Do you remember that story that I did last Monday for JHM? The one where I talked about the “Chronicles of Narnia” info station that was on display at last weekend’s “Night of Joy” celebration?
Well, in my haste to talk about all the neat behind-the-scenes footage from this Walt Disney Pictures / Walden Media co-production that was being screened here as well as the PlayStation2 & xBox game stations that had been set up (So that WDW guests could then preview the new “Narnia” -based games that Buena Vista Games had developed), I forgot to talk about the very cool collectible that was being given away on those two nights.
You see, every “Night of Joy” participant who dropped by the “Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” info station and checked out these displays was then given their very own official Narnia passport.
And this 12-page booklet really does give you a great sneak peek at “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” With several great shots of some of the creatures that we’ll soon seen in “The Chronicles of Narnia” film. Monsters like the minotaur …
Copyright Walt Disney Pictures / Walden Media
… the goblins …
Copyright Walt Disney Pictures / Walden Media
… and the cyclops.
Copyright Walt Disney Pictures / Walden Media
Not to mention the more lovable and/or heroic figures in this tale, like Mr. Tumnus and the centaurs.
Copyright Walt Disney Pictures / Walden Media
As well as props from the picture like the White Witch’s sleigh.
Copyright Walt Disney Pictures / Walden Media
This booklet also features letters from Mark Johnson, the film’s producer, talking about the various challenges involved with bringing “The Chronicles of Narnia” to the big screen. How the film’s director, Andrew Adamson …
Copyright Walt Disney Pictures / Walden Media
(pictured on the far right in the above photo. As Adamson directs a scene with Tilda Swinton — who plays the White Witch — and Skandar Keynes — who plays Edmund in the picture) worked hard to create a fantasy world that was populated by 60 different species of creatures. Where young performers like William Moseley …
Copyright Walt Disney Pictures / Walden Media
(He’s the young man in armor at the center of the above photo) had to learn to authentically swing a sword. Not to mention acting in an environment where they’re surrounded by literally hundreds of CG creatures.
This faux passport really helped sell the idea that Disney’s “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” will really be a film that’s worth seeing. Which is why so many “Night of Joy” participants walked away after seeing this display, determined to then go check out the big-screen version of this beloved C.S. Lewis story.
By the way, if you’re upset that you didn’t get the chance to see the “Narnia” info station at this year’s “Night of Joy,” not to worry. Both the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World will soon be opening “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” -themed exhibits.
Out in California, DCA’s old “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire – Play It!” attraction space will be redressed so it will eventually resemble the throne room of the White Witch. Here, Disneyland resort visitors will have the chance to visit Jadis herself (Okay. So it won’t really be Tilda Swinton. But — rather — a DLR cast member made up to look just like the White Witch) in her icy lair. Not to mention viewing props & costumes from this Walt Disney Pictures / Walden Media co-production.
Meanwhile, out in Orlando, WDW guests will have the chance to visit a much more elaborate “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” -related display. In fact, in order to gain entry to this exhibit (Which will be presented inside of Soundstage 4), Disney-MGM visitors will actually have to enter a giant wardrobe. Where — once they get to the other side — they’ll find the frozen world of Narnia. As well as sets, armor and some of the audio animatronic creatures used in the production of this picture.
Look for both of these “Narnia” -themed attractions to open at Disneyland & Walt Disney World on or about December 9th. Which is when “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” will be opening in theaters nationwide.