BREAKING: OtterBox to Bring New Phone Cases to U.S. Disney Parks

WDWNT on November 10, 2017

OtterBox and Disney announced today that OtterBox will be the “Official Protective Case” of Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort as part of a new multi-year strategic alliance.

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Whether Mickey Mouse or Minnie Mouse is your favorite character, or you just love all things Disney, OtterBox has you covered with its exclusive Symmetry Series Classic Disney Collection. (PRNewsfoto/OtterBox)

Whether Mickey Mouse or Minnie Mouse is your favorite character, or you just love all things Disney, OtterBox has you covered with its exclusive Symmetry Series Classic Disney Collection.

This will bring OtterBox cases to several D-Tech locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort and eventually expand OtterBox’s in-park presence, offering guests a way to protect their vacation memories with the No. 1-most trusted mobile case brand.

“The collaboration between OtterBox and Disney allows us to combine the trusted protection of OtterBox with the magic of Disney Parks,” OtterBox CEO Jim Parke said. “Not only can we help protect guests’ precious memories inside the park and beyond, but we can help them express their passion for Disney with cases that represent some of their favorite characters and attractions.”

OtterBox will also collaborate with Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media to offer a wide variety of brand new case designs. The first will be a signature series called the Classic Disney Collection, featuring timeless Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse designs on OtterBox Symmetry Series for iPhone 8, iPhone 7, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 7 Plus.

“This alliance joins two companies that share a commitment to providing high-quality products and experiences,” said Carlos Castro, vice president of Disney Corporate Alliances. “We are thrilled to collaborate with OtterBox and look forward to introducing a variety of new Disney-inspired merchandise for our guests to enjoy.”

Symmetry Series Classic Disney Collection cases are available now for iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus on otterbox.com and are coming soon to D-Tech retail locations at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. For more information, visit otterbox.com.

About OtterBox:

OtterBox innovates bold products that deliver confidence and trust in any pursuit. From its humble beginnings with a drybox in a Fort Collins, Colo., garage, OtterBox has honed and leveraged its expertise in manufacturing and design to become the No. 1-selling smartphone case brand in the U.S. and a leader in rugged outdoor lifestyle products.

BREAKING: California Screamin’ to Become Incredicoaster, Disney Shares Full Plans for PIXAR Pier at California Adventure

WDWNT on November 10, 2017

Summer 2018 will bring a transformed land for guests to experience at Disney California Adventure park when Pixar Pier opens along the southern shore of Paradise Bay, with newly themed attractions, foods and merchandise throughout. This new, permanent land in the area that is now Paradise Pier will introduce four new neighborhoods representing beloved Disney·Pixar stories.

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PIXAR PIER (ANAHEIM, Calif.) –Summer 2018 will bring a transformed land when Pixar Pier opens for guests to experience at Disney California Adventure park, featuring the new Incredicoaster inspired by Disney•Pixar’s “The Incredibles.” This artist concept illustrates the four new neighborhoods that will represent beloved Pixar stories and the newly themed attractions that will be found throughout the permanent land of Pixar Pier. (Disney•Pixar)

The first neighborhood is inspired by Disney·Pixar’s “The Incredibles” and it will open in summer 2018 with the Incredicoaster. Permanently transformed from the attraction that is now California Screamin’, Incredicoaster will invite guests into a mid-century-modern-style loading area where they board vehicles with a distinctive, new look. New character moments, new scenes and special effects, and an exciting musical score will connect the attraction’s story to Pixar’s “The Incredibles 2,” which opens in theaters June 14, 2018. To prepare for this transformation, California Screamin’ will close January 8th, 2018.

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PIXAR PIER (ANAHEIM, Calif.) – Summer 2018 will bring a transformed land when Pixar Pier opens for guests to experience at Disney California Adventure park, including the new Incredicoaster, inspired by Disney•Pixar’s “The Incredibles.” Pixar Pier also introduces four new neighborhoods representing beloved Pixar stories. This artist concept captures a scene from one of the neighborhoods inspired by “The Incredibles.” Here, guests will find the new Incredicoaster featuring a mid-century-modern-style loading area, new character moments and a new look for the ride vehicles. ( Disney•Pixar)

Toy Story Mania will anchor the “Toy Story”-inspired neighborhood. A neighborhood inspired by “Inside Out” will be found on the western side of the boardwalk and will welcome a new family-friendly attraction, scheduled to open at a later date.

The fourth neighborhood will be a celebration of many Pixar stories. In this neighborhood, Mickey’s Fun Wheel will have a new look, with each of the 24 gondolas featuring different Pixar characters and the iconic face of Mickey Mouse remaining on the Paradise Bay side of the wheel. At the Games of the Boardwalk, which already includes the Bullseye Stallion Stampede game, all of the midway games will be inspired by Pixar characters. New games are expected to include characters from “A Bug’s Life,” “La Luna” and “WALL·E.” Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Games of the Boardwalk and Sideshow Shirts will close January 8th to begin this transformation.

Ariel’s Grotto restaurant and the Cove Bar will be transformed into a new lounge and grill offering sparkling views of Paradise Bay and the new Pixar Pier. Both locations will close January 8th, with Cove Bar reopening briefly in April before closing again for its permanent transformation. Guests wishing to reserve “World of Color” dining packages after January 7th may consider Carthay Circle Restaurant or Wine Country Trattoria.

The remaining areas of the land that is now Paradise Pier, including Paradise Gardens, Silly Symphony Swings, Jumpin’ Jellyfish, Goofy’s Sky School, Golden Zephyr and The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, will become a new land called Paradise Park.

Pixar Pier will open during the limited-time Pixar Fest celebration, which begins April 13th.

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New Jungle Cruise and Big Thunder Mountain Art by NOAH Being Released at Disneyland

WDWNT on November 10, 2017

Noah will be representing his new Disney Parks Edition “Kid in Me” artwork at Disneyana, Main Street USA, Disneyland Park on November 18th-19th, 2017, appearing from noon until 4pm on both days.

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A fan favorite at Disney’s galleries, Noah will debut his newest pieces: “The 8th Wonder of the world…the backside of water!” and “Growing up…The wildest ride in the wilderness!”. Noah will also be bringing some of his most popular Disney artwork to share with guests on both days.

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Born and raised in Orange County, California, Noah grew up to be one of the most well-known artists in the country and around the globe. He began his first company on his bike at sixteen handing out business cards to create art, signs and illustrations for local businesses. Noah spends his time creating lines of product for cruise ships, galleries, his clothing line and private commissions for collectors.

BREAKING: Disneyland Resort Building New Hotel to Replace Much of Downtown Disney Anaheim

WDWNT on November 2, 2017

For the first time in almost two decades, Disneyland Resort will open a new Four Diamond hotel.

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Set to open in 2021, this hotel will transform the west end of the Downtown Disney District and anchor a new gateway to the Disneyland Resort. This is a change in location from the original announced site for this hotel.

The stunning 700-room hotel will feature a sophisticated design and be a game-changer for Anaheim, creating a dynamic dining, entertainment and hotel experience for resort visitors and local residents. Extensive landscaping and water elements will create a resort oasis, showcasing nature on every level of the hotel. The hotel’s location embraces the iconic Disneyland Monorail with a dedicated platform inside the hotel for direct transport into Disneyland park.

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Guest rooms, public spaces and gardens will provide views of the Downtown Disney District. In addition, an upper-level restaurant and lounge will give guests a view of the popular Disneyland park fireworks.

The ground level of the hotel will include shops and restaurants opening onto an expansive landscaped plaza complete with playful water features, creating a gathering place for guests and visitors. The new hotel also connects all four Hotels of the Disneyland Resort through lush gardens and beautifully landscaped walkways, transforming the gateway on the west side and creating a welcoming entry for Disneyland Resort guests.

It appears that Earl of Sandwich, AMC Theaters, Rainforest Cafe, ESPN Zone and all Downtown Disney tenants past the LEGO Store heading towards the Disneyland Hotel will close to accommodate the new resort hotel. Some of these may relocate to new shop space in the hotel once completed.

This new hotel creates great benefits for the community, generating approximately $25 million in new taxes in its first five years of operation that go directly to Anaheim’s general fund. It also will create thousands of additional construction and permanent jobs and attract new hotel guests to the resort area.

Construction is scheduled to start in summer 2018, with a grand opening slated for 2021.

UPDATE: 6500 Space Parking Garage Being Built with New Disneyland Hotel, Eastern Gateway Dead

WDWNT on November 2, 2017

With the Eastern Gateway project now dead, Disney will instead will build a new 6,500-car garage next door to the existing Mickey and Friends parking structure (replacing the adjacent Pinocchio surface lot), using its new hotel area as an entry portal for most guests.

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It is expected to significantly speed up guest arrival by providing a 60 percent increase in the number of access lanes and adding additional parking capacity on the west side of the resort.

The additional parking capacity and access lanes will streamline vehicle arrivals on the west side of the resort and eliminate backups onto city streets. In addition, the tram boarding area will be reconfigured to enhance the transportation experience for guests parking at both the new structure and Mickey & Friends.

Construction is scheduled to begin in February 2018, with the structure set to open the following year.

Disney needs the new parking capacity to accommodate guests coming to the resort to see Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in 2019, as well as the vague, yet-announced Marvel-themed Land for Disney California Adventure coming sometime after that.

Further details on the new hotel and entry plaza can be found in our original story.

Disney Parks Creating New “Made with Magic” Light-Up Merchandise That “Glows with the Show” at Home Via App

WDWNT on November 2, 2017

The long-running “Made with Magic” (or “Glow with the Show”) items at Disney Parks are getting much needed makeover to allow guests to have more fun with them at home. The light-up ear hats, bows, gloves, wands, and more have been an interesting offering at the Disney Parks over the last few years, dancing in synchronized light to nighttime spectaculars and more, but new ear hats will also work at home via the Shop Disney Parks mobile app.

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At some point in the near future, a new version of the “Made with Magic ” ear hat will be released, one that can be controlled via the Shop Disney Parks app. The app will allow guests to control the color and blinking speed of the item no matter where they are, something the older items are incapable of.

As well, the Made with Magic items will “Glow at Home” during ABC’s The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration on November 30th, as well as the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade on December 25th, 2017.

There has been no word on when these new items will debut at the parks, but it should be any day now.

Made with Magic currently works with the following entertainment offerings at Walt Disney World:

  • Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
  • Happily Ever After fireworks show at Magic Kingdom park
  • Once Upon A Time at Magic Kingdom park
  • Rivers of Light at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park
  • Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
  • Select concerts at the America Gardens Theatre in the American Adventure Pavilion at Epcot

While you don’t often see many guests wearing the Made with Magic items, here are some great videos that really show off the tech in action:

PIXAR Fest Begins April 13th, 2018 at the Disneyland Resort, Paint the Night Returns, New Fireworks Debut

WDWNT on November 2, 2017

As Disney Parks Chairman Bob Chapek announced at the D23 Expo in August, Disneyland Resort guests are invited to celebrate their favorite Disney·Pixar stories during Pixar Fest. Beginning April 13, 2018, this limited-time celebration of friendship and beyond will feature the debut of an all-new fireworks spectacular and the return of two favorite parades as well as even more beloved Pixar characters, new décor, atmosphere entertainment, themed food and beverage and new merchandise items.

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“Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” will light up Disneyland park beginning April 13. In addition to dazzling pyrotechnics and memorable music, the theme of friendship, ever-present in most Pixar films, is celebrated in this nighttime spectacular. Guests are invited to embark on an emotional journey that starts when unlikely Pixar characters first meet. As they set out on adventures and overcome obstacles together, “Together Forever” celebrates the everlasting friendships forged by beloved Pixar pals. The story comes to life through projections on iconic park locations: Sleeping Beauty Castle, the water screens of the Rivers of America, the facade of “it’s a small world” and the buildings of Main Street, U.S.A. This nighttime spectacular will even feature a special flyover by Buzz Lightyear at Sleeping Beauty Castle.

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Also on April 13th, the popular “Paint the Night” parade will return, this time to Disney California Adventure park. The parade features many Pixar stories, including characters from “Toy Story,” “Monsters, Inc.” and “Cars,” and another Pixar story will join “Paint the Night” parade later in the year.

With the launch of Pixar Fest, “Pixar Play Parade” will make its way through Disneyland park for the first time. The parade will begin as most Pixar films have, with an appearance by the iconic and adorable Pixar lamp. Other new parade elements will feature characters from “UP” and “Inside Out.”

The Pixar Shorts film festival will feature rotating favorites such as “For the Birds” and “Lava” at the Sunset Showcase Theater in Hollywood Land in Disney California Adventure park throughout most of Pixar Fest. The Paradise Gardens area will feature a new Pixar-themed musical troupe along with Pixar character greeting opportunities as well as crafts and activities for younger guests.

Guests can get into character and celebrate friendship with a host of new merchandise, including an exclusive Pixar Fest charm bracelet. With multiple bracelet options and a variety of charms with fun friendship messages and favorite Pixar characters, guests can mix and match for themselves, or friends and family!

All of these exciting new experiences come in addition to the many attractions and entertainment throughout the Disneyland Resort that includes favorite Pixar characters. Join the celebration when Pixar Fest begins April 13, 2018!

PHOTOS: New Little Orange Bird Purse On Sale at Disney Parks

WDWNT on November 2, 2017

A new faux-leather Little Orange Bird purse is now on sale at both the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts.

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The bag retails for $65.00 and features a lining with orange polka-dots and Orange Bird head icons.

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The purse is available in dress shop locations at both resorts. We found this one in the Emporium at the Magic Kingdom.

Cars Land Attractions Getting Christmas Overlays for the First Time in 2017

WDWNT on November 2, 2017

With the success of Haul-O-Ween in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure, it seems that Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree will be transforming for Christmas now.

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If rumors are true, beginning November 10th, guests will find Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree overlays of the popular Cars Land attractions.

While Cars Land has been decorated for Christmas before, this will mark the first time that the attractions are receiving Christmas soundtracks.

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort begins November 10th, 2017.

Disney Hosting Online Hiring Event & Two Job Fairs for Positions All Around Disneyland Resort

WDWNT on November 2, 2017

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work for Disney in the parks?

Disney is currently looking to hire for positions all around the Disneyland Resort. Full and part time jobs are currently available at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, the Downtown Disney District, and the three Disneyland Resort hotels. More information on these positions, as well as applications, can be found at Disneyland.jobs/jobfair.

In November, Disney will host two role-specific job fairs that will be open to the general public. The main roles Disney is seeking during these events are culinary and housekeeping. Qualified candidates will be able to apply for positions and receive offers on-site during the job fairs.

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The job fair for those interested in housekeeping will be held on Tuesday, November 7, from 11am to 5pm at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. The job fair event for those interested in culinary positions will be held on Saturday, November 18, from 10am to 5pm at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa. Registration and additional information can be found at the aforementioned Disneyland.jobs/jobfair.

Good luck!