We are happy to begin a series of videos walking you through all of the adventures you can experience at Walt Disney World’s latest attraction, Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom. We begin our journey with Adventureland and the battle with Scar from The Lion King:
Disney California Adventure has a new icon and it’s the beautiful Carthay Circle Theater. While the real Carthay Circle Theater that housed the world premiere of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is long gone, this new theater houses the Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge. If you want to hear a full review of the menu for both, you can head on over to the latest Disneyland News Today Podcast, but for this report, we’ll just be taking a look inside and out of this gorgeous new building:
The marquee
Inside the lounge
The wine list
The walls of all floors are covered with pictures of Walt and various other company celebrities
A cool display downstairs
Some cool displays in the lobby
Some actual pictures of the real theater
We won’t be seeing in there anytime soon…
The transition from the rest of the park is still a little strange
It is stunning at night
Gorgeous… we also have a comprehensive video tour of the restaurant, looking at both the lounge and the second floor:
WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth visited the Magic Kingdom on Monday to do some homework (if only we were so lucky) and he managed to take plenty of newsworthy photos to share with us in the process:
Let’s grab a times guide
The parade route is back to normal
Work continues on the bakery and center street facades
The bakery is open
Plaza Ice Cream still closed
Work continues on the supports in Tomorrowland
This side of the Dumbo queue is finally being painted
Scaffolding coming down on the circus tent queue area
The other Dumbo centrifuge is in place
They are working everyday to get the attraction up and running as soon as possible
Beast’s Castle
The Mermaid rock-work is being extended to hide the show building from view in Storybook Circus
Rooftops and patios are appearing on Prince Eric’s castle
A close-up of the castle
It looks great!
The artwork is back on the great wall of Fantasyland
The Castle Wall is finally showing some progress
The Seven Dwarves Mine shop lives out a stay of execution until the wall moves this direction
Walkways are still tight at the moment
This is the first time we’ve actually seen people working on the wall
We can see some detail at the top of the wall
The Fantasyland Skyway station is gones and now we have a giant pile of dirt
You can clearly see The Hauted Mansion, but this will change
Just a lot of dirt…
Work on the Peter Pan’s Flight queue continues
Walls up where the pathway will go next to the Haunted Mansion
Hard to believe this opened almost a year ago
It has grown in nicely
Some things were changed…
Some things were added as less-than-capable guests walked through…
Other things that were added
The pet cemetary is missing some pieces while the new path is worked on
Time for some Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
Pongo looks a little angry…
Love the cards
What’s the best part about Sorcerers? Inclusion of often ignored characters
The old Fife & Drum food service location closed for decades is back in use
This is a second location where you can begin your quest
This card has been changed to remove Slinky Dog from the background. Apprently, Disney doesn’t have the rights to use him…
Frontierland Trading Post still behind tarps
The tower that the Barnstormer will now crash through looks finished
The Big Thunder Mountain refurb rolls on
Lift hill replacemtn and roof repairs being done now
Some paint has also been applied to lower level rock-work
Progress is appearing rapidly
The backside of the Be Our Guest Restaurant
A look at Fantasyland Station
Lighting fixtures installed
Hi there
Still there…
Roof is covered
The Barnstormer is just about finished
A fair amount of landscaping left to complete
The backside of the Dumbo building
Update: 8/8/12 Artist Maria Clapsis will join Casey Jones at the Friday, August 24 Orlando D-Street signing from 11a-1p EST. They also announced a wristband distribution for Orlando where guests will be handed a wristband at the register if they choose to meet the artists. Remember, D-Street Orlando opens at 9am EST this day. Also, for the second straight series, Darth Vader gets the honor of gracing the tray cover:
Update: 8/7/12 Artist Casey Jones just got back to us via Twitter letting us know he will be signing, and therefore SW2 released, at WDW in Orlando on FRIDAY, AUGUST 24. This info is contrary to the date on the events page of the Disney Vinylmation website. The Disneyland Saturday, August 25 release remains the same. Appropriate changes have been made in the article below that we posted yesterday:
The Disney Vinylmation website has finally given WDW a release day for Star Wars 2. It will also be a busy day weekend for artist Casey Jones. On Friday, August 24, the second Star Wars Vinylmation series will release at D-Street Orlando. (please note, the Disney Vinylmation Blog calls the 25th a “Friday”, but it is a Saturday. We are in the process of confirming which part is correct) In Orlando, doors will open at 9am EST. Guests will line up in the usual spot in the parking lot at the handicap spaces across from AMC. At 8am, guests will be ushered over to the front of D-Street. Please note the new policy that no chairs will be allowed in front of D-Street, but it appears you will still be able to use them in the parking lot. Then, Star Wars 2 artist Casey Jones will sign for guests from 11am-1pm EST.
In Orlando, this is also the weekend of Star Wars Celebration VI held just a few miles down I-4 from the mouse at the Orange County Convention Center. We know the LE 2500 Hologram Princess Leia will be available at the convention, but no word yet if SW2 blind boxes will be there.
Casey Jones will then hop a plane, gain a few hours, and make his way to will then make the trip to Anaheim where Star Wars 2 will release on Saturday, August 25. D-Street will open at 8am PST. Casey will then sign for guests from 3pm-6pm PST.
Who will be lining up on opening day?
(from the Disney Vinylmation blog)
What are the wristband distribution guidelines at D-Street in California?
Wristbands will be distributed entitling bearers to the opportunity to purchase limited edition Vinylmation released in association with a product release and/or signing. Wristbands for the limited edition Vinylmation will be distributed at D-Street in the Downtown Disney District at 7:00 A.M. Wristbands will be available at the location until 1:00 P.M. or while supplies last.
We kindly ask that Guests do not line up for wristband distribution prior to 6:00 A.M. The queue for wristbands will begin behind the Rainforest Cafe in the Downtown Disney District. Queued Guests will be escorted to D-Street, where wristbands will be distributed at 7am. D Street opens at 10:00 A.M. unless otherwise specified.
In addition, holding a place in line for others in your party will not be allowed. Guests who wish to obtain a wristband to purchase a limited edition Vinylmation must be present when the line forms or they will be escorted to the back of the line.
Wristbands will be valid for the purchase of the limited edition Vinylmation at D-Street in the Downtown Disney District until 1:00 P.M. on the day of distribution. Wristbands are limited. At 1:00 P.M. wristbands are no longer valid. Lost, stolen or damaged wristbands will not be replaced. Wristbands have no cash value. Restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice.
From Pam Brandon of Disney Parks Blog:
At last, lots of new spots for dining have debuted at Disney California Adventure park! And what we love most is that quick-service dining has moved way beyond burgers and dogs.
Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café has caused lots of excitement with the announcement of Starbucks coffee drinks, but we’re just as excited about the signature sammies like a turkey Reuben, paneer and roasted vegetable, and salami with olive tapenade. And our favorite soup is this slightly spicy cheesy enchilada soup.
Have you tried this soup yet?
Cheesy Enchilada Soup
Serves 6 to 8
5 yellow corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
1/4 cup vegetable oil, plus 2 tablespoons, divided
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup corn
5 cups chicken stock
15-ounce can tomato puree
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1 1/4 teaspoons chili powder
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/4 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon Tapatio hot sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
4 teaspoons flour
1/2 cup water
2 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Merida and the Triplets from the Disney Pixar movie Brave recently posed for some pictures for us at Epcot.
From Erin Glover of Disney Parks Blog:
We showed you a glimpse of the new “Storytellers” statue last year during the D23 Expo, and tomorrow, Disney California Adventure park guests will be able to greet the new statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse themselves when Buena Vista Street officially opens! Take a look:
A plaque just to the right of the statue tells the story of Walt Disney’s arrival in Los Angeles in 1923 in his own words:
It was July 1923. I packed all of my worldly goods – a pair of trousers, a checkered coat, a lot of drawing materials and the last of the fairy tale reels we had made – in a kind of frayed cardboard suitcase. And with that wonderful audacity of youth, I went to Hollywood, arriving there with just forty dollars. It was a big day the day I got on that Santa Fe California Limited. I was just free and happy!
Courtesy of Scott Keating and scottkeating.net, we once again have some fantastic aerial photos of Fantasyland to share with you:
The foundations for the Seven Dwarves Mine Train are now in place, the old Dumbo is now history, and it looks like an extension of the Mermaid rock-work is about to begin to make the show building not visible from Storybook Circus
The queue for Enchanted Tales with Belle seems further along than any other project, so it’s possible that may open first
Prince Eric’s castle is looking good, but the rest of the facade is far from finished
Dumbo and the Fantasyland Station are nearing completion, meanwhile, the Barnstormer is complete with the exception of some landscaping and queue decorations. The Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak area is still nowhere to be found.
Added Bonus: Here’s a look at the on-going Big Thunder Mountain refurbishment
While taken a few days ago, WDWNT Reporter Robert Ashburn visited the Magic Kingdom on Monday and has some newsworthy photos to share with us:
Oops…
The Cosmic Ray’s menu boards weren’t working
Prince Eric’s Castle is coming along nicely at Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid
The path to Storybook Circus
Work on the Dumbo queue continues
Beast’s Castle
The lift hill for The Barnstormer looks great, complete with Goofy’s outline
For the first time since work began, the site actually looks pretty clean
Some Imagineer and construction workers under a tent near “Dumbo Ditch”
Paint going on the silver portion of the Dumbo tent
Too far away to see what they are up to…
If you look closely at the Barnstormer building, you can see a banner Goofy has crashed through right above the doorway
We can make out the words “Fly Again”
Dear guests who contribute to other sites, stop standing on stuff. It is stupid, dangerous, and might get you thrown out of the park…
A look toward Storybook Circus
Still can’t see into the tent…
A column remains in “Dumbo Ditch”
Construction being filmed by Disney
The chicken nuggets and sandwich are back at Golden Oak Outpost
Big Thunder Mountain refurbishment continues
Don’t look over here…
The track is being worked on
New roof being installed
Fantasyland Station looks nearly complete
The last remnant of Toontown
The back of the Dumbo queue will be very visible from the Speedway and the Railroad
New railings were installed along the Frontierland bridges during the pavement work
Wow…
From Erin Glover of the Disney Parks Blog:
We’ve already told you about Extra Magic Hour benefit for Disneyland Resort hotel guests, but that’s not the only way to enter Disneyland park or Disney California Adventure park early. Read on to learn how Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders and guests who purchase 3-Day, 4-Day or 5-Day theme park tickets prior to arrival can also enjoy early admission benefits.
Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders
Annual Passholders have the opportunity to register for Annual Passholder Early Entry, which allows a valid Passholder early admission to select attractions at a Disneyland Resort theme park beginning one hour prior to scheduled opening between June 18 and September 13, 2012.
- Offered on the following days:
- Disney California Adventure park on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays
- Disneyland park on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
- Passholders must register in advance for Annual Passholder Early Entry by visitingdisneyland.disney.go.com/passes/early-entry/.
- Availability is limited each morning, and Annual Passholders may only use the privilege once at each park.
- Must be at least 18 years old to register and must have an Annual Passport that is valid for Theme Park admission at time of registration and on the date of the event.
- See disneyland.disney.go.com/passes/early-entry/ for more details.
Disneyland Resort Guests with 3-Day, 4-Day or 5-Day Theme Park Tickets and 2012 Southern California CityPass
Disneyland Resort guests who purchase 3-Day, 4-Day or 5-Day theme park tickets prior to arrival at the resort and those with valid 2012 Southern California CityPass can choose one day during the duration of their Theme Park ticket or Southern California CityPass to enter Disneyland park (only) one hour prior to scheduled opening on any of the following days: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays or Sundays.
Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests
As a continuous, ongoing benefit for Disneyland Resort hotel guests with valid theme park admission and active hotel key, early admission to the parks occurs one hour prior to scheduled opening the following days. Guests will be required to present valid theme park ticket and active room key for admission.
- Disneyland park on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays
- Disney California Adventure park on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
- Early admission at Disney California Adventure park will include access to select attractions, food and beverage locations, and merchandise locations in Cars Land, Hollywood Land and Paradise Pier, subject to availability.
Early Entry admission is non-transferable and does not guarantee access to any attraction or location. Applicable days and times of operation, and all other elements including, without limitation, operation of attractions, entertainment, and services may vary and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Subject to capacity, previously scheduled park events and other restrictions.
