Updated on 8/8: Star Wars 2 WDW and DLR Release Details

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

Update: 8/8/12 Artist Maria Clapsis will join Casey Jones at the Friday, August 24 Orlando D-Street signing from 11a-1p EST. They also announced a wristband distribution for Orlando where guests will be handed a wristband at the register if they choose to meet the artists. Remember, D-Street Orlando opens at 9am EST this day. Also, for the second straight series, Darth Vader gets the honor of gracing the tray cover:

Update: 8/7/12 Artist Casey Jones just got back to us via Twitter letting us know he will be signing, and therefore SW2 released, at WDW in Orlando on FRIDAY, AUGUST 24. This info is contrary to the date on the events page of the Disney Vinylmation website. The Disneyland Saturday, August 25 release remains the same. Appropriate changes have been made in the article below that we posted yesterday:

The Disney Vinylmation website has finally given WDW a release day for Star Wars 2. It will also be a busy day weekend for artist Casey Jones. On Friday, August 24, the second Star Wars Vinylmation series will release at D-Street Orlando. (please note, the Disney Vinylmation Blog calls the 25th a “Friday”, but it is a Saturday. We are in the process of confirming which part is correct) In Orlando, doors will open at 9am EST. Guests will line up in the usual spot in the parking lot at the handicap spaces across from AMC. At 8am, guests will be ushered over to the front of D-Street. Please note the new policy that no chairs will be allowed in front of D-Street, but it appears you will still be able to use them in the parking lot. Then, Star Wars 2 artist Casey Jones will sign for guests from 11am-1pm EST.

In Orlando, this is also the weekend of Star Wars Celebration VI held just a few miles down I-4 from the mouse at the Orange County Convention Center. We know the LE 2500 Hologram Princess Leia will be available at the convention, but no word yet if SW2 blind boxes will be there.

Casey Jones will then hop a plane, gain a few hours, and make his way to will then make the trip to Anaheim where Star Wars 2 will release on Saturday, August 25. D-Street will open at 8am PST. Casey will then sign for guests from 3pm-6pm PST.

Who will be lining up on opening day?

(from the Disney Vinylmation blog)

What are the wristband distribution guidelines at D-Street in California?

Wristbands will be distributed entitling bearers to the opportunity to purchase limited edition Vinylmation released in association with a product release and/or signing. Wristbands for the limited edition Vinylmation will be distributed at D-Street in the Downtown Disney District at 7:00 A.M. Wristbands will be available at the location until 1:00 P.M. or while supplies last.

We kindly ask that Guests do not line up for wristband distribution prior to 6:00 A.M. The queue for wristbands will begin behind the Rainforest Cafe in the Downtown Disney District. Queued Guests will be escorted to D-Street, where wristbands will be distributed at 7am. D Street opens at 10:00 A.M. unless otherwise specified.

In addition, holding a place in line for others in your party will not be allowed. Guests who wish to obtain a wristband to purchase a limited edition Vinylmation must be present when the line forms or they will be escorted to the back of the line.

Wristbands will be valid for the purchase of the limited edition Vinylmation at D-Street in the Downtown Disney District until 1:00 P.M. on the day of distribution. Wristbands are limited. At 1:00 P.M. wristbands are no longer valid. Lost, stolen or damaged wristbands will not be replaced. Wristbands have no cash value. Restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice.

Tastes at the Fiddler, Fifer, and Practical Café

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

From Pam Brandon of Disney Parks Blog:

At last, lots of new spots for dining have debuted at Disney California Adventure park! And what we love most is that quick-service dining has moved way beyond burgers and dogs.

Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café has caused lots of excitement with the announcement of Starbucks coffee drinks, but we’re just as excited about the signature sammies like a turkey Reuben, paneer and roasted vegetable, and salami with olive tapenade. And our favorite soup is this slightly spicy cheesy enchilada soup.

Have you tried this soup yet?

Cheesy Enchilada Soup
Serves 6 to 8

5 yellow corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
1/4 cup vegetable oil, plus 2 tablespoons, divided
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup corn
5 cups chicken stock
15-ounce can tomato puree
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1 1/4 teaspoons chili powder
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/4 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon Tapatio hot sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
4 teaspoons flour
1/2 cup water
2 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

  1. Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a 10-inch skillet. When oil is hot, add tortilla strips and stir until golden and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
  2. Cook onion in remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until translucent. Add garlic, bell pepper and corn; cook for about 2 minutes.
  3. Stir in chicken stock, tomato puree, salt, chili powder, pepper, sugar, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce; bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Whisk flour and water in a small bowl and stir into soup. Bring to a boil, then simmer 4 minutes.
  5. Add chicken and bring back to a simmer. Stir in cream, sour cream, shredded cheese, and black beans.
  6. To serve, garnish with fried tortilla strips and cilantro.

A Brave Photoshoot

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

Merida and the Triplets from the Disney Pixar movie Brave recently posed for some pictures for us at Epcot.

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Story Behind “Storytellers” Statue

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

From Erin Glover of Disney Parks Blog:

We showed you a glimpse of the new “Storytellers” statue last year during the D23 Expo, and tomorrow, Disney California Adventure park guests will be able to greet the new statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse themselves when Buena Vista Street officially opens! Take a look:

A plaque just to the right of the statue tells the story of Walt Disney’s arrival in Los Angeles in 1923 in his own words:

It was July 1923. I packed all of my worldly goods – a pair of trousers, a checkered coat, a lot of drawing materials and the last of the fairy tale reels we had made – in a kind of frayed cardboard suitcase. And with that wonderful audacity of youth, I went to Hollywood, arriving there with just forty dollars. It was a big day the day I got on that Santa Fe California Limited. I was just free and happy!


An Aerial Look at the New Fantasyland Progress – February 2012

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

Courtesy of Scott Keating and scottkeating.net, we once again have some fantastic aerial photos of Fantasyland to share with you:

The foundations for the Seven Dwarves Mine Train are now in place, the old Dumbo is now history, and it looks like an extension of the Mermaid rock-work is about to begin to make the show building not visible from Storybook Circus

The queue for Enchanted Tales with Belle seems further along than any other project, so it’s possible that may open first

Prince Eric’s castle is looking good, but the rest of the facade is far from finished

Dumbo and the Fantasyland Station are nearing completion, meanwhile, the Barnstormer is complete with the exception of some landscaping and queue decorations. The Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak area is still nowhere to be found.

Added Bonus: Here’s a look at the on-going Big Thunder Mountain refurbishment

Robert Ashburn’s 2/6/12 Magic Kingdom Photo Report

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

While taken a few days ago, WDWNT Reporter Robert Ashburn visited the Magic Kingdom on Monday and has some newsworthy photos to share with us:

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Oops…

The Cosmic Ray’s menu boards weren’t working

Prince Eric’s Castle is coming along nicely at Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid

The path to Storybook Circus

Work on the Dumbo queue continues

Beast’s Castle

The lift hill for The Barnstormer looks great, complete with Goofy’s outline

For the first time since work began, the site actually looks pretty clean

Some Imagineer and construction workers under a tent near “Dumbo Ditch”

Paint going on the silver portion of the Dumbo tent

Too far away to see what they are up to…

If you look closely at the Barnstormer building, you can see a banner Goofy has crashed through right above the doorway

We can make out the words “Fly Again”

Dear guests who contribute to other sites, stop standing on stuff. It is stupid, dangerous, and might get you thrown out of the park…

A look toward Storybook Circus

Still can’t see into the tent…

A column remains in “Dumbo Ditch”

Construction being filmed by Disney

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The chicken nuggets and sandwich are back at Golden Oak Outpost

Big Thunder Mountain refurbishment continues

Don’t look over here…

The track is being worked on

New roof being installed

Fantasyland Station looks nearly complete

The last remnant of Toontown

The back of the Dumbo queue will be very visible from the Speedway and the Railroad

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New railings were installed along the Frontierland bridges during the pavement work

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Wow…

Early Admission Opportunities

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

From Erin Glover of the Disney Parks Blog:

We’ve already told you about Extra Magic Hour benefit for Disneyland Resort hotel guests, but that’s not the only way to enter Disneyland park or Disney California Adventure park early. Read on to learn how Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders and guests who purchase 3-Day, 4-Day or 5-Day theme park tickets prior to arrival can also enjoy early admission benefits.

Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders

Annual Passholders have the opportunity to register for Annual Passholder Early Entry, which allows a valid Passholder early admission to select attractions at a Disneyland Resort theme park beginning one hour prior to scheduled opening between June 18 and September 13, 2012.

    • Offered on the following days:
      • Disney California Adventure park on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays
      • Disneyland park on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

 

  • Passholders must register in advance for Annual Passholder Early Entry by visitingdisneyland.disney.go.com/passes/early-entry/.
  • Availability is limited each morning, and Annual Passholders may only use the privilege once at each park.
  • Must be at least 18 years old to register and must have an Annual Passport that is valid for Theme Park admission at time of registration and on the date of the event.
  • See disneyland.disney.go.com/passes/early-entry/ for more details.

Disneyland Resort Guests with 3-Day, 4-Day or 5-Day Theme Park Tickets and 2012 Southern California CityPass

Disneyland Resort guests who purchase 3-Day, 4-Day or 5-Day theme park tickets prior to arrival at the resort and those with valid 2012 Southern California CityPass can choose one day during the duration of their Theme Park ticket or Southern California CityPass to enter Disneyland park (only) one hour prior to scheduled opening on any of the following days: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays or Sundays.

Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests

As a continuous, ongoing benefit for Disneyland Resort hotel guests with valid theme park admission and active hotel key, early admission to the parks occurs one hour prior to scheduled opening the following days. Guests will be required to present valid theme park ticket and active room key for admission.

  • Disneyland park on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays
  • Disney California Adventure park on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
    • Early admission at Disney California Adventure park will include access to select attractions, food and beverage locations, and merchandise locations in Cars Land, Hollywood Land and Paradise Pier, subject to availability.

Early Entry admission is non-transferable and does not guarantee access to any attraction or location. Applicable days and times of operation, and all other elements including, without limitation, operation of attractions, entertainment, and services may vary and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Subject to capacity, previously scheduled park events and other restrictions.

Spotlight On: Custom Pumpkin Artist Gyophry

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

Here are a couple of shots from my disney classic series:

The epcot 30th was the 1st of the series.

20K under the sea is #2

The classic poster from the Jungle cruise is #3

I have been experimenting with new media for #4 “TomorrowLand”

Now that the season is upon us I hope to have many more awesome designs created. All of the classic series are available for purchase. $75 shipped. Thanks for allowing me a chance to share with the readers.

Gyophry can be contacted about purchasing his pumpkin creations via his Twitter: @gyophry.

Kids Eat Like Kings at the Magic Kingdom Starting February 15th

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

From Pam Brandon on the Disney Parks Blog:

While some little ones are content with mac ‘n cheese or a burger, other young guests have a, well, more sophisticated approach to dining. Four Magic Kingdom Park table-service restaurants are adding some delicious new dishes just for kids for ages 3 to 9. At Tony’s Town Square, look for a steak skewer “spiedini” with roasted sweet potato fries and fresh fruit (spiedini refers to cubes of meat cooked on a skewer, an Italian specialty).  Also at Tony’s, a grilled cheese sandwich on multigrain bread sliced into “dippers” with tomato sauce on the side should appeal to just about any child.

Liberty Tree Tavern is featuring a new barbecued chicken and pineapple flatbread pizza with a side of crisp veggies and apples, or oven-roasted turkey with mashed potatoes, veggies and fruit.

At Cinderella’s Royal Table, youngsters can try the new chicken drumette with rice and broccolini, grilled beef skewers with mashed potatoes and corn, or a chicken pot pie topped with a biscuit crust. (We want to try that one.)

And The Plaza Restaurant has a kids’ plate with grilled chicken slices, cous cous and a fresh fruit skewer.  Ah, to be a young ‘un again.

Release Day: Friday, August 3, 2012

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

Today Park 10, the Disneyland Paris themed set releases at both stateside D-Streets.

Does this set appeal to collectors in the US? I love the designs even though I have never been to DLP. It is also fun to have another Park set out just months after the last one. Check out Park 10 explained for more info.

Release day was not without surprises. Remember that Urban 8 online exclusive Monster and Archaeologist? It finally released today for $74.95. It is an LE 1500. Wow, a bit high on the edition size there. Best bet would be to wait for this one to be part of a 2 for $50 deal.

The LE 1000 Urban 8 Toilet Paper and Kid combo also released online. This one of course had previously been available at D-Streets before moving down I-4 to the outlets for about $20.

The Japan Geisha Minnie also released today. This figure is the last installment in the “Magic Around the World” releases at select US Disney Stores and will retail for $9.95. Interestingly enough, we finally (from a random comment on the Disney Parks Blog) know where these are actually getting released. Only the New York Times Square, SF Stockton St., Chicago Michigan Ave and Burbank, CA stores are getting these releases.