New Concept Art & Video Show Off More of New Fantasyland’s Princess Fairytale Hall

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

This week, Disney released two new pieces of concept art for Princess Fairytale Hall, opening this Fall in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom:

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New concept art shows off the interior queue space, a portrait gallery

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This new artwork shows the actual meeting locations for the princesses

A video Disney released last week shows the construction in progress on the location:

So, what do you think of Princess Fairytale Hall at the Magic Kingdom so far?

Tom Corless’ 4/16-4/26/13 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

I recently visited the Walt Disney World Resort (just last week) and I have a ton of newsworthy photos to share with you, so let’s take a look at all of the changes happening around the resort right now:

They got a new banner, too bad they only have a few months left…

They added some “blood” red carpet in the queue at the Haunted Mansion… sorry, it’s dark in there

The backside of the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train appears to closely resemble the rock-work on Under the Sea

After a month, it appears the construction of the third bus loop at the Magic Kingdom is still in the early stages

I see you Grand Floridian Villas…

Over at Animal Kingdom, banners are still up for the 15th anniversary

We can already see posts for a marquee going up where the new Festival of the Lion King entrance will be in Africa

The Anandapur Ice Cream Truck is gone, so you can only get soft-serve at Camp Minnie-Mickey right now

With Planes coming out this August, there are some character planes clothes for kids coming out

I particularly like the Dumbo jumbo jet…

Taking a look at the Villas at the Grand Floridian from the Polynesian Beach

The trademark red roof is starting to appear

Monsters University merchandise can be found everywhere

More Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train construction

A few weeks ago, the Gaston’s mug was updated with new artwork featuring Gaston and LeFou

Sorry for the blurry pic, but you get the idea

More MU stuff in Mouse Gear

Some new Villains watches have come out

Scar and Chernabog

Queen of Hearts and Maleficent

Scar

The Monsters University display recently added some gargoyles despite the fact that the event is ending soon

Some banners describing the film were also put up

Touch-point entry was finally installed at International Gateway

There are now Mickey and Minnie handset phones for mobile phones for sale

Mickey and Minnie mini-speakers for sale

I tired the chili cone queso at Downtown Disney… it’s the same as Cars Land…

The Droid Factory has now opened inside Once Upon a Toy

The four stations really help out with lines

Some new magnets for sale

The Boardwalk Bakery re-opened on Friday at Disney’s Boardwalk

It looks a lot different

You should probably wear a shirt to the bakery…

The expanded kitchen added some pre-made sandwiches to the menu

They also have soup

Mmmmmm

MMMMMMMMMM

FastPass testing for Fantasmic! going on now

The American Idol Experience store now sells Star Wars stuff… Yes…

They added a seafood platter to the menu at the ABC Commissary…. Yum?

The oscars are back at the Magic of Disney Animation from filming for Saving Mr. Banks the last several months

Cool new baseball cap

Dirk Wallen’s 4/25-26/13 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios last week and has a ton of newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

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The Kodak sign is still up, too bad the waterfall isn’t…

Just imagine it is there

This seating area in Innoventions is now being used as office space as far as we can tell

Segway Central hasn’t changed since closing

Probably should take this down

Monsters University merchandise in Mouse Gear

MU iPhone cases

Scare Pig plush

Art plush

Open edition pin

Kids shirt

Ummmmm….

Graduation Duffy!

AHHHHHH!

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Moving to Studios, there is a Monsters University billboard in the parking lot

Kodak letters gone from the Darkroom facade, but are still on the sign

FastPass test for Fantasmic! ongoing

We are in the final days of the old Monsters Inc. meet and greet in the backlot

Soon we will be going back to college…

Monsters University billboard near PIXAR Place

A Lone Ranger billboard up as well

MU banners in the Animation Courtyard

Inside the Magic of Disney Animation, Monsters University artwork has been added

The Gallery exhibit was updated as well

Joe Hogarty’s 4/24/13 Magic Kingdom Photo

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Joe Hogarty visited the Magic Kingdom last Wednesday and took a number of newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

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The Monsterail!!!


Work continues on the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train in Fantasyland

Triton’s Treasures looks nearly completed

A lot of work still to be done over here

We can start to see what the skyline will look like

A close look at the track

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HOW DARE YOU?!?!

Mickey thinks it is funny…

Dirk Wallen’s 4/23/13 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Downtown Disney, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom last week and has some newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

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The Rainforest Cafe volcano is done

Tons of Marvel stuff in Once Upon a Toy

They also now have the Star Wars Droid Factory

Over at Epcot, work continues on turing Fountain View into a Starbucks location

The old Character Spot is still closed… at this point I’m starting to think it will become Starbucks seating…

Tarps are down at Mission: Space and the facade looks great

Tarps are up where Spice Road Table will be going in Morocco

A temporary stage up for Mo’ Rockin’

The waterfall at Maelstrom is being worked on again for some reason

Moving to Animal Kingdom, the Anandapur Ice Cream truck is gone

Work continues on the new home for Festival of the Lion King in Africa

Previews of Gummi Bears Disney Afternoon Set Revealed

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

Today, the Official Vinylmation Blog posted preview pictures of the final set in their Disney Afternoon Series 2.  At long last, we have our Gummi Bears set.  After getting scrapped from Disney Afternoon Series 1, these guys are a welcome addition to collections.  The set was designed by Maria Clapsis, has an LE 1500, and will release at both parks and online on November 29th for $29.95 each.  Take a look at the previews:

Cubbi and Gruffi have great expressions, and like all others in this series, feature an accessory.  What do you guys think of this final set? Do you like it better than the scrapped Gummi Bears designs? And who would you like to see in a possible Afternoon series 3? Let us know!!

VIDEO: A Look Back At Animal Kingdom’s 15th Anniversary

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

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Last week, Disney’s Animal Kingdom celebrated it’s 15th anniversary with a special ceremony and some added characters in the Jammin’ Jungle Parade. We have video of both of these offerings to share with you today. First up, the morning anniversary ceremony:

Here is Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade with the added characters:

“May The Fourth Be With You” Limited Time Magic At Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

For a long time, Star Wars fans have proclaimed May 4th as “May the Fourth be with you” and so this year Disney is playing on that term and using it as a Limited Time Magic offering over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. For one day only, May 4th 2013, Disney will host an event separate from Star Wars Weekends called “May The Fourth Be With You”. What can we expect from this? Lets take a look.

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On May 4th you’ll find special Star Wars characters, merchandise, a Star Wars dance party, and to top it all off… a special Star Wars themed Fireworks Show. Characters will also be making appearances around Star Tours: The Adventures Continue and if you are lucky enough, you’ll get to ride with some of them on the attraction. (Wouldn’t it be cool if you could ride Star Tours with Chewbacca?)

A special edition of Star Wars Jedi Academy will be performed on May 4th and this time, Disney invites the parents to take the stage with the kids to be part of the fun and help battle the Empire. As soon as the sun goes down, join Lobot as DJ for the biggest dance party and fireworks spectacular in the galaxy.

All this will be part of your regular park admission, all you have to do is show up at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 4th 2013 and get ready to have fun!

Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade Coming To Magic Kingdom in 2014

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

Just announced out of The Walt Disney World Resort is a new parade coming to The Magic Kingdom in Spring 2014. Festival of Fantasy Parade will bring a celebration of New Fantasyland to the whole park with fantastic new floats, vibrant costumes, and new music that will feature classic Disney songs plus a new parade theme song.

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The parade floats will highlight stories that include but are not limited to: The Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty, Dumbo, Pinocchio, Peter Pan, Tangled, and Brave.

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Check out some of the concept art for the parade released by Disney in this post. Keep checking back to WDWNT for more news and information coming out of the “Monstrous Summer” media event.

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Disney Parks to Kick Off the Summer with Another 24-Hour Day on May 24th

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

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Disney just announced (via a giant projection on Spaceship Earth) that the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure will be open for 24 hours on May 24th, 2013:

Our first-ever, three-park all-night party is happening at the Magic Kingdom Park in Florida and Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park in California. The parks will stay open from 6 a.m., May 24 to 6 a.m., May 25, 2013, local time.

  • In Florida, Magic Kingdom Park will feature a “Monsters University” theme where Mike and Sulley will be the Grand Marshals of the “Celebrate a Dream Come True” day parade and make appearances in Tomorrowland. There will be extra entertainment throughout the day and night, including characters in their pajamas in Town Square during the late night and early morning, and late-night dance parties in and around the courtyard of Cinderella Castle.
  • In California, you’ll be able to party the night away at both parks with special entertainment including: a “Monsters University” “TLT Monstrous” Dance Club and Star Wars characters in Tomorrowland and late-night Character Pajama Party in Mickey’s ToonTown at Disneyland park. The new Fantasy Faire Royal Theatre at Disneyland park will become a Royal Dance Hall late at night with a live band and dancing; and guests of Disney California Adventure park will find Monstrous photo opportunities with new “Monsters University” “Dorms” in Hollywood Land and a new “Monsters University” float leading the Pixar Play Parade.

So, what do you think of another Disney Parks 24-hour day?