By Austin Price, Editor in Chief
I think it’s safe to say that for generations before us, and generations after us, Walt Disney and his creations have impacted the lives of millions of people. No matter your age or your background, Disney is a household name that instantly lights up a room and brings a smile to your face. As a hardcore Disney fan and wannabe Disney princess, I can confirm the impact Walt and his mouse, Mickey, have made on my life. I have been to Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida half a dozen times; I’ve been on a Disney Cruise twice; I have a wall of Mickey ears in my bedroom, and my bookshelves are lined with Disney books, movies, and merchandise. And so, when I discovered the magic of Walt Disney and Pixar would be coming to our neck of the woods, in Denver Colorado, I knew I had to be there.
In Lighthouse Immersive Studios and consequently Lighthouse Artspace in Denver, the ultimate magic, endless fantasy, and timeless charm of Disney filled the four walls, ceiling, and floor with 151800000 pixels and 119000 frames of video, featuring Disney’s greatest hits and most iconic movie moments. With motion sensitive lighting, and an interactive floor meant to be entertaining to guests before the show, this massive studio became a whole new world, per say, with the most phenomenal atmosphere of curiosity, discovery, and childlike wonder.
While this activity may be more popular among families with young children, I can assure you that this experience is fun for people of all ages and of all groups. Whether you’re out for a date night, with a group of friends, or taking a solo trip to enjoy some one-on-one time with the great Walt, this presentation is an unforgettable journey of imagination and cherished memories.
As you arrive at Lighthouse Immersive Studios, you will be greeted by the man, the myth, the legend himself, Mr. Walt Disney, and his trusty sidekick and the mascot of Disney’s empire, Mickey Mouse. After that, you will be directed by a cast member to a gallery with various Disney villains and antiheroes, leaving a wonderful opportunity for some good, old fashioned Disney trivia with a game of who’s who. In addition to this venue for villains, a mini scavenger hunt, hung on the wall, is presented for the die-hard Disney fans to flaunt their knowledge.
Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse
After this gallery, we were led into another room with more displays, more information, more characters, and more memorabilia. This next studio offered a more interactive experience through draw-your-own-animation stations, and Disney games and trinkets scattered around the room. My personal favorite display in this studio was the display that stood taller than myself of a Steamboat Willy snapshot, which was Mickey Mouse’s debut in the world of Disney and the beginning of a legacy.
Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willy
And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for, the show. We were guided into the largest studio yet, with benches around the perimeter of the room and a large, silver structure in the dead center. As we walked to our seat, the floor moved with us, and our clothes shimmered with stars and spotlights. We took our seats, and the show began.
The glimmering floor in the main studio
The main studio walls, covered with beloved characters
The show began in the most over-the-top, true-to-form, Disney fashion with the opening scene of The Lion King, where the animals of the safari witness the presentation of baby Simba by the great monkey, Rafiki. With the iconic music blaring from the speakers, saturated colors drenching the walls through high tech projections, and the joy of Disney at its prime.
As the show continued, more and more famous snippets and featured characters graced the studio with heartfelt tales of true love, coming-of-age stories of beloved characters, infamous musical numbers lead by villains plotting their crimes, the ultimate victory of good versus evil, wishes on stars, once upon a times, and happily ever after's.
Personally, my favorite moments were from Tangled with Rapunzel and Eugene singing together on the water, surrounded by lanterns as they fell in love, the plethora of family members from Encanto, rehashing the tales of their family drama, and the classically extravagant musical numbers from Fantasmic as they danced across the screen. The show lasted a little under an hour, giving time for a collage of cherished characters and the stories they tell that we see ourselves in.
Disney gives us more than movies and rides. Disney gives us an opportunity to see ourselves as something more. Disney helps us see our inner villain, our inner hero, and the constant fight between the two. Disney shows us the fantasies we desire, and the realities we are given. Disney shows us the relationships we covet, and the secrets we keep. Disney shows us the hopes we hold close to our heart, and the fears that lurk inside all of us. Disney shows us our once upon a time, and our happily ever after.
As the show ended and the mystical world, we were just in closed us out, we were ushered to the ending of every Disney attraction ever. The gift shops. The best way to end any activity in my opinion.
All in all, I loved this experience and I highly recommend it to anyone who’s ever been a child. If you are interested in immersing yourself in the wonderful world of Disney, you can purchase your tickets through September 4th at https://lighthouseimmersive.com/disney/denver/