The additions of the Music of Pixar Live and Disney Movie Magic has made Disney’s Hollywood Studios the place to be during seasonal Summer Nights. We were fortunate enough to experience both of these new shows during Disney’s Summer Nights Media Event. Here is our review of the food, the shows, and the amazing people who develop the Magic.
The Summer NIghts Media Check-in was at a designated Guest Services window. We were given an orange wristband and directed to the Sunset Showcase Building just beyond The Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster. This venue offered excellent photos of The Hollywood Tower Hotel.
As we entered the building we noticed the DJ on the stage and the food stations throughout. The Shrimp with Grits and the Korean Barbecue Short Ribs on Caramelized Onion Bread Pudding were magnificent. Also on offer were hor d’ oeuvres such as smoked salmon wrapped cream cheese and mini onion tarts served on a tiny spatula. Disney Chefs certainly have a way with making the most delicious foods.
The interior theming was all Pixar with a strong Toy Story focus to details.
After the food, and a bit of time to mingle, we were escorted by Disney Cast Members over to the Theater of the Stars for the Music of Pixar Live! show.
We were greeted by Green Army Men with an amazing sense of humor. The pre-show had us laughing so be prepared to have fun.
See our short video of the end portion of the pre-show here:
The Music of Pixar Live! features video and songs from many of our favorite Pixar Movies. The orchestra performs a beautifully moving rendition of the music to coincide with the video playing behind them on the large screen. You are also sure to see some of your most beloved Pixar characters as well. The closing includes a sing-a-long of ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’. This show is scheduled to run through August 27, 2017 and is a must-see performance.
After viewing the Music of Pixar Live! we were escorted back to the Sunset Showcase building where Pixar-themed desserts were being served. The desserts included Up Cake Pops, Incredibles Cupcakes, Mike Wazowski Key Lime Tarts, and Bugs Life Oreo Panna Cotta. Also being served was a Specialty Cocktail called “Sheriff’s Roundup Punch.” This concoction included Coconut Rum, Melon Liqueur, Pineapple Juice and Orange Juice. Our favorite dessert had to be the Up Cake Pops and the Sheriff’s Roundup Punch was very good. We are hopeful that some of these items will make an appearance around the parks or potentially have a home in Toy Story Land when it opens.
After a bit of dessert, we were able to speak with Brian and Cara, some of the Disney PR people who put the event together. Cara let us know that Brian was the person to speak with as he organized much of this event. They were both very nice and it was obvious they both love their jobs and they are good at what they do.
We also had the opportunity to interview Tom Vazzana, Show Director of the Music of Pixar Live! show. He told us that there are 3 full sets of orchestras to perform in the shows as they have 3 shows nightly, 7 days per week. We asked Tom about where the inspiration came from for the show. He told us that it started out as a need to create something that was not being done anywhere else. They started out with a concert series idea, added the idea of incorporating Pixar, engaging the films and adding characters for the kids. Since the Theater of the Stars is also home to Beauty and The Beast Live On Stage, there is a second floor with specific markings for placement of the necessary equipment for each show. Tom is truly a fun guy with an amazing sense of humor and we really enjoyed meeting him.
The evening also included character meets with Bullseye, Jessie, Buzz and Woody. Bullseye is a rare character meet now that the Woody’s Roundup is no longer taking place in Frontierland. However, we are hopeful that he, along with many of the other Toy Story Characters will be available for meet-and-greets when Toy Story Land opens in the future.
Check out our short video of Bullseye and Jessie bantering with one another here:
We were then escorted to a designated location for viewing of Disney Movie Magic. This projection show brings over 100 movies to life through projection-mapping technology. Your Summer Nights will be well-spent with a viewing of this gorgeous show.
To close out the evening, we were granted an interview with Michael Roddy, Show Director for Disney Parks entertainment. We asked him how long it took to put this show together as there was a big buzz when the announcement came through about a brand new show. He told us that they kept it very low-key and in fact was in the works for quite some time prior to opening night. When we told him our favorite part was the ending with the Castle he told us that the Castle is the gateway to all Disney live action films and the films featured in Disney Movie Magic reach across all generations. This amazing show has no end date and will be shown nightly for the foreseeable future.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Summer Nights Media Event was a wonderful way to spend a summer night here in Central Florida. The food, the people and the shows made for a truly fabulous evening. The Studios has always represented films and shows. Both the Music of Pixar Live! and Disney Movie Magic are certainly worth seeing. If you get the chance, do not miss these shows.
Are you planning to see the Music of Pixar Live! and Disney Movie Magic on your next Summer Nights visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Please leave your comments in the box below.
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