PHOTOS: Demolition of the Sorcerer’s Hat Begins at Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on January 29, 2015

Demolition has begun for the Sorcerer’s Hat at Disney’s Hollywood Studios…

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

 

The gold spirals under the hat are the first piece to go…

 

On the walls around the hat, ads for the park’s attractions can be found

 

Also, the Earful Tower, which is now more visible with the trees in the center hub of the park coming down

 

It will be a few weeks until the hat is completely down, with work in the area wrapping up around April/May

 

This side is looking really bad, so probably best  that it comes down

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

 

Guests leaving the park in the evening will find the hat completely dark, but the Earful Tower is now in plain sight, and the Chinese Theater will follow once the hat comes down.

WDW News Today Celebrates 60 Years of Disney Parks in 2015 with 60-Hour Show, Exciting History Segments, & More!

WDWNT on January 29, 2015

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Orlando, FL – Coming hot off the heels of the most successful year in the website’s history, WDW News Today is proud to announce an ambitious slate of offerings for 2015, all marking the 60th anniversary of the opening of the very first Disney theme park, Disneyland. In the past, WDW News Today’s content has celebrated individual attraction and park milestones, but never before has there been a 12-month period of exciting entertainment and stories centered around the entire history of Disney Parks. From coast-to-coast and continent-to-continent, WDWNT will be taking you on a 60-year time and world traveling journey through every milestone (and even misstep) in the history of the places “where dreams come true”.

The WDW News Today Podcast

Beginning this week on the WDW News Today Podcast, you’ll find multiple segments that mark this important year, including:

  • The 60 Biggest Moments in the History of the Disneyland Resort – A countdown running for the next 6-months where we reveal and rank the 60 most important moments in the history of the Disneyland Resort, as voted by you!
  • The Top 10: Disneyland vs. Disney World – Our Top 10 countdowns go bi-coastal for the very first time, pitting Walt Disney World’s and Disneyland Resort’s very best against each other.
  • Back to the Future – WDWNT’s definitive history segment returns on 6 occasions in 2015 to go in-depth like never before on the stories of some of the most iconic and important attractions in theme park history: Disney’s Monorail, the Matterhorn Bobsleds (including proposed EPCOT Center version), The Indiana Jones Adventure, The Peoplemover, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, and the Liquid Space Adventures (Submarine Voyage/20,000 Leagues Under the Sea).

WDW News Today: The Radio Show

Every week, WDW News Today: The Radio show will present segments and games celebrating 60 years of Disney Parks, including a new game called “Disney Parks Pursuit” which will test listeners knowledge of Disney Parks trivia, music, and much more for prizes provided by Theme Park Connection! WDW News Today: The Radio show can be heard weekly on AM 1520 WBZW in Orlando and online on WDW News Today: On The Air Thursdays from 8-10PM EST (starting January 22nd).

A 60-Hour Celebration of 60 Years of Disney Parks – November 27-29, 2015

Annually, WDWNT has provided a somewhere between 24-30 hour broadcast to benefit the Toys for Tots Foundation on Thanksgiving Weekend. In 2015, we will kick things up a notch by presenting a 60-HOUR broadcast where we will attempt to raise at least $6000 for the charity organization. The event will cap off the year-long festivities with a 2.5 day journey through 6 decades of Disney Parks stories, history, and fun. Both on the air and in-person at the Disney Parks, this is sure to be the BIGGEST event in WDW News Today history!

AND MORE!

We are still working out the details, but special fan meets and other events at the Disney Parks (and 2015 D23 Expo) are planned, including some exciting things we have never done before (details coming soon).

The WDW News Today website will of course be covering all of the excitement of the parks today as we share Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary Celebration, the 2015 D23 Expo, and much more with you this year, so stay tuned for all of the fun and excitement!

Live Action “Cinderella” Sneak-Peek & Photo-Op Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on January 29, 2015

Beginning January 17th, guests can see a special sneak-peek of Disney’s live-action Cinderella film at the ABC Sound Studio in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The preview will run through March 21st.

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The coach from the film,which has been appearing at the Magic Kingdom before the afternoon parade, will be moving to Hollywood Studios to provide a photo-op for guests from February 1st through April 11th, 2015.

2015 D23 Member Savings With Discounts and Offers From Disney and Beyond

WDWNT on January 29, 2015

Whether headed to a Disney Park or staying close to home, members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can save on shopping, entertainment, and their next Disney adventure when they present a D23 Membership Card or use special member-only online codes.

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D23 Members can enjoy:

  • Savings of 20% on select Disney On Ice and Disney Live! touring productions
  • An exclusive 10% discount and a special portfolio of art when purchasing the entire Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection
  • A discount on tickets to see Cinderella opening weekend at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood
  • Up to 53% off Disney magazines including the new Disney Frozen 

Plus, D23 will be featuring a “special offer of the month,” highlighting exclusive opportunities for members. For January, D23 Members can enjoy 15% off purchases of $75 or more at Disney Store or online at DisneyStore.com.

D23 is bringing back its most popular opportunities for savings on hotels, restaurants, and stores in and around Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, including:

  • Discounted rates at Howard Johnson Anaheim, Carousel Inn & Suites, and the Anabella Hotel located near Disneyland Resort; as well as at Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa, B Resort & Spa, and Wyndham Lake Buena Vista, located near Walt Disney World Resort
  • 10% savings on activities at Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre and on merchandise at CURL® by Sammy Duvall at Walt Disney World Resort
  • Savings on sweets at Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, either online or in its two Disney Parks shops, as well as at the El Capitan Theatre
  • Discounts at all Mandara Spa locations—including Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts—across the United States, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean
  • Dining discounts in and around Disneyland Resort, including House of Blues Anaheim, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Catal, Uva Bar, Naples, Tortilla Joe’s, Earl of Sandwich, ESPN Zone, and Tangerine Grill

In addition, D23 Members can take advantage of a host of ongoing offers online and around the country developed exclusively for them, including savings on tickets to the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco; a merchandise discount at the Walt Disney Hometown Museum in Marceline, Mo.; plus savings of 20% on specialty skin care products from H2O Plus and 10% off all purchases online and at all RIDEMAKERZ® locations.

Complete details on all D23 Member discounts and offers, as well as a full list of all the latest specials, can be found online at http://D23.com/Discounts.

WDWNT: The Job Fair 2015 (We’re Hiring)

WDWNT on January 29, 2015

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In preparation for many changes to come to WDW News Today over the next few weeks, we will need the help of new staff members, so here’s your chance to be a part of the WDWNT family!

WDWNT has many volunteer employees that make up our entire group of websites and podcasts, but we are always looking for more help to keep our finger on the pulse of the Disney Parks and the fans of these amazing places. Here are the positions we are currently looking for:

 

 WEBSITE

Walt Disney World Writer – Write stories about Walt Disney World based on given information from press releases and various other sources.

Disneyland Writer – Write stories about Disneyland Resort based on given information from press releases and various other sources.

Feature/Column Writer – Write feature-length articles on a regular (weekly or monthly) basis for publication on our website.

Photographer – Take pictures of newsworthy items on a regular basis at the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort.

Videographer – Record & edit video of attractions, entertainment, and special events at the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort.

 

WDWNT NOW

Trip Planning Content Manager – Manage the creation and implementation of a travel planning division of WDWNT.com.

Trip Planning Content Writer – Create original trip planning content including descriptions of Walt Disney World attractions, restaurants, resorts, and more

 

WDW NEWS TODAY PODCAST

Podcast Staff – Appear regularly on the WDW News Today Podcast as a panelist in various segments. Must be readily available to record one evening a week (night varies from week to week), have a good quality internet connection and microphone.

Podcast Editor – Use GarageBand or other audio editing software to edit and compile podcast segments.

 

WDW NEWS TODAY: ON THE AIR

WDW News Today: On The Air Original Programming – Produce an original audio program on a regular basis. You will need to supply your own ideas for your program. Existing podcasts or other audio programs seeking a home for streaming audio are also invited to apply.

 

YOUTUBE

WDW News Today on YouTube Original Programming – Produce an original video program on a regular basis. You will need to supply your own ideas for your program.

 

All positions are voluntary and have no monetary compensation. Please email us at wdwnewstoday@gmail.com if interested.

New Concept Art and Details on Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, DVC Sale Date Announced

WDWNT on January 29, 2015

DisneyÕs Polynesian Villas & Bungalows at DisneyÕs Polynesian Village Resort

Disney Vacation Club will begin initial sales for its newest resort, Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, next week. Current Disney Vacation Club Members will be able to purchase real estate interests beginning Jan. 12, and general sales will begin Feb. 9. When the first phase opens, scheduled for April 1, the resort will introduce unique accommodations, including the now-named Bora Bora Bungalows and connecting Deluxe Studios on the mainland.

DisneyÕs Polynesian Villas & Bungalows at DisneyÕs Polynesian Village Resort

The 20 Bora Bora Bungalows on the Seven Seas Lagoon will sleep up to eight guests each in a two-bedroom, home-like setting reminiscent of the South Pacific. The Bungalows have two full bathrooms, a kitchen, washer and dryer, and large dining and living room spaces for gatherings. Décor combines modern style with the tropical and enchanting look and feel of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort that guests love.

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Bora Bora Bungalow layout

Private decks will feature a plunge pool where Members and guests can view fireworks over the Magic Kingdom, complete with the soundtrack that can be heard through an individual sound system. They will also have front-row seats to the Electrical Water Pageant!

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

The new Lava pool

The new resort also includes 360 Deluxe Studio Villas, the largest at the Walt Disney World Resort. These villas sleep up to five guests each and feature a kitchenette, enhanced storage space for convenience and comfort, and two separate bathroom areas, one a full bathroom with a tub/shower and another one with a shower and sink. A pull-down armoire bed showcases painted artwork from the popular Disney film, Lilo & Stitch.

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First “Ant-Man” Trailer; First Look At Paul Rudd As “Ant-Man”; First Poster

WDWNT on January 29, 2015

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A lot of firsts for “Ant-Man” today. The first “Ant-Man” trailer officially debuted during the premier episode of ABC’s “Agent Carter”.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xInh3VhAWs8]

Entertainment Weekly also has given us our first official look at Paul Rudd as “Ant-Man”.

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Finally, Marvel released the first official poster for “Ant-Man”. It helps if you have really good eyes.

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Major Character From Original Star Wars Trilogy May Be In “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”

WDWNT on January 29, 2015

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Massive spoilers ahead so do not read unless you want to be spoiled.

RebelScum.com provided a list of the upcoming Hasbro toy line for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”. There is noting really exciting in the list, since it is just names, but one name that sticks out more than others is “Darth Vader”.

(This is only a section of the toy list. The rest can be found at RebelScum.com)

Star Wars 7 Signature Lightsaber
Star Wars 7 Deluxe Villain Lightsaber
Star Wars 7 Electronic Lightsaber Assortment
Star Wars 7 Extendable Lightsaber Assortment
Star Wars 7 Villain Extendable Lightsaber
Star Wars 7 Foam Lightsaber Assortment
Star Wars 7 Force FX Lightsaber
Star Wars 7 Force FX Lightsaber Assortment
Star Wars 7 The Black Series Villain Helmet
Star Wars 7 Mask Assortment
Star Wars 7 Chewbacca Electronic Mask
Star Wars 7 Lead Villain Electronic Mask
Star Wars 7 Darth Vader Voice Change Mask

It’s also interesting to note that Hasbro recently announced that they would not be revealing their “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” toy line at this year’s New York City Toy Fair.

The following is a press release from Hasbro:

As usual, Hasbro will be exhibiting a variety of fun and exciting Star Wars products from across its portfolio of brands, including Star Wars action figures, Star Wars Galactic Heroes and more. There will be no toys based on Star Wars: The Force Awakens (Star Wars Episode VII) shown at Toy Fair this year.

Obviously, we know that there’s a huge amount of anticipation for Star Wars toys this year, and we wanted to be forthcoming about this as we know it might make a difference for some of you in regards to travel plans. While we’re happy to host all of you at Entertainment Brand Preview Day and look forward to having you check out the latest and greatest toys from Star Wars and Hasbro’s other exciting brands, we want you to have as much information as possible to be able to plan your travel and coverage.

More than likely the reason that this particular toy line is being held back from Hasbro is because it will contain spoilers for the movie. To see Darth Vader packaged in their “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” toy line would reveal a huge spoiler.

Does this mean that Darth Vader will be in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”? I do think it is a safe bet that at the very least we will see Darth Vader’s helmet in the movie or maybe even in some kind of flashback. We also have seen some evidence through concept art (see below) that his presence will somehow be in the film.

Guess we will have to wait until December 18th before we all know for sure.

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1/6/15 Aerial Construction Photos of Downtown Disney Conversion to Disney Springs

WDWNT on January 29, 2015

WDWNT’s own Nick LoCicero took a trip high above Downtown Disney this week and has some great aerial photos of the on-going work to share with us today:

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Even though it has opened, work continues on the Orange parking structure

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The top level appears to be far from ready

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Work has begun on the Town Center, the former parking lot for Pleasure Island

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Some new facades can already be found on this side of The Landing, the large Bottling Co. building will be home to the Morimoto restaurant

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We can see work progressing on the Boathouse, as well as the still unannounced hangar restaurant

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The Town Center will be completed by 2016

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