Don’t Miss out on WDWCelebrations’ Studio 25 Event, May 1st-4th!

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

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There are just a few days left to secure your ticket for the ultimate Disney fan event of the year! This year WDW Celebrations is hosting Studio 25 in celebration of Disney’s Hollywood Studios silver anniversary on May 1st, 2014. Studio 25 is a four day event packed with activities all around the Walt Disney World resort.

Just to name a few highlights from the Studio 25 schedule, a scavenger hunt, group rides (yes they really do cram a group of 100+ people into line for an attraction), a trivia challenge and a new game to be unveiled! Did I also mention those games and challenges include prizes? Because they do, so brush up on your Hollywood Studios facts! Those are just a few of the event offerings, for a look at the full schedule please visit their website here. Please note the event schedule is always subject to change for various reason such as inclement weather (and let’s face it in Florida that’s not unusual!) If you plan on attending the event, I recommend staying up to date throughout the event with Event Alert Service.

The events hosted by WDW Celebrations are always a great complement to the official events hosted by Disney. This year Disney is hosting several events throughout the day at Hollywood Studios including, a rededication of the park, a special motorcade — “Stars of the Studios,” and lastly a dance party will precede a special firework show at 9:30 p.m. 

Personally I must say the highlight of all the WDW Celebrations events I have attended in the past has been getting to celebrate with fellow fans. You will get to spend time with old friend as well as make new friends!

So don’t miss out on this opportunity to celebrate, sign up before it’s too late! Tickets are available for purchase until Sunday April 29, 2014. Tickets can be purchased here for just $10 for adults and $6 for children. Don’t forget this event also gives back, a portion of all the proceeds will be going to the charity Give Kids the World!

As the WDWNT Network is an official partner with WDW Celebrations many staff members will be in attendance at the event! We hope to see you all there and please feel free to come up and say hi!

 

Aladdin Junior Series 10 Explained

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

Aladdin Junior Series 10 Explained

Release Date: January 10
Where: Disney Stores, Online, D-Streets
$9.95 per blind box
18 figure set

This Junior series based on the 1992 Disney animated feature film is the first Junior series designed by Disney Store artists.

Update: 02/04/14 Based on the officially released imaged by Disney and the leaked photo of the side of the case of Aladdin vinyls, it appears Disney has released images of the chasers early. They did not officially announce them as chaser, but if the box is not a misprint, than they certainly are. They do not seem to be variants of any other figure. The two figures assumed to be the chaser are the last two photos on this page (in case you do not want to see them) Also, Disney seemed to not release images of 4 of the common figures: Abu, Jasmine in red dress, Aladdin and Jafar as old man in prison.

image from Vinylmation Exchange Facebook page

Presumed Chaser

Presumed Chaser

Brandon and Melissa Share Latest Customs

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

Brandon and Melissa are a pair of Visual Arts Teachers Millennium Middle School in Sanford, FL. We recently shared their student’s work, now it is time to see what they have created for their latest custom Vinylmation.

What subject did you choose and why?
Brandon: I chose King Hippo and Little Mac.  I love vintage video games and was a big fan of the original Mike Tyson’s PunchOut!!

Melissa: My favorite Disney character is Mr. Smee, so I really wanted to do him.  Then Villians 2 came out and I really liked the Smee in that set.  I considered one of the Lost Boys first, but when we decided to make it a 9” and 3” set, I knew Michael with Teddy was the way to go.

What have you learned from your first customs to now?
Brandon: I actually think I learned the most from my first 9’ custom.  King Hippo was good practice to reacquaint myself with painting a three dimensional surface before tackling my 3” custom of Little Mac.

Melissa: I was a big believer in not taking the Vinylmation apart- I was so afraid I would break and arm or things wouldn’t look right, but it is so much easier if you do.  Michael was also the first Vinylmation I ever painted on a “Custom” mold (we usually spray paint commons), and although I really like the surface, I felt like I had to do more layers (but the stars in his ear glow, so it was worth it)

And then there were a pair of customs you did that were chosen by your students?
Melissa: Yes, we also did 3” customs in which we let the kids decide our subject…they chose Sherlock Holmes for Brandon & Dr. Watson for me.

Park 5 Photoshoot

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

It has been a while since we released a Park series photoshoot. I found these Park 5 photos I had yet to publish. While most of these were taken by me around WDW, a few were taken by Zoe at Disneyland for us.I especially enjoy the Carousel of Progress photos. And the Haunted Mansion clock was special because a Cast Member allowed us inside the Servants Quarters to take some extra special photos.

Many Turn Out to Compete in Disney’s “Million Dollar Arm” Pitching Contest

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

Many potential contenders turned out for the first qualifying round of Disney’s Milion Dollar Arm pitching contest Friday, April 25 at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida and Disneyland® Resort in California. There is still time for hopefuls to participate as the qualifying rounds continue April 26 at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida, Disneyland® Resort in California as well as in Tribeca at the ESPN Sports Day at the Tribeca Family Festival in New York City. All participants received tickets for themselves and a guest to see an advanced screening of the film.

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Three-time MLB All Star and World Series Champion Tom “Flash” Gordon attended the contest in Orlando and 7-foot center for the Orlando Magic, Nikola Vucevic, who was a first round draft pick out of USC actually participated in the contest.

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The top three eligible pitchers from each qualifying round will be flown with a guest to compete for the $1 million in the final contest, which will take place at the world premiere of Million Dollar Arm on May 6 in Hollywood.

Million Dollar Arm opens on May 16, 2014.

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Anna & Elsa from Frozen Move to Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

Starting Sunday, April 20, 2014, Anna and Elsa from Disney’s hit animated film Frozen began greeting guests at Princess Fairytale Hall at the Magic Kingdom. The pair was greeting guests in Norway at Epcot, with with the Summer months approaching and no interior queue for guests to keep cool, Disney decided it would be best to move the sisters to the fairly new Princess Fairytale Hall, which opened as part of New Fantasyland last year.

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

210 minutes will be a pretty average wait time to meet Anna and Elsa, we suggest booking FastPass+ as soon as you can for your trip if you want to see them

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Anna and Elsa posing inside Princess Fairytale Hall

We also have a short video of the experience to share:

Unlimited FastPass+ With Park-Hopping Begins 4/28/14

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

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Starting Monday April 28th, after guests have used their first three FastPass+ selections that they arranged before arriving, they will be able to select another one at one of the kiosks located in each of the WDW parks. When they’ve used that one, they’ll be able to select another, and so on. Guests will also be able to select and use their additional FastPass+ entitlements when they hop from park to park.

Stay tuned to WDW News Today as more information on the rollout of MyMagic+ becomes available.

D23’s “Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives” Exhibit Extended

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

The run of Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, has had its run at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, due to popular demand through August 3, 2014.

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“This interactive exhibit has been so well-received by guests of all ages,” said Anne Rashford, director of temporary exhibits. “It tells the great story of the imagination and perseverance of Walt Disney and offers a rare peek into his life and the unforgettable entertainment he created. We are thrilled to be able to keep it at MSI for an additional three months.”

The exhibition features more than 300 artifacts from nine decades of Disney’s rich history, from Mickey Mouse to Mary Poppins to Captain Jack Sparrow, including props; costumes; memorabilia; and artwork from classic Disney animation, theme park attractions, television shows and live-action films. Presented by Walgreens, hands-on activities allow kids and adults alike to explore animation technology from all 53 Disney animated films and learn to draw one of their favorite characters in the Animation Academy.

The exhibit is not included in museum entry but can be added to an Explorer ticket package. D23 Gold and Silver Members will receive a special discount on exhibit entry. For more information and to buy tickets, visit msichicago.org. For more information about D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, visit D23.com.

Synopsis of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in New Fantasyland, What We Know So Far

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

It seems like we may be days (even hours) from the first guests riding the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom, so it seems like a good time to recap what we already know about this attraction coming to the Magic Kingdom sometime in May 2014.

Here are some recent photos taken of the attraction, now no longer hiding behind construction walls:

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug


Here’s the synopsis of the attraction experience that Disney is now sharing with guests:

Embark for family-friendly thrills as you enjoy the twistiest, turniest, rollickingest ride in New Fantasyland.

Showcasing a first-of-its kind coaster system, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train cruises along through a fabulous mine—glittering with diamonds, emeralds and other precious gems—swinging and swaying Guests up large lifts, across sharp banks and around exhilarating turns.

Come feel a rush of enchantment and excitement too as you take off on this all-new addition to Magic Kingdom park!

Plus, be on the lookout for several favorite characters from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs—they’re all here, recreated in vivid detail using innovative technology that brings their 3-dimensional expressions to life.
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Follow the path of forest creatures as you pass a cozy woodland cottage on your way to the mountain slope. From its footprints, enter the mine of the Seven Dwarfs, where a treasure trove of experiences awaits!

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Help Doc at an Interactive Queue! Within a covered wooden tunnel carved into the mountainside, discover a series of mining stations prepared by Doc, each one a gem of its own:

  • Jewel Sorting – Follow Doc’s instructions, etched into a nearby plank, and help match jewels by color and shape as they flow down a wooden trough—a.k.a. dozens of touch-screen video displays.
  • Jewel Washing – After the jewels are sorted, grab ahold of a musical water spigot and start cleaning. Each spigot plays its own melody—heed Doc’s tips and you may hear a collection of familiar tunes!
  • The Vault – Inside the door of the mountain, enter the center of the vault to find a collection of wooden barrels overflowing with glowing stones. Turn each barrel to see the ceiling above you transformed!

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Then hop into your mine cart—hewn together with wood, metal bands and nails—and get ready for a ride like no other as your train departs, winding down and around before starting its ascent up a steep hill.

Near the peak, beware the broken track that lies before you, along with 2 ominous vultures perched atop an abandoned jib crane. Peer beyond the sea of empty crates and barrels, and listen closely to hear a familiar song being sung from the depths of the mountain.

Once you reach the tippy top, hold on tight—this adventure’s only getting started!

Feel the wind in your face when your cart teeters over the crest, traveling down and around the mountain and deep into the mine shaft. Soon, the dark begins to sparkle as you happen upon the Seven Dwarfs hard at work—whistling and singing while collecting diamonds, rubies and other shining jewels.

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All your Dwarf friends are accounted for—Sleepy, Happy, Grumpy, Dopey, Sneezy, Bashful and Doc—as you careen through the cavern and climb toward an opening to the outside world. At the top, soak up an inspiring view of New Fantasyland before arriving back to the foot of the mountain.

After passing behind a waterfall, prepare for a party as you peek inside a rustic cottage where Snow White and her Dwarf friends are dancing in celebration, just as this rocking ride comes to an end!

So, who’s excited to finally see the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train?

Star Wars Episode VII Cast Announced!

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

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After months of silence, Lucasfilm finally announced the main cast of the forthcoming Star Wars revival, Episode VII in a press release below.

The Star Wars team is thrilled to announce the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII.

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.

Director J.J. Abrams says, “We are so excited to finally share the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII. It is both thrilling and surreal to watch the beloved original cast and these brilliant new performers come together to bring this world to life, once again. We start shooting in a couple of weeks, and everyone is doing their best to make the fans proud.”

Star Wars: Episode VII is being directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer. The movie opens worldwide on December 18, 2015.