“Wish” Comes to Blu-ray, Fans Go to Rosas
To celebrate Walt Disney Animation’s latest film Wish coming out on Blu-ray, the gates to Rosas, represented by the Walt Disney Studio lot, were opened to guests for a fun afternoon of food, activities, and singing.
The event began with Mediterranean-themed refreshments in such varieties as the citizens of Rosas might wish for.
After people had a chance to gather their snacks, it was time for the afternoon’s programming to begin.
Guests were greeted by the queen herself, Angelique Cabral. As the voice of Queen Amaya, she was the perfect choice to lead Story Time, as she read the tail of Wish from an oversized storybook.
After Story Time, Wish directors Fawn Veerasunthorn and Chris Buck engaged guests in a drawing lesson where they demonstrated how to draw Star, Asha, Valentino, and a surprise Mickey Mouse at the end.
The lessons were a little more challenging than the ones at DCA’s Animation Academy, given that Veerasunthorn and Buck can draw these characters in a matter of minutes, but a fun time was had by all, whether or not their drawings ultimately resembled the official designs.
Meanwhile, those less artistically inclined were free to wander about meeting Asha and taking pictures at the many photo-ops around the Studio theater.
The main event was a sing-along screening of Wish preceded by the short “Once Upon a Studio” and a quick presentation with some of the film’s cast and creatives.
During the movie a microphone was set up where people bolder than I would constantly line up and enthusiastically sing the songs with the characters to appreciative applause.
At the end of the day, guests were given a choice of parting gifts–a tote bag, art print, metal popcorn bucket, or Wish Blu-ray.
In all, a charmingly entertaining afternoon was enjoyed by everyone fortunate enough to be able to attend. It is always a special thing to be able to roam around the iconic Disney Studio Lot, with all its 100 years of historical storytelling, and watching the celebration unfold for the home video release of Wish feels like being part of a magical milestone. It’s a reminder of the lasting impact of the Disney creative legacy, and the hope and inspiration it, like Star from the film, continues to bring to people of all ages.
Currently out on digital video, Wish releases on Blu-ray on March 12, 2024.
