I had the opportunity to attend the Disney Parks Blog preview of “Big Hero 6” at Downtown Disney this morning. The movie was scheduled to start at 11:00, and my son and I arrived at 10:10. There was already a huge line of guests waiting to check in. After entering the AMC lobby, we were given our 3D glasses, which are ours to keep. We were then given coupons for a free soda and popcorn. The next stop was the spot where I’d
have to relinquish my iPhone for the next few hours, as absolutely no recording devices were allowed. We made our way into the theater and were lucky to find seats, as it was almost full by 10:40. Before the movie started, a Disney representative came out to say a few words. The crowd was excited to learn that each guest would receive a “Baymax” kite on the way out. We were also told that we’d be able to meet both Hiro and Baymax after the movie, and we’d receive a professional digital photo from Disney’s PhotoPass for free.
The movie was great and it met all of my expectations. There was also a “short film” ahead of the feature called “Feast.” This short features a dog named Winston and was one of the best shorts I’ve seen. It is not to be missed!
After the movie,
we picked up my iPhone and then got in line to meet the stars. We had to leave the lobby and enter through a nondescript door next to the Pop Gallery store. The queue was actually in the emergency exit stairwell of the theater. We waited nearly 45 minutes, but Disney did a nice job moving guests through quickly. The wait was certainly worth it as this was an opportunity to meet characters before they arrive to greet the general public at Walt Disney World in the near future. As reported by Taking the Florida Plunge a week ago, you can expect to meet Hiro and Baymax in the Animation building at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where Wreck it Ralph used to be. One additional treat at this event was the ability to get a photo with a giant, blow up version of “The Little Orange Bird.” They plan on using this at future Disney Parks Blog events.
Overall, Disney did a great job with this special preview event. I’m already looking forward to whatever they have planned next! Big Hero 6 hits theaters nationwide on Friday, November 7, 2014.
Dave Drumheller WDW Guided Tours