On-Ride Photos Confirmed for Space Mountain

WDWNT on November 12, 2009

This small blurb about the Space Mountain attraction on the official Walt Disney World website just showed up today:

Launch past the flashing lights of your space station into the soaring darkness of space! This classic Dark Ride dips and swerves as it rockets through the blackest reaches of the galaxy. Check the monitors as you exit for a glimpse of yourself in flight!

This (as well as inside sources) confirms the addition of on-ride photographs to the attraction during the on-going refurbishment. While we’re not sure where the photo preview and purchasing areas will be, we can guess that you will be able to buy your on-ride photo inside the Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. at the exit of the attraction. Stay tuned to WDW News Today for more information as we get loser to the re-launch of Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom.

“Lights of Winter” at Epcot Officially Retired

WDWNT on November 11, 2009

The popular “Lights of Winter” holiday display at Epcot will not be returning this year. The Disney Parks twitter had the following to say about the change:

The Lights of Winter at Epcot has been enjoyed for years. But (technology) to operate the lights is obsolete, prompting us to retire the lights.

To replace the offering with something new, the Disney Parks Twitter then announced the following:

Debuting at this year’s Holidays Around the World at Epcot is a new gospel choir, “D’Vine Voices” – Nov. 27 through Dec. 26.

The dancing light arches of “Lights of Winter” have been a part of the “Holidays Around the World” program since it debuted in the early 1990’s, but the technology was easily surpassed a few years ago when the Osborne Family Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios began to dance to music every 15 minutes. This change comes on the heels of the 2008 departure of the tree lighting ceremony at Epcot. Expect the passage to World Showcase to be rather un-festive this year.

Phineas and Ferb Make Their Disney Parks Debut

WDWNT on November 11, 2009

According to the Disney Parks Blog, the Disney Channel’s Phineas and Ferb made their debut in the parks at Monday’s taping of the Disney Parks Christmas Special. Phineas and Ferb rode down Main Street USA on the car usually designated for Chip and Dale in A Christmas Fantasy Parade. While the characters are not currently appearing for meet ‘n greets in the parks, that could be a possibility at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World next year.

Disneyland Prepares For the Holiday Season

WDWNT on November 11, 2009

According to the OC Register’s Around Disney blog:

The massive bottom half of Disneyland’s Christmas tree slowly made its way along Main Street USA – followed by the top half.

Both were carried by cranes early Tuesday morning, as the theme park finished decking itself out with annual holiday decorations.

The 13-ton, 60-foot-tall artificial tree is in its second year at the theme park; two years ago, in part to go more green, Disney quit using live trees.

More than 60,000 lights are on the new one, along with 2,000 ornaments.

“The lighting and the electrical weigh over 5,000 pounds – a real tree wouldn’t be able to accommodate that kind of weight,” said David Caranci, Manager of Resort Enhancement at the park.

Early Tuesday morning also found more than 40 workers on lifts or ladders decorating the rest of Main Street. Elsewhere, crews added a snow-and-icicle look to the castle. More than 100,000 lights were attached to the “it’s a small world” façade, and ornaments and lights sprung up in New Orleans Square, too.

As night turned to dawn, technicians were tinkering to get the tree’s programmable lighting system working. They said everything would be ready by Friday, when Disney’s holiday season officially kicks off.

UPDATED: Walt Disney World Out, Disney Parks In

WDWNT on November 9, 2009

According to the Disney Parks Blog:

It’s not your average day at Disneyland Park when Stevie Wonder performs performs “That’s What Christmas Means to Me” in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle. Here’s a photo of Minnie Mouse, Stevie and his daughter Aisha Morris during a break from taping.

Stevie Wonder and Anika Noni Rose were both performing at Disneyland Park today for the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade.

Anika was seen performing a musical production number inspired by “Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee” for the annual holiday special that appears on ABC. While singing and dancing in New Orleans Square, Anika encountered “Dancing with the Stars” celebs, Cheryl Burke and Tony Dovolani.

Yesterday, Selena Gomez appeared at Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle to tape a segment with Stitch. Here’s a picture:

UPDATE :: 11/9/09, 7:32PM – Ryan Seacrest filmed his co-hosting duties for the show today, while Demi Lovato performed “Wonderful Christmas Time” on one of the “Celebrate! A Street Party” floats. Click HERE for the photos.

The Disney Parks Christmas Special, which is the special’s new name (changed from the Walt Disney World Christmas Special), airs Christmas morning on ABC.

Tom Corless’ 11/7/09 World of Disney New York Report

WDWNT on November 9, 2009

As we countdown to the closure of the World of Disney New York store on 5th Avenue in New York City, I have been trying to get in as many visits as possible. On Saturday, I made a trip to the store to take part in the final Disney pin trading morning. Here are some photos I managed to take amid the insane crowds:

A Christmas Carol has filled the windows of the store

Read More about Tom Corless’ 11/7/09 World of Disney New York Report