We have got word that the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough is going to be opening about a month earlier than expected, at the beginning of Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, on November 21st, 2008.
Stay tuned to Disneyland News Today as we get in more information on the new version of the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough.
There are 2 upcoming book signings at the Disneyland Resort, one that will make Disney fans happy, & one that will make screaming teenage girls happy. The first is for us Disney geeks, a book signing this Saturday with Don Hahn and Jeff Kurti:
Book Signings with Don Hahn & Jeff Kurtti
Special Guests: Walt Disney Animation Studios Producer, Don Hahn and Author & Disney Historian, Jeff Kurtti
Date: November 8, 2008
Time: 9 AM to 11 AM
Location: Bonanza Outfitters, Frontierland, Disneyland® parkProduct Information:
Join us as we celebrate the release of two very special books by Walt Disney Animation Studios Producer & Author, Don Hahn and Author and Disney Historian, Jeff Kurtti. Don and Jeff will be on hand for a special appearance and signing from 9 AM to 11 AM at Bonanza Outfitters in Frontierland.
And the second is for the screaming teenagers, a book signing with the Jonas Brothers:
Burning Up: On Tour with the Jonas Brothers Book Release & Signing
Special Guests: Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas
Date: November 25, 2008
Time: 11 AM to 12:30 PM
Purchasing Location: Golden Vine Winery Patio, Disney’s California Adventure® park
Signing Location: Golden Dreams, Disney’s California Adventure® parkEvent and Product Information:
See Kevin, Joe, and Nick as you’ve never seen them before in Burning Up: On Tour with the Jonas Brothers. This is the first and only book written by Kevin, Joe, and Nick. You’ll get a first hand view of their life behind-the-scenes and on stage performing for fans around the world. The book includes 200 never-before-seen amazing photos with detailed descriptions by the brothers themselves – making this the ultimate backstage pass to life on the road with the Jonas Brothers.Burning Up: On Tour with the Jonas Brothers is the must-have book for all fans! Kevin, Joe and Nick will be on hand for a special appearance and signing from 11 AM to 12:30 PM only.
Burning Up: On Tour with the Jonas Brothers will be available for $21.99, plus tax. Limit ONE (1) per Guest.
More information on both book signings are available at their respected links.
While this really isn’t Disney related news, the owner of the Club Libby Lu chain of stores, Saks Fifth Avenue, has pulled the entire chain of stores, which means every single store will close down by May 2009. We have no word on when the Downtown Disney location will close down, or what will replace it, but stay tuned to Disneyland News Today for the latest.
An opening day Magic Kingdom park attraction will be closing forever on May 25, 2009. The Mickey Mouse Revue show that opened with Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971 and then moved to Tokyo Disneyland in 1983 will be closed down and replaced with the 3rd incarnation of the popular “Mickey’s Philharmagic” 3-D show. After almost 38 years in operation, the classic audio-animatronics Disney character show will be ripped out to make way for an attraction that was inspired by what it replaces.
While Tokyo is often known for spending a ton of money on attractions, it is worth noting that this is the first Fantasyland attraction being replaced in the park. They even still have the older version of the Dumbo attraction with fewer elephants and a very plain design.
While the show has been away from WDW for decades and only lasted 9 years in Orlando, I’m still a little saddened that I won’t be able to see this attraction whenever I manage to get over to Tokyo Disneyland. The official attraction page can be viewed HERE and the press release regarding the replacement HERE.
Disney has released a short video of the new High School Musical 3: Right Here, Right Now! show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Here it is:
The official website for Holidays at the Disneyland Resort is now online. Featured on this website is of course a look at all of the holiday attractions, which this year include Believe… In Holiday Magic, A Christmas Fantasy Parade, Haunted Mansion Holiday, It’s a Small World Holiday, Santa’s Reindeer Roundup, Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, Santa’s Beach Blast, & Disney’s Electrical Parade. There’s also an overview of the various decorations that will be put up, including the usual decorations through-out Disneyland Park, the new decorations on the giant Christmas tree on Main Street USA, the amazing projection show on the It’s a Small World Holiday facade, & a giant snowflake structure that will be prominently displayed at the Main Gate of Disneyland Park (which if I’m not mistaken is a new addition for this year). DCA’s decorations include the usual decorations to Golden State Park, a Bug’s Land, & Sunshine Plaza (meaning Santa’s Beach Blast). There’s also a bunch of activities on the site which you can download & use.
You can find this website & all of it’s holiday spirit HERE.
It appears there was an accident during a performance of the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios over the weekend. We wish the injured performer a speedy recovery. From WESH.com:
ORLANDO, Fla. — The stunts will resume at Walt Disney World on Monday following an accident over the weekend.
A motorcycle rider in the Lights, Motors, Action! Stunt Show was hurt during a performance Sunday afternoon at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The show was stopped and performances canceled for the remainder of the day.
The victim is listed in stable condition after being flown by helicopter to Orlando Regional Medical Center.
We have some very interesting news and notes from the latest Mickey Monitor Newsletter sent to annual passholders for Winter 2008. It appears that another new element has been added to this year’s installment of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios just for those with an AP. Here is the news straight from the latest Mickey Monitor Newsletter:
“Experts at Disney say Passholders may be seeing things this holiday season. Quite Literally. Courtesy of special 3D glasses Passholders can pick up at the Park between November 28 and December 20 and wear when taking in The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. The glasses will enable Passholders to see special hidden images like angels and snowflakes throughout the display of five million lights. Once again making being a Passholder pretty darn cool this holiday season. Passholders can pick up their glasses at the Package Pick-Up location near the Park entrance.”
The next piece of news is on the continuing speaker series being held just for Passholders at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park:
“We’ve got something special as part of the exclusive Disney Passholder Speaker Series: a delightful Disney’s Animal Kingdom presentation, “Disney Holiday Magic: From Toyland to the Jungle.”
On Saturday, December 13, two-time Grammy-nominated Disney Writer Greg Ehrbar will take you on a fun-filled journey from early Disney holiday entertainment and music to perhaps the most jumpin’, jivin’, joyful experience of all, Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade–with prizes for some lucky winners–and a special VIP viewing of the parade itself!
Space is limited! Visit disneyworld.com/passholder now to sign up for this event.”
We also have more information on the upcoming Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, opening to all guests later this month:
“Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to transform your family into secret agents and help save the world from super-villains during the new Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, based on the Disney Channel animated series, Kim Possible!
Beginning in late fall 2008, you can embark on an exciting mission throughout one of seven World Shocase Pavilions (Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Japan, France or the UK).
When you defeat the villains, a super-secret finale event signals the end of your adventure, so you can return your Kimmunicator knowing you’ve done your part to save the world–and come back later to save it all over again. Find our more at disneyworld.com/kimpossible.”
To begin, just pick up a Mission Pass at any of four locations (Innoventions East and West, the Odyssey Bridge or International Gateway). You’ll be told how to proceed to your field station to pick up your “Kimmunicator,” a hand-held wireless controller that gives you secret assignments and activates special effects and events throughout your pavilion!
Annual Passholders were also given a description of what is going on at Disney Parks in 2009 and what they will get rather than free admission during “What Will You Celebrate?”:
Birthdays. Anniversaries. Personal triumphs. Reunions. Promising new beginnings.
Imagine celebrating a birthday in a land of pure magic, marking your anniversary in a fairy tale kingdom come true. Or reuniting with friends and family in a place where everyone gets to be a kid again.
It’s a great way for you to celebrate almost anything in your life, and starting in January 2009, Disney will make it easier for you to magnify those moments in incredible Disney style! Disney is making this the year to gather with the people who make you the happiest and celebrate at the place where dreams come true. And we’re magnifying the magic with new entertainment and unique experiences.
“We’ve got some very special surprises for anyone coming to celebrate with us–including ONE VERY BIG ONE,” said Faron Kelley, Project Development Director for Disney Desinations.
Perhaps you’ve heard what Faron was talking about, the most magical birthday present of all: free admission to one of the Theme Parks of the Walt Disney World(R) Resort on your birthday during 2009 and thought to yourself, “Wait a minute. I’m a Disney Passholder. What about me?” Well don’t worry, we’ve got you taken care of too.
Passholders with Theme Park admission that they will use on their birthday in 2009 can choose one of three great birthday treats.
If you use your Pass for Theme Park admission on your birthday in 2009, choose from one of the following birthday treats:
-A special birthday FASTPASS for select attractions at the Theme Park you visit on your birthday; or
-A birthday fun card in an amount equal to the price of a 1-Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket for you to use on your birthday for select merchandise, recreation, other gated attractions or for Disney’s PhotoPass on-site services at select participating locations at the Walt Disney World Resort; or
-A 1-Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket for you to use any time until your next birthday.
Just go to disneyworld.com/celebrate to register for your birthday treat.Durring this special year, the Walt Disney World(R) Resort will make it easier than ever to plan your celebration your way with easy online tools that help you learn about everything to make your celebration a dream-come-true visit.
“We’ll also connect you with our celebration planners,” Faron adds, “Fairy godmothers to help you plan from a special meal to an elaborate party that only Disney could create.”
So pick your occasion and come celebrate with Disney. As Faron told us, “This year, the only thing for you to decide is, ‘What will you celebrate?'”
Disney has also come up with ways to make your memories even more vivid. “This year, we’ll also be giving our Guests an opportunity to mark their reunion or any special time with customizable t-shirts, Mickey ears, pins and special Disney’s Photopass images,” Faron told us. “It’s a wonderful memory to share and take home–all personalized by you.”
During this special year, the Walt Disney World(R) Resort will make it easier than ever to plan your celebration your way with easy online tools that help you learn about everything to make your celebration a dream-come-true visit.
“We’ll also connect you with our celebration planners,” Faron adds, “Fairy godmothers to help you plan from a special meal to an elaborate party that only Disney could create.”
So pick your occasion and come celebrate with Disney. As Faron told us, “This year, the only thing for you to decide is, ‘What will you celebrate?'”
The final piece we have indicates that we should see the first WDW Passholder previews of the American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios by January. In addition, you will need to sign-up to take part once registration opens:
“Because Passholders are like our “idols,” we’re getting ready for a preview of The American Idol Experience for you! Space will be limited, so keep an eye on disneyworld.com/passholder for the registration announcement so you can sign up!”
Some very exciting stuff coming up for Walt Disney World Annual Passholders, it’s about time that this group started getting some special treatment!!!
My good friend Kenny Siegel was at the Disneyland Resort last week & sent us in this photo report:
A look around the Princess room that was attached to Kenny’s main hotel room at the Disneyland Hotel.
Now a look around the main part of Kenny’s hotel room.
What an awesome closet design!
Gotta love the awesome complimentary toiletries.
A look outside Kenny’s window.
A look at construction on the It’s a Small World Toy Shoppe. The store has since re-opened.
And we end off this photo report with some construction pics from It’s a Small World.
As we reported many months ago, the Hall of Presidents attraction at the Magic Kingdom will be closing tomorrow for an extensive refurbishment that will last through July 1, 2009. The Orlando Sentinel has released an article today that confirms the rumors we reported a few weeks back, that the Hall will be getting the great new audio system (along with a few other visual upgrades) that was just installed at the Country Bear Jamboree and will be installed over at Mickey’s Philharmagic (an attraction that is barely 5 years old) in January of next year. The piece also reports that George Washington will be getting a chance to talk when the show re-opens next summer, something we had not heard up until this point. Here is the entire article:
Barack Obama or John McCain — here’s one more issue for voters to consider: Which one would they rather listen to at Walt Disney World in the Magic Kingdom’s Hall of Presidents show? One of them will get to address visitors each day in the theme park once the animatronic attraction undergoes a renovation.
To make room for a new, robotic version of the 44th president of the United States, Disney will close the 37-year-old Hall of Presidents after today for an extended refurbishment. The show will stay shuttered for more than eight months so Disney can update the hall’s aging light, sound, mechanical, projection and show systems, just as the company has done in recent years with other “classic” Magic Kingdom attractions such as It’s A Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion.
“We’re about to get a new president. And so, since we have to shut down the show anyway to welcome No. 44, we’re going to take the opportunity to . . . refurbish the attractions and the facility and also kind of wave the magic wand around a little bit,” said Pam Fisher, senior show writer for Walt Disney Imagineering.
Updating a ’70s show
First envisioned by Walt Disney in the early 1960s, the show premiered when the Magic Kingdom opened Oct. 1, 1971. In an auditorium, visitors view a 10-minute, panoramic film of American history. The film projects, onto five screens, narrated images of paintings produced by Disney artists in the styles of American masters, from JohnTrumbull to Norman Rockwell. When the film ends and the screens rise, people see a large stage where life-size, robotic figures of every U.S. president are grouped, standing or sitting, for a roll call and a couple of speeches.
The show has always featured a speech by the Lincoln figure. In the 1990s, Disney began adding a second speech by the current president. Bill Clinton and George W. Bush recorded their addresses, and Disney hopes to entice the next president to do the same.
“We’ll do everything in our power to make it so,” Fisher said. “We’ve been really lucky so far. It is quite an experience to arrive in the White House and actually be present when the president records his speech for the Hall of Presidents.”
When the show reopens next year July 4, a third figure, George Washington, will also be given a speaking part.
Like many Disney theme-park attractions dating from the 1950s through the early ’70s, the Hall of Presidents’ artwork was created by renowned Disney artists such as Herb Ryman, Sam McKim and John DeCuir. The 70mm film projectors will be replaced with digital-video projection systems, which should give the presentation fresh boldness and clarity, Fisher said.
All of the presidents’ faces were sculpted by Disney artist Blaine Gibson. But he’s 90 years old and, though he remains involved, he is handing off the job of sculpting the 44th president to protege Valerie Edwards.
Better view of presidents
The attraction’s technology upgrades should improve the view of Gibson’s (and Edwards’) work as well. As the narrator introduces each president, a spotlight shines briefly on that figure, which waves or nods. But the presidents are randomly arranged, the introductions pass quickly, and the spotlights flit about, so some viewers have a hard time following the progression. With LED lighting, 21st-century controls and a longer spotlight for each president, it should become easier for the audience to tell John Tyler from James K. Polk.
“That is my No. 1 dream and hope of the show: to make the introduction of the presidents easier to follow,” Fisher said. “We think that’s really the highlight of the show.”
Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today as more information on the refurbishment of the Hall of Presidents continues to come in. Oh yeah, and have a Happy Halloween!!!
