Bob Iger Tours Last Pieces of DCA Expansion Concluding June 15th

WDWNT on June 11, 2012

From Tom Staggs on the Disney Parks Blog:

Yesterday, Disney President and CEO Bob Iger and I stepped behind the construction walls at Disney California Adventure park for a hard-hat tour of Buena Vista Street and Cars Land, two of the most significant elements that will cap off our multi-year expansion of the park. Led by the extraordinary team of Imagineers working on this project, Bob and I were completely blown away by the level of artistry, creativity and attention to detail of the work done so far and can’t wait for all of our Disneyland Resort guests to finally experience it firsthand.

Our day started on Buena Vista Street where we rode the iconic Red Car Trolley, explored the storefronts that line the street and then continued on to the Carthay Circle Theatre, the new icon of Disney California Adventure park. This new entrance to the park will transport guests to a romantic, idealized version of 1920s Hollywood when Walt and Roy Disney first arrived in California to begin their careers as filmmakers. Buena Vista Street will be the perfect place for guests to shop and eat, watch the parade, or just sit and soak up the atmosphere.

Then we headed to Cars Land, and when we got to the entrance of this all-new, 12-acre land, Bob and I both stopped to simply take in the stunning view before us. From the majesty of the Ornament Valley Mountain Range in the distance to the craftsmanship of each of the buildings in Radiator Springs, Cars Land is going to be a truly spectacular addition to the park.

We wandered down Route 66 looking at all of the familiar hot spots from the films that are just about complete – Ramone’s House of Body Art, Flo’s V8 Café, the Cozy Cone Motel and Luigi’s Casa della Tires, just to name a few. We ended the tour with a test ride on two of the new attractions in Cars Land, Luigi’s Flying Tires and Radiator Springs Racers, which are both going to be huge hits with our guests.

As we approach the finish line of our expansion of Disney California Adventure park, I am extremely proud of the passion, creativity and innovation that have gone into this entire project over the last several years. When we’re done, this park will be a testament to what we at Disney Parks do best – connect our guests to the iconic stories, characters and music they love…making memories that will last a lifetime.

And now for some big news – I’m pleased to officially announce that the grand opening of Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and Carthay Circle Theatre will take place on June 15, 2012! Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more details.

Park 10 Explained

WDWNT on June 11, 2012

Park 10 Explained
Release Date: July 11, 2012 at Disneyland Paris (no US release date yet)
Price: 
Details: Park 10 is dedicated to all Disneyland Paris designs.

Update 7/26/12 Park 10 will be available at the Orlando and Anaheim D-Streets on August 3.
Update 7/19/12 Updated with HQ photos from @DLPWonderful.
Update 7/9/12 July 11 is the rumored released date for Park 10 at Disneyland Paris. No announcement of a US release date. This date comes 2 days before the US release of Park 9. @VM_Paris just put out this tweet: “Release date for #Vniylmation Park 10 is july 11th for #disneylandparis”

 

 Big Thunder Mountain RailroadLike the Magic Kingdom train in Park 9, this version has a smoke stack on top of the head.

 

 Aladdin’s Enchanted Passage

A really cool look to this one with Aladdin’s shadow at the bottom and the colorful stars in the ears.

 

 Indiana Jones and the Temple of PerilA thrill ride in Adventureland at Disneyland Paris, this coaster takes guests on a journey through the world of Indiana Jones. The figure has a nice look to it with snakes in the ears.

 

 

 Phantom Manor MayorThanks to my friend Adam over at DisneyBrit.com for confirming this one. This guy is found inside the Disneyland Paris equivalent to the Haunted Mansion and removes his head as guests pass by. Can anyone confirm the internet rumor I found that his head is or is modeled after Dreamfinder from Journey Into Imagination? It does resemble him.

 

 

 OrbitronThere are many rides like this throughout the various Tommorowland’s at the Disney parks. It is a high flying orbiting attraction similar to WDW’s Astro Orbiter.

 

 

 Tower of TerrorOpened in 2007, Paris’s La Tour de la Terreur is located in the Walt Disney Studios Park.  It is nearly identical to the TOT building at Disney’s California Adventure, except for minor differences in interior room locations and the Paris version is a half meter taller. At 183 feet, it is the second tallest attraction at DLP (Big Thunder Mountain is 197 feet). The figure itself is a more literal interpretation of the Tower of Terror than we have seen in the past.

 

 Toy Soldiers Parachute DropOne of the newer rides in Paris it is located in the Walt Disney Studios Park. The design is just a perfect fit with the parachute taking up Mickey’s head, then the base of the ride taking up the body.

 

 

 Moteurs… Action Stunt Show SpectacularLocated in Walt Disney Studios Park, this was the original, before it was brought to Orlando’s DHS. This is a brilliant use of mold here. Putting the car on the head like it is jumping the flames below… simply perfect.

 

 

 It’s a Small WorldA colorful representation of an attraction seen in all the Disney parks, the artist chooses the sun as the focal point with some of the flags and shrubbery. More of a representation than a part of the ride.

 

 

 Skull RockThis cave can be found in the Adventure Isle part of Adventureland. Guests can venture inside and look out through the giant eyes. The artist did a great job of representing both the rock skull and the water below.

 

 

 Swiss Family Tree HouseLa Cabane des Robinson looms high over the Disneyland Paris park, and this colorful looking figure seems to take it’s design cues from concept art such as this sign. It is a more idealistic look at the tree house than any real picture of it I can find.

 

 

 Mystery Chaser

Click image to reveal the chaser.

Disney California Adventure Relaunches with Cars Land and Buena Vista Street on June 15th!

WDWNT on June 11, 2012

ANAHEIM, Calif. (March 7, 2012)  – The Happiest Place on Earth will get even happier June 15, 2012, with the grand opening of Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and the Carthay Circle Theatre at Disney California Adventure park. The exciting, new additions will complete the five-year expansion ofDisneyland Resort, a premier, multi-day vacation destination in Southern California with two theme parks, three hotels and the Downtown Disney shopping and dining district.

With four new attractions opening at Disney California Adventure park, full day-to-night experiences at both parks, and the magical transformation of the Disneyland Hotel with new pools, themed suites and remodeled rooms, guests of all ages will enjoy more fun and adventure than ever before at the Disneyland Resort.

Cars Land expands Disney California Adventure by 12 acres and immerses guests in the thrilling world of the Disney•Pixar blockbuster “Cars.”  Guests will feel as if they have stepped into the town of Radiator Springs as they enjoy three family attractions showcasing characters and settings from the movie, plus “Cars”-themed dining and shopping locations such as Flo’s V8 Café, Ramone’s House of Body Art and Radiator Springs Curios.

One of the largest and most elaborate attractions ever created for a Disney park, Radiator Springs Racers is a twisting, turning, high-speed adventure through Ornament Valley and the town of Radiator Springs. Luigi’s Flying Tires invites guests to glide on air aboard special tires, whirling around with their pals. At Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, guests will whip around behind a baby tractor and enjoy tunes from a giant jukebox built from Mater’s most prized possessions.

Starting June 15, guests will enter Disney California Adventure along Buena Vista Street, a place that transports them to an era when Walt Disney arrived in California with new dreams:   1920s Los Angeles. Buena Vista Street features Red Car Trolleys, inspired by the transportation system that once served Southern California, and the Carthay Circle Theatre, modeled after the site of the 1937 world premiere of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Carthay Circle Theatre will include a lounge and the elegant Carthay Circle Restaurant, designed to be the premier dining location in Disney California Adventure.

Adding to the fun at Disney California Adventure this summer will be the new Mad T Party in Hollywood Land, the return of Pixar Play Parade, and the new Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop at Pacific Wharf.  Mad T Party will feature nighttime, family fun inspired by the wild and whimsical world of Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland.”

The summer debuts of Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and Carthay Circle Theatre complement previous additions to the park, including the 4D fun ofToy Story Mania; the spectacular after-dark “World of Color” show; The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure; Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta and Paradise Garden Grill restaurants, plus the re-themed attractions Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Silly Symphony Swings and Goofy’s Sky School.

To accommodate a media preview and make final preparations for the exciting debuts, Disney California Adventure will be closed June 14. The fun, new attractions, locations and entertainment will open to the public June 15.

What’s On The Menu Down Route 66

WDWNT on June 11, 2012

From Pam Brandon on the Disney Parks Blog:

The food is just as fun at the rest of spectacular Cars Land, with Disneyland Resort chefs having fun in the test kitchens. Here’s a sneak peek at some of their delicious creations debuting this summer.

“Cherry
With design inspired by the kitschy roadside eateries along on Route 66, Flo’s V8 Café starts with old-fashioned, filling breakfast dishes like chicken tamale with scrambled eggs, salsa verde and pico de gallo; or brioche French toast served with salted caramel and bananas. For lunch, we get a taste of the delicious, filling veggie-tater casserole with roasted veggies, bulgur wheat, Boca Crumbles and smashed red skin potatoes topped with melted cheddar. But it’s the sweet pies everyone’s waiting for, including apple-cheddar and cherry.

“Chili
The adorable Cozy Cone Motel is a quick-service restaurant inspired by the quirky “wigwam” motels along Route 66. In the Cars Land version, each wigwam offers a different filled cone, such as “chili cone carne” or “cone on the cob.” Flavored popcorn is a fun offering at one of the five wigwams, including salt and vinegar, pickle, sweet and spicy, bacon and cheddar, and nacho cheese.

In the “Cars” movie, Fillmore is an advocate of natural products and makes his living by selling organic fuel, so Fillmore’s Taste-In is, appropriately, the spot for fresh fruit, bottled beverages and juices.

Stay tuned for more details – and the recipe for our favorite veggie-tater casserole.

Michael Wada’s 2/24/12 DLR Photo Report

WDWNT on June 11, 2012

DLNT Reporter Michael Wada was at the Disneyland Resort a few days ago and took some beautiful photos of the resort to share. Photos include Cars Land, Buena Vista Street, The Matterhorn, and much more…

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The Grizzly River Run Refurbishment has drained the Pacific Wharf Bay and workers are taking the opportunity to paint some things

Hmmmm. First the Condor Flats letters were painted over by the land entrance, now this has been painted on the Pacific Wharf Cafe

Cars Land

You can see just the top of the “Welcome to Radiator Springs” sign

A look at the mash potato building… Err, Carthay Circle Theater

Excellent…

Clarabell’s

The sign has finally been pulled off the Candy Shoppe

Elias and Company looking farther behind than the rest of the buildings

Over in Disneyland…

Blue Ribbon Bakery is no more as its space is transformed into Carnation Cafe

Hearing that Coke Corner actually reopened today

Scaffolding is already coming down at the top of the Matterhorn

You can definitely notice the difference in color from top to bottom. Get ready for a much darker Matterhorn.

Thanks for reading!

Special Entertainment Offerings During Your “One More Disney Day”

WDWNT on June 11, 2012

From Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:

’Fantasmic!’ at Disneyland Park
One More Disney Day is the chance for guests to enjoy an extra day of Disney fun, and at Disneyland park we’re adding in a few sprinkles of extra magic that day. In addition to commemorative ear hats for guests entering the park at 6 a.m. (limited to 2,000), special food items and regularly scheduled park entertainment that day, Disneyland park guests can look forward to:

  • Dance party featuring KIIS DJs at Tomorrowland Terrace from 8:30 p.m. – 4 a.m.
  • Second showing of Mickey’s Soundsational Parade at 10 p.m.
  • Performances by Billy Hill & the Hillbillies at The Golden Horseshoe from 11:15 p.m. – 4:45 a.m.
  • Special showing of “Fantasmic!” at 1 a.m.
  • Character meet & greets throughout the night (subject to change):
    • Mickey Mouse and friends in pajamas at Carnation Plaza Gardens
    • Darth Vader and Stormtroopers in Tomorrowland
    • Country Bears in Frontierland

Please remember that all show times and Disney character appearances are subject to change. Be sure to check the park Entertainment Guide for show times and character greeting times and availability.

Hayley Nance’s 2/21/12 DLR Photo Report

WDWNT on June 11, 2012

DLNT Reporter Hayley Nance was at the resort a few days ago and has some newsworthy photos to share.

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

Matterhorn Refurbishment continues

All you Jimmy Kimmel fans could have been in the show…

More Matterhorn

Over in New Orleans Square, the Bayou Bash was a popular event

Rather slow day in Disneyland

Work on the Tomorrowland Train Station

Over in DCA, Parade Route still behind walls in front of Mermaid

Time for a spin on the Fun Wheel

WOC getting ready for the night

Matterhorn really sticks out on the

The backside of Cars Land is looking good

Cones looking cozy

You can see the detail on the gates for the Pacific Wharf entrance to Car Land

The Pacific Wharf Bay has been drained for the Grizzly River Run refurbishment

Carthay Circle in the distance

Finishing off the report are some nice nighttime photos of Soundsational

Thanks For Reading

What’s For Sale Down Route 66

WDWNT on June 11, 2012

From Michelle Harker on the Disney Parks Blog:

Rev up your engines Disney fans, and hang on, because I’m taking you on the inside track for a quick look at some of the stores racing your way this summer into Cars Land.

Radiator Springs Curios Coming to Disney California Adventure Park
Our first destination will definitely have you putting on the brakes, because Radiator Springs Curios is sure to ‘drive’ you crazy for trading. Fill up on kitsch roadside must-haves like pins and Vinylmation themed to all things “Cars,” or grab some quick pick-me-up items like antenna toppers, window clings, license plate frames and magnets that are sure to make you the envy of others on the open road.

Ramone’s House of Body Art Coming to Disney California Adventure Park
I’m going to need you to keep your cool for our next stop… because we are cruising into Ramone’s House of Body Art. This high-octane, garage-like environment has all the tools needed for you to hit the road in style. While some will race in to become a member of the Low & Slow Car Club Radiator Springs, the Champion Custom Speed Shop collection is sure to meet your need for speed with signature pin-stripe style and laid-back look which appears on a variety of shirts for work and play, hats and accessory items.

Next week, I’ll be able to give you a glimpse at some of the actual products from these collections. Until then, check out the renderings of the store fronts. Sweet, right?

Had enough? Me neither.

Sarge’s Surplus Hut Coming to Disney California Adventure Park
So finally it’s time to earn your stripes as you “march in” to the barracks of Sarge’s Surplus Hut, but don’t let its military-style characteristics fool you – it’s sure to get your engine racing. Don’t be fearful that you’ll have to “drop and give Sarge twenty,” because you’ll find that every inch of merchandise in this facility will pass “inspection” by the troops, with its broad selection of offerings featuring Lightning McQueen, Tow Mater and other classic “Cars” characters. From kids clothing, costumes and hats to novelty items, toys and plush, you will find all the necessary rations before you race on to your next adventure.

So where will you make your first pit stop? Radiator Spring’s Curios, Ramone’s House of Body Art or Sarge’s Surplus Hut?

Blue Sky Cellar To Re-Open Feb. 29 Featuring New Cars Land Exhibit

WDWNT on June 11, 2012

From Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:

‘The Road to Cars Land’ Coming to Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar on February 29
There’s a big update coming to Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar at Disney California Adventure park on Wednesday, Feb. 29. “The Road to Cars Land” will be a sneak preview of the plans for Cars Land, featuring a model of the land, maquettes of some of the new ride vehicles, and sketches and early concept art.

And of course, brand-new Cars Land attractions posters will be included in this latest update. Other items to be featured will include the shovel used during the ground-breaking ceremony in July 2009 with the signatures of John Lasseter, Director of “Cars” and Principal Creative Advisor, Walt Disney Imagineering, and other project team members. A new video at Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar will feature John, the Cars Land design team, project architects and landscapers providing insights into the innovations behind the new land opening this summer at Disney California Adventure park.

Once the expansion is complete, Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar will continue to be a preview center for new experiences planned for the Disneyland Resort.

Duffy, Disneyland and… Color Blocks? June 29th

WDWNT on June 11, 2012

We were originally told Duffy the Disney Bear would not be hitting D-Streets until July 6, however that date has been moved up to June 29th. Both the sailor and flocked version will be on shelves and retail for $14.95 each.

While both coasts get the release this day, only Disneyland will have a signing with artist Monty Maldovan. The signing will take place from 1pm-3pm at Treasures of Paradise inside Disney’s California Adventure. Also from 1p-3p, Disney Design Group artist Quynh Kimball will be signing at Disneyland’s D-Street.

All this is part of a larger event called Gear Up for Adventure… where a slew of pins (no vinyls) will be released that morning at Downtown Disney, along with artists signings. Then that night, at the Paradise Pier Hotel, a Free Disneyland Pin and Vinylmation trading event will be held from 7pm-10pm. Monty and Quynh will also be on hand there to sign vinyls and pins.

Another interesting spin to this day, is the release of the “Color Block Series”. Not sure what this is yet, but it is listed in Disney’s Events calendar as an open edition retailing for $12.95 a piece. This will be released at both D-Streets.