VIDEO: “Celebrate A Dream Come True Parade” Has Emotional Farewell After 5 Years Running

WDWNT on February 18, 2014

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Yesterday, the Magic Kingdom presented the final performance of the long-running “Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade” as they prepare to debut the new Festival of Fantasy Parade starting in March. While not one of the most beloved parades ever (as it was the 2nd overlay of a parade that debuted in 2001), the performers, guests who loved the parade, and many cast members who were both on-and-off duty had an emotional farewell as the procession pulled through the gates on Main Street for the last time yesterday afternoon. We were camped at the very end of the parade route to capture the historic moment in video for you. Our apologies as the video is a little shaky at times, but there was so much going on with many characters and performers saying goodbye to the parade. Regardless, we hope you enjoy:

VIDEO: Imagineering Releases On-Ride Footage of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

WDWNT on February 18, 2014

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Walt Disney Imagineering released a video today showcasing the work that has gone into all of the vehicles for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train opening this Spring in New Fantasyland. The video also offers us our very first glimpse inside the attraction and a look at the trains in action! Take a look:

Construction Begins on AVATAR Project for Disney’s Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on February 18, 2014

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Earlier this week, the long-awaited ground breaking ceremony was held in former Camp Minnie-Mickey for the AVATAR-themed land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. George Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort; Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations, United States and France; Tom Staggs, chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts; a Na’vi; Jon Landau, AVATAR Producer; Bruce Vaughn, chief creative executive of Walt Disney Imagineering; and Joe Rohde, creative executive, Walt Disney Imagineering, pose Jan. 8, 2014 during the ceremonial groundbreaking.

The area, which is being designed by Walt Disney Imagineering in partnership with “AVATAR” creator James Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment, will be unlike anything ever experienced at a Disney park. Guests will experience the wonders of Pandora when they fly with banshees and explore a rich natural environment with mountains that float and interactive plants that glow at night.

“Disney’s Animal Kingdom is already home to some of our guests’ favorite attractions,” said Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “With AVATAR, we are adding a spectacular new world and an exciting set of attractions unlike any our guests have experienced. The expansion now under way will make the park a true full-day, must-see experience.”

This week’s milestone is just the first step in a larger expansion for the park that will also include the debut of a new evening spectacular, as well as a nighttime version of Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Check out the video below for a look inside the ceremony:

Green Builder Media Celebrates Vision House Anniversary at Epcot with Trip Giveaway

WDWNT on February 18, 2014

Green Builder Media is celebrating Earth Day and the 2nd anniversary of its Vision House at Epcot’s Innoventions this year with a  4-day, 3-night Walt Disney World Resort vacation giveaway.

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Located in Epcot’s Innoventions West, the Vision House enables guests to walk through a house built with the environment in mind. The Vision House tour guide walks guests through each room in the house, highlighting the “green” technology, like water-saving toilets and LED lighting.

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The Vision House also introduces some pretty cool “tech gadgets” for the home, with ways to automate your green home. From the touch screens, homeowners can set temperatures, lower shades, and control the technology throughout the house.

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 Enter for your chance to be Green Builder Media’s guest on Earth Day for the 2nd Anniversary celebration at GreenBuilderMag.com/EarthDayGiveaway2

REVIEW: Spice Road Table Soft Opens at Epcot

WDWNT on February 18, 2014

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This past weekend the Spice Road Table soft opened at the Morocco pavilion in Epcot. There is no official opening date yet and in the meantime no discounts are being accepted (this includes Cast, Tables in Wonderland, Annual Pass, ext.). The restaurant is located right along World Showcase Lagoon giving it stunning views of the park and a new viewing location for Illuminations. The menu for Spice Road  Table is tapas style, featuring classic Mediterranean dishes. Also well the restaurant has a selection of beers, wines, speciality drinks and desserts. Spice Road Table currently does not accept reservations making it a perfect spur of the moment dining choice.

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The decor at Spice Road Table is simply stunning. Imagineering once again did an excellent job. Upon walking in, you see a beautiful bar. To the left is the outdoor seating and the indoor seating is on the right.

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Let’s take a look at what the menu offers for Spice Road Table…

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Pictured above is the Hummus and Imported Olives. This dish was a table favorite the hummus was so smooth and creamy with no aftertaste that you commonly find with the hummus you can buy in the grocery store.

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Above is the Mediterranean Omelet this was a surprisingly good dish. It’s basically your standard omelet that is stacked on top of potatoes and topped with a thick tomato sauce. I thought it would make a perfect breakfast dish, it was odd to have the omelet mixed with items that were more traditional dinner items.

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Spicy Garlic Shrimp – the name says it all! It wasn’t as spicy as I was expecting and it sure was loaded with garlic.

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The Moroccan Merguez Sausage was by far the spiciest dish we tried out. So if you love spicy this is the dish to try out.

For those of you who have allergies Spice Road Table is happy to accommodate. I have a dairy allergy and the chef came out and I could actually have 7 out of the 10 items. Items that were deemed unsafe, the chicken roll, lamb slider and calamari. Another important note is that ALL the bread served at Spice Road Table contained dairy.  Unfortunately, on this trip we didn’t get to desserts so I am unsure if any of those items are safe.

Overall, it was great to try out the new dishes at Spice Road Table but no dish was a run away hit with me. The food was okay but once you factor in the prices and portions it has me in no rush to be returning to this location.

PHOTOS: Giant “Steampunk” Maleficent as Dragon Revealed for Festival of Fantasy Parade

WDWNT on February 18, 2014

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When the new Festival of Fantasy Parade debuts at the Magic Kingdom in March, guests will be greeted by a 26 foot tall, steampunk version of Maleficent as a Dragon from Sleeping Beauty. The 35 foot long float was designed along with Michael Curry who also worked with Disney on the Tapestry of Nations parade at Epcot and Finding Nemo: The Musical at Animal Kingdom.

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The story behind the parade is that the residents of Fantasyland have crafted their own parade floats in their own style, thus, this is a dragon built of parts “available” to the characters.

Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade will debut this Spring at the Magic Kingdom, with rumors pointing towards March 16th. This however is not official yet.

Dirk Wallen’s 1/13/14 Magic Kingdom Photo Report

WDWNT on February 18, 2014

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited the Magic Kingdom on Monday and took a few newsworthy photos to share with us while he was there:

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City Hall remains open while some work is done to the pavement outside

While Casey’s is closed, the seating area is undergoing major changes as well

This outdoor patio on Cosmic Ray’s is being enclosed after 42 years…

Work continues on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

It seems that the Seven Dwarfs Mine store may have finally closed

Snow White recently got a new dress at the parks

Work continues on the Disney Vacation Club wing at the Polynesian

Busses were running from the Magic Kingdom to both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, not a regular occurrence

All Aboard for Brand New Disney Railroad Merchandise

WDWNT on February 18, 2014

Many die-hard Disney fans have seen the iconic photo of Walt riding the train he built in his backyard for his daughters. His love for trains is well-known.

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Walt Disney World has featured railroads in its Parks since the opening days, and in honor of Walt’s love of trains, a series of Disney Attraction Poster t-shirts will be released January 27th, 2014.

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The Disney Design Group artists worked with Designer Richard Terpstra to create  two t-shirts inspired by the Disney Railroad attraction posters found within the Disney Parks. According to the book, “The Poster Art of the Disney Parks” by Walt Disney Imagineers Vanessa Hunt and Danny Handke, the original attraction posters that inspired  the merchandise designs were created by Jim Michaelson, Ernie Prinzhorn and Rudy Lord in 1977.

These t-shirts will be available on the Disney Parks online store from January 27 to February 2, 2014.  The railroad-themed shirts will ship in 6-8 weeks (express shipping is not available).

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While not available in January, these poster-themed plates and cups will be available at the new home goods mini-shop, Centerpiece,  at the Marketplace Co Op in Downtown Disney Marketplace opening later in 2014. There will be additional plates and cups featuring other attraction posters offered in Centerpiece.

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The Disney Parks attraction posters will also be offered later in the year, as a set, so look for those in a few months. The 2014 poster calendar set has featuring these has sold out and will not return to stores according to Disney.

Who’s coming aboard for train-themed merchandise?

Dirk Wallen’s 1/15/14 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on February 18, 2014

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom last week and has some newsworthy photos (and video) to share with us, so let’s take a look:

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Banners for The Jungle Book on Blu-Ray now hanging in the Animation Courtyard

A billboard up as well

A billboard for Maleficent is also up near PIXAR Place, and yes, the horns stick out of the top…

The scanner boards at Star Tours have still not been activated to work with MagicBands yet

There’s also a new sign that will interact with guests installed in the pre-show area at Muppet Vision 3-D

The Etch-A-Sketch in the queue at Toy Story Mania was finally turned on last week, here’s a video showing the device in action:

Osborne Lights are coming down

All clear on this end of the street

The AFI exhibit is quietly being updated at the exit of the Backlot Tour

A few props have been switched out and moved around

Among the new additions is a costume from Batman

There are also now some items from E.T.

The croissant doughnut (or Cronut) is our only photo from Epcot, but you can pick up this incredible snack at the Refreshment Port

The Let The Memories Begin signage has been removed from the front of Animal Kingdom

Some walls are up near Island Mercantile where FastPass+ kiosks once stood… not sure if they are moving this help desk or not

Walls now up blocking guests from Camp Minnie-Mickey as it transforms into AVATAR

Camp Minnie-Mickey signage around the park has been removed

Work continues on the new home for Festival of the Lion King and the former Dawa Bar has now been absorbed by walls to accommodate queue construction

A look at the theater construction from far away

Not too long ago, Dug and Russell got some permanent signage for their meet and greet

Since Camp Minnie-mickey is closed and Animal Kingdom is down one show, Dinoland is now hosting a dance party

Here’s a short clip of the new offering that is full of obscure characters:

D23 Announces Upcoming 2014 Events Including Destination D at WDW

WDWNT on February 18, 2014

Today D23 officially announced its upcoming events for 2014. The most exciting thing about this announcement is the long awaited confirmation that D23 would hold another Destination D event in Orlando this year. The Fanniversary will also be returning again this year but this time around in the fall. Cities D23 will be traveling to this fall include Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Orlando, New York City, Seattle, and others TDA.

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DESTINATION D: ATTRACTION REWIND presented by H20 Plus: Walt Disney once said, “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” It’s in that spirit that guests this summer will have the opportunity to visit—or revisit—some of the most beloved Disney attractions of yesteryear. Destination D: Attraction Rewind, held July 26 and 27 at Walt Disney World Resort, will bring Disney archivists, Imagineers, Legends and luminaries together to celebrate fan favorites such as Adventure Thru Inner Space, If You Had Wings, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with rarely seen concept art and images; vintage video clips; and revealing stories. In addition, several presentations will be dedicated to the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair, which spawned beloved attractions like it’s a small world and Carousel of Progress.

MARY POPPINS 50th ANNIVERSARY SCREENING: On August 24, 2014—nearly 50 years to the day on which this beloved classic premiered—D23 will celebrate with a very special screening event.

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D23’S DISNEY FANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: For the third year in a row, D23 will hit the road, visiting cities across the U.S. to commemorate dozens of magical Disney milestones celebrating landmark anniversaries this year. Hosted by Disney archivists and the D23 Team, D23’s Disney Fanniversary Celebration events will be held in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Orlando, New York City, Seattle, and other cities in fall 2014. Fanniversary 2014 will revisit some of the most beloved theme park attractions, animated and live-action films, characters, TV series, and more than 90 years of Disney history including Donald Duck, the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair, Sleeping Beauty, Haunted Mansion, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Little Mermaid, and many more. Fanniversaryevents will be open to the public, with special admission prices and surprises created for D23 Members in attendance.

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D23’S LUNCH WITH A LEGEND: A limited number of D23 Members will join Disney Legend Marty Sklar for a private luncheon on The Walt Disney Studios lot, where Marty will talk about his extraordinary 54-year career with Disney. Look for additional “Legendary” lunches later this year.

DISNEY STORE MEMBER MIXERS: After giving members a peek at the reimagined stores in Florida, Kansas, New Jersey, California, and Nevada in 2013, Disney Store will once again invite D23 Members for exclusive mornings of shopping, discounts, games and goodies.

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MICKEY’S OF GLENDALE: The Walt Disney Imagineering employee store in Glendale, Calif., will open its doors to D23 Members on April 26, June 21, and other dates throughout the year, with special guests and surprises. Members will have an opportunity to purchase limited-edition merchandise and view the park-like grounds at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts’ creative “think tank.”

SCREENINGS ON THE DISNEY STUDIO LOT: Throughout the year, D23 will continue its popular movie screenings inside the historic Studio Theatre at The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. The 2014 roster includes Sleeping Beauty, The Jungle Book, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, and The Little Mermaid.

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—as well as showcasing many of the external locations used for filming Saving Mr. Banks. Tours will take place March 22, May 31, August 2, and November 8.

SIGNATURE EVENTS: Look for the return of some favorites, including the popular holiday offering DISNEY AND DICKENS (in Burbank in December), as well as other D23 traditions.

Dates, ticketing information, and more D23 events will be announced throughout the year. Full details on D23’s lineup of 2014 special events can be found on the Fan Club’s website atwww.D23.com/events. All events and dates are subject to change.

Current event calendar:

  • January 31: D23’s Lunch with a Legend — Marty Sklar, Burbank, Calif.
  • February 15: The Jungle Book, Burbank, Calif.
  • March 22: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
  • April 26: Mickey’s of Glendale shopping event, Glendale, Calif.
  • May 31: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
  • June 21: Mickey’s of Glendale shopping event, Glendale, Calif.
  • July 26 & 27: Destination D: Attraction Rewind presented by H20+, Walt Disney World Resort
  • August 2: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
  • August 24: Mary Poppins 50th Anniversary Celebration, Los Angeles Area
  • Fall: D23’s 2014 Disney Fanniversary Celebration, locations to be announced mid-2014
  • September 13: The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, Burbank, Calif.
  • October 11: Sleeping Beauty, Burbank, Calif.
  • November 8: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
  • November 15: The Little Mermaid, Burbank, Calif.
  • December: Disney and Dickens, Burbank, Calif.