Lilo & Stitch's Ohana Luau Rides A Wave Into Disney's California Adventure(tm) On June 21

Lilo & Stitch's Ohana Luau Rides A Wave Into Disney's California Adventure™ On June 21

Disney's newest animated characters, Lilo and Stitch, will ride a wave into Disney's California Adventure park on Friday, June 21, to invite guests to become part of Lilo's ohana (Hawaiian for "family"), at the new "Lilo & Stitch's Ohana Luau" to be celebrated all summer long in Paradise Pier.

The debut of the park's fun-filled luau coincides with the release of Lilo & Stitch, Disney's new animated feature about a young Hawaiian girl ("Lilo") who adopts an ugly "dog" -- in reality a mischief-making creature ("Stitch") that has escaped from an alien planet. The festivities at Pizza Oom Mow Mow will run continuously from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily from June 21 through September 30, 2002.

The park's experience portrays Lilo and Stitch starting their California vacation by bringing the Ohana Luau, a tradition of hula and limbo, as well as Lilo's favorite Elvis Presley songs, to Paradise Pier. "We're focusing on ohana family activities," said Michael Williams, the show's producer from Disneyland Resort Entertainment.

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(c) Disneyland

On a stage adjacent to the Pizza Oom Mow Mow patio, Hawaiian drummers will perform and hosts will lead the audience in island-themed games, such as Lilo's "Hang Loose, Man!," a Hawaiian-style "hangman" game, hula lessons, limbo, a hula-hoop contest and more. The stars of the animated feature will be part of the happenings onstage.

"Lilo and Stitch will join in the luau festivities before going to a photo location," Williams explained. "For example, one of the activities will be teaching the hula, and Lilo will come over and get involved."

The Ohana Luau will be the only place at the Disneyland Resort to see and take photos with the film's characters, featuring Lilo and Stitch at a tropical photo location where they will greet their fans. There will also be a special "ArtsVenture" activity area where guests can create their own Hawaiian-themed souvenirs, making and decorating such items as miniature surfboards, paper orchids and tea-leaf bracelets and anklets.

Pizza Oom Mow Mow will offer island-style menu items, including pineapple and ham-topped pizzas, pineapple-banana shortcakes and specialty Hawaiian drinks. Guests in the patio will be able to watch the show outside, while those seated indoors can enjoy the restaurant's new background music of Elvis tunes and Hawaiian-themed classics by Annette Funicello. Elvis' original recordings of "Blue Hawaii," "Rock-A-Hula Baby" and others will be played, along with an updated rendition of "Burnin' Love" from the Lilo & Stitch soundtrack. Even the restaurant staff will occasionally get involved in the luau spirit by helping lead island chants and dancing.

The Ohana Luau will go non-stop every day, pausing only for each 4:45 p.m. performance of "Eureka! - A California Parade."