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Archives for December 2012

REVIEW: Les Misèrables – a Triumph from Stage to Screen

24 December 2012 by Suzannah Otis 3 Comments

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Les Miserables poster Les Misérables is one of the first stage productions I saw as a teenager in high school, after having grown up seeing musicals and other shows with my family. I’ve mentioned before how my mother was in the Corps de Ballet at Radio City Music Hall in NYC, and a professional ballerina for most of her life. Because of her background, I was lucky enough to grow up with the culture of the theatre and saw many shows as they’d tour in Boston, as well as summer stock and other productions. Just the act of going to a show was, itself, something that shaped my childhood. Getting dressed up, traveling into the city, walking through the theatre district of Boylston and Tremont streets in Boston, going out to dinner before or after the show, feeling like a grown-up with all the other adults there to see the shows, it was a truly wonderful and life-changing experience that is part of who I am today.

After returning to the Boston area to finish high school, I saw Phantom of the Opera, followed by Les Misérables. I loved it so much I had to see it again right away. It became the show I saw the most and still is to this day. The music moved me so, combined with the story (what girl isn’t obsessed with Paris at some point?), and of course, the amazing staging of the show itself. Needless to say, I’ve been more than a little excited to see Les Misérables come to the big screen as close to the stage show as possible. The clips I saw prior to watching the film were all just incredible; haunting, alluring, drawing you in, just like the stage show. The film did not disappoint in that regard.

I did not do much research before seeing this film version of Les Misérables, but what I did know is that it was produced by Cameron Mackintosh, who produced the original stage production, and directed by Tom Hooper, who had done The King’s Speech, most famously. Hooper did something truly unique for the filming of the musical, he had the actors sing their parts live as the cameras were rolling, rather than lip-synching to pre-recorded songs. By doing this, Hooper believed this method allowed the actors to have emotional control over their songs, noting that when Anne Hathaway sings ‘I Dreamed a Dream,’ if she needs to take a moment to have a thought or show an emotion before she sings it, she can do that. And after witnessing this first hand, I can tell you it was the right decision.

Anne Hathaway as Fantine

Now, to the film itself. If you do not want spoilers, save this part for after you’ve seen the film. Obviously, the story is well-known at this point, but I’ll go into specific details from the movie which could be considered spoilers if you want to be surprised. For those who aren’t familiar with the Les Misérables story here’s a quick synopsis before the review:

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption—a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Hugh Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Russell Crowe) after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s (Anne Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.

Film Title: Les Misérables

The opening scene is one of the most powerful I have seen on screen. I truly did not even recognize Hugh Jackman as he sang his parts and acted with the other condemned men doing hard labor for their crimes. It was an excellent set-up to the antagonistic relationship between Jean Valjean and Javert.

We then move into the struggle for Valjean to find his place in the world that wants nothing to do with him. Refused at every turn, Valjean finally receives shelter and care from an elderly bishop who takes him in and treats him like an honored guest. The bishop is played by the original Jean Valjean in the stage production, the amazing Colm Wilkinson. It was wonderful to see him on screen and in this story once more. When Valjean receives the second chance from the bishop and is faced with the life-altering decision to remain as himself or create a new life and leave his past behind, Hugh Jackman’s performance is Oscar-worthy without a doubt. The emotion is palpable and to say it is moving just doesn’t seem strong enough. At this point, I realized that this film version of Les Misérables was not going to be about the singing, but rather the story, the individual characters purging their emotions before our eyes and telling this tale with great care and love.

When the next scene opens with ‘At the End of the Day’ and the music, the staging, the costumes are all spot on, I just sat in my seat with a giant grin on my face, seeing the story I loved so much essentially coming to life before my eyes. The citizens were singing out in the open, under a grey sky, with the bustling of the 19th century France enveloping the singers. It was wonderful for a fan of the original musical.

There were a few changes from the original show, most of which I did not have any problems with. With Fantine, ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ is sung after she hits bottom, selling her necklace and hair and teeth and committing to the life of a prostitute in order to provide for her daughter Cosette. I thought this worked and made sense and her performance makes much more sense after being so beaten down by her experiences prior to singing the most famous song from the production.

The Thenardiers

 

There were a few other differences; we don’t hear all of ‘Little People’, nor all of the Thénardiers various songs. However my thoughts on that are that unlike the stage production where you truly need that comic relief and breaking up of the misery that’s occurring in the film, you sort of need that continuity to keep you in the story with these characters without being chopped up by comedy right and left. We still get ‘Master of the House’ and the antics of the Thénardiers, and I think the choices were founded. I did miss ‘Turning’ at the end of the battle scenes, as it’s one of my favorites, but we did hear a few lines from it. Nothing is missing completely from the stage version, they are just sometimes subtle nods vs. full performances.

There is also a new song, written just for the film by original Les Miserables composer Claude-Michel Schönberg and lyricist Alain Boublil. The song, ‘Suddenly,’ definitely fits within the film and the scene in which it is used, but something about it seemed a bit off to me, lyrically. The rest of the score is so rich, lyrically, each word seems to hold some important key to the story at hand, giving you insight to the characters and pushing the plot forward. ‘Suddenly,’ however, seemed a little thin, and just, there. Still, it’s a pretty song and does fill in some gaps in the transformation of Valjean from mayor and factory owner to substitute father.

Russell Crowe as Javert

The one performance I had a problem with was Russell Crowe. I feel he was a weak choice for Javert and even though he’s in a band, I felt his singing was not up to what I’ve come to expect from the relentless inspector who is completely overcome by his need to find and arrest Valjean. While his singing lacked power and, for me, was distracting enough to detract from the film, it was not enough to make me come away from the screening I attended disappointed. Javert’s final scene was one I was most concerned with translating to screen, and while the actions themselves were well-done, Russell Crowe just did not make the connection I needed to feel for Javert in any way. That said, the other excellent performances overshadow the few that aren’t up to par, in my opinion, and the film on a whole is just an amazing concentration of story and song. [Update: after some reflection on Javert as portrayed by Russel Crowe, and listening to his songs again, I’ve come to a new understanding of him as a character. In the stage production, Javert is overtly ruthless, a man of the law, who strives to hunt down and bring Valjean to justice at any cost. In the film, Javert is someone we actually do feel for. He’s still upholding the law and out to get Valjean, but his songs and actions portray him as someone lacking his own sense of self and security. When he sings ‘Stars’ it’s as if he’s trying to convince himself, rather than the audience, of his duty and mission. So it’s a different Javert than I’m used to, but he did grow on me.]

I lost count of the number of times I cried during the movie, which is not unusual for me, but I was actually worried going in that the film would not elicit that response. I was wrong and cannot wait to go through the emotional wringer again when I head back to see Les Misérables with my oldest children, who are also into musical theatre, much to my delight!

I think fans of the stage production of Les Misérables will be overall pleased with the film adaptation and hopefully enjoy the few nods to the original which are found within the movie. Those who have never heard of Les Misérables prior to this will most likely be moved by the story, music and characters and I hope the movie’s success translates into more touring of the stage show. At the end of the day (pardon the pun), I feel that is what the true purpose of these films should be, to spark interest in theatre, musicals, and live performances; something everyone should get to experience in their lives, no matter their age. Les Misérables succeeds in this regard as it certainly made me want to take my children to see it live and begin fostering that love of theatre as well.

Connect with Les Misérables, which opens December 25,here:

Official Site: www.lesmiserablesfilm.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lesmismovie
YouTube: www.youtube.com/LesMiserablesFilm
Twitter: www.twitter.com/lesmiserables #LesMis
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/lesmismovie

Right now, you can also get digital downloads of the Les Misérables: Highlights From The Motion Picture Soundtrack and the Les Misérables Original Broadway Cast Recording for $5 and $5.99 respectively at amazon through the end of December!

Disclosure: I was provided a free screening of the film prior to its opening. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Filed Under: Central Florida Family Entertainment, Disney Movie News & Reviews, Movie Reviews, Movies & Books, Reviews, Top Stories Tagged With: Amanda Seyfried, Anne Hathaway, cameron mackintosh, Cosette, Enjolras, Eponine, Fantine, Gavroche, Helen Bonham Carter, Hugh Jackman, Les Mis, Les Mis movie, Les Mis review, Les Misérables, Les Misérables movie, Les Miserables review, Les Miz, Marius, movie review, musicals, Russell Crowe, Sasha Baron Cohen, stage production, stage show, Thenardier, tom hooper

New Lone Ranger Trailer Reveals More Backstory (and Explosions!)

21 December 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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I recently saw this trailer in the theatre, before watching The Hobbit, and it definitely looks like an exciting film. It will be interesting to see the final product, opening July 3, 2013. Check out the new Lone Ranger trailer below:

 

From producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski, the filmmaking team behind the blockbuster “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, comes Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ “The Lone Ranger,” a thrilling adventure infused with action and humor, in which the famed masked hero is brought to life through new eyes.  Native American spirit warrior Tonto (Johnny Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid (Armie Hammer), a man of the law, into a legend of justice—taking the audience on a runaway train of epic surprises and humorous friction as the two unlikely heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption.

“The Lone Ranger” also stars Tom Wilkinson, William Fichtner, Barry Pepper, James Badge Dale, Ruth Wilson and Helena Bonham Carter.

A Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films presentation, “The Lone Ranger” is directed by Gore Verbinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Gore Verbinski, with screen story by Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio and Justin Haythe and screenplay by Justin Haythe and Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio. “The Lone Ranger” releases in U.S. theaters on July 3, 2013.

 

The Lone Ranger official poster

 

“Like” The Lone Ranger on Facebook: Facebook.com/theloneranger

“Follow” The Lone Ranger on Twitter: @loneranger

Visit the website: www.disney.com/theloneranger

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Filed Under: Disney Movie News & Reviews, Movies & Books, Official Disney Tagged With: Gore Verbinski, helena bonham carter, Jerry Bruckheimer, jerry bruckheimer films, Lone Ranger, Lone Ranger trailer, masked hero, native american spirit, producer jerry bruckheimer, terry rossio, The Lone Ranger, tom wilkinson, Walt Disney Pictures, william fichtner

New Images for Monsters University – College Life for Mike & Sulley

21 December 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Before watching The Hobbit last weekend, there was a fun little “advertisement” for Monsters University, in the tone of many college commercials we see these days. I was unable to find the video online to share here, but I’ll keep an EYE out for it. 😉 In the meantime, enjoy these newly released images from Monsters University and be sure to check out MonstersUniversity.com for some incredible marketing about the upcoming film, which I can’t wait to see.

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY

Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan are an inseparable pair, but that wasn’t always the case. From the moment these two mismatched monsters met they couldn’t stand each other. Monsters University unlocks the door to how Mike and Sulley overcame their differences and became the best of friends.

Screaming with laughter and fun, Monsters University is directed by Dan Scanlon (Cars, Mater and the Ghostlight, Tracy) and produced by Kori Rae (Up, The Incredibles, Monsters, Inc.). The film opens in U.S. theaters on June 21, 2013, and will be shown in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

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Filed Under: Disney Movie News & Reviews, Movies & Books, Official Disney Tagged With: Disney, ew, James P. Sullivan, june 21, Mike Wazowski, Monsters Inc, Monsters University, new images, new monsters university stills, sulley

Oz the Great and Powerful New Wicked Witch Poster and Trailer

21 December 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Disney has just released a new poster with a closer look at the Wicked Witch in Oz the Great and Powerful. Still in shadow, but another clue to what the movie has in store for Wizard of Oz fans.

Oz the Great and Powerful

 

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NdeuYgRoTI]

Oz the Great and Powerful

“Like” OZ THE GREAT & POWERFUL on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/ozthegreatandpowerful

“Follow” OZ THE GREAT & POWERFUL on Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneyozmovie

 Visit the website:http://www.disney.com/thewizard

OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL lands in theaters on March 8, 2013!

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Filed Under: Disney Movie News & Reviews, Movies & Books, Official Disney Tagged With: fantastical adventure, glinda, grant curtis, james franco, joe roth, l frank baum, land of oz, mila kunis, mitchell kapner, Official Oz poster, Official teaser poster, oscar diggs, Oz the Great and Powerful, rachel weisz, sam raimi, Walt Disney Pictures, wizard of oz

Sneak Peek at Sofia the First in the Disney Christmas Parade and In the Parks Too!

20 December 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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The Sofia The First character will make her Disney Parks debut in the 29th Annual “Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade” airing nationwide on Christmas Day, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25 (10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., ET; check local listings) on the ABC Television Network.  It was also recently announced that Sofia will be joining the Disney Junior – Live on Stage! show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney California Adventure in early 2013 – joining Doc McStuffins as a new addition.

Sofia the First parade

 

Disney’s first little girl princess, Sofia was introduced in the music-filled animated television movie “Sofia the First: Once Upon A Princess” which debuted on November 18, 2012 and became the #1 cable telecast of all time in Kids 2-5 and Girls 2-5, and the #1 preschool cable TV telecast ever in Total Viewers and Women 18-49.  A “Sofia the First” television series which continues Sofia’s journey as she learns how to adjust to royal life, premieres FRIDAY, JANUARY 11 on Disney Channel (9:30-10:00 a.m., ET/PT) and Disney Junior (5:30-6:00 p.m., ET/PT).

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Filed Under: Disney Attractions, Disney Holidays, Disney Special Events, Official Disney, Theme Park Holiday Events, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: christmas day parade, DHS, Disney California Adventure, Disney Channel, Disney Christmas, Disney Christmas parade, Disney Junior Live on Stage, Disney parks, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Doc McStuffins, hollywood studios, Princess Sofia, sneak peek, Sofia the First

News for Disney’s Frozen Animated Feature: Concept Art and Voice Talent

20 December 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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In Frozen, Anna (voice of Kristen Bell), a fearless optimist, teams up with extreme mountain man Kristoff and his sidekick reindeer Sven in an epic journey, encountering mystical trolls, a funny snowman named Olaf, Everest-like extremes and magic at every turn in a race to find Anna’s sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), the Snow Queen, and save their kingdom from eternal winter. Disney just released a piece of concept art from the upcoming film, and it’s just beautiful:

FROZEN concept art

Walt Disney Animation Studios announced yesterday that they have given voice to its extreme mountain man from the comedy-adventure “Frozen.” Tony Award® nominee Jonathan Groff (Broadway’s “Spring Awakening,” TV’s “Glee”) is on board to help bring Kristoff to life in the epic journey slated for the big screen November 27, 2013.

Groff appears in the independent feature “C.O.G.,” which is part of 2013 Sundance Film Festival. The Pennsylvania native made his big-screen debut in Ang Lee’s “Taking Woodstock” and went on to appear in the independent drama “Twelve-Thirty” and “The Conspirator.” His TV credits include Fox’s “Glee,” the Starz series “Boss” and CBS’ “The Good Wife.” On stage, in addition to the Tony Award®-winning musical “Spring Awakening,” Groff appeared in the Public Theater’s revival of “Hair” and off-Broadway plays “Prayer for My Enemy” and “The Submission,” among others. He made his West End debut in Ira Levin’s “Deathtrap,” and appeared in the 2010 Tony Award®-winning “Red” by John Logan at the Mark Taper Forum this year.

Personally, I loved Jonathan Groff on Glee and clips I’d seen from Spring Awakening, so I’m excited that he’s on board for Frozen.

Directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, and produced by Peter Del Vecho, “Frozen” will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

Frozen title

 

ABOUT THE MOVIE

From the studio behind 2010’s “Tangled” and this year’s “Wreck-It Ralph,” Walt Disney Animation Studios presents “Frozen,” the most daring comedy-adventure ever to hit the big screen. The film is directed by Chris Buck (“Tarzan,” “Surf’s Up”) and Jennifer Lee (screenwriter, “Wreck-It Ralph”), and produced by Peter Del Vecho (“Winnie the Pooh,” “The Princess and the Frog”). Featuring music from Tony®-winner Robert Lopez (“The Book of Mormon,” “Avenue Q”) and Kristen Anderson-Lopez (“In Transit”), “Frozen” journeys into theaters November 27, 2013, in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters. For more information, like us on Facebook: facebook.com/DisneyFrozen and follow us on Twitter: Twitter.com/DisneyAnimation. FROZEN hits theaters on November 27th, 2013!

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Filed Under: Disney Movie News & Reviews, Disney News, Movies & Books, Official Disney, Top Stories Tagged With: Disney's Frozen, Frozen, Frozen concept art, jonathan groff, kristen bell, snow queen, tony award nominee, Walt Disney Animation, Walt Disney Animation Studios

Disney Club Penguin Helps Kids Give Back With Coins for Change

20 December 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Club Penguin Coins for Change If you have little ones and a computer, chances are they are playing Club Penguin, the #1 virtual world for kids. Since the holidays are about giving back, Club Penguin wants to empower their players to do the same. With their annual Coins for Change program, where players can donate virtual coins that they earn playing games to real-world causes that matter to them.

Running from December 20 to January 2, the Coins for Change program will turn Club Penguin into the biggest virtual bake sale ever, with players baking virtual cookies and buying them with virtual coins that act as votes to influence where Club Penguin’s $1 million US cash donation will go. The votes determine the percentage of donations made in three areas: providing medical help, building safe places, and protecting the earth.

Through programs like Coins for Change, Club Penguin has given a total of $9 million to charities all over the world, further raising social consciousness among the more than 750 million players who take part in the online community. In last year’s event, kids donated over 10 billion coins to help make the world a better place, including funding projects in 42 countries such as:

  • 20 schools built for over 20,000 children
  • 25 school libraries built for over 50,000 children
  • 27 playgrounds built for over 50,000 children
  • 33 clean water projects for over 50,000 children and families
  • Youth engagement and education programs around the world for over 1,000,000 children and families

Here’s how kids can take part – when players virtually buy the special bake sale cookies, they will be transformed into the new holiday characters for a short period of time. All players can transform into toy cars, while members are rewarded by transforming into reindeer puffles and “frost bites,” which allow them to temporarily freeze in-world items. Sounds festive, right?

Head over to ClubPenguin.com for tips to start your own real-world bake sale, with recipes too, and to begin earning your Coins for Change today!

Club Penguin cookies

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Filed Under: Disney Movie News & Reviews, Fundraising and Charities, Top Stories, Video Games and Apps Tagged With: club penguin, club penguin coins for change, club penguin holidays, coins for change, disney interactive, disney online studios canada, holiday characters, social consciousness, virtual bake sale, virtual cookies, virtual world

Epcot’s Candlelight Processional Adds a New Story to its Christmas Tradition

19 December 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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The beautiful and moving Candlelight Processional is now a favorite tradition each holiday season. Each celebrity narrator adds their own touch and something special to the Christmas story as they speak the words we all know so well. This year I was able to enjoy both Neil Patrick Harris and Lea Salonga, both very different, but wonderful in their own right.

Candlelight Processional

In between the Christmas story pieces, the talented orchestra and Voices of Liberty singers join a Cast Member chorale and area high school students to bring traditional holiday favorite songs to life. The songs are a perfect mix of classics which move you and fill you with the spirit of the season. This year, a new story prefaced Silent Night, adding to the rich tapestry of the candlelight performance. We were told about a town without an organ and a man who wrote a poem to welcome the birth of Jesus. The man’s son could play the guitar, but only 4 chords, and thus Silent Night was born.

Candlelight Processional
Neil Patrick Harris and the Candlelight Cast Members with Voices of Liberty

 

Candlelight Processional
Lea Salonga narrates the Christmas story

 

At the end of each performance, I am left filled with joy and appreciation for the true meaning of the holiday. It is a must-do for anyone visiting Walt Disney World during the holiday season. The best bet for guaranteed seats is purchasing a Candlelight Dining Package, available by calling 407-WDW-DINE. Several shows remain this season, be sure to head out to see this beautiful spectacle.

Candlelight Processional
Trumpeters herald the music of the season
Candlelight Processional
The lighting and effects really add to the music and joyous singing
Candlelight Processional
Candlelight Processional
Lea Salonga narrates the Christmas story
Candlelight Processional
Neil Patrick Harris watches the chorale singers
Candlelight Processional
Candlelight Processional
The Voices of Liberty sing along
Candlelight Processional
NPH narrating the Christmas story
Candlelight Processional

 

Disclosure: I was provided with Gold Badge seating for my family at the Lea Salonga performance. My opinions are my own.

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Filed Under: Disney Holidays, Disney Special Events, Theme Park Holiday Events, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Candlelight Processional, Celebrity narrators, chorale singers, Christmas, christmas story, christmas tradition, Christmas traditions, Disney, Disney Christmas, Disney holidays, Disney's Candlelight Processional, Epcot, Epcot Candlelight Processional, EPCOT Center, Lea Salonga, Neil Patrick Harris, NPH, silent night, the Christmas Story, voices of liberty, Walt Disney World, World Showcase

Splitsville Luxury Lanes-Bowling Dining & More at Downtown Disney

18 December 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Splitsville Orlando There’s a new kingpin in town, Downtown Disney that is! After much anticipation, Splitsville luxury lanes is set to open Wednesday, December 19 in Downtown Disney’s West Side. Splitsville is bowling like you’ve never experienced before (unless you’ve visited one of their other successful locations across the country) – all of the fun of bowling with friends and family, mixed with great food and an even better atmosphere.

Set in the former Virgin Megastore building, Splitsville has completely redesigned the building and it is a marvel to see first hand. The process at Splitsville is a little different; you sign up for a bowling lane and tell them your shoe size and they bring the shoes to you and set you up in a lane. Then you get 1.5 hours of bowling and can enjoy drinks and dining while you bowl. If you’d like to just hang out for the music or food, that’s cool too. The second floor of Splitsville in Downtown Disney is only open to those 21+ after 10pm. Regular hours are from 10am-2am, 7 days a week. Pricing varies based on when you go, but for now it is $20 per person for an hour and a half of bowling, including shoe rental, during the peak hours of 5-10pm. If you’d like to bring your whole family, you are welcome to bowl downstairs where there is no age limit – drinks and food are still available downstairs as well – including a sushi bar!

After experiencing the vibe at Splitsville in Downtown Disney twice now, I am excited for the potential this brand has to invigorate and enliven the Downtown Disney atmosphere. I know there is a great need for things to do at Walt Disney World “after hours” since most things close at midnight or before, so this seems like a natural fit for couples and solo travelers visiting the World, as well as, of course, locals. Whether there will be discounts for locals, cast members and annual passholders remains to be seen, but I am sure Splitsville will be a great fit and personally look forward to the future with possible bowling leagues and fun get-togethers among friends.

Splitsville Orlando
Central Florida mural with local images

The decor and theming in the Downtown Disney Splitsville is just fantastic. They have kept the retro 50’s bowling theme going with shiny red and black vinyl and mid-century modern lighting everywhere, along with adding some touches specific to our location, like Orlando-specific landmarks and nods to our orange grove history. In addition, downstairs is an absolutely amazing mural designed after the 1970’s merchandise bags which Walt Disney World history buffs love so much. It is just a perfect fit and a detail which did not go unnoticed or unappreciated by the many fans who visited the lanes before its official opening. Well done, Splitsville and Disney!

Splitsville Orlando
Amazing 1970’s Walt Disney World Vacation Kingdom mural

In addition to the nightly bowling, billiards, dancing and dining, Splitsville Orlando will be offering New Year’s Eve 21+ packages, with ($175 per person) or without ($100 per person) bowling which will include food options, drinks and Champagne with a reserved table for 3.5 hours. You can contact [email protected] or call 407-938-PINS for more information and reservations. You can also make lane and special event reservations online for birthdays and more.

Here’s a gallery of more images from Splitsville Orlando:

Splitsville Orlando
Goofy on-hand to open Splitsville
Splitsville Orlando
Splitsville Orlando
The Splitsville check-in area
Splitsville Orlando
Fun Splitsville merchandise
Splitsville Orlando
Fun Splitsville merchandise
Splitsville Orlando
Lanes downstairs with a window view
Splitsville Orlando
Splitsville mugs
Splitsville Orlando
Splitsville bags and totes
Splitsville Orlando
Upstairs pool tables
Splitsville Orlando
The escalators upstairs with one of the many bars at Splitsville
Splitsville Orlando
More lanes upstairs
Splitsville Orlando
Amazing 1970’s Walt Disney World Vacation Kingdom mural
Splitsville Orlando
Amazing 1970’s Walt Disney World Vacation Kingdom mural
Splitsville Orlando
Amazing 1970’s Walt Disney World Vacation Kingdom mural
Splitsville Orlando
Splitsville Orlando
Splitsville at night
Splitsville Orlando
Lovely chandelier at Splitsville Orlando
Splitsville Orlando
Billiards tables
Splitsville Orlando
Giant orange with a hidden Mickey at Splitsville in Downtown Disney
Splitsville Orlando
Central Florida mural with local images
Splitsville Orlando
Sparkly lanes!
Splitsville Orlando
Fun Mickey bowling balls at Downtown Disney’s Splitsville
Splitsville Orlando
Shoes at Splitsville
Splitsville Orlando
Splitsville etiquette “rules”
Splitsville Orlando
Splitsville at night

 

Disclosure: I visited the Splitsville Downtown Disney location as media during a special dedication event on December 7, and also as a guest of the Disney Parks Blog meet-up, held on December 17. I was provided with free bowling, food and drinks during both visits. My opinions and thoughts are my own and unaffected by this access from Disney. My thanks to Walt Disney World and the Disney Parks Blog for the opportunities. Keep an eye on the official Disney Parks Blog for future meet-ups, as well as the @WaltDisneyWorld twitter account for a hint or two before the meet-ups are announced.

 

 

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Filed Under: Central Florida Family Entertainment, Disney News, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: #WDWSplitsville, bowling lane, bowling leagues, Disney bowling, Disney locals, Disney nightlife, Disney Parks Blog, Downtown Disney, Downtown Disney West Side, locals, meet-ups, Orlando nightlife, splitsville, Splitsville Downtown Disney, Splitsville Orlando, Walt Disney, Walt Disney World, west side

PHOTO TOUR of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights!

13 December 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Walking around the corner at Disney’s Hollywood Studios onto New York Street and seeing the overwhelming amount of holiday lights displayed at the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is one of those must-do moments for me, that takes my breath away every year. If I could figure out a way to move into one of those Brownstones on the street, I would pack up in a heartbeat. Heck, I’d even live above the T.P. Tree! 😉 It is such a gift that Disney gives us each year, the beautiful lights, the music, a way to pause and enjoy the wonder and spirit of the season. It’s impossible not to go home happy.

I have so many wonderful memories tied into these lights – with my dad, who loved them as much as I do and loved the Studios too, my mom, as we tear up remembering the times with my dad, my older kids when they were little – I can still picture my now almost-14-year-old son sitting in his stroller, reaching his hand out to catch the “snow” as it fell, and now my youngest gets to experience it all as well and more and more memories are made each year. The past few years I’ve added memories with friends and other locals too. It’s just such a great place to wander and hang out. No parades or fireworks to line up for, just relax and enjoy the sights and sounds that envelope you at every turn.

So without further ado, lets take a look at some highlights from my most recent visit:

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Tree
Sid Cahuengas is always ready for Christmas!
One of my favorite Disney holiday displays!
My attempt to emulate Tom Bricker 😉
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
Santa!
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
Ooh, a black cat!
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
Fireplace with stockings
Fireplace without stockings!
The T.P. Tree
The infamous Toilet Paper Tree!
Crowds love The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
Spectacle of Dancing Lights
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
The canopy is the best
City Hall
City Hall with Mickey and Minnie lights
Santa Goofy is on hand for photos
Merry Christmas!
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
The big tree!
Peace on Earth!
Still more canopy!
Canopy in motion!
And even more canopy!
Canopy from afar!
Santa and the tree!
So pretty!
Santa and snow!
Blue canopy (yes, I guess I went overboard with canopy shots)
Looking up from next to the canopy.
Cannot get enough of the canopy!
The colors here are so pretty!
I loved this tiny pink hidden Mickey
Can I move in now?
The nativity is beautiful…
Goodnight from Hollywood Studios!

 

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Filed Under: Disney Holidays, Photos From the Parks, Theme Park Holiday Events, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Christmas lights, colors, dancing lights, Disney, Disney Christmas, Disney holidays, Disney photos, Disney snow, Disney's Hollywood Studios, extreme Christmas lights, holiday lights, hollywood, hollywood studios, lights, manger, music, nativity, osborne family, Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, Photo Tour, Santa Goofy, SODL, spectacle, Spectacle of Dancing Lights, spirit of the season

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