New Disneyland Mobile App Released, First Step in MyMagic+ Coming to Disneyland np

WDWNT on August 3, 2015

We warned you that FastPass+ tests are coming to California, but now a new mobile app shows that Disneyland is getting ready to follow Walt Disney World into the future of the theme park experience with digital tickets, mobile wait times, and the ability to make advance dining reservations.

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Yes, you can get wait times and attraction and dining information (and much more) pretty easily by scrolling through a map of the resort.

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One of the coolest functions comes with buying or linking tickets. Guests can then have a digital version of their park ticket to open and scan at park entrances, never having to reach for their purse or wallet. Similar functionality should come down the road when FastPass+ is rolled out at the Disneyland Resort. Premier Passports are not yet supported in the system.

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With icons from your MyDisneyExperience account carrying over, it is clear Disneyland is using the same system as Walt Disney World’s system and app.

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The maps are also styled just like those currently distributed at Walt Disney World and on the WDW website and app

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While the app is loading, you’ll even find the familiar Mickey symbol with the light circling it, something any guest who has been to Disney World over the last 2 years is very familiar with.

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And yes, dining reservations can be made through the app as well.

With the launch of this app and rumors of FastPass+ type system test coming soon, it is clear that some version of MyMagic+ is rolling out at the Disneyland Resort in the not-too-distant future. When that might happen, we are not certain, but this new Disneyland app is certainly the first piece of the next-gen puzzle in Anaheim.

Update: Another fun thing to note is that our WDWNT Now! site (located here) has been able to display the same information for months. We also have menus for the restaurants which the new app does not include!

The new Disneyland app can be downloaded for Android devices here and iOS devices at this link.

Disney Introduces First “Park Pack” Monthly Merchandise Mystery Box, To Be Sold Online

WDWNT on June 5, 2015

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First previewed last year, Disney is finally getting around to the release of “Park Pack”, a monthly mystery box of Disney Parks merchandise. The first edition being released, called Trading Edition, will go on sale May 14th through the Disney Parks online store. This box will focus on Disney pins and include an exclusive Limited Edition 500 pin, as well as 2 open edition pins guests can not yet purchase at Disney Parks.  The limited edition pins are part of a series and may include characters from animated features or attractions at Disney Parks. The limited edition pins will also have two embellishments (like pin-on-pin or special fills).

The boxes will retail for $39.95 including shipping and subsequently be released on the first Thursday of every month.

“Park Packs” containing other types of items are expected to come at a later date, but no announcement has been made yet.

PHOTOS: Disneyland Releasing Special Souvenir Food & Drink Items for 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration

WDWNT on June 5, 2015

An inside source has sent us some internal images promoting the special food and beverage souvenir items coming to Disneyland Resort when the Diamond Celebration kicks off later this month:

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Diamond glow cubes that will be available with select beverages

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32oz sipper artwork, available only on 5/22

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Artwork for souvenir mugs

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Specialty popcorn buckets

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Plastic stein, Dinoco cup for Cars Land, and popcorn bucket art

Which ones do you NEED to own?

VIDEO: The Hatbox Ghost Returns to Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion

WDWNT on June 5, 2015

HE’S BACK! Video courtesy of Disney Hipsters on Instagram:

Using projection mapping technology, Disney has successfully brought the Hatbox Ghost back to the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland starting today. The original effect installed in 1969 never quite worked properly and was removed a few weeks later. 45 years later, he has returned just in time for the Diamond Celebration at Disneyland.

“Disneyland: The Exhibit” To Celebrate 60 Years of the Happiest Place on Earth at the D23 Expo 2015

WDWNT on June 5, 2015

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THE WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES RETURNS TO D23 EXPO WITH “DISNEYLAND: THE EXHIBIT”

More Than 300 Classic and Contemporary Objects Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Walt’s First Theme Park Will Be on Display

BURBANK, Calif. – May 12, 2015 – The Walt Disney Archives today announced it will celebrate the 60th anniversary of Disneyland at D23 EXPO 2015 with an exhibit of more than 300 pieces from the park’s incredible history. “Walt Disney Archives Presents—Disneyland: The Exhibit” will be the largest display the Disney Archives has ever showcased at D23 EXPO. The event, presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, will take place August 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

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The 12,000-square-foot exhibit, which will be located on the Expo show floor for the first time, will include themed areas that honor the park’s history, attractions, parades, and entertainment over the past six decades, including the construction of Disneyland, Pirates of the Caribbean, Mickey Mouse Club at Disneyland, Club 33, and collectible merchandise, as well as the park’s iconic lands: Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland, Frontierland, New Orleans Square, Tomorrowland, and Critter Country/Bear Country. Each area will contain items from Disneyland’s past, including attraction vehicles, costumes, props, and even Audio-Animatronics® figures.

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Among the more-than-300 items on exhibit, guests will be able to see Ticket No. 1, purchased by Roy O. Disney on July 18, 1955, the first day the park was open to the general public. Guests will see many pieces shown by the Archives for the first time, including early surveying equipment from the 1950s used in the construction of Disneyland, a prototype vehicle for the belovedAlice in Wonderland attraction, dancing­monkey costumes used in the nighttime spectacular Fantasmic!, an early Autopia car, original artwork from Mickey Mouse Club Circus, the Abominable Snowman from the Matterhorn Bobsleds, which was replaced during the attraction’s recent enhancement, and an original pitch book full of colorful artwork that was used to sell Disneyland to prospective sponsors on the East Coast.

Tickets for D23 EXPO 2015 are available at a discounted price for a limited time. Through June 30, 2015, tickets are $67 for a one-day adult admission and $48 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $58 for a one-day adult admission and $42 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available. D23 Members can save as much as $188 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for D23 Members and general admission, visit D23EXPO.com.

“Twenty Eight & Main” Clothing Collection Coming to U.S. Disney Resorts

WDWNT on June 5, 2015

One of the most exciting merchandise programs coming to both Disneyland and Walt Disney World this year is called Twenty Eight & Main. This Disney Theme Park Merchandise exclusive collection of quality goods was designed for the “discerning gentleman” (Disney’s own words) who enjoys visiting Disney Parks.

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“Twenty Eight & Main will be known for quality and attention to detail,” explained Bobby Bongiorno, merchandiser for graphic apparel. “We intend to use unique fabrics and washes for many items. We will also include embellishment techniques such as light weight embroidery, patches and appliqués to create items that will be functional and will fit great. The look will be classic, yet stylish and modern in every sense.”

The collection will contain apparel items such as short and long-sleeved shirts, vintage-style T-shirts, hats and more. There will also be accessories including drinkware, D-Tech phone cases and other travel items.

The artwork includes subtle nods to attractions, shops, shows, characters and experiences at Disney Parks.

The Arts & Collectibles team used some of the Twenty Eight & Main artwork at the small kiosk called The Sign Shop in the Marketplace Co-Op at Downtown Disney Marketplace.

So what’s the deal about the program’s name?

“The name was inspired by the year of Mickey Mouse’s debut and the timeless Main Street, U.S.A.” replied Bobby. “The lion reaching towards the star symbolizes Walt Disney’s pursuit of his dreams. The same lion can be found on the coat of arms featured on iconic Disney Park castles.”

Twenty Eight & Main will debut this fall in select merchandise locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.

Stay tuned to the WDWNT.com for additional details about shirts coming to the Disney Parks online store this summer.

Disney Twenty-Three Magazine Celebrates 60 Magical Years of Disneyland

WDWNT on June 5, 2015

As Disneyland approaches its 60th anniversary, Disney twenty-three brings readers inside the party, with an in-depth look at how the park is celebrating this milestone with new parades, spectaculars, and enhancements to popular attractions.

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In preparation for the landmark occasion, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club took Disney Legend Marty Sklar—who worked at Disneyland on opening day—and Walt Disney Imagineering Chief Creative Executive Bruce Vaughn on a walk through Disneyland, where they reminisce about details from the past, such as the park’s legendary opening day, and look ahead at all the excitement yet to come.

Also in the Summer issue, available exclusively to D23 Gold Members, the Walt Disney Archives unveils rarely showcased ephemera from Disneyland’s opening including a media pass and concept art for freeway billboards promoting the world’s first theme park. And for Disney parks foodies, there’s a look at some of the park’s signature snacks, from Dole Whips and turkey legs to churros and Mickey Mouse ice cream bars.

Plus, film critic, historian, and co-producer of the Walt Disney Treasures DVD series Leonard Maltin gives a behind-the-scenes look at Disney’s three big summer movies featuring exclusive interviews with Tomorrowland director Brad Bird, Inside Out director Pete Docter, and Ant-Man director Peyton Reed. Each director offers Maltin—who authored the book The Disney Films—a fascinating look at the creation of the colorful, complicated, and magnificent worlds of their three films.

 

Also included in the Summer issue of Disney twenty-three:

  • Rarely seen photos from the Disneyland Hotel’s storied history
  • A look inside a Disneyland Pitch Portfolio that was used to sell East Coast investors on Walt’s vision for the park
  • Fifty years of Disney Ambassadors and how they bring magic to people around the globe
  • Newlyweds share the stories of their beautiful Disney-themed weddings
  • An up-close look at the beloved animated feature Pinocchio with historian J.B. Kaufman
  • Regular columns including A Walk with Walt, D Society, and Ask Dave

 

D23 Members are invited to visit D23.com for additional online-exclusive features, including a gallery of more artwork from the Disneyland Pitch Portfolio, used to showcase concepts of the park that would turn Walt’s dream into a reality.

 

Other features coming to D23.com include:

  • Disney Legend Marty Sklar talking about the past and future of Disneyland as the park celebrates its 60th anniversary
  • A robust gallery of images of Disneyland through the years
  • A dazzling display of wedding cakes to bring a sweet finish to any Disney fan’s wedding, from classic confections to truly innovative tastes for all the senses

 

Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold Members as a benefit of their membership.

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The latest issue will begin arriving late May.

VIDEO & REVIEW: “World of Color – Celebrate!” Debuts at Disney California Adventure

WDWNT on June 5, 2015

If you thought World of Color was impressive in 2010, the technical wizards at WDI will blow you away again with the new “World of Color – Celebrate!”. However, they seemingly got caught up in the new technology and forgot what kind of show they were making.

Let’s start with the good: new lightning, laser, fountain, and smoke effects make the show brand new again and set the stage for future shows that can do things that the 2010 infrastructure never could. The bad: the show is horribly disjointed and breaks away from any sense of the theme advertised at several points.

The show is meant to celebrate Walt Disney and is hosted by Neil Patrick Harris and Mickey Mouse. The theme is perfectly executed in the early segments featuring Mickey Mouse and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, but collapses when a montage of Disney Animation starts to nondescript music and no actual dialogue from the films. The touching montages of the former show aren’t replicated here, although there are some sure-to-be-emotional moments where we see Walt talking about his creations or a lovely look at Disneyland through the years. But overall, the show is stopped dead in its tracks for a random Frozen musical number or a clip show of Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer moments. It just doesn’t make sense and it isn’t intended to just be a trip through movie moments like the old show. The theme of the show essentially changes several time, and by the end it is hard to tell if we are celebrating the achievements of Walt Disney or Bob Iger and John Lasseter.

In the end it feels like they got ten minutes into the show and realized they only half a show to cover another 70 years of Disney legacy. It also seems there may have been some demands from management to include larger segments with contemporary characters and upcoming films.

Regardless, the future looks bright for the Paradise Pier lagoon with all of the new tricks the show has up its sleeves, but for now, we will have to live with the slightly shorter and more disjointed “World of Color – Celebrate!”.

See video of the show from the Dis:

BREAKING: Disneyland Will Test FastPass+ System This Summer, Hong Kong Launching in 2016

WDWNT on June 5, 2015

For those who felt FastPass+ and MyMagic+ were failing at Walt Disney World, you may want to start re-thinking your theories.

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As most of the major bugs in the system have been worked out over the last few months, it seems Disney is ready to launch the system globally. The Disneyland Resort in California will be conducting their very first tests for FastPass+ in August 2015. Hong Kong Disneyland will officially launch their system with the opening of the Iron Man Experience in 2016.

FastPass+ takes the FastPass ticketing system into the digital age, removing the paper FastPass distribution points at attractions with a system guests can use to book a FastPass online, in an app, or at one of several designated kiosks within the parks and have it linked to their ticket/MagicBand. Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland still use the original FastPass system currently.