More Details, Opening Dates, and Annual Pass Previews Announced for 12 Minute Sneak Peek of Disney’s “Tomorrowland”

WDWNT on April 13, 2015

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Walt Disney Studios announced today an unprecedented collaboration between the Studio, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort to offer park guests a 12-minute sneak peek of Disney’s upcoming thrilling, mystery-adventure film, “Tomorrowland,” opening in U.S. theaters on May 22. Guests will also enjoy an impressive exhibit that features the making of the movie with props, concept artwork and photos from the filming of the movie plus exclusive images from the Disney Archives. The sneak peek and exhibit will open April 17 in Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park and on April 18 in Future World at Epcot and will be available to the public for a limited time. There will be an annual passholder preview at Walt Disney World on April 17th, but no details have been provided on that offering yet.

The must-see event marks the first time that a sneak peek has been offered at Epcot in Walt Disney World and the first time Walt Disney Studios has teamed up with both parks to showcase an upcoming Disney film with footage and an in-depth look at the making of the film. Sure to spark the imagination and curiosity of all, the special exhibit details the process of bringing director Brad Bird’s vision to life and will show how filmmakers created the world of Tomorrowland, along with archival images of iconic Disneyland attractions featured in the movie.

In the movie, the premise that the futuristic city of Tomorrowland could actually exist pays homage to Walt Disney’s vision for both Tomorrowland at Disneyland Resort and Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort where ever-evolving technologies are showcased along with ideas to make the world a better place for all.

Commenting on the exclusive “Tomorrowland” sneak peek event, Brad Bird, the film’s two-time Oscar® winning director, says, “We are excited that park guests will be the first to get an extended look at ‘Tomorrowland’ in the part of Disneyland that inspired the film. Tomorrowland is the one section of the park that Walt Disney himself designed to be tied inexorably to constant change. After all, the future is always in motion, continually shifting as humankind’s choices of the present remake the world ahead of us. ‘Tomorrowland’ is a state of mind. My hope is that the exhibit will convey some of the magic that went into bringing this land… and this movie, to life.”

“Tomorrowland,” a riveting mystery adventure starring Academy Award® winner George Clooney, tells the story of former boy-genius Frank (Clooney), jaded by disillusionment, and Casey (Britt Robertson), a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity, who are bound by a shared destiny and embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space known only as “Tomorrowland.” What they must do there changes the world—and them—forever.

Featuring a screenplay by “Lost” writer and co-creator Damon Lindelof and Brad Bird, from a story by Lindelof & Bird & Jeff Jensen, “Tomorrowland” promises to take audiences on a thrill ride of nonstop adventures through new dimensions that have only been dreamed of.

The film also stars Hugh Laurie as brilliant scientist David Nix, Raffey Cassidy, Tim McGraw, Kathryn Hahn, Keegan-Michael Key and Thomas Robinson.

“Tomorrowland” is produced by Damon Lindelof, Brad Bird and Jeffrey Chernov and directed by Brad Bird, with John Walker, Bernard Bellew, Jeff Jensen and Brigham Taylor serving as executive producers.

Disneyland Confirms that the Hatbox Ghost Will Return to the Haunted Mansion

WDWNT on April 13, 2015

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He’s back… The short-lived Hatbox Ghost who briefly haunted the attic of the Haunted Mansion back in 1969 will return to Disneyland this May. Due to technical issues, the figure never worked properly and was quickly removed from the ride, but he has managed to build a huge cult-following in recent years and has been featured on a ton of merchandise for the attraction. Disneyland today confirmed the long-rumored return and has stated he will be in place at the Haunted Mansion in-time for the park’s 60th anniversary celebration.

Tomorrowland Movie Preview Coming to Epcot and Disneyland; Is Captain EO Closing for Good?

WDWNT on April 13, 2015

For a limited time, a sneak peek of “Tomorrowland” will be presented with special in-theater effects at the Imagination Pavilion theater at Epcot and the Tomorrowland Theater at Disneyland park, current and former homes to the Magic Eye Theater and the Captain EO attraction starring Michael Jackson. At Disneyland, you will also be able to discover an exhibit inspired by the movie, featuring production artwork and props used in the “Tomorrowland” film.

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Captain EO closed at Disneyland last year and the now-renamed Tomorrowland Theater has hosted sneak peeks for Guardians of the Galaxy and Big Hero 6 since then, meanwhile Captain EO has never returned as promised. It will be interesting to see if it ever does and if the April closure of Captain EO at Epcot is the final curtain for the 1986 classic in Florida. Only time will tell…

The Disney Parks-exclusive “Tomorrowland” sneak peek begins in mid-April at Epcot and Disneyland park. “Tomorrowland” opens in theaters on May 22, 2015.

New Disney Parks Collection PANDORA Jewelry Coming in March 2015

WDWNT on March 19, 2015

Some new charms items from the Disney Parks Collection | PANDORA, will launch in multiple merchandise locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts on March 12. The new charms will join the previously released jewelry collection that features hand-finished .925 sterling silver and 14K gold charms inspired by some of Disney’s most beloved characters and icons. Here’s a preview of some new items created especially for Disney Parks.

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Two charms will be released that were inspired by Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland park and Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park. These sterling silver dangle charms, which make great keepsakes, feature the resort destination name on the bottom of each castle.

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This spring collection will also include a sterling silver and teal enamel charm featuring Mickey’s Fun Wheel from Disney California Adventure park. A popular charm, however, is a sleek sterling silver geometric sphere that resembles Spaceship Earth with a monorail from Epcot.

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Guests should also look for a Minnie Mouse charm that is similar to the “Mickey Mania” charm released last fall. The sterling silver openwork “Minnie Mania” charm has colorful red, light yellow, black and white enamel details.

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Black and red enamel Mickey and Minnie Mouse icons are also pictured on a sterling silver safety chain with enamel hearts. For those who may not be familiar with a safety chain, it’s a stylish and practical way to keep your charms secure on your PANDORA bracelet. To use, simply thread one end on the bracelet first, add your charms and then thread the other side of the safety chain on the end of the bracelet to secure.

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The best places at Disney Parks to find PANDORA jewelry are at La Mascarade d’Orleans in New Orleans Square in Disneyland park at Disneyland Resort, and at Uptown Jewelers in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort.

Guests will also find an additional jewelry charm designs from the spring 2015 Disney | PANDORA Jewelry Collection at select Disney Parks merchandise locations and at PANDORA stores throughout North America.

Select charms will also be offered on the Disney Parks online store at http://www.DisneyStore.com/PANDORA.

New Cinderella Coach Popcorn Bucket Coming to Disney Parks

WDWNT on March 19, 2015

Just in time for the release of Disney’s live-action film Cinderella in March, a new premium popcorn bucket in the shape of Cinderella’s royal coach is coming soon to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort.

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This specialty souvenir will also be available at the Disneyland Resort later this spring.

Since it looks like Fairy Godmother has turned a popcorn scoop into Cinderella’s carriage, you’ll never have to worry about being late to the ball, because now you can take your royal coach with you.

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Disneyland Park’s Innoventions to Close March 31st; Marvel or Star Wars on the Way?

WDWNT on March 19, 2015

On February 28, when the Disneyland Fire Department quickly extinguished a backstage spot fire on the side of the its a small world show building after a fireworks display, it was really no big deal. More sparks have flown among the fan community over the quiet Friday announcement of the shuttering of Innoventions on March 31st.

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Not that folks loved the exhibition style attraction, the smaller sister of the sprawling Epcot overhaul of 1982’s Communicore. The show space has been gradually diminished, even its 1998 debut with an Audio-Animatric host, contemporary computers, gaming opportunities and other slightly forward looking oddities. The space lurched forward in later years, mainly operating as a meet and greet area for characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

“As part of our continuing efforts to offer our guests new magic, we regularly make modifications and enhancements throughout the Disneyland Resort, said park spokesman John McClintock on Friday. “We have nothing further to announce at this time.”

Fans meanwhile are agog at the possibilities for Innoventions’ replacement.

Busting the idea that the “paperboy” can’t land the internet on your porch, the Orange County Register laced its Saturday Innoventions closure article with blog-esque Star Wars attraction speculation. The Disney Parks have also fed this brand of breathless speculation through the legions of U.S. park enthusiasts, by sitting silently on an abundance of popular franchises, Star Wars and Marvel among them. Under agreements Marvel struck before its acquisition by Disney in 2009, it is barred from creating U.S. attractions “east of the Mississippi.” This has focused intense interest on the Disneyland Resort and on Disney off-shore parks, particularly those in Asia, as sites for high-end Marvel attractions.

But the idea that something substantial in scope will be announced or begin to be built in or on the site of the former Carousel Theatre in the short term seems unlikely, even though some persist that a 60th anniversary exhibit would fill the former Dream Home space downstairs.  A promotional space for the Tomorrowland theatrical film that opens May 22 – the same day that the Diamond Celebration entertainment premieres at the Disneyland Resort, also does not appear to be imminent (at least for this particular space).

No plans have been revealed for the future of the Marvel meet and greets that already exist in the Innoventions building. Grander announcements are far more likely during D23 Expo, August 14 -16th at the Anaheim Convention Center.

PHOTOS: Smokejumper’s Grill, First Piece of New Grizzly Peak Airfield, Opens in California Adventure

WDWNT on March 19, 2015

Hope springs eternal on the first day of spring at Disney California Adventure, where a tribute to daredevil airmen who flew planes to the edge of space gives way to a thematic accolade to those brave souls who choose to jump out.

Even though the rest of the area isn’t open yet, Smokejumpers Grill (which opened today) previews the backstory of the area, while serving up a steaming plate of real and created fire jumper lore, adding some Disney nature collateral to the menu… all along with burgers and fries.

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A fairly servicable quick service menu with kid meals, beer and wine

Today, the Disneyland Resort began to remedy old perceptions with the opening of the first phase of a re-imagined Grizzly Peak Airfield “land” at Disney California Adventure. The rest of the one-attraction-area is expected to reopen in May. Work going on in the Soarin’ Over California attraction in this area has been described as technical, part of a process to return the show to a state of the art presentation. There are no changes expected in the “Soarin'” attraction outside of crystal-clear digital projections. At least yet.

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Concept art depicting the reimagined area. © Disney

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A “letter” pinned to one of the bulletin boards serves up a back story for the Smokejumpers Grill.

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Two theatrical posters from Walt Disney True-Life Adventures hang in the new restaurant. Is Grizzly Peak the “King of the Wild Frontier” now?

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This area of the park will benefit the Park by offering some “plebeian food” in a location near its “hub.” While the upscale Carthay Circle Restaurant was added during the “Great Revision” in 2012, several other food opportunities were lost. Bur-r-r Bank Ice Cream, Baker’s Field Bakery, and the Soup Opera Bistro all near the Park’s center, were stuttered before the grand re-design. The near-by Fiddler Fifer and Practical Cafe also dumped soup and sandwiches from its menu shortly after opening.

The change to Grizzly Peak Airfield will create a more cohesive “story” as guests figuratively leave “Los Angeles” and head for the hills rather than the dessert. But as tales of the high-desert daredevil airmen go the way of the flightless Dodo, we also say goodbye to an attempt to tell a real California story. The previous area theme, Condor Flats, nodded to the test pilots who chased, then broke the sound barrier in the nascent race to space. However, this homage to one of California’s great “reach for the stars” moments, didn’t prove to have the “Right Stuff” for the Theme Park’s guests.

Seemingly this now little known stop on the road to space was not fully understood by the general public, or perhaps it was the underwhelming utilitarian airfield setting that failed to stir park-goers imaginations. Regardless, Grizzly Peak Airfield is a welcome change of scenery for the park.
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CONCEPT ART: Disney Reveals Plans for Grizzly Peak Expansion and Soarin’ Over California

WDWNT on March 19, 2015

Condor Flats in California Adventure closed back in January for a major overhaul and Disney is finally letting us know what will be happening to the area as it becomes Grizzly Peak Airfield over the coming weeks.

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The Smokejumpers Grill (formerly Taste Pilot’s Grill) will open to guests on March 20th. This new quick-service location takes inspiration from the brave men and women who fight wildfires in California forests. In addition to a whole new look, the location will feature an updated menu with items such as a Bacon Cheddar Burger, Grilled Chicken & Jack Sandwich and Chili Cheeseburger.

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This is just the beginning of the Grizzly Peak expansion, which will bring new building exteriors, landscape features and more to the former Condor Flats area. Lush pine trees will bring cool areas of shade, making guests feel they have been transported to California’s High Sierras.

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The existing Soarin’ Over California attraction is currently being converted to digital projection systems, but the facade will also be refreshed. Soarin’ is set to return to action in May 2015. No word yet on what is happening to the “Fly ‘N’ Buy” store, but the large restroom building from Condor Flats will return sporting the new green and brown color scheme very soon as well.

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Disney Parks “Coolest Summer Ever” Brings Another 24-Hour Day; Frozen Summer Fun Returns & More

WDWNT on March 19, 2015

Walt Disney World Resort will kick off the “Coolest Summer Ever” with 24 hours of nonstop fun during a special event May 22-23 at the Magic Kingdom, hosted by Olaf, the summer-loving snowman from Disney’s blockbuster animated hit “Frozen.”

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Memorial Day weekend is the traditional start of family vacation time, and Walt Disney World Resort will launch into the season full force. The Magic Kingdom will be open 24 hours to guests from 6 a.m. to 6 a.m., Friday May 22 to Saturday, May 23. Guests will be invited to come in costume to show their Disney Side while a selection of favorite attractions, entertainment, special event merchandise, plus food and beverage are on tap all night long to celebrate the start of the “Coolest Summer Ever” at Walt Disney World Resort. The around-the-clock celebration features Disney character greetings, dance parties and surprises into the wee hours of the night.

The summer offerings at Walt Disney World will include the return of Frozen Summer Fun to Hollywood Studios, with the fireworks show, DJ dance party, and small parade re-joining the sing-along celebration. Frozen Summer Fun will be hosted June 17th through September 7th.

Disney also took this opportunity to announce the water park hopper ticket we have been talking about a rumor for some time now.

On the West Coast, Disneyland Resort will kick off the summer with a dynamic 24-hour event of its own, May 22-23, to launch the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration. Marking the 60th anniversary of the resort, the Diamond Celebration includes the premieres of three new nighttime spectaculars: “Disneyland Forever” fireworks, “Paint the Night” parade and “World of Color – Celebrate!”

The all-day/all-night revelry of the 24-hour party will include dancing and special character encounters at locations in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks, along with enchanting Diamond décor throughout the resort and the exciting shows and attractions that bring guests back year after year.

BREAKING: Disney Confirms Dancing Car Ride to Replace Flying Tires in Cars Land

WDWNT on February 26, 2015

Disney has released the following image,  the first concept art for the replacement attraction for Luigi’s flying tires attraction at Disney California Adventure:

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The artwork would confirm rumors of a dancing car, trackless ride that should open in early 2016. It appears guests will travel and twirl in 1950’s-era cars over a new floor covering the large air vents that pushed along the Flying Tires. We reported several months ago about the closure of the ride and speculated what might be replacing it.

Despite several dates that have now passed, Luigi’s Flying Tires should close forever by the middle of the month.

Rumors also indicate that this new ride system may be used for a new Toy Story attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the rumored Toy Story Land expansion of the park.

Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

UPDATE: Disney has announced the closing date for Luigi’s Flying Tires to be February 16th.