Cool Off with the New Animated Film Frozen in the Fall Issue of Disney Twenty-Three

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

This August, the latest issue of Disney twenty-three Magazine will be delivered to the mailboxes of D23 Gold Members, and the cover story is Frozen! Disney’s 53rd animated feature, in theatres this November, will be the highlight of this issue, with behind-the-scenes film maker magic, as well as interviews with voice actors Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel.

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Readers will also enjoy a fascinating look at newly discovered photographs recovered from Walt’s personal camera in “Every Picture Tells a Story”. AAD23.com-Press-Dscovered-walts-4

There will be stories about Tokyo Disneyland’s 30th Anniversary in “Happiness in the Park”, as well as an inside look at Hong Kong Disneyland’s exhilarating new attraction Mystic Manor.

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Disney Legend Marty Sklar gives an exclusive interview, as he takes you into his home, and shares information about his exciting new book, Dream It! Do It!: My Half-Century Creating Disney’s Magic Kingdoms.

 

Other features of this Fall issue will include:
  • The latest on the new Mickey Mouse cartoons
  • PHOTOfiles: The best photo ever taken of Walt
  • Remembering Mouseketeer Annette Funicello in “Forever Annette”
  • The Disney classic, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, on its 25th anniversary
  • “D Society”: A tour of the Disney Studio Lot, Jerry Bruckheimer at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Monsters University world premiere

 

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Members will also receive one of two exclusive retro-style magnets, celebrating Tinker Bell, and the Haunted Mansion’s Hatbox Ghost.

Complementing the Disney twenty-three Fall issue, there will be additional magic available at D23.com starting August 9th, with member-only news and web extras. Readers will be treated to interviews with voice actors from Disney’s Planes, additional artwork from Frozen, and a video interview at home with Marty Sklar.

So grab a frosty drink and cool off while enjoying the latest Disney twenty-three magazine!

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Images courtesy of the Walt Disney Company

A Look at the the MyMagic+ Touch-To-Pay System at Table Service Restaurants

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

Since MyMagic+ and MagicBands were announced (and even when they were just rumored), many of us have wondered exactly how they would work in every aspect of a Walt Disney World vacation. Over the last few months, we have seen the system operate with FastPass+ for attractions, order ahead dining at counter service locations, and even touch-to-pay at stores. One thing we are now just seeing for the first time is exactly how the system will work at the many table service restaurants around WDW.

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

Last night I saw one of these devices in action at Olivia’s at Old Key West. I can only assume with the current MyMagic+ testing going on, this is at most, if not all of the table service restaurants at Disney World right now. It is essentially an iPod touch with a giant device hooked onto the back of it.

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

So, this is the device that will be used at every restaurant to utilize touch-to-pay with hard tickets and MagicBand ticket media. How will the process work? Well, here is what your server should say when you show up with your MagicBand and are using the Disney Dining Plan:

Hello! Welcome to ___________! My name is ____________ and I will be taking great care of you this evening. I see you are on the dining plan. That’s Wonderful! If you’ll kindly touch your MagicBand and enter your PIN, I’ll be able to preview your plan information. This will help me to better guide you through your dining experience.

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

This will be done to avoid guest and server confusion regarding the dining plan. The server will then need to touch your MagicBand again at the end of the meal. That might go something like this:

I see some MagicBands at the table this evening. If you plan to use your band for payment this evening, I can capture the touch now if you like. Thank you! I will bring back your receipt for signature.

If the guest enters an invalid pin, a blue Mickey icon will appear on the screen for the cast member. Three invalid pin entries may require you to use alternative payment.

The process seems like it may simplify the process a little bit for those on the dining plan at least… split checks are a whole other story for another post…

If you don’t have the dining plan, you will only have to tap your band should your credit card be attached to your account and you choose to use that as a payment method. There has been no word yet on if Tables in Wonderland or Annual Pass dining discounts will use this system or still have to entered manually. If you are paying with cash or a card not attached to your MagicBand, this process will not apply to you.

So, what do you think? Would this make it easier or harder for you to pay at a table service restaurant?

Whedon says Avengers: Age of Ultron Will Not Include Hank Pym (Ant-Man)

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

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Whedon has some big things in store for Avengers: Age of Ultron. The biggest thing? No Hank Pym (Ant-Man) the creator of Ultron.

How can a movie about the homicidal A.I. Ultron, created by Hank Pym not involve his original creator? Well Joss had some things to say:

“We’re crafting our own version of it where his origin comes more directly from The Avengers we already know about. It’s a little bit darker than the other film because Ultron is in the house. There’s a science fiction theme that wasn’t there in the other one. Ultron is definitely something that evolves, so we’re going to get together a couple of different iterations. Nothing can be translated exactly as it was from the comics; particularly Ultron.”

Compelling points of course, but if not Pym then who? Well Tony Stark or Bruce Banner are both geniuses, so technically either one of them could be responsible for the creation of Ultron. My money is on Tony Stark, as he already has his own A.I. in the films, Jarvis.

Talking more about the movie and the sheer scope of it all, Whedon dropped that Hawkeye will have an increased role in the film:

“It’s very much a global Avengers film. A lot of the movie has to do with their place not just in America, but the world. Part of the fun for me, definitely this time around, is writing Hawkeye. He did get possessed pretty early by a bad guy and had to walk around all scowly for most of the movie so now it’s nice to actually have the character there and see him interact with the other guys.”

More character information about a beloved comic book character like Hawkeye is always a good thing.

Whedon did take the time to alleviate a growing concern since the title announcement, a Marvel Comic event called Age of Ultron recently took place, and Whedon wanted to set the record straight:

“Well, because there was a book called ‘Age of Ultron’ quite recently, a lot of people have assumed that is what we’re doing, but that is not the case. We’re doing our own version of the origin story for Ultron. In the origin story, there was Hank Pym, so a lot of people assumed that he will be in the mix. He’s not. We’re basically taking the things from the comics for the movies that we need and can use. A lot of stuff has to fall by the wayside.”

Wow, so that’s everything we know so far. How do you feel about these announcements?

Originally posted on the AWPA Network

The AWPA Network is a community of websites and shows that focus on gaming, technology, comics, and entertainment. Our mission at the AWPA Network is to create a fun community for the fans to interact, have fun, take part, and enjoy all from the comfort of our easy-to-use websites and applications.

For more information on the AWPA Network, visit our official website at http://awpa.co or contact us for more information at info@awildpodcastappears.com

Guardians of the Galaxy Cast Revealed at SDCC’13

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

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During the Marvel Studios panel at San Diego Comic-Con this past weekend, the cast of the Guardians of the Galaxy was fully revealed. Up until recently, only Chris Pratt was officially on board as Peter Quill, aka Star Lord, but the rest of the cast “officially” appeared in person. They include Zoe Saldana as Gamora, Karen Gillian (with newly shaved head) as Nebula, Lee Pace as Ronan the Accuser, Michael Rooker as Yondu, Benecio Del Toro as The Collector, Dave Bautista as Drax the Destroyer and Djimon Hounsou as Korath.

The only one left to be announced is who will voice Rocket Raccoon. Many sources lead toward David Tennant being the VA for the crazy Raccoon.

Originally posted on the AWPA Network

The AWPA Network is a community of websites and shows that focus on gaming, technology, comics, and entertainment. Our mission at the AWPA Network is to create a fun community for the fans to interact, have fun, take part, and enjoy all from the comfort of our easy-to-use websites and applications.

For more information on the AWPA Network, visit our official website at http://awpa.co or contact us for more information at info@awildpodcastappears.com

Dessert Menu Revealed for the Revamped California Grill

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

Parting is such sweet sorrow, but the California Grill’s grand reopening will be much sweeter! Guests have been missing the California Grill for months now, but the re-opening date is close approaching (rumored to be around August 25th).

Pastry Chef Jeff Barnes gave a preview of a few of the new desserts for the California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The new dessert menu will feature several new additions that Chef Barnes and his artistic team have been creating.

“You’re going to see a big change with some new concepts. This is our chance to create a new menu with a fresh infusion of California, and it’s coming together nicely,” says Chef Jeff, stating that the new theme of the menu is “artful and playful.”

New to the California Grill menu is a dessert trio with a Coke float, strawberry sundae and caramel corn sundae, “too good and tempting to have such great flavors on one plate,” Chef Barnes says.

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The chocolate pudding cake is made with a 70% Dark Chocolate from Belgium

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Banana fritters, dusted with sugar, are served with chocolate and marshmallows

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And don’t forget the Lemon Meringue Cheesecake! Served with fresh fruit, it’s light and refreshing

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Keep checking with wdwnt.com for more details about the California Grill’s grand reopening date; we will be sure to update you as more information becomes available.

Disney Fine Art Portraits Add Some Character To Your Family!

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

Looking for a totally unique way to capture your next Walt Disney World vacation? Check out the all-new portrait experience available with Disney’s Fine Art Photography and Video department; they will capture the memories of your visit and enable you to bring some Disney magic home with you.

Taken by a Disney photography artist, the exclusive portrait session places you and your family inside the artwork itself!

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Within the artwork, the letters spell out “DISNEY” or a beloved character’s name, while whimsical photos of your family are placed inside the letters.

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Finally, a chosen Disney character poses with your family, completing your Disney family art portrait, creating a memory that will last a lifetime.

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The mounting, packaging, prints, a double matte, acrylic glass and a wire frame hanger are all included in the price of the art portrait.

For more information on this new Disney experience visit disneyeventphotography.com or to book a session, call 407.934.4004.

Disney Princess Dresses by Harrod’s to Make Debut at the D23 Expo

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

A display of exclusive handcrafted dresses inspired by Disney’s iconic princesses will make their U.S. debut at the D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center August 9-11, 2013.

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Included are works of world-leading designers inspired by the individual stories of the Disney Princesses by Ralph & Russo (Tiana), Versace (Cinderella), Elie Saab (Aurora), Marchesa (Ariel), Escada (Jasmine), Missoni (Mulan), Roberto Cavalli (Pocahontas), Jenny Packham (Rapunzel), Valentino (Belle), and Oscar de la Renta (Snow White).

The dresses were first displayed in an ultra-glamorous set of window displays at Harrod’s, the luxury store in Knightsbridge, London, during the 2012 holiday season.

Also during the D23 Expo, additional presentations have been announced:

  • As the 50th anniversary of “Mary Poppins” nears, Disney legend and  Walt Disney Archives Chief Archivist Emeritus Dave Smith will host “Behind the Scenes of  Walt Disney’s “Mary Poppins.” Guests will learn the whole story of how Walt Disney discovered the book, worked with author P.L. Travers on the script, hired the Sherman Brothers to write a memorable score, selected an unforgettable cast, oversaw the actual filming, and celebrated at a gala Hollywood premiere.
  • At “Secrets of the Lost Chords,” Grammy® Award-winning producer and resident Disney Music historian, Randy Thornton will share some of the secrets behind Disney’s “lost” songs that were written for several classic Disney films by legendary Disney composers, such as the Sherman Brothers, that were lost for several decades – until now. As a special part of this exclusive D23 event, attendees will be among some of the very first to hear songs currently in production for an upcoming “Lost Chords” release.
  • “Sounds Delightful: An Illustrated Audio Adventure,” will be hosted by Stacia Martin, Disney Artist and Historian. This presentation will take guests on an entertaining trip across decades via vintage Disney Vinyl Recordings from Martin’s personal collection. Forgotten favorites will be heard along with rare promotional and production tracks, including never-before-heard musical moments from Walt Disney’s own “journey down the Yellow Brick Road.”

For presentation times, dates, and locations (subject to change), please visit D23Expo.com.

VIDEO: A Look Back at Long-Lost Friends Week at the Magic Kingdom

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

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Last week as part of Limited Time Magic, the Magic Kingdom hosted Long Lost Friends Week, bringing back characters from Robin Hood, Chicken Little, Song of the South, and The Princess and the Frog to the park.In case you missed it, we have some video of all of the characters to share with you:

AT&T Becomes Official Mobile Provider For Domestic Disney Parks

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

ATT-MAGICLets take a step back for a second though, back in 2009 Disney partnered with Verizon Wireless to bring us the “Mobile Magic” app which allowed us to see Wait Times, FASTPASS return times, and information on where to meet and greet with characters. This was an exclusive service for Verizon customers only leaving out everyone else. In early 2012 Disney released Mobile Magic for iOS users on AT&T and Verizon. Even though the app was still branded for Verizon, you could use it with AT&T as well. In mid 2012, Disney launched “My Disney Experience” which wasn’t branded to any carrier and could be used on any iOS/Android device. Today, Disney announced a new partnership with AT&T.

Disney Parks has just signed an exclusive contract with AT&T to make them the official mobile provider for U.S. Disney Parks. With this new agreement, AT&T will have the opportunity to sponsor Disney-created soccer and runDisney events at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at The Walt Disney World Resort. In addition to this, Disney will join AT&T to educate Cast Members and guests about the “It Can Wait” campaign to educate consumers about the dangers of texting while driving.

AT&T and Disney will also collaborate to enhance the experience for the growing number of Disney guests using smartphones and tablets during their visit.  Furthermore, Cast Members will use new mobile devices on AT&T’s network to help deliver Disney’s legendary guest service. President of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations, United States and France had this to say about the new partnership “This alliance joins two companies that share a commitment to providing quality experiences, and we look forward to the collaboration as we continue to leverage technology to enhance the experience for our guests.”ATT-logo

Included in this new partnership is the ability to enhance a variety of AT&T technologies in use at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. More than 25 new antenna systems will be installed to increase the wireless capacity in areas with high mobile traffic (i.e. The Magic Kingdom and Epcot), more than 350 small cells will be installed to extend network connectivity throughout, and more than 40 repeaters to further enhance the mobile experience for both guests and Cast Members.

As someone who has AT&T and visits Walt Disney World often, I can speak with experience that LTE service is really terrible at most of the theme parks and at times completely absent. If all the above is true, then I’m beyond excited to have excellent service while at the parks to continue to offer new updates, photos, and videos in the moment. With Disney now focusing so much on the MyMagic+ experience which relies so much of your smart phone, AT&T users will be able to experience it better with the new antennas.

Philips Lights the Way for Disney Storytelling

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

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Disney and Philips have teamed up to create unique and exciting lighting products, bringing Disney magic into the lives of children while they play, read and sleep. These amazing products were developed in The Netherlands at the Philips’ facilities, and they will first be introduced in Europe and the U.S. in September, followed by Asia near the end of 2013.

With StoryLight and Mickey, parents and children can enjoy eBooks connected to Mickey Mouse shaped lighting, transforming classic Disney stories with colored synchronized lights.

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Philips Consumer Luminaires CEO Philip Doorduijn had this to say:

“Philips and Disney believe in creating moments and environments that improve people’s wellbeing and happiness. By bringing our collective brand, knowledge and histories together, we have created a range of safe, innovative and dynamic lighting solutions for children, parents and everybody young-at-heart.”

There are other lighting products being introduced as well:

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  • SleepTime and Mickey – Helping children distinguish between sleep and wake time with sun and moon indicators
  • SoftPals and Monsters – Keeping kids comfortable at night with a soft subtle light
  • DisneyLivingColorsMicroCandle Light – Simulating the flicker of a candle with a warm glow
  • LivingColors – Giving children a means to enter an imaginary world through lighting

These creative lighting products are completely child friendly, with built-in safety features, such as lamps which are cool to the touch, allowing for increased usage and long life, and no sharp edges or small parts, and cables which can be tucked away using velcro.

So look for these innovative lighting products coming to your area soon, and create magical worlds for your children with light!

Visit here for more information on the Disney and Philips lighting partnership.
Images courtesy of Royal Philips and the Walt Disney Company