Disney Characters Celebrate a Small Christmas

WDWNT on September 3, 2009

Disneyland will be releasing an It’s a Small World Holiday mystery pin set, featuring the recently added Disney characters with some holiday decorations as backdrops.

This is the first glimpse we’ve seen at what they’ll be doing with the Disney characters during the It’s a Small World Holiday overlay this year. The mystery pin set will be released on October 1st, containing 4 random pins of the 10 in the collection for $25. Also, It’s a Small World will be closed from October 27th to November 12th for the addition of the holiday overlay.

New Treats at This Year’s Halloween Time

WDWNT on September 1, 2009

ANAHEIM, Calif. (Sept. 1, 2009) – Spooky new fireworks and ghoulish screams at Space Mountain add to the fun when Halloween Time returns to Disneyland Resort Sept. 25-Nov. 1. Halloween Time offers families a chance to celebrate the season as they interact with some of Disney’s most beloved characters decked out in seasonal costumes at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure parks. Guests will also enjoy a unique opportunity to experience some spooky fun with Disney’s more sinister characters, the Disney villains. In addition, Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party returns for 12 special nights in October.

For older kids and adults, Halloween Time offers a new attraction: Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy in Tomorrowland at Disneyland. The scary new experience will begin as a typical Space Mountain adventure, but will suddenly launch voyagers into an uncharted and haunted section of the universe. Ghosts appear out of the starry darkness and swirling galaxies of Space Mountain, reaching out as if to grab guests as they speed through space. The exhilarating drops and curves of the journey are punctuated by piercing screams, creepy sound effects and haunting music. The Halloween transformation occurs outside the mountain as well, as frightening images, audio and lights illuminate the Space Mountain exterior.

Also new this year is “Halloween Screams – A Villainous Surprise in the Skies.” The new fireworks spectacular will haunt the nighttime sky throughout the Halloween season. To start the show, “Master of Scare-omonies” Jack Skellington appears in a flash of fire above Sleeping Beauty Castle. Thanks to Jack’s ghoulish charm, haunting melodies fill the air and a Halloween pyrotechnics extravaganza explodes into the night. Such classic Disney villains as Maleficent, Ursula the Sea Witch and Oogie Boogie join in the “spirit” of the celebration, and even Zero, Jack’s faithful ghost dog, will make an appearance. Spectators in Disneyland are encouraged to participate in a bone-chilling Halloween Scream-Along during the show.

Jack Skellington also returns to take over the Haunted Mansion and bring back Haunted Mansion Holiday to New Orleans Square in Disneyland. Transformed to a mix of Halloween spookiness and Christmas tradition, Haunted Mansion Holiday is inspired by the classic animated film “Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas.” Jack and his friends provide plenty of havoc and surprises as they celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Haunted Mansion in their unusual style. Jack’s return to the Haunted Mansion includes the traditional Halloween/Christmas gingerbread house in the Mansion Ballroom, with some special spooky surprises in this year’s design.

For not-so-frightful fun, Halloween Time offers special pleasures for children and parents.

  • Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland is again transformed for the Pumpkin Festival, where more than 300 “non-identical” pumpkins will be on display in shop windows.
  • Visitors to Big Thunder Ranch in Frontierland will sometimes find the ranch animals dressed in costume for a seasonal Halloween Roundup, with pumpkin carvers, Halloween décor and activities for youngsters, all presided over by Sheriff Woody.
  • Next door at Big Thunder Barbecue, Miss Chris and the Roundup musicians add Halloween songs to their repertoire.
  • Meeting favorite Disney characters will be easier than ever as Disney villains gather to plot Halloween mischief in “it’s a small world” Mall in Disneyland, while other characters in seasonal costumes greet guests in Town Square, Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland and Sunshine Plaza in Disney’s California Adventure.
  • Also available throughout both parks are special Halloween treats, including menu items such as Zero’s Ghostly Ghoulash served in a dog dish in honor of Zero.
  • Special Halloween Time gifts are offered in Disneyland Resort shops. Gifts include jack-o-lantern mouse ears and collectable pins depicting Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends in Halloween costumes.

More spine-tingling fun can be found in Disney’s California Adventure at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, where a “supernatural” event happened on Halloween evening, 1939, forever haunting the building.

Also at Disney’s California Adventure, Sunshine Plaza becomes Candy Corn Acres, with Mickey’s pal Goofy up to his tricks again – attempting to wow the world with his unusual candy corn treats. Candy corn carrots, candy corn pumpkins and candy corn grapes are just a few of the candy corn items Goofy is harvesting.

Back by popular demand is Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party, a one-of-a-kind celebration that returns to Disney’s California Adventure for 12 nights in October (2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 and 31). Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party lets adults and children alike dress up and trick-or-treat in the ultimate Disney neighborhood. Highlights this year will include:

  • 25 Treat Stops located throughout Disney’s California Adventure
  • All your favorite Disney’s California Adventure rides and attractions
  • A Hollywood Bat-Lot Bash in Hollywood Pictures Backlot
  • A nightly “Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat on the Street” cavalcade
  • Character photo locations featuring Disney villains, princesses and other favorites
  • Pirate’s Wharf, a transformation of the Pacific Wharf area into an entertainment area, photo location, craft area and games area

This separate-ticket nighttime event gives children and their families a chance to dress as their favorite princesses, goblins or heroes and trick-or-treat throughout the park. Tickets purchased in advance are $32 most days, while tickets purchased on the event day are $39. For Oct. 30 and 31, all tickets to Mickey’s Trick or Treat Party are $42. Favorite Disney characters, including Mickey himself, will be in attendance in their favorite costumes. It’s the ideal environment to have fun, eat special holiday treats, play interactive games, listen to “spirited” music and watch a nightly character cavalcade that celebrates the season.

For more information about Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort, see disneyland.com/halloween. This site will be updated as frightfully fun details become available.

Value-minded vacationers can celebrate Halloween Time with a special travel offer this fall: savings of $400* at the Disneyland Resort. From Aug. 12 through Dec. 19, 2009, guests will save $400 when they book a 4-Day/4-Night Disneyland Resort vacation package, featuring Disneyland Resort hotel accommodations – Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Paradise Pier – and park hopper tickets. The offer is valid for arrivals through Dec. 20, 2009, with a final booking day of Dec. 19. Details are at disneyland.com/Save400.

First Official Pictures of New Fantasmic Dragon!

WDWNT on August 31, 2009

Disney has finally given us our first real look at the new dragon in Fantasmic, after 3 months of waiting:

You’ll be absolutely stunned once you watch this video

There’s still no word on if “Murphy” will debut tonight or not, but stay tuned to Disneyland News Today as we keep up with the latest on Fantasmic’s new dragon.

Finally, Time for Tequila!

WDWNT on August 28, 2009

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Tasty tequilas and mouthwatering margaritas are on tap at La Cava del Tequila, a new offering for Epcot guests to explore the heritage and tradition of tequila-making in Mexico.

Tucked away in the Mexico pavilion at Epcot, La Cava del Tequila beckons guests with more than 70 types of authentic tequila, ranging from the simplest to the rarest of them all, aged to perfection and made from the finest distilled spirits from the agave plant. Tequilas range in price from $8 to $50 for a specialty tequila.

Amid warm décor, art work and original artifacts all celebrating the Mexican heritage, a “Tequila Ambassador” is on hand to educate Walt Disney World guests on the history of tequila-making.

Also on the drink menu: Exotic and uniquely blended margaritas, introducing a variety of flavored salts, spices and tropical fresh fruits masterfully prepared by experienced mixologists. A variety of quick tastes, tapas style, will be available, including freshly made guacamole and ceviche as well as mahi mahi tostadas with diced mango and avocado and blue crab tostados with chipotle mayo and Valentina sauce.

The 30-seat La Cava del Tequila is open from noon until Epcot park closing time. It is connected to the famous San Angel Inn as part of the Mexico pavilion, a popular stop for Walt Disney World guests.

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Several “tapas-style” tastings are on the menu including freshly made guacamole, home-fried fresh corn chips, salsas, ceviches and various tostadas.

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Flavorful margaritas and specially prepared flights of tequila take center stage.

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Specially trained Tequila Ambassador, Hilda Castillo, straight from Tequila, Mexico, shares her passion for tequila making at the newly opened La Cava del Tequila at Epcot.

Bank On It!

WDWNT on August 26, 2009

The Disney Gallery set to open this Fall in the former Bank of Main Street Building!

Like most, you’ve probably missed visiting The Disney Gallery on your recent trips to Disneyland® park. Well, good news! the hotspot for viewing original and one-of-a-kind Disney artwork and artifacts is ready to re-open in the fall at its new location – in the former Bank of Main Street, right next to the Disneyland® Opera House.

This new location offers roughly the same amount of area as the gallery’s previous home above the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction (which is now occupied by the Disneyland® Dream Suite). And, just as before, The Disney Gallery will be made up of three separate rooms – two exhibit rooms and a gift shop. “This will allow us to tell on continuous story, or three separate stories, as we used to in the former gallery,” said Kim Irvine, Walt Disney Imagineering and Art Director for this project. She also told us that the unique qualities of the building have been incorporated into the gallery’s theme: “We’ll maintain the bank look and architecture and visually tell the story that this was an old bank that has been turned into an art gallery.  Guests will still see remnants of the old bank influence – like the vault!”  So be sure to stop in and visit this longtime favorite attraction and store in its new digs.

Please continue to watch for the opening date and a list of exhibits, events and Disney inspired artwork!

Artwork shown: Madame Leota by Yakovetic and Haunted Mansion by George Scribner

Mitchel Musso CD Signing & Appearance at Studio Disney 365!

WDWNT on August 24, 2009

Mitchel Musso CD Signing & Appearance
Date: Thursday, September 3, 2009
Time: 1 PM to 2 PM
Location: Studio Disney 365, Downtown Disney® District

Join us as we welcome Actor & Singer Mitchel Musso from the hit Disney Channel series “Hannah Montana”.  Mitchel will be on hand for a special appearance and signing of his adventurous self-titled debut album, Mitchel Musso.  The meet & greet and signing opportunity will take place from 1 PM to 2 PM on Thursday, September 3, 2009 at Studio Disney 365 located in the Downtown Disney® District in Anaheim, CA. Mitchel will be appearing at Studio Disney 365 prior to his concert being held at the House of Blues® Anaheim later in the evening. Tickets for this performance will be available at the House of Blues Box office or in advance at www.houseofblues.com.

Mitchel’s self-titled debut album will be available to purchase at Studio Disney 365, as well as other CD’s featuring music by Mitchel.

We ask that you please do not queue up prior to 6AM at Studio Disney 365. Please note: Photographs are permitted, however posing with Mitchel Musso will not be allowed. Merchandise available while supplies last.  We ask that only one (1) item be signed per Guest. We ask that you bring no personal items to be signed.  Event merchandise must be purchased on the day of release at the event location.  Valid Disneyland® Resort receipt may be required.  Signing is subject to space and time availability and is not guaranteed.  Event information subject to change without notice.  Separate admission is required to enter Disneyland® Resort theme parks.

Disney Canoe Race Winners Announced

WDWNT on August 14, 2009

According to the OC Register’s Around Disney blog:

In a tradition that dates back to Walt Disney’s days, Disney employees raced in the Disneyland’s river this week. The 46th annual Cast Member Canoe Races concluded this morning.

Here are the winners:
Men’s team, below: DC Last of the Rowhicans, 4:07:24

Women’s team: DC Bandits, 4:35:84

The women’s team is in this shot below, along with the men’s and coed teams.

Coed team, below: DC United, The PB&J Edition, 4:18:08