Annual Passholder “AP Days” Event Coming to the Disneyland Resort This Fall, Includes Guardians Ride Preview

AP Days will return this Fall at Disney California Adventure to celebrate Annual Passholders with special experiences and giveaways. The various events will take place over two phases from September 6 –October 2, 2016.

AP Days, Fall 2016 at the Disneyland Resort

AP Days, Fall 2016 at the Disneyland Resort

Part 1, taking place Sept 6-18 will be themed to Halloweentime and will include:

  • AP Days Showcase – Stage 12 in Hollywoodland
    • Character Meet & Greet inside Stage 12 with Wizard Donald and Skeleton Goofy
    • A Showcase of Halloweentime décor from Horticulture, Resort Enhancement, and Food & Beverage (weekends)
    • A showcase of up and coming content for the Resort (Guardians, Main Street Electrical Parade, Food & Wine, and More to be Announced)
    • Information Center for amenity distribution, AP Days questions
    • Activity tables with coloring sheets
    • Complimentary water
  • AP Days Welcome Center -Paradise Gardens Gazebo
    • Vacation Planning Ticketing Cart for renewals/activations
    • AP-branded photo-op
    • Button distribution
    • Social Media presence to promote @DisneylandAP and Pin Trading
Button designs for phase 1 of AP Days, Fall 2016

Button designs for phase 1 of AP Days, Fall 2016

  • Passholder Offerings
    • Unique artwork button by artist Jeff Granito
    • Free recipe cards (Pumpkin Twists, Pumpkin Bread, Rosemary Lamb Chops, and Sweet Potato Biscuits)
    • AP Days inspired menu items at Paradise Gardens and Schmoozies (Specialty Pizza, Mickey Mouse cupcake at Paradise Garden, Malibu Mocha drink at Schmoozies)
    • Exclusive Merchandise at Seaside Souvenirs and Studio Store
    • PhotoPass special discount offers
    • ‘More or Less’ and ‘Fall Mystery Shopper’ AP Adventure Activities
AP Days Exclusive Merchandise

AP Days Exclusive Merchandise

AP Days, Fall 2016 at the Disneyland Resort

AP Days, Fall 2016 at the Disneyland Resort

Part 2 taking place Sept 19-Oct 2 will focus on Fall Holidays and Thanksgiving:

  • AP Days Showcase -Stage 12 Patio
    • Character Meet & Greet inside Stage 12 with Pocahontas & Meeko and Liberty Square Minnie
    • A Showcase of Fall/Thanksgiving décor and offerings from Horticulture, Resort Enhancement, and Food & Beverage (weekends)
    • A showcase of up and coming content for the Resort (Guardians, Main Street Electrical Parade, Food & Wine, and More to be Announced)
    • Information Center for amenity distribution, AP Days questions
    • Activity tables for coloring
    • Complimentary water
  • AP Days Welcome Center -Paradise Gardens Gazebo
    • Vacation Planning Ticketing Cart for renewals/activations
    • AP-branded photo-op
    • Button distribution•Social Media presence to promote @DisneylandAP, and Pin Trading
Button designs for phase 1 of AP Days, Fall 2016

Button designs for phase 1 of AP Days, Fall 2016

  • Passholder Offerings
    • Unique artwork button by artist Jeff Granito
    • Recipe cards to be distributed at Paradise Gardens (Choux Fritters, Yukon Potato Stack, Choc PB French Toast, Mickey Mouse Beignets
    • AP Days inspired menu items at Paradise Gardens and Schmoozies (Specialty Pizza, Mickey Mouse cupcake at Paradise Garden, Malibu Mocha drink at Schmoozies)
    • Exclusive Merchandise at Seaside Souvenirs and Studio Store
    • PhotoPass special discount offers
    • ‘I Spy with My Disney Eye’ and ‘WEAR In the World?’ AP Adventures Activities
Buttons guests can receive for carpooling

Buttons guests can receive for carpooling

There is also a carpooling incentive for annual passholders during this period:

  • All Annual Passholders who arrive with 3+ in their vehicle will receive half-price parking ($9)
  • Annual Passholders with 4+ in their vehicle will receive free parking
  • All APs with 4+ per vehicle will receive a special AP button

While AP Days for Fall 2016 have not yet been announced by the Disneyland Resort, a formal announcement should be coming later this week.

Disney Mix is a Great Messaging App for Teens

Disney Mix is a new app that lets people connect and socialize in new ways. Designed with younger audiences in mind, Disney Mix is a family friendly social hub where kids can chat, play, and create with their friends. As for parental controls, Disney’s Club Penguin team has created a system that filters out inappropriate content and offers options to block and report any undesired content.

Mix_Screenshots

Users can create their own avatars in the app and then add various friends and Disney related groups using their Disney accounts. Users can also create and share memes with plenty of Disney related filters and options. Various games have also been implemented within the app that allow you to play without ever even leaving the chat room.

https://https://youtu.be/ycT9nYaijS8

Disney Mix is available now for the App Store and Google Play. The app will receive regular updates with features like video sharing coming in the near future.

Radio Free Disneyland Podcast to Begin Saturday, September 10 on WDWNT

nixon-dopey

Yeah. You look a little Dopey. But what’s with that guy at the controls!? Photo ©USC Libraries Digital Collections.

Radio Free Disneyland, a curated music podcast that tells the stories of the Disneyland Resort in a unique and tuneful way, is set to debut here on WDWNT.com on Saturday, September 10. Using Disney music, not-so-Disney music, and definitely not Disney music to tell the stories of the “lands,” their origins, and their citizenry. Real and imagined. Usually with a backbeat.

Episode 1: The Discovery of Disneyland, will reveal the backstory of two former east-block operatives with an ax to grind against the Anaheim, California theme park. They believe the park to be a powerful and dangerous distillate of America. The United States on steroids. Its contents, an idyllic turn-of-the-century American town, a stately riverboat, rocket ships, and the fleet of submarines all confirm the power of the place.

Along the way, unique song selections, surprising guests, and an off-center look at park-centric subjects, should bring to mind the stories, the people and the magic places. The central figure in this secretive cabal is Deejay Middlebrow, a down on his luck disc jockey who is chosen to run the radio propaganda arm of this shadowy foreign operation.

The first episode will also feature a sidelong look at Disneyland Park’s 60-year-plus crush on Briar Rose, otherwise known as Sleeping Beauty. Music, architecture, and story origin art pay tribute to the ancient tale. The examination will take place both audibly and through the Show Notes page here on WDWNT.com.

Other episodes to follow in the weeks ahead include: My Way Or The Highway (Cars Land), Moonspinners (Tomorrowland), It’s A Dark Ride (Fantasyland), and Westward Ho! (Frontierland).

The Radio Free Disneyland Podcast is a co-production of WDWNT and PlayThisPodcastLoud.com.

VIDEO, PHOTOS: Watch Streets of America Get Demolished Today at Hollywood Studios

Even though we just posted a short while ago that one whole section of the Streets of America at Disney’s Hollywood Studios had been removed, progress has been made even since that time. One entire side of the street is now completely gone, as construction crews are actively working during park hours to remove the buildings. Watch the demolition crew in action below:

We also have some additional photos of the ongoing demolition to share, a very different view from just an hour ago:

Streets of America Demolition

Streets of America Demolition

A wide open skyline now sits adjacent to Muppetvision 3-D and the Muppets Courtyard area. This was a very different scene just a few days ago.

Streets of America Demolition

Streets of America Demolition

Streets of America Demolition

Streets of America Demolition

Streets of America Demolition

Streets of America Demolition

PHOTOS: Full Section of New York Street at Hollywood Studios Torn Down Today

For those who were wondering if some of New York Street and the Streets of America at Disney’s Hollywood Studios would survive the upcoming expansion of the park, I think the following photos will answer your question…

Streets of America Being Removed

Streets of America Being Removed

An entire large section of the street adjacent to MuppetVision 3-D was removed early today. This comes on the heels of the first small piece that went  missing just a few days ago.

Streets of America Being Removed

Streets of America Being Removed

The street is being removed to make way for the Star Wars themed land and Toy Story Land that will be added to the park in the coming years.

Streets of America Being Removed

Streets of America Being Removed

We will provide further pictures and video of the “damage” later today, but it looks like the Streets of America and New York Street could be removed from the park in a matter of days.

Out thanks to @Osborne_Lights on twitter for the pictures!

Disney’s “The Jungle Book” Returns To IMAX Theaters For A Limited Time; Coming To Digital HD & Blu-Ray

TheJungleBookBluray

Audiences were mesmerized by Disney’s live-action epic adventure “The Jungle Book,” which has earned more than $949 million at the global box office to date.  Critically acclaimed, Jon Favreau’s stunning live-action reimagining of Walt Disney’s animated classic, will be available early on Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere on August 23, and on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and On-Demand on August 30.

Venture behind the scenes with in-depth bonus features that reveal the innovative film-making technology used to create the richly immersive jungle world and characters; Follow the journey of the film’s only on-screen actor, charismatic newcomer Neel Sethi (Mowgli); Delve into a candid and humorous scene-by-scene audio commentary with director Jon Favreau and meet the all-star voice cast who help bring the film’s colorful characters to life, as well as the musicians who accent the adventure with a majestic music score.

Audiences will also have the opportunity to experience the movie again at select IMAX locations for a limited time only from August 26th through September 1st.

Check out these bonus features clips!

“Opening Sequence” Easter Egg Bonus Clip:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj6e0iMNBvc&feature=youtu.be

“They Made it Possible” Bonus Clip:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqj3elEiGn0&feature=youtu.be

PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom 8/19/16 (Tomorrowland Repaint, More Rocks, Wilderness Lodge Cabins, ETC.)

In our latest photo report, we travel to the Magic Kingdom and the surrounding resort area to see the latest progress on the Tomorrowland repainting, the continuing rock installation at WDW beaches, and the Disney Vacation Club cabin additions at Wildenress Lodge.

Cinderella Castle Crane Returns

Cinderella Castle Crane

Cinderella Castle Crane

The crane is back at Cinderella Castle for the installation of the Dreamlights for the holiday season (yes, it is still August).

Cinderella Castle Crane

Cinderella Castle Crane

Cinderella Castle Crane

Cinderella Castle Crane

Tomorrowland Repainting

Tomorrowland Entrance Repainting

Tomorrowland Entrance Repainting

The repainting of the Tomorrowland entrance is now visible on the front side, as a grey/silver soat has been started at the bottom of the rocks by the water.

Tomorrowland Entrance Repainting

Tomorrowland Entrance Repainting

Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment

Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment

Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is closed until November for what we expect to be the installation of the new finale scene, similar to that found at Disneyland Park.

Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment

Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment

Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment

Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment

Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment

Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment

This and That

Alligator and Snake warning sign in the Magic Kingdom

Alligator and Snake warning sign in the Magic Kingdom

Spotted this sign by Big Thunder Mountain, in the designated smoking section.

Sofia the First ear hat

Sofia the First ear hat

There is now a Sofia the First ear hat on sale in the parks.

Sofia the First ear hat

Sofia the First ear hat

New Pirates of the Caribbean merchandise

New Pirates of the Caribbean merchandise

More Pirates of the Caribbean merchandise featuring the Fab 5 continues to be released.

New Pirates of the Caribbean merchandise

New Pirates of the Caribbean merchandise

New Pirates of the Caribbean merchandise

New Pirates of the Caribbean merchandise

The line is geared towards children, so there are plastic placemats available.

Magic Kingdom Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

When “Move It! Shake It! Dance and Play It!” is cancelled for inclement weather, it also get the Magic Kingdom rainy Day Character Cavalcade treatment. This replacement offering drives up and down Main Street in this case, at least giving guests a look at their favorite characters. It also has a really catch soundtrack, which you can hear below in an older recording of the parade we have:

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Contemporary Resort

Disney's Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

In traveling to Trail’s End at Fort Wildnerness, we decided to take a boat, which provided some spectacular views.

Disney's Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney's Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney's Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

This is one of my favorite pictures I’ve ever taken at Walt Disney World…

Disney's Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

What are all these bags backstage at the Contemporary? ROCKS. HUNDREDS AND THOUSANDS OF ROCKS.

Disney's Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

These rocks will soon line the shoreline behind the resort, similar to the beaches at the Polynesian and Grand Floridian.

Wilderness Lodge DVC/Fort Wilderness

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Work continues on the Disney Vacation Club cabin additions at Wilderness Lodge.

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Many of the cabins are going vertical now.

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

The shoreline at Fort Wilderness received the rock treatment as well.

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

IMG_1216

Trail’s End moonshine

We end on alcohol once again, this time with some of the fantastic moonshine drinks available at Trail’s End and Crockett’s Tavern.

PHOTO REPORT: Epcot 8/18/16 (Mexico Climbers, Oswald, Figment Removal, ETC.)

We take a short trip to Epcot in our latest photo report, catching up on a few minor changes around the park, as well as some new merchandise items for sale.

No Climbing at the Mexico Pavilion

No Climbing Sign on the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot

No Climbing Sign on the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot

So, the old sign was clearly ripped off and these new signs using an Epcot font put in place. I only hope these are temporary as they damaged the wall underneath and these look no better than what was already there.

IMG_1252

No Climbing Sign on the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot

New Merchandise Round-Up

It wouldn’t be a photo report if I wasn’t hocking some of Disney’s latest souvenirs you could take home…

Peter Pan Snowglobe

Peter Pan Snowglobe

The Peter Pan’s Flight snow-globe was remade without Tinker Bell on the top. The Tink statue was too fragile and was breaking in transit, so they just placed Peter’s hat on top of the new version.

Oswald basketball jersey

Oswald basketball jersey

Some new basketball and baseball style jerseys are on sale in MouseGear, including this sleek Oswald one.

Oswald basketball jersey

Oswald basketball jersey

There's also a Mickey Mouse baseball jersey

There’s also a Mickey Mouse baseball jersey

Mickey Mouse baseball jersey

Mickey Mouse baseball jersey

Walt Disney World baseball jersey

Walt Disney World baseball jersey

Walt Disney World baseball jersey

Walt Disney World baseball jersey

Fab 4 Basketball Jersey

Fab 4 Basketball Jersey

IMG_1262

Pin Central has a TON of open edition Halloween pins on sale currently (and yes, it is still mid-August).

Star Wars Halloween pin

Star Wars Halloween pin

Star Wars character Halloween pins were expanded this year, but the variety from last year are still available as well.

Star Wars Halloween pin

Star Wars Halloween pin

Star Wars Halloween pin

Star Wars Halloween pin

Star Wars Halloween pin

Star Wars Halloween pin

Star Wars Halloween pin

Star Wars Halloween pin

Disney Parks bicycle accessories

Disney Parks bicycle accessories

Strange enough, a line of bicycle accessories is now hitting stores around Walt Disney World.

Disney Parks bicycle accessories

Disney Parks bicycle accessories

Disney Parks bicycle accessories

Disney Parks bicycle accessories

Disney Parks bicycle accessories

Disney Parks bicycle accessories

Strange Things are Happening at the Imagination Pavilion

Journey Into Imagination queue

Journey Into Imagination queue

Strange things continue to happen at the Imagination pavilion, like this now wide open backstage walkway in the Journey Into Imagination queue. There used to be a metal gate here.

Journey Into Imagination queue

Journey Into Imagination queue

All of the projectors in the queue were also set to stationary, so there was no Figment appearing every few seconds.

Journey Into Imagination exit

Journey Into Imagination exit

The Figment footprints are still missing in the exit hallway, likely gone for good at this point.

Journey Into Imagination exit

Journey Into Imagination exit

Karamel Kuche

For my birthday, a group of friends decided to buy me some treats from the Karamel Kuche in Germany since I had never tried anything from there before. Everything was pretty amazing, so I’ll definitely be back.

Karamel Kuche at Epcot

Karamel Kuche at Epcot

Karamel Kuche at Epcot

Karamel Kuche at Epcot

Karamel Kuche at Epcot

Karamel Kuche at Epcot

IMG_1284

We also tried a shot of this fig drink, which was… interesting…

Real Working “Star Wars” Lightsaber Training Experience Patent Filed by Disney

If you ever wanted to train to be a Jedi like Luke Skywalker, you may want to take a look at the latest Disney patent…

Disney Patent for Interactive Star Wars Lightsaber

Disney Patent for Interactive Star Wars Lightsaber

“An entertainment environment has a user with a faux light saber that interacts with a drone flying through the air or operated with hidden rods to appear as if its flying through the air. The faux light saber has LEDs attached thereto to provide IR light to the drone. As an LED is turned on, an invisible light sensor built into the drone captures an image of the field of view with a bright spot at the position of the activated LED. A visible light source built into the drone then projects light through particulate matter toward the faux light saber. As a result, the uses is provided with the illusion that the faux light saber has deflected a laser beam. Multiple LEDs can be activated in sequence at various times to give user the impression that the movement by the users of the faux light saber is deflecting multiple laser beams.”

While sometimes these patents mean nothing, rumors have suggested that the Star Wars lands coming to Walt Disney World and Disneyland would be full of role-playing experiences like this. Could you imagine being able to train to be a Jedi just as Luke Skywalker was by Obi-Wan Kenobi in Episode IV, deflecting lasers with your weapon?

Could guests get to be Jedi knights?

Could guests get to be Jedi knights?

Again, this could be nothing, but guests could in fact be wielding an interactive lightsaber at Disney Parks someday.