Toy Story “Wii-mote” Mania Opens This Fall

WDWNT on March 24, 2009

Anyone who owns a Nintendo Wii video game console and loves the Toy Story Midway Mania attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios or at Disney’s California Adventure park is sure to be excited by this news today:

BURBANK, Calif. – (March 24, 2009) – Disney Interactive Studios today announced Toy Story Mania!, inspired by the Disney/Pixar animated feature “Toy Story,” will be released exclusively for the Wii™ home video game console this fall. Toy Story Mania! showcases an array of entertaining games based on the new Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort attractions, while featuring the iconic characters and humor from the popular Disney/Pixar “Toy Story” franchise.

“The ‘Toy Story’ franchise is a fun, dynamic and heart-warming series containing characters and themes that connect with every age group,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “Toy Story Mania! combines those popular elements with the unique antics of the new theme park attraction for the ultimate in family entertainment.”

In Toy Story Mania!, players experience the fast-paced, zany fun of the Toy Story Mania! theme park attraction, which is an interactive experience requiring 3D glasses and involving rapid or quick-firing shooting galleries. In addition to galleries adapted from the attraction, the game includes new and original galleries and a series of mini games, all hosted by beloved characters from the movies. The thematically-connected levels are designed for up to four players of all ages with competitive and co-operative multiplayer options. Toy Story Mania! also includes bonus 3D features, transforming the game experience with eye-popping visuals.

The Pixar-created “Toy Story” and ”Toy Story 2” have both had successful box office and DVD sales. The Disney Digital 3D™ theatrical re-release of “Toy Story” is in the works and will open in theatres on October 2, 2009, followed by the 3D re-release of “Toy Story 2” opening on February 12, 2010, leading up to the premiere of “Toy Story 3” in 3D summer 2010. Toy Story Mania! is the first video game to place characters from these films into a carnival game setting and is expected to resonate with fans of the films and the attraction, as well as gamers who like pick-up-and-play party games

Developed by Papaya Studio, Toy Story Mania! will be available this fall exclusively for Wii.

Jose Eber’s 3/19/09 Downtown Disney Report

WDWNT on March 20, 2009

WDWNT Reporter Jose Eber visited the Downtown Disney Marketplace last night and has plenty of great photos to share from his trip. Let’s take a look:

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The new stage area at the Marketplace has proven quite popular with guests

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I saw this show when I visited in January, it has proven to be extremely popular whenever it runs.

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The sign for the newest store at Downtown Disney, Tren-D. The store just opened on Thursday.

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One of the window displays at Tren-D

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Another window display

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A third display

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A quick look at the interior of Tren-D which sells only women’s fashions

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Another look at the sign

Following the “Tren-Ds”

WDWNT on March 17, 2009

Dewayne Bevil of the Orlando Sentinel’s Theme Park Rangers blog was able to get an exclusive look inside the soon-to-open Tren-D store in the Downtown Disney Marketplace area. His report and pictures can be seen at this link.

As shown in the concept art we provided a few days ago, the store has a very contemporary/hip flare featuring recognizeable Disney character accents. The store opens to the public on March 19th, 2009. Stay tuned to WDW News Today as we get more information on the latest Downtown Disney shopping experience.

Robert Ashburn’s 3/13/09 Magic Kingdom Photo Report

WDWNT on March 16, 2009

Our good friend Robert Ashburn of Figmentsmedia.net visited the Magic Kingdom on a less-than supernatural Friday the 13th and has a number of newsworthy photos to share with us:

Posters for Disney-Pixar’s “Up” and Disney Channel’s “Sonny with a Chance” at the Transportation and Ticket Center

Some exterior work on the Exposition Hall on Main Street U.S.A.

Read More about Robert Ashburn’s 3/13/09 Magic Kingdom Photo Report

How to be Tren-D

WDWNT on March 14, 2009

The latest issue of the Eyes and Ears Walt Disney World cast member publication features a look at the logo and some concept are for the new Tren-D shop opening in the Downtown Disney Marketplace on March 19th:

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Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today as we get more information on this new store coming soon to Downtown Disney.

TrenD Information

WDWNT on March 12, 2009

Disney has now released a formal press release concerning the new TrenD store coming to the Downtown Disney Marketplace that we have been telling you about for a few weeks now. This should answer any questions we have prior to the March 19th opening of the shop:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – 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 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, new 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 stylish 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.

More Star Wars Weekends 2009 Merchandise

WDWNT on March 7, 2009

The official Star Wars website has posted a great many pictures of the latest Disney/Star Wars merchandise that will be available during Star Wars Weekends 2009 (and beyond) at Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

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The third series of Disney/Star Wars action figures features Goofy as Chewbacca, Mickey as an X-Wing Pilot, Minnie as “Slave” Princess Leia, Donald as a Stormtrooper, and Chip & Dale as Ewoks

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This Jedi Training Academy boxed action figure set will $39.95

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This exclusive Stormtrooper helmet bank measures 8.5 inches tall and will retail for $18.95

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This bank is 11.5 inches tall and will retail for $12.95

‘Ears to You Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on March 6, 2009

The first picture of any merchandise that will be released to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 1, 2009 has finally appeared. Of course, it’s an open edition pin that will be sold beginning April 28:

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A very cool logo to say the least. The only thing I find a little strange is that the “20th anniversary” appears to be in the Tomorrowland logo font. No matter what, the logo looks great and I look forward to buying plenty of merchandise featuring it. Stay tuned to WDW News Today as we continue to gather information on the historic 20th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 1, 2009.

Tren-D Coming Soon-R Than Expected?

WDWNT on March 5, 2009

The Orlando Sentinel is reporting the following:

A boutique called TrenD is scheduled to open in Downtown Disney late on March 19.

A Disney Web site describes the store as selling “edgy and up-to-date Disney fashions and accessories — plus exclusive merchandise from cutting-edge designers.” The 2,500-square-foot shop will be near Pin Traders and Once Upon A Toy.

Many of you probably remember this space as the former “Summer Sands” shop adjacent to the “Team Mickey” store. This opening date is now far sooner than expected, as the space has only been vacant for a few weeks now. From the sounds of it, the store is very similar to the Vault 28 shop in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District and should be both a positive and unique addition to the Marketplace shopping line-up. Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today as we gather more information on the new Tren-D shop at Downtown Disney.