Pixar Showing its “Color”

WDWNT on March 6, 2010

Here is a video released by the Disney Parks Blog showing some animation from Pixar that will be used in World of Color, also the video shows  some very neat features of World of Color that we have yet to see…

In this video, you can see fountain testing from the viewing area , the full mist screen with animation testing, projection dome testing, and much more.

The Silly Swings Gets Its Top

WDWNT on March 2, 2010

Silly Symphony Swings

From The Disney Parks Blog:

Many people have posted photos online of Silly Symphony Swings, a new attraction coming to Paradise Pier in Disney’s California Adventure park later this year. Today we’re giving you a chance to see how some of the magic happens behind the scenes. The photo above shows Walt Disney Imagineering Senior Dimensional Designer Steve Cotroneo sculpting a four-foot tall Mickey Mouse that you can now see at the very top of Silly Symphony Swings.

For those of you who many not be familiar with the attraction, Silly Symphony Swings is a classic swing attraction, and it’s themed to Walt Disney’s animated short, “The Band Concert” (1935). In the musical cartoon, Mickey Mouse is trying to conduct a presentation of the “William Tell Overture” by Gioachino Rossini, but Donald Duck interrupts him and chaos follows. When Mickey finally regains control of his orchestra, they are all swept up in a passing tornado.

In the attraction, guests will see Mickey conducting the barnyard orchestra, and as a tornado passes through the Park, the central tower begins to rise and spin, and Mickey’s band concert really swings into high gear.

Food and Wine Details Announced

WDWNT on February 18, 2010

Details have been announced for the 2010 Food and Wine Festival at Disney’s California Adventure.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2010) — Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival will create a kaleidoscope of culinary experiences for guests of every palate April 16-May 31 at Disney’s California Adventure park and select locations across the Disneyland Resort.
Chefs, winemakers and brewmasters will celebrate The Art of Flavor at this year’s tantalizing festival, which features entertaining culinary demonstrations, outstanding wine and spirits seminars, and delicious food, wine and beer.  General sales for Festival events began Feb. 16.
Look for chefs Guy Fieri and Cat Cora of Food Network, along with Disney culinary masters and special guests as they present their gastronomic talents in a full menu of complimentary demonstrations and signature paid events.  The signature events include winemaker dinners, Sweet Sundays, Napa Rose Cooking School and Taste Food-Wine-Life, a night that celebrates the essence of the festival with a mosaic of food, wine and live entertainment.
Opening weekend features celebrity chef Guy Fieri, the popular television personality and “food dude” who appears on shows such as “Guy’s Big Bite” on the Food Network. Fieri will conduct complimentary food demonstrations on the Festival’s main stage.
“Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival is a great time,” Fieri said.  “Of course the kids love Disneyland, but now this is something extra for the adults.  It’s incredible chefs, great wines from around the world and Disney. You’re gonna dig it.  See you there!”
Some events, including culinary demonstrations, are included with admission to Disney’s California Adventure park.  Signature events are separately ticketed and require reservations. For details, visit www.disneyland.com/foodandwine.
Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival includes experiences for anyone who appreciates the art of food, wine and beer.
  • The Hollywood Pictures Backlot comes to life as the new hub of energy and excitement, complete with artists, musicians and an international beer menu at the Brewers Collection. At the new Festival Showplace located in Stage 12, guests will sample from the delicious tapas menu at the Taste of California Marketplace and relax at the new Hollywood & Wine Lounge.
  • Among the most popular events at the festival are live culinary demonstrations and autograph sessions with popular celebrity chefs. Along with Guy Fieri and Cat Cora, those scheduled to present include Robert Irvine, Jeffrey Saad and Kerry Simon.
  • Hundreds of complimentary experiences and cooking demonstrations will entertain guests during the 46-day festival, many featuring the talents of Disneyland Resort chefs. Guest will also enjoy seminars that feature outstanding wine, spirits and beer.
  • At the spectacular ticketed events, food and wine aficionados will collect cooking tips from chefs, mingle with noted winemakers and celebrate the palette of flavors presented by culinary masters.
  • Also new this year is a Brewmaster Dinner on May 7.  The ingredients for this memorable evening include savory seasonal fare artfully paired with handcrafted Karl Strauss beers.
Events returning for 2010 include the gala Taste Food-Wine-Life” and other popular experiences:
  • Taste Food-Wine-Life: This fun, high-energy evening combines the best elements of the Food & Wine Festival into one grand celebration, May 29.  The immersive party has live entertainment, an outstanding selection of wines and colorful décor.  Guests will stroll from station to station sampling delectable food dishes created by the chefs of Disneyland Resort.
  • Sweet Sundays: The sweetest of all events features a light buffet breakfast and sparkling toast at the new Festival Showplace in Disney’s California Adventure.  Guests will see demonstrations and taste signature desserts created by acclaimed pastry chefs, including Richard Ruskell of Montage Beverly Hills.
  • Winemaker Dinners: Disneyland Resort chefs partner with premier California winemakers to prepare outstanding culinary delights at exclusive Winemaker Dinners on selected Friday nights.  Each festival meal is paired with award-winning vintages and served at Steakhouse 55, inside the Disneyland Hotel.
  • Napa Rose Cooking School: Disney Executive Chef Andrew Sutton will once again lead this hands-on course that sells out quickly.  Each class will create and enjoy a four-course meal, expertly paired with wines, and each class member will go home with a white chef’s coat embroidered with the festival logo. This rare opportunity takes place in the show kitchen of the renowned Napa Rose restaurant at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.  Guests must be at least 18 years old.
  • Introduction to Wine Tasting: In this entertaining class, Advanced Sommelier Joy Cushing introduces guests to the joys of wine tasting. Guests will learn about wine regions, varietals, growing and harvesting techniques and then test their skills with a blind tasting.
Festival events held in Disney’s California Adventure may require park admission, which is not included in the event price.  For details and pricing information, visit www.disneyland.com/foodandwine.

It’s a Carousel of Color!!!

WDWNT on February 12, 2010

World of Color continues to amaze me. Here are two videos shot, from the Paradise Pier Hotel, showing incredible shots of the whole platform while show testing is in progress. The color in these videos are overwhelming.

World of Color Showing its Magic

WDWNT on February 10, 2010

World of Color is getting closer and closer, and we can only expect a huge test and adjust period for a show of this scale. Here are two very beautiful videos of World of Color testing showing the magnificent water screens, fountains, and lighting features that will be sure to dazzle audiences.

Rain, Rain… Please Go Away

WDWNT on February 6, 2010

Disneyland and California Adventure will be closing early again today as the rains have affected normal operation of the park. The parks have been closed early twice in the last month. The forecast does continue into tomorrow so if you plan to go to the resort, be aware that several attractions may be closed and shows canceled.

Disneyland park will close at 8 PM and California Adventure at 6 PM.

Update: Tonight, the 6th, it has been reported that Disneyland Park will close at 9:00 PM and DCA at 6:00 PM.

Passholders to get Food and Wine Tickets Early

WDWNT on February 4, 2010

From Disney Parks Blog:

The most voracious fans of Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival know that the fifth annual Festival will celebrate “The Art of Flavor” from April 16 through May 31 this year. But the date they’re really craving is the first day of ticket sales. We’ve got that news for you today.

Tickets for selected Signature events go on sale February 4 for Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders only, at the Special Offer Page. General sales of all Festival Signature events will begin on February 16 at 10 a.m., at www.disneyland.com/foodandwine.

Annual Passholders will be able to register from February 4 through February 15 to get special reduced prices for these events: winemaker dinners, a new Brewmaster Dinner, and the Festival finale celebration “Taste Food-Wine-Life.” Annual Passholders must provide proof of membership online.

While you may be familiar with the winemaker dinners, here’s a little more information about “Taste Food-Wine-Life.” It’s a fun, high-energy evening that combines the best elements of the Food & Wine Festival into one grand finale celebration, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 29. The party has live musical entertainment, an outstanding selection of wines and a variety of food to taste. Not only do you get to see Disney chefs whipping up their specialty food dishes, you can talk to them about their creations as you sample their work.

If you’ve attended Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival in previous years, please share what you enjoyed most at the Festival.

Pricing and Times can be found at The Disneyland Annual Passholder Site