WDWNT: The Magazine Issue 15 Released

WDWNT on October 30, 2012

 

We’re happy to announce the release of issue 15 of WDWNT: The Magazine.  Summer is almost upon us, and we are now in what feels like a holding pattern waiting for all the great additions to the Parks to come to fruition.  While we anxiously wait, this issue takes the opportunity to look back at some of our memories from the Parks.

This issue features articles looking back on Big Thunder Mountain, Life as a Cast Member, and Flight to the Moon / Mission to Mars.  Of course, we also can’t help but look forward to what will eventually replace Snow White’s Scary Adventures and the future of FASTpass.  And if children are our future, then how can we keep them entertained in Epcot’s vision of the future?  That topic is discussed in the article Epcot with Kids.   We also consider the topic of Thrill Rides and the Teenage Guest.  Finally, no discussion about the Disney company would be complete without mention the unmitigated success that is The Avengers, so we offer our unique view of the movie for which blockbuster is simply too small of a word.  And of course, this issue follows the continued adventures of Sorcerer’s of the Magic Kingdom with chapters 3 and 4 of the continuing series.

We hope that you will find the articles both entertaining and educational.  If you have any suggestions or feedback, we are always happy to hear from our readers.  Just send an email to WDWNTthemagazine@wdwnt.com and share your thoughts.

As a reminder, the magazine is available in digital form from our website (http://www.wdwntthemagazine.com) or in printed form from MagCloud (http://www.magcloud.com).  If you like what you read here, please share it with your friends.

Disneyland Classics Signing Cancelled

WDWNT on October 30, 2012

We all knew it was going to be a long two days for Eric Caszatt when the Classics collection comes out, but today the Vinylmation blog announced that the signing at Disneyland would no longer take place. The one at WDW is still going on though. No word on what exactly happened, but it’s sad to see such a cool idea (back to back signings) not happen. It does still seem like DLR will be getting the set released on Saturday November 10th.

Full Details on D23’s Epcot 30th Anniversary Celebration

WDWNT on October 30, 2012

October 1, 2012, marks the 30th anniversary of Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort and D23: The Official Disney Fan Club invites its members and their guests to fete one of Disney’s crowning achievements on this special occasion. The event on Sunday, September 30, will whisk D23 Members back to a time touted as when “the 21st century begins”—those early Epcot years when guests first marveled at “Astuter Computers,” “Smellitzers,” the novelty of “riding on sunshine,” and were awed by a massive geodesic sphere called Spaceship Earth. The celebration will feature rare and never-before-seen artwork; film and video footage and photos; along with a number of pioneers of Epcot, including such Disney Imagineers, Legends and Epcot luminaries as Marty Sklar (exclusive pre-taped presentation), Tony Baxter, Ron Schneider, Charlie Ridgway, Ron Logan, Bill Sullivan, Bob Garner, Jason Surrell, Jason Grandt, Alex Wright, Duncan Dickson and Steve Taylor.

World Passport ($65) general admission includes:
• Access to all presentations
• A commemorative gift
• Access to exclusive D23 merchandise

World Key ($185) level admission includes:
• All features of the World Passport admission
• Reserved seating for all presentations
• A special dessert reception at 8 p.m. inside an exclusive Future World lounge
• Exclusive meet-and-greet opportunity with Disney Legends and Epcot luminaries
• Reception will also include screenings of rare film footage of Epcot’s early days

Check out some of the presentations D23 is has in store for this extraordinary tribute to Epcot:

Hooray for the 21st Century

Disney Legend and former Walt Disney Imagineering Principal Creative Executive Marty Sklar joins D23 guests via a virtual presentation, where we see and hear what it was like to work with Walt Disney on his original vision for an Experiemental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. Along the way, learn about Marty’s favorite memories working on the EPCOT Center project with a team of passionate Imagineers.

The Music of EPCOT Center

Some of Epcot’s most passionate fans agree that the park’s soundtrack has created one of its most lasting legacies that continue to help “makin’ memories” around the world. Join Disney historians and songwriters as we explore the incredible world of Epcot music, celebrating the talents of such Epcot songwriters and composers as Bob Moline, Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman, George Wilkins, Buddy Baker, X. Atencio, Peter Stougaard, Russell Brower, Edo Guidotti and others who have left a permanent musical mark on the park’s creative legacy. Along the way, hear stories about the recording sessions, learn about some fascinating alternate versions of some of your favorite melodies, and sing along to your favorite Epcot tunes!

We Can Do It!

Disney Legends and EPCOT Center creators review the immense challenge that loomed ahead of them when bringing Epcot to reality in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Guests will hear stories of trips to foreign countries to secure participants in the World Showcase concept, what life was like inside the largest private construction project in the world, and how they readied its highly anticipated opening day.

We’ve Just Begun to Dream

Join Disney Legend Ron Logan and other key Disney entertainment veterans as they reminisce about the official EPCOT Center opening festivities that remain among the most elaborate Disney has ever staged. This presentation will include rare footage from the grand openings of various Future World and World Showcase pavilions, which were held throughout October 1982.

Makin’ Memories: Epcot on Film

Join former Disney Imagineer Bob Garner and Disney author and historian Tim O’Day as they cast a “Magic Eye” on the marvelous world of Epcot on film. Bob was closely involved in the creation of film documentation and production at Epcot, including special video elements of Future World and World Showcase pavilions and such promotional films as EPCOT Center: The Opening Celebration.

Looking Back at Tomorrow

Few Epcot visitors, even its most avid fans, realize The Land pavilion was almost called “Harvest Tomorrow” or that Figment was slated to co-host an “Images & Imagination” pavilion with “Professor Marvel.” With recently discovered materials from the Walt Disney Archives, join Disney archivists as they examine how the “dreamers and doers” developed favorite Epcot attractions of the past including Horizons, Journey into Imagination, Kitchen Kabaret, World of Motion, theAstuter Computer Revue, and the original Universe of Energy.

The EPCOT Center That Never Was

Using rare concept artwork, guests will glimpse what it was like to design Epcot with Walt Disney Imagineering Senior Vice President Tony Baxter, designer and producer for several beloved Epcot pavilions, and explore early versions of Epcot attractions that never made it off the drawing board.

Imagineering Epcot: An Extra Perceptive Close-up Of Things


Fans of wall-to-wall carpeting and leapfrog fountains unite! Disney Imagineers Jason Surrell, Jason Grandt, and Alex Wright return with a humorous exploration of the details that make Epcot so unique. From miniature gardens to massive buildings (and every international food and beverage offering in between), they’ll show what makes Future World and World Showcase like no place else on earth.

Tickets go on sale on June 21st at 10 A.M. PST.

Nightmare Before Christmas Photoshoot

WDWNT on October 30, 2012

Halloween is almost upon us and for Disney fans, that means images of Jack, Sally and the rest of the Nightmare Before Christmas cast dance around in our heads. So we took NBC around the Haunted Mansion and Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom for a day to snap some photos and share them with you.

Jack and Sally look for a home
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Jack and Zero rest at a bench in the park
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Jacks tries on his Santa hat
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Sally tries a different hat
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Ooggie Boogie hides out
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Barrel suggests a new holiday for Jack to celebrate
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Lock pics a stocking
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Shock dives in
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Santa readies his sleigh
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Lock, Shock and Barrel
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We have so many days to prepare!
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The Mayor enjoys his mansion
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Until he finds out Jack is missing
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Sally and Dr. Finkelstein stop by the potions cart
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Zero hangs around Liberty Square
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Dr. Finkelstein looks for applicants to replace Sally
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Jack and Sally pose at the Mansion
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Zero pays his respects
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The Pumpkin King’s Christmas Card

Magic Kingdom “New Fantasyland” Construction Update – 6/6/12

WDWNT on October 30, 2012

What’s the latest on the New Fantasyland project at the Magic Kingdom? I took plenty of photos during my most recent trip of the progress, so let’s take a look:

Snow White’s Scary Adventures is closed….

Walls go down to Sir Mickey’s

The Seven Dwarfs’ Mine is still open

Speaking of the Seven Dwarfs’, here’s the progress on the Mine Train

The Dumbo marquee was finally installed and the Timothy figure from the old ride is back!

The back of the sign is pretty neat

Work continues on the former Tigger’s Bouncy Place

Rumor is that Winnie the Pooh and Tigger will be doing meet and greets in this new spot

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

The facade of Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid is looking great

More Mine Train

The second Dumbo spinner was testing all week, should be open any day now

Another look at Mermaid

Big Top Souvenirs still under construction

More Mermaid

The new Dumbo sign on a sunnier day…

The hose that the monkey uses to spray guests will go across the entire Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station

Guests have been ripping the handles off of the luggage near the train station

They aren’t doing too well

Some were completely ripped off

Hadn’t see this reference yet

The unlabeled structure next to Pete’s Silly Sideshow is coming along nicely

Pete’s Silly Sideshow progress

Another look at the mystery structure

Some new steel has appeared at the base of the Mine Train

Looks like one of the lower hills

A new stand-by wait sign up at the second dumbo spinner

An arrow was added to the construction walls so it is clearer to guests what is back in Storybook Circus

A day later and a primer coat of paint is going on the new covered area in the Pooh queue

The Castle Walls are coming along quickly

Walls also up near the Carousel

The old Skyway site is still pretty barren

Tarps up at “it’s a small world”

PHOTOS & VIDEO: First Look Inside Dumbo the Flying Elephant Interactive Queue

WDWNT on October 30, 2012

The interactive queue for Dumbo was one of the most interesting parts of the New Fantasyland announcement when it was made back in September 2009. Well, we’re finally getting a look inside:

Upon entering the queue, guests will get a pager (no different from waiting for a table at your local T.G.I.Friday’s) that looks like a Circus ticket. While waiting for their pager to go off and their turn to ride, parents can sit and relax in the air-conditioning while the kids play under the big-top in a themed playground seemingly straight out of the Dumbo film.

The Dumbo interactive queue opens along with the second Dumbo spinner and the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station in July.

VIDEO: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Re-Opens at the Magic Kingdom

WDWNT on October 30, 2012

After a few months down for refurbishment, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad returned to service at the Magic Kingdom last week. Let’s start with the positive: the entire track was replaced, every square inch of the ride repainted, and many previously broken effects were repaired. The long broken geyser scene looks brand-new with every single opening blasting a tall pillar of water into the sky.

On the other side, the boulder scene during the final lift hill was completely shut down. In short, non-moving rocks were placed where moving boulders once stood. Also, a lot of effects are still missing, but we assume this was in a rush to open on time. As for the interactive queue…. it’s on the way. As you watch our video, you’ll notice large brown crates scattered through the queue along with some new walls and railings. The interactive queue is definitely coming soon, it just hasn’t been installed yet. Take a look for yourself:

Jose Castillo’s 5/29/12 Epcot Photo Report

WDWNT on October 30, 2012

Contrary to popular belief, there is some newsworthy stuff going on at Epcot right now. Our good friend Jose Castillo has some photos to share from our journey to the park on Tuesday:

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Removal of Kim Possible has begun for the installation of Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure

Habit Heroes is still closed

Test Track closed too, but not a surprise…

The Test Track All-Stars entertaining guests

Work continues on the exterior of Maelstrom in Norway

Brave sand artwork in progress at the time

So, one of the Universe of Energy ride vehicles got a new plastic body with a light and dark blue color scheme

It definitely wasn’t painted as it felt like brand new plastic

Not only is the Pizza truck gone, but the tables and props are gone too

Jose got a new camera, so he took some artsy shots…

Youy can clearly see the new automated door that will act as the Turtle Talk entrance

A new sign at the exit of the Seas with Nemo and Friends ride

We haven’t had this photo yet, but Chiquita has been sponsor for a few months now

Perry the Platypus ear hat!

LED Lighting Enhancements Added to Journey Into Imagination with Figment

WDWNT on October 30, 2012

So, while we have been tweeting a lot over the last 10 days or so, Disney’s wonderful wifi at their resorts (Pop Century and Art of Animation) have kept us from posting some news. Apologies for the long gap without stories, but there is about to be a flood of news coming you way over the next week or so starting with this interesting tidbit.

If you thought that Epcot may soon replace the Journey Into Imagination with Figment attraction (just now celebrating its tenth anniversary), you may be in for a surprise. Another significant investment in the ride has just been made, this time in the attraction lighting. A few months ago we showed you the installation of new screens and projectors through the ride, but now two scenes have added dramatic LED lighting and effects.

The smell lab scene now changes between two colors before blasting you with an unpleasant odor, while the finale scene becomes a rainbow of rotating colors. I hate to say this, but this makes a dramatic difference. Not only does the finale actually stay completely hidden until the walls explode, but the reveal is actually a “wow” moment. So while no replacement is on the way yet, it’s nice to see time and effort spent on a forgotten attraction. Here’s video of the changes:

So, what do you think?

New November Vinylmation Release Dates

WDWNT on October 30, 2012

Lots of news today about release dates. Here is all the NEW info from the events page.

At D-Streets:
On October 19th
Park 11 and the Park 11 Combo topper will be released.

On October 26th
Park 11 9″ Grizzly Peak ($44.95) will be released
“Disney-Pixar Toy Story 2” Buzz, Little Green Men, Jessie, and Woody ($12.95 each). I think this is the Japanese Andy’s Drawings ones.

On November 2nd
Disneyland or Walt Disney World Resort Annual Passholder Series #3 ($14.95)
Villians Series #3 ($12.95 each)
Disney’s Prep & Landing ($26.95)

On November 16th
Disney-Pixar Series #1 ($12.95 each)
Phineas & Ferb Series, Agent P (we assume the Christmas Tree variant) ($12.95)
In WDW, artist signing with Maria Clapsis, Ron Cohee, and Thomas Scott from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at D-Street.

On November 23rd
Disney-Pixar Series #1, Heimlich Combo Pack ($24.95) (Is this a combo topper?)

At the Disney Stores:
On November 9th
2012 Santa Mickey Mouse ($16.95)

On November 16th
Disney-Pixar Series #1 ($12.95 each)
Fantasia Series #2 – Unicorn and Faun (LE 2,000 $24.95)

On November 23rd
Disney-Pixar Series #1, Heimlich Combo Pack ($24.95)

On November 30th
Phineas & Ferb Series, Agent P ($12.95)
Fantasia Series #2 – Unicorn and Faun (LE 1,500 $24.95)

So first, it looks like there are two possible dates for the 2nd Fantasia Combo Pack, but it is ONLY online. (I’d try the 16th because it’s got the right edition size). Which of these sets are you picking up? Remember that the Classics set also comes out this month. Any one’s wallets feeling a bit thin yet?