Three Kings Day Celebration Returns to Disneyland Park

WDWNT on December 31, 2012

By Erin Glover on The Disney Parks Blog:

Mickey and Minnie Join In The Celebration of Three Kings Day at Disneyland Park

For the second year, we will be celebrating Three Kings Day here at Disneyland park! You may remember our first-ever Día de los Reyes Magos celebration last year which featured special décor, entertainment, food and activities showcasing Western and Mexican heritage. This year, the same celebration will move to a new space –Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree in Frontierland – and will run January 4-6 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Three Kings Day at Disneyland Park
Three Kings Day entertainment will include folklorico dancing and Mariachi musical performers, Disney characters in festive, colorful costumes and holiday photo opportunities. Younger guests can participate in crafts like face painting, crown making and coloring.

Here’s a look at the performers scheduled to appear at our Three Kings Day celebration:

January 4
10 a.m. – Baile Folklorico Teyacapan (Ballet Folklorico)
12:30 p.m. – Mariachi Tesoro de San Fernando (Youth Mariachi)
2 p.m. – Paramount Dance Company (Ballet Folklorico)
5:30 p.m. – Resurrreccion Mexican Folk (Ballet Folklorico)

January 5
10 a.m. – Garey High School Latin Jazz Ensemble (Latin Jazz Musicians)
12:30 p.m. – Sabor de Mexico (Ballet Folklorico)
2 p.m. – Ballet Folklorico Jalisciense (Ballet Folklorico)
5:30 p.m. – Ballet Folklorico Orgullo Mestizo (Ballet Folklorico)

January 6
10 a.m. – Grupo Folklorico Tierra del Sol (Ballet Folklorico)
12:30 p.m. – Ballet Folklorico Mixteco Juvenil (Ballet Folklorico)
2 p.m. – Ballet Folklorico Mixteco East Los Angeles (Ballet Folklorico)
5:30 p.m. – Ballet Folklorico de Riverside (Ballet Folklorico)

Zach Larson’s 5/7/12 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on December 31, 2012

WDWNT Reporter Zach Larson visited the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Monday and has a ton of newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

Construction has gone vertical on the Disney Vacation Club wing of the Grand Floridian

Welcome to the Magic Kingdom

There are two of these posters in the tunnel now… not only is it not an attraction… but it has more posters than any others…

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom sign near Town Square Theater

Work continues on the Confectionary and Chapeau facades

Work still going on near the Main Street bridge

This new railing was installed during the work

Didn’t your parents ever teach you not to touch trash-cans?

Still not a whole lot of theme to this walkway between Tomorrowland and Storybook Circus

Work on the water tower at Fantasyland Station is complete

A look from the Barnstormer reveals that the second Dumbo spinner is nearing completion. We can also see the true height of the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train

The mountain of the Mine Train will be pretty tall

The second Dumbo is fully decorated

Workers on top of Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid

The covered part is the lift hill as the train will roll out of the mountain

Work continues on turning Tigger’s Bouncy Place into something else

Some tarps now up in front of the Castle Wall construction

A second set of walls now makes for a tight passage

They are working on the back end of the Village Haus facade now

It’s still quite a mess back here

Now “it’s a small world” has tarps up

Work continues on the former Skyway site

Next-gen FASTPASS testing at the Haunted Mansion

It will be interesting to see what this looks like when they are done

They were forcing guests down the graveyard side if you weren’t using FASTPASS, but you could still bypass the interactive queue

Work continues on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Everything looks fantastic!

GOAT!

Package Pick-Up still behind tarps

Awesome shot of the Avengerail in action… I hope you’ve seen the movie by now…

A look at the Grand Floridian DVC construction from across the water

They’ve installed a rocky shoreline

Moving over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it looks like the Sorcerer Mickey topiary is on the move again as walls are up

Stage for Star Wars Weekends is going up

Citizens of Hollywood recently had a character shuffle. This is the “new” Mimi Kaboom

Things got heated…

ACTING! BRILLIANT!

I don’t think the security booths are coming back…

Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist Ashley

WDWNT on December 31, 2012

Today we feature a new artist to our spotlight section. Ashley from Greeley, CO has sent us some pictures of her Up, Finding Nemo and Ratatouille themed customs.

Destination Vinylmation: How long have you been creating custom Vinylmation? 
Ashley: I’ve been a huge fan on Vinylmations since 2008, but only started doing my own customs about 4 months ago.

DV: Have you done other artistic projects before Vinylmation? 
Ashley: I’ve always painted, but mostly on canvas before Vinylmations.

DV: Do you collect the Disney Vinylmation?
Ashley: Yes! I am a huge collector! They’ve taken over most spare surfaces in my place.

DV: If so, what are some of your favorites? 
Ashley: I love the Matryoshka doll from cutesters I and am a huge fan of the entire toy story set! Even though I have them all, I always trade for them when I see them in trader boxes.

DV: Why did you choose Up and Finding Nemo as the subjects of these customs? 
Ashley: Up might be my very favorite Disney movie, so I have had this design in my mind for awhile. As for Peach, she is the highlight of the Nemo ride at WDW for me and I knew she’d look great on Mickey!

DV: You also sent over pictures of your Ratatouille custom… I see a theme here. Big Pixar fan? 
Ashley: Huge! I’m currently on a mission to do one from every Pixar film. Next will be bugs life and Wall-E.

DV: How long does it take to choose just the right scene for the vinyl? And does it take a lot of pre-planning on paper? 
It’s more about finding inspiration in the right place. Like a ride, seeing the movie again or a great poster. I usually do one pre-design on paper to see if it suits Mickey and then go to town!



DV: What was the most challenging part about creating these customs?
Ashley: Finding a way to take a flat design and apply it to Mickey! Once I do a few sketches and outlines things go smoothly from there!

DV: Do you have a website where people can see more of your work?
Ashley: I don’t have one yet, but people are welcome to contact me at twisted.coincidence@gmail.com.

Adam Roth’s 5/7/12 Epcot Mini-Update

WDWNT on December 31, 2012

WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth visited Epcot yesterday and has a quick update for us:

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

Props and decorations slowly vanish from the exterior of Test Track

The exterior queue is gone and various pieces are being thrown away… I know plenty of people who would want whatever you are throwing away…

The old sign is history

Innoventions just seems to get darker…

Habit Heroes is completely walled-off from the world

I assume this means there is work going on inside

We hope…

Nighttime Holiday Magic at the Disneyland Resort!

WDWNT on December 31, 2012

By Valarie Sukovaty on The Disney Parks Blog:

I love to visit the Disneyland Resort during the holidays – where it snows, the Christmas trees glow and icicles hang in rows. You wouldn’t think I’d be describing a magical place in sunny Southern California, but that’s the power of Disney magic! Our talented teams transform the Disneyland Resort into a winter wonderland during the holidays. This video captures highlights of the holiday décor at night. It includes Disney California Adventurepark, where you can find snowflakes made of wrenches at the new Cars Land. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas! Enjoy!

 

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Featured image by Tim Alcoser.

Spotlight On: Custom Artist Project Sidekickz Artist Heather Kattleman

WDWNT on December 31, 2012

The Custom Artist Project is a group of 11 of the best custom Vinylmation artists in the world who have come together to make their own blind box series. Series 1 is called “Sidekickz” and is a mix of different Disney sidekicks from films or TV. It will be released on October 6th. Each day leading up to the release, we will spotlight a different artist from the series. Today we spotlight custom artist Heather Kattleman.

Hometown:  Cincinnati, OH

Website:
www.facebook.com/VinylmtioCustomations

What Disney Sidekick did you choose?
The Little Mermaid Flotsam & Jetsam

Favorite Disney Theme Park Attraction?
Hands-Down, my favorite attraction is Fantasmic!  It just never gets old, no matter how many times I’ve seen it – To me, the show brings the iconic “Disney Magic” to LIFE!

Favorite aspect of working on the Mickey shaped canvas? 
Being able to see past Mickey and realize the design, then bring it to life is exciting!  Although “Mickey Mouse” looks great on Vinylmation, it’s so fun to make it more than that.

More info on the Custom Artist Project:


Website: http://www.facebook.com/groups/ArtistProject/


How to purchase: The price of one blind box is $65, including shipping within the US. We’re looking into international shipping right now, but it will probably be another $5-10 if it works out.Paypal is going to be the accepted payment. It is limited to one household per blind box.


What you get: You will get one blind box (yes, I’m actually making boxes) with one of 24 different figures. Some figures come with accessories. You will also get 11 different cards, 1 from each artist.

New Stories Coming to Disney Junior- Live On Stage!

WDWNT on December 31, 2012

By Shawn Slater on The Disney Parks Blog:

'Sofia the First' and More New Stories Coming to Disney Junior – Live on Stage! in 2013 at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney California Adventure Park
As a father of twin boys, the Disney Junior – Live on Stage! show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney California Adventure park is a favorite stop whenever we visit those parks. One of the best things about the show is that it’s regularly updated to feature new characters and stories from the Disney Junior line-up on TV. Well, I’m excited to tell you (and them), that Disney Junior – Live on Stage! is primed to get another update in early 2013, when new hits “Doc McStuffins” and “Sofia the First” join “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” and “Jake and the Never Land Pirates.”

'Doc McStuffins' and More New Stories Coming to Disney Junior – Live on Stage! in 2013 at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney California Adventure Park
The new version of Disney Junior – Live on Stage! debuts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in mid-February and comes to Disney California Adventure about a month later, in March 2013. And be sure to catch the premiere of the “Sofia the First” TV series Friday, Jan. 11 on Disney Channel and Disney Junior.

WDW News Today Celebrates 5 Years Online, Right Where It All Began

WDWNT on December 31, 2012

The Avengers may be burning up the box office, but there is another Summer blockbuster on the way:

A little overdramatic? Sure, but if you’re looking for a few days of fun this Summer, the New York City area can offer it…

It was 5 years ago here in New York that it all began for WDW News Today. What began as a small blog dedicated to covering any and all news at the Walt Disney World Resort is now a network of popular websites and podcasts that are viewed by thousands of Disney fans each and every day. Before we move the entire operation to Orlando later this year, we plan to go out in style and celebrate the improbable 5th anniversary of the WDWNT Network right where it got started.

Over 4 days, we are planning excursions to some local amusement parks, to New York City to experience Newsies on Broadway during its limited engagement and the new Disney Store in Times Square, and to Flushing Meadows to see where it all began for the Florida Project, the site of the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair. Here’s the schedule:

Thursday, July 12 (Optional Add-on Day):
Six Flags Great Adventure Group Outing (Park tickets required)

Friday, July 13:
10:00 AM – General Reception, Disney Pin & Vinylmation Trading
5:00 PM – Rainforest Cafe Group Dinner (Tickets required)
8:00 PM – Live recording of WDW News Today Podcast Episode 250

Saturday, July 14:
9:00 AM – Group trip to Times Square – Disney Store
2:00 PM – Newsies on Broadway (Tickets required)
11:00 PM – Live video recording of “See Ya Real Late with Tom Corless” talk show

Sunday, July 15:
8:00 AM – WDWNT: The Game Shows (Win prizes!)
1:00 PM – History Walk at site of 1964-65 World’s Fair
3:30 PM – Group trip to Luna Park, Coney Island

The base of operations for the weekend’s events will be the Hampton Inn in Somerset, NJ. All of the live programming and games away from the excursions will be held in the convention space in the hotel. We also have special hotel rates available when booking with Janis from Travel Dreams at 856-768-2511 or jltraveldreams@cs.com. Rooms with King or 2 Doubles are $79.00 a night and Suites are available for $90.00.

You do not need to book a room to attend any of the events, but you do need to register for the event. Registration is now open at WDWNT.com and only cost a nominal fee (this fee is sued to cover event credentials and other necessary items for your enjoyment at the event).

Space for Newsies on Broadway at the group ticket price is limited, so we advise that you act fast. Space is also limited for the Rainforest Cafe group meal and it is going fast. If you know you are attending, please act quickly. Tickets for both of these are available as add-ons during the registration process. Park tickets for Six Flags Great Adventure at the group price are not limited, but there is a time limit on this offer. This is a great deal as all tickets include free parking and the Wild Safari.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at wdwnewstoday@gmail.com. We hope to see you at the event!

Cars Themed at Home Holiday Decorations

WDWNT on December 31, 2012

By Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:

You may have decorated your house top to bottom by now, but what about your garage? If Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park is any indication, cars love to celebrate the holidays, too! David Caranci, Manager of Resort Enhancement at the Disneyland Resort, is back today to show us how to make easy, inexpensive, Cars Land-inspired holiday decorations at home.

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Featured image by Haylay Nace.

Spotlight On: Custom Artist Project Sidekickz Artist NRB Relic

WDWNT on December 31, 2012

The Custom Artist Project is a group of 11 of the best custom Vinylmation artists in the world who have come together to make their own blind box series. Series 1 is called “Sidekickz” and is a mix of different Disney sidekicks from films or TV. It will be released on October 6th. Each day leading up to the release, we will spotlight a different artist from the series. Today we spotlight custom artist NRB Relic.

Hometown: 
Lake Arrowhead, CA

Website:
www.nrbrelic.com  

What Disney Sidekick did you choose? 
Flower

Why did you choose that sidekick? 
He is just so cute! And also because he needed a tail it opened an opportunity to do some sculpting.

Favorite Disney Movie? 
Mary Poppins

Favorite Disney Theme Park Attraction? 
Indiana Jones Adventure

Favorite aspect of working on the Mickey shaped canvas? 
I have loved Mickey forever and to be able to paint anything I want and incorporate Mickey as part of the piece is just so awesome!

More info on the Custom Artist Project:


Website: http://www.facebook.com/groups/ArtistProject/


How to purchase: The price of one blind box is $65, including shipping within the US. We’re looking into international shipping right now, but it will probably be another $5-10 if it works out.Paypal is going to be the accepted payment. It is limited to one household per blind box.


What you get: You will get one blind box (yes, I’m actually making boxes) with one of 24 different figures. Some figures come with accessories. You will also get 11 different cards, 1 from each artist.