Disney Lion King 3D Premiere in LA

As you know, this past weekend, I headed to LA to take in the celebration with Disney, on the release of Disney Lion King 3D into theatres. I have a ton of information to share about the movie itself and the people behind the Lion King. Yet for now, all the buzz is about the World Premiere of Lion King 3D. It al happened at the El Captian theatre in Hollywood! And I was there!

Now, I tossed out the term ‘red carpet’ a few times, and while I know I will always still call it that – it really wasn’t. It was actually green astroturf {ha!}. Yet, being behind the barricades with that VIP pass around my neck was surreal!

Never before had I literally walked the path that only a few get to experience. Cameras flashing, people screaming and security all around – it was something I never thought I would ever be able to experience. Yet, there I was, in the middle of it all!

It was my first time inside the beautiful and iconic El Captain theatre. If you ever get the chance, you have to peek inside {or see a move it here yourself}. It truly is the most magnificent theatre I had ever seen. As an organist played classic Disney music on stage, the build up began. I glanced around the theatre and seen many celebrities, some with their families. I also spotted many of the people behind the movie; the producer, illustrators and cast. These same people I had met the day before the world premiere {and I’ll discuss more about that in another post}. Again I thought – Was I really here? Someone pinch me!

I settled back with popcorn and a drink and the curtain rose. The opening chants and song for Lion King 3D always gives me goosebumps, yet this time, I could have exploded in awe. It’s true that 3D made this movie come to life again. From the birds flying to the stampede of the Wildebeests – Lion King takes on a while new experience in 3D. It was like watching the movie for the first time again, just like I had at the original release in 1994. And, I can’t wait to take my kids to see it in theatres, I know they will love it!

After the premiere, I along with the other bloggers in attendance went to the After Party, at the Kodak theatre. There we were greeted with African entertainment, games for the kids, delicious food catered by Wolfgang Puck and all the schmoozing you could accomplish. Of course I made some necklaces for my kids, danced with Timone and got a flip book of us dancing, and did the bug toss and got lion hats for my children as well.

Yet I also got to get a glimpse of some of the celebrities there as well {Ricky Schroder, Ali Landry and Melissa Joan Hart}. Some of them were with their children, so I watched from afar. Yet, I did get a chance to talk to Melissa Joan Hart and get my photo with her. She is so sweet!

And, I met some of the teenage stars from Disney’s Pair Of Kings, Ant Farm and PROM. I couldn’t help but to wish that my oldest daughter was there too. And, when I showed her these photos when I got home, she was in amazement that I was there. And, a little sad that she wasn’t {mommy guilt settled in big time}.

So, that was my time at the World Premiere of the Lion King in 3D! Yet, that was just one aspect of my time in LA. Like I already mentioned, I have much more to share. So I’ll be back with more about my trip!

** Lion King 3D will be in theatres near you on September 16th, for only 2 weeks. Then, it will be available on Blu-ray 3D & Blu-ray Hi-Def on October 4th.

Here is the official Disney release of the news of the premiere:

WALT DISNEY STUDIOS CELEBRATES
THE PREMIERE OF
THE LION KING 3D
In Theaters September 16th and homes October 4th

Hollywood, CA – Saturday, August 27, 2011 – The Lion King’s voice talent Robert Guillaume (Rafiki),  Moira Kelly (Adult Nala), Jim Cummings (Ed) and Niketa Calame (Young Nala) were joined by legendary Disney producer Don Hahn, co-directors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, animators Tony Bancroft, Mark Henn, and Andreas Deja, to celebrate the Premiere ofThe Lion King 3D at the historic El Capitan Theatre. They were joined by a variety of guests including Julie Bowen (Modern Family), Melora Hardin (The Office), Melissa Joan Hart, Ali Landry, Gilles Marini, Antonio Sabato Jr., Rick Schroeder, Monet Mazur, RJ Mitte (Breaking Bad), Shaunie O’Neal, Adam Irigoyen (Disney Channel’s Shake it Up) Maria Canals-Barrera, Nolan Sotillo (Prom).

Simba, Mufasa, Nala, Timon and Pumbaa are back and better than ever this fall when Disney’s “THE LION KING” roars into theaters and homes in breathtaking 3D. A special two-week theatrical extravaganza kicks off Sept. 16, 2011, showcasing the Oscar®- and Golden Globe®-winning film on the big screen in Disney Digital 3D™ for the first time ever, and its highly anticipated home entertainment debut kicks off October 4, celebrating  the Diamond Edition release of the epic movie “The Lion King” in high-definition Blu-ray™ and Blu-ray 3D™.

Thanks to Click Comm for this experience. Flight, accommodations and incidentals were
provided for this trip to LA. Yet, as always, all opinions are my own.