WDWNT Podcaster Chris Lastrapes just spent two days at the Walt Disney World Resort and has a few photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:
There’s still a load of construction walls up around the Magic Kingdom
“it’s a small world” is still behind tarps as the facade is spruced up
Those of you who follow this site regularly know I have little love for the High School Musical film series, but it looks like Starz has given me a reason to perhaps watch High School Musical 3:
For more details on the contest and Starz, visit this link
According to Mark Goldhaber’s “Mark My Words” blog on MousePlanet.com:
Apparently, Disney will be testing a new Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party in the Magic Kingdom starting on Tuesday.
The test will run from June 23 through Saturday, August 29, “near” the Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station. Our guess is that it probably will be in the Noodle Station’s lower seating area and possibly the middle level, as well. There’s really no other area that can accommodate the 160 people (maximum) that the party will allow aside from the smoking area, which would either tick off the dislocated smokers or the non-smokers forced to put up with the smokers.
The party will feature an all-you-can-eat dessert buffet and beverages, and will run from 1 hour prior to Wishes through the end of Wishes.
The cost will be $17.99 for adults and $9.99 for kids. Booking opens on Monday, and you can call the Disney Dining Line (407-WDW-DINE/407-939-3563) to make those reservations.
Party attendance is prepaid, and (as with the Fantasmic dining package), there will be no refunds if the weather causes a cancellation of Wishes. The dessert reception will be held regardless of weather.
I was indeed able to book this “un-announced” dessert party offering this morning and will be attending it on the evening of June 24th. You can expect a full review with photos at some point this week, so stay tuned.
As many of you probably already know, Walt Disney World guests now have the ability to make advance dining reservations for select table service restaurants online at DisneyWorld.com. After a few days of testing the system and seeing the in-and-outs of it, I think I’m ready to give a review. Let me just say that I was extremely skeptical that this system would work well after having made my ADR’s by phone for as long as I could remember, but I must say that I have been extremely impressed thus far. Guests can simply go to the Walt Disney World website and look under the dining section (or go via direct link here) and click a small box under each of the corresponding table service restaurants:
After clicking book a reservation, you are taken to a page where you will enter the date, number of people in your party, and time you would like to eat at the restaurant of choice. After entering all of the proper information and waiting for a few moments, you will get your results, either granting you with your preferred seating time or giving you alternative times for the chosen restaurant or other available eateries. One complaint I do have is that when I had a rejected reservation for a restaurant, I was offered alternatives reservations at restaurants in far away places. Shouldn’t the system suggest other restaurants that are near-by??? After selecting whatever reservation is right for you, you can complete your planning or add more restaurant reservations. Once you are done, you will be emailed your reservations for future record.
Again, the system is extremely convenient and will make sure that you’re never stuck waiting on the phone to make an ADR. It seems, for once, that the Disney World website is offering a truly unique and convenient service to the public.
To go along with our photo report from today’s Los Angeles Lakers victory parade with Kobe Bryant at Disneyland, here’s a press video of the event:
Our very own Shawn Hutchison paid a quick visit to Disneyland today to catch the 10am victory parade with Kobe Bryant in honor of the LA Laker’s NBC championship win. Let’s get to his photos:
Lots of people and film crews waiting to see Kobe
Purple and gold Mickey balloons, the Laker’s colors
The screaming is about to start
Read More about Shawn Hutchison Celebrates Los Angeles Lakers!
I don’t think anyone saw this coming to Downtown Disney’s West Side:
Hundreds of royal artifacts on view in largest Princess Diana exhibit
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The People’s Princess Charitable Foundation, Inc. (PPCF) is bringing “DIANA–The People’s Princess” – a major new exhibit of royal artifacts – to Walt Disney World Resort. Opening in early July 2009, this limited-time experience showcases the life and story of Princess Diana, one of the most iconic and inspirational figures in recent history, including a sampling of the royal dresses Diana chose to auction for charity and hundreds of authentic artifacts relating to her life.
“DIANA–The People’s Princess” exhibit will be held in a 17,500-square-foot setting at Downtown Disney West Side adjacent to DisneyQuest. This unique exhibition is one of the largest collections of royal dresses and rare artifacts ever assembled for an American audience which provides an in-depth historical perspective of her life. The exhibit includes five rarely seen royal dresses worn by Princess Diana.
As part of this unique experience, guests will come to understand:
The stories of Diana’s own childhood and ancestry and how that lineage was influential in her selection as the future bride of HRH Charles, The Prince of Wales, the future King of England. Her magical royal wedding which was viewed by over 750 million people from around the globe; her favorite role as “mum” to princes William and Harry. Kensington Palace, the royal residence where Diana lived from the moment she became the Princess of Wales until her death and which today plays an active role in preserving her charitable legacy. The historical significance of her role as Princess of Wales and the impact she had through that role on the fashion industry and charitable landscape. How at the Christie’s “Sale of The Century,” 79 of Diana’s royal dresses were sold to benefit charities which helped position her as an astute philanthropist. Her untimely passing and the massive media and public interest in the tragedy. The charitable impact still being recognized through her gowns and personal effects. A hint at some of the items on display:
Royal Doulton figurine of Diana in her wedding dress – Made in 1981 at the time of the royal wedding, the doll is wearing an exact replica of the famous wedding dress. The Black Velvet “V” Neck – Designed by Bruce Oldfield and worn by Diana for her official royal portrait in 1985. Wedding Breakfast booklet – Contains guest names and two tickets to observe the bride and bridegroom before and following the wedding ceremony in the quadrangle at Buckingham Palace and Clarence House. Three-foot doll of Diana as a young girl – Released by the Great American Doll Company in 1998 as a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales.“The late Princess used her globally renowned platform brilliantly,” commented Maureen Rorech Dunkel, founder of PPCF. “She understood that the many different experiences she had in her life, both positive and negative, made her more relatable to the public. She used this quality to connect to the common masses and in doing so became known as ‘The People’s Princess.’ She used her compassion to bring support to all those in need and is still to this date, almost 12 years after her tragic passing, regarded as one of the most influential humanitarians of all time.” “We look forward to The People’s Princess Charitable Foundation bringing this unique experience to our Downtown Disney guests,” said Kevin Lansberry, vice president of Downtown Disney. “We remain committed to offering guests new and exciting experiences they can only have at the Walt Disney World Resort.”
Tickets may be purchased at the exhibit – $14.50 (ages 10 and above), $5 (ages 3-9). The exhibition will be through Nov. 30, 2009. Hours are 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily.
From The Orlando Business Journal:
Stitch’s Supersonic Adventure, an interactive stage show that opened May 5 (Actually, it was May 3rd) at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, will close on June 27.
Disney officials wouldn’t say why the show, which opened with much fanfare just six weeks ago, is on the way out. Postings on blog sites by Disney fans suggest that park patrons complained about having to form queues in the late spring heat without shelter or seating.
A Disney spokeswoman didn’t say what is planned next for the Stitch site.
While I personally saw a lot of promise in the Stitch’s Supersonic Celebration show, it was quite clear that it needed a little work, but no one could have expected a permanent closure. The news that the show won’t perform for the remainder of the summer isn’t all that surprising, since guests have already been complaining about sitting and standing in the bright Florida sun in front of the Tomorrowland stage during the daily performances. With average summer temperatures like they are, the show could have caused some major legal trouble for Walt Disney World. You can expect a re-worked stage area and some various seasonal shows to debut beginning this Fall. Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today as more information becomes available on this breaking story.
Historic hotel to feature considerable changes to guest rooms, exterior
ANAHEIM, CALIF. June 16, 2009 – Beginning in August 2009, Southern California’s landmark Disneyland Hotel will start a significant renovation project that will include major improvements to its guest rooms and considerable changes to the exterior of the hotel. The hotel will remain open during the renovation, which will be conducted in phases, and is scheduled to be completed in 2012.
“We are excited to embark on the largest and most extensive renovation of one of Disney’s classic hotels,” said Disneyland Resort President Ed Grier. “This renovation provides us with the opportunity to bring new magic to this historic hotel, which enables us to enhance the Disney experience that our guests have come to expect. “It also reinforces our ongoing commitment and investment in the Anaheim Resort District – working with the city and area businesses to continue to evolve the District into a world-class, multiday tourist destination,” added Grier.
Significant Guest Room Upgrades, New Room Amenities and Exterior Enhancements
Disneyland Hotel’s renovated guest rooms will feature an all-new contemporary look with exquisite Disney touches woven into the décor. A stunning new headboard that features an artistically carved representation of Disneyland Park’s famous Sleeping Beauty Castle will serve as the focal point in each guest room. The background on the headboard uses fiber optics to create a magical skyline with fireworks – bringing the immersive park experience into the room. Rooms also will feature black and white art that will take guests back in time, reinforcing the nostalgia and history of Walt’s first theme park.
When completed, guest rooms will boast new flat screen TVs, mini-refrigerators, coffeemakers, safes capable of holding laptop computers and new state-of-the-art telephone, cable and wireless Internet connections. Upgrades to plumbing, electrical and heating and air conditioning systems also are included in the project.
Disneyland Resort’s original hotel, built in 1955, also will experience a noteworthy change to its exterior. All of the three towers will feature an updated look, with large windows that will give the outside a sleek, radiant blue tint. The windows will replace the current sliding doors and faux balcony railings and are specially designed to be energy efficient and to extensively filter outside noise.
“The new design for the hotel’s exterior will enhance the existing towers and compliment the Resort as a whole. The windows will feature a sky blue reflective glass that channels the feel of our bright California sky,” said Mike Montague, director of resort development for Walt Disney Imagineering.
The Disneyland Hotel is composed of three main structures – the Magic, Wonder and Dreams towers. Construction will take place in one vertical half of a tower at a time – leaving the rest of the tower open for guests. The Dreams tower will be the first to be renovated and is scheduled to be completed in June 2010.
Popular Choice for Convention Visitors
In addition to being a top choice for vacationing families, the Disneyland Hotel has long been a favorite for meeting and convention planners because of its prime location and size – and direct access to more than 136,000 square feet of convention space. Anaheim hosts hundreds of groups each year and the renovation will help maintain the city’s premiere position as a meeting destination.
“We are thrilled with Disney’s plans to renovate the Disneyland Hotel,” said Charles W. Ahlers, president of the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau. “With the renovation of the hotel and the expansion of Disney’s Grand Californian, coupled with other new hotel developments that are coming to Anaheim over the next few years, our city will continue to be a premier destination for convention and meeting planners.”
Energy Efficient Enhancements
As with other construction and enhancements that are underway throughout the Disneyland Resort, the renovation will include energy efficient upgrades. The most notable feature will be the hotel’s new windows. With their reflective capabilities and double-pane glass, the windows will change the look of the exterior of the hotel dramatically, while reducing energy consumption by keeping guest rooms at the desired temperature.
The use of occupancy sensors in guest rooms, low-flow toilets, energy efficient light bulbs and paint low in volatile organic compounds are just a few more of the ways that the hotel will offer guests a “green” lodging experience.
Renovation is Part of Larger Resort Expansion
The Disneyland Hotel renovation is a part of a larger expansion project underway throughout the Resort. Disney’s California Adventure Park is undergoing a multiyear expansion project that includes new experiences, attractions and night-time spectaculars, culminating in 2012 with the opening a brand new land – Cars Land. The four-star Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is also undergoing an expansion, adding 200 hotel rooms and 50 two-bedroom villas that are part of the Disney Vacation Club, which will make its first West Coast debut when it opens in the fall of 2009.
Matt Paul has just returned from two day’s of fun at the Walt Disney World Resort and has a plethora of photos to share with us from his journeys, so let’s take a look:
“Celebrate Today!” over and over and over again
