Given that we're right in the middle of an early cold spell
up here in New Hampshire, I'm thinking that now would be a good time to bring
up how the folks who run Disney's
Hollywood Studios' aren't quite ready to "Let (It) Go" of that theme
park's "Frozen Summer Fun LIVE!"
Oh, sure. You've no doubt already heard about how this popular
special event — which was originally supposed to come to a close on September
1st has now been extended to September 28th. But what you may not have heard is
that — if DHS managers have their way — "Frozen Summer Fun LIVE!" could continue well into next year.
Don't believe me? Then let me share a "Frozen"
-related tidbit that showed up in my e-mail in-box earlier tonight. It would
seem that one of the performers who plays a key role in "For the First
Time in Forever: A 'Frozen' Sing-Along Celebration" is currently in negotiations
to extend their contract to perform / appear in this show through 2015.
Mind you, should he/she finally come to terms with WDW
Entertainment office and opt to extend their contract to continue to appear in
this presented-7-times-a-day sing-along show … Well, they may soon find themselves singing in
a different venue.
Why For? Well, to be blunt, DHS' Premiere Theater has been
the home to the "Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special" for the past
couple of years. And given that WDW officials would love to see this Pleasure
Island-inspired show return to this theme park as part of Disney's Hollywood
Studios' Xmas entertainment line-up … Well, that then means that "For
the First Time in Forever: A 'Frozen' Sing-Along Celebration" would have
to vacate the Premiere Theater to then make room for the "Comedy Warehouse
Holiday Special."
"If that's actually going to happen in late November,
where then is the 'Frozen' sing-along show supposed to go?," you ask. Well,
you may have noticed that the closing date for DHS' American Idol Experience
has just been moved up from the originally-announced January 4, 2015 to August 30, 2014. That was done for a reason, folks. To
give "For the First Time in Forever: A 'Frozen' Sing-Along
Celebration" someplace to move to in late October so that the Premiere
Theater can then be prepped for the "Comedy Warehouse Holiday
Special."
It's worth noting here that — at least from a capacity point of view — moving
"For the First Time in Forever: A 'Frozen' Sing-along Celebration"
from the Premiere Theater to the American Idol Experience theatre won't really help all those
WDW Guests who are waiting outside in line with their kids, eager to participate in this
"Frozen" -themed sing-along. Believe it or not, the American Idol Experience
actually has 100 fewer seats than the Premiere Theater.
That said, DHS managers are hoping that the American Idol
Experience's central location inside of this theme park — coupled with its prominent
Hollywood-style marquee / exterior Jumbotron — will make it that much easier
for WDW Guests to find / take part in this 7-times-a-day sing-along show.
And speaking of "Frozen" -related shows &
attractions … Cast members who work at Epcot's Norway pavilion have been
reportedly been told that "Maelstrom" will be closing on September
28th or thereabouts so that the demolition of this World Showcase attraction
can then begin.
"And what might Epcot's 'Frozen' ride be called?,"
you ask. Well, WDI is keeping this upcoming Epcot attraction's name very close
to its vest. Though it is worth noting that — back on May 14th of this year —
The Walt Disney Company did register this domain name:
- olafsadventures.com
Of course, if you want more definitive information, then I
suggested that you tune in "The Story of Frozen: Making a Disney Animated
Classic." Which is supposed to air on ABC two weeks from tonight on
September 2nd at 8 p.m. ET / PT. For not only will this television special take
you behind-the-scenes at Walt Disney Animation Studios to show you how this
Chris Buck / Jennifer Lee film was made (not to mention revealing what the
"Once Upon a Time" versions of Anna, Elsa and Kristoff will look
like), I'm told that "The Story of Frozen" will also offer brief
glimpses of the "Frozen" -inspired attractions / experiences that are
already in the works for Epcot & Disney California Adventure Park.
"And what's in the works for DCA?," you query. Well,
if you're a big fan of the offerings found at Florida's
"Summer Frozen Fun LIVE!," you're going to love what 's about to happen to Hollywood Pictures
Backlot. Both the Muppet*Vision Theater and Sound Stage 17 (AKA the home of West Coast version of
"Who Wants to Be a Millionaire – Play It!") will soon receive "Frozen" -themed makeovers. Which will then allow Disneyland Resort visitors to meet-n-greet with the characters, do a little ice-skating and even participate in a sing-along.
As for when Disney California Adventure's new "Frozen" makeover will actually be opening to the
public … I think that I'll "Let (that one) go" 'til a later JHM
article.
Your thoughts?