Have Your Disneyland Resort Questions Answered “Otto”-Magically

From Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:

This summer, Disneyland Resort guests have a new way to get answers to many of their questions: Ask Otto! You can reach Ask Otto! at 714-520-7090*.

Ask Otto! is a Voice-Based Guest Service Designed to Answer Frequently Asked In-Park Questions
A test program by Walt Disney Imagineering, Ask Otto! is a voice-based guest service designed to answer frequently asked in-park questions, such as:

  • Attraction locations, wait times**, and Disney’s FASTPASS Service return times**
  • Park operating hours
  • Parade, fireworks, “Fantasmic!”, “World of Color” show times
  • Park food and beverage options, restaurant locations, and general dining information

Ask Otto! can also connect you to cast members in Disneyland Guest Information & Ticket Sales, Disney Dining (for dining reservations), Walt Disney Travel Company/Hotel Reservations, as well as the Disneyland Hotel Operator.

In addition to Ask Otto! (714-520-7090*), you can also take advantage of these other options for in-park assistance:

*Normal call charges apply, subject to availability. Your call may be recorded. Please obtain parental approval for callers under 18 years of age.

**Times are estimated and not guaranteed.

 

We have recorded a call with Otto that will be on this weeks show which will be out in the next two days.

Fantasmic In Line For “Glow With The Show” Addition

From Shawn Slater of Disney Parks Blog:

This summer, guests at Disney California Adventure park have been surprised and delighted by the ways in which the new “Glow With the Show” Ears magically interact with everything from “World of Color” to Mad T Party and more. Reaction to the “Glow With the Show” Ears has been so positive, the team is already working to expand the magic at the Disneyland Resort.

I’m happy to tell you that you’ll soon be able to “Glow With the Show” during “Fantasmic!” at Disneyland park. Imagine experiencing this classic nighttime spectacular in a whole new way – shimmering with the lights of romance as Disney’s royal couples drift by or becoming part of a virtual sea of flames when Maleficent sets the river on fire.

You’ll be able to get glowing with “Fantasmic!” later this month – stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more updates.

Conner Purzycki’s 8/10/12 Fantasy Faire Photo Report

I have a small photo report from a few days ago and news is slow around the resort so I just grabbed a few photos of Fantasy Faire construction on Main Street. Take a look…

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It looks like demolition has completed and construction has begun behind the wall on Main Street

Framework has already gone up

Over in the Opera House, the case featuring Disneyland Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow has been updated with Fantasy Faire concept art.

Star Tours has also moved from “Tomorrow” to “Today.”

Max Guggenheim’s 8/12/12 Fantasy Faire Photo Report

Following my report yesterday covering Fantasy Faire construction, DLNT Photographer Max Guggenheim got some more pictures of the construction behind the walls over on Main Street. Take a look…

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You can get a good look at the framework

Thanks for the pics max

Periwinkle joining Tinker Bell at Disneyland

From Shawn Slater of Disney Parks Blog:

In the newest Disney Fairies movie “Secret of the Wings,” coming to Blu-ray and DVD October 23, Tinker Bell journeys into the mysterious world of the Winter Woods, where curiosity and adventure lead her to an amazing discovery and reveal a magical secret that could change her world forever. In the Winter Woods, Tinker Bell meets Periwinkle, a frost fairy who turns out to be Tink’s sister, born of the same baby’s laugh.

Soon, you’ll be able to meet Periwinkle, too, as we bring a bit of the Winter Woods to Tinker Bell’s Magical Nook at Magic Kingdom Park and Pixie Hollow at Disneyland park. These areas will receive a sparkling layer of snow and ice, creating the perfect environment to greet Periwinkle and make her feel at home. Even Tinker Bell will be dressed for the occasion, wearing her warm, wintry ensemble from the film.

Look for Periwinkle to join her sister at Disneyland and Magic Kingdom parks, beginning in mid-September.

Max Guggenheim’s 9/9/12 DLR Photo Report

DLNT reporter Max Guggenheim was at the Disneyland Resort a few days ago and got some pictures of some construction around the resort.

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Quite a crowd at DCA for rope drop

In Disneyland,

The Fire Station and City Hall are behind tarps

Indy is Closed

Pirates League

New Orleans Square is dressed up for the season

Haunted Mansion Holiday opens tomorrow

Casey Jr. is closed through November 15th

The former Princess Fantasy Faire will open next spring with a new stage show

The meet and greet backdrops have been demolished

Over in Tommorowland, Pizza Port is still closed

Fantasy Faire

The Snow White Grotto is being cleaned

The little displays are back on the Mickey and Friends tram route

 

Brad Paisley Preforms in Cars Land for Disney Parks Christmas Parade

By George Sawas on the Disney Parks Blog:

Brad Paisley Performs in Cars Land for Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade
Country superstar Brad Paisley recently taped a special performance at Disney California Adventure park for theDisney Parks Christmas Day Parade which airs on ABC December 25.

Brad is no stranger to Radiator Springs. You may remember he joined us for the grand opening of Cars Land in June, and of course, he sang two songs for the original soundtrack of the Disney•Pixar film “Cars.” One of those songs, “Behind the Clouds,” is the song you’ll see Brad perform Christmas Day on ABC. In the Eastern time zone, tune in from 10 a.m.-noon; in the Central, Mountain and Pacific time zones, tune in from 9-11 a.m. to catch all the fun from Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts!

Brad Paisley Performs in Cars Land for Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade
Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for more updates on the 2012 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade and join the conversation on Twitter with the hashtag #DisneyParade.

Couple Visits Disneyland Resort Everyday in 2012

By Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:

Jeff Reitz and Tonya Mickesh Receive a Night in the Disneyland Dream Suite from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs in Celebration of Visiting Disneyland Resort Every Day in 2012
Congratulations to Jeff Reitz and Tonya Mickesh, who today reached the milestone of visiting the Disneyland Resort every day in 2012! Having made at least 366 memories this year (including One More Disney Day, of course), Tonya and Jeff received a special welcome this morning from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle.

As the couple entered Disneyland park, Tom was waiting to greet them at the other end of Main Street, U.S.A.Moments later, he marked the occasion by making Tonya and Jeff honorary citizens of Disneyland. And Tom presented one more added surprise – a gift that would ensure at least one more memory in 2013: a stay in theDisneyland Dream Suite.

“Jeff and Tonya have an affinity for Disney Parks that is shared by many of our guests, and I wanted to take the opportunity to congratulate them on reaching this milestone,” Tom said. “During this momentous year, their dedication to the Disneyland Resort is a testament to why we continue to expand, grow and share the Disney Parks experience with guests around the world.”

From all of us at Disneyland News Today, have a happy and magical new year.

Japan Romantic Treats Explained

Japan Romantic Treats
Release Date: December 23
Price: 1,200 Yen ($15.40 USD)
Where: Japan Disney Stores Only
Details: This will be a 12 figure blind box set released only in Japan.

Update: 1/10/12 Lindsey (@lindols) sent in a picture of 4 Romantic Treat Vinylmation up close. I will say they look a lot better and more detailed than I thought. In face, the one I didn’t like, Donald, is now one of my favorites. The yellow candies are shaped like his feet and there is an icing swirl on top like it’s his tail and he his upside down. Also, she mentions they actually have a sweet scent to them!

Here is Lindsey’s take: I must say they are a lot nicer than I thought. I was only getting them because they did a Donald and Daisy. I really wasn’t a fan of Stitch from tr artwork we saw but he looks really good the silver and it is an excellent touch. Goofy is also very well done but he is up for trade as I NEED Daisy. The chaser is ok. I suppose if we had got Buzz it would have been better but now I have a chaser that I can use to trade for something I need. They have a smell to them almost like chocolate but more sweet which makes them even better.

Also, a reader Nelly sent us even more close up photos of this set.

With all these pics from readers who have this set in hand, I can really see the figures have much more detail than we originally thought.

The box design looks wonderful! I really like the theme on this one. Thank you to @t0my26 for some info here. The Japan Disney Store Online website has posted these higher quality images of this, so far, well received set. Let us know your thoughts and what character you are hoping for the mystery chaser.

Cheshire Cat

Cheshire Cat is coming in strong with a ton of vinys of late. A crazy happy smile on the belly looks purrfect. and his signature colors adorn the head, ears and wrapper. 

Chip

A perfect black and white strip on the head representing the tail. It’s kind of icky to think of eating it, but looks great! I also like the candy on top of icing on the head with a brown one for Chip and a red one for Dale. Its a great touch.

Dale

While the heads are great, the bodies leave a little to be desired. They are kind of plain compared to the other figures in this set and could have used some acorn decorations in the wrapper.

Donald Duck

Donald looks almost turned upside down with with icing on top dripping down onto his yellow buttons. Blue icing also covers the ears and head representing his clothing. And his wrapper is yellow with blue. He has a candy on his body that says “bittersweet”, perfect for the angry duck. There is also his hat on the candy. Donald is my favorite Disney character, but I think this cupcake has the least amount of character.

Goofy

His hat in the right ear and the yellow/green icing on the head topped with a… goofy looking swirl. Like Stitch, his bottom has a kind of torn look to it. I would have liked to see a different color, or again, more adorned wrapper for Goofy.

Daisy

We don’t have many Daisy Vinyls yet (Nerds Rock!). I like the clean look of the mostly white vinyl that makes the purple wrapper and pink bow really pop! A cool use of the ears in this set with little nods to the characters. Daisy of course has a daisy. She also has hearts, daisies and bows in the wrapper. Her candy on the body says “sweet” with her bow, as opposed to Donald’s “bittersweet” candy.

Thanks to the commenters below with sharp eyes that helped us with this one.

Mickey Mouse

Mostly red with yellow buttons and a yellow wrapper. The colors are simple, but make perfect sense for this mouse. His head has a dark icing drizzled with a chocolate sauce. Deliciously fun!

Minnie Mouse

Her red and white poke a dot dress goes across her head and body. It’s another simple yet great design element. I really like the Mickey heads and hearts in the cupcake sleeve. That’s what i’m talking about when I say others in the set lack.

Pluto

This dog has a bone candy on it’s belly that says “puppy love.” The paw print in the ear is a great touch. The head is similar to Goofy’s, with icing and a swirl. 

Stitch

Stitch is covered in blue with a green glob dripping down.  Maybe representing his spit at the beginning of the movie? I like how the wrapper is ripped up a bit and with these higher quality images we get to see the 626 in the ear which really gives this the look of our favorite blue alien.

Tinker Bell

Tink is flying in the head of her cupcake, spreading pixie dust of course. A simple, yet effective use of ears. The yellow bottom looks great with a butterfly painted on and stars.

Mystery Chasers

Click on the image to see the chasers

Furry Friends in the UK


According to our friends at DisneyBrit.com, Furry Friends will be coming to the UK Disney Store. According to a flyer emailed to them, the UK Disney store looks to be introducing Villains 2 (along with the 9″/Jr Jafar/Genie vinyl) and Furry Friends. This will be great news to our British fans who often don’t have access to some of the cooler series that we get here in the states. In fact, this might be the start of a whole new campaign for Vinylmation across the pond. If you live in England, let us know What vinyl have you been able to collect, what do you want to collect?
For a good English commentary on the subject, check out this DisneyBrit article and follow the conversation on Twitter: #SaveUKVinylmation

Also, for those of you who have been asking about UK releases (we even had a Mystery Mailbag question about it this week in the podcast), we’re in the process of tracking down who has that info. It’s a different department than we deal with in the US and we hope to have a new contact there soon.