Disney Vacation Connection Launches

WDWNT on May 7, 2010

A few weeks ago, we told you about Disney Vacation Connection. Well it has officially launched. It may take you a while to load the page and download it, but I think it’s going to be worth it in the long run. Here’s what the Disney Parks Blog posted today about Disney Vacation Connection:

UPDATE – May 7: It’s here. We’ve launched the new Disney Vacation Connection desktop widget and it’s ready for you to explore. Just visit DisneyVacationConnection.com and click the “Download Now” button. Also, if you’d like a quick tour to see what it’s all about, check out the video from our earlier “sneak peek” post below.

Disney Vacation Connection Desktop Widget

Today, we’re sharing a sneak peek at the new Disney Vacation Connection desktop widget –- that’s it…right there with Pluto. When you open the red suitcase on your computer screen you’ll find valuable news, calendars and information about Disney theme parks, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney and Disney Vacation Club. It’ll be easy to try. Just download the widget to your desktop (free of charge) and you can customize planning for your next vacation, find special events and ticket prices and create a personalized Disney vacation countdown. Here’s a quick walk through showing how it’ll work.

Fantasyland Construction Walls Provide Some Disney Magic

WDWNT on May 7, 2010

WDWNT Network Community Forum user FreakOuter84 provided us with the following photos of the construction walls in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom:

The walls now have large landscapes and descriptions of what’s to come

Note that this isn’t concept art, but artwork from the films

Preview of “Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid”

Enchanted Tales with Belle

Prince Eric’s castle from The Little Mermaid

Maurice’s Cottage

To discuss this update, click this link.

Chris Lastrapes’ 5/6/10 DLR Photo Report

WDWNT on May 7, 2010

Chris Lastrapes took a trip to the Disneyland Resort today and has plenty of newsworthy photos to share.

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Thanks for the report Chris!

Last Tour to Endor (Or Is It?)

WDWNT on May 6, 2010

The following press release was issued by the Star Wars Celebration website:

BE THE FIRST TO BE THE LAST,

AS STAR TOURS PREPARES TO LAUNCH ITS…

LAST TOUR TO ENDOR

On August 14, Fan-Favorite Disney Theme Park Attraction

Gets the Ultimate, Out-of-this-World Send-Off

Exclusive Festivities Coincide with the Biggest Party

This Side of the Galaxy – Star Wars Celebration V

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – After more than a decade of interstellar travel, Disney Parks’ StarTours attraction is powering down to make way for its reimagining in 2011 – but Last Tour to Endor offers fans the opportunity to attend an out of-this-world, first-of-its-kind decommissioning party before Star Tours launches its final flights. Taking place on August 14 from 8:00pm – 1:00am at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Last Tour to Endor is a special event on the Saturday night of Star Wars Celebration V – THE official Lucasfilm fan convention and the biggest Star Wars™ party in the galaxy! Fans and families attending Last Tour to Endor at the Walt Disney World Resort can enjoy a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience – including specially-themed intergalactic party zones, Star Wars shows, a Death Star Disco and much more. The evening will culminate with Symphony in the Stars – a Star Wars fireworks spectacular as only Disney Parks can create. Though the party begins at 8:00pm, Last Tour ticket-holders will also be allowed early entrance to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at 4:00pm – where they can be sure to secure a seat one of the StarSpeeder 3000’s final voyages!

Disney Parks will also have a prominent presence on the Celebration V show floor at the Orange County Convention Center – including Jedi Training Academy for younglings and Padawans and a Disney merchandise booth featuring a host of exclusive items as well as Star Wars items only previously available at Disney park stores. CV attendees will also enjoy special room rates at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels, specially-priced tickets with pre-arrival purchase savings for Walt Disney World parks and an exclusive, reserved room block at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – which will include complimentary round-trip transfers to and from the
convention center.

To purchase tickets – and to take advantage of Last Tour to Endor special offers – visit www.starwarscelebration.com/Disney. For more information on Star Wars Celebration V visit www.starwarscelebration.com for the latest updates.

Tickets to this event guarantee only one of the final rides on the original Star Tours, not the last. The ride will still operate beyond August 14th. How much longer after that date is unknown. Rumors indicate the attraction will close on September 8th, but it is yet to be confirmed by Disney. Stay tuned as we get more information on the Star Tours farewell festivities.

Disney Talks About Mickey Talking….

WDWNT on May 6, 2010

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Some lucky Disneyland park guests experienced a very special meet and greet with Mickey Mouse this week.

Mickey, who usually saves his voice for shows and parades, talked with guests and interacted with them in never-before-seen ways! This was part of a process we call “playtesting” as it gives us a chance to develop new concepts with our guests long before they end up in the Parks. “We’re always looking for innovative ways to let guests interact with our beloved characters,” says Disney Imagineer and head of Advanced Development Scott Trowbridge. “And we have many more surprises up our sleeves.”

Since many guests did not have an opportunity to experience this, here’s a short video that shows some of the fun.

Jamie Nakagiri’s 4/30/10 DLR Photo Report

WDWNT on May 6, 2010

DLNT Reporter Jamie Nakagiri took a trip to the parks last friday and has several newsworthy photos to share.

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