The Forgotten Land

WDWNT on January 10, 2009

An area at Disney’s California Adventure we rarely ever talk about is Pacific Wharf. But now it seems that land will be getting some attention in the very near future. First up, walls should be going up around the deserted Lucky Fortune Cookery restaurant this Monday, & that restaurant will become the new home of the restaurant currently opposite it, Concina Cucamonga. The reason for this move is to allow for a larger location for the popular restaurant. The original Cocina Cucamonga location will remain open until the new version is ready to debut (with an expanded menu) on June 13th. There’s currently no word on what will become of the original Cocina Cucamonga.

Secondly, a refurbishment of an undermined length of The Boudin Bakery Tour & Restaurant will take place beginning February 9th. However this is likely just routine maintenance.

DVC Member Previews for American Idol Experience and Kim Possible

WDWNT on January 9, 2009

Disney Vacation Club Member Previews for The American Idol Experience and Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure have been announced.  DVC Members must register in advance at this link for The American Idol Experience previews.  The Kim Possible Challenge is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Disney Vacation Club Members have a special opportunity to sign up to be part of a sneak preview of The American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ at the Walt Disney World® Resort before it opens officially to Guests.  The sneak previews have limited availability, so sign up today to watch one of the live shows.

Dates: Feb. 5-8
Duration: Show will last approximately 30 minutes
Location: Superstar Television Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

  • Each Disney Vacation Club Member with a valid Disney Vacation Club Member ID Card who registers to watch one of the live shows may bring as many as five Guests along to watch the show.
  • Due to limited capacity, advance registration is required.
  • Members must present their confirmation slip, their valid Member ID Card (or Key to the World card displaying a Member designation) and a photo ID at check-in.
  • Check-in begins one hour prior to the event, and Members must be checked in at least 30 minutes prior to the event.
  • As a courtesy to others, Members who register for the event and are unable to attend for any reason should re-visit the Web site to cancel their reservation and give other Members the opportunity to participate. Likewise, Members may revisit the Web site periodically to see if space has opened up to reserve their preferred time.

Disney Vacation Club Members have a special opportunity to preview Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure at Epcot®, an immersive new experience designed to turn Guests into crime-fighting secret agents. This is a chance to experience the adventure before it opens officially to Guests.

Disney Vacation Club Members may embark on missions available Jan. 23-25 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (Missions begin every 15 minutes.) Missions are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Members and their Guests will begin their missions by reporting to the Team Possible Recruitment Center located on the bridge leading from Future World to World Showcase at Epcot. Members must present their Member ID card or their Key to the World card displaying a Member designation.

Update:  We have just received word that the official opening date for the Kim Possible World Showcase Challenge is being advertised in Innoventions as January 28.

Ratatouille Float Cut From the Pixar Play Parade

WDWNT on January 9, 2009

In some late breaking news, it seems the Ratatouille float in the Pixar Play Parade has been removed from the parade due to budget cuts, as it is the float that has the most performers. The float will most likely return for the peak seasons such as spring break & the summer.

Stay tuned to Disneyland News Today for the latest.

Chuck Canzoneri’s 1/7/09 Photo Report

WDWNT on January 9, 2009

Chuck Canzoneri is here with his latest photo report (and as will usually be the case with Chuck, he provides his own captions):

Celebrate Today! merchandise in the Emporium.

I’m not sure if this popcorn bucket is new or not?

New Celebrate Today! popcorn containers.

Took this at the Carnation Cafe where if you were celebrating a special event, the Cast member would put this on your table as a special centerpiece.

Celebrate Today! merchandise banner.

Read More about Chuck Canzoneri’s 1/7/09 Photo Report

Live Report from the WDW Resort

WDWNT on January 8, 2009

Tom Corless, our man on the ground, called in with this report today about Dinoland at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

As part of the tech rehearsals that have been going on for the American Idol Experience, the preshow in the queue area is operating and can be seen on the overhead monitors.  However, CMs are stationed in the area politely asking guests not to look in through the windows from outside the building.

Continuing with the removal of McDonald’s as a sponsor in the parks, all signs of McDonald’s have been removed from Dinoland.  Dinosaur, which was formerly sponsored by McDonald’s, is now sponsorless with all traces of the golden arches removed from the attraction.  In addition, the sign at the entrance to Dinoland, which previously showed McDonald’s as a sponsor, now claims Dinoland is sponsored by The Dino Institute.

As we here at WDWNT Headquarters receive more live reports from the WDW Resort, we’ll keep you updated as often as we can.