Parks & Resorts – Page 334

La Brea Bakery Café New Menu Items

WDWNT on July 10, 2012

From Pam Brandon on the Disney Parks Blog:

Look for a late May opening of the expanded

>La Brea Bakery Café in the Downtown Disney District at theDisneyland Resort, when lots of classics will be back on the menu. But it’s the new creations we can’t wait to try, like the brioche French toast or the Croque Madame sandwich made with gruyere cheese topped with a fried egg, both on the breakfast menu.

The centerpiece of the café is a new exhibition baking area, so guests can watch the chefs in action. A state-of-the-art wood stone oven will turn out new signature focaccia dishes, artisan flat breads, baked pastas, and other made-to-order dishes. And of course, La Brea’s fresh pastries and breads will be in the oven.

We checked, and classics like the turkey, avocado and arugula on country wheat bread, and the fresh mozzarella sandwich with basil and sun-dried tomatoes will stay on the menu. Ditto for Nancy’s Chop Salad, Cobb salad, classic Greek salad and Tuscan chicken salad, all with made-from-scratch dressings. For a heartier lunch or dinner, we recommend the seared salmon with crushed European potatoes, or Italian sausage pasta with crushed tomato sauce. The delicious menu is inspired by La Brea Bakery’s founder, Nancy Silverton.

The new décor features soft earth tones, highlighted by fresh food displays in the adjacent express area. Outdoors, new awnings, ceiling heaters and fans will offer expanded, comfortable seating.

What is your favorite treat from La Brea Bakery Café?

Programs, ElecTRONica to Derez On April 15. End Of Line.

WDWNT on July 10, 2012

From Robin Trowbridge on the Disney Parks Blog:

The computerized civilization known as ElecTRONica is about to be deactivated! For its own cyber-survival, the portal to ElecTRONica will close April 15. Don’t miss your final opportunity to step into the Grid and experience the exciting nighttime world of Tron City before the ultimate “End of Line.”

Before ElecTRONica “shuts down,” you still have the power to celebrate and immerse yourself in the cyber world. Dance along with Programs and Sirens to the hottest music played by live DJs, be captivated by the amazing Laserman, and step back into the 80s at Flynn’s Arcade. All the entertainment and excitement awaits you nightly through April 15.

And ElecTRONica is about to get even more electrifying!

If you’ve been to one of the programs to enjoy the amazing dance crews that have entertained Tron City since ElecTRONica opened, then you won’t want to miss what’s coming up …TRON CITY’S DANCE CREW CHALLENGE!

Yes, get ready for a “Tron-A-Thon” of killer dance crew competitions! It all starts this Monday and Tuesday, March 19 and 20, and continues every weekend until April 15! Over the next month, eight fantastic dance crews will be competing against each other for the ultimate prize—the DISC-OBALL TROPHY!

Catch some of your favorite dance crews from past ElecTRONica performances and thrills to new dance crews hungry to show off their own power-charged moves. You’ll be able to text in your vote for your favorite crew. Your votes will determine which four teams will be invited to return for the fifth and final weekend where one dance crew will become the winner of TRON CITY’S DANCE CREW CHALLENGE!

To kick off the competition, our first two dance crews are set! Be there when TM Juniors take on Instant Noodles! That’s right, TM Juniors —the younger offshoots of the popular Team Millennia dance crew—is a powerhouse team of junior and senior high school students who bring their own unique talents and skills to the stage.

TM Juniors will be up against Instant Noodles—an exciting crew of dancers who all grew up in Taiwan. Fueled by music and creativity, they’ve earned even more fans with appearances on “America’s Best Dance Crew” and Disney Channel’s “Shake It Up.”

So come on! It all starts this Monday and Tuesday (March 19 and 20) when TM Juniors and Instant Noodles go “beat to beat” on the Backlot Stage for two days of intense competition!

Who will advance to the finals? Attend the live competition to learn how you can text in your vote for your favorite dance crew and decide who moves on! This week’s surviving dance crew will be announced via Twitter by @Disneyland on Wednesday, March 21!

So Programs, bring your identity discs and port into the mainframe before April 15 — ElecTRONica’s ultimate “End of Line.”

More Details Released About The Mad ‘T’ Party

WDWNT on July 10, 2012

From Robin Trowbridge on the Disney Parks Blog:

Beginning June 15, Disney California Adventure park guests will be invited to step through the Rabbit Hole and into an all-new fantastical world filled with music, games, dancing and fun for whole family!

At the Mad T Party, you’ll be able to party the night away with a wild and wonderful cast of characters. Would you like to meet them? I thought you might!

First of all, there’s our very own Mad T Party Band …

… which provides the most awesome array of party tune favorites. Each member of the band, inspired by a character from the film, has his or her own superlative sense of style!

Here’s our lineup:

Mad Hatter – the host with a hat … and a voice to “TOP” it all off!

March Hare – pumpin’ up the bass!

Dormouse – rockin’ out on lead guitar!

Caterpillar – jammin’ on the keys!

Cheshire Cat – smiling and keepin’ a beat on the drums!

And, what would a Mad T Party be without Alice herself? Lucky for us, she “drops in” for her own special moment in the spotlight!

You’re going to love this band – they absolutely know how to get down, get “MAD” and rock the park! But there are more to meet … and more who want to meet you!

This one knows how to keep you hoppin’ with rockin’ remixes … and all the latest party hits! Get ready to meet … the White Rabbit DJ!

Prior to entering the Rabbit Hole, this party-loving pair will help get you ready for a night of frabjous fun! I’m talking about … Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum!

And no matter how you deal ‘em, these dancers make for a full house of shufflin’ dance floor fun at the Mad T Party! It’s the Hottest Deck in Town!

During the day, as you make your way through the park, you might come across these helpful hosts, who will give you the latest scoop and share some secrets about the Mad T Party … the Hatters!

Believe me, there are plenty of sensational surprises in store when the Mad T Party begins June 15, 2012.

There’s lots to do before we’re ready for you!

But ready we’ll be, when it’s time for “T.”

So get ready … to go “MAD” at Disney California Adventure park this summer!

Look of the New Mad T Party

WDWNT on July 10, 2012

From Michelle Harker from the Disney Parks Blog:

First things first… there’s a party getting ready to happen at Disney California Adventure park. Not just any party – a Mad T Party! So of course, I want to make sure you are ready to rock the moment you hit the street.

While I can’t show you everything, I can definitely tell you about it, as well as give you a quick look at some of the art that you will see on select tees and fleece for men, women and kids.

Now as some of you know, accessories are the key to any good look, and our product developers have been hard at work making sure that you’ll be styling. From sheer scarves inspired by the art and graphics of Mad T Party, to novelty headwear including Mad Hatter and Cheshire Cat fascinators, glow-hawks and light up rabbit ears.

Other tricks up our sleeves are fedoras, gloves, drink ware and other fun glow merchandise. I certainly won’t be lying to you when I say… it will light up your night. I know that some of you are asking yourselves, “Are there pins?” Keep an eye out for the logo pin which will debut in early summer, and something else to keep in mind – a ‘wonderland’ of pin offerings themed to this interactive new party will be available in September.

So don’t be late – find the time to swing by or it will be off with your heads!

Tim Alcoser’s 3/27/12 Passholder Preview Photo Report

WDWNT on July 10, 2012

DLNT Reporter Tim Alcoser went to the Disneyland Resort today and got photos of the Annual Passholder merchandise and entertainment preview for Cars Land and Buena Vista Street. On to the photos…

Inside Stage 17

Merchandise

Neat costume that will be used on Buena Vista Street

Mad T Party…. Yup

Alright, back to Cars

Love this jacket

Interesting Cast Member shirt. Looks like what used to be used in Paradise Pier

Monorail Vinylmation

Some generic DCA merchandise

Very purple

Moving on for some quick photos around the parks

Over in Disneyland, scaffolding down on top half of the mountain

Thanks for reading

Tim Alcoser Photo Report DLR 3-20-2012

WDWNT on July 10, 2012

There are plenty of chances throughout the park to cast your lot among the multi-millions for a chance to win a Honda CRV.

Monorail Orange pulling into Tomorrowland Station.

All smiles aboard Big Thunder Mountain Railroad!

The Golden Horseshoe since it’s restoration work.

After the big drop on Splash Mountain.

I was just experimenting with this one

Have a wonderful day!

New Character Coming to Disneyland Mid-May 2012

WDWNT on July 10, 2012

From Shawn Slater of the Disney Parks Blog:

In the upcoming Disney•Pixar movie “Brave,” Merida is a headstrong teenager with a vibrant spirit and a softness of heart, struggling to take control of her own destiny. You’ll be able to discover Merida’s story when “Brave” opens in theaters June 22 and, beginning in mid-May, Merida will be coming to Disney Parks in an all-new character greeting experience.

At Magic Kingdom Park, Merida will appear in Fairytale Garden in a setting inspired by her Scottish Highlands home, where young guests will be invited to engage in archery lessons and other activities until it’s their turn to meet her. Joining Merida will be the three bear cubs from the film, who will no doubt be up to plenty of mischief.

To prepare for Merida’s arrival, Rapunzel will be moving from Fairytale Garden April 15, to a new spot at the outskirts of Adventureland where she will continue to greet her loyal fans and subjects.

When visiting Disneyland park in California this summer, Merida and the cubs will find a home away from home near “it’s a small world” in Fantasyland, where guests will also be able to participate in activities inspired by Merida’s story.

According to Creative Director Reed Jones, “These new play and greet experiences at both parks will immerse our guests in ‘Brave,’ giving them the opportunity to be a part of Merida’s Scottish clan. And we’re all excited to have the bear cubs join Merida with their silly antics, creating a whole new way to bring our beloved Disney Characters to life.”

“Regardless of where they find Merida,” said Reed, “Guests are really going to fall in love with her and the bears.”

Official Openings in DCA June 15th

WDWNT on July 10, 2012

ANAHEIM, Calif. (March 7, 2012) – The Happiest Place on Earth will get even happier June 15, 2012, with the grand opening of Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and the Carthay Circle Theatre at Disney California Adventurepark. The exciting, new additions will complete the five-year expansion ofDisneyland Resort, a premier, multi-day vacation destination in Southern California with two theme parks, three hotels and the Downtown Disney shopping and dining district.

With four new attractions opening at Disney California Adventure park, full day-to-night experiences at both parks, and the magical transformation of the Disneyland Hotel with new pools, themed suites and remodeled rooms, guests of all ages will enjoy more fun and adventure than ever before at the Disneyland Resort.

Cars Land expands Disney California Adventure by 12 acres and immerses guests in the thrilling world of the Disney•Pixar blockbuster “Cars.” Guests will feel as if they have stepped into the town of Radiator Springs as they enjoy three family attractions showcasing characters and settings from the movie, plus “Cars”-themed dining and shopping locations such as Flo’s V8 Café, Ramone’s House of Body Art and Radiator Springs Curios.

One of the largest and most elaborate attractions ever created for a Disney park, Radiator Springs Racers is a twisting, turning, high-speed adventure through Ornament Valley and the town of Radiator Springs. Luigi’s Flying Tires invites guests to glide on air aboard special tires, whirling around with their pals. At Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, guests will whip around behind a baby tractor and enjoy tunes from a giant jukebox built from Mater’s most prized possessions.

Starting June 15, guests will enter Disney California Adventure along Buena Vista Street, a place that transports them to an era when Walt Disney arrived in California with new dreams: 1920s Los Angeles. Buena Vista Street features Red Car Trolleys, inspired by the transportation system that once served Southern California, and the Carthay Circle Theatre, modeled after the site of the 1937 world premiere of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Carthay Circle Theatre will include a lounge and the elegant Carthay Circle Restaurant, designed to be the premier dining location in Disney California Adventure.

Adding to the fun at Disney California Adventure this summer will be the newMad T Party in Hollywood Land, the return of Pixar Play Parade, and the new Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop at Pacific Wharf. Mad T Party will feature nighttime, family fun inspired by the wild and whimsical world of Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland.”

The summer debuts of Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and Carthay Circle Theatre complement previous additions to the park, including the 4D fun ofToy Story Mania; the spectacular after-dark “World of Color” show; The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure; Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta andParadise Garden Grill restaurants, plus the re-themed attractions Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Silly Symphony Swings and Goofy’s Sky School.

To accommodate a media preview and make final preparations for the exciting debuts, Disney California Adventure will be closed June 14. The fun, new attractions, locations and entertainment will open to the public June 15.

New Images for Haunted Mansion Movie

WDWNT on July 10, 2012

From Peter Sciretta on SlasherFilms.com:

Update: Disney blogger InsideTheMagic informs us that: “That sculpt has been around for years. It has nothing to do with the film. It was inspired by HBG but isn’t related to del Toro. Here’s a commercially-available version of that sculpt. Nothing new. (Still cool though…)” Original post follows.

At Comic Con 2010, Guillermo del Toro surprised the crowd at the Disney panel in Hall H by announcing that he would be producing (and probably directing) a new big screen adaptation of the classic Disneyland attraction The Haunted Mansion. The center of his plan is the reintroduction of the Hatbox Ghost, a character that appeared originally in The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland but was removed shortly after the attraction’s debut.

Illusion Industries has been creating concept designs for del Toro’s Haunted Mansion, andAICN found an image on their website which looks very much like a reimagining of the Hatbox Ghost. Hit the jump to check it out.

As Harry notes, this could be one of several things:

A sculptor at Illusion Industries could have just been a fan of Disneyland’s HAUNTED MANSION and of Bernie Wrightson and just did this because he knew that it must be sculpted by him because the world would destroy itself if it didn’t happen. It could be that Guillermo has asked a selection of companies to bid via creating a HATBOX GHOST and he’ll decide which companies work on it based upon their interpretation.

It sure looks creepy — I really hope this project happens. Del Toro called the Hatbox Ghost “one of the scariest” images created for the ride, but a character which he also considers “incredibly whimsical.”

“There’s a legend that it was discarded on the first day of the ride’s operation because it was too scary,” said del Toro. “I like that legend, but the reality is that the imagineers could not make the illusion work, so they took it out.”

Here is a bit of history on the character from wikipedia:

Because The Hatbox Ghost featured prominently in artwork and narration for popular Haunted Mansion record albums sold for many years at Disney parks, and because Disney continues to market the ghost’s image, he has never been forgotten and has become somewhat of a legend, complete with cult following. Many fans of the ride wish to see him returned and have gone so far as to circulate petitions calling for the figure’s restoration.

Last we heard, The Haunted Mansion was being written by del Toro and Mimic/Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark remake scribe Matthew Robbins. Del toro said he wanted to make a scary movie in live-action 3D, set in “a heightened reality, which is super designed, incredibly innovative, narratively and visually.” It would not be a comedy, and he would attempt to make “the Haunted Mansion the most haunted place on Earth” and “doing it by being true to the spirit and the art and the aesthetic of the original Imagineers that created the mansion.”

Tim Alcoser’s 4/3/12 DLR Photo Report

WDWNT on July 10, 2012

Take a look at Tim’s Photo Report on his recent trip to Disneyland & DCA

Some painters along Main Street

I decided to drop by because I realized I had never been to Disneyland during the opening rope drop, so I stopped by and waited with the crowds.

There are a lot of baby ducks at the resort right now. They must certainly be the luckiest ducks in the entire world, to call the Rivers of America their home.