Two New Droids Announced for “Star Tours: The Adventures Continue”

WDWNT on September 25, 2010

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Since everything we do at Imagineering starts with the story, it probably comes as no surprise that one of the first things we set out to do with the new Star Tours show was to figure out when our story should take place within the Star Wars timeline.

The existing Star Tours show we internally refer to as “6.5,” since it takes place time-wise after Episode VI Return of the Jedi. Story development for the new show began “a long time ago,” back in 1998, and a story treatment from that year carries the title “Episode 7 – A Star Tours Classic” – referring to the Boonta Classic race that was to be the main feature of the show.

But by the time Episode I hit the screens, we were all anxious to know what would surface in Episode III that we might build on for the show. Naturally, we were then curious how Episode III would complete the series. In the end, after numerous discussions, we decided to place our storyline between the two sets of Star Wars trilogies, giving the project the working title “Star Tours 3.5.”

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

This time period gave our show team the ability to tap into the very best of the Star Wars characters and adventures. But turning the clock back also required some interesting changes for the Star Tours show. The Starspeeder 3000 would need to be an earlier model, the Starspeeder 1000, with a new pilot (especially since Rex, the original pilot, opens the original show saying it’s his first flight!)

Our design team created a new Tour Droid for the show, an AC Series pilot we dubbed “Ace,” with a personality as different from Rex as you can imagine.

We also created a new “spokesbot” for Star Tours, modeled after the WA-7 “Waitress Droid” from the Attack of the Clones. George Lucas suggested the name “Aly San San,” in reference to Allison Janney, the wonderful actress who provides the voice for this new character. We had a terrific time with Allison in the recording sessions for the show – she brought a lot of warmth and humor to the part.

These are just two of the droids you can expect to see in Star Tours “The Adventures Continue” next year. And in our next blog, I’ll tell you about a droid who really steals the show in the new attraction!

Updated Concept Art for Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree

WDWNT on September 24, 2010

The LA Times has some more updated concept art for Cars Land posted on their site:

Mater's Junkyard Jamboree at Disney California Adventure

Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree promises to be the dizziest and noisiest of the new rides coming to Cars Land in 2012 at Disney California Adventure. The racket begins before you even board the spinning tractor and cart ride: A play area near the main entrance will feature an interactive junkyard of bangable hubcaps and honkable horns.

Please read on over at The LA Times Website…

Tron Legacy Exclusive Sneak Peak at ElecTRONica

WDWNT on September 22, 2010

From the Disney Parks Blog:

ElecTRONica Marquee Portal

Hi, I’m Robin Trowbridge, Entertainment Show Director at the Disneyland Resort. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be inviting you to “step into the grid” as I share some of the latest information about what’s happening at ElecTRONica!

As part of ElecTRONica, the new nighttime experience at Disney California Adventure park beginning October 8, we’re excited to share the new marquee for an exclusive 3D sneak peek of Disney’s upcoming film “TRON: Legacy.” Guests will be the first to “rez in” for a special look at the film before it even comes out in theaters on December 17. “TRON: Legacy Exclusive 3-D Sneak Peek” can only be experienced at Disney California Adventure park.

I hope to see you in the Park!

For those who are wondering, the film will be shown in the Muppetvision 3-D theater.

Updated Concept Art for Luigi’s Roamin’ Tires

WDWNT on September 22, 2010

From The LA Times:

Luigi's Roamin' Tires at Disney California Adventure

Riders aboard Luigi’s Roamin’ Tires will use a pair of joysticks to steer the levitating bumper car as it floats atop a surface similar to a giant air hockey table.

The new ride, which will make its debut in the 12-acre Cars Land at Disney California Adventure in 2012, recalls the short-lived, breakdown-prone Flying Saucers that moved from Disneyland to Yesterland in 1966.

Please read on over at the LA Times Website…

Mickey’s Costume Party Calvacade

WDWNT on September 17, 2010

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Mickey’s Costume Party has been added as a fun, new exclusive experience at Mickey’s Halloween Party, the special, nighttime event at Disneyland park on Halloween night and Tuesdays and Fridays in October.

Mickey’s Costume Party is a new cavalcade featuring Disney characters and floats parading down Main Street, U.S.A. Today we’re giving you a first look at artwork for the opening of the cavalcade.

Mickey’s Costume Party Artwork
There are lots of treats in this cavalcade you won’t want to miss. Here are some highlights:

  • Disney Characters will be dressed in their favorite Halloween costumes.
  • There’s a purple Haunted Castle Float decorated by Mickey with bats, ghosts, spider webs, pumpkins and skulls.
  • The Costume Shop Float celebrates the fun of dressing up for Halloween.

I’ve also heard that the upbeat, spooky music will have you dancing, jumping, shaking and maybe even howling along as we celebrate the magic of make-believe and spooky Halloween fun.

Tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party are now available and can be purchased at Disneyland.com/Halloween. Here’s an insider’s tip: if you purchase tickets in advance, you’ll get a great discount on select nights. There’s also a discount for annual passholders on select nights.

World of Color Getting a “TRONcore”?

WDWNT on September 16, 2010

Is a TRON: Legacy inspired encore coming to World of Color at Disney California Adventure? This video shows a very interesting test that might indicate TRON lightcycling its way into the show:

Exclusive Showings of World of Color for Passholders

WDWNT on September 13, 2010

From the Disney Parks Blog:

'World of Color'

We’ve added two performances of “World of Color,” just for annual passholders this week. Annual passholders have a unique opportunity to see the nighttime water spectacular at Disney California Adventure park at 9:15 p.m. on September 15 and 16. Guests who are not annual passholders can still see the regularly scheduled show at 8:15 p.m. on both nights.

We heard from a lot of annual passholders that it’s difficult to visit the Park in the mornings and obtain a Disney FASTPASS ticket, so this is a special opportunity just for annual passholders.

Here are the details:

  • Disney FASTPASS ticket distribution will begin at 5 p.m. at the Grizzly River Run FASTPASS location.
  • A valid Annual Passport must be presented to obtain a Disney FASTPASS ticket.
  • Disney FASTPASS tickets are limited and are subject to availability.
  • Annual passholders with a Disney FASTPASS ticket need to be in Disney California Adventure park prior to park close at 8:00 p.m. on the day of show and will need to queue beginning at 8:45 p.m.
  • In addition to a special showing of “World of Color,” passholders will have the following attractions available to them from 8 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.:
  • Annual Passholders without a FASTPASS ticket will be accommodated if space is still available in the alternate viewing area.

Enjoy the show!

Duffy… The Disney Bear?

WDWNT on September 8, 2010

From The Art of Disney:

Meet the Bear-y Newest Member of the

Disney Character Family!

One day, Mickey was getting ready to set sail on a long sea voyage. Minnie made Mickey a special teddy bear to take with him so he would never feel lonely. . .

Disneyland® Resort Annual Passholders are invited to be among the first to hear the story of Duffy the Disney Bear before he arrives in Disney California Adventure™ park in the Fall.  Annual Passholders attending this limited engagement will not only get to hear the story of Duffy the Disney Bear, but will also learn more about Duffy the Disney Bear’s journey and get the inside scoop on when he will debut as the bear-y newest member of the Disney Character Family.

This experience will take place on Sunday, September 19 at 11:30 am and 2:00 pm in Stage 17 at Disney California Adventure™ park.

Registration to attend this special preview will begin on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at 8 AM Pacific. Space is limited. Tickets available while supplies last.

Duffy The Disney Bear was originally developed for Walt Disney World, but found his way over to The Tokyo Disney Resort where he became a popular plush and in-park character. Disney is going to attempt to re-introduce this cute little guy back to the US parks with this event and one at WDW. If you are interested in this event, please read the FAQ which has a very strict set of rules you must follow if you wish to attend.