CONCEPT ART: Stunning New Rendering Released for “Rivers of Light” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on February 15, 2016

We have seen some cool artwork for the upcoming “Rivers of Light” nighttime spectacular at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but this new piece of art might be the coolest so far:

CbCZTh-W4AATD9H

In the artwork, we can see the autonomous floating lanterns we have been mentioning, as well as several large floating animal sculptures surrounding by water fountains and mist screens.

Rivers of Light debuts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this Spring.

Series of “Classic Live-Action Film” Vinylmation Including TRON, Rocketeer, 20,000 Leagues, & More Coming 2/19

WDWNT on February 15, 2016

We haven’t posted about new Vinylmation in a long time, but this series is too cool not to talk about…

Vinylmation-Movieland-Web

Figures include characters from The Black Hole, Pirates of the Caribbean, Condor Man, the Rocketeer, TRON, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and the Shaggy Dog. There is also a chaser figure and variants that are yet to be revealed. The figures will be released on February 19th (D Street at DLR, Pin Traders at WDW) and retail for $12.95 each blind box.

Disney Stuck on the Drawing Board: Maroon Studios & Roger Rabbit’s Hollywood

WDWNT on February 15, 2016

Drawing-board-300x349

With the recent rumors swirling around the placement of two new lands within Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it seems necessary to look at part of the first real expansion that was planned for the then Disney-MGM Studios.

As one of the major components of the Disney Decade, Michael Eisner used his connections within the movie industry to expand on an EPCOT pavilion concept: the movie pavilion. By expanding this idea, the Disney-MGM Studios was born, and through that creation, so did a completely different direction for the Walt Disney Company in Florida. Eisner’s idea was a full year ahead of rival Universal’s own park opening (although we can argue if Eisner knew what Universal was doing, and what would have happened if Universal didn’t have continual construction problems), which in turn gave Disney the edge.

397155 43: The Disney-MGM Studios logo sits on a building November 11, 2001 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Disney-MGM Studios was originally conceived to be a half-day park, as it was meant to just be a behind-the-scenes type experience. Fortunately for them, guests wanted more. The park became an immediate success, and more to do was demanded by park goers. This led to the addition of such things as Muppet-Vision 3-D and the entire Sunset Boulevard area to the park. With all that the park had up until recently, as well as all of the additions over the years, it is a wonder that there were many concepts left on the drawing table, and ones that simply were shelved during development. One of these projects was Roger Rabbit’s Hollywood.

 

maroon

In an attempt to capitalize on the success of “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”, Imagineers came up with a concept for a new area for park. This area would mimic the sets of the film with a slew of new attractions, including a Toontown Trolley simulator, a Benny the Cab Ride (which eventually was built as Roger Rabbit’s Car-Toon Spin in Disneyland and Tokyo), and The Baby Herman Buggies attraction.

The Baby Herman’s Runaway Baby Buggy would take guests right into the middle of a Roger Rabbit/Baby Herman cartoon, notably the Tummy Trouble short as guests loaded into dark ride style baby carriages, to be Baby Herman’s replacement for a shoot. It was described by one Imagineer as being a ride that, ” … guests zoom through the cartoon sets of Toontown Hospital, fly down stairs, crash through doors and bound over beds.” Though the concept had promise, and would have added a completely new dimension to the park, it never made it past the concept stage.

One attraction from this concept that did make it off the drawing board and into reality was a Benny the Cab attraction, which eventually was built in Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland in California. Roger Rabbit’s Car-Toon Spin takes guests today on a ride aboard Lenny, Benny the Cab’s brother. Through scenes in the film and eventually allowing guests to control the steering wheel, the attraction became a hit for both parks, though never making it to Hollywood Studios.

benny

The land would also include a version of the Terminal Bar, which might have even been below the launch for the trolley car that would have went up and down the planned street that became Sunset Boulevard. The rumor always went that most of the land would encompass the parcel that now is home to  Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, though the land sadly never made it past the concept and planning stage.

There have been many rumors as to why Roger Rabbit’s Hollywood never came to fruition. Some point the finger at Eisner and Frank Wells being a bit too bold during the Disney Decade, and others blame the character’s fleeting popularity for its eventual cancellation, but the truth seems to lie somewhere in the middle. One major issue that seemed to be a sticking point was the ownership of the character and Disney’s disagreement with Amblin Entertainment (Steven Spielberg’s production agency) led to multiple delays. Being that both Touchstone (Disney’s live-action production company) and Amblin were responsible for the creation of the film, disagreements arose over the profits, the usage, and the design of the land and attractions. Considering Spielberg’s affiliation with Universal, it is unsurprising that this became a major issue moving forward. The other problem that may have contributed to the lands cancellation was the rising costs of construction of EuroDisney, though planning and construction of the Tower of Terror was not far behind this cancellation. As the disagreements finally seemed to be ending with Amblin, Disney found that it had a capital issue which led to much of the plans from the Disney Decade to be shelved. Once this capital issue was resolved however, it seemed that the Roger Rabbit character had lost its luster and popularity, so the company went in a different direction as they eventually decided on a project that eventually became Sunset Boulevard and the Tower of Terror which opened in July 1994.

sunset

Though this attraction was never officially green lit, and therefore never has been created, much of the technology developed for it has found itself in other attractions, notably the Winnie-the-Pooh attraction in Magic Kingdom with its “bouncing” and “floating” honeypots. Again, Roger Rabbit’s Car-Toon Spin was opened in Disneyland in January 1993 and in Tokyo in April 1996, allowing some guests to enter the world of Roger Rabbit, but never for those visiting Walt Disney World.

Seashore Sweets Closing/Moving to Accommodate Flying Fish Expansion at Boardwalk

WDWNT on January 30, 2016

With Flying Fish at Boardwalk closing February 1st to begin its huge overhaul, it seems it will be taking Seashore Sweets with it.

seashore-sweets-gallery01

The nearby candy store will be a victim of the expansion, also closing on 2/1. However, it seems like a new treat shop may be on the way. What remains of the Yard Arcade and the shop attached to ESPN Club should close soon as well to become a new candy destination for the Boardwalk according to inside sources.

As part of the Flying Fish expansion, guests can expect a whole new look, and the team is working on a new menu. The re-imagined dining room will still have an onstage kitchen and an airier design, with more room for the popular Chef’s Counter and wine dinners.

flyingfish

Disney has not stated exactly what the Seashore Sweets space will be used for as of yet, and we can only assume that the connected restrooms inside will have to remain open for patrons of Trattoria Al Forno.

PHOTO REPORT: Animal Kingdom 1/27/16 (AVATAR, Rivers of Light, Tiffins, Lion Guard, ETC.)

WDWNT on January 30, 2016

Both Dirk Wallen and myself visited Animal Kingdom recently and we have some newsworthy photos to share with you of what’s new and exciting at what seems to be the WDW park to watch in 2016:

IMG_8186

Walking into the park, you are greeted by the construction for Pandora: The World of AVATAR

IMG_8187

IMG_9579

IMG_9581

IMG_9613

Work now happening on the 2nd floating island

IMG_8206

A view of AVATAR and Rivers of Light construction from Expedition Everest

IMG_8200

The construction site is quite busy as the new show reaches completion

IMG_8198

IMG_8193

This was exposed steel last week, but now it is a tower for a follow-spotlight

IMG_9606

The lower section of the seating looks almost ready to go

IMG_9605

IMG_9604

We can only assume this large structure with an entry portal features FastPass scanners for entry

IMG_9603

Work continues on Tiffins and Nomad Lounge just behind Pizzafari

IMG_9590

IMG_9602

IMG_9612

Work also being done on the Tree of Life as the new nighttime lighting is installed

IMG_8295

This new large tree was planted on Discovery Island. Not sure why, but it looks nice.

IMG_9588

Disney Outfitters is still closed

IMG_9592

IMG_8297

All of the new ceramic character statues have been released at this point

IMG_8298

They are $21.95 each

IMG_8300

IMG_8301

IMG_9611

Flights of Wonder is closed for refurbishment

IMG_8284

The Lion Guard adventure begins soon, but banners are already up at Rafiki’s Planet Watch

IMG_8286

IMG_8287

IMG_8288

IMG_8289

IMG_8292

IMG_8293

Man arrested with two firearms at a Disneyland Paris’ Hotel New York

WDWNT on January 30, 2016

French radio station France Info is reporting that a 28-year-old man not known to Disneyland Paris’s security services is being held after trying to enter Hotel New York at Disneyland Paris whilst carrying two firearms.

Hotel New York

Another radio broadcaster reports that the man was carrying two low-calibre weapons, cartridges and a Qur’an.  This has not been confirmed by the police.

The weapons were found during a security check, and the guest reportedly gave no resistance to the resort’s security team. As a security precaution, the man’s car has also been cordoned off by local police.

France remains under a state of emergency since November’s extremist attacks in Paris where 130 people were killed.

 

UPDATE: Disneyland Paris has issued an official statement:

“During a routine security screening checkpoint at one of our hotels, weapons were discovered in a guest’s luggage, through our x-ray machine. The police were immediately notified and the individual was arrested. We continue to work closely with the authorities; and the safety and security of our guests and cast members is our utmost priority”

VIDEO: Disney Introducing New Line of Amazing Travel Accessories This Spring

WDWNT on January 30, 2016

The always entertaining Steven Miller of the Disney Parks Blog shared a video today introducing “TAG”, or “Travel Accessories Gear”, a new line of items coming soon to the Disney Parks:

Among the highlights of the new line are…

tag1

Vintage style luggage tags

tag3

This amazing luggage strap (artwork seen below)

tag2

tag4

And this stylish Haunted Mansion neck pillow and sleeping eye mask set!

There are many more items featured in the video above as well, so you should probably check it out if any of these pieces look interesting to you.

The full line of Disney Parks TAG items will arrive this Spring at the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts.

Disney Gives More Details on 2016 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

WDWNT on January 30, 2016

Two new spring-inspired Outdoor Kitchens, three mischievous Disney topiary characters and an innovative musical play garden will debut during the 23rd Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 2-May 30, 2016. The popular spring festival at Walt Disney World Resort, known for its tasty edibles, sweeping floral displays and dazzling topiary creations, expands from 75 days to 90 days in 2016.

The new La Isla Fresca and Cider House Outdoor Kitchens will introduce fresh variety and flavor to the culinary offerings at a record 13 festival kiosks surrounding the World Showcase Promenade. Donald Duck’s mischievous nephews, Huey, Dewey and Louie, make their topiary debut with Donald and Daisy in the park’s signature front-entrance garden. Xylophones, drums and chimes will take child’s play to tuneful levels at the new Harmony Gardens play area featuring “leader-of-the-band” Mickey Mouse topiary.

Live Garden Rocks concerts will set the beat with familiar pop tunes each festival weekend. And special “Fun Fresh Weekends” add new adventures to the seasonal event.

Guests of the 2016 festival can celebrate spring with gardens-full of Epcot options:

  • New culinary creations at the festival’s Outdoor Kitchens will take guests on a Caribbean tour at La Isla Fresca with flavors like Jamaican Braised Beef with Pigeon-Pea Rice and Jerk-Spiced Grouper or Chicken with Mango Salsa. At the new Cider House, a Field Greens salad with greens harvested from The Land pavilion, heirloom apples, Stilton cheese and dried blueberries will pair well with a blueberry hard cider from Plant City, Fla. Dozens of new food and beverage flavors will debut, as well, at the festival’s 11 other Outdoor Kitchens: Urban Farm Eats, Pineapple Promenade, Fleur de Lys, Florida Fresh, Taste of Marrakesh, Hanami, THE SMOKEHOUSE: Barbecue and Brews, Primavera Kitchen, Lotus House, Bauernmarkt and Jardin de Fiestas.
  • The first-ever Huey, Dewey and Louie topiaries will feature floral interpretations of Donald’s nephews inspired by a 1943 Donald Duck comic book called “The Victory Garden” at the Epcot front-entrance garden display with Donald and Daisy.
  • A new hands-on Harmony Gardens musical playground will debut featuring Disney’s Fab Five topiaries of “band leader” Mickey Mouse plus Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto and Donald Duck topiaries. With the playground’s interactive drums, chimes and xylophones, children can create their own musical sounds when they’re not scampering across innovative outdoor climbing systems with safe, but challenging, net-based structures. Watch for music-themed plants that add harmony to this inspired play area. The popular Cactus Road Rally play garden returns with Disney-Pixar topiary pals Mater and Lightning McQueen from the hit film, “Cars.”
  • Fun Fresh Weekends add novel dimension to daily festival fun: April 1-3 — Art in the Garden Weekend spotlights nature through the works of plein air artists; April 8-10 – The new Family Fun Weekend presents outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy and a Festival Center focus on bugs with Disney’s Animal Kingdom specialists; April 22-24 – Earth Day Weekend celebrates our planet with special appearances and activities; and April 29-May 1—Florida Fresh Weekend features the state’s edible bounty from Apalachicola to Zellwood.
  • On the south side of Spaceship Earth, Disney gardeners will paint the landscape with a Floral Sun garden and yellow “sunbursts” will sprout in a new Future World topiary garden featuring Minnie Mouse and Pluto.
  • The Ranger Mickey topiary garden in Future World will offer a guest selfie and family photo opportunity featuring a Spaceship Earth backdrop to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Parks Service launched in 1916 to conserve the country’s natural scenic treasures.
  • Anna and Elsa topiaries will travel to the Norway pavilion festival landscape following their 2015 debut along World Showcase Plaza in a scene from the blockbuster Oscar-winning animated film, “Frozen.” Nearly 100 topiary characters, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Lady and the Tramp, Simba and Peter Pan, will animate the Epcot landscape surrounded by themed gardens featuring herbs, peppers, orchids and more.
  • By night, twinkling lights will shine across festival gardens and topiaries.
  • The Garden Rocks concert series will present pop bands with music spanning four decades. This year’s lineup kicks off March 4-6 with The Orchestra starring former members of ELO and will also include new-to-the-festival acts like Bad Company.
  • A new edible flower garden by The Land pavilion will showcase petals with flavor.
  • The Butterflies on the Go garden will return with the story of the Monarch’s epic journey across the continent and featuring butterflies emerging from their chrysalises.
  • Each weekend at the Festival Center, guests can dig in for a complimentary hands-on Gardening Seminar experience and create a take-home souvenir or grab a seat to hear tips from experts on a broad range of topics. The center also offers signature festival merchandise, food and beverages.

Forty 8-to-9-foot-tall Disney-crafted “flower towers” and sweeping beds of multi-colored blooms will add to the floral splendor of the park’s landscape.  At least 70,000 bedding plants will surround the Future World east and west lakes alone; on the water, more than 200 mini-gardens will be set afloat.

For more information about the 23rd Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, call 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639). Watch for details at EpcotInSpring.com as they become available. The festival, including all gardening programs and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission.

PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom 1/29/16 (“it’s a small world” Changes, Skipper Canteen, Castle Refurb, ETC.)

WDWNT on January 30, 2016

Earlier this week, I visited the Magic Kingdom to see what’s new and exciting around the park, so here are some photo finds of interest from my trip:

IMG_8365

It started as a rather dreary day

IMG_8367

Many of the Main Street Vehicles were out and about

IMG_8368

One side of the Cinderella Castle ramp was open

IMG_8369

Still a lot of work to be done

IMG_8370

IMG_8371

IMG_8372

The new railing was installed on this side

IMG_8374

Old news by now, but the Pork Shank is gone

IMG_8375

IMG_8377

IMG_8378

You can get some stew…

IMG_8379

Or there is the LeFou’s Winter Brew right now

IMG_8380

These new Princess figure sets are starting to show up around the parks, the deluxe sets are $19.95

IMG_8381

Single figures are $12.95

IMG_8384

These safety recall signs are all over most merchandise locations

IMG_8385

We had breakfast at Be Our Guest Restaurant

IMG_8387

The pastry dish is still pretty small for 3-4 people to share…

IMG_8388

Also, they had no large cups and you can only get one beverage per meal now as opposed to the three you could get originally (like a fountain drink, orange juice, and chocolate milk, per say)

IMG_8391

Nothing major, but the fairly damaged covers for the water and smell dispensers in Philharmagic have been replaced with a new style

IMG_8397

A few weeks ago, new lighting was in
IMG_8400

IMG_8402

IMG_8404

IMG_8406

IMG_8407

It kind of abruptly ends before the room does, hopefully that changes. I don’t hate it, but it is an adjustment from the old look for sure. The photos may not do the lighting movement justice, so I took video as well (sorry for the lack of sound):

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQ9S_1ujAus]

IMG_8409

The finale scene screens are on and there has been reports that some guests have indeed seen their names up on the screens

IMG_8410

It wasn’t working when I went through

IMG_8411

The first Zootopia pin has been released

IMG_8414

This awesome PVC Pirates of the Caribbean figure set was released recently, retails for $15.95

IMG_8417

I had lunch at Skipper Canteen

IMG_8418

The specialty drinks are still pretty meh…

IMG_8420

IMG_8421

The falafel appetizer was surprisingly good

IMG_8422

The S.E.A. Shu Mai is by far my favorite appetizer at Walt Disney World

IMG_8424

As far as entrees go, the pork was very good…

IMG_8425

The noodle bowl not so much…

IMG_8428

But the head-on shrimp was the overall favorite for the incredible seasoning on it that was just the right amount of spice

IMG_8429

It turned into a beautiful day eventually, albeit cold

IMG_8430

All of the characters in Festival of Fantasy were sporting winter wear

IMG_8431

IMG_8433

IMG_8434

IMG_8435

IMG_8437

IMG_8440

IMG_8444

IMG_8452

IMG_8455

IMG_8456

IMG_8459

Merida apparently is always in winter wear…

IMG_8460

IMG_8461

IMG_8462

The first circus float broke earlier in the week and has been out of the parade for a few days now, no word on when it will return

IMG_8464

IMG_8465

IMG_8468

Even though it is cold, the evenings have been really beautiful all around the resort