Meet Imagineer Kevin Rafferty

WDWNT on May 25, 2010

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Toy Story Mania
Calling all Toy Story Mania and Walt Disney Imagineering fans….Just after Disney’s California Adventure park closes to the public on May 27, parts of the Park will re-open for a meet-up of 150 fans.

Kevin Rafferty, Walt Disney Imagineer, Senior Concept Writer, will meet with the group to give an insider’s look at the new changes in Toy Story Mania. Kevin will even share original concept sketches and sketches of the ideas that didn’t make it into the attraction. Fans will have a chance to ask Kevin questions about the making-of the attraction and what it’s like to work on this project.

There will also be a few surprises you might not want to miss. The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 27, and check-in will close at 5:45 p.m.

To attend, please RSVP to meetups@disney.go.com. This event is subject to capacity of 150 people, so we recommend that you RSVP quickly.

Here are a few things you should know:

  • Valid RSVPs must include your name and the name of your guest if you are bringing one. RSVPs that include the names of more than two people or are missing information (e.g. incomplete names) will not be accepted.
  • Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in.
  • All guests must be 18 years or older.
  • The event is subject to change or cancellation.

Note that the event is already full

Video of Toy Story Mania with Toy Story 3 Characters

WDWNT on May 25, 2010

WDWNT Reporter Matt Paul presents a video featuring all the changes and additions to Toy Story Midway Mania from Toy Story 3. This video is embedded via the WDWNTube:

The changes to the attraction include:

  • Villain icons in the background of the practice game (Lotso, Stretch, etc.)
  • Buttercup the Unicorn (voiced by Jeff Garlin believe it or not) has been added to “Hamm & Eggs”
  • Rex and Trixie now host Dino-Darts, replacing Bo Peep’s Baaa-loon Pop
  • Additions to the prize scene include Trixie, Mr. Pricklepants, Dolly, Buttercup, and the big surprise, spanish-speaking Buzz Lightyear
  • The scoreboards at the very end of the attraction now present scoring for best in vehicle, best this hour, best today, and best this month

Stephen Thomas’ 5/21/10 DLR Photo Report

WDWNT on May 22, 2010

DLNT Reporter Stephen Thomas’ took a trip to the Disneyland Resort and has some newsworthy photos to share of Cars Land, Silly Symphony Swings, and much more.

[smugmug url=”http://wdwnt.smugmug.com/hack/feed.mg?Type=gallery&Data=12275286_9xd9c&format=rss200″ imagecount=”40″ start=”1″ num=”40″ thumbsize=”Th” link=”lightbox” captions=”true” sort=”true” window=”false” smugmug=”false” size=”L”]

Thanks for the report Stephen

Meet Miniaturist Robert Olszewski

WDWNT on May 22, 2010

From Art of Disney Website:

Robert Olszewski Product Release & Signing
Date: June 12, 2010
Time: 9 AM to 11 AM
Location: Disneyana Shop, Main Street U.S.A., Disneyland® Resort

Event Information:
Renowned miniaturist, Robert Olszewski will be on hand for a special appearance and signing for the launch of his latest pieces, including the third unit in the Main Street Electrical Parade section, which he has captured in exquisite minute detail. A special plaque will be adhered to the bottom of the base for the first day of release. Sculpture comes complete with certificate of verification. In addition, also available will be the two new Gallery of Light piece featuring a scene from the ever-popular Jungle Cruise and Mad Tea Party attractions.

Main Street Electrical Parade – Section 3 – Special Features:

This is the third set in the series of five sculptures representing the Main Street Electrical Parade.  This set focuses on the following parade units, from the Cinderella and Peter Pan section of the parade. Pieces include the Cinderella Coach and Clock Tower, Smee in the row boat, as well as the final snail and centipede from the Alice in Wonderland section. Each parade float is removable from its base so it can be placed on the Main Street road in the platform (for those collectors who are collecting the entire Main Street) When lit, multi-color changing lights illuminate these floats similar to the way the actual floats light up in the parade. The on/off switch is the trash can that can be found on the top of the base. The set can be run on 3 “AAA” batteries (not included) or can be plugged into the wall with the enclosed transformer.

The Main Street Electrical Parade – Section 3 sculpture will be available for $125, plus tax.  Dimensions: 11″L x 2.75″D x 2.75T.  A limited number of sculptures will be available on the day of the event. Limit TWO (2) sculpture per Guest.

Online Opportunity:
We will offer a limited number of the Main Street Electrical Parade sculptures via online ordering at www.ArtofDisneyParks.com beginning on Tuesday, May 25, 2010. To Order, Please Click Here. Excludes applicable taxes and shipping charges. A ground service shipping and handling fee per piece will be added to all online orders. Maximum order: 2 sculptures per Guest.

Gallery of Light Sculptures

The Disney Theme Park Gallery of Light Jungle Cruise sculpture features the Jungle Cruise boat as it encounters hippos.  This piece will be offered for $85, plus tax. Size: 4.5″H x 3.75″W x 3.5″D A limited number of Gallery of Light Jungle Cruise pieces will be available on the day of the event. Limit TWO (2) Gallery of Light pieces per Guest.

The Disney Theme Park Gallery of Light Mad Tea Party sculpture features Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they take a spin in an oversized teacup from the beloved attraction.  This piece will be offered for $85, plus tax. Size: 4.5″H x 3.75″W x 3.5″D A limited number of Gallery of Light Mad Tea Party pieces will be available on the day of the event. Limit TWO (2) Gallery of Light pieces per Guest.

“Day One Disneyland”

WDWNT on May 20, 2010

From the Disney Parks Blog:

For those of you saw my post on Maggie Parr, I briefly mentioned a new exhibit that is set to open in The Disney Gallery on May 22. We are just days away from the unveiling of the new artwork. Kim Irvine, Walt Disney Imagineer & Director, Concept Show Design, has been hard at work transforming the location before our very eyes. The new exhibit titled DAY ONE DISNEYLAND “Original Inspirations for ‘The Happiest Place on Earth’ will surely capture your imagination while taking you on a visual journey back in time. I can tell you, I’ve seen some of the artwork, and for all of you true Disney enthusiasts, this will be a dream come true for you to see.

Also in store are 55th-Anniversary inspired original art, giclees and deluxe prints by such notable Walt Disney Imagineers and Disney inspired artists as Steve Adams, Bruce Boyer, Charles Boyer, Jim Crouch, Jeremy Fulton, Larry Nikolai, Noah, Maggie Parr, Jimmy Pickering, Mark Seppala, George Scribner, and Yakovetic.

The Disney Galleryn
The Disney Galleryn

If you have time, join us for a special appearance and signing by some of our artists on Saturday, May 22 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in The Disney Gallery. Artists scheduled to appear include Steve Adams, Bruce Boyer, Charles Boyer, Jeremy Fulton, Larry Nikolai, Maggie Parr, Noah, Jimmy Pickering and Yakovetic. For details on this event visit www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.