Toy Story “Wii-mote” Mania Opens This Fall

WDWNT on March 24, 2009

Anyone who owns a Nintendo Wii video game console and loves the Toy Story Midway Mania attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios or at Disney’s California Adventure park is sure to be excited by this news today:

BURBANK, Calif. – (March 24, 2009) – Disney Interactive Studios today announced Toy Story Mania!, inspired by the Disney/Pixar animated feature “Toy Story,” will be released exclusively for the Wii™ home video game console this fall. Toy Story Mania! showcases an array of entertaining games based on the new Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort attractions, while featuring the iconic characters and humor from the popular Disney/Pixar “Toy Story” franchise.

“The ‘Toy Story’ franchise is a fun, dynamic and heart-warming series containing characters and themes that connect with every age group,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “Toy Story Mania! combines those popular elements with the unique antics of the new theme park attraction for the ultimate in family entertainment.”

In Toy Story Mania!, players experience the fast-paced, zany fun of the Toy Story Mania! theme park attraction, which is an interactive experience requiring 3D glasses and involving rapid or quick-firing shooting galleries. In addition to galleries adapted from the attraction, the game includes new and original galleries and a series of mini games, all hosted by beloved characters from the movies. The thematically-connected levels are designed for up to four players of all ages with competitive and co-operative multiplayer options. Toy Story Mania! also includes bonus 3D features, transforming the game experience with eye-popping visuals.

The Pixar-created “Toy Story” and ”Toy Story 2” have both had successful box office and DVD sales. The Disney Digital 3D™ theatrical re-release of “Toy Story” is in the works and will open in theatres on October 2, 2009, followed by the 3D re-release of “Toy Story 2” opening on February 12, 2010, leading up to the premiere of “Toy Story 3” in 3D summer 2010. Toy Story Mania! is the first video game to place characters from these films into a carnival game setting and is expected to resonate with fans of the films and the attraction, as well as gamers who like pick-up-and-play party games

Developed by Papaya Studio, Toy Story Mania! will be available this fall exclusively for Wii.

Celebrate! Only If You Have The Money…

WDWNT on March 24, 2009

The latest addition to Disneyland’s rather small list of table service restaurants is Celebration Round-up and Barbecue at Big Thunder Ranch. Lunch and dinner at this new restaurant will cost $28.99 for adults and $18.99 for children. The meal consists of my favorite kind of food, meat, and lots of it. Basically traditional barbeque fare, such as chicken and ribs, with sides such as beans, coleslaw, and corn on the cob. Your meal also comes with a special “Cowboy Cone Cake” dessert. And of course, drinks are included with your meal.

While the menu looks absolutely spectacular, the price does seem a bit hefty to me for the kind of food they are offering. I would expect this kind of price only from some of the more upscale restaurants at the Resort, such as the Blue Bayou, Napa Rose, and Steakhouse 55. I was hoping for a counter service option as well, but it looks like that won’t be the case. The restaurant opens April 2 and you can now make your Priority Seating Reservations by calling Disney Dining at (714) 781-DINE.

Roll-Up Early!

WDWNT on March 24, 2009

Contrary to rumors that the Games of the Boardwalk are behind schedule, we have now received word that they are in fact ahead of schedule, and they will now open about 3 weeks earlier than originally planned on April 7th, 2009. For information on the new games themselves, check this post from back in October here on DLNT.

Stay tuned to Disneyland News Today as we continue to track the progress of the on-going changes at Disney’s California Adventure.

Jose Eber’s 3/21/09 Downtown Disney Report

WDWNT on March 22, 2009

WDWNT Reporter Jose Eber has us a few photos from the West Side of Downtown Disney  featuring construction of the latest attraction coming to the Walt Disney World Resort, a tethered balloon ride:

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The attraction is operated by Aerophile, but is still called “Characters in Flight

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The short flight aboard the balloon will cost $16.00 for an adult, and $10.00 for children

Read More about Jose Eber’s 3/21/09 Downtown Disney Report

Celebrate! A New Logo

WDWNT on March 21, 2009

The logo for the upcoming Celebrate! A Street Party, which debuts this Friday, has been revealed:

Beginning March 27th, the heart of Disneyland Park rocks to the beat of some of the best party tunes of all time during Celebrate! A Street Party. Ballons and streamers fill the air on Main Street USA, while crazy conga lines, swing dancers, and Disney characters take to the street to celebrate YOU!

Jose Eber’s 3/19/09 Downtown Disney Report

WDWNT on March 20, 2009

WDWNT Reporter Jose Eber visited the Downtown Disney Marketplace last night and has plenty of great photos to share from his trip. Let’s take a look:

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The new stage area at the Marketplace has proven quite popular with guests

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I saw this show when I visited in January, it has proven to be extremely popular whenever it runs.

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The sign for the newest store at Downtown Disney, Tren-D. The store just opened on Thursday.

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One of the window displays at Tren-D

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Another window display

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A third display

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A quick look at the interior of Tren-D which sells only women’s fashions

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Another look at the sign

Myrna Litt’s 3/19/09 El Capitan Photo Report

WDWNT on March 20, 2009

Myrna popped over to the El Capitan Theatre today to pick up what else, but pins! She also grabbed a few shots of the latest happenings at the theatre for us:

The current featured film at the El Capitan is Race to Witch Mountain (which was an excellent movie by the way).

You can get your own Race to Witch Mountain birthday cake.

A little history display of the El Capitan Theatre.

Could this be the worst Disney shop window display ever?

For some reason, the Soda Fountain & Studio Store seems to be loving LA right now.

Thanks for your report Myrna!

Jose Eber’s 3/19/09 WDW Mini-Report

WDWNT on March 19, 2009

WDWNT reporter Jose Eber has sent us another short report featuring some of his newsworthy findings from around the Walt Disney World Resort. Let’s take a look:

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At Disney’s Contemporary Resort, a sign for the Concourse Steakhouse remains. Notice the new signs above the Outer Rim bar, Chef Mickey’s, and the Contempo Cafe

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This computer-printing station has appeared at the Contemporary

Here is a video of continuing construction on the Kidani Village addition to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge