The Planning Board is pleased to present the 2016 Park of the Day: Wednesday 10/19 - Universal Pre-Meet followed by Yehaa Bob Thursday 10/20 - EPCOT Friday 10/21 - Magic Kingdom including MNSSHP Saturday 10/22 - Animal Kingdom Sunday 10/23 - Hollywood Studios Note: Saturday and Sunday are subject to change once additional information is known about park hours and night time offering at both parks.
Finally! Some good news after all the carnage and cuts at WDW. New entertainment at Hollywood Studios that will undoubtedly still be going for our Pixelmania dates A new character driven, night time, Star Wars Stage show entitled "Star Wars, a galaxy far, far away". Daytime Storm trooper marches to the stage with Capt. Phasma A revamped night time fireworks spectacular entitled "Star Wars, a galactic spectacular" with projection images on the Chinese theater http://www.kennythepirate.com/2016/...essional-coming-to-disneys-hollywood-studios/ I had a feeling when that fireworks permit was pulled for a new staging area behind the Back Lot area, that the fireworks shows would be upgraded and put into play year round. The stage shows and trooper march were an unexpected bonus considering all the unfortunate budget cuts taking place. Thankfully we guessed right when we didn't try to do halfsies with DHS in the morning and AK in the evening, all on the same day. Those of you considering when to leave for home after Pixelmania might want to work this evening's shows at DHS on your travel schedule. ~Joanie
My only minor issue with this as a whole is that didn't they technically tear down the Sorcerer's Hat to give an unobstructed view of the Chinese Theater? And now they are putting up a stage for a show right in front. (And the same went for the dance party stage). Just find it kinda funny.
The stage is already up and it's a low profile affair. There are taller boxes off to the sides but you still get the view of the theater. It's a considerable improvement over the old stage. I find it kind of interesting that no matter how we all hate the stage blocking the theater, it's pretty essential that one is there, especially if they are going to do a pre show before the projection fireworks on the theater. The axis of the "Stage in the foreground/ background building for projection images/ fireworks" seems to be a necessary evil of this type of Disney entertainment. This stage, while totally Art Deco appearing during the daytime, morphs into 70's disco extravaganza at night when the 7 billion watt screens are lit up. I'm sure the astronauts up in the space station have called to complain about the lights being so bright. ~Joanie
That's great news! Having said that, keep in mind that the back of the park will be an active construction zone so the possibility exists that there can be temporary cancellations of the show when a fire hazard exists. Hopefully that won't occur while we're there.
And I hope that the stage show does not become the crowd control nightmare that was Hyperspace Hoopla.
Here is another update concerning things we will be able to enjoy during our evening at Animal Kingdom. The following was copied from Josh's Easy WDW site http://www.easywdw.com/easy/ Concerning a light show projected on the Tree of Life: "According to Disney, each light show will be called a “Nighttime Awakening:” After the sun sets, animal spirits within the great tree come alive and reveal themselves in mesmerizing color and light. During the evening hours, pay special attention to the Tree of Life at the center of Disney’s Animal Kingdom park. At various times, flickering fireflies magically appear and awaken the wondrous animals spirits carved into the tree’s towering trunk—bringing to light a stunning visual extravaganza swarming with vivid color and animated imagery. Witness a graceful young doe embark on a thrilling cross-country journey. Behold love blossoming between 2 hummingbirds. See a spry fox spreading gifts of love among the denizens of a wintry forest. A feast for the eyes, each approximately 3-minute-long revelation celebrates the eternal balance and harmony that exists in all living things, big or small, and is sure to inspire and delight the entire family, big and small." Since it's a MOVING projected light show it will be a bear to photograph, but I'm sure that despite the technical difficulties of capturing this with a camera it will be highly enjoyable to watch. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Night time Safari: "Ride-wise, the extension of Kilimanjaro Safaris into the evening for the nighttime safaris is a major piece: After the sun sets, venture out onto the savanna for a nighttime safari tour—and see the animals in a whole new light.Experience a different breed of discovery when you explore the wilds of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve at night. Previously off limits to visitors after sundown, this unforgettable journey aboard a rugged, all-terrain caravan takes you deep into the wilds of Africa, where creatures both big and small await your arrival amid the tranquil shadows of the lush brush. During your adventure, witness the rarely seen nocturnal habits of the reserve’s many animal residents, including lions, elephants, hippopotamuses and hyena. Spy a careless crocodile slumped upon a rocky plot. Behold spirited zebras galloping silently across a vast plain. Catch sight of a curious cheetah, lazily reclining in the brush. Strategically placed lighting evoking both the setting sun and rising moon—plus side-sweeping headlamps attached to your safari vehicle—ensure you won’t miss a moment. And as always, your friendly safari guide is on hand to share expert knowledge about the animals and their unique nocturnal habits. So climb aboard, lean back and take in the sights of Africa by night; it’s sure to be one drive you won’t soon forget!" ~~~~~~~~~~~ Africa will also be home to the “Harambe Wildlife Parti,” a taste of which we got on New Year’s Eve and then more recently a couple of weeks back during a Zootopia event: On the lookout for a night you won’t forget? Head to Harambe where “party animals” have taken over the streets. Harambe, the African village within Disney’s Animal Kingdom park, is a popular daytime destination known for its excellent street musicians, stunningly beautiful theater district, vibrant marketplace, diverse eateries and lively daytime street parties. But after the sun sets, Harambe’s excitement soars even higher with the Harambe Wildlife Parti. Be a part of this lively street festival that kicks off in late afternoon when Afro-Pop musicians the Burudika Band take to the stage in Harambe’s Old Square and perform music popular in Africa. Clap your hands and kick up your heels to the blissful beats—it’s almost impossible to resist dancing in the streets! ~Joanie
The suck fest that is Walt Disney World continues to decline. Josh from EasyWDW reports that the parade viewing area on the second level of the train station is now being roped off for exclusive use by those on VIP tours. Yet another thing that has been monetized for extra profit$. This will definitely impact us by taking away a killer spot to shoot the Festival of Fantasy parade. : ( ~Joanie
For those of you who look forward to pleasant surprises during Pixelmania: Off Kilter is playing at the Fall Festival in Celebration's Lakeside Park on Saturday, October 22. The festival is from 11 am to 4 pm, so it's a good bet that the band will play some time within that window. It means that some of us will have to make a hard decision: The Rivers of Light lunch package at Tiffins or a side trip to see some old friends play familiar tunes.
The Eat to the Beat entertainment on our Epcot day is Christopher Cross. Feel free to stop and watch if you like.
What is this "morning" thing of which you speak? It is not familiar to my vocabulary. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Ha!!! I am such a morning person. I just wake up early every day. That's just me. Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk
It's that time of day when the dedicated Pixelmaniacs take pictures in good light while us non-morning people are still uttering curse words at the alarm clock. Unless of course trains are involved and then I'm up and ready to go at least an hour before departure.
The march of the first order and the galaxy far far away shows were very good. The fireworks were incredible but shot off way to the right of the Chinese Theater. Stay tuned for lots of photos...