Disney Dream Girls 109 - Awakening Summer for Star Wars and Frozen

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show 109 for Sunday 29th May 2016. Whilst you read these notes, why not click on the audio player below.

 
On this show, our Walt Disney World princess, Jeanie Gallo, shares what she found out at the Awaken Summer Florida Residents Media Event. In these notes, we will particularly focus on the Galactic Firework Spectacular coming to Disney Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom at night and the additions plus changes to the Norway pavilion at EPCOT. Further information, such as the quoted ticket prices, are available on The Princess Papers.

At the event, Jeanie had the opportunity to chat with Michael Roddy (the show director). Funnily enough, he is a friend of Jeanie's so she was able to speak, at some length, to him about the new nighttime offering coming to DHS, which starts on 17th June 2016. 

Jeanie Gallo with Michael Roddy

From the wonderful description given, this sounds like it will be the place to be on an evening! With fireworks, pyrotechnics, lasers, buildings being cloaked and projections this sounds like something definitely from a galaxy far far away. Testing of the show has been a massive success and the team are very pleased with it and can't wait for you to be immersed in the Star Wars story. Even as a non Star Wars fan, I'm, anxious to see this as it sounds bigger and better than anything I have ever seen at Disney before! Further details are on the podcast.

Concept Art Released by Disney

Additionally, Jeanie was able to attend an 'over the wall tour' of the construction area that soon will become the new Frozen based attraction. 

Concept Art Released by Disney

Personally, I have been a little wary of the whole idea of the introduction of Anna and Elsa into Norway however Jeanie's description (from the tour and discussions with production leads on the project), says I shouldn't be worried. 

Norway Pavilion, EPCOT

Everything externally is a faithful reproduction of buildings in Norway - with the Frozen theme being contained to the internal elements of the meet and greet and the new attraction (that replaces Maelstrom). There will be a new gift shop, entitled The Wandering Reindeer, bathrooms and new exhibits in the Stave church also.

New bathrooms, Norway Pavilion, EPCOT

Something that has already begun is the nighttime offerings at Disney Animal Kingdom. Jeanie got the opportunity to talk to show producer Laura Offerdahl.

In addition to the parks attractions being open well into the evening (and I can't wait to ride Expedition Everest), Discovery Island will become alive with Carnivale, an exuberance of dance, live music and a celebration of the night. 

Expedition Everest - Photo Credit Disney World Website

The Animal Kingdoms' park icon is the Tree of Life and each evening it will come alive and retell four fables. In the time in between, watch the tree closely for the arrival of fireflies that will 'awaken' the carved animals in animated imagery. Jeanie can not praise this highly enough urging everyone to plan on spending a couple of hours there to enjoy it. 

Stage Area The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic

Sadly, the Rivers of Light show has no scheduled start date. In the meantime, you can go and see The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic, which soft opened on 27th May 2016. 

The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic - Photo Credit Disney World Website

On the show, we discuss the dining options available at Tusker House and Tiffins Restaurant, which both come with reserved seating. Both Jeanie and I have reservations so a full review will be forthcoming.   Take a listen to our podcast, show 109; it has all the details on the above and much much more. Listening is easy; you can press play on the audio player above of find us on either iTunes or any podcast catching app.  

We will be back next week with some more Disney theme park fun.

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