TONIGHT on WDW News Tonight (4/20/16): Rivers of Light, Star Wars, Toy Story, AVATAR, & More!

WDWNT on April 20, 2016

Tonight on WDW News Tonight, we play Disney Parks Pursuit (with a Wild twist), Tom makes a big and highly anticiapted announcement, we cover all of the exciting news about this summer at Walt Disney World, and we celebrate 18 years of Disney’s Animal Kingdom…

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WDW News Tonight is hosted by Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, former hosts of WDW News Today: The Radio Show, but also features appearances by a number of other WDWNT correspondents.

If you are in the Orlando area, you can tune in to AM 1520 WBZW at showtime. For those outside the Orlando area, the show can be heard (and now watched via video stream) at Listen.WDWNT.com on your computer or mobile device. The show also utilizes new interactive avenues for our audience, including a live chat, the ability to call-in to the show, and live polling.

The show will also be available for streaming and download the very next day at WDWNewsTonight.com. While this won’t offer the interactive features and excitement of listening live, it offers those who can’t catch the show on Wednesday night a chance be a part of the fun.

Coming up on this week’s show:

  • A recap of the week’s news (with a WDWNT comedic twist) including all of the big news about “Awaken Summer” at Walt Disney World
  • Tom makes a BIG announcement
  • An in-depth discussion about Disney’s Animal Kingdom thus far and all of the new offerings for Summer 2016
  • The Disney Parks Pursuit game – Wild Edition, featuring prizes from Theme Park Connection
    And much more!

We hope that you will tune in this Wednesday at 9PM ET for another episode of WDW News Tonight!

If you missed last week’s show, you can watch it here:

VIDEO: Fly to China and Australia in Soarin’ Around the World Preview

WDWNT on April 20, 2016

Guests will celebrate the U.S. debut of the new Soarin’ Around the World attraction at The Land pavilion this summer. Now with a third Epcot theater, plus new digital screens and projection systems, the expanded attraction takes guests on an exhilarating “flight” above spectacular global landscapes and man-made wonders. (Disney)

Disney today previewed the Soarin’ Around the World attraction, which will of course open this summer at both Disney California Adventure and Epcot. The following video showcases short clips of the China and Australia segments of the attraction that guests may be flying over:

At Epcot, the attraction will be presented in a digital film format with crystal clear imagery for the very first time, and the addition of a third theater for the attraction should shorten wait times for guests. The attraction will open to guests June 17th at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts, the same day it opens at Shanghai Disney Resort.

VIDEO: Prince William And Prince Harry Visit The Cast And Set Of “Star Wars: Episode VIII”

WDWNT on April 20, 2016

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Prince William And Prince Harry paid a visit to Pinewood Studios to meet Rey, Finn, Luke, Chewbacca and BB-8 and get a special behind the scenes tour of “Star Wars: Episode VIII.”

Prince Harry reveals to us that they are bringing back A-Wings to “Episode VIII” as Mark Hamill looks on.

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Prince William gets a big Wookiee hug from Chewbacca as John Boyega and BB-8 have a laugh.

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Prince Harry also receives a big hug from everyone’s favorite Wookiee.tumblr_inline_o5vwsecdWz1twn2nk_1280

Prince Harry and John Boyega converse with Chewbacca.

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Prince Harry and Prince William battle it out with some familiar lightsabers. Why does Harry have Kylo Ren’s lightsaber?

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Mark Hamill, Rian Johnson, Prince Harry, Prince Willian, John Boyega, Chewbacca and Daisy Ridley. (Don’t know who that guy is next to Chewie. LOL)

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Kathleen Kennedy and BB-8 join the gang for the group shot.

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Daisy Riddle shows Prince William and Prince Harry a familiar likeness.

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Prince William and Prince Harry get a closeup look at Rey and Maz Kanata’s costumes.

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Source: The Mirror, ABC News, Making Star Wars

 

VIDEO: Oscar Issac Chats With BB-8 Over The Newest “Star Wars: Force For Change” Campaign

WDWNT on April 20, 2016

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Today, Oscar Isaac, alongside BB-8, announced details for this week’s campaign sponsored by CrowdRise in support of Star Wars: Force for Change. Since April 5th, Star Wars: Force for Change, an initiative that inspires people to make a positive impact on the world, has been matching the donations of Star Wars fans to four select charities up to $1,000,000!

This week, the first four people to donate or raise at least $500 will have the chance to win a Star Wars prize pack including a BB-8 powered by Sphero, signed by J.J. Abrams and Kathleen Kennedy. Additionally, the top fundraiser this week has the chance to win a tour of Lucasfilm in San Francisco, with a screening of any Star Wars movie of their choice while there.

This month-long campaign will lead up to “Star Wars Day” on May the 4th. The four select charities include the U.S. Fund for UNICEF in support of UNICEF Kid Power, American Red Cross, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and Make-A-Wish®.

Over the course of the four-week period, which culminates at 11:59pm (PST) on May 4th, fans will be able to donate through CrowdRise.com/ForceForChange to these four charities and have their donations matched dollar for dollar up to $1,000,000. All participants who enter will also have a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to Ireland, including Skellig Michael along the Wild Atlantic Way, the location of the dramatic final scene from The Force Awakens.

Show your Force and visit CrowdRise.com/ForceForChange now for more details.

VIDEO: “Behind The Walls” Look at Epcot’s New Frozen Ride and Meet & Greet

WDWNT on April 20, 2016

We’ve been waiting seemingly forever to see behind the work walls at Epcot’s Norway pavilion, well, “For the First Time in Forever” we’re getting a look today.

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Starting this Summer, Anna and Elsa will greet guests in the new Royal Sommerhus next door to the existing Norway pavilion, modeled after a traditional Norwegian cabin. Disney today released a video looking behind the walls at the new meet and greet experience, which definitely has more of a World Showcase look to it than that of an animated film:

Of course, Anna, Elsa and their latest-generation Audio-Animatronics co-stars will also welcome guests aboard the new Frozen Ever After boat ride replacing Maelstrom in the Norway pavilion. Passengers on their way to Arendelle’s Winter in Summer Celebration for Queen Elsa will visit the ice palace and hear beloved film tunes plus new lyrics by Oscar-winning “Let It Go” songwriters Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson. Bobby and Kristen were recently interviewed about the attraction during a visit to Epcot:

Frozen Ever After and the Royal Sommerhus will open at Epcot this Summer, but no exact date has been given yet.

PHOTOS: The Haunted Mansion Debuts New Interactive Hitchhiking Ghost Scene

WDWNT on April 20, 2016

Recently, we showed you how guest’s names were being showcased at both “it’s a small world” and Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith using MagicBand technology. Well now, the Hitchhiking Ghosts of the Haunted Mansion at the Magic Kingdom are getting into the act:

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Along with a series of new animated sequences, the Hitchhiking Ghosts at the end of the attraction may now leave a tombstone with a guest’s name on it lying behind or even remark that they are following the guest home to the home-state (like in the photo above).

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A bit blurry, but you get the idea…

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A tombstone left behind after Gus hits guests with a portrait that captures their faces

Photos courtesy @Schmoofy on Twitter.

PHOTO REPORT: Hollywood Studios 4/19/16 (Tower of Terror Bar, Carrot Cake Cookie Goes Home, Star Wars, ETC.)

WDWNT on April 20, 2016

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen and myself both visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios this week and have some newsworthy photos compiled to share with you from our two separate visits:

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Fantasmic! has replaced Lights, Motors, Action! on the road entrance signage, while the Frozen sign has seen better days…

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Reel Vogue now has a large selection of MARVEL merchandise leading up to Civil War

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The projection towers and control booth for Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular are currently being constructed

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The stores are trying something different, mixing pins in with displays for certain characters

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Thought this new glass slipper pin was pretty cool

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Spotted one of the new Star Wars attraction poster pins as well

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There was no visible work on the Tower of Terror bar, which had me scared that maybe we were misinformed…

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But then I found this behind the counter confirming that the desk had been cleared out so work could begin!

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Even though Sunset Showcase is closed, a sign tells guests to check times guides…

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New drawstring bag at Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster

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A new tank top as well

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Another look at the projection towers going up in the center of the park

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The second tower had not gone up yet

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For some reason, all of the Star Wars banners around the park got a new look…

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I found the rest of the Star Wars attraction poster pins at Tatooine Traders

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For some reason, they closed the gate by the exit of Muppet Vision 3-D

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One of the planet lights is now down at Pizza Planet, the last few pieces of the old theme should be gone shortly

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New DHS luggage tag

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Also, a new fleece throw

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You can still walk through the gate, but it is closed, probably to push guests towards the gift shop

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Hard to see, but Writer’s Stop lounge has pastries again, as well as the carrot cake cookie!

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A few temporary tables rolled in now…

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Work continues on the new meet and greet homes for Mickey, Minnie, and Olaf

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The queue for the Great Movie Ride gets pretty long these days, so the line usually enter here

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So they very shoddily covered the Stand-By entrance sign up here

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With queue work happening now, Toy Story Mania has setup quite the extended queue

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Launch Bay not only has the new Star Wars 3″ Vinylmation on sale, but also the recently released limited edition set

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Spotted some new Star Wars phone cases that could be made at Launch Bay as well

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Also, 3 new MagicBand designs

BREAKING: Rivers of Light Likely To Not Make Summer 2016 Debut

WDWNT on April 20, 2016

As Walt Disney World rolls out the red carpet for its annual summer media preview this week, something BIG is noticeably missing from any and all press releases… Rivers of Light.

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While many new attractions we do not have opening dates for as of yet are mentioned (i.e. Soarin’ Around the world, Frozen Ever After), Rivers of Light is not mentioned at all, even though Animal Kingdom does have some announced nighttime offerings:

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For the first time in its 18-year history, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will debut new day-into-nighttime experiences that celebrate the magic of nature.

  • The park’s iconic Tree of Life will awaken each night amid a lively celebration of Discovery Island music and dance. Through stunning visuals, animal spirits appear and enchanted fireflies reveal stories of wonder as the tree morphs to showcase the magic of nature.
  • Kilimanjaro Safaris transitions to a new nighttime adventure in the extended orange glow of a setting sun. For the first time, hyenas and African wild dogs join the safari trail creature feature.
  • Hungry adventurers can have lunch or dinner at the new Tiffins signature restaurant on Discovery Island this summer. Guests seated in the restaurant’s travel-themed dining rooms or on the waterfront patio can sip libations and savor dishes featuring African, Asian and South American flavors
  • Across the park, guests can experience wondrous new nighttime experiences and entertainment celebrating marvels in nature and enjoy long-time favorites such as Expedition Everest, DINOSAUR, Kali River Rapids and more – in a whole new light.

While the park will be open into the late-evening all Summer long, it is now uncertain that Rivers of Light will make its debut anytime soon. Rumors persist that the wireless control system for the nighttime show’s floats is just not working, or even that one of the larger flower barges may have sunk into the Discovery River. Either way, I wouldn’t count on seeing this show anytime soon as Disney is obviously being very cautious in its publicity.

Whatever the case may be, this latest development makes the situation look possibly worse than we originally imagined. If the show does debut this Summer, we expect it to be mid-way or late into the season.

Stay tuned for any and all details on Rivers of Light as they become available.

PHOTOS: Some Nerd-Tastic Attraction Shirts Are Coming to Disney Parks Online Store

WDWNT on April 20, 2016

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In recent years,Disney Parks has offered unique t-shirts on their Disney Parks online store that celebrate classic Disney attractions, films and characters. Today, they shared a look at several new shirts coming to the online store in April and May 2016. These limited release shirts will be offered online only at DisneyStore.com/ParksEvents.

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April 18-24 – Rocket Jets and Star Jets

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April 28 – May 4 – Twenty Eight & Main

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May 2-8 – Bob-A-Round Boats and Phantom Boats

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May 16-22 – Mickey Mouse Raglan

First Look At “Elliott” From “Pete’s Dragon”

WDWNT on April 20, 2016

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Entertainment Weekly has posted the first photo of Elliott from “Pete’s Dragon.”

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Here is a comparison between the original 1977 version of Elliott and the new updated 2016 version:

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For years, old wood carver Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford) has delighted local children with his tales of the fierce dragon that resides deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. To his daughter, Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard), who works as a forest ranger, these stories are little more than tall tales…until she meets Pete (Oakes Fegley). Pete is a mysterious 10-year-old with no family and no home who claims to live in the woods with a giant, green dragon named Elliott. And from Pete’s descriptions, Elliott seems remarkably similar to the dragon from Mr. Meacham’s stories. With the help of Natalie (Oona Laurence), an 11-year-old girl whose father Jack (Wes Bentley) owns the local lumber mill, Grace sets out to determine where Pete came from, where he belongs, and the truth about this dragon.

Pete’s Dragon opens in theaters on August 12th.

Source: Entertainment Weekly