March 2013 – Page 5 – WDWNT Archive

Holidays Celebrations at Epcot

WDWNT on March 18, 2013

There are some very specific reasons the holiday season is so popular at Walt Disney World. The weather is more than manageable, the crowds–with the exception of Thanksgiving week and the weeks of Christmas and the New Year–are some of the lowest crowd levels of the year. The most obvious reason is the many marvelous ways the holidays are celebrated at Walt Disney World. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is the big celebration at the Magic Kingdom; the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is considered to be the top attraction at Hollywood Studios; and the Animal Kingdom has the Jingle Jungle Parade. But at EPCOT, the holidays are celebrated with three unique events: Holidays Around the World, Illuminations: Reflections of Earth’s Peace on Earth Holiday Enhancement, and Joyful! A Gospel Celebration of the Season.

Each day of the holiday season, EPCOT’s World Showcase comes to life as each of the pavilions allow guests to experience their holiday traditions and cultural diversity. There are storytellers in each country, sharing tales about their native traditions unique to their country.

In Mexico, guests celebrate with Los Tres Reyes or The Three Kings as they share their story of their journey to find the baby Jesus. In Norway, Sigrid tells tales of Julenissen, the Christmas Gnome. The Monkey King in China tells stories of the Chinese New Year. In Germany, St. Nicholas and Helga speak of holiday traditions, the first Christmas, and the Nutcracker. La Benafa talks to guests about how Italy celebrates the Epiphany. In America, Santa and Mrs. Clause present Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa in Santa’s workshop. In Morocco, guests find Taarji sharing the customs of Ramadan and Ashura. In Japan, the Daruma Doll seller talks about the Japanese New Year. Pere Noel recreates the magic of Christmas in France reading a letter from a little girl. Father Christmas in the United Kingdom shares stories of English and American traditions. Finally, in Canada, Nowell the Lumberjack tells of his journey to find Santa at Christmas. Depending on the weather and how fast a guest may travel, it is certainly possible to hear all of the holiday traditions in World Showcase in a single day.

After hearing the holiday tales from around the globe, it’s a great idea to head back to the American pavilion to witness the Candlelight Processional. The Candlelight Processional is a tradition that goes back to 1958 at Disneyland in California. When Walt Disney World opened in 1971, it hosted its own Candlelight Processional in the Magic Kingdom with Hollywood screen legend Rock Hudson was the first guest narrator.

By the time the ’90s rolled around, the Candlelight Processional had grown in popularity so much, the decision was made to move the event to EPCOT. In 1994, the Candlelight Processional made its grand debut in EPCOT’s World Showcase at the America Gardens Theatre.

What makes the Candlelight Processional so popular is not easy to explain. It hosts an impressive array of talent. There are more than 90 performances during the season, 12 celebrity guest narrators, 19,000 musical performers, and more than 160,000 guests enjoying the sounds of the holiday season. Best of all, the performances are included in a day’s admission to EPCOT.

The choir looks like a human Christmas tree. The nationally acclaimed Voices of Liberty is adorned in red and black robes to form the base of the tree. Disney cast members from all areas and departments audition for the choir during the summer and the selected members begin rehearsing in September. Dressed in green robes, the cast members make the branches of the Christmas tree, a stunning visual backdrop for the celebrity guest narrator. School, church, and community choirs from more than 30 states send audition recordings to Disney in the hope of being selected to participate. A rule allows only existing groups to participate ( a group may not form for the sole purpose of performing in the Candlelight Processional). The visiting singing groups fill out the rest of the stage in their glowing golden robes. The celebration is rounded out with a fifty-one-piece orchestra, with some of the most talented professional musicians in Central Florida.

It may be hard to imagine topping such a spectacular musical performance, but Disney does by adding a celebrity guest narrator. Over the years, an impressive list of celebrities has been invited to read the Story of the Nativity to an audience of 1,800+ strong several times an evening. Some celebrities have become fan favorites: John O’Hurley, Gary Sinise, and most recently, Neil Patrick Harris, draw the largest crowds.

For those who think WDW is losing value, attending the Candlelight Processional may very well change your mind. It’s become so popular, waiting in the stand-by line will not guarantee entrance to a performance. Depending on the popularity of the celebrity guest narrator, the stand-by line may be an exercise in futility ever since WDW introduced the Candlelight Processional Dining Package for lunch and dinner. It entitles guests to seating for the performance, as well as an exclusive viewing area for Illuminations.

Illuminations: Reflections of Earth is the perfect end to a day spent at EPCOT. There is a little extra pixie dust sprinkled on the performance during the holiday season–a holiday tag follows the usual production. After the regular finale, a female announcer speaks, “And now, at this special time, as we embrace a promise of a new year, we would like to offer one final message.” The song, “Let There Be Peace On Earth,” then plays as the Earth barge closes. After the barge closes, the message “Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men” is shown in several languages. When the language is spoken, that country’s pavilion lights up. When the American pavilion lights up, iconic American newscaster Walter Cronkite says, “During this glorious time of year, there is one message that rings out around the world in every language. Peace on earth. Good will to men is a wish to hold in our hearts throughout each passing year. A gift of immeasurable value. A treasure being handed down with care, from generation to generation. And so our holiday wish is that everyone, everywhere, share in the spirit of the season. Peace on earth, good will to men.” Cronkite’s words have become the iconic holiday message of EPCOT.

Joyful! A Gospel Celebration of the Season is a Christmas musical performance put on by a Central Florida R&B group known as D’Vine Voices. Their combination of live instruments, powerful voices, and funky interpretation of Christmas music is performed several times daily at Future World’s Fountain Stage.

A beloved holiday tradition at EPCOT ceased in 2009. The Lights of Winter show began in 1994 and was the centerpiece of the Holidays Around the World at that time. With more than 30,000 synchronized dancing lights and magnificent music, the Lights of Winter seamlessly bridged the gap between Futureworld and the World Showcase. While the Lights of Winter was ultra-popular with guests, Disney felt the technology was not up to par with the technology on display at The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, and they were removed in 2009. Each holiday season when Holidays Around the World is announced, fans around the globe reminisce fondly about Lights of Winter.

While any time is a good time to visit WDW, it is difficult to argue that the holiday season can be beat. The entire resort has so much to offer, but EPCOT especially embodies the spirit of the season. Many things at WDW should be experienced at least once by Disney fans, and EPCOT’s Holidays Around the World should be at the top of every list.

New Free Book Gives Behind-The-Scenes Look At The Making Of “Mary Poppins”

WDWNT on March 18, 2013

Walt Disney Studios announced the release of Saving Mr. Banks: The Official Multi-touch Book, based on Disney’s upcoming film Saving Mr. Banks, in theaters December 20. The book tells the previously untold story of how Walt Disney worked his magic on Mary Poppins author P.L. Travers to obtain the right to her book.

The Saving Mr. Banks multi-touch book is available for free, only on iBooks at www.iTunes.com/SavingMrBanks

The book includes a forward by Richard Sherman, Academy Award-winning composer; previously unseen correspondence between Walt Disney and P.L. Travers; rare scripts and storyboards from the Disney archives; an interactive timeline of historic Walt Disney Studios milestones; facts and profiles on the key characters in Saving Mr. Banks; and original recordings of the Sherman Brothers performing their hit songs from Mary Poppins.

The interactive book was created by Apple’s digital book creation app, iBooks Author.

Using Apple’s iBooks Author, the UK digital agency, Brandwidth was able to include video, audio and multi-touch interaction to create a robust storytelling experience. Readers can watch interviews featuring the cast and filmmakers, browse extensive photo galleries and explore the original storyboards and concept art—all in full retina detail. ‘Mary Popovers’ deliver fascinating facts throughout the book.

Be sure to get your free copy today!

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights: Making Disney History

WDWNT on March 18, 2013

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been the host of The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights since 1995. For nearly two decades, this unforgettable display has been one of Walt Disney World’s main attractions during the Christmas season. Before making its mark on Disney history, the Osborne family light show caused a great deal of controversy in its origins of Little Rock, Arkansas.

Abiding by the request of his daughter, Jennings Osborne decorated his home in 1,000 Christmas lights in 1986. Year after year, Jennings Osborne and his family progressively increased their display, causing it to bring visitors from all areas of Arkansas. By 1993, the Osbornes were using more than three million lights. These not only covered their home, but also spanned both properties adjacent to their house which Jennings Osborne had purchased in order to intensify the spectacle. Osborne showcased his Christmas lights and elaborate decorations, including two carousels of lights and a seventy foot tall Christmas tree of lights, for thirty-five consecutive days from the time of sunset until midnight. The Osbornes lived on a very busy street of Little Rock and consequently the lights caused major traffic congestion, which led to many discontented neighbors and drivers. This growing gripe against the Osbornes eventually turned into a lawsuit against the family, in which the Osbornes were not successful. In the events to follow, the Osbornes’ light show was restricted to 15 days and reduced hours. Osbourne appealed to the Arkansas Supreme Court to overturn this ruling, but they refused. The final chance for Jennings Osborne’s Christmas lights display to be unrestricted took place in an appeal to the United States Supreme Court in 1994. One year later, the Supreme Court ruled that Osborne’s display was to be completely abolished.

Osborne received several offers from potential new hosts of the display. It was not until he was contacted by Walt Disney World project director John Phelan that a deal was finalized. Phelan communicated with Osborne’s attorney to arrange for the transfer of the rights to this production so it could be brought to life again in Walt Disney World. The offer made by Phelan was for “The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights” to be placed in (the now former) “Residential Street” of the Studios Backlot Tour in Disney’s Hollywood Studios (at the time, Disney-MGM Studios) by the Christmas season of 1995. Osborne wrongly perceived this to be an offer from Disney to bring his display to a residential street of Orlando. When this misunderstanding was addressed and clearly explained to Osborne, he gladly agreed to the offer.

In 2003, as Residential Street was beginning to be demolished to clear space for the incoming Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, the new home for the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights was set to be the Streets of America. At the time of this transition, a new effect was added that is now regarded as a classic when visiting the Walt Disney World Resort in the Christmas season: a simulation of snowfall. This winter scene is made possible through one-hundred gallons of fluid placed into thirty-three snow machines on a nightly basis. Now consuming this large area of space, the spectacular was improved in 2006 by allowing the lights to be dimmed electronically. By adding this feature, the lights are now able to “dance” choreographically to Christmas music by Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Elvis Presley and more. Hence the display’s current name: The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.

The most recent and notable change to this show took place in 2011. For this year’s display, the lights were all changed to LED bulbs and ropelights, which gave a new aesthetically stunning appearance to the event. Also, the large and notable “canopy” was improved to contain the three primary colors, red, blue, and green, in LEDs. This gave the canopy 21,600 pixels, which can derive up to sixteen billion colors, therefore creating a form of video screen.

Bringing The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights to such a large scale for millions to enjoy took quite some time and unexpected events. Annually, this breathtaking event is made possible through extensive creative efforts and millions of lights. Most importantly, it continues due to the appreciation of Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ guests who return during this season for this highlight of Walt Disney World’s Christmas spirit. What may have originally been seen by the Osborne family as an end to their Christmas tradition was truly an outlet that preserves their legacy of lights.

Dirk Wallen’s 12/8/13 Disney Springs/Downtown Disney Photo Report

WDWNT on March 18, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Downtown Disney on Sunday and has some newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip:

Here’s how the parking structure construction looks to guests

A third food truck has arrived on the West Side

It’s the World Showcase of Flavors

There is some mystery construction happening outside of House of Blues

Nothing new to see at the West side Starbucks location

A look over some construction walls on Pleasure Island

There is one small structure that is now enclosed

The remains of Comedy Warehouse

No visible work over here yet

Demolition of Captain Jack’s has begun so a new pedestrian bridge can be constructed in the Marketplace

A second Downtown Disney Starbucks is now going up next door to World of Disney in the Marketplace

Aerial Construction Photos of Disney Springs from 12/9/13

WDWNT on March 18, 2013

Our own Nick LoCicero took to the skies to get an aerial view of all of the work going on at Downtown Disney as it prepares to become Disney Springs in 2016. Lucky for use, he had his camera with him and got some great pictures!

We can see the new West Side parking structure starting to rise

The first concrete supports are planted in the ground

The structure will be completed in the Fall of 2014

Work on “The Landing” taking place in the former site of Motion and Rock ‘N’ Roll Beach Club

Demolition has begun on Captain Jack’s

Things will soon look very different here…

PHOTOS: 2014 Merchandise Arrives at Walt Disney World

WDWNT on March 18, 2013

2014 merchandise has started to arrive at stores around the Walt Disney World Resort! Here’s a look at the merchandise that has been released thus far and will be available over the next year:

Tumbler

Ceramic mug

Photo fame

Keychain

Metal keychain

Magnet

Magnet photo frame

Some new tin sings have been released

As well as the Dole Whip shirt

Ear hat

Kid’s hat

Kid’s sweatshirt

Kid’s jacket

Adult t-shirt

Matchbox airplane (the bus isn’t out yet)

Mini-Basketball

Kid’s t-shirt

Baby t-shirt

Infant t-shirt

Light-up necklace

Mickey plush

Duffy

Kid’s long sleeve shirt

Fanny pack

Adult t-shirt

Women’s t-shirt

Women’s long sleeve tee

Women’s jacket

The back of the jacket

Women’s t-shirt

Another new sign spotted

All 4 of the new signs

So, what do you think of the 2014 merchandise?

Disney Stuck on the Drawing Board: The Muppets take MGM

WDWNT on March 18, 2013

Whenever we walk the Streets of America at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (or New York Street as it is remembered), you can’t help but wonder what might have been. What is there that maybe shouldn’t be, and what is not there that should . . . Looking at the area just past Star Tours, what do you see? If you have a keen eye, you might notice what might have been . . .

Does it appear as though MuppetVision 3D is the focal point of the area? Does it look as if the Muppets were taking over that area of the park, with the Miss Piggy fountain and the giant hot air balloon drawing guests to the area? Now turn around. Look directly at Pizza Planet. Does it fit? You might say no. You might wonder why Pizza Planet is not near Toy Story Mania. Walking down the street, we see the Stage One Company Shop, and the Christmas shop, as well as Mama Melrose. Is there a cohesive story here? Not especially. Most importantly, does this look like something Disney would have done? Not at all. What happened here? What might we be looking at instead if things went as planned?

Back at the time MuppetVision was initially conceived and created, it appeared that Disney was beginning a major expansion in the New York Street area with the focus on the Muppet franchise. With Jim Henson planning on selling the Muppet franchise to the Disney Company, Disney would have complete autonomy to expand the Muppet franchise on their own. MuppetVison 3D was to be the first of many Muppet attractions, shops and dining options within the area. But alas, we do not see any of it. Some of the plans were fully developed, and others were still in concept, when the entire project was shelved.

One of the more fully developed ideas was Gonzo’s Pandemonium Pizza Parlor, which would have been located where Mama Melrose now stands. This restaurant would have blended good food with Muppet flair. The original plan called for the creation of audio animtronic rats. Led by Rizzo, they would deliver food to all the guests via a train track system. This–coupled with speakers projecting Gonzo’s voice from above, along with pounding and stomping sounds–would create the illusion that Gonzo was somehow stuck in the duct work above. Other plans also had the Swedish Chef popping out through the kitchen doors on occasion, as well as commotion coming from the kitchen as guests ate. Famous scenes from the Muppet Show would appear throughout the restaurant. As the name suggests, this restaurant would be complete pandemonium all of the time.

Another dining option Imagineering was conceiving revolved around the Swedish Chef. The location of this restaurant likely would have been across from MuppetVision, where Pizza Planet currently resides. The theme was to be the set of the Swedish Chef’s cooking show. It would have guests sitting at tables reminiscent of the Chef’s show, complete with full kitchen setups and cameras, as well as televisions depicting some of the chef’s greatest moments.

The most well-known of the abandoned Muppet attractions was the Muppet Movie Ride. This attraction would have been the little brother of the Great Movie Ride. Many people have speculated that the scenes in the Muppet attraction would be completely different, focusing on some of the Disney films like Peter Pan, as well as famous films like Frankenstein, with Muppets taking the place of the films’ stars.

Why did this never come to be? The answer to that question is rather difficult. The plans for Disney to buy the Muppets fell through in the early ’90s, a major reason being the tragic death of Muppet creator Jim Henson. His passing left the deal in limbo, and rumors persist that Henson’s children, particularly his son Brian, was not at all happy with the treatment his family received by then Disney head Michael Eisner. The story goes–whether true or fabricated–that Eisner was pressuring them for the completion of the sale, and the Henson family felt that there was not enough time for them to deal with Jim’s death and the family estate– so they pulled the plug. Without the deal, the plans for New York Street went down with it, because the Henson family would not allow the usage of the Muppets in any new attractions in the Disney parks. Outside of MuppetVision 3D and the Stage One Company shop, there wasn’t any another Muppet influence in the park, until Robert Iger’s purchase of the Muppets in 2004.

So, we should have been looking at a creative, well-themed Muppet area of the park. This would have added to the Disney/MGM Studio experience that was really missing until the late 1990s. As we look to the future of both this area and the Muppet franchise, we can hope the success of The Muppets in 2011 and the upcoming Muppets Most Wanted in 2014 as perhaps a new hope for a larger Muppet presence within the Disney parks. Guests keep hoping that these films will push Disney to expand the Muppet influence, and maybe some of these shelved projects might find their way back onto the drawing board.

Familiar Faces from Snow White’s Scary Adventures Come to Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train in New Fantasyland

WDWNT on March 18, 2013

Walt Disney Imagineering recently reached another milestone in the construction of the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train attraction with the overnight addition of a few scenic elements guests will encounter at the top of the mine train’s first lift. When mine cars pull out of the load area, they’ll travel up the track to the top of the mountain, where a jib crane sits topped by two ominous vultures, the latter of which originally appeared in the park’s original Snow White’s Scary Adventures attraction. This is the last stop before the mine train’s cars plunge into a mine shaft.

The lovable world of Sleepy, Doc, Grumpy, Bashful, Sneezy, Happy and Dopey comes to life in spring 2014 when the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train takes New Fantasyland guests on a rollicking, musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” Inspired by the 1937 Disney animated film classic “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” the fun starts as guests cross a stone bridge and walk through a beautiful forest with the Dwarfs’ cottage in the distance, leading to the entrance to the attraction — and immersion into the endearing story of the radiant and kindhearted Snow White and her forest friends led by the lovable Dwarfs.

After passing through an interactive pre-show area with fun activities themed to mining, guests will proceed to the mine train. Just like the iconic movie, surprises are in store! The family-style coaster will feature first-of-its-kind ride vehicles mounted in cradle-like pivots that allow the vehicles to swing back and forth during the ride. Adding to the fun, the journey will be accompanied by beloved music from the film classic and there’s a cast of animated figures of Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs and playful forest critters.

VIDEO: “It’s A Small World: The Animated Series” Debuts On Disney.com

WDWNT on March 18, 2013

Disney Interactive’s it’s a small world: the animated series debuted today across multiple portals including Disney.com, Disney’s Youtube channel and throughout Disney’s connected TV apps.

The new original online series, sponsored exclusively by Rosetta Stone, exploits the interactive medium to bring the classic Disney experience to life online for a new generation of fans. The eight episode series will introduce families to new words and customs from around the world.

Featuring original music from Richard Sherman, the legendary songwriter behind the attraction’s theme song, it’s a small world: the animated series will take viewers on a journey with a group of children from different countries as they explore new lands across the globe in a digital narrative brought to life through animation that was inspired by Mary Blair’s original design for the wildly popular theme park attraction.

Check out the first episode below:

Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist Mike Vetrone

WDWNT on March 18, 2013

Artist Mike Vetrone just sent us pictures of his newest creation. My jaw dropped. This depiction of Beauty and the Beast is simply stunning. I love the added touch on the wheels. Take a look and let us know what you think…