Disney Finally Announces “Club Villain” for Hollywood Studios, Special Ticketed Dining Event in 2016

WDWNT on October 7, 2015

We told you about Disney casting Villains for a new offering at Hollywood Studios several months ago, well the new Sunset Showcase will start hosting the new offering come Saturday evenings in January 2016:

Sunset Showcase loudly presents Club Villain, a frightfully fun dance-and-dine event—debuting January 16, 2016!

This spellbinding evening features decadent New Orleans delicacies like tender beef striploin rubbed with herbes de Provence, Voodoo sticky “pig wings” with citrus gremolata and spicy shrimp sautéed with Andouille sausage, tomato, okra and onions over creamy polenta.

Trick or treat yourself to fiendish cocktail concoctions—specialty alcoholic drinks plus beer and wine—hilarious stage-show numbers and up-close encounters with Disney’s most dastardly doomsday divas. Mix and mingle with mysterious Maleficent, hilarious Queen of Hearts, the delirious Evil Queen and the always fur-fetched Cruella De Vil—and wicked jams from our house DJ!

Tickets to Club Villain can be purchased for $99 per person, tax and gratuity included. Reservations are recommended and can be made up to 90 days in advance, either by booking online or by calling (407) 939-3463.

  • Separate admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is required, and is not included in the price of this package.
  • Club Villain will be offered on select evenings only. Please check the booking calendar for specific dates and times, as operating hours may vary.
  • This event will offer banquet style seating, so you may be seated with other parties.
  • Entertainment is subject to change or cancellation without notice.
  • Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. A valid form of government identification will be required to verify age.
  • This offer may not be combined with any other discounts or promotions.
  • Disney dining plan entitlements may not be redeemed for this event.

Thus far, the event is only scheduled for Saturday evenings beginning January 16th, starting at either 7:45PM or 9:15PM, depending on park hours for that day.

Tom Corless’s 10/26/15 WDW Photo Report (The Good Dinosaur, Osborne Lights, Star Wars, Etc.)

WDWNT on October 7, 2015

I visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot over the weekend and have some newsworthy photos to share, so let’s take a look at what’s new and exciting around Walt Disney World:

There are 4 new character shirts with the vintage Walt Disney World logo now available

There’s a new line of ladies’ apparel with Minnie Mouse on it

There are also some new Tinker Bell items of clothing

New Minnie Mouse active wear for sale


Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Good Dinosaur preview has opened inside Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream

The regular film will return December 5th, but until then guests can preview the latest Disney-PIXAR film

The Good Dinosaur merchandise has started to arrive at WDW

Shellie May merchandise is also flooding the parks

Work continues on the Star Wars Launch Bay

New billboards up in the Animation Courtyard

As the new show is being built, the old Jedi Training Academy stage is being dismantled

Installation is nearly complete for the final Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

If Star Wars land is indeed replacing Streets of America, this window display is quite fitting

The Muppets is also being promoted with themed garland

A piece of the Studios’ 26 year history will watch guests enjoy the final year of the Osborne Lights

Posters for ABC’s The Muppets have been put up at Muppetvision 3-D

The We Love Disney music album preview in the Sound Studio brought about a much needed refurbishment of the theater, finally ripping out the Sounds Dangerous seating

The preview is fun and a nice diversion if you’re visiting the park

BREAKING: Disney World Guests Can Soon Make Custom MagicBands

WDWNT on October 7, 2015

The first-ever MagicBand on Demand kiosk may have already opened at Walt Disney World inside the Tomorrowland Power & Light Co. building at the exit of Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom. Disney quickly posted and retracted the story about the MagicBand on Demand system earlier this morning.

 

While we don’t have any more details yet, it appears guests will be able to choose the color of their MagicBand, a design (those seen above and many more to choose from), and perhaps may be able to customize the inside of the band with an inscription of some kind. We are still waiting on more details on this process and we expect confirmation from Disney shortly.

UPDATE: We have since found out that guests may choose between the 8 MagicBand colors (which now includes purple) and names can be placed on the exterior of the band based on the design you choose. Custom MagicBands are $21.95, $29.95 if personalized with a name.

Soarin’ Around the World Will Open Summer 2016, Soarin’ to Close for 4 Months

WDWNT on October 7, 2015

The Walt Disney World website is confirming that Soarin’ will be closed beginning January 4th, 2016 to change into “Soarin’ Around the World”. The new attraction will take guests flying over locales all around the world including the Great Wall of China, the Painted Desert, and more in crystal clear high-definition.

 

The new Soarin’ attraction and 3rd Soarin’ theater are expected to open around May 1st, 2016, about the same time as the new FROZEN Ever After attraction in Norway at Epcot.

BREAKING: Special “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” Event To Be Held at Disney Springs and Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on October 7, 2015

 

It seems the AMC Theaters at Disney Springs will be hosting a very special event where guests can be among the first to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens and then enjoy an after-hours party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

Also, join the celebration at Walt Disney World as AMC Theatres and Disney Parks celebrate the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The Opening Night Event will take place on December 17, where participants will be among the first to see the new film at AMC Disney Springs 24 and then celebrate together at a private after-hours party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Tickets are available online only at AMCtheatres.com/StarWarsWDW

The site is not live yet, but we expect that tickets should go on sale sometime tomorrow to coincide with the trailer release, but that is purely speculation at this point. Stay tuned for more details as they become available.

UPDATE: Here is the official information from Disney –

Starting at AMC Disney Springs 24 between 7 and 8 p.m., guests of the Opening Night Event will have a confirmed seat at the first few public showings of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and then enjoy a private after-hours party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios until 2 a.m. The party will include access to the new Star Wars Launch Bay exhibit, the Star Tours – The Adventures Continue attraction, and a DJ dance party. The night will be highlighted with the preview of a new fireworks spectacular set to the iconic “Star Wars” score. Event attendees will also get a commemorative souvenir event ticket. Guests of the Event are encouraged to come dressed in costume showing allegiance to the light side or dark side of the Force. Please see the Costume Guidelines in the FAQs.

The newest “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” trailer will debut in ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” Monday, October 19, during halftime of the National Football League (NFL) game between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles. Tune in to ESPN to watch the premiere of the final trailer or join your fellow Star Wars fans at Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CA to watch the trailer on a giant screen outside AMC Downtown Disney 12 theatres. The fun begins at 5:00 p.m. counting down to the trailer release.

Following the trailer launch, tickets to the “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” Opening Night Event will be on sale. For tickets to the “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” Opening Night Event at Walt Disney World Resort, visit amctheatres.com/starwarswdw to purchase.

How can I get tickets to this event?
This event will go on sale on Monday, October 19, 2015, at www.amctheatres.com/starwarswdw.

Why does the price for this event vary?
Ticket prices reflect a variety of format options for the movie, including 2D ($94.99), 3D ($98.99) and 3D ETX ($99.99).

Can I purchase a ticket just for the private after-hours party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®?
No, the event includes both admission to the movie at AMC Disney Springs™ theatres as well as the after-hours event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. Separate admission is not available.

Are any discounts available for this event?
No. Discounts are not available for this special engagement event.

Will transportation be provided between Disney Springs™ and Disney’s Hollywood Studios®?
Participants will need to provide their own transportation between Disney Springs™ and Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. If you are staying at a Walt Disney World® Resort Hotel the night of the event and prefer not to drive, complimentary transportation will be provided from Disney Springs™ to Disney’s Hollywood Studios® and back to your resort. There will not be transportation provided between Disney’s Hollywood Studios® and Disney Springs™ at the end of the event. Parking at Disney Springs™ is complimentary. Parking at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® is included in the event ticket price. Please allow extra time for parking at Disney Springs™ due to construction in the area. More information about parking and event logistics will be communicated closer to the event.

What time should I arrive at Disney Springs™?
By purchasing a ticket to this event, participants are confirmed to receive a seat to see the movie at a specified time in the format chosen. There will be two steps to check-in for this event:
Anytime after purchasing a ticket online and up to one hour prior to the event, participants will need to bring their online confirmation number to the theatre box office or Automated Box Office kiosks during normal operating hours to print a AMC Disney Springs™ 24 Theatres ticket.
On Thursday, December 17, 2015, Disney Springs™ will open at 8:00 a.m. for guests to begin checking in for the event. Plan to arrive at least 1 hour prior to the show time to allow ample time to check in. Guests should bring their printed AMC Disney Springs™ theaters Box Office Ticket (with Auditorium Number) to the check-in location that will be communicated prior to the event. Please be aware that Guests are not able to enter Disney Springs™ prior to 8:00 a.m.

Will there be any characters at this event?
Yes, characters will be appearing at Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®.
Will anything else be open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® for the private after-hours party?
Yes, select merchandise and food and beverage locations will operate during the after-hours party in addition to Star Wars Launch Bay, Star Tours The Adventures Continue attraction. There will be additional entertainment throughout the park. No other attractions are planned to operate.

Can we come in costume?
Yes, participants are encouraged to attend in costume, provided they follow these guidelines:
Costumes should be child-friendly and adhere to any guidelines determined by AMC and Disney.
Costumes should not be obstructive, offensive or violent; drag on the ground; contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest; contain any weapons or objects which resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
At AMC Disney Springs™ 24 Theatres, masks must be carried and can be worn for photos. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios® for this event, masks may be worn, but they must not obstruct vision, and eyes must be visible at all times.
Guests who dress like Disney characters may not pose for pictures or sign autographs.

Will I still be able to see “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” at AMC Disney Springs™ 24 theatres if I don’t attend this event?
Yes. Visit amctheatres.com or the AMC Disney Springs™ 24 theatres box office for later show times and details.

Tom Corless’s 10/16/15 WDW Photo Report (Disney Springs, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Etc.)

WDWNT on October 7, 2015

I managed to visit Disney Springs, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom over the course of the last week, so let’s take a look at what’s new and noteworthy in my latest photo report:

Construction of Town Center is coming along nicely

STK Steakhouse as seen from the top of the Orange Parking structure

New 4 parks ornaments

New Mickey Mouse food magnets were recently released

The expansion continues inside World of Disney

Cool new Mad Tea Party hat for sale

 

With the stage gone, the Chinese Theater is unobstructed for the first time since 2001 at Hollywood Studios

 

 

 

New “purchase with purchase” items available around the resort

 

There is a throw with a matching design inside this bag

 

 

New Fantasia ear hat ornament set

 

Work continues on Star Wars Launch Bay, opening in December

 

Billboard for The Force Awakens behind the Chinese Theater

 

One for Jungle Book as well

 

Sunset Showcase visible behind Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster

Pop Secret is now the sponsor of Fantasmic! at Hollywood Studios

 

The once temporary railing inisde the Great Movie Ride finally got a more permanent look

 

New antenna topper

 

Not sure I have ever seen Disney character dreidels before…

 

WITH INSTRUCTIONS!

 

Mulch, Sweat, and Shears had their final show on Saturday, the group is being retired as the park heads in a new direction

Moving to Animal Kingdom, 4 cranes loom over the AVATAR construction site

 

The hyena area on Kiliminjaro appears to be finished, just obscured from view by plants


GIRAFFE!

The new building on Discovery Island is coming along nicely

Disney Outfitters actually lost a room in the construction of the new building

Some years ago, the Art of Disney store would have started right about here

Disney Outfitters has a lot of great Conversation Fund merchandise

Work continues on the backside of the new building as well

You can find the Vampire Mickey popcorn bucket at Animal Kingdom

The Duffy meet and greet may be gone, but Shellie May is coming to Walt Disney World. The book is the first item to hit shelves.

VIDEO: New Projection Scene Added to the Finale of The Great Movie Ride

WDWNT on October 7, 2015

While it has been several months since the debut of the new Great Movie Ride presented by Turner Classic Movies, the ride continues to add new details. The rather dark room following the film montage at the end of the attraction added a large new projection very quietly over the last few weeks:

[sc name=”YouTube Embed 800w” id=”RA2fBribOcE” ]

 

The new scene can only really be experienced if you are in the second train on the ride, meaning you are parked to the right side during the film montage at the end. During the slightly longer trip this train takes back to the station, guests can look up and see some classic film moments from the montage before they “rise dramatically to their feet” and exit.

Spider-Man Meet & Greet Moving in at Super Hero Headquarters, Captain America Leaves Disneyland

WDWNT on October 7, 2015

 

Innoventions at Disneyland is currently being converted into the Tomorrowland Expo Center, home to Super Hero HQ and Star Wars Launch Bay, which will open on November 16th. When it does open, guests will be able to meet the one and only Spider-Man!

 

Spider-Man can already be seen at Walt Disney Studios Paris, but this will be his first meet and greet appearance in the Disney Parks here in the United States. The attraction will also include the returning Thor meet and greet experience, Iron Man Tech exhibit, a MARVEL gaming zone, and small store selling super hero goods.

While the Captain America meet and greet is going away, Disney has promised that Cap will return soon. The space being used for the Spider-Man meet and greet is flex space and will change to a different MARVEL character every few months.

Tortuga Tavern at Magic Kingdom Getting New Menu Starting 10/14

WDWNT on October 7, 2015

On the heels of the Pecos Bill’s menu change, the seasonally operating Tortuga Tavern in Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom is switching to a new menu as well.

 

New menu items include barbecue sandwiches with either pulled pork, sliced beef brisket or grilled chicken breast, all served on Texas toast with beans and cole slaw.

 

Vegetarians, or anyone looking for a lighter meal will enjoy the roasted corn and vegetable salad, served with vinaigrette dressing. Barbecue beef brisket or chicken can also be added to the salad.