The press event for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ended today and Disney also announced during the event plenty of great things for WDW Resort. I've also for you fresh news from the other side of the world - as Hong Kong Disneyland is located almost at the other side of the planet from Florida.
But let's start with Animal Kingdom and the great artwork above showing the “Rivers of Light” night show which promises "to be an innovative show unlike anything ever seen in Disney Parks, combining live music, floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery. The show will magically come to life on the broad, natural stage of the Discovery River, between Discovery Island and Expedition Everest, delighting our guests and truly capping off a full day of adventures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom".
Always at Animal Kingdom will come this June the "Harambe Nights", a special celebration event like no other in honor of the epic tale of “The Lion King”.
"It all begins with a Welcome Reception in the park’s Harambe Village, including mouth-watering appetizers and African-inspired wine and beer. Then it’s time for the ‘mane’ event! Take your seat inside the newly built Harambe Theatre for an unforgettable performance of “The Lion King – Concert in the Wild.” This all-new, never-before-seen theatrical experience features a live orchestra and choir, dancers, digitally projected movie moments, and dramatic lighting and scenic elements – all hosted by a celebrity guest narrator. The show brings to life the humor, heart, and stirring emotional power of Simba’s journey to find his place as the Lion King."
"The lineup of celebrity narrators for “The Lion King – Concert in the Wild” features stars from movies, TV, and Broadway. Those scheduled to appear each night of the event include:
June 7 – Viola Davis: “The Help,” “Ender’s Game”
June 14 – TBD
June 21 – Montego Glover: “The Following,” “Memphis”
June 28 – David Alan Grier: “Porgy & Bess,” “In Living Color”
July 5 – Michael Beach: “ER,” “Third Watch,” “Sons of Anarchy”
July 12 – Harry Lennix: “The Blacklist,” “The Five Heartbeats”
July 19 – Joe Morton: “Scandal,” “American Gangster,” “The Good Wife”
July 26 – Alfre Woodard: “Desperate Housewives,” “Miss Evers Boys”
August 2 – Brian Stokes Mitchell: “Ragtime,” “Trapper John, M.D.,” “Glee”
August 9 – Patina Miller: “Pippin,” “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1”
"After the show, the celebration continues with the Harambe Nights Street Party, filled with music, characters, and live performers, encouraging everyone to join in and “Go wild!” You can enjoy an all-inclusive buffet of sophisticated and flavorful African cuisine and gourmet desserts. Exclusive Lion King merchandise and collectibles will be available for purchase during the event, and you’ll want to stick around for a special finale to bid “kwaherini” to a magical evening that could only happen at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
Harambe Nights takes place every Saturday from June 7 – August 9, 2014, with the Welcome Reception starting at 7 p.m. and a 7:30 p.m. show time. Tickets are $119 for adults, $79 for ages 3-9, plus tax. Tickets with premium floor seating are $134 for adults, $94 for ages 3-9, plus tax. Capacity is limited, so you’ll want to go ahead and get your tickets by visiting Disneyworld.com/HarambeNights or calling 407-939-1319."
Talking about the Lion King, “Festival of the Lion King,” the musical show will return in a new location in the Africa section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom this June. Above, a first look at what the new theater, which will be located in the left side of the Africa section, will look like.
Earlier today, Walt Disney World Resort President George A. Kalogridis also announced some news about the Disney’s Polynesian Resort which currently have new bungalows being built in front of the hotel in Seven Seas Lagoon. And as part of a complete re-imagining, Disney’s Polynesian Resort is returning to its original, 1971 opening day name: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
Tikis bars fans will be happy to learn that the sweeping renovation, happening now, will also include a new food and beverage experience opening for guests next year, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto — based on the popular themed lounge bar at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim.
And with a great Tikis theming as you can see above and below!
Let's move now in Asia with fresh news about Hong Kong Disneyland, starting by this new rendering for what should be a scene of Iron Man Experience, to open in 2016. It shows the ride shuttle vehicle in the sky of Hong Kong approaching a Stark skyscraper with Hong Kong harbor in the background!
HKDL will also have starting this September its first permanent nighttime parade "Disney Paint the Night". Here is the logo of it...
...and here is a first concept-art for this awaited interactive parade during which guests will be able to change colors of the floats!
The second concept-art below shows a "Cars" float with Mack equipped with hundred of light, and programming should make them appearing as three dimensional...
Last but not least - and this last news is about the present - with the release of this beautiful Mystic Point attraction poster!
O-Kay, that should do it for today. See you soon for a new D&M update and in the meantime i remind you that, to celebrate Disneyland Paris 22nd Anniversary, i'm also doing a special offer price on the great Disneyland Paris "From Sketch to Reality" book - for both ENGLISH or FRENCH editions - and in addition to the special price is also include a "surprise gift" that everyone who will order the book will receive, and believe me you will love it! Thanks to this special offer you will save $50 on the normal price, so if you don't own the book yet i'm sure you don't want to miss it! Paypal and credit card payment are accepted, so make sure you to place your order now!
You can use the Paypal button below for the english edition, and for orders of the french edition or for credit card payment please send me an email at: neverlandeditions@gmail.com
Pictures: copyright Disney