WDW Annual Passholders To Receive RFID-Enabled Tickets Starting March 20th

WDWNT on April 24, 2013

Screen Shot 2013-03-18 at 11.34.38 AM
Beginning March 20, all new and renewal Annual Pass purchases will be issued an RFID-enabled cards. All will have the green background, but feature a colored stripe to designate parking privileges.

Screen Shot 2013-03-18 at 11.35.10 AM

Between March 20th and May 19th, current Annual Passholders may visit then Odyssey Center at Epcot during regular park hours to have their pass converted to the new, hard plastic ticket. The new tickets will function in existing FastPass machines as they still possess a magnetic strip on the back. As well, these new passes can enter the park via the old or new entrance methods, putting the ticket into the machine or by tapping the new touch-points.

So while Annual Passholders may not be getting a MagicBand anytime soon, they will have the modern conveniences of an RFID-enabled ticket.

New Bus Loop To Be Constructed at Magic Kingdom as Attendance Rises

WDWNT on April 24, 2013

Screen Shot 2013-03-16 at 3.25.01 PM

With the Walt Disney World adding larger busses to the fleet and attendance on the rise resort-wide, there has become the need for an expanded bus loop area at the Magic Kingdom. Beginning March 18th, construction will commence on a third bus loop adjacent to the existing bus loops. Luckily, traffic should not be greatly hindered by this work even though it will be taking place during the day.

What are your thoughts? Do you think this will help bus efficiency at the Magic Kingdom?

Billiards Series Photoshoot

WDWNT on April 24, 2013

This is an odd one. We decided to take the Billiards Series around to the resorts and place them next to a corresponding number. Don’t ask me why. We just did. too much success, plenty, comfort and ever-increasing leisure? Anyway, they were each taken at a different resort. Some are blatant, and some are more hidden. Can you name them all? If so, comment below. Everyone who makes a comment with at least 5 guesses (doesn’t have to be right) by Midnight EST on July 28, 2013 will be entered in a random drawing for a Vinylmation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PHOTOS & VIDEO: The Kinsey Collection Exhibit Opens at Epcot

WDWNT on April 24, 2013

Walt Disney World Resort recently opened “Re-Discovering America: Family Treasures from the Kinsey Collection,” an exhibit representing more than 400 years of African-American achievement and contribution. The exhibit at the American Adventure pavilion at Epcot features rare art, books and documents from the private collection of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, who have amassed the collection over 30 years. Themed to hope, belief, courage, imagination and heritage, the exhibit’s rare art, books and documents pay homage to the untold stories of African-Americans who helped build and transform a nation. Their stories of determination and courage, as well as their struggles for equality and civil rights, are at the heart of this exhibit.

We have photos and video offering a quick glimpse at the exhibit to share with you today:

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

There are a few interactive exhibits with famous narrators throughout the experience

The interactive lanterns are actually pretty neat and add to what many guests might think is a dull experience:

So, what do you think of the Kinsey Collection? Is this something you will see while at Epcot?

Fossil Carnotaurus Park Starz Variant July 26

WDWNT on April 24, 2013

The fourth and final The Third Park Starz 2 Variant will in fact be a fossil version of the Carnotaurus as many people suspected.

Thanks to Vinylmation Kingdom for uncovering this photo. It will be released on July 26.

PHOTOS: “Tangled” Restroom Area Opens at the Magic Kingdom

WDWNT on April 24, 2013

The “Tangled” themed restroom area in the Magic Kingdom finally opened last week after what feels like a lifetime of waiting. Myself and Dirk Wallen took plenty of photos of the area to share with you, so let’s take a look:

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

The Tangled restrooms finally opened on the former Fantasyland Skyway site

New stroller parking area

The area is very well-themed

Going inside the men’s restroom, there are decorations…

Each stall door is themed…

This is above the sink

And there are Dyson Airblades to dry your hands!

The women’s restroom may be even nicer

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

Rapunzel’s stuff is littered throughout the restroom

Rapunzel painted the ceiling

Rapunzel’s trademark hair on the sign

There is also the charging station we told you about over a year ago

Just lift the flaps

See?

There is even a little area where you can find hidden Pascals!

We won’t spoil all of them for you

Mist fans installed for the hot summer months

A royal guard sign shows that they are armed with frying pans

Maximus’ footprint in the ground

A nice water feature

So strange to see the backside of the Yankee Trader

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

The other side of the pathway is right next to the Haunted Mansion exit

Ep. 127 Sonny Eclipse

WDWNT on April 24, 2013

Ep. 127 Sonny Eclipse

This week we talk about another guest incident at D-Street. We discuss the upcoming Oswald poster art release, WDW trade night and the premier of “Blank: A Vinylmation Love Story.” We learned the Muppets 3 chaser and indulge in a Comic Con Vinylmation Rumor. Recent releases are reviewed and Vinylmation Exchange admins stop by to give you the Top 5 Online Trading Tips.

Listen in Popup Player

Download podcast

Disney Officially Announces “Disney Springs”

WDWNT on April 24, 2013

Well, after we broke the story about Disney Springs a few weeks ago and the rumors aired on nearly every local news outlet in Central Florida, Disney finally officially announced Disney Springs to replace Downtown Disney today:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., March 12, 2013 – Downtown Disney is undergoing a multi-year transformation, representing the largest expansion in its history. The renamed Disney Springs (as shown in this conceptual model) will double the number of shopping, dining and entertainment experiences, and feature an eclectic and contemporary mix from Disney and other noteworthy brands.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., March 14, 2013 – Walt Disney World Resort today announced the multi-year transformation of Downtown Disney into Disney Springs, a unique destination that will treat guests to significantly more shopping, dining and entertainment amid beautiful open-air promenades, meandering springs and waterfront charm.

Disney Springs will feature an eclectic and contemporary mix from Disney and other noteworthy brands. From boutique shops to unique flagship anchor stores, guests will be able to explore a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment experiences and discover options unlike any other currently available in Central Florida.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., March 12, 2013 – With a flowing spring as a centerpiece, Disney Springs will feature four outdoor neighborhoods including the two shown in an artist’s conceptual rendering. The Town Center (lower portion of the image) will offer one-of-a-kind shopping and dining experiences along a promenade while The Landing (upper portion of the image) will include inspired dining and beautiful waterfront views.

“Disney Springs will be a timeless, vibrant place where Walt Disney World guests and local residents can relax, shop, dine and be entertained in an imaginative setting where they’ll instantly feel at home,” said Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Featuring distinctive brands, world-class restaurants and unforgettable entertainment, Disney Springs will be brought to life with the same focus on storytelling and attention to detail that goes into our theme parks, resorts and cruise ships, resulting in a welcoming space that only Disney could create.”

Disney Springs will double the number of shops, restaurants and other venues for guests to explore, resulting in more than 150 establishments. In addition, Staggs noted, Central Florida stands to benefit from the expansion with more jobs, tax revenues and business opportunities.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., March 12, 2013 – Along with an eclectic and contemporary mix from Disney and other noteworthy brands, Disney Springs (as shown in this conceptual rendering) will feature a new gateway with a signature water tower and grand entry.

Drawing inspiration from Florida’s waterfront towns and natural beauty, Disney Springs will include four outdoor neighborhoods interconnected by a flowing spring and vibrant lakefront. In addition to a new gateway with a signature water tower and grand entry, the destination will feature:

  • The Town Center, which offers a sophisticated mix of shopping and dining along with a promenade where guests can relax, refresh and reconnect.
  • A colorful and thriving commercial district called The Landing with inspired dining and beautiful waterfront views.
  • The family-friendly Marketplace that will continue to delight guests of all ages by combining new experiences, such as an over-the-water pedestrian causeway, along with classic Disney favorites, including an expanded World of Disney store.
  • A West Side that provides an exuberant atmosphere with lively entertainment, along with a series of new elevated spaces that provide both shade and an overlook to the activity below.

Collectively, these efforts will not only have an impact within Walt Disney World, but will also have an economic ripple effect on Central Florida. The project will create an estimated 1,200 construction jobs and nearly 4,000 operational roles.

Disney will share more details on specific experiences coming to Disney Springs in the future. Construction is slated to begin next month with new areas opening in phases. Disney Springs is expected to be complete in 2016.

I Bearly Believe This Price Tag!

WDWNT on April 24, 2013

Vinylmation Exchange has reported and Instagramed a photo of a price tag of $49.95 on the Park 12 Country Bears LE Combo.

The price was reportedly going to be $39.95 and the Disney Parks Merchandise Blog still shows that lower price point as shown in this screen shot:

Miss Mindy Gives a Peek at her Wonderland D23 Set

WDWNT on April 24, 2013

Here is a look at the previously released concept art and details:

Wonderland Chess Set
Miss Mindy
Retail: $12,500

With its mix of 32 customized 3″and Jr. Vinylmation figures, all hand-embellished, sculpted & painted, it’s an insane detail feast for your eyes! The Chess Board is laden with solid, extreme-attention-to-detail craftsmanship….. and surprise! There’s a tiny little sculpted Alice watching the game on the side lines, among the various flora, fauna, and crafted elements framing the playing field of these mini marvels… enjoy your trip to Wonderland!