It was an enchanting early evening at the AMC Theaters at Downtown Disney and the Disneyland Hotel for the Disney Parks Blog Meet-Up for ‘Cinderella.’ Check-in was easy, and there we were given our wristband, a raffle ticket for later, as well as a voucher for a free small popcorn and small drink. From there, we headed inside theatre 5. A few announcements were given before the movie began. Our phones were not taken away, which is always a good thing, but we were definitely being watched. We also got to see ‘Frozen Fever,’ the newest ‘Frozen’ short. It was so delightful and fun! I even heard people after saying they didn’t like ‘Frozen,’ but loved this short.
Then it was time for ‘Cinderella.’ It is such a delightful and beautiful movie. From the sets to the costumes to the music to the story, this movie takes you on an incredible journey. We all know and love the animated version, but this version reveals more of the backstory we don’t see in the animated version. It’s interesting to see how a fairy tale can be told in many different ways, and Disney sure did a great job with it. And be sure to stay until credits have finished. You won’t regret it. One special message came out of the movie. It was from Ella’s mother who told her: “have courage, and be kind.”
After the movie, we were led to the Disneyland Hotel Grand Ballroom for Disney’s ‘Cinderella’ Royal Celebration. (No, the Magic Kingdom Castle Show from 2005 wasn’t performed, though that would have been fun!) We were greeted by Major Domo, who would be our host for the evening. Once we entered the Grand Ballroom, we were given a glass of sparkling… Apple Cider. (Yes, champagne would have been nice, but this was a family event.) An assortment of desserts from Cinderella themed cupcakes to Cinderella macaroons, and more were available. Fruit punch, tea, and water were available as well. Two photo locations were also available inside the Grand Ballroom. One background featured the elegant staircase from the Royal Palace. The other background featured the beautiful Pumpkin Carriage. A quartet of instrumentalists also entertained the crowd with their beautiful music. Also during the celebration, Major Domo and his special guests taught everyone the Royal Dance. The glass slipper from the movie was also on display, and guests were taking photos of it as well.
But the highlight of the evening had to be the moment Erin Glover surprised everyone in the Grand Ballroom with the stars of ‘Cinderella,’ Lily James and Richard Madden.
Lily James was asked what was like to play Cinderella. She said “It was magical… Playing Cinderella is very, very, very special. I felt like a real princess, and I got to wear that dress. It’s something very, very wonderful.” She also shared some memories of Disney princesses, and said “I had the dresses, and dressed up. I had plastic glass slippers that my mum made me take off before I walked up and down the stairs so I wouldn’t trip.”
Richard Madden was asked what it was like to portray Kit. “I just tried to have some fun with him, and give him a sense of humor. When you’re trying to get the affection of Cinderella, you have to work hard to make a prince that’s funny, humble, and exciting to be around.”
Upon leaving the event, we exchanged our wristbands for a bag with a double sided ‘Cinderella’ movie poster and magnet. Overall, it was a fun and enchanting evening! Thank you to the Disney Parks Blog Team for hosting this event! We definitely look forward to the next event!