REVIEW: Superstar Catering Food Truck Debuts at Downtown Disney

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

Disney had announced that four food trucks will be moving into Downtown Disney’s West Side in November and the first one has arrived! In time for the Festival of the Masters this weekend, the Superstar Catering food truck pulled in and began serving food to guests.

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The menu consists of meatballs, meatballs and more meatballs served in a variety of styles and flavors. At $11 and $12 each, it seems a bit pricey for a quick food truck stop and for the amount of food you are getting. I did try the Spinach and Feta Beef Meatball Sandwich and it was very tasty. There is also the kids option at $4.25.

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A variety of Coca-Cola products, water and alcohol is also served here. The food truck is currently located among festival tents next to the Disney Artist Village.

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VIDEO: Glow with the Show “Dances” with the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

Last night, I was lucky enough to attend a special cast member preview of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I am happy to report that the Glow with the Show ears did start working with the show last night and we have several videos of them dancing along with the lights to share with you today. Let’s start with my personal favorite:

Here’s another song and the turning on of the lights:

Another song:

And here’s the last:

Outside of World of Color, this is the best use I have seen for the Glow with the Show ears to date. It just feels like the proper setting for them as everything around you is lighting up. Why not have something on your head do it too? If Glow with the Show does not pan out, I at least hope it returns annually for Osborne Lights because it just feels like it has been there all along.

Star Wars: Episode VII Release Date Announced

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

The seventh episode in the Star Wars saga, as yet unnamed and referred to simply as Star Wars: Episode VII was revealed by The Walt Disney Studios to be released on December 18, 2015.

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“We’re very excited to share the official 2015 release date for Star Wars: Episode VII, where it will not only anchor the popular holiday filmgoing season but also ensure our extraordinary filmmaking team has the time needed to deliver a sensational picture,” said Alan Horn, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios.

The next highly-anticipated release in Lucasfilm’s long-running franchise is already in pre-production. It will be directed by J.J. Abrams and scripted by Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan. John Williams is returning to score the film.

Shooting is scheduled to begin spring 2014 at London’s Pinewood Studios.

Walt Disney Studios

Joe Hogarty’s 11/4/13 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Joe Hogarty visited the Magic Kingdom and Epcot on Monday and has a number of newsworthy items to share with us from his trip, so let’s take a look:

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Triton’s Treasures is no longer a thing, these space originally meant for a shop will now be a Disney Vacation Club kiosk

As much as I hate to say it, the sign is beautiful

There is a squid weathervane on the building

We believe this to be a reference to the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea attraction

Work continues on Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train as we approach 2014

We can now see a small building rising near the track

We expect this to be the queue

We believe this to be the entrance

Looking good!

Frozen merchandise can now be found in the Emporium

Some of it is the same you can find at the Disney Store

Moving over to Epcot, Spaceship Earth is awfully dirty

Hopefully there is some way to get up there and clean it

Plenty of Christmas merchandise out in the parks already

Happy holidays!

Marvel Teaming Up With Netflix For 4 Original Superhero Shows

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

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Marvel is teaming up with Netflix to create 4 new “Avengers-style” shows that will begin airing in 2015. The first of the TV series will focus on Daredevil, while the following series will star Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, and Luke Cage. At least 13 episodes of each series will be produced, and — like all good Marvel series — they’ll eventually come together for a special event. For Netflix, that event will be a mini-series called The Defenders.

“This serialized epic expands the narrative possibilities of on-demand television and gives fans the flexibility to immerse themselves how and when they want in what’s sure to be a thrilling and engaging adventure,” Alan Fine, president of Marvel Entertainment, says in a statement. The series will all be set in Hell’s Kitchen, New York, and will unfold over several years. Their world is said to be a gritty one as well, though Marvel’s series have largely straddled the line between realistic worlds and comic book-style fun.

The deal is a huge one for both Marvel and Netflix. It’s Marvel’s biggest venture yet into television series, and it’s one of Netflix’s biggest commitments as well — one that’s certain to draw quite a few eyes. As big as it is, it’s actually the second major deal between the two companies: a deal made late last year will make Netflix the only place to watch Marvel’s movies immediately after they leave theaters starting in 2016. With both Marvel and Netflix moving quite aggressively to create new series lately, the partnership is quite fitting. Both companies have also been quite successful in those efforts.

Source: AWPA

Poster and Props Revealed for “The Jingle Cruise” Jungle Cruise Attraction

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

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Disney today revealed the attraction poster for the Jingle Cruise attraction, a new seasonal layover of the Jungle Cruise at the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park. The attraction debuts at Walt Disney World on November 8th and at Disneyland on November 12th. Neither attraction will close for the overlay, all of the work will be done overnight.

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Walt Disney Imagineering also shared this picture of some of the props they have been working on for the attraction.

So, what do you think? Are you excited for the Jingle Cruise?

Holiday Happenings 2013 at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

For the 2013 Holiday season, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels are celebrating with the ever-popular Holiday Happenings at the Swan and Dolphin. December will once again bring a month-long celebration featuring Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus as the couple spends their vacation at Santa’s favorite resort, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel.

Families staying at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel can enjoy a unique holiday experience, mingling with Santa Claus,  lighting the tree with Mrs. Claus, and even getting tucked in by one of Santa’s elves. Kandy Kane, Santa’s favorite elf, will also be on hand this holiday season.

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Included in this year’s  magical holiday celebration:
Santa and Mrs. Claus Meet ‘n Greets

Decked out in their vacation wardrobe, Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and their favorite elf, Kandy Kane, will meet with guests in Santa’s customized Tiki hut on select nights. This hut features reindeer, palm trees and flamingos, making it a totally unique photo opportunity!

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Dancing Lights Show

Each evening, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel;s causeway transforms into a holiday spectacle, where illuminating palm trees provide a dazzling musical light show featuring favorite holiday tunes.

Life-Size Chocolate Santa Scene

Constructed entirely of chocolate, this life-sized sculpture of Santa Claus weighs in at approximately 1,200 pounds! The sculpture, created by the hotel’s executive pastry chef Laurent Branlard (the only two-time world pastry champion), will be on display in the lobby of the Swan. And to make it even more decadent, a chocolate fireplace, chocolate Christmas tree and chocolate toy train will also be featured in this taste bud-tempting display. As a new addition, this year’s display will feature a 7-foot tall, 400-pound chocolate nutcracker!
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Bedtime Elf Tuck-Ins

On Dec. 24, parents can hire a full-costumed elf to deliver milk, cookies, a plush toy and storybook to the room. Once tucked in, you can read a bedtime story before before Santa arrives. This premium service costs $55 for one child and $15 for each additional child. A service charge of 20 percent is added. Reservations are required and space is limited.Holiday EntertainmentOn select nights, guests will be entertained by carolers, choirs and musicians in the hotel lobbies, on the causeway and in other public areas throughout the hotel.

Magic Keys for Santa

How does Santa leave presents if there isn’t a chimney? He uses a magical room key!  Children can hang a magic key outside their guest room on Christmas Eve to help Santa find his way.

Tree-Lighting Ceremony

On select nights, guests can join Mrs. Claus in the Dolphin lobby for the lighting of the hotel’s 45-ft. tall Christmas tree, followed by hot beverages at Santa’s Tiki Hut.

Dessert Decorating and Holiday Movies

Throughout December, guests can tune in to free holiday-themed movies on their guest room televisions. Children also can decorate delicious holiday sweets in the lobby.

For more details about all the holiday excitement, including a full schedule of activities at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel, or to make room reservations, please visit www.santasfavoriteresort.com or call 1-800-227-1500. Overnight rates start at
$159 per night.

Will you be visiting the the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel during the holidays this year? Have you been in previous years? What is your favorite Swan and Dolphin Hotel holiday activity? 

BREAKING: New Photo-Ops, Character Meet-And-Greets, & More Coming 2013 Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

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We’ve just received some new information about offerings and changes for this years’ Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. While the event stays mostly the same year to year there are always some changes to try and enhance guest experiences.

New This Year:

  • Jingle Cruise: a holiday overlay at the Jungle Cruise
  • Meet & Greet: Mary Poppins, Bert, and Penguins will meet guests in Fantasyland
  • Treat Station Icons: This year treat stations will be marked with new giant, inflatable Candy Canes

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  • Photo Opportunity: The Rose Garden Photopass Stop will have a large red Christmas Ornament with the event name where guests can pose (pictured below in concept art and completed form)

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Entertainment Schedule:

  • Parade: Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade steps off at 8:15pm and 10:30pm from Frontierland
  • Main Street Pre-Parade: The Kringle Crew is back to entertain guests on Main Street USA before the parade arrives; pre-parade is at 8:15pm & 10:30pm
  • Castle Forecourt Stage: Celebrate the Season show times are 7:45pm, 10:05pm, and 11:20pm
  • Rockettower Plaza Stage: A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Show times are 7:45pm, 8:45pm, 9:55pm, 10:50pm, and 11:45pm
  • Fireworks: Holiday Wishes-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season is at 9:30pm
  • Celebrate the Magic: Celebrate the Magic with holiday tag and Frozen insert is at 9:15pm

Dance Parties:

  • Club Tinsel: In Tomorrowland at Cosmic Ray’s
  • Woody’s Hootin’ Holiday Open House: In Frontierland at Diamond Horseshoe

Characters and Atmosphere:

  • Santa Claus: at Town Square Courtyard
  • Rusty Cutlass Pirate Band: In Adventureland
  • Snow!: On Main Street USA
  • NEW Mary Poppins, Bert, and Penguins: in Fantasyland

There are also new merchandise and food offerings for this year:

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Most interesting, there is now an official backstory for the party:

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So, what do you think? Are you excited for this year’s Very Merry Christmas Party?

PHOTOS & VIDEO: Frozen Characters Anna & Elsa Debut in Norway at Epcot

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

Over the weekend, Anna and Elsa from Disney’s upcoming animated film Frozen began greeting guests in some former shop space in the Norway pavilion at Epcot:

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The new exhibit in the stave church is still not open

Windows of the Norway shops are filled with Frozen merchandise

The entrance being used for the meet and greet

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Here’s a short video of the duo in action:

Guests get a gift (while supplies last)

After you meet the sisters, you can buy all kids of Frozen merchandise

So, there is a little less shopping to do in the Norway pavilion as the front of the store has been made into the meet and greet. Also, the former perfume room is now being utilized for Frozen items.

So, what do you think? Are you excited to meet Anna and Elsa from Frozen?

Mary Poppins Featured in Winter Issue of D23 Magazine

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

The winter issue of D23’s flagship magazine is being dedicated to everyone’s beloved nanny, Mary Poppins, to celebrate both the upcoming 50th anniversary of Disney’s Mary Poppins film and the December release of Saving Mr. Banks.

Disneytwenty-three_5 4-Winter2013 Cover-sm-copyright (2)Available exclusively to D23 Gold Members, the magazine will include exclusive interviews with Saving Mr. Banks stars Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson and Bradley Whitford, as well as director John Lee Hancock. Readers will be taken behind the scenes of the new film which opens this Christmas as well as the creation of Disney’s Mary Poppins and the sometimes combative but respectful relationship between the character’s creator, P.L. Travers (Thompson), and Walt Disney (Hanks).

The D23 winter issue will also offer a look inside the fascinating life of P.L. Travers, with a personal reminiscence by her friend, author Brian Sibley. Also, original film composer Richard M. Sherman, visual consultant Tony Walton, and choreographers Marc Beaux and Dee Dee Wood will offer exclusive insight into the creation of the 1964 Disney classic, which will officially celebrate its 50th anniversary next August.

Also included in the Winter issue of Disney twenty-three:

  • A first-person account of the creation of the stage musical Mary Poppins from Disney Theatrical Productions president Thomas Schumacher
  • “Elements of Fun,” looking at 50 years of unique “Mary merchandise”
  • An in-depth look at the film’s groundbreaking special effects
  • A walk down the red carpet for the Mary Poppins premiere at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

All D23 Members are invited to visit www.D23.com, where the fan club is kicking off its year-long celebration of Mary Poppins’ 50th anniversary with a unique video reconstruction of the Mary Poppins world premiere, containing five minutes of never-before-released material.

Although the original telecast of the event appears to have been lost forever, this 22-minute segment will re-create the excitement and glamor of the stellar premiere at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on August 27, 1964.

Other features planned for D23.com’s online celebration include:

  • Extensive Mary Poppins galleries, including a look at the film’s breathtaking matte paintings
  • An interactive map of the Walt Disney Studios with photo locations from Saving Mr. Banks
  • Rarely heard audio files from the making of Mary Poppins
  • An in-depth Mary Poppins production timeline
  • A look at the sodium screen/traveling matte process, which gave the film its unique visual look
  • An exclusive interview with Mary Poppins visual consultant Tony Walton

Also in the winter issue, D23 Gold Members will receive a reproduction of the ticket mailed to invitees for the Mary Poppins premiere at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.