Podcast Episode 59 Now Available for Download

WDWNT on September 15, 2008

Join me, Tom Corless, and a cast including Justin Heyman, Jason Diffendal, Jose Castillo, John Corigliano, Chris Lastrapes and Luke Manning for a show that Bridges the Gaps Between You and the World. I hope you enjoy all of the Walt Disney World information and fun we have to offer on this back to school edition of the WDW News Today Podcast.

To kick off episode 59, we have all Walt Disney World news and rumors from the last week to discuss. This time around, we’ll discuss some changes to the Disney Dining Experience card, a new CD you can pick up, the next Disney Pin Celebration at Epcot and much more!

After that, we have the second edition of our newest WDWNT game show, “Where in the World is Tom Corless?”. For this second episode, I invited a number of staff members to play and we’ll determine who wins bragging rights as our next champion. Who will win and where am I? Listen in to find out!!!

Following that, John Corigliano returns with his segment, “Your Ear to the World”. This is a be a bi-weekly segment with live binaural audio from the Walt Disney World Resort. In this edition, John brings us to a rather comical showing of Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress. Be sure to use headphones if you wish to fully enjoy this hilarious, one-of-a-kind experience.

Finally, Town Square Talk is back this week, highlighting the hottest topics around our WDWNT Network of websites. First up, Luke Manning is here to highlight our video download site, the WDWNTube, featuring tons of great Disney Parks videos. Be sure to check that out at www.wdwntube.com. Jose Castillo will also update us on John Corigliano’s Ear to the World, and you can find out more about that project by going to eartotheworld.net. I’m also making some Town Square Talk this week, with info on the winners of our Magical Memories contest and to discuss the future of the Disneyland News Today Podcast and Website.

To subscribe to the WDW News Today podcast on Itunes, go to this link. If you do not have Itunes, visit our Podcast Download Directory to download or listen to all of our shows

This episode is also available in an enhanced version. An enhanced podcast is a podcast with added features that standard podcasts don’t have. Enhanced podcasts include many features like Chapter listings, this lets you skip through chapters or see what is in store for this weeks show. Enhanced podcasts also have images to let you differ the chapters by. Enhanced podcasts have one negative feature, you can not play them on most MP3 players. The file format for this is a .m4a which can play on Apple’s iPod and Microsoft’s Zune. You will also need iTunes or Windows Media Player to be able to skip through chapters. If you need or would like the standard edition, download the normal edition listed below this file both on Itunes and in our podcast directory.

Sun Wheel Refurbishment Pushed Back Once Again

WDWNT on September 13, 2008

It’s appears that the Sun Wheel did not in fact close down on September 11th. We had announced that the refurbishment was pushed back to start on September 29th, 2008, however the start & end date this time have both been pushed back. The refurbishment will now start on October 13rd, & last all the way through May 13th, 2009.

Stay tuned to Disneyland News Today as things start happening over at the Sun Wheel, or should I say Mickey’s Fun Wheel…

Myrna Litt’s 9/11 Photo Report

WDWNT on September 12, 2008

Myrna Litt is back with another excellent, yet small photo report. Here are a few updates from the Resort on September 11th:

The Town Square flag was held at half mast to honor the tragic events of September 11th, 2001.

A look at some of the Halloween merchandise & displays inside Frontier Mercantile.

The Golden Dreams banners have been removed from the Palace of Fine Arts.

Walls up for some reason at Carnation Plaza Gardens.

The smallest construction wall I’ve ever seen outside River Belle Terrace.

Myrna however did pass on some interesting information to me that she received from various Cast Members around the Resort. Here’s what she had to say:

They are currently testing the new boats at It’s a Small World. The Pirates of the Caribbean are not testing the new boats with the public. They may start using them in November and they are lighter boats. The concrete is being replaced in front of the Haunted Mansion (I tried to take a picture but was stopped). Also they are testing a new guest interactive exit at the Haunted Mansion. The ghosts will mimic what the guest does and react to them. We were told there will be a lot of new surprises.

Thanks again Myrna!

Toy Story “Medical” Mania

WDWNT on September 12, 2008

The following report has been posted by MickeyNews.com:

Though it’s getting rave reviews from park guests, if you have certain health conditions it may not be right for you. “We expected it to be relatively gentle and similar to the Buzz Lightyear ride in the MagicKingdom, but once we got on it we were surprised to find that it was a rough ride,” said Stephen Ashley, author of the guide book Walt Disney World with Disabilities. “For my wife Sarah it was a bit of a shock, and if she had known what it was like she probably would have chosen not to try it because of her neck problem.”This highly advanced interactive ride opened in June 2008, and it’s become one of the most popular rides at Disney. Considered a 4-D experience, it’s inspired by Disney Pixar’s “Toy Story” films. Guests will be “shrunk” to toy size to play an assortment of midway games with the stars of the film; Woody, Buzz, Rex, Hamm and others. Using a spring action shooter gun, participants will shoot 3-D targets for points.

Using newer technology, this experience will be a blast for a large percentage of Disney guests. However the motion and special effects may be challenging for those with certain conditions including neck and back problems, weakness, epilepsy, balance issues and vertigo. It has rough tracks, jerky motion, high speed turns and spins and sudden stops that can feel quite rough. Regardless, many people even with mild to moderate health issues will be able to participate and enjoy it.

Want to know what to expect? You can find a thorough description of Toy Story Mania on www.Diz-Abled.com. It includes in-depth details about the physical and emotional feel of the ride, along with tips for riding with greater comfort. The description is designed to assist travelers in deciding whether the ride is appropriate for them.

Stephen Ashley posts sections of the book Walt Disney World with Disabilities on the official website; however he does not ordinarily include ride and attraction excerpts. “We made an exception for this one ride. We just released the revised and updated version of Walt Disney World with Disabilities, making it current to 2009,” explained Ashley. “My wife Sarah and I had tested out Toy Story Mania after the book went to print, so we decided to write a full article and place it on the website.” That web article along with the book provides readers an up-to-date 2009 version of Walt Disney World with Disabilities. The article includes photos of the attraction including the queue and the ride cars, as well as a link to a video of the ride in motion.

The description of Toy Story Mania will be included in the next edition of Walt Disney World with Disabilities. The book is designed to support travelers with minor to major health and emotional concerns so they can safely and comfortably enjoy Disney to the fullest.

This report doesn’t surprise me in the least. While I think the new Hollywood Studios attraction is something great for all guests, I have seen people in my party who have vertigo take medication such as Dramamine to experience the attraction without any discomfort. The fast motion of the new age “Toy Story Trams” is certainly enough to make the experience unfavorable for those with motion sickness and may lead to some updated warning signs outside the attraction in the not-so-distant future.

Tables in What???

WDWNT on September 12, 2008

In a rather unexpected turn of events, Disney is changing the name of the well-liked Disney Dining Experience to “Tables in Wonderland”. The announcement also comes with some details on special events cardholders can experience during the 2008 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival:

On the occasion of the 13th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, we are pleased to announce that we will be launching a new name for the Disney Dining Experience.

Our Festival, which will take place from September 26 – November 9, 2008 will celebrate Cities in Wonderland, and following that theme, your dining club will be named Tables in Wonderland as of September 15, 2008.

This new name will not alter any of your current benefits. We have simply decided to do this to help distinguish your membership from any other dining privileges at Walt Disney World Resort that bares a similar name to the Disney Dining Experience.

You may continue to use your current card until expiration and your renewal card will reflect the new name, Tables in Wonderland.

In addition, we look forward to seeing you during the Festival. The team has planned an exciting line-up of events for the entire 45 days. We are particularly excited about hosting the Bocuse d’Or Culinary Competition on September 26th and September 27th from 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. on each day.

Chefs Paul Bocuse, Daniel Boulud and Thomas Keller invite you to watch some of the countries top professional chefs compete live to earn the privilege to represent the United States at the renowned Bocuse d’Or International Cuisine Competition in Lyon, France 2009.

Plan to attend this unique event with Al Roker and Dana Cowin, Editor in Chief, Food & Wine Magazine as host emcees. Several celebrity chefs will be judging the Event and will be available for book signings throughout both days. Viewing the Competition is included in park admission.

Also, the Gala Dinner on Saturday, September 27th will be a rare treat and a lot of fun.   More information on this event, including the menu will be sent on a separate e-mail . . . an event not to be missed!

We wish you a delicious journey as you explore Cities in Wonderland during the Festival, and as a member of Tables in Wonderland all year around.

A special thanks to Jason Diffendal of WDWCelebrations for the news. Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today for more information on this as it becomes available.

Myrna Litt’s 9/5 Photo Report

WDWNT on September 11, 2008

I’d like to welcome our newest staff member, Myrna Litt to Disneyland News Today. She will regularly be at the Disneyland Resort to bring us the latest photo updates. Here is Myrna’s first ever photo report for DLNT from September 5th:

Disneyland was empty at Noon on the 5th.

The Carnation Cafe bathrooms have re-opened after a little re-modeling.

Here’s a little It’s a Small World construction update.

The water tower at the Toontown Train Station has been repainted.

The handles have been removed from this clock on Main Street.

The Haunted Mansion is closed through September 25th for its conversion to Haunted Mansion Holiday.

Apparently the Haunted Mansion Holiday clock is behind this cloth.

Here you can see one of the Disneyland Railroad trains passing by the closed New Orleans Square Railroad Station.

The area surrounding Pirates of the Caribbean was empty… A rare sight indeed.

As of the 5th, the Conestoga Wagon still has all of the McDonalds references intact.

Space Mountain’s wait was very short, much like with my trip on the 2nd.

Actually, very short waits through-out the park.

The Mickey Pumpkin is being installed, & I think some other stuff is going on in preparation for the artificial Christmas tree this year.

Interesting Boats with Interesting Views

WDWNT on September 10, 2008

Here are a couple of interesting updates from our friends over at Screamscape:

I’ve been informed that the previously listed Pirates month long rehab of Pirates one scheduled for Mid October has been delayed until sometime in early 2009. On a fun note however, the next time you in pirates see if you can spot a couple of boats that look a little different from the rest. Apparently they are currently running two new prototype boats in advance of the early 2009 rehab, trying to work out the bugs and and see what kind of effect these new boats have on the attraction.

Apparently you may be able to see the new Monorail Orange occasional on the track just outside the barn from the freeway. From one eyewitness report it looked like the windows were still covered up with plastic-wrap.

However don’t expect Monorail Orange to be up & running (even testing) for quite a while.

The Villas At Disney’s Contemporary Resort

WDWNT on September 9, 2008

Paperwork was filed by Disney that officially christens the new north wing of the Contemporary Resort as “The Bay Lake Tower”, and home to the Disney Vacation Club “Villas at Disney’s Contemporary Resort”. A formal announcement should be made within a month, and then sales should begin sometime shortly thereafter. Until that time, you can peruse the paperwork filed by going HERE.

For more details on this project as it becomes available, stay tuned to WDW News Today.

John Rick’s WDW Photo Update 9/5-9/7/08

WDWNT on September 9, 2008

WDWNT is back with another photo report from the Walt Disney World Resort. Let’s start this report at the Magic Kingdom:

Some lovely pumpkin decorations next to the Mickey floral.

A beautiful pumpkin Mickey floral.

Mickey’s face is colored with actual pumpkins.

The Minnie Mouse statue from the hub is missing.

Donald in a Davy Crockett style costume that I have never seen him in before.

An area blocked off for refurbishment in the queue for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Some work being done near the bridge to Splash Mountain.

The never-ending construction continues behind the Frontierland Fry Cart. 8 months and counting…

Decorations for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party along the back path from Mickey’s Toontown Fair to Tomorrowland.

More of these scarecrows have appeared on Main Street U.S.A.

Moving over to Epcot, a new Fantasmic CD for both WDW & Disneyland is on sale at MouseGear.

As you can see, the CD includes the both the Disneyland & WDW versions of the show, as well as the Disneyland exit music.

This lovely new woman’s T-Shirt is on sale at both resorts.

Stuffed Minnie Mouse in her new costume for this year.

DSC06246 by DPT aka. WDW News Today.

A stuffed Mickey Mouse also in his new attire.

A beautiful glow-in-the-dark Halloween shirt for this year.

More Halloween merchandise.

The Epcot Pin Celebration took place this weekend, titled Pin Trading University.

A statue of the new Disney Pin Trading Mascot “Bobby Pinback” at the entrance to World Showplace.

John met up with John Rick of the Central Jersey Disney Pin Traders & The Disney Pincast.

John Rick gathered some great audio from the event which will be airing on the Disney Pincast over the next few weeks.

Here are a few of John Rick’s pictures from Pin Trading University:

Upcoming 15th Anniversary Nightmare Before Christmas pins from the Disneyland Resort.

Upcoming 50th anniversary Sleeping Beauty pins from the Disneyland Resort.

A 20th Anniversary Little Mermaid pin collection being released next March at Disneyland.

A new starter set for next year’s Magical Celebrations, “Celebrate Everyday!”

A preview of some new Hidden Mickey pins from WDW

October 2009 is the 10th anniversary of Disney Pin Trading.

Concept for pins on the 40th Anniversary of Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion next year.

Some pins our own John Rick won at the celebration!!!

Steven Miller previewed next year’s Epcot Pin Celebration

The Museum of Pin-Tiquities will be next year’s WDW Pin Event.

Next year’s summer pin festival at Disneyland will celebrate 40th anniversary of The Haunted Mansion.

And now back to John Corigliano’s pictures, over at Downtown Disney:

T-Rex Restaurant is starting to look really nice.

The restaurant opens this October.

New palm trees have been planted outside the restaurant.

As usual, check out John’s Flickr page for plenty more photos from his trips to the World!

Goodbye Golden Dreams! Good Riddance HSM2!

WDWNT on September 9, 2008

Let’s take a look at some of the lovely photos of David “Darkbeer” Michael from yesterday, that include the last showing of both Golden Dreams & High School Musical 2: School’s Out, among other things:

The Hyperion Theater is now listed as closed on the DLR Information Board near at the security check-points (albeit being spelled wrong).

The Information Board at the Downtown Disney Monorail Station has a much more precise listing of the closed attractions in Disneyland Park.

You gotta love pins with purchase.

The area surrounding Fowler’s Harbor, the place where the Sailing Ship Columbia is docked, has walls up.

The latest Backstage Pass, Annual Pasholder newsletter offers you a free pair of sunglasses, which you can pick up at at the exit of Innoventions.

Filming of some sort going on in Paradise Pier.

Yesterday had the last ever performance of High School Musical 2: School’s Out!. There will be no High School Musical show until late October, when High School Musical 3: Right Here! Right Now! debuts.

Goodbye Golden Dreams, We Will Miss You!