Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Let The Memories Begin: The Magic, The Memories, and You

Tonight we saw the world premiere of "The Magic, The Memories, and You"...the new castle show that is going to take place 20 minutes before the nightly fireworks spectacular Wishes. 

This new show was designed specifically for the Let the Memories Begin campaign which is taking place this year.  For those who are unfamiliar, the campaign is specifically designed to celebrate the memories that people experience on their vacations with their family and friends.

This show is the centerpiece for the new celebration, having guest's memories displayed on the castle in photographic and video form, essentially making them the star of the show.

"The Magic, The Memories, and You" projection show is slated to last about 10 minutes and feature up to 500 Photopass photos taken throughout the day, plus photos that have been uploaded on Disney's website. A new song that was written for the celebration, called "Let the Memories Begin" plays during the show, in addition to scores from other famous Disney movies.

Personally, I thought the show was FABULOUS!!!  Granted, I've only been able to watch it via the Internet so far, but I was thoroughly impressed with what I saw, just from videos.  I loved the fact that songs from a variety of Disney movies were included in the show, not just songs from the very popular and recent movies.  And not to spoil things (though I will include a link to a video in case you haven't seen it and want to) but this show literally gave me chills a few times. 

Now, I will admit, I was one who was a tad skeptical about this new Castle show when it was announced.  I thought it would be like this big slide show type experience...nothing really of substance, just different photos from people floating across the castle, almost like a screen saver.  I couldn't see how they could make this into a unique experience. 

I couldn't be happier than to admit that I take all of my doubt back.  The show really did blow me away.  It blew all of my expectations out of the water.  I simply cannot wait to see this show in person finally and really get to experience it the way it was meant to be seen. 

As I had previously mentioned before when this campaign was announced, I said that if it was something that was done before Wishes each night, it would be a nice enhancement.  I am proud to say that it is more than just a nice enhancement...it's an amazing enhancement.  Truly spectacular. 

And while I still hold true to the fact that I think this celebration of "Let the Memories Begin" should be considered a smaller type celebration, I think that this castle show really helps to bring the celebration out of being just an ordinary campaign by plussing it up, taking it to the next level. 

For those who may have missed the premiere last night, make sure you check out the video over at WDW News Today

Also, for those who care to see the press release from Disney about the event, here it is:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – In a dramatic new projection show filled with special effects and magic, Cinderella Castle will transform into a shimmering canvas for images of Walt Disney World guests and the memories they made that day at Magic Kingdom.

In the nighttime spectacle, photos of guests captured that very day in the park will be projected larger-than-life among the spires and turrets of Cinderella Castle.  In similar fashion, guest images will be projected onto “it’s a small world” on select nights at Disneyland Park in California, beginning Jan. 27.

The ten-minute experience – called “The Magic, The Memories, and You!” – will dazzle park guests on both coasts in ways never before experienced, themed to beloved Disney stories and with playful animated sequences that seem to defy the architecture of the buildings.  The spectacle is scheduled most nights with up to two shows per night depending on theme park operating hours and other special ticketed events.

As many as 500 images shot that day will project onto the castle each night the show is presented, producers estimate.  Disney PhotoPass photographers will capture guests creating new memories as they “smile for the castle.”

“Disney parks create family vacation memories to last a lifetime,” said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort.  “What better canvas for those memories than Cinderella Castle, one of the most photographed icons in the world.”

After the sun goes down, 16 high-powered state-of-the-art projectors will bring the castle to life as that day’s photos (and videos taken from Disney’s “Let the Memories Begin” online hub) seem to dance about the famous facade, explained Alan Bruun, associate creative director, Walt Disney World Entertainment.

As classic Disney music weaves in and out of the new “Let the Memories Begin” theme song,turrets spin while the castle shimmers and magically transforms itself in playful and exciting ways to accompany the guests’ memories of fun, adventure and family experiences.

“The images dance to the music and culminate in a spectacular finale punctuated by animated and actual fireworks,” Bruun said.

As Disney Parks encourages families to “Let the Memories Begin,” guests have been celebrating their only-at-Disney memories by sharing their stories and by uploading photos and videos online at
DisneyParks.com/memories.


BY THE NUMBERS: ‘The Magic, The Memories, and You!’ Nighttime Spectacle
  • Height of Cinderella Castle: 189 feet
  • Number of shows: up to two per night (select evenings)
  • Length of each show: ten minutes (approx.)
  • Projectors: 16
  • Same-day guest photos per show: up to 500




  So what did you think about the new Castle Show?  Did it live up to your expectations?  Was it better than you thought it would be?  Make sure to leave a comment to let us know! 

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