Press Release Gives a Few Fun Facts About Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

WDWNT on July 27, 2012

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Jan. 30, 2012 – Inspiration meets innovation when Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom opens to Walt Disney World Guests in late February of this year. This immersive, role-playing game features unprecedented interaction with Disney characters who come to life in previously hidden areas throughout Magic Kingdom park.

Families, friends and individuals can take on the animated Disney Villains by casting spell cards featuring Rafiki, Rapunzel, Woozles and more than 60 other characters. Individually created by Disney artists and trading card game experts, these beautiful, collectible cards will come in packages of five free to Guests ready to take on the villains.

“Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom gives our Guests a new way to become the hero of the Disney story, taking Disney innovation to a new level,” said Jonathan Ackley, Producer & Creative Director, Walt Disney Imagineering. “It’s a great game of discovery and excitement that plays off our wonderful theme park and incredible family of Disney animated characters.”

Imagineers spent more than four years creating and perfecting this unique experience, which can be played in 15 to 20 minute segments throughout the Guests’ visit to the Magic Kingdom, or continuously for up to three to four hours. More than 95 minutes of original animation was created for Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom – equal to a full-length animated film.

While trading card games are popular with about 60 million people in the US, this is the first time players can experience the challenge in such a complex environment. Guests of all ages will love the storytelling, the engagement with Disney characters and the discovery of hidden details of the Magic Kingdom.

Grand Opening DCA Hours of Operations

WDWNT on July 27, 2012

From Erin Glover of the Disney Parks Blog:

Since Disney Parks Blog readers are among the most loyal Disney Parks fans, we wanted to give you this special heads-up. If you are planning to join us at Disney California Adventure park when it reopens on Friday, June 15, please remember the following:

  • Disney California Adventure park opens at 9 a.m. on June 15; Disneyland park opens at 8 a.m. on June 15.
  • The early arrival queue will open to guests on Disneyland Resort property at 11 p.m. on June 14.
  • Parking will be available in the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure, and standard parking rates will apply.
  • A select amount of wristbands will be distributed to guests who are waiting in line to maintain the order of arrival. All guests in line will be able to leave the line to use the restroom, purchase food or beverages, and return or retrieve items from their vehicles/hotel rooms until 6 a.m. on June 15.
  • Portions of the early arrival queue will be located beyond the guest screening checkpoints, beyond which certain items will not be permitted. Be sure to check the list of prohibited items here.
  • Restrooms and ticket booths will be available to guests in the queue.
  • The following Downtown Disney District locations will offer extended operating hours on June 14-15:

Tune in to the Disney Parks Blog tonight, Wednesday, June 13, at 8 p.m. PT for a LIVE webcast of the Cars Land Media Event! And keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog and Disney California Adventure park on Facebook, and follow @Disneyland on Twitter for complete coverage of all events this week at Disney California Adventure park! While you’re on Twitter, join in the conversation by using the hashtags #CarsLand, #BuenaVistaStreet, #MadTParty and #JustGotHappier.

Video: An In-Depth Look at Radiator Springs Racers

WDWNT on July 27, 2012

 

Cars Land last night held its grand opening ceremony for media and invited guests and all the attractions and food locations were open. We will have videos of all new attractions and locations in Cars Land up within the next few days. First video we have is a full ride through of Radiator Springs Racers including a full walk through of the queue, the two variations of the car “alteration” scene, and two angles of the thrilling race to the finish line.

 

Adam Roth’s 2/2/12 Magic Kingdom Photo Report

WDWNT on July 27, 2012

WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth visited the Magic Kingdom on Thursday andf has plenty of newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

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Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom was testing

Inside the Fire Station

The patches have returned

And you were worried they wouldn’t come back…

Guests are prepared for the adventure while waiting in line

Cards! Oh, they’re on the screen…

The screens are very well hidden

Off we go!

We got cards!

The portal under the train station

Some nice lighting set up

I love when they use backdrops of the land they are in

PONGO!

Cruella

Horace and Jasper

Hades disguised, as usual

An awesome rendering of Main Street

Turns sinister looking

We’re on the move again

I can’t wait to see someone try to buy this painting…

Portal opening

The cameras are really well hidden

This one is pretty well hidden too

Main Street facade work continues

Where are the portals?

Could one be here?

There it is!

Pretty funny

Don’t drink and drive

WE’LL CONTINUE

A crane visible over the park

Some of the displays from the pin station are missing while bridge work continues

Sorcerers can also sign up in Liberty Square

Pavement being worked on in Frontierland

More and more permanent markers showing up

I really love these windows with the opening curtains

More new pavement

Lawrence from Princess and the Frog

Louis the alligator

You have to free Tiana from a snake

Merlin on the Jungle Cruise

The Lion King story

Again, some funny moments to be found

Fighting a hyena

They have been here fo a while, but plenty of Pirates movie references can be found in Tortuga Tavern

More movie details

The color changing fireplace is pretty neat

Sunshine Tree Terrace now has a window

The lighting on the upper portion is pretty nice

Work continues on the new path between Fantasyland and Liberty Square

Less and less trees and shrubs

Some rumors claim that a Tangled play area and a rest area where guests can re-charage electronics is being added in addition to the new restrooms

Work continues on queue changes at Peter Pan’s Flight as they prepare for the new interactive queue

HUGE crane up in New Fantasyland

Work continues on the Castle Walls

Work continues on the new Dumbo queue as Goofy crashes through a tower…

Storybook Circus may very well soft-open by the end of the month

The train station and roundhouse looks great!

More rock-work appearing on Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid

The archways extending from the castle look almost finished

Work continues on Belle’s Village

Signage about to go up, either for the restrooms or Ariel’s Grotto meet and greet

Another look at the train station

The new color schemes on the Dumbo uses a lot of pastels for more of a circus feel

Workers up on the station

AWESOME…

Time to battle Maleficent

Still just a sticker in Fantasyland

Here’s a detailed marker

On to the Mermaid story

Pretty funny

Flotsam and Jetsam

The shark from The Little Mermaid

I LOVE Merlin’s window

A new cart has appeared in Tomorrowland, and I must say, I really like the look of it

R2-D2 popcorn bucket available far away from Star Tours

Goofy’s new tower at the Barnstormer

Crane at dusk… I’m sure you want this as a wallpaper

The long murals on the Fantasyland construction walls are back

A far away look at the Skyway area construction

You can clearly see The Haunted Mansion

A lot of dirt on the move

Big Thunder closed for refurbishment

I love this sign

The workers are done for the day

Fantasyland Station

Yummmm

I’m getting hungry…

And for all you Alien Encounter fans…

Enjoy!

Release Day: Friday, July 27, 2012

WDWNT on July 27, 2012

Roger Rabbit and The Land 9″ figures are both online and at D-Street

Last night, the links to purchase these figures went live at Midnight PST, but were hidden from searches for a good half hour. People also had issues checking out to purchase Roger Rabbit, but there seemed to plenty of quantity of the 1200 total available online as it is still available today. Or at least we all think this morning? I, along with many others got our confirmation emails… but past experience makes us hold our breath until the package arrives.

The Park 9 Combo Topper is also out today, only at D-Streets.

Tim Alcoser Photo Report Cars Land Eve 6/13/12

WDWNT on July 27, 2012

We’ve waited years for this moment, and we finally have arrived. It’s the Eve of the rededication of Disney California Adventure and Carsland! There was a lot of hustle and bustle at the resorts today to prepare for the big Media Day and rededication ceremony. Most the walls have come down across both parks, with a mere rope holding us back to all the new sights and sounds that await. The Red Carpet is rolled out to Carsland from Carthay Circle Theatre, A Bug Life Theater has finished it’s new paint scheme, the walls to both Carsland and Buena Vista Street have come down for all to view, and likewise at the Matterhorn. The flag retreat ceremony is a great combo with Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, and Disney Spares no expense for top of the line advertising for June 15th, by recruiting the Good Year Blimp to fly around both parks for the majority of the day, with multiple LED messages.

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Bugs Land Theatre looking more beautiful than ever!

I must admit, Buena Vista Street was smaller than I thought.

I must admit, Buena Vista Street was smaller than I thought.

Rolling out the red carpet!

I have seen painters painting all day throughout the resorts for the past month. Must be making some great overtime!

I have seen painters painting all day throughout the resorts for the past month. Must be making some great overtime!

Carnation Cafe is open for your enjoyment.

Carnation Cafe is open for your enjoyment.

Just waitin' for guests.

More baby ducks!

More baby ducks!

If Duck's had an In N Out...it'd be here. I still say these are the luckiest ducks in the world.

If Duck’s had an In N Out…it’d be here. I still say these are the luckiest ducks in the world.

The Dapper Dan's singing patriotic songs.

The Dapper Dan’s singing patriotic songs.

Looks like the Disneyland Resort Advertising team got one heck of a budget!

Looks like the Disneyland Resort Advertising team got one heck of a budget!

The blimp featured LED messages of opening attractions on June 15th!

The blimp featured LED messages of opening attractions on June 15th!

Good Cast Members can really make or break your experience at the resort. This guy is explaining safety to guests right before Mickey's Soundsational Parade.

Good Cast Members can really make or break your experience at the resort. This guy is explaining safety to guests right before Mickey’s Soundsational Parade.

I found a Hidden Mickey most of you have never seen before.

I found a Hidden Mickey most of you have never seen before.

New signs at the Tram stop by Mickey and Friends.

New signs at the Tram stop by Mickey and Friends.

Thanks for reading!

More Concept Art for Mad T Party

WDWNT on July 16, 2012

From Robin Trowbridge of Disney Parks Blog:

 

By now, you may have heard that a funderful new party is in the making at Disney California Adventure park … theMad T Party! But, before experiencing the assortment of joyfulutionary entertainment that awaits you, you must make your way down the Rabbit Hole!

This magical, mystical passageway is unlike any other … and it leads to a party that is fit for a Queen (or King)! Guests will feel as if they are leaving their world behind and entering into a special place that just gets curiouser and curiouser!

But wait! Not just anybody will be allowed to enter! You must have a smile as big as a Cheshire Cat … and a laugh as mad as a Hatter! Helping us enforce the rules are our Mad T Party “bouncers,” Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum.

Enlisted by the Mad Hatter himself, these towering twins will officiate over the official opening of the Rabbit Hole each night. Afterwards, our D-lightful duo will remain outside the Rabbit Hole, making sure that all guests attending the Mad T Party are suitably splendiful.

Each night, a different password will be required in order to enter. How will you know the password of the day? That’s where our Hatters come in …

Fashionably festooned in wild colors and patterns – complete with TOP HATS – they are easily identified as they make their way through Disney California Adventure park. If you happen upon them, or if they happen upon you, they will offer an “invitation” that includes the night’s secret-but-not-too-secret password.

So, now you know how to enter the Rabbit Hole! And, from past Disney Parks Blog posts, you already know whom you will meet and what you might hear, which games you might play and when it all begins. The “Maddification” of Disney California Adventure park is almost upon us! Get your hats and smiles together and get ready to go “Mad” at the Mad T Party!

Ticket Prices Increasing at Disneyland

WDWNT on July 16, 2012

From Erin Glover of the Disney Parks Blog:

 

As we have done in the past, we wanted to give our loyal Disney Parks Blog readers a heads-up that ticket prices at the Disneyland Resort will be increasing, starting on May 20. This summer is one of the most anticipated times in the resort’s history, and a visit to the Disneyland Resort has never been a better value. In the past few years alone, we’ve added new world-class attractions, such as The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, “World of Color” and Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. Now, with the expansion of Disney California Adventure park, including the 12-acre Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and the Carthay Circle Restaurant, almost complete, there are even more reasons to visit.

And this summer, both parks will open each day at 8 a.m. and offer increased entertainment, giving you and your family more time to stay and play. At Disney California Adventure park, we’re adding an additional showing of “Aladdin – a Musical Spectacular” and Pixar Play Parade will be presented up to twice daily. At Disneyland park, you’ll find more shows and characters at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree and increased performances at the Tomorrowland Terrace every day of the week, and the singing sensation “Voices of Liberty” performing at the Main Street Opera House.

We’re sharing the details here on the ticket prices, which also include increases to Disneyland Resort Annual Passports. Annual Passholders recognize that their investment pays for itself after just a few visits. Our California-based Annual Passholders have the added benefit and flexibility of a monthly payment program. This year, we’ll continue to offer unique passholder-exclusive entertainment and experiences, along with 10-20% discounts on select food and merchandise. As an example, you already know that Annual Passholders were invited to special viewings to celebrate the 20th anniversary of “Fantasmic!” And later this summer, Passholders also will have early access to the parks through a new Annual Passholder Early Entry program – just for them. Details on this program were announced earlier this week here.

There are other ways to save when you visit. The popular 1-Day Park Hopper Ticket gives guests access to both parks on the same day, or if you are planning on playing with us longer, multi-day tickets also offer a variety of options for you to save on your California vacation. All updated pricing can be found here. The information will also be available at http://disneyland.disney.go.com/tickets on May 20.