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Know Before You Go – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Greetings Off-Worlders! Welcome to the Black Spire Outpost on the Planet of Batuu! Here you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself into the world of Star Wars like never before! Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge officially began welcoming travelers from other systems in the Galaxy to Batuu on May 31, 2019 at Disneyland Park in California and will begin welcoming visitors on August 29, 2019 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. Until June 23, reservations are required to enter the land, but beginning June 24, 2019 a virtual queueing system will be put in place to assist the droves of travelers that are sure to want to visit Batuu from other systems in the Galaxy.

When you leave the ruins (what Batuuans call the rest of Disneyland) and step into the Edge of the Galaxy, you will have the chance to pledge your allegiance to the Resistance, join the First Order, or find your own adventure as a scoundrel. The once bustling trading outpost is now partially controlled by the First Order, but members of the Resistance have secretly set up camp on the outskirts of the planet and are strengthening their numbers before their next mission.

Off-worlders will have the chance to experience attractions, food & beverage offerings, character interactions, and merchandise locations that are truly “out of this world”. Whether you’re a big-time Star Wars fan or just “fan adjacent”, there is plenty to see and do while exploring Batuu – Disney’s most immersive theme park experience to date!

Attractions

Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run

For the first time in history, you will have the opportunity to board the Millennium Falcon, “the fastest hunk of junk in the Galaxy”. Here you will join former pirate and smuggler turned “legitimate businessman” Hondo Ohnaka as members of his Ohnaka Transport Solutions team to help smuggle, er retrieve Coaxiam in exchange for credits. As you board the Millennium Falcon, you will be assigned the role of either pilot, gunner, or engineer and your group of six must work together to retrieve the Coaxium for Hondo. Don’t crash the ship though, or you’ll end up losing credits rather than earning them!

Rise of the Resistance

Rise of the Resistance will open later this year. Although not many details have been released yet, this is sure to be one of the most technologically advanced and outstanding attractions Walt Disney Imagineering has ever created!

Food and Beverage

Oga’s Cantina

No doubt, the hottest spot in the galaxy for cool libations is Oga’s Cantina! The perfect place to refuel for travelers young and old with concoctions for all ages – including alcoholic beverages for the first time in this star system. Because of the popularity of the local watering hole, Off-Worlders are requested they put their name on a list where they will receive a message to their datapad (that’s a text message, in case you’re not familiar with the Batuuese lingo) for when spots have opened up. You might even see a familiar face, former Starspeeder 3000 Captain R-3X turned DJ, who is bumping the tunes from bright suns to rising moons.

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo

Transporting Coaxium is sure to drum up an appetite. Luckily Chef Strong “Cookie” Tuggs has docked a food freighter loaded with fresh supplies just west of the Millennium Falcon. “Cookie” has planet-hopped from around the Galaxy and has inspired him to create the most tasty and satisfying other-worldly sustenance from morning to night. Try out some Smoked Kaadu Ribs or Fried Endorian Tip-yip and pair with Batuubucha Tea or plenty of other delicious drinks and eats.  Docking Bay 7 is open from morning until night on Batuu and serves some all-day offerings, as well as additional menu items for what travelers call breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Ronto Roasters | Kat Saka’s Kettle | Milk Stand

If you’re just looking for a quick bite while exploring Batuu, stop by Ronto Roasters for a Ronto Wrap. A pitmaster droid turns the mechanical spit that is roasting the ronto courtesy of a repurposed podracer engine. This sausage and pork wrap is a great snack for refueling while you await your next Resistance mission. If you’re looking to quench your thirst, be sure to pick up a Tatooine Sunset, Meiloorun Juice, or Sour Sarlacc. And yes, you can even use your Annual Passport from your home star system for a discount so that you can save a few credits.

Looking for something sweet and spicy instead? Kat Saka’s Kettle has a Batuuan favorite, the Outpost Popcorn Mix. Munch on this tasty snack as you explore the Black Spire Outpost Marketplace. Or if the three suns of Batuu are just a tad too bright on your visit, cool off with a refreshing cup of the famed Blue Milk or Green Milk at the Milk Stand. This frozen concoction is sweet, both in taste and in looks – it’s definitely “image scan” worthy.

Merchandise

If you’re a big time Star Wars fan visiting Batuu, one thing is for certain – bring lots of credits! There are merchandise offerings and experiences that are exclusive to Galaxy’s Edge that will sure to delight fans of all ages!

Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities

Dok-Ondar’s is an essential stop on your tour of Batuu. It is one of the most unique merchandise locations ever designed and includes lots of “Easter Eggs” for big time Star Wars fans. This is where you’ll find all of the best artifacts collected by renowned antiquities dealer, Dok-Ondar.

Creature Stall | Toydarian Toymaker

For travelers young and young at heart, be sure to stop by the Creature Stall and Toydarian Toymaker in the Marketplace. Here you can “adopt” furry friends like Porgs or explore a whimsical world filled with artisanal playthings and collectibles that are crafted by expert toymaker Zabaka the Toydarian.

Resistance Supply | First Order Cargo

Whether you’re a member of the Resistance or if you’re pledging your allegiance to the First Order, there is a place for you. The Resistance Supply is setup in the Resistance Camp at the edge of Batuu and has all your supplies to aid in your next mission to fight against the First Order. But those supporting the First Order won’t be left out either. Near Oga’s Cantina, where the First Order is still very much in charge of that sector of the Galaxy, you can head into First Order Cargo. Here you will find all the recruitment gear necessary to pledge your allegiance to Kylo Ren and the Supreme Leader of the First Order.

Droid Depot

For the first time ever, Off-Worlders have the opportunity to build their very own R-Series or BB-Series Astromech Droid!! The Droid Depot is a workshop stocked with parts, personality chips, manuals, and other tech items that are perfect for constructing your very own intergalactic sidekick. These Bluetooth enabled droids interact with each other as well as with the land itself. This premium experience is one of the most popular in the Galaxy, so be sure to leave extra time. There are other Astromech Droid-inspired offerings inside the workshop that are separate from the building queue.

Savi’s Workshop

If you’re looking for scrap metal and party lights, head to Savi’s Workshop. These are the codewords given to the workshop – so as to not alert the First Order of potential Jedi presence! Here you’ll meet one of Savi’s Gatherers who will escort you into the clandestine workshop where you’ll be able to construct your very own custom lightsaber! As so many travelers seem to be strong in the force these days, this experience is subject to availability and reservations may be required.

As you can tell, there is so much to experience in Batuu, that you’re sure to want to visit over and over again. To make the most of your visit, make sure you download the Play Disney Parks App to your datapad (Smartphone for all you Off-Worlders). This will allow you even more interactive adventures in Black Spire Outpost that will sure to further enhance your visit to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!  

*Disneyland Park, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and its experiences are subject to capacity. Access to the park, land and experiences may be restricted or unavailable depending on Guest demand and other factors. Park tickets, Annual Passports, vacation packages and Disneyland Resort hotel stays do not include special provisions for or guarantee access to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Looking for Even More Fun and Excitement During Your Dance the Magic Trip? Check out the Latest Dining and Entertainment Offerings at Downtown Disney

In between all of the excitement of the Disney Parks and performing on Main Street, USA, you definitely don’t want to leave out a trip to the Downtown Disney District. Located just outside the gates of Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park is Anaheim’s premier shopping and dining location filled with unique shops, experiences, and restaurants that you can only find at Downtown Disney. Some of the newest offerings include: Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration and Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes.

Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration

Pop-Up Disney! moved in to the former ESPN Zone building and serves as the latest hot spot in fun and unique photo locations celebrating none other than the big cheese himself, Mickey Mouse. This is a limited-time experience that immerses guests directly into the cartoon world of our favorite big-eared pal. The “Instagram Museum” is divided into fantastically fun and whimsically themed gallery rooms that are chock full of some of the best photo ops in the entire Resort, especially for all those Mickey Mouse fans out there. Pop-Up Disney! is open seven days a week from 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to take all the Mickey-themed photos your heart desires.

Ticket prices range from $30-$38, depending on the time slot you select and tickets must be purchased online in advance of arrival. No tickets are sold at the venue. To purchase your tickets, click here. The entire Pop-Up Disney! experience takes about 90 minutes to complete, but it is recommended that if you are parking in Downtown Disney, that you leave at least 30 minutes to park and get through security and then arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your assigned time window. This fun and limited time offering won’t be around forever, so make sure you book your time slot on your next visit to the Disneyland Resort.

* Offering subject to change without notice. Tickets are final sale, non-refundable, non-transferable, and subject to availability.

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes

The other “hot ticket’ Downtown Disney experience is a visit to the newly opened Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes restaurant. Black Tap was born and raised in New York and the Downtown Disney location marks the very first Black Tap in California. You can definitely feel the rich New York history running throughout the building, however. Black Tap is an elevated take on the classic burger and milkshake luncheon counters of days past that maintains just the right amount of nostalgia paired with subtle sophistication that is far from stuffy. From award-winning burgers to over-the-top CrazyShake milkshakes, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes is sure to delight any guest that walks in. Yes, there even is a Vegan burger offering as well as some salad and chicken options for those who don’t want to go the traditional burger route.

The Downtown Disney Black Tap location is an updated take on the classic quick service counter style restaurant, a first for the Black Tap franchise. Here you order at the counter and seat yourself and a server will deliver your food. You also have the opportunity to order a delicious CrazyShake to go form the take-out Shake Window – another first for Black Tap. If you’re looking for one of the best burgers you’ve ever had, then definitely don’t skip on a trip to Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes on your next visit to the Disneyland Resort.

We can’t wait to have you join us for our upcoming Dance the Magic Summer events at the Disneyland Resort!

Know Before You Go – My Disney Experience, FastPass+, and MagicBands at Walt Disney World

When you participate in a Dance the Magic event at Walt Disney World, you also get to take advantage of the trip planning services that are offered to all guests booking a Walt Disney World vacation. One of the most enjoyed services for Walt Disney World travelers is the ability to plan and customize your trip in advance of your arrival – this includes dining reservations, select attractions, and even character meet & greets in some instances. With so much to do at Walt Disney World when you’re not dancing down Main Street, U.S.A. or on a Disney Parks stage, the ability to plan more of the trip in advance is a huge plus for so many guests. Here’s a look at some of the essential travel tools that Dance the Magic dancers and guests can take advantage of for their upcoming Dance the Magic event at Walt Disney World.

 

My Disney Experience

My Disney Experience is your go-to hub for all the details and travel plans of your Walt Disney World visit. This free iOS and Android mobile app allows you to keep track of all the essential details of your vacation, plan additional experiences and make FastPass+ selections, and even mobile order food at select quick-service restaurants.

The app is equipped with an interactive GPS-enabled map of the Resort that details not only where you can find attractions, dining locations, and character meet & greet locations in the different theme parks, but also shows you real-time attraction wait times, showtimes for parades and fireworks, and even character meet times. You can even step your map experience up a notch by using the “Get Directions” function, which allows you to navigate the parks with turn-by-turn directions to your next destination.

The “My Plans” section of the app helps keep you organized throughout the duration of your visit to Walt Disney World. Here you can view and manage all of your reservations and experiences, make FastPass+ selections, and share your itinerary with others. This is also the easiest place to link your tickets and MagicBands.

In the app you are also able to link your Disney PhotoPass photos taken by Disney PhotoPass photographers throughout your trip. If you have purchased the “Memory Maker” add-on ($169, if purchased at least 3 days in advance), you will have access to unlimited PhotoPass photo downloads during the duration of your trip as well as for 45 days after the date the photo was taken. If you’re traveling in a group, you can even download photos of up to 25 members of your Family & Friends who share media with you.

My Disney Experience is really your one-stop shop for all of the features that will help you plan and play while enjoying your Dance the Magic trip to Walt Disney World.

FastPass+

FastPass+ is used to maximize the magic during your Walt Disney World trip. It is a complimentary service that allows you to reserve a spot “in line” for some of the most loved attractions, shows, and character meet & greets. At your assigned time, you are able to enter the FastPass+ line and skip the standby line – leaving more time for experiencing all that Walt Disney World has to offer.

If you are staying at a Walt Disney World hotel, such as for a Dance the Magic event, you have the opportunity to make your FastPass+ selections up to 60 days prior to arrival via the My Disney Experience app. This is a tool that allows you to customize and keep track of all the fun and magic open to you while visiting Walt Disney World. When making your selections, you are able to select up to three (3) FastPass+ for one individual theme park for each day of your stay (subject to availability).

Prior to selecting your FastPass+ experiences, however, you will need to link the guest and performer tickets you purchased from Dance the Magic to the My Disney Experience app. To link your tickets to the app, you will scan the barcode on the back of the ticket. You’ll want to make sure that you link all of the tickets in your party so that you are able to make the same FastPass+ selections. Once your three (3) FastPass+ experienced have expired, you have the opportunity to add an additional FastPass+ selection from the My Disney Experience app, for any theme park your ticket is valid in that day, pending availability. FastPass+ selections book up quickly, so we recommend that you and your dancers link their tickets as soon as they receive them in order to take advantage of the vacation customization options available while visiting Walt Disney World.

MagicBands

So, you’ve downloaded the My Disney Experience app, you’ve linked your theme park tickets and made your FastPass+ selections. Now what? How do you actually get into the FastPass+ line for the experiences you’ve selected at Walt Disney World? That is where MagicBands come into play!

For everyone staying at a Walt Disney World hotel, you will receive a complimentary MagicBand. This is an RFID enabled bracelet that is your key to unlocking the magic, figuratively and literally. Your MagicBand will be used to enter the theme parks (once your ticket as been linked), check in at your selected FastPass+ attractions and experiences, to unlock your Walt Disney World resort hotel room, and can even have a card linked to be used for payment at most locations in Walt Disney World. Most locations where you can scan your MagicBand are signified with a Mickey-shaped sensor called a touch point and the technology works, like magic! All of your travel plans and selections that you made with My Disney Experience will be linked up to your MagicBand so you can fully enjoy your Dance the Magic trip to Walt Disney World. For Dance the Magic performers and guests you can have your MagicBands mailed to you, or you can pick them up when you check in. When you/your dancers book hotel reservations through the booking link we provide, you will be able to contact a Walt Disney World travel representative to customize your MagicBands by selecting which color band you’d like to receive for your trip. They will then be mailed to you prior to your arrival, approximately 30 days prior to the start of your trip. If you opt to not customize your MagicBands, no problem! You can pick them up at check in and still utilize them to enhance the magic and convenience of your stay. However, if you opt not to customize your MagicBand selection, you will receive a grey, non-customized band.

As you prepare for your upcoming Dance the Magic event at Walt Disney World, we hope this information is helpful in planning the non-dancing portions of your trip! We can’t wait to have you join us at Walt Disney World for a magical experience you are sure to remember forever!

For more information on MagicBands, FastPass+, and the My Disney Experience app please visit the Walt Disney World website.

2019 Australian Dance Spectacular Event Recap

Dance the Magic Closes out Spring Event Season with the Australian Dance Spectacular

We wrapped up our 2019 Spring Dance the Magic events with the Australian Dance Spectacular that took place at the Disneyland Resort from April 14-16, 2019.  The Australian Dance Spectacular is a rather unique event in our season of offerings in that it is presented in partnership with Dance Around the World Dance Tours from Australia.

Dance Around the World, is a preferred tour operator partner that we have collaborated with for more than 10 years. As a tour operator, Dance Around the World coordinates a jam-packed itinerary for performers from Australia for Dance Tour opportunities around the world. One of the most popular Dance Tours that Dance Around the World offers is the California Tour where 3-days of the trip is spent with Dance the Magic at the Disneyland Resort.

Thanks to the partnership with Dance Around the World, we are able to offer a full Dance the Magic event while they are on their California tour, complete with a Dance the Magic Parade performance, workshops with Disney Teaching Artists, and even a showcase on a Disneyland Resort stage. This event is available exclusively to studios who have auditioned for and are participating in a California Dance Tour with Dance Around the World.

The 2019 Australian Dance Spectacular kicked off with the Dance the Magic Parade at Disneyland. In total, there were 291 dancers from 14 different studios who were in attendance. Dancers traveled from four of the six states in Australia, including Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, and New South Wales to come together for a truly spectacular Dance the Magic Parade.

Joining us at the 2019 Australian Dance Spectacular were:
• Breanna’s Academy of Dance – Macarthur Square, New South Wales, AU
• Centre Stage Dance & Entertainment – Perth, Western Australia, AU
• C.C.R. Stars Calisthenics – Mount Martha, Victoria, AU
• Cheer & Dance Intensity – Geraldton, Western Australia, AU
• Clarence River Dance Academy – Grafton, New South Wales, AU
• Deanne Fordham School of Dance – Ballyn North, Victoria, AU
• Generation Dance Center – Murrumba Downs, Queensland, AU
• Gisborne Dance Academy – Gisborne, Victoria, AU
• Melbourne Ballet School – Noble Park North, Victoria, AU
• Mel-O-Drama’s Performing Arts Studio – Benalla, Victoria, AU
• OnStage Dance Studios – Terrigal, New South Wales, AU
• Peninsula School of Dance – Mornington, Victoria, AU
• Stratosphere Performing Arts – Cherrybrook, New South Wales, AU
• That Dance Place – Darley, Victoria, AU

We love that Dance Around the World continues to include a Dance the Magic event as the crown jewel of their California Dance Tour! It is an honor to host the talented Dance Around the World participants at the Dance the Magic Australian Dance Spectacular each and every year and we look forward to facilitating more Dance the Magic performances at the Disneyland Resort for our dancers from Oz in the future.

Our next Dance the Magic event is the Summer Dance Classic at the Disneyland Resort! We can’t wait to have you dance with us!

2019 Crystal Dance Spectacular Event Recap

Dance the Magic Returns to the Disneyland Resort for the 2019 Crystal Dance Spectacular

Dance the Magic returned to the Disneyland Resort April 12-14, 2019 for our second spring event of the season, the Crystal Dance Spectacular. Dancers from five states, three countries, and two continents joined us in the merriment of the Crystal Dance Spectacular. Our original Spring Event, the Diamond Dance Classic, became such a beloved performance opportunity for our participating studios that we added an additional springtime event more than six years ago! The Crystal Dance Spectacular has grown to be equally as popular as the Diamond Dance Classic and allows us to welcome dancers from all around the world for a performance opportunity of a lifetime.

For our 2019 Crystal Dance Spectacular, we had a total of 18 studios participating, with six studios who were dancing in a Dance the Magic Parade at Disneyland for the very first time! While it is always an honor that so many studios choose to return to perform with us year after year, we are also incredibly grateful for all of the new studios we get to welcome to Dance the Magic as well. We truly couldn’t do it without all of you!! It is thanks to your dancing feet and smiling faces who continue to support us year after year that we are able to and take pride in being able to create performance opportunities that will leave you with memories that you’ll cherish forever.

We had the opportunity to welcome: 
• 8* Count Dance – Queen Creek, AZ
• All About Dance & Gymnastics – Madera, CA
• BlyueRose Dance Project – Sacramento, CA
• City of Santa Clara Dance Team – Santa Clara, CA
• Creative Dance Co. – Dulwich Hill, New South Wales, Australia
• Elite Dance Academy – Broomfield, CO
• Elite Dance Studio – Beaverton, OR
• Footnotes Dance Studio – Ceres, CA
• Fullout Dance Academy – Las Vegas, NV
• Garcia Dance Studio – Lompac, CA
• K & S Dance – Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
• Perfect Pointe – Glendora, CA
• Precision Dance Center – Sacramento, CA
• The Pointe Dance Center – Las Vegas, NV
• KOTB Performance Academy with Global Dance Tours – Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
• Australian Performing Arts College with Go Tours – Floraville, New South Wales, Australia
• Creative Dance Company with Go Tours, Floraville, New South Wales, Australia
• BAM! Performing Arts Studio with Travel Managers – Narre Warren STH, Victoria, Australia

Our dancers traveled to this event from as near as Glendora, CA and as far away as Australia where all 381 dancers converged at the Disneyland Resort with the common goal of dazzling down Main Street, USA in the Dance the Magic Parade at Disneyland! For the second weekend in a row, the parade route was lined with thousands of guests who were delighted by the Dance the Magic Parade performance at Disneyland Park. We are so proud of how hard our dancers work to come together and present one cohesive performance down the parade route. The dancers learn the expertly choreographed parade routine via video back at their home studios and then bring what they’ve learned to dress rehearsal. Upon arriving at Disneyland, our Artistic Director, Jennilee Barr, uses her dancing expertise to bring all the studios together to meld the choreography for one unforgettable performance down Main Street, USA.

After a spectacular Dance the Magic Parade at Disneyland, the weekend concluded with our Showcase Performance where studios were invited to perform with pieces that they had prepared back at their studios. There were 17 performances in total at our Dance the Magic Showcase that took place at the Fantasyland Theatre inside Disneyland Park on Sunday morning. The Showcase of entertaining and energetic performances was the perfect ending to another fantastic event!

Thank you to all of the studio directors, dancers, Disneyland Resort Cast Members, and Dance the Magic Staff who made the 2019 Crystal Dance Spectacular not only possible, but filled with magic and memories! We can’t wait to have you join us again for other Dance the Magic events in the future.

Happy Dancing!

2019 Diamond Dance Classic Event Recap

Dance the Magic Kicks off 2019 Event Season with the Diamond Dance Classic at Disneyland

Last weekend kicked off our 2019 event season with the Diamond Dance Classic at the Disneyland Resort. This was the first of three Spring Season Dance the Magic events at Disneyland and we were so excited to begin the season with 389 dancers traveling from Utah, Washington, all over California, and even international dancers from Mexico. We had the opportunity to welcome seven brand new studios to our Dance the Magic Family, while also welcoming back seven returning studios. All in all, we had 14 different Dance Studios participating in the Diamond Dance Classic. 

We welcomed:
• 5678 Dance Studio – Modesto, CA
• A Dancers Pointe – Apple Valley, CA
• Ace Dance Academy – Walnut Creek, CA
• Backstage Academy of Dance – Turlock, CA
• Ballet Bellingham – Bellingham, WA
• Dynamic Motion Dance Academy – Glendale, AZ
• Elements Dance Space – Pasadena, CA
• Galaxy Dance Academy – Madera, CA
• MDAstudio Esuela de Danza – Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
• On Your Toes Dance Studio – Hilmar, CA
• Premier Dance Studio – Oxnard, CA
• Rock Academy Dance Company – San Diego, CA
• Studio 48 – West Haven, UT
• XD Studios Dance & Performing Arts – Lake Forest, CA

The weekend began with Dance Camp on Friday that featured classes from three Disney Teaching Artists as well as a question & answer session at the conclusion of the dance classes. Participating in a Dance Camp gives dancers a chance to work with renowned industry professionals, Disney Teaching Artists, who have performed in and even choreographed some of the most beloved shows at the Disneyland Resort. The Disney Teaching Artists are well-respected and sought after in the professional performance arena and are very knowledgable regarding what it takes to succeed as a performer at the professional level.

On Saturday, all 389 dancers started the day with a professional photo shoot as well as dress rehearsal for the Dance the Magic Parade at Disneyland. During Dress Rehearsal, dancers work with Artistic Director, and former Disney Parks Parade Dancer, Jennilee Barr, to polish up their choreography and make sure they are ready to make their Disney debut! This dress rehearsal was the first time that our participants were able to rehearse the choreography with the other studios and it’s always fun to see the dancers work together to perform the choreography as one cohesive parade. Once rehearsals and photos concluded, it was time to line up for the Dance the Magic Parade. Toes pointed, movements sharp, smiles on, which can only mean one thing – dancers were ready for parade step-off.

Performers dazzled as they danced down the parade route from “it’s a small world” all the way to Main Street, USA in beautiful costumes to the upbeat song “I 2 I” from A Goofy Movie. Both guests and dancers loved getting to experience some 90’s nostalgia during the performance. Disneyland Guests may have been lined along the parade route to watch Mickey’s Soundsational Parade, but they surely were delighted by the Dance the Magic Parade that preceded Soundsational. The event concluded with our Dance the Magic Showcase at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland Park, where studios had the opportunity to present their own choreography on a professional Disney stage.

It is always rewarding to see the hard work of our staff and participants come together for an unforgettable performance experience. The Diamond Dance Classic was a huge success and we can’t thank our studio directors, dancers, and guests enough for joining us for another fantastic season of Dance the Magic! We can’t wait to have you back at a future event!

Happy Dancing!

A Night at the Theatre – Dance the Magic Enjoys Aladdin the Musical

Did you know that you could perform on the same Broadway stage that is home to Aladdin the Musical in New York City?

That’s right, you have the opportunity to dance with your studio on one of the most iconic stages in Broadway history and a place that most dancers only ever dream about – the New Amsterdam Theatre on Broadway and 42nd Street! Dance the Magic offers two separate Broadway events throughout the year – one during the summer, and one during the holiday season – both filled with incredible performance opportunities for you and your dancers that are second to none.

The New Amsterdam Theatre opened in 1903 and was described as “the house beautiful” thanks to its lavish Art Nouveau design and decoration. Not only is this theatre of historical significance to live theatre as a whole, it also has a particular significance to The Walt Disney Company as well. In 1992, Disney invested $36 million dollars in the theatre to aid in restoration of the iconic building and with it received a 49-year lease on the property to be the new home of some of the yet to be realized Disney Broadway Musicals. The first of the beloved musicals to hit the stage at the New Amsterdam Theatre was The Lion King in 1997, which performed to sold out houses until 2006 when it was moved to the Minskoff Theatre. Following The Lion King, the New Amsterdam Theatre was home to Mary Poppins from 2006 – 2010, and is currently home to the acclaimed Aladdin the Musical.

Thanks to our partnership with Disney Theatrical, the entire Dance the Magic team was invited to see the touring production of Aladdin the Musical a little closer to our Orange County, CA offices at the Segerstrom Center for Performing Arts. We had the opportunity to attend a reception before the show to learn a little more what the Disney Theatrical and Disney Youth Sales teams have planned for their clients for 2019 and beyond. To say we’re excited for what’s to come is an understatement.

During this reception we also had the chance to meet with two stars of the national tour production, Lissa deGuzman who plays Princess Jasmine, and Clinton Greenspan who plays Aladdin, for a question and answer session. The Cast Members shared their experiences of performing on a national tour as well as words of advice for young up-and-comers who hope to one day make their stage debut. When asked for that one piece of advice that will aid a performer’s journey the most, Clinton (Aladdin) responded, “No doesn’t mean you can’t.” He revealed that it was almost a year after he auditioned for the role that he received notice he would be joining the national tour of Aladdin. Perseverance is key as a performer as plenty of “no’s” will come before a “yes”. When asked the same question, Lissa (Princess Jasmine) responded, “Kindness goes a long way”. She then went on to say that it is important that you treat everyone with kindness and respect, as that is an easy way to leave a lasting impression. These added “surprise and delight” moments that our Disney Theatrical partners shared with us as their clients and guests are the same type of fun surprises that we love to incorporate into our Dance the magic events for all of you.

Aladdin the Musical is an incredibly fun adaptation of the animated classic and definitely one you don’t want to miss out on. We may have seen the remarkably talented National Tour Production, but if you join us for one of our Dance the Magic Broadway events you will have the chance to not only see the Broadway production of the show, but also dance on the very same stage at the New Amsterdam Theatre! This is a “wish come true” opportunity that you don’t want to miss!

We are currently booking for our 2019 Summer and 2019 Holiday Broadway events and we’d love for you to see your name in lights! For more information, please contact our Broadway Event Specialist, Paula, at [email protected].

We can’t wait for you to experience the magic of Disney on Broadway!

5 Common Disney MaxPass and FASTPASS Questions Answered

Are you joining us for a Dance the Magic Event at the Disneyland Resort in California? Then continue reading for how to get the most out of your days in Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Whether this will be your first time to the Disneyland Resort, or you’re a seasoned pro, taking advantage of the Disney FASTPASS and Disney MaxPass system is an easy way to maximize your time enjoying the Disneyland Resort.

What is Disney FASTPASS Service?

Disney FASTPASS Service allows you to spend less time waiting in line for some of the most popular attractions in Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park in order to make the most out of your visit. FASTPASS is available to anyone with valid theme park admission. However, the number of FASTPASSES available are limited in quantity and number of attractions and are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

Disney FASTPASS Service is currently offered at the following attractions:

*Disney FASTPASS Service and Disney MaxPass will not be available for the attractions in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Disneyland Park

Disney California Adventure Park

How do I use Disney FASTPASS Service?

Currently, there are two ways to take advantage of Disney FASTPASS Service. You can either use your theme park admission ticket at the designated FASTPASS Distribution points near the entrance of FASTPASS eligible attractions (subject to availability), or you may use Disney MaxPass (available for purchase) to make digital FASTPASS selections via the Disneyland Mobile App.

The traditional Disney FASTPASS Service is available to all guests with valid theme park admission, subject to availability. To secure a FASTPASS return time, visit the FASTPASS Distribution point for the eligible attraction and enter your Disneyland Resort admission ticket. You will receive a FASTPASS return receipt for a specific window of time. When the Return-Time window arrives, just head to the FASTPASS Return entrance of the attraction and scan the same Disneyland Resort admission ticket you used at the FASTPASS Distribution point and you’re ready to enjoy a popular Disneyland Resort Attraction with minimal wait time.

If you opt to add on Disney MaxPass to your Dance the Magic ticket, you can do so once you arrive to the Disneyland Resort via the Disneyland Mobile App. MaxPass is currently priced at $15 per day, per ticket.

Does my Dance the Magic ticket include MaxPass?

MaxPass is not included with your Dance the Magic ticket. However, both performers and guests are able to purchase MaxPass from the Disneyland Mobile App to add even more customization to your Disneyland Resort visit. It is encouraged to check the day’s FASTPASS availability on the Disneyland Mobile App prior to purchasing Disney MaxPass as Disney MaxPass is nonrefundable and nontransferable. If you are not going to be purchasing Disney MaxPass, you are able to use Disney FASTPASS Service by visiting the FASTPASS Distribution Points at select attractions. As a reminder, FASTPASS selections are limited and availability is not guaranteed, with or without Disney MaxPass.

Why should I add Disney MaxPass instead of just using Disney FASTPASS Service?

Digitally selecting FASTPASSES allows you to further maximize your time at the Disneyland Resort. From the Disneyland Mobile App you are able to select your next FASTPASS from anywhere, without having to walk to a FASTPASS Distribution point at the selected attraction. If your plans change, you’re also able to cancel a selection as well. Besides being able to make and change FASTPASS selections via the Disneyland Mobile App, you will also receive unlimited Disney PhotoPass downloads for the days you have purchased MaxPass. This includes photos from select attractions, select dining locations, as well as Magic Shots with Disney PhotoPass photographers from around the Disneyland Resort.

Is Disney MaxPass the same as FastPass+

While Disney MaxPass and FastPass+ seem like similar systems in their design, they are not the same program. Disney MaxPass is exclusive to the Disneyland Resort and FastPass+ is utilized exclusively at the Walt Disney World Resort. Disney MaxPass is used to make day-of FASTPASS selections via the Disneyland Mobile App. Currently, the Disneyland Resort does not offer an option to make FASTPASS selections in advance of your visit, the way you can in Walt Disney World.

For additional information and for any questions you have regarding Disney FASTPASS Service and Disney MaxPass at the Disneyland Resort, please visit the Disneyland Resort website directly.

Disney FASTPASS Service
Disney MaxPass

*Information is current as of 3/19/19. Information and offering subject to change without notice at Disney’s discretion.

We can’t wait for you to join us at an upcoming Dance the Magic event!

Top 7 Reasons to Book a Dance the Magic Event for Your Studio

7. First-Ever Disney Performing Arts Dance Performance Partner

Dance the Magic got its start in 2001 with humble beginnings and big dreams when renowned studio owner and founder, Debi Barr, had the idea to develop dance performance opportunities along one of the world’s most famous parade routes – Main Street, USA inside Disneyland Park. Debi had always admired the baton twirlers and marching bands that had the opportunity to perform before a Disney parade and she was sure that adding dancers to the mix would be the opportunity of a lifetime for fellow Studio Directors and dancers.

After nearly two years of unshakable determination, Debi convinced Disney to allow the first Dance the Magic performance down Main Street, USA. Cautiously, Disney initially agreed to only one single performance, but the moment Dance the Magic performers stepped onto the parade route, it was an instant hit. It was evident that our partnership with Disney would quickly grow into an annual tradition. Through vision, dedication, and determination, Dance the Magic has grown to be one of the highest-regarded dance event production companies in the world. From that initial one-off performance, Dance the Magic has grown to include more than 10 events a year spanning locations around the country, including the Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, and even a partnership with Disney on Broadway, all thanks to Debi’s passion for providing unique once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to high caliber performers from around the globe.

6. Exceptional Guest Experience and a Professional & Dedicated Staff

When you book an event with Dance the Magic, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience where every detail is considered with great intention. Our Event Specialists and team of dedicated staff take out all the guess work of booking a Dance the Magic event so you can focus all your attention on watching your dancers as they dazzle their way down Main Street, USA.

We pride ourselves on creating an exceptional guest experience and love developing long-lasting relationships with our studio directors who continue to trust us with producing the most memorable performance experiences year after year. Participating in a Dance the Magic event doesn’t mean you’re just our client and our guest, you become a member of the Dance the Magic Family. Our staff has an incredibly diverse entertainment background and includes former world-champion dancers, internationally published photographers, previous Disney Parks Parade Performers, and even a former studio owner. Our staff is incredibly knowledgeable about performing on some of the world’s most revered stages and is dedicated to providing you with world-class service.  Where some event production companies may make you feel like you’re just a number at their events, our dedicated and professional Event Specialists, Event Staff, and Artistic Team make sure that you receive individualized attention and care during every step of the process from booking to curtain call. We are a family owned and operated business and value treating our guests like members of our own family.

5. Discounted Disney Hotel and Ticket Prices not Available to the General Public

Thanks to our incredible and long-standing partnership with Disney, we are able to offer discounted Disney Hotel room rates and Theme Park ticket prices that are not available to the general public. We know that choosing to visit a Disney Park is an investment and we greatly value our guests who are joining us from around the United States and around the world. These special rates ensure that we are able to provide the greatest value to you, our guests, so that you are able to maximize the fun you are able to have while attending a Dance the Magic event.

4. VIP Dancer Package for Every Performer

From start to finish, your Dance the Magic experience is sprinkled with plenty of extra “pixie dust”, including a VIP Dancer Package for every performer to commemorate their experience. This typically includes Dance the Magic exclusives like a lanyard, dancer credential, pin, and t-shirt to name a few. Performers also participate in a professional photoshoot that includes a printed 8×10 individual portrait in your parade costume as well as a printed 8×10 group photo paired with a Blu-ray memory disc that encompasses your performance experience at a Dance the Magic event.

Not only do your dancers receive a special VIP performer package, but they have an opportunity to perform with dancers from around the world on one of the most beloved stages, Main Street, USA. We’ve spent years creating one of a kind high-quality experiences that you would be proud to participate in. There may be other event production companies out there, but none are as experienced or dedicated to a high-quality and unforgettable performance experience as Dance the Magic is. And no matter if it’s your first Dance the Magic event or your tenth, the memories you make when you participate in a Dance the Magic event are ones that will be cherished for a lifetime.

3. Learn Original Choreography from Former Disney Parks Parade Dancers

Not only do you get to have the experience of a lifetime by participating in a Dance the Magic event, but you get to learn original outstanding choreography from our Vice President and Artistic Director, Jennilee Barr, who danced for Disney for 8 years. Jennilee, like most of our dedicated staff, has been dancing and performing for most of her life. Where else do you have the chance to learn choreography from a real Disney Parade Performer and then perform that choreography on the same parade route that has delighted hundreds of thousands of guests for more than 60 years?

Participating in a Dance the Magic event gives your dancers an opportunity to know what it’s like to be a Disney Parks Entertainment Cast Member for the day. Not only are you taught exciting original choreography from a former Disney Parade Performer, but you are also held to same high-performance standards that have made Disney Parks Entertainment Offerings some of the most professional, revered, and beloved in the entire world. This experience is as close to being a real Disney Parks Parade Performer as you can get without being an actual Disney Parks Parade Performer. For so many young dancers, this opens their eyes to the fact that they could go on to perform professionally for Disney. We are proud to say that we have even had former Dance the Magic Dancers go on to audition and get cast in Disney Parades.

2. Showcase Your Studio’s Choreography on a Disney Park Stage

Imagine having your dancers perform on the same stage where some of you favorite Disney shows also take place. Now imagine your dancers showcasing your choreography on that same stage. The Dance the Magic Showcase is unique in that your dancers get to perform on a stage that is typically reserved for the professional artists that have been cast in a Disney Parks Entertainment live show. This only adds to the experience of getting to learn what it’s like to be a real Disney Parks Entertainment Cast Member for a day. Dance the Magic aims to not only create unique performance opportunities where you can make lasting memories, but also to equip dancers with a toolkit that will better prepare them for future professional opportunities as well.

1. Dance Inside a Disney Park on Main Street, USA

The culmination of an entire Dance the Magic event is, of course, the opportunity to dance the entire parade route down Main Street, USA inside a Disney Park. If you’ve ever been to Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World or Disneyland Park, you know that every day the parade route is lined with thousands of smiling guests waiting to be delighted by a world-famous Disney parade. Your dancers will get to perform in front of those same thousands of guests as the lead off performance just before the parade begins. The Dance the Magic parade choreography is always fun, upbeat, original, and extremely high-caliber. Our partnership with Disney has only grown stronger over the years because they know that we produce the highest-quality and most professional events that bring immense value to our participants.

If you’ve joined us for a Dance the Magic event before, we can’t wait to have you back! And if you’re just considering booking your first Dance the Magic event, we can’t wait to work with you! Our entire staff is dedicated to making sure that your time with Dance the Magic is unforgettable and exceeds expectations from start to finish.

Happy Dancing! We can’t wait to have you as part of the Dance the Magic Family!

Welcome to Dance the Magic!

What happens when you combine a former studio owner, lifelong Disney fan, and a dream to bring unique performance opportunities to dance studios from around the world? You get Dance the Magic, one of the first event production companies that granted dancers the opportunity to perform on one of the most revered stages in the world, Main Street, USA. Founder and company owner, Debi Barr, had a grand vision of creating unique and magical performance opportunities for not only her studio’s dancers, but for dancers around the globe.

How Dance the Magic Got Started

Dance the Magic was founded in 2001 with humble beginnings and a dream to dance down Main Street, USA before a Disneyland Park parade performance. Although plenty of naysayers believed that it was impossible to partner with a company as large as Disney, Debi knew that she had the passion, drive, and experience necessary to cultivate an unforgettable dance performance experience that delighted performers and guests alike. In fact, even though Disney has held a long tradition of showcasing visiting marching bands prior to a parade performance, it was Debi who first introduced the idea of having dance studios perform the opening parade routine. With perseverance and of course a little pixie dust, Dance the Magic has since grown from a seemingly far-fetched goal into the most well-known and most well-respected dance event production company in the world.

Now in its 18th season, Dance the Magic has evolved from a single parade performance event inside Disneyland Park to 11 events slated for 2019, taking place throughout the year at the Disneyland Resort, the Walt Disney World Resort, and on Broadway in New York City. Debi Barr had a long-standing reputation in California as a studio owner who would create unique and special performance opportunities – such as performing during the halftime of professional sporting events – long before she approached Disney with her idea. When asked why she started Dance the Magic, founder, Debi Barr responded, “I was looking for another performance opportunity and I thought it would be so wonderful to work with Disney. I had seen the bands and baton twirlers down Main Street and I thought it would amazing if we had dancers as well. That was a conversation that was two years in the making for us to create an opportunity for dancers to dance down Main Street. Knocked on doors for a long time and I was finally able to get a meeting. It took a lot of hard work, but our first event was a huge success.  When we first started, never did we dream it would grow to be what it is today, but we were certainly hopeful. I was a single parent when we started this and was just looking at what we would be able to offer to our families regarding special performance opportunities. It was very risky in growing a business like this, which was very scary to try, but you have to take a risk. And little did we know what it would build and grow into over the next 18 years”.

Why Choose Dance the Magic

Disney is known for producing the highest level, most enjoyable live entertainment experiences at their theme parks around the globe. Each day, thousands of guests pick a seat on Main Street, USA to watch the magic come to life before their very eyes during a Disney Parks parade. Dance the Magic has developed the exceptional once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have your studio be fully immersed in what it means to be a performer at Disney for the day and featured as the kickoff performance in a Disney Parks parade in front of thousands of guests – held to the same high standards of Disney performers themselves. Not only do you have the chance to make your dancers’ dreams come true by dancing at Disney, Dance the Magic takes the experience one step further to include magic and fun for the entire family with special rates and packages for dancer families who are looking to dance, play, and stay amongst the Disney Magic.

After the success of the very first Dance the Magic event nearly two decades ago, Debi knew she was on to something special with her newly formed partnership with Disney. She stated, “We recognize the opportunity that we are able to give to these dancers and their families is unlike any other. That was very important when I started Dance the Magic is that we had family friendly venues that would appeal to the entire family, and not just to the dancers.” As Dance the Magic has grown, Debi has continued to go above and beyond with the types of opportunities she has developed for the dancers that participate in Dance the Magic events. When you ask Debi what motivates her to continually elevate the experience for performers her answer is very simple, “It’s the happy faces we see from the parents and the Disney guests when we are dancing down Main Street, USA! The parents are crying and the audience is cheering and the dancers are overjoyed to be performing for such a large audience. It’s exciting to watch year after year groups coming back to experience the magic again and again. We work very hard to partner with our directors to make their studios and dancers look good, have fun, and have the chance to perform at the absolute highest level while making memories that will last a lifetime”.

Dance the Magic Events

Imagine YOUR studio and YOUR dancers performing on some of the most beloved and most well-known stages in the world and giving them a chance to live out their dreams. I bet you can feel the energy already of what it would be like to perform in a real Disney Park! There is truly nothing like dancing down Main Street, USA in front of thousands of delighted guests and you have the chance to join us on us an adventure. Whether you’re on the West Coast or East Coast or traveling internationally, Dance the Magic has a performance experience waiting for you.

Disneyland Resort

At the Disneyland Resort in California, you have the opportunity to perform in one of our Spring, Summer, or Holiday events that can include not only a Disney Parks parade performance, but also the chance to show off your studio’s own choreography on one of the renowned stages inside Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.

Walt Disney World

The Walt Disney World Resort is also home to two spectacular Dance the Magic Events – our Summertime Spectacular and our Elite Holiday Spectacular. Here you also have the chance to showcase your dancers in a Disney Parks parade performance as well as perform on a Walt Disney World Stage inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom or Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Dance the Magic on Broadway

As if performing at a Disney Park weren’t already excitement enough, Dance the Magic has expended our long tradition of creating unforgettable performance opportunities to the magic of Broadway in New York City! We host two separate Broadway events – one in Summer and one during the Holidays – for two chances to make your Broadway debut! During both performances, we partner with Disney on Broadway to not only give our dancers a chance to dance on a real Broadway stage, but also to learn from renowned dance professionals in different workshop settings, and see multiple Disney on Broadway productions. For our Holiday Broadway event we have also teamed up with the world-famous Radio City Rockettes for an additional dream come true experience where you will get the chance to learn alongside some Radio City dancers as well as see the Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes.

Dance the Magic Memories and Accomplishments

Dance the Magic started as a seemingly far-fetched goal and has since grown to be the most trusted dance event production company in the world. In fact, in 2015, Debi and Dance the Magic were awarded the prestigious “Disney Partners Award” for providing quality experiences, exemplary leadership and demonstrating business integrity, while embracing and promoting the magic of Disney. As one of only eight recipients of this award, it’s no surprise when Debi says receiving this award is her “proudest moment in Dance the Magic history”. Naysayers couldn’t interfere with Debi’s tenacity or perseverance as she sought once-in-a-lifetime Disney performing opportunities for studios near and far.

In the 18-year history of the company, countless unforgettable memories have been made and thousands of dancers have had the opportunity to perform with Dance the Magic on a real Disney stage or before a Disney Parks parade, and founder, Debi Barr, has been there for every one of them. When asked what her favorite Dance the Magic memory is, she responded with, “The Disney Parks Christmas Day Filming on ABC! Having the chance to work with top Disney choreographers and talent as well as the production crew for ABC to play a part in one of the most beloved Disney traditions is something I cherish. Being able to turn on the TV Christmas morning and see how all of the hard work come together and see our dancers on national television is truly magical and my favorite Dance the Magic memory”.

Dance the Magic continues to delight thousands of dancers a year with some of the most unique performance opportunities ever produced and we aren’t slowing down anytime soon. We’re so excited to see where the Disney magic will carry us in the future and can’t wait for you to join us at a Dance the Magic event!