Cars Land Entertainment Concept Art Released

WDWNT on July 7, 2012

We posted a few days ago about the entertainment offering coming to Cars Land. Disney has released some concept art of these shows on the Disney Parks Blog.

From Shawn Slater on the Disney Parks Blog:

We recently told you about some of the shows and characters coming to Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure park. Well, that was just the beginning! When Cars Land opens June 15, the tiny town of Radiator Springs will also be teeming with atmosphere entertainment inspired by the Disney•Pixar film, “Cars.”

“Red
Big and red on the outside, gentle and good-natured on the inside, Red the Fire Truck shows up with his sirens blaring and his bell ringing, heading to meet up with his good buddy, a Volunteer Firefighter. The Firefighter lets everyone know the flowers in the area need watering. It’s “Red to the Rescue,” but each time the Firefighter attempts to use Red’s hose, it backfires on him! In all the fun, the plants manage to get wet, and you might too!

“'DJ’s
Bringing a completely different kind of beat to the street is “DJ’s Dance & Drive.” DJ, the ultimate party car, rolls into town with his giant speakers, built-in disc changer and his very own dance party, led by a girl named Spinner. This gang stops traffic everywhere they go, creating a spontaneous, interactive dance party. Spinner and the crew teach us moves like the Overdrive, the Reverse and the Hairpin Turn, while DJ calls up the hits, from “Life in the Fast Lane” to “Car Wash.” DJ’s going to shift Cars Land into high gear!

Cruise on down to Cars Land this summer at Disney California Adventure park. The residents there will be glad you rolled into town!

“Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree” Coming To Frontierland

WDWNT on July 7, 2012

From Shawn Slater on the Disney Parks Blog:

We have some great news to share today! Starting May 3, we’ll be rounding up some good times and bringing a whole new energy to Frontierland at Disneyland park with the opening of the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree.

Cowboy Mickey
Encompassing the former Festival Arena site, the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree will feature music, dancing, crafts, pin trading and plenty of Disney characters in their finest Western wear. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we’ll be throwing a good, old fashioned Hoedown, where you can kick up your heels with the likes of Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and Chip ‘n Dale. From time to time, classic favorites like Horace Horsecollar, Clarabelle Cow, Clara Cluck or those silly Country Bears might even stop by!

What’s more, Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree is also going to be the newest spot to catch visiting performing ensembles as part of Disney Performing Arts. Disney Performing Arts provides an opportunity for middle and high school students and community groups from across the country to perform in Disney Parks as well as take workshops taught by entertainment professionals to improve their performance skills. You’ll be able to enjoy some of these young instrumentalists, singers and dancers as they put on the performance of a lifetime onstage at the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree.

 

Starbucks Coming To The Disney Parks

WDWNT on July 7, 2012

From Thomas Smith on the Disney Parks Blog:

Today, we’re excited to officially announce plans to bring your favorite Starbucks drinks and food items to all of our theme parks at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.

In June, the first of six planned Starbucks locations is scheduled to open at Disney California Adventure park. And more locations are planned at Disneyland park and Walt Disney World Resort (Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom).

The Starbucks locations inside our parks will be designed to fit the theme of their surroundings. At Disney California Adventure park, Starbucks will be located in the Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Café on Buena Vista Street, a place that transports guests to 1920s Los Angeles, when Walt Disney arrived in California and a cup of coffee was the perfect way to jumpstart a busy day. The store’s location plays off the Spanish/Mexican architecture of the period, and baristas will wear 1920s-inspired attire.

The café will serve Starbucks items, including coffee and espresso beverages, Frappuccino® blended beverages, and signature breakfast sandwiches and pastries. Guests also will have their choice of Disney favorites, including signature sandwiches and other items, as well as delicious desserts and sweet treats.

Let us know what you’ll be ordering in the comments.

And we have a little more information from an official press release:

SEATTLE & LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., April 23, 2012 – Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts today announced that Starbucks will soon be available at all Disney theme parks at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., and Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

This summer, the first of six Starbucks cafés will open at Disney California Adventure. The additional stores are planned for Disneyland Park and Walt Disney World Resort, including locations at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

“Starbucks and Disney have many things in common,” said Arthur Rubinfeld, president, Global Development, for Starbucks. “We share a passion for providing excellent customer service, delivering high quality in everything we do, and ensuring that every experience with our brand exceeds our customers’ expectations. This is something our customers and partners (employees) have asked for through MyStarbucksIdea.com since the site launched more than four years ago, so we are pleased to bring this idea to life.”

Starbucks is not completely new to Disney. In June 2009, the company opened a store in Disney Village at Disneyland Paris, which has become a guest favorite.

At Disney California Adventure, Starbucks will be located in the Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Café on Buena Vista Street, a place that transports guests to 1920s Los Angeles when Walt Disney arrived in California and a cup of coffee was the perfect way to jumpstart a busy day. The store’s location plays off the Spanish/Mexican architecture of the period, and baristas will wear 1920s-inspired attire.

The café will serve Starbucks items including coffee and espresso beverages, Frappuccino® blended beverages, and signature breakfast sandwiches and pastries. Guests also will have their choice of Disney favorites, including signature sandwiches and other items, as well as delicious desserts and sweet treats.

“We know food and beverage offerings are an important part of the memories our guests make at Disney Parks and now they will be able to enjoy their favorite Starbucks® beverage as part of their experience,” said Maribeth Bisienere, vice president, food and beverage line of business for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Many of our guests have shared their passion for Starbucks with us, and we look forward to making their feedback a reality as we debut the first location at Disney California Adventure.”

About Starbucks Coffee Company

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest-quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.starbucks.com.

Some Really Awesome Photos of Cars Land

WDWNT on July 7, 2012

Some really awesome photos from Paul Hiffmeyer on the Disney Parks Blog:

Behind the construction walls of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park, a photographer’s dream is waiting to be discovered. From the awe-inspiring rockwork to the whimsical traces of all the residents of Radiator Springs, there is so much to see (and shoot), that I thought it was time to share some of my favorite photos from this one-of-a-kind place.

Ornament Valley in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park, By Paul Hiffmeyer
When I saw the clouds this day, I knew I had to shoot Ornament Valley. Shooting this location is like being transported to another place.

Willy’s Butte in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park, By Paul Hiffmeyer
You can already imagine cars zooming by Willy’s Butte!

Cactus in the Valley of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park, By Paul Hiffmeyer
The plant life in Cars Land is really amazing. It seems like there are as many photos to take as there are cactus in the valley.

Entrance to Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park, By Paul Hiffmeyer
Here is a slightly different angle on the entrance to Radiator Springs Racers that Kathy Mangum shared yesterday. This arch really invites you in to this incredible attraction, not to mention photo location.

Statue of Stanley in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park, By Paul Hiffmeyer
Before we leave Cars Land, it seems only fitting to show the statue of Stanley, the founder of Radiator Springs. This location is surely going to be a popular one when Cars Land welcomes guests this summer.

I’ll be sharing more unique photos from “the cutest little town in Carburetor County,” so check back soon!

 

 

Expanded Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor, Penny Arcade, and Candy Palace Re-Opens On May 2nd

WDWNT on July 7, 2012

From Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:

Has your sweet tooth been aching during the refurbishment of Candy Palace and Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street, U.S.A.? If so, you’ll be glad to know that both of these Disneyland park favorites will re-open on May 2!

At the new, expanded candy kitchen inside Candy Palace, you will be able to watch our talented team of Candy Makers create some of your favorite sweet treats right before your eyes. Gourmet and caramel apples, toffee, fudge and other candy classics will line the shelves of this opulent turn-of-the-century location. Take a look at some of the new, special details guests will find at Candy Palace:

Next door, Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor has undergone a transformation to make your ice cream experience easier and more convenient. With more registers and scooping space, you will be able to get your ice cream fix quicker than ever before!

You can get ice cream by the scoop or one of the specialty sundaes, but what I’m most excited about are the new floats added to the menu – in addition to the traditional root beer float, Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor will offer Coca-Cola floats and Fanta Orange floats.

And you Penny Arcade fans will be pleased to know that the arcade will also re-open on May 2 alongside Candy Palace and Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor.

Tim Alcoser’s 4/24/2012 DLR Photo Report

WDWNT on July 7, 2012

DLNT Photographer Tim Alcoser was at the Disneyland Resort last Tuesday and captured some newsworthy photos around Downtown Disney, The Matterhorn, and Buena Vista Street…

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

The Lego Store is looking bright

The center piece inside the lego store is going to be Genie from Disney's Aladdin!

Giant Genie in the middle of the store

Maleficent

The Uva Bar is under refurbishment. The vines that have grown in for the past 10 years are being torn down. I think they look awesome grown in. Shame.

La Brea Bakery

In Disneyland, Matterhorn is looking fantastic

Ropes have been added along the small bridge facing subs.

Tarps are down on the Penny Arcade

Looks bright and fresh

Over in DCA, Trolley Wires!!

Buena Vista Street Fountain

No more elephants.

In 3D Dec 2010 😉

More facade refurbishment in Hollywoodland

Mad T Party

The Mad T Stage covered the fountain so the Mickey Statue will not be returning this summer

House of Cards

Cars Land entrance

The Bugs Land entrance is getting a facelift

Quick look down Route 66

This is a World of Color Maintenance Dive Boat. The flag on the top left corner is a Dive Flag. It let's others know (usually other ships) to be careful or keep a distance because divers are in the water.

WOC Maintenance

The new California Screamin’ queue covers are a huge improvement over the old yellow and beige covers

Thanks for reading

More Park Photos of Cars Land

WDWNT on July 7, 2012

From Paul Hiffmeyer of the Disney Parks Blog:

When night falls in Cars Land, all I can say is “get your camera ready!” For years, I’ve had the pleasure of discovering all the different photographs to be had at the Disneyland Resort once the sun goes down, so having the opportunity to explore all the new photo possibilities in Cars Land at night has been a real treat.

When you enter Cars Land at night, you’re going to want to walk down Route 66 and take in the spectacular lights and neon signs of Radiator Springs.

This photo was taken just outside Radiator Springs Racers. You can really see the shape of the front of a car come into view in the rockwork with the way it is lit at night (the grill to the left, hood ornament on top, and even a wheel well on the right). Be on the look out for more surprises in the rockwork, some things are easy to find and some are a little harder.

This photo is one of my favorites so far. The cars are close and you have great view of the mountain range. It was taken just after sunset and I used a slow shutter speed to show motion.

Check back soon as I will be sharing more photos from inside Cars Land. I’m thinking of sharing some pictures highlighting some of the amazing (and fun) detail you’ll see throughout Radiator Springs.

Hayley Nance DLR Photo Report 4/28/12

WDWNT on July 7, 2012

A look at the Matterhorn progress, the Lego Store’s statues are unveiled, Red Car Trolley’s wires, and a glimpse of Minnie’s Fly Girls! Enjoy!

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Max out and about at Disneyland

Geppetto out on Main Street

Graduation Duffy

Freshening everything up

Glimpse at the new ride vehicles

Still hard at work

More stunning than ever thanks to the new paint job.

Sneak of Buena Vista Street through the Monorail

FINALLY!

Lego Prince Phillip battles Malificent

To Infinity & Beyond

These lights will look phenomenal

A sneak at all the detail for Mater’s Junk Yard Jamboree

Looking just about ready for the opening in June

Bug’s Land getting a new paint job

Cables for the Red Car Trolley

Work being done on the Hyperion

Glad to see Pixar Play Parade back in action.

The “Mad T Party’s” House of Cards set up

Minnie’s Fly Girls!

Thanks for reading!

Storytellers Collection to Debut at DCA

WDWNT on July 7, 2012

From Michelle Harker of the Disney Parks Blog:

With just a little over five weeks to go before Buena Vista Street opens at Disney California Adventure park, here’s your first look at the art for one of the key programs, appropriately titled “Storytellers” and set to debut inside Elias & Co. While I could spend all day telling you why I’m a fan of this piece, I thought I’d turn it over to artist Noah and Product Developer Lisa Bergman, who were able to give me a bird’s-eye view on what inspired them to create this piece and on the magic that lives on in all of us.

“The main objective was to take the gorgeous ‘Storytellers’ statue that exists in the park and create a life-like scene,” says Noah. “I wanted this piece to have the 1920s sepia-tone feel that can be seen in old vintage photographs. When I painted it, I listened to Big Band music and imagined the sights, sounds, smells and even the weather, and tried to engulf my creativity in that same style. I tried to put myself in Walt Disney’s shoes or follow in his footsteps, as some would say. How excited he must have been on the trip out here, the challenges and dreams he wanted to overcome and achieve. I thought about the luggage he carried, how he lettered his name, and his identity. Walt Disney took the gift of creativity, believed in himself and leveraged it to impact the world with the idea of families coming together to enjoy life. He used stories as the vehicle and gave the child in each of us permission to play and use our imagination.” Noah went on to say, “Every day in some small way, we are a part of Walt’s dream, whether walking through the park, watching amazing movies or television, or just spending time together. It all started with a young cartoonist landing in Los Angeles, his friend Mickey Mouse in his heart, a trunk full of dreams and ambitions, and most importantly, a lifetime of stories to tell.”

There’s so much that went into this, explains Product Developer Lisa Bergman. Its influence came from Disney Archives ephemera, which included a rough sketch of the Hyperion Studios by Ward Kimball, archival photographs of the Hyperion Studios neon sign, Walt’s business card, and pre-1937 animated featurette posters. Representative of the Disney heritage, you will find the iconic “Storytellers” artwork on an array of sepia-tone items, including sublimated t-shirts, fleece sweatshirts, a supple leather jacket, limited edition art, collectibles and more.

Debuting alongside the “Storytellers” collection is a figural piece created by sculptor Rick Terry, whose 3D art you will find as the centerpiece of Buena Vista Street. Product Developer Lisa Bergman has given us the first look at this new sculpture, replicated from the original design. Take a peek!

 

For details on this new collection, special events and appearances by the artists, visit www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.

There’s only one word for me that describes this. Magic!