Luke Manning’s 8/17/09 Photo Report

WDWNT on August 18, 2009

Hey everyone, Luke Manning here. I visited the Disneyland Resort yesterday on what easily was the busiest day I have ever seen at the parks. But anyway, let’s get to my photo report:

The line at the Downtown Disney Monorail station was 3 switch-backs long, which meant a wait of over half an hour. Only Monorail Blue was running

Here you can see work on the permanent home for LittleMissMatched, which will be right next to its current home

All guests, even Annual Passholders, were required to get their hand stamped

Some of the merchandise from the recent SHAG Haunted Mansion 40th anniversary event is still available in the Disneyana Store

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Cast Member Tragedy at Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular

WDWNT on August 18, 2009

Yet another unfortunate story from the Orlando Sentinel:

A Walt Disney World cast member is dead after an accident this evening at Hollywood Studios.

The accident took place during a rehearsal for the ” Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.” The stunt performer was doing a tumbling roll after 7 p.m. when he was hurt. He was transported to the hospital and has since died.

“We lost a valued cast member and our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family as we mourn his passing,” said Disney spokeswoman Zoraya Suarez.

The name of the performer has not been released.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration as well and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office have been contacted. The Sheriff’s office is investigating.

90 Day Reservation Policy Turns 180

WDWNT on August 17, 2009

After changing the booking window policy for all dining, recreation, and tours to just 90 days in late 2008 (to prepare for the advent of the online reservation system), the Walt Disney World Resort will be returning to a 180 day booking window effective October 27, 2009. The change was made official on the Disney Parks Twitter account earlier today, but comes as no surprise to those who have been hearing these rumors over the past several weeks.

Disney Canoe Race Winners Announced

WDWNT on August 14, 2009

According to the OC Register’s Around Disney blog:

In a tradition that dates back to Walt Disney’s days, Disney employees raced in the Disneyland’s river this week. The 46th annual Cast Member Canoe Races concluded this morning.

Here are the winners:
Men’s team, below: DC Last of the Rowhicans, 4:07:24

Women’s team: DC Bandits, 4:35:84

The women’s team is in this shot below, along with the men’s and coed teams.

Coed team, below: DC United, The PB&J Edition, 4:18:08

Chuck Canzoneri and The Muppets Invade Disneyland

WDWNT on August 13, 2009

Chuck Canzoneri reports to us with something very interesting that went on yesterday at Disneyland:

Filming was happening at Disneyland

Do my eyes deceive me, or is that the Muppets coming down Main Street in the Fire Engine?

Why yes it is! There’s Sweetums next to the driver

Other characters I can spot in the vehicle include Kermit, Gonzo, Pepe, Ms Piggy, Animal, Fozzy, and Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem (sorry if I missed any)

Sweetums looks a little grumpier than usual 😉

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The Haunted Mansion Celebrates 40 Years of Happy Haunts!

WDWNT on August 11, 2009

Its been 40 years since the Grim Grinning Ghosts first opened their doors and invited guests into the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. Take a look back to the beginning with Walt and the Imagineers who created the beloved attraction. From stretching rooms to hitch hiking ghosts the 999 Happy Haunts never disappoint and always invite guests to hurry back!

Disney Cast Member Passes Away Monday From Thursday Fall

WDWNT on August 11, 2009

Some unfortunate news coming from the Orlando Sentinel:

A performer at Walt Disney World died Monday, days after he was injured during a show at the Magic Kingdom.

Mark Priest was performing Thursday in a “Pirate Tutorial,” an interactive show in which actors lead guests through a series of “pirate skills” tests. Priest fell and broke his neck, according to colleagues, and he had been hospitalized since the accident.

Disney said it was not given any indication that the injuries Priest suffered in the initial accident were life-threatening. But the resort said it contacted both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office after learning of his death.

“Today, we are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our fellow cast member,” Disney spokeswoman Kim Prunty said. “Our hearts go out to his family and fellow cast members, and we are offering our support to them during this difficult time.”

A deputy sheriff is being sent to Disney this evening to take an initial report on the incident, spokeswoman Cpl. Susan Soto said.

Our prayers go out to the family and friends of the cast member.