Parks & Resorts – Page 326

D23 Tickets Available Augst 9th

WDWNT on August 30, 2012

From Jeffrey Epstein of the Disney Parks Blog:

Tickets for the D23 Expo: the ultimate Disney fan event, will be available to guests beginning August 9 at 10 a.m. PT.

Presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, the D23 Expo – the largest Disney fan event in the world – will take place right across the street from Disneyland Resort at the Anaheim Convention Center August 9-11, 2013.

The D23 Expo brings together all the wonderful worlds of Disney from Disney Parks, Walt Disney Imagineering, the Walt Disney Studios to Disney Living, Disney Channel and Disney Interactive. The 2011 Expo – which attracted more than 40,000 Disney fans from around the world – was attended by such celebrities and Disney luminaries as Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Jennifer Garner, Dick Van Dyke, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Jason Segel, Marty Sklar, Alice Davis, Tony Baxter, Tom Bergeron, Regis Philbin, Jodi Benson, Lea Salonga, Linda Larkin, Paige O’Hara, Anika Noni Rose, Sarah Silverman, Sean Astin, Chelsea Kane and Kyle Massey.

The 2013 D23 Expo promises to be even more spectacular! In response to great fan demand, the Expo will feature an overflow theater for the D23 Arena to accommodate more than 2,000 guests for live streaming of the popular presentations, nearly double the seating in the Stage 28 venue and an expanded show floor and Collectors’ Forum to provide even more memorable experiences for guests.

Returning to the Expo are the Disney Legends Awards to honor the talented men and women who have contributed to the Disney legacy, the 12,000 square-foot Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit and the Fan Art Contest, which this year will be themed to Walt Disney’s classic film “Mary Poppins” (a year-long 50th anniversary celebration for the film will kick-off at the Expo).

Discounted tickets for D23 Expo 2013 will be available for a limited time, from August 9–December 31, 2012, and D23 Members save even more! For complete information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for members and general admission, visit www.D23Expo.com.

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

WDWNT on August 30, 2012

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.

“The Art of Frankenweenie Exhibition” Coming to Disney California Adventure Park September 14

WDWNT on August 30, 2012

From Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:

Calling all you Tim Burton fans! In addition to Haunted Mansion Holiday, guests will be able to step into another world of award-winning film director Tim Burton when “The Art of Frankenweenie Exhibition” comes to Hollywood Land during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort. From September 14 – November 5 at Disney California Adventure park, you can see the touring art exhibit, along with a special, extended sneak peek of Tim Burton’s animated feature film, “Frankenweenie,” releasing on October 5.

“The Art of Frankenweenie Exhibition” captures the magic of filmmaking and gives an exclusive glimpse into the stop-motion animation process brought to life by visionary filmmaker Tim Burton. From original sketches drawn by Burton to extensive props, sets and puppets, the exhibition showcases the artistic detail and vision that has gone into telling the tale of a boy who, inspired by science and the love of his dog, brings his beloved pet back from the dead. Here’s a quick peek:

The exhibition launched in Barcelona, Spain, at CineEurope on June 18, and stops in the U.S. at the Disneyland Resort from September 14 – November 5. When the tour is complete, it will have visited seven countries including Spain, France, England, Japan, Mexico, Canada and the U.S.

Be sure to catch “The Art of Frankenweenie Exhibition” during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort – which also includes Haunted Mansion Holiday, Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy and more!

More Photos of Storybook Circus with Construction Walls Down!

WDWNT on August 30, 2012

Well, everyone enjoyed the photos we shared yesterday so much that WDWNT reader Jessica Walker decided to take another pass at Storybook Circus from the Walt Disney World Railroad, and there was plenty more to see:

Most of the Fantasyland Station is now visible

Plenty of construction going on inside the building though

Still a little more work to be done

But the workers are excited to near completion!

Cool vest!

Even cooler vest!

Oh Goofy!

If you like behind the props in the queue, you can see the red Barnstormer plane vehicle

This queue is much improved

They were fixing the smoking rocket

Some final touches being added

We can see the front of the train!

From the other side, the detail on Dumbo is slowly appearing

I love the lighting fixtures in Storybook Circus

Well, this is what we get for making fun of DCA…

Work continues on Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid

“Be Our Guest” Restaurant

Enchanted Tales with Belle

So, the Skyway is gone, clock-tower and all… Thanks again for the photos Jessica!

New “Walk In Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps” Tour

WDWNT on August 30, 2012

From Erin Glover of the Disney Parks Blog:

If you love Disneyland history, I’ve got a tour for you. The “Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps” Tour replaces the current “A Walk in Walt’s Footsteps” tour beginning September 9, and is available to book right now. Traveling through Disneyland park, you will learn about the challenges, excitement, inspiration, and fun that went into creating Walt Disney’s original Magic Kingdom as well as the story of the life of Walt Disney himself.

The newly re-launched tour includes an exclusive look into Walt Disney’s private apartment, a peek into the lobby of the exclusive, members-only Club 33, a private lunch on Main Street U.S.A., two classic attraction experiences and a collectible pin.

Here are some things you should know about the “Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps” Guided Tour:

The tour is approximately three hours long.

Theme park admission for Disneyland park is required to attend the tour.

The tour leaves from Disneyland Tour Gardens (left of City Hall) every day at 9:30 a.m.

Attractions and entertainment are subject to change without notice.

For pricing and booking information (and to find out about a special discount for Disney Rewards Visa and AAA card holders, Disney Vacation Club members and Disneyland Resort Annual Passport holders) call 714-781-TOUR (8687). Also, be sure to check out the other Disneyland Resort Guided Tours at Disneyland.com/Tours.

New Cast Costumes Send Guests Further into the Fantasy of New Fantasyland

WDWNT on August 30, 2012

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Some of the first areas of our New Fantasyland expansion at Magic Kingdom Park will be opening by late March, featuring a re-imagined version of The Barnstormer and a relocated Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction. When they debut, cast members working in these areas will be wearing new costumes inspired by the “Big Top” setting of Storybook Circus.

The Creative Entertainment Costuming team worked with Walt Disney Imagineering to develop these designs to bring the environment of Storybook Circus to life. The bold colors evoke the spirit of the ringmaster or sideshow barker, while the tails and detailing provide a period look of the 1930s.

In this video, you’ll see how the partnership between Walt Disney Imagineering and Creative Entertainment has produced an entire collection of unique costumes to be worn by cast members in each area of New Fantasyland, creating a rich sense of place and community.

Our First Pictures Inside Storybook Circus!

WDWNT on August 30, 2012

I’m sure you have heard by now, but Storybook Circus opened to the public this morning and WDWNT Reporter Melissa Weber was on the scene:

We’re walking in!

Not much to see down here yet

Dumbo is back! And it looks glorious! There’s even circus trash-cans!

Circus ticket booths around the ride

Looks great!

The Barnstormer is also open

What an improvement!

This is the restrooms… yes, they are too nice to be restrooms…

A Casey Jr. weather vane at the top of the station

The last remnant of Toontown sits in the background

Fantasyland Train Station is open as well now

A neat detail: the train tracks in the ground turning into pavement

The lights and railing on the Tomorrowland path got painted and it is once again open!

An In-Depth Look at New Fantasyland’s Storybook Circus

WDWNT on August 30, 2012

While we wait for more pictures and video, I decided to post WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth’s twitter pictures of today’s Storybook Circus opening. Let’s take a closer look at the first piece of the New Fantasyland puzzle:

Dumbo looks great in the new pastel colors!

The story scenes on the bottom of the carousel were a nice touch

Great attention to detail

The rest of Fantasyland has a long way to go…

PINK ELEPHANTS ON PARADE!

The other Dumbo spinner will take a while

Barnstormer signage

A look across the way

The back of the Barnstormer sign has a reference to Wiseacre Farm from Toontown Fair

This poster is up on the construction walls… including Humphrey the Bear eating a candy apple? Maybe he’ll be getting a food service location of some kind?

The Dumbo interactive queue isn’t open yet

Dumbo sign

Inside the queue

Lots of little popcorn lights on the queue

Dumbo looks great with the water feature!

Work continues on the tents

I can’t wait to see this at night

WATER!

Another new sign

Cool poster

I like that the flat people have now stepped into a three-dimensional scene…

Another cool poster

A magic feather!

Again, great details

You can see the train tracks that will come from the Roundhouse, where the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station will be

These restrooms are amazing…

Plenty of luggage outside the Fantasyland Station exit

Animal prints in the pavement

Carolwood Park… I don’t have to tell you what an awesome Walt reference this is…

Booth at the entrance to Barnstormer

New signage for the train

Casey Jr. weathervane

Nice LED lighting

Even though the path to Tomorrowland is open, work still to be done

Some old train tracks

Tracks run all over the place in this section

Goofy crashed

This could have just been a cutout, but they even put a fringe where Goofy went through…

A Main Street cart out to handle guest demands for spring break

Work continues on more Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid facade

NEW GARBAGE CANS

This will eventually be the FASTPASS/xPASS collection point

Love the costumes

Speakers and cameras themed nicely

I see you old Dumbo…

There are peanuts in the pavement… wow…

FASTPASS/xPASS queue ready for The Barnstormer as well

See you real soon Storybook Circus, we’ll be back for more pictures and video!

VIDEO: The Barnstormer starring the Great Goofini

WDWNT on August 30, 2012

WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth brings us the first on-ride video of The Barnstormer starring the Great Goofini. The track is still the same, but there are two new props for guests to “crash” though and a very different atmosphere with the Storybook Circus all around:

Even More Photos of the Opening of Storybook Circus

WDWNT on August 30, 2012

WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth took a ton of photos of today’s opening of Storybook Circus at the Magic Kingdom. As if we didn’t have enough coverage today, here’s a whole lot more:

The entrance to Circus is still a mess of walls