in the “Star Wars” galaxy. In the course of their adventures, voyagers will encounter characters from the “Star Wars” movies, some of them making their first appearances in the refreshed attraction.

* “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” – Explosions of dynamic rhythm and bold percussion will accompany beloved Disney characters as they stomp and strut along Main Street, U.S.A., in the new “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade,” premiering Friday, May 27. The parade brings characters and melodies from Disney films to life with a syncopated drum line, flashing cymbals and more than 90 performers, as Mickey Mouse and his pals get the Disneyland crowd into the beat of this giant jam session. “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” features nine parade floats, each designed in the style of a children’s “pop-up” storybook with eye-catching visuals and whimsical details.

Also at Disneyland:

* “Magical” Fireworks Spectacular – Tinker Bell and Dumbo will take to the air over Sleeping Beauty Castle as the “Magical” fireworks spectacular returns for its third consecutive summer. Tink waves her wand to awaken a pyrotechnic spectacular inspired by Disney’s most magical characters, including Pinocchio, Mary Poppins, Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother, and the Three Good Fairies from “Sleeping Beauty.” Dumbo makes a “Magical” summer appearance, too, as the enchanting storytelling of a fireworks show creates memories for guests of the Disneyland Resort.

Also at Disney California Adventure:

* Goofy’s Sky School – Joining the fun along Paradise Pier beginning June 3, this coaster attraction is inspired by the classic Goofy “How-to” shorts of the 1940s and 1950s as well as the cartoon short “Goofy’s Glider.” The theme is a flying academy with your pal Goofy as the wacky instructor. Guests will enjoy all the dips, twists and thrills as Goofy tries to teach a group of novice pilots how to soar through the sky.

* “Disney Junior – Live on Stage!” – “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” are now appearing at Disney California Adventure as part of "Disney Junior - Live on Stage!" – a theme park show that is a favorite of young guests. Co-starring in the production are characters from “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “Handy Manny” and “Little Einsteins” - other shows that are part of the Disney Junior schedule on Disney Channel. Children and families are invited to dance and sing along as "Disney Junior--Live on Stage!" is presented several times daily.

* Paradise Pier - New restaurants, shops and attractions will open this summer as Paradise Pier completes its transformation into a vintage beachside playland. New dining locations will include Paradise Garden Grill and Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta. The popular Corn Dog Castle returns, along with Seaside Souvenirs (formerly Souvenir 66), a restyled merchandise location. These additions will be adjacent to the new Goofy’s Sky School and Little Mermaid attractions.

* “World of Color” – The award-winning “World of Color” water spectacular continues for a second summer of nightly performances on Paradise Bay. The show combines nearly 1,200 versatile, performing fountains, popular Disney music and a kaleidoscope of audio and visual effects, including both classic and new animation projected on giant screens of water. “World of Color” floods the senses and takes the audience on an imaginative, emotional journey into the colorful worlds of Disney classics such as “The Lion King” and “The Little Mermaid” along with Disney?Pixar films including “Toy Story” and “Finding Nemo.”

* “ElecTRONica” – The party on “The Grid,” inspired by the Disney movie, “TRON: Legacy,” will continue nightly throughout the summer. “ElecTRONica” features music, live performances and interactive experiences, and it has become the place to dance the night away. Inspired by the computer-world environment of “TRON: Legacy,” ElecTRONica comes to life in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot. DJs keep the energy going with electronic party music while dancers costumed as “Sirens” and “Programs” from the movie rock out at locations throughout the party.

At the Disneyland Hotel:

* Disneyland Hotel Enhancements - As part of an exciting renovation, the Disneyland Hotel gets a retro theme with a contemporary twist. Along with beautiful new décor in the rooms and a new pool, guests will enjoy historic and nostalgic elements of Disneyland park reminiscent of the 1950s. In keeping with that spirit, the new Tangaroa Terrace restaurant will open this spring, along with the new bar, Trader Sam’s. Their tiki-inspired design and storyline tie in thematically with the mid-century modern architecture of the Disneyland Hotel and the adjacent Dream Tower, soon to be renamed Adventure Tower.

[tinkwest]

Thanks 2Epcot (Chris) for sharing some of your pictures from Mickey's Soundsational Parade. Can't wait to see it this Saturday.

[Melanie]

Great pics Chris! Looks very colorful. Thanks for getting them up Linda. :thumbsup:

[2Epcot]

Great pics Chris! Looks very colorful. Thanks for getting them up Linda. :thumbsup:

It was very colorful. The music was good, and I loved that it wasn't a street show. This was a traditional parade that Disneyland has been missing for a long time. Maybe someone has been listening to all the complaints about the previous parade.

My favorite part was the Mary Poppins section. Again, great music, and it was nice seeing some old Disney history back in a parade, not something that just came out in the theaters a few months ago.

[tinkwest]

30 May 2011

Goofy’s Sky School, Restyled Shops and New Restaurants Will Complete Transformation of Paradise Pier in Summer 2011

ANAHEIM, Calif.− Guests will enjoy wild, hilarious flying lessons beginning July 1 at Goofy’s Sky School, one of several new attractions and restaurants opening in Paradise Pier at Disney California Adventure park. Along with the debut of The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, these new experiences will complete the transformation of Paradise Pier, a section of the park reminiscent of a seaside amusement park of the 1930s.

The fun at Paradise Pier adds to the excitement of Disney Soundsational Summer, June 3 through Sept 5, offering guests even more ways to make special memories at the Disneyland Resort.

New dining locations also make their debut July 1, offering a variety of options for lunch, dinner and snacks at Paradise Pier -- Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, Paradise Garden Grill and Bayside Brews, a beer and pretzel kiosk. This spring, the popular Corn Dog Castle made its return and Seaside Souvenirs opened as a restyled merchandise location.

During the past two years, Walt Disney Imagineers have added new attractions, enhanced the entertainment offerings and updated the architecture in Paradise Pier, the boardwalk area surrounding Paradise Bay. The water spectacular “World of Color” opened in 2010, along with Silly Symphony Swings, and guests first enjoyed the high-scoring fun of Toy Story Mania! in 2008. Ariel and Goofy are now part of the cast of Disney characters along Paradise Bay, inviting guests to stay and play all summer long.

Goofy’s Sky School – Joining the fun along Paradise Pier July 1, this coaster attraction invites guests to enroll in Goofy’s Sky School, a hilarious adventure filled with zany dips, twists and family thrills. Inspired by the classic Goofy “How-to” shorts of the 1940s and 1950s as well as the cartoon short, “Goofy’s Glider,” the attraction takes “novice pilots” on a flying lesson through the wild, blue yonder. Zipping over and through the clouds, the flight path rises three stories high with plenty of wacky antics and instruction from Goofy via whimsically animated billboards.

Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta – The sights and sounds of the boardwalk are part of the flavor at this quick-service Italian eatery, which offers something for everyone. The menu includes delicious pasta dishes and salads, and guests will be able to watch their flatbread pizza being pulled piping hot from the ovens. Flatbreads run the gamut from a traditional cheese or pepperoni to a Portobello mushroom and spinach flatbread with pesto, artichokes, mozzarella, ricotta-salata and Pecorino Romano cheese. Pasta fans can dig into classic spaghetti and meatballs, pasta tossed with chicken in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce, or five-cheese ravioli with pesto and toasted pine nuts. Hearty salads include a chicken Caesar; Mediterranean chef salad with provolone, salami, capocollo, fresh mozzarella, cured ham, roasted peppers, olives and greens in a red wine vinaigrette; and a field greens salad with Craisins® dried cranberries, raisins, caramelized pecans and a basil vinaigrette. Vegetarian options are also available.

Paradise Garden Grill – Guests will find a Mediterranean spin on the food at this location with a variety of skewers and kabobs. Signature items include chicken, beef, vegetable, and tofu skewers served with rice pilaf, cucumber salad and grilled pita bread, with a selection of sauces, including Moroccan chili tomato and tandoori-spiced yogurt. Refreshing Greek salads and a kid’s menu are also available

Bayside Brews – Warm, salted pretzels are an ideal treat to pair with a cold beer, available at this new kiosk beginning July 1 at Paradise Pier in Disney California Adventure park. Bayside Brews will offer beverages and six types of beers on tap, for guests 21 years of age and older. The beers include domestic and specialty brews.

Corn Dog Castle – This boardwalk favorite returns to serve one of California’s favorite beach snacks. The quick-serve eatery offers two choices for corn dog fans, original and hot link. A meatless option is also available, as a delicious, deep-fried cheddar cheese stick.

Seaside Souvenirs - This quaint boardwalk mercantile recalls the nautical-themed curio shops of seaside towns across the land. Formerly known as Souvenir 66, the mementos here are themed to the nearby The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure attraction, and it also carries general merchandise and sundries.

Fun Facts About Goofy’s Sky School:


The attraction is inspired by the classic Goofy “how-to” short films of the 1940s and 1950s as well as the cartoon short, “Goofy’s Glider.”
The flight instructor’s motto is on the entrance sign: “Fly the Goofy Way.”
The attraction tells the story of Goofy’s decision to launch a flight academy following a failed attempt as an egg farmer on his California farmland.
Residents of the egg farm-turned-flight school still linger on the premises, making this wacky flight school even more thrilling.
Guests will enjoy unexpected turns on this “flight,” which features several "switchback" sections over 1,200 feet of track.
Attraction vehicles will hold four guests per car.
Guests must be 42 inches tall to ride, and FastPass is available for Goofy’s Sky School.