IMAGE PROBLEMS – Page 36

Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough Opens Tomorrow!

WDWNT on November 26, 2008

The interior of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland, long closed to guests, will “reawaken” in time for Thanksgiving. A vibrant new version of the classic walkthrough attraction features colorful scenes of Aurora, her gallant prince, the evil Maleficent and other characters from the beloved fairy tale film.

This revived Sleeping Beauty Castle “show” differs from the window-display dioramas which could be seen in the castle during the 1980s and ’90s. It takes its inspiration from the unique style of the original Disneyland castle walkthrough attraction of 1957, co-designed by animation art director and color stylist Eyvind Earle, who was credited with giving the motion picture “Sleeping Beauty” its distinctive and colorful look of storybook illustrations in medieval style.

Enhanced with new scenes and special-effects magic, the re-Imagineered attraction employs technology not available in the 1950s to tell the story of Sleeping Beauty, including the magic of good fairies Flora, Fauna and Merryweather, and the more sinister spells of the evil Maleficent.

For the first time, guests who are unable to climb stairs or navigate the passageways of the Castle will be able to experience the walkthrough “virtually” in a special room on the ground floor of the Castle.

The attraction is scheduled to open at 5 p.m. Wednesday, kicking off the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

11/23/08 WDW Photo Report By Matt Paul

WDWNT on November 25, 2008

WDWNT Photographer Matt Paul has provided us with his first photo report from his latest trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. To start off this series, here is his first report from Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

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The tree outside the park along with a large film reel

Some new decorations for Hollywood Blvd. since Block Party Bash floats are way too tall to allow the old decorations

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I think these fit the theming a little better

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Usual decorations replace the long standing Year of a Million Dreams banners on Sunset Blvd.

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More decorations

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Even more decorations

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Green Army Men appearing in Pixar Place

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Decorations outside what will now be known as Muppetvision 3-D (they have permanently dropped the “Jim Henson’s” from the name)

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Nativity scene at the Studios

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Woody and the Toy Story sign have been removed from the top of Pizza Planet, expect something new here in 2009

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As we reported before, the screen outside the American Idol Experience is now operating

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With the walls down, there is much more performance space outside the theater for Block Party Bash

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What used to be the Monsters Inc. meet and greet

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It is the stage entrance, where those performing in the show will be entering

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To end the report, here is the lovely disclaimer you’ll be met with when you get in line for the American Idol Experience beginning in January when the attraction opens

40 Years of The Haunted Mansion

WDWNT on November 23, 2008

Disneyland is going to be holding a big event for the 40th anniversary of The Haunted Mansion on 9/9/09. Here are some of the products being released, & some info on the events:

Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Merchandise Event

Date: 09-09-09
Location: Disneyland® Resort

The Plot Thickens. . . After five husbands and five untimely deaths, the Black Widow Bride of the Haunted Mansion will wed once more. Has she found her soul mate? Or will another groom meet his doom? Join us, Foolish Mortals, and we’ll dig up the answers at our ghostly celebration that everyone’s dying to attend.

Event packages are as follows:

Grinning Ghosts – $TBD

Foolish Mortals – $TBD

Dearly Departed – $250

Hitchhikers – $85

Early Demise Offer:

Guests that register through February 28th only, will receive an “early demise” pin.

* Reservations for the Grinning Ghosts and Foolish Mortals packages will be accepted only via www.DisneyGallery.com beginning Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. (Pacific Time). * Reservations for the Dearly Departed and Hitchhikers packages will be accepted only via www.DisneyGallery.com beginning Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. (Pacific Time).

There will also be an event & merchandise release with the artist SHAG to be held on August 9th

SHAG Haunted Mansion Product Release & Signing
Date: Sunday, August 9, 2009
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Purchasing Location: Disneyana Shop, Disneyland® park
Signing Location: Main Street Cinema, Disneyland® park

Product & Event Information:

Artist, SHAG will be on hand for a special meet & greet and signing opportunity as we celebrate the release of his “Haunted Mansion” inspired artwork created in commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the Haunted Mansion attraction at Disneyland® park. Represented in the artwork are some of the attraction’s most beloved scenes, including the Stretching Portraits, the Ballroom, the Seance Room, the Attic, Graveyard, among others. This unique collection is a must have for any SHAG and Haunted Mansion enthusiast. To view the Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary inspired artwork by SHAG, please click here. Please continue to watch for a complete list of merchandise that will be offered in conjunction with the cocktail reception and product release events.

Please Note: Guests attending SHAG’s Spirited Cocktail Reception on August 8, 2009 will have the first opportunity to purchase this product. Remaining quantities will be released as part of the product release on August 9, 2009).

SHAG “Spirited” Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Cocktail Reception
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2009
Time: 8 PM – 11 PM
Location: Crystal Cove, Disney’s Paradise Pier® Hotel

It’s sure to be a spirited and swingin’ party tonight! With the hippest artist in town attending, groove with ghouls and spirits of all kinds as we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Haunted Mansion in style.

Event Packages Include:

Swingin’ Spirits – $TBD (please continue to check back)

ONE (1) Night Accommodation at Disney’s Paradise Pier® Hotel (night of 8/08/09)*

Spirited Cocktail Reception

Photo Opportunity

Opportunity to purchase SHAG “Haunted Mansion” inspired merchandise via Random Selection Process (Merchandise purchased via RSP will be pre-signed)

Opportunity to purchase remaining themed event merchandise in event stor

Artist Meet & Greet

TWO (2) Commemorative Gifts

Groovy Ghouls – $185

Spirited Cocktail Reception

Photo Opportunity

Opportunity to purchase SHAG “Haunted Mansion” inspired merchandise via Random Selection Process (Merchandise purchased via RSP will be pre-signed)

Opportunity to purchase remaining themed event merchandise in event store

Artist Meet & Greet

ONE (1) Commemorative Gift

* Reservations for the SHAG “Spirited” Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Cocktail Reception will be accepted only via www.DisneyGallery.com beginning Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. (Pacific Time).

* Please note: We are now required to have only one (1) Guest per reservation. It will be necessary for each Guest to register individually. Thank you!

A WDWNT Weekend Update

WDWNT on November 23, 2008

I thought I would take this time to address a few short subjects in one post just to make sure everyone is caught up on what’s going on with WDW and WDWNT right now:

-We have opened our fantastic poll allowing you to choose what you think are the 20 biggest moments in the history of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Just go HERE, pick 20 moments, and hit submit. The 20 biggest moments as voted by you will then be counted down every week on the WDW News Today Podcast until the anniversary on May 1, 2009. Voting closes on December 4 at midnight, so don’t miss out!!!

-Disney has released a picture of the completed facade of the new American Idol Experience attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (we should have our own pictures of the completed building very soon, until then check out THIS photo report on the WDW News Today Community Forums):

IT’S SHOWTIME!: Disney’s Hollywood Studios raises the curtain on the newest showbiz-themed attraction, “The American Idol Experience.” All the excitement of the popular “American Idol” TV show comes to life in a first-of-its-kind attraction where Walt Disney World guests can vote on their favorite performance, or audition with the chance to perform on stage. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (David Roark, photographer)

-Ellen’s Energy Adventure at Epcot will be closed for a lengthy refurbishment from January 5 through March 22, 2009. During this time, some general maintenance will occur. It is also rumored that Imagineering will use this a a time to look around the attraction for possible changes.

-Reported on the WDW News Today Community Forums:

Beginning December 1st, anyone booked for lunch at Tusker House (at Disney’s Animal Kingdom) between 1:00pm and 1:40pm will receive a ticket for reserved seating at the Finding Nemo (The Musical) 3:15pm show. If you are already booked during that time frame you will qualify for the reserved seating ticket. Only reservations between 1:00pm and 1:40pm qualify. One ticker per person dining.

-Also Reported on the WDW News Today Community Forums, Disney launching an online check-in service for resort guests:

Disney’s Online Check-In service enables Guests to simplify their arrival by allowing them to go online and provide information related to their upcoming stay. On a Guest’s scheduled arrival date, since check-in information will have been provided previously online by the Guest, they may experience a streamlined check-in at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels or Disney Vacation Club resorts. A welcome folder with their Key to the World Card will be waiting at a designated Disney’s Online Check-In area in the resort hotel lobby. Guests will need to present valid photo ID to pick up the folder and complete check-in. Guests may check-in online beginning 10 days prior to their arrival date. Web site addresses for Disney’s Online Check-In service will vary based on the original method of booking. As Guests are completing Disney’s Online Check-In service, select Guests will have an opportunity to apply for the Disney Rewards® Visa Card® that could be used during their stay. This service launches in January, 2009.

A lot to process, but hopefully we have everyone caught up on current Walt Disney World and WDW News Today events before the big holiday week begins.

Myrna Litt’s 11/19 Nighttime Shots

WDWNT on November 22, 2008

Here are a collection of some of Myrna’s favorite nighttime shots from around the Disneyland Resort from her trip on Wednesday:

It’s a Small World Holiday continues its holiday light-up tradition this year. Absolutely stunning!

The full castle lighting ceremony will debut tonight.

A look up Main Street towards Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle.

The LED lighting effects on the Main Street Christmas tree should also debut tonight too.

Myrna Litt’s 11/19 Photo Report Part #2

WDWNT on November 21, 2008

Here is the second part of Myrna’s photo report, featuring some non-Small World related updates:

The new snowflake structures atop of the Disneyland turnstiles.

There’s just some basic garland on the Main Street Train Station. It’s a shame that it doesn’t get anything more.

The stunning Main Street Christmas tree.

Happy 80th Birthday Mickey!!!

WDWNT on November 18, 2008

Since there doesn’t seem to be any news to report, I’d figured we take a moment to mark the historical importance of today. On November 18, 1928, Mickey Mouse made his grand debut in the now classic cartoon short “Steamboat Willie” at the premiere in New York City. Without this cartoon and the creation of Mickey Mouse, it is doubtful that the Walt Disney Company would be here today, and especially the Disney theme parks we all enjoy so much. As Walt Disney himself said, “It all started with a mouse”.

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It just so happens that it all started with a mouse named Mickey 80 years ago today. Happy 80th Birthday Mickey!

Christmas Comes to Epcot

WDWNT on November 18, 2008

WDWNT Photographer Steve Wieczorek has provided us with a picture of the Christmas Tree at Epcot which is now up and ready for the Holidays Around the World:

Adam Roth’s 11/14 Mini-Photo Report

WDWNT on November 16, 2008

Our own Adam Roth of WDWCelebrations has provided us with a short photo report looking at the refurbished Fuel for Thought exhibit at the exit of Test Track at Epcot:

Not all that much has changed here since the walls went up

They cleaned up the exhibit quite a bit, certainly more floor room now

You can get an inside look at how Hybrid vehicles from GM work

Over at The Land, they are preparing for a new exhibit.

Steve Wieczorek’s Very Merry Christmas Party Photo Report

WDWNT on November 15, 2008

We here at WDW News Today would like to welcome Steve Wieczorek to the staff as another official WDWNT photographer. His first photo report for us comes from the first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party of the year: