Special Podcast Episode 50 Now Available For Download

WDWNT on July 8, 2008

Join me, Tom Corless, and a cast including Justin Heyman, Steve Swanson, John Corigliano, Jason Diffendal, Adam Roth, John Rick, Jose Castillo, Denise Hafto, Kelly Russo, Brian Martsolf, Lee Scott, Jason Kmetic (Sparky LD), and Luke Manning for a show that Bridges the Gaps Between You and the World. Get ready for the tons of Walt Disney World information and fun we have to offer on this 1 year anniversary edition of WDWNT.

To kick off this very special episode, we’ll be skipping News and Rumors from the Walt Disney World Resort and instead present two of our WDWNT cast members with a very special honor. As a way to thank these two individuals for what they have done for WDW News Today over the last year, we will induct them into the WDW News Today Hall of Fame. Who will be the first two to enter the hall??? Here’s a hint, it won’t be Pete Rose.

Next, it’s the last edition of our popular game show, Disney Don’t Forget the Lyrics, as I take on reigning champion Luke Manning for the final confrontation. This is the most epic encounter we have seen on the game yet, and is a fitting way for the show to go out. Who will win? Can I defeat the undefeated Luke? Could the audio quality for this segment be any worse?

After that, we have the final discussion in our long running dining series as we discuss all of the restaurants at Downtown Disney. You may be surprised at just how many dining options the Marketplace, Pleasure Island (at least for now), and the West Side have to offer.

Then “It’s Time to Go Back” as our Walt Disney World history segment, Back To The Future, returns this week on the WDW News Today Podcast. On this journey, we embark on a 25 year journey aboard Spaceship Earth at Epcot. Join me and the usual crew of John Corigliano, Jason Diffendal, and Justin Heyman to take an in-depth look at the ultimate Epcot classic attraction.

Justin Heyman then hosts the BIGGEST Town Square Talk in history, as we make two HUGE announcements that will hopefully excite you. First, we highlight some new Disney Park videos you can now see on the WDWNTube (www.wdwntube.com). After that, I announce a new aspect of the the show that will put control of the WDW News Today in your hands every week. In addition, Magical Travel announces a great new contest you can also take part in to win a Walt Disney World vacation!!! For complete contest rules and to enter the contest, as well as how to be part of the new WDWNT Interactive, head over to the WDW News Today Community Forums (www.wdwnewstoday.com/forum).

In a very special segment, I bring together the entire WDWNT team for an often hilarious discussion about some memorable moments from the first year of WDW News Today. Sit back and enjoy all the craziness of this “Ear” in Review discussion, as we spill the beans on some of the behind-the-scenes secrets of the WDWNT staff.

Finally, we have all the voicemails left by some of our listeners (and most of our staff) for our very special 1st anniversary. A special thank you to everyone who left a message, we appreciate you taking time to do so.

To subscribe to the WDW News Today podcast on Itunes, go to this link. If you do not have Itunes, visit our Podcast Download Directory to download or listen to all of our shows

This episode is also available in an enhanced version. An enhanced podcast is a podcast with added features that standard podcasts don’t have. Enhanced podcasts include many features like Chapter listings, this lets you skip through chapters or see what is in store for this weeks show. Enhanced podcasts also have images to let you differ the chapters by. Enhanced podcasts have one negative feature, you can not play them on most MP3 players. The file format for this is a .m4a which can play on Apple’s iPod and Microsoft’s Zune. You will also need iTunes or Windows Media Player to be able to skip through chapters. If you need or would like the standard edition, download the normal edition listed below this file both on Itunes and in our podcast directory.

A Question For Everyone

WDWNT on July 8, 2008

I just want to ask for everyones opinion on the way our Image Gallery is set up. At the moment it’s not viewable, & we’re of course working on getting it back up. But what I want to know, is when it returns, do you want it to be arranged the way it always has been (by park) or split up into my various trips to the Disneyland Resort. There is a poll on the sidebar to the right & I’d like to ask everyone to voice their opinion.

Thanks everyone!

PS) Happy 1 Year Anniversary to our sister site, WDW News Today, with-out whom we would not be wherever we are today (hope you got where that quote came from)!

WDW Photo Update 7/7/08

WDWNT on July 8, 2008

It’s time for another of WDWNT’s photo reports from the World. Let’s see what’s going on at the Vacation Kingdom:

The Nine Dragons ODV is now open outside the main China pavilion in Epcot.

Here’s the menu.

The fountain at the entrance of Epcot is now operating again.

A new (lovely) 4-pack pin set.

Here are just a few shots from Disney’s Celebrate America, the 4th of July fireworks extravaganza.

Looks a bit like a Disney promotional image, doesn’t it?

The new ODV cart at the Transportation & Ticket Center.

The menu for the ODV cart.

A few more of the gates have been removed at the TTC.

A Toy Story Mania billboard just before you get to the turnstiles at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Your guess is as good as mine.

A look around the new (nameless) Toy Story Midway Mania (limited) merchandise area.

And here is the Hey Howdy Hey Take Away!

Impressive detail for a ODV cart.

Now moving over to Woody’s Picture Shootin’ Coral.

The circle in the brickwork is actually a speaker, covered up since our last update.

A clever hint to the Pixar short Luxo Jr, which is actually the lamp used in Pixar’s logo.

This is the rocket Buzz was strapped to in the original Toy Story.

Inside The Magic of Disney Animation, where the audio-animatronic Wall-E will be appearing sometime this Summer.

Here’s a few stills from Wall-E displayed in The Magic of Disney Animation.

Evvvvvveeeee-AAAAA.

It seems John got a name card from Rilous Carter, the Vice President of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

A look at the latest construction on T-Rex in Downtown Disney.

John has also uploaded a couple of short videos from Disney’s Celebrate America, both of which you can view bellow:

 

Stay tuned to WDWNTube over the next couple of days to see a full video of Disney’s Celebrate America from us.

Monday in the Parks Picture Update

WDWNT on July 7, 2008

Let’s take a look at some various things going on through-out the Disneyland Resort from this week’s Monday in the Parks on MiceAge:


The 4th of July holiday weekend didn’t turn out that busy after all, as seen in the Wait Times Board on Sunday at 1pm


Those little things on top of Monorail Red are the air scoops to help cool down the cabins


The Orange County Health Department is now requiring Disneyland to post the Restaurant Inspection Notices at the entrance to all Disneyland Resort restaurants


Close-up of the Inspection Notice

The Transportation of the Future… Still Is!

WDWNT on July 7, 2008

From the LA Times:

Those yearning to ride Disneyland’s long-awaited new monorail found they had to hang on a little longer Saturday. The Mark VII, which had appeared off and on late in the week, never made it out of its shelter, to the dismay of some visitors hoping to step aboard.

“I’m a little disappointed,” said Samantha Wakach, a vacationer from Los Angeles, who’d been told by the concierge at her hotel that the new train was operating. “That’s why we decided to come over here instead of walking.”

The Mark VII, otherwise known as Monorail Red, is the seventh generation of the ride that’s been entertaining visitors since 1959 when it made its entry as the nation’s first electric train system on a single rail.

Sleek and futuristic, it was promoted as a vision for public transportation.

On Saturday the long-awaited new train, the park’s only upgrade of the attraction in 21 years, failed to appear after several hours of on-again, off-again operation over the previous two days.

Disney officials attributed the glitches to the attraction’s normal “test and adjust” period, when mechanics and designers work out the bugs.

“We are working on solving them,” spokeswoman Betsy Sanchez said of the unspecified problems.

She would not predict when the ride would open full time.

Read More about The Transportation of the Future… Still Is!

WDW Holiday Line-up Takes Shape

WDWNT on July 7, 2008

Here is a press release with all the events and their running dates for the 2008 Holiday Season at the Walt Disney World Resort:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Walt Disney World Resort blings in the holidays Nov. 10 with sparkling, jewel-like crystals adorning the iconic Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom – a glistening light-show spectacular signaling the beginning of Disney seasonal merriment. By late November, festivities will blanket the Vacation Kingdom as Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney take the wrappings off their own Santa sleighfuls of yuletide gaiety.

But guests can get in the spirit beginning Nov. 10 by beholding the 200,000 twinkling lights of Disney’s newest holiday tradition – Castle Dream Lights! – in Magic Kingdom. Donning their holiday finest, Cinderella and friends take to the Cinderella Castle stage daily for a dream-come-true, light-the-night moment.

Nov. 10 also marks the first of 18 select evenings when Magic Kingdom hosts the long-running Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. During this popular special ticket event, guests are treated to “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade,” “Holiday Wishes-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season” fireworks spectacular plus special holiday-themed shows featuring Disney characters decked out in their seasonal finest, carolers, festive tree lightings and more.
The “Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” celebrates the festive moods of the season with dancing snowflakes, marching toy soldiers, horse-drawn sleighs, enchanting floats and spirited characters all proceeding through the streets of the theme park in a merry and melodic cavalcade.
During “Holiday Wishes-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season,” the radiant castle beams brightly as the evening is magically capped with festive fireworks orchestrated to classic holiday tunes.
Favorite attractions also are open throughout the evening, and while forecasters predict the first snowfall of the season will swirl a winter-like effect down Main Street, U.S.A, guests can take heart: there’s hot cocoa and cookies to add a warm spirit, plus apple slices and apple juice as the perfect trimming for a not-to-miss outing for the whole family.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party dates are: Nov. 10, 11, 14, 16, 20, 21, 30; Dec. 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19. Advance tickets and information are available now at disneyworld.com/holidays or by calling 407/W-DISNEY.

Holiday Allure Galore in Store
Walt Disney World Resort unwraps more wintertime wonderment throughout property beginning Nov. 28. Here’s the lineup:
Epcot Presents Holidays Around the World – International holiday traditions unfold throughout World Showcase Nov. 28-Dec. 30 when storytellers portraying cultural icons of the season – such as France’s Pere Noel, Italy’s LaBefana and America’s Santa Claus – spread messages of goodwill. Nighttime sparkles with a luminous light bridge adorning the breezeway to World Showcase Plaza, where guests can see a magnificent holiday tree. And to cap off the day, Epcot’s kaleidoscope of lasers, lights, fireworks and music – “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” – takes on a spirited holiday finale.

Candlelight Processional at Epcot – A heartfelt holiday tradition led by a mass choir and 50-piece live orchestra showcases the reason for the season Nov. 28-Dec. 30. Staged at America Gardens Theatre at 5, 6:45 and 8 p.m., Candlelight Processional features a celebrity narrator who retells the joyous Christmas story. The narration is interspersed with memorable music. Performances are included with Epcot admission. Special dining packages that include preferred seating for this beloved event also are offered by calling 407/WDW-DINE.

Scheduled celebrity narrators include (subject to change):
11/28-30 John O’Hurley
12/1-3 To be announced
12/4-6 Brian Stokes Mitchell
12/7-9 Virginia Madsen
12/10-12 Monique Coleman
12/13-15 To be announced
12/16-18 Chita Rivera
12/19-21 Abigail Breslin
12/22-24 Steven Curtis Chapman
12/25-27 Edward James Olmos
12/28-30 Marlee Matlin

The Osborne Family’s Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Bathed in bulbs of brilliance, New York Street glows with millions of dancing lights and animated displays in a revered Disney holiday tradition Nov. 28 through Jan. 4, 2009. Amidst gently falling snow, guests will bask in the glow as twirling carousels, melodic angels, colorful wreaths, marching toy soldiers and Santa and his reindeer move to high-energy music and 3-D effects, creating a dazzling symphony for the senses. This enchanting spectacle results from a crew of 18 electricians working some 14 weeks using six miles of rope lights, 84 angels and 66 snow machines.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom – “Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade” gets a holiday makeover Nov. 28 through Jan. 4, 2009, when it is magically transformed into “Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade.” This rompin’ spectacle is a theatrical showcase of characters with whimsical floats and puppetry with a holiday world-beat twist. Guests also can meet Disney characters decked out in their holiday best at Camp Minnie-Mickey which also features live seasonal entertainment, holiday photo opportunities and decorative Christmas trees.

Festival of the Seasons at Downtown Disney– There are enough toys to fill up Santa’s sleigh at stores such as Once Upon a Toy, World of Disney, Team Mickey’s Athletic Club and the LEGO Imagination Center. Guests can finish their holiday shopping at this one-stop mecca featuring something for everyone on their list – Basin bath and body shop, Arribas Brothers, Disney’s Days of Christmas holiday shop, Fuego by Sosa Cigars and more – and enjoy the dazzling light display and holiday décor that adorns the Downtown Disney streets Nov. 28-Dec. 24, 2008.

WDW News Today Live! Tonight

WDWNT on July 6, 2008

We will once again present WDW News Today Live! this evening from 8:00pm to 10:00pm EST, and we hope you will join us for yet another fun live program. For those of you who do not know what this is, it is a show broadcasted live over the internet using an application called TalkShoe. By using this application, listeners can hear and interact with hosts, and even dial in by phone to be heard on the program. During the program, we will be answering trip planning questions, as well as discussing the Disney parks in general. This is a great opportunity for everyone at WDW News Today, Disneyland News Today, and The Disney Pincast to interact live with our listeners and we hope you will be a part of it. In order to join us, just do the following:

  • If you will be joining us by computer, go to www.talkshoe.com/tc/20663 anytime near 8:00pm EST this evening and enter the community call. (Note: You may want to head over here earlier and open a TalkShoe account, just in case you want the best experience this evening. Remember you don’t need to register to join in,  we just suggest it.)
  • If you can not use a computer, you can even join by telephone. To do this, just dial (724) 444-7444, then enter 20663 and # as the Call ID Number, and then just enter 1 and # or your TalkShoe Pin Number (if you have a TalkShoe pin number, not required)

We hope to see you at WDW News Today Live! this evening as we continue our 1 year anniversary celebration here at WDW News Today. Please feel free to email us at wdwnewstoday@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail message at (206) 666-2982 if you have any questions or concerns.

WDW News Today Live! Tonight

WDWNT on July 6, 2008

We will once again present WDW News Today Live! this evening from 8:00pm to 10:00pm EST, and we hope you will join us for yet another fun live program. For those of you who do not know what this is, it is a show broadcasted live over the internet using an application called Talkshoe. By using this application, listeners can hear and interact with hosts, and even dial in by phone to be heard on the program. During the program, we will be answering trip planning questions, as well as discussing the Disney parks in general. This is a great opportunity for everyone at WDW News Today, Disneyland News Today, and The Disney Pincast to interact live with our listeners and we hope you will be a part of it. In order to join us, just do the following:

-If you will be joining us by computer, go to http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/20663 anytime near 8:00pm EST this evening and enter the community call. (Note: You may want to head over here earlier and open a Talkshoe account, just in case you want the best experience this evening. Remember you don’t need to register to join in,  we just suggest it.)

-If you can not use a computer, you can even join by telephone. To do this, just dial (724) 444-7444, then enter 20663 and # as the Call ID Number, and then just enter 1 and # or your Talkshoe Pin Number (if you have a Talkshoe pin number, not required)

We hope to see you at WDW News Today Live! this evening as we continue our 1 year anniversary celebration here at WDW News Today. Please feel free to email us at wdwnewstoday@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail message at (206) 666-2982 if you have any questions or concerns.

Sting or Swing? Drive or Fly?

WDWNT on July 5, 2008

Screamscape has some details on the re-do’s of both Mullholand Madness & Orange Stinger:

2009/2010 – Silly Symphony Swings – In Development – (7/4/08) We’ve got a little more information to share today about the new Silly Symphony Swings restoration plans. According to our sources the remodeled attraction will have a Band Conductor Mickey on top of the tower who will move around to the music. The top will be remodeled to be more like a carousel to allow for the placement of scenes from the Silly Symphonies on the inside of each section.

2009/2010 – Goofy’s Flite School – In Development – (7/4/08) We’ve heard that plans for Goofy’s Flite School are moving forward, and yes that is the correct spelling. From the sound of things it may take on a similar look to Goofy’s Barnstormer in Florida as it will now look like an old giant barn has been converted by Goofy into a make-shift airplane hanger… while apparently leaving all the old chicken coops intact.

Celebrate America Canceled!

WDWNT on July 5, 2008

We have been hearing several reports that last nights 4th of July fireworks show, Disney’s Celebrate America, was canceled half-way due to winds (as with New Years).

UPDATE: Here’s a short video of the fireworks last night from inside Disneyland when the show was cut off & the cancellation announcement was made:

[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=8i5V7aaYAGM[/youtube]

But for now, Orlando Attractions Magazine has a video of the complete Florida version (which I believe is exactly the same) that went off with-out a hitch. That version was recorded on July 2nd, so a test day. WDWNTube‘s John Corigliano was at the Magic Kingdom in WDW to see the show yesterday, & I’m sure he’ll be bringing back an excellent video for you all to enjoy!