Arena Presentation Schedule Announced for 2011 D23 Expo

WDWNT on July 7, 2011

ARENA SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED FOR THE D23 EXPO: THE ULTIMATE DISNEY
FAN EVENT AUGUST 19 – 21 AT THE ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER

Star-Studded Presentations Include Regis Philbin, the Cast of Disney Channel’s “Shake It Up,” Disney Princesses and Countless Surprise Appearances

ANAHEIM, Calif. – July 7, 2011 – The D23 Expo 2011 is proud to announce the Arena schedule for The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. From August 19 – 21, Expo guests will have exclusive access to presentations from The Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, Disney Channel and Marvel Comics – plus they will be able to experience the 2011 Disney Legends Ceremony. In addition to the spotlight arena presentations, this year’s Expo will feature screenings, celebrity panels and autograph signings, eye-popping pavilions, exclusive insights into TV shows, theme parks, animation, Disney history and more, to be announced in the coming weeks. Arena presentations will include:

Friday, August 19, 2011
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – 2011 Disney Legends Ceremony – Hosted by Tom Bergeron. Honorees Regis Philbin; Jim Henson; Disney Princesses Jodi Benson, Paige O’Hara, Lea Salonga, Linda Larkin and Anika Noni Rose; Bo Boyd; Jack and Bonita Wrather; Guy Williams and Ray Watson will be inducted as Disney Legends for their contribution to the creative legacy of The Walt Disney Company in a special presentation exclusively for D23 Expo guests.

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts – Join Tom Staggs, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, as he gives D23 guests a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into some of the exciting projects currently underway at Disney’s parks and resorts around the world.

Saturday, August 20, 2011
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – The Walt Disney Studios – A fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse at the exciting roster of projects on the horizon at The Walt Disney Studios. From exclusive video clips and live performances to filmmaker discussions and star appearances, this session will be hosted by Rich Ross, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios; Sean Bailey, President of Production, The Walt Disney Studios; John Lasseter, Chief Creative Officer, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; and Kevin Feige, President of Production, Marvel Studios.

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – The Lion King 3D Exclusive D23 Screening – Disney fans will have access to an exclusive advance screening of The Lion King in Disney Digital 3D™, ahead of the film’s highly anticipated theatrical and home entertainment releases. “The Circle of Life” takes on a new dimension as Simba, Mufasa, Nala, Timon and Pumbaa grace the screen once again, this time in breathtaking 3D.

Sunday, August 21, 2011
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Marvel Comics – An exclusive and unprecedented experience that will take you through the evolution of Marvel from its first comic book in 1939 to its current position as one of the most important creative forces in the world. During this presentation, which will include interactive Q&A segments, you will not only get an inside glimpse of the history of Marvel and its iconic Super Heroes but also discover why Marvel truly is the House of Ideas. This session will be hosted by Joe Quesada, Marvel’s Chief Creative Officer and one of the most respected and sought after writers and artists in the entertainment industry.

2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Disney Channel – Fans are invited to experience the excitement of a spectacular live performance, featuring stars of Disney Channel’s hit series Shake It Up. From meeting the cast of television’s first dance-driven sitcom and learning moves from a Disney Channel dance master to a special panel, autograph session and more, this unforgettable experience awaits Disney fans of all ages.

These presentations add to the already robust schedule of experiences, presentations and pavilions that will make up the D23 Expo 2011, including the Ultimate Disney Trivia Tournament presented by Hasbro’s Trivial Pursuit, the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit – including the Fan Art Gallery, the D23 Expo Live Auction and the D23 Expo Dream Store. Additional schedule, pavilion and talent announcements will be made in the coming weeks.

Tickets to the D23 EXPO are available at http://www.D23Expo.com. Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 EXPO, including the Disney Legends Ceremony, and can be purchased for single days or for the full three days of festivities. Admission is $47 for a one-day adult ticket and $37 for children 3-12. Three-day passes are $136 for adults and $106 for children. Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will receive a discount for up to four admissions, as well as early entry to each day of the D23 EXPO for themselves and their guests.

Changes Coming to Disney Online Store; Vinylmation Purchase Limits & More

WDWNT on July 7, 2011

Disney today has posted some new, official Disney Store Online purchase limits for Limited Edition Vinylmation products. This announcement comes 1 week after Disney’s Presidential Customer Service department called me about an online survey I filled out about my online ordering experience. On the tails of Goof Troop and other debacles, I’m sure they have received many such negative survey results and have had to place many of these calls and emails. The customer service rep did seem genuinely interested in all I had to say about release times, fake sell outs and yes, purchase limits. When I asked what would be done, she told me that a HUGE change to the Disney Store Online will occur on July 18th. She said it will improve inventory control, the way we find items and the way we check out. 

As far as this announcement, here are the purchase limit details direct from the Disney Vinylmation Blog:

  • For limited edition, 9-inch Vinylmation figures – A purchase limit of two (2) figures per order will be applied.
  • For limited release or open edition, 3-inch or 1.5-inch Vinylmation figures – A purchase limit of two (2) trays per order. If ordering individual units, there is a purchase limit of eight (8) individual units per order.
  • For limited edition sets (such as the two-figure Disney Afternoon sets or 6 piece Steam Park set) – Order limits will apply in order to ensure more Guests get the opportunity to purchase the product and will vary by set. See individual product pages for details.
*Please note that we reserve the right to make modifications to these purchase policies. If a modification is made, we will communicate the change in advance of release.

“We want to ensure that you have an enjoyable shopping experience whether you are shopping on-line, at Disney Parks or in a Disney Store. Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we apologize for any frustrations you may have experienced.” -Disney

What are your thoughts on these changes?

Steam Park Arrives at D-Street Tomorrow

WDWNT on July 7, 2011

Disney Steampunk inspired Steam Park set will be available at both D-Streets Friday morning. The 6 figures set, designed by Mike Sullivan (Star Wars) will retail for $99.95 and be limited to 1000 sets. They will be up on the Online Store on July 22nd. Chris was at D-Street and sent us some pictures of the display.

Steam Park set on display at D-Street Orlando
Let’s take a closer look at some of the figures:
A Hidden Mickey!
What time is it? One thing I know about Disney… nothing is random.
Does anyone know the significance of 10:10am/pm?
The face of evil peeking out.
For more on Steam Park, including the amazing packaging, check out our Steam Park Explained page.

Pirates of the Caribbean Review

WDWNT on July 6, 2011

Pirates of the Caribbean was released on Friday, July 1. It’s the first in what seems to be a line of attraction based Vinylmation sets. Here is my take on this much anticipated set.

At first glance, this series is about head wear! 5 different hat styles in this set.

Looking good guys! But what’s under caps? A well detailed, designed and produced set of figures. They have a distinctness to them that really captures the character of the ride. The character selection is just a little off, but we will get to that later. One of my favorite figures is the hook pirate. His face is very animated. A lot of sharp facial features and a great looking beard. The hook hand is a nice touch, and for me, a welcomed addition to Vinylmation. Casey did a great job with colors in this series as a whole and they kept the colors true in the production phase.

Another treasure in this set is the pig. Nice job by artist Casey Jones to think outside the human characters and include this happy fellow into the set. The mud has a cool glossy effect. Sitting against the matte finish of the figure, it really stands out. Same with the dirt on the Dirty Foot Pirate.

The shipwrecks in this set? Three skeletons. Don’t get me wrong, they are all done well. They are more detailed than the Park 5 POTC Pirate. I especially enjoy the guy with the jewels around his neck, but I don’t need three skeletons in one set.

Can’t talk about this set without mentioning that it’s on the new mold. First impression is they look different, sure, but not bad. Many of you call me an advocate of the new mold. It’s not like that. But it’s what Disney is giving us and it’s not enough for me to be turned off from Vinylmation. So I said I want to give it a chance with a couple series. POTC is the third series designed on new mold. First was Sea Creatures. Hard to judge. They are odd designs in and of themselves. Next we had Cutesters Like You. Biggest problems I’ve heard with this set is poor production quality. And I would agree. They looked a little cheaper than previous Vinylmation. The paint jobs were also generally poor. Scuffs, smudges and and an unfinished look was common with these. But the Pirates series has turned the tide. The paint job and quality is much improved from the first two new mold efforts.

Disney said that one effect, and reason to change to new mold, would be to better apply the design onto the figure. Have more complicated designs. Tighter lines. Better wrapping. Not counting any shape issues with the new mold, I think they succeeded in giving us amazing looking designs. Now how about that shape?

Let’s go top down. I love the solid, stand up shape of the ears. I like the roundness of the top of the head. I’m with you guys on the “chipmunk” cheeks. It stands out on some characters, especially from the profile. That is the worse part about this mold. As for the body, sure I wouldn’t mind buttons, and the body is a little stocky, but overall, I don’t mind it. And I like the way the new feet are styled. Some people don’t like less definition between the feet, but i think it works and showcases better design features.

Overall, a great looking set that has a lot of character to it. The faces are drawn so well. Perfect color pallet chosen. And the hats really top it all off. I like the inclusion of Jack Sparrow, but only because he was added tot he attraction and Casey modeled him after one of his poses in the attraction. New mold, don’t care. These look fantastic in person

Disney Parks Management Shake Up Shakes Up Fans

WDWNT on July 6, 2011

What began quietly with a job swap between Hollywood Studios VP Rilous Carter and Epcot VP Dan Cockerell has now exploded into a full Disney Parks management shake-up. In the days following, Walt Disney Parks and Resort president Al Weiss “retired” after 39 years with the company, prompting Walt Disney Parks and Resorts chairman Tom Staggs to announce that the position would not be filled. Now, the plans become clear…

Walt Disney World president Meg Crofton now finds herself as president, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations, U.S. and France. No longer is she only president over Disney World, but now over the Disneyland Resort & Disneyland Resort Paris as well. Crofton has been president of Walt Disney World since 2006 and has been with the company for over 30 years.

Karl Holz, president, New Vacation Operations and Disney Cruise Line, will take on a new leading role for Disney Vacation Club, in addition to maintaining roles at Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney and Aulani.

What does this change mean for the Disney Parks and Resorts during this time of rapid expansion? Probably good things. Disneyland Resort & Disneyland Resort Paris have not been sound in theme park operations.

Some fans are heralding this as the beginning of another dark age for the Parks and Resorts, which is probably a little overdramatic. Under this management, Florida and California are seeing the biggest construction projects in their history and Disneyland Paris is slowly turning the corner on two decades of under performance. Without a doubt, the future of the Parks and Resorts will be announced at the D23 Expo, projects that will take us beyond Cars Land and the Fantasyland Expansion. I think only at that point can we judge if the direction is for better or for worse.

Star Wars Vinylmation: The Adventure Continues…

WDWNT on July 6, 2011

Very exciting news for Star Wars fans this week on Vinylnation.net. Star Wars 2, an Open Window Set, and possibly some new figures as early as this Fall. First off, when asked if Rex, the droid from Star Tours, will be included in Star Wars Series 2, Donald Ferro, Vinylmation Project Manager, said “We’ll be very pleased around the time of the Florida Project.”

Rex – Star Tours. Copyright StarWars.com

Will we see some Star Tours Vinylmation? Or, in my opinion, better yet a series of Disney Robots? I still think it’s a great idea to put out a Disney Robots set. There are plenty to fill in a set, Also, I would like to get an alternate version of Wall-E that’s at an accessible price point. Remember this EPCOT banner that we first saw on Vinylmation Kingdom?

Wall-E on new mold

I went and checked that out in person the other day. Had to see the Robots and Spaced themed vinyl for myself. On this banner are never before seen Vinylmation (Figment in Space Suit), as well as previously released Vinylmation on the new mold (C-3PO, Tron, Boba Fett).

Vincent from Disney’s “Black Hole”

Next, Star Wars Series 2. No word on characters, but they are planning a 2011 release for this 12 figure Mystery Box set. Will series 2 be focused on secondary characters? Or will some of the main characters make appearances with different clothing?

Now, how about the open window Star Wars Vinylmation? This is different from Series 2 and Donald Ferro said he is “confident” of a Summer 2011 release. Possibly before Celebration VI (the Star Wars fan fest held in Orlando August 23-26 2011). So what will be in these? I have two thoughts:

1. Clone Wars Vinylmation

I for one really enjoy this animated series. I just watched much of the Clone Wars marathon on Cartoon Network on the 4th of July. I’m a fan of the style of characters and the universe has great characters. Not to mention that Disney has been heavily pushing the Clone Wars series. At Star Wars Weekend the past two years, Clone Wars heavily influenced the characters, merchandise, guest appearances, and signage. Also, Series 5 of Disney’s line of toys that feature Disney Characters as Star Wars characters will be Clone Wars themed.

Display at Star Wars Weekends 2011

This set is due out this Fall. I really like these figures and have been collecting them since series 1 a few years back. And these characters lead me nicely into…

2. Disney Characters as Star Wars Characters Vinylmation

I would be a big fan of these too. As I said, I already collect the action figures they make in this series.

Small part of my collection

It’s a combo of two of my favorite things, and issuing these as open window makes a lot of sense. Remember, Open Window doesn’t have to be 12 figures. They can do 6 or 8. So, those are my ideas for the Open Window… what do you think?

One last thing… More Star Wars Series 1 will hit shelves this Summer or Fall. Donald said they planned for it to be around for a year or so like many of the series, but demand far outpaced production. They decided not to up the rate of production, hence the periods of no Star Wars cases in D-Street.

Paddock Pool Opens at Saratoga Springs Resort

WDWNT on July 5, 2011

The new Paddock Pool at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort we first told you about last year is now open, Michelle Baumann from the Disney Parks Blog has more:

The long-awaited themed pool at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa opened just in time for folks to take a dip over the Fourth of July weekend. I predict that the completely transformed Paddock Pool is going to be very popular with guests because it’s zero entry, it has an awesome slide and it gives hotel guests a second feature pool option.

Little ones can splash around in the wet deck play area with a fun pint-size water slide, while the older crowd can take in a refreshing drink and relax in the horseshoe-shaped hot tub. The nearby Paddock Grill serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner with sandwiches, salads and kid-friendly bites.

These images were shot pre-opening and I bet this is THE ONLY time the pool will be empty.

New Look & Menu at Epcot’s San Angel Inn

WDWNT on July 5, 2011

The San Angel Inn in the Mexico pavilion at Epcot has a slightly updated look and a revamped menu as it tries to keep up with the popular La Hacienda outside the main building. From Pam Brandon on the Disney Parks Blog:

The Mexico Pavilion in Epcot World Showcase offers four diverse culinary options: La Cava del Tequila, with over 130 varieties of tequila and small bites on the menu; La Hacienda de San Angel, with the spicy flavors of Southern Mexico’s street foods; La Cantina de San Angel for quick service and now a spruced-up San Angel Inn.

Tlacoyos de Chilorio from San Angel Inn at Epcot's Mexico Pavilion

White tablecloths add a new casual elegance to the classic restaurant – the round tables are gone, replaced with long tables. New chairs, new flatware and pretty china all are inspired by the original San Angel Inn in Mexico City, according to Richard Debler, president of San Angel Inn, LLC.

We recently joined Richard and Epcot Executive Chef Jens Dahlmann for lunch in the spruced up space – a beautiful setting overlooking the water and passing boats in the pavilion’s ride-through attraction.

“It’s still a work in progress,” Richard said. They plan to add vintage photos that showcase the history of the San Angel Inn in Mexico City, which was owned for decades by his family and is still a busy restaurant. (The original dates back to 1692 and has hosted legions of famous diners.)

“Romantic, relaxing, sophisticated but not stuffy,” said Chef Jens. “The cuisine is more traditional and celebrates the original San Angel Inn.”

Mahi Mahi a la Veracruzana from San Angel Inn at Epcot's Mexico Pavilion

Sip a flight of tequilas or a signature margarita (blood orange or wild passion fruit are delicious) as you peruse the new menu – gueridon tequila service is new, too, with a fancy wheeled trolley that brings the tequila tableside. New appetizers include tlacoyos de chilorio, savory corn cakes topped with refried beans, pork, queso fresco, sour cream and green tomatillo sauce; and tacos de filete, grilled tenderloin on a soft flour tortilla with chipotle pepper sauce, scallions and avocados. Among new entrées are classic ensalada César (did you know the Caesar salad originated in Mexico?); pan-seared tilapia with huitlacoche (sometimes called the “Mexican corn truffle”); carne asada a la Tampiqueña, grilled tenderloin with cheese enchilada, black refried beans, red bell pepper, onion, Mexican rice and guacamole; and mahi mahi a la veracruzana, grilled fillet of mahi mahi with capers, olives, bell peppers, Spanish onions and tomatoes over poblano rice.

“Our guests are looking for authentic tastes,“ says Jens. “We haven’t toned down the true Mexican flavors.”

If you usually sacrifice desserts in a Mexican restaurant – don’t skip here. The elegant sweets are all new, and the one you don’t want to miss is crepas de cajeta, warm crepes with caramel sauce and topped with toasted almonds.

“We’ve created a restaurant that’s a little quieter, relaxing…a place to chill out from the heat and decompress,” says Richard.

San Angel Inn is open daily for lunch and dinner, for reservations call 407-WDW-DINE.