Luigi’’s Rollickin’ Roadsters to Open in Cars Land in 2016 np

WDWNT on April 3, 2014

Luigi’s Flying Tires in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure is being replaced with a dancing car ride as rumored, but the ride now has a name: Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters.

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The backstory:

Luigi has invited all of his cugini (cousins) from his hometown of Carsoli, Italy, to visit his Casa della Tires. To help celebrate Race Day in Radiator Springs, they will demonstrate the dances of their village with Cars Land guests when the all-new Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters opens early next year.

The ride will incorporate trackless ride technology to bring the dancing cars full of guests to life.

RUMOR: Several Shanghai Disneyland Attractions To Be Reproduced for U.S. Disney Parks np

WDWNT on April 3, 2014

While we already told you about Soarin’ Over the Horizon likely coming to the U.S. Disney Parks soon, several other attractions announced this week for Shanghai Disneyland are heavily rumored to possibly come to the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resorts somewhere down the line. Here’s the breakdown:

TRON Lightcycle Power Run

The TRON Lightcycle roller coaster was long rumored for the Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland before Shanghai Disneyland was even announced. The financial uncertainty of the franchise following TRON Legacy halted the project, yet it was green-lit for Shanghai. Even though the plug was pulled on TRON 3, chances are the ride in Shanghai is a good indication that the Walt Disney Company isn’t giving up on TRON just yet.

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Rumor has it the Magic Kingdom version would occupy the cast member parking lot and former home of the Galaxy Palace Theater, with the outdoor portion wrapping around Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress… if it ever happens…

Disney California Adventure is rumored to be adding a launching Marvel coaster, so it wouldn’t make sense to also add a TRON roller coaster there. That would make it two launching roller coasters for them already with California Screaming’ in the park.

Eye of the Storm – Captain Jack’s Stunt Spectacular

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We’re almost certain that this Pirates of the Caribbean stunt show will make it into the new, revamped Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The press release even states that the first version of the show will premiere in Shanghai, alluding to clones of the show in Florida, possibly even in California.

Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue

Yes, Buzz Lightyear rides already reside in the 2 U.S. Magic Kingdom-style parks, but it seems likely that the technology being used for this new version of the attraction will be implemented at the existing shooter-rides as part of upcoming Tomorrowland overhauls.

Fantasyland Attractions

With new versions of Peter Pan’s Flight and the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh being built for Shanghai, we are expecting significant upgrades for both attractions at Walt Disney World in the next few years.

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Peter Pan’s Flight at Disneyland has already implemented some new technology as of this month, but we still think more expansive upgrades are coming at the Magic Kingdom.

The Winnie the Pooh dark rides on both coasts are expected to receive a series of upgrades somewhere down the line as well.

Star Wars Launch Bay

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The Star Wars Launch Bay is an experience where guests can interact with exhibits, view Star Wars props and displays, and meet Star Wars characters. This attraction will be the extent of the Star Wars presence in Shanghai, but much more is expected for Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Park.

Rumor has it that the Star Wars Launch Bay will open in the former home of Innoventions at Disneyland before the end of 2015, with Walt Disney World rushing to do the same in one of the empty venues at Hollywood Studios. This will act as a placeholder until the Star Wars lands for each park can be completed in a few years.

Soarin’ Over The Horizon Announced, Expected in U.S. Disney Parks by 2017 np

WDWNT on April 3, 2014

With all of the announcements for Shanghai Disneyland last night, seemingly lost in the shuffle is the debut of a completely new Soarin’ attraction which will premiere in Shanghai first:

Soaring Over the Horizon

Anyone who has dreamed of seeing the world or soaring like a bird will enjoy the exhilarating experience at Soaring Over the Horizon, with an aerial tour of the globe never seen before. High above some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, Soaring over the Horizon will take travelers on a voyage of discovery that tours every continent. Starting from an ancient observatory nestled in the cloud forest, guests will soar and explore spectacular scenic wonders, with special segments for guests of Shanghai Disneyland overlooking Shanghai and The Great Wall of China.  An ideal attraction for the entire family, it offers an original story, a new walk-through experience and a new aerial tour.  The attraction is an epic re-mastering of the popular attraction at Disney California Adventure, in the United States.

As part of the press footage revealed overnight, WDI released clips of the filming of the new Soarin’, which will cover exciting locales around the world:

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While it is unclear if the Great Wall of China will appear in the U.S. version when the time comes, we can finally be certain that a new version of Soarin’ has been filmed and should be premiering at Epcot and Disney California Adventure by 2017.

No Admission Tax Means $1 Billion Investment in Disneyland Resort Parks and Parking Structures

WDWNT on April 3, 2014

At 1 am Wednesday morning, a 3 to 2 vote in the packed city council chambers nixed the levying of an admission tax on theme park tickets at the Disneyland Resort for the next 30 years. The Walt Disney Company had dangled a $1 billion carrot in opposition to the tax, in the form of improvements to the two theme parks,  a new 5000 space parking structure, and street improvements in the resort area.

 

After 5 1/2 hours of public comments, the City Council voted 3-2 to approve the deal, which requires Disney to begin construction by the end of 2017 and complete the theme park expansion within seven years. If Disney doesn’t hit the deadline or meet the spending threshold, the admission tax moratorium would expire.

That vote was actually taken to extend an exemption for Disney that started in 1996 and expires June 30, 2016. No Disney park in the world currently has an admission tax. A further agreement was reached to extend the pact another 15 years if Disney later proceeds on a separate $500 million project.

“We are excited about what the future holds for Anaheim and the Disneyland Resort as we work together to ensure our city continues to thrive and grow,” Michael Colglazier, President of the Disneyland Resort said after the vote.

No specifics have been offered as to the exact nature of the park improvements, or which park or parks they will be added to.

Disney Announces All-Night 24-Hour Disney Side Party On Both Coasts

WDWNT on March 31, 2014

Disney announced this morning that they will be carrying on their tradition of opening the parks for 24 hours on both costs with a “Rock Your Disney Side Party.” In 2012, Disney held their first 24 hour event “One More Disney Day” which was in recognition of leap year. Last year Disney held a 24 hour “Monstrous Summer All-Nighter” in promotion of the release of Pixar’s Monsters University.  The official announcement from the Disney Parks Blog this morning:

Earlier this morning, we shared a tweet that truly featured 140 characters to officially announce the latest Disney Parks bicoastal, All-Night Extravaganza on Memorial Day Weekend – the traditional start of the family travel season. Our “Rock Your Disney Side Party” will be a fun-filled 24-hour event at both Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
140 Characters Formed a Hashtag at Magic Kingdom Park and Invite You and Your Family to 'Rock Your Disney Side' During a 24-hour Party to Kick Off Summer

For the Ultimate Tweet, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pluto and 135 of their friends gathered at Magic Kingdom Park and formed the familiar shape of a hashtag. The 140 characters then invited you and your family to “Rock Your Disney Side” during a 24-hour party to kick off summer.

At this year’s All-Night Extravaganza, everyone is being invited to show their “Disney Side” by dressing as a favorite Disney hero or villain. The Magic Kingdom Park in Florida and Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park in California will be filled with Disney heroes and villains from 6 a.m., May 23 to 6 a.m., May 24, 2014, local time.

The celebration on both coasts will feature a cavalcade of events showcasing the good-vs.-evil of classic Disney stories including character meet-and-greets throughout the parks, special entertainment, event merchandise and special food and beverage offerings.

Nightmare Before Christmas in Disneyland Merchandise Event Details Released

WDWNT on March 31, 2014

 

 

Disneyland has finally released more information on this year’s merchandise event called The Nightmare Before Christmas at Disneyland, an event we told you about back in September 2013.

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The theme this year involves characters from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas taking over not just the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland, but the entire park. Disney previewed a few pins from the event today:

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The event itinerary is as follows:

“Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” in Disneyland event Package Details – $90
Event Admission Includes:

Registered event guests will have the opportunity to purchase “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” in Disneyland event themed merchandise via the Random Selection Process.

June 13, 2014 (12 p.m. – 8 p.m.)

  • Early Registration
  • Event Store & Random Selection Process Merchandise Pick-up
  • Trading Area

June 14, 2014 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

  • Event Store & Random Selection Process Merchandise Pick-up
  • Trading Area
  • Trading Boards
  • Trading Activities
  • Merchandise Artist Signing Opportunity
  • Silent Auction – featuring pre-production pins, artist proof pins and more
  • Product Showcase – meet Disney Pin Merchandisers and view upcoming pin releases
  • Commemorative Gifts (including a commemorative event T-shirt*)

Early Bird Offer:

  • Don’t miss out! Register early and receive an early bird pin. Available while supplies last.

*Event T-Shirt:
When registering for “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” in Disneyland event, please indicate your desired T-shirt size. Guests who do not register prior to Thursday, May 1, 2014, will not be guaranteed the desired shirt size.

All Aboard for Brand New Disney Railroad Merchandise

WDWNT on February 18, 2014

Many die-hard Disney fans have seen the iconic photo of Walt riding the train he built in his backyard for his daughters. His love for trains is well-known.

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Walt Disney World has featured railroads in its Parks since the opening days, and in honor of Walt’s love of trains, a series of Disney Attraction Poster t-shirts will be released January 27th, 2014.

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The Disney Design Group artists worked with Designer Richard Terpstra to create  two t-shirts inspired by the Disney Railroad attraction posters found within the Disney Parks. According to the book, “The Poster Art of the Disney Parks” by Walt Disney Imagineers Vanessa Hunt and Danny Handke, the original attraction posters that inspired  the merchandise designs were created by Jim Michaelson, Ernie Prinzhorn and Rudy Lord in 1977.

These t-shirts will be available on the Disney Parks online store from January 27 to February 2, 2014.  The railroad-themed shirts will ship in 6-8 weeks (express shipping is not available).

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While not available in January, these poster-themed plates and cups will be available at the new home goods mini-shop, Centerpiece,  at the Marketplace Co Op in Downtown Disney Marketplace opening later in 2014. There will be additional plates and cups featuring other attraction posters offered in Centerpiece.

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The Disney Parks attraction posters will also be offered later in the year, as a set, so look for those in a few months. The 2014 poster calendar set has featuring these has sold out and will not return to stores according to Disney.

Who’s coming aboard for train-themed merchandise?

Disney Vacation Club Introduces “Membership Magic”

WDWNT on February 18, 2014

magic_logo_blueWhether you’re new to the Member family or have been hearing “welcome home” for as long as you can remember, you help make the Disney Vacation Club community a special place to work and play. To help express our appreciation for the magic you bring to our neighborhood year after memorable year, Disney Vacation Club is rolling out “Membership Magic,” an unprecedented array of Membership enhancements, exclusive experiences and special offers.

 

Membership Magic news will appear in a variety of Member resources in the months and years ahead – from Disney Files Magazine to emails to some of your favorite social-media outlets. This newly enhanced home page here at DVCMember.com will be your one-stop-shop for all the latest developments. Visit often to stay up-to-date on new Membership Magic offerings, to be among the first to discover new DVCMember.com features and capabilities, to gain inspiration for your next dream vacation and to participate in conversations with your Disney neighbors.

An array of new member-exclusive offers and experiences will be available to book beginning February 6, 2014 through Member Services.  These offers and experiences are only available to Disney Vacation Club members.  More detailed information is available at DVCMember.com.

Some of the highlights include:

Member Night at Splitsville Luxury Lanes

We created this special Member event at a premiere bowling alley to give you more fun playing this classic game. After all, bowling in an exclusive setting can contribute to having a better game—and maybe even a higher score! This event is exclusive to Disney Vacation Club Members and their guests.

Wednesday nights, starting February 12, 2014
5:00 PM ET and 7:30 PM ET
$47 for adults (plus tax)
$38 for children 9 and under (plus tax)

Fishing Tournament

Put your tackle box to the test with a family-friendly fishing competition at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Each Thursday morning, you’re invited to cast off during the all-new Disney Vacation Club largemouth bass tournament, taking place on Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon. Fuel up as you start the day with a mouthwatering continental breakfast before cruising out and competing for the biggest catch. A number of prizes will be awarded, including honors for the largest bass and total limit catch weight—both determined by pound and ounce. A limited number of boats will be made available, each accommodating up to 4 Guests.

Thursday Mornings – Starting February 20, 2014
10:00 AM to Noon
$70 per person

Fireworks Cruise

Savor a complimentary assortment of treats each Wednesday when you book a Magic Kingdom Fireworks Cruise. Before departing from Disney’s Contemporary Resort, indulge your palate in lavish delicacies like champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. Then, once you’ve embarked, bear witness to premium, unobstructed views of the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular fireworks, as seen from picturesque Seven Seas Lagoon. Two pontoon boats available for this experience—each one accommodating as many as 10 Guests.

Wednesday Evenings – Starting February 19, 2014
$85 per person

Culinary Magic

Recognizing that culinary adventures play a bigger role than ever in travel plans, Disney Vacation Club has joined forces with several renowned Walt Disney World Resort chefs to create a series of magical dining experiences intended solely for Members and their guests.

Set within select premier restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort, these carefully crafted, fixed-price dinners provide Members with an opportunity to enjoy a cozy occasion—featuring exquisite foods and expertly chosen wines or beers, in addition to a live presentation from a culinary specialist.

Each Culinary Magic experience has been designed to feel as intimate as possible—with attendance limited, depending on the location— and takes place on the following dates:

February 27, 2014
Location: Flying Fish
Number of Guests: 40
Hosted by: Renowned Wine Expert
Time: 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Price: $165

March 13, 2014
Location: Cítricos
Number of Guests: 50
Hosted by: Renowned Wine Expert
Time: 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Price: $155

March 27, 2014
Location:Artist Point
Number of Guests: 50
Hosted by: Renowned Wine Expert
Time: 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Price: $165

Spa Nights: “Me Time”

Enjoy special Member access to Senses – A Disney Spa during select hours on Tuesday nights.

Now available at 2 Senses locations at Walt Disney World Resort—Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort—Members can indulge in even more special offers beyond the usual 15% spa treatment discount, including:
A glass of wine upon arrival
Complimentary service-enhancement upgrades—a $25 value—on any 50 or 80 minute massage and/or facial (based on availability)
A spa-product parting gift

Each of these unique experiences takes place from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, and rotates weekly between the 2 Senses locations.

Pick from the following facial and massage enhancements for your “Me Time” experience—each a $25 value!

Facial Enhancements

•Bright Eyes – Reduce fine lines, relieve puffy and stressed eyes, and target dark circles and signs of fatigue as you re-energize the eye area.
•Hydrating Lip Treatment – Gently erase dryness and fine lines during a hydrating and plumping experience sure to leave your lips looking voluptuous and youthful.
•Hand Brightener – Turn back the hands of time with this lightening, brightening hand treatment as you naturally say goodbye to hyper pigmentation and darks spots.
•Facial Boost – Customize your facial for specific areas of concern with one of 4 Facial Boosters, including: Firming Booster (eases the signs of aging), Anti-Blemish Booster (eases the signs of acne), Anti-Redness Booster (especially for Rosacea) and Lightening Booster (lightens pigmentation).

Massage Enhancements

•Firming Leg Treatment – Relieve tired, aching legs with this immunity-boosting leg treatment and dance the night away.
•Aromatherapy Oil Upgrade – Enhance your overall wellbeing and mood with the addition of essential oils to your favorite massage.
•Eco Fin Hand Treatment – Soothe and soften hands with this eco-friendly alternative to traditional paraffin.
•Warm Moroccan Oil Scalp Treatment – Imagine warm Moroccan oil’s nutrient-rich, antioxidant-infused formulas kneaded into your scalp during your favorite massage.

Walt Disney World Premium Annual Pass Special Offer

Enhance your vacation experiences at Walt Disney World Resort and enjoy limited time savings on Walt Disney World Premium Annual passes. Disney Vacation Club Members can take advantage of this special offer February 6 through April 30, 2014.

Walt Disney World Premium Annual Pass: For a limited time, Disney Vacation Club Members can pay just $484, saving $245 off the regular price on their Premium Annual Pass.

Disney Premier Passport Special Offer

Discover vacation magic at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California with Membership Magic savings.

For the first time, Disney Vacation Club Members can pay a discounted rate of $849, saving $130 off the regular price on their Disney Premier Passport.

Save on Disneyland Resort Deluxe Annual Passports

Discover limited time savings on Disneyland Resort Deluxe Annual Passports for Disney Vacation Club Members at The Happiest Place on Earth. Enjoy an enhanced vacation experience at Disneyland Resort when you take advantage of this special offer available February 6 through April 30, 2014.

Disneyland Resort Deluxe Annual Passports: For the first time, Disney Vacation Club Members can pay a discounted rate of $429, saving $70 off the regular price on their Deluxe Annual Passport.

 

Jungle Cruise Getting “Jingle Cruise” Makeover for Holidays at Walt Disney World & Disneyland

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

Disney announced today that the Jungle Cruise attraction will receive its first-ever holiday makeover this year. Beginning in early November, Jungle Cruise at both Disneyland park and the Magic Kingdom will temporarily transform into “Jingle Cruise” for the holiday season!

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In this new seasonal storyline of the attraction, the Skippers have grown homesick for the holidays, so they’ve added holiday cheer to the Jungle Cruise queue and boathouse with decorations that have been mailed to them from home (plus a few they’ve created themselves). The Skippers have also added a slew of new jokes to their tours that are the perfect way to get guests in the holiday spirit. Additionally, Jungle Cruise boats have been renamed with the holidays in mind, and if guests listen carefully, they may hear a holiday-themed radio broadcast playing in the background.

The layover will debut in early-November on both coasts!

So, what do you think? Is this a good idea?

Poster and Props Revealed for “The Jingle Cruise” Jungle Cruise Attraction

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

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Disney today revealed the attraction poster for the Jingle Cruise attraction, a new seasonal layover of the Jungle Cruise at the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park. The attraction debuts at Walt Disney World on November 8th and at Disneyland on November 12th. Neither attraction will close for the overlay, all of the work will be done overnight.

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Walt Disney Imagineering also shared this picture of some of the props they have been working on for the attraction.

So, what do you think? Are you excited for the Jingle Cruise?