The "Block Party Bash" was originally introduced in May of 2005 to coincide with Disneyland's 50th Birthday, the "Happiest Homecoming on Earth" This Hybrid parade and stage show traveled along Disneyland's California Adventures Performance Corridor. This was unlike most of Disney's parades in that the guests are invited to participate in some of the dancing and the music used is upbeat dance tunes, such as "Shout, the Macarena, YMCA, and Stayin' Alive. The show closed in Disneyland in January of 2008 and replaced the "Stars and Motorcars Parade" here at the Hollywood Studios in Florida.
The soft opening of the parade was today, March the 9th, and the official opening according to Disney's program will be next week on Friday the 14th. Well I can tell you that it is a good thing I secured a spot early for my pictures because almost an hour before parade time, space was at a premium on Hollywood Boulevard. But it was worth the wait. I never got a chance to catch the Parade when I was out at Disneyland last year, so I was very impressed with the energy presented by the performers in this production. You really cannot call this a parade; it is more of a rolling Broadway stage and acrobatic show on steroids. The depth of the Disney talent pool seems bottomless. The performers are skillful, artistic and tireless! They gave a rousing 30minute soft opening that was a complete crowd-pleaser. You were continually asked to join in the singing, the shouting and many of the kids and even adults got to participate in doing the Macarena. All of the characters are from Disney/Pixar films; "Toy Story", "Monsters Inc", the "Incredibles" and "It's a Bug's Life". This show has it all, Acrobats, Dancers, Music, Characters and all new parade vehicles, some which are very elaborate and eye-catching. I tried to count all the different characters represented, but I lost track at 18.
This energetic show will be a huge hit here in Florida as it was in California, judging by the crowd reaction. But I will still miss the "Stars and Motorcars" parade. Somehow to me, a die-hard Disney Classics character fan, any parade on property without any of the "Fab Five" in attendance just does not seem right. As the old song goes: "What, no Mickey Mouse?" seems true for me here. I thought that maybe Mickey would at least introduce the new production. But personal feelings aside, it is a super parade, visually stunning with enough music to keep the toes tapping for the entire time and plenty of Disney/Pixar characters to keep the cameras busy. I highly recommend you make time for this new entry here when you visit Disney's Hollywood Studios.
For more photos please click HERE.
