Food and Wine In The Sun For Everyone!

Disney has released the daily schedule for the whole of this year’s California Food and Wine Weekends. The schedules are available to view in separate pdf files at this link. There is also a new Festival map this year which shows off a few changes to the event, including the moving of the Festival Welcome Center and Festival Gift Shop, a new seminar stage in Sunshine Plaza, and the brief return of the popular Vineyard Room restaurant:

For a bigger version of this map, just click on the image.

Mickey Gets a Facelift

According to D23:

Opening early May, Mickey’s Fun Wheel (previously known as the Sun Wheel) is the 150-foot-diameter Ferris wheel inspired by Coney Island’s famous “Wonder Wheel.” Located on the Paradise Pier boardwalk, Mickey’s Fun Wheel sits high above the water’s edge and is dominated by the smiling face of its namesake, Mickey Mouse. Though the attraction itself has not changed (Guests can still choose between boarding a standard or swinging gondola), the gondolas present colorful images of the Fab Five: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald and Pluto. At the entrance to the queue, Guests are now greeted by a smaller version of the image on the wheel.

Video Inside The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Disneyland has released a short video looking at the boutique portion of the new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique which opened today (the video is available in high definition by clicking the HD button on the bottom of the video window):

Big Thrills Coming To… Innoventions?

The good people at Orlando Attractions Magazine have reported that a KUKA robotic arm ride will be an aspect of the upcoming Raytheon exhibit coming to Innoventions at Epcot this Fall:

As revealed to Disney cast members via their online web portal called the Hub, Walt Disney Imagineering is working with Raytheon to develop a new motion simulator attraction for Innoventions at Epcot.

The attraction is called “The Sum of All Thrills” and will allow guests to design a roller coaster, jet plane, or bobsled ride using real-life physics and engineering and then ride it within a robot arm-based simulator.

The exhibit is being described as feeling “like a high-tech laboratory” and is said to try to emphasize to guests “that math can be cool.”

In customizing the ride as part of the experience, guests will use a multi-touch surface table which can sense human interactions and objects placed upon it. Similar technology is currently being used inside the House of Innoventions at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA.

Once the ride is customized it can be ridden by guests in a simulator on the end of a KUKA robotic arm, created by German-based KUKA Roboter GmbH. The robot arm is similar to the one currently being used to control the menacing angler fish in Epcot’s The Seas with Nemo and Friends attraction, though it is the first time a robotic ar is being used as the ride system in a Disney theme park.

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The arm pictured here dates back to 2002, as created by the KUKA Robot Group. It is expected that the Disney version of this ride will be a fully enclosed simulator, similar to Cyber Space Mountain in DisneyQuest at Downtown Disney, but with many more possible degrees of movement as a result of being attached to the KUKA arm.

In addition to the experience at Epcot, Raytheon will be supporting another 2009 initiative at the Walt Disney World Resort – the 2009 Raytheon MathCounts National Competition. Taking place May 7 to 10, 2009, at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, the competition is the culmination of an enrichment and coaching program that promotes middle school mathematics achievement in every U.S. state and territory. Raytheon is the title sponsor of the MathCounts National Competition for the next three years, through 2011.

The new Innoventions exhibit is scheduled to open in late 2009.

Myrna Litt’s 4/15/09 Photo Report

It is once again time for a photo report from our very own Myrna Litt, as she takes a look at the latest progress over at Disney’s California Adventure (with a brief stop at Disneyland):

Monorail Orange making the rounds.

The Mickey Mouse face is now up on Mickey’s Fun Wheel, and it looks just swell!

Look at that, Walt and Mickey.

The sunburst awaits its new lighting effects.

A close-up of the Mickey face.

Read More about Myrna Litt’s 4/15/09 Photo Report

Magical Makeovers Reign As Young Princesses (and Knights) Get The Royal Treatment

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Beginning April 17, aspiring young princesses (and knights) will be treated to the full fairy-tale treatment at the Disneyland Resort as they celebrate a pixie-dusted makeover at the all-new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, located in the Sleeping Beauty Castle Courtyard.

WHAT: When young girls make their royal entrance at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, they will be greeted by their very own Fairy Godmother-in-training, who magically transforms them into the princesses of their dreams. All cares are left at the door as the Fairy Godmother-in-training takes care of everything — from hair and makeup to accessories fit for royalty. There’s a special experience for knights-in-training, too. After their transformation, princesses and knights will enjoy an enchanted day at the Disneyland Resort.

PACKAGES FOR PRINCESSES: Girls can choose from three different hair styles – Fairytale Princess, Disney Diva or Pop Princess – in three magical makeover packages:

  • Coach Package: includes hairstyle, shimmering make-up, princess sash, princess bag and body jewels ($44.95, plus tax).
  • Crown Package: includes hairstyle, shimmering makeup, princess sash, princess bag, body jewels and nail polish ($49.95, plus tax).
  • Castle Package: includes hairstyle, shimmering makeup, princess sash, princess bag, body jewels, nail polish, choice of princess costume complete with wand and shoes, as well as portrait package courtesy of Disney’s PhotoPass Service. Girls receiving the Castle Package can choose to be dressed as Aurora, Cinderella, Belle, Jasmine, Snow White, Tinkerbell or Ariel as a bride (starting at $195.85 plus tax).

FOR YOUNG KNIGHTS: Also available at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is a magical experience for boys that transforms them into gallant young knights. The “Knight” look includes a hairstyle fit for daring adventure, a Prince Philip shield and a sword for fun and heroism ($12.95 plus tax).

AGE REQUIREMENT: Three years and older; must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.

LOCATION AND HOURS: Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is located next to Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park. Operating hours vary with Park hours and theme park admission is required.

RESERVE A ROYAL TIME: Advance reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 714-781-STYLE. For details, go to www.ArtofDisneyParks.com or www.Disneyland.com/style.

FOR TWEENS: Coming this summer, Studio Disney 365 in Downtown Disney will bring out the inner rock star in tweens and transform them into glamourous celebrities — just like some of their favorite Disnsey Channel stars. The star treatment may also include a photo session with the “paparazzi” or a freestyle dance moment with the other new “stars.”

Celebrate with Dancing, Music, and a Khaki-Clad Cast?

In usual fashion, Walt Disney World put out a number of new press releases all at once, giving us a lot to talk about after what has been a rather quiet period. The first piece gives us an official time frame and some already announced details about the Stich’s Supersonic Celebration show coming to the Magic Kingdom:

Interactive wizardry that combines comedy, real-time animation and live musical madness will dazzle guests during Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom.

Beginning in May, Stitch will host a zany interactive experience at the new Rockettower Plaza Stage. Guests are invited to participate in a Galaxy Day celebration when the new outdoor stage comes to life with music and a giant LED screen displays real-time, interactive animation.

The new show incorporates the same interactive technology used in “Turtle Talk With Crush” and “Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.” Shows will take place six times daily.

Looking for some sweet fun at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa?

There’s a lot “s’more” new fun in store at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa each evening when guests staying at the resort can roast marshmallows around a Mickey-shaped campfire, sing favorite camp tunes on the shore of Seven Seas Lagoon and see the “stars” – both on the silver screen and in the sky – as they watch a family-friendly Disney film on the moonlit beach. S’mores kits and marshmallows are available for purchase during the campfire and movie. For more information about recreational activities at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, visit Disneyworld.com or call 407/824-4321.

The line-up for this year’s Sounds Like Summer Concert Series at Epcot has been released and includes WDWNT’s favorite group, Bjorn Again:

The whole family will be rockin’ and rollin’ to legendary music this summer at Epcot when popular tribute bands take the stage at America Gardens Theatre.

Seven tribute bands will recreate classic hits from musical icons under the stars as part of the Sounds Like Summer concert series. Concerts, which are included in regular Epcot admission, are nightly at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. (except July 4, when show times will be 5:15, 6:30, 7:45 and 9 p.m.).

Here is the lineup (subject to change):
June. 15-21 – Stayin’ Alive – A Tribute to the Bee Gees
June 22-28 – Hotel California – A Tribute to the Eagles
June 29-July 8 – Slippery When Wet – A Tribute to Bon Jovi
July 9-19 – Bjorn Again – A Tribute to ABBA
July 20-26 – The Sounds of the Supremes – A Tribute to the Supremes
July 27-Aug. 2 – 2U – A Tribute to U2
Aug. 3-9 – Petty Theft – A Tribute to Tom Petty.

Even though it has been runnign for a few week’s now, Disney is finally publicizing the new farwell show at Animal Kingdom:

Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests get so involved in adventures with birds and beasts of many kinds that they tend to put off one of their priorities all day long: a little quality time with Disney characters.

“So when guests come out of the park, they are absolutely determined to see our characters,” said Chris Ambrose, general manager of entertainment at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

In a classic example of giving guests what they want, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has launched Adventurers’ Celebration Gathering, an interactive experience near the theme park entrance each evening during park closing.

Khaki-clad cast – including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy – gather to bid farewell to guests with a music-filled celebration. Cast members shake their pom-poms and urge guests to join in the street-party fun by dancing to the music and forming a conga line procession while Mickey, Minnie and Goofy keep the beat from atop their safari vehicle.

“We’ve created a way for our guests to experience our characters … and it’s a way for us to have a fun, exciting way to end the day at Animal Kingdom,” Ambrose said.

Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today for more information on all of these items as it becomes available.

“Roar Into Spring”

Reported by our big brother site, WDW News Today:

Since news is slow this week, I thought it would be a good time to highlight another special Walt Disney Classics Collection piece that is coming out only in the Disney Parks:

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“Simba: Little King, Big Roar”, Available: 4/17/09, Retail: $99 plus tax, Dimensions: 4 1/2″H

WDCC Simba Spring Premiere Event

Date(s): April 17, 2009

Locations: Art & Collectible locations at Disney Parks & Resorts

Mischievous Simba is well aware that as the son of Mufasa, he’s next in line to rule over all the other critters as king. In a wild-and-wooly celebration of his fantastic future, Simba even imagines what he’ll look like with a grown-up mane by popping his head through a wreath of fire-red blossoms. Plussed with a pewter tail, the lovable cub gains the lion’s share of praise as our Spring Premiere Event’s “mane” attraction. So roar on by and let this cute cub make you feel like royalty.

Sculpted by Bruce Lau, Simba: Little King, Big Roar is a numbered limited edition of 1,500 and is available for $99, plus tax. Sculpture comes compete with a 15th Anniversary backstamp. Dimensions: 4 1/2″H

Disneyland® Resort locations include:

Disneyana Shop, Disneyland® park

World of Disney® Store, Downtown Disney® District

Off the Page, Disney’s California Adventure® park

Walt Disney World® Resort locations include:

List will be available shortly

Merchandise available while supplies last. Information subject to change without notice. Separate admission is required to enter Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort theme parks.

Special D23 Members-Only Screening of Disney·Pixar’s Up

D23 members can be the first to see the new Disney·Pixar movie “Up” at a special screening at the El Capitan Theatre on Thursday May 28th, 2009 at 12:01am, a day before the domestic release of the movie.

I’m sure our very own Myrna Litt will be attending this showing, so stay tuned for coverage.