The 7 Things I Hate About Miley

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

We have a little more info for you on the Miley Cyrus Sweet 16 event being held at Disneyland, in the form of a press release:

ANAHEIM, Calif. (August 21, 2008) – When the world’s most popular teenager turns “Sweet 16,” it’s cause to celebrate. And when that teen is Miley Cyrus – star of Disney’s “Hannah Montana” – there’s no better place to celebrate than at a Disney Park.

To honor the occasion and Miley’s philanthropic passion, Disneyland Resort in California has created “Miley’s Sweet 16 – Share The Celebration,” an unforgettable event for Miley and her fans that also will serve to recognize Youth Service America and help drive awareness of the need for youth volunteerism.

The Hollywood-style bash is planned for Sunday, Oct. 5, from 6 to 11 p.m., with ticket sales limited to 5,000 fans.

Tickets, priced at $250, go on sale at 9 a.m. PDT, Saturday, Aug. 30, at www.disneyparks.com/miley.

For Miley, the birthday bash is a once-in-a-lifetime event and she plans to make new Disney theme park memories during the evening. “I only turn 16 once, so it’s going to be an awesome party with my favorite rides, hanging out with friends, fireworks and more,” she said. “I’ll even get to sing a couple songs.”

The evening will celebrate Miley’s career as a Hollywood Records solo musical artist and as the “secret pop star” she portrays on the wildly popular Disney Channel series, “Hannah Montana.”

Miley’s Sweet 16 at Disneyland will feature a medley of party elements, large and small, that will allow guests to join in the celebration of Miley’s magical milestone. Special Party Zones will highlight the music and fun of Miley and Hannah Montana with themed activities and entertainment. Some of Miley’s favorite attractions will be open in each Party Zone, and the party will end with a bang as fireworks fill the Disneyland sky.

Sharing the Celebration with Youth Service America

In addition to all the birthday fun, Miley’s Sweet 16 will shine a spotlight on Youth Service America, an organization that seeks to improve communities by increasing the number and diversity of young people, ages 5 to 25, serving as volunteers. (For more information, visit www.YSA.org.)

In keeping with Miley’s passion for youth volunteerism, Disney Parks will make a significant contribution to Youth Service America.

With the organization’s involvement in “Miley’s Sweet 16 – Share The Celebration,” Miley said she hopes that other young Americans will be encouraged to volunteer in their own hometowns.

“The best part of the party is we’re going to recognize some really cool kids from Youth Service America who are giving back to their community,” she said. “That’s so awesome because I think it’s really important for kids like us to volunteer.”

For More Party Information

For ongoing information about “Miley’s Sweet 16 – Share The Celebration” party at Disneyland Park in California, as well as details on how to obtain tickets, fans may go to www.disneyparks.com/miley for details.

On the website linked at the beginning of the press release, Disney have put up a little video explaining the event, some photos, as well as event & ticket information.

Stay Away!

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

If there’s ever been a time to stay away from Disneyland, this is it! Entertainment Tonight reports:

ET breaks the news that Miley Cyrus will celebrate her Sweet 16 birthday during a once-in-a-lifetime bash at the Happiest Place on Earth — Disneyland!

The “Hannah Montana” star is also sharing the spotlight during the private party with some deserving young people from Youth Service America who’ve been making a difference in their communities.

And ET has learned that Miley’s fans are going to be able to join in the fun too! A limited number of $250 tickets to the exclusive event, “Miley’s Sweet 16 — Share the Celebration,” go on sale on August 30 at 9am PDT.

Watch ET tonight to hear what Miley has planned for the big celebration on Oct. 5!

Goodbye Ariel, Hello Doors?

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

We now official confirmation, in the form of pictures of construction walls, that Ariel’s Grotto is indeed closed. Here are a few pictures of construction, as well as a couple of other things from around the Disneyland Resort, off of the lovely SmugMug page of David “Darkbeer” Michael:


Not sure how well you can tell in this picture, but the King Triton & Ariel figurines have already been removed


The walls start by, & run right along with the line for Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters


On the path towards the Matterhorn


The Ariel’s Grotto sign is still in place as of yesterday


And here’s where you originally got in line to meet with Ariel… This is obviously where the walls end


Moving away from Ariel’s Grotto… The cars on the Casey Junior Circus Train that originally had just a cloth coverings as opposed to doors now have real functioning doors


A ceremony was held yesterday, giving Bruno Serato, the owner of the Anaheim White House restaurant, the eighth star in the Orange County Walk of Stars, which is located in the path next to the 15 minute parking lot on Harbor Boulevard

50th Anniversary Monorail Pin

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

The What’s HapPINing official Disney pin blog put up a preview of a pin being release next year, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Monorail system:

It should be safe to say that Disneyland will somehow be celebrating the 50th anniversary of not only the Monorail, but also the Submarine Voyage & the Matterhorn next summer.

Picketing Pictures

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

The ever useful David “Darkbeer” Michael of MiceAge.com was on the scene outside the Disneyland Resort yesterday, as Unite HERE held their protest against the Walt Disney Company. Here are a few of his pictures showing this unfortunate event (and plenty more can be found on his SmugMug page):


They marched from the Paradise Pier hotel, all the way down to the Timon parking lot entrance


Once there, 32 picketers joined arms in the middle of the road, blocking traffic on all sides!


Unfortunately for them, but luckily for Disneyland Resort guests, all 32 picketers were arrested

UPDATE: The OC Register has put up a couple of videos showing the picketers march, & then them getting arrested. Check ’em out HERE.

32 Picketers Arrested Outside Disneyland

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

ANAHEIM, California – Cinderella, Snow White, Tinkerbell and other fictional fixtures of modern-day childhood were handcuffed, frisked and loaded into police vans Thursday at the culmination of a labor protest that brought a touch of reality to the Happiest Place on Earth.

The arrest of the 32 protesters, many of whom wore costumes representing famous Disney characters, came at the end of an hour-long march to Disneyland’s gates from one of three Disney-owned hotels at the center of a labor dispute.

Those who were arrested sat in a circle on a busy intersection outside the park holding hands until they were placed in plastic handcuffs and led to two police vans while hundreds of hotel workers cheered and chanted.

The protesters were arrested on a misdemeanor count of failure to obey a police officer and two traffic infractions, and were expected to be booked and released later Thursday, said Sgt. Rick Martinez of the Anaheim police.

Bewildered tourists in Disney T-shirts and caps, some pushing strollers, filed past the commotion and gawked at the costumed picketers getting hauled away. The protest shut down a major thoroughfare outside Disneyland and California Adventure for nearly an hour.

Read More about 32 Picketers Arrested Outside Disneyland

The End of the Pin Odyssey

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

Today is the last day for this year’s Summer Pin Festival, Mickey’s Pin Odyssey. This was a great event in my opinion, & I really hope next year’s one is just as good. Speaking of next years, Diz Pins have put up a little hint of what next year’s event could be:

As we previously noted, the Decoder from Mickey’s Pin Odyssey Lanyard could be used to read not only the corners of the Pirate’s Lair map, BUT, there were 8 Surprise Pins in the Pin Odyssey Collection. When all 8 cards are put together, they formed a picture that revealed a huge hint as to next year’s Disneyland Summer Pin Festival!!

And if you couldn’t tell, it reveals an image of the Haunted Mansion!

So I hope everyone got themselves lots of pins from the festival, & here’s to the season where I don’t have to spend as much money on pins!

Disney US Postage Stamps Event, and More

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

There was an event held today in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle for the 2008 series of Disney US postage stamps. Just my luck that I missed the event by a day, but David “Darkbeer” Michael did however attend, so here are a few of his pictures:


So this is what the tent I saw in the Esplanade yesterday is for


This year’s stamps are of Steamboat Willie, 101 Dalmatians, the Jungle Book, & Sleeping Beauty… Marty Sklar was in attendance for the event (like he his for most events that the Disney company hold)

And now a few non-event related pictures from outside the parks:


It might just be me, or is this a new stand in Downtown Disney


Some construction going on in the Disneyland Hotel

Be sure to check out Darkbeer’s SmugMug page for plenty more pictures from around the Disneyland Resort today!

DLR Photo Report – 8/5 & 8/6

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

I’m back from a lovely 2 day trip to the Disneyland Resort for my birthday & guess what that means… A photo report! There’s lots of images today, so let’s get to it:


The theme park information sign is back out by all bag search booths


When DCA opens, there’s 2 paths to go, Midway Mania’s line & the Princess Breakfast at Ariel’s Grotto


Guess this sign will have to be changed soon


My score this time wasn’t as good as my last trip


Now let’s take a tour of the Sun Wheel, as it is now (as it will be made into Mickey’s Fun Wheel this fall)


Non-swinging gondolas


Swinging gondolas


I’m Missing It… NOT!


There was some kind of convention in the Grand Californian Hotel


Department 56 in Downtown Disney is having some work done


There will be a Mardi Gras “extravaganza” at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen on September 6th


I ate at Rainforest Cafe for my birthday


The Build Your Own Lightsaber stand in Star Traders


A couple of shots here of Walt Disney’s Parade of Dreams… Plenty will be available in the Image Gallery tomorrow


The It’s a Small World Top Shop is out from behind tarps… Notice the missing dolls in the boat?


New colors on the Small World attraction sign I believe


New Century Timepieces is a thing of the past


A nice new painting available, with a hefty price tag of $1,500!


Some nice Tiki Room merchandise that was released for the attraction’s 45th anniversary… You’ll be able to see all of it in the Image Gallery tomorrow


I want to get this lovely poster of Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle


Surprised they’re still selling this one… I still want it!


Saw the tribute band Tomasina at the Tomorrowland Terrace Tuesday night


WOOOO!


Here are a few (blurry) shots of Fantasmic!


Moving on to Wednesday, a little look at the Midway Games, which should be changed this fall


ANGELS IN THE OUTFIELD!?


The Midway Stores, which I presume will be changed too


Mr. Potato Head was covered up this morning


Construction on the soon to re-open Sleeping Beauty Castle Walk-through


An ad for The Little Mermaid III on Main Street


And the Sleeping Beauty Platinum Edition DVD


Classic Ariel picture in Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years


Space chick & astronaut


Characters from Captain EO


Watch makers in the Art of Disneyland on Main Street


An awesome Small World poster


A product release & signing with Robet Olszewski on Saturday August 28th at the Disneyana Shop from 9am to 11am


Now I know this tent wasn’t in the Esplanade on the 5th


Another ad for The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning


And to end off this photo report, me with Ariel… My favorite character picture ever!

Be sure to keep an eye on all of our Image Galleries tomorrow for full size versions of these pictures & many more (over 400 in total)!

Weekend Round-up

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

What is already starting to be a very interesting weekend has begun here at WDW News Today, and here are some news and notes to bring you up to speed:

-Rumors are swirling about a video that appeared on the Walt Disney World cast member website that provided full details on the next attraction coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a Monsters Inc. themed roller coaster. The video was apparently pulled from the site fairly quickly, yet we can still not confirm that these reports or that the video actually exists. Be sure to keep you eyes on WDW News Today as more info becomes available on this rumored project.

-Here’s a picture of the progress of the new north wing at Disney’s Contemporary Resort (provided by Jason Diffendal’s sister):

Notice that the glass and exterior on most of the building is nearing completion

-On a final note, if you are attending the MagicMeets fan gathering this weekend, be sure to look out for myslef and Jason Diffendal who will be representing WDW News Today and WDWCelebrations.