TONIGHT on WDW News Tonight (2/22/17) – Fan-ly Feud, Rivers of Light Dining Packages, and More!

WDWNT on February 23, 2017

Tonight on WDW News Tonight, we go in-depth on getting around Walt Disney World, we review the Rivers of Light dining packages, and we play WDWNT: The Fan-ly Feud…

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If you are in the Orlando area, you can tune in to 105.5 FM or AM 1520 WBZW at showtime. For those outside of the Orlando area, the show can be watched via video stream at listen.WDWNT.com on your computer or mobile device. You can also use WDWNT: The App to watch and chat along. The show also utilizes a live chat and the ability to call-in to interact with the show. WDW News Tonight is hosted by Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, but also features appearances by a number of other WDWNT correspondents and announcer Michelle Wargo.

Coming up on this week’s show:

  • A recap of the week’s news (with a WDWNT comedic twist)
  • An in-depth discussion on transportation and getting around Walt Disney World
  • The Wonderful World of Psychotic Comments
  • “WDWNT: The Fan-ly Feud”, presented by Theme Park Connection
  • A review of the Rivers of Light dining packages at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
  • Who’s Hates Tom Now?
  • And more!

We hope that you will tune in tonight at 9PM ET for another episode of WDW News Tonight!

If you missed last week’s show, be sure to watch it:

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Demolition Begins for Coronado Springs Resort 15-Story Tower Expansion

WDWNT on February 23, 2017

Disney has wasted no time in clearing buildings and land for the massive expansion of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. As announced last week, the project includes the addition of 15-story tower, additional parking, the remodeling of all existing rooms, and (most exciting to me, at least) a new rooftop restaurant on the tower.

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As soon as you enter the resort, you are greeted by construction fences.

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It’s not the prettiest day outside, but when you are covering demolition, does it matter?

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The Cabanas 9B building is being demolished to make room for the 15-story tall tower, which will be filled with upscale rooms and feature a rooftop restaurant with fireworks views.

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It’s a good thing we got there when we did as more fences are being installed to obstruct the view of guests.

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Disney hasn’t leveled many hotel rooms in the last 45 years. Only the old north wing of the Contemporary comes to mind, and it too was replaced with a 15-story tower…

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You guys might want to remove 9B from here…

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I would almost say it doesn’t ruin the picturesque views, but the water barriers see to that.

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The tower should connect to the lobby about here, but it is unclear if check-in will remain where it is now.

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These windows should eventually be replaced with a hallway connecting to the new tower.

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This will all be very different soon… stay tuned for more updates on the expansion of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” Comes Home To Digital HD March 24th & Blu-ray April 4th

WDWNT on February 23, 2017

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From StarWars.com:

StarWars.com is excited to deliver some special rebel intel: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the thrilling tale of how the Rebellion stole the Death Star plans, is officially coming home. (Just don’t tell Director Krennic.)

The film will arrive in a variety formats, including Digital HD on March 24, and Blu-ray, DVD, and On-Demand on April 4. Take a first look at the box art below.

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A wide array of bonus features, ranging from never-before-seen cast and creator interviews to a look at hidden Easter eggs, will take fans deeper into Rogue One than ever before:

  • A Rogue Idea – Hear how ILM’s John Knoll came up with the movie’s concept – and why it’s the right film to launch the Star Wars stand-alone films.
  • Jyn: The Rebel – Get to know Rogue One’s defiant, resourceful survivor, and hear what it was like for Felicity Jones to bring her to life onscreen.
  • Cassian: The Spy – Diego Luna shares insights into his complex, driven character, who becomes a hero through selflessness, perseverance and passion.
  • K-2SO: The Droid – Explore the development of this reprogrammed Imperial droid, from initial pitch and character design through Alan Tudyk’s performance.
  • Baze & Chirrut: Guardians of the Whills – Go deeper into the relationship between these two very different characters, with Chinese superstars Jiang Wen and Donnie Yen.
  • Bodhi & Saw: The Pilot & The Revolutionary – Forest Whitaker and Riz Ahmed reflect on Saw Gerrera, the broken Rebel leader, and Bodhi Rook, the Imperial pilot who defects.
  • The Empire – Meet a dangerous new Imperial adversary…and cross paths once more with the most iconic villain of all time. 
  • Visions of Hope: The Look of “Rogue One” – The filmmakers describe the challenges and thrills of developing a bold new look for the movie that can fit within the world of the original trilogy.
  • The Princess & The Governor – See what it took to bring the vibrant young princess of Star Wars: A New Hope – as well as one of her most memorable foes­ – back to the screen.
  • Epilogue: The Story Continues – Filmmakers and cast celebrate Rogue One’s premiere and look forward into the future, to the Star Wars stories yet to be told.
  • Rogue Connections – Uncover Easter eggs and film facts hidden throughout the movie that connect Rogue One to the Star Wars universe.

* Digital bonus offerings may vary by retailer.

RETAILER EXCLUSIVES

In addition, a selection of retailer exclusives will be available for pre-order starting February 23, featuring unique packaging and configurations:

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  • Target Exclusive: 5-disc set includes collectible packaging with interchangeable character covers and exclusive bonus content (Blu-ray 3D + two Blu-ray + DVD + DVD exclusive content – 2 additional bonus features + Digital HD + collectible packaging)

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  • Best Buy Exclusive: 4-disc set with exclusive SteelBook packaging (Blu-ray 3D + two Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD + SteelBook packaging)

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  • Walmart Exclusive: 3-disc set with exclusive K-2SO packaging and two Galactic Connexions trading discs (two Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD + K-2SO packaging + two Galactic Connexions trading discs)

Source: StarWars.com

Don’t Miss the February TeePublic Sale with All WDWNT Shirts for Just $14!

WDWNT on February 23, 2017

Don’t miss your chance to score some great WDWNT merchandise during the February sale at the WDWNT store on TeePublic. Everything in the store is 30% off until Sunday with no coupon code needed!

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You can get anything and everything in our store for 30% off the regular price. Even better, every purchase you make helps keep WDWNT.com going and supports all of the great coverage we provide every single day. Gear up with stylish Disney fan apparel while supporting the Worldwide Leader in Disney Parks News? DOES IT GET ANY BETTER? Actually it does, when you get complimented on wearing these amazing shirts at the parks…

The sale ends Sunday February 26th at 11:59 PM EST, so don’t delay! Get your WDWNT gear now!

VIDEO: Coronado Tower, Transportation, The Fanily Feud and More on WDW News Tonight

WDWNT on February 23, 2017

Last night on WDW News Tonight…

    • The Coronado and Caribbean are expanding! Our staff gives some thoughts
    • The alternate entrance walkway closes at Hollywood Studios
    • Tom talks about the Oscars for the sole reason of getting one overused joke into the show
    • We can’t do a show without a little Guardians and AVATAR talk
    • Is Celebration at the Top a worthy event?
    • We continue our discussion about the state of transportation at WDW
    • “The Wonderful World of Psychotic Comments presented by The WDWNT Inner Globe Society
    • We play the Fanily Feud presented by Theme Park Connection

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Hosted by radio veterans and life-long Disney fans Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, WDW News Tonight is a live, weekly, audio and video program presented on 105.5 FM, 660 AM, and AM 1520 WBZW in Orlando, Florida, as well as online at WDWNewsTonight.com every Wednesday from 9-11pm EST. The show covers the Walt Disney World Resort and other Disney news. The show combines the latest headlines, comedy, trending vacation topics, call in games, and in-depth discussions to bring Disney fans a one-of-a-kind 2-hour program covering the Disney Parks. While the show is being live-streamed in both audio and video, listeners and viewers also interact via a live chat online. The show is also available on demand as an audio download, online audio stream and can be watched live or recorded on YouTube.

Reservations & Full Menu Now Available for Rapunzel and Little Mermaid Character Breakfast at Boardwalk

WDWNT on February 23, 2017

Recently, we told you about an all-new character dining experience coming to Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk. Today, Disney is sharing more details on the “Bon Voyage Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno”, which will have the opportunity to meet beloved Disney characters including Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Ariel and Prince Eric.

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Breakfast will begin with your choice of a mixed berry parfait or fresh fruit salad and a frying pan of pastries featuring braided breakfast bread and clam shell pastries.

“Shipwreck al Forno”
Calzone with scrambled Eggs, Soppressata, Bacon, Sausage,
Blend of Cheeses and Sunday Gravy

“Golden Frittata”
Prosciutto di Parma, Piquillo Peppers, Green Onion,
Pecorino Romano and Roasted Potatoes

“Tangled Eggs”
Tomato & Basil Scrambled Eggs,
Fresh Mozzarella, Sunday Gravy and Roasted Potatoes

“Two Eggs Poached Under Water”
House-made Fennel sausage, Parmesan, and Sunday Gravy
over Golden Polenta and Toasted Ciabatta

“Tower of Pancakes”
Seasonal Buttermilk Pancakes with Bacon or Sausage

“Royal Breakfast”
Oak-Grilled Steak, Cheesy Egg Torte, Asparagus,
Crispy Onions and Roasted Potatoes

“Swimmers di ‘light’”
Smoked Salmon Egg White Omelet with Spinach, Mushrooms,
Tomatoes, Goat Cheese and Roasted potatoes

Kids will enjoy their choice of a Mickey Pancake, Mickey Waffle or a “Little Royal Breakfast,” which will feature an egg, bacon and toast. Breakfast will also include your choice of non-alcoholic beverage such as coffee, tea juice, milk and soft drinks. Mimosas, a Peach Bellini, cappuccino, press pot coffee and more will be available as an additional charge.

The character dining experience will cost $34 for adults, $20 for children. Please note: Disney Characters join guests for breakfast only. Character appearances are subject to change.

Reservations are now open for dates beginning April 2, and can be made by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Disney Springs PhotoPass Now Offers Personalized Storybooks Starring Your Princess

WDWNT on February 23, 2017

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For guests wanting to create a magical keepsake of the memories made on your vacation, Disney’s PhotoPass at Disney Springs now allows you to put your little princess right into her favorite Disney fairytale. The personalized storybook features your child in her favorite story with over 24 pages of magic. Your child can be included in stories such as Frozen, Cinderella, and The Little Mermaid after taking part is a special photo shoot with PhotoPass photographers.

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Curret themes princesses can choose from are Anna, Ariel, Aurora, Cinderella, Elsa, Mulan, Rapunzel and Snow White. For more info, you can visit the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs, located in the Marketplace section.

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*The Personalized Storybook photo session is only for guests age 14 and younger. This product is only available at the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs, and a specialized, same-day photo session is required. Photos taken during the Personalized Storybook photo session can only be purchased as a complete storybook and cannot be reproduced individually. Personalized Story photos will also not be associated to your PhotoPass account and are not included in any Memory Maker products.

Epcot International Festival of The Arts Returning in 2018

WDWNT on February 23, 2017

It seems as though the Epcot International Festival of the Arts will return in January 2018.

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No exact dates are available yet, but Disney has confirmed that the event is returning starting in the first month of next year. It is no secret that the Festival exceeded all expectations, proving to be quite popular with guests in 2017, the inaugural season.

It is rumored that the event will take place daily, not just on weekends in 2018, but Disney has made no announcement as of yet.

For an overview of the entire event (so you can start planning for 2018), please check out our exhaustive review and guide.