Curtain Raised On More Studios’ 20th Anniversary Merchandise

WDWNT on March 30, 2009

It seems that there will be some merchandise released on May 1, 2009, (not all on April 28th as we previously speculated) to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Among other options, 5 limited edition pins will be released to commemorate the special day:

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Each pin will retail at $10.95 and will be a Limited Edition of 1500. This is a “gold-plated” version of the open edition pin we showed you a few weeks ago.

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This pin has director Mickey Mouse in front of the Earful Tower

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This rather simple pin features director Mickey in front of a star

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This pin features Mickey sitting in the director chair on top of some film reels

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The final pin features director Mickey in front of Rock ‘N’ Roller Coater and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

As most of you know, I love the parks and I love pins, so these will be absolute musts for me. Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today as we get more details on the 20th anniversary celebration of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Matt Paul’s 3/27-3/29/09 WDW Mini-Update

WDWNT on March 30, 2009

Matt Paul has returned from a weekend at the Walt Disney World Resort with a few photos to share. Due to problems with his camera, these pictures had to be taken via cell phone, so we apologize in advance for the quality:

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The Universe of Energy has re-opened from refurbishment with a new audio system among many technical upgrades

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As previously reported, the old color scheme has returned to the sides of the pavilion

Read More about Matt Paul’s 3/27-3/29/09 WDW Mini-Update

Tren-D Opens Again on April 9, 2009

WDWNT on March 27, 2009

Even though the Tren-D store opened its doors in the Downtown Disney Marketplace a few days ago, there will be an official opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the store on April 9th:

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Event: Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of Tren-D, Disney’s stylish new boutique store!
Event Date: Thursday, April 9
Event Time: 10:00am
Event Location: Downtown Disney® Marketplace, near Disney’s Pin Traders and Once Upon a Toy
A stylish boutique with designer flair and eclectic offerings becomes a premier shopping spot at Downtown Disney Marketplace with the March opening of TrenD. The urban-inspired Walt Disney World® Resort specialty store is a one-of-a-kind, hip destination for fashion-conscious shoppers seeking trendy apparel and novel accessories.

“This unique environment, filled with textured fabrics, silhouettes, and whimsical art and design allows us the opportunity to push the creative envelope as it relates to fashion and our characters,” said Mark Perrotta, Director of Product Development and Design. “Our guests continue to respond to trend merchandise and novel products that they can’t purchase at home. TrenD speaks to what is happening today with a blend of vintage and hip with stylized Disney influences.”

Offerings include organic loungewear, embroidered handbags, jeweled sunglasses and trendy accessories set among whimsical art and unique furnishings. The eclectic environment offers a raw and unfinished feel with jeweled chandeliers, distinct fixtures and mod furnishings.

Much of the merchandise will not be available anywhere else at Downtown Disney. Designers such as Kidada Jones, Tarina Tarantino and Roxy will showcase their artistry — blending it with Disney-inspired creations.

“With its exclusive product lines and new environment, we think TrenD will complement the existing merchandise offerings at Downtown Disney,” said Perrotta. TrenD is in a 2,500-square-foot venue near Pin Traders and Once Upon A Toy. The space previously was used by Summer Sands.

Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream presented by “D23”

WDWNT on March 27, 2009

It appears that the “Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream” exhibit at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will now be presented by D23. Here is the official release from the D23 website:

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Concept art rendered by Walt Disney Imagineering for the new One Man’s Dream attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, presented by D23.

One Man’s Dream has long been a fan favorite at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Now, the beloved attraction, which pays homage to the life and vision of Walt Disney, now celebrates the fans who are equally important to the Disney legacy. Starting tomorrow, One Man’s Dream will be presented by D23 with new “D23 Welcomes You” signage on the marquee.

“D23 is the ultimate Disney fan community and One Man’s Dream is the ultimate attraction tribute to Walt Disney in our parks so they fit together perfectly,” explains Eric Jacobson, senior vice president, Walt Disney Imagineering, whose team thought of partnering with D23 on the endeavor. “One Man’s Dream showcases the history of Walt Disney and The Walt Disney Company and gives our Guests a look at what is new around the world and a sneak peak at what’s coming. D23 has a similar mission for its members.”

The partnership includes new D23 theming and a new display case featuring the room of a Disney fan (we won’t say whose!), adding to the robust collection of Disney history currently on display. “One Man’s Dream is a collection of artifacts, models, memorabilia and special effects,” adds Eric. “It appeals to the Disney fans because it can’t be seen anywhere else.”

Many of those pieces came from the Walt Disney Archives, which is a big part of the D23 community. “So it’s only natural and fitting that the One Man’s Dream exhibit should be presented by D23,” notes Becky Cline, manager of the Walt Disney Archives and a D23 team member.

Artifacts from the Archives, which have long been a part of the attraction, include Jimmie Dodd’s Mouseguitar from the 1955 Mickey Mouse Club, original props from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Walt Disney’s working office.

The new D23 display case features items the Archives team pulled together — all pieces a real Disney fan might own. “There’s some fun stuff,” Becky says, including the Ultimate WALL·E, a “Treasures of the Archives” lithograph and the five-Mickey pin set which was very first Walt Disney Archives Collection item. “Plus, a lot of the books are favorites for us in the Archives like The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, The Disney Poster Book and of course from the Disney Archives, Disney A to Z by our very own Dave Smith!” Becky adds.

The Villas Come to Disneyland!

WDWNT on March 27, 2009

According to the Disney Vacation Club member newsletter:

Sales begin for The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel

With construction of The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa on schedule for a late 2009 opening at the Disneyland® Resort in Anaheim, sales have officially begun for this West Coast Disney Vacation Club Resort.


Floor plans and furnishings subject to change. Room views vary.

Round-up The Games Bullseye!

WDWNT on March 26, 2009

One of our readers was kind enough to send us what is undoubtedly the first picture of one of the actual new Games of the Boardwalk:

This picture is of the Bullesyes Stalion Stampede game. A sign not seen before is bellow the Paradise Pier logo, and a tagline is off to the right.

Earth at the El Capitan

WDWNT on March 25, 2009

The next movie to be featured at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood is Disneynature’s Earth. Today I received an ad in the mail showing off what bonuses you can get if you see Earth at the El Capitan (you can click both images for bigger versions):