New Mickey Video Website and App

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

Screen Shot 2013-07-06 at 7.27.19 PM

Are you a fan of Mickey Mouse? If you are reading this blog, I will go ahead and assume that you are. This past week Disney announced a new website and mobile app featuring both new and classic Mickey Mouse shorts.

mzl.pnmmfhpg.320x480-75

Both the app and the website are nicely laid out and are easy to navigate. New shorts are prominently featured, or you can browse by selecting from the featured characters (Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald, Daisy and Goofy) to see videos featuring that character. The one complaint I do have about the app on the iPhone is that it is a little to easy to accidentally play a video while scrolling through the list.

The new shorts are currently being released weekly, first on the Disney Channel, then on the website and in the app. The cartoons draw their inspiration from the more slapstick and zany era of the early Mickey Mouse cartoons, while taking place in modern settings. I particularly enjoyed New York Weenie, which takes place in Central Park in New York City (where I happen to live), and Croissant de Triomphe, which takes place in Paris (where I recently spent my Honeymoon). Croissant is entirely in French, although even if you do not speak the language, you will likely be able to understand the story.

Some of the classic Mickey cartoons are included as well, such as Mickey and the Seal, On Ice, and Mickey’s Trailer. I must have watched Mickey and the Seal hundreds of times as a child, including while sitting in the lobby of a Disney resort waiting for my parents to check in. Okay, and this past year while standing in the lobby checking myself in.

I am really happy to see the Mickey Mouse cartoons getting featured again. If you have an iOS device, it really is worth downloading this app, especially since it is free. Everyone else can check out the website to get the same content, as well as some flash games based on the new shorts. Enjoy!

Joe Hogarty’s 7/1/13 Magic Kingdom Photo Report

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Joe Hogarty visited the Magic Kingdom on Monday to mark the start of Independence Week and has some newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip, so let’s take a look:

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

Still not much to see at Princess Fairytale Hall

Work rapidly continues on the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train

More and more rock work going up

Rumors indicate that Triton’s Treasures will also include a very small food service location


This side is still mostly steel

A FastPass+ sign was added at the Tomorrowland Speedway

Here are some pictures of Celebrate America! fireworks

Happy 1st of July!!!

Tim Alcoser’s 7/4/13 Disneyland 4th of July Photo Report

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

Disneyland News Today Reporter Tim Alcoser was at Disneyland for the Fourth of July and was able to attend events featuring the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band and fireworks.

Another beautiful day in Anaheim.

Over to Disneyland.

Notice the America Sings characters.

Crowds gathered early for a chance to see the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band.

You never know who is going to show up and where at Disneyland.  Like Mickey…

…or Princesses…

…with young fans in tow.

The stage is set for the special 4th of July Flag Retreat Ceremony.

Marine Band makes it’s entrance.

A female Staff Sergeant led the band.

The All-American College band did not participate, but got to enjoy the entire performance.

A well used, but well taken care of instrument.

The band ended the ceremony with a March Down Main Street USA.

Over to the stage at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree where the band would play select music.

The scenery in and around Big Thunder Ranch has changed a lot and improved.

Lots of detail.

A Lance Corporal helps set up.

A Gunnery Sergeant narrates the entire performance.

Marine Corps Combat Camera was on scene.

The Staff Sergeant from the flag retreat is back.

The band plays all the tracks from Mary Poppins.

The band changed up the tempo and played select Disney favorites such as “Kiss the girl” and “You got a friend in me”.

A Corporal performs the flute solo to “Stars and Stripes Forever”

The bandstand has been back for several weeks and is very popular.

A few snapshots from Disney’s Celebrate America: A Concert in the Sky!

Heavy crowds before, during and immediately after the show.  But not as intense as last year.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PKeFBFhsE8&w=800&h=600]

VIDEO: The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band plays all the music from Mary Poppins.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DrV4YJ_k44&w=800&h=600]

VIDEO: The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band plays “Mahna Mahna” from the Muppets.

Thanks for reading!  Have a Happy 4th of July Weekend!

Tom Corless’ 6/27-7/1/13 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

I managed to visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Grand Floridian, and the Magic Kingdom over the last week and took plenty of newsworthy photos to share, so let’s take a look at what’s new at the Walt Disney World Resort:

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

A new purchase-with-purchase bag is available

FastPass+ entrance at the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

MagicBand accessories can also be found at Animal Kingdom Lodge

They have Incredibles MagicBandits

Moat exciting has to be the appearance of Star Wars CoverBands

There are also a few MagicBand t-shirts available

The new seasonal line of Beautifully Disney has been released

Moving to Animal Kingdom, we found some Monsters University school supplies for sale

Construction continues on the new theater for Festival of the Lion King in Africa

There are now stand-by and FastPass+ signs at Finding Nemo: The Musical

New Sorcerer Mickey iPhone 5 case

While the real sign has still not arrived, this temporary sign shows us artwork for what the real Adventurers Outpost sign will look like

Lone Ranger and Tonto Vinylmation for sale

The Grand Floridian gave out 25th anniversary buttons on July 1st

Some new novelty sunglasses are being sold at the Magic Kingdom

I really love these Goofy ones

Princess shades are neat too

Happy 4th of July everyone!

New Look for Buena Vista Street Merchandise at Disney California Adventure Park

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

Barely shy of it’s one year birthday, we know Buena Vista Street is home to unique shops and merchandise.  Disney has now announced new Buena Vista themed products coming this month.

Were you a fan of the Buena Vista Street-inspired merchandise created in celebration of the opening last year? If so, and you are looking to update your wardrobe, there are new collections on the horizon. Here’s your first look at some of the new art that will appear on an array of merchandise including tees, fleece, hats, drinkware, pins, souvenirs and more.

If you are looking for summer wear for the kids, then be sure to pick up this Oswald youth tee.

Look for this new collection to debut in July at Elias & Co. atDisney California Adventure park, among other select locations.

Photo reports will make an appearance as soon as the new merchandise does, so stay tuned!

 

Dirk Wallen’s 6/29/13 Downtown Disney (Disney Springs) Photo Report

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Downtown Disney over the weekend to check the progress on the Disney Springs makeover currently in the earliest stages. Let’s take a look at the progress thus far:

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

The taco truck is still out by Fulton’s Crab House

Pleasure Island is now mostly covered in construction walls

There are new walls in the same spot as the old ones at the former Rock ‘N’ Roll Beach Club site

Walls now up across from Paradiso 37

Curl has finally moved next to Splitsville on the West Side

The Comedy Warehouse side is completely walled off

Still no walls up at the former Adventurer’s Club

There are some walls up at the very edge of the West Side

No visible progress yet, but things are about to get interesting!

Dirk Wallen’s 6/30/13 Magic Kingdom Photo Report

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited the Magic Kingdom yesterday and has a few newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

A look at the Villas at the Grand Floridian from across the lagoon

A look at construction of the third bus loop at the Magic Kingdom

A few awnings have already gone up

Mickey may be sold out, but you can still pick up a patriotic Minnie plush

Some special shirts out for the 4th of July as well

Well, Sleepy Hollow Refreshments is no longer behind tarps!

There may be no signage or shingles up yet, but the building is looking great

Cinderella’s fountain was roped off for some reason…

Stand-by and FastPass+ entrances are now ready to roll at Magic Carpets of Aladdin

Tim Alcoser’s 6-29-13 Disneyland Photo Report

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

Disneyland News Today Reporter Tim Alcoser visited the Disneyland Resort on Saturday (6/29) and caught a few bits of news in and around the resort.

The Steam Engine from the upcoming film, The Lone Ranger, is on display east of the Esplanade at Disneyland’s East Transportation Center.

A fairly obvious hidden mickey is seen inside the cab of the engine.  I wonder if you will be able to see it in the movie…?

A closer look.

It’s a real Steam Train.  Not just a movie prop.

With 4th of July almost here, many guests are stopping to enjoy the Flag Retreat ceremony.

Over at Disney California Adventure, Sir Tow Mater takes a stroll towards Carsland.

Radiator Springs Racers was down for awhile when I dropped by.

Here’s another look at the holiday decorations on Buena Vista Street.  Buena Vista Street is all set to celebrate it’s second Independence Day!

“We sell hats…and not much else…”

With Summer in full swing comes the return of an annual guest favorite.  The All American College Band.

The band is very talented and always draws huge crowds.

A look at Main Street USA, finally cooling off after a heat wave rolled across much of the state.

80z All Star Band played 80’s favorites all evening long.

The large crane that was rebuilding Big Thunder’s track has been long gone.  But basic renovations of the landscape still go on.

Magical! Fireworks Spectacular.

What Disney day is complete without Fantasmic?

Lasers, lights, fireworks and smoke.  Hope you enjoyed the report!

New “Wake Up with Disney” App for iOS Devices

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

“Wake Up with Disney” App

by Patty Granger

Disney fans can now wake up and start every beautiful morning with their favorite furious fowl Donald Duck using Wake Up with Disney. People can turn an alarm clock into an interactive activity with 3D Disney characters, starring the popular Donald Duck at launch with more characters to come.

mzl.ipfznphb.320x480-75

Fans can customize and choose additional costumes with backgrounds for Donald like Safari and Fire Chief. Donald Duck talks, laughs, and interacts with fans along with waking them up.

mzl.hybgfgzh.320x480-75

I hate the mornings and I am always open to testing out a new app that can help me wake up a little quicker! I must say I love this app; I got a huge kick out of waking up to a screaming Donald. With an integrated 5-Day weather forecast, flashlight, and nightlight this app really is more than just a wake up call from Donald! I encourage you to explore the app and discover its hidden gems like the sleep feature!

Visit the App Store to download Wake Up With Disney is available to download for $.99 for iOS devices on the App Store: http://bit.ly/14gjcsr.