September 7th finally arrived much to the dismay of many fans of the original Star Tours attraction that has been operating at Disney’s Hollywood Studios since late-1989. The classic simulator had one last flight for select D23 members that evening, and Inside the Magic has terrific coverage of the festivities. I think you’ll enjoy this video of Star Tours final flight at the Walt Disney World Resort:
Have you heard this week’s WDW News Today Podcast? If you haven’t, here’s what you can expect:
Join me, Tom Corless, and a cast including Scott Smith, Jason Diffendal, Jose Castillo, John Rick, Josh Siegel, John Rick, Banks Lee, Chris Lastrapes, and Brandon Struve for a variety show dedicated to the Walt Disney World Resort and its many fans. Plenty of Walt Disney World information and fun awaits you on this edition of the WDW News Today Podcast!!!
To kick off this week’s show, we have the complete, un-edited recording of our first-ever live show from the Walt Disney World Resort. It’s definitely worth a listen as it features the return of the extremely popular “Where in the World is Tom Corless?”, and perhaps the most poorly played edition of “Disney Don’t Forget the Lyrics” ever. Following that, a number of staff members from around the WDWNT Network join me for a review of all the festivities from WDWNT: The Weekend. Finally, to wrap up this week’s show, we take an in-depth listen to the new “Starry-O-Phonic Sounds” from Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom.
To download or listen to the show on-site, go to our podcast download directory page. You can also download episodes of the show by subscribing to the Enhanced Episode and Standard Episode feeds on iTunes.
WDWNT Reporter Cody Smith visited the Magic Kingdom earlier today and has a few newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip:
It’s Halloween-time at the Magic Kingdom
Read More about Cody Smith’s 9/7/10 Magic Kingdom Photo Report
From The Art of Disney:
Meet the Bear-y Newest Member of the
Disney Character Family!
One day, Mickey was getting ready to set sail on a long sea voyage. Minnie made Mickey a special teddy bear to take with him so he would never feel lonely. . .
Disneyland® Resort Annual Passholders are invited to be among the first to hear the story of Duffy the Disney Bear before he arrives in Disney California Adventure™ park in the Fall. Annual Passholders attending this limited engagement will not only get to hear the story of Duffy the Disney Bear, but will also learn more about Duffy the Disney Bear’s journey and get the inside scoop on when he will debut as the bear-y newest member of the Disney Character Family.
This experience will take place on Sunday, September 19 at 11:30 am and 2:00 pm in Stage 17 at Disney California Adventure™ park.
Registration to attend this special preview will begin on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at 8 AM Pacific. Space is limited. Tickets available while supplies last.
Duffy The Disney Bear was originally developed for Walt Disney World, but found his way over to The Tokyo Disney Resort where he became a popular plush and in-park character. Disney is going to attempt to re-introduce this cute little guy back to the US parks with this event and one at WDW. If you are interested in this event, please read the FAQ which has a very strict set of rules you must follow if you wish to attend.
Over the last few years, we have tried to develop and maintain some sort of a weekly recap for everything going on around the WDWNT Network. We’re hoping that this new weekly feature called “As The Globe Turns” fills that gap. Every week, we will review all the topics of interest and new programming provided by the entire WDWNT Network, just in case you missed something. Without any further ado, here is the premiere edition of “As The Globe Turns” for August 29-September 4, 2010:
News from Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida (Provided by WDW News Today)
–Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom debuts on-ride audio
–New Original Character Leaked for “Star Tours: The Adventures Continue”
News from Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California (Provided by Disneyland News Today)
–Dragon in Fantasmic! Out of Commission Once Again
–DLNT Reporter Michael Wada Brings Us Updates on the Red Car Trolly and More
–TRON inspired attraction coming to California Adventure This Fall
News on Disney Trading (Provided by The Disney Pincast and The Vinylmation Station)
–2011 Trading Events at the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort
–Vinylmation International Flag Series Announced
–Vinylmation Celebration Series Announced
–Previews from Multiple Upcoming Vinylmation Series
WDWNT Network Podcasts
-The WDW News Today Podcast Episode 159 (8/29/10) – Tom, Scott, Jason, Justin, Brandon, and Jose dive into table service dining at the Magic Kingdom for the return of the Dining Discussion Series. Available for download on-site or through iTunes in either enhanced or standard edition.
-The Disneyland News Today Podcast Episode 33 (8/31/10) – The DLNT Podcast crew digs up the remains of the Skyway in the Disneyland Graveyard and discovers the roots of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Also features the Disneyland Resort Events Calendar. Available for download on-site or through iTunes.
-The Disney Pincast Episode 126 (9/3/10) – John Rick covers all of the usual news from the world of Disney Pins, as well as presents audio from Disney’s Pin Celebration 2010 – Trade City U.S.A. Available for download on-site or through iTunes.
-The first new episode of The Vinylmation Station podcast since early July will be recorded and released sometime in September 2010.
New Videos from WDWNTube
The following videos from the Disney Parks around the world were released on the WDWNTube (www.WDWNTube.com) in the past week:
–The grand opening of the Best Friends Pet Care Luxury Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort
–Star Wars Hyperspace Hoopla from “Last Tour to Endor” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Audio Programming from WDWNTunes
The WDWNT Network’s online radio station plays Disney Parks music 24 hours a day, but also features special music blocks and plenty of original programming you won’t find anywhere else. Here’s a look at some current and upcoming special programming for WDWNTunes (www.WDWNTunes.com):
-“WDWNT Network presents (for some reason) The Transformerscast: The Epic, Epic of Epic Proportions – A Play in Five Acts” will debut at 10:00PM ET on September 22nd. Scott Smith attempted to launch a podcast about his favorite toys twice (unsuccessfully) on “See Ya’ Real Late” with Tom Corless. Tom has give Scott one last chance to make the show a success, and Scott won’t let anyone stop him, including the rest of the WDWNT Network staff. Will Scott finally be able to make The Transformerscast a hit? Tune in to find out.
-Season 2 of the “Super Obscure Show” (or S.O.S.) debuts October 2nd at 11:00PM ET. Episodes will replay for a full week at both 10:00AM and 11:00PM until a new episode debuts every Saturday.
-Your last chance to catch Season 1 episodes of the revolutionary “See Ya’ Real Late” with Tom Corless is during replays nightly at 11:00PM ET through October 1, 2010. First season episodes will no longer be airing on WDWNTunes beyond this date. “See Ya’ Real Late” with Tom Corless Season 2 is tentatively scheduled to debut January 2011.
-Our 2 hour Halloween audio block will begin airing on September 13th and will run through October 31st. Times for the daily music block are still to be determined.
Everything Else
Over the last few years, we have tried to develop and maintain some sort of a weekly recap for everything going on around the WDWNT Network. We’re hoping that this new weekly feature called “As The Globe Turns” fills that gap. Every week, we will review all the topics of interest and new programming provided by the entire WDWNT Network, just in case you missed something. Without any further ado, here is the premiere edition of “As The Globe Turns” for August 29-September 4, 2010:
News from Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida (Provided by WDW News Today)
–Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom debuts on-ride audio
–New Original Character Leaked for “Star Tours: The Adventures Continue”
News from Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California (Provided by Disneyland News Today)
–Dragon in Fantasmic! Out of Commission Once Again
–DLNT Reporter Michael Wada Brings Us Updates on the Red Car Trolly and More
–TRON inspired attraction coming to California Adventure This Fall
News on Disney Trading (Provided by The Disney Pincast and The Vinylmation Station)
–2011 Trading Events at the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort
–Vinylmation International Flag Series Announced
–Vinylmation Celebration Series Announced
–Previews from Multiple Upcoming Vinylmation Series
WDWNT Network Podcasts
-The WDW News Today Podcast Episode 159 (8/29/10) – Tom, Scott, Jason, Justin, Brandon, and Jose dive into table service dining at the Magic Kingdom for the return of the Dining Discussion Series. Available for download on-site or through iTunes in either enhanced or standard edition.
-The Disneyland News Today Podcast Episode 33 (8/31/10) – The DLNT Podcast crew digs up the remains of the Skyway in the Disneyland Graveyard and discovers the roots of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Also features the Disneyland Resort Events Calendar. Available for download on-site or through iTunes.
-The Disney Pincast Episode 126 (9/3/10) – John Rick covers all of the usual news from the world of Disney Pins, as well as presents audio from Disney’s Pin Celebration 2010 – Trade City U.S.A. Available for download on-site or through iTunes.
-The first new episode of The Vinylmation Station podcast since early July will be recorded and released sometime in September 2010.
New Videos from WDWNTube
The following videos from the Disney Parks around the world were released on the WDWNTube (www.WDWNTube.com) in the past week:
–The grand opening of the Best Friends Pet Care Luxury Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort
–Star Wars Hyperspace Hoopla from “Last Tour to Endor” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Audio Programming from WDWNTunes
The WDWNT Network’s online radio station plays Disney Parks music 24 hours a day, but also features special music blocks and plenty of original programming you won’t find anywhere else. Here’s a look at some current and upcoming special programming for WDWNTunes (www.WDWNTunes.com):
-“WDWNT Network presents (for some reason) The Transformerscast: The Epic, Epic of Epic Proportions – A Play in Five Acts” will debut at 10:00PM ET on September 22nd. Scott Smith attempted to launch a podcast about his favorite toys twice (unsuccessfully) on “See Ya’ Real Late” with Tom Corless. Tom has give Scott one last chance to make the show a success, and Scott won’t let anyone stop him, including the rest of the WDWNT Network staff. Will Scott finally be able to make The Transformerscast a hit? Tune in to find out.
-Season 2 of the “Super Obscure Show” (or S.O.S.) debuts October 2nd at 11:00PM ET. Episodes will replay for a full week at both 10:00AM and 11:00PM until a new episode debuts every Saturday.
-Your last chance to catch Season 1 episodes of the revolutionary “See Ya’ Real Late” with Tom Corless is during replays nightly at 11:00PM ET through October 1, 2010. First season episodes will no longer be airing on WDWNTunes beyond this date. “See Ya’ Real Late” with Tom Corless Season 2 is tentatively scheduled to debut January 2011.
-Our 2 hour Halloween audio block will begin airing on September 13th and will run through October 31st. Times for the daily music block are still to be determined.
Everything Else
WDWNT Reporter Banks Lee attended the grand opening of the Best Friends Pet Care Luxury Resort at Walt Disney World on Wednesday and has the following video capturing the dedication and an overview of the pet pavilion to share with us:
DLNT Reporter Chris Lastrapes was at Disneyland today and shares some photos from all around the resort. Photos include The Disneyland Hotel, Maliboomer, Village Haus, and much more…
Work on the Wonder Tower continues
WDWNT Network’s Cody Smith will be providing photo updates on a much more regular basis for WDW News Today, and he starts today with some interesting updates from the Magic Kingdom and Epcot:
The Magic Kingdom is ready for Halloween
So, as a committed Disney fan and lover of Walt Disney World, I often dream of Disney. When you’re sitting at work and things get a little stressful, you have those moments where your mind escapes. Where does it go to? Spaceship Earth at Epcot? The castle at the Kingdom? For a drop on the Tower of Terror?
At times, I imagine the “shopping day”, where I hit gift shops at the Yacht & Beach Club and Boardwalk resorts, or the always relaxing escalator ride at the Swan or Dolphin as I people watch. But, as a fellow Disney fan asks you, what is your personal Disney World? What do you imagine when you dream of the world?
I have some thoughts to share as I have talked with many folks about this subject over the years:
The Monorail
No doubt the monorail is Disney for many folks. A more common fame, the “Please Stand Clear of the Doors” has been quoted more than any favorite movie. The smell of the monorail, the sound and the feel all give the sensation that “oh, yes, I am back at Walt Disney World again!”. I always know the first sight on the monorail is one of the most reassuring visuals that “yes, you have arrived!”
Resort TV’s “Top 7 Must Sees”
Some may say we check into their hotel and rush to the TV for “Walt Disney World’s Top 7 Must Sees” hosted by Stacy Aswad. Stacy’s voice and presentation have given a many the feeling of “yes, we are in Disney now”. My wife and I always enjoy the show and often let it repeat the entire time we are on vacation. Who needs news, weather, etc. when you are at Disney? Give me the Top 7 again Stacy!
Hotel Lobby
Standing in line at check-in and waiting to start your vacation at your favorite Disney resort should have a name. Maybe I could contact Webster’s and see if they would add it to their dictionary. Let’s see… it would be something like… “Mouseness” -the feeling one gets while waiting to check into their favorite Disney resort to start their magical vacation. Oh, sorry to the online check-ins, while I respect the efficiency of saving time, you also sacrifice a possible Magical Moment being made by the Cast Member at check-in. There is a story here for another day and another article, one day I will share how a guest received a complimentary 5-day park-hopper at check-in.
Disney’s Magical Express
A great vacation usually starts with a successful flight into Orlando International Airport. Upon landing, skip baggage claim and proceed to the Disney’s Magical Express Welcome Center. This has become the first feel of Disney World for many since its inception in May of 2005. Disney’s Magical Express service collects your luggage and delivers it directly to your Walt Disney World hotel room within a short 3 hours or so after you check-in at your favorite resort. Nothing can be better than a cool ride on a Disney motor-coach heading to the start of your vacation (Please note: Disney’s Magical Express will not handle your bags if you arrive in Orlando International Airport after 10:00pm). This service has been especially great for families traveling with small children (I am one of those who mobilize a small army through the airport).
Character Meals
I have had many Disney friends say a breakfast at Chef Mickey’s is the best way to start day one of a Walt Disney World vacation. The monorail ride, breakfast with Mickey Mouse are a great prequel to a day at the Magic Kingdom! Even as I write this, I get excited thinking, “man, this sounds like fun!”. Our family has also always enjoyed the first evening of a trip with a character dinner.
Planning
I saved the best for last. As someone constantly wishing to be at Disney, you may find yourself just like me. The planning process can never be overlooked, it is half the fun! As the old saying goes, it is not the destination, it is the journey (or maybe it’s the other way around, oh well). Planning your trip, collecting your favorite Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR in Disney jargon), and surveying your friends or family who are traveling can build the anticipation. Enjoy this process, even in the pre-planning without an unknown travel date.
So my Disney friends, I presented some random thoughts for you to shut your eyes and imagine about. Where-ever you may be, sit back, relax, and think: “what is my “Disney World”?
