Second Wave of Pairs 2

WDWNT on August 30, 2012

Update 08/28/12 For those of you in Disneyland looking for these because we reported they were on the shelves already… Disney has updated their calendar and changed the release date from August 24 to 31 to match WDW and Online. We are sorry for the misinformation in the podcast as well, but were going on what Disney gave us.

In one of Disney’s random unannounced releases they seem to love so much, a second wave of some Pairs 2 Juniors were released at Disneyland on August 24th and given an August 31st release date for Walt Disney World, Disneyland and Online.

Donald Duck, Goofy, Simba and Tinkerbell join the mix in this round. Each package is $12.95 and comes with the two juniors paired together as above. All in the same red, yellow, black and white style of the first release. As much as I personally didn’t care for the style, this round appeals to me a little more. I like the Donald and the Simba. Even the stylistic second figures look better to me. The stars on the Tink pair really fit well. The diamond pattern on the Donald pair is a nice design for the small canvas. The pair that comes with Goofy reminds me of the Thomas Scott Urban 8 figure.

New Cast Costumes Send Guests Further into the Fantasy of New Fantasyland

WDWNT on August 30, 2012

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Some of the first areas of our New Fantasyland expansion at Magic Kingdom Park will be opening by late March, featuring a re-imagined version of The Barnstormer and a relocated Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction. When they debut, cast members working in these areas will be wearing new costumes inspired by the “Big Top” setting of Storybook Circus.

The Creative Entertainment Costuming team worked with Walt Disney Imagineering to develop these designs to bring the environment of Storybook Circus to life. The bold colors evoke the spirit of the ringmaster or sideshow barker, while the tails and detailing provide a period look of the 1930s.

In this video, you’ll see how the partnership between Walt Disney Imagineering and Creative Entertainment has produced an entire collection of unique costumes to be worn by cast members in each area of New Fantasyland, creating a rich sense of place and community.

New “Walk In Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps” Tour

WDWNT on August 30, 2012

From Erin Glover of the Disney Parks Blog:

If you love Disneyland history, I’ve got a tour for you. The “Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps” Tour replaces the current “A Walk in Walt’s Footsteps” tour beginning September 9, and is available to book right now. Traveling through Disneyland park, you will learn about the challenges, excitement, inspiration, and fun that went into creating Walt Disney’s original Magic Kingdom as well as the story of the life of Walt Disney himself.

The newly re-launched tour includes an exclusive look into Walt Disney’s private apartment, a peek into the lobby of the exclusive, members-only Club 33, a private lunch on Main Street U.S.A., two classic attraction experiences and a collectible pin.

Here are some things you should know about the “Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps” Guided Tour:

  • The tour is approximately three hours long.
  • Theme park admission for Disneyland park is required to attend the tour.
  • The tour leaves from Disneyland Tour Gardens (left of City Hall) every day at 9:30 a.m.
  • Attractions and entertainment are subject to change without notice.

For pricing and booking information (and to find out about a special discount for Disney Rewards Visa and AAA card holders, Disney Vacation Club members and Disneyland Resort Annual Passport holders) call 714-781-TOUR (8687). Also, be sure to check out the other Disneyland Resort Guided Tours at Disneyland.com/Tours.

More Photos of Storybook Circus with Construction Walls Down!

WDWNT on August 30, 2012

Well, everyone enjoyed the photos we shared yesterday so much that WDWNT reader Jessica Walker decided to take another pass at Storybook Circus from the Walt Disney World Railroad, and there was plenty more to see:

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Most of the Fantasyland Station is now visible

Plenty of construction going on inside the building though

Still a little more work to be done

But the workers are excited to near completion!

Cool vest!

Even cooler vest!

Oh Goofy!

If you like behind the props in the queue, you can see the red Barnstormer plane vehicle

This queue is much improved

They were fixing the smoking rocket

Some final touches being added

We can see the front of the train!

From the other side, the detail on Dumbo is slowly appearing

I love the lighting fixtures in Storybook Circus

Well, this is what we get for making fun of DCA…

Work continues on Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid

“Be Our Guest” Restaurant

Enchanted Tales with Belle

So, the Skyway is gone, clock-tower and all… Thanks again for the photos Jessica!

It’s NOT a trap. Star Wars Series 3!

WDWNT on August 30, 2012

Pictures from insidethemagic.net

Today, at Celebration VI in Orlando, Disney announced series 3 of Star Wars. Like most people expected it appears to be attached to the third movie, Return of the Jedi. So far we’ve seen an Admiral Ackbar and a 9″ Jabba with Jr Salacious.

This is amazing news! My only worry is this. Does that mean series 4 might be Phantom Menace related? That would sadden me. The other big question is cost. If series 2 is $14.95, how much will series 3 be??

What else would you like to see from this series remembering that it is probably Return based?

“The Art of Frankenweenie Exhibition” Coming to Disney California Adventure Park September 14

WDWNT on August 30, 2012

From Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:

Calling all you Tim Burton fans! In addition to Haunted Mansion Holiday, guests will be able to step into another world of award-winning film director Tim Burton when “The Art of Frankenweenie Exhibition” comes to Hollywood Land during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort. From September 14 – November 5 at Disney California Adventure park, you can see the touring art exhibit, along with a special, extended sneak peek of Tim Burton’s animated feature film, “Frankenweenie,” releasing on October 5.

 

 

“The Art of Frankenweenie Exhibition” captures the magic of filmmaking and gives an exclusive glimpse into the stop-motion animation process brought to life by visionary filmmaker Tim Burton. From original sketches drawn by Burton to extensive props, sets and puppets, the exhibition showcases the artistic detail and vision that has gone into telling the tale of a boy who, inspired by science and the love of his dog, brings his beloved pet back from the dead. Here’s a quick peek:

 

The exhibition launched in Barcelona, Spain, at CineEurope on June 18, and stops in the U.S. at the Disneyland Resort from September 14 – November 5. When the tour is complete, it will have visited seven countries including Spain, France, England, Japan, Mexico, Canada and the U.S.

Be sure to catch “The Art of Frankenweenie Exhibition” during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort – which also includes Haunted Mansion Holiday, Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy and more!

 

D23 Expo 2013 to Take Place August 9-11, 2013!

WDWNT on August 30, 2012

BURBANK, Calif. – March 9, 2012 – All the magic and excitement of the past, present and future of Disney entertainment will come together once again when D23: The Official Disney Fan Club presents an all-new D23 EXPO at the Anaheim Convention Center on Aug. 9-11, 2013.

“The D23 Expo has become a phenomenal way for Disney fans to see everything they love about Disney all in one place — from Disney’s biggest stars and latest innovations to unforgettable performances live on stage,” said Steven Clark, head of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, which produces the bi-annual D23 EXPO. “Our third Expo is sure to create even more magical new experiences and memories for our biggest fans attending from throughout the U.S. and around the globe.

“Anaheim is extremely pleased that the D23 EXPO will be returning next year,” said Charles Ahlers, president, Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau. “This exciting event is quickly becoming an industry icon, drawing Disney fans from around the world. The Anaheim community truly appreciates and enjoys this quality show and positive impacts it brings.”

More than 40,000 Disney fans attended D23 EXPO 2011, which brought together the entire world of Disney under one roof for three star-studded days and nights. Fans were treated to appearances by superstars like Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Regis Philbin and Billy Crystal; enjoyed performances by Dick Van Dyke, The Muppets and Disney princess voice talent Jodi Benson, Paige O’Hara, Lea Salonga and Anika Noni Rose; previewed concept art and attractions coming from Disney Parks and Walt Disney Imagineering; glimpsed back at Disney’s rich history through extraordinary panels, presentations and exhibits; and discovered the newest entertainment, technology, and products from The Walt Disney Company.

Among the highlights of D23 EXPO 2013 will be expanded capacities at some of our most popular venues; the 2013 Disney Legends Ceremony, which honors the talented men and women who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy; Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, a treasure trove of crown jewels from the Walt Disney Archives; the bustling aisles of the Collectors Forum, where Disney fans can buy, sell and trade Disney collectibles, memorabilia and merchandise; and a massive show floor full of special opportunities to see what’s on the horizon for Disney around the world—and where guests may bump into their favorite Disney stars, characters, Imagineers, animators and filmmakers.

Advance tickets for the D23 EXPO 2013 will go on sale at D23Expo.com beginning August 9, 2012. D23 Members receive special pricing on both one- and three-day tickets to the event, which is also open to the general public.

D23 Members receive early admission to the Expo show floor, and D23 will once again give a special thanks to D23 Charter Members, providing them special access to the Expo’s Charter Member Lounge. Members will also have an opportunity to purchase a special Sorcerer Package, which provides a host of special benefits and amenities.

D23 EXPO 2013 marks the third D23 Expo held in Anaheim — the first Expo was held in 2009 followed by a second in 2011. Each event played host to thousands of Disney fans from every corner of the globe. Starting today, guests can visit D23Expo.com to relive some of the extraordinary experiences from the first two Expo events and get a peek at what’s to come in 2013.

D23 Tickets Available Augst 9th

WDWNT on August 30, 2012

From Jeffrey Epstein of the Disney Parks Blog:

Tickets for the D23 Expo: the ultimate Disney fan event, will be available to guests beginning August 9 at 10 a.m. PT.

Presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, the D23 Expo – the largest Disney fan event in the world – will take place right across the street from Disneyland Resort at the Anaheim Convention Center August 9-11, 2013.

The D23 Expo brings together all the wonderful worlds of Disney from Disney Parks, Walt Disney Imagineering, the Walt Disney Studios to Disney Living, Disney Channel and Disney Interactive. The 2011 Expo – which attracted more than 40,000 Disney fans from around the world – was attended by such celebrities and Disney luminaries as Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Jennifer Garner, Dick Van Dyke, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Jason Segel, Marty Sklar, Alice Davis, Tony Baxter, Tom Bergeron, Regis Philbin, Jodi Benson, Lea Salonga, Linda Larkin, Paige O’Hara, Anika Noni Rose, Sarah Silverman, Sean Astin, Chelsea Kane and Kyle Massey.

The 2013 D23 Expo promises to be even more spectacular! In response to great fan demand, the Expo will feature an overflow theater for the D23 Arena to accommodate more than 2,000 guests for live streaming of the popular presentations, nearly double the seating in the Stage 28 venue and an expanded show floor and Collectors’ Forum to provide even more memorable experiences for guests.

Returning to the Expo are the Disney Legends Awards to honor the talented men and women who have contributed to the Disney legacy, the 12,000 square-foot Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit and the Fan Art Contest, which this year will be themed to Walt Disney’s classic film “Mary Poppins” (a year-long 50th anniversary celebration for the film will kick-off at the Expo).

Discounted tickets for D23 Expo 2013 will be available for a limited time, from August 9–December 31, 2012, and D23 Members save even more! For complete information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for members and general admission, visit www.D23Expo.com.

First Look at Storybook Circus Without Construction Walls!

WDWNT on August 30, 2012

WDWNT reader Jessica Walker was nice enough to provide us with some photos she took at the Magic Kingdom yesterday. Just wait until you see these…

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The Fantasyland Station looks just about finished

Some final painting and it should be ready to open!

Men at work

So the walls start coming down around this end of the Station… by the way, those are copper gutters… expensive stuff!

Imagineering gets ready to hand operations over to the Magic Kingdom

We can kind of see The Barnstormer from here…

OK! WALLS ARE DOWN! The Barnstormer queue is now located on this side of the building

The queue looks to have some great props of various Goofy stunts

A small poster next to the prop better explains the stunt

You can see a smoking rocket and other props strewn about

It looks like Goofy splattered paint all over the wood railings…

The back of the tower/lift hill

We can somewhat see something Goofy crashed through off to the left side of the building

I think they’re saying “We’re done!”

Construction walls already up near the tents which will open later this year

You can now see lights and canvas hung from the Dumbo queue which will open with Storybook Circus!

It’s almost time!

While a little further down the road, Belle’s Village is looking better and better every day

Prince Eric’s castle looks great too! Thanks for the photos Jessica!

Disney Offers First Look Inside New Fantasyland’s “Be Our Guest” Restaurant

WDWNT on August 30, 2012

From Jennifer Fickley-Baker on the Disney Parks Blog:

“Be our guest! Be our guest! Put our service to the test!” Or so the song goes. Who doesn’t love this playful scene from “Beauty and The Beast,” in which the enchanted staff welcomes Belle to the castle in grand style?

And speaking of “style,” Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) has been busy recreating the castle’s very detailed beauty in the form of the Be Our Guest Restaurant in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park.

In this video, provided by WDI, Senior Concept Designer Ted Robledo presents our very first sneak peek inside this highly anticipated restaurant. Imagineers recently put the finishing touches on one of its major elements: a massive mural that will serve as the restaurant’s backdrop. Here, Ted shows how WDI combined digital technology with traditional artistry to create a sweeping landscape that gives guests the feeling that they really are walking into a part of the film.