Tim Alcoser’s 7/4/13 Disneyland 4th of July Photo Report

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

Disneyland News Today Reporter Tim Alcoser was at Disneyland for the Fourth of July and was able to attend events featuring the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band and fireworks.

Another beautiful day in Anaheim.

Over to Disneyland.

Notice the America Sings characters.

Crowds gathered early for a chance to see the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band.

You never know who is going to show up and where at Disneyland.  Like Mickey…

…or Princesses…

…with young fans in tow.

The stage is set for the special 4th of July Flag Retreat Ceremony.

Marine Band makes it’s entrance.

A female Staff Sergeant led the band.

The All-American College band did not participate, but got to enjoy the entire performance.

A well used, but well taken care of instrument.

The band ended the ceremony with a March Down Main Street USA.

Over to the stage at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree where the band would play select music.

The scenery in and around Big Thunder Ranch has changed a lot and improved.

Lots of detail.

A Lance Corporal helps set up.

A Gunnery Sergeant narrates the entire performance.

Marine Corps Combat Camera was on scene.

The Staff Sergeant from the flag retreat is back.

The band plays all the tracks from Mary Poppins.

The band changed up the tempo and played select Disney favorites such as “Kiss the girl” and “You got a friend in me”.

A Corporal performs the flute solo to “Stars and Stripes Forever”

The bandstand has been back for several weeks and is very popular.

A few snapshots from Disney’s Celebrate America: A Concert in the Sky!

Heavy crowds before, during and immediately after the show.  But not as intense as last year.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PKeFBFhsE8&w=800&h=600]

VIDEO: The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band plays all the music from Mary Poppins.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DrV4YJ_k44&w=800&h=600]

VIDEO: The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band plays “Mahna Mahna” from the Muppets.

Thanks for reading!  Have a Happy 4th of July Weekend!

Disney Parks to Kick Off the Summer with Another 24-Hour Day on May 24th

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

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Disney just announced (via a giant projection on Spaceship Earth) that the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure will be open for 24 hours on May 24th, 2013:

Our first-ever, three-park all-night party is happening at the Magic Kingdom Park in Florida and Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park in California. The parks will stay open from 6 a.m., May 24 to 6 a.m., May 25, 2013, local time.

  • In Florida, Magic Kingdom Park will feature a “Monsters University” theme where Mike and Sulley will be the Grand Marshals of the “Celebrate a Dream Come True” day parade and make appearances in Tomorrowland. There will be extra entertainment throughout the day and night, including characters in their pajamas in Town Square during the late night and early morning, and late-night dance parties in and around the courtyard of Cinderella Castle.
  • In California, you’ll be able to party the night away at both parks with special entertainment including: a “Monsters University” “TLT Monstrous” Dance Club and Star Wars characters in Tomorrowland and late-night Character Pajama Party in Mickey’s ToonTown at Disneyland park. The new Fantasy Faire Royal Theatre at Disneyland park will become a Royal Dance Hall late at night with a live band and dancing; and guests of Disney California Adventure park will find Monstrous photo opportunities with new “Monsters University” “Dorms” in Hollywood Land and a new “Monsters University” float leading the Pixar Play Parade.

So, what do you think of another Disney Parks 24-hour day?

24 Hours of Fun and Entertainment in Three Disney Parks

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

Disney has given us a sneak peek into the entertainment schedule for the Magic Kingdom, Disneyland and California Adventure for the special 24 hour event on May 24th, 2013.

We’re just one week away from our next Limited Time Magic event, the huge Disney ParksMonstrous Summer All-Nighter on May 24! Pam Brandon and Steven Miller will be along later to share details about some of the great food and merchandise you can expect to find, but first I’d like to tell you more about the special entertainment we have in store.

Everything kicks-off with special opening moments in front of the parks, leading up to 6 a.m., and then you’re off and running for 24 hours of fun!* Many of your usual favorite characters and shows will be happening throughout the day, but we also have some extra things planned just for this event.

At Magic Kingdom Park, Mike and Sulley from this summer’s new Disney•Pixar film “Monsters University” will pop in to “scare up” some excitement at the “Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It!” Street Party, and serve as Grand Marshals during a special pre-parade, complete with a cheer squad, flag corps and a marching band playing the MU Fight Song! You can catch this procession just ahead of each of that day’s two performances of the “Celebrate a Dream Come True” Parade. In Tomorrowland, the Rockettower Plaza Stage plays host to a “Monster Mania” DJ Dance Party from 4 – 9 p.m. and “Monsters University Movie Night” from 11 p.m. – 5 a.m., featuring back-to-back showings of the original “Monsters, Inc.” and an opportunity to meet Mike and Sulley! Finally, you can dance the night away at Disney’s Up All Night Dance Party at Cinderella Castle, keeping things lively from 2 – 5:45 a.m.

At Disneyland Resort, the fun spreads out across two Disney Parks! Disney California Adventure park is having a Hollywood Viewing Party, screening “Monsters, Inc.” inside Muppets Theater and hosting Mad T Party outside inHollywood Land. Both start at 9 p.m. and continue through the night. Elsewhere, the “Monsters University” gang will be out and about with the new MU float from the Pixar Play Parade, happy to pose for pictures with you.

Disneyland park celebrates with a Disney Character Pajama Party, starting after midnight in Mickey’s Toontownwith classic Disney cartoons, a Mickey Mouse Party Zone with DJ and activities for kids, plus goodies available for purchase, like hot chocolate, milk and cookies and other treats. Over in Tomorrowland, there will be Star Warscharacters to meet and the TLT “Monstrous” Dance Club at Tomorrowland Terrace, where you can keep the party going from midnight to 5:30 a.m.

During the All-Nighter, the Royal Theatre at Fantasy Faire hosts a Royal Swing Ball, with a live band from 10 p.m. – 1:40 a.m., and beginning June 15 the “Jump, Jive, Boogie Swing Party” will return to the Royal Theatre for select nights during the summer. Keep an eye on the calendar page on Disneyland.com for dates and information.

So whether you’re heading to Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort for the Disney Parks Monstrous Summer All-Nighter, you’re in for a monster-sized good time!

Please note that the parks will be open between Friday, May 24th, 2013 at 6:00 AM to Saturday, May 25th, 2013 at 6:00 AM and entrance is subject to capacity.

 

 

Tim Alcoser’s 05/23/2013 Photo Report (Memorial Day decorations)

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

Disneyland News Today reporter Tim Alcoser was at the Disneyland Resort the day before the 24 hour Monstrous Summer Event and captured a few photos of newsworthy items:

Studio equipment is ready to go for the Monstrous Summer Event in the middle of the Esplanade.

Red, White and Blue is showing up at both parks in lieu of Memorial Day/Independence Day.

The Market House will be closed until the Fall when it will reappear as a Starbucks.

The Mickey and the Magical Map Media Event took place on May 23rd closing down most of Fantasyland with a Grand Premiere of the show.

Mickey and the Magical Map is now open and showing several times daily at the Disneyland Resort!

When you are at the Happiest Place on Earth, you just never know who is going to show up and where

Refurbishment of the Disneyland Railroad’s New Orleans Square Station has now wrapped up.

A few pictures of Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular!

Buena Vista Street seasonal decorations are also present Memorial Day through 4th of July.


The sun sets over Disneyland. It preps for the Monstrous Summer 24-Hour event the next morning.

Thank you for reading!

Tim Alcoser’s Monstrous Summer All-Nighter Photo Report (20130524 – 20130525)

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

Disneyland News Today reporter Tim Alcoser attended the entire 24-hour Monstrous Summer event at the Disneyland Resort. For those who want to recap or who could not attend the event, there are plenty of pictures here for your enjoyment.


For the event, early guests were parked in the Bambi section of the Toy Story Parking lot, which is traditionally reserved for Cast Member parking only.


Crowds await the 6:00 AM entrance into Disney California Adventure. Time is 5:30 AM.


Camera crews await the 6:00 AM start of Disney’s Monstrous Summer.


Guests eagerly await the 6:00 AM opening of Disneyland.

 

Watch the Countdown to the Start of the Monstrous Summer All-Nighter at Disneyland.

 


A Monstrous Summer All-Nighter sign at the entrance to Main Street USA in Town Square.


Radio stations recorded live and were set up near It’s a Small World.


The first ride Tim went on was…


Refurbishment work was finally wrapped up at the New Orleans Square Train Station just in time for the event.


A look at the crowds streaming into Disneyland at approximately 7:00 AM. Very light.


However, most of the security checkpoints were bogged down for several hours after opening.


Nickelodeon cutting into Disney’s turf at Build-a-Bear Workshop?


New Monsters University posters at AMC Theaters in Downtown Disney


One of these monsters seems all too familiar…


The Oozma Kappa (OK) Frat.


DLNT Reporter Tim was very fortunate to secure a special screening pass to Monsters University at AMC Theaters in Downtown Disney. 199 other lucky Annual Passholders were granted access to see Monsters University nearly a full month before Release. More details on how this was done on the podcast later.


The quickest way to obtain a Monsters University Identification Card.


Before being granted access to the theater, all cell phones, cameras, camcorders and other equipment had to be checked in. Additionally, “Secret Service” style security guards used Metal detector wands on each guest to ensure all equipment was turned over. As an added caution, two guards were placed at each exit of the theater to constantly watch all guests in attendance.


Fantasyland Theater is now showing Mickey and the Magical Map several times daily at the Disneyland Resort.


Annual Passholders await entrance into Fantasyland Theater to see the first public showing of Mickey and the Magical Map.


The stage to Mickey and the Magical Map. Look for the complete show video on the website very soon.


The Sorcerer’s Hat.


A closer look at the stage.


A closer look at the new Fantasyland Theater.


Over to DCA now, a similar Monstrous Summer All-Nighter sign has been placed near Carthay Circle.


Red Car News Boys still going strong nearly one year later.


Mike and Sully act as Grand Marshall’s for the Pixar Play Parade along with a whole host of friends from Oozma Kappa (OK).


Everyone seems to be in school spirit. Even Roz.


The new Monsters University Meet and Greet is located between Mad T Party and the Hyperion Theater and is very well done.


On Radiator Springs Racers.
“Careful on the turns, Kid” ~Doc Hudson


As part of the Monstrous Summer All-Nighter, Monsters Inc. was shown several times throughout the day and night at Muppet Vision 3D Theater, including 1:00 AM and 3:00 AM. Many guests, evidently, found it a convenient place to take a nap.


Main Street USA at approximately 2:45 AM.


Sleeping Beauty Castle was basked in a brilliant white light to show off for a live taping of Good Morning America.

See the Good Morning America Live taping here: http://gma.yahoo.com/video/disneyland-stays-open-24-hours-130827269.html


Bright floodlights stream into the castle gates.


A closer look at the castle before the taping of Good Morning America.


Over in Toontown, guests had a Pajama Party with their favorite Disney Cartoon Characters and also enjoyed classic run Disney Cartoons on an oversized TV.


Children had beanbags for a comfortable front row experience.


The sun rises over Disneyland and Sleeping Beauty Castle. Time is approximately 5:15 AM.


The view from Princess Fantasy Faire.


Main Street USA at approximately 5:30 AM. Certainly not as busy as One More Disney Day. The parks never did reach capacity.


I hope you enjoyed the post. Thank you for viewing!

Conner Purzycki’s 1/14/13 DLR Photo Report

WDWNT on March 3, 2013

Conner Purzycki went to the Disneyland Resort a couple of days ago and captured some soon-to-be magic!

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug
Fantasy Faire Construction
The wall now has the same paint scheme as the castle 
Big Thunder Mountain closed for refurbishment 
It was a windy day
Main Street Station under wraps 
WOW, under an hour for once 
One side of Mater’s is being repainted and resurfaced, more on that later 
I will have a more updated report up later today

Max Guggenheim’s 01/20/13 DLR photo report

WDWNT on March 3, 2013

Max Guggenheim went to the Disneyland Resort on the 20th of January and captured some in progress magic! He was able to capture construction on Main Street Railroad station, Big Thunder Mountain, Mark Twain and Fantasy Faire. In this report is photo’s of Blue Bayou Bash and Blue Sky Cellar. Enjoy!

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Artwork being done at the parks.
 
Facade is covered with a tarp with a neat graphic of the train station while construction continues.
 

Fantasy Faire slowly being built up.
 

Royal Theater to the left and Royal Hall in the middle being constructed.
 

The purple tent is Royal Theater.
 

 

The Sailing Ship Columbia is operating while Mark Twain is under refurb.
 

Work being done on the center Fantasmic fountain platform.
 

 

Part of Limited Time Magic.
 

 

 

 

The stage where Tiana’s Mardi Gras Celebration
 

 

Decorations for Bayou Bash
 

More Mardi Gras decorations.
 

 

Additional Bayou Bash decorations.
 

Princess and the Frog meet and greet location.
 

Limited Time Magic special beverage and food selections.
 

Blue Bayou Bash Face Painting.
Check out Blue Sky Cellar at Disney’s California Adventure for details of Fantasy Faire.

























Celebrate the Seasons with New Duffy the Disney Bear Items

WDWNT on March 3, 2013

By Steven Miller on the Disney Parks Blog:

“Celebrate
The start of a New Year brings many reasons to celebrate. This year, there are two months of back-to-back holidays including Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and Easter. I caught up with Monty Maldovan, long-time artist with Disney Design Group, about some of the new merchandise coming for Mickey Mouse’s bear, Duffy the Disney Bear. Monty recently celebrated the release of three original art pieces, including one featuring Mickey and Duffy, at the Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace.

“I had a lot of fun designing some of the seasonal outfits for Duffy the Disney Bear this year,” said Monty. “We have some new things that our guests have told us they wanted including outfits for 17-inch bears and smaller sized bears that have been a hit!”

“Celebrate
The 9-inch Valentine’s Day bear has been extremely popular this year (at time of press there weren’t many remaining in merchandise locations). For St. Patrick’s Day, Monty designed a costume for a 17-inch bear that includes my favorite detail – a bow tie! Monty felt the bow tie was the perfect complement to the bowler hat (and here I thought it was because of my intense love for bow ties).

Monty also designed what may be my favorite Duffy item I’ve seen in the past two years – a 9-inch egg that unzips to reveal a 7-inch bear dressed as a baby chick. He said the design was inspired by previously released plush.

“We introduced Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse plush eggs about two years ago,” explained Monty. “Guests loved them, so we updated the colors this year and added a version with Duffy.”

“Celebrate
Other favorites will return this spring including two 12-inch bears. Gardener Duffy will be found at the start of theEpcot International Flower & Garden Festival on March 6. Monty said the pocket on the front of his overalls is big enough to hold a Disney Gift Card (smells like the perfect gift for someone with a green thumb). Graduate Duffy looks similar to last year’s design but features different colors.

“Celebrate
Finally, we released a series of new Hidden Mickey pins that has Duffy the Disney Bear sporting different Disney hats. These pins build on a collection introduced last year of Duffy wearing hats. Look for them on cast members’ lanyards at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.

Celebrate Gospel at Disney’s California Adventure Feb 16th!

WDWNT on March 3, 2013

Southland Choirs Perform at Disney California Adventure Park

Come celebrate the spirit and history of gospel music during a special one-day event that features many Southland choirs.

Date
Saturday, February 16, 2013

Location
Stage 17 in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure Park

Event Times
10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Choir Performance Times

  • 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
  • 1:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Featured Choirs

  • Amazing Grace Conservatory
  • Christian Community Cathedral Choir
  • Cross Word Christian Church
  • First AME Church – Voices of Gospel
  • Friendship Baptist Church – Voices of Joy
  • Friendship Baptist Church – Inspirational Voices
  • Greater Los Angeles Cathedral Choir
  • Greater Zion-Voices of Destiny
  • New Creation Church Mass Choir
  • New Spirit Church – Voices of Choir
  • Orange County Gospel Choir
  • Second Baptist Church-New Generation Choir
  • Spiritual Truth
  • Xtreme Purpose Choir