Tom Corless’ 3/1/12 Hollywood Studios Photo Report

It isn’t very often I post a photo report of my own, but here are some newsworthy photos I took on Thursday at Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

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The exit exhibit at Magic of Disney Animation has been updated to feature PIXAR’s Brave

Artwork on display

“I got a rock…”

The posters in the exit hallway have been updated

The storyboard room was remodeled

Temporary queue set up for Animation Academy for some reason

The gallery portion was closed for a few days to replace the Snow White exhibit

Lady and the Tramp banners in the courtyard

The new Vacation Club logo is just about everywhere now

The Pirates League Coming To New Orleans Square

From Michelle Harker on the Disney Parks Blog:

The Pirates League is Coming to Disneyland Park

A roll of the dice can change your face, your fate or even your name. A new wave of swashbuckling fun is set to hit land (Court of Angels in New Orleans Square at Disneyland park, to be exact) September 1, as The Pirates League plants its flag in the sands of the western shores.

Captain Jack and his trusted mates have searched across the land to find treasures and new recruits to join their crew. In The Pirates League, savvy pirates will transform guests, giving them their own pirate look and name, training them to swashbuckle and teaching them the official Pirate League Oath! The Pirates League is an interactive pirate experience you won’t want to miss.

The Pirates League is the ultimate pirate transformation available to guests ages three and up that lets you live your pirate dreams and learn the ways of the seven seas from veteran pirates straight from Captain Jack’s crew!

The Pirates League is Coming to Disneyland Park

The Pirates League will offer three different packages for guests to choose from: Jake and the Never Land Pirates, First Mate, and Empress (created especially for all the pirate princesses!). Packages range from $29.95 – $34.95. Which will you choose to fulfill your pirate destiny?

This treasured experience, which launched in May 2009 in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort, also launched this year aboard the Disney Fantasy! This special experience will be available at the Disneyland Resort, for a limited time only, this fall.

Special Tip: Landlubbers Beware! Reservations on Mickey’s Halloween Party nights will book up quickly, so be sure to call 714-781-STYLE beginning August 7, before I make you walk the plank!

Mystery Mail Bag

The Mystery Mail Bag for episode 85 is filling up, but we would love to add yours. Call in and tell us how the Disneyland Trade Night went.

209-28-MOUSE

Just leave a voice mail and we will air it on the show. You can also write in and let us know your thoughts on Star Wars 2, the I Love Mickey series, Mickey’s Circus or anything that is on your mind.

We open up the MMB to read your questions and comments every week and enjoy sharing them with our listening audience. Last week we had a ton, so keep them coming!

8 Game Plans For Your Trip to DCA

From Disneyland News:

What Fun Itinerary Will You Plan at the Newly Expanded Park?

Anaheim, CA  (June 25, 2012) – The grand reopening of Disney California Adventure Park brings new adventures for guests of all ages, including the exciting Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and Carthay Circle Theatre. All the new attractions, entertainment and experiences complement the classic favorites, offering something for everyone – from the thrill seeker to the guest who likes to play after dark.

To help Disneyland Resort guests plan a full day of their favorite experiences, here are eight themed itineraries to try – and build upon – for an upcoming visit to Disney California Adventure. With new, extended hours, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. all summer long, guests will have more time to enjoy all the fun.

Thrill Seekers Adventure

Already home to six of the highest-rated attractions at the Disneyland Resort, Disney California Adventure is a thrill seeker’s paradise.  With the new “E Ticket” Radiator Springs Racers at Cars Land, this itinerary is packed with flying, spinning, screaming, soaring and racing fun that any thrill seeker would love.

  • Radiator Springs Racers (new at Cars Land)
  • Twilight Zone™  Tower of Terror
  • California Screamin’
  • Soarin’ Over California
  • Silly Symphony Swings
  • Goofy’s Sky School
  • Grizzly River Run

The Show Stopper

This show-stopping itinerary is worthy of an encore. From “A Whole New World” to “World of Color,” Disney California Adventure features some of the best entertainment the Disneyland Resort has to offer. Head down the rabbit hole or be immersed in storytelling as nearly 1,200 fountains light up the night with these interactive, immersive shows.

  •  ”Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular”
  • “Red Car Newsboys” (new on Buena Vista Street)
  • Five & Dime (new singing act on Buena Vista Street)
  • Ursula’s Grotto, Sorcerer’s Workshop (Disney Animation Building)
  • “Pixar Play Parade”
  • “Disney Junior – Live on Stage!”
  • Mad T Party (new at Hollywood Land)
  • “World of Color”
  • “Phineas & Ferb’s Rockin’ Rollin’ Dance Party”
  • Live music on Paradise Pier (At the gazebo near Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta and Paradise Garden Grill)

The Night Cap

When the sun goes down, Disney California Adventure sets the stage for a magical, nighttime experience. Watch as Cars Land flips the switch from day to night and enjoy the illumination of Route 66 with its amazing neon signs.  Don’t miss a twinkling view of the skyline from the top of Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror and catch all the fun, music and games at Mad T Party.

  • Cars Land Neon Lighting (new at Cars Land)
  • Dinner at Carthay Circle Restaurant or Golden Vine Winery, with reserved viewing for “World of Color”
  • Carthay Circle Lounge (new on Buena Vista Street)
  • Twilight Zone® Tower of Terror
  • Hot Chocolate, Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop (new at Pacific Wharf)
  • Mad T Party (new at Hollywood Land)
  • “World of Color” (with new update from DisneyPixar movie “Brave”)

Nature Lovers

This itinerary invites nature lovers to “branch out” and experience the beautiful horticulture that spreads across Disney California Adventure.  More than 450 new trees have been planted in Cars Land alone, and the additon of trees throughout the park adds shade for more guest comfort. From the tall pines around Grizzly Mountain to the small cacti in Cars Land, guests will enjoy all the beautiful surroundings in the park.

  • Golden State Winery Cork Oak at the Golden Vine Winery (Pacific Wharf)
  • Grizzly Peak Pine Trees (Grizzly Peak)
  • Ficus Auriculate – Roxburgh Fig (“a bug’s land”)
  • Cars Land “Ironwood” Tree – Olneya Tesota (new at Cars Land)
  • Cars Land Claret Cup Cactus (new at Cars Land)

A Day With Character

Getting up close and personal with favorite characters is one of the best ways to enjoy a day at Disney California Adventure.  Guests will enjoy being immersed in the stories of classic Disney characters and Pixar pals, plus there are many opportunities to greet favorite characters. Guests may talk with Crush, sing along with Minnie and go under the sea with Ariel on this character-filled itinerary.

  • Greet Lightning McQueen and Mater (new at Cozy Cone Motel, Cars Land)
  • Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree (new at Cars Land)
  • The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
  • Minnie’s Fly Girls Charter Airline (new at Condor Flats)
  • Toy Story Mania!
  • “Pixar Play Parade”
  • Redwood Creek Challenge Trail with Russell and Dug from Disney•Pixar’s “Up”
  • Turtle Talk with Crush at Disney Animation Building
  • The Beast’s Library, Sorcerer’s Workshop, at Disney Animation Building
  • Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
  • Muppet*Vision 3D
  • Ariel’s Grotto Princess Character Dining

A Shopper’s Paradise

With the additions of Buena Vista Street and Cars Land, guests  have even more opportunies to shop to their heart’s content. Whether it’s at Radiator Springs Curios or Big Top Toys, the new shops are a great place to find a souvenir that reflects a day filled with memories.  Add that to the classic merchandise experiences of Disney California Adventure and this itinerary will be added to everyone’s shopping list.

  • Oswald’s (new on Buena Vista Street featuring autograph books, hats, bags and souvenirs)
  • Los Feliz Five & Dime (new on Buena Vista Street featuring t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, figurines, souvenirs and character merchandise)
  • Big Top Toys (new on Buena Vista Street featuring interactive toys, games and plush)
  • Elias & Co.  (new on Buena Vista Street featuring posters, clothing, souvenirs and collectible items)
  • Radiator Springs Curios (new at Cars Land featuring souvenirs)
  • Ramone’s House of Body Art (new at Cars Land featuring clothing and souvenirs)
  • Sarge’s Surplus Hut (new at Cars Land featuring clothing, hats, toys and plush)
  • Seaside Souvenirs (featuring Paradise Pier themed souvenirs and merchandise)

A Tour Full of Flavor
Sometimes it’s all about the vittles – and Disney California Adventure is a foodie’s paradise.  Comfort food, gourmet meals, regional specialties, signature cocktails and even delectable vintages are all available on this tour through the park.  From small bites to fine dining, guests’ palates will be met with some of the best food and drink options from around the Resort.

  • Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café (new on Buena Vista Street)
  • Trolley Treats (new on Buena Vista Street)
  • Flo’s V8 Café (new at Cars Land featuring Route 66 inspired comfort food)
  • Cozy Cone Motel (new at Cars Land featuring “cone” themed snacks)
  • Fillmore’s Taste-In (new at Cars Land featuring fresh fruits, juices and water)
  • Wine Country Trattoria (featuring Mediterranean style cuisine)
  • Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta
  • Carthay Circle Restaurant (new on Buena Vista Street)
  • The Cove Bar (featuring American style bar appetizers)
  • Pacific Wharf Café (featuring salads, soups and bread bowls)
  • Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop (new at Pacific Wharf)
  • Corn Dog Castle
  • Ariel’s Grotto (featuring character dining for breakfast and lunch)
  • “World of Color” picnic dinners; includes reserved viewing for the show

Child’s Play Tour

 

 

 

This itinerary is a good fit for parents and grandparents who are entertaining younger guests.  These attractions are fun for all ages and cover the entire park.  Whether it’s floating on air at Luigi’s Flying Tires or playing at bug’s eye-level in “a bug’s land,” there are so many places to make memories together for the entire family.

  • Luigi’s Flying Tires (new at Cars Land)
  • Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree (new at Cars Land)
  • “Dancing with Disney” (new at Stage 17)
  • “Instant Concert … Just Add Water,” daytime fountain show at Paradise Bay with Maestro Goofy
  • Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train
  • Flik’s Flyers
  • King Triton’s Carousel
  • Golden Zephyr
  • Games of the Boardwalk featuring beloved Disney characters
  • Toy Story Mania!
  • Animation Academy (Disney Animation Building)

Welcome to “One More Disney Day”

So, it has been almost a week since “One More Disney Day”, and we are still doing a bit of recovering here at WDWNT. While we’ll spend more time on the podcast talking about the event, here is video of the 5:50AM welcome show at the Magic Kingdom presented on February 29th:

Bar & Cafe Reopens in Downtown Disney

From Janet Knox of Disney Parks Blog:

I am happy to share with you my excitement about the reconceptualized Uva Bar and Café, including a new menu by Executive Chef Nick Weber, which reopened on June 7. Nestled in the heart of the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort, this sidewalk bar and café now features an expanded patio area with additional seats which evoke the feeling of Spanish eateries found in Barcelona. Surrounding the vibrant terrace, umbrellas line the open air space, providing an ideal locale for observing the hustle and bustle of the Downtown Disney District. The centerpiece circle bar has been given a facelift, with festive tiling backlit by an LED-lighting system which brings an atmosphere of Spain to Anaheim.

 

The featured a la plancha entrees include the Lamb Burger with piquillo peppers, feta, arugula, lemon dill aïoli and pickled red onion; and the Market Fish with roasted artichoke heart, preserved lemon purée, blistered tomatoes and olives. New offerings include an extensive menu of side items, including sweet potato fries, sea salt and garlic fries and the classic Uva street fries with chorizo Bilbao, spicy crema, shaved green onions, pickled garlic and melted cheese. Other sides include asparagus served a la plancha and Shishito peppers with sea salt and lemon garlic emulsion.

As a perfect pairing to numerous dishes on the new menu, Uva Bar is pleased to offer an extensive list of local and regional microbrews including Firestone Doublebarrel, Lost Coast Great White and Anderson Valley Boont Amber Ale. The new bar space now features twelve draft handles which are set to house premier selections including Green Flash Hop Head Red, Alaskan Amber Ale, Stone I.P.A., Lost Coast Tangerine Wheat and a rotating seasonal draft, among others.

I look forward to seeing you at the Uva Bar and Cafe – the best spot to see and be seen in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort!

Circus Silent Auction Offers Nearly Released Figures

Designed but never released. That is a common theme throughout the Mickey Circus silent auction catalog. Many of the items are the usual prototypes and such, but many happen to be figures that were rumored and we were waiting to see or just never saw it past the prototype stage for whatever reason. You can find the catalog PDF here, but some of the highlights include:

This Max figure was made for the Sci Fi Academy event. No vinyls were actually released at this event, but it would have been great to see some Disney robots released at some point in time.

How about that rumored Rex (Former Star Tours attraction robot) Star Wars figure? This looks to be it. Up for auction is a Star Wars Series 1 showroom display board with the entire series on it.
At the bottom you can see a couple 9″ figures, Rex and Wampa. Would have been great to see these made. Although the Wampa would not fit Series 2’s A New Hope theme, Rex could still be a possible, and welcome, release. 

The above two lots show some Urban 9″ figures we never saw released. The artwork for Blue print Mickey can be seen in the display window at Epcot’s Mouse Gears. That lead us to believe he would be released at some date. I really love Jim Valeri’s Ape figure! Great use of mold and design. Thomas Scott’s Cyclopes is pretty darn kick but as well. I really like the drawing style that looks like a storybook.

I find this one the most interesting. By selling the Urban designed Monorails here for auction, does that mean Disney has given up on the non-movie franchise designed Monorails? Did they see a lack of interest or just decided on a new direction? The banana split and (I think) alligator? look cool and I like that they were going to give us a real Monorail in the series, but overall, don’t think I’d purchase any of these via blind box.

 An interesting Obi Wan trio is up for auction. Get the 2 chasers plus an unreleased prototype

 Hmmmm, they do have more Park 4 laying around!!!

 Want some miss-sized Park Starz? …probably not.

Remember that drawing we saw artist Ron Cohee do live at last year’s Florida Project? Now you can by it! He’s an up and coming Vinylmation star, so this should be a good one.

 Every year, Disney offers up a lot of Variants and Chasers… this is no different

Disney will even auction off one of those rare Wall-E and Eve sets. Do you see anything you will be bidding on? What would you most like to add to your collection? How about the unreleased figures… which ones would you have most wanted to see released?

Ticket Prices Released For The 2013 D23 Expo

From the D23 Website:

Ticket Prices and New Details Announced for D23 Expo 2013

On Thursday, August 9, at 10 a.m. PT, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will begin selling tickets for the next D23 Expo, which will open one year later and run from August 9-11, 2013, at the Anaheim Convention Center. The largest Disney fan event in the world, the D23 Expo celebrates the entire world of Disney entertainment and brings together all parts of The Walt Disney Company under one roof, including The Walt Disney Studios; Walt Disney Parks and Resorts; Disney Consumer Products; Media Networks (including ABC, ABC Family, Disney Channel, and Radio Disney) and Disney Interactive. D23 Expo 2013 marks the third Expo held in Anaheim, following Expos in 2009 and 2011.

More than 40,000 Disney fans from around the world gathered at the Anaheim Convention Center in 2011 for the second D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. In anticipation of even bigger attendance, D23 Expo 2013 will feature: an overflow theater for the D23 Arena, which will accommodate more than 2,000 guests for live streaming of the popular Arena presentations; nearly double the size of presentation venue Stage 23 (formerly 1,000 seats); and an expanded show floor, to include Halls A, B, C, and D, as well as a larger Collectors Forum to provide even more magical experiences for guests.

As in previous Expos, D23 Expo 2013 will showcase all of the latest stars in the Disney universe. In 2011, celebrity appearances included Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Jennifer Garner, Dick Van Dyke, Willem Dafoe, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Jason Segel, Marty Sklar, Alice Davis, Michael Giacchino, Tony Baxter, Tom Bergeron, Regis Philbin, Jodi Benson, Lea Salonga, Linda Larkin, Paige O’Hara, Anika Noni Rose, David Arquette, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, Kelly Macdonald, Kevin McKidd, Taylor Kitsch, Wilmer Valderrama, Sean Astin, Melissa Joan Hart, Chelsea Kane, and Kyle Massey, along with Disney executives and creative talent. They came together to bring special presentations, announcements, and performances to Disney fans throughout the three-day extravaganza.

D23 Expo 2013 will also feature the Disney Legends Awards-a stirring biennial event that pays tribute to the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to the Disney legacy; an all-new Fan Art Contest themed to the upcoming 50th anniversary of Mary Poppins; the 12,000 square-foot Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit featuring costumes, props, and set pieces from Disney’s rich history; plus amazing live events, celebrity appearances, panels and presentations, sneak peeks, and unique experiences that celebrate the past, present, and future of Disney.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2013 will be available at a discounted price for a limited time. From August 9-December 31, 2012, tickets will be $47 for a one-day adult admission and $37 for children 3-12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will be $40 for a one-day adult admission and $32 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available for both D23 Members and the general public, and D23 Members can save as much as $204 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate.

In addition to these special advance-purchase savings, D23 Members can also buy D23 Expo VIP Sorcerer Packages, extremely limited tickets that are only available to members. These packages offer incredible, exclusive opportunities. Sorcerer Package tickets will be available exclusively to both Gold- and Silver-level D23 Members at $1,500 per ticket. Members will also have the option to purchase up to two Sorcerer tickets.

Sorcerer Package Details and Benefits►

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.

For Pricing for admission, head over to D23.com.  

 

I Love Mickey Mouse Series Explained

I Love Mickey Mouse Series
Released: August 17, 2012 on Facebook, September 21 at D-Streets
Price: $12.95
Details: The first four from this series show a D-Tour meets Oh! Mickey design style. Each of the first four also have a “Buzz” like helmet as part of the design. They are colorful and have a comment lowercase “mm” for Mickey Mouse theme on them. The first four figures are open window and will be available exclusively on Facebook until September 21 when we presume they will move into D-Street.

Comments: Another set that targets a specific audience. Primarily the female collectors and probably more a souvenir audience than a core collector. I like the style, as I did like Oh! Mickey at the time, but although similar in my opinion, fall short of the artistic level D-Tour achieved. The helmets are a cool idea, just not fully executed. I would like to see the helmets painted to compliment the design on the body. -Nick

Stripes

Features rainbow like stripes across the body and a heart on the front with Mickey’s head at the center of it. One ear has an “L” while the other has a Mickey head. The feet have the signature “mm”.

Words

Very reminiscent of one of the Oh! Mickey’s, but does have a style all it’s own. 

Pink

This one has a running Mickey across the body. One ear has a leaf, the other has a flower that says “I Love mm”. The back has more flowers, leaves and Mickey heads.

Clear

It is what it says it is. Clear all over with hearts with Mickey heads inside.