Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival Fun Facts

WDWNT on April 20, 2009

Tantalizing taste buds with authentic, international flavors, Disneyland Resort celebrates its fourth annual Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival, with a six-week “World Celebration” featuring celebrity chefs, signature and complimentary experiences and winemaker dinners with themes from around the globe.

Southern California Restaurant Writers recently awarded Disneyland Resort 15 new awards for its restaurants and chefs – just in time as it prepares to launch the 2009 Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival.

NEW in 2009

Where can you find “Bad Boy” of the Food Network, Guy Fieri, along with celebrity chefs and nearly 100 Disneyland Resort chefs?

  • Whipping up cooking demonstrations for guests to discover new twists on timeless classics, daily at Disney’s California Adventure.

Passport handy?

  • Embark on a Festival Wine Walk and get the flavor of France, Italy, Spain and Germany, or experience the California wine country featuring 89 American Viticulture Areas – without ever leaving the Food & Wine Festival!

Celebrities on your mind?

  • Go Behind the Scenes with…stars of the Food Network!  Trade kitchen secrets, ask culinary questions and capture a photo. Curious about becoming a winemaker? Meet baseball legend, Tommy Lasorda (Lasorda Wines) and get “direction” from the guru of Pixar films John Lasseter, along with his wife Nancy (Lasseter Family Winery).

Who’s the SWEETEST of them all?

  • Learn the magic of creating a pastry masterpiece from the highly-skilled chefs of Sweet Cheeks Baking Co., San Diego, and Cake Monkey Bakery, Los Angeles, during Sweet Sundays.

Dream of becoming a MASTER Wine Connoisseur?

  • Master Sommelier Michael Jordan, of the award winning Napa Rose restaurant hosts a six-hour Advanced Wine Course featuring an in-depth look at international wine regions, various growing and harvesting techniques, wine laws and governance – a perfect recipe for wine expertise. Or, try his introductory course for another immersive experience.

It’s a Whole New World…

  • Experience an exciting menu every week during World Celebrations Dinners – featuring the aromas and flavors of Italy, Spain, France, Korea and Japan as well as the wines of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite).

For additional information, please visit www.disneyland.com/foodandwine.

Food and Wine In The Sun For Everyone!

WDWNT on April 18, 2009

Disney has released the daily schedule for the whole of this year’s California Food and Wine Weekends. The schedules are available to view in separate pdf files at this link. There is also a new Festival map this year which shows off a few changes to the event, including the moving of the Festival Welcome Center and Festival Gift Shop, a new seminar stage in Sunshine Plaza, and the brief return of the popular Vineyard Room restaurant:

For a bigger version of this map, just click on the image.

Mickey Gets a Facelift

WDWNT on April 18, 2009

According to D23:

Opening early May, Mickey’s Fun Wheel (previously known as the Sun Wheel) is the 150-foot-diameter Ferris wheel inspired by Coney Island’s famous “Wonder Wheel.” Located on the Paradise Pier boardwalk, Mickey’s Fun Wheel sits high above the water’s edge and is dominated by the smiling face of its namesake, Mickey Mouse. Though the attraction itself has not changed (Guests can still choose between boarding a standard or swinging gondola), the gondolas present colorful images of the Fab Five: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald and Pluto. At the entrance to the queue, Guests are now greeted by a smaller version of the image on the wheel.

Video Inside The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

WDWNT on April 17, 2009

Disneyland has released a short video looking at the boutique portion of the new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique which opened today (the video is available in high definition by clicking the HD button on the bottom of the video window):

Myrna Litt’s 4/15/09 Photo Report

WDWNT on April 17, 2009

It is once again time for a photo report from our very own Myrna Litt, as she takes a look at the latest progress over at Disney’s California Adventure (with a brief stop at Disneyland):

Monorail Orange making the rounds.

The Mickey Mouse face is now up on Mickey’s Fun Wheel, and it looks just swell!

Look at that, Walt and Mickey.

The sunburst awaits its new lighting effects.

A close-up of the Mickey face.

Read More about Myrna Litt’s 4/15/09 Photo Report

Magical Makeovers Reign As Young Princesses (and Knights) Get The Royal Treatment

WDWNT on April 17, 2009

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Beginning April 17, aspiring young princesses (and knights) will be treated to the full fairy-tale treatment at the Disneyland Resort as they celebrate a pixie-dusted makeover at the all-new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, located in the Sleeping Beauty Castle Courtyard.

WHAT: When young girls make their royal entrance at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, they will be greeted by their very own Fairy Godmother-in-training, who magically transforms them into the princesses of their dreams. All cares are left at the door as the Fairy Godmother-in-training takes care of everything — from hair and makeup to accessories fit for royalty. There’s a special experience for knights-in-training, too. After their transformation, princesses and knights will enjoy an enchanted day at the Disneyland Resort.

PACKAGES FOR PRINCESSES: Girls can choose from three different hair styles – Fairytale Princess, Disney Diva or Pop Princess – in three magical makeover packages:

  • Coach Package: includes hairstyle, shimmering make-up, princess sash, princess bag and body jewels ($44.95, plus tax).
  • Crown Package: includes hairstyle, shimmering makeup, princess sash, princess bag, body jewels and nail polish ($49.95, plus tax).
  • Castle Package: includes hairstyle, shimmering makeup, princess sash, princess bag, body jewels, nail polish, choice of princess costume complete with wand and shoes, as well as portrait package courtesy of Disney’s PhotoPass Service. Girls receiving the Castle Package can choose to be dressed as Aurora, Cinderella, Belle, Jasmine, Snow White, Tinkerbell or Ariel as a bride (starting at $195.85 plus tax).

FOR YOUNG KNIGHTS: Also available at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is a magical experience for boys that transforms them into gallant young knights. The “Knight” look includes a hairstyle fit for daring adventure, a Prince Philip shield and a sword for fun and heroism ($12.95 plus tax).

AGE REQUIREMENT: Three years and older; must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.

LOCATION AND HOURS: Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is located next to Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park. Operating hours vary with Park hours and theme park admission is required.

RESERVE A ROYAL TIME: Advance reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 714-781-STYLE. For details, go to www.ArtofDisneyParks.com or www.Disneyland.com/style.

FOR TWEENS: Coming this summer, Studio Disney 365 in Downtown Disney will bring out the inner rock star in tweens and transform them into glamourous celebrities — just like some of their favorite Disnsey Channel stars. The star treatment may also include a photo session with the “paparazzi” or a freestyle dance moment with the other new “stars.”

“Roar Into Spring”

WDWNT on April 15, 2009

Reported by our big brother site, WDW News Today:

Since news is slow this week, I thought it would be a good time to highlight another special Walt Disney Classics Collection piece that is coming out only in the Disney Parks:

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“Simba: Little King, Big Roar”, Available: 4/17/09, Retail: $99 plus tax, Dimensions: 4 1/2″H

WDCC Simba Spring Premiere Event

Date(s): April 17, 2009

Locations: Art & Collectible locations at Disney Parks & Resorts

Mischievous Simba is well aware that as the son of Mufasa, he’s next in line to rule over all the other critters as king. In a wild-and-wooly celebration of his fantastic future, Simba even imagines what he’ll look like with a grown-up mane by popping his head through a wreath of fire-red blossoms. Plussed with a pewter tail, the lovable cub gains the lion’s share of praise as our Spring Premiere Event’s “mane” attraction. So roar on by and let this cute cub make you feel like royalty.

Sculpted by Bruce Lau, Simba: Little King, Big Roar is a numbered limited edition of 1,500 and is available for $99, plus tax. Sculpture comes compete with a 15th Anniversary backstamp. Dimensions: 4 1/2″H

Disneyland® Resort locations include:

Disneyana Shop, Disneyland® park

World of Disney® Store, Downtown Disney® District

Off the Page, Disney’s California Adventure® park

Walt Disney World® Resort locations include:

List will be available shortly

Merchandise available while supplies last. Information subject to change without notice. Separate admission is required to enter Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort theme parks.

April 10th News Update

WDWNT on April 10, 2009

I just wanted to post a few small news items in a sort of weekend round-up post for you all:

  • Taylor Morrison, one of the sponsors of the Innoventions Dream Home, is once again holding a Dream Home Giveaway, giving people a chance to not only win a dream home provided by Taylor Morrison, but also a visit to the Disneyland Resort. For more information and to enter the contest, click HERE.
  • Robert Olszewski will once again be holding a product release and signing at the Disneyana Shop on Main Street:

Robert Olszewski Product Release & Signing

Special Guest: Robert Olszewski
Date: May 9, 2009
Time: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Location: Disneyana Shop, Main Street, U.S.A., Disneyland® park

Event Information:
Join us as we welcome Miniaturist, Robert Olszewski who will be on hand for a special appearance and signing of his newest creations, including the second sculpture set from the Main Street Electrical Parade and a Splash Mountain Gallery of Light piece.

Main Street Electrical Parade – Set #2
Robert has once again captured in minute detail, some of the most famous scenes from one of the Disneyland® Resorts most beloved parades, the Main Street Electrical Parade, which first appeared in Disneyland® park. This is the second set in a series of five sets representing the parade.

Features Include:

-This set features the Alice In Wonderland section including the three main Mushrooms, butterfly and ladybug, Alice, the Cheshire Cat and the Caterpillar with the Frog. Also included in this set is the Turtle with hat and the Snail.
-When lit, multi-color changing lights illuminate these floats similar to the way the actual floats light up in the parade.
-The second sculpture set from Main Street Electrical Parade comes complete with a certificate of verification and a premiere plaque. This piece will be available for $125, plus tax. Dimensions: 11″L x 2 3/4″T x 2 3/4″D.

Please Note: The on/off switch will be the trash can. Also for those who have collected the entire set, a special feature for this design is that you are able to take it off its base so it can be placed along Main Street, U.S.A.

Online Ordering Opportunity:
The Main Street Electrical Parade – Set 2 will be available to purchase via ArtofDisneyParks.com beginning Tuesday, April 21, 2009. Shipping and handling fee, plus applicable tax will apply.

To Order, Please Click Here.

Gallery of Light – Splash Mountain
This Gallery of Light piece features Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox and Brer Bear from the classic film Song of the South and the beloved Disney attraction, Splash Mountain. This Gallery of Light piece can only be found at Disney Theme Parks and will be available for $85, plus tax. Dimensions: 3 7/8″ W x 4 1/2″T x 3 1/2″D. Batteries not included.

For information on these pieces and more, please click here.

Merchandise available while supplies last. We ask that only two (2) items be signed per Guest. We ask that you bring no personal items to be signed. Event merchandise must be purchased on the day of release at the event location. Valid Disneyland® Resort receipt may be required. Artist signing is subject to space and time availability and is not guaranteed. Artist will only sign their respective merchandise purchased on the day of the event only. Event information subject to change without notice. Separate admission is required to enter Disneyland® Resort theme parks.

A Paradise of Fun, Under the Sun

WDWNT on April 9, 2009

Disneyland News Today reader Stephen Thomas was nice enough to send in pictures he managed to grab from the HoJo Anaheim’s Mattercam of the progressing work on the California Screamin’ sunburst, as well as work that has finally begun on the Mickey face for Mickey’s Fun Wheel:

The sunburst looks to be pretty much done. Just a little bit left to paint in the middle.

A white backing of Mickey’s head has been put up. His facial features will either be put up on top of that or painted on.

Thanks once again Stephen!