2013 brought a lot of change. Good change, but change nonetheless. But one thing that has not changed is my love of all things Disney. So as I start my new life and resume blogging, I thought I would take a look at the top 10 things I am looking forward to from Disney in 2014. While this list may change time and time again as the year moves forward, capturing my anticipation as we begin the calendar year will probably prove interesting when the year concludes (at least to me). So without further ado…
10. Into the Woods: This upcoming Disney musical might have been further up on the list last week, but now it is in the bottom spot. Why? Let’s just say that I am not looking forward to when Meryl Streep is doing publicity for this film and has to constantly readdress her recent comment on Walt. I think it would be best if we left this unfortunate incident behind us. Or perhaps this whole thing was a bizarre viral marketing campaign to make Disney fans view her as the witch she portrays in the film.
9. Maleficent: This prequel to Disney Channel’s upcoming original series, “The Descendants,” stars Angelina Jolie as the most famous Disney villain of all time. I am glad that Disney is getting involved in trans-media connecting a TV and film product in the same franchise. It is just like Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Perhaps Dove Cameron makes a cameo in the film as Maleficent’s daughter. Perhaps Angelina will adopt the Disney Channel star. Wait…. These properties are not connected? Ok… this is just getting confusing.
8. Festival of Fantasy Parade: This parade, which premieres in the Spring, features floats based on Sleeping Beauty, Dumbo, Pinocchio, Peter Pan, Tangled, The Little Mermaid, and Brave. But to be honest, I am just happy to have a new parade. 12 years of the Share a Dream Come True/Disney Dreams Come True/Celebrate a Dream Come True parade is enough. Anyone taking bets as to whether the Castle Float will make an appearance in the new parade? Almost seems wrong if it does not.
7. Aladdin on Broadway: I admit that I am not the biggest fan of Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular that performs at Disney California Adventure and the Disney Fantasy. But I am looking forward to this Broadway premiere. I am excited to see Jonathan Freeman, the original voice of Jafar, perform that same role on stage. My friends that saw the Toronto trial run have enjoyed the show, so I am looking forward to getting a chance to rub the lamp in New York City this year.
6. Muppets Most Wanted: When this film is released in March, we will have gone three months without a Disney film being released. This pent-up demand will make me ecstatic to see this sequel to the franchise relaunch. Even though I know, in my heart of hearts, that the film will never reach the level of perfection attained in Jim Henson’s Muppet-Vision 3-D. Perhaps the best part of a Muppet film release is having the Muppets making appearances on TV to promote the film. I may be going on a limb here, but I think the Muppets may be appearing on Good Morning America and Jimmy Kimmel Live… but I could be wrong.
5. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: Over a year ago, a dragon flew over New Fantasyland and opened the Enchanted Forest to Guests from around the world. Now, over a year later, the final piece will be revealed when this family-coaster opens this Spring. This feels a little anti-climatic which a tempered my excitement for the attraction. But this could be a good thing, as it will allow me to be pleasantly surprised and delighted by the experience.
4. Ratatouille: L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy: This attraction, opening at Walt Disney Studios Paris, sounds like a blast. It is also neat to see a uniquely French attraction opening up at the underwhelming park. Hopefully the attraction will build open the success that the former EuroDisney had with its 20th anniversary celebration and will allow further investment into the most popular tourist destination in Europe.
3. Big Hero 6: This amalgam of Marvel and Disney Animation will be an exciting project to see come to fruition. It is apropos that the film’s setting is San Fransokyo a blend of San Francisco and Tokyo. While those that are expecting an interconnected tale in the style of the Marvel Cinematic Universe may be disappointed, it will be interesting to see how the director of 2011’s Winnie-the-Pooh translates the story from page to screen. The addition of Bolt’s Chris Williams as co-director has raised questions about the film’s development, Disney Animation’s recent successes allows me to trust them to see this film through.
2. Guardians of the Galaxy: This is an exciting film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as it breaks new ground. While Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor may be well known; Star Lord, Rocket Raccoon, and Groot have to make a name for themselves. This film will also allow Kevin Feige’s team to explore the “cosmic” side of the Marvel Universe. In the end, all I have to say about this film is, “I AM GROOT”.
1. Captain America: The Winter Soldier: I love Ed Brubaker’s run on the Captain America comic. I also loved the first Cap film. Put them together and I am looking forward to this film film more than anything else Disney will deliver next year. I am interested in seeing how the S.H.I.E.L.D. of the film and the S.H.I.E.L.D. of the tv series mesh as it is clear the grey areas that the global organization delves into will come into play in the movie. Will that be reflected by Agent Coulson and his crew? In any case, I can’t wait to see Steve Rodgers deal with being a man out of his own time.
2014 can be viewed as a pre-show year. With Star Wars: Episode VII, Avengers: Age of Ultron, and Tomorrowland sure the build buzz throughout the year. This is also the year without a Pixar release due to the delay in The Good Dinosaur. So while 2014 has things to offer, it will probably be best remembered, as the year that built the buzz to the spectacle that will be 2015.
Personally, I have a personal project that I am looking forward to revealing that may be my highlight of 2014. I have been thinking about it for several years, so I look forward to sharing it with you.
I hope all that read this have an amazing year and may you show your Disney, ABC, ESPN, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars side all year long.