PHOTOS: Ugly Christmas Sweater Mouse Ear Headband Released at Disney Parks, The Next Social Media Craze?

WDWNT on October 25, 2017

With most of the Disney fandom still stuck on the Rose Gold Mouse Ear Headband craze, it seems as though another item may be reaching that level of popularity this holiday season…

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Released this week and already selling very fast is the Ugly Christmas Sweater Mouse Ear Headband. They retail for $24.99 each and we found a mostly empty rack of the item at Disney’s Days of Christmas store at Disney Springs just last night.

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The ears are rather “unique”, featuring an ugly Christmas sweater pattern with Mickey and Minnie Mouse icons between two big red “pom pom” ears. While I don’t necessarily understand the popularity, they are already selling fast despite little to no publicity.

If those are a little too weird for you, there are two much more normal, fairly cute mouse ear head bands also available this season.

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So, will you be buying this “ugly sweater” mouse ear headband, any of the more normal styles, or none at all?

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TONIGHT on WDW News Tonight (10/18/17) – Pyramid, Improving Halloween at the Parks, and More!

WDWNT on October 25, 2017

Tonight! WDW News Tonight celebrates Halloween with The Pyramid, ideas to improve the season, and the Wonderful World of Psychotic Comments returns…

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If you are in the Orlando area, you can tune in to 105.5 FM or AM 1520 WBZW at showtime. For those outside of the Orlando area, the show can be watched via video stream at listen.WDWNT.com on your computer or mobile device. You can also use WDWNT: The App to watch and chat along. The show also utilizes a live chat and the ability to call-in to interact with the show. WDW News Tonight is hosted by Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, but also features appearances by a number of other WDWNT correspondents.

Coming up on this week’s show:

  • A recap of the week’s news (with a WDWNT comedic twist)
  • An In-Depth Discussion of what more Walt Disney World could do to celebrate Halloween in the parks
  • The Wonderful World of Psychotic Comments
  • “Who Hates Tom Now?” returns
  • “WDWNT: The Pyramid” for prizes provided by WDWNT: The App
  • And more!

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

If you missed our last show, be sure to watch it:

CONFIRMED: New 350 Room Tower Hotel Being Constructed Near Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

WDWNT on October 25, 2017

Coastal Construction Group is building a 350-room tower hotel near the existing Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

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As previously rumored here, the hotel will occupy the site of the tennis courts and force some minor modifications to hole 1 of the Fairways Course at Fantasia Gardens. This site would be just steps away from Disney’s Hollywood Studios, although, as of right now, guests would still have to walk along the waterway to get there.

There is no further information available at this time.

Walt Disney World Annual Passholders Get a Free Orlando Magic Jersey with Purchase or Renewal

WDWNT on October 25, 2017

From October 18th, 2017 through October 1st, 2018, or while supplies last, qualified Annual Pass purchases or renewals at Orlando’s Amway Center will receive one blue or white Orlando Magic player jersey with the new Disney logo sponsorship patch on it.

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Guests interested in the offer should visit a Disney Ticket Center at Amway Center to purchase or renew their Annual Pass. Once purchased, they will receive a voucher for their Orlando Magic jersey, redeemable at the Orlando Magic Team Shop.

Fans can choose from any available blue or white Nike Swingman Orlando Magic player jersey. Personalized jerseys will be available for an additional $20.The offer is available for any pass that offers at least 150 days of admission to the Walt Disney World theme parks. It does not include Water Park annual passes.

It should be noted that while the Team Store is open on game days, it is also open each Monday – Friday from 10am to 5pm.

As part of their sponsorship deal. Orlando Magic jerseys will feature a Disney patch for the next two seasons.

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Tokyo Disneyland Debuts Pixar and Star Wars Theme Park Events

WDWNT on October 25, 2017

The Tokyo Disney Resort is welcoming two band new events, “Pixar Playtime” and “Feel the Force!” with both Disney Sea and Tokyo Disneyland hosting the events. Here is what to look forward to in these upcoming months:

 

Feel The Force

December 15th, 2017 to March 19th, 2018

In honor of the worldwide release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, this event at Tokyo Disneyland “Feel the Force” will bring on a brand new update to Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. This update will shine a spotlight on a new planet from “The Last Jedi”.

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Not only will a new ride update be revealed, but a ton of new merchandise will be available for purchase as well! Those popcorn bucket collectors out there will be happy to hear that the Darth Vader popcorn bucket will be making its debut at this event as well.

 

Pixar Playtime

January 11th, 2018 to March 19th, 2018

 

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This new Pixar themed event, coming to Tokyo Disney Sea in January of 2018, will feature many character meet and greets as well as some fun games! Concept art for some of these booths have been released, and include imagery from some iconic scenes within the Pixar universe.

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Some of these being Carl’s house from “Up”, the kitchen from “Ratatouille” and a pit stop from “Cars”. The event will have an overarching board game theme, as guests travel across the game.

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The characters that are available for meet and greets include the following:

Toy Story

  • Woody
  • Buzz
  • Jessie
  • Bullseye

Monsters Inc.

  • Mike
  • Sulley

Ratatouille

  • Remy

Up

  • Carl
  • Dug
  • Russel

Cars

  • Lighting McQueen

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Visceral’s Star Wars Video Game Changing Drastically, Studio Shutting Down

WDWNT on October 25, 2017

EA is making some major changes to the previously announced action-adventure Star Wars game under development by Visceral Games.

Here is EA Executive Vice President Patrick Söderlund’s statement from the EA Blog:

Our Visceral studio has been developing an action-adventure title set in the Star Wars universe. In its current form, it was shaping up to be a story-based, linear adventure game. Throughout the development process, we have been testing the game concept with players, listening to the feedback about what and how they want to play, and closely tracking fundamental shifts in the marketplace. It has become clear that to deliver an experience that players will want to come back to and enjoy for a long time to come, we needed to pivot the design. We will maintain the stunning visuals, authenticity in the Star Wars universe, and focus on bringing a Star Wars story to life. Importantly, we are shifting the game to be a broader experience that allows for more variety and player agency, leaning into the capabilities of our Frostbite engine and reimagining central elements of the game to give players a Star Wars adventure of greater depth and breadth to explore.

Essentially EA is closing down Visceral Games (Battlefield Hardline, Dead Space) and moving the project across a variety of other EA studios, with the bulk of production now taking place at EA Vancouver. EA says that many team members from Visceral will be moved to different EA studios to work on various other projects.

This announcement seems to be in-line with the recent trend in the video game industry to increase replay value by creating shared-world games that offer multiple ways to play. EA has yet to announce what exactly this revamp of the game will be like, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see EA attempt to implement elements from games like Destiny 2, Overwatch, and Rocket League to extend the longevity of the game.

Söderlund concluded the statement by adding that the game has been pushed back from its original tentative date of 2019.

Visceral Games’ Star Wars project was set to be a linear action-adventure game that focused on story telling. Amy Hennig was on board to work on the game’s story (best known as the writer of the Uncharted series) although there is no word yet as to how this shift has effected her role in the project.

Our condolences go out to all effected by the closure of Visceral Studios.

VIDEO: New Clip And Featurette Released For PIXAR’s “Coco”

WDWNT on October 25, 2017

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A new clip Mariachi Plaza from Disney•Pixar’s “Coco” is now available. Plus, check out Crafting Coco, a new featurette that includes interviews with filmmakers and talent, showcasing the immense research and detail that went into bringing the story and music of “Coco” to life.

“Mariachi Plaza” clip:

https://youtu.be/bFqeYK96JXc

“Crafting Coco” featurette:

Directed by Lee Unkrich (“Toy Story 3”), co-directed by Adrian Molina (story artist “Monsters University”) and produced by Darla K. Anderson (“Toy Story 3”), Disney•Pixar’s “Coco” opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 22, 2017.

Voice Cast: Gael García Bernal, Anthony Gonzalez, Benjamin Bratt, Renée Victor, Ana Ofelia Murguía, Jaime Camil, Sofía Espinosa, Luis Valdez, Lombardo Boyar, Edward James Olmos, Alanna Ubach, Selene Luna, Alfonso Arau, Herbert Siguenza, Octavio Solis, Gabriel Iglesias, Cheech Marin, Blanca Araceli

 

Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (voice of Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt). Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Héctor (voice of Gael García Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.

The Han Solo “Star Wars” Spin Off Movie Is Officially Called “SOLO: A Star Wars Story”; Production Wraps

WDWNT on October 25, 2017

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The Han Solo “Star Wars” spin off movie has officially wrapped up production, and to celebrate this occasion, director Ron Howard released a video thanking the cast and crew and finally letting us know what the title of the movie is called. Check out the video below where Howard receives a little help from a certain Wookiee that is still on set for some reason.

So what do you think of the title?

Source: Ron Howard

REVIEW: AbracadaBAR at Disney’s Boardwalk Adds Food, New Drinks to Fix Magic-Lacking Menu

WDWNT on October 25, 2017

Abracadabar at Disney’s Boardwalk was a huge disappointment when it opened. After many months of hype that there would be another unique bar experience with a strong theme at Walt Disney World, we were all more than ready to burst through those doors and enjoy many nights of drinks, small bites, and fun. I was so excited that I waited outside for hours to be the first guest ever to enter the establishment. I ended up hating the menu so much that I never even felt compelled to write a review of my experience.

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There was no food and the drink menu catered to a very narrow audience. Needless to say, some sort of change was needed. It took a long time to get here, but those menu changes has finally materialized.

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Sadly, the really awesome “magic” menu books are gone, but there is an expanded menu, now with food options. Many of these are available next door at Flying Fish, but that doesn’t make this a bad thing. In this review, we’ll focus on items only at Abracadabar.

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New to the cocktail menu is the Hoodunit’s Punch.

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There are also some pretty interesting flights now.

Hoodunit’s Punch ($12.50)

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Comprised of Captain Morgan, orange juice, pineapple juice, and coconut, the Hoodunit’s Punch is nothing special, but it will do the trick if you aren’t a fan of the old-timer cocktails that comprise the rest of the menu. I appreciate that they are trying different things, but maybe go for something using these flavors that is slightly unique?

Unique Flavors Flight ($22.00)

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While it is on the pricey side, this is one of the more enjoyable bourbon flights on property, and presentation wise it was more than pleasant.

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The Tap 357 Maple Rye is from Canada, so you may not easily find that elsewhere.

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The High West Campfire is our favorite of the bunch.

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And of course, the Woodford is fairly common, but overall a fun flight nonetheless.

Thrice Spiced Fries ($11.00)

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Topped with Feta Cheese, a Sriracha Aioli, and a spice blend, these fries are one of the best bar food items I’ve had at Walt Disney World. I’ve mentioned in several reviews how much I enjoy both steak fries and spicy dishes, and this combines two of my loves. They aren’t so spicy as I think anyone would find it to be overwhelming, and the presence of the feta does a nice job balancing out the flavors. I will be back for these a few times.

Fish Bites and Fries ($14.00)

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Pardon my French, but this dish was trash. While the straw fries are still great, even without the seasoning, the fried fish tasted like it was removed from a bag frozen and thrown into the oven. I would not recommend these under any circumstance.

OVERALL

The presence of some food makes a trip to Abracadabar more feasible, and the drink menu has some fine additions to boot. Abracadabar has a brilliant interior and is a great place to sit and relax, the menu just needed a kick in the rear honestly. I think some more creative, sweeter drinks to balance out the old-time cocktails would make this a can’t miss experience for everyone, and hopefully that will be addressed in the months ahead. Oh, and please remove the Fish Bites…

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Muppets Minute Podcast – The Muppet Movie: Minutes 6-10

WDWNT on October 25, 2017

Minutes 6-10 of The Muppet Movie are now available! In minutes 6 through 10 we dive into Kermit’s swamp… wherever that may be. Kermit sings “Rainbow Connection” for us. We break down the song and discuss what it means to us and what it means to Kermit. Dom DeLuise makes a cameo here as Bernie the Agent. In quite possibly the most impactful cameo in the film, Dom triggers a thought process here that leads Kermit to discover his purpose in life. This group of minutes wraps up with Arnie the Alligator chasing Bernie way and Kermit pondering his next move.

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Muppets Minute is a podcast that discusses each Muppet feature film in a minute by minute formate and published as a daily podcast. Subscribe with the links above and join in on our discussions on Facebook and Twitter. Also, join the Muppets Minute Mayhem Club for bonus content, giveaways and more.