The Legacy of Dream Along with Mickey

After nearly a decade-long run on the Magic Kingdom’s “Castle Forecourt Stage,” the final performance of “Dream Along with Mickey” was presented on April 2nd, 2016. Originally premiering as part of “The Year of a Million Dreams” celebration in 2006, this musical stage show hosted by Mickey Mouse and friends celebrated the power of dreams with songs and characters from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Cinderella,” “Sleeping Beauty,” and “Peter Pan.” In addition to entertaining millions of Disney guests over the years, this production also marked a couple of notable milestones for Walt Disney World live entertainment.

In January 2007, just a few months after the show premiered, “Dream Along with Mickey” quietly debuted an updated version utilizing upgraded character costumes. Using technology that had first been introduced as part of Feld Entertainment’s “Disney Live!” touring shows, these new costumes gave Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy the ability to move their mouths and blink their eyes for the first time in a Walt Disney World show. Since then, similar articulated characters have been featured in several shows and attractions including “Festival of the Lion King,” “A Frozen Holiday Wish,” and the Mickey Mouse meet and greet at “Town Square Theater.”

“Dream Along with Mickey” was the last Magic Kingdom castle show recorded by Wayne Allwine, who provided the iconic voice of Mickey Mouse for over 30 years. In addition to lending his voice to countless films, television shows, record albums, and theme park attractions, this Disney Legend was also married to Russi Taylor, the voice of Minnie Mouse, in an adorable case of life imitating art. Sadly, Wayne Allwine passed away in 2009, less than three years after “Dream Along with Mickey” debuted. While the loss of this show removes another of his performances from the parks, Allwine’s voice can still be heard in a few other places around the Resort including “Mickey’s Philharmagic” at Magic Kingdom and “Fantasmic!” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Although this “Castle Party” has ended, the next one is fortunately just around the corner. This summer, “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Fair” will see Mickey and the gang return to the “Castle Forecourt Stage” along with some new friend from “Frozen,” “Tangled,” and “The Princess and the Frog.” While it can be difficult for some fans to say good-bye to such a long-running and historically important show, I know I can’t wait to see what Mickey will dream up next!