Disney Breaks Into New Territory
ANAHEIM (Orange County Register) -– The Disneyland Resort confronted a slumping economy head-on Monday by announcing major investments and new attractions created to drive attendance at the two Anaheim theme parks. A Broadway-caliber theatrical production; the expansion of California Adventure with a new, child-oriented land; the addition of a kids stage show based on Disney Channel characters; and the unveiling of a long-awaited Winnie the Pooh attraction in Disneyland are expected to boost attendance, which is down 6% at Disney parks worldwide. “We’re not going to turn around the economy, but we can continue to be ready and build our asset base to be more inviting as a place for families to visit,” said Jay Rasulo, Disney’s new chairman of theme parks and resorts.
The Disneyland Resort will enter a whole new world in December by introducing high-caliber theater to a theme-park audience. “Aladdin, Live on Stage” opens Dec. 9 in Disney’s California Adventure, with a star-studded production crew that includes Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken. The single-act production will play four times a day, with the original film score and a new song written by Menken for the Jasmine character. Disney officials declined to say how much they invested in the show, but a typical Broadway production can cost $10 million. “We have invested significant resources to bring high-caliber artists to the show,” said Ann Hamburger, head of creative entertainment for Disney parks. “We want to drive people through the gates and have it be a fantastic experience, with great sets, lavish costumes and a great score.”
Disney officially opened A Bug’s Land, the fourth land in California Adventure, which includes five child-oriented attractions inside Flik’s Fun Fair.
The company announced the addition of “Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage!” at California Adventure, bringing a version of the popular kids stage show from MGM Studios in Orlando, Fla., to Anaheim in April. It replaces the ABC Soap Opera Bistro restaurant, which will close Nov. 4.
Disney also revealed details of a long-awaited attraction in Disneyland, “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh,” which also opens in April. “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” attraction is based on Disney’s animated version of the classic A.A. Milne story, with characters Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet. It replaces the Bear Country Jamboree in Critter Country. The ride begins outdoors under the trees, mimicking the story’s 100 Acre Wood, and visitors travel on beehive vehicles into the attraction. They travel through a Blustery Day, dream with Pooh and finally arrive at his birthday party.
ANAHEIM (Orange County Register) -– The Disneyland Resort confronted a slumping economy head-on Monday by announcing major investments and new attractions created to drive attendance at the two Anaheim theme parks. A Broadway-caliber theatrical production; the expansion of California Adventure with a new, child-oriented land; the addition of a kids stage show based on Disney Channel characters; and the unveiling of a long-awaited Winnie the Pooh attraction in Disneyland are expected to boost attendance, which is down 6% at Disney parks worldwide. “We’re not going to turn around the economy, but we can continue to be ready and build our asset base to be more inviting as a place for families to visit,” said Jay Rasulo, Disney’s new chairman of theme parks and resorts.
The Disneyland Resort will enter a whole new world in December by introducing high-caliber theater to a theme-park audience. “Aladdin, Live on Stage” opens Dec. 9 in Disney’s California Adventure, with a star-studded production crew that includes Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken. The single-act production will play four times a day, with the original film score and a new song written by Menken for the Jasmine character. Disney officials declined to say how much they invested in the show, but a typical Broadway production can cost $10 million. “We have invested significant resources to bring high-caliber artists to the show,” said Ann Hamburger, head of creative entertainment for Disney parks. “We want to drive people through the gates and have it be a fantastic experience, with great sets, lavish costumes and a great score.”
Disney officially opened A Bug’s Land, the fourth land in California Adventure, which includes five child-oriented attractions inside Flik’s Fun Fair.
The company announced the addition of “Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage!” at California Adventure, bringing a version of the popular kids stage show from MGM Studios in Orlando, Fla., to Anaheim in April. It replaces the ABC Soap Opera Bistro restaurant, which will close Nov. 4.
Disney also revealed details of a long-awaited attraction in Disneyland, “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh,” which also opens in April. “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” attraction is based on Disney’s animated version of the classic A.A. Milne story, with characters Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet. It replaces the Bear Country Jamboree in Critter Country. The ride begins outdoors under the trees, mimicking the story’s 100 Acre Wood, and visitors travel on beehive vehicles into the attraction. They travel through a Blustery Day, dream with Pooh and finally arrive at his birthday party.
