Miley’s Birthday Blast

WDWNT on October 6, 2008

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Fireworks sparkled in the night sky at Disneyland and more than 5,000 party guests sang “Happy Birthday” to Disney star Miley Cyrus Sunday at “Miley’s Sweet 16 – Share the Celebration,” a music-filled bash kicking off Disney’s “What Will You Celebrate?” invitation to guests of all ages.

Miley, star of the wildly popular Disney Channel series Hannah Montana, celebrated her milestone birthday with family, friends, fans and special guests from Youth Service America, an organization that shares her passion for promoting youth volunteerism.

In one of the evening’s big highlights, Disney CEO Bob Iger presented a special gift of $1 million to Youth Service America on behalf of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Disney has worked with YSA since 2004, providing “Disney Minnie Grants” to support youth-led community service projects that engage young people between the ages of five to 14 from around the world.

“On behalf of everyone at Disney, I’m happy to wish Miley a very happy birthday and celebrate this special occasion with a donation to Youth Service America,” Iger said. “We’re delighted to have Miley join in Disney’s great legacy of giving back through volunteerism while encouraging kids everywhere to do the same.”

Miley arrived at the Disneyland bash on a purple carpet (her favorite color), joined by her family, pals and fellow Disney Channel stars.

“I always love coming to Disneyland and this is the most amazing Sweet 16 celebration a girl could ask for,” Miley said. “This is a night I’ll never forget.”

Guests of the “Sweet 16” party celebrated like rock stars alongside Miley and other celebrities, including actress Jennifer Love Hewitt, actor Steve Carell, super model Cindy Crawford and “Dancing with the Stars” performers such as Cristián De La Fuente. The party came to life for fans in a big way as the world’s most popular teenager rocked the Rivers of America, singing four of her popular songs, including “See You Again” and “Girls Night Out.” The Hollywood Records musical artist dazzled the crowd by boarding a floating stage to cross over to the banks of the river, getting up close with her fans as she sang.

Miley also invited 10 “Service Stars” from Youth Service America to the party to honor their extraordinary volunteer service. They joined Miley and her fans for the fun in Disneyland park, riding favorite attractions such as Splash Mountain and Haunted Mansion, watching a “Stars in Cars” celebrity cavalcade, and playing at the party zones, including Rock Out Stage and Hannah Montana Makeover Zone.

The gala ended with a spectacular farewell in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, featuring Miley, her father Billy Ray Cyrus and a beautiful birthday cake. Everyone posed for a commemorative photo and sang “Happy Birthday” and Miley thanked them for celebrating with her. Just as she blew out the candles, the sky lit up with a glitzy fireworks display set to the Hannah Montana smash hit, “Best of Both Worlds.”

Jack Skellington Came Here From Halloween Town….

WDWNT on October 6, 2008

Former DLNT Podcast Cast Member Chuck Canzoneri was at the Disneyland Resort today & managed to catch a glimpse of the Jack Skellington & Sally meet ‘n greet characters in their premiere appearance as walk-around characters:

Jack Skellington & Sally are scheduled to appear daily through Halloween. Of course, that information can change at any time.

Sweet Guest List

WDWNT on October 4, 2008

Here’s the guest list for the Miley Cyrus Sweet 16 event tomorrow, according to the LA Times Travel Blog:

Miley Cyrus has invited a few of her young Disney Channel co-stars and some older celebrity friends to her exclusive Sweet 16 birthday party on Sunday at Disneyland.

Those expected to attend the sold-out red carpet event:

From “Hannah Montana“
* Billy Ray Cyrus
* Emily Osment
* Mitchel Musso
* Moises Arias
* Shanica Knowles
* Anna Maria Perez de Tagle

From “Camp Rock“
* Demi Lovato
* Meaghan Jette Martin
* Cody Linley
* Roshon Fegan

From “High School Musical”
* KayCee Stroh
* Matt Prokop

From “The Suite Life of Zach & Cody”
* Dylan and Cole Sprouse
* Brenda Song
* Phill Lewis
* Debby Ryan

From “Cory in the House”
* Jason Dolley
* Kyle Massey
* Madison Pettis

Older stars (25 years and over)
* Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers)
* Steve Carell (”The Office”)
* Vanessa Williams (”Ugly Betty”)
* Sela Ward (”House”)
* Jennifer Love Hewitt (”Ghost Whisperer”)
* Kate Beckinsale (”Pearl Harbor”)
* Cindy Crawford (supermodel)
* Babyface (singer)
* Pepe Aguilar (singer)
* Rogelio Martinez (singer)

Fortuosity Shop Now Open!

WDWNT on October 4, 2008

The Fortuosity Shop, the replacement for New Century Timepieces, finally opened up today. We’ll have pictures of the interior for you very soon, but for now here’s a picture of the new sign for the store, courtesy of the lovely MintCrocodile:

Be sure to check out the link to MintCrocodile’s latest photo report for plenty more lovely pictures from the Resort today, including Christmas lights & decorations starting to go up over at It’s a Small World, as well as some great new Nightmare Before Christmas related merchandise.

Plenty of New Additions Coming to the Disneyland Resort

WDWNT on October 4, 2008

ANAHEIM, Calif., Oct 02, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — The giant Mickey Mouse Jack-o’-Lantern and the Town Square Christmas Tree will be the symbols of celebration for their respective holidays at Disneyland this fall. But the traditional fan favorites are only the beginning as Disneyland Resort welcomes new shows and immersive experiences, along with an exciting preview of things to come at Disney’s California Adventure park.

It’s all part of the fun as Disney Parks poses the question to guess: “What Will You Celebrate?” Whether it’s the holidays, an anniversary, a family reunion or another special occasion, there’s something for everyone at Disneyland Resort.

The fall season kicks off with a very special event: a once-in-a-lifetime private party in Disneyland for teen sensation Miley Cyrus. “Miley’s Sweet 16 — Share The Celebration” will take place Sunday evening, Oct. 5, inside Disneyland. Miley will celebrate with family, friends and fans, perform several songs, and recognize the outstanding contributions of Youth Service America, an organization that seeks to improve communities by increasing the number and diversity of young people serving as volunteers.

Beginning later in October, guests can enjoy an array of new attractions at Disneyland Resort, adding to the fun of the Halloween and Holiday seasons.

— HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3: On Friday, Oct. 24, “High School Musical 3: Right Here! Right Now!” premieres at Disney’s California Adventure. The new street show celebrates the infectious energy of the upcoming theatrical motion picture “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.” Featuring a cast of 14 dynamic singers and dancers, the show takes place on a traveling “rock concert” stage. Interactive sequences featuring hot new songs from the movie will draw guests into the streets of Disney’s California Adventure for an exciting live concert experience.

— PIXIE HOLLOW: The magical realm of Pixie Hollow appears in Disneyland on Tuesday, October 28. Entering along a pathway with an enchanted pool, between the entrances of Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, guests are gradually immersed into the community of fairies. Guests will get the strange feeling that they are shrinking to fairy size as they encounter statues of Tinker Bell and her friends, and spot other evidence of the pixies’ presence. When guests arrive at Tinker Bell’s home, they will meet some of the pixies in person.

— BLUE SKY CELLAR: For those who want to stay in-the-know about the expansion of Disney’s California Adventure park, a preview center opens Monday, Oct. 20 at the Golden Vine Winery in Disney’s California Adventure. The Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar — named for the Imagineers’ ‘blue sky’ creative process — displays never-before-seen models and art outlining the concepts and design for the park’s coming attractions, along with a video presentation. The showcase will be updated regularly so that fans can stay abreast of developments.

— SLEEPING BEAUTY CASTLE WALKTHROUGH: Sleeping Beauty Castle, a beloved Disneyland landmark since the park’s debut in 1955, will open a “reawakened” version of its classic Castle Walkthrough in time for the December holiday season. The new scenes inside the corridors tell the Sleeping Beauty story with modern special effects technology that recreates the look of the original Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough of the 1950s through the 1970s.

The new attractions and shows offer added value for Disney fans this fall as they enjoy all the traditional holiday attractions at Disneyland Resort.

Halloween highlights at Disneyland include the 16-foot-tall Mickey Mouse Jack-o’-Lantern on Main Street, U.S.A.; Woody’s Halloween Roundup at Big Thunder Ranch; and Haunted Mansion Holiday, inspired by Tim Burton’s “Nightmare Before Christmas,” which continues into the Christmas season.

At Disney’s California Adventure, Halloween is celebrated at Candy Corn Acres, featuring Goofy’s whimsical candy corn “crops.” Families also will enjoy a fun and safe trick-or-treating experience at the separate-admission nighttime Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat party, with treat locations throughout the park.

The Christmas holiday season gets underway on Friday, Nov. 21, when the traditional “A Christmas Fantasy” daily parade and “Believe… In Holiday Magic” fireworks make their seasonal debuts. The towering Christmas tree appears on Main Street, U.S.A., and the decor and nighttime show surrounding “Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle” will be will be more spectacular than ever. The lights and effects that appear after dark extend down Main Street, U.S.A., and to the Christmas tree at Town Square for a sparkling transformation that sets the scene for “Believe… In Holiday Magic” fireworks with their magical snowfall finale.

Additional holiday highlights include the return, Nov. 21, of the “it’s a small world holiday” attraction, celebrating holiday traditions around the world. Guests will visit Santa Claus throughout the season at Santa’s Reindeer Round-up in Big Thunder Ranch, and those looking for a unique experience will reserve time with a guide for Disney’s Holiday tours.

———————

It’s very interesting to note that the press release states that It’s a Small World Holiday opens on November 21st, while the Disneyland.com Calendar still states it as opening on the 28th. Either this was a typo, or the date has changed. Stay tuned…

Preview the Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar Before It Opens to the Public

WDWNT on October 4, 2008

Get a glimpse into the future of Disney’s California Adventure® Park through the eyes of Walt Disney Imagineers. Take advantage of a special Passholder privilege by visiting the Blue Sky Cellar on October 16, 17, 18 and 19, 2008 before it opens to the public.*

Marvel at the creative process used to develop current ideas into future attractions. Imagineers have revealed an abundance of materials in the Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar where innovative concepts are cultivated:

  • Sketches, concept art, models and maquettes
  • Note cards describing plans for new attractions, shops, shows and restaurants
  • A video journal featuring the Imagineer’s creative progress displayed on a spectacular 103-inch plasma television.

Also, answer a variety of trivia questions on one of four interactive video screens to learn more about Walt Disney’s adventures in California and how they inspired shows and attractions at Disney’s California Adventure® Park.

Additional Information

  • Wheelchair Access: Enter through the standard queue.
  • Preview times are Oct. 16 – Oct 19 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

* Previews are on a first-come, first-serve basis and may involve long wait times. Each Guest must show a valid Annual Passport to be permitted entry during these specific preview times. Blockout days apply.

Myrna Litt’s 10/2 Photo Report

WDWNT on October 3, 2008

The amazing Myrna Litt is back once again with a new photo report from the Disneyland Resort:

Set up for the Miley Cyrus Sweet 16 event this Sunday.

The short construction wall in front of River Bell Terrace is still there.

Construction on the Sailing Ship Columbia.

A brand new ODV cart is now in place by the old Fantasyland Skyway Station.

It appears that the entrance to Pinocchio’s Daring Journey has been repainted.

Work has wrapped up on the top of the Frontierland Shooting Exposition.

Some work going on by Ariel’s Grotto.

The wood appears to have been oiled.

Tom Corless’ 9/24-10/1/08 WDW Update

WDWNT on October 3, 2008

As promised, here is a photo report from my latest trip to Walt Disney World during WDWCelebrations World Wide Weekend event. I only get to do one of these every few months, so please forgive me if my photos aren’t as good as you are used to seeing:

P1010312 by logics-of-krypton.

The Braille map at Pleasure Island was updated to reflect the closing of the 6 remaining clubs almost instantly

P1010314 by logics-of-krypton.

Pretty empty at the time being

P1010313 by logics-of-krypton.

T-Rex Cafe is being considered Pleasure Island property just to pad the line-up, even though it does not open until October 14.

Read More about Tom Corless’ 9/24-10/1/08 WDW Update

9/24-10/1/08 WDW Update

WDWNT on October 3, 2008

While I’m certainly not happy about it, I’m back from Walt Disney World after 8 days, 4 parks, and 1 WDWCelebrations.com World Wide Weekend event that I will never forget. It was another great success for the teams (both WDWCelebrations and WDW News Today) and here are some pictures taken, in chronological order, by WDWNT of the spectacular World Wide Weekend event and some current events from around the Walt Disney World Resort:

DSC06449 by DPT aka. WDW News Today.

While the remainder of the team was on the special Backstage Magic tour Thursday, WDWNT met up with Chris Lastrapes of Disneyland News Today and Jose Castillo of WDW News Today for a day at the Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

Read More about 9/24-10/1/08 WDW Update

Event Outline for Miley’s Sweet 16

WDWNT on October 3, 2008

Here’s some new information on the events planned for the Miley Cyrus Sweet 16 event this Sunday, from the LA Times Funland Blog:

Never mind that her birthday isn’t for seven more weeks, Miley Cyrus and 5,000 of her biggest fans will celebrate her Sweet 16th at Disneyland on Sunday with an exclusive, celebrity-studded party.

The Anaheim theme park will close to regular visitors at 5 p.m. to make way for the privileged few who plunked down $250 a ticket (or more) to party with the “Hannah Montana” star.

The festivities start at 6 p.m. with a red carpet affair on Main Street U.S.A. in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, featuring Disney Channel stars and other young Hollywood types. Expect the celebrities to be whisked in through backstage rather than the main gate — meaning no looky-loos or photo ops for nonpaying fans.

At 8:15 p.m., Miley Cyrus and “friends” (think Disney singing stars) will perform a 45-minute show on the Fantasmic stage of Tom Sawyer’s Island while fans watch from the Frontierland side of the Rivers of America. Miley Cyrus is expected to sing four songs. She’ll “share the stage” with her dad, Billy Ray Cyrus, but no word yet on whether they’ll sing the duet “Ready, Set, Don’t Go.”

After the concert, the party festivities will be centered in Frontierland and New Orleans Square with interactive activities and special food offerings. Indiana Jones Adventure and Pirates of the Caribbean will be open along with other select rides in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland (including Space Mountain, intermittently).

Miley fans have been promised a “special” fireworks finale at 10:45 p.m. before the evening wraps up at 11 p.m.