Meet Merida at the Magic Kingdom

Last weekend was the first chance to meet Merida, the new heroine from Brave (opens in theaters in late June). Although the movie isn't here yet, the character is, and the lines are low for now!

Merida's home is in the vaguely European "block garden" that was home until recently of Rapunzel. While Rapunzel's lines were long, Merida's are less so for the moment. That may change once the movie comes out. Apparently the arena holds about 50 people at a time.

The core of the experience, unlike Rapunzel, is just a meet and greet. There is no central "show" to it; you just get in line. That said, kids can either color a Merida sheet of paper, or partake in the archery practice (which is obviously much more dynamic). A guide will show you how to hold the bow, how to aim, and then you let your arrow fly! The arrowhead is a big piece of foam, though, and there are safety nets around.

Once you meet Merida, you see bears popping out from behind her; this will all make more sense after the movie comes out. The bears are not animatronic; they are puppets, controlled by a puppeteer, and they react to conversations. Try it!

Around the corner, the merchandise cart is crammed full of gear for sale themed to this new princess:

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

Highland Games Tournament Sand Sculpture (pics)

"Brave" opens in theaters in a few weeks, but the push is on now to get the word out about the movie. In addition to a Meet and Greet for Merida at the Magic Kingdom, there's a small section of Epcot being given over to the "Highland Games Tournament." It's located along the rose garden walk connecting Future World to World Showcase.

This area will feature interactive experiences designed for kids. At Meet Merida in the MK, kids can shoot a bow and arrow (with a soft, blunt tip) at a target, and there are similar games in mind for Epcot. Here you can see the recycled rubber "pit" they are prepping for the area:

They've left the Flower and Garden playground here--a bonus thing to do.

The sand sculpture for Chimpanzee has been replaced by one for Brave. Here it is as seen on 5/27, with a few finishing touches being added.

And here's a video of the sculpture:




The official opening of the Highland Games Tournament is June 1.

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

Brave - The Highland Games Tournament

The DisneyParks blog has released details about the "Brave" section being added temporarily to Epcot, near the Rose Garden. 

From June 1-July 8, Epcot will serve as the setting for Brave – The Highland Games Tournament, a kid-focused offering that will include games like Mini Caber Toss, Cake Toss, Haggis Flip and archery. There will also be a kids’ playground with free enhanced wireless – which is great for us parents who can’t share cute photos of their kids on Twitter and Facebook fast enough!

Brave – The Highland Games Tournament will take place on the Rose Walk (right where Future World blends into World Showcase), from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., daily. Park admission is required.

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.