July 2013 – Page 3 – WDWNT Archive

Tom Corless’ 6/27-7/1/13 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

I managed to visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Grand Floridian, and the Magic Kingdom over the last week and took plenty of newsworthy photos to share, so let’s take a look at what’s new at the Walt Disney World Resort:

A new purchase-with-purchase bag is available

FastPass+ entrance at the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

MagicBand accessories can also be found at Animal Kingdom Lodge

They have Incredibles MagicBandits

Moat exciting has to be the appearance of Star Wars CoverBands

There are also a few MagicBand t-shirts available

The new seasonal line of Beautifully Disney has been released

Moving to Animal Kingdom, we found some Monsters University school supplies for sale

Construction continues on the new theater for Festival of the Lion King in Africa

There are now stand-by and FastPass+ signs at Finding Nemo: The Musical

New Sorcerer Mickey iPhone 5 case

While the real sign has still not arrived, this temporary sign shows us artwork for what the real Adventurers Outpost sign will look like

Lone Ranger and Tonto Vinylmation for sale

The Grand Floridian gave out 25th anniversary buttons on July 1st

Some new novelty sunglasses are being sold at the Magic Kingdom

I really love these Goofy ones

Princess shades are neat too

Happy 4th of July everyone!

New Look for Buena Vista Street Merchandise at Disney California Adventure Park

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

Barely shy of it’s one year birthday, we know Buena Vista Street is home to unique shops and merchandise. Disney has now announced new Buena Vista themed products coming this month.

Were you a fan of the Buena Vista Street-inspired merchandise created in celebration of the opening last year? If so, and you are looking to update your wardrobe, there are new collections on the horizon. Here’s your first look at some of the new art that will appear on an array of merchandise including tees, fleece, hats, drinkware, pins, souvenirs and more.

If you are looking for summer wear for the kids, then be sure to pick up this Oswald youth tee.

Look for this new collection to debut in July at Elias & Co. atDisney California Adventure park, among other select locations.

Photo reports will make an appearance as soon as the new merchandise does, so stay tuned!

Dirk Wallen’s 6/29/13 Downtown Disney (Disney Springs) Photo Report

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Downtown Disney over the weekend to check the progress on the Disney Springs makeover currently in the earliest stages. Let’s take a look at the progress thus far:

The taco truck is still out by Fulton’s Crab House

Pleasure Island is now mostly covered in construction walls

There are new walls in the same spot as the old ones at the former Rock ‘N’ Roll Beach Club site

Walls now up across from Paradiso 37

Curl has finally moved next to Splitsville on the West Side

The Comedy Warehouse side is completely walled off

Still no walls up at the former Adventurer’s Club

There are some walls up at the very edge of the West Side

No visible progress yet, but things are about to get interesting!

Dirk Wallen’s 6/30/13 Magic Kingdom Photo Report

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited the Magic Kingdom yesterday and has a few newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

A look at the Villas at the Grand Floridian from across the lagoon

A look at construction of the third bus loop at the Magic Kingdom

A few awnings have already gone up

Mickey may be sold out, but you can still pick up a patriotic Minnie plush

Some special shirts out for the 4th of July as well

Well, Sleepy Hollow Refreshments is no longer behind tarps!

There may be no signage or shingles up yet, but the building is looking great

Cinderella’s fountain was roped off for some reason…

Stand-by and FastPass+ entrances are now ready to roll at Magic Carpets of Aladdin

Tim Alcoser’s 6-29-13 Disneyland Photo Report

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

Disneyland News Today Reporter Tim Alcoser visited the Disneyland Resort on Saturday (6/29) and caught a few bits of news in and around the resort.

The Steam Engine from the upcoming film, The Lone Ranger, is on display east of the Esplanade at Disneyland’s East Transportation Center.

A fairly obvious hidden mickey is seen inside the cab of the engine. I wonder if you will be able to see it in the movie…?

A closer look.

It’s a real Steam Train. Not just a movie prop.

With 4th of July almost here, many guests are stopping to enjoy the Flag Retreat ceremony.

Over at Disney California Adventure, Sir Tow Mater takes a stroll towards Carsland.

Radiator Springs Racers was down for awhile when I dropped by.

Here’s another look at the holiday decorations on Buena Vista Street. Buena Vista Street is all set to celebrate it’s second Independence Day!

“We sell hats…and not much else…”

With Summer in full swing comes the return of an annual guest favorite. The All American College Band.

The band is very talented and always draws huge crowds.

A look at Main Street USA, finally cooling off after a heat wave rolled across much of the state.

80z All Star Band played 80’s favorites all evening long.

The large crane that was rebuilding Big Thunder’s track has been long gone. But basic renovations of the landscape still go on.

Magical! Fireworks Spectacular.

What Disney day is complete without Fantasmic?

Lasers, lights, fireworks and smoke. Hope you enjoyed the report!

New “Wake Up with Disney” App for iOS Devices

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

“Wake Up with Disney” App

by Patty Granger

Disney fans can now wake up and start every beautiful morning with their favorite furious fowl Donald Duck using Wake Up with Disney. People can turn an alarm clock into an interactive activity with 3D Disney characters, starring the popular Donald Duck at launch with more characters to come.

Fans can customize and choose additional costumes with backgrounds for Donald like Safari and Fire Chief. Donald Duck talks, laughs, and interacts with fans along with waking them up.

I hate the mornings and I am always open to testing out a new app that can help me wake up a little quicker! I must say I love this app; I got a huge kick out of waking up to a screaming Donald. With an integrated 5-Day weather forecast, flashlight, and nightlight this app really is more than just a wake up call from Donald! I encourage you to explore the app and discover its hidden gems like the sleep feature!

Visit the App Store to download Wake Up With Disney is available to download for $.99 for iOS devices on the App Store: http://bit.ly/14gjcsr.

ESPN Films to Offer Sneak Preview at D23 Expo

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

ESPN Films to Offer Sneak Preview at D23 Expo

By Joshua Hall

If you’re like me, sports are an integral part of everyday life. I wake up in the morning and check out the latest sports news on my phone while still lying in bed. Next, I get ready for the day and enjoy a cup of coffee while watching the sports headlines on TV. As I drive to work, I listen to more sports headlines on the radio. When I get to work, I settle into my routine of checking scores, talking with my coworkers, and even receiving text updates on (you guessed it) sports. Also, if you’re like me, you’re familiar with ESPN Films, the production company that is dedicated to telling true stories of exciting, tear-jerking, and heroic moments in sports. The same company is well-known for its 30 for 30 series that celebrated ESPN’s thirtieth anniversary by producing 30 documentaries covering a wide range of great moments from sports lore and athletes’ careers including Wayne Gretzky’s trade to the LA Kings, George Steinbrenner’s ownership of the Yankees, and Michael Jordan’s stint in baseball (my personal favorite).

Now, ESPN Films is introducing a new series called Nine for IX. This series will be produced in recognition of the 40th anniversary of Title IX and will air over nine consecutive Thursdays at 8 PM starting on July 2nd with a documentary covering Venus Williams. The series will also cover other great female sports figures such as the legendary coach, Pat Summit and Sheryl Swoops, who many call the female Michael Jordan. Also included in the Nine for IX lineup is an installment covering the US Women’s National Soccer Team at the 1999 World Cup. Entitled The ‘99ers, this documentary covers the team’s penalty kick shootout victory over China to win the world cup and inspire the world. The film also includes behind-the-scenes footage that candidly helps to tell the story from the players’ point of view. By reuniting players from the 1999 team and by including players from the current team, The ‘99ers also takes a look into how women’s sports have changed since that day in 1999.

On August 11 at this year’s D23 Expo, attendees will have a chance to see an exclusive screening of the film as part of the Ultimate Disney Fan Event. The screening will also include a special Q&A session with the film’s director Erin Leyden and producer Julie Foudy. This will be a great opportunity of sports fans and movie buffs alike as it will provide insight on this epic moment in sports history and also the process of creating a sports documentary.

The screening will take place in Stage 28 at the Anaheim Convention Center on Sunday, August 11 at 2:30 PM PT.

D23 Releases Images from Walt Disney’s Personal Camera

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

D23 Releases Images from Walt’s Camera

By Michael Truskowski

I have never really spent much time in the D23 website despite being a charter member. I just didn’t find a whole lot of content that was interesting. But Disney has finally addressed this with a revamped, members only section of the website.

Don’t want to join D23? Now you can get a free membership that grants you access to the website without costing you a single dollar. Of course, if you want the magazine, access to special events, and other benefits from your membership, you still need to pay the annual fee. But if you are simply curious about the web content, there really is no reason not to sign up.

As a way of announcing the new site (and driving traffic to it), they released several never before seen images of Walt, taken with his own personal camera. Two of the images were released to the general public.

The first shows Walt in June 1951 on a family trip to Denmark. (Although we have to wonder, whose camera is Walt holding if this picture was captured with Walt’s camera?)

The second shows a younger (1940’s) Walt asleep in his lawn on some sort of lounge mat, thing. It is always interesting to see someone famous when their guard is down, living their normal life. Think of every other image of Walt you have ever seen. He is almost always working. We tend to think of him now as just being Disney the company (which happens when you give your name to what ends up being one of the largest companies in the world). But this photo reminds us all that he was, in many ways, just like us.

Some of the other photos on the D23 website include photos of the girls on the carousel. Yes, those girls on that carousel. You know, the one which served as the inspiration for Walt to build Disneyland. Also in one of the carousel photos is a very young Roy E. Disney. Another part of Walt’s life that readers of this are no doubt aware of is the Carolwood Pacific railroad, Walt’s backyard train, and the predecessor to the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Railroads. There are also several photos of his wife Lillian, who we do not get to see nearly as often as her husband.

What I love about these photos is that the really do look like someone’s family photos, not studio publicity pictures. It is an interesting mix of history and human interest. It is accessible at D23.com as a part of the D’scovered series. If you have not been around the D23 site lately, it is worth a trip back. If you have never been there, go grab a free membership and take a look around.

Special military performances coming to the Disneyland Resort for Independence Day!

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

In celebration of the upcoming Independence Day holiday, several groups will be making special guest visits to the Disneyland Resort including the 3rd Marine Air Wing Band from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

Joining us on July 4th is the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band from Miramar, Calif., who will help retire the colors at Disneyland park during the flag retreat ceremony in Town Square at 5:30 p.m. They also will perform a full concert at 7:15 p.m. at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree.

On July 4th at Disney California Adventure park, the Concert Band of the Air National Guard Bands of the Southwest will perform at 4 p.m. on the Palisades Stage (“World of Color” viewing area stage). This performance will mark the first military concert held at Disney California Adventure park on Independence Day.

Several acts from the Air National Guard Bands of the Southwest also will perform throughout next week, as follows. Below is a complete schedule of the military acts and where and when they will be performing.

Monday, July 1

At Disneyland park, the Dixieland Tailgaters will perform on the French Market Stage in New Orleans Square at 12 p.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.

At Disney California Adventure park, rock out with Global Strike in Paradise Gardens at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 2

At Disneyland park, the sax quintet Golden Tones will perform in Town Square at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

At Disney California Adventure park, enjoy Latin Salsa with Fuego Azule at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 4

At Disneyland park, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band will be part of the flag retreat ceremony in Town Square at 5:30 p.m. and perform at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree at 7:15 p.m.

At Disney California Adventure park, the Concert Band of the Air National Guard Bands of the Southwest will perform at 4 p.m. on the Palisades Stage (World of Color viewing area stage).

Friday, July 5

At Disneyland park, the Jazz Ensemble of the Air National Guard Bands of the Southwest will perform at 5:30 p.m. at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree.

Here is a Teaser of the 3rd Marine Air Wing Band playing Mary Poppins music from 4th of July, 2012 at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree.

Come on down and celebrate the 4th of July the way it was meant to be celebrated. At the Happiest Place on Earth. I know i’ll be there!

Dirk Wallen’s 6/27/13 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Animal Kingdom, the Villas at the Grand Floridian, and Epcot earlier today and took some great photos to share with us, so let’s take a look: