Mickey Check for Kids’ Meals Debuts at Disneyland Resort,

WDWNT on January 3, 2013

By Pam Brandon on the Disney Parks Blog:

From an udon noodle bowl at Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure park to turkey pot pie atCinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom Park, the new Mickey Check is now featured on kids’ menus in both quick-service and table-service restaurants across Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.
,center>Mickey Check for Kids’ Meals Debuts at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

Following the introduction earlier this month at Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort, the expansion of the Mickey Check helps families easily find nutritious choices, part of an ongoing program that launched in 2006 with nutrition guidelines. The Mickey Check makes it even easier to identify healthier food options in all of the Disney theme parks and resorts.

Choices that receive the Mickey Check must meet Disney Nutrition Guidelines that limit calories, saturated fat, sodium and sugar. For the Disney chefs, it’s been a fun challenge to tweak menus. For example, Blue Bayou inDisneyland park now offers seared salmon, spaghetti, broccolini and fresh fruit for kids. At Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada Pavilion at Epcot, there’s grilled sirloin with green beans and brown rice. (Kids’ Complete Meals must be ordered without substitutions and include at least three of the following food groups: fruits and vegetables; low-fat dairy; whole grains or lean protein, beans, eggs and nuts.)

Mickey Check for Kids’ Meals Debuts at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort
While new to table-service restaurants, the Mickey Check also appears on some Disney-licensed food products sold at retail locations, on qualifying recipes at Disney.com and Family.com, and on menus at quick-service restaurants at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.

Has your family found a favorite Mickey Check item in the theme parks or resorts? For more information, visitwww.DisneyMickeyCheck.com.

PHOTOS & VIDEO: Blue Sky Cellar Exhibit Opens Featuring Fantasy Faire & Mickey and the Magical Map

WDWNT on January 3, 2013

The latest Blue Sky Cellar exhibit opened yesterday and features the new land coming to Disneyland this spring, Fantasy Faire. Photos courtesy of Tim Alcoser.

Starting out with the film show in the exhibit

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On to the photos 



Starting out with the large model of Fantasy Faire 




Royal Hall

Royal Theater 



Tangled Tower 





The show building 




On to some of the concept art, the exhibits were broken down into several different “steps” of the design process. 

First step is research. For Fantasy Faire, WDI researched the original fantasyland as well as the many expansions the land












Second step is “Blue Sky.” This steps shows some of the first drawings of what eventually became Fantasy Faire 









Third step is “concept” 








Fourth step is “feasibility,” turing the concept into something that can fit into the park and make it work 




Our first look at Maurice’s Treats which is a food cart for the area selling specialty baked items and possibly dole whips. 

A look inside Royal Hall 


An Owl Newl Post 





The Royal Hall logo 
The final step is Implementation



Poster for the Meet and Greet, Royal Hall 


Here is the sign for Fairytale Treasures, the merchandise location for Fantasy Faire. 

Neat tribute to Carnation Gardens 

Cool CGI concept of the area 


Neat art for Royal Hall 

Imagineers talked a lot about a neat music box in the land featuring Clopin from Hunchback of Notre Dame 



We are really excited about this. An outdoor Figaro animatronic will be placed on a window sill in fantasyland and every so often will wake up and try to grab a nearby animatronic bird. 




A new exhibit featured some concept art of Mickey and The Magical Map as well

The art on display of the show are concepts we have already seen 




Though one new piece of art shown was an overhead look at The Fantasyland Theater. According to this art, a pond we be constructed in front of the theater


The giant interactive map of DCA was removed and replaced with a piece of wall from Fantasy Faire. 




Stay tuned to DLNT as we continue our coverage of Princess Fantasy Faire opening this Spring inside Disneyland Park

Happy Lunar New Year Celebration Moves Across the Esplanade to Disney California Adventure Park

WDWNT on January 3, 2013

By Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:

Happy Lunar New Year Celebration

Come celebrate the Year of the Snake when Happy Lunar New Year Celebration returns as part of “Limited Time Magic,” February 8-11 – this year at Disney California Adventure park! Lunar New Year is a time when Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures celebrate the sun and moon beginning their journeys for another year.

From 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day in the Pacific Wharf area of the park, guests will enjoy unique cultural experiences, flavorful food offerings, unique merchandise, and colorful performances from dancers, musicians, and martial artists. Some of your favorite Disney characters will be there as well, such as Mulan, Mushu, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more information about Happy Lunar New Year Celebration and “Limited Time Magic.”

Conner Purzycki’s 1/17/13 DLR Photo Report

WDWNT on January 3, 2013

I was at the Disneyland Resort this afternoon and captured some newsworthy photos from all around the resort to share.

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A giant crane is in place right over Big Thunder.




It looks bigger in person 

Work on the center Fantasmic fountain is underway 

New Orleans Bayou Bash has already been setup getting ready for the event kickoff tomorrow 

Very temporary looking speaker setup 




Mark Twain still in dry dock for its annual refurbishment 

Christmas decorations still coming down in New Orleans Square 

Blue sky and no more snow on the castle 

Now for the juicy stuff, Fantasy Faire 

A new structure has sprung up where previously a path led to Fantasyland 








A closer look at that new structure 


Over in DCA, it seems the Hyperion Bridge which crosses over Buena Vista Street was painted overnight to a new darker beige color 






I don’t particularly mind the color change, I’m just curious why? 

Over in Cars Land, one side of Mater’s is being resurfaced 



Over in Flo’s the giant rotisserie out front has been removed

Odd to see this in the middle of the day 

Thanks for reading
 

Get a Taste of the Big Easy During New Orleans Bayou Bash! at Disneyland Park

WDWNT on January 3, 2013

By Pam Brandon on the Disney Parks Blog:

Let the good times roll! On select dates from January 18-February 12, the tastes of New Orleans are kicked up for the high-energy New Orleans Bayou Bash! at Disneyland park. Celebrate with Princess Tiana, jazz music and street performers – but feast on delicious “Limited Time Magic” offering seven days a week.

Gooey Cupcakes at the French Market Restaurant
 

 

Bananas Foster Beignets With Caramel Dipping Sauce at the Mint Julep Bar
We’ll make a day of noshing on all the “Limited Time Magic” little bites, like the shrimp cocktail with jicama-mango slaw or the Louisiana-style lobster roll on buttered brioche at Harbour Galley, or the shrimp corn fritters and gooey cupcakes (red velvet or chocolate) at the French Market Restaurant. Maybe hot apple fritters at the Royal Street Veranda or Bananas Foster beignets with caramel dipping sauce at the Mint Julep Bar. We might sip our calories at the Mint Julep Bar with a Cajun and firefly-inspired Mint Julep or lemonade.

Churros, anyone? We have ’em, rolled in cinnamon sugar with a side of chocolate dipping sauce for a little extra.

Get a Taste of the Big Easy During New Orleans Bayou Bash! at Blue Bayou at Disneyland Park 
 

Get a Taste of the Big Easy During New Orleans Bayou Bash! at Disneyland Park 
But if you want to dig in and enjoy a hearty meal, make a reservation at Blue Bayou and order the wonderful specials available just for “Limited Time Magic.” Start with the Bayou Bouillabaisse with lobster, shrimp, red snapper, mussels and littleneck clams in a saffron-seafood broth, and end with apple fritters a la mode with vanilla bean ice cream. Or make your reservation at Café Orleans for “Fat City” Bass featuring pan-seared bass, cauliflower-potato cake, mango-pineapple relish and a dash of Scotch Bonnet pepper sauce.

‘Royal Hall’ Concept Art Revealed

WDWNT on January 3, 2013

Official concept art was released featuring Royal Hall which we posted about a few days ago.

From Shawn Slater on the Disney Parks Blog:

We’re rapidly approaching the opening of the all-new Fantasy Faire at Disneyland park, and if you’ve taken a walk by Sleeping Beauty Castle lately, you know that work is progressing nicely on this beautiful expansion of the park’s Fantasyland.

One of the main attractions in this quaint, storybook village will be the Royal Hall, where beloved Disney royalty eagerly await your visit. The Royal Hall promises to be a truly special place, filled with rich layers of detail.

“Royal
“After walking into our main entrance, you will first go through a garden-like setting before entering the reception hall,” said Michel Den Dulk, Creative Director of Fantasy Faire for Walt Disney Imagineering. “Once inside the Royal Hall, guests will discover a beautiful gothic interior with nice wallpaper, wall cresting, wood finishes and chandeliers.”

Passing through a series of spaces, including the Grand Hall, you’ll have the opportunity to meet as many as three Disney princesses, from classic stories such as “Cinderella” and “Sleeping Beauty.”

“Royal
“The favorite aspect of the project for me personally would be that it’s right in the heart of Disneyland,” added Michel. “It’s going to be very charming, with a lot of detail and great new experiences for the park.”

We’ll all be able to see for ourselves when Fantasy Faire opens this spring.

Tim Alcoser’s 1/10/13 Photo Report (Special Golden Horseshoe Photos!)

WDWNT on January 3, 2013

Tim Alcoser went to the Disneyland Resort on the 10th of January. He captured limited magic of the Salute to the Golden Horseshoe Revue and continued construction at the resort. He reported:

I headed to the Disneyland Resort with Connor Purzycki to see the first public showing of the Golden Horseshoe Revue and the first of the many to come Limited Time Magic guests will get to enjoy this year. There are a lot of ride closures and refurbishments around the resort as is typical for this slow time of year, including Fantasmic. Princess Fantasy Faire is coming along very nice. Most of the Christmas decorations are down already, including the Christmas trees at DCA and Disneyland. Enjoy!

– Tim Alcoser

 

If you purchase multi-day tickets, these cast members are taking your picture with a small cell phone like device before you enter the parks.This is to fight multi-day ticket scammers who buy tickets for several days and
If you purchase multi-day tickets, these cast members are taking your picture with a small cell phone like device before you enter the parks.
This is to fight multi-day ticket scammers who buy tickets for several days and “rent” days out to people. Not against the law, but in direct violation of Disney policy.

There was already a line at park opening to reserve a spot to see the Golden Horseshoe Revue.
There was already a line at park opening to reserve a spot to see the Golden Horseshoe Revue.
The line wasn't too long, but it took a long time to get through because guests needed to sign a waiver that they may be filmed.
The line wasn’t too long, but it took a long time to get through because guests needed to sign a waiver that they may be filmed.
The Golden Horseshoe had several cameramen on hand.
The Golden Horseshoe had several cameramen on hand.
The band comes out in preparation for show start.

The band comes out in preparation for show start.

Can-Can girls start the show right.
The Golden Horseshoe had several cameramen on hand.
Ms. Lily makes her appearance.
She reflected light unto unsuspecting male guests and made her comments on some.
“Your single? No wonder your so happy” ~ Ms. Lily.
Lots of guest interaction.
Lots of guest interaction.
The fun is not limited to the stage.
The fun is not limited to the stage.
Main Street Station under refurbishment. You cannot exit or enter the train from this location at this time.Primeval World and Grand Canyon Diorama are open.
Main Street Station under refurbishment. You cannot exit or enter the train from this location at this time.
Primeval World and Grand Canyon Diorama are open.

Fossil shop in Downtown Disney under refurbishment.
Fossil shop in Downtown Disney under refurbishment.
Cold but beautiful day at Disneyland. High of about 55 degrees.
Movie advertising inside Innoventions.

Movie advertising inside Innoventions.

Toontown City Hall.
Gadget's Go Coaster in Toontown.
Disneyland Limited steams into Toontown Station.
Haunted Mansion Holiday decorations being taken down.
Mark Twain being repainted.
Mark Twain being repainted.
Work being done on Fantasmic.
Work being done on Fantasmic.
The line for the Golden Horseshoe Revue remained long throughout the day.
The line for the Golden Horseshoe Revue remained long throughout the day.
Vineyards at California Adventure.
Christmas trees and most Christmas decorations are down.
 

Conner Purzycki’s 1/9/13 Photo Report

WDWNT on January 3, 2013

Conner went to the Disneyland resort on the 9th of this month. He was able to capture photo’s of the Main Street U.S.A train station refurbishment and continued construction on Royal Hall. He also grabbed photo’s of all the renovations and entertainment happening in Frontierland. Conner captured some photos of Muppet Vision 3D which recently returned.

Main Street U.S.A Train Station in construction. 
Royal Hall Construction 
Royal Hall, formally known as fantasy faire, is set to open spring 2013.
Castle starts to peak above the walls. 
While construction continues in Frontierland, shops remain open. 
Big Thunder Mountain went under refurbishment Jan 8th, 2012 and will reopen in fall of 2013.
Big Thunder Tail is closed some days of the week to assist with Thunder Mountain construction. 
Sinage of Big Thunder Trail closing from Fantasyland. 
Mark Twain is under refurbishment. 
Haunted Mansion closed to take down holiday overlay. 
Billy and the Hillbillies playing to excite guests about the Golden Horseshoe Revue. 
Muppet Vision 3D back from vacation! Kodak signage soon to be removed due to Kodak not renewing their sponsorship. 
 

Larry Delceg’s DLR 1/4/2013 Photo Report

WDWNT on January 3, 2013

Photographer Larry Delceg and his family went to the Disneyland Resort on the 4th of January. He was able to capture the final holiday magic and the first of limited time magic. They were also able to capture some of the final runs of Thunder Mountain before it goes through a sixth month renovation. Enjoy!

PhCast members were present to provide face painting for the children.
The Three Kings Festival (Dia De Reyes) was celebrated at Big Thunder Ranch on January 4th, 5th and 6th. This festival of the Epiphany recognizes the historic visit of three foreign kings who came to honor Jesus. Christians celebrate this event because it symbolizes that the gift of life in Christ is for all people and all nations. Hispanic culture especially prizes this holiday, and many Spanish speakers were present – enthusiastically participating in the festivities. It was a unique Disney event and a truly wonderful experience.
For more information on the Three Kings Festival... just read this sign!
For more information on the Three Kings Festival… just read this sign!
Cast members were present to provide face painting for the children.
Cast members were present to provide face painting for the children.
The grammy award winning
The grammy award winning “Mariachi Divas” performed periodically throughout the day. Performers at Disneyland are always exceptional, and the level of talent demonstrated by this group was especially impressive.
Have you ever tried playing the bass while singing?
Mickey and Minnie demonstrated some fine dance moves.
Mickey and Minnie demonstrated some fine dance moves.
Little princesses became part of the show.
Little princesses became part of the show.
Not to be mistaken for
Not to be mistaken for “Woody”, cast member Victor from San Juan Puerto Rico enthusiastically greeted guests.
Word is getting out that Earl of Sandwich is now open in Downtown Disney. Time for an in-depth photo report!
Around noon, wait time to the register was almost exactly 15 minutes.
Unfortunately, the books were not available for reading while in line...
A close-up of the highly reflective menu...
The bread is baked fresh every morning.
The bread is baked fresh every morning.
On January 4th, John was not personally present to make our sandwiches.
Step 1: A first time customer is preparing to unwrap her warm prize...
Step 2:
Step 3: Moments before eating, this is what your
Step 3: Moments before eating, this is what your “Italian” will look like. It was amazing.
The
 “Full Montegue”
Shortly before you consume it, this is what your
The Full Montegue. Photographer Larry Delceg rated it as “It actually may have been the best hot sandwich ever.”
Picnic table style outdoor seating. This is perfect if you like sitting with people you've never met before.
A delightful culinary experience!
Legend has it that a ghost mine train can be spotted in these here hills. And these here photos were taken three days before that train disappeared for a long-term refurb project which will extend through most of 2013...
Legend has it that a ghost mine train can be spotted in these here hills. And these here photos were taken three days before that train disappeared for a long-term refurb project which will extend through most of 2013…
Last glimpse of the runaway ghost train until October 31, 2013...
Last glimpse of the runaway ghost train until October 31, 2013…
The end of Christmas 2012: On January 4th, the following photos were taken just two days before 2012 Christmas decorations would be removed from the Disneyland Parks.First we have Cars Land...
A Small World Holiday.
New Orleans Square is stunning at Christmas time.
Shortly after the Disneyland fireworks show on the evening of January 4th, a freak snowstorm struck Anaheim. Fortunately for travelers, the frozen precipitation subsided after only a few minutes.
Shortly after the Disneyland fireworks show on the evening of January 4th, a freak snowstorm struck Anaheim. Fortunately for travelers, the frozen precipitation subsided after only a few minutes.
Like searching for the holy grail... another attempt at the perfect castle photo. And the end of another magical Disneyland vacation...