‘small world’ Becomes a Big Canvas As "The Magic, The Memories and You!" Projection Show Conjures Vacation Memories at Disneyland

ANAHEIM, Calif., January 27, 2011 – Starting tonight, the façade of “it’s a small world” in Disneyland park is being transformed each night into a breathtaking display of moving, ever-changing photography, video, animation and music as Disneyland celebrates guests’ memories with an innovative new show – “The Magic, The Memories and You!”

Guests of all ages will be reminded of their Disney memories, and may even see themselves in the nightly show, as a kaleidoscope of larger-than-life images is projected onto the classic Fantasyland “it’s a small world” attraction. Included in the thousands of photographs each night will be approximately 500 photos of guests who made memories in Disneyland that very day – resulting in a different “The Magic, The Memories and You!” presentation every night.

“Disneyland has been making very special memories for families and guests of all ages for more than 55 years,” said Disneyland Resort President George A. Kalogridis. “Now guests recalling and cherishing those memories will become stars of the show as well.”

After the sun goes down, the 10-minute spectacle combines that day’s photos with photos and videos taken from Disney’s “Let the Memories Begin” online hub, and brings them to life with the help of amazing new projection technology that transforms the architecture of “it’s a small world” in never-before-seen ways. Classic Disney music is woven into the new “Let the Memories Begin” theme song and, via some magical effects, even the singing dolls from inside the “it’s a small world” attraction find their way outside to appear in the show. The finale features a burst of fireworks over “it’s a small world.”

“We’re really taking it to the Nth degree and we’re doing it for our guests,” observes show director Alan Bruun, associate creative director, Disney Destinations Entertainment. “Some guests will spot their own photographs in the show, and yet our goal is for everyone watching the show to be able to say, ‘These are my memories. I recognize that moment, that emotion.’ ”

The visual and musical journey that takes place in “The Magic, The Memories and You!” traces the family vacation experience, from planning and travel all the way through arrival and fun in Disneyland. The show closes, appropriately, with a classic Disney memory. A similar show featuring guest images projected onto the soaring spires of Cinderella Castle premiered Jan. 18 in the Magic Kingdom park, Walt Disney World Resort, Florida.

Disney Parks guests also are becoming the stars of television commercials. For the first time, Disney Parks is featuring the home videos and snapshots of real guests telling their own Disney stories in television ads and other marketing.

At the online memories hub that launched Sept. 23, guests have been celebrating their only-at-Disney memories by sharing their stories and by uploading photos and videos. To access the site, visit www.DisneyParks.com/memories.

Vacation memories hold a special place in the hearts of families, according to a recent survey of Americans and Canadians conducted by Ypartnership, a leading research firm that tracks consumer insights and trends in travel. Nine out of 10 parents polled said they plan their vacations with the express hope of creating a lasting family memory. And most memories don’t fade with the passage of time. Nearly three-quarters of those surveyed said they think back “often” or “very often” on their most cherished vacation memories.

About the Disneyland Resort
Located on approximately 500 acres in Anaheim, Calif., the Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and Disney California Adventure park – plus the Downtown Disney District comprised of unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. The Resort’s three hotels are the 948-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the 969-room Disneyland Hotel and the 481-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. With 21,000 cast members, the Disneyland Resort is Orange County’s largest employer and a $3.7 billion annual contributor to the local economy. The Resort has welcomed more than 550 million guests since opening on July 17, 1955. For detailed information about the Disneyland Resort, please visit www.disneyland.com, call (866) 60-DISNEY or contact local travel agents.