Disney today released the first Disneyland-specific concept art for the Star Wars themed land coming to the park. The art depicts the land in a slightly different layout, nestled just behind the shores of the Rivers of America.
Click for larger image
We can now assume that the original art was a depiction of the Hollywood Studios version of the land for the Walt Disney World Resort.
Original art
As reported by Kotaku last month, the Disney Infinity team had a lot of figures and Play Sets that were set to release this year.
Among the many plans for the game was a set of premium 12-inch figures. The list of planned characters included Elsa, Darth Vadar, Buzz Lightyear, Hulk, Hulkbuster, and Jack Skellington. The figures would have been sold at $45 a piece, lit up, and have different features that their standard figure counterparts did not.
Thanks to Twitter user Infinite Adventures, we now have concept images for both the premium Hulkbuster and Jack Skellington figures. Check them out below!
(Photo Credits: Infinity Inquirer)
According to the Kotaku article, the premium figures would have multiple light up pieces. Just imagine how those jack-o’-lanterns would have looked glowing on a Disney Infinity base.
(Photo Credits: Infinity Inquirer)
The Hulkbuster figure appears to have been more in the pre-planning stage, but still looks really neat. Hulkbuster would have been massive as a 12-inch figure, despite the regular Hulkbuster figure already being huge.
Although it is sad that we will never get our hands on these figures, at least we can get an idea of what they would have looked like.
What may be the single most desired Disney Parks item of all time is finally on the way…
Lego will be releasing an official Cinderella Castle set at sometime in the near future. It will reportedly retail at $349.99 and clock in at 4080 pieces. Release date is set for September 1st, 2016.
The set will be released onlien adn at LEGO retail locations. It is not known if it will be available at Disney Parks locations other than LEGO stores.
Pretty cool huh? I’d ask if you’re going to buy one, but I already know the answer…
A few weeks ago, we broke the news of the addition of FuelRod to the Walt Disney World Resort. The kiosks were rolled out over the holiday weekend, so we decided it might be a good idea to try them out and see how they work.
Kiosks can be found in all 4 theme parks, Disney Springs, and ESPN Wide World of Sports currently. Here are the locations:
FuelRod kiosks dispense portable charging batteries for $30.00 each, which includes:
This iPhone’s battery life was depleted to 20% when the FuelRod was purchased. While the phone was being used for a good portion of the time, the FuelRod managed toi get the battery up to about 90%. Now, this might not be the best phone charging battery on the market, but it is fairly small and let’s not for get you can simply trade it in at a kiosk for a fully charged one.
You don’t have to go back to the kiosk where you bought the FuelRod to exchange it, just go to any of them.
Simply insert the FuelRod as pictured. If it si rejected, it will simply come back out of the slot underneath, meaning you won’t simply lose your FuelRod should it not scan correctly.
Upon a successful scan of the depleted FuelRod, a different fully-charged FuelRod will be distributed to the guest. You of course keep the cord and attachments you received upon your initial purchase.
The other nice thing is the kiosks are fairly small, so no one is going to have a problem reaching them.
I have a hard time trying to find the downside of FuelRod service for frequent Walt Disney World visitors. While the battery is small and the cost is $30, it does offer you the ability to constantly get a new one without worrying about having to recharge it, and even if you should need to charge it on your own, you can. The kiosks are well themed and it really is an invaluable service for those who need to keep their electronic devices going. FuelRod is a brilliant addition to Walt Disney World that I think most guests will find very helpful.
Every year as this website grows older, we reflect upon the accomplishments, impact, and incredible growth of WDWNT. It has now been 9 years since WDW News Today launched on July 8th, 2007. What was founded on the website you see before you and built on the back of daily news and information about Walt Disney World is now a vibrant collection of blog posts, videos, podcasts, radio programs, streaming original programming, & more. The last year in particular has been a memorable one, as we introduced WDW News Tonight blending the most popular aspects of many of our past programs, and provided the best coverage possible of all of the new attractions that debuted at the Walt Disney World Resort. We even set incredible new records in traffic for our websites and podcasts this year, as we continue our fight to be the first and best source for Disney fans. Oh, and did I mention the $6255.42 total we raised for Toys for Tots in the last year bringing our fundraising total to $25,805.24 over the past nine years?
In the world of Disney, our site has covered huge stories such as the 2015 D23 Expo, the financial cutbacks at the domestic parks, the introduction of new seasonal ticket pricing at the theme parks, the Disney After Hours event at the Magic Kingdom, the opening of Frozen Ever after at Epcot, the delay of Rivers of Light at Animal Kingdom, and much more. We also said goodbye to the original Soarin’, Dream Along with Mickey, the Lights, Motors Action, Extreme Stunt Show, the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, and the Earfful Tower. We even celebrated the 60th anniversary of Disneyland with fascinating podcast & radio show segments celebrating 6 decades of the very first Disney theme park.
Tonight, we will continue our annual tradition of presenting a special anniversary program on WDW News Today: On The Air, and as well for the first time ever on AM 1520 WBZW in Orlando. The show begins at 9PM ET and will last until 12AM ET. During this show, we will be making several earth-shattering announcements about the future of WDWNT. We’ll be interacting with you live through our live chat-room, taking any questions you may have about the Disney Parks, the Walt Disney Company, or about what we do at WDWNT. Unlike years past, we have a few special segments we will present as well, such as a visit from Cornac the Magnificent, WDWNT: The Match Game, and a few surprises! We hope you will join us for that tonight as it is always a very fun event!
On a personal note, the 9 year journey of this website, the podcast, and the entire family that makes up WDWNT continues to be the greatest experience of my life. I’d like to thank the incredible volunteer staff of over 30 people that have worked tirelessly to get us where we are today and the loyal readers & listeners who are to thank for our great success. I am very proud of what we have accomplished in the last 9 years and amazed at where it has taken me today, moving me across the country to my new home just minutes away from Walt Disney World. I’m looking forward to living up to our tagline, continuing to be the worldwide leader in Disney Parks news. As a great song once said, “We’ve just begun to dream!”
Tom Corless
CEO & Founder of WDW News Today
Preferred parking is available at 3 of the 4 Walt Disney World theme parks these days, but now it is available (at a cheaper price) for those visiting the Walt Disney World water parks.
The cost is $15.00, but can be paid in cash only.
A few cars were parked in the spaces, but not many.
Photos by Chris Chatron
Disneyland Reporter Conner Purzycki is back to bring us the very latest from the Disneyland Resort in our first photo report from the west coast in some time. Let’s see what’s new and exciting:
We begin by looking at the continuing work on Star Wars land
The Fort on Tom Sawyer Island is in the construction zone
Foundation work has begun
Toontown in the distance
The Fantasyland Skyway station was finally removed recently
Walt seems excited about it… *ducks to avoid projectiles*
In Downtown Disney, work continues on the second Starbucks location near Earl of Sandwich
The House of Blues closed and moved to Garden Walk nearby, no announcement yet on what will replace it
Chapel Hats, which has a store at Disney Springs, now has a shop at Downtown Disney Anaheim
New recycling bins have appeared around the resort, allowing guests to dump out the liquid first and then throw away the cup or bottle
The Star Trader is now selling rubber Star Wars weaponry…
No visible changes to be seen inside Star Wars Launch Bay since Super Hero HQ was closed
Autopia reopened a while ago, but more changes are still expected over the coming months
Star Wars construction has made a visible dent in the treeline near the Fantasyland Theater
Where trees and the Skyway station once were is now nothing
The Big Thunder Trail will remain closed until the completion of the project
The construction is quite visible while riding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
The view from just outside Big Thunder
The tunnel lives…
Looking out at the Rivers of America
The Mark Twain isn’t moving, but you can still enjoy it
A deserted Tom Sawyer Island
Moving over to DCA, Soarin’ Around the World is now open
Lines have been noticeably longer for the new attraction
You can now get a bacon mac and cheese cone at the Cozy Cone Motel in Cars Land
Big crowds still showing up for Frozen: Live at the Hyperion
Spider-Man and Captain America enjoying their new home in Hollywood Land
If you don’t get here early, this is a pretty common sight
The ads for the Stark Expo are a nice touch given the New York backdrop for both characters
Rather than bring back Mad T Party or tear this down, Disneyland Resort opted to turn the backlot area into “Jammin’ on the Backlot”
There’s still a fountain under this stage…
The sneak peek of Pete’s Dragon is happening now in Sunset Showcase, former home of Muppetvision 3-D
Emma Watson, through Facebook, has given us our first look at the teaser poster for Disney’s “Beauty And The Beast”.
Emma Watson via Facebook:
Source: Emma Watson
Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is a live-action re-telling of the studio’s animated classic which refashions the classic characters from the tale as old as time for a contemporary audience, staying true to the original music while updating the score with several new songs. “Beauty and the Beast” is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart and soul of the true Prince within. The film stars: Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens as the Beast; Luke Evans as Gaston, the handsome, but shallow villager who woos Belle; Oscar® winner Kevin Kline as Maurice, Belle’s eccentric, but lovable father; Josh Gad as Lefou, Gaston’s long-suffering aide-de-camp; Golden Globe® nominee Ewan McGregor as Lumiere, the candelabra; Oscar nominee Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, the feather duster; six-time Tony Award® winner Audra McDonald as Madame Garderobe, the wardrobe; Oscar nominee Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and two-time Academy Award® winner Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts.
Directed by Oscar® winner Bill Condon from a screenplay by TBD based on the 1991 animated film, the film is produced by Mandeville Films’ David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman with eight-time Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken, who won two Academy Awards® (Best Original Score and Best Song) for the 1991 animated film, providing the score, which will include new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Howard Ashman, as well as several new songs written by Menken and three-time Oscar winner Tim Rice. “Beauty and the Beast” will be released in U.S. theaters on March 17, 2017.
Reservations opened today, July 6, for this DVC-exclusive after-hours event at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park.
Members and their guests can take a walk on the wild side at the Disney Vacation Club Safari Spectacular at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park!
This complimentary event is exclusive to Disney Vacation Club Members and their guests.
Event highlights include:
Activities and offerings are subject to change.
* Kilimanjaro Safaris will close at 10:30 PM due to animal care. Some attractions will not be available during this Member event, including but not limited to: DINOSAUR, Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo – The Musical.
Note: The following dates and times are subject to change.
When & Where
Transportation
Complimentary transportation is available before, during and after the event between Disney’s Animal Kingdom park and Walt Disney World Resort hotels.
How to Book
A reservation is required. Bookings will begin on Wednesday, July 6, 2016. Call Member Services to make reservations.
Important Details
TICKETS FOR D23 EXPO 2017: THE ULTIMATE DISNEY FAN EVENT GO ON SALE THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2016
Discounted Tickets Available for a Limited Time
D23 Members Enjoy Additional Savings and Member-Only Benefits
On Thursday, July 14, at 10 a.m. PT, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will begin selling tickets for the next D23 Expo, which will take place July 14–16, 2017, at the Anaheim Convention Center. The largest Disney fan event in the world, D23 Expo celebrates all the wonderful worlds of Disney entertainment, uniting all parts of The Walt Disney Company under one roof, including The Walt Disney Studios (including Marvel, Pixar, and Lucasfilm); Walt Disney Parks and Resorts; Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media; and Media Networks (including ABC, Disney Channel, and Radio Disney). D23 Expo 2017 marks the fifth biennial event held in Anaheim.
Once again the Expo will celebrate the past, present, and future of Disney with live events, celebrity appearances, panels, presentations, sneak peeks, and immersive experiences. D23 Expo 2017 marks the return of fan favorites, including the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, honoring the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to the Disney legacy; an exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives, which spotlights costumes, props, and set pieces from Disney’s rich history; and the Mousequerade costume contest.
Tickets for D23 Expo 2017 will be available at a discounted price for a limited time. From July 14–December 31, 2016, tickets are $67 for a one-day adult admission and $46 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $57 for a one-day adult admission and $41 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available. D23 Members can save as much as $296 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for members and general admission, visit D23Expo.com.
To celebrate the launch of ticket sales, D23 will be streaming select presentations from D23 Expo 2015 at D23Expo.com from Wednesday, July 13, through Sunday, July 17. Presentations include “Once Upon a Time: An Evening with Snow White & the Evil Queen” (featuring Ginnifer Goodwin and Lana Parilla), “A Goofy Movie 20th Anniversary Celebration!” (including stars Bill Farmer, Jason Marsden, and Jim Cummings), “Disneyland: Fond Memories of the Past” (with Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline), and “In Conversation with the Filmmakers and the Emotions Behind Inside Out” (featuring Pete Docter, Jonas Rivera, and a special appearance by Sadness herself, Phyllis Smith).
D23 Expo 2017 will showcase all of the latest stars in the Disney universe. In 2015, celebrity appearances included Johnny Depp, Harrison Ford, Ellen DeGeneres, Chris Evans, Lupita Nyong’o, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, and Dwayne Johnson. The event also featured performances by Ne-Yo, Sabrina Carpenter, the cast of Teen Beach 2, and stars of Disney’s shows on Broadway. Additionally, Disney executives and creative talent came together to deliver special presentations, announcements, and experiences to Disney fans throughout the three-day extravaganza.
A limited number of VIP Sorcerer Packages for D23 Expo 2017 will be available. The Sorcerer Package includes:
Sorcerer Package tickets are available exclusively to both D23 Gold and Gold Family Members at $2,250 per ticket. Members have the option to purchase up to two Sorcerer tickets. Additional details and benefits are highlighted at D23Expo.com.
D23 Gold and Charter Members will be entitled to special benefits throughout the weekend. Look for announcements about these opportunities in the coming months.
About D23
The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a member-exclusive website at D23.com; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.
Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($74.99), Gold Family Membership ($99.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com and at DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.
