Earl of Sandwich Officially Opens November 2nd!

WDWNT on April 19, 2012

From Janet Knox on the Disney Parks Blog:

Earlier this year, I shared that we soon will welcome Earl of Sandwich to the Downtown Disney District at theDisneyland Resort. I know many of you will share my excitement that official Grand Opening Ceremony is set for November 2! We are thrilled since this is the only Earl of Sandwich location in California, and we have many guests eagerly anticipating this new location.

The Original 1792 Available at Earl of Sandwich, Opening November 2 in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort
Construction is almost complete, and then comes the fun part – testing out all those delicious sandwiches. Known as the “World’s Greatest Hot Sandwich,” the Earl of Sandwich was created by a direct descendent of John Montague, the earl who invented the sandwich in 1792. Each day, the restaurant bakes fresh artisan bread and roasts meats using traditional family recipes. The restaurant will offer 14 different sandwiches, all priced at $6.99, including The Original 1792, pictured here, with roast beef, sharp cheddar cheese and creamy horseradish.

Stay tuned for more details about the restaurant and the grand opening, and be sure to stop by on your next visit!

Landscape of Flavor at Art of Animation Sketches An Exciting Menu

WDWNT on April 19, 2012

From Pam Brandon on the Disney Parks Blog:

We got a chance to talk with Michelle Clegg, food & beverage operations manager for the soon-to-open Landscape of Flavors food court at the new Disney’s Art of Animation Resort that debuts next month at Walt Disney World Resort.

They’re still tweaking the menu, but all sorts of creative new items make this the next generation of Disney food courts. Even burgers are “create your own”; you can start with a beef, chicken or veggie burger, and then the kitchen will pile on your favorite toppings (say, pepperjack cheese, pickles, tomatoes, onions and lettuce). But most fun are the four onstage tandoor ovens where chefs will bake bread and roast chicken, shrimp, sausage and acorn squash and other veggies – Michelle says that the roasted acorn squash is her favorite dish at the new restaurant. Tandoors are cylindrical ovens that reach very high temperatures and quickly bake, so it should be a grand onstage show for diners. The real treat is naan, a delicious Indian bread that’s slapped directly onto the oven’s walls and left to bake until puffy and lightly browned, perfect for wrapping all sorts of delicious food.

Mongolian Grill Beef Stir Fry

And the restaurant’s Mongolian grill is another new touch – 3 feet in diameter, the chefs will make everything onstage, from challah bread French toast for breakfast to grilled beef and fish for lunch and dinner.

Shrimp Pasta

Make-Your-Own Yogurt Parfait

Mickey Fruit Tart

Egg White Frittata

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

There’s lot of attention on “better-for-you” options, so you’ll find buckwheat waffles and pasta, multigrain rice, low-fat smoothies, egg white frittatas and make-your-own yogurt parfaits. But it’s all about choices, so there are still pizzas and fries (and chocolate chip pancakes).

French Vanilla Coffee

And we’re excited to see real gelato on the menu, the Italian version of ice cream with less butterfat but bigger flavor. That and a whole menu of coffee drinks, including iced French vanilla, iced mocha, cappuccino, espresso and mochachino. We’ll carpool to the new resort for our 3 p.m. break!

Fantasyland Inspired Art – Product Release & Signing

WDWNT on April 19, 2012

Immerse yourself in the magic of Fantasyland with new artwork from Disney Parks created by Walt Disney Imagineers, Brian Crosby, Jim Crouch and Jeremy Fulton, along with Disney inspired artists, Steve Adams, Jody Daily, Jeff Granito, Katie Kelly, Maggie Parr, Jimmy Pickering, George Scribner, Darren Wilson and Yakovetic.   Artwork will be available in a various formats, including original art, limited edition giclee and deluxe print.  Prices vary.

On November 10th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at The Disney Gallery on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland park, meet the following Walt Disney Imagineers, Brian Crosby, Jim Crouch and Jeremy Fulton and Disney inspired artists, Steve Adams, Jody Daily, Jeff Granito and George Scribner.

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An Aerial View of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Construction – April 2012

WDWNT on April 19, 2012

Courtesy of Scott Keating and scottkeating.net, we once again have some fantastic aerial photos of the construction of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort:

Animation Hall nears completion… looks like the paint stroke is the last thing that needs to be done

The Finding Nemo wings look ready to go

The Lion King wings coming along nicely

The Cozy Cones around the Cars pool taking shape, along with Sarge’s Surplus hut

We can finally see some details emerging at the Little Mermaid wings

The first wings (Finding Nemo) open May 31st! Who’s excited?

The Music Of The Carthay Circle Theater Being Released November 6th

WDWNT on April 19, 2012

We reported last month that Disney would be real releasing an album consisting of some songs from the Carthay Circle Theater’s background music loop. Here it is…

From Greg Ehrbar on the Disney Parks Blog:

In the wake of the extremely popular “Music from Cars Land” album, another new CD comes out November 6 that has already become a favorite among Disney cast members. “The Circle Sessions: The Music of Carthay Circle” offers, for the first time, sparkling jazz versions of great Disney songs, selected from the soundtrack of the Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge at Disney California Adventure park!

New Album For Carthay Circle Restaurant, 'The Circle Sessions: The Music of Carthay Circle'
“We really wanted to capture music across all generations and breathe new life into treasured and familiar songs,” said John Dennis, Director, Music Production, Walt Disney Imagineering, who is music supervisor and producer of the new album. “Everyone involved wanted to allow the variations to weave a different tapestry for our guests.”

Even though several of the songs were created after the themed 1937 setting of the restaurant, the smooth, evocative jazz approach is right at home in the period. But choosing from the voluminous catalog of Disney songs was a daunting task. In cooperation with Chris Montan, President of Walt Disney Music, these are the eclectic, wide-ranging gems they mined for a fresh, yet classic, jazz approach:

1. A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes (from “Cinderella”)
2. Be Our Guest* (from “Beauty and the Beast”)
3. Ev’rybody Wants to Be A Cat (from “The Aristocats”)
4. Winnie the Pooh
5. A Whole New World*** (from “Aladdin”)
6. Alice in Wonderland
7. He’s a Tramp (from “Lady and the Tramp”)
8. Can You Feel The Love Tonight** (from “The Lion King”)
9. If I Didn’t Have You** (from “Monsters, Inc.”)
10. Married Life*** (from “Up”)
11. Some Day My Prince Will Come (from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”)
12. You’ve Got A Friend In Me* (from “Toy Story”)

*Best Original Song Academy Award nominee
**Best Original Song Academy Award winner
***Best Original Score Academy Award Winner

Not only does the CD feature some of the most beloved Disney songs with an upbeat, sophisticated twist, but this timeless collection also creates an ambiance that allows the listener to feel like they are in another time and place.

“Did you know that the selection of music actually changes from the downstairs to the upstairs?” fellow Disney Parks Blog writer Michelle Harker asked me—and I did not know that! “Guests on the first level will often hear these pieces represented by an ensemble trio, while those dining in the restaurant upstairs, will enjoy the same music but in a variety of light jazz piano tones.”

John is quick to point out the musical virtuosity behind this music. On piano is the album’s arranger, Bill Cantos, who has worked with a “who’s who” of the music industry, including Herb Alpert, Lani Hall, Elton John, Phil Collins, Bob Dylan and Burt Bacharach. And while we’re name-dropping, the album was produced by 11-time Grammy nominee Bill Schnee—who has helped such stars as Barbra Streisand, Neil Diamond, Natalie Cole and Whitney Houston to Gold Record awards—and Todd Homme, a longtime music supervisor/producer of music for Disney feature films as well as award winning films such as “Almost Famous,” “Catch Me if You Can” and “Saving Private Ryan.”

Both Bills, as well as every musician you’ll hear, are among the most sought-after music names in Hollywood, heard on countless movie and TV soundtracks, as well as best-selling recordings. You can catch a glimpse of them making this music in Valarie Sukovaty’s “Cue the Dining Music at Carthay Circle Restaurant” post.

 

Here at Disney, we’re no strangers to hyperbole, as you probably have noticed. But in the case of “The Circle Sessions: The Music of Carthay Circle,” everyone involved has become especially attached to the quality and magic of these performances. “I’ve already been told things like, ‘I play this over and over and never tire of hearing it,’” says John. “Best of all, this CD is the perfect way for parents to introduce their children to jazz music. I feel so privileged to have been part of this project—and that’s probably one of the best reasons.”

Look for “The Circle Sessions: The Music of Carthay Circle” beginning Tuesday, November 6 at Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge, and at nearby locations such as Elias & Co. and Off the Page in Disney California Adventure park. (And if you like this album, allow me to also recommend the landmark “Dave Digs Disney” by the iconic Dave Brubeck Trio, one of several albums that paved the way.)

For information on purchasing select Disney merchandise items, call Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Merchandise Guest Services at 1-877-560-6477 or send an email to 

merchandiseguestservices@disney.go.com.

A New Fantasyland Aerial Update – April 2012

WDWNT on April 19, 2012

Courtesy of Scott Keating and scottkeating.net, we once again have some fantastic aerial photos of Fantasyland to share with you:

The former site of Dumbo looks clear and more Castle Walls are rising. Also interesting is that the excess Mermaid rock-work will hide a cast access road.

Gaston’s Tavern is still far behind the rest of the buildings in the Village as some are already getting roof shingles

The old Fantasyland Skyway site has been flattened, so we should see some vertical construction soon

I’d wager that we’ll see waterways and pathways within the next 6 weeks

A special bonus: a look at the ongoing Big Thunder Mountain refurbishment. Looks like all the new track is in place and they are now re-painting the finale scene with the geysers.

Celebrate The Holidays On Buena Vista Street

WDWNT on April 19, 2012

From Shawn Slater on the Disney Parks Blog:

Buena Vista Street is filled with dreams of a bright future for all, and this Yuletide season promises to be even brighter as this happy, bustling community celebrates its first Christmas with joyous new traditions.

Shopkeepers up and down the street have decorated for the holidays, but inside the lavish Elias & Co. department store, they’ve gone all out to create a winter wonderland for the arrival of Santa Claus. Here, wide-eyed children may take a seat alongside the jolly old elf to share with him their fondest wishes for Christmas morning.

Another new idea really struck a chord after a holiday committee meeting of the Buena Vista Street Chamber of Commerce. Wishing to serve their community, eight individuals decided to form a volunteer holiday troupe, calling themselves the Buena Vista Street Community Bell Ringers. Acting as a spirited, traveling “welcome wagon” to anyone visiting this friendly neighborhood, the Bell Ringers take their festive cheer to the street, encouraging others to join in spontaneous ring-along sing-alongs of familiar holiday tunes.

Celebrating the Holidays on Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure Park
As dusk falls each evening, the Buena Vista Street Community Bell Ringers will gather in Carthay Circle with their fellow Citizens of Buena Vista Street. The sound of bells rings out, and everyone is invited to join together in the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree, wishing goodwill and joy to one and all!

You’re all invited to come join in the merriment, November 12 through January 6, at Disney California Adventurepark.

Robert Ashburn’s 4/12-13/12 Epcot & Magic Kingdom Photo Report

WDWNT on April 19, 2012

WDWNT Reporter Robert Ashburn visited Epcot and the Magic Kingdom this weekend, and he took plenty of photos from both parks to share with us:

Test Track graces the maps during its final days

You still have a month to check out the Flower and Garden Festival

Habit Heroes and the soon-to-open VISION House on the signage inside Innoventions

Still closed…

The VISION House still behind walls

Opens April 22nd, but we’ll have media coverage beginning April 21st

Habit Heroes and VISION House are both not on the wall yet

The ImageWorks at Imagination! looks empty since the new company took over

Amazing Pictures is now in charge of this photo location

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Work continues on the facade of the Seas with Nemo and Friends

This seperate and elevated piece of pavement will take guests to a new queue area for Turtle Talk

A new whole in the facade will be the entrance for Turtle Talk

Inside the queue, a new enclosed area is visible, this will be the Turtle Talk queue

Today was the last day for the original Test Track, it closes tomorrow for refurbishment

MouseGear has an entire section of Phineas and Ferb merchandise

An interesting new shirt

Sorry Oswald, but I like the classic character shirt…

Pretty cool!

Some new shirts with a tropical theme

The “unfriend” shirt is pretty brilliant

A new EPCOT Center shirt

The Southwest Black Bean Flatbread is a fairly new offering

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Moving to the Magic Kingdom, the tarps on Center Street are gone

It looks great

Plaza Ice Cream is back after a lengthy refurbishment

The menu is pretty much unchanged, but the interior was spruced up

A short line for Sorcerers? Wow…

The new menu at Sunshine Tree Terrace

The torches were turned back on after years of just sitting there, which is a very good thing to see

The flash shows the great job they did repairing the facade

The Avengerail passing through the Contemporary

“Glow With The Snow” At Disneyland Park

WDWNT on April 19, 2012

From Shawn Slater on the Disney Parks Blog:

'Glow with the Snow' During the 'Believe ... In Holiday Magic' Fireworks at Disneyland Park with 'Glow with the Show' Ears

One of my favorite parts of the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort is wrapping up a day in the park with the“Believe … In Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular. And this year, the Creative Entertainment team has made that show even more special by incorporating the popular “Glow with the Show” Ears. Disneyland park guests will be able to become part of the performance, with visions of sugarplums literally dancing on their heads!

Just as they’ve done with “World of Color” and “Fantasmic!”, our designers and technicians have seamlessly integrated the magical, glowing Mickey Mouse ear hats into key moments of “Believe … In Holiday Magic.” From wildly changing patterns of red and green during the “Nutcracker Suite” to a bed of newly fallen snow leaving you dreaming of a “White Christmas,” the audience gets swept up in moments both up-tempo and serene.

And here’s a pro tip: If you’ve worn your “Glow with the Show” Ears a lot or just haven’t taken them to the park in a while, you may want to change the batteries (they take 3 AAAs). Fresh batteries will help your ears pick up the signal and glow along perfectly!

“Believe … In Holiday Magic” is scheduled to be presented nightly, November 12 – January 6.

Concept Art Previews New Queue, Marquee, and Logo for Epcot’s Test Track

WDWNT on April 19, 2012

With GM Test Track closing at Epcot yesterday for a 5 month refurbishment, Walt Disney World wasted no time updating their website with concept art for Test Track presented by Chevrolet, schedule to open October 1, 2012:

The concept art shows the familiar blue vehicles we have seen appearing at the attraction for the last several months, but also shows the logo on the new marquee that will appear outside of the building. Upon closer inspection, you can see a rendering of guests using touch screens to create their own “SimCar” in the Chevrolet Design Studio, the planned queue/pre-show portion of the updated attraction. We assume that the lounge with concept cars in it seen in the upper left corner is the remodeled sponsor lounge in the top floor of the pavilion that looks into the attraction. The rendering in the upper right corner could be a show scene during the ride or the new post-show area where guests see how their “Sim Car” fared on the course, but it is too early to tell.

Whatever the case may be, stay tuned as more becomes available on Test Track presented by Chevrolet.