April at the Disneyland Resort was…a lot. From a major show incident to new shows/events to construction starting & about to start, there weren’t a lot of dull moments in the Disneyland news cycle. Let’s jump right in.
MAJOR PYROTECHNICS…BY ACCIDENT
During the April 23 Fantasmic! show, things did not go according to plan. Near the end of the performance, Maleficent in dragon form breathes fire from the stage (and I learned this month that many call the show’s dragon Murphy). But for some reason, the fire effect malfunctioned and the entire dragon burst into flames. The Mickey performing on the stage was quickly lowered offstage to safety, and no cast members were harmed in the incident.
Source: @xxwariorhartxx
Fantasmic! remains closed for the time being, as is the front portion of Tom Sawyer Island, which is normally open to guests during the daytime. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
A NEW SHOW COMING TO HOLLYWOOD LAND
In happier news, the Hyperion Theater in Hollywood Land will launch a new show starting June 30.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
For those who did not watch Hawkeye on Disney+, “Rogers the Musical” is a Broadway show in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that tells the life story of Captain America. Last September, D23 Expo debuted a musical number called “Save the City”, which recounts the Battle of New York from The Avengers. And now, guests will get to enjoy the entire show for the first time in real life.
Disney Parks Blog teased the show’s lineup, with two songs from existing MCU productions (“Save the City” and “Star Spangled Man” from Captain America: The First Avenger. Additionally, the show will include five new original songs written specifically for this production. The show will run approximately 30 minutes, and will likely come with a merchandise line for sale in nearby shops.
SPLASH MOUNTAIN’S TRANSFORMATION STARTS IN MAY
The Magic Kingdom’s Splash Mountain transformation has been underway for a few months now, and Disneyland is finally joining in on the ride’s new era. Splash Mountain in Critter Country will close on May 31, reopening as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at a later date.
To mark the occasion, Disney released some new concept art for the attraction.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
Additionally, Disney teased that the queue will smell like beignets! If you ask me, this just seems mean unless they’re going to sell them in line as well. 🙂
OTHER UPDATES
On April 11, Sprinkles in Downtown Disney unexpectedly announced its permanent closure. It’s possible this retail space will be incorporated into Paseo, the new restaurant replacing Catal.
For the first time ever, Disneyland will be expanding the Disneyland After Dark lineup to celebrate pride month! One June 13 & June 15, the park will host Pride Nite. For more information about this event’s offerings, check out the official page here.
DVC point sales for the new villas at the Disneyland Hotel go on sale soon – today for current DVC members, and May 30 for everyone.
And finally, to celebrate Disney Parks’ 150,000th granted Make A Wish (which took place in Disney World on April 29), Disneyland dedicated 3 windows on Main Street to the Make A Wish Foundation. This is the first time windows have been granted to an organization instead of an individual, and also celebrates the 40 year partnership between Disneyland and Make A Wish. While all 3 windows are for the foundation, 2 also include names of individual children: Chris Greicius, whose wish inspired the organization’s creation, and Frank Salazar, the first Disneyland wish granted. Fittingly, all three windows sit above Main Street‘s Care Center.
Source: Disney Parks Blog