PHOTOS, VIDEO: Up Close Look at the Controversial Facade for Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

Walt Disney Imagineering today shared an in-depth look at the model for the Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout attraction which will be replacing the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure.

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The model pictured here was created by Walt Disney Imagineering to guide the transformation currently taking place on the exterior of the attraction. Every shade and detail you see here will be replicated in full size, as designers, builders and artists work to bring The Collector’s realm to life here at the Disneyland Resort.

This “warehouse, fortress-like power plant” (as described here by Joe Rohde, Creative Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering) is designed to be intimidating and imposing, but also shimmering and regal. It will be the ideal location for The Collector to secure and show off his most prized acquisitions, the Guardians of the Galaxy.

It does seem odd that Disney is acknowledging that they are changing the facade while the Tower of Terror is still open, but it is happening (see our photos from earlier today of the current state of the facade). It also is strange to see Disney devoting so much publicity to a facade that so many have taken to social media to attack. Regardless, it should be interesting to watch the rest of this process unfold over the next several months.

PHOTOS, VIDEO: The Highly-Acclaimed Muppets Mobile Lab Returns to Epcot

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

It’s hard to believe that it was only done as a short test over 9 years ago with how much people talk about loving the Muppets Mobile Lab that once appeared at Epcot. You would think it had appeared at the park for years based on the legacy it has developed amongst fans. Well, starting today, guests can see the “living character” show at Epcot daily through the next 4 weeks.

The Muppets Mobile Lab returns to Epcot in 2016 for another test run

The Muppets Mobile Lab returns to Epcot in 2016 for another test run

The show is critically acclaimed for its technology, including fully interactive characters who are a free-roaming audio-animatronics unit on wheels. The show also features that trademark Muppets humor that doesn’t miss even though the characters aren’t manned directly by human beings, much like The Muppets present Great Moments in American History over at the Magic Kingdom (which debuted yesterday).

Here is a video of one of today’s performances:

Now that is it back, I implore Walt Disney World to keep this offering. Please move this to Hollywood Studios and make this a regular offering. I have never met anyone who wasn’t wowed by the technology or who wasn’t amused by the humor of the program. Muppet Mobile Labs deserve a permanent home at the Disney Parks after this second testy run at Epcot.

REVIEW: Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Introduces Some Much Needed New Menu Items

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

While many of us love Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, but it would be hard to deny that the food menu at the Florida location has just never quite lived up to the delicious meals offered at the California counterpart. Well, the “east coast family tree” has introduced 3 new items this week which may change your mind about dining with your drinks at the Grog Grotto or exterior Tiki Terrace bar and lounge.

Thai Chicken Flatbread ($12.00)

Thai Chicken Flatbread ($12.00)

Thai Chicken Flatbread ($12.00)

This is a thai chicken flatbread with a peanut sauce and bacon and tomato. This is particularly unique and as delicious as it is a strange offering. You wouldn’t necessarily think that a peanut sauce on a flatbread with cheese is a good idea, but this dish really pulls it off. This might be my new favorite dish at Trader Sam’s.

Sticky Wings ($10.00)

Sticky Wings ($10.00)

Sticky Wings ($10.00)

The world’s most ubiquitous bar food, wings have finally arrived at Grog Grotto and Tiki Terrace. These wings are the very same that you will find around the resort’s other eateries, and that’s not a bad thing. This is what the Polynesian is known for, so you should be able to get them throughout the resort.

Sticky Wings ($10.00)

Sticky Wings ($10.00)

Wonton Chips with Duck Sauce ($3.48)

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For $3.50, this is a pretty good deal. The fried wonton chips (known by some as “Poly Chips”) go well with the accompanying duck sauce and are a good size bar snack, something not really offered on the prior Trader Sam’s menu.

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Overall

I love these additions to Trader Sam’s. I love the drink menu here so much, but the food menu was always missing a better variety of items that aren’t sushi or a rather dry taco. These new items in addition to what is already offered make an evening at Trader Sam’s, for both food and drink, a more viable option.

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PHOTO REPORT: Disneyland Resort 10/3/16 (Star Wars Land, Rogue One, Tower of Terror, ETC.)

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

Disneyland Reporter Conner Purzycki brings us back out to the Disneyland Resort in his latest photo report. Today, we check in on Star Wars Land, the “desecration” of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and a number of smaller projects taking place around the resort.

Star Wars Land

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Work on the Star Wars themed land for Disneyland Park rolls on (as it will be a few years).

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This looks familiar…

The tunnel above is likely the one that will greet guests at the entrance to the land. An X-Wing and assorted items will greet guests just outside on the passage from Critter Country and Frontierland.

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Welcome to Disneyland

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The cannon in Town Square is moving into a planter to make more walking space for guests, something much needed during parade and fireworks time.

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Here is the new pedestal that the cannon will call home.

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Work on the Market House facade has wrapped up.

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The sidewalk work on Main Street has already wrapped up.

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While the Diamond Celebration ended over a month ago, the castle decorations will remain until November.

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The facades behind the New Orleans Square train station are being touched up.

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Mickey’s Toontown is getting some TLC (and I don’t mean tables, ladders, and chairs).

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Roger Rabbit’s Cartoon Spin is open while the facade is being fixed up.

Rogue One – A Star Wars Story Merchandise

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On Friday, Disney Parks released dozens of new items inspired by the upcoming Rogue One – A Star Wars Story film.

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This and That

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The Crush sipper cup is now available on the West Coast at Award Weiners.

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The Doctor Strange preview will be opening soon, but Disney is already stating that a Beauty and the Beast preview will occupy the space in the Spring.

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The Mad T Party/Jammin’ on the Backlot/elecTRONica stage is finally coming down.

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AP Days are rolling on through the Fall.

The Tower of Terror Enters Its Twilight

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Scaffolding is now going up around the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Odds are that it won’t even look like the attraction by the time in closes in January.

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The attraction is being replaced by Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission Breakout, opening Summer 2017.

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Quicksilver is now closed as well… WILL THIS BE THE SPRINKLES LOCATION???

“Muppet Mobile Lab” Character Experience Will Return to Epcot This Week

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

Reportedly, the Muppet Mobile Lab show will return after to Epcot after a several year hiatus today. The show will only be at the park for the next four weeks.

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Muppet Mobile Lab is a free-roving, audio-animatronic entertainment attraction designed by Walt Disney Imagineering, that was tested at Disney California Adventure, Epcot at Walt Disney World and at Hong Kong Disneyland for an extended period. It was shipped back to Walt Disney World with the intention of adding it to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but for some reason it is simply going to Epcot for now. It should head over to Hollywood Studios at the conclusion of this test.

The project began as a continuation of Disney’s “Living Character Initiative,” a program that has generated other interactive shows at Disney theme parks including Lucky the Dinosaur, Turtle Talk with Crush, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, and Stitch Encounter.

In 2009, the attraction was honored with the Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement (Technical) from the Themed Entertainment Association.

VIDEO: Watch All of the Magic Kingdom’s 45th Anniversary Festivities

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

On Saturday, the Magic Kingdom celebrated 45 years of operation at the Walt Disney World Resort. In honor of this milestone, a few special events and offerings took place at the park, and of course, WDWNT was on the scene to check them out.

45th Anniversary Welcome Show

Guests were greeted just beyond the Magic Kingdom’s turnstiles by a slightly altered version of the daily welcome show, complete with a very nice banner hanging from the train station:

45th Anniversary Cinderella Castle Ceremony

A special one-time-only ceremony was held at Cinderella Castle, featuring 45 Disney characters, the Walt Disney World ambassador team, and president of the resort, George A. Kalogridis:

45th Anniversary Specialty Food Offerings

Two specialty food offerings were available on Saturday: a “Celebration Dog” at Casey’s Corner on Main Street U.S.A., and a 45th anniversary cupcake (in two flavors) that was available throughout the park. Here is a short video review of both of those items:

VIDEO: First Teaser Trailer For “Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales”

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

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Disney has just released the first teaser trailer for “Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales”. Seriously though, where is Captain Jack Sparrow?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xo3af_6_Jk

Thrust into an all-new adventure, a down-on-his-luck Captain Jack Sparrow finds the winds of ill-fortune blowing even more strongly when deadly ghost pirates led by his old nemesis, the terrifying Captain Salazar, escape from the Devil’s Triangle, determined to kill every pirate at sea…including him. Captain Jack’s only hope of survival lies in seeking out the legendary Trident of Poseidon, a powerful artifact that bestows upon its possessor total control over the seas.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is in theaters May 2017 in 3D, RealD 3D and IMAX 3D!

Source: Disney Movie Trailers

VIDEO: First Look at “Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” Will Air Tonight

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

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Walt Disney Studios just posted a very short teaser to give us a heads up that  that we can expect to see our first look at “Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales”.  We will get our first look during the broadcast of Fear The Walking Dead TONIGHT 9/8c on AMC.

Source: Walt Disney Studios