BREAKING: Disneyland Introducing a Paid Digital FastPass Service Called Disney MaxPass

WDWNT on January 16, 2017

Disney today finally announced the further expansion of FASTPASS to two of their most popular attractions — Toy Story Mania in Disney California Adventure park and Matterhorn Bobsleds in Disneyland park. However, the bigger news is that the eventual introduction of digital FASTPASS at the resort will be part of a paid service.

Later this year, Disney will launch Disney MaxPass, which will allow guests unlimited downloads of their high-resolution PhotoPass images, but also enable the convenience of mobile booking and redemption of Disney FASTPASS return times – all by using the Disneyland App. Disney MaxPass will be available for an introductory price of $10 a day. Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders also will have the opportunity to purchase Disney MaxPass on a daily or yearly basis.

Guests will continue to have the option of Disney FASTPASS service at no cost by obtaining FASTPASSES at attraction FASTPASS kiosks, just as they do today.

This contradicts rumors of the last year or so about the installation of the system and ensures that paper FASTPASS service will remain at the Disneyland Resort for the time being.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Hold One-Night-Only After-Hours Star Wars Event in April

WDWNT on January 16, 2017

In alliance with Star Wars Celebration coming to Orlando, Disney will be holding an after-hours hard ticket event at Hollywood Studios called “Star Wars: Galactic Nights”. Star Wars: Galactic Nights will take place on April 14, 2017, from 7:00 PM to midnight. Tickets are available for $124 per child and $129 per adult (plus tax). It is $119.00 for adults and $113.00 for children if you are an Annual Passholder.

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Guests are invited to put on your finest Star Wars-themed costumes and attire (permitting costume guidelines), and walk the red carpet toward an intergalactic introduction—followed by a whole universe of event entertainment and interactive fun, from a park-wide scavenger hunt to Star Wars Character encounters and more.

Hollywood Studios attractions available throughout the event include:

  • Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
  • Star Wars Launch Bay
  • Star Wars: Path of the Jedi
  • Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple
  • Toy Story Mania!
  • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
  • The Great Movie Ride
  • Muppet*Vision 3D
  • Voyage of the Little Mermaid

The event also offers a wide array of exclusive offerings, including:

Inside the Saga – Celebrity Chat

After a brief pre-show warm-up featuring the hosts of the Star Wars Show, hear from a Star Wars feature film cast member. As your host asks question after riveting question, their stories will be yours—including what it was like to perform before an audience of millions.

Inside the Saga – Behind the Magic

Following a pre-show with the hosts of the Star Wars Show, learn what it takes to make some of cinema’s most beloved moments, as experienced by one of the Saga’s behind-the-scenes wizards. Their adventures will be yours as this special crew member explains all that goes into bringing the world—and worlds—of Star Wars to life.

Character meet and greets will also be a part of the event, including:

  • Stormtroopers on Patrol

As you board your shuttle at Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, get ready to come face-to-face with Imperial Stormtroopers patrolling the embarkation ramps in pursuit of a Rebel spy.

  • Ewok Encounter

While you adventure through the forest of Endor en route to your flight with Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, prepare for a curious encounter with a few furry village inhabitants.

  • Imperial March

Clear the way for Darth Vader as the feared-and-revered Sith Lord leads a battalion of Stormtroopers down Hollywood Boulevard during a dramatic Imperial March to the event stage.

  • March of the First Order

Clear the way for Captain Phasma as this ruthless commander leads her squad of Stormtroopers up Hollywood Boulevard in a daunting demonstration of the First Order’s obedience and strength.

  • Characters at Star Wars Launch Bay

Visit the Cantina at this popular Disney’s Hollywood Studios destination for a chance to interact with the most notorious bounty hunter in the galaxy, Boba Fett—and possibly even Darth Vader himself!

The event will also be host to an exclusive scavenger hunt. During the Seize the Saga Scavenger Hunt, you’ll be enlisted to find 8 takeaway clues located at each of the Star Wars photo backdrops. After gathering the clues, Guests will be encouraged to act out their very own mini scene or capture a heartfelt message about their love for Star Wars—and post your moment on social media during the event.

The event hub will be a stunning, interactive projection featuring iconic Star Wars scenery. After guests witness a celebrity motorcade leading to the Rebel Base, you head to the main stage to find your home for ongoing event information, hosted shows, interactive moments, a DJ dance party and more.

In addition, be sure to check out the following feature presentations:

  • The Star Wars Show on Location

Join the hosts of the popular starwars.com show as they interact with Guests like you… and film material for their weekly online program.

  • Celebrate the Saga

Throughout the evening, take off on an interactive journey that chronologically celebrates the milestones of 40 Force-filled years of Star Wars.

There will be photo-ops with backdrops from all eight films, as well, Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular and Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away will be presented during this event.

PHOTOS: Additional FuelRod Kiosks Added to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on January 16, 2017

 

The expansion of FuelRod continues at Walt Disney World as the swappable electronics battery has exceeded all expectations in just the first 6 months of its run at the Vacation Kingdom of the World.

Two new kiosks can now be found at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, one at PizzeRizzo, and another inside of Rock Around the Shop at the exit of Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster.

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FuelRod kiosk inside of PizzeRizzo at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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FuelRod kiosk inside of Rock Around the Shop (Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster exit) at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Be sure to check out our in-depth review of the FuelRod service, which by the way, is now also available at the Disneyland Resort.

Here is an updated list of kiosk locations at Walt Disney World:

  • Magic Kingdom
    • Tomorrowland Light and Power Co.
    • Big Top Souvenirs
    • Pecos Bill’s
    • Curtain Call Collectibles
  •  Epcot
    • Disney Traders
    • Camera Center (Future World)
    • World Traveler (International Gateway)
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios
    • Celebrity 5 & 10
    • Rock Around the Shop (exit of Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster)
    • PizzeRizzo
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom
    • Island Mercantile
  • Disney Springs
    • Marketplace Disney Photo Imaging
    • DisneyQuest
  • ESPN Wide World of Sports
    • ESPN Clubhouse Shop
  • Resort Hotels
    • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
    • Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
    • Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
    • Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

Splash Mountain Disney Parks Tsum Tsum Collection Released Today

WDWNT on January 16, 2017

A Disney Parks exclusive Tsum Tsum series was surprise released on the Shop Disney Parks App today. The series features characters from Splash Mountain.

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Again, these Tsum Tsum are available now, but only through the Shop Disney Parks app. There is no word as of yet if they will be released in the parks, but we can only assume that they will at some point in the future.

Filming For Disney’s “Magic Camp” Has Begun

WDWNT on January 16, 2017

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PRODUCTION BEGINS ON

“MAGIC CAMP” STARRING ADAM DEVINE,

GILLIAN JACOBS AND JEFFREY TAMBOR

DIRECTED BY MARK WATERS

 

Production has begun on Disney’s “Magic Camp,” a live-action comedy starring Adam Devine (“Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates,” “Pitch Perfect”), Gillian Jacobs (“Community,” “Girls”) and Emmy® and Golden Globe® winner Jeffrey Tambor (“Transparent,” “The Larry Sanders Show”) directed by Mark Waters (“Bad Santa 2,” “Mean Girls”). The film is shooting on locations in and around Los Angeles and is scheduled for release in 2017. 

Tambor plays Roy Preston, the owner of a summer camp for aspiring young magicians and Devine is Andy, a former camper whose flailing career as a magician has forced him to return to the camp as a counselor. Also returning to the camp is Andy’s former partner and current nemesis, Darkwood, played by Jacobs, who is now a successful magician. When preparations begin for the end-of-summer magic contest between rival teams of campers, Andy and his team of ragtag misfits must go head to head with Darkwood and her campers. In the process, Andy is inspired by the young campers and rediscovers his passion for magic. 

“Magic Camp” is produced by Suzanne Todd (“Bad Moms,” the “Austin Powers” films) with Mario Iscovich (“McFarland, USA,“ “The Princess Diaries”) and Jessica Tuchinsky (“500 Days of Summer,” “Mr. Popper’s Penguins”) serving as executive producers. The film also stars: Nathaniel McIntyre (“Barry”), Cole Sand (“Austin & Ally”), Isabella Crovetti (“Joy”), J.J. Totah (“Liv & Maddie”), Izabella Alverez (“Westworld”), Hayden Crawford (“Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn”), Bianca Grava (“Game Shakers”) and Lonnie Chavis (“This is Us,” “Bella and the Bulldogs”).

“Moana” Sing A Long Coming To Theaters On January 27th

WDWNT on January 16, 2017

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A new sing a long version of “Moana” will be released in select theaters for a limited time beginning January 27th.

The epic journey continues for “Moana” fans as Walt Disney Animation Studios introduces an all-new sing-along version of the hit, critically-lauded comedy-adventure “Moana,” coming to theaters nationwide Jan. 27, 2017. Additionally, the original theatrical version of the film will release digitally Feb. 21 and on Blu-ray March 7. 

Fans are invited to warm up those vocal cords and set sail with an all-new sing-along version of “Moana” launching in more than 2,000 theaters nationwide on Jan. 27 and exclusively at Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre on Jan. 20.  

“Moana” audiences were swept away by the film’s original songs and score from a dynamic team that includes Tony®-, Emmy®- and Grammy®-winning songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda (Pulitzer Prize- and Tony-winning “Hamilton,” Tony-winning “In the Heights”), Mark Mancina (“Tarzan,” Broadway’s “The Lion King”) and Opetaia Foa‘i (founder and lead singer of the award-winning world music band Te Vaka). 

The sing-along version of “Moana” includes the full feature film with on-screen lyrics, so audiences can belt out the words to their favorite songs, such as the Golden Globe®-nominated “How Far I’ll Go.” Moviegoers can check local listings for showtimes and theaters; the sing-along run will vary by location. 

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 56th animated feature opened domestically on Nov. 23, 2016, becoming the No. 2 Thanksgiving debut ever with $82 million. The film continues to delight audiences around the globe, earning more than $225 million domestically and $450 million worldwide to date. The film has a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes and an “A” CinemaScore. 

“Moana” has received, thus far, nominations for BAFTA, PGA, Golden Globe® and a Critics’ Choice Movie Award for best animated feature. The film’s uplifting soundtrack has dominated the music charts for more than six weeks, peaking at No. 1 on the iTunes Albums chart; it is currently No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart and No. 2 on the Billboard 200 album chart. The soundtrack is available wherever music is sold and at streaming services.  

At Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre, the “Moana” sing-along will begin Jan. 20, one week prior to the nationwide opening. Daily showtimes are at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tickets are available at El Capitan Theatre (6838 Hollywood Blvd.), by calling 1-800-DISNEY6 (347-6396) or online at http://www.elcapitantickets.com. 

Audiences can soon enjoy the original theatrical version of the film at home and packed with a variety of bonus extras when “Moana” arrives on Digital HD/3D and Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA) on Feb. 21, and on Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, Digital SD, DVD and On-Demand on March 7.

Full Menus Released for Epcot International Festival of the Arts

WDWNT on January 16, 2017

We have been anxiously awaiting all of the fantastic food and drinks to be announced for the first ever Epcot International Festival of the Arts and now it is finally here! The festival takes place Fridays through Mondays, January 13 to February 20and the “food studios” will be open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Please note: the following menu items marked with (GF) are gluten/wheat-friendly and those with (V) are vegetarian.

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Food:

  • BLT with Crispy Pork Belly, Tomato Jam and Soft Poached Egg – $6.50
  • Classic Reuben with Shredded Corned Beef, Thousand Island Dressing, Pickled Red Cabbage and a Rye Curl – $6.00
  • Cobb Salad with Smoked Duck Breast, Avocado Mousse, Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Bacon and Blue Cheese (GF) – $7.50
  • Figment White Chocolate Art Painting with Chocolate Easel (GF) (V) – $7.00
  • White Chocolate Mickey Puzzle with Artist Palette (GF) (V) – $6.50

Beverages:

  • Deconstructed Breakfast: Twinings® Spiced Apple Chai Tea Shake with Maple Bourbon Cream, a Waffle Crisp and Candied Bacon – $10.50
  • Deconstructed Breakfast: Twinings® Spiced Apple Chai Tea Shake with Maple Syrup, a Waffle Crisp and Candied Bacon (non-alcoholic) – $4.50
  • Pop-Artsicle: Red, White and Blue Frozen Slushy (non-alcoholic) – $3.75

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Cuisine Classique

Food:

  • Braised Short Rib with Parsnip Purée, Broccolini, Baby Tomatoes and Aged Balsamic
  • Seared Red Snapper with braised Ratatouille and Lemon-Thyme Beurre Blanc (GF)
  • Port Wine Poached Pear, Vanilla Panna Cotta and Pistachio Crumbs (GF)
  • Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie

Beverages:

  • Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
  • Bell’s Two Hearted American-style India Pale Ale
  • Duck Rabbit Milk Stout
  • Beer Braising Flight
  • Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva Art Series

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The Artist’s Table

Food:

  • Roasted Pork Roulade with Marble Potatoes, Baby Carrots and Red Wine Sauce featuring Melissa’s Produce – $6.50
  • Pan-Seared Scallop with Chorizo, Roasted Red Pepper Coulis and a Parmesan Crisp (GF) – $6.25
  • Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie – $5.50

Beverages:

  • Callebaut Belgian Sipping Chocolate Flight: White, Milk, Dark (non-alcoholic) – $8.00
  • Callebaut Belgian Sipping Chocolate: Dark Chocolate with Chambord – $9.75
  • Perla Santa Coffee-flavored Wine – $9.50

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The Painter’s Palate

Food:

  • Margherita Flatbread with Basil Pesto and Balsamic Drizzle (V)
  • Trio of Savory Croissant Doughnuts:
    • Whipped Herb Cream Cheese with Sea Salt (V)
    • Chicken Mousse with Fresh Herbs & Everything Bagel Seasoning
    • Spicy Tuna with Sriracha Mayonnaise and Sesame Seeds
  • Mary Blair White Chocolate Art Painting with Chocolate Easel (GF) (V)
  • Pop’t Art: Abstract Designed Sugar Cookie with Chocolate Hazelnut Filling (V)
  • White Chocolate Figment Puzzle on an Artist Palette

Beverages:

  • Pomegranate Mule featuring the Ginger People Ginger Beer and Van Gogh Vodka
  • Breckenridge Nitro Vanilla Porter
  • Young’s Double Chocolate Stout
  • 3 Daughters Queens Court Strawberry Blonde Nitro
  • Neapolitan Beer Flight

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Pop Eats!

Food:

  • Shrimp Ceviche with Lime Mint Foam (GF) – $6.00
  • Sous Vide Venison with Butternut Squash Purée, Pomegranate Reduction, Pickled Turnip and Juniper Berry Powder (GF) – $7.50
  • Almond Frangipane Cake layered with Raspberry Jam and Chocolate (V) – $4.25
  • Pop’t Art: Modern-design Sugar Cookie with Chocolate Hazelnut Filling (V) – $4.00
  • Goofy White Chocolate Puzzle on an Artist Palette – $6.50

Beverages:

  • Cloudem Silver Sparkling Wine – $9.00, In a Souvenir Glass – $16.50
  • Popping Bubbles Cocktail – $9.50

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Decadent Delights

Food:

  • Crisp Caramel Chocolate Mousse Bar, Flavored Merengue Kisses and Passion Fruit Sauce – $6.75
  • Dark Chocolate S’mores: Homemade Graham Cracker, Vanilla Kisses and White Chocolate “Fire” – $6.50
  • Deconstructed Purple Sweet Potato Pie, Salted Caramel, Bourbon-soaked Cake and Marshmallow Whipped Cream – $6.50
  • Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie – $5.50

Beverages:

  • Cherry Heering Liqueur – $10.50
  • Courvoisier V.S.Cognac – $10.50
  • Ferreira 10 Year Old Port – $10.50

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The Masterpiece Kitchen

Food:

  • Charcuterie Palette with Artisan Cured Meats, Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Duck Breast and Cheese – $14.00
  • Smoked Salmon Tartare, Caviar, Crisp Lavash and Traditional Accompaniments – $12.00
  • Wild Mushroom Risotto, Aged Parmesan, Truffle Shavings and Zinfandel Reduction (V) – $9.00
  • Triple Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Crunch, Dark Chocolate Sauce and Gold Leaf from our Master Pastry Chef – $9.25
  • White Chocolate Puzzle on an Artist Palette (GF) (V) – $6.50
  • Mickey and Pluto White Chocolate Painting with Chocolate Easel (GF) (V) – $7.00

Beverages:

  • Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque Brut Champagne – $12.00
  • Classic Sidecar with a Chocolate Twist – $9.25
  • The Meeker Vineyard Winemakers’ Handprint Merlot – $9.50

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Additional Festival Locations

Block & Hans

  • Festival Cabernet Sauvignon, CA
  • Festival Chardonnay, CA
  • Anchor Brewing Meyer Lemon Lager, San Francisco, CA
  • Coppertail Brewing Free Dive IPA, Tampa, FL
  • Founders Porter, Grand Rapids, MI
  • M.I.A. Brewing Mega Mix Pale Ale, Miami, FL

Joy of Tea

  • Traditional Chinese Golden Fish
  • Panda Rice Cake

Fife & Drum

  • Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie

Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie

  • Opera Cake

Funnel Cakes

  • Gingerbread Funnel Cake

Japan Pavilion

  • Kabuki Café Kiosk: Futomaki Sushi
  • Tokyo Dining: Chirashi Sushi and Sashimi

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

Beverages:
All Festival specialty drinks served hot or cold.

  • Canada: Night Sky Latte: A delicious shot of Joffrey’s Italian Espresso mixed with Creamy Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, topped with Steamed Milk and Whipped Cream
  • Disney Traders: Cinnamon Sensation: A shot of Italian Espresso mixed with RumChata and Cinnamon Whiskey, blended with Steamed Milk and Whipped Cream
  • Future World East: Painted Lady Latte: A shot of Joffrey’s Italian Espresso mixed with rich Baileys Espresso Créme Liqueur, topped with Steamed Milk and Whipped Cream
  • The American Adventure: Dreamy Bourbon: A shot of Italian Espresso mixed with Bourbon Whiskey Cream Liqueur, blended with Steamed Milk and Whipped Cream

El Arista Hambriento (The Hungry Artist)

  • Choriqueso Taco served with Chihuahua Cheese, Red and Green Peppers over a Corn Tortilla and garnished with Poblano Peppers and Micro Cilantro
  • Flank Steak Guarache served with Black Beans, Salsa de Chile de Arbol, Frisee Lettuce, Queso Fresco, Red Cabbage, Shredded Carrots and Chipotle Mayo

Tangierine Café

  • Homemade Falafel with Pickled Beets and Turnip, Tomato Salad and Tahini Sauce

Refreshment Cool Post

  • Chilled Shrimp, Quinoa, Layered Vegetables, Spiced Yogurt and Red Pepper Coulis

Refreshment Port

  • Croissant Doughnut filled with Pastry Cream and topped with Colored Pearls

Concept Art Released for Renamed “Miss Adventure Falls” at Typhoon Lagoon

WDWNT on January 16, 2017

 

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Formerly Miss Fortune Falls, the new attraction coming to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon in 2017 now has a new name and new concept art.

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Miss Adventure Falls family raft ride at Typhoon Lagoon

Miss Adventure Falls is an all-new, family-raft attraction owned by Captain Mary Oceaneer—a sea-faring treasure hunter whose haul was caught in a rogue typhoon and scattered across this tropical paradise years ago. Mary Oceaneer is a member of the Society of Adventurers and Explorers, made famous in various attractions around the world including Mystic Manor, the Jungle Navigation Ltd. Skipper Canteen, and Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, so the S.E.A. should tie-in in some fun ways in this new ride.

From your 4-person raft, feel a rush of excitement with family and friends as an aquatic conveyor belt chutes you into action. Then, hold on tight as you spy precious artifacts collected from all around the globe. If you’re lucky enough, you may even meet the captain’s old diving partner—an Audio-Animatronic parrot who’s still hunting for treasures at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park to this day.

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Miss Adventure Falls family raft ride at Typhoon Lagoon

The attraction is set to open March 2017 at Walt Disney World’s Typhoon Lagoon water park.

Disney Vacation Club Members to Get Special Welcome with Each Park Visit

WDWNT on January 16, 2017

Starting January 11th, 2017, Disney Vacation Club members can get a special welcome every time they enter a Walt Disney World theme park.

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Park entry touchpoints will activate a purple to green light sequence upon a successful scan with MagicBand for members, and cast members have been instructed to greet these guests with a “welcome home” message.

FastPass redemption will not activate any special effects, only park entry.

VIDEO: Pandora – The World of AVATAR Entrance Uncovered at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on January 16, 2017

Pandora: the World of AVATAR is nearing completion at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and now some of the strange elements we have seen covered for many months are starting to be revealed. In our latest video update, we take a look at the entrance to the land, the bridge to enter it from Discovery Island, and more work happening on the floating mountains above the land. Take a look for yourself:

http://https://youtu.be/oh6xgp_Vmsg

Pandora: The World of AVATAR will open Summer 2017.