Myrna Litt’s 11/10/09 Photo Report
It’s once again time for a photo report from our very own Myrna Litt:
The odd new structure placed in Paradise Park
“Lights of Winter” at Epcot Officially Retired
The popular “Lights of Winter” holiday display at Epcot will not be returning this year. The Disney Parks twitter had the following to say about the change:
The Lights of Winter at Epcot has been enjoyed for years. But (technology) to operate the lights is obsolete, prompting us to retire the lights.
To replace the offering with something new, the Disney Parks Twitter then announced the following:
Debuting at this year’s Holidays Around the World at Epcot is a new gospel choir, “D’Vine Voices” – Nov. 27 through Dec. 26.
The dancing light arches of “Lights of Winter” have been a part of the “Holidays Around the World” program since it debuted in the early 1990’s, but the technology was easily surpassed a few years ago when the Osborne Family Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios began to dance to music every 15 minutes. This change comes on the heels of the 2008 departure of the tree lighting ceremony at Epcot. Expect the passage to World Showcase to be rather un-festive this year.
Phineas and Ferb Make Their Disney Parks Debut
According to the Disney Parks Blog, the Disney Channel’s Phineas and Ferb made their debut in the parks at Monday’s taping of the Disney Parks Christmas Special. Phineas and Ferb rode down Main Street USA on the car usually designated for Chip and Dale in A Christmas Fantasy Parade. While the characters are not currently appearing for meet ‘n greets in the parks, that could be a possibility at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World next year.
Disneyland Prepares For the Holiday Season
According to the OC Register’s Around Disney blog:
The massive bottom half of Disneyland’s Christmas tree slowly made its way along Main Street USA – followed by the top half.
Both were carried by cranes early Tuesday morning, as the theme park finished decking itself out with annual holiday decorations.
The 13-ton, 60-foot-tall artificial tree is in its second year at the theme park; two years ago, in part to go more green, Disney quit using live trees.
More than 60,000 lights are on the new one, along with 2,000 ornaments.
“The lighting and the electrical weigh over 5,000 pounds – a real tree wouldn’t be able to accommodate that kind of weight,” said David Caranci, Manager of Resort Enhancement at the park.
Early Tuesday morning also found more than 40 workers on lifts or ladders decorating the rest of Main Street. Elsewhere, crews added a snow-and-icicle look to the castle. More than 100,000 lights were attached to the “it’s a small world” façade, and ornaments and lights sprung up in New Orleans Square, too.
As night turned to dawn, technicians were tinkering to get the tree’s programmable lighting system working. They said everything would be ready by Friday, when Disney’s holiday season officially kicks off.
Brandon Struve’s Animal Kingdom Mini-Update
WDWNT Reporter Brandon Struve has sent us a few interesting photos from Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park:
The Animal Kingdom maps now have Finding Nemo: The Musical on the cover
The wait for Expedition: Everest was only 5 minutes long
Hard to see here, but the steam on the trains is working again
The bird is back!!! After being gone for a few years, the creeping hawk has returned to the heights of Everest
Space Mountain Queue and Loading Area Revealed!!!
From the Disney Parks Blog:
When renovation work finishes on the Space Mountain attraction at Walt Disney World Resort, it’ll be the same classic experience with a few new surprises. And now, Walt Disney Imagineering is offering an early peek at some of those surprises and the first images from inside the attraction.
As you know, with any Imagineering project, the story comes first. And the updated Space Mountain attraction at Walt Disney World Resort is no exception. With the update, the storyline is being extended – and you’ll be able to take part.Passengers will be able to immerse themselves in unique game play as they prepare for blast off, becoming part of the space station adventure. During a recent walkthrough, we deflected asteroids to keep runways clear as part of the story.
The interactive experiences are based on duties you’d find on board a long-traveling space craft, according to Walt Disney Imagineering Senior Show Designer Alex Wright. Each game lasts about 90 seconds with a 90-second interval and the games can accommodate 86 players at one time.
As you move along on your journey, there are “insider” touches typical in projects created by Imagineers. For example, if you’re up on your Disney trivia, you’ll recognize a sign bearing the logo “H-NCH 1975″ as a tribute to late Imagineer and Disney legend John Hench. There are also other “Disneyphile” references hidden throughout the attraction.Space Mountain celebrates the Golden Age of Rocket Travel – inspired by the jet age of the early 1960s. The attraction highlights excitement around the endless possibilities regarding space travel. It did back when it opened in 1975 and I think you’ll agree it still does.
We wanted to share these images now but check back for more updates.
Brandon Struve’s 11/9/09 Tomorrowland Update
WDWNT Reporter Brandon Struve was visiting the Magic Kingdom today when he was surprised to see that the walls around the Space Mountain area had finally come down:
Guests can now walk up to the newly paved area
Read More about Brandon Struve’s 11/9/09 Tomorrowland Update
UPDATED: Walt Disney World Out, Disney Parks In
According to the Disney Parks Blog:
It’s not your average day at Disneyland Park when Stevie Wonder performs performs “That’s What Christmas Means to Me” in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle. Here’s a photo of Minnie Mouse, Stevie and his daughter Aisha Morris during a break from taping.
Stevie Wonder and Anika Noni Rose were both performing at Disneyland Park today for the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade.
Anika was seen performing a musical production number inspired by “Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee” for the annual holiday special that appears on ABC. While singing and dancing in New Orleans Square, Anika encountered “Dancing with the Stars” celebs, Cheryl Burke and Tony Dovolani.
Yesterday, Selena Gomez appeared at Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle to tape a segment with Stitch. Here’s a picture:
UPDATE :: 11/9/09, 7:32PM – Ryan Seacrest filmed his co-hosting duties for the show today, while Demi Lovato performed “Wonderful Christmas Time” on one of the “Celebrate! A Street Party” floats. Click HERE for the photos.
The Disney Parks Christmas Special, which is the special’s new name (changed from the Walt Disney World Christmas Special), airs Christmas morning on ABC.
Tom Corless’ 11/7/09 World of Disney New York Report
As we countdown to the closure of the World of Disney New York store on 5th Avenue in New York City, I have been trying to get in as many visits as possible. On Saturday, I made a trip to the store to take part in the final Disney pin trading morning. Here are some photos I managed to take amid the insane crowds:
A Christmas Carol has filled the windows of the store
Read More about Tom Corless’ 11/7/09 World of Disney New York Report
Brandon Struve’s 11/6/09 WDW Photo Report
WDWNT Reporter Brandon Struve was on a mission Friday: to take as many newsworthy photos in one day as humanly possible. Did Brandon succeed in his mission? Let’s find out:
Welcome to the place “Where Dreams Come True”