“World of Color” Comes Together
Disney recently released two videos highlighting the creation process for California Adventures’ upcoming “World of Color” nighttime spectacular:
ESPN Wide World of Sports Coming February 25th
Just in time for ESPN the Weekend, Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex will finally become the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Here’s a preview of what the updated area will look like when it opens next month:
The famous roadside sign will be changed
The globe will sport the ESPN colors
The new ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill restaurant
The ESPN Innovation Lab, already open
The re-named ESPN Clubhouse Shop
The Wide World of Sports welcome center will serve as the main hub for guests
ESPN Wide World of Sports is coming February 25th, stay tuned to WDW News Today for more information as it becomes available
Naples Comes to Italy at Epcot
We can confirm that the construction taking place in the very back of the Italy pavilion at Epcot is for the addition of Patina Restaurant Group’s “Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria”, a restaurant that already exists in Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort. While we don’t know if this particular location will be table service like its west coast counterpart, here is a look at the menu for the California version of Naples (note that the bottom of the menu says Walt Disney World):
This IS the Droid Your Looking For…
From the official Star Wars website:
This spring, visitors to Disney Parks in Florida and California will be able to pick up an exclusive new Hasbro astromech R2 unit, decked out in classic Mickey Mouse colors and ears! The new astromech, R2-MK, recently made a quick stop at Skywalker Ranch before heading to Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California, and posed for this snap!
Here’s the announcement from Disney:
“The creative “Forces” at Disney and Lucasfilm are proud to announce an all-new character coming to the Disney Parks in April 2010. Every Jedi needs his own astromech droid, and Jedi Mickey is no exception. This spring we will be introducing Jedi Mickey’s own droid, R2-MK.
“This new character is exclusive to the Disney Parks, and he will be available at both Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California. It will come packed as a Hasbro action figure 2-pack along with Jedi Mickey and will retail for $18.95.”
This IS the Droid You’re Looking For…
From the official Star Wars website:
This spring, visitors to Disney Parks in Florida and California will be able to pick up an exclusive new Hasbro astromech R2 unit, decked out in classic Mickey Mouse colors and ears! The new astromech, R2-MK, recently made a quick stop at Skywalker Ranch before heading to Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California, and posed for this snap!
Here’s the announcement from Disney:
“The creative “Forces” at Disney and Lucasfilm are proud to announce an all-new character coming to the Disney Parks in April 2010. Every Jedi needs his own astromech droid, and Jedi Mickey is no exception. This spring we will be introducing Jedi Mickey’s own droid, R2-MK.
“This new character is exclusive to the Disney Parks, and he will be available at both Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California. It will come packed as a Hasbro action figure 2-pack along with Jedi Mickey and will retail for $18.95.”
Myrna Litt’s 1/6/10 DLR Photo Report
Our apologies again for the lateness of this photo report, we are interviewing new lead reporters for the Disneyland News Today site this week and updates should return to normal shortly. Here is a photo report from DLNT Reporter Myrna Litt taken on January 6th:
“Go wild in the parks” is a new campaign for the Disney Parks focusing on Anaheim and Orlando local visitors
Tom Corless’ 1/11-1/15/10 WDW Photo Report
WDWNT Network owner Tom Corless took a short trip to the Walt Disney World Resort last week and has a number of newsworthy photos to share:
The crane is up behind Cinderella Castle to remove the holiday dream lights
D23 Announces 2010 Member Events!
D23 announced today on there official website some planned events for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Here is what they had to say:
D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans today unveiled a host of special events that have been designed especially for its growing worldwide membership base.
D23 Days at the Walt Disney Studios, D23 First Anniversary Parties at Disneyland and Walt Disney World and Toby Tyler, or Ten Weeks With a Circus, the first film in our new “50 and Fabulous” screening series are just some of the magical experiences D23 Members have a chance to enjoy in 2010!
Among the exiting offerings for 2010 are exclusive D23 one-year anniversary parties at the Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort, free “50 and Fabulous” film screenings at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank and a special 40th anniversary celebration event to honor the Walt Disney Archives.“In our first year, D23 created some truly memorable event opportunities for our members, and this year we plan to outdo ourselves with a mix of all-new events and encores of fan favorites,” said Steven Clark, head of D23. “D23 Members are going to have more opportunities than ever to be part of the Disney magic through the events we have planned in 2010, and we hope they’ll be as excited as we are to experience them alongside their fellow members.”
D23 Members will receive notification of special events and reservation times via e-mail, and all events are offered on a space-available basis.
D23’s special-event lineup includes:
January 22, 2010: A Practically Perfect Night of Surprises with D23 and Mary Poppins
D23 Members will attend a performance of the critically acclaimed Mary Poppins at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles — plus an exclusive post-show experience with the Mary Poppins cast… and a top-secret surprise guest. (Hint: It’s an actor from the classic 1964 film.) D23 Members will receive 20 percent off select tickets for the January 22 performance (in various seating locations and price ranges). Click here for more information.February 13, April 10, August 14 and November 13, 2010: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives
D23 Members will get a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank and at the Walt Disney Archives on a two-hour tour hosted by D23 and Archives staff members. Three tours will be held on each date, and each tour can accommodate 50 people. In D23’s Charter Year, these special tours sold out almost immediately. Tickets for the February 13 and April 10 tours will be available at 10 a.m. Pacific time Tuesday, January 26 and are $50 per person. Click here for more information about the February 13 D23 Day. Click here for more information about the April 10 D23 day.March 5, 2010: D23’s First-Anniversary Party at the Walt Disney World® Resort
Hundreds of D23 Members are expected to gather from around the country — and around the world — for a once-in-a-lifetime night of magic and memories. The evening’s festivities include a private dinner inside the Magic Kingdom’s Diamond Horseshoe Saloon, followed by an exclusive D23 viewing of Mickey’s PhilharMagic. Afterward, guests will hear insider details about the upcoming Fantasyland expansion from Walt Disney Imagineering. The celebration will also feature a sumptuous dessert party, a special commemorative pin for everyone attending and a host of surprises. Check back here for more information, including reservation availability and pricing.March 10, 2010: D23’s First-Anniversary Party at the Disneyland® Resort
D23 will hold its one and only West Coast anniversary celebration in the most magical land at the Happiest Place on Earth: Fantasyland. D23 Members will take over all of Fantasyland for one amazing night filled with classic attractions, familiar characters (as well as a few you may not have seen in a while!) and a chance to see rare pieces of Disneyland history up close. Plus, D23 Members and their guests will enjoy an array of delicious Disney-inspired desserts, a special commemorative pin for everyone attending and other surprises. Check back here for more information, including reservation availability and pricing.March 27, 2010: “50 and Fabulous” Screening of Toby Tyler
At last year’s D23 Expo, Disney fans had a chance to see Disney masterpieces that were celebrating their Golden Anniversaries… a new D23 tradition that continues in 2010, this time in the recently renovated, state-of-the-art, 400-seat Studio Theater on the Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank. Tickets to the “50 and Fabulous” screenings are free for D23 Members and their guests, and the series kicks off with a movie that hasn’t been seen on the big screen since its first release in 1960: Toby Tyler, or 10 Weeks with a Circus. D23’s screening of this lighthearted, live-action comedy will combine with special D23 surprises and the opportunity to enjoy a movie in this exclusive cinematic venue. Reservations may be made beginning at 10 a.m. Pacific time on Tuesday, January 26. (A $5 processing fee for each ticket will apply.) Click here for more information.As with all live events, dates and times are subject to change.
Additional D23 special events are planned throughout 2010, including:
- May 8: “50 and Fabulous” screening of Pollyanna at the Walt Disney Studio Theatre;
- May 29-30: “Flowers and Fireworks” event at the Walt Disney World Resort, adding all-new elements as D23 expands the festivities to two days;
- June 26: A special celebration at the Walt Disney Studios marking the 40th anniversary of the Walt Disney Archives;
- July 10: “50 and Fabulous” screening of Swiss Family Robinson at the Walt Disney Studio Theatre;
- October 15-16: “Sip & Stroll” at the immensely popular Epcot International Food and Wine Festival;
- October 23: “50 and Fabulous” screening of The Sign of Zorro at the Walt Disney Studio Theatre;
- December 11-12: “Magic and Merriment” weekend at the Walt Disney World Resort;
D23 is in the planning stages for even more exciting 2010 events, details of which will be revealed in the coming months.
D23 Announces 2010 Member Events!
D23 announced today on there official website some planned events for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Here is what they had to say:
D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans today unveiled a host of special events that have been designed especially for its growing worldwide membership base.
D23 Days at the Walt Disney Studios, D23 First Anniversary Parties at Disneyland and Walt Disney World and Toby Tyler, or Ten Weeks With a Circus, the first film in our new “50 and Fabulous” screening series are just some of the magical experiences D23 Members have a chance to enjoy in 2010!
Among the exiting offerings for 2010 are exclusive D23 one-year anniversary parties at the Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort, free “50 and Fabulous” film screenings at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank and a special 40th anniversary celebration event to honor the Walt Disney Archives.“In our first year, D23 created some truly memorable event opportunities for our members, and this year we plan to outdo ourselves with a mix of all-new events and encores of fan favorites,” said Steven Clark, head of D23. “D23 Members are going to have more opportunities than ever to be part of the Disney magic through the events we have planned in 2010, and we hope they’ll be as excited as we are to experience them alongside their fellow members.”
D23 Members will receive notification of special events and reservation times via e-mail, and all events are offered on a space-available basis.
D23’s special-event lineup includes:
January 22, 2010: A Practically Perfect Night of Surprises with D23 and Mary Poppins
D23 Members will attend a performance of the critically acclaimed Mary Poppins at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles — plus an exclusive post-show experience with the Mary Poppins cast… and a top-secret surprise guest. (Hint: It’s an actor from the classic 1964 film.) D23 Members will receive 20 percent off select tickets for the January 22 performance (in various seating locations and price ranges). Click here for more information.February 13, April 10, August 14 and November 13, 2010: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives
D23 Members will get a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank and at the Walt Disney Archives on a two-hour tour hosted by D23 and Archives staff members. Three tours will be held on each date, and each tour can accommodate 50 people. In D23’s Charter Year, these special tours sold out almost immediately. Tickets for the February 13 and April 10 tours will be available at 10 a.m. Pacific time Tuesday, January 26 and are $50 per person. Click here for more information about the February 13 D23 Day. Click here for more information about the April 10 D23 day.March 5, 2010: D23’s First-Anniversary Party at the Walt Disney World® Resort
Hundreds of D23 Members are expected to gather from around the country — and around the world — for a once-in-a-lifetime night of magic and memories. The evening’s festivities include a private dinner inside the Magic Kingdom’s Diamond Horseshoe Saloon, followed by an exclusive D23 viewing of Mickey’s PhilharMagic. Afterward, guests will hear insider details about the upcoming Fantasyland expansion from Walt Disney Imagineering. The celebration will also feature a sumptuous dessert party, a special commemorative pin for everyone attending and a host of surprises. Check back here for more information, including reservation availability and pricing.March 10, 2010: D23’s First-Anniversary Party at the Disneyland® Resort
D23 will hold its one and only West Coast anniversary celebration in the most magical land at the Happiest Place on Earth: Fantasyland. D23 Members will take over all of Fantasyland for one amazing night filled with classic attractions, familiar characters (as well as a few you may not have seen in a while!) and a chance to see rare pieces of Disneyland history up close. Plus, D23 Members and their guests will enjoy an array of delicious Disney-inspired desserts, a special commemorative pin for everyone attending and other surprises. Check back here for more information, including reservation availability and pricing.March 27, 2010: “50 and Fabulous” Screening of Toby Tyler
At last year’s D23 Expo, Disney fans had a chance to see Disney masterpieces that were celebrating their Golden Anniversaries… a new D23 tradition that continues in 2010, this time in the recently renovated, state-of-the-art, 400-seat Studio Theater on the Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank. Tickets to the “50 and Fabulous” screenings are free for D23 Members and their guests, and the series kicks off with a movie that hasn’t been seen on the big screen since its first release in 1960: Toby Tyler, or 10 Weeks with a Circus. D23’s screening of this lighthearted, live-action comedy will combine with special D23 surprises and the opportunity to enjoy a movie in this exclusive cinematic venue. Reservations may be made beginning at 10 a.m. Pacific time on Tuesday, January 26. (A $5 processing fee for each ticket will apply.) Click here for more information.As with all live events, dates and times are subject to change.
Additional D23 special events are planned throughout 2010, including:
- May 8: “50 and Fabulous” screening of Pollyanna at the Walt Disney Studio Theatre;
- May 29-30: “Flowers and Fireworks” event at the Walt Disney World Resort, adding all-new elements as D23 expands the festivities to two days;
- June 26: A special celebration at the Walt Disney Studios marking the 40th anniversary of the Walt Disney Archives;
- July 10: “50 and Fabulous” screening of Swiss Family Robinson at the Walt Disney Studio Theatre;
- October 15-16: “Sip & Stroll” at the immensely popular Epcot International Food and Wine Festival;
- October 23: “50 and Fabulous” screening of The Sign of Zorro at the Walt Disney Studio Theatre;
- December 11-12: “Magic and Merriment” weekend at the Walt Disney World Resort;
D23 is in the planning stages for even more exciting 2010 events, details of which will be revealed in the coming months.
The NEW Disneyland News Today Podcast – Episode 1
It’s time to join the brand new cast of The NEW Disneyland News Today Podcast. Join host Sean Dickey accompanied by Jamie Nakagiri, Brain Martsolf, and Homan Hashemzadah. First off this week we go around and introduce the new cast with help from Tom Corless. Followed by Disneyland Resort News and Rumors, it’s been awhile and there is lots to talk about from Captain EO all the way to the continued refurbishment of Disney’s California Adventure. Finally we end with Homan Hashemzadah in the Event’s Calendar of the Disneyland Resort to find out what’s going on around. We hope you enjoy this brand new show back and better than ever with a brand new team of Disneyland experts. We want to remind everyone that this podcast is now on a BRAND NEW FEED. You will have to subscribe to this new feed to get all new episodes from now on. Also, if you find yourself enjoying The NEW Disneyland News Today Podcast, please leave some feedback on iTunes, this helps our ratings and helps us do a lot more and become more popular. We hope you enjoy the start of a great new podcast with an amazing team on The NEW Disneyland News Today Podcast!
To subscribe to The NEW Disneyland 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 all 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 or in our podcast directory.