The Blue Sky Cellar Is Here For Good

WDWNT on November 23, 2011

From Erin Glover the Disney Parks Blog:

Many Disney Parks Blog readers already know that Blue Sky Cellar is the place to get a behind-the-scenes peek at what’s coming to Disney California Adventure park. The space is periodically updated with new photos, videos and models – the latest refresh, which was installed in September, focuses on Buena Vista Street which will be completed next year. The video below, from Walt Disney Imagineering, takes you inside Blue Sky Cellar for a look at the latest updates. If you haven’t been yet, check it out!

 

Most of the info in this post we already knew being that this exhibit has been open for close to two months now. Though at the end of the movie, show producer Sarah Farmer Earll mentions that WDI does intend to keep the Blue Sky Cellar open after the DCA expansion is competed next year. Stay tuned to Disneyland News Today as we will report any changes in the Blue Sky Cellar.

One of a Kind Holiday Experience Coming To the Disneyland Resort

WDWNT on November 23, 2011

From Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:

Hey Disneyland Resort fans – an interesting opportunity has come across my desk, and I wanted to share it with you. It is a limited-capacity event that combines some rare Disney Parks experiences, and is unlike anything we’ve ever offered – especially here on the Disney Parks Blog. Take a look below.

                       Over-the-Top, Dream-Come-True Holiday Experience at the Disneyland Resort Over-the-Top, Dream-Come-True Holiday Experience at the Disneyland Resort Over-the-Top, Dream-Come-True Holiday Experience at the Disneyland Resort Over-the-Top, Dream-Come-True Holiday Experience at the Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Candlelight Experience

December 4–5, 2011, $1,250* per person based on double occupancy, includes:

  • One-night stay at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011; valet parking for one vehicle included.
  • An evening of holiday elegance beginning with a private reception and dinner at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
  • Reserved seating for the 8 p.m. performance of Candlelight on December 4.
  • Exclusive 2011 Candlelight mementos.
  • A sunrise breakfast at The Plaza Inn, one of Walt Disney’s favorite dining locations, on his 110th birthday, December 5. Breakfast will be followed by a pre-opening walk through Disneyland park.
  • A visit to several locations in the park with Disney Legends and Creative Staff as they share their stories about Walt Disney, Disneyland park and the magic of the holiday season. Guest speakers currently scheduled include Dave Smith, Bob Gurr, Marty Sklar, Tony Baxter, and David Caranci. Speakers are subject to change.
  • A visit to Walt Disney’s private apartment above the firehouse on Main Street, U.S.A.
  • Reserved viewing of “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade.
  • Theme park entrance for both days.

To reserve this special opportunity, call 866-309-9683. Full payment is required at time of booking, and bookings must be made by November 25, 2011. You must be at least 18 years old to RSVP for this event, but your guests may be younger. Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in.

*Package rate shown is based on double occupancy and standard accommodations. Single occupancy, standard room rate is $1,500. For groups of three (3) to five (5), a charge of $1,000 per person applies for each additional guest occupying the same room, with a maximum of five (5) occupants within the same room. Excludes applicable taxes and fees.

Offer is limited and restrictions apply. May not be combined with other offers, packages or discounts. No items in this package may be redeemed for cash, and all items (and portions thereof) are non-refundable and non-transferable. No credit or compensation will be given for unused portions of this package and such unused elements will be forfeited if not used in conjunction with the Candlelight Experience. No substitutions, refunds or credit for any package element that is canceled for any reason including, but not limited to, inclement weather. Please do not bring any items to be signed by the guest speakers. Walt Disney Travel Company CST: 1022229-50.

All elements of the event and the package are subject to change and cancellation without notice.

2012 D23 Events Announced, Including 2012 Destination D At The Disneyland Resort

WDWNT on November 23, 2011

In 2012, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will take the show on the road as it kicks off a year-long celebration for D23 members with a bold lineup of fantastic events.

Throughout the year, D23 will delight Disney fans from Boston, New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Palm Springs to Orlando, Burbank and even Marceline, Missouri — Walt Disney’s boyhood hometown — with the thrill and excitement of uniquely magical Disney experiences.

“To help D23 celebrate its third ‘fanniversary,’ we developed the most exciting lineup yet of special events to bring our members truly one-of-a-kind Disney experiences,” said Steven Clark, head of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. “We’re excited to visit our fans all around the country, and to create events we hope will surprise and delight them.”

Starting the year are two new extraordinary experiences: D23’s JOURNEY TO MARCELINE and D23 PRESENTS THE SMOKE TREE RANCH ROUNDUP.

For the first time ever, a special tour of Walt’s boyhood hometown — Marceline, Missouri — will take place for D23 members on March 14. Led by Disney archivists, the daylong Journey to Marcelineexplores this small town (pop. 2,221) in ways that will have special resonance for Disney fans.

In his later life, Walt found unique inspiration at Smoke Tree Ranch in Palm Springs, and during the incredible, three-day Smoke Tree Ranch Roundup (January 23-25), D23 Members can experience this exclusive retreat in a completely unique way. In another first-of-its-kind, immersive experience, Disney fans will get to see what Walt called “my own laughing place,” taking part in screenings, presentations, activities and delectable meals, all while staying in a Smoke Tree Ranch cottage.

In the spring, D23 takes the party on the road with the D23 ‘FANNIVERSARY’ CELEBRATION. It commemorates more than 40 unforgettable Disney magical milestones, each celebrating an anniversary in2012. Hosted by Disney archivists, D23 Fanniversary Celebration events will be held in Orlando, New York, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco and Los Angeles and revisits some of the most beloved Disney theme park attractions, animated and live-action films, TV series and more from 85 years of Disney history.Fanniversary events will be open to the public, with special admission and surprises created especially for D23 Members in attendance.

In the summer, D23 will offer an all-new “Destination D” event – DESTINATION D: 75 YEARS OF DISNEY ANIMATION, held over two days at the Disneyland Resort in California (August 11-12). As Disney marks the 75th anniversary of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, D23 marks the occasion by gathering many renowned Disney animation legends along with topDisney animators, voice talent (past and present) and composers — plus interesting demonstrations, fascinating presentations, autograph sessions and the chance to see entertaining animation rarities from the Disney vaults —all in celebration of 75 years of Disney feature animation.

Throughout the year, D23 will continue its popular series of movie screenings at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. With a new series, FROM THE VAULTS, D23 will bring favorite live-action films back to the big screen, including special 20th anniversary screenings of Newsies (February 25) and Sister Act (May 26), plus the classic Disney adaptation of Treasure Island (September 22). D23’s 50 AND FABULOUS series also returns in 2012, with In Search of the Castaways (June 23).

The year also includes four special weekends of member-only tours of the Walt Disney Studios and Walt Disney Archives in Burbank, which are planned for February 11-12, April 28-29, September 8-9 and November 10-11 — doubling the capacity of these consistently sold-out D23 events.

In the fall, during Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival, D23’s popular Sip & Stroll event get a Halloween twist and becomesSIP & SCREAM (October 2012). And during the holiday season D23 will again hold back-to-back presentations of its popular holiday offerings — DISNEY AND DICKENS (in Burbank in December) and MAGIC & MERRIMENT (at Walt Disney World Resort, tentative dates: December 7-8 and 9-10), doubling your Disney holiday fun.

Look for more D23 events to be announced throughout the year including details on an Epcot 30th anniversary celebration and a fun-filled D23 third anniversary party at the Disneyland Resort. Full details on D23’s lineup of 2012 special events can be found on the Fan Club’s website at http://www.Disney.com/D23. All events and dates are subject to change.

Rafiki’s Planet Watch To Become The Planet Pandora?

WDWNT on November 23, 2011

Since the announcement of the AVATAR-land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, there has been speculation as to where the it would go. Would Camp Minnie-Mickey finally be bulldozed, making use of the land once meant for Beastly Kingdom? Was the expansion plot behind Asia where the Nav’i would call home? We may finally have an answer…

The area marked in blue is what is now being rumored as the plot for the AVATAR-land expansion. If you know Animal Kingdom well, you will realize that a now-open guest area is included in the zone: Rafiki’s Planet Watch. It was recently announced that Jiminy Cricket and Pocohontas will no longer be conducting meet-and-greets in this location by December and it is being rumored that the entirety of Rafiki’s Planet Watch (Conservation Station, Affection Section, Habitat Habit!, and the Wildlife Express Train) will be closed  in January 2012.

This is just a rumor right now, but interestingly enough, this plan would save Camp Minnie-Mickey once again and make the AVATAR-land accessible only via Asia or Africa. It is possible that the track of the Wildlife Express Train will be recycled for some sort of transport into the world of AVATAR, but I wouldn’t hold my breath on that idea. While we wait for confirmation on this breaking story, it sure is fun to imagine the possibilities. Stay tuned…

2012 D23 Events Announced, Including Epcot’s 30th Anniversary!

WDWNT on November 16, 2011

In 2012, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will take the show on the road as it kicks off a year-long celebration for D23 members with a bold lineup of fantastic events.

Throughout the year, D23 will delight Disney fans from Boston, New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Palm Springs to Orlando, Burbank and even Marceline, Missouri — Walt Disney’s boyhood hometown — with the thrill and excitement of uniquely magical Disney experiences.

“To help D23 celebrate its third ‘fanniversary,’ we developed the most exciting lineup yet of special events to bring our members truly one-of-a-kind Disney experiences,” said Steven Clark, head of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. “We’re excited to visit our fans all around the country, and to create events we hope will surprise and delight them.”

Starting the year are two new extraordinary experiences: D23’s JOURNEY TO MARCELINE and D23 PRESENTS THE SMOKE TREE RANCH ROUNDUP.

For the first time ever, a special tour of Walt’s boyhood hometown — Marceline, Missouri — will take place for D23 members on March 14. Led by Disney archivists, the daylong Journey to Marcelineexplores this small town (pop. 2,221) in ways that will have special resonance for Disney fans.

In his later life, Walt found unique inspiration at Smoke Tree Ranch in Palm Springs, and during the incredible, three-day Smoke Tree Ranch Roundup (January 23-25), D23 Members can experience this exclusive retreat in a completely unique way. In another first-of-its-kind, immersive experience, Disney fans will get to see what Walt called “my own laughing place,” taking part in screenings, presentations, activities and delectable meals, all while staying in a Smoke Tree Ranch cottage.

In the spring, D23 takes the party on the road with the D23 ‘FANNIVERSARY’ CELEBRATION. It commemorates more than 40 unforgettable Disney magical milestones, each celebrating an anniversary in2012. Hosted by Disney archivists, D23 Fanniversary Celebration events will be held in Orlando, New York, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco and Los Angeles and revisits some of the most beloved Disney theme park attractions, animated and live-action films, TV series and more from 85 years of Disney history.Fanniversary events will be open to the public, with special admission and surprises created especially for D23 Members in attendance.

In the summer, D23 will offer an all-new “Destination D” event – DESTINATION D: 75 YEARS OF DISNEY ANIMATION, held over two days at the Disneyland Resort in California (August 11-12). As Disney marks the 75th anniversary of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, D23 marks the occasion by gathering many renowned Disney animation legends along with topDisney animators, voice talent (past and present) and composers — plus interesting demonstrations, fascinating presentations, autograph sessions and the chance to see entertaining animation rarities from the Disney vaults —all in celebration of 75 years of Disney feature animation.

Throughout the year, D23 will continue its popular series of movie screenings at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. With a new series, FROM THE VAULTS, D23 will bring favorite live-action films back to the big screen, including special 20th anniversary screenings of Newsies (February 25) and Sister Act (May 26), plus the classic Disney adaptation of Treasure Island (September 22). D23’s 50 AND FABULOUS series also returns in 2012, with In Search of the Castaways (June 23).

The year also includes four special weekends of member-only tours of the Walt Disney Studios and Walt Disney Archives in Burbank, which are planned for February 11-12, April 28-29, September 8-9 and November 10-11 — doubling the capacity of these consistently sold-out D23 events.

In the fall, during Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival, D23’s popular Sip & Stroll event get a Halloween twist and becomesSIP & SCREAM (October 2012). And during the holiday season D23 will again hold back-to-back presentations of its popular holiday offerings — DISNEY AND DICKENS (in Burbank in December) and MAGIC & MERRIMENT (at Walt Disney World Resort, tentative dates: December 7-8 and 9-10), doubling your Disney holiday fun.

Look for more D23 events to be announced throughout the year including details on an Epcot 30th anniversary celebration and a fun-filled D23 third anniversary party at the Disneyland Resort. Full details on D23’s lineup of 2012 special events can be found on the Fan Club’s website at http://www.Disney.com/D23. All events and dates are subject to change.

 

Sleepy Hollow Waffle Sandwich: Yay or Nay?

WDWNT on November 15, 2011

Our good friend Sarah who writes “Eating WDW” for WDWNT: The Magazine and has her own blog by the same name recently tried out one of the new, much discussed, waffle sandwiches at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments. Here is her review:

I had heard about Sleepy Hollow Refreshments’ menu changes via Zach of WDWNT, and I knew I had to try one of the new waffle sandwiches out. With F&W in full swing, I’d been neglecting my other parks. That all had to change yesterday! I wish Matt was with me so I could order the Ham & Prosciutto version as well, but since I was running around property like a nut that day, I had to pick one. I decided to go the more “traditional” route of chicken and waffles, hoping for some heat to the chicken.

I was in awe of the size of this beast, which was only $6.99. Talk about a great value on property!

There really wasn’t any heat to the chicken; it was definitely on the sweet side. It wasn’t overly sweet for me, so I enjoyed it. The waffle tasted like the same batter that is used for the Mickey waffles. Yes, I know the whimsy is in the shape, but these were still on point for flavor.

It was a LOT of food. I ended up just eating the chicken after a few bites. The greens were a really nice addition from a textural point, and really brightened up the sandwich overall. The slaw was quite nice as well for some crunch. I tasted it alone and liked it despite the heavy mayonnaise.

I look forward to trying the ham & prosciutto version, and the Nutella option sounds interesting as well. I’ll have to head back to MK with Matt by my side real soon!

Our thanks to Sarah for permission to use her report, and please go check out her Eating WDW blog!

Hayley Nance’s 11/11/11- 11/13/11 DLR Photo Report

WDWNT on November 15, 2011

The holidays have arrived at the Disneyland Resort and the parks are getting ready for the busiest season of the year. DLNT Photographer Hayley Nance was at the parks this past weekend and took some newsworthy photos to share.

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

The holidays are here, only some decorations are up on Main Street

The Omnibus looking good for the season

Work on Jolly Holiday Bakery continues

The Pirates facade refurbishment is wrapping up


Short wait for mansion (Is that Fastpass sign new?)

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Splash Mountain has been decorated

Tigger has been stuck in this position past few rides I have been on

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TO: Brer Bear, Brer Fox

FROM: Brer Rabbit

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Neat penny press in New Orleans Square

Interesting…

Court of Angels decked out with a lot of blue

Lots of holiday merchandise for sale

Blue Bayou is scheduled to reopen on the 23rd

I want this sign…

Some props have been refreshed in the Indy queue

Get your Matterhorn rides in now as it will be closing early next year for the second half of its major refurbishment

Slow day at the parks

Now for a quick ride through this years small world Holiday

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A new addition this year, a giant snowman in the finale

This years Christmas tree on Main Street

Now for some quick pictures from DCA

New turnstiles decorated for the holidays

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Carthay Circle coming along

Love this shirt

and this one…

and this one.

‘Never Land Pirate’ Jake Coming To Disney California Adventure

WDWNT on November 11, 2011

From Erin Glover on Disney Parks Blog:


‘Never Land Pirate’ Jake is Coming to Disney Parks
Great news, “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” fans! Jake, from the popular Disney Junior show, will begin greeting guests at Disney Parks this month.

Starting November 13, Jake will be making regular appearances at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort. He will join Handy Manny, Special Agent Oso and June from “Little Einsteins” at the Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine at Hollywood & Vine. Guests at the character dining experience will be able to get into the action by swabbing the deck, rowing the boat and shouting “yo ho” to songs from the show, including “Roll Up the Map,” “Hot Lava” and “Talk Like a Pirate.”

Also beginning November 13, Jake will join the Stars of Disney Junior at their meet and greet location in the Animation Courtyard. In order to make way for Jake, the Little Einsteins will no longer appear at that location.

Jake fans visiting the Disneyland Resort will also be able to meet their favorite little pirate beginning November 20, along Hollywood Boulevard at Disney California Adventure park.

Be sure to check daily entertainment guides for character greeting times and locations.

Yo ho! Let’s go!