Photos & Video: Cars Wing Opens at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

WDWNT on October 30, 2012

Thanks to WDWNT photographers Jeff Lukas and Adam Roth, we have an in-depth look at the Cars wing of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort which opened recently. Let’s take a look:

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Welcome to Radiator Springs

Doc Hudson

Sheriff

Ramone

One building enters through Tow Mater’s junkyard

Flo

The Cadillac Range

The Cozy Cone office has restrooms

Another building enters through Casa Della Tires

Unlike in the movie, the sign spins

Luigi

Guido

The Cozy Cones are first-come first-serve cabanas

The back building is the Wheel Well Motel

Lightning McQueen

Sally

Fillmore

Sarge’s Surplus Hut

Sarge

The interior hallways look great

Hidden mickey in the carpet

A look inside the rooms

The sink area looks like a car wash

The table has a map of Route 66

Convertible sofa… GET IT?

Awww, Mater is sleeping

The Lion King wing opens August 10th

Rafiki!

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Back to Cars

Flo’s license plate

Ramone’s plate

Hidden car

Alright… that’s too cool

Looking back towards Nemo

Here’s a video of the new wing:

The Little Mermaid “Completes the Picture” at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

WDWNT on October 29, 2012

There was an interesting article in the latest cast member publication regarding the Little Mermaid wing opening soon at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. We thought you might like to see this:

Completing the picture
‘The Little Mermaid’ joins Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
BY DANIELLE IGLESIAS

When “The Little Mermaid” opened in theaters in 1989, it brought the classic musical fairy tale back to the Walt Disney Animation Studios and ushered in a string of films that marked the “renaissance” of Disney animation. Besides making a splash at the box office, the film chronicling a young mermaid’s dream to become part of the human world also gave young fans a new aquatic heroine to admire.

On Sept. 15, “The Little Mermaid” will do more than round out an already colorful hotel; it will introduce three buildings of 846 standard rooms and a new pool to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, as well as mark the completion of a resort region that began nearly 10 years ago with Disney’s Pop Century Resort. Opened Dec. 14, 2003, Disney’s Pop Century Resort debuted as a larger-than-life tribute to the fads, phrases and cultural icons from the 1950s through the 1990s. So it’s fitting that the final buildings in the “pop art” region will pay tribute to such an iconic film from the late 20th century.

Unlike the family suites in the “Cars,” “Finding Nemo” and “The Lion King” wings of the resort, the standard rooms feature a more traditional layout that’s perfect for smaller families with ambitious little princes and mermaids of their own. They sleep up to four Guests and feature distinct themed décor that will place them right into King Triton’s kingdom, with details like seashell chairs and a grotto in the shower. Sebastian and his undersea orchestra can be found in the courtyard where they prove that they’re devoting full time to floating at the Flippin’ Fins Pool. As the resort reaches completion, Rick Allen, general manager of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, has enjoyed hearing impressions from Guests and Cast Members.

“As each theme has opened, we have had so much fun hearing from Guests and Cast Members which is their favorite room, whether it be because it is their favorite movie or has their favorite character in it,” he said. “The Little Mermaid rooms will be a perfect addition with Ursula, King Triton, Sebastian and, of course, Ariel … . We couldn’t be more excited.”

Adam Roth’s 9/6/12 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on October 29, 2012

WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot yesterday and has plenty of newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

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The parks are dead

You can see FastPass+ installed at the end

Probably a 5…

FastPass+ installed at Tower as well

Ummmm….

The old Carthay Theater on Sunset Boulevard

Eat your heart out DCA

How am I supposed to take a shortcut through Starring Roles if you are fixing the path?

Heading into Magic of Disney Animation

John Lasseter in Wreck-It Ralph form

Fantastic video game humor on dispaly

Ha

Artists working hard on the new Ink and Paint Cells

There is a Fix-It Felix machine on display, although it is behind glass 🙁

The movie ads on the wall have been updated

Will do a barrel roll? OK, I MUST see this film…

The Animation Gallery still has railroad merchandise

As well as 40th anniversary and “it’s a small world” merchandise

Neat!

Work continues on The Legend of Jack Sparrow

Some strange white markings have appeared on the walls

I’m guessing these are supposed to be the dotted line on a treasure map, but it is too early to tell

I originally thought they might be markers for something, but I don’t think so

We’ll find out soon enough

A crane backstage for some reason

NO WAY…

Yep…

Wow, a TRON penny machine

This machine probably made more money than the movie did… ZING

Phineas and Ferb merchandise has taken over the old Loony Bin

Wait…

Yeah, that isn’t what that was meant for…

The smoking section near Star Tours is behind walls

This planter in front of Sounds Dangerous is also behind walls

American Idol Experience is ready for FastPass+

Moving over to Epcot, Adam was so excited about the blue vehicles at Universe of Energy that he couldn’t hold his camera still

The Test Track facade is getting ripped apart

Wow…

Food and Wine Festival preparations are well underway

After months of work, the La Hacienda fountain is out from behind walls!

Ummm, you’re in the wrong area, Italy is behind you…

AHHHHH!

Wendell from the Country Bears was out as well

“Am I early? “

Cool World Showcase shirt!

Some work being done near the waterway in the France pavilion

Work continues on what is believed to be a DVC booth near the Canada pavilion

More walls up near the Refreshment Port

KHALUA PORK SLIDERS! SOON!

Dirk Wallen’s 9/10/12 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on October 29, 2012

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen was on the scene at the Magic Kingdom earlier this morning and has some newsworthy photos to share from his trip:

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Work continues on the Grand Floridian DVC wing

Lampposts installed in the new parking lot

If you closely, you can see the new children’s water play area themed to Alice In Wonderland that is being installed

There is a new Fall trolley show running every morning at the Magic Kingdom. We have a short video clip:

Everyone likes to point out budget-cuts and declines in show, but offering seasonal new shows like this prove Disney still cares despite what you may read elsewhere

Speaking of declines though… the bears are gone from the Brave meet and greet

This is a permanent change as Merida may not have much longer at the Magic Kingdom anyway

No one wants to color?

The new Fantasyland restroom facility project keeps chugging along

A new walkway through the Castle Walls has been set up to accommodate pavement work and other minor things

New directional signs on the walls

Work continues very slowly on finally installing the Storybook Circus entrance. Looks  like we won’t be getting the ticket booth in the concept art as there just isn’t enough path space…

Photo Tour of The Little Mermaid Wing at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

WDWNT on October 29, 2012

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen headed over to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort after hearing that the construction walls were down at The Little Mermaid wing, the final phase of the resort scheduled to open on September 15th. He took plenty of photos for us to enjoy:

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Ursula with Flotsam and Jetsam

Ariel and Flounder

The conga line fish are everywhere

Guests being surveyed on their experience

King Triton

Many of Ariel’s belongings are scattered around

I love the lampposts

How many older guests will climb this to get a picture of them smoking it?

We are about the size of Sebastian at this wing

The plants will eventually grow in and block the supports at the bottom

Guests at Disney's Art of Animation Resort are invited to slumber in Ariel's colorful retreat at

A look inside the rooms

Guests at Disney's Art of Animation Resort are invited into Ariel's secret grotto at

While the exterior is very similar to all of the other value resorts, I still think the rooms are much nicer than any at All-Star or Pop Century. What guests wouldn’t rather stay in a room based on a Disney animated film over a sport or a decade?

Your Epcot 30th Anniversary Shopping Guide!

WDWNT on October 29, 2012

For those going to Epcot’s 30th Anniversary festivities on October 1st, you’re probably still wondering how much money you are going to need to leave with all of the retro goodies that will be for sale. Well, we here at WDWNT are going to try to help you out with that before we arrive at the park on October 1st. The following information has been released through several official Disney websites and publications, as well as at the annual Pin Celebration at Epcot held a few weeks ago. We will continue to update this post as more info becomes available. Enjoy:

Spaceship Earth Limited Edition of 500 Boxed Pin Set, $69.95 Retail, October 1st Release Date

Annual Passholder Exclusive Pin – Retail TBA, October 1st Release Date

30th Anniversary Medal and Pin – $18.95, September 28th Release Date

Figment Pin and Button Set – $13.95, September 28th Release Date

Annual Passholder 3-Tier Pin – $9.95, September 28th Release Date

Open Edition Epcot 30th Mystery Set – $13.95 for two randomly selected pins, September 28th Release Date

Epcot 30th Anniversary Pin – $11.95, September 28th Release Date

Epcot 30th Anniversary Reversible Deluxe Lanyard – $10.95, September 28th Release Date

Epcot 30th Anniversary Super Jumbo Limited Edition of 250 Pin - Retail $125.00, October 1st Release Date

Assortment of Limited Edition & Annual Passholder pins, October 1st Release Date

“I Was There” Limited Edition of 3000 – $13.95

Epcot 30th Limited Edition of 2500 Pin and Patch Set – Retail TBA

8-Bit Figment Limited Edition of 2500 Pin – Retail TBA

Special pin available through cast member trade beginning October 1st

Commemorative Shirts – $31.95 (Women), $27.95 (Men), $24.95 (Kids), September 28th Release Date

Available online September 28th through October 4th

Epcot 30th Baseball Caps – $24.95, September 28th Release Date

Assorted Other Epcot 30th Anniversary Shirts – Retail TBA, September 28th Release Date

Epcot Pavilion Logo “Toothpick Holders” – Retail $24.95, September 28th Release Date

Removable Spaceship Earth ear hat cover – $9.95, September 28th Release Date

11 World Showcase Retro Shirts – $24.95 each, September 28th Release Date

Available online September 28th through October 4th

12-Inch Epcot 30th Duffy the Disney Bear – $30, September 28th Release Date

D-Tech iPhone 4/4S Cases – Four Different Retro Designs, $36.95 each, October 1st Release date

Commemorative framed coin set – retail TBA, October 1st Release Date

Noah artwork available as Giclee, framed print, or custom Vinylmation – Retail TBA, October 1st release date

Various custom Vinylmation figures – retail TBA, October 1st release date

Alcohol Comes to the Magic Kingdom Along with the Be Our Guest Restaurant in New Fantasyland

WDWNT on October 29, 2012

Walt Disney World not only previewed some of the delicious dishes for the Be Our Guest restaurant opening November 19th as part of New Fantasyland today, but they actually revealed that assorted wines and beers will be served as well. This will make Be Our Guest the first restaurant in the 41 year history of the Magic Kingdom to serve alcohol.

“More than ever, we’re using storytelling and creativity as we develop our menus,” says Maribeth Bisienere, vice president of Food & Beverage and Merchandise for The Walt Disney Company. “We’re continually creating magical experiences, and Be Our Guest Restaurant at New Fantasyland is the next step in the evolution.”

As guests dine amongst either the Ballroom, Rose Gallery, or the West Wing, here are some of the offerings they can choose from:

Mussels Provençal

Grilled Strip Steak with Garlic-Herb Butter and Pommes Frites

Layered Ratatouille

Mousse-Filled Cream Puffs

Gourmet Cupcakes

Pan-seared Salmon with Leek Fondue and Saffron Potatoes

Assorted Cured Meats and Sausages

Lunch, Dinner, and Drink (complete with prices) menus are currently available online through the Walt Disney world website.

I’m sure you would like an explanation as to why they are serving beer and wines with dinner, so here is what Disney provided:

“As part of the overall theming, we wanted to offer wine that enhances the guest experience and complements the French-inspired cuisine,” says Stuart McGuire, Beverage Director, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “The wines focus primarily on France’s famous wine-growing regions, including Champagne, Alsace, Loire, Rhone, Burgundy and Bordeaux.

“We’ll also offer the leading French beer, Kronenbourg 1664,” says McGuire. “And, staying in the general region, we’ll also offer Belgian beers.”

So, what do you think of the menu and the bombshell announcement regarding alcohol in the Magic Kingdom?

Dirk Wallen’s 9/14/12 Downtown Disney Photo Report

WDWNT on October 29, 2012

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen went to check out the progress on several projects happening at Downtown Disney right now, so let’s see what’s going on:

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Characters in Flight is still down

Phineas and Ferb and You is running currently at the West Side

Guests get super-imposed in the cartoon

A nearby merchandise cart

Work continues on Splitsville… does it seem like they are a bit behind to anyone else? They are supposed to open sometime in the Fall.

Not sure if these are new but these carts are located between Marketplace and Pleasure Island

Work moving slowly on the new exterior and bar at Rainforest Cafe as well

Some work is also being done on the exterior of T-Rex

Ads are already up for the D-Tech Me princess experience at World of Disney

Dirk Wallen’s 9/16/12 Magic Kingdom Photo Report

WDWNT on October 29, 2012

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen took a short trip to the Magic Kingdom on Sunday and has some newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

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A look at the former Fantasyland Skyway site construction

Storybook Treats remains open during pathway work, but the Seven Dwarfs Mine shop is gone

Track is being installed on the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train roller-coaster

The second level of Village Haus that has been closed for some time is now being refurbished

The former Crow’s Nest in Adventureland is still closed

Tinker Bell is now in her winter clothes in Adventureland

Her sister Periwinkle is now doing meet and greets

Halloween cups are now being used for drinks

Frankenweenie merchandise has hit stores

Light-up trick-or-treat baskets now available

Some neat seasonal treats available at the Confectionary

A Closer Look at New Fantasyland’s Princess Fairytale Hall Concept Art

WDWNT on October 29, 2012

Disney shared the concept art for Princess Fairytale Hall in New Fantasyland earlier today, one piece you probably have seen and one you probably haven’t:

The new home for visiting royalty in the Magic Kingdom, Princess Fairytale Hall will feature walls of stone and stained glass windows, a spacious gallery adorned with portraits of Disney princesses and elegantly finished rooms where guests can meet Aurora, Cinderella and other princesses. Set to open in 2013, Princess Fairytale Hall will be located in the Castle Courtyard in the center of Fantasyland. (Disney)

 The first is the previously seen concept art of the facade

The new home for visiting royalty in the Magic Kingdom, Princess Fairytale Hall will feature walls of stone and stained glass windows, a spacious gallery adorned with portraits of Disney princesses and elegantly finished rooms where guests can meet Aurora, Cinderella and other princesses. Set to open in 2013, Princess Fairytale Hall will be located in the Castle Courtyard in the center of Fantasyland. (Disney)

This new piece show what the interior may look like when the experience opens in Fall 2013. If it stays true to this artwork, we can expect to see each Princess below a portrait of themselves and in front of a stained-glass window that represents something from their respective films. If you look closely, you’ll also see statues representing characters from Cinderella, Princess and the Frog, and Sleeping Beauty.