BREAKING: New Photo-Ops, Character Meet-And-Greets, & More Coming 2013 Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

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We’ve just received some new information about offerings and changes for this years’ Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. While the event stays mostly the same year to year there are always some changes to try and enhance guest experiences.

New This Year:

  • Jingle Cruise: a holiday overlay at the Jungle Cruise
  • Meet & Greet: Mary Poppins, Bert, and Penguins will meet guests in Fantasyland
  • Treat Station Icons: This year treat stations will be marked with new giant, inflatable Candy Canes

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  • Photo Opportunity: The Rose Garden Photopass Stop will have a large red Christmas Ornament with the event name where guests can pose (pictured below in concept art and completed form)

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Entertainment Schedule:

  • Parade: Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade steps off at 8:15pm and 10:30pm from Frontierland
  • Main Street Pre-Parade: The Kringle Crew is back to entertain guests on Main Street USA before the parade arrives; pre-parade is at 8:15pm & 10:30pm
  • Castle Forecourt Stage: Celebrate the Season show times are 7:45pm, 10:05pm, and 11:20pm
  • Rockettower Plaza Stage: A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Show times are 7:45pm, 8:45pm, 9:55pm, 10:50pm, and 11:45pm
  • Fireworks: Holiday Wishes-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season is at 9:30pm
  • Celebrate the Magic: Celebrate the Magic with holiday tag and Frozen insert is at 9:15pm

Dance Parties:

  • Club Tinsel: In Tomorrowland at Cosmic Ray’s
  • Woody’s Hootin’ Holiday Open House: In Frontierland at Diamond Horseshoe

Characters and Atmosphere:

  • Santa Claus: at Town Square Courtyard
  • Rusty Cutlass Pirate Band: In Adventureland
  • Snow!: On Main Street USA
  • NEW Mary Poppins, Bert, and Penguins: in Fantasyland

There are also new merchandise and food offerings for this year:

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Most interesting, there is now an official backstory for the party:

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So, what do you think? Are you excited for this year’s Very Merry Christmas Party?

Holiday Happenings 2013 at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

For the 2013 Holiday season, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels are celebrating with the ever-popular Holiday Happenings at the Swan and Dolphin. December will once again bring a month-long celebration featuring Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus as the couple spends their vacation at Santa’s favorite resort, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel.

Families staying at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel can enjoy a unique holiday experience, mingling with Santa Claus,  lighting the tree with Mrs. Claus, and even getting tucked in by one of Santa’s elves. Kandy Kane, Santa’s favorite elf, will also be on hand this holiday season.

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Included in this year’s  magical holiday celebration:
Santa and Mrs. Claus Meet ‘n Greets

Decked out in their vacation wardrobe, Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and their favorite elf, Kandy Kane, will meet with guests in Santa’s customized Tiki hut on select nights. This hut features reindeer, palm trees and flamingos, making it a totally unique photo opportunity!

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Dancing Lights Show

Each evening, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel;s causeway transforms into a holiday spectacle, where illuminating palm trees provide a dazzling musical light show featuring favorite holiday tunes.

Life-Size Chocolate Santa Scene

Constructed entirely of chocolate, this life-sized sculpture of Santa Claus weighs in at approximately 1,200 pounds! The sculpture, created by the hotel’s executive pastry chef Laurent Branlard (the only two-time world pastry champion), will be on display in the lobby of the Swan. And to make it even more decadent, a chocolate fireplace, chocolate Christmas tree and chocolate toy train will also be featured in this taste bud-tempting display. As a new addition, this year’s display will feature a 7-foot tall, 400-pound chocolate nutcracker!
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Bedtime Elf Tuck-Ins

On Dec. 24, parents can hire a full-costumed elf to deliver milk, cookies, a plush toy and storybook to the room. Once tucked in, you can read a bedtime story before before Santa arrives. This premium service costs $55 for one child and $15 for each additional child. A service charge of 20 percent is added. Reservations are required and space is limited.Holiday EntertainmentOn select nights, guests will be entertained by carolers, choirs and musicians in the hotel lobbies, on the causeway and in other public areas throughout the hotel.

Magic Keys for Santa

How does Santa leave presents if there isn’t a chimney? He uses a magical room key!  Children can hang a magic key outside their guest room on Christmas Eve to help Santa find his way.

Tree-Lighting Ceremony

On select nights, guests can join Mrs. Claus in the Dolphin lobby for the lighting of the hotel’s 45-ft. tall Christmas tree, followed by hot beverages at Santa’s Tiki Hut.

Dessert Decorating and Holiday Movies

Throughout December, guests can tune in to free holiday-themed movies on their guest room televisions. Children also can decorate delicious holiday sweets in the lobby.

For more details about all the holiday excitement, including a full schedule of activities at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel, or to make room reservations, please visit www.santasfavoriteresort.com or call 1-800-227-1500. Overnight rates start at
$159 per night.

Will you be visiting the the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel during the holidays this year? Have you been in previous years? What is your favorite Swan and Dolphin Hotel holiday activity? 

Poster and Props Revealed for “The Jingle Cruise” Jungle Cruise Attraction

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

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Disney today revealed the attraction poster for the Jingle Cruise attraction, a new seasonal layover of the Jungle Cruise at the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park. The attraction debuts at Walt Disney World on November 8th and at Disneyland on November 12th. Neither attraction will close for the overlay, all of the work will be done overnight.

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Walt Disney Imagineering also shared this picture of some of the props they have been working on for the attraction.

So, what do you think? Are you excited for the Jingle Cruise?

Marvel Teaming Up With Netflix For 4 Original Superhero Shows

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

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Marvel is teaming up with Netflix to create 4 new “Avengers-style” shows that will begin airing in 2015. The first of the TV series will focus on Daredevil, while the following series will star Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, and Luke Cage. At least 13 episodes of each series will be produced, and — like all good Marvel series — they’ll eventually come together for a special event. For Netflix, that event will be a mini-series called The Defenders.

“This serialized epic expands the narrative possibilities of on-demand television and gives fans the flexibility to immerse themselves how and when they want in what’s sure to be a thrilling and engaging adventure,” Alan Fine, president of Marvel Entertainment, says in a statement. The series will all be set in Hell’s Kitchen, New York, and will unfold over several years. Their world is said to be a gritty one as well, though Marvel’s series have largely straddled the line between realistic worlds and comic book-style fun.

The deal is a huge one for both Marvel and Netflix. It’s Marvel’s biggest venture yet into television series, and it’s one of Netflix’s biggest commitments as well — one that’s certain to draw quite a few eyes. As big as it is, it’s actually the second major deal between the two companies: a deal made late last year will make Netflix the only place to watch Marvel’s movies immediately after they leave theaters starting in 2016. With both Marvel and Netflix moving quite aggressively to create new series lately, the partnership is quite fitting. Both companies have also been quite successful in those efforts.

Source: AWPA

Joe Hogarty’s 11/4/13 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Joe Hogarty visited the Magic Kingdom and Epcot on Monday and has a number of newsworthy items to share with us from his trip, so let’s take a look:

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Triton’s Treasures is no longer a thing, these space originally meant for a shop will now be a Disney Vacation Club kiosk

As much as I hate to say it, the sign is beautiful

There is a squid weathervane on the building

We believe this to be a reference to the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea attraction

Work continues on Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train as we approach 2014

We can now see a small building rising near the track

We expect this to be the queue

We believe this to be the entrance

Looking good!

Frozen merchandise can now be found in the Emporium

Some of it is the same you can find at the Disney Store

Moving over to Epcot, Spaceship Earth is awfully dirty

Hopefully there is some way to get up there and clean it

Plenty of Christmas merchandise out in the parks already

Happy holidays!

Star Wars: Episode VII Release Date Announced

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

The seventh episode in the Star Wars saga, as yet unnamed and referred to simply as Star Wars: Episode VII was revealed by The Walt Disney Studios to be released on December 18, 2015.

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“We’re very excited to share the official 2015 release date for Star Wars: Episode VII, where it will not only anchor the popular holiday filmgoing season but also ensure our extraordinary filmmaking team has the time needed to deliver a sensational picture,” said Alan Horn, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios.

The next highly-anticipated release in Lucasfilm’s long-running franchise is already in pre-production. It will be directed by J.J. Abrams and scripted by Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan. John Williams is returning to score the film.

Shooting is scheduled to begin spring 2014 at London’s Pinewood Studios.

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VIDEO: Glow with the Show “Dances” with the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

Last night, I was lucky enough to attend a special cast member preview of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I am happy to report that the Glow with the Show ears did start working with the show last night and we have several videos of them dancing along with the lights to share with you today. Let’s start with my personal favorite:

Here’s another song and the turning on of the lights:

Another song:

And here’s the last:

Outside of World of Color, this is the best use I have seen for the Glow with the Show ears to date. It just feels like the proper setting for them as everything around you is lighting up. Why not have something on your head do it too? If Glow with the Show does not pan out, I at least hope it returns annually for Osborne Lights because it just feels like it has been there all along.

REVIEW: Superstar Catering Food Truck Debuts at Downtown Disney

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

Disney had announced that four food trucks will be moving into Downtown Disney’s West Side in November and the first one has arrived! In time for the Festival of the Masters this weekend, the Superstar Catering food truck pulled in and began serving food to guests.

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The menu consists of meatballs, meatballs and more meatballs served in a variety of styles and flavors. At $11 and $12 each, it seems a bit pricey for a quick food truck stop and for the amount of food you are getting. I did try the Spinach and Feta Beef Meatball Sandwich and it was very tasty. There is also the kids option at $4.25.

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A variety of Coca-Cola products, water and alcohol is also served here. The food truck is currently located among festival tents next to the Disney Artist Village.

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The Muppets to Welcome Guests to Epcot Flower & Garden Festival in 2014

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

It’s only November, but I’m already “thinking Spring.” I miss the warmth of the sunshine and the brilliant colors of leaves and flowers. With that in mind, I’m pleased that Walt Disney World has announced some news on the 21st Annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival this week.

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Kermit the Frog, with his blooming banjo, and Miss Piggy will be joining the other artfully-crafted topiaries during the 21st Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival from March 5 – May 18, 2014 at the Walt Disney World Resort.

During the 75 days that Epcot hosts the Annual International Flower and Garden Festival, almost 100 topiaries will adorn the Park, transforming Epcot into a colorful wonderland of gardens and exhibits. The outdoor food and beverage marketplaces will also be back for a second year, offering many tasty treats, both savory and sweet. Perhaps taking a nod from Epcot’s Food and Wine festival, new menu items will include Piggylicious Bacon Cupcakes and a Barbecued Chicken Leg at the Smokehouse Barbecue marketplace. Previous menu favorites, such as the Watermelon Salad with baby arugula, feta cheese, pickled red onions and balsamic reduction, will be back to wow guests. In addition to new menu items, several lemonades, cocktails, wines and beers, all with floral inspirations, will be available to pair with food choices.

Featured topiaries this year will include:

  • Goofy, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck topiaries will appear in a new Epcot front entrance garden vignette, celebrating spring with a butterfly hunt adventure.  This garden will feature a waterfall and pond with water lilies.
  • Timon and Pumbaa topiaries will be featured near the park’s Outpost location between China and Germany.
  • Peter Pan, Captain Hook and Croc can be found in the United Kingdom showcase again this year.
  • Dozens of additional character topiaries, including Mickey Mouse, will delight guests throughout the Park.
  • Florida agriculture will be in the spotlight at a large World Showcase garden, exhibiting fresh Florida crops to include citrus, sugar cane, berries and vegetables.
  • As the sun sets each night, the illuminated gardens will cast a festive glow across the Park.
  • In World Showcase, the spotlight will shine on topiaries of Disney princesses, storybook characters and even pandas and trolls.
  • Back by popular demand, the Disney-Pixar “Cars” garden and playground will bring favorite movie characters to life for the younger festival-goers.  Tinker Bell’s Butterfly House will thrill with hundreds of the winged beauties and fairy topiaries of Tinker Bell and Periwinkle.
  • At the Festival Center in the Park’s Future World, twice-daily interactive gardening workshops will set the stage for outdoor do-it-yourself inspiration, and gardening guest speakers will appear daily.  The Festival’s sponsor, HGTV, will have design celebrities host home, garden and design seminars between Fridays and Sundays during the Festival.

The Flower Power Concert Series welcomes two new acts in 2014:  Gary Lewis and the Playboys (“This Diamond Ring”) March 14-16, and The Alan Parsons Live Project (“Eye in the Sky”) May 16-18.  During opening weekend, the series kicks off at America Gardens Theatre with fan-favorite band, The Guess Who (“American Woman”) March 7-9.  Other pop acts set to perform include Chubby Checker & the Wildcats, The Village People and Paul Revere & The Raiders. (Entertainment is subject to change).

Kids can explore the multiple-themed gardens and children’s play areas, while dozens of Disney-crafted “flower towers,” herb gardens and beds of multi-colored blooms will add to the floral splendor of the park’s landscape will delight adult festival attendees. Disney’s gardeners estimate 70,000 bedding plants will surround the Future World east and west lakes alone.  On the water, 220 mini-gardens will be set afloat.  Several special weekend happenings, including the popular Art in the Garden Weekend, will be scheduled.

The festival, including all gardening programs and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission.

Have you been to Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival? What are you favorite topiaries?

Marketplace Co Op Coming to Downtown Disney Marketplace in Early 2014

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

An exciting new concept shop is coming to Downtown Disney Marketplace in the Spring of 2014. The Merchandise Co Op will be moving into the space that is currently occupied by Team Mickey, located next to TrenD.

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The Merchandise Co Op features a unique “shop within a shop” concept. Within the co-op space, six shops will operate under one roof.  The Marketplace Co Op’s six new spaces will be:

  • Beautifully Disney – A beauty destination for woman featuring make-up, fragrance and beauty accessories.
  • Cherry Tree Lane – Accessories for the sophisticated woman with a passion for scarves, shoes, bags and jewelry.
  • D-Tech on Demand – A place to personalize and customize your own electronic accessories.
  • The Trophy Room- Vintage inspired, lifestyle sports apparel and collectibles.
  • Centerpiece – Home product for Guests that want a splash of Disney in their room furnishings, textiles and everyday ware.
  • Zoey and Pickles – A girls’ destination containing the latest trends and glamour for the up and coming fashionista.

Tom Sheldon, manager of retail design and development for Disney Theme Park Merchandise, suggests to “think about your favorite marketplaces from across the US. These unique shopping experiences in major cities like Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, or New York all have something in common – they are compelling and distinct, allowing visitors to connect to the environment, and fostering a sense of discovery. This is our goal with the Marketplace Co Op.”

“This public marketplace will serve as a laboratory to showcase new concepts and specialty products,” continued Tom. “It will be an incubator to introduce exciting new Disney retail shops and products.”

Embellishments to the building’s construction and design will reveal its craftsmen style identity. The Marketplace Cop Op also plans on keeping the original ceiling elements, especially the skylight.

Work on the new Marketplace Co Op will begin in early 2014.

Will you check out the new Marketplace Co Op? What do you think of the new marketplace co op concept?