Celebrate with Dancing, Music, and a Khaki-Clad Cast?

WDWNT on April 16, 2009

In usual fashion, Walt Disney World put out a number of new press releases all at once, giving us a lot to talk about after what has been a rather quiet period. The first piece gives us an official time frame and some already announced details about the Stich’s Supersonic Celebration show coming to the Magic Kingdom:

Interactive wizardry that combines comedy, real-time animation and live musical madness will dazzle guests during Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom.

Beginning in May, Stitch will host a zany interactive experience at the new Rockettower Plaza Stage. Guests are invited to participate in a Galaxy Day celebration when the new outdoor stage comes to life with music and a giant LED screen displays real-time, interactive animation.

The new show incorporates the same interactive technology used in “Turtle Talk With Crush” and “Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.” Shows will take place six times daily.

Looking for some sweet fun at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa?

There’s a lot “s’more” new fun in store at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa each evening when guests staying at the resort can roast marshmallows around a Mickey-shaped campfire, sing favorite camp tunes on the shore of Seven Seas Lagoon and see the “stars” – both on the silver screen and in the sky – as they watch a family-friendly Disney film on the moonlit beach. S’mores kits and marshmallows are available for purchase during the campfire and movie. For more information about recreational activities at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, visit Disneyworld.com or call 407/824-4321.

The line-up for this year’s Sounds Like Summer Concert Series at Epcot has been released and includes WDWNT’s favorite group, Bjorn Again:

The whole family will be rockin’ and rollin’ to legendary music this summer at Epcot when popular tribute bands take the stage at America Gardens Theatre.

Seven tribute bands will recreate classic hits from musical icons under the stars as part of the Sounds Like Summer concert series. Concerts, which are included in regular Epcot admission, are nightly at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. (except July 4, when show times will be 5:15, 6:30, 7:45 and 9 p.m.).

Here is the lineup (subject to change):
June. 15-21 – Stayin’ Alive – A Tribute to the Bee Gees
June 22-28 – Hotel California – A Tribute to the Eagles
June 29-July 8 – Slippery When Wet – A Tribute to Bon Jovi
July 9-19 – Bjorn Again – A Tribute to ABBA
July 20-26 – The Sounds of the Supremes – A Tribute to the Supremes
July 27-Aug. 2 – 2U – A Tribute to U2
Aug. 3-9 – Petty Theft – A Tribute to Tom Petty.

Even though it has been runnign for a few week’s now, Disney is finally publicizing the new farwell show at Animal Kingdom:

Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests get so involved in adventures with birds and beasts of many kinds that they tend to put off one of their priorities all day long: a little quality time with Disney characters.

“So when guests come out of the park, they are absolutely determined to see our characters,” said Chris Ambrose, general manager of entertainment at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

In a classic example of giving guests what they want, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has launched Adventurers’ Celebration Gathering, an interactive experience near the theme park entrance each evening during park closing.

Khaki-clad cast – including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy – gather to bid farewell to guests with a music-filled celebration. Cast members shake their pom-poms and urge guests to join in the street-party fun by dancing to the music and forming a conga line procession while Mickey, Minnie and Goofy keep the beat from atop their safari vehicle.

“We’ve created a way for our guests to experience our characters … and it’s a way for us to have a fun, exciting way to end the day at Animal Kingdom,” Ambrose said.

Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today for more information on all of these items as it becomes available.

“Roar Into Spring”

WDWNT on April 16, 2009

Since news is slow this week, I thought it would be a good time to highlight another special Walt Disney Classics Collection piece that is coming out only in the Disney Parks:

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“Simba: Little King, Big Roar”, Available: 4/17/09, Retail: $99 plus tax, Dimensions: 4 1/2″H

WDCC Simba Spring Premiere Event

Date(s): April 17, 2009
Locations: Art & Collectible locations at Disney Parks & Resorts

Mischievous Simba is well aware that as the son of Mufasa, he’s next in line to rule over all the other critters as king. In a wild-and-wooly celebration of his fantastic future, Simba even imagines what he’ll look like with a grown-up mane by popping his head through a wreath of fire-red blossoms. Plussed with a pewter tail, the lovable cub gains the lion’s share of praise as our Spring Premiere Event’s “mane” attraction. So roar on by and let this cute cub make you feel like royalty.

Sculpted by Bruce Lau, Simba: Little King, Big Roar is a numbered limited edition of 1,500 and is available for $99, plus tax. Sculpture comes compete with a 15th Anniversary backstamp. Dimensions: 4 1/2″H

Disneyland® Resort locations include:
Disneyana Shop, Disneyland® park
World of Disney® Store, Downtown Disney® District
Off the Page, Disney’s California Adventure® park

Walt Disney World® Resort locations include:
List will be available shortly

Merchandise available while supplies last. Information subject to change without notice. Separate admission is required to enter Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort theme parks.

“Roar Into Spring”

WDWNT on April 15, 2009

Reported by our big brother site, WDW News Today:

Since news is slow this week, I thought it would be a good time to highlight another special Walt Disney Classics Collection piece that is coming out only in the Disney Parks:

dlr_product_wdcc_full_simbajpg

“Simba: Little King, Big Roar”, Available: 4/17/09, Retail: $99 plus tax, Dimensions: 4 1/2″H

WDCC Simba Spring Premiere Event

Date(s): April 17, 2009

Locations: Art & Collectible locations at Disney Parks & Resorts

Mischievous Simba is well aware that as the son of Mufasa, he’s next in line to rule over all the other critters as king. In a wild-and-wooly celebration of his fantastic future, Simba even imagines what he’ll look like with a grown-up mane by popping his head through a wreath of fire-red blossoms. Plussed with a pewter tail, the lovable cub gains the lion’s share of praise as our Spring Premiere Event’s “mane” attraction. So roar on by and let this cute cub make you feel like royalty.

Sculpted by Bruce Lau, Simba: Little King, Big Roar is a numbered limited edition of 1,500 and is available for $99, plus tax. Sculpture comes compete with a 15th Anniversary backstamp. Dimensions: 4 1/2″H

Disneyland® Resort locations include:

Disneyana Shop, Disneyland® park

World of Disney® Store, Downtown Disney® District

Off the Page, Disney’s California Adventure® park

Walt Disney World® Resort locations include:

List will be available shortly

Merchandise available while supplies last. Information subject to change without notice. Separate admission is required to enter Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort theme parks.

Special D23 Members-Only Screening of Disney·Pixar’s Up

WDWNT on April 14, 2009

D23 members can be the first to see the new Disney·Pixar movie “Up” at a special screening at the El Capitan Theatre on Thursday May 28th, 2009 at 12:01am, a day before the domestic release of the movie.

I’m sure our very own Myrna Litt will be attending this showing, so stay tuned for coverage.

EPCOT Center Returns!!! (Sort Of)

WDWNT on April 12, 2009

Disney pin collectors and Epcot purists should be happy about this 6 pin boxed-set coming out later this year at the Walt Disney World Resort (courtesy of Disneypins.com):

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Among the notable pieces of the collection are the original Future World, World Showcase, Spaceship Earth, and Epcot Center logos, the Dreamfinder and Figment pin, and a pin replicating the opening day Epcot Center ticket. Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today and the Disney Pincast for more information on this and other upcoming Disney pins.

Who Doesn’t Like Picnics or Parties?

WDWNT on April 11, 2009

The good people over at LaughingPlace.com have reported two interesting news bits from around the Walt Disney World Resort that I feel are of interest. The first piece concerns a new dining option at Animal Kingdom:

Animal Kingdom has introduced a new program – Picnic in the Park. The following is from the brochure:

Turn your meal at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park into an adventure with Picnic in the Park!

Tier 1 – Sandwiches
Select from Turkey Focaccia, Chicken Wrap, Ham Grinder or Tuna Pita

Meal for Three – $24.99 + tax
3 Sandwiches, 1 side, 3 desserts, 3 bottles of Dasani water

Meal for Four – $32.99 + tax
4 Sandwiches, 1 side, 4 desserts, 4 bottles of Dasani water

Meal for Five – $40.99 + tax
5 Sandwiches, 1 side, 5 desserts, 5 bottles of Dasani water

Meal for Six – $48.99 + tax
6 Sandwiches, 1 side, 6 desserts, 6 bottles of Dasani water

Sides: Chips, coleslaw, corn medley, green beans, macaroni & cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy, orza pasta, oven-roasted potato wedges, seasonal fruit salad, tomato & cucumber salad

Desserts: Apple, brownie, cookie, cornbread, crisped rice treat, orange

Tier 2 – Rotisserie Chicken or Ham

Meal for Three – $29.99 + tax
8 Pieces of Rotisserie Chicken or 1 lb of Ham, 2 sides, 3 desserts, 3 bottles of Dasani water

Meal for Four – $38.99 + tax
8 Pieces of Rotisserie Chicken or 1 1/4 lb of Ham, 3 sides, 4 desserts, 4 bottles of Dassani water

Meal for Five – $47.99 + tax
10 Pieces of Rotisserie Chicken or 1 1/2 lb of Ham, 4 sides, 5 desserts, 5 bottles of Dassani water

Meal for Six – $56.99 + tax
12 Pieces of Rotisserie Chicken or 1 3/4 lb of Ham, 5 sides, 6 desserts, 6 bottles of Dassani water

Sides: Chips, coleslaw, corn medley, green beans, macaroni & cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy, orza pasta, oven-roasted potato wedges, seasonal fruit salad, tomato & cucumber salad

Desserts: Apple, brownie, cookie, cornbread, crisped rice treat, orange

Note: No substitutions allowed

Details

  • Stop by the Picnic in the Park podium, located in front of Guest Relations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park to place your order, or visit the Tusker House Restaurant podium in Africa. Orders must be placed between the hours of Park Opening and 1:30pm.
  • Select which tier of entrées you would like and your choice of sides and desserts.
  • Each order comes in a reusable bag packed with plates and utensils, plus a map to help guide you to picnic spots throughout the Park.
  • When placing your order, you’ll also be able to select a pick-up time at least two hours after the time the order is placed.
  • You may pick up your order at Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery, adjacent to Tusker House Restaurant in Africa (indicated by H on the map on the reverse side). Payment is due upon pick-up.
  • If you are on a Disney dining plan, Picnic in the Park may be used as a Quick Service Meal. Requires one
    Adult entitlement per meal ordered. For example, a Meal for Three will require three Adult entitlements.

There are 14 picnic locations spread throughout the park

The picnic prices seem very reasonable and it sounds like a great dining option for Animal Kingdom, which only offers a short list of eateries. The second piece of news leads us to believe Pleasure Island is coming back to life (sort of):

Downtown Disney has introduced “Celebrate Tonight!”, a high-energy street party focusing on guest celebrations. Guests are invited to join in with the DJs (spinning party hits), stilt walkers and party crew for group dances and sing-alongs to celebrate anything and everything. Celebrate Tonight! is now running 5pm-11pm Sunday through Thursday and 6pm-Midnight Fridays and Saturdays.

From the sounds of this, the Pleasure Island clubs will remain closed as guests party in the streets rather than indoors. A strange decision, but it will certainly be interesting to see how many guests actually attend these nightly parties. Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today as we get more information on both of these breaking stories.

Time Is Running Out For Yamabuki

WDWNT on April 11, 2009

According to the OC Register’s Around Disney blog:

Saturday is the last day for Disney’s Yamabuki restaurant, inside the Paradise Pier Hotel.

The doors will officially shut to customers at 9 p.m. A few reservations are still available between 5:30 and 9 p.m. today and Saturday.

The closure of the Japanese-style-cuisine restaurant affects 39 hourly employees and a handful of salaried employees.

Those salaried employees who can not be relocated will receive a 60-day severance package and extended heath benefits.

Because of a misunderstanding in the original announcement, Around Disney erroneously reported earlier that the same severance package would be offered to those 39 hourly employees.

No such package is being offered, said Suzi Brown, a spokeswoman for Disneyland Resort. Instead, Disney netotiated with the union to place all of those hourly employees on shifts among the five other hotel restaurants or four other food-and-beverage locations.

Those employees will retain their same pay.

Brown said: “The company has shifts available for all Yamabuki cast members at other hotel restaurant locations at Disneyland Resort. We expect all hourly Yamabuki (employees) to be redeployed as of next week.”

Brown said she was unsure whether all employees would be offered an equivalent amount of hours.  But she added, “We are committed to providing the most hours available.”

Victor Alvarez, 29, a server at Yamabuki, said workers at the restaurant had established strong bonds and are sad about the closing.

“We are more than co-workers, we’re like a family,” he said. “We’ve really kept a positive atmoshere at the restaurant and everybody’s been a part of that … It’s hard to see that go.”

“Tren-D” Officially Opens… Again

WDWNT on April 10, 2009

The Tren-D store in the Downtown Disney Marketplace officially opened this morning with a small ceremony, unlike the “Characters in Flight” balloon which is still only testing with Cast Members at this time. WDWNT Reporter Jose Eber was there to see the opening ceremony this morning and has pictures and video to share:

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The ribbon awaits to be cut to open the store that has already been operating for weeks

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Other than the two mangers pictured, I think Jose was the only male guest there…

TrenD Opening Day Pin

Jose managed to pick up the Limited Edition pin commemorating the store’s opening

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Despite what Disney said, the pin was limited to 1000 pieces, not 500

Here is a short video Jose took of the grand opening, including a look around the store and free cupcakes

April 10th News Update

WDWNT on April 10, 2009

I just wanted to post a few small news items in a sort of weekend round-up post for you all:

  • Taylor Morrison, one of the sponsors of the Innoventions Dream Home, is once again holding a Dream Home Giveaway, giving people a chance to not only win a dream home provided by Taylor Morrison, but also a visit to the Disneyland Resort. For more information and to enter the contest, click HERE.
  • Robert Olszewski will once again be holding a product release and signing at the Disneyana Shop on Main Street:

Robert Olszewski Product Release & Signing

Special Guest: Robert Olszewski
Date: May 9, 2009
Time: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Location: Disneyana Shop, Main Street, U.S.A., Disneyland® park

Event Information:
Join us as we welcome Miniaturist, Robert Olszewski who will be on hand for a special appearance and signing of his newest creations, including the second sculpture set from the Main Street Electrical Parade and a Splash Mountain Gallery of Light piece.

Main Street Electrical Parade – Set #2
Robert has once again captured in minute detail, some of the most famous scenes from one of the Disneyland® Resorts most beloved parades, the Main Street Electrical Parade, which first appeared in Disneyland® park. This is the second set in a series of five sets representing the parade.

Features Include:

-This set features the Alice In Wonderland section including the three main Mushrooms, butterfly and ladybug, Alice, the Cheshire Cat and the Caterpillar with the Frog. Also included in this set is the Turtle with hat and the Snail.
-When lit, multi-color changing lights illuminate these floats similar to the way the actual floats light up in the parade.
-The second sculpture set from Main Street Electrical Parade comes complete with a certificate of verification and a premiere plaque. This piece will be available for $125, plus tax. Dimensions: 11″L x 2 3/4″T x 2 3/4″D.

Please Note: The on/off switch will be the trash can. Also for those who have collected the entire set, a special feature for this design is that you are able to take it off its base so it can be placed along Main Street, U.S.A.

Online Ordering Opportunity:
The Main Street Electrical Parade – Set 2 will be available to purchase via ArtofDisneyParks.com beginning Tuesday, April 21, 2009. Shipping and handling fee, plus applicable tax will apply.

To Order, Please Click Here.

Gallery of Light – Splash Mountain
This Gallery of Light piece features Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox and Brer Bear from the classic film Song of the South and the beloved Disney attraction, Splash Mountain. This Gallery of Light piece can only be found at Disney Theme Parks and will be available for $85, plus tax. Dimensions: 3 7/8″ W x 4 1/2″T x 3 1/2″D. Batteries not included.

For information on these pieces and more, please click here.

Merchandise available while supplies last. We ask that only two (2) items be signed per Guest. We ask that you bring no personal items to be signed. Event merchandise must be purchased on the day of release at the event location. Valid Disneyland® Resort receipt may be required. Artist signing is subject to space and time availability and is not guaranteed. Artist will only sign their respective merchandise purchased on the day of the event only. Event information subject to change without notice. Separate admission is required to enter Disneyland® Resort theme parks.