Stars Play Out Disney Park Fantasies in New Images

To launch Disney Parks “Year of a Million Dreams” celebration, Disney has unveiled spectacular new images featuring the work of acclaimed photographer Annie Leibovitz, with the images starring Scarlett Johansson as Cinderella, Beyoncé taking a spin in a giant teacup and David Beckham slaying a dragon.

Leibovitz’s images also fulfill one of Beckham’s “dreams,” as the Disney Parks project is his first endorsement since signing a contract to play professional soccer in the United States and in addition to the three debut images, Disney Parks has commissioned more images by Leibovitz that will feature other celebrities in classic, Disney fairy tale settings.

Asked by Disney Parks to lend her vision to the campaign, Leibovitz has created inspired images of storybook fantasy’s come to life.  Her photographs for the campaign embody the captivating, narrative style indicative of her world-renowned work.  She said, “I’m really delighted to be part of the ‘Where Dreams Come True’ campaign.”  “We live in difficult times and I feel, especially as a parent, that keeping dreams alive is one of the most important things we can do.”

Each image features a scene with celebrities transformed into the role of a fabled Disney character, expressing their own dreams and imagination, with as Cinderella, Scarlett Johansson is seen running down a flight of stairs as the clock strikes midnight, her glass slipper unknowingly left behind and the tagline reading, “Where every Cinderella story comes true.”

Befitting a true princess, Johansson wears a stunning, one-of-a-kind Harry Winston tiara – a dazzling piece in platinum with more than 62 carats of sparkling diamonds valued at $325,000.  and the dress worn by Johansson a custom-made, Cinderella-inspired gown designed by Nicoletta Santoro.

David Beckham plays the part of the gallant Prince Phillip from “Sleeping Beauty,” atop his trusted steed fighting the evil dragon, with the tagline reading, “Where imagination saves the day.”

Beckham said, “There were many Disney characters I liked as a kid and now my sons love the Disney characters and it’s a big part of their lives, a big part of many children’s lives around the world,” adding, “So to be part of that is an honor and very exciting.”  “I love going to Disney, I’m like a big kid”.

Beyoncé appears as “Alice in Wonderland,” twirling in a teacup, accompanied by Oliver Platt as the Mad Hatter and Lyle Lovett as the March Hare with the tagline reading, “Where Wonderland is your destiny.”

“It’s two great imaginations coming together – Disney and Annie Leibovitz,” said Lovett.  “To be along for the ride really is quite something, just knowing that you’re going to be part of a great Disney character and then when you step into the imagination of Annie Leibovitz, you know you’re in another world.”

“The ‘Where Dreams Come True’ campaign is about the imaginations and dreams that are inside us all,” said Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, adding,  “By capturing these transformational experiences, these emotional images communicate a powerful concept.” 

“Working with Annie Leibovitz was a natural fit – Disney is known for immersive storytelling and Annie is a masterful artist whose photos speak volumes.”

The campaign premiered as a special insert in the March issues of Vanity Fair, GQ, Vogue, W, The New Yorker, Conde Nast Traveler and Cookie.

As part of the “Where Dreams Come True” initiative, Disney Parks introduced “The Year of a Million Dreams” from Oct. 1, 2006 to Dec. 31, 2007 and during this 15-month, first-of-its-kind celebration, more than one million very special dreams are being granted to guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. 

The celebration also is highlighted by the debut of innovative Disney attractions and entertainment spectaculars at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts.

A Special Disney Report by The Mole