PHOTO REPORT: Disneyland Resort 2/24/16 (Interactive Game, Star Wars Land, Zootopia, ETC.)

WDWNT on March 5, 2016

Our Disneyland Reporter, Tim Alcoser, recently visited the Disneyland Resort and has some photos to share with us from his trip, so let’s take a look:

IMG_6064

Land clearing for Star Wars land is well underway and quite visible from the top of the parking structure

IMG_6065

IMG_6072

IMG_6078

Welcome to Disneyland

IMG_6080

This week’s theme for AP Days is Fantasy and Fun

IMG_6082

IMG_6083

Work continues on Autopia as Honda is added as a sponsor

IMG_6084

IMG_6085

IMG_6086

IMG_6089

IMG_6095

The Mark Twain sits on the dock, waiting to be explored

IMG_6097

IMG_6098

IMG_6099

The Strawhtters have been performing on the boat, one nice thing about the ship being docked

IMG_6100

IMG_6101

IMG_6103

IMG_6105

IMG_6106

Not much to see around the back of the river yet

IMG_6108

IMG_6111

A cast member polishes the engine

IMG_6113

IMG_6114

IMG_6115

Dr. Facilier roaming around

IMG_6116

IMG_6119

IMG_6121

IMG_6124

Splash Mountain is closed for refurbishment

IMG_6125

IMG_6126

IMG_6128

IMG_6129

IMG_6130

IMG_6131

IMG_6132

The Columbia sits and waits…

IMG_6133

IMG_6134

IMG_6138

IMG_6139

This strange prop showed up near Harbor Galley last week, rumor has it Disneyland may be installing their first interactive game attraction…

IMG_6140

Jungle Cruise Skipper School continues while the attraction is closed

IMG_6141

IMG_6142

IMG_6143

IMG_6145

IMG_6146

IMG_6147

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

IMG_6148

Soundsational will be live streamed on the Disney Parks Blog this week, but we have some photos of the parade for you to enjoy

IMG_6162

IMG_6169

IMG_6184

IMG_6187

IMG_6190

IMG_6191

IMG_6193

IMG_6197

IMG_6198

IMG_6201

IMG_6203

IMG_6207

IMG_6208

IMG_6211

IMG_6214

IMG_6216

IMG_6219

IMG_6221

IMG_6224

IMG_6231

IMG_6232

IMG_6234

IMG_6249

IMG_6267

IMG_6271

IMG_6278

IMG_6285

IMG_6288

IMG_6297

Moving over to California Adventure…

IMG_6298

Zootopia posters have gone up outside of the Magic of Disney Animation

IMG_6299

IMG_6300

IMG_6301

IMG_6427

Still no exact opening date being given for the FROZEN musical

IMG_6431

IMG_6437

IMG_6438

IMG_6447

IMG_6461

Soarin’ closed for the conversion to Soarin’ Around the World

IMG_6462

IMG_6464

IMG_6467

Back to Disneyland for some AP Days fun

IMG_6470

Buttons and more being given to guests

IMG_6473

Some pieces from the Disney Archives on display

IMG_6477

IMG_6485

IMG_6493

IMG_6495

IMG_6547

Over at the Disneyland Hotel, the pool is closed to be resurfaced

IMG_6559

IMG_6570

Goodnight Disneyland Resort!

PHOTO REPORT: Disney Springs 2/24/16 (Coca-Cola, The Town Center, ETC.)

WDWNT on March 5, 2016

Myself and WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen both made trips to Disney Springs over the last week and have so me photos to share of the continuing construction projects in the area:

IMG_9751

A look at the bus loop

IMG_9752

IMG_9753

Looking toward the Town Center

IMG_9754

IMG_9755

IMG_9756

IMG_9757

IMG_9758

The new foliage on the parking garage was installed last week…

IMG_9760

Someone already threw garbage in it…

IMG_9762

IMG_9763

IMG_9764

IMG_9765

IMG_9766

IMG_9767

While hard to see, the interior of Planet Hollywood has been gutted

IMG_9768

coke

Glass panels being installed on the face of the Coca-Cola location in Disney Springs

coke3

IMG_9770

No visible progress on STK

IMG_9771

IMG_9772

Work slowly coming along on the Edison

IMG_9773

Looking out towards the Town Center from The Landing

IMG_9774

IMG_9776

IMG_9777

IMG_9778

IMG_9779

IMG_9780

IMG_9782

IMG_9783

IMG_9784

IMG_9785

IMG_9786

The new buildings near Marketplace are coming along quickly

IMG_9787

IMG_9791

Side

IMG_9792

This new building by the Village Causeway went up fast

IMG_9793

Marie

A Marie Magicband was released recently

Movies

Movieland Series Vinylmation now available

Zoo

As are Zootopia Vinylmation

PHOTO REPORT: Epcot 2/25/16 (Maelstrom Facade Removed, Flower & Garden Prep, ETC.)

WDWNT on March 5, 2016

I stopped into Epcot for the evening on Monday and took some photos around the park, so let’s take a look at what’s new and exciting around Future World and World Showcase:

IMG_9878

Welcome to Epcot

IMG_9880

What we believe to be OSHA-demanded exit stairways being installed all around the Epcot monorail station

IMG_9882

IMG_9884

Spiral staircase coming in on this side

IMG_9885

IMG_9886

Epcot is getting ready for the Flower and Garden Festival, which of course begins on Wednesday

IMG_9887

IMG_9888

Soarin’ is still closed

IMG_9891

I’m more inclined to think Circle of Life will return based on what the entrance looks like now, but expect some changes to the film at the very least

IMG_9893

I guess we’ll use the stairs…

IMG_9894

IMG_9895

IMG_9896

The lower floor men’s restroom being fixed up during these closures

IMG_9897

IMG_9899

IMG_9900

IMG_9901

IMG_9904

IMG_9905

The butterfly garden has a long way to go

IMG_9906

The new musical playground is massive

IMG_9907

IMG_9908

IMG_9909

IMG_9910

A lot to do in a week

IMG_9911

IMG_9912

It was a slow roll-out, but all of the character topiraries have the updated look now

IMG_9916

Tic Toc Croc got new eyes and eyebrows

IMG_9918

IMG_9920

LOOK OUT!

IMG_9924

This was a meet and greet space in France, but Aurora has moved out

IMG_9925

You still have a few days to see the Black History Month exhibits at the American Adventure

IMG_9926

IMG_9928

IMG_9929

IMG_9930

IMG_9931

IMG_9932

IMG_9933

IMG_9935

IMG_9938

IMG_9939

IMG_9940

Walls up for festival offerings near Germany

IMG_9941

Lots of tarps up in the China pavilion

IMG_9942

IMG_9944

Anna and Elsa in Norway

IMG_9946

The tarps in Norway are now making it clearer that major facade changes are being made for Frozen Ever After

IMG_9947

Here you can see the facade was actually stripped and a new one is being put on

IMG_9949

Also, the hole in the rockwork is being sealed, so say goodbye to seeing the boats from outside

IMG_9950

IMG_9951

Work continues on the meet and greet experience next door

IMG_9952

IMG_9953

IMG_9955

IMG_9956

The Cars palyground returns in Future World

IMG_9958

New Test Track antenna topper

IMG_9959

Somehow missed this one released earlier in the month

IMG_9961

All of the merchandise is MouseGear is being shuffled around again, but none of the existing signage is correct now

IMG_9962

This is not home decor

IMG_9963

Yes, this has toys, but also now all Princess items

IMG_9964

Some Zootopia merchandise in stock, but something tells me it will not be enough come March 4th…

IMG_9965

IMG_9967

Epcot items moved half-way across the store

IMG_9968

IMG_9969

New Snow White and Jiminy Cricket shirts

IMG_9970

IMG_9971

IMG_9972

IMG_9973

IMG_9974

IMG_9975

IMG_9976

Infinity and Playmation now make up an island in the middle of the store

IMG_9978

The Gateway Gifts sign lives on…

IMG_9979

IMG_9980

IMG_9983

Another staircase on the other side of the monorail station

IMG_9984

The PIXAR Party Comes to Walt Disney World August 26-27, 2016

WDWNT on March 5, 2016

Disney has finally announced the registration and event dates for the PIXAR Party, the highly anticipated 2016 Trading Event at Epcot:

pixarpartyslide

You’re invited to a party! But not just any party, a Pixar Party Trading Event, August 26-27, 2016 at World ShowPlace in Epcot at Walt Disney World. Join us as we celebrate 30 years of Pixar Animation Studios magic from theatrical film releases, beloved shorts, cherished stories from the Vault, and more. No doubt it’s going to be a rootin’ tootin’ time. Race you there!

Registration for this year’s pin trading event will take place on April 28, 2016.

Print

We are committed to providing a great experience for all our attendees. Please read below for details.

Things to Know Before You Register

  • Introduced at last year’s event to ensure that all attendees have equal access to the trading boards, we will again provide each Pixar Party Trading Event attendee with vouchers to use for the trading board experience. Guests will have the opportunity to trade at the boards a designated number of times during the two-day event.
  • As a reminder, it is also important to note that Walt Disney World Resort has updated park rules regarding items that may be brought into the theme parks. Guests should be aware of the restrictions on bags (including suitcases, backpacks, trailers, wagons) and folding chairs.  Please carefully review the list of prohibited items and other park rules at. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/park-rules/.
  • You are welcome to bring Vinylmation™ figures to trade with other Guests, however we will not sell Vinylmation™ figures nor offer Vinylmation™ trading activities at the event.

VIDEO, PHOTOS: Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters Opens March 7th in Cars Land

WDWNT on March 5, 2016

Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters will open at Disney California Adventure on March 7th, 2016!

Luigi4-900

In this all-new attraction, Luigi will turn the tire storage yard behind his Casa Della Tires into a dance floor. Cars Land guests will be able to ride along with Luigi’s cousins as they move and spin to upbeat Italian music, performing the traditional dances of their hometown village.

Each dancing car will have its own high-spirited personality and signature dance moves, with 18 different ride profiles and the ability of each car to switch between several of the different ride profiles during each and every song. The attraction marks a major milestone for the Disneyland Resort as it is their very first trackless ride system.

Luigi1-900

Check out this video of the attraction in action as Imagineering talks more about what this new ride is capable of:

Luigi3-1280

“WDWNT: Nerd Alert Podcast” Season Two, Episode One Tonight @ 8PM; Available For Download

WDWNT on March 5, 2016

nerdalert4

The Nerd Alert crew is back for Season Two! In this weeks episode the gang talk about:

  • “Star Wars: Episode VIII” Begins Production
  • “Star Wars Land” Reveal On “The Wonderful World Of Disney”
  • “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” Crosses $2 Billion
  • “Star Wars Rebels: Season 2” Season Pass Controversy
  • “Deadpool’s” Success And How It Will Affect Other Comic Book Movies
  • Preview Of The 2016 Comic Book Movies

Join Joe Hogarty, Patrick Hackett, Ron D’Anna and newest cast member, Jack McCarthy!

This episode is now available for download through WDW News Today: Original Programing  and iTunes!

BREAKING: Disney Parks Switch to Tiered Seasonal Ticket Pricing Imminent

WDWNT on March 5, 2016

We have talked about this for a long time, but expect a formal announcement from Disney that Disneyland ticket pricing will be switching to a new tiered system very, very soon.

IMG_5228-X2

Rumors of Disney Parks going towards this kind of pricing system have been rumored for years, so much so that some of the competition has researched such pricing, and some other parks have even rolled it out already (namely Universal Studios Hollywood):

USH

Universal Hollywood is already trying a similar system for ticket pricing

Under tiered seasonal ticket pricing, ticket prices can be higher or lower based on when you are visiting. Peak seasons like the summer and the Christmas season would be most expensive, while “off-season” months like January or September would be the least expensive. We have not yet received any pricing charts or information, but we expect a formal announcement from Disney soon.

UPDATE: Walt Disney World is expected to make similar changes to the ticket pricing structure over the weekend. We expect a Disney announcement soon.

We have since found out more information on this new ticketing structure which you can read here.

Walt Disney World & Disneyland Introducing Seasonal Tiered Ticket Prices, Price Increases Coming

WDWNT on March 5, 2016

We told you earlier today that we expected new seasonal tiered ticket pricing to be introduced at Disneyland Resort, well now we are being told it will also be coming to Walt Disney World.

TicketBoothLines_031807_AVP

In addition to annual price increases across all forms of tickets, one-day tickets for all parks will move to a seasonal, tiered pricing scale. Depending on the season you plan to visit, a one-day ticket can cost more or less. The tickets are broken into three “seasons”: Value, Regular, and Peak. We do not have info on what the pricing or dates for specific pricing will be, but is should be announced or go into effect this weekend.

We will share more info once it becomes available on this breaking story.

VIDEO: “Zootopia” Oscars TV Spot; New Parody Posters

WDWNT on March 5, 2016

1

Check out the brand new Oscars spot & the latest parody posters for Walt Disney Animation Studios “Zootopia”!

Here are some new and some familiar Oscar parody posters featuring several of the stars from “Zootopia”:

zoo_poster_bigshort zoo_poster_bridgeofspies (1) zoo_poster_hibernant (1) zoo_poster_madmax (1) zoo_poster_stevepaws (1) zye_movies_ce zye_movies_soz (1) zye_movies_sw

The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery.

Disney’s “Zootopia” opens March 4th!

VIDEO: New TV Spot Released For Disney’s “The Jungle Book”

WDWNT on March 5, 2016

JB2

Disney has just released a new TV Spot for “The Jungle Book” containing new footage:

Directed by Jon Favreau (“Iron Man”), based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories and inspired by Disney’s classic animated film, “The Jungle Book” is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli (newcomer Neel Sethi), a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. But Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan (voice of Idris Elba), who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat. Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery, guided by panther-turned-stern mentor Bagheera (voice of Ben Kingsley), and the free-spirited bear Baloo (voice of Bill Murray). Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who don’t exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa (voice of Scarlett Johansson), a python whose seductive voice and gaze hypnotizes the man-cub, and the smooth-talking King Louie (voice of Christopher Walken), who tries to coerce Mowgli into giving up the secret to the elusive and deadly red flower: fire. The all-star cast also includes Lupita Nyong’o as the voice of the fiercely protective mother wolf Raksha, and Giancarlo Esposito as the voice of wolf pack’s alpha male Akela. “The Jungle Book” seamlessly blends live-action with photorealistic CGI animals and environments, using up-to-the-minute technology and storytelling techniques to immerse audiences in an enchanting and lush world.

The wild adventure swings into theaters in 3D on April 15, 2016.