Toy Story “Wii-mote” Mania Opens This Fall

WDWNT on March 24, 2009

Anyone who owns a Nintendo Wii video game console and loves the Toy Story Midway Mania attraction at Disney’s California Adventure or at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is sure to be excited by this news today:

BURBANK, Calif. – (March 24, 2009) – Disney Interactive Studios today announced Toy Story Mania!, inspired by the Disney/Pixar animated feature “Toy Story,” will be released exclusively for the Wii™ home video game console this fall. Toy Story Mania! showcases an array of entertaining games based on the new Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort attractions, while featuring the iconic characters and humor from the popular Disney/Pixar “Toy Story” franchise.

“The ‘Toy Story’ franchise is a fun, dynamic and heart-warming series containing characters and themes that connect with every age group,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “Toy Story Mania! combines those popular elements with the unique antics of the new theme park attraction for the ultimate in family entertainment.”

In Toy Story Mania!, players experience the fast-paced, zany fun of the Toy Story Mania! theme park attraction, which is an interactive experience requiring 3D glasses and involving rapid or quick-firing shooting galleries. In addition to galleries adapted from the attraction, the game includes new and original galleries and a series of mini games, all hosted by beloved characters from the movies. The thematically-connected levels are designed for up to four players of all ages with competitive and co-operative multiplayer options. Toy Story Mania! also includes bonus 3D features, transforming the game experience with eye-popping visuals.

The Pixar-created “Toy Story” and ”Toy Story 2” have both had successful box office and DVD sales. The Disney Digital 3D™ theatrical re-release of “Toy Story” is in the works and will open in theatres on October 2, 2009, followed by the 3D re-release of “Toy Story 2” opening on February 12, 2010, leading up to the premiere of “Toy Story 3” in 3D summer 2010. Toy Story Mania! is the first video game to place characters from these films into a carnival game setting and is expected to resonate with fans of the films and the attraction, as well as gamers who like pick-up-and-play party games

Developed by Papaya Studio, Toy Story Mania! will be available this fall exclusively for Wii.

Celebrate! Only If You Have The Money…

WDWNT on March 24, 2009

The latest addition to Disneyland’s rather small list of table service restaurants is Celebration Round-up and Barbecue at Big Thunder Ranch. Lunch and dinner at this new restaurant will cost $28.99 for adults and $18.99 for children. The meal consists of my favorite kind of food, meat, and lots of it. Basically traditional barbeque fare, such as chicken and ribs, with sides such as beans, coleslaw, and corn on the cob. Your meal also comes with a special “Cowboy Cone Cake” dessert. And of course, drinks are included with your meal.

While the menu looks absolutely spectacular, the price does seem a bit hefty to me for the kind of food they are offering. I would expect this kind of price only from some of the more upscale restaurants at the Resort, such as the Blue Bayou, Napa Rose, and Steakhouse 55. I was hoping for a counter service option as well, but it looks like that won’t be the case. The restaurant opens April 2 and you can now make your Priority Seating Reservations by calling Disney Dining at (714) 781-DINE.

Roll-Up Early!

WDWNT on March 24, 2009

Contrary to rumors that the Games of the Boardwalk are behind schedule, we have now received word that they are in fact ahead of schedule, and they will now open about 3 weeks earlier than originally planned on April 7th, 2009. For information on the new games themselves, check this post from back in October here on DLNT.

Stay tuned to Disneyland News Today as we continue to track the progress of the on-going changes at Disney’s California Adventure.

Celebrate! A New Logo

WDWNT on March 21, 2009

The logo for the upcoming Celebrate! A Street Party, which debuts this Friday, has been revealed:

Beginning March 27th, the heart of Disneyland Park rocks to the beat of some of the best party tunes of all time during Celebrate! A Street Party. Ballons and streamers fill the air on Main Street USA, while crazy conga lines, swing dancers, and Disney characters take to the street to celebrate YOU!

D23 News Round-up

WDWNT on March 18, 2009

D23’s website has so far proven to be a great source for news and information for the Disneyland Resort, posting some tidbits we haven’t even heard mentioned elsewhere. Here’s a round-up news from the last 2 days:

  • 03.18.09 — Golden Farewell
    Golden Dreams, one of the original attractions at Disney’s California Adventure, is closing to make way for a brand-new attraction themed after The Little Mermaid. The final showing will take place at a special event for Cast Members on March 22.
  • 03.18.09 — It’s a Round-up!
    Celebration Round-up & BBQ is set to open April 2! Guests can book priority seating now.
  • 03.17.09 — Easter Bunny Arrives Early At Fantasyland!
    In addition to happy passengers, the Storybook Land Canal Boats are carrying Easter/Spring flowers and, if you look closely, you can see baskets of pastel eggs in front of some of the homes along the canal.
  • 03.17.09 — Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Accepting Reservations
    Beginning yesterday, Guests can book reservations for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Disneyland. The boutique, which transforms little girls into princesses and boys into knights, will be nestled inside Fantasyland next to Sleeping Beauty Castle and is set to open April 17.

“Re-Imagineering” Disney’s California Adventure

WDWNT on March 17, 2009

The latest sign of expansion and “re-Imagineering” in Disney’s California Adventure park is the new illuminated “Paradise Pier” sign on the “California Screamin'” roller coaster. Installed overnight between Thursday and Friday, March 12 and 13, the sign reflects the “vintage Disney” themeing that is part of the Disney’s California Adventure expansion. It was designed in the style of beachfront amusement park signs from the 1920s and ’30s, the era when Walt Disney first arrived in Hollywood and begin producing animated cartoons. As the “re-Imagineering” continues at Disney’s California Adventure this spring, the ferris wheel attraction will reopen as “Mickey’s Fun Wheel” and the Games of the Boardwalk will reopen in completely new versions featuring Disney characters.

Disneyland: The First 54 Magical Years

WDWNT on March 16, 2009

Today is the last day of operation for Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years. It will be closed through fall 2009 and will then re-open as The Disneyland Story, Featuring Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln (more details on that in this press release). In honor of the closing of the attraction, here is a complete video tour of the attraction from last Sunday, including the entrance, lobby, full show, and exit gallery:

Celebrate a Festival

WDWNT on March 15, 2009

Disney recently released a video previewing this year’s California Food and Wine Festival, which runs from April 24 to June 7, 2009. This six-week festival showcases California’s rich fusion of flavors. Enjoy cooking demonstrations, seminars and recipes that reflect the Golden State’s regional and culinary diversity at the Fourth Annual Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival. Presented by Vanity Fair® Premium Napkins and Plates. Learn more at www.disneyland.com/foodandwine.