D23 Expo 2013 to Take Place August 9-11, 2013!

BURBANK, Calif. – March 9, 2012 – All the magic and excitement of the past, present and future of Disney entertainment will come together once again when D23: The Official Disney Fan Club presents an all-new D23 EXPO at the Anaheim Convention Center on Aug. 9-11, 2013.

“The D23 Expo has become a phenomenal way for Disney fans to see everything they love about Disney all in one place — from Disney’s biggest stars and latest innovations to unforgettable performances live on stage,” said Steven Clark, head of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, which produces the bi-annual D23 EXPO. “Our third Expo is sure to create even more magical new experiences and memories for our biggest fans attending from throughout the U.S. and around the globe.

“Anaheim is extremely pleased that the D23 EXPO will be returning next year,” said Charles Ahlers, president, Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau. “This exciting event is quickly becoming an industry icon, drawing Disney fans from around the world. The Anaheim community truly appreciates and enjoys this quality show and positive impacts it brings.”

More than 40,000 Disney fans attended D23 EXPO 2011, which brought together the entire world of Disney under one roof for three star-studded days and nights. Fans were treated to appearances by superstars like Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Regis Philbin and Billy Crystal; enjoyed performances by Dick Van Dyke, The Muppets and Disney princess voice talent Jodi Benson, Paige O’Hara, Lea Salonga and Anika Noni Rose; previewed concept art and attractions coming from Disney Parks and Walt Disney Imagineering; glimpsed back at Disney’s rich history through extraordinary panels, presentations and exhibits; and discovered the newest entertainment, technology, and products from The Walt Disney Company.

Among the highlights of D23 EXPO 2013 will be expanded capacities at some of our most popular venues; the 2013 Disney Legends Ceremony, which honors the talented men and women who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy; Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, a treasure trove of crown jewels from the Walt Disney Archives; the bustling aisles of the Collectors Forum, where Disney fans can buy, sell and trade Disney collectibles, memorabilia and merchandise; and a massive show floor full of special opportunities to see what’s on the horizon for Disney around the world—and where guests may bump into their favorite Disney stars, characters, Imagineers, animators and filmmakers.

Advance tickets for the D23 EXPO 2013 will go on sale at D23Expo.com beginning August 9, 2012. D23 Members receive special pricing on both one- and three-day tickets to the event, which is also open to the general public.

D23 Members receive early admission to the Expo show floor, and D23 will once again give a special thanks to D23 Charter Members, providing them special access to the Expo’s Charter Member Lounge. Members will also have an opportunity to purchase a special Sorcerer Package, which provides a host of special benefits and amenities.

D23 EXPO 2013 marks the third D23 Expo held in Anaheim — the first Expo was held in 2009 followed by a second in 2011. Each event played host to thousands of Disney fans from every corner of the globe. Starting today, guests can visit D23Expo.com to relive some of the extraordinary experiences from the first two Expo events and get a peek at what’s to come in 2013.

Conner Purzycki’s 7/7/12 DLR Photo Report

I was a the Disneyland Resort few days ago and captured some newsworthy items including the new Disney Gallery exhibit. On to the photos…

When I walked by Luigi’s Flying Tires, the ride was down but cast members set up a little play area with the chains in front of the ride and had some of the balls from the attraction for kids to throw around. AWESOME!!!!

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In Pacific Wharf Cafe, they now how Lighting McQueen bread to go with the Mater bread… Want.

Over in Disneyland, the new exhibit Crowing Achievements has opened in the Disney Gallery

The exhibit’s theme is Disney castles

Artist David Avanzino doing a signing in the gallery

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Over in Innoventions, because you enter through the top floor now, the pre-show with Tom Morrow is turned off. So I wanted to see if he was still here.

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Yup. Tom Morrow is still behind the curtain. It’s a real shame because he is a fantastic animatronic.

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Thanks for Reading

First Look at Completed Section of New Fantasyland’s Castle Walls

WDWNT reader AJ P. found some more pictures from her trip to share and these few are pretty interesting…

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The first completed section of the Castle Wall has been revealed

It stands right near the pit left by the old Dumbo

All that remains is a stroller parking sign

It looks great!

The wall will soon stretch across this area

Melissa Weber’s 2/27/12 Walt Disney World Photo Report

It’s time to start playing catch up with all the news from the last week, and we start with a photo report from one of the newest members of our team, Melissa Weber:

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Art of animation sign near the road being installed

The Spaceship Earth queue layout has been modified for future changes to FASTPASS

Some queue modifications being made at the Seas with Nemo and Friends as well

Even though it is closed, cast members are still being staffed at Habit Heroes

New Animal Kingdom shirts available

Park specific plates and mugs have been released, a neat idea!

Happy Belated 57th Birthday Disneyland!

From Erin Glover of the Disney Parks Blog:

Today we celebrated 57 years of magic at the Disneyland Resort! This afternoon, Disney characters filled Town Square, balloons in hand, to sing “Happy Birthday To You” with Disneyland park guests.

All of us at the Disneyland Resort are proud to celebrate 57 years of creating happiness. I wanted to share with you some thoughts from my fellow cast members, who were asked to share one reason why they love Disneyland park:

“I grew up coming to Disneyland and now I refuse to grow up at Disneyland.” – Jeremy P., “Fantasmic!” and Haunted Mansion

“I’ve spent more than half my life in a place designed and built to make people happy, alongside cast members wired to make others happy and filled with guests who come wanting to be happy. How could anyone not love that?” – Matt G., general manager, Disneyland Park Food and Beverage

“Because one feels proud to be part of the magic that Disneyland creates, and from the time we are children, we wish to visit this wonderful place full of joy and dreams.” – Ricardo H., Central Bakery

“I love Disneyland because it was part of my childhood as a guest, teenager and college years as a cast member. I literally grew up here!” – Colleen N., CMR Program Manager

“Working with such an awesome and remarkable man [Oscar Martinez].” – Robin P., Carnation Café

“Because it is a place where families can pass on or make traditions for generations to come.” – Andrew S., Global Rooms Assignor

“Disneyland represents everything that has made America great: optimism, imagination, nostalgia, pioneering spirit and innovation.” – Nathan E., Disneyland Resort Creative Entertainment

“I’ve been watching Tinker Bell fly over Sleeping Beauty Castle for 50 years and it’s always just as magical for me as the first time!” – Sandy R., Pre-Arrival Sales

“The magic Disneyland creates leaves you with a big smile and a full heart.” – Jenny P., Disneyland Resort Casting

“How many places are there that you can be taking a break and have Goofy walk by and wave at you? You can’t help but smile.” – Cindy D., Public Affairs

“I love seeing one man’s dream being not only lived out, but still growing and evolving long after the dreamer has passed.” – Carrie H., Hollywood Land Attractions

“I love Disneyland park because when other people sigh and say, ‘I’m going to work,’ I say, ‘I’m going to the Magic Kingdom.’” – Wade H., Guest Service Manager

“It is the only place where I enjoy a Dole Whip for breakfast, five churros for lunch and a Mickey Pretzel. Plus another churro for dinner.” – Christian C., Disney University

“I grew up coming here with my family and friends, I met my true love here, made some of my best friends here, and it’s here that I get to spend my time with an amazing group of people at an opening-day attraction, cruising around the Jungle Rivers of the World… Move it up skip!” – Ryan W., Jungle Cruise

New Options for PhotoPass

From Kelly Glassburn of the Disney Parks Blog:

If you haven’t heard, we’ve launched our Disney PhotoPass+ for Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort! And today, I wanted to share a new way to save on PhotoPass+ packages at both resorts this summer – it’s by pre-ordering online before your next visit.

It’s easy to pre-order. Just visit our special Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney Resort PhotoPass+ pages and look for the “order” button. We’ve also included more details on the benefits, but here’s a quick look at what’s included:

  • A voucher to exchange for your Disney PhotoPass+ card
  • Disney’s Photo Gallery CD with hundreds of stock photos
  • A unique code to create and order a Photo CD
  • Print packages at select dining locations
  • Digital photos from select attractions

2012 Dates for Halloween at Disneyland

From Disneyland News:

Disneyland Resort Celebrates Halloween Time 2012, Sept. 14 Through Oct. 31

Separate-Ticket ‘Mickey’s Halloween Party’ Offers Trick-or-Treating In Disneyland Park on 11 Special Nights

ANAHEIM, Calif,.(July 16, 2012) – The Happiest Place on Earth is about to get spookier as Halloween Time returns to Disneyland Resort this fall with Disney villains, Mickey Mouse and his friends in Halloween costumes andMickey’s Halloween Party, along with a special exhibit from , all part of the fun during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort. The season runs from Friday, Sept. 14, through Halloween, Monday, Oct. 31.

The after-hours Mickey’s Halloween Party, a separate-ticket event* which has become an annual highlight of Halloween for trick-or-treating families, will take place in Disneyland Park on 11 special Monday, Tuesday and Friday nights: Sept. 28 and Oct. 2, 5, 9, 12, 15, 19, 23, 26, 29 and 31. Tickets are on sale now for the general public, with information atwww.Disneyland.com/Halloween.

Mickey’s Halloween Party invites adults and children to dress up in costume and trick-or-treat at Disneyland.. These revelers can also arrive before the party to “mix in” with regular Disneyland guests for three hours prior to the start of Mickey’s private bash. Highlights of Mickey’s Halloween Party include:

  • The special opportunity to play in Disneyland for up to three hours before the party starts; check www.Disneyland.com/Halloween for party hours.
  • Fun treat stations offering both candy and healthy treats
  • The “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular, hosted by “Master of Scare-omonies” Jack Skellington (presented exclusively for guests of  Mickey’s Halloween Party)
  •  ”Mickey’s Costume Party” cavalcade, performed twice nightly
  • Dance parties, where guests will “boo-gie” to lively music
  • An opportunity for everyone in the family to attend the park in costumes
  • Photo locations with some popular Disney and Pixar Pals, and Disney Villains
  • Favorite Disneyland rides and attractions, plus Halloween-themed attractions Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy
  • Parking for one standard-size vehicle

Tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party are $54* for select nights when purchased in advance, while tickets purchased on the event days and selected nights are $64.  All tickets to Mickey’s Halloween Party on Monday, Oct. 29, and Halloween Night, Wednesday, Oct. 31, are $69.

Some favorite Disney characters, including Mickey himself, will dress up in fun, fall costumes.  It’s the ideal environment to eat special holiday treats, play interactive games, listen to “spirited” music and watch a nightly character cavalcade that celebrates the season.

For Halloween fun at Disneyland, guests enjoy Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy in Tomorrowland.  The experience begins as a typical Space Mountain adventure, but suddenly launches voyagers into a haunted section of the universe.  Ghosts appear out of the starry darkness and swirling galaxies of Space Mountain, reaching out as if to grab guests as they speed through space.  The exhilarating drops and curves of the journey are punctuated by piercing screams, creepy sound effects and haunting music.

Jack Skellington also returns to take over the Haunted Mansion and bring back Haunted Mansion Holiday to New Orleans Square in Disneyland.  Transformed to a mix of Halloween spookiness and Christmas tradition, Haunted Mansion Holiday is inspired by the Tim Burton film “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Jack’s return to the Haunted Mansion includes the traditional Halloween/Christmas gingerbread house in the Mansion Ballroom, with some special spooky surprises in this year’s design.

Guests will also find some thrills at Disney California Adventure Park this fall. “The Art of Frankenweenie Exhibition”will feature sketches, props, sets and puppets from Tim Burton’s new animated film, “Frankenweenie” from Sept. 14 through Nov. 5, and it includes a sneak peek of the movie. For spine-tingling fun, guests may drop in at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ where a “supernatural” event happened on Halloween evening, 1939, forever haunting the building.

While visiting Disney California Adventure, guests will want to cruise over to the new Cars Landa re-creation of Radiator Springs from the movie “Cars” with three exciting new attractions – Radiator Springs Racers, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree and Luigi’s Flying Tires. At night, Cars Land lights up with a neon glow and “World of Color”illuminates Paradise Bay with a spectacular show of water, color, fire, lasers and projected animation.

Children and adults will want to enjoy all the frightful fun during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort.

  • Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland is transformed for the Main Street Pumpkin Festival. Guests will see more than 300 pumpkins ­­- none of them the same.
  • Visitors to Big Thunder Ranch Halloween Round in Frontierland will find ranch animals, pumpkin carvers, Halloween décor and activities for youngsters.
  • Meeting Disney characters will be lots of fun as Disney villains gather to plot Halloween mischief at “it’s a small world” Mall in Disneyland, while other characters in spooky attire greet guests in Town Square, Main Street, U.S.A.

For more information about Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, see www.disneyland.com/halloween.  This site will be updated with frightfully fun details.

Bar & Cafe Reopens in Downtown Disney

From Janet Knox of Disney Parks Blog:

I am happy to share with you my excitement about the reconceptualized Uva Bar and Café, including a new menu by Executive Chef Nick Weber, which reopened on June 7. Nestled in the heart of the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort, this sidewalk bar and café now features an expanded patio area with additional seats which evoke the feeling of Spanish eateries found in Barcelona. Surrounding the vibrant terrace, umbrellas line the open air space, providing an ideal locale for observing the hustle and bustle of the Downtown Disney District. The centerpiece circle bar has been given a facelift, with festive tiling backlit by an LED-lighting system which brings an atmosphere of Spain to Anaheim.

 

The featured a la plancha entrees include the Lamb Burger with piquillo peppers, feta, arugula, lemon dill aïoli and pickled red onion; and the Market Fish with roasted artichoke heart, preserved lemon purée, blistered tomatoes and olives. New offerings include an extensive menu of side items, including sweet potato fries, sea salt and garlic fries and the classic Uva street fries with chorizo Bilbao, spicy crema, shaved green onions, pickled garlic and melted cheese. Other sides include asparagus served a la plancha and Shishito peppers with sea salt and lemon garlic emulsion.

As a perfect pairing to numerous dishes on the new menu, Uva Bar is pleased to offer an extensive list of local and regional microbrews including Firestone Doublebarrel, Lost Coast Great White and Anderson Valley Boont Amber Ale. The new bar space now features twelve draft handles which are set to house premier selections including Green Flash Hop Head Red, Alaskan Amber Ale, Stone I.P.A., Lost Coast Tangerine Wheat and a rotating seasonal draft, among others.

I look forward to seeing you at the Uva Bar and Cafe – the best spot to see and be seen in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort!

Welcome to “One More Disney Day”

So, it has been almost a week since “One More Disney Day”, and we are still doing a bit of recovering here at WDWNT. While we’ll spend more time on the podcast talking about the event, here is video of the 5:50AM welcome show at the Magic Kingdom presented on February 29th:

8 Game Plans For Your Trip to DCA

From Disneyland News:

What Fun Itinerary Will You Plan at the Newly Expanded Park?

Anaheim, CA  (June 25, 2012) – The grand reopening of Disney California Adventure Park brings new adventures for guests of all ages, including the exciting Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and Carthay Circle Theatre. All the new attractions, entertainment and experiences complement the classic favorites, offering something for everyone – from the thrill seeker to the guest who likes to play after dark.

To help Disneyland Resort guests plan a full day of their favorite experiences, here are eight themed itineraries to try – and build upon – for an upcoming visit to Disney California Adventure. With new, extended hours, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. all summer long, guests will have more time to enjoy all the fun.

Thrill Seekers Adventure

Already home to six of the highest-rated attractions at the Disneyland Resort, Disney California Adventure is a thrill seeker’s paradise.  With the new “E Ticket” Radiator Springs Racers at Cars Land, this itinerary is packed with flying, spinning, screaming, soaring and racing fun that any thrill seeker would love.

  • Radiator Springs Racers (new at Cars Land)
  • Twilight Zone™  Tower of Terror
  • California Screamin’
  • Soarin’ Over California
  • Silly Symphony Swings
  • Goofy’s Sky School
  • Grizzly River Run

The Show Stopper

This show-stopping itinerary is worthy of an encore. From “A Whole New World” to “World of Color,” Disney California Adventure features some of the best entertainment the Disneyland Resort has to offer. Head down the rabbit hole or be immersed in storytelling as nearly 1,200 fountains light up the night with these interactive, immersive shows.

  •  ”Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular”
  • “Red Car Newsboys” (new on Buena Vista Street)
  • Five & Dime (new singing act on Buena Vista Street)
  • Ursula’s Grotto, Sorcerer’s Workshop (Disney Animation Building)
  • “Pixar Play Parade”
  • “Disney Junior – Live on Stage!”
  • Mad T Party (new at Hollywood Land)
  • “World of Color”
  • “Phineas & Ferb’s Rockin’ Rollin’ Dance Party”
  • Live music on Paradise Pier (At the gazebo near Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta and Paradise Garden Grill)

The Night Cap

When the sun goes down, Disney California Adventure sets the stage for a magical, nighttime experience. Watch as Cars Land flips the switch from day to night and enjoy the illumination of Route 66 with its amazing neon signs.  Don’t miss a twinkling view of the skyline from the top of Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror and catch all the fun, music and games at Mad T Party.

  • Cars Land Neon Lighting (new at Cars Land)
  • Dinner at Carthay Circle Restaurant or Golden Vine Winery, with reserved viewing for “World of Color”
  • Carthay Circle Lounge (new on Buena Vista Street)
  • Twilight Zone® Tower of Terror
  • Hot Chocolate, Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop (new at Pacific Wharf)
  • Mad T Party (new at Hollywood Land)
  • “World of Color” (with new update from DisneyPixar movie “Brave”)

Nature Lovers

This itinerary invites nature lovers to “branch out” and experience the beautiful horticulture that spreads across Disney California Adventure.  More than 450 new trees have been planted in Cars Land alone, and the additon of trees throughout the park adds shade for more guest comfort. From the tall pines around Grizzly Mountain to the small cacti in Cars Land, guests will enjoy all the beautiful surroundings in the park.

  • Golden State Winery Cork Oak at the Golden Vine Winery (Pacific Wharf)
  • Grizzly Peak Pine Trees (Grizzly Peak)
  • Ficus Auriculate – Roxburgh Fig (“a bug’s land”)
  • Cars Land “Ironwood” Tree – Olneya Tesota (new at Cars Land)
  • Cars Land Claret Cup Cactus (new at Cars Land)

A Day With Character

Getting up close and personal with favorite characters is one of the best ways to enjoy a day at Disney California Adventure.  Guests will enjoy being immersed in the stories of classic Disney characters and Pixar pals, plus there are many opportunities to greet favorite characters. Guests may talk with Crush, sing along with Minnie and go under the sea with Ariel on this character-filled itinerary.

  • Greet Lightning McQueen and Mater (new at Cozy Cone Motel, Cars Land)
  • Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree (new at Cars Land)
  • The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
  • Minnie’s Fly Girls Charter Airline (new at Condor Flats)
  • Toy Story Mania!
  • “Pixar Play Parade”
  • Redwood Creek Challenge Trail with Russell and Dug from Disney•Pixar’s “Up”
  • Turtle Talk with Crush at Disney Animation Building
  • The Beast’s Library, Sorcerer’s Workshop, at Disney Animation Building
  • Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
  • Muppet*Vision 3D
  • Ariel’s Grotto Princess Character Dining

A Shopper’s Paradise

With the additions of Buena Vista Street and Cars Land, guests  have even more opportunies to shop to their heart’s content. Whether it’s at Radiator Springs Curios or Big Top Toys, the new shops are a great place to find a souvenir that reflects a day filled with memories.  Add that to the classic merchandise experiences of Disney California Adventure and this itinerary will be added to everyone’s shopping list.

  • Oswald’s (new on Buena Vista Street featuring autograph books, hats, bags and souvenirs)
  • Los Feliz Five & Dime (new on Buena Vista Street featuring t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, figurines, souvenirs and character merchandise)
  • Big Top Toys (new on Buena Vista Street featuring interactive toys, games and plush)
  • Elias & Co.  (new on Buena Vista Street featuring posters, clothing, souvenirs and collectible items)
  • Radiator Springs Curios (new at Cars Land featuring souvenirs)
  • Ramone’s House of Body Art (new at Cars Land featuring clothing and souvenirs)
  • Sarge’s Surplus Hut (new at Cars Land featuring clothing, hats, toys and plush)
  • Seaside Souvenirs (featuring Paradise Pier themed souvenirs and merchandise)

A Tour Full of Flavor
Sometimes it’s all about the vittles – and Disney California Adventure is a foodie’s paradise.  Comfort food, gourmet meals, regional specialties, signature cocktails and even delectable vintages are all available on this tour through the park.  From small bites to fine dining, guests’ palates will be met with some of the best food and drink options from around the Resort.

  • Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café (new on Buena Vista Street)
  • Trolley Treats (new on Buena Vista Street)
  • Flo’s V8 Café (new at Cars Land featuring Route 66 inspired comfort food)
  • Cozy Cone Motel (new at Cars Land featuring “cone” themed snacks)
  • Fillmore’s Taste-In (new at Cars Land featuring fresh fruits, juices and water)
  • Wine Country Trattoria (featuring Mediterranean style cuisine)
  • Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta
  • Carthay Circle Restaurant (new on Buena Vista Street)
  • The Cove Bar (featuring American style bar appetizers)
  • Pacific Wharf Café (featuring salads, soups and bread bowls)
  • Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop (new at Pacific Wharf)
  • Corn Dog Castle
  • Ariel’s Grotto (featuring character dining for breakfast and lunch)
  • “World of Color” picnic dinners; includes reserved viewing for the show

Child’s Play Tour

 

 

 

This itinerary is a good fit for parents and grandparents who are entertaining younger guests.  These attractions are fun for all ages and cover the entire park.  Whether it’s floating on air at Luigi’s Flying Tires or playing at bug’s eye-level in “a bug’s land,” there are so many places to make memories together for the entire family.

  • Luigi’s Flying Tires (new at Cars Land)
  • Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree (new at Cars Land)
  • “Dancing with Disney” (new at Stage 17)
  • “Instant Concert … Just Add Water,” daytime fountain show at Paradise Bay with Maestro Goofy
  • Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train
  • Flik’s Flyers
  • King Triton’s Carousel
  • Golden Zephyr
  • Games of the Boardwalk featuring beloved Disney characters
  • Toy Story Mania!
  • Animation Academy (Disney Animation Building)