February 5, 2008 at 1:53 pm
· Filed under Disney World Rumors
Jim Hill published a rumor yesterday on his website concerning something new coming to Walt Disney World. I am curious what guests think of this possibility…
Yep, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is going to put a decidedly show-bizzy slant on its version of the “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.” And just like its Disney Princess-themed predecessors, this beauty shop will offer several different types of makeovers. With price points ranging from $50.00 (for a Hannah Montana-style wig and a quick make-up touch-up) to just shy of $250 (For an over-the-top Sharpay-style makeover. Complete with a tiny plush dog to place in your purse. Which will — of course — perfectly coordinate with your new outfit).
You are going to have to help me with this one. I do not have any children and am admittedly ignorant to what tweenie girls are watching these days. Are these two franchises really popular enough to bring the type of response that the Princesses did for the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique? The Princesses span decades of films and an amazing array of ideas while this is just two concepts. Doesn’t that seem a bit…over-targeted?
If nothing else, they can at least theme this as a famous Hollywood salon. That would be a nice thematic addition to the newly renamed Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As we all know, this park has suffered a bit in the area of theme and consistency. Perhaps the name change is signaling a change in that trend back to the kind of cohesive ideas that were so strong in Imagineering’s glory days.
February 4, 2008 at 2:43 pm
· Filed under Disneyland News
In a long and great tradition of Super Bowl champions and other sports winners, Eli Manning is going to be honored at a Disney theme park for his terrific effort. I don’t know about you, but I know I wait around after the game to see the “I’m going to Disneyland” commercial. Here’s a bit from the press release…
The pronouncement, captured on tape at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., just moments after the Giants’ dramatic 17-14 upset victory over the previously undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, became the latest episode of the “I’m going to Disneyland/I’m going to Disney World” commercial produced over a 22-year span. Manning led his team on an improbable, 83-yard drive where he scrambled, broke tackles and completed clutch passes before tossing a 13-yard touchdown pass to receiver Plaxico Burress with 35 seconds left in the game.
In a terrific little piece of coincidence, the very first Super Bowl quarterback to get the honor was Phil Simms, also of the New York Giants, after the 1987 bowl. Now Manning joins a list of heroes that also includes basketball players, hockey goalies and figure skaters.
To be honest, I am not a Giants fan even though I am born and raised in the great state of New Jersey. But it was hard not to be a fan of Eli and his team watching what was nothing short of a heroic effort last night. These guys were given no chance to win against the juggernaut Patriots, but they did and in dramatic fashion. Enjoy the parade Mr. Manning, you deserve it.