Non-Magic Crystals

WDWNT on January 17, 2009

It seems that the newly opened Wishing Star Crystals store will be closing, along with the entire Crystal Magic chain:

Effective immediately, Crystal Magic will no longer have store locations here at the Resort. These locations include Wishing Star Magic Crystals in Disneyland® Park, Off the Page in Disney’s California Adventure® Park and World of Disney® in the Downtown Disney® District. If a Guest has placed an order with them or has a question about their purchase, please direct them to call 877-236-2672 or e-mail customerservice@crystalmagic.com.

Some Culinary News from the World

WDWNT on January 16, 2009

While we anxiously await the return of Tom Corless, here’s some news for fans of Jiko and the California Grill from Scott Joseph’s Orlando Restaurant Guide blog:

Brian Piasecki has left Jiko The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to take the top spot at the California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

The spot at Jiko has been filled by John Clark, who most recently was in charge of operations at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort’s first-floor restaurants.

The opening at California Grill was the result of Jens Dahlmann moving to Epcot to become that park’s executive chef.

No word on who’s taking the reigns at 1900 Park Fare and one of Tom’s personal favorites, the Grand Floridian Cafe.

Tom Corless Tests Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure

WDWNT on January 14, 2009

Tom Corless has called in today with an on-the-scene report that he is in Epcot testing the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure.  He was able to test 6 of the 7 countries today and will have a full report complete with photos upon his return.  Each “adventure” takes about 20-25 minutes to complete, not including the time to pick up the Kimmunicator device.  There are pick up locations in Norway, Italy, and International Gateway.  It appears there is no pickup location at this time at the Odyssey Bridge (this location may be for the AP and DVC previews only).  There is also a kiosk in Innoventions for “tickets” which are similar to Fastpasses.  Guests will swipe their park ticket and the kiosk will print a ticket with a location and time for you to pick up your Kimmunicator device.  The “adventurers” will pick up the device and mission papers at the pickup location at the appointed time, then proceed to the assigned country to complete the mission.  Once finished, guests will return the device to an unattended drop-off receptacle.  Each country that hosts a mission has a drop-off receptacle.

Stay tuned to WDWNT for Tom’s complete report when he returns on Friday.

New Concept Art for “Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It! Street Party”

WDWNT on January 14, 2009

Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party is an interactive show filled with music, dancing and surprises held in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Theme Park. The show is scheduled to debut mid-February 2009.

The magic kicks off as an emcee entices you to join in the fun and Disney Characters, floats resembling giant gift-wrapped packages, stilt-walkers and other performers promenade toward Cinderella Castle. As the party stops in front of Cinderella Castle, the “packages” burst open to reveal some of your favorite Disney Characters including Genie, Lumiere, Sebastian and more. The fun is driven by a contemporary musical score that will have you wanting to dance and sing along.

Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party is performed several times on most days. Check the daily schedule when you arrive at Magic Kingdom Theme Park.

Official details here.

It’s a Small World AP Previews

WDWNT on January 13, 2009

Join us for a special preview of the newly enhanced “it’s a small world” before the official reopening! Dubbed “the happiest cruise that ever sailed the world” at the New York World’s Fair 45 years ago, “it’s a small world” takes you on a joyful boat ride as memorable as the delightful song that serenades you on your journey.

This classic attraction has been renovated, adding new places as well as familiar faces. Be sure to look for some of the “it’s a small world” dolls dressed up as some of your favorite Disney characters in the countries where those stories take place!

Annual Passholder special preview:

  • Thursday, February 5, 2009
  • 10:00am – 8:00pm

Just show your Annual Pass to the Cast Member at the attraction entrance to be permitted entry during this special time.

The attraction opens to the public on Friday, February 6, 2009.

Previews are on a first-come, first-serve basis and may involve long wait times. Each Guest must show a valid Annual Passport to be permitted entry during this specific preview time. Valid Theme Park admission is required. Event subject to change without notice.

The Characters Are Coming!

WDWNT on January 13, 2009

Pin releases aren’t usually something I like to talk about here on DLNT, but I thought these upcoming releases at Disneyland were appropriate to talk about:

On January 25th, Disney will be releasing a 6 pin set (plus 2 completer pins) featuring various Disney characters that will be featured in It’s a Small World come the attraction’s re-opening on February 6th. Most of these characters look the same as they do in the Hong Kong Disneyland version of the attraction, with the acceptation of Cinderella who is in her peasant dress as opposed to her royalty dress.

Bellow are bigger images of each of these individual pins:

The characters are coming, whether you like it or not!

AP Previews for Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure

WDWNT on January 12, 2009

Walt Disney World Passholders can sign up for a guaranteed reservation to be among the first Guests to experience the new attraction at Epcot®: Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure.

You’re invited to join Kim Possible on a secret mission to capture super villians! Join her and her team of friends, based on the characters from Disney Channel animated series Kim Possible, on an ultra-interactive adventure.

Transform into a secret agent and use way-cool tools, like the Kimmunicator. Follow Kim’s instructions to find hidden clues that control secret equipment in Epcot World Showcase—and you’ll be on your way to completing the mission. 

Sign-ups begins on February 5, 2009 at 10 a.m. EST. Slots will fill quickly, so sign up now!

Event Information
Date: February 26 to March 1, 2009
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Each Kim Possible adventure will last 30-45 minutes
Check-in area: Odyssey Bridge Recruitment Center in Epcot® 

Additional Information

  • Passholders need to sign-up for the event due to limited capacity.
  • Event is only for Passholders.
  • Passholders need to bring along their confirmation slip, their valid Disney pass and a photo ID at the time of check-in.
  • It is requested that Passholders that are booked for the event and cannot go for any reason should cancel the reservation to give the opportunity to other Passholders to book the open space.
  • Passholders should periodically check the website, if space has opened up to reserve their preferred time.
  • Passholders should check-in at their chosen reservation time at Odyssey Bridge Recruitment Center.