Imagineer2017’s 2/20/10 Epcot Photo Report

WDWNT on February 22, 2010

WDW News Today “super-fan” Imagineer2017 (not his real name, just his WDWNT Network Community Forums username) sent in a few newsworthy photos from his latest trip to Epcot, so we thought we should share them with everyone:

Preparation for the 2010 Flower and Garden Festival is in full swing, the Lion King display moves behind Spaceship Earth this year

Despite the press release from Disney late last year, the butterfly garden is not moving, just changing name to match the Pixie Hollow area

Playground being assembled

Test Track vehicles have been equipped with new, brighter headlights

Thank you for the photos Imagineer2017 and “Thank the Phoenicians”

Captain EO Opening Announced

WDWNT on February 20, 2010

The return date for Captain EO attraction has been announced which will be on February 23rd .

D23 released a article with some details and a little history about the attraction.

It’s only 17 minutes long, but Captain EO is among the most celebrated, park-exclusive movie musicals of all time. On February 23 at Tomorrowland Theater, Disneyland guests will be able to relive this space-traveling 3D experience all over again… and, in the case of younger guests who missed out on the intergalactic phenomenon, discover 1980s kinetic dance moves for the first time!

This attraction from the past returns to the Tomorrowland 3D theater in which it debuted more than 23 years ago. This time, the sci-fi adventure boasts a new 70mm film print and thanks to the theater’s added state-of-the-art acoustical enhancements — since Captain EO last played in 1997 — guests can expect the film to sound better than ever.

“Guests have been very enthusiastically asking to see Captain EO again,” says Tony Baxter, senior vice president, Walt Disney Imagineering, who helped oversee plans for the film’s return. “So we’re excited to bring back the magic, music and messages of this iconic attraction.”

While some elements of the original presentation aren’t possible to replicate, Tony adds, “We’ve been able to add some new surprises to the show.” A rare mix of colorful, imaginative filmmaking and legendary choreography rocketed Captain EO to become an instant hit upon its near-simultaneous debut at Disneyland Park and Epcot. The attraction first premiered at Epcot, with the Disneyland version opening six days later on September 18, 1986. On top of an all-star cast, the musical teamed executive producer George Lucas together with director Francis Ford Coppola. And this immersive, alien encounter was also a hit internationally, playing at Tokyo Disney Resort and Disneyland Paris. The Southern California run lasted more than a decade and ended in April 1997, when it was replaced by Honey, I Shrunk the Audience.

EO‘s story is simple: A ragtag group of friends is on a quest to deliver a gift to the Supreme Leader (Anjelica Huston). The alien comrades, along for the ride, include: Fuzzball, the two-headed Idee and Odee, robotic security guards Major and Minor Domo and a lovable, elephantine purple alien named Hooter. Before they reach the Supreme Leader, Captain EO and his crew are taken hostage. Only by delivering his miraculous gift of song to the evil Supreme Leader can they ultimately win her over, save themselves and quite literally, change the world.

Just as important as the action that unfolds onscreen are Captain EO‘s memorable songs. Despite its brevity, the film features two show-stopping numbers that were written expressly for the story and have since become classics: “We Are Here to Change the World” and “Another Part of Me.” Captain EO will once again take a new generation of guests on a dazzling visual and musical journey to the stars. The moon-walking adventure starts in February, so don’t miss out!

It has been reported that a line will form outside the gates for the opening of EO so be ready for insane crowds and long lines.

Food and Wine Details Announced

WDWNT on February 18, 2010

Details have been announced for the 2010 Food and Wine Festival at Disney’s California Adventure.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2010) — Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival will create a kaleidoscope of culinary experiences for guests of every palate April 16-May 31 at Disney’s California Adventure park and select locations across the Disneyland Resort.
Chefs, winemakers and brewmasters will celebrate The Art of Flavor at this year’s tantalizing festival, which features entertaining culinary demonstrations, outstanding wine and spirits seminars, and delicious food, wine and beer.  General sales for Festival events began Feb. 16.
Look for chefs Guy Fieri and Cat Cora of Food Network, along with Disney culinary masters and special guests as they present their gastronomic talents in a full menu of complimentary demonstrations and signature paid events.  The signature events include winemaker dinners, Sweet Sundays, Napa Rose Cooking School and Taste Food-Wine-Life, a night that celebrates the essence of the festival with a mosaic of food, wine and live entertainment.
Opening weekend features celebrity chef Guy Fieri, the popular television personality and “food dude” who appears on shows such as “Guy’s Big Bite” on the Food Network. Fieri will conduct complimentary food demonstrations on the Festival’s main stage.
“Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival is a great time,” Fieri said.  “Of course the kids love Disneyland, but now this is something extra for the adults.  It’s incredible chefs, great wines from around the world and Disney. You’re gonna dig it.  See you there!”
Some events, including culinary demonstrations, are included with admission to Disney’s California Adventure park.  Signature events are separately ticketed and require reservations. For details, visit www.disneyland.com/foodandwine.
Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival includes experiences for anyone who appreciates the art of food, wine and beer.
  • The Hollywood Pictures Backlot comes to life as the new hub of energy and excitement, complete with artists, musicians and an international beer menu at the Brewers Collection. At the new Festival Showplace located in Stage 12, guests will sample from the delicious tapas menu at the Taste of California Marketplace and relax at the new Hollywood & Wine Lounge.
  • Among the most popular events at the festival are live culinary demonstrations and autograph sessions with popular celebrity chefs. Along with Guy Fieri and Cat Cora, those scheduled to present include Robert Irvine, Jeffrey Saad and Kerry Simon.
  • Hundreds of complimentary experiences and cooking demonstrations will entertain guests during the 46-day festival, many featuring the talents of Disneyland Resort chefs. Guest will also enjoy seminars that feature outstanding wine, spirits and beer.
  • At the spectacular ticketed events, food and wine aficionados will collect cooking tips from chefs, mingle with noted winemakers and celebrate the palette of flavors presented by culinary masters.
  • Also new this year is a Brewmaster Dinner on May 7.  The ingredients for this memorable evening include savory seasonal fare artfully paired with handcrafted Karl Strauss beers.
Events returning for 2010 include the gala Taste Food-Wine-Life” and other popular experiences:
  • Taste Food-Wine-Life: This fun, high-energy evening combines the best elements of the Food & Wine Festival into one grand celebration, May 29.  The immersive party has live entertainment, an outstanding selection of wines and colorful décor.  Guests will stroll from station to station sampling delectable food dishes created by the chefs of Disneyland Resort.
  • Sweet Sundays: The sweetest of all events features a light buffet breakfast and sparkling toast at the new Festival Showplace in Disney’s California Adventure.  Guests will see demonstrations and taste signature desserts created by acclaimed pastry chefs, including Richard Ruskell of Montage Beverly Hills.
  • Winemaker Dinners: Disneyland Resort chefs partner with premier California winemakers to prepare outstanding culinary delights at exclusive Winemaker Dinners on selected Friday nights.  Each festival meal is paired with award-winning vintages and served at Steakhouse 55, inside the Disneyland Hotel.
  • Napa Rose Cooking School: Disney Executive Chef Andrew Sutton will once again lead this hands-on course that sells out quickly.  Each class will create and enjoy a four-course meal, expertly paired with wines, and each class member will go home with a white chef’s coat embroidered with the festival logo. This rare opportunity takes place in the show kitchen of the renowned Napa Rose restaurant at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.  Guests must be at least 18 years old.
  • Introduction to Wine Tasting: In this entertaining class, Advanced Sommelier Joy Cushing introduces guests to the joys of wine tasting. Guests will learn about wine regions, varietals, growing and harvesting techniques and then test their skills with a blind tasting.
Festival events held in Disney’s California Adventure may require park admission, which is not included in the event price.  For details and pricing information, visit www.disneyland.com/foodandwine.

Epcot’s Flower Power Concert Series Line-Up 2010

WDWNT on February 17, 2010

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Epcot becomes a living jukebox featuring hit songs of the 1960s through the 1990s each Friday through Sunday of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World Resort.

That’s when America Gardens Theatre presents Flower Power concerts – a series showcasing artists and groups involved in recordings that climbed the Billboard charts in years gone by. The 11 weekends of the 2010 Flower & Garden Festival will feature acts that produced 126 Top 40 hits – including 16 releases that topped the charts.
Here’s the lineup (Entertainment is subject to change without notice):

March 5-7 – Jose Feliciano
March 12-14 – Paul Revere & The Raiders
March 19-21 – David Cassidy
March 26-28 – Starship featuring Mickey Thomas
April 2-4 – Tony Orlando
April 9-11 – Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone
April 16-18 – Ricky Nelson Remembered featuring the Nelsons
April 23-25 – Atlanta Rhythm Section
April 30-May 2 –Fran Cosmo (Former lead singer of Boston)
May 7-9 –Davy Jones
May 14 – 16 – Chubby Checker & The Wildcats

The groups’ shows at America Gardens Theatre are on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. They are included with Epcot admission.
Additional information about the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is available at www.DisneyWorld.com/flower.

Dreams Went up in Smoke

WDWNT on February 17, 2010

Their was reportedly a fire today in the Dreams Tower of the Disneyland Hotel. The fire was not too major and no injuries were reported.

Here is a article on the fire from the OC Register

Article Tab : An Anaheim Fire investigator's SUV sits with it's lights flashing in front of the Disneyland Hotel Feb. 16. Firefighters quickly doused a minor fire there where crews were working on a construction project.

ANAHEIM – Firefighters quickly doused a fire that broke out this afternoon at a construction site at the Dream Tower of the Disneyland Hotel, authorities said.

The fire was reported at 1:31 p.m. at 1717 S. Disneyland Dr., which is near the hotel, after heavy smoke was seen billowing from the third floor of the tower, said Anaheim fire spokeswoman Maria Sabol.

An Anaheim Fire investigator’s SUV sits with it’s lights flashing in front of the Disneyland Hotel Feb. 16. Firefighters quickly doused a minor fire there where crews were working on a construction project.

The fire was out in about five minutes with the help of about 21 firefighters from Anaheim and Disneyland, Sabol said.

The fire broke out when a blue plastic sheet ignited after welders – using torches – were working on an outside elevator of the 12-story building, Sabol said. The tower – one of three at the hotel — is being remodeled and was vacant.

No injuries were reported.

A few fire vehicles were outside the hotel shortly after the fire, but the effects of the fire could not be seen from the outside.

Disney guests were unaffected by the fire, said Suzi Brown, a Disneyland Resort spokeswoman.

The cause of the fire is under investigation

Matt Paul’s 2/10-2/11/10 Media Event Video Coverage

WDWNT on February 16, 2010

“What’s New, What’s Next” – Walt Disney World Resort

“What’s New, What’s Next” – Interviews

“Celebrate Volunteers” Media Event

Epcot “Can Do” Cavalcade

“Disney’s Friends for Change” – Private Concert featuring Demi Lovato & Joe Jonas