Magic truly is coming to life when ABC airsThe Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60on Sunday night.
(More on thathere.)
How are you capturing that magic?
Credit: Eric McCandless/ABC
JESSE IGNJATOVIC:That was a jump off.
It was really important to us to have that narrative weaving through the show.
You have a wealth of material to showcase during the special.
Eric McCandless/ABC
How hard was that to narrow down what youre going to feature?
Are you trying to get as much as possible in?
PRAGER:It is a challenge, for sure.
Todd Wawrychuk/ABC
Its also a web connection primetime show.
We want to see to it theres a great mix of entertainment.
Its about the breath of the music and also the animation.
Theres so much Disney animation.
Theyre so human that you feel the feelings.
We have some contemporary artists and actors talking about them.
The one thing were celebrating the most is Disneyland.
Disney is weaved throughout, but its the parks 60th, and we keep coming back to it.
The first time I went into Walts apartment, its like going into Graceland where its frozen in 1955.
Its amazing to feel his presence.
Did you have a lot of stars coming to you wanting to be involved?
IGNJATOVIC:Yeah, everyone seems to have their Disneyland/Disney World story.
With Sir Elton, it was really exciting.
The offer went out and there was an immediate response of, How do we make this happen?
It was down to scheduling.
He really wanted to be part of this show, and it worked out, thank goodness.
He did two songs for us, which is spectacular.
Jessie J is a huge fan.
Jessie J was just a matter of working out her schedule, because she was onGrease: Live.
Then Tori Kelly wanting to do Rainbow Connection with Kermit.
Can you talk about what Derek Hough is doing as master of ceremonies?
Hes setting up the night and introducing the presenters.
Hes such an inclusive person; he makes everyone feel a part of it.
The energy in there was so great, and he made the audience feel even more part of it.
Everyone there is a Disney fan.
He was the perfect person for the show.
How much will you get to show since its in such early stages?
IGNJATOVIC:Enough to get people super exciting, but leaving you wanting more.
Were still negotiating a trip to Shanghai.
I want to see that in person!
[Were] huge Star Wars fans.
It was really easy, because I think Harrison wanted to be a part of it.
The reaction to Harrison was massive.
That was honestly one of the easiest things.
He was so into doing it.
PRAGER:Here or there, maybe little things.
But it was a matter of, this is an operation that is ongoing 365 days a year.
It was really a matter of trying to work within what they do every day.
Were showing a sneak peek of Star Wars land!
Theyre opening the doors!
Will the special reveal the name of the Star Wars land?
IGNJATOVIC:Tune in for the second hour of the show.
What was your first big Disney memory?
Youre a kid, and all of a sudden these animals are coming to life.
Something just landed on your head!
I thought the bird pooped on me.
It was so believable.
That, and then the robot Lincoln.
I thought it was Abe Lincoln!
PRAGER:Im from New York.
I came out here when I was 7 or 8.
I just remember it seeming so epic.
This was an entire world.
Now I have two kids of my own.
The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60airs Sunday at 8 p.m.
