EPCOT Center Returns!!! (Sort Of)

WDWNT on April 12, 2009

Disney pin collectors and Epcot purists should be happy about this 6 pin boxed-set coming out later this year at the Walt Disney World Resort (courtesy of Disneypins.com):

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Among the notable pieces of the collection are the original Future World, World Showcase, Spaceship Earth, and Epcot Center logos, the Dreamfinder and Figment pin, and a pin replicating the opening day Epcot Center ticket. Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today and the Disney Pincast for more information on this and other upcoming Disney pins.

Who Doesn’t Like Picnics or Parties?

WDWNT on April 11, 2009

The good people over at LaughingPlace.com have reported two interesting news bits from around the Walt Disney World Resort that I feel are of interest. The first piece concerns a new dining option at Animal Kingdom:

Animal Kingdom has introduced a new program – Picnic in the Park. The following is from the brochure:

Turn your meal at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park into an adventure with Picnic in the Park!

Tier 1 – Sandwiches
Select from Turkey Focaccia, Chicken Wrap, Ham Grinder or Tuna Pita

Meal for Three – $24.99 + tax
3 Sandwiches, 1 side, 3 desserts, 3 bottles of Dasani water

Meal for Four – $32.99 + tax
4 Sandwiches, 1 side, 4 desserts, 4 bottles of Dasani water

Meal for Five – $40.99 + tax
5 Sandwiches, 1 side, 5 desserts, 5 bottles of Dasani water

Meal for Six – $48.99 + tax
6 Sandwiches, 1 side, 6 desserts, 6 bottles of Dasani water

Sides: Chips, coleslaw, corn medley, green beans, macaroni & cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy, orza pasta, oven-roasted potato wedges, seasonal fruit salad, tomato & cucumber salad

Desserts: Apple, brownie, cookie, cornbread, crisped rice treat, orange

Tier 2 – Rotisserie Chicken or Ham

Meal for Three – $29.99 + tax
8 Pieces of Rotisserie Chicken or 1 lb of Ham, 2 sides, 3 desserts, 3 bottles of Dasani water

Meal for Four – $38.99 + tax
8 Pieces of Rotisserie Chicken or 1 1/4 lb of Ham, 3 sides, 4 desserts, 4 bottles of Dassani water

Meal for Five – $47.99 + tax
10 Pieces of Rotisserie Chicken or 1 1/2 lb of Ham, 4 sides, 5 desserts, 5 bottles of Dassani water

Meal for Six – $56.99 + tax
12 Pieces of Rotisserie Chicken or 1 3/4 lb of Ham, 5 sides, 6 desserts, 6 bottles of Dassani water

Sides: Chips, coleslaw, corn medley, green beans, macaroni & cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy, orza pasta, oven-roasted potato wedges, seasonal fruit salad, tomato & cucumber salad

Desserts: Apple, brownie, cookie, cornbread, crisped rice treat, orange

Note: No substitutions allowed

Details

  • Stop by the Picnic in the Park podium, located in front of Guest Relations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park to place your order, or visit the Tusker House Restaurant podium in Africa. Orders must be placed between the hours of Park Opening and 1:30pm.
  • Select which tier of entrées you would like and your choice of sides and desserts.
  • Each order comes in a reusable bag packed with plates and utensils, plus a map to help guide you to picnic spots throughout the Park.
  • When placing your order, you’ll also be able to select a pick-up time at least two hours after the time the order is placed.
  • You may pick up your order at Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery, adjacent to Tusker House Restaurant in Africa (indicated by H on the map on the reverse side). Payment is due upon pick-up.
  • If you are on a Disney dining plan, Picnic in the Park may be used as a Quick Service Meal. Requires one
    Adult entitlement per meal ordered. For example, a Meal for Three will require three Adult entitlements.

There are 14 picnic locations spread throughout the park

The picnic prices seem very reasonable and it sounds like a great dining option for Animal Kingdom, which only offers a short list of eateries. The second piece of news leads us to believe Pleasure Island is coming back to life (sort of):

Downtown Disney has introduced “Celebrate Tonight!”, a high-energy street party focusing on guest celebrations. Guests are invited to join in with the DJs (spinning party hits), stilt walkers and party crew for group dances and sing-alongs to celebrate anything and everything. Celebrate Tonight! is now running 5pm-11pm Sunday through Thursday and 6pm-Midnight Fridays and Saturdays.

From the sounds of this, the Pleasure Island clubs will remain closed as guests party in the streets rather than indoors. A strange decision, but it will certainly be interesting to see how many guests actually attend these nightly parties. Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today as we get more information on both of these breaking stories.

Time Is Running Out For Yamabuki

WDWNT on April 11, 2009

According to the OC Register’s Around Disney blog:

Saturday is the last day for Disney’s Yamabuki restaurant, inside the Paradise Pier Hotel.

The doors will officially shut to customers at 9 p.m. A few reservations are still available between 5:30 and 9 p.m. today and Saturday.

The closure of the Japanese-style-cuisine restaurant affects 39 hourly employees and a handful of salaried employees.

Those salaried employees who can not be relocated will receive a 60-day severance package and extended heath benefits.

Because of a misunderstanding in the original announcement, Around Disney erroneously reported earlier that the same severance package would be offered to those 39 hourly employees.

No such package is being offered, said Suzi Brown, a spokeswoman for Disneyland Resort. Instead, Disney netotiated with the union to place all of those hourly employees on shifts among the five other hotel restaurants or four other food-and-beverage locations.

Those employees will retain their same pay.

Brown said: “The company has shifts available for all Yamabuki cast members at other hotel restaurant locations at Disneyland Resort. We expect all hourly Yamabuki (employees) to be redeployed as of next week.”

Brown said she was unsure whether all employees would be offered an equivalent amount of hours.  But she added, “We are committed to providing the most hours available.”

Victor Alvarez, 29, a server at Yamabuki, said workers at the restaurant had established strong bonds and are sad about the closing.

“We are more than co-workers, we’re like a family,” he said. “We’ve really kept a positive atmoshere at the restaurant and everybody’s been a part of that … It’s hard to see that go.”

“Tren-D” Officially Opens… Again

WDWNT on April 10, 2009

The Tren-D store in the Downtown Disney Marketplace officially opened this morning with a small ceremony, unlike the “Characters in Flight” balloon which is still only testing with Cast Members at this time. WDWNT Reporter Jose Eber was there to see the opening ceremony this morning and has pictures and video to share:

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The ribbon awaits to be cut to open the store that has already been operating for weeks

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Other than the two mangers pictured, I think Jose was the only male guest there…

TrenD Opening Day Pin

Jose managed to pick up the Limited Edition pin commemorating the store’s opening

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Despite what Disney said, the pin was limited to 1000 pieces, not 500

Here is a short video Jose took of the grand opening, including a look around the store and free cupcakes

April 10th News Update

WDWNT on April 10, 2009

I just wanted to post a few small news items in a sort of weekend round-up post for you all:

  • Taylor Morrison, one of the sponsors of the Innoventions Dream Home, is once again holding a Dream Home Giveaway, giving people a chance to not only win a dream home provided by Taylor Morrison, but also a visit to the Disneyland Resort. For more information and to enter the contest, click HERE.
  • Robert Olszewski will once again be holding a product release and signing at the Disneyana Shop on Main Street:

Robert Olszewski Product Release & Signing

Special Guest: Robert Olszewski
Date: May 9, 2009
Time: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Location: Disneyana Shop, Main Street, U.S.A., Disneyland® park

Event Information:
Join us as we welcome Miniaturist, Robert Olszewski who will be on hand for a special appearance and signing of his newest creations, including the second sculpture set from the Main Street Electrical Parade and a Splash Mountain Gallery of Light piece.

Main Street Electrical Parade – Set #2
Robert has once again captured in minute detail, some of the most famous scenes from one of the Disneyland® Resorts most beloved parades, the Main Street Electrical Parade, which first appeared in Disneyland® park. This is the second set in a series of five sets representing the parade.

Features Include:

-This set features the Alice In Wonderland section including the three main Mushrooms, butterfly and ladybug, Alice, the Cheshire Cat and the Caterpillar with the Frog. Also included in this set is the Turtle with hat and the Snail.
-When lit, multi-color changing lights illuminate these floats similar to the way the actual floats light up in the parade.
-The second sculpture set from Main Street Electrical Parade comes complete with a certificate of verification and a premiere plaque. This piece will be available for $125, plus tax. Dimensions: 11″L x 2 3/4″T x 2 3/4″D.

Please Note: The on/off switch will be the trash can. Also for those who have collected the entire set, a special feature for this design is that you are able to take it off its base so it can be placed along Main Street, U.S.A.

Online Ordering Opportunity:
The Main Street Electrical Parade – Set 2 will be available to purchase via ArtofDisneyParks.com beginning Tuesday, April 21, 2009. Shipping and handling fee, plus applicable tax will apply.

To Order, Please Click Here.

Gallery of Light – Splash Mountain
This Gallery of Light piece features Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox and Brer Bear from the classic film Song of the South and the beloved Disney attraction, Splash Mountain. This Gallery of Light piece can only be found at Disney Theme Parks and will be available for $85, plus tax. Dimensions: 3 7/8″ W x 4 1/2″T x 3 1/2″D. Batteries not included.

For information on these pieces and more, please click here.

Merchandise available while supplies last. We ask that only two (2) items be signed per Guest. We ask that you bring no personal items to be signed. Event merchandise must be purchased on the day of release at the event location. Valid Disneyland® Resort receipt may be required. Artist signing is subject to space and time availability and is not guaranteed. Artist will only sign their respective merchandise purchased on the day of the event only. Event information subject to change without notice. Separate admission is required to enter Disneyland® Resort theme parks.

A Paradise of Fun, Under the Sun

WDWNT on April 9, 2009

Disneyland News Today reader Stephen Thomas was nice enough to send in pictures he managed to grab from the HoJo Anaheim’s Mattercam of the progressing work on the California Screamin’ sunburst, as well as work that has finally begun on the Mickey face for Mickey’s Fun Wheel:

The sunburst looks to be pretty much done. Just a little bit left to paint in the middle.

A white backing of Mickey’s head has been put up. His facial features will either be put up on top of that or painted on.

Thanks once again Stephen!

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WDWNT on April 9, 2009

The various packages you can treat your daughter to in the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique have been revealed:

The Coach Package includes hairstyle, shimmering make-up, princess sash, princess cinch sac and body jewels – $44.95, plus tax

The Crown Package includes hairstyle, shimmering makeup, princess sash, princess cinch sac, body jewels and nail polish – $49.95, plus tax

The Castle Package includes hairstyle, shimmering makeup, princess sash, princess cinch sac, body jewels, nail polish, princess gown of choice, wand, shoes and portrait package courtesy of Disney’s PhotoPass® Service (assorted prints in themed folder) (Price range determined by the choice of princess gown and shoes.) – Ranges from $195.85 to $205.85

Tren-D’s “Official” Opening Moved

WDWNT on April 9, 2009

The Tren-D store in the Downtown Disney Marketplace has pushed back its official opening by one day to April 10, 2009. Here is the slightly updated information:

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Event: Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of Tren-D, Disney’s stylish new boutique store!
Event Date: Friday, April 10
Event Time: 10:00am
Event Location: Downtown Disney® Marketplace, near Disney’s Pin Traders and Once Upon a Toy

A stylish boutique with designer flair and eclectic offerings becomes a premier shopping spot at Downtown Disney Marketplace with the March opening of TrenD. The urban-inspired Walt Disney World® Resort specialty store is a one-of-a-kind, hip destination for fashion-conscious shoppers seeking trendy apparel and novel accessories.

“This unique environment, filled with textured fabrics, silhouettes, and whimsical art and design allows us the opportunity to push the creative envelope as it relates to fashion and our characters,” said Mark Perrotta, Director of Product Development and Design. “Our guests continue to respond to trend merchandise and novel products that they can’t purchase at home. TrenD speaks to what is happening today with a blend of vintage and hip with stylized Disney influences.”

Offerings include organic loungewear, embroidered handbags, jeweled sunglasses and trendy accessories set among whimsical art and unique furnishings. The eclectic environment offers a raw and unfinished feel with jeweled chandeliers, distinct fixtures and mod furnishings.

Much of the merchandise will not be available anywhere else at Downtown Disney. Designers such as Kidada Jones, Tarina Tarantino and Roxy will showcase their artistry — blending it with Disney-inspired creations.

“With its exclusive product lines and new environment, we think TrenD will complement the existing merchandise offerings at Downtown Disney,” said Perrotta. TrenD is in a 2,500-square-foot venue near Pin Traders and Once Upon A Toy. The space previously was used by Summer Sands.

In addition, a special Limited Edition pin will be released to commemorate the occasion:

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The pin will retail at $12.95 and will be limited to 500 pieces

More Details on Downtown Disney’s Latest Offerings

WDWNT on April 8, 2009

Two very small press releases were just made available by Walt Disney World regarding the “Characters in Flight” balloon and the “Paradiso 37” restaurant at Downtown Disney:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The fun soars to new heights at Downtown Disney West Side with an iconic new tethered balloon that takes guests on ascents of up to 400 feet above the waterfront.

Guests board a gondola beneath the 105-foot-high balloon from a landing platform on Village Lake at the end of the main promenade at Downtown Disney West Side. Riders can catch flights seven days a week. Hours Sunday-Thursday are 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. while ascents Friday-Saturday are 10:30 a.m.-midnight. Tickets ($16 for ages 10-up and $10 for ages 3-9) can be purchased on site. Availability is on first-come, first-serve basis.

Characters In Flight operated by Aerophile is a 72-foot-diameter balloon with a whimsical design featuring silhouettes of a dozen of Disney’s “flying characters” – such as Mary Poppins, Peter Pan and Dumbo. The vibrantly colored balloon can lift up to 30 guests at a time on a six-minute trip – thanks to its enclosed volume of 210,000 cubic feet of lighter-than-air gas. The ascents, by day or night, provide guests with an unparalleled, 360-degree view of up to 10 miles.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Paradiso 37, a high-energy restaurant and bar featuring cuisine from North, South and Central America, welcomes guests to its table in May at Pleasure Island at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort.

The lakeside eatery will offer a delectable variety of menu offerings representing the 37 countries of the Americas, plus an international wine bar, 37 varieties of tequila and 10 signature frozen margaritas.

The new concept was developed by Orlando-based E-Brands Restaurant Group, a multi-concept restaurant group which currently owns and operates Timpano Chophouse, Samba Room, Taqueria Canonita, Aquaknox, David Burke, Salsa Orlando and Canonita Express in a number of locations across the United States.

The lively Downtown Disney restaurant will feature nightly entertainment and will be open daily from 11 a.m. until late night.

Jose Eber’s 4/6/09 Mini-WDW Update Part 2

WDWNT on April 7, 2009

WDWNT Reporter Jose Eber has more pictures to share from his latest trip to Walt Disney World Resort, so let’s take a look at some more newsworthy photos:

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The Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is nearly completed

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The bridge (featuring the horrible frosted windows) is nearing completion

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Some landscaping taking place behind the main building of the Contemporary

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The exterior of the Fantasia Market is complete. The “mini-market” opens at the end of April.

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The sign and logos very much resemble that of the Fantasia store next door