D23 Announces Events for Disney Fans in 2015

WDWNT on February 26, 2015

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will bring back many of its beloved events while adding a selection of new experiences for members in 2015.

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The events scheduled for 2015 so far include:

  • SPECIAL SCREENING EVENTS ON THE DISNEY STUDIO LOT: Starting this month, D23 kicked off another year of memorable screenings designed with fans in mind. On February 8, D23 screened 101 Dalmatians, which included the premieres of two new short films; a panel featuring Disney Legend and animator Floyd Norman, Lisa Davis (voice of Anita), and Mimi Gibson (Lucky); a special gift and more. Other experiences on the Studio lot in 2015 will include The Parent Trap and a special 75th anniversary celebration of Pinocchio, as well as a screening of the “Peoples and Places” featurette Disneyland, U.S.A., with special guests in honor of Disneyland’s 60th anniversary.
  • CINDERELLA LIGHTS UP THE PALACE OF FINE ARTS: On March 12 members will be treated to a screening of Walt Disney Studios’ upcoming release Cinderella, followed by a reception exclusively for D23 Gold Members. The event will take place following The Walt Disney Company 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. (Members do not need to be shareholders to attend the screening.)
  • D23’S LUNCH WITH A LEGEND: Back by popular demand, in 2015, D23 will continue these intimate gatherings with Disney Legends this spring and fall. In 2014, D23 Members joined such Legends as Marty Sklar, Floyd Norman, and Bill Farmer for private luncheons on The Walt Disney Studios lot.
  • D23 DAY AT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS AND ARCHIVES: D23’s members-only tours of the historic Studio lot and Walt Disney Archives in Burbank return, highlighting historic moments from Disney film, television, and theme parks. Tours will take place this spring (date TBD), June 20, and November 7.
  • D23 MEMBER VIP STUDIO TOURS: A new event for 2015, D23 will offer this unique experience only to D23 Gold Members. It will include a tour of the Studio during a working day on the lot, along with a special lunch with a Disney Legend and a unique VIP gift. Each limited-capacity experience will include new tour stops and unique moments sure to bring smiles to Disney fans. Events will be held on May 29 with Walt Disney Archives founder Dave Smith and November 6 with a Legend to be announced soon.
  • LIGHT UP THE SEASON: An annual tradition exclusively for cast members and employees of The Walt Disney Company, Light Up the Season marks the official start of the holidays on the Studio lot. This year, D23 Members will enjoy their own special Light Up the Season event, complete with carols, cocoa, and a tree lighting.

 

D23 will also be bringing more events to members across the country in 2015:

  • THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME VIP EXPERIENCE: On March 15, D23 Members are invited to see the new theatrical production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey. D23 Members save 20 percent on their tickets, receive a limited-edition pin, and will enjoy a post-show talk-back with the musical’s Academy Award®-winning lyricist Stephen Schwartz.
  • A TASTE OF DISNEY AT SILVERADO VINEYARDS: D23 Gold Members are invited to a day at Silverado Vineyards in Napa, Calif., the winery founded by Diane Disney Miller and her husband Ron. On March 13, guests will enjoy a lunch, tour, and wine tasting experience along with a special gift.
  • BREAKFAST ON BROADWAY: A select number of D23 Gold Members will enjoy private shopping at Disney Store Times Square on March 14 with a special discount; a continental breakfast at the New Amsterdam Theatre, home to the Broadway hit Aladdin; and a gift at this exclusive, complimentary event.
  • D23 MEMBER NIGHTS AT NEWSIES—ON TOUR: Disney fans are cheering for the Tony®-Award winning Newsies, now on tour. This year, D23 Members in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Boston, and Toronto are invited to see the show, with premium seats on special nights and a talk-back with the cast following the show. (Some shows already sold out.)
  •  DISNEY STORE MEMBER MIXERS: Since 2013, D23 has given members a peek at reimagined Disney Stores across the country—from Kansas and Nevada to Michigan and Texas. This year Disney Store will once again invite D23 Members for exclusive mornings of shopping, discounts, games, and goodies at new locations in Riverside, Calif., Lexington, Ky., Raleigh, N.C., Burlington, Mass., and many more.
  • ADVANCE SCREENINGS: In 2014, D23 Members were able to attend previews of Maleficent, Big Hero 6, and Into the Woods in cities such as New York, Orlando, Chicago, and Atlanta. This year, in partnership with Walt Disney Studios, D23 will screen a selection of upcoming releases.
  • FANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION—HOME EDITION: With D23 members spanning the country—and the globe—look for an exciting new twist this year on D23’s annual Fanniversary Celebration that all members will be able to participate in, no matter where they live.
  • D23 EXPO 2015: The biggest Disney event of all takes place August 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center when all the wonderful worlds of Disney come together for three magical days. From sneak peeks, concerts, and exhibitions to celebrities, Disney luminaries and more, there’s something for every Disney fan at the D23 Expo. Tickets are available now at D23Expo.com.

Dates, ticketing information, and more D23 events will be announced throughout the year, including new, member special events in Orlando. Full details on D23’s lineup of 2015 special events can be found at www.D23.com/events. All events and dates are subject to change.

Current event calendar:

  • February 25: D23 Member Night at Newsies—On Tour, San Francisco (sold out)
  • March 12: Cinderella Lights Up the Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
  • March 13: A Taste of Disney at Silverado Vineyards, Napa, Calif.
  • March 14: Breakfast on Broadway, New York City
  • March 15: The Hunchback of Notre Dame VIP Experience, Millburn, N.J.
  • Spring 2015: Lunch with a Legend, Burbank, Calif.
  • Spring 2015: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
  • April 14: D23 Member Night at Newsies—On Tour, Los Angeles (sold out)
  • April 30: D23 Member Night at Newsies—On Tour, Dallas (sold out)
  • May 9: The Parent Trap, Burbank, Calif.
  • May 29: VIP Studio Tour with Disney Legend Dave Smith, Burbank, Calif.
  • June 10: D23 Member Night at Newsies—On Tour, Washington, D.C. (sold out)
  • June 20: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
  • June 25: D23 Member Night at Newsies—On Tour, Boston
  • July 15: D23 Member Night at Newsies—On Tour, Toronto
  • July 18: Disneyland U.S.A., Burbank, Calif.
  • August 14–16: D23 Expo 2015, Anaheim, Calif.
  • Fall 2015: Lunch with a Legend, Burbank, Calif.
  • September 26, Pinocchio, Burbank, Calif.
  • November 6, VIP Studio Tour, Burbank, Calif.
  • November 7: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
  • December 4: Light Up the Season, Burbank, Calif.

WDWNT.com will bring you more D23 news and updates as they become available.

Walt Disney World Speedway Closing To Make Way for Magic Kingdom Area Improvements

WDWNT on February 26, 2015

Walt Disney World announced yesterday that the Richard Petty Driving Experience and Exotic Driving Experience will be closing in late-June 2015 for “future transportation improvements”. The Walt Disney World Speedway is expected to be demolished sometime after that.

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It’s no secret that road improvements are coming to the area, as cast members already know of the expansion of Floridian Way and the moving of Cast Connection to allow backstage road improvements near Magic Kingdom. We can only speculate that changes will also be made to the Magic Kingdom toll plaza and parking exit to allow better traffic flow, and perhaps provide a separate vehicle entrance to the park from the road that takes guests to the monorail resorts nearby.

Tom Corless’ 2/12/15 WDW Photo Report (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Polynesian Village Resort, ETC.)

WDWNT on February 26, 2015

Over the last week, I visited Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, the Magic Kingdom, and Epcot, so let’s see what’s new at the Walt Disney World Resort right now:

 Starting at the Polynesian, Moana Mercantile expanded into the sundries area which has been remodeled

They finally have digital park hour boards at the Polynesian

The new sundries section

The ATM moved upstairs

The controversial lobby…

New sigage up throughout the Great Ceremonial House

Signage for Trader Sam’s is covered up

A look at the future home of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

Work continues on the pool area

A new kid’s slide being installed

A new building for boat rentals being constructed as well

The nearly-completed bungalows off in the distance

The DVC location has moved, now with a kiosk and a small meeting room

From the monorail platform, we can see work on the left side of the Great Ceremonial House exterior

Moving to the Magic Kingdom, scrims reveal that work inside Uptown Jewelers is related to Pandora moving in

Splash Mountain is open again, but the restrooms nearby have not

Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid is closed for modifications to the ride similar to California’s version

This picture was taken just a day before the Video Arcade sign came down

The Rockettower Plaza Stage is the latest victim of the new Tomorrowland color scheme

Work continues on the new Magic Kingdom hub area

Another planter around the Partners Statue has been removed

New, smaller planters are being installed

The old production booths are going to be coming down soon

Fountains will flank both sides of Main Street

Golden Oak Outpost was actually open, now with one less set of waffle fries to offer

The Sunglass Hut in Adventureland has giant pin trading sunglasses…

More hub construction

Valentine’s Day cupcakes at the Bakery

Moving over to Epcot, preparation is underway for the Flower and Garden Festival

Where the Test the Limits Labs once stood in Innoventions are now construction walls

Not sure if this is a clue to what is coming

 

TSUM TSUM PINS ARE OUT! Find them if you can!

PHOTOS: The Village Causeway (Marketplace Bridge) Finally Opens at Disney Springs/Downtown Disney

WDWNT on February 26, 2015

We’ve been watching construction for what seems like forever, but the Village Causeway, the bridge across the Marketplace section of what will be Disney Springs, opened to guests today with some small merchandise stands (Photos by WDWNT Reporter Jose Castillo):

Some really great details to be found on the bridge

Florida Both Co. sells specialty soaps

Kate and Leo doesn’t seem to be Titanic related…

They sell toys

Icon Jewelry

Flour and Sugar is operated by Basin

They have Florida inspired cookies

Different areas of Florida are represented, tying into the Disney Springs story

The store is pretty much operated on an iPad

Looking out from the Village Causeway

Some really nice views

The bridge itself is a nice architectural piece

You can now get from Rainforest Cafe to the LEGO Store in record time

The new marina is still being constructed

PHOTOS: See the NEW “Hollywood Tower Hotel Authentic” Tower of Terror Merchandise at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on February 26, 2015

 

 

The Hollywood Tower Authentic merchandise line launched today at Tower Hotel Gifts at the exit of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror:

 

The artist appearance taking place today to celebrate the launch

Many of the displays in the store were updated as well

Tin sign

Magnet

Luggage tags

We’ll share more pictures of new items as they become available.

Disney Characters as Chinese Zodiac Revelaed for “Garden of the Twelve Friends” Area at Shanghai Disneyland

WDWNT on February 26, 2015

Just in time for the Chinese New Year, Shanghai Disney Resort today unveiled more details of its Garden of the Twelve Friends, a whimsical area of the theme park that recasts twelve beloved Disney and Disney•Pixar characters as members of the Chinese zodiac.

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“Introducing the twelve Disney zodiac characters to our guests is one way of conveying the best wishes of Shanghai Disney Resort during this traditional festival of family reunion in China,” said Philippe Gas, Shanghai Disney Resort General Manager.

Continuing the tradition of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts worldwide, Shanghai Disney Resort will welcome guests to immersive, magical, multi-day experiences. Garden of the Twelve Friends blends Disney’s signature storytelling with traditional Chinese elements and pays homage to the central role of the Chinese zodiac in daily life in China. The garden will offer resort-goers with fantastic photo opportunities and the chance to create everlasting memories with their families, friends, and favorite zodiac characters who represent their own Chinese zodiac sign of the year.

Shanghai Disney Resort selected 12 Disney characters to accurately symbolize each element of the Chinese zodiac, while retaining their own distinctive traits. For example, Shanghai Disney Resort settled upon Remy as the Year of Rat. From the Disney-Pixar film Ratatouille, Remy is the rat-turned-chef, who embodies cleverness, determination and a remarkable sense of smell — the true spirit of the zodiac sign with a fresh twist.

In honor of 2015, the Year of the Sheep, Shanghai Disney Resort is excited to present this year’s zodiac character: the “Jolly Holiday” lambs from Disney’s Mary Poppins. These lambs represent the elegance, charm, and gentleness of the Sheep, as well as the ancient Chinese saying, “San Yang Kai Tai,” or, “Three Sheep Bring Good Luck.”

In the Garden of the Twelve Friends, the garden wall is decorated with flowering vines and colorful mosaic vignettes where every character of the Chinese zodiac is rendered in Disney style. The beautiful glass mosaics are created in close collaboration with local Chinese artists and craftsmen. The serene interior, designed to resemble a classic Chinese garden complete with lush cherry blossoms, represents the perfect place for families and guests to gather and relax together.
The Twelve Disney Characters of the Chinese Zodiac include:

1. The Rat: Rémy. In Disney•Pixar’s Ratatouille, Rémy is a rat with big dreams – he longs to be a chef! With cleverness, determination… and a remarkable sense of smell… he turns the culinary world of Paris upside down.

Remy

2. The Ox: Babe The Blue Ox. Loyalty is important to Babe. This colossal hero of Disney’s Academy Award nominated short film Paul Bunyan devotes his life to helping his friend – a giant lumberjack – tame the wilderness.

Babe

3. The Tiger: Tigger. Winnie the Pooh’s friend Tigger is confident and cheerful. As he exuberantly bounces about on his springy tail, it’s easy to see that he is proud to be the only “tigger” in the Hundred Acre Wood.

Tigger

4. The Rabbit: Thumper. Sometimes the first friend is the best friend, especially when he is a rabbit! In Disney’s film Bambi, Thumper befriends a newborn fawn, and stands by him as he grows to be a prince of the forest.

Thumper

5. The Dragon: Mushu. The fast-talking little dragon named Mushu may be small in size, but he is big in spirit. His enthusiasm and bravery make him the perfect guardian for Disney’s Mulan on her quest for family honor.

Mushu

6. The Snake: Kaa. The wily python from Disney’s The Jungle Book, can be charming like other snakes. And he hates to fail, although his hilarious attempts to hypnotize other jungle creatures never work.

Kaa

7. The Horse: Maximus. This determined, quick-witted guard horse from Disney’s Tangled will not give up until justice is done! Which is why he helps reformed thief Flynn Rider free Princess Rapunzel from her tower.

Maximus

8. The Sheep: Jolly Holiday Lambs. The lambs featured in the “Jolly Holiday” song of Disney’s Mary Poppins represent the qualities that make those born in the Year of the Sheep so special – elegance, charm, serenity, and gentleness.

Jolly Holiday Lambs

9. The Monkey: Abu. The hero of Disney’s Aladdin is lucky to have a loyal friend like Abu. Sure his “Monkey Business” gets him into plenty of trouble, but his agility and cleverness are handy in dangerous situations.

Abu

10. The Rooster: Allan-A-Dale. This charming and melodic rooster narrates Disney’s Robin Hood. But Allan-A-Dale is also Robin’s trusted ally, joining him and his “merry men” in fighting injustice and helping the poor.

Allan-A-Dale

11. The Dog: Pluto. Like all dogs, Pluto is honest, faithful and friendly. His cheerful demeanor makes him a perfect companion for the optimistic Mickey Mouse, and he has become one of Disney’s biggest stars.

Pluto

12. The Pig: Hamm. In the Disney•Pixar Toy Story films, Hamm plays a wisecracking plastic piggy bank, but he’s a loyal and trustworthy companion to the end. He’ll keep your extra coins safe too!

Hamm

We here at WDWNT.com wish you a healthy and prosperous year of the “Jolly Holiday” Lambs!

Brian Carey’s 2/17/15 Disney Springs/Downtown Disney Photo Report

WDWNT on February 26, 2015

One of our newest WDWNT reporters, Brian Carey, brings us his very first report today, taking a look that all that is new at Disney Springs/Downtown Disney:

The decorative panels on the outside of parking structure have started going up

What’s New? signs can now be found, helping guests find the newer additions

Sound Lion is now open

A look inside Sanuk

The Art of Shaving (not shown) and Apex (shown above) are now open as well.

Havaianas will be going in this location. For those unfamiliar, Havaianas sells flip flops and sandals from Brazil.

Chapel Hats is open

And of course the stands on the bridge (Village Causeway) are open

GHOSTS!

A look at the bridge from afar

Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC is still not open

Probably a lot of furnishing left to do based on this shot

The former Pleasure Island dead zone is now coming to life as The Landing

Still no details on Disney’s Hangar restaurant, which will be a table service location

The bar is located on a boat on the side of the building

The dock at the Boathouse is nearly complete

Back over to The Landing, inside the Art of Shaving

Shaving is expensive…

Thanks for the report Brian and welcome to the team!

Disney World Ticket Price Increase Happening 2/22, Water Park Hopper Ticket Confirmed, No Expiration Option Gone

WDWNT on February 26, 2015

Well, I hate to say we told you so… so I’ll just link to our previous ticket price increase story.

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Ticket price increases for Walt Disney World will go into effect Sunday, February 22nd, 2015 with a one-day Magic Kingdom ticket priced at $105.00 (Plus tax) and a one-day ticket for one of the other three parks moving up to $97.00 (plus tax). Ticket prices across the board will be going up as well and will do so around the same increments as they did last year at this time.

The bigger news today is that a one-day water park ticket is now automatically a water park hopper ticket, so when buying the ticket, you won’t have to choose which water park you visit, you can visit either Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon or both in the same day.

Finally, last but not least, the no-expiration ticket option will be no more come Sunday. This option allowed guests to save any unused days on their tickets for a later trip.

We expect Disney to make a formal announcement before Sunday.

Kelly Derda’s 2/20/15 WDW Photo Report (Magic Kingdom Changes, Epcot Flower and Garden Prep, ETC.)

WDWNT on February 26, 2015

One of the newest WDWNT Reporters, Kelly Derda, visited the Magic Kingdom and epcot this week and has some great, newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

After decades of guests attempting to run onto the Mickey floral at the Train Station, a railing has been put up, similar to Disneyland

Already?

New Anna and Elsa ear hat ornaments have been released

The back section of Uptown Jewelers has re-opened…

It’s a Pandora jewelry store…

Nothing about the decor screams Main Street

A really odd addition as part of their sponsorship deal with Disney

The Tomorrowland Arcade remains closed thanks to Florida laws on game prizes

Really pretty absurd, right?

A more permanant sign asking for just three guests per Doombuggy at the Haunted Mansion

Moving over to Epcot, preperation for the Flower and Garden Festival is in full swing

Many of the flower beds already planted have been covered due to the cold weather

The Terra booth in place

A playground by Imagination!

The Cars playground over by Test Track

The butterfly garden going up

Thanks for the report Kelly!

Full List of Walt Disney World & Disneyland Resort Ticket Price Increases

WDWNT on February 26, 2015

Disney has unveiled the full list of price increses for theme park tickets on both coasts. Below you will find a full list with the new price of each ticket, followed by the former price in parenthesis. Ticket price increases go into effect tomorrow, Sunday, February 22nd, 2015.

Here are the changes for Walt Disney World:

Single Day Ticket

  • Magic Kingdom: $105 ($99)
  • Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom: $97 ($94)
  • Water Park: $58 ($53)
  • Park Hopper option: $50 ($35)

 

Magic Your Way Multi-Day Tickets

  • All increase $1-2 per day.
  • No Expiration option no longer available
  • Park Hopper option on multi-day tickets will have an increase about $4

 

Annual Pass

  • Regular: $654 ($634)
  • Premium Annual Pass: $779 ($754)

 

Florida Resident Annual Pass

  • Regular: $529 ($485)
  • Premium Annual Pass: $649 ($605)
  • Seasonal Pass: $329  ($319)

 

Disneyland Resort changes are as follows (full list currently unavailable):

Single Day Ticket:

  • $99 ($96)
  • Park Hopper option: $56 ($54)

 

Premium Annual Pass:

  • $779 ($699)