A Preview of the Lion King and Little Mermaid Wings at Art of Animation Resort

WDWNT on December 3, 2012

The Lion King wing at Disney’s Art of animation Resort may not open until August 10th, but guests are being allowed to walk-through the new wing now. WDWNT Reporter Taylor Martina was on the scene yesterday and has some photos to share with us:

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All of the characters look great

building entrance

Wall art in the hallways

The elevator

Timon, Pumbaa, and Simba left tracks on the carpet

There they are

They all lead to the middle of the hallway

We can clearly see The Little Mermaid wing now

A look down the path

Back to Lion King

Zazu

Rafiki!

We’ll have more photos and video from this new wing coming up soon, so stay tuned!

Minnie, Daisy, Donald, & Goofy To Greet Guests at Pete’s Silly Sideshow

WDWNT on December 3, 2012

Walt Disney World announced via the Disney Parks Blog the details of what exactly will be inside Pete’s Silly Sideshow in Storybook Circus, part of New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom. Back at the D23 Expo, Imagineers told us at the very least it would be a meet and greet for Goofy, but it has now been confirmed that Minnie, Daisy, and Donald will be joining him under the big top at the circus.

Instead of just appearing in their normal apparel, the rest of the Fab 5 will get into the spirit of the Storybook Circus dressed as sideshow acts: The Great Goofini, The Astounding Donaldo (snake charmer), Minnie Magnifique (animal trainer), and Madame Daisy Fortuna (fortuneteller).

Exterior concept art

No information has been given about the opening date, but we assume that this too will open before the end of 2012. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

Take a Video Trip to Star Wars Weekends 2012

WDWNT on October 30, 2012

If you’re a Star Wars fan who won’t be getting out to Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this year, you’ll be very happy about what we have to share. Our friend Jeff Lange over at JeffLangeDVD.com and MouseSteps.com (both awesome sites you should check out all the time) captured some highlights of the first day of Star Wars Weekends 2012 for your enjoyment:

Here’s a very funny skit featuring some Stormtroopers that is performed while guests are waiting for Stars of the Saga

Some children were dressed up as Snig and Oopla (characters from various Star Wars Weekends activities)

Star Wars Weekends Celebrity Welcome with James Arnold Taylor, Ashley Eckstein, and Ray Park

And last, but certainly not least, this year’s Hyperspace Hoopla:

It’s the “Summer of Love” for “The Magic, The Memories, and You!”

WDWNT on October 30, 2012

So, about that romance segment in “The Magic, the Memories, and You” that was ending later this month… it’s not. The romance segment which was added in February will be staying through the entire summer and will be joined by a new unique summer segment. The new summer segment features characters from Phineas and Ferb, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid, as well as Cinderella Castle’s transformation into a giant sand castle.

Concept art for the Cinderella sand castle

The following concept art shows what the show might look like on both Cinderella Castle and on the facade of “it’s a small world”, where it plays at Disneyland

The new version of “The Magic, The Memories, and You!” debuts on May 25th, 2012 at the Magic Kingdom and at Disneyland Park. If you want to check out the romance segment that is already running, here is our video:

In-Depth Look at the Finding Nemo & Cars Wings of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

WDWNT on October 30, 2012

WDWNT’s own Katey McGregor went on a special tour of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort on Monday and was nice enough to take a number of photos to share with us prior to the resort’s official opening on May 31st:

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Pulling up to the resort

One of the large sketches on the exterior of the main building

A palette of colors dominate the check-in area, while early character concepts cover the opposite wall

An animator at work in the lobby. I hope this is a regular thing and not just something they were doing for the special event…

Wall opposite the front desk, showing concept art for the main characters of all four films. You can even catch a glimpse of British Sabastian!

More concept art from lobby

Some of your favorite characters looked a little different at first

Concept from the four films makes up this awesome lighting fixture- look for the hidden John Lasseter signature :)

Storyboard artwork covers a chandelier

Hidden John Lasseter signature!

This one is actually signed by hand by John Lasseter

Watercolor renderings outside the Ink & Paint Shop

More artwork on another wall

Cars section of food court

Landscapes of Flavor has 4 themed sections like the resort – Cars

Little Mermaid section of food court

The Little Mermaid

Lighting fixture in Little Mermaid section of food court- it's Ariel's treasure cave!

Lighting fixture for the Finding Nemo part of food court

Finding Nemo

Finding Nemo food court section

Lion King section of

Lion King

The Ink and Paint Shop looks ready to go

Front of resort

The back of the Cars wing

Even the staircases are themed to the different films

A glimpse of the Lion King section- you can see Simba on Pride Rock way back there if you look closely

The Lion King section is coming along nicely

Close up of Pride Rock- you can see Simba through the trees

I can kind of see Simba there…

Big Blue- the largest pool at any resort- is to the right

Finding Nemo is ready to open on May 31st

It's the EAC!

The jellyfish spout water

A look inside the rooms

Inscription on Nemo bathroom mirror

Nemo bathrooms designed to look like a submarine!

The bathroom looks like the sunken ship where the sharks live

Shower curtain in other bathroom

Shower curtain

Nemo playground

Squirt’s Righteous Reef

Restroom and Laundry signs made up of little fish

Ha…

Welcome to Radiator Springs!

A little bit of Cars Land in Florida

Sheriff hiding near the billboard as always

A picture with Doc Hudson

The Cadillac Range is on the buildings

Cozy Cone Motel is straight ahead, and the pool is behind it

Some of the town establishments were built

They even have the Cozy Cone sign

Sarge’s Surplus Hut

Guests are staying at the Wheel Well Motel

I didn’t know Luigi sold Lightyear tires

Another building has an entrance through Casa Della Tires

Guido!

The Cozy Cone motel

A look inside the rooms

The TV is on a toolbox

brilliant

The bathroom is a car wash…

Thanks for the report Katey!

Adam Roth’s 5/19-20/12 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on October 30, 2012

WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Magic Kingdom this past weekend, so let’s take a look at his photos, including an in-depth look at the Fantasyland model now on display at Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream:

Darth Vader cupcake

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Adam had himself frozen in carbonite in the ABC sound Studio, former home of Sounds Dangerous

Pretty neat for $120

Star Wars Weekends merchandise is in the tent behind Rock ‘N’ Rollercoaster again, Darth’s Mall

The huge Fantasyland model has moved in at One Man’s Dream

super cool

Princess Fairytale Hall won’t change the exterior of Snow White too much according to the model

A sign explains the model to guests

Some stuff isn’t labeled, like Triton’s Treasures, Ariel’s Grotto, and some minor facilities like restrooms, food stands, etc.

Some interesting points to note from this artwork:

  • Pete’s Silly Sideshow is the entire second tent towards the back and it appears it will remain a meet and greet experience only. We know Goofy should be there, but no other characters have been announced yet.
  • The unlabeled building next to Pete’s Silly Sideshow is probably the Humphrey the Bear counter service location that has been rumored, but again, we have no further confirmation.
  • You can make out the train lines that lead to the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station if you look closely at Storybook Circus.
  • Triton’s Treasures (the Little Mermaid gift shop) does not appear behind the Mine Train anymore, so it may be gone from the plans altogether.
  • The unlabeled building between Gaston’s Tavern and Bonjour Village Gifts is a restroom facility.
  • You can see the track layout of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, including when it goes through the show building with the dark-ride type scenes.

So I guess they will be done by 2013 unofficially?

The Mine Train looks pretty awesome

A closer look at the Mine Train track layout

The recent rockwork expansion at Little Mermaid is present

Let’s take a look at the real thing

The two tents are covered

The Circus animals from the Splash ‘N’ Soak Station are peeking over the wall

A wall has appeared near the Silly Sideshow tent

A look over the walls at Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station

A “Brave” New Attraction Comes to Epcot This Summer

WDWNT on October 30, 2012

From June 1-July 8, Epcot will be home to a special offering called “Brave – The Highland Games Tournament”. Being billed as a “kid-focused offering”, guests will get to play games like Mini Caber Toss, Cake Toss, Haggis Flip and archery. Also included is a small playground and a little something for the parents… FREE WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS!

The event will take place on the Rose Walk (right where Future World blends into World Showcase), from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., daily.

LED Lighting Enhancements Added to Journey Into Imagination with Figment

WDWNT on October 30, 2012

So, while we have been tweeting a lot over the last 10 days or so, Disney’s wonderful wifi at their resorts (Pop Century and Art of Animation) have kept us from posting some news. Apologies for the long gap without stories, but there is about to be a flood of news coming you way over the next week or so starting with this interesting tidbit.

If you thought that Epcot may soon replace the Journey Into Imagination with Figment attraction (just now celebrating its tenth anniversary), you may be in for a surprise. Another significant investment in the ride has just been made, this time in the attraction lighting. A few months ago we showed you the installation of new screens and projectors through the ride, but now two scenes have added dramatic LED lighting and effects.

The smell lab scene now changes between two colors before blasting you with an unpleasant odor, while the finale scene becomes a rainbow of rotating colors. I hate to say this, but this makes a dramatic difference. Not only does the finale actually stay completely hidden until the walls explode, but the reveal is actually a “wow” moment. So while no replacement is on the way yet, it’s nice to see time and effort spent on a forgotten attraction. Here’s video of the changes:

So, what do you think?

Jose Castillo’s 5/29/12 Epcot Photo Report

WDWNT on October 30, 2012

Contrary to popular belief, there is some newsworthy stuff going on at Epcot right now. Our good friend Jose Castillo has some photos to share from our journey to the park on Tuesday:

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Removal of Kim Possible has begun for the installation of Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure

Habit Heroes is still closed

Test Track closed too, but not a surprise…

The Test Track All-Stars entertaining guests

Work continues on the exterior of Maelstrom in Norway

Brave sand artwork in progress at the time

So, one of the Universe of Energy ride vehicles got a new plastic body with a light and dark blue color scheme

It definitely wasn’t painted as it felt like brand new plastic

Not only is the Pizza truck gone, but the tables and props are gone too

Jose got a new camera, so he took some artsy shots…

Youy can clearly see the new automated door that will act as the Turtle Talk entrance

A new sign at the exit of the Seas with Nemo and Friends ride

We haven’t had this photo yet, but Chiquita has been sponsor for a few months now

Perry the Platypus ear hat!

VIDEO: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Re-Opens at the Magic Kingdom

WDWNT on October 30, 2012

After a few months down for refurbishment, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad returned to service at the Magic Kingdom last week. Let’s start with the positive: the entire track was replaced, every square inch of the ride repainted, and many previously broken effects were repaired. The long broken geyser scene looks brand-new with every single opening blasting a tall pillar of water into the sky.

On the other side, the boulder scene during the final lift hill was completely shut down. In short, non-moving rocks were placed where moving boulders once stood. Also, a lot of effects are still missing, but we assume this was in a rush to open on time. As for the interactive queue…. it’s on the way. As you watch our video, you’ll notice large brown crates scattered through the queue along with some new walls and railings. The interactive queue is definitely coming soon, it just hasn’t been installed yet. Take a look for yourself: