Disney California Adventure – Page 28

Starbucks Coming To The Disney Parks

WDWNT on July 7, 2012

From Thomas Smith on the Disney Parks Blog:

Today, we’re excited to officially announce plans to bring your favorite Starbucks drinks and food items to all of our theme parks at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.

In June, the first of six planned Starbucks locations is scheduled to open at Disney California Adventure park. And more locations are planned at Disneyland park and Walt Disney World Resort (Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom).

The Starbucks locations inside our parks will be designed to fit the theme of their surroundings. At Disney California Adventure park, Starbucks will be located in the Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Café on Buena Vista Street, a place that transports guests to 1920s Los Angeles, when Walt Disney arrived in California and a cup of coffee was the perfect way to jumpstart a busy day. The store’s location plays off the Spanish/Mexican architecture of the period, and baristas will wear 1920s-inspired attire.

The café will serve Starbucks items, including coffee and espresso beverages, Frappuccino® blended beverages, and signature breakfast sandwiches and pastries. Guests also will have their choice of Disney favorites, including signature sandwiches and other items, as well as delicious desserts and sweet treats.

Let us know what you’ll be ordering in the comments.

And we have a little more information from an official press release:

SEATTLE & LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., April 23, 2012 – Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts today announced that Starbucks will soon be available at all Disney theme parks at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., and Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

This summer, the first of six Starbucks cafés will open at Disney California Adventure. The additional stores are planned for Disneyland Park and Walt Disney World Resort, including locations at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

“Starbucks and Disney have many things in common,” said Arthur Rubinfeld, president, Global Development, for Starbucks. “We share a passion for providing excellent customer service, delivering high quality in everything we do, and ensuring that every experience with our brand exceeds our customers’ expectations. This is something our customers and partners (employees) have asked for through MyStarbucksIdea.com since the site launched more than four years ago, so we are pleased to bring this idea to life.”

Starbucks is not completely new to Disney. In June 2009, the company opened a store in Disney Village at Disneyland Paris, which has become a guest favorite.

At Disney California Adventure, Starbucks will be located in the Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Café on Buena Vista Street, a place that transports guests to 1920s Los Angeles when Walt Disney arrived in California and a cup of coffee was the perfect way to jumpstart a busy day. The store’s location plays off the Spanish/Mexican architecture of the period, and baristas will wear 1920s-inspired attire.

The café will serve Starbucks items including coffee and espresso beverages, Frappuccino® blended beverages, and signature breakfast sandwiches and pastries. Guests also will have their choice of Disney favorites, including signature sandwiches and other items, as well as delicious desserts and sweet treats.

“We know food and beverage offerings are an important part of the memories our guests make at Disney Parks and now they will be able to enjoy their favorite Starbucks® beverage as part of their experience,” said Maribeth Bisienere, vice president, food and beverage line of business for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Many of our guests have shared their passion for Starbucks with us, and we look forward to making their feedback a reality as we debut the first location at Disney California Adventure.”

About Starbucks Coffee Company

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest-quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.starbucks.com.

Tim Alcoser’s 4/24/2012 DLR Photo Report

WDWNT on July 7, 2012

DLNT Photographer Tim Alcoser was at the Disneyland Resort last Tuesday and captured some newsworthy photos around Downtown Disney, The Matterhorn, and Buena Vista Street…

The Lego Store is looking bright

Giant Genie in the middle of the store

Maleficent

The Uva Bar is under refurbishment. The vines that have grown in for the past 10 years are being torn down. I think they look awesome grown in. Shame.

La Brea Bakery

In Disneyland, Matterhorn is looking fantastic

Ropes have been added along the small bridge facing subs.

Tarps are down on the Penny Arcade

Looks bright and fresh

Over in DCA, Trolley Wires!!

In 3D Dec 2010 😉

More facade refurbishment in Hollywoodland

Mad T Party

The Mad T Stage covered the fountain so the Mickey Statue will not be returning this summer

House of Cards

Cars Land entrance

The Bugs Land entrance is getting a facelift

Quick look down Route 66

WOC Maintenance

The new California Screamin’ queue covers are a huge improvement over the old yellow and beige covers

Thanks for reading

New Models of DCA & Buena Vista Street

WDWNT on July 7, 2012

From Jennifer Fickley-Baker at the Disney Parks Blog:

Earlier today, models of New Fantasyland, Cars Land and Buena Vista Street were shared with the media here atWalt Disney World Resort. Photographer Kent Phillips stopped by and snapped these fun shots of the models up close. Enjoy!

For the images of the WDW Fantasyland expansion, please visit the Disney Parks Blog.

More Park Photos of Cars Land

WDWNT on July 7, 2012

From Paul Hiffmeyer of the Disney Parks Blog:

When night falls in Cars Land, all I can say is “get your camera ready!” For years, I’ve had the pleasure of discovering all the different photographs to be had at the Disneyland Resort once the sun goes down, so having the opportunity to explore all the new photo possibilities in Cars Land at night has been a real treat.

When you enter Cars Land at night, you’re going to want to walk down Route 66 and take in the spectacular lights and neon signs of Radiator Springs.

This photo was taken just outside Radiator Springs Racers. You can really see the shape of the front of a car come into view in the rockwork with the way it is lit at night (the grill to the left, hood ornament on top, and even a wheel well on the right). Be on the look out for more surprises in the rockwork, some things are easy to find and some are a little harder.

This photo is one of my favorites so far. The cars are close and you have great view of the mountain range. It was taken just after sunset and I used a slow shutter speed to show motion.

Check back soon as I will be sharing more photos from inside Cars Land. I’m thinking of sharing some pictures highlighting some of the amazing (and fun) detail you’ll see throughout Radiator Springs.

Hayley Nance DLR Photo Report 4/28/12

WDWNT on July 7, 2012

A look at the Matterhorn progress, the Lego Store’s statues are unveiled, Red Car Trolley’s wires, and a glimpse of Minnie’s Fly Girls! Enjoy!

Max out and about at Disneyland

Geppetto out on Main Street

Graduation Duffy

Freshening everything up

Glimpse at the new ride vehicles

Still hard at work

More stunning than ever thanks to the new paint job.

Sneak of Buena Vista Street through the Monorail

FINALLY!

Lego Prince Phillip battles Malificent

To Infinity & Beyond

These lights will lookÂ phenomenal

A sneak at all the detail for Mater’s Junk Yard Jamboree

Looking just about ready for the opening in June

Bug’s Land getting a new paint job

Cables for the Red Car Trolley

Work being done on the Hyperion

Glad to see Pixar Play Parade back in action.

The “Mad T Party’s” House of Cards set up

Minnie’s Fly Girls!

Thanks for reading!

Storytellers Collection to Debut at DCA

WDWNT on July 7, 2012

From Michelle Harker of the Disney Parks Blog:

With just a little over five weeks to go before Buena Vista Street opens at Disney California Adventure park, here’s your first look at the art for one of the key programs, appropriately titled “Storytellers” and set to debut inside Elias & Co. While I could spend all day telling you why I’m a fan of this piece, I thought I’d turn it over to artist Noah and Product Developer Lisa Bergman, who were able to give me a bird’s-eye view on what inspired them to create this piece and on the magic that lives on in all of us.

“The main objective was to take the gorgeous ‘Storytellers’ statue that exists in the park and create a life-like scene,” says Noah. “I wanted this piece to have the 1920s sepia-tone feel that can be seen in old vintage photographs. When I painted it, I listened to Big Band music and imagined the sights, sounds, smells and even the weather, and tried to engulf my creativity in that same style. I tried to put myself in Walt Disney’s shoes or follow in his footsteps, as some would say. How excited he must have been on the trip out here, the challenges and dreams he wanted to overcome and achieve. I thought about the luggage he carried, how he lettered his name, and his identity. Walt Disney took the gift of creativity, believed in himself and leveraged it to impact the world with the idea of families coming together to enjoy life. He used stories as the vehicle and gave the child in each of us permission to play and use our imagination.” Noah went on to say, “Every day in some small way, we are a part of Walt’s dream, whether walking through the park, watching amazing movies or television, or just spending time together. It all started with a young cartoonist landing in Los Angeles, his friend Mickey Mouse in his heart, a trunk full of dreams and ambitions, and most importantly, a lifetime of stories to tell.”

There’s so much that went into this, explains Product Developer Lisa Bergman. Its influence came from Disney Archives ephemera, which included a rough sketch of the Hyperion Studios by Ward Kimball, archival photographs of the Hyperion Studios neon sign, Walt’s business card, and pre-1937 animated featurette posters. Representative of the Disney heritage, you will find the iconic “Storytellers” artwork on an array of sepia-tone items, including sublimated t-shirts, fleece sweatshirts, a supple leather jacket, limited edition art, collectibles and more.

Debuting alongside the “Storytellers” collection is a figural piece created by sculptor Rick Terry, whose 3D art you will find as the centerpiece of Buena Vista Street. Product Developer Lisa Bergman has given us the first look at this new sculpture, replicated from the original design. Take a peek!

For details on this new collection, special events and appearances by the artists, visit www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.

There’s only one word for me that describes this. Magic!

Max Guggenheim’s 5/3/12 DLR Photo Report

WDWNT on July 7, 2012

DLNT Photographer Max Guggenheim was at the Disneyland Resort yesterday and took a plethora of newsworthy photos including some really awesome shots of Buena Vista Street. On to the pictures…

Cars Land Merchandise is available in the parks

Cove Bar still under refurbishment

Cars Land

Looks fantastic

On to Buena Vista Street

Front Entrance plaza. Wow…

Tile Benches!!!!!

Back to Carthay Circle

Fiddler, Fifer, and Pratical Cafe

Former Candy Shoppe

Side of Elias & Company

More Buena Vista Street later, on to Hollywoodland

Ughh… Mad T Party

Yup

Its mad alright

I think they need more lights…

Just sayin’…

House of Cards, The ElecTRONica wrap has been taken off the food truck

Back to Buena Vista Street!

Good look at the West side of the street. Atwater Art Supply is the blue building. Next to that is Julius Katz and Sons

Again.. Tile Benches!!!!!

Look at that “Candy” sign by the truck over there. Building straight ahead is Big Top Toys.

Alright, more DCA later, into Disneyland

Main Street facade’ refurbishments are wrapping up

Only thing still behind walls is Carnation Cafe

Penny Arcade and Candy Palace are open

The new expanded kitchen

I like the popcorn lights everywhere

Reorganized counters in Candy Palace. Less confusing and less cluttered.

Matterhorn

Mine? Monorail queue refurbishment above.

More Matterhorn

In the Rivers of America, one of the platforms for Fantasmic is being repaired

The Frontierland Shooting Arcade is under refurb

One more peek at Buena Vista Street

Thanks for reading and May the fourth be with you!

Get A Sneak Peek Inside 1901, The Private Club Inside The Carthay Circle Theater

WDWNT on July 7, 2012

From Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:

Carthay Circle Theatre, the iconic focal point of the new Buena Vista Street area coming to Disney California Adventure park on June 15, continues to take shape – and today we’re excited to bring you a look inside the exclusive, private 1901, which will be located inside.

1901 will be a special lounge accessible exclusively by Club 33 members. Named for the year Walt Disney was born – 1901 – the club will be a warm, intimate space with eclectic light fixtures, overstuffed leather chairs, and beautiful, rich touches.

“Imagine it’s the 1930s, and this is where the animators would’ve hung out, swapped stories, doodled on napkins,” as 1901 is described by Imagineer Ray Spencer. “This is the place Walt and the animators might’ve chatted, relaxed, unwound . . . a cozy den.”

The lounge will be decorated with personal artwork and photographs of the animators from the early years of the Walt Disney Studios, including some with Walt Disney’s own signature. “The guest is sort of an insider in this backstage world,” says Ray.

As we announced earlier today, a limited number of new members will be offered Club 33 membership in honor of the 45th anniversary of the Club (June 15) and the completion of the five-year expansion of the Disneyland Resort. Those interested in Club 33 membership may request more information by sending an email to club33interest@disneyland.com.

And mentioned above, the famous waiting list for Club 33 has indeed opened once again to new members. Here’s a little more info…

From Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:

Today we’re excited to announce, in honor of the 45th anniversary of Club 33 and the completion of the five-year expansion of the Disneyland Resort on June 15, a limited number of new members will be offered Club 33 membership!

Envisioned by Walt Disney, who drew inspiration from the executive lounges at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, the club opened in 1967 and has since held a place of mystery and legend among Disneyland park guests. You can read more about the history of Club 33 and see some photos from inside the exclusive club here.

New Club 33 members will now enjoy exclusive sneak peeks at park enhancements and new attractions, and the availability to use VIP tour guides, itinerary planning services, valet parking and complimentary hotel upgrades – it will be like having your own Disney concierge service! New membership will also include access to 1901, a special lounge inside the new Carthay Circle Theatre opening at Disney California Adventure park on June 15. We¹ll have more information on 1901 later today on the Disney Parks Blog, so check back!

This opportunity will initially be offered to those individuals who have been on the Club 33 waiting list. As interest and capacity are evaluated, those not currently on the waiting list may be offered opportunities to join. Those interested in Club 33 membership may request more information by sending an email to club33interest@disneyland.com.

Get A Sneak Peak Inside The Carthay Circle Theater Restaurant

WDWNT on July 7, 2012

From Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:

Yesterday, we took you inside the exclusive, private 1901 which will be located at Carthay Circle Theatre in Disney California Adventure park. Today, we’re showing you the inside of Carthay Circle Restaurant, which will be accessible to all park guests when it opens June 15.

The photos above show the inside of Carthay Circle Restaurant, still under construction but close to the way it will appear when it opens on June 15. The new premier dining location will take guests back in time to opening night of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” a historic night for Walt Disney and his studio. Re-creating the excitement of that night, Carthay Circle Restaurant will immerse guests in the post-screening atmosphere – as if they are celebrating alongside Walt and Lillian Disney, themselves.

Reservations will be available soon, so keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for updates!

Larry Delceg 5/5/2012 DLR Photo Report

WDWNT on July 7, 2012

Let’s have a grand welcome to Larry Delceg! Our newest member of the DLNT crew! He’s going to be helping get us all our photo reports.

This photo report covers DCA, Downtown Disney, and Disneyland. Larry provides images of parades in both parks, updates on the progress in DCA, and colorful shots from our favorite rides and attractions.

The Animation Academy is now displaying a schedule for drawing classes. If a park guest would like to learn how to create a specific Disney character, the time for each lesson is now conveniently displayed on an ‘A Frame’ at the entry.

The Red Car Trolley system will debut on June 15th and the overhead catenary has now been installed above the length of the tracks. High voltage electricity will travel through this catenary to be collected by a pantograph mounted on the roof of each Red Car, providing electricity to the traction motor. This technology not only powered the Trolley system of Los Angeles a century ago, but is also used today to power 200+ mph high speed bullet trains such as France’s TGV.

Overhead catenary in Hollywood Land

Merely a skeleton a year ago, the exterior of the Cathey Circle Theatre is now completed and visible for park guests to admire.

This professional painter was seen skillfully spraying a building on Buena Vista street above the DCA entrance turnstiles. This photo was taken moments before ‘the said photographer’ was ‘busted’ by a cast member and instructed that photos of visible construction workers were not permitted. The next day, the painting of the building and the trim was competed.

With a prolific daily schedule in Condor Flats, ‘Minnie’s Fly Girls’ are already performing a new routine.

The new Downtown Disney Lego Store is now on display for park guests and Anaheim residents to enjoy. An enormous model of a dragon most likely named ‘Murphy’ adorns the exterior – a new ‘must see’ stop for any Disneyland visitor.

Replicas of Buzz and Woody are among the impressive models displayed on the exterior of the new Lego store.

Although beautiful on the inside, the southern exterior wall of the Hyperion Theatre has always been thematically lacking. Currently being remedied, a new wall is under construction which will create an indoor lobby for the stairway and escalators. There is little doubt that the new wall will be themed with exceptional artistry and craftsmanship comparable to other new DCA renovations.

Since the opening of DCA, the front entry of Taste Pilots Grill has proudly displayed a replica of the rocket-jet ‘ X-1’ built by Bell Aircraft. Chuck Yeager made history when he piloted this experimental aircraft “Glamorous Glennis” and broke the sound barrier in 1947. In recognition of this accomplishment, Condor Flats was built to represent the proving ground at Edwards Air force Base and California’s significant contributions to aviation. The replica of the X-1 has recently been removed to be consistent with DCA’s new theme – an era before the sound barrier was broken. It will be interesting to see if a 1930’s vintage aircraft will be installed to replace it.

Fans of ‘Turtle Time with Crush’ know that the only seating in the pre-show vestibule has been the floor. Recently several ‘totally awesome’ couches have been added. These new couches are similar in design to the new couches located in the Animation Academy’s central foyer. Although still inadequate in quantity, this addition is clearly appreciated by Crush’s visitors. Dude!

Appearing periodically in front of the Hyperion Theatre, Monsters Inc. Mayhem is a live performance street show which provides the opportunity for DCA guests to meet their favorite monsters as well as provide electricity for Monstropolis.

An especially abundant quantity of wildlife can be found in Disneyland this spring.

May flowers are now in full bloom.

Soundsational pre-parade

One of the best Disneyland parades ever, Soundsational is scheduled to continue throughout this spring and summer.

Phenomenal attention to detail can be seen in the craftsmanship of the costumes created for Soundsational.

Hertz for Toddlers

Snowy Oasis in May

Silly Symphony of Swings is one vantage point to catch a quick overview of the current state of construction underway at DCA. However, it is easy to be distracted by the fact that “I can fly!”