CONCEPT ART: Disney Reveals Plans for Grizzly Peak Expansion and Soarin’ Over California

WDWNT on March 19, 2015

Condor Flats in California Adventure closed back in January for a major overhaul and Disney is finally letting us know what will be happening to the area as it becomes Grizzly Peak Airfield over the coming weeks.

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The Smokejumpers Grill (formerly Taste Pilot’s Grill) will open to guests on March 20th. This new quick-service location takes inspiration from the brave men and women who fight wildfires in California forests. In addition to a whole new look, the location will feature an updated menu with items such as a Bacon Cheddar Burger, Grilled Chicken & Jack Sandwich and Chili Cheeseburger.

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This is just the beginning of the Grizzly Peak expansion, which will bring new building exteriors, landscape features and more to the former Condor Flats area. Lush pine trees will bring cool areas of shade, making guests feel they have been transported to California’s High Sierras.

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The existing Soarin’ Over California attraction is currently being converted to digital projection systems, but the facade will also be refreshed. Soarin’ is set to return to action in May 2015. No word yet on what is happening to the “Fly ‘N’ Buy” store, but the large restroom building from Condor Flats will return sporting the new green and brown color scheme very soon as well.

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Disney Parks “Coolest Summer Ever” Brings Another 24-Hour Day; Frozen Summer Fun Returns & More

WDWNT on March 19, 2015

Walt Disney World Resort will kick off the “Coolest Summer Ever” with 24 hours of nonstop fun during a special event May 22-23 at the Magic Kingdom, hosted by Olaf, the summer-loving snowman from Disney’s blockbuster animated hit “Frozen.”

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Memorial Day weekend is the traditional start of family vacation time, and Walt Disney World Resort will launch into the season full force. The Magic Kingdom will be open 24 hours to guests from 6 a.m. to 6 a.m., Friday May 22 to Saturday, May 23. Guests will be invited to come in costume to show their Disney Side while a selection of favorite attractions, entertainment, special event merchandise, plus food and beverage are on tap all night long to celebrate the start of the “Coolest Summer Ever” at Walt Disney World Resort. The around-the-clock celebration features Disney character greetings, dance parties and surprises into the wee hours of the night.

The summer offerings at Walt Disney World will include the return of Frozen Summer Fun to Hollywood Studios, with the fireworks show, DJ dance party, and small parade re-joining the sing-along celebration. Frozen Summer Fun will be hosted June 17th through September 7th.

Disney also took this opportunity to announce the water park hopper ticket we have been talking about a rumor for some time now.

On the West Coast, Disneyland Resort will kick off the summer with a dynamic 24-hour event of its own, May 22-23, to launch the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration. Marking the 60th anniversary of the resort, the Diamond Celebration includes the premieres of three new nighttime spectaculars: “Disneyland Forever” fireworks, “Paint the Night” parade and “World of Color – Celebrate!”

The all-day/all-night revelry of the 24-hour party will include dancing and special character encounters at locations in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks, along with enchanting Diamond décor throughout the resort and the exciting shows and attractions that bring guests back year after year.

BREAKING: Disney Confirms Dancing Car Ride to Replace Flying Tires in Cars Land

WDWNT on February 26, 2015

Disney has released the following image,  the first concept art for the replacement attraction for Luigi’s flying tires attraction at Disney California Adventure:

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The artwork would confirm rumors of a dancing car, trackless ride that should open in early 2016. It appears guests will travel and twirl in 1950’s-era cars over a new floor covering the large air vents that pushed along the Flying Tires. We reported several months ago about the closure of the ride and speculated what might be replacing it.

Despite several dates that have now passed, Luigi’s Flying Tires should close forever by the middle of the month.

Rumors also indicate that this new ride system may be used for a new Toy Story attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the rumored Toy Story Land expansion of the park.

Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

UPDATE: Disney has announced the closing date for Luigi’s Flying Tires to be February 16th.

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror “Authentic” Merchandise Line Arrives February 13th at Disney Parks

WDWNT on January 29, 2015

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Friday, February 13th 2015 will be the official release date for the Hollywood Tower Hotel Authentic line of merchandise (celebrating the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror) coming to the Disney Parks in Florida and California! The products will be available at the attraction’s exit shop at both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney California Adventure.

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With the release of the new merchandise, some of the Disney Design Group artists behind this collection will be appearing at Tower Hotel Gifts on Friday, February 13. This event will be held at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m and Disney Artists Tyler Dumas, Brian Blackmore, Richard Terpstra and Quynh Kimball are scheduled to attend.

Disneyland Diamond Celebration Begins 5/22, 3 New Nighttime Shows Announced

WDWNT on January 29, 2015

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Each of the Disneyland Resort’s iconic centerpieces will receive diamond studded overlays. Image © Disney Enterprises Inc.

Before an invitation only crowd at Disneyland Park tonight, Tom Staggs, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts was joined on stage by Steve Davidson, executive for parades and spectaculars with Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment, as they revealed the entertainment line up for the park’s 60th Diamond Celebration that will debut May 22.

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The “Disneyland Forever” pyrotechnic spectacular will seemingly surround viewers with incredible Disney motifs. Image © Disney Enterprises Inc.

A new fireworks spectacular “Disneyland Forever” will feature pyrotechnics, immersive projections, and other effects that will transform several areas of Disneyland Park. This new generation edition of traditional Disney nighttime entertainment boasts the largest installation of projection mapping technology in a Disney park and up-close special effects. Main Street, U.S.A., and several other Disneyland Park locations become a “magical canvas” transporting guests into familiar Disney experiences, from flying above the London skyline from “Peter Pan” to a dance with King Louie in “The Jungle Book.”

“Disneyland Forever” also features two original songs, the theme “Live the Magic” and the inspiring closing song “Kiss Goodnight,” written by Disney Legend Richard Sherman.

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A couple of the Pixar units from Paint the Night. Image © Disney Enterprises Inc.

After a nearly a 20 year hiatus, Disneyland will host an evening parade with the U.S. premiere of Paint the Night. A modern alteration of the long departed, fan favorite Main Street Electric Parade, the new show will feature classic Disney and Pixar character scenes, magically realized with state of the art lighting technologies. Paint The Night is currently running at the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort where it will continue indefinitely. A second copy of the show is being created for the Disneyland fete with a unit portraying a scene from Frozen.

Opening the same day is “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” – featuring Mickey Mouse on a fun-filled and inspirational journey through the unparalleled imagination of his creator, in a first-of-its-kind spectacular, presented on the magic canvas of “World of Color” with compelling animated imagery, live-action footage, fountains, lasers, special effects and a stirring musical score.

The “Frozen Fun” events that debuted earlier this month will continue through the celebration year. Other events and special enhancements are still rumored to join the party, so check-in often at WDWNT.com.

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Image © Disney Enterprises Inc.

 

PHOTOS & VIDEOS: Freeze the Night Delights as Part of FROZEN FUN at California Adventure

WDWNT on December 30, 2014

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The Freeze the Night Party debuted this evening at California Adventure as part of the first preview day for the Frozen Fun event that has taken over Hollywoodland. Our own Jose Castillo is on the scene and has sent in some videos and pictures from the event so far:

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Near what was Hollywood and Dine and the annual Passport Center many years ago, guests can meet the snow giant Marshmallow from FROZEN.

In the area in front of that, guests can interact with projected snow on the ground. On the main stage, DJ Chill is playing music, but every so often, the Ice Breakers come out and perform to music from the movie. At the former Disney Dance Crew stage, live ice carvers can be found.

Specialty cocktails are available at the event, the Summertime Pina Colada, Troll Juice, and the Blue Snowberry Margarita.

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The event seems surprisingly well-produced for being a temporary replacement that was thrown together for the park. Freeze the Night, part of Frozen Fun, is currently scheduled to run through May 2015 at the Disneyland Resort.

“Frozen Fun” Formally Announced for Disney California Adventure, Frozen Invades Fantasy Faire and Storbookland

WDWNT on December 30, 2014

We’ve been waiting a while for this one, but Disney has finally put the word out to the public on “Frozen Fun” at Disney California Adventure…

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Beginning on December 20th, despite an “official” start date of January 7th, Disney California Adventure will play host to the following as part of “Frozen Fun”:

“For the First Time in Forever – A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” – The Muppet*Vision 3D theater in Hollywood Land has been transformed for this event into the beautiful Crown Jewel Theatre from Arendelle. You’re invited to step inside and join the Arendelle Historians – along with special appearances by Anna, Elsa and Kristoff – for a fun and comedic retelling of the unique history of their kingdom, filled with delightful, sing-along moments from “Frozen.”

“Olaf’s Snow Fest” – Stage 17 in Hollywood Land plays host to an immersive winter wonderland straight out of the Kingdom of Arendelle, complete with a giant snow play area and musical performances by The Frolicking Fjords and The Tubadors. You can glide down a snow slide, build a snowman of your own and visit everyone’s favorite snowy pal, Olaf, and give him a warm hug. “Olaf’s Snow Fest” has so much to offer, from beautiful photo opportunities to scrumptious treats and special “Frozen” souvenirs. It’ll be a great spot for making memories that’ll warm your heart.

Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post – Head back outside, and nearby you’ll find Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post, where you can pick up the latest “Frozen”-inspired apparel, plush, toys, mugs and more.

“Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome” – Anna and Elsa, the beloved sisters from “Frozen,” move from Fantasyland to an elegant new location inside the Disney Animation attraction at Disney California Adventure park, where you can meet them as part of a special royal greeting. The colorful and varied display in the Animation Courtyard will also now include scenes and music from Disney’s Academy Award-winning blockbuster hit, “Frozen,” and at Animation Academy, a Disney artist asks, “Do You Want to Draw a Snowman?” It’s a unique opportunity to learn how to draw your very own sketch of Olaf or Marshmallow.

“Freeze the Night! A Family Dance Party” – Each evening, you’re invited to “chill out” in Hollywood Land with music, dancing, interactive fun and more in this new, family-friendly experience. You’ll arrive at the party through an icy archway to find wintry décor, dazzling lighting effects, cool photo spots, yummy treats and frosty beverages for all ages. Throughout the night, a giant thermometer registers the drop in temperature, as things get so cool they ultimately reach the freezing point when everyone lets it go in a spectacular “Frozen Fun” crescendo! UPDATE: A Marshmallow walk-around character will be appearing during this event.

Starting January 7th, something new and Frozen will debut, a show at Fantasy Faire at Disneyland Park. The Anna and Elsa pre-parade prior to Soundsational will also return on this date.

Before that, a Frozen section is being added to Storybook Land Canal Boats on December 20th, featuring the fjord-side village of Arendelle, including the stately castle where Anna and Elsa grew up, Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post, and Elsa’s mountaintop ice palace.

So, is this enough Frozen for the west coast now?

“Frozen Fun” Event Confirmed for Disney California Adventure, Details Revealed

WDWNT on November 25, 2014

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Probably the worst-kept Disney secret, “Frozen Fun” is confirmed as coming to Disney California Adventure this holiday season. The event will be very similar in style to Frozen Summer Fun, which was held at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. No start date has been released for the event, but Disney documents did leak what will be offered:

  • For the First time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration at the “Crown Jewel Theater” (Possibly Muppetvision 3-D)
  • Olaf’s Snow Fest in Stage 17
  • Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome at Disney Animation attraction
  • Disney Freeze the Night Party on Hollywood Boulevard (replacing Mad T Party)

Stay tuned for more information on this event as it becomes available.