Scene By Scene Preview Of Radiator Springs Racers

WDWNT on August 22, 2010

From The LA Times:

Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure

What’s better than an E Ticket ride? How about an F Ticket?

Radiator Springs Racers promises to redefine our expectations of an E Ticket attraction by combining a classic dark ride with a thrilling head-to-head drag race.

Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure

Currently under construction at Disney California Adventure in Anaheim, the $200-million ride, scheduled to make its debut in 2012,  will take passengers on a four-minute journey through stalactite caverns, around hairpin turns and along high-speed straightaways. Each side-by-side race ends with a randomly selected winner.

Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure

On-site ride tests this summer revealed a prototype vehicle based on Epcot’s Test Track technology that moved like a giant slot car along a banked and undulating course. The sleek red sports car, with anthropomorphic headlight eyes and smiling bumper, looked like one of the animated characters from the Pixar movie “Cars.”

Crews continue to construct six acres of rockwork resembling the desert buttes and bluffs of the 2006 film’s iconic Ornament Valley, which will take a year to carve and another year to paint.

Spoiler Alert

What follows is a scene-by-scene breakdown of the Radiator Springs Racers ride:

You can read on over at The LA Times Website…

Inside Look at Walt Disney Imagineering and Fantasyland Expansion

WDWNT on August 20, 2010

NASA held its first information technology summit this week. How does this apply to Walt Disney World? Speakers at the second day included Jack Blitch from Disney Imagineering, giving a lecture on how his company designs and implements it attractions, and some of its plans for the future. This video includes a look at 3-D models of “Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid” and the entire Beauty and the Beast themed realm. The remainder of the Fantasyland expansion is not mentioned, further fueling the flames for rumors of sweeping changes to the Magic Kingdom expansion plan. Regardless, it’s a fascinating look inside Walt Disney Imagineering that you should enjoy:

Disney Releases More Details on Hacienda De San Angel

WDWNT on August 20, 2010

From the Disney Parks Blog:

We caught up with Richard Debler, the president of San Angel Inn LLC, and Executive Chef Ernesto Zendejas, in charge of the big changes at the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot. The all-new La Hacienda de San Angel and La Cantina de San Angel are on schedule for a mid-September opening, taking reservations for Oct. 15 and thereafter. (The first few weeks are a “soft opening” with no reservations.)

What’s going to wow guests about the new look?
The architecture resembles an old hacienda, and you’ll see the distinctive blue dome from a distance. It’s right on the water, and very eye catching. And the view – the whole building is geared to World Showcase Lagoon and the fireworks…during the day it’s great for enjoying the waterfront.

Tell us about the “flex space” idea.
We need quick-service capacity, but at the same time we want to increase table service. This space allows us during the lunch period to use a section of the dining room for quick-service guests – an air-conditioned space that will complement the terrace outside seating. So we will have 250 to 300 seats during the day; later in the afternoon La Hacienda switches to table service with 250 seats. We have a total of 400 seats.

What’s special about La Hacienda cuisine?
We’re bringing two taco specialists from one of the best taquerias in Mexico to work with us. Corn tortillas are a major component of a great Mexican meal, and all of ours will be made fresh right there every day, also for La Cantina. Salsas will be made fresh – and not just tomato salsa. We have salsas made with chipotle and Serrano peppers, tomatillos, mangos. There are unique flavors from different regions of Mexico. Cilanto, habanero, spicy flavors from Southern Mexico . . . this will be a little different than our past menus.

Any favorite menu items?
We have three or four spectacular appetizer items at La Hacienda. The trend in Mexican food is appetizers, such as mini tacos. [One that sounds especially delicious is chiles toreados y chorizitos, roasted sweet peppers with lime and sea salt and mini chorizos (pork sausage).] And I really like the skillet entrées – skillets with cuts of meat, veggies, seafood, to make your own taco. I’m still tweaking the menu!

How does La Cantina menu change?
The Cantina menu will focus on tacos with meat or chicken, properly grilled, and garnished with fresh pico de gallo. We want to create an authentic Mexican taco, something that locals would buy at the market. Less Tex-Mex, more regional authentic Mexico.

We have to talk margaritas!
La Hacienda will have a tequila ambassador on staff every day. We will feature tequila flights there like we do in La Cava [inside the Mexico pavilion]. We’ve developed a whole new line of margaritas with a mixologist from New York City.

New flavors?
The coffee margarita is one of my favorites. We wanted to incorporate a little mescal, which has more of a smoky flavor than regular tequila. The Mescal gives it a cacao flavor, almost like a cappuccino. The top sellers right now are passion fruit and lime-raspberry, but we’re going to serve a mango-blueberry-basil margarita with fresh blueberries, mango puree and mashed basil. And an orange mango fire margarita with a dash of Tabasco and chile powder and ginger liquer.

Frozen or on the rocks?
All frozen margaritas at La Cantina, on the rocks at La Hacienda.

And desserts?
[Chef Ernesto chimes in.] At La Cantina, paletas, or popsicles, with fresh fruit, such as mango with peppers. At La Hacienda, the sorbets are outstanding, like tamarind, watermelon – very tropical fruit flavors. And a sweet tamal del dulce filled with guava paste. That’s a good one for sharing!

Are La Cantina and La Hacienda on the Disney Dining Plan?
Yes, for 1 point, except for the larger entrées that are for 2 guests, they are 2 points.

Disneyland to Host 2nd “Meet-Up” at California Adventure

WDWNT on August 19, 2010

From The Disney Parks Blog:

'World of Color'

You asked for it! After our first successful meet-up back in May, we’ve been planning our next event. We’ve had a lot of requests for a “World of Color” Meet-Up, so next Thursday we’ll be making that wish come true for 300 guests. If you’re a true “World of Color” fan, you will have the opportunity to hear from some of the show’s creators, including two Imagineers.

We’ll be hosting a panel discussion with Steven Davison, Vice President of Parades and Spectaculars, Sayre Wiseman, Director of Show Production, and Mary Niven, Vice President of Disney California Adventure park and Guest Services.

The event will be a rare opportunity for a personal, behind-the-scenes look at the show and its creators. Fans will have a chance to ask questions and to hear the show’s creators talk about some of their favorite memories since they started working on this project in 2005.

As if that weren’t enough, for this very special event, we will have reserved viewing in Paradise Park at the 9:00 p.m. performance of “World of Color” for this exclusive group.

The event will take place from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 26, 2010, and check-in will close at 7:15 p.m.

To attend, please RSVP to meetups@disney.go.com, beginning at 11 a.m. PT, today, and you must include “RSVP to World of Color Meet-Up” in your subject line. The event is subject to capacity of 300 people, so we recommend that you RSVP quickly.

Here are a few things you should know:

  • Valid RSVPs must include the following information:
    • Subject line must read “RSVP to World of Color Meet-Up.”
    • Your name must be included in the body of the email.
    • If you are bringing one guest, you must note that in the body of the email. We do not need the name of your guest, but if you do not request a guest at the time you send your RSVP by email, you will not be permitted to bring a guest. RSVPs that include missing information (e.g. incomplete names, incorrect subject line) or request more than one guest will not be accepted and will not be considered valid.
  • Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in.
  • All guests who RSVP for the event must be 18 years or older, but your guest is not required to be 18.
  • The event is subject to change or cancellation.
  • We will send an email to respondents who sent their valid RSVP via email before we reached capacity to confirm their attendance for August 26. We plan to send this email at approximately 2:00 p.m. PT today, and we will also post a link on the Disney Parks Blog that will include a list of names of all attendees. If you do not receive an email from us confirming your reservation and your name does not appear on the list of attendees, your RSVP was not accepted.

UPDATE: We’re thrilled with the great response to the “World of Color” Meet-Up! We have reached capacity. At approximately 2:00 p.m. PT, we will send the meet-up attendees a confirmation email. By 5:00 p.m. PT, we will post a link to the complete list of attendees. If you are on the list and did not receive a confirmation email, please contact us at meetups@disney.go.com. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for additional meet-ups in the future.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2011 On Sale Tomorrow

WDWNT on August 19, 2010

BURBANK, Calif. – August 18, 2010 – The first-ever D23 EXPO in 2009 left Disney fans asking when there would be another.  On Thursday, Aug. 19, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club begins ticket sales for the next adventure – an incredible three-day event that brings the entire world of Disney under one roof at the Anaheim Convention Center next Aug. 19–21.

Tickets for the D23 EXPO 2011 will be available at a discounted price for a limited time.  From August 19–December 31, 2010, tickets will be $37 for a one-day adult admission and $27 for children 3-12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will be $30 for a one-day adult admission and $22 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available for both D23 Members and the general public, and D23 Members can save as much as $204 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for D23 Members and general admission, visit www.Disney.com/D23.

In addition to these special advance-purchase savings, D23 Members can also buy new D23 EXPO VIP packages that are only available to members. These new packages offer incredible exclusive opportunities and will have very limited availability.

The PREMIERE PACKAGE includes:

  • Three days of admission to the D23 EXPO
  • Reserved seating at all events and presentations in the Arena
  • Access to a relaxing Premiere Lounge with concierge and complimentary refreshments, as well as a special exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives
  • A D23 EXPO autograph book
  • A special Premiere Package gift bag

The SORCERER PACKAGE includes:

  • All benefits in the Premiere Package
  • A private tour of and reception in the “Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives” exhibit the night before the Expo opens<
  • Exclusive hardhat tour of the show floor prior to opening
  • Limited edition artwork signed by Disney artist Dave Pacheco
  • Reserved seating at all presentations and panels
  • A voucher for an appointment with an on-site massage therapist
  • Special shopping opportunities at the Disney Dream Store
  • A hardbound, collectible D23 EXPO guidebook.

Only 250 Premiere Package tickets will be available at $500 per ticket. Availability of the Sorcerer Package will be strictly limited to 50 D23 Members at $1,000 per ticket. Both packages are only available to D23 Members.

All D23 Members – both Gold level and Silver level – can take advantage of these exclusive admission savings and access to the special packages when tickets go on sale on Thursday, Aug. 19 at www.D23Expo.com.

The D23 EXPO 2011 will also feature the Disney Legends Awards – a tradition that pays tribute to the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to the Disney legacy; the return of the D23 Live Auction boasting extraordinary rarities and specially designed items for Disney fans; an all-new Fan Art Contest themed to the 50th anniversary of One Hundred and One Dalmatians; Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives with an expanded exhibit of costumes, props and set pieces from Disney’s rich history; plus amazing live events, special celebrity appearances, panels and presentations, sneak peeks and unique experiences that celebrate the past, present and future of Disney. The D23 EXPO 2011 is scheduled to take place Aug. 19-21 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

In 2009, the first D23 EXPO brought together all parts of The Walt Disney Company under one roof including The Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Disney Consumer Products, The Walt Disney Archives, ABC, Disney Channel, Radio Disney, and Disney Interactive Media Group to celebrate all things Disney. Stars like Johnny Depp, Nicolas Cage, Courteney Cox, Betty White, Robin Williams, John Travolta and the cast of Wizards of Waverly Place made appearances; Miley Cyrus and Honor Society performed in concert. Imagineering legends took to the stage, and key Disney executives and creative talent including Walt Disney President and CEO Bob Iger and Disney and Pixar Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter.

Gold-level D23 memberships are $74.99, and Silver-level memberships – which provide all benefits with the exception of a Disney twenty-three subscription – are just $34.99 a year.  All discounts and special promotions are available to both Gold- and Silver-level D23 Members.

Disney fans can become members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club at www.disney.com/D23, select shops at the Disneyland® and Walt Disney World Resorts and at www.DisneyStore.com/D23.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2011 On Sale Tomorrow

WDWNT on August 18, 2010

BURBANK, Calif. – August 18, 2010 – The first-ever D23 EXPO in 2009 left Disney fans asking when there would be another.  On Thursday, Aug. 19, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club begins ticket sales for the next adventure – an incredible three-day event that brings the entire world of Disney under one roof at the Anaheim Convention Center next Aug. 19–21.

Tickets for the D23 EXPO 2011 will be available at a discounted price for a limited time.  From August 19–December 31, 2010, tickets will be $37 for a one-day adult admission and $27 for children 3-12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will be $30 for a one-day adult admission and $22 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available for both D23 Members and the general public, and D23 Members can save as much as $204 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for D23 Members and general admission, visit www.Disney.com/D23.

In addition to these special advance-purchase savings, D23 Members can also buy new D23 EXPO VIP packages that are only available to members. These new packages offer incredible exclusive opportunities and will have very limited availability.

The PREMIERE PACKAGE includes:

  • Three days of admission to the D23 EXPO
  • Reserved seating at all events and presentations in the Arena
  • Access to a relaxing Premiere Lounge with concierge and complimentary refreshments, as well as a special exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives
  • A D23 EXPO autograph book
  • A special Premiere Package gift bag

The SORCERER PACKAGE includes:

  • All benefits in the Premiere Package
  • A private tour of and reception in the “Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives” exhibit the night before the Expo opens<
  • Exclusive hardhat tour of the show floor prior to opening
  • Limited edition artwork signed by Disney artist Dave Pacheco
  • Reserved seating at all presentations and panels
  • A voucher for an appointment with an on-site massage therapist
  • Special shopping opportunities at the Disney Dream Store
  • A hardbound, collectible D23 EXPO guidebook.

Only 250 Premiere Package tickets will be available at $500 per ticket. Availability of the Sorcerer Package will be strictly limited to 50 D23 Members at $1,000 per ticket. Both packages are only available to D23 Members.

All D23 Members – both Gold level and Silver level – can take advantage of these exclusive admission savings and access to the special packages when tickets go on sale on Thursday, Aug. 19 at www.D23Expo.com.

The D23 EXPO 2011 will also feature the Disney Legends Awards – a tradition that pays tribute to the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to the Disney legacy; the return of the D23 Live Auction boasting extraordinary rarities and specially designed items for Disney fans; an all-new Fan Art Contest themed to the 50th anniversary of One Hundred and One Dalmatians; Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives with an expanded exhibit of costumes, props and set pieces from Disney’s rich history; plus amazing live events, special celebrity appearances, panels and presentations, sneak peeks and unique experiences that celebrate the past, present and future of Disney. The D23 EXPO 2011 is scheduled to take place Aug. 19-21 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

In 2009, the first D23 EXPO brought together all parts of The Walt Disney Company under one roof including The Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Disney Consumer Products, The Walt Disney Archives, ABC, Disney Channel, Radio Disney, and Disney Interactive Media Group to celebrate all things Disney. Stars like Johnny Depp, Nicolas Cage, Courteney Cox, Betty White, Robin Williams, John Travolta and the cast of Wizards of Waverly Place made appearances; Miley Cyrus and Honor Society performed in concert. Imagineering legends took to the stage, and key Disney executives and creative talent including Walt Disney President and CEO Bob Iger and Disney and Pixar Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter.

Gold-level D23 memberships are $74.99, and Silver-level memberships – which provide all benefits with the exception of a Disney twenty-three subscription – are just $34.99 a year.  All discounts and special promotions are available to both Gold- and Silver-level D23 Members.

Disney fans can become members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club at www.disney.com/D23, select shops at the Disneyland® and Walt Disney World Resorts and at www.DisneyStore.com/D23.

Video of “Raiders of the Lost Jedi Temple of Doom” Show

WDWNT on August 17, 2010

WDWNT Reporter Matt Paul brings us to yet another special event as part of “Last Tour to Endor” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, here is the fan film of epic proportions known as “Raiders of the Lost Jedi Temple of Doom”:

Video of “Hyperspace Hoopla” and photo reports from “Last Tour to Endor” & the final 2 days of Celebration V still on the way, so stay tuned!!!

“Symphony in the Stars” Fireworks Video

WDWNT on August 15, 2010

WDWNT Reporter Matt Paul brings us to the one-time-only showing of the Star Wars fireworks spectacular “Symphony in the Stars” during “Last Tour to Endor” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

Video of the extra-large “Hyperspace Hoopla” and “Raiders of the Lost Jedi Temple of Doom” coming shortly, so stay tuned!