Two More Floats Previewed for “Festival of Fantasy” Parade, “Celebrate a Dream Come True” Ends in January 2014

WDWNT on October 29, 2013

Walt Disney World announced a new daytime parade for the Magic Kingdom several months ago, but today they are previewing two more floats from the parade:

JEP695438SMALLAriel will sit on a large music box float to the tunes of Under the Sea

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Merida from Brave and her bear-brothers will travel with a troupe of Scottish dancers and this giant bagpipe

Also announced for the parade thus far is a Princess Royal Court Garden Float, the previously previewed Mickey and Minnie hot-air balloon, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider on a longship, and the Nerverland unit with Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Mr. Smee, Wendy, and Tinker Bell. The Sleeping Beauty, Dumbo, and Pinocchio units in the parade have still not been previewed to date. Festival of Fantasy is scheduled to debut at the Magic Kingdom in early 2014.

Also announced is that the Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade will return after Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade for 4 final performances January 1st-4th, 2014. Until Festival of Fantasy premieres a few weeks later, there will be no 3PM parade at the Magic Kingdom, just the Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party and Main Street Electrical Parade.

PHOTOS & VIDEO: New Minnie Mouse Meet & Greet at Studios Offers Fun References for Disney Fans

WDWNT on October 29, 2013

Very quietly over the last few weeks, a new meet and greet was constructed inside the Magic of Disney Animation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Eventually planned to be a FastPass+ only meet and greet experience, there is a new place to meet Minnie Mouse between the Mickey Mouse and Wreck-It Ralph meet and greets already located inside. Let’s take a look at this new location (previously just a bank of interactive game kiosks):

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The meet and greet is labeled as the Drawing Room

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Once in the queue, there are some framed pieces representing fictional films Minnie Mouse has been in and some props featuring some of her friends

Hollywood Brown Derby style caricatures on the wall

The movie posters are fantastic, we hope they will sell them in the stores at some point

Posters for Minnie Poppins, The Jungle Cruise, and Squakin’ In The Rain

The Jungle Cruise poster has nods to Imagineers Harper Goff and Bill Evans… it’s also playing at the Theater of the Stars

Interestingly, this is a Spanish poster

Some DuckTales characters referenced here

Casamousa…

A cool reference to Frank and Ollie, two of the Nine Old Men

More cariactures

My personal favorite is Mouse Pacific, featuring the Adventureland buildings and the Little Orange Bird

Some of the names referenced are a combination of Disney legends and Tiki Room bird names

Another neat poster

Minnie’s room is labeled as Dressing Room 2

The roof is gorgeous in the meet and greet

The carpet is great too

Some awesome blakc and white photos of Minnie Mouse around the room

The Golden Mickeys is a show on the Disney Cruise Line and at Hong Kong Disneyland, the date of the ceremony on the poster even marks the opening day of Hong Kong Disneyland

Minnie has several Golden Mickeys and other awards on her shelves

The awards reference the films in the queue

Behind Minnie is jewelry and perfume

More awards

A scene from the Golden Mickeys

The backdrop is really nice

Here’s video of our experience meeting Minnie Mouse, including a surprise appearance by a very famous guest…

So, what do you think of Minnie’s new digs at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?

VIDEO: Experience the Game on the Big Screen in “Need For Speed” in Theaters March 2014

WDWNT on October 29, 2013


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Are you a fan of the car culture films of the 60’s and 70’s? How about the extremely popular game, “Need For Speed”? Now DreamWorks Pictures with Walt Disney Studios brings the passion and excitement of both to the big screen with the new film “Need For Speed”, in theaters March 2014.

This film, based on the most successful racing video game franchise ever with over 140 million copies sold, tells the story of Tobey Marshall (Aaron Paul), a mechanic who also races muscle-cars in an unsanctioned street-racing circuit, while struggling to keep his family-owned garage in business. Though reluctantly, he partners with the arrogant and wealthy ex-NASCAR driver Dino Brewster (Dominic Cooper). Just as a major sale to car broker Julia Bonet (Imogen Poots) looks like it could save Tobey’s business, Dino frames Tobey for a crime he didn’t commit, in a disastrous race which sends Tobey to prison.

Now two years later, Tobey is released and wants revenge on Dino. He has the chance in the high-stakes race known as De Leon—the Super Bowl of underground racing. This film is filled with high-octane, action-packed excitement that includes dodging cops coast-to-coast and contending with the dangerous bounty Dino has put out on his car. With the help of his loyal crew and the surprisingly resourceful Julia, Tobey defies the odds, finding redemption along the way, and proving that the underdog can still finish first.

Here’s some still images from this upcoming movie:

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And here’s the “Need For Speed” official trailer:

“Need for Speed” is presented by DreamWorks Pictures, produced by John Gatins, Pat O’Brien and Mark Sourian and directed by Scott Waugh. The screen story is by John Gatins and George Gatins and the screenplay is by George Gatins and John Gatins, based on the video game series created by Electronic Arts. The film releases in U.S. theaters on March 14, 2014.

Stay tuned to WDW News Today for all your updated news on the Walt Disney Studios!

Video and Images courtesy of the Walt Disney Company.

Disneyland accepting online dining reservations starting October 3rd

WDWNT on October 29, 2013

The Disneyland Resort has just announced that you will be able to request your advanced dining reservations to your favorite resort restaurants online starting October 3rd, 2013.  With the famous Walt Disney World style online reservation system finally coming to Disneyland, the e-mail reservation system will no longer be offered.  Those wishing to call for dining reservations can still do so through the number (714) 781-DINE.

Note, that Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Pirate’s League and Studio Disney 365 will still need to be reserved through the phone by calling (714) 781-STYLE.  Disney also charges a $10 per person fee if a guest does not show up for their reservation or if the reservation isn’t canceled the day before.  You will be able to cancel your reservation online as well.

You will be able to make your online reservations HERE.

Those familiar to reserving though the Walt Disney World reservation system have long awaited this at the Disneyland Resort and know the ease and convenience it brings will only add to the overall enjoyment of your visit.

RUMOR: Disney and Warner Brothers to Bring “The Lord of the Rings” to Disney Parks

WDWNT on October 29, 2013

Yes, that’s right. It sounds like Disney and Warner Brothers have either signed or are very close to signing an agreement that will bring “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” movie-inspired areas to the Disney Parks. This comes on the heels of rumors that it would be Universal that would acquire the theme parks rights several months ago.

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Disney began talking to executives at Warner Bros. about the idea late last year, and it seems now that Disney is looking to finalize or announce the deal in hopes of turning the tide in the Orlando theme park wars.

Rumor has it that Universal Orlando’s parks may show stronger attendance numbers in 2014 with the opening of a second Wizarding World of Harry Potter area, actually defeating Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. This has Disney frightened.

With already announced AVATAR inspired attractions going to Animal Kingdom in the not-so-distant future, Disney is rumored to be overhauling a planned expansion of Hollywood Studios focusing to focus Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings. It would seem that any Cars Land additions planned for the park are now on hold or may never be built so that Disney could quickly move along with these other projects for the park, opening them between 2015 and 2018.

While we haven’t heard anything about what a Lord of the Rings-inspired area would include, it seems that an announcement from Disney might be imminent.

As with any rumor, you should take this with a grain of salt until it is actually announced. Things often change, especially when negotiations with other companies are involved, so who knows if this project will ever see the light of day. Until then, it sure is fun to think about…

What do you think? Would the Lord of the Rings be a good addition to Disney’s Hollywood Studios?

Downtown Disney’s “Foodtopia” Set to Premiere October 1st

WDWNT on October 29, 2013

During the month of October, Downtown Disney will be hosting “Foodtopia,” an event that will showcase the myriad of dining choices for the Disney Foodies out there. From the roasted chicken at Bongo’s Cuban Cafe, to the shrimp and grits and the House of Blues, to the milk-braised pork shoulder with garlic smashed potatoes, foodies will be able to try them all.

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From October 1st – 31st, the Foodtopia event  will feature seven Downtown Disney restaurants, each restaurant will be serving a three-course dinner for $30, with a $60 option at Fulton’s Crab House (tax and gratuity extra). The seven restaurants featured are Bongos Cuban Cafe, House of Blues, Paradiso 37, Planet Hollywood, Portobello, Splitsville Luxury Lanes, and Wolfgang Puck Cafe.

During October, Foodtopia will be held every day of the week between 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.  But don’t head over without advance planning! You must make a reservation and payment at least 48 hours in advance for this event. Beginning September 28th, you can call 1-407-WDW-DINE to make reservations. And don’t wait — space is limited for this event.

Although Foodtopia cannot be combined with other promotions, you can combine Foodtopia and Cirque Du Soleil tickets! If you make a Foodtopia reservation, you will receive a 20% discount on the Cirque Du Soleil “La Nouba” tickets for everyone in your party.

Three courses and a non-alcoholic beverage for $30 — What a bargain! But what is included in these fabulous dinners? As an example, at the Wolfgang Puck Café, you can start with garlic and white bean hummus, a Caesar salad or butternut squash soup. Entrees include pesto chicken, crispy pork loin or spaghetti bolognese. Desserts feature key lime pie, carrot cake or a brownie sundae. Paradiso 37 is offering blackened mahi sliders, a hearty beef burrito or chicken enchiladas paired with a starter and dessert. At Planet Hollywood, their Celebrity BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger is on tap for an entrée, or lasagna or their Southwest Salad. Splitsville lets you choose from eight appetizers and ten entrées, with a brownie and ice cream for dessert. And that $60 menu at Fulton’s Crab House? It includes either shrimp cocktail, steamed clams and mussels or jumbo lump crab cake to start; a whole Rhode Island lobster, cioppino or filet mignon for an entrée, and a Tollhouse Cookie sundae, key lime pie or root beer float for dessert. .

Will you be attending the Foodtopia event? At which restaurant will you dine? Which menu sounds the most appetizing?

Disney Confirms Disney Springs Expansion Parking Changes

WDWNT on October 29, 2013

If you’ve ever driven to the Walt Disney World, you know that having a car on property can be a double-edged sword. You have the freedom to leave the Parks when you want/need to go, but you are also dealing with parking costs and issues. I can’t think of a more difficult parking lot to navigate on property than the ones at Downtown Disney.

With the exciting Disney Springs expansion coming over the next few years and construction already starting, many guests have questions about the new parking situation at Downtown Disney. The best part is that even MORE parking spots are coming and parking will continue to be complimentary.

Construction has started on the first of two multi-level parking garages. The first will be located near the AMC Theatres and Splitsville Luxury Lanes; this garage is expected to be completed in October 2014. The second garage will be located near the World of Disney store, and is set to open in 2016. There will continue to be surface parking spots in addition to the two parking garages.

Meanwhile, if you are planning on visiting Walt Disney World and Downtown Disney any time soon, there are some parking tips for your upcoming trip:

  • Let Disney do the driving. Even if you have driven to your chosen Resort, take the complimentary Disney buses to and from Downtown Disney.
  • If you are dining at Downtown Disney, or catching Cirque Du Soleil, be sure to arrive early to your reservation. Plan on arriving 60 minutes prior to your reservation.
  • If you DO drive, here are some tricks to parking your vehicle:
  1. There is additional parking across the street from Downtown Disney, which are open Fridays, Saturdays and holidays. These spaces are near the SunTrust and Casting buildings (see the map below). Be sure to use the signal lights and crosswalks when crossing to the Downtown Disney area.
  2. Guests can also use the Team Disney parking lot. There will be a complimentary shuttle with direct service to and from Downtown Disney’s West Side, or you can walk the short distance to your destination.
  3. To get between the West Side, Pleasure Island, and the Marketplace, you can use the Boat Transportation to get from one end of Downtown Disney to the other.
  4. If you are not sure of where to park, ask a Cast Member. They can direct you to the best available parking options.

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Principal Photography Begins On Live-Action “Cinderella” Movie

WDWNT on October 29, 2013

Cinderella, a timeless story dating back to 1697 and created by Charles Perrault, has taken one more step towards becoming a live-action Disney feature film. Principal photography on Walt Disney Pictures’ Cinderella began Monday, September 23, in London at Pinewood Studios.

Cinderella

The live-action feature film is being directed by Kenneth Branagh, and stars Lily James as Cinderella, Richard Madden as the Prince, Cate Blanchett as Lady Tremaine, and Helena Bonham Carter as the Fairy Godmother. Holliday Grainger and Sophie McShera star as the stepsisters Anastasia and Drisella, respectively, Stellan Skarsgård and Nonso Anozie play the Arch Grand Duke and the Prince’s loyal friend, the Captain. Derek Jacobi portrays the King.

According to Director Kenneth Branagh, “It is impossible to think of Cinderella without thinking of Disney and the timeless images we’ve all grown up watching. And those classic moments are irresistible to a filmmaker. With Lily James we have found our perfect Cinderella. She combines knockout beauty with intelligence, with, fun and physical grace. Her Prince is being played by Richard Madden, a young actor with incredible power and charisma. He is funny, smart and sexy and a great match for Cinderella.”

The story will follow the traditional story of Cinderella familiar to fans of the Disney animated film.

Cinderella will be released through Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures on March 13, 2015.

Walt Disney Studios

Joe Hogarty’s 9/18/13 WDW (Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot) Photo Report

WDWNT on October 29, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Joe Hogarty Visited the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios last week and has a ton of newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

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Castle Dreamlights are already being installed

Princesses are gone from Town Square Theater, now it is just Mickey

Pluto has an umbrella!

As always, so does Mary Poppins

Moving over to Epcot

The new restrooms at the American Adventure have opened

A new water fountain was installed as well

The new restrooms are really nice

They have Dyson Airblades

Mirrors by the doorway

We can start to see Spice Road Table taking shape in Morocco

The restaurant has an interesting look

The new stage for Mo’ Rockin’

Pooh and Tigger meeting guests at International Gateway while their U.K. home is being refurbished

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Moving over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is already being installed

Frozen billboards up in the Animation Courtyard

Banners are up for Toy Story of Terror in the Animation Courtyard

Another Frozen billboard on Mickey Avenue

VIDEO: Fill Your Vault with Gold in the New Interactive Game “DuckTales: Scrooge’s Loot”

WDWNT on October 29, 2013

Scrooge McDuck needs our help! The Beagle Boys have stolen all his gold, and it’s up to us and the citizens of Duckburg to help him get it back in a new interactive game, “DuckTales: Scrooge’s Loot”!

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Another new game has arrived on the scene, and it’s “DuckTales: Scrooge’s Loot”! This new free-to-play game, available on iOS and Android, gives players the chance to join Uncle Scrooge and Launchpad to retrieve his fortune from the evil Beagle Boys. Play this game in single player mode to go on adventures and complete important quests using several different maps such as a western town, deep caverns, an airship, and the Sun Temple. Online multiplayer mode allows you to find new allies and team up with Facebook in a competition to collect the most treasure and return it to your vault.

In this exciting game, you can:

  • Choose from Inventor, Adventurer, Chef, and Pilot Character Classes, each with different advantages in value, agility, strength, or intellect.
  • Deck your duck out with cool outfits, and intimidating tools such as the fierce Spitball Cannon or the Porcelain Monster, and stock up on wacky gadgets like the Hot Jazz Peppers.
  • Master the different maps, from caverns to ancient temples, to gain an advantage over the competition!
  • Team up with friends on Facebook and make new allies to become the ultimate gold hunters.
  • Build up your stats in every match, and rise to the top of the ranks!

Here are some scenes from this exciting game:

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Download the “DuckTales: Scrooge’s Loot” app on iOS devices or on Android, and load your vault up with gold today!

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And here’s a clip from this fun, interactive game:

Stay tuned to WDW News Today for all your Disney Interactive News!

Video and Images courtesy of the Walt Disney Company.