More Destinations Revealed for “Star Tours: The Adventures Continue”?

WDWNT on February 27, 2011

WDWNT’s own Cody Smith recently attended the “Love is Magical” pin event at Walt Disney World. How does this apply to Star Tours? Well, there was a pin preview board at the event, and Disney was showcasing some of the pins that will be released when Star Tours re-opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 20th and Disneyland Park June 3rd:

Now, the photo is not of the best quality, but we believe it reveals destinations guests will be traveling to in “Star Tours: The Adventures Continue”, and maybe even what will happen when they get there. The two announced locations of Coruscant and Tatooine are represented. The Tatooine poster pin even shows the Starspeeder 1000 getting stuck in a podrace, a scenario that has already been revealed. With this in mind, we believe the other 6 pins reveal more destinations and events that guests may experience randomly.

Let’s examine the posters in order from left to right:

  • On Geonosis (a setting from Episode II), guests may be chased by Boba Fett and the Slave I vehicle.
  • The second pin features Darth Vader and the Death Star, so we may be running into some friends from the Empire once again.
  • Coruscant is the third poster, an already revealed location.
  • Kashyyyk is the 4th poster, the home of Chewbacca. Since we noticed concept art that looked like this planet behind George Lucas in a Disney-released publicity shot from many months ago and were then told we will see Chewbacca along the way, this location is really no surprise. However, the poster clearly states that we will visit Treetop Villas, perhaps an inside joke about Disney’s Treehouse Villas?
  • Hoth is the fifth planet poster. This snowy planet from Episode V has a poster featuring a Tauntauns and what we believe is a Wampa (the snow-monster that attacks Luke Skywalker).
  • Tatooine is the sixth planet poster. The already revealed scenario where guests get stuck in the middle of a podrace is featured here, including famous racer Sebulba from Episode I.
  • The seventh poster pin features Bespin, the cloud city from Episode V. You may remember Bespin was featured in the queue-area commercial Disney previewed last summer at Star Wars Celebration V in Orlando.
  • The final poster pin features Naboo from the prequel trilogy. Home to Queen Amidala and the Gungans (including Jar Jar Binks), the Starapeeder 1000 may encounter a giant sea monster like the one featured in Episode I.

Again, these destinations are not confirmed, but the appearance of the Starspeeder 1000 in these scenes and the fact that several already announced locations & character encounters are featured leads us to the conclusion that these are spoilers for the new attraction. Stay tuned to WDW News Today as more information on “Star Tours: The Adventures Continue” becomes available.

Dates For Mickey’s Soundsational Parade, The Little Mermaid, and Star Tours

WDWNT on February 26, 2011

From the Disney Parks Blog:

As days get longer and the weather gets warmer (well, hopefully!), we are very excited about summer 2011 at the Disneyland Resort. And today I’m thrilled to share the grand opening dates for three new experiences headed your way.

Grand opening June 3: At Disney California Adventure park, get ready for an all-new voyage with one of Disney’s most beloved characters, Ariel. The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure will invite guests to take a journey under the sea to experience all the fun and adventures in Ariel’s world. From the great songs to state-of-the-art animatronics and special effects, guests will become a part of her world in a way that’s never happened before.

The Little Mermaid attraction is the next big milestone in the expansion of Disney California Adventure park. “World of Color” debuted last year and continues to wow guests every night with magic that combines choreographed fountains, lights, lasers, music, animation and Disney storytelling. And on the horizon, guests can see the awesome Cadillac Mountain range taking shape as the backdrop to the 12-acre Cars Land, which opens in 2012.

Here’s a first look at the vision Walt Disney Imagineers have for Ursula, who will play a big role in The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.

Ursula of The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel's Undersea Adventure

Across the esplanade at Disneyland park, guests this summer will be dancing to the beat of a whole new parade and jetting off to new galaxies far, far away.

May 27 Premiere: “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” officially steps off for Memorial Day weekend, with an explosive musical score, thrilling rhythms and bold percussion that will have people dancing to many of their favorite Disney tunes. Look for whimsical float units, live musicians and some of your favorite characters. Mickey Mouse and his pals will be jamming like never before and creating an atmosphere that will be…soundsational!

Here’s a peek at the preparations:

Grand opening June 3: And for those who dare to venture into the deep, dark corners of the universe, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue officially launches in Tomorrowland at Disneyland park, taking guests on interstellar adventures to Coruscant, Tatooine, and other destinations in the “Star Wars” galaxy. With the return of favorite Star Wars characters and the addition of more familiar faces and destinations, guests are going to experience Starspeeder travel in an all-new way…in 3D!

You may remember, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue also launches at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort on May 20. May the Force be with you!

Star Tours - The Adventure Continues at Disneyland Resort

Summer Fun: Along with these three exciting additions, guests will find even more fun this summer at the Disneyland Resort. So, stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for updates.

What are you most looking forward to this summer at the Disneyland Resort?

Disneyland Hotel Receiving New Adventureland Themed Restaurant and Bar

WDWNT on February 24, 2011

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Many of you may remember our announcement last spring about the ongoing Disneyland Hotel renovation. This exciting project gives the hotel a retro theme with a contemporary twist and adds historic and nostalgic elements of Disneyland park, circa the 1950s.

In keeping with that spirit, we are excited to announce that this spring Tangaroa Terrace and Trader Sam’s will open. The tiki-inspired design and storyline for this restaurant and bar were a perfect fit, as they tie in thematically with the mid-century modern architecture of the Disneyland Hotel and the adjacent Dream Tower, soon to be renamed Adventure Tower.

Artist Rendering of Tangaroa Terrace at the Disneyland Hotel

Inspired by Adventurelands from Disney Parks worldwide and the nostalgic Tahitian Terrace restaurant, located in Adventureland from 1962-1993, Tangaroa Terrace will immerse guests in a tropical setting with tiki torches and themed music. The name of the restaurant was borrowed from one of the tiki gods at the Enchanted Tiki Room. The fast-casual dining experience will include island-inspired food and beverages. The new bar, named after Trader Sam, the infamous Jungle Cruise “head” salesman, will open adjacent to Tangaroa Terrace. Trader Sam’s unique lounge experience will include interactive experiences with a bit of Disney magic you won’t want to miss.

These new locations are in addition to the new in-room décor and exterior of the hotel, as well as the new pool, immersive water play area and redesign of the Never Land Pool that will be completed later this year. Check back soon for more details on the Disneyland Hotel renovation project!

Bill Nye the Science Guy Visits Epcot

WDWNT on February 24, 2011

WDWNT Reporter Banks Lee was on the scene at Epcot earlier today as Bill Nye the Science Guy appeared at Innoventions in Epcot as part of National Engineers Week. Banks took some video to share with us from this event:

More Details on Mickey’s New Home at the Magic Kingdom

WDWNT on February 23, 2011

A press release from Disney gives us more details on Mickey Mouse’s new home, the Town Square Theater, opening later this Spring:

Magic Kingdom officials have a hunch a really “hot ticket” in their realm this summer is going to be something other than a ride, a snack or a show. Rather, it’s a first-ever opportunity to nail down a time to meet with Mickey Mouse.

When meet-and-greets with Mickey move into a permanent new location in Town Square later this spring, Magic Kingdom guests will be able to obtain a Disney’s FASTPASS ticket specifying a one-hour window when they can return to see the popular character for hugs, photos and autographs — without waiting in the standby queue. It will mark the first time the complimentary, computerized service has been available for a character meet-and-greet at any Disney Park.

Since spending time with Disney characters is at the top of the “must-do list” of many guests, the FASTPASS ticket will allow them to experience their Mickey Mouse meet-and-greets more conveniently. As a result, guests will be able to devote more time enjoying other Magic Kingdom experiences with family and friends.

The new meet-and-greet location, Town Square Theater, will be located inside the current Exposition Hall area just inside the park entrance. Imagineers already are working to completely transform the space for the new experience. “This isn’t just remodeling Expo Hall; it is completely re-imagining this entire venue as a beautiful Victorian-era theater and the new home for Mickey Mouse,” Jon Georges, WDI Director, Senior Show Producer, said.

“Mickey and Main Street, U.S.A. are great examples of pure Americana that complement each other very well,” Concept Designer Jason Grandt said. “We drew a lot of inspiration from classic Mickey animated shorts such as The Nifty Nineties and Mickey’s Grand Opera. Many of the scenes in these shorts look like they take place right on Main Street.”

Guests arrive at a building befitting Mickey Mouse’s stardom — with a grand-Victorian-theater elevation, including a marquee that glistens with gold-leaf trim and sparkles with lights. Inside, there’s a mosaic floor, lush curtains with gold rope tie-backs and polished-brass chandeliers. Imagineers are creating new elements and surprises for Magic Kingdom guests, including an interactive queue — with an extra touch of Disney magic — and highly themed retail shops.

The queue takes guests “backstage,” where Mickey is waiting to greet them in a rehearsal-room environment amid posters, steamer trunks and stage props.

In addition, during the New Fantasyland construction, royalty will be visiting as the Disney Princesses will be in Town Square Theater to meet and greet their loyal subjects.

Currently, guests can visit with Mickey Mouse in Tomorrowland, in a location to the right of Space Mountain. Meet-and-greet experiences with the Disney Princesses are currently at Adventureland Verandah.

Mickey’s New Mouse House: Town Square Theater

WDWNT on February 22, 2011

From the Disney Parks Blog:

How about this: For the first time at Disney Parks, you’ll have the opportunity to nail down a time for a face-to-face meeting with Mickey Mouse at the Walt Disney World Resort. Beginning this spring, we’ll be offering FASTPASSfor Mickey at his new permanent home, Town Square Theater, located inside the current Exposition Hall area at the entrance of Magic Kingdom park.

Artist Rendering of Town Square Theater at Magic Kingdom

Once open, it’ll be more than just a new greeting space for Mickey. Imagineers are creating new elements and surprises for Magic Kingdom park guests, including an interactive queue – with an extra touch of Disney magic. Also, during the New Fantasyland construction, royalty will be visiting as the Disney Princesses will be in Town Square Theater to meet and greet their loyal subjects this spring.

How will it work? Magic Kingdom guests will be able obtain a Disney’s FASTPASS specifying a one-hour window when they can return to see the popular character for hugs, photos and autographs – without waiting in the standby queue. This marks the first time the complimentary, computerized service has been utilized for a character meet-and-greet at any Disney Park.

Walt Disney Imagineers are already working to completely transform the space for the new experience. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more updates on this one-of-a-kind experience.

Tom Staggs Updates Shareholders on Next-Gen Experiences in the Disney Parks

WDWNT on February 20, 2011

Tom Staggs took the stage yesterday to address shareholders just as he has in years past but now as President of Parks and Resorts. After reflecting on his past year as the head of Parks and Resorts Staggs proceeded to outline the capital investments that the Parks division has been making over the year and what we can expect as guests for the next few years.

The most exciting portion of Stagg’s presentation was the confirmation of what we can expect from the Next Gen Experience:

“Further strengthening the belief that the guest experience starts from the moment guests book their trip, they will be able to map out their entire vacation from the comfort of their home.” They will be able to use new tools to help them:

-Reserve times for Attractions, Shows and Character interactions
-Secure seats at shows and spectaculars
-Simplify the check-in process so that guests will arrive on property with their resort keys in hand getting them into the parks and resort quicker than ever before.
-Better route resources based on guest needs dynamically throughout the day helping to improve guest flow and improve the overall guest experience

While there aren’t many details available at this time this is the first time that park management has gone into any depth on the next gen initiatives. Stay tuned to DLNT for more developments. To read the full transcript of Tom Staggs’ presentation click here

Tom Staggs Updates Shareholders on Next-Gen Experiences in the Disney Parks

WDWNT on February 20, 2011

Tom Staggs took the stage yesterday to address shareholders just as he has in years past but now as President of Parks and Resorts. After reflecting on his past year as the head of Parks and Resorts Staggs proceeded to outline the capital investments that the Parks division has been making over the year and what we can expect as guests for the next few years.

Let’s take a look at some of the highlights for the resort:

-As Previously Reported the Snow White Mine Train coaster will take advantage of a newly patented ride vehicle, which twists and turns on its track.
-The new Art of Animation Resort will open sometime in 2013 (Still may be 2012, this was probably a typo) and contain 1,200 family suites and 800 value rooms
-New “tools” will allow guests to interact with the princesses in there new homes in a new immersive and highly personalized way

Perhaps the most exciting portion of Stagg’s presentation was the confirmation of what we can expect from the Next Gen Experience originally reported here on WDW News Today in December 2009:

“Further strengthening the belief that the guest experience starts from the moment guests book their trip[, they will be able to map out their entire vacation from the comfort of their home.” They will be able to use new tools to help them:

-Reserve times for Attractions, Shows and Character interactions
-Secure seats at shows and spectaculars
-Simplify the check-in process so that guests will arrive on property with their resort keys in hand getting them into the parks and resort quicker than ever before.
-Better route resources based on guest needs dynamically throughout the day helping to improve guest flow and improve the overall guest experience

While there aren’t many details available at this time this is the first time that park management has gone into any depth on the next gen initiatives. Stay tuned to WDW News Today for more developments. To read the full transcript of Tom Staggs’ presentation click here

One Final “Wishes!” from Toontown Fair

WDWNT on February 19, 2011

WDWNT Reporter Banks Lee was at the Magic Kingdom on the final day of operation for Mickey’s Toontown Fair and recorded a pretty cool video of “Wishes!” from the now-shuttered land: