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!

PHOTOS: In-Depth Look at Fantasy Faire at Disneyland

WDWNT on April 24, 2013

Fantasy Faire has now officially opened inside Disneyland Park and we have photos from one of the Annual Passholder previews that took place just a few days ago. Thanks to DLNT Reporter Tim Alcoser for the photos.

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

Beautiful Morning

In line to get wristbands for the preview

Cast members are using Apple devices for a large variety of tasks from taking photos of guests with mult-day passes to scanning pass holders in for an exclusive sneak peak of Princess Fantasy Faire.

Temporary lines for the pass holder event.

A cast member enjoying a moment to himself.

Annual Passholders awaiting entrance to Fantasy Faire.
The crowds gather to enter the new land
Finally going inside. 
I spy Tony Baxter


You probably won't see the princesses in 30 minutes after it's opened up, at least for awhile.



Royal Hall queue


Tangled Tower sits in the center of the new land

Repunzel's tower is in the center of the square.
You can see comedy bits on Tangled and Beauty and the Beast inside the Royal Theater.



You can interact with Clopin's music box.
Clopin’s Music Box


The Fairy Tale Treasures store has everything your princess needs.
The old entrance to Frontierland takes you to the restrooms and Rancho Del Zocalo.
The path to Frontierland has reopened




Maurices Treats

Inside Royal Theater waiting for the show to begin.










The theater is reminiscence of a Shakespeare style play.
Mr. Smythe and Mr. Jones


Repunzel! Let down your hair!







Flynn and Repunzel were spot on in appearance and acting!
Climbing down the tower to escape.



Escaping in a tunnel.








We will have video up very soon of the performance

Maurices Treats sells pastry twists and boysen apple freezes

And of course the awesome Cheddar Garlic Bagel Twist



The buildings are  gorgeous




Thanks for reading!

Starbucks Coming To Main Street U.S.A

WDWNT on April 24, 2013

The long rumored Starbucks location inside Disneyland has finally been announced on the Disney Parks Blog:

I’ve got updates to share with you today about some big changes coming to Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park. First, Starbucks will be making its much-anticipated debut inside Market House this fall. To make room for this exciting addition, Market House will close next month to begin an expansion into the adjacent space currently occupied by Disneyana.

“Starbucks

Disney art and collectible fans will soon be able to find all their favorite treasures in one location, as Disneyana will move to a new home inside the Bank of Main Street building, the current location of the Disney Gallery. The new, combined location will continue to present a rotating Gallery Exhibit, featuring Walt Disney Imagineering concept art and pieces from local artists. (In fact, we will have information soon about the newest exhibit, featuring art inspired by Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, celebrating its 50th anniversary this summer.)

Market House will reopen this fall, still themed as a turn-of-the-century general store, serving Starbucks products and a selection of specialty Disney pastries.

This new Starbucks location was announced just weeks after concept art surfaced of the new Starbucks location in Florida in the Main Street Bakery at The Magic Kingdom.

New “Iron Man 3” Exhibit Coming To Innoventions at Disneyland

WDWNT on April 24, 2013

From Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:

Attention Iron Man fans! To celebrate the upcoming release of “Iron Man 3,” opening in theaters May 3, an exciting new exhibit is coming to Innoventions at Disneyland park in California – featuring actual set pieces from the film!

Beginning April 13, Iron Man Tech Presented by Stark Industries will give Disneyland park guests the chance to see Tony Stark’s Hall of Armor, featuring Iron Man suits Mark I-VII – the same suits featured in “Iron Man 3.” And you will even be able to virtually “suit up,” yourself! Through simulation technology, guests will be able to see what it’s like to operate the latest pieces of the Mark 42 Iron Man armor, even getting the chance to test out its infamous repulsor blasts.

Iron Man Tech Presented by Stark Industries Coming to Innoventions at Disneyland Park
Come experience Iron Man Tech Presented by Stark Industries when it opens at Innoventions in Disneyland park April 13 – and then check out “Iron Man 3” in theaters May 3.

We also uncovered some additional information through a document released internally to Disneyland cast members:

  • The exhibit will run through September
  • Innoventions will not be closing for installation of the new Iron Man Exhibit
  • The Iron Man experience will not be replacing any existing exhibit in the building. (This makes us believe it will take up the space where Honda usually displays their vehicles whenever they are hosting a promotion at the parks.)

 

So, what do you think of this first installation of Marvel at Disneyland?

Michael Wada’s Easter (3/29/13) DLR Photo Report

WDWNT on April 24, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Michael Wada visited Disneyland Easter Sunday and grabbed some pictures of some of the Easter festivities.

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

Special meet and greet set up

Easter Bunny!

Mickey and Minnie in their sunday best

The “Spring Fling” was a part of Limited Time Magic. It included the Bunny Hop in which all your favorite rabbit characters and the Dapper Dans came out to teach guests the bunny hop

New D23 Member Only Events

WDWNT on October 8, 2009

Today, D23 announced 3 new member events, 2 of which are taking place in California. The first event is D23’s Candlelight Spectacular at Disneyland:

For more than 50 years, Disneyland’s Candlelight Processional and Ceremony has heralded in the Christmas season at “The Merriest Place on Earth.” This year, Candlelight serves as the centerpiece of D23’s first holiday season celebration during a magical day of festivities created exclusively for our members and their guests.

The day begins at 10 a.m. when guests can begin checking in. Theme park admission is included so you can enjoy all the holiday splendor and merriment of Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure at your own pace. You’ll enjoy reserved seating at Disneyland’s perennial favorite, A Christmas Fantasy Parade, and expect a few more surprises as well!

As night falls, you’ll gather inside Stage 17 at Disney’s California Adventure where a winter wonderland awaits. Make sure you don’t eat too many holiday treats during the day, because Disneyland’s Executive Chef has prepared a dazzling, sumptuous holiday feast for you to enjoy with your fellow D23 members. As you dine, Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Pluto and their pals — all decked out in their holiday finery — will keep you in the highest of holiday spirits with special entertainment that will have you humming and singing along!

Following dinner, you’ll be escorted to your reserved seats for the Candlelight Processional and Ceremony, where you’ll experience the breathtaking majesty of this retelling of the Christmas story. Hosted by a celebrity narrator and performed by the Disneyland Orchestra, the Disney Employee Choir (which makes up the ceremony’s iconic living Christmas tree), bell choirs, trumpeters and a chorus of hundreds, the ceremony’s powerful music, traditional carols and poignant words will leave you with an even greater appreciation for the true meaning of Christmas.

At the conclusion of Candlelight, the evening continues as you are escorted back at Stage 17 for more holiday merriment. As you enjoy a sweet treat and some warm cocoa, the magic-makers at Disneyland will offer our guests a very special “behind-the-candles” look at the history of holiday traditions at Disneyland, as well as the special care and work that goes into making the parks look their best for the season. The team responsible for producing the Candlelight Ceremony will also join us to share their experiences and a surprise or two, and the Disney Employee Choir will entertain you with a rousing sing-along of your favorite carols in a toe-tapping medley that will close the evening on the right note. As you depart from this truly wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime experience, remember that D23 members never go home empty-handed, especially during the holidays! ‘Tis better to give!

EVENT DETAILS
Date: Sunday, December 6, 2009
Time: Check in begins at 10 a.m.
Location: Disneyland, Anaheim, Calif.
Tickets: Tickets will be available Thursday, October 15 at 10 a.m. PST. Members may bring up to three guests.
Cost: $275 per person

Included with the cost of your ticket:

  • A one-day Disneyland park hopper ticket. (Ticket is good only for use on December 6, 2009 and must be used by ticket purchaser.)
  • Private dinner and dessert inside Stage 17
  • Exclusive holiday show featuring your favorite Disney characters
  • Reserved seating for Candlelight Processional and Ceremony
  • Behind-the-scenes presentation about Candlelight and Disneyland at the holidays — with a “sweet treat”
  • Special gift for all guests from your friends at D23!

The second event, Disney and Dickens, will be held at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood:

Join Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and your fellow D23 members for an evening of Dickensian delights as you meet at the historic El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood to experience the new Robert Zemeckis film Disney’s A Christmas Carol, starring Jim Carey, Bob Hoskins and an all-star cast in this new retelling of Charles Dickens’ timeless holiday favorite. As you settle into your reserved VIP seat, enjoying tunes from the mighty Wurlitzer, the festive holiday pre-show and the film itself, make sure you don’t get too full from the complimentary popcorn and soda because following the movie, you’ll re-join the group for a holiday feast at the classic Los Angeles eatery, the Tam O’Shanter in the city’s Los Feliz area.

The Tam O’Shanter was a favorite restaurant for Walt Disney and his animators, and was often referred to as the Studio Commissary when Walt’s fledgling company was located in the neighborhood. From the moment you pull up to this quaint, cottage-like Scottish establishment, you will be transported to another time and place. Decked out in its holiday finest, the Tam is a cozy, traditional Scottish restaurant where Christmas goose and succulent prime rib await. As you dine with your fellow D23 members and their guests, you’ll have the opportunity to see Walt’s table, take a look at the wonderful artwork created by Disney animators for the Tam, and be entertained by Dickens Carolers, as well as an ensemble from the Disney Employee Choir, who will sing their favorite Disney Christmas songs.

So come with your appetite and warm up your vocal chords, because this will be anything but a silent night. Oh, and don’t forget that Christmas is a time of giving and your friends at D23 would never let you leave without a special holiday gift to commemorate the evening!

EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Thursday, December 10, 2009
Location: El Capitan Theatre and Tam O’Shanter Restaurant
Time: Check-in begins at the El Capitan at 6 p.m.; Screening begins at 7 p.m.
Tickets: Tickets will be available Thursday, October 15 at 10 a.m. PST. Members may bring up to three guests.
Cost: $95 per person

Included with the cost of your ticket:

  • VIP seating for the 7 p.m. showing of Disney’s A Christmas Carol
  • Popcorn bucket and soda
  • Three-course dinner at the Tam O’Shanter (includes soft drinks, coffee, and tea)
  • Valet parking at the Tam O’Shanter
  • Special presentation including a performance by the restaurant’s Dickens Carolers
  • Surprise gift for all guests from your friends at D23!

The final new event announced isn’t for California, so I’m not going to put it up here, but here’s the link to it just in case you’re interested. Be sure to keep an eye on the D23 Expo and Events page for when tickets go on sale October 15th.

DLR Photo Report – 7/29/09-8/5/09

WDWNT on August 6, 2009

I have returned from a near record setting 8 days at the wonderful Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. This trip was mainly to spend time with members of the WDWNT staff, which for some was their first visit, and for others was their 100th visit! Let’s get into the first photo report of what will be many from this past week:

On our first day, we enjoyed a meal at the recently opened Celebration Roundup and Barbecue. Left to right here you can see Matt Paul, Tom Corless, Chris Lastrapes, and Jose Castillo

Space Mountain was a favorite among everyone

The White Rabbit statue outside the restrooms near Alice in Wonderland finally has its clock-face back

The freaky looking Mickey Monsters plush have started hitting store shelves through-out the Disneyland Resort

The “What Will You Celebrate?” Disneyland Resort Harbor Blvd. entrance

Read More about DLR Photo Report – 7/29/09-8/5/09