Wrap-up Of 6 O’Clock.

We told you that your 6 o’clocks would be changed forever. Our story, “6 o’clock,” certainly showed that, especially to all of you who joined us last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday as we reported back live from the Disneyland Resort.

On Thursday, 5/23 at 6:45 PM, we brought you the world premiere of “Mickey and the Magical Map,” Disneyland’s new live stage show presented in the Fantasyland Theatre. It was the first time we saw the show and after seeing it, we would have to say that it was really enjoyable. As the title of the show suggests, the show will feature (Sorcerer) Mickey as he takes you around a map with different locations that hold different Disney worlds and characters. Although it may feel like a mashup like “World of Color,” we do appreciate the fact that Disney has brought back some of the lesser seen characters like Mulan and King Louie. The music is certainly another highlight. You’ll certainly get your Disney songbook in this show!

After the premiere and a private party in Fantasyland, we made our way to the Esplanade to checkout all the people already in line for Disney Park’s second 24 hour party with DE writer Mike Ayala reporting overnight for us.

The following morning, 5/24 at 6 AM, both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure opened to the large crowds who enjoyed the firework-laden kickoff to the Monstrous Summer All-Nighter. Although there were many doubts for this party due to the craziness of One More Disney Day, the Disneyland Resort and local authorities certainly planned and executed their plans well enough to actually make the crowds manageable and the Resort enjoyable. It really felt like a standard busy day at the Parks – nothing new to us regular Disneylanders. What was different were all the special opportunities for All-Nighter participants like an advance screening of “Monsters University” for Annual Passholders, and special menu items and merchandise like a Sulley-inspired ear hat!

Overall, both the new show and the All-Nighter showed us only the beginnings of what is sure to be another “monstrous” fun summer at Disney Parks. Will you be joining in in all the scary fun? We too have a lot of surprises in store for you all this summer, so be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and YouTube!

– – –

Our very special thanks to the Disneyland Resort for allowing us to cover these great kickoff events. Be sure to check out our complete coverage (presented by La Brea Bakery) of both these events on our social media networks and our official coverage page here for more pictures, video, and reports that we took live from Disneyland!