Early Bird Catches the Parks

WDWNT on August 18, 2008

The following notice was issued by the Walt Disney World Resort regarding special hours of operation for tomorrow:

The Walt Disney World® Resort continues to monitor the progress of Tropical Storm Fay. Recent forecasts indicate that there likely will be rain and wind conditions that may affect operations as early as Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 19, 2008. At this time, the Walt Disney World Resort will be open and operating as usual. Additionally, to ensure our Guests have opportunities to enjoy our Parks andDowntown Disney® Area offerings, we will open early as follows:

  • All four Theme Parks will open at 8:00 a.m. on Aug. 19
  • DisneyQuest® Indoor Interactive Theme Park will open at 9:00 a.m. on Aug. 19
  • AMC Theatres will open at 10:00 a.m. on Aug. 19

We will announce additional changes to our operations if the storm’s direction and intensity make it necessary to do so.

Plenty of Press Releases for 8/18/08

WDWNT on August 18, 2008

Here is a collection of press releases just made available by Walt Disney World. First off is some details about the Night of Joy event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

The 26th Night of Joy at Walt Disney World Resort will have lots of “news” surrounding a lineup featuring a “Who’s Who” of Christian music Sept. 5-6:

  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios will host the event for the first time
  • First performances each evening will be at 7:15 p.m., with the fun continuing till 1:30 a.m.
  • “Rap sessions” will engage guests in moderated Q&A discussion with select artistsA stellar 16-act lineup (with eight acts performing each night) will feature Artist of the Year tobyMac, Male Vocalist of the Year Chris Tomlin, Group of the YearCasting Crowns and New Artist of the Year Brandon Heath plus enduringly popular MercyMe and Rebecca St. James.  Here’s the complete talent lineup with show times and locations (subject to change): FRIDAY, SEPT. 5

    Artist – Stage – Showtimes

  • Brandon Heath – Lights, Motors, Action! – 7:15pm
    Britt Nicole – Icon Stage – 7:30pm
    Matthew West – Premier Theater – 8pm, 9:15pm
    Chris Tomlin – Lights, Motors, Action! – 8:15pm, 9:45pm
    BarlowGirl – Icon Stage – 8:30pm, 9:45pm
    Rush of Fools – Premier Theater – 10:45pm, Midnight
    Rebecca St. James – Icon Stage – 11pm, 12:15am
    MercyMe – Lights, Motors, Action! – 11:15pm, 12:45am  

    SATURDAY, SEPT. 6

    Artist – Stage – Showtimes

    Red – Lights, Motors, Action! – 7:15pm
    PureNRG – Icon Stage – 7:30pm
    Mandisa – Premier Theater – 8pm, 9:15pm
    Casting Crowns – Lights, Motors, Action! – 8:15pm, 9:45pm
    Marcos Witt – Icon Stage – 8:45pm, 10pm
    GMA Winner – Icon Stage – 9:35pm
    Aaron Shust – Premier Theater – 10:30pm, 11:45pm
    tobyMac – Lights, Motors, Action! – 11:15pm, 12:45am
    Fred Hammond – Icon Stage – 11:30pm, 12:45am

One-night advance tickets ($44.95) and two-night tickets ($75.95) can be purchased online at www.disneyworld.com/nightofjoy or by calling 407/W-DISNEY.  Groups of 10 or more can go to www.nightofjoy.com or call 877/NITEJOY for ticket information. Guests attending Night of Joy can combine an evening of Christian music with the thrills of popular Disney’s Hollywood Studios attractions plus a DJ dance party each evening.

Applications will soon be accepted for the 2009 WDW Moms Panel:

Disney Parks undertakes its search in September for a group of park-savvy parents to be named the 2009 Walt Disney World Moms Panel, following in the footsteps of the first-ever online Walt Disney World Moms Panel which has been fielding and answering thousands of vacation questions in 2008.

The quest is for 16 parents who pride themselves on being Walt Disney World “know-it-alls” and have an undying passion to share their Disney knowledge with others at www.disneyworldmoms.com.  From Sept. 8 through Sept. 19, interested applicants can visit www.disneyworldmoms.com/2009 to apply for the panel.  The application process begins with a series of questions and three brief essays — about their family, why they are a great Walt Disney World vacation planner and their favorite Disney vacationing tip.

“The first-ever Disney Moms Panel has responded to more than 9,000 questions from vacation planners this year.  They have offered our guests countless tips to plan a magical vacation at our resort,” said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort.  “We thank the 2008 panel for their contributions and look forward to working with a new group of parents.”

Since the launch of www.disneyworldmoms.com in January 2008, the current 12-person panel has responded to questions covering just about anything from how to sign up for a character dining experience to what items are allowed in the parks.

Here is the complete Eat to the Beat Concert series line-up for this year:

Eight Grammy-winning acts join 10 other stellar hit-makers to bring a rocking mix of classic tunes to Walt Disney World Resort during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival beginning Sept. 26.  Eat to the Beat! concerts are scheduled three times daily through Nov. 9.

From rock to jazz, funk to pop, 10 new Eat to the Beat! acts and eight returning bands take their turn on the America Gardens Theatre stage in 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. shows.  The lineup (subject to change) includes:

Sept. 26-27 — Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (NEW)
Sept. 28-30 — Sheena Easton (2 Grammys) 
Oct. 1-4 — Starship starring Mickey Thomas
Oct. 5-7 — En Vogue (NEW) 
Oct. 8-9 — Jonny Lang (NEW, 1 Grammy)
Oct. 10-12 — Peabo Bryson (NEW, 2 Grammys) 
Oct. 13-14 — Sister Hazel (NEW) 
Oct. 15-16 — David Sanborn (6 Grammys) 
Oct. 17-18 — Jon Secada (2 Grammys) 
Oct. 19-21 — Spyro Gyra (NEW) 
Oct. 22-23 — Otis Day & the Knights 
Oct. 24-26 — Exposé 
Oct. 27-28 — Kool & The Gang (1 Grammy) 
Oct. 29-30 — Boyz II Men (NEW, 4 Grammys) 
Oct. 31-Nov. 2 — Atlanta Rhythm Section (NEW) 
Nov. 3-5 — David Cassidy 
Nov. 6-7 — Night Ranger (NEW) 
Nov. 8-9 — Los Lobos (NEW, 3 Grammys)

Details on the 2008 Race for the Taste on October 12:

The 9th annual Disney’s Race for the Taste 10K takes place Oct. 12, giving competitors an opportunity to run and eat during the popular Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort.

Runners will enjoy a ceremonial toast and fireworks display at the 7 a.m. start of the race at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, then embark on a 6.2-mile journey through Disney’s Hollywood Studios and past Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club resorts before passing through World Showcase at Epcot, the epicenter of the food and wine festival. 

At the finish line, runners — along with ticketed friends and family members — will have an opportunity to sample international cuisine from the Epcot festival at a post-race picnic.

There will also be several Race for the Taste Kids’ Races, including a Heelys’ Race and Roll race (200m) for kids ages 8-14.  Other kids’ races include a 100-meter event (ages 1-3), a 200-meter race (ages 4-6), a 400-meter race (ages 7-9) and an 800-meter event (ages 9-11).  

Runners can register online at www.disneyraceforthetaste.com. Race-only registration is $55; race registration that includes a Disney theme park ticket is $92.  Each participant who completes the race will receive a medal shaped like a chef’s hat.  Awards will be presented to the top three finishers in several categories, including top male, top female and wheelchair divisions.

Details on the T-Rex restaurant opening now in late October (another change) at the Downtown Disney Marketplace:

Walt Disney World guests will go on an adventure back in time to dine among the dinosaurs when T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover opens it doors by late October at Downtown Disney.

 T-Rex, developed by Schussler Creative, Inc., and operated by Landry’s Restaurants, Inc., features dining and retail in a 30,000-square-foot, 600-seat interactive prehistoric environment.  The concept is built around water, fire and ice:  Guests will be greeted with life-size animatronic dinosaurs that live among cascading waterfalls, bubbling geysers, a fossil dig site and much more.

Schussler Creative Chairman Steve Schussler, the founder of Rainforest Café and T-Rex restaurants, depicts the experience as “edutainment,” noting that this “treat for all five senses” includes artifacts such as fossils — all carefully labeled — that are hundreds of millions of years old, carefully crafted animatronic dinosaurs, and even a meteorite found in Argentina.

A full-size skeleton replica of Argentinosaurus, one of the largest of the dinosaurs and copied from a museum specimen about 125 feet in length, looms over the entrance, joined by a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton.

The theme carries over to the menu, which features items with names such as Caesarsaurus (Caesar salad), Raptor Ribs (Asian BBQ ribs), Pterodactyl Wings (Buffalo chicken wings), Triassic Tortellini (tri-colored cheese tortellini) and Gigantosaurus Burger (think really big hamburger!).

Menu choices range from starters (appetizers, salads and soups) to pastas, burgers and sandwiches to a broad selection of entrees plus desserts.  Some favorites include rotisserie chicken, fried shrimp, steaks and ribs, tarragon chicken salad sandwich, Cobb salad and “Chocolate Extinction.”  Guests will be able to make reservations by calling 407/WDW-DINE.

Mickey and Minnie Get New Halloween Costumes

WDWNT on August 18, 2008

In an official press release today:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — When the Disney characters dress up for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this September and October, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be debuting a whole new look.  Mickey has traded his scarecrow costume for stunning purple and orange eveningwear fit for a Halloween ball.  Not to be outdone, Mickey’s best girl, Minnie Mouse, exchanged her witch costume for a party dress to complement Mickey’s attire.

For Mickey, it’s a top hat and purple tails. For Minnie, it’s a party dress with a purple hat with an orange ribbon — bright and colorful, befitting the fun on 25 evenings between Sept. 5 and Oct. 31 when Magic Kingdom hosts the popular after-hours party.

Guests are invited to dress up as well for the 7 p.m.-midnight party which features two scheduled entertainment extravaganzas guests can see at no other time: the “Boo-to-You” Halloween parade and the bewitching “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks spectacular.  There’s trick-or-treating galore and also a chance to experience popular attractions throughout the evening.

Parties are slated for Sept. 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 28, 30 and Oct. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31.  To purchase advance tickets, guests can call 407/W-DISNEY or visit disneyworld.com/halloween.

This costume change comes as no surprise, as a number of upcoming Disney pins show off the new costumes, as well as the new pumpkin decorations that will be coming to the Magic Kingdom this year:

“He’s a Legend???”

WDWNT on August 18, 2008

According to our good friend Jim Hill of Jim Hill Media, former CEO of the Walt Disney Company, Michael Eisner, will be honored as a 2008 Disney Legend. While I expect a number of our readers to react rather harsh to this award, I personally never had a problem with Mr. Eisner’s work. In fact, I think Michael Eisner is one of the most deserving recipients of the award ever. He was a major part of saving the company from its near death in the 1980’s, and was responsible for many of the pieces of Walt Disney World we enjoy today. Under Eisner’s watch, blockbuster attractions such as Splash Mountain, Test Track, Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster, The Great Movie Ride, Star Tours, Mickey’s Philharmagic, and countless others were created. Let us not also forget that we may not have WDW parks such as Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Disney’s Animal Kingdom to visit without him. Even better yet, we may not have ever visited a Disney park if Eisner and Frank Wells never came in to save the company from obliteration. With that, I say congratulations to Mr. Eisner, and I thank him for all the contributions he has made to the Walt Disney Company. Sure there were things that Mr. Eisner is hated for by this community, but I think the same can be said for anyone who has to hold an entire multi-billion dollar company together. I personally think he did a fantastic job and is a true Disney Legend (with the exception of Disney’s California Adventure:)).

WDW Gets Stormstruck?

WDWNT on August 18, 2008

Hurricane Fay may make Monday a very interesting day for everyone at the Walt Disney World Resort. While it is still unknown what impact, if any, the storm will have on the Resort’s regular operations, they seem to be prepared:

“It’s business as usual at Walt Disney World Resort. We’re continuing to monitor the weather,” said Andrea Finger, a Disney spokeswoman.

While the storm is not expected to directly hit the central Florida area, be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today for more information on this story.

Beluga Sevruga Indeed

WDWNT on August 18, 2008

Though unconfirmed, it is highly likely that today was the last day of operation for the Ariel’s Grotto meet ‘n greet. In honor of this closing, I’d like to link you over to a video tour of Ariel’s Grotto that I put up last week on WDWNTube.

Again, we’re not 100% certain that it closed today, but we will certainly let you know on its fate tomorrow. As previously reported, Ariel will move over to the Princess Fantasy Faire in her human form for 2-3 years, until a new meet ‘n greet for her mermaid form is built as part of the upcoming Little Mermaid attraction over at Disney’s California Adventure. Ariel’s Grotto’s replacement, Pixie Hollow, reportedly will open up on October 28th.

Pixie Hollow Opens October 28th

WDWNT on August 16, 2008

We have received confirmation that the Pixie Hollow meet ‘n greet that is replacing the Ariel’s Grotto meet ‘n greet will officially open on October 28th, 2008. As previously reported, the latest set of auditions for the Fairies takes place this Sunday. Ariel’s Grotto closes this Sunday as well.

Stay tuned to Disneyland News Today for the latest on Pixie Hollow!

Grand Marshall Pre-Parade Downsizing

WDWNT on August 15, 2008

It’s cost cutting time once again! Beginning this Sunday (August 17th), the Grand Marshall Pre-Parade to Walt Disney’s Parade of Dreams will not have the dancers, Year of a Million Dreams banner, or Disney characters, & will just feature the Grand Marshall car with the chosen guests & the Mayor of Main Street riding in it.

Here are a couple of pictures of what is being removed, for those of you who are unaware of it:

So no more dancers or characters… Sad, truly sad.

The Vineyard Room Officially Closing

WDWNT on August 15, 2008

Last week we shared with you the rumor that the Vineyard Room restaurant at Disney’s California Adventure may be closing, & sadly enough, that rumor was made official by Disney yesterday. According to the OC Register, the restaurant will permanently close on August 31st, 2008. Disney spokeswoman Betsy Sanchez said that “In the short term, the area will be used as additional seating for the popular Wine Country Trattoria. Long-term plans are still being considered”.

The closing of this restaurant will leave California Adventure with just 2 table service restaurants, them being the Wine Country Trattoria & Ariel’s Grotto.

Food & Wine Fight

WDWNT on August 15, 2008

Culinary greats will put their spatulas to the test in an elaborate cook-off Sept. 26-27 – during the opening weekend of the 13th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – in a quest to represent the United States at the prestigious Bocuse d’Or World Cuisine Contest.

Eight two-person teams will turn up the heat in the kitchen at Walt Disney World Resort in the hope their culinary creations land them a top spot representing Team USA at the Bocuse d’Or World Cuisine Contest – commonly called the “Culinary Olympics” – in Lyon, France, in January 2009.

Walt Disney World guests can attend the competition and observe the chefs performing their culinary wizardry and savor the flavors. Each of the eight teams will serve up elaborate fish and beef dishes before a live audience and prominent panel including the country’s top chefs: Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, Charlie Trotter, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Georges Perrier, Michel Richard, Laurent Tourondel and former Bocuse d’Or USA competitors.

The eight finalists competing for a spot on the U.S. Team include:

  • Timothy Hollingsworth, Sous Chef, The French Laundry, Yountville, Calif.
  • Chef Hung Huynh, “TopChef” Season 3 Winner, Executive Chef, Solo, New York City
  • Rogers Powell, Instructor, French Culinary Institute, New York City
  • Chef John Rellah Jr., Executive Chef, Hamilton Farm, Gladstone, N.J.
  • Richard Rosendale, US Culinary Olympics Team Captain, Chef/Owner, Rosendales, Columbus, Ohio
  • Michael Rotondo, Chef de Cuisine, Charlie Trotter’s, Chicago
  • Kevin Sbraga, Culinary Director, Garces Restaurant Group, Philadelphia
  • Percy Whatley, Executive Chef, Delaware North Parks, Yosemite, Calif.

    • The competition at Disney culminates Sept. 27 with a Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony recognizing the first, second and third place teams. The evening will feature a silent auction, live musical entertainment, dancing and a chance to meet and mingle with some the world’s top chefs, including the Gala Dinner Chefs, as well as Paul Bocuse, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and the Deans of The French Culinary Institute, Alain Sailhac and Andre Soltner.  The star-studded dinner includes hors d’oeuvres, a four-course tasting menu, and a dessert reception prepared by Chefs Daniel Boulud (Daniel, New York City), Charlie Trotter (Charlie Trotter’s, Chicago), Patrick O’Connell (Inn at Little Washington, Washington, D.C.), Michel Richard (Citronelle, Washington, D.C.), Georges Perrier (Le Bec Fin, Philadelphia), Laurent Tourondel (BLT, New York City), Daniel Humm (Eleven Madison Park, New York City), David Myers (Sona, Los Angeles) and Traci des Jardins (Jardiniere, San Francisco), and will be paired with Diageo Reserve Signature Cocktails and Moët Hennessy Champagnes.  The highlight of the evening will be a Dom Pérignon toast and theannouncement of the Bocuse d’Or USA winning team.

    The newly selected Bocuse d’Or USA team will go on to compete among 24 teams from around the world at the Bocuse d’Or World Competition in Lyon, in the gold standard event held every two years.

    Tickets for the Gala Dinner are $450 per person, plus tax including gratuity, and can
    be purchased beginning Aug. 25 by calling 407/WDW-FEST, with proceeds benefiting Bocuse d’Or USA (a not-for-profit organization sponsoring the competitors’ training, travel and culinary education).

    Throughout the six-week-long Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Sept. 26-Nov. 9, guests can sample food and wine from around the world at international marketplaces and specialty dinners, attend seminars and wines schools and meet guest chefs. For more information, contact www.disneyworld.com/food.