WDWNT – Page 297 – WDWNT Archive

Harrison Ford To Unveil Details of “Star Wars Land” On “The Wonderful World Of Disney” Special

WDWNT on January 30, 2016

Entertainment Weekly just announced that none other than Han Solo himself will give us the scoop on the latest developments of “Star Wars Land”. “The Wonderful World Of Disney” will celebrate the 60 year anniversary of Disneyland and during the special, Harrison Ford will have his own segment discussing Disney’s plans for “Star Wars Land”.

“The Wonderful World Of Disney” will air February 21st on ABC.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

PHOTO REPORT: Animal Kingdom 1/27/16 (AVATAR, Rivers of Light, Tiffins, Lion Guard, ETC.)

WDWNT on January 30, 2016

Both Dirk Wallen and myself visited Animal Kingdom recently and we have some newsworthy photos to share with you of what’s new and exciting at what seems to be the WDW park to watch in 2016:

Walking into the park, you are greeted by the construction for Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Work now happening on the 2nd floating island

A view of AVATAR and Rivers of Light construction from Expedition Everest

The construction site is quite busy as the new show reaches completion

This was exposed steel last week, but now it is a tower for a follow-spotlight

The lower section of the seating looks almost ready to go

We can only assume this large structure with an entry portal features FastPass scanners for entry

Work continues on Tiffins and Nomad Lounge just behind Pizzafari

Work also being done on the Tree of Life as the new nighttime lighting is installed

This new large tree was planted on Discovery Island. Not sure why, but it looks nice.

Disney Outfitters is still closed

All of the new ceramic character statues have been released at this point

They are $21.95 each

Flights of Wonder is closed for refurbishment

The Lion Guard adventure begins soon, but banners are already up at Rafiki’s Planet Watch

Seashore Sweets Closing/Moving to Accommodate Flying Fish Expansion at Boardwalk

WDWNT on January 30, 2016

With Flying Fish at Boardwalk closing February 1st to begin its huge overhaul, it seems it will be taking Seashore Sweets with it.

The nearby candy store will be a victim of the expansion, also closing on 2/1. However, it seems like a new treat shop may be on the way. What remains of the Yard Arcade and the shop attached to ESPN Club should close soon as well to become a new candy destination for the Boardwalk according to inside sources.

As part of the Flying Fish expansion, guests can expect a whole new look, and the team is working on a new menu. The re-imagined dining room will still have an onstage kitchen and an airier design, with more room for the popular Chef’s Counter and wine dinners.

Disney has not stated exactly what the Seashore Sweets space will be used for as of yet, and we can only assume that the connected restrooms inside will have to remain open for patrons of Trattoria Al Forno.

WDWNT: The Job Fair 2016 (We’re Hiring!)

WDWNT on January 27, 2016

In preparation for many changes to come to WDW News Today over the next few weeks, we will need the help of new staff members, so here’s your chance to be a part of the WDWNT family!

WDWNT has many volunteer employees that make up our entire group of websites and podcasts, but we are always looking for more help to keep our finger on the pulse of the Disney Parks and the fans of these amazing places. Here are the positions we are currently looking for:

WEBSITE

Feature/Column Writer – Write feature-length articles on a regular (weekly or monthly) basis for publication on our website.

Photographer – Take pictures of newsworthy items on a regular basis at the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort.

Videographer – Record & edit video of attractions, entertainment, and special events at the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort.

WDW NEWS TODAY PODCAST

Podcast Staff – Appear regularly on the WDW News Today Podcast as a panelist in various segments. Must be readily available to record one evening a week (night varies from week to week), have a good quality internet connection and microphone.

Podcast Editor – Use GarageBand or other audio editing software to edit and compile podcast segments.

WDW NEWS TODAY: ON THE AIR

WDW News Today: On The Air Original Programming – Produce an original audio program on a regular basis. You will need to supply your own ideas for your program. Existing podcasts or other audio programs seeking a home for streaming audio are also invited to apply.

YOUTUBE

WDW News Today on YouTube Original Programming – Produce an original video program on a regular basis. You will need to supply your own ideas for your program.

YouTube Channel Manager – Manage the YouTube video channel for WDWNT, overseeing all aspects of operation for optimal visibility.

All positions are voluntary and have no monetary compensation. Please email us at wdwnewstoday@gmail.com if interested.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom to Close In April to Add “Explosive” New Finale

WDWNT on January 27, 2016

Well, it looks like the “explosive” Big Thunder Mountain finale that Disneyland introduced in 2014 is finally coming to Walt Disney World…

Big Thunder Moutain at the Magic Kingdom will be closed April 4th, 2016 until an unspecified date in July 2016 to install the new scene. One would imagine they would like to have it open by the busy 4th of July weekend, but they are just not sure if it will make it by that date yet.

If you would like to see the rather sad state of the finale scene since the 2012 refurbishment, you can watch it here:

The moving boulders were made stationary around that time, with the scene remaining stagnant until WDI could test and install the new scene during the 2014 refurbishment at Disneyland.

While it is a shame to see the ride go down again so soon, the new finale scene at Disneyland is absolutely fantastic and will be a welcome addition to the classic attraction.

UPDATE 3/1/16 – Disney has since removed this refurbishment from the schedule, possible delaying it until after the busy Summer season.

VIDEO: Imagineers Put The “Springs” In Disney Springs

WDWNT on January 27, 2016

Today, Disney is sharing more of the incredible details behind the main story point of Disney Springs. At the heart of Disney Springs is a bubbling spring located in Town Center that represents not only the power and beauty of nature, but optimism and possibilities. In the backstory for the project, more than a century ago, this spring attracted the first settlers and over time, the town of “Disney Springs” grew around the spring, eventually creating three additional neighborhoods: The Landing, Marketplace and West Side – each with its own distinct charm.

But how do you build a representation of an authentic Florida spring? The answer: research, technology and artistry. In this video, you can see the level of detail the project team went to in recreating a natural Florida spring like the ones they visited on their many research trips. In it, you’ll see how Imagineers used various shades of bright glass pieces as accent colors to make the springs glitter; how nearby live oak and cypress trees were incorporated into the design of the spring’s bank; and how sculpting added even more depth to the area.

PHOTOS: Another Floating Island Takes Shape in Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on January 27, 2016

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen hit Animal Kingdom today and took some great new shots of the Pandora: The World of AVATAR construction to share with us:

You can see a ton of construction workers out today working on the next floating island.

From afar you can see this one is much bigger than the last.

The rockwork is the land is now coming along quickly as Disney tries to reach a 2017 opening at the latest.

VIDEO: Disney’s Hollywood Studios Expansion Update – #1 – 1/22/16

WDWNT on January 27, 2016

With the work on the 25-acre expansion of Disney’s Hollywood Studios picking up, we decided it might be a good time to start a regular video series documenting the changes as they progress for the park. We will still continue to provide photo reports as well, but an overwhelming number of survey responses asked us to do more of these updates in a video format. In a way, this is kind of a test, so let us know what you think in the comments or on social media so we can improve this series for you. Without any further adieu, here is our very first Disney’s Hollywood Studios Expansion Update:

Walt Disney World Streamlining Theme Park Management Structure

WDWNT on January 27, 2016

Walt Disney World is shaking up the theme park chain of command a bit in order to streamline operations and cut down on managerial middle-men.

Guest Service Managers will now be referred to as Guest Experience Managers. These managers will be in charge of the attractions, food and beverage, and merchandise sectors of each land. The next step up is the General Manager executive position, with the GM overseeing the entire land. These General Managers are just below the Vice President of each park. The goal behind this restructuring is that a front line Cast Member is always just two steps away in the chain of command from the GM.

A Disney spokeswoman said the reorganization will not include layoffs or added jobs. The restructuring also applies to Disney Resort Hotels, Disney Springs, and Disney Sports divisions.

PHOTO REPORT: 1/25/16 Hollywood Studios (Zootopia, Star Wars, Osborne Lights, ETC.)

WDWNT on January 27, 2016

Things are pikcing up at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as it embarks on a 25-acre expansion finally after many years of waiting. I decided to go check out what’s new and exciting at the Studios and I have pictures of what I found to share with you today:

Started the day with breakfast at Starring Rolls

GUYS< JUST LIKE IN THE COMMERCIAL! Seriously though, they had to give the Stortroopers handlers as guests apparently were harassing them

One Man’s Dream is now temporarily home to a Zootopia preview

The preview is really cute and does a great job selling guests on this new Disney animated film

Guests can also get complimentary rabbit or fox ears

The Osborne Lights are completely gone as of the publishing of this photo report

By Friday, this was gone

The former Phineas and Ferb and Cars meet and greets are now behind walls

Pizza Planet and the adjacent restrooms closed, but they got some really funny New York themed construction walls

A lot of fun jokes here

The Sorcerer Mickey meet and greet in sound stage 4 received some permanent signage recently

These new open edition birthstone pins were released this week and are proving very popular. January is sold out right now…

The look fantastic and come in nice gift boxes

Hadn’t seen this UP MagicBandits set yet

A ton of new Hollywood Studios merchandise has been released recently including a girl’s shirt…

A boy’s shirt…

This children’s hoodie…

There are shirts for adults too

Another new set of his and her shirts

These new open edition character heart pins are pretty neat

The Made with Magic mouse ears have a new look, much improved in my opinion

Author: WDWNT

Harrison Ford To Unveil Details of “Star Wars Land” On “The Wonderful World Of Disney” Special

PHOTO REPORT: Animal Kingdom 1/27/16 (AVATAR, Rivers of Light, Tiffins, Lion Guard, ETC.)

Seashore Sweets Closing/Moving to Accommodate Flying Fish Expansion at Boardwalk

WDWNT: The Job Fair 2016 (We’re Hiring!)

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom to Close In April to Add “Explosive” New Finale

VIDEO: Imagineers Put The “Springs” In Disney Springs

PHOTOS: Another Floating Island Takes Shape in Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Animal Kingdom

VIDEO: Disney’s Hollywood Studios Expansion Update – #1 – 1/22/16

Walt Disney World Streamlining Theme Park Management Structure

PHOTO REPORT: 1/25/16 Hollywood Studios (Zootopia, Star Wars, Osborne Lights, ETC.)

Archives

Categories