Jun. 3, 2011 (PR Newswire) --
ANAHEIM, Calif., June 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Music, magic and galactic adventures marked the premiere of Disney Soundsational Summer 2011 on Thursday and Friday, June 2 and 3, at the Disneyland Resort. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs invited media and VIP guests on a journey to "fathoms below" and then to "a galaxy far, far away" as new attractions opened in both Disney California Adventure and Disneyland parks.
"Combining great storytelling with innovative technology has been a hallmark of The Walt Disney Company since the very beginning, and that spirit continues today with the opening of these two incredible attractions," Staggs said. "Whether we're taking guests 'under the sea' or to the farthest reaches of the galaxy, these new experiences will take them on an adventure they will never forget."
The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel's Undersea Adventure premiered on Thursday, June 2, in a ceremony highlighted by the appearance of Jodi Benson, the original voice of Ariel from the hit Disney animated film, "The Little Mermaid," singing a contemporary version of the award-winning song "Part of Your World." Representing the "dark side" of the mermaid tale was Sherie Renee Scott, star of Broadway's "The Little Mermaid," singing the anthem of Ursula the Sea Witch, "Poor Unfortunate Souls."
The new Little Mermaid attraction takes guests into the world of Ariel and the cast of characters from the classic tale, immersing guests in the story and songs of the motion picture with a combination of Audio-Animatronics technology, special effects and Disney magic.
On Friday, June 3, new interplanetary journeys made their debuts at Disneyland park with the premiere of Star Tours – The Adventures Continue. Dark denizens of the "Star Wars" universe, including Darth Vader himself, blocked the entrance of the attraction early Friday until they were expelled by a group of Jedi Masters.