Disney Castles (and Presidents) Are Ready for the NBA Finals

WDWNT on June 6, 2009

Disney has released a press video featuring the friendly wager between the Walt Disney World and Disneyland presidents over the NBA Finals between the Lakers and the Magic:

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Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom was illuminated June 4, 2009 in Orlando Magic team colors to support the local NBA franchise’s appearance in the 2009 NBA Finals. In California, Disneyland park illuminated Sleeping Beauty Castle in Los Angeles Lakers colors to show support for its local team. (Preston Mack, photographer)

Flotsam and Jetsam to Join The Cast of Fantasmic!

WDWNT on June 5, 2009

According to the LA Times Travel Blog:

When Disneyland decided to incorporate Ursula’s evil eels Flotsam and Jetsam from “Little Mermaid” into the updated Fantasmic show, master puppeteer Michael Curry drew inspiration from a novelty shop wooden wiggle snake.

“I wanted a sense of swimming, of serpentine motion and menace,” said Curry, a long-time Disney collaborator. “Since it’s an underwater movie, it made sense to use the water as a stage.”

Curry’s puppets have appeared in the opening ceremonies of the 1996 and 2002 Olympics, the Super Bowl XXXIV halftime show, the Broadway production of “The Lion King,” the Cirque du Soleil production of “Love” in Las Vegas, the “Aladdin” stage show at Disney’s California Adventure and countless parades at Disney theme parks.

To tackle the task of bringing Flotsam and Jetsam to life, Curry and his crew employed an eel puppet mounted on top of a nimble high-performance Jet Ski.

The 34-foot-long aluminum pontoon sub-frame — built of military-grade super-lightweight carbon fiber and a stainless steel typically used in submarines — pivots at 14 points just like the toy snake.

The ingenious invention faced one huge hurdle: “Boats tend to turn over,” Curry said.

To avoid disaster on Disneyland’s Rivers of America, test puppeteers put the “Jetsam Ski” through its paces in a river near Curry’s production facility outside Portland, Ore.

The tests immediately revealed that the friction of the water turbulence put too much drag on the lightweight fabric attached to the subframe.

The solution: a weather-resistant awning-like fabric that pulled over the sub-frame like a pillowcase.

To avoid the robotic animations of computer-programmed audio-animatronics, Curry designed the Flotsam and Jetsam eels to be brought to life by puppeteers. The Jet Skis can operate in manual or automatic mode, depending on the physical demands placed on the driver/puppeteer.

“I always try to put the human at the heart of it,” Curry said.

The updated Fantasmic show, part of Disneyland’s Summer Nightastic promotion, makes its official debut June 12 at 9 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. “Soft opening” previews of the Anaheim theme park’s all-new Magical fireworks show are underway.

Disneyland Gives a Sneak Preview of Magical

WDWNT on June 5, 2009

According to the OC Register’s Around Disney blog:

Just a year after Disneyland opened in 1955, Walt Disney saw some fireworks being tested in the parking lot when he thought, “Let’s give it a try.”

In 1956, the first fireworks show was created by hand, with employees touching off the fuses with a flare.

A few years later, technology enabled fireworks to be launched electronically and synchronized with a soundtrack. The current system, which has been in use for about eight years, features multiple fireworks launch sites, lighting and laser effects.

This summer, Disney is launching a whole new show, “Magical”, which embodies Walt Disney’s idea that, “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.”

Disney gave guests a preview Wednesday night, as it went through a practice run in the skies above the theme park. On June 12, the new show officially begins its summer run. It is the first change in the fireworks show since 2005.

After eight months of work, “Magical” aims to keep the tradition of change and growth alive with its use of 750 discreet digital-control channels, Disney Air Launch system, which creates less ground-level smoke than the former system using black powder, and the addition of six high-beam lights shooting up behind the castle.

The 13-minute fireworks show is organized in five scenes, each depicting the different types of magic that Disney offers.

“What we’re doing with ‘Magical’ is celebrating all those wonderful Disney movies that everyone has,” Senior show director John Addis said. “We wanted to have those moments of, ‘Wow! There’s Tinker Bell and she’s darting all over.’ ”

Few Disneyland park-goers were aware, ahead of time, that they would see the first run of the show.

“We just happened to be walking through the park, and who could be more lucky to see the preview? That’s magic,” said Kathy Chance, a refinery operator from Anaheim. “That was the best part for me, was that it was so unexpected.”

In ‘Magical,’ Tinker Bell opens with her famous, traditional flight to the tune of “Second Star to the Right.” A cast member flew from atop the Matterhorn and over Sleeping Beauty’s Castle before landing in Frontierland.

During the show, Disney makes liberal use of the new high-beam lights — which blast color into the sky, an effective technique. At one point, scenes of carousel horses are projected onto the castle.

“I think we are going to surprise a lot of people here,” Addis said. “You don’t usually see a ballad in a fireworks show, but we’re using the song ‘Baby Mine’ from Dumbo, which is one of my favorite pieces of music.”

The scene also features a prominent addition in Disneyland’s firework history, a fully articulated Dumbo puppet, the size of a baby elephant, that flew around over the castle. His ears flap; and he waves with his trunk.

“Dumbo doesn’t fly fast like Tinker Bell — he’s an elephant. He’s going to be flying above the castle, his ears will fly, his legs will move, and he even gets to say goodbye with his trunk,” Addis said.

Fourteen-year-old Emma Doolittle from Santa Rosa, whose favorite Disney character happens to be Dumbo, was happy.

“They meshed Dumbo well with the lighting and the fireworks behind it,” she said.

Music for the show is a medley of classic Disney tunes. There is also an original ‘Magical’ theme song.

The soundtrack’s songs are all voiced by Eden Espinosa, who is best known for her role as Elphaba in the musical “Wicked” on Broadway and at the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles. Espinosa attended Canyon Hills High School in Anaheim and Fullerton College.

“It was amazing. It was so, so good,” said Cole Younger, 21, from London. “Dumbo being in it was just great. The choice of music was brilliant.”

His favorite part was the finale.

“They mixed so many different fireworks that were so big and covered the entire sky. The change in color of the castle with the three fairies was great. It was awe-inspiring.”

“Magical” runs nightly at 9:25 p.m. in Disneyland from June 12 until September 7.

D23 Expo Details, Tickets, and Packages Now Available!!!

WDWNT on June 3, 2009

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D23 EXPO, THE ULTIMATE DISNEY FAN EXPERIENCE,
COMES TO THE ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER SEPT. 10-13

Four Extraordinary Days of Live Events, Interactive Pavilions and
One-of-a-Kind Entertainment Celebrate the Past, Present and Future of Disney

ANAHEIM and BURBANK, Calif. – June 3, 2009 – Disney fans will be given unprecedented access to never-before-seen movies, TV shows, park experiences, collectibles and more from Sept. 10 to Sept. 13 at the Anaheim Convention Center when Disney and D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans present the first-ever D23 EXPO.

Tickets to the D23 EXPO are available beginning today at http://www.D23Expo.com. Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 EXPO and can be purchased for single days or for the full four days of festivities. Admission is discounted for members of D23.

“We hope this will be the ultimate event for the multitude of fans who have been so instrumental in Disney’s success,” said Disney President and CEO Bob Iger. “The D23 Expo represents the finest in Disney entertainment from across our great company and will offer a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable experience for people of all ages to enjoy.”

Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle added, “The upcoming D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center will serve as an exciting opportunity to present Anaheim to the millions of Disney enthusiasts around the world. For the thousands of inaugural-year D23 Expo attendees who will visit our city in September, this will be a special and a memorable time in the birthplace of Walt Disney’s original theme park. It is a great honor for Anaheim and the Anaheim Convention Center to host this event.”

Among the centerpiece events of the D23 EXPO will be an extraordinary, exclusive opportunity to get early glimpses of several all-new Disney feature films. Only at the D23 EXPO will guests preview a wide range of upcoming movie events, including The Princess and the Frog, Rapunzel, Disney’s A Christmas Carol, Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, TRON, Toy Story 3, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Walt Disney Pictures will present these special sneak peeks in a state-of-the-art cinema built especially for the D23 EXPO.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will take D23 EXPO guests behind the scenes to explore the rich legacy and exciting future of Disney’s theme parks and vacation destinations worldwide. Highlights will include a special look at what’s being imagineered for the future of Disney’s California Adventure, a peek behind closed doors at the amazing new technologies defining today’s and tomorrow’s Disney theme park experience, and the opportunity to meet and hear from the Imagineers, Cast Members and key Disney Parks and Resorts executives who create lasting memories for millions every year.

In many different ways, the D23 EXPO will explore the history and heritage of Walt Disney and the company he founded more than 80 years ago. The D23 EXPO will be home to the 2009 Disney Legends Awards – a 22-year tradition that pays tribute to the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to Disney entertainment. This year’s recipients will be honored at a ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 12, marking the first time the prestigious event has been held off Disney property.

In an extraordinary exhibition designed especially for the D23 EXPO, an incredible collection of classic and contemporary Disney props, artifacts and costumes will be accessible to the public for the first time ever. “Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives” brings together such amazing pieces as the fully restored, 11-foot model of the Nautilus from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea; the stunning, jewel-encrusted book used in the opening moments of Sleeping Beauty; and other rare surprises from throughout Disney’s history. Ranging from the original Mickey Mouse Club and the musical classic Mary Poppins to recent hits like Pirates of the Caribbean and High School Musical, the “Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives” is a never-before-experienced exhibition that’s a D23 EXPO exclusive.

The D23 EXPO spotlight will also shine on Disney Channel’s brightest stars in a can’t miss-special event. There will also be an ESPN Sports Lounge, live broadcasts from Radio Disney, and a preview of ABC’s new fall primetime shows, details of which will be announced in the coming weeks at www.D23Expo.com.

For Disney fans who want to take home part of the magic, Disney Consumer Products will offer myriad opportunities to do just that. Only at the D23 EXPO will guests be able to walk through the eight-room “Disney Dream Home,” celebrate the holidays Disney-style, see fine art created before their eyes, learn about Disney Fairy Tale Weddings, experience Disney couture fashion shows, meet and hear from the authors of a dazzling array of Disney books, prepare for trick-or-treating with the latest Disney Store Halloween costumes, and more … all under one roof.

The D23 EXPO also will be home to the “Disney Dream Store,” where guests will find exclusive D23 EXPO merchandise and collectibles; the Disney pin-trading headquarters; and much more, including the chance to build your own Mouse ears.

Showcasing Disney’s appeal to fans of every generation, the D23 EXPO has created a multi-layered experience: Avid Disney enthusiasts can attend dozens of specially created panels and celebrity-speaker events, details of which will be announced over the next several weeks. Younger Disney fans, meanwhile, will be able to experience special interactive play areas, meet their favorite Radio Disney DJs broadcasting live, watch “Princess makeover” demos from the Bibbidi-Bobbidi Boutique, and have fun in the Baby Einstein play area. Together, families can enjoy the Disney Crafts Center and learn about scrapbooking, Disney-style.

The D23 Collectors’ Forum will present a wide range of options for collectors to show and sell their Disney memorabilia, and those interested in exhibiting can visit www.D23Expo.com for more information.

Fans also will be able to view and even take part in the first-ever Disney Fan Art Gallery, which will include the finalists in the Donald Duck 75th Anniversary Portrait Contest, as well as a one-of-a-kind fan art show. Full details and contest rules can be found at www.D23Expo.com or www.disney.com/D23.

All activities at the D23 EXPO are included in single- and four-day admissions, including the “50 and Fabulous Film Festival,” which honors three classic Disney movies that are celebrating their golden anniversaries this year. Sleeping Beauty, The Shaggy Dog and Darby O’Gill and the Little People, all originally released in 1959, will be presented on the big screen, one movie each evening, for Disney fans of all ages to enjoy together. Also featured at the D23 EXPO will be a special screening of Walt Disney Pictures’ upcoming Tinker Bell: Lost Treasure, along with an in-depth exploration of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: Diamond Edition, which will be released this fall by Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

Tickets to the D23 EXPO, which go on sale today, are $37 for a one-day adult admission and $27 for children 3-12. To experience every bit of entertainment and excitement at the D23 EXPO, four-day passes are also available at $111 for adults and $81 for children. Members of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans will receive a discount on up to four same-day admissions, as well as early entry to each day of the D23 EXPO for themselves and their guests.

Special vacation packages are available at the D23 EXPO website, from both the Walt Disney Travel Company (including Disneyland Resort hotel accommodations, D23 EXPO tickets and theme park admission), and the Anaheim Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, which is offering a limited number of area hotel rooms at special rates to those attending the D23 EXPO.

Many more details about the entertainment, events and special guests that will be part of the first-ever D23 EXPO will be announced in the coming weeks. Fans can keep up with all of the announcements by visiting www.D23EXPO.com, as well as by following “Disney D23” at Twitter and on Facebook.

Lakers vs. Magic, Crofton vs. Grier, Disney World vs. Disneyland

WDWNT on June 3, 2009

Look’s like we may actually see Ed Grier in the parks after the Orlando Magic win the NBA Finals:

ANAHEIM, Calif./LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (June 3, 2009) – Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton and Disneyland President Ed Grier are squaring off – all in fun – as their local teams, the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Lakers, head for the NBA Finals. With both Disney parks asking guests “What Will You Celebrate?” in 2009, Grier and Crofton are getting in the act, making a celebratory wager on the outcome of the NBA Finals:

If the Magic win, Grier will walk down Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park wearing a pair of specially made Mickey Mouse ears in Magic blue and silver. If the Lakers win, Crofton will don a pair of Lakers’ purple and gold mouse ears and walk down Main Street, U.S.A. at Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom.

Lakers Celebration at Disneyland

“The Lakers are going to make your team very Grumpy this week,” predicted Grier to Crofton.

MORE 'MAGIC' AT THE MAGIC KINGDOM; DISNEY WORLD ROOTS FOR THE MA

“But we have ‘Magic’ on our side,” countered Crofton. “And isn’t that what Disney is all about?”

Crofton and Grier went through their respective parks Wednesday looking for supporters. Grier shot some hoops with Donald and Pluto in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland, while Crofton (along with Minnie, Goofy, Chip and Dale) drummed up Orlando Magic support in front of Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort. The park presidents even pledged to turn the lights of their respective castles to their team colors in celebration of the historic pairing.

This Summer is Going to Be Nightastic!

WDWNT on June 2, 2009

Disney put up a new website today promoting “Summer Nightastic!”. This new website offers an overview of the new entertainment experiences coming this summer (the new fireworks show Magical, changes to Disney’s Electrical Parade and Fantasmic, nighttime lighting of Pixie Hollow, and the TLT Dance Club at the Tomorrowland Terrace), 2 commercials (one an overview of “Summer Nightastic!” and the other on the changes to Fantasmic), and lots more. There’s also a downloadable 3D Fantasmic dragon, as well as a pdf of the entire schedule for the summer over at the TLT Dance Club.

Bellow are a few screen-shots from the website:

The new Cheshire Cat in Disney’s Electrical Parade is featured on this page

The Disneyland by Day and Night page has the familiar concept art of the new Tinker Bell float in Disney’s Electrical Parade

To view this amazing website, click HERE.

Shawn Hutchison’s 5/31/09 Disneyland Park Photo Report

WDWNT on June 1, 2009

Our very own Shawn Hutchison was at the Disneyland Resort today and shares with us these photos:

New theme park character collectible figures that have been available in Walt Disney World for a while now

A hidden Mickey in the pavement right outside DCA in the Esplanade

What photo report is complete with-out photos of the Monorail?

Hi Darla!

A parade of Disneyland Tour Guides

Read More about Shawn Hutchison’s 5/31/09 Disneyland Park Photo Report

Studio Disney 365 – Opening June 26

WDWNT on May 31, 2009

Lights, Camera, Action! Studio Disney 365!

Ever wish you could rock out like some of your favorite Disney Channel stars or become a huge singing sensation on your own Disney Record label? Now you can! From the moment you step into our Studio Disney 365 “sound stage” you will see lights, cameras, and a lot of action! Our talent agents and stylists will help our “stars of tomorrow” undergo a complete transformation getting camera-ready to walk the carpet, preparing them for their grand entrance onto the set. Studio Disney 365 is the place to be with so much to do and so much to see! Studio Disney 365 opens June 26, 2009 in the Downtown Disney® District at the Disneyland® Resort.

Choose from our Studio Star Makeover Packages:
(All packages include a Talent Contract, Choice of Hair Makeover, Complete Cosmetic Makeover, Deluxe Make-up Case, a Downloadable Image JPEG., Customized Lanyard with Photo and a Photo Shoot.)

From The Top – $29.95
Your hair our unique style

Color Cue – $39.95
Includes a unique twisted pony design and choice of up to four colored streaks

That’s A Wrap – $49.95
Includes 5 front braids and high pony twists, your choice of faux hair tousled pony and a lace stretch headband

Spotlight – $49.95
Includes 2 French braids wrapped to each side, your choice of faux hair pony tail and a flower hair accessory

Secret Star – $59.95
Includes a Hannah Montana inspired wig with sequined headband, rocker light-up headset, and a themed face gem

Rock Star – $18.95 (For Boys)
Includes a slicked back or spiked hairstyle with colored gel tips, smokey eyes, a downloadable image JPEG., and a customized lanyard with photo

Wardrobe Packages Include:
You are wanted on the set! Get ready for action as you take center stage dressed from head to toe in today’s fashions. Purchase a wardrobe package and save up to $10* (Wardrobe packages start at $81, plus tax). Get ready for your close up, with so many options to choose from, you will definitely be a hit.

Studio Rocker
Includes choice of Trend T-shirt, Fingerless Gloves, TuTu, and Colored Ankle Tights

Trend Setter
Includes choice of Trend T-shirt, Sunglasses, Scarf, and Fedora

Scene Stealer
Includes complete Hannah Montana costume which includes: gold lame jacket, tank, black leggings, black and purple tutu, and light up guitar sticks

Make your appointment today and enjoy your 15 minutes of fame.
Advance reservations are recommended, call 714-781-Style (714-781-7895).

The American Idol Outside the Experience

WDWNT on May 29, 2009

Disney has released a few press photos from today’s events at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, so let’s take a look at them while we wait for WDWNT’s own coverage:

"American Idol" Kris Allen honored at Disney World in Florida

“American Idol” season eight winner Kris Allen performs May 29, 2009 his rendition of the Kanye West song “Heartless” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Allen performed the hit song for thousands of theme park guests. On May 20, 2009, Allen was crowned the newest “American Idol” on the season finale of the popular television show. Following his win, Allen looked into a television camera and triumphantly shouted “I’m Going to Disney World!” for the iconic Disney ad. Fittingly, Allen’s visit occurred as Disney Parks asks guests, “What Will You Celebrate?” Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort. (Garth Vaughan, photographer)

"American Idol" Kris Allen honored at Disney World in Florida

“American Idol” season eight winner Kris Allen gets into the celebratory spirit May 29, 2009 by singing a song to Minnie Mouse during a photo opportunity at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. On May 20, 2009, Allen was crowned the newest “American Idol” on the season finale of the popular television show. Following his win, Allen looked into a television camera and triumphantly shouted “I’m Going to Disney World!” for the iconic Disney ad. Fittingly, Allen’s visit occurred as Disney Parks asks guests, “What Will You Celebrate?” Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort. (Mark Ashman, photographer)