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Dirk Wallen’s 5/13-5/20/13 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen has been all over the Walt Disney World theme parks over the last week and has a ton of newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

We begin at Downtown Disney

To Pleasure Island while it is still a thing…

While nothing is going on at Adventurer’s Club…

Walls are already up for Disney Springs at the former Comedy Warehouse

The walls from inside Pleasure Island

Work happening at the Sassagoula boat dock on Pleasure Island

It’s closed, so you have to get off at Marketplace

Soon this will be The Landing

The Truckeria taco truck is at Downtown Disney

Not sure how long this has been a thing, but there is a snow-cone cart in Marketplace

They also have glazed nuts

Some new pins are out at Pin Traders, including this Remember When Figment & Dreamfinder pin

Toy Story Mania 5th anniversary pin

The pin trading nights pins are still available

Moving over to Epcot, Character Spot is still closed, but we can see a new sign where the entrance will likely now be

I have seen the kid’s shirt before, but the adult “I conquered the world” shirt looks new to me

Some work going on in Â the queue for Turtle Talk

Walls still up at the Norway pavilion waterfall

Work continues on the new, larger restrooms at the American Adventure

Work continues on Spice Road Table in Morocco

The new France pavilion ice cream parlor is set to open next month

Moving to Studios, the Monsters Inc. meet and greet is closed until the 24th to become a Monsters University meet and greet

Current progress on the Villas at the Grand Floridian

A lot of work to be done near the resort entrance still

The 24 hour day is on the Magic Kingdom times guide

The Adventureland Veranda is still behind tarps

Signage is uncovered at A Pirate’s Adventure

Tarps still up at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments

The Liberty Bell is no longer behind walls and looks great

It has seemed like forever since we have seen the facade at Columbia Harbour House…

Work continues on the former Fantasyland restrooms near Peter Pan

No visible progress on Princess Fairytale Hall

More rock-work appearing on the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train

Still a lot of work to be done over here

The Mad Tea Party is still closed

Nacho Rodriguez Strikes Again

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

In what he is now referring to as #sneakpeakmonday on Instagram, Ignacio Rodriguez posted another photo teasing a design. The caption he used this time is “Who could possibly be wearing their top hat tilted to the side like a true gent? One more week till it comes out. I hope!” Here is the picture he posted:

Could this be a Mickey to go along with the “Fancy” Minnie Nacho teased last week? Or could it (gasp) be an Oswald?!?! Where would these even release? New York? Internationally? Hopefully in a week we will have more concrete details. Who are you hoping this vinyl is?

Previews of the Jaques and Gus Two-Pack from Animation 4

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

Animation 4 hasn’t even hit shelves yet, but today Disney provided us with full previews of the first limited edition set from this series. The designs are Jaques and Gus from Cinderella, and here are the 360 degree shots:

These vinyls were designed by Monty Maldovan, are LE 1500, and will release at both the parks and online for $29.95 on January 3rd. These were first previewed at Reflections of Evil back in September along with another LE set from Animation 4, a three pack featuring Huey Dewey and Louie. Jaques and Gus look great in person, and I think their expressions are captured perfectly. Will you guys be picking this two pack up?

Also, here is a picture of the back of the box they will come in, courtesy of Vinylmation World:

Details on Disney Store CM “Thank You” Figure

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

We finally have insight as to what exactly the Disney Store “Thank You” Vinylmation is. According to Vinylmation Kingdom, a Disney Store Cast Member has confirmed that DS CMs around the globe are getting these 3″ Cast Exclusives as thank yous for all the hard work they do. They were created by the Vinylmation specifically for CMs and the figure was mentioned in the “Cast Communication” newsletter. Here are some photos of the figure and the box. As with the Japan D23 vinyls, I LOVE the box art more than the Vinylmation. Do you spot all those characters in there!?

VIDEO: A “Galaxy” of Excitement & Surprises in Hyperspace Hoopla 2013

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

As always, the highlight of Star Wars Weekends this year was the Hyperspace Hoopla show at the end of the day, featuring the always popular “Dance Off With the Star Wars Stars”. The show this year was excellent in my opinion and the surprise ending was one of the cooler moments in the history of the show. Take a look for yourself:

So, what do you think of this year’s Hyperspace Hoopla?

Episode 143 Texting

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

Ep. 142 Texting

This week we review Park 13 and the Frozen vinyls. We also talk about the new Hawaii and Vegas figures featuring Stitch. This episode is also our 2013 Dee Vee Award wrap up were we run down some of the numbers from and interesting stats from the show.

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‘Eye-mazing’ Merchandise for Monstrous Summer All-Night Party on May 24, 2013

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

I can’t wait for the upcoming all-night party that will kick off a Monstrous Summer at Disney Parks on May 24, 2013. I had a blast at last year’s 24-hour party with my fiancée, so I imagine this one will be even more “eye-mazing!” As part of Limited Time Magic, Disney Theme Park Merchandise has created some commemorative items featuring Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan, stars of Disney•Pixar’s upcoming film “Monsters University.” Here are some things you can expect starting May 24.

We will have a new logo shirt featuring Mike, created just for the 24 hour party. The shirts will be similar on each coast except for a small logo change on the sleeve (either “Magic Kingdom” for guests in Florida or “Disneyland Resort” for guests in California). This shirt will also be offered on our Disney Parks online store from May 24-27 at http://www.DisneyStore.com/ParkEvents. (Please note that items will be shipped in 6-8 weeks from time of order.)

My favorite items are the Sulley-inspired Disney ear hat (it’s furry!) and Mike’s one-eyed novelty sunglasses. We will also be offering an embroidered Disney ear hat with a “Monstrous Summer” logo that day.

The apparel, ear hats and sunglasses will be released at the Emporium and select locations in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort. At Disneyland Resort, look for these items in Emporium at Disneyland park and Elias & Co. at Disney California Adventure park, among other select locations.

The Consumables team will offer some treats inspired by Mike and Sulley, including blue and green cotton candy, cake pops, and decorative candy apples. My favorite (mostly because they gave me a sample to try) is the delicious cupcake complete with green icing and a chocolate logo square. Look for select goodies in locations like the Main Street Confectionery in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort, Candy Palace at Disneyland park or Trolley Treats at Disney California Adventure park.

All of these items will be available for a “limited time” only beginning May 24, while supplies last.

Finally, I invite you to follow the Disney Parks Blog on May 24, as I will be traveling coast-to-coast to party in three Disney Parks that day. I look forward to seeing friends on both the east and west coasts! If you are in the parks, please say hello!

Looks like the Disneyland Resort will have you covered from head to toe with merchandise and limited time gear, and well fed too.

Special Eats Part of Monstrous All-Nighter Fun at Disney Parks

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

Unique food, treats and snacks are being added to many locations around the Disneyland Resort for the Monstrous all-nighter event and Disney is sharing a few of these items to whet our appetite.

Of course the Disney chefs had to get in on the Memorial Day weekend fun to kick off a Monstrous Summer at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Magic Kingdom Park, Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park will stay open from 6 a.m., May 24, to 6 a.m. May 25, – which gives us 24 hours to nosh our way through the delightful bites.

We won’t give away all the ideas the chefs have planned, but here are a few:

The cupcake craze gets a nod at Gaston’s Tavern in New Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom Park, with a chocolate cupcake topped with tasty “Monsters University” sweets. And we can’t resist the “Eye Scream Sundae” at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor and Plaza Restaurant in two flavors – mint chocolate chip or strawberry.

The Launching Pad in Tomorrowland will have two theme drinks, Randall’s Suds and Mike’s Punch.

At the Disneyland Resort, tasty treats are everywhere. From a steak and eggs breakfast at Carnation Café in Disneyland park to a Monster Nacho Dog at Award Weiners at Disney California Adventure park, there are dozens of creations added to menus. We expect lots of guests will be looking for early-morning eats, like the breakfast pizza at Redd’s Pizza Port with eggs, chorizo, roasted tomatillos, mozzarella and pico de gallo. Blue Bayou is adding roasted bourbon shrimp stuffed with Dungeness crab mousse served with spinach, pasta and smoked tomato-habanero-artichoke sauce. Café Orleans has decadent bananas Foster French toast, or, if you must behave, fresh fruit with yogurt and granola.

For breakfast goodies at Disney California Adventure park, Golden Vine Winery Trattoria has a Wine Country breakfast with scrambled eggs, herbed potatoes, biscuit, bacon or sausage and fruit; or spinach frittata made with egg whites. For around-the-clock eating, the potstickers are back at Lucky Fortune Cookery, or head to Pacific Wharf Café for a hearty loaded baked potato soup in a fresh sourdough bread bowl.

Oh, there’s so much more, like the mac-and-cheese flatbread pizza with sun-dried tomato pesto at Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, or the Monstrous Open-Face Turkey Sandwich at Flo’s V-8 Café (brioche piled high with turkey and topped with gravy, cranberry marmalade on the side).

Come hungry, and you can bet there are plenty of delicious eats to keep you going around the clock.

Attending a 24 hour event may be just cause for being tired, but one thing is for sure, you won’t be hungry.

24 Hours of Fun and Entertainment in Three Disney Parks

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

Disney has given us a sneak peek into the entertainment schedule for the Magic Kingdom, Disneyland and California Adventure for the special 24 hour event on May 24th, 2013.

We’re just one week away from our next Limited Time Magic event, the huge Disney Parks Monstrous Summer All-Nighter on May 24! Pam Brandon and Steven Miller will be along later to share details about some of the great food and merchandise you can expect to find, but first I’d like to tell you more about the special entertainment we have in store.

Everything kicks-off with special opening moments in front of the parks, leading up to 6 a.m., and then you’re off and running for 24 hours of fun!* Many of your usual favorite characters and shows will be happening throughout the day, but we also have some extra things planned just for this event.

At Magic Kingdom Park, Mike and Sulley from this summer’s new Disney•Pixar film “Monsters University” will pop in to “scare up” some excitement at the “Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It!” Street Party, and serve as Grand Marshals during a special pre-parade, complete with a cheer squad, flag corps and a marching band playing the MU Fight Song! You can catch this procession just ahead of each of that day’s two performances of the “Celebrate a Dream Come True” Parade. In Tomorrowland, the Rockettower Plaza Stage plays host to a “Monster Mania” DJ Dance Party from 4 – 9 p.m. and “Monsters University Movie Night” from 11 p.m. – 5 a.m., featuring back-to-back showings of the original “Monsters, Inc.” and an opportunity to meet Mike and Sulley! Finally, you can dance the night away at Disney’s Up All Night Dance Party at Cinderella Castle, keeping things lively from 2 – 5:45 a.m.

At Disneyland Resort, the fun spreads out across two Disney Parks! Disney California Adventure park is having a Hollywood Viewing Party, screening “Monsters, Inc.” inside Muppets Theater and hosting Mad T Party outside inHollywood Land. Both start at 9 p.m. and continue through the night. Elsewhere, the “Monsters University” gang will be out and about with the new MU float from the Pixar Play Parade, happy to pose for pictures with you.

Disneyland park celebrates with a Disney Character Pajama Party, starting after midnight in Mickey’s Toontownwith classic Disney cartoons, a Mickey Mouse Party Zone with DJ and activities for kids, plus goodies available for purchase, like hot chocolate, milk and cookies and other treats. Over in Tomorrowland, there will be Star Warscharacters to meet and the TLT “Monstrous” Dance Club at Tomorrowland Terrace, where you can keep the party going from midnight to 5:30 a.m.

During the All-Nighter, the Royal Theatre at Fantasy Faire hosts a Royal Swing Ball, with a live band from 10 p.m. – 1:40 a.m., and beginning June 15 the “Jump, Jive, Boogie Swing Party” will return to the Royal Theatre for select nights during the summer. Keep an eye on the calendar page on Disneyland.com for dates and information.

So whether you’re heading to Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort for the Disney Parks Monstrous Summer All-Nighter, you’re in for a monster-sized good time!

Please note that the parks will be open between Friday, May 24th, 2013 at 6:00 AM to Saturday, May 25th, 2013 at 6:00 AM and entrance is subject to capacity.

Tom Corless’ 5/11-14/13 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

On Saturday and Tuesday I visited the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios (respectively) and took some newsworthy photos to share with you, so let’s take a look: