Tim Alcoser’s 3/27/12 Passholder Preview Photo Report

WDWNT on July 10, 2012

DLNT Reporter Tim Alcoser went to the Disneyland Resort today and got photos of the Annual Passholder merchandise and entertainment preview for Cars Land and Buena Vista Street. On to the photos…

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Inside Stage 17

Merchandise

Neat costume that will be used on Buena Vista Street

Mad T Party…. Yup

Alright, back to Cars

Love this jacket

Interesting Cast Member shirt. Looks like what used to be used in Paradise Pier


Monorail Vinylmation

Some generic DCA merchandise

Very purple



















Moving on for some quick photos around the parks











Over in Disneyland, scaffolding down on top half of the mountain





Thanks for reading

Tim Alcoser Photo Report DLR 3-20-2012

WDWNT on July 10, 2012

There are plenty of chances throughout the park to cast your lot among the multi-millions for a chance to win a Honda CRV.
There are plenty of chances throughout the park to cast your lot among the multi-millions for a chance to win a Honda CRV.

New Honda CRV in Innoventions.

Monorail Orange pulling into Tomorrowland Station.
Monorail Orange pulling into Tomorrowland Station.

Matterhorn as seen from Tomorrowland.

Monorail Blue over Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage.

Monorail Red at Tomorrowland Station.

Monorail Blue with It's a Small World in the background.

Monorail Orange beneath Matterhorn.

Monorail Orange beneath Matterhorn.

Mark Twain.

All smiles aboard Big Thunder Mountain Railroad!
All smiles aboard Big Thunder Mountain Railroad!

The Golden Horseshoe since it's restoration work.
The Golden Horseshoe since it’s restoration work.

Mark Twain.

Rivers of America.

Mark Twain steaming for the back country.

Mark Twain returning to civilization.

Mark Twain Steam n' Flag combo.

Now boarding!

All smiles after the big drop on Splash Mountain.
After the big drop on Splash Mountain.

I was just experimenting with this one.
I was just experimenting with this one

Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes.

Have a wonderful day!

New Character Coming to Disneyland Mid-May 2012

WDWNT on July 10, 2012

From Shawn Slater of the Disney Parks Blog:

 

In the upcoming Disney•Pixar movie “Brave,” Merida is a headstrong teenager with a vibrant spirit and a softness of heart, struggling to take control of her own destiny. You’ll be able to discover Merida’s story when “Brave” opens in theaters June 22 and, beginning in mid-May, Merida will be coming to Disney Parks in an all-new character greeting experience.

At Magic Kingdom Park, Merida will appear in Fairytale Garden in a setting inspired by her Scottish Highlands home, where young guests will be invited to engage in archery lessons and other activities until it’s their turn to meet her. Joining Merida will be the three bear cubs from the film, who will no doubt be up to plenty of mischief.

To prepare for Merida’s arrival, Rapunzel will be moving from Fairytale Garden April 15, to a new spot at the outskirts of Adventureland where she will continue to greet her loyal fans and subjects.

When visiting Disneyland park in California this summer, Merida and the cubs will find a home away from home near “it’s a small world” in Fantasyland, where guests will also be able to participate in activities inspired by Merida’s story.

According to Creative Director Reed Jones, “These new play and greet experiences at both parks will immerse our guests in ‘Brave,’ giving them the opportunity to be a part of Merida’s Scottish clan. And we’re all excited to have the bear cubs join Merida with their silly antics, creating a whole new way to bring our beloved Disney Characters to life.”

“Regardless of where they find Merida,” said Reed, “Guests are really going to fall in love with her and the bears.”

Official Openings in DCA June 15th

WDWNT on July 10, 2012

ANAHEIM, Calif. (March 7, 2012)  – The Happiest Place on Earth will get even happier June 15, 2012, with the grand opening of Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and the Carthay Circle Theatre at Disney California Adventurepark. The exciting, new additions will complete the five-year expansion ofDisneyland Resort, a premier, multi-day vacation destination in Southern California with two theme parks, three hotels and the Downtown Disney shopping and dining district.

With four new attractions opening at Disney California Adventure park, full day-to-night experiences at both parks, and the magical transformation of the Disneyland Hotel with new pools, themed suites and remodeled rooms, guests of all ages will enjoy more fun and adventure than ever before at the Disneyland Resort.

Cars Land expands Disney California Adventure by 12 acres and immerses guests in the thrilling world of the Disney•Pixar blockbuster “Cars.”  Guests will feel as if they have stepped into the town of Radiator Springs as they enjoy three family attractions showcasing characters and settings from the movie, plus “Cars”-themed dining and shopping locations such as Flo’s V8 Café, Ramone’s House of Body Art and Radiator Springs Curios.

One of the largest and most elaborate attractions ever created for a Disney park, Radiator Springs Racers is a twisting, turning, high-speed adventure through Ornament Valley and the town of Radiator Springs. Luigi’s Flying Tires invites guests to glide on air aboard special tires, whirling around with their pals. At Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, guests will whip around behind a baby tractor and enjoy tunes from a giant jukebox built from Mater’s most prized possessions.

Starting June 15, guests will enter Disney California Adventure along Buena Vista Street, a place that transports them to an era when Walt Disney arrived in California with new dreams:   1920s Los Angeles. Buena Vista Street features Red Car Trolleys, inspired by the transportation system that once served Southern California, and the Carthay Circle Theatre, modeled after the site of the 1937 world premiere of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Carthay Circle Theatre will include a lounge and the elegant Carthay Circle Restaurant, designed to be the premier dining location in Disney California Adventure.

Adding to the fun at Disney California Adventure this summer will be the newMad T Party in Hollywood Land, the return of Pixar Play Parade, and the new Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop at Pacific Wharf.  Mad T Party will feature nighttime, family fun inspired by the wild and whimsical world of Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland.”

The summer debuts of Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and Carthay Circle Theatre complement previous additions to the park, including the 4D fun ofToy Story Mania; the spectacular after-dark “World of Color” show; The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure; Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta andParadise Garden Grill restaurants, plus the re-themed attractions Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Silly Symphony Swings and Goofy’s Sky School.

To accommodate a media preview and make final preparations for the exciting debuts, Disney California Adventure will be closed June 14. The fun, new attractions, locations and entertainment will open to the public June 15.

New Images for Haunted Mansion Movie

WDWNT on July 10, 2012

From Peter Sciretta on SlasherFilms.com:

Update: Disney blogger InsideTheMagic informs us that: “That sculpt has been around for years. It has nothing to do with the film. It was inspired by HBG but isn’t related to del Toro. Here’s a commercially-available version of that sculpt. Nothing new. (Still cool though…)” Original post follows.

At Comic Con 2010, Guillermo del Toro surprised the crowd at the Disney panel in Hall H by announcing that he would be producing (and probably directing) a new big screen adaptation of the classic Disneyland attraction The Haunted Mansion.  The center of his plan is the reintroduction of the Hatbox Ghost, a character that appeared originally in The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland but was removed shortly after the attraction’s debut.

Illusion Industries has been creating concept designs for del Toro’s Haunted Mansion, andAICN found an image on their website which looks very much like a reimagining of the Hatbox Ghost. Hit the jump to check it out.

 

As Harry notes, this could be one of several things:

A sculptor at Illusion Industries could have just been a fan of Disneyland’s HAUNTED MANSION and of Bernie Wrightson and just did this because he knew that it must be sculpted by him because the world would destroy itself if it didn’t happen.   It could be that Guillermo has asked a selection of companies to bid via creating a HATBOX GHOST and he’ll decide which companies work on it based upon their interpretation.

It sure looks creepy — I really hope this project happens. Del Toro called the Hatbox Ghost “one of the scariest” images created for the ride, but a character which he also considers “incredibly whimsical.”

“There’s a legend that it was discarded on the first day of the ride’s operation because it was too scary,” said del Toro. “I like that legend, but the reality is that the imagineers could not make the illusion work, so they took it out.”

Here is a bit of history on the character from wikipedia:

Because The Hatbox Ghost featured prominently in artwork and narration for popular Haunted Mansion record albums sold for many years at Disney parks, and because Disney continues to market the ghost’s image, he has never been forgotten and has become somewhat of a legend, complete with cult following. Many fans of the ride wish to see him returned and have gone so far as to circulate petitions calling for the figure’s restoration.

Last we heard, The Haunted Mansion was being written by del Toro and Mimic/Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark remake scribe Matthew Robbins. Del toro said he wanted to make a scary movie in live-action 3D, set in “a heightened reality, which is super designed, incredibly innovative, narratively and visually.” It would not be a comedy, and he would attempt to make “the Haunted Mansion the most haunted place on Earth” and “doing it by being true to the spirit and the art and the aesthetic of the original Imagineers that created the mansion.”

Tim Alcoser’s 4/3/12 DLR Photo Report

WDWNT on July 10, 2012

Take a look at Tim’s Photo Report on his recent trip to Disneyland & DCA

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Some painters along Main Street

I decided to drop by because I realized I had never been to Disneyland during the opening rope drop, so I stopped by and waited with the crowds.

I decided to drop by because I realized I had never been to Disneyland during the opening rope drop, so I stopped by and waited with the crowds.

There are a lot of baby ducks at the resort right now. They must certainly be the luckiest ducks in the entire world, to call the Rivers of America their home.

There are a lot of baby ducks at the resort right now. They must certainly be the luckiest ducks in the entire world, to call the Rivers of America their home.

Down we go!

Cover removed from Que line.

Cover removed from the Queue line at California Screamin’

Cover removed from Que line.

Cover removed from Que line.

Zooming in on each guest reaction is fun.

Zooming in on each guests reaction is fun

Farewell, safe journeys...send me a postcard.

Farewell, safe journeys…send me a postcard.

Someone has to do it.

Someone has to do it

The latest view down Carsland's route 66.

The latest view down Carsland’s route 66.

New logo!

New Logo!

New logo!

Missed out at the preview. No worries.

Missed out on the new merchandise at the preview? No worries.

You can see something

You can see something “Lego” peeking out under the covers.

Thanks for reading!

Napa Rose’s New Cocktails

WDWNT on July 10, 2012

From Pam Brandon on Disney Parks Blog:

“We asked our bartenders to come up with 20 cocktails to feature at Napa Rose,” says Philippe Tosques, general manager of the restaurant at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Philippe and restaurant manager Eric Quezada challenged bartenders Matt Ellingson, Ryland Brown and Joe Monje to come up with incredible libations, featuring all sorts of unusual combinations.

“Eric and I both were pleasantly surprised by the complexity and flavor profiles,” says Philippe. How about the British Spitfire with VeeV Acai, Domaine de Canton Ginger and fresh lemon honey syrup? Or the Equinox, with Calvados, Liquor 43, Goldschlager, Cherry Heering and fresh lime juice. There’s also a classic Old Fashioned and a Manhattan, and the signature Napa Rose with Beefeater gin, Campari, Drambouie, fresh lemon juice and Peychaud bitters.

Below is the recipe for the Bitter Storm. “I think this is a really good reflection of what we’re doing at the Napa Rose bar,” says Philippe.

Bitter Storm
Serves 1

¾ ounce Bulleit Bourbon
¾ ounce Fernet-Branca
½ ounce Cherry Heering liqueur
½ ounce Poire William brandy
½ ounce Orgeat syrup
¾ ounce lemon juice
Grapefruit peel, for garnish

  1. Pour all ingredients into a shaker; fill with ice and vigorously shake for 30 seconds.
  2. Strain into a tall chilled classed filled with ice. Garnish with grapefruit peel.

Tim Alcoser’s DLR Photo Report 4/9/12

WDWNT on July 10, 2012

DLNT Reporter Tim Alcoser was at the Disneyland Resort last night and captured some great photos of Buena Vista Street.

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Trolley wire is set up down Buena Vista Street and Hollywoodland.

Fountain up and running on Buena Vista Street.

Fountain up and running on Buena Vista Street.
Fountain up and running on Buena Vista Street!

Beauty shots of Cars Land at night.

Enjoying some World of Color

Not the least bit crowded.

Thanks for reading!

New Email Dining Reservation System For The Disneyland Resort

WDWNT on July 10, 2012

From Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:

“Dining
As you may know, Disneyland Resort guests may book dining reservations through the Disney Dine Line (714-781-DINE) but, beginning today, we’re offering a new way to request a dining reservation at the resort.

Here’s how it works:

  • Guests may now email their dining reservation requests to dine@disneyland.com
  • Requests will be reviewed the same day, when received during the hours of 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., 7 days a week
  • Requests received after hours will be reviewed the next day
  • Guests may request Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and Studio Disney 365 reservations through this email address as well
  • Email requests should include the following information:
    • Name of the restaurant or experience you’d like to book
    • Requested reservation date and meal period (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
    • Total number of guests in your party
    • Your name and phone number
  • Remember: Your request is not confirmed until you’ve received a confirmation number

For a list of Disneyland Resort restaurants that accept reservations, click here.

We know that Disneyland Resort guests are very excited about the upcoming opening of Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure park on June 15. Dining reservations are not available at this time, but keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog and @Disneyland on Twitter for updates on when the booking window for this brand-new restaurant will open.

Is Cars Land Revving-Up Some Live Entertainment?

WDWNT on July 10, 2012

Two new posts have gone up on the Disney Auditions Website both looking for performers for a new show coming to Cars Land. Here are the postings:

Disney Parks Talent Casting is seeking males with physical comedy and improv skills for a new act in Cars Land.

Entertainers for this show are covered under the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement with the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA).

Role

Males with strong physical comedy and improv skills. All ages, body types and ethnicities are encouraged to attend, including deaf performers (translator will be provided). This is a mostly non-verbal role (think Charlie Chaplin meets Cirque clown.)

 

And here is the second posting:

 

Disney Parks Talent Casting is seeking female Dancer/Hosts to play the role of “Spinner” in an all-new, interactive dance party that travels the streets of Cars Land.

Entertainers for this show are covered under the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement with the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA).

Role

Spinner: Female, youthful, all heights and ethnicities, leads a small dance crew. Must be able to interact with Guests as well as a character from the Disney feature film Cars.

These postings are a little more vague than the ones that came out for the Buena Vista Street Performers. The top role is interesting as it is a ” non-verbal role.” The second audition though is labeled as a “interactive dance party” that is hosted by a performer called “Spinner.”

UPDATE:

We’ve got confirmation and more information officially from Disney on these new entertainment offerings coming to Cars Land.

Small-town hospitality flows from Radiator Springs and brings good times to you!

  • Red the Fire Truck brings impromptu water fun at the Courthouse in Cars Land.
  • DJ gets you hip-hoppin’ with bass beats that are pumpin’ through his neon-blazin’, thumpin’ subwoofers and sweet speakers.
  • Don’t miss the transformation of Radiator Springs at sunset when the streets shimmer from sparkling lights and music pulses through the night air.

It looks like Red the Fire Truck will be bringing some “impromptu water fun” to Cars Land. It isn’t really clear if this is a show or just a water play area as it is listed under entertainment.

The “interactive dance party” that was mentioned early is being hosted by Spinner, and the music supplied by DJ. I’m thinking this will be similar to Phineas and Ferb’s Rockin’ Rollin’ Dance Party.

And last but certainty not least, Disney has finally announced the nightly transformation of Cars Land when the Neon is switched on. It is rumored just like the movie that “Sh-Boom” (or Life Could Be a Dream as it is also known) will be played through the land as the buildings are lit.

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