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Celebrate WDW’s 43rd Anniversary with Timeline Trivia, This Week (10/02/14) on WDWNT: The Radio Show

WDWNT on October 24, 2014

This week, on WDWNT: The Radio show, we celebrate the 43rd anniversary of Walt Disney World with a new game called Timeline Trivia. We have 43 trivia questions, one related to each year WDW has been in existence. The premise is simple, as long as you keep answering questions correctly, you keep playing. At the end of the night, the caller who correctly answered the most questions wins the grand prize from Theme Park Connection. Everyone who answers at least 1 question correctly, gets a prize.

Listen in and share your memories of 43 years of Walt Disney World. We will also talk about farewell performances of the Epcot entertainment, the closing of the Studios Backlot Tour and of course, Frozen.

Hosted by radio veterans and life-long Disney fans Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, the live radio talk show on AM 1520 WBZW in Orlando focuses on the latest news and current trending topics at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. WDW News Today: The Radio Show can also be streamed live at www.1520wbzw.com. WDW News Today the Radio Show debuted in August of 2013 as a 1 hour broadcast on Saturday evenings and has grown into a 2-hour program by popular demand.

To interact with the hosts during the show, listeners can call in at (407) 774-8255, tweet @WDWNT using #WDWNTRadio, or use the new LIVE chat that will be available at Radio.WDWNT.com.

The show begins at 8PM EDT Thursday night, don’t miss it!

Mark Hamill And Carrie Fisher Reunite Luke and Leia Skywalker 37 Years Later

WDWNT on October 24, 2014

Recently Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher were seen in Los Angeles attending a charity dinner for the organization Midnight Mission, a homeless aid charity celebrating its 100th anniversary. Both Hamill and Fisher are reprising their roles as Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia for the upcoming sequel Star Wars: Episode VII.

Some fun facts about Star Wars: A New Hope:

The original title was The Adventures Of Luke Starkiller, which was later changed to The Star Wars and finally changed to Star Wars.
Originally the story had Anakin Skywalker as a Jedi Knight teaching his son the ways of the Force but later they replaced Anakin with Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Harrison Ford was paid $10,000 for his performance in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.
The sound of the TIE Fighter engines is actually the sound of an elephant call mixed with the sounds of a car driving on wet pavement.
The sound of the light sabre was made by accident. Sound effects supremo Ben Burtt couldn’t find a suitably sci-fi sound effect for the iconic lightsabres, until he accidentally walked past a muted TV while holding a microphone. He mixed the resulting low hum with the sound of a film projector motor and the rest was history.
Luke and his family were originally imagined as dwarves.
Han Solo who was meant to be a green skinned monster who had a set of gills and no nose.
Alec Guiness hated Star Wars. Alec Guinness didn’t have high hopes for George Lucas’ space opera when he signed on; in fact, he downright hated it and had no idea what a smash it would become. Guinness begged Lucas to kill off Obi-Wan Kenobi, and he eventually relented. “What I didn’t tell him,” Guinness later revealed, “was that I just couldn’t go on speaking those bloody awful, banal lines. I’d had enough of the mumbo jumbo.”
Harrison Ford wasn’t in the running to play Han Solo. Burt Reynolds was among the top contenders to play Han Solo, along with Al Pacino, Jack Nicholson and Christopher Walken. Ford agreed to read Solo’s lines during screen tests for other actors, and Lucas realised his perfect Solo was right under his nose.
The opening scroll was written by Brian De Palma. The scrolling words that open each Star Wars film were intended as a homage to the Flash Gordon serials of the thirties, which started in a similar way. Lucas was helped by Brian De Palma, director of crime classic Scarface, who saw the first, endless draft and said, “You’re out of your mind… Let me write this for you”. Editing it right down, De Palma played a key role in introducing Star Wars to millions across the world.
Chewbacca was based on George Lucas’ dog, Indiana. His dog is also the inspiration for the name Indiana Jones.

Some more photos from the Midnight Mission event:

The “Dude” abides:

That’s not a hand rail:

Got this from Club Cool:

Star Wars: Episode VII is the first chapter of a new trilogy that takes place 30 years after Return Of The Jedi. The movie is being directed by J. J. Abrams and will reunite the original cast as well as new cast members to continue the Star Wars saga. Episode VII is currently being filmed in locations such as Abu Dhabi, Iceland and various locations in the UK. Star Wars Episode VII is scheduled to be released domestically on December 18th, 2015.

Hollywood Studios To Offer “Frozen Holiday Premium Package” Starting in November

WDWNT on October 24, 2014

With Frozen Summer Fun now over, Disney has decided to continue to fight for your money with a different premium package at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: the Frozen Holiday Premium Package.

Offered November 7 – 19, November 21 – December 9 and December 11 – January 4, 2015, this package includes reserved seating for a performance of “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” at the Premiere Theatre, and reserved Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights viewing and Frozen-themed dessert party (which will feature mini Anna cupcakes and mini Elsa cupcake, among other treats) in the evening, and a holiday themed lithograph and “Frozen” pin for each guest.

The package costs $89 per adult and $59 per child (ages 3 – 9), plus tax (gratuity is included). Valid theme park admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is required and is not included in this package price.

For more details, or to book, you can call 407-939-1854.

Another premium package? Have at it in the comments…

Tom Corless’ 9/30/14 WDW Photo Report (Big Hero 6 Art, Backlot Tour, Rivers of Light, New Frozen Merchandise, ETC.)

WDWNT on October 24, 2014

It was quite the busy weekend at Walt Disney World, so I managed to visit all 4 parks to see what was new and have a ton of newsworthy photos to share with you in today’s report:

The Studio Backlot Tour closed forever on Saturday

A Big Hero 6 exhibit can now be found at the Magic of Disney Animation

Moving over to Epcot, menu changes have been made a the Electric Umbrella

I decided to try the French Dip burger

It was surprisingly good!

I also tried the Pumpkin Macaroon from the France ice cream parlor and it was amazing.

Over at the Magic Kingdom, this low clearance was added in the bus stop to ensure busses go the right way through the loop

The awning on the boat dock at the entrance was replaced, it’s now red instead of green

The latest progress on the hub at the Magic Kingdom

The Astro Orbiter reopened this weekend, but you can read more about that here

The leave-your-phone charging stations in Tomorrowland have all been closed, the test period came to an end and we’ll now have to wait to see if it was a success and is brought back

New Space Mountain ladies’ shirt

New men’s “I conquered Space Mountain” shirt

This artwork was previously on a black t-shirt and slightly different

Dumbo character sketches are now being sold at Big Top Souvenirs

New Beast plush for sale at Bonjour Village Gifts

Instead of selling generic items, there is a now a Beauty and the Beast shield toy

If you don’t have a FastPass for it, prepare to arrive at Be Our Guest at park opening to get a return time to eat lunch there or you’ll be turned away

Even more of Sir Mickey’s has been taken over by Frozen merchandise, even Ariel merchandise got pushed out

Some new Frozen artwork for sale

A two-sided Olaf ceramic ornament was just released

Queue work continues at Peter Pan’s Flight

We thought it would only be at Disneyland, but the Zero popcorn bucket was released at the Magic Kingdom! It costs over $13 but has a light-up nose feature

Strange new t-shirts…

LOVE this new sweatshirt!

Odd new Magic Kingdom shirt

Simple, but nice

Halloween 2014 Duffy

Some of the Haunted Mansion 45th anniversary lithographs have made it to Florida

An awesome new print by Alex Maher

In preparation for “Move It! Shake It! Dance and Play It!”, video screens are being installed on the floats

Moving over to animal Kingdom, it’s still a mess

At least all of the construction walls are decorated now

The UP meet and greet has seen better days

“it’s tough to be a bug” re-opened this weekend

Most of the nets installed to protect guests from falling particles have finally been removed from the queue

There are still nets by the base of the tree, not sure if these will stay here

work is picking up on the new nighttime show, Rivers of Light

The Everest shrine is behind walls and probably will be until the construction is done in late 2015/early 2016

Since one of the Wilderness Explorers’ answers is behind walls, they made a copy and placed it on the walls

The walls wrap around most of the river

We can peek through and see that the construction vehicles are already in place, ready to start working on the show and viewing area

Some sort of new structure is going up by Flame Tree Barbecue

An Oswald Christmas ornament was released

Guardians Of The Galaxy Blu-ray And DVD Gets An Official UK Release Date

WDWNT on October 24, 2014

Today Marvel UK announced that Guardians Of The Galaxy will be coming to Blu-ray and DVD on November 24th. We still have not heard from Disney or Marvel regarding the official US release date but recently the director, James Gunn, tweeted that the Blu-ray and DVD will arrive on December 9th. That tweet, as seen below, was immediately taken down. I’m not sure if that means that Disney and Marvel were not ready to announce the US release date or maybe it will come a little earlier to coincide with the UK release.

Yep. #GuardiansoftheGalaxy Blu-Ray out Dec 9. Huge amount of extras & commentary. Order it now.

James Gunn (@JamesGunn) September 25^th, 2014

The UK versions will be available in a 3D/2D combo pack, single Blu-ray, single DVD or a Limited Edition Steel Book (3D/2D Blu-ray), which can be purchased at Zavi.com.

Here is the official announcement from Marvel UK’s Twitter Page:Marvel UK also released some box art for these two editions.

UK 3D/2D Blu-ray Combo:

UK Limited Edition Steel Book (also 3D/2D Blu-ray):

Here is the cover art for the upcoming US releases. Both versions are available for pre-order on Amazon.com.

US 3D/2D Blu-ray, Digital HD Combo Pack:

US Blu-ray:

From Marvel, the studio that brought you the global blockbuster franchises of Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and The Avengers, comes a new team–the Guardians of the Galaxy. An action-packed, epic space adventure, Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe into the cosmos, where brash adventurer Peter Quill finds himself the object of an unrelenting bounty hunt after stealing a mysterious orb coveted by Ronan, a powerful villain with ambitions that threaten the entire universe. To evade the ever-persistent Ronan, Quill is forced into an uneasy truce with a quartet of disparate misfits–Rocket, a gun-toting raccoon; Groot, a tree-like humanoid; the deadly and enigmatic Gamora; and the revenge-driven Drax the Destroyer. But when Quill discovers the true power of the orb and the menace it poses to the cosmos, he must do his best to rally his ragtag rivals for a last, desperate stand–with the galaxy’s fate in the balance.

VIDEO: World Showcase Players Say Goodbye to Epcot After 32 Years

WDWNT on September 30, 2014

The World Showcase Players (under various titles) have existed in Epcot’s World Showcase since 1982, entertaining guests and amking them a part of the show. The group was referred to as the World Showcase Players as they performed in the U.K. and Italy for a number of years, before being reduced to shows only in United Kingdom a few years back. The entertainment group performed for the very last time on September 25th, 2014 and we have video of each show that they performed that day to share with you:

Disneyland Resort Review: Mickey’s Halloween Party 2014

WDWNT on September 30, 2014

Image © Disney

Most the time in life one wouldn’t rave about a “lightly attended” party., but when the party is at Disneyland, that is, like many elements of Mickey’s Halloween Party, worth mentioning. But the light crowd isn’t for lack of trying. In fact it is intentional. So that’s different. And so is the fact that Guests are encouraged to wear costumes to the event, a usually verboten practice.

Mickey’s Halloween Party, which over the years has gone by several different names, is a separately ticketed event where guests can enjoy (not so) scary Halloween fun. There is a “mix-in” period available for Guests who want to arrive a bit early. Once the Day Guests, who don’t have wristbands are… eliminated, you will be chillin’ like a villain.

The California party is a variant of “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party” held in The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

The party on Tuesday, September 30 was a sold out event, but it never felt like it. Sure, their were some long-ish lines for some of the photo opportunities and of course, at times for the Haunted Mansion in its Nightmare Before Christmas costume. But overall the capacity for the event I attended seemed set nice and low, making for a really enjoyable evening.

Special lighting and music bump the “creep factor.’

In Ghost Galaxy, no one can hear you scream. A chance to ride Space Mountain in nearly total darkness.

Trick or Treat stations are abundant at the

You can’t swing a cat without hitting a Trick or Treat station at the Mickey’s party.

All Bad-ies; All the time in Town Square. Villain photo opportunities are popular.

“She seems nice.”

Halloween can be a time for mentoring.

I think the first couple “phoned these costumes in.” I mean, what are they supposed to “be?”

Great expectation…

A box of raisins in your candy bag. Photo © Disney

The hit of the night was was the special nighttime show – Halloween Screams: A Villainous Surprise in the Skies – an unwieldily name for an excellent fireworks spectacular.

Your host: Jack Skelington. Seen here as a scary Jack-O-Lantern. Jack and other members of this terrifying troop are projected onto a large helium balloon.

The “globe” is a really effective trick and adds to the very different atmospheres that “Screams” evokes.

All in all, Mickey’s Halloween Party is an excellent experience. The best part being the slight number of Guests – roughly half the “population” of a normal day in the park.

These events are nearly sold out, so if you want to try a different Disneyland Park experience, act now.

Hurry back. Hurry back…

PHOTOS & VIDEO: Astro Orbiter Resumes Flights; New Color Scheme for Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom

WDWNT on September 30, 2014

Over the last few months, there had been some speculation that the new colors adorning Rocket Tower Plaza (home to the Astro Orbiter, Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover, and the Lunching Pad) would spread beyond the center of Tomorrowland and perhaps mean a new color scheme and look for the entire Magic Kingdom realm. Well, with the re-opening of the Astro Orbiter and the Disney Vacation Club booth nearby this past weekend, it seems Tomorrowland is about to get a fresh, bright new look…

Teal, orange, white, and lime-green make-up the new colors on the DVC booth

Astro Orbiter rockets are now predominantly blue, with beige, red, and green accents

These colors will likely extend to other buildings in Tomorrowland later, but are just in the center area for now.

The now-orange elevator shaft that lifts guests to the loading platform for Astro Orbiter

The Astro Orbiter re-opened with not only fresh paint on the rockets, but also a completely reconstructed centrifuge. With the new spinning structure, the rockets angle inward a bit more when you steer upwards, creating a sensation that you may spill out towards the center. The surrounding planets and such on the structure will no longer spin as it was decided the effect was just too unreliable over the years. Many a time, Disney would spend months working on fixing the planets, only for the effect to break a few weeks later. Regardless, we have a video of the updated attraction for you to enjoy:

So, what do you think of the new Astro Orbiter and the new Tomorrowland colors?

Upcoming Vinylmation Spotlight: 2015 Vinylmation Calendar & Eachez

WDWNT on September 30, 2014

from DestinationVinylmation.com

This is part of a series of articles spotlighting the Vinylmation that were previewed at this year’s annual Walt Disney World Pin and Vinylmation trading and merchandise event, “The Imagination Gala.” The event was held at Epcot’s World Showplace from September 5-9, 2014. Today we look at the upcoming 2015 Vinylmation Calendar.

In one of my favorite announcements at the Gala, Thomas Scott showed off a Vinylmation themed calendar. It is cut in the shape of the Mickey Mouse collectible and has some amazing concept artwork on each page drawn expertly by the talented Maria Clapsis. There are 10 new designs and 2 existing designs featured in the calendar. He only gave us a glimpse of a few designs, but it was enough to wet the appetite for more. The calendar is now available

Thomas Scott showing off the front of the 2015 Calendar

June

Front of Calendar

February

March

One other design revealed with no photo is a Star Wars Mickey. But wait, there is more! Some of the calendar designs will also be translated into Eachez Vinylmation released in the corresponding month. We were shown the Eachez that go along with the February and March calendar pages shown above. The big twist on these limited edition Eachez is the fact that Mickey will be the common while Minnie will be the rare figure.

In February 2015, there will be a Valentine’s Day Eachez. The edition size is 2500 overall with Mickey being seeded at 9 in 10 odds (LE 2250) and Minnie at 1 in 10 (LE 250).

In March 2015, there will be a St. Patrick’s Day Eachez. The edition size is 1500 overall with Mickey being seeded at 9 in 10 odds (LE 1350) and Minnie at 1 in 10 (LE 150).

Upcoming Vinylmation Spotlight: Mickey Mouse Cartoon Series

WDWNT on September 30, 2014

from DestinationVinylmation.com

In March 2015, Disney will release a Vinylmation blind box 8 figure series based on the new Mickey Mouse Cartoon shorts. It was designed by Billy Davis.

Mickey from “Croissant de Triomphe”