DLR Entertainment Rumors

WDWNT on August 23, 2008

Here are a few juicy rumors on some possible entertainment changes & upgrades that could be happening starting at the end of the year through-out both parks:

  • First up, the Pixar Play Parade may be receiving a holiday overlay of sorts, that would give the parade some Christmas music, holiday decorations on all of the floats, & possible a different name.
  • We reported last week that the planned new Show Stop music for Walt Disney’s Parade of Dreams had been canceled, along with new elements to the beginning of the parade. Well, it actually, it seems that only the new elements to the beginning of the parade have been canceled, as the parade should be getting new Show Stop music when the parade returns in Spring 2009.
  • A Christmas Fantasy will be getting a completely new Toy Factory float when the parade returns this Christmas. Apparently the float has already arrived backstage at the Resort.
  • In addition to the new Tinker Bell float, & the return of the Seven Dwarfs Mine & Pinocchio floats, Disney’s Electrical Parade may also see the return of the classic It’s a Small World float, that could replace the To Honor America section of the parade, although that is less likely than the other planned changes. Also, the parade may receive the soundtrack from Tokyo Disneyland’s Electrical Parade: Dreamlights, which features similar electronic sounds, mixed in with orchestral music.
  • Finally, Drawn to the Magic, the stage show in the little outside theater by Muppet Vision 3D, may be leaving DCA very soon. There’s no planned date, but the performers have been told that the show will be going away soon, with no planned replacement.

Don’t forget that everything we reported in this post are rumors, & plans could easily be modified, or completely scrapped at any time. Stay tuned to Disneyland News Today for the latest on all rumors.

Sweet Operating Hours

WDWNT on August 22, 2008

We’ve got another update for you on the Miley Cyrus Sweet 16 event. Because the event runs from 6pm to 11pm in Disneyland Park, that will obviously cause some extremely different operating hours. So on October 5th, Disneyland will open at 6:30am & close at 5pm. DCA will open at the usual 10am, but remain open until 11pm.

Kim Possible Coming Back

WDWNT on August 22, 2008

As first reported by WDW News Today and the WDW News Today Podcast, it is now official that the interactive Kim Possible experience at Epcot is returning this year:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Epcot guests at Walt Disney World Resort will be treated to a brand new, highly interactive attraction inspired by Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning animated series, Disney’s Kim Possible.  The new experience is slated to premiere in late 2008.

Using the latest technology, Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure invites guests of all ages to become secret agents, teaming up with members of Team Possible to save the world from various comical villains and their mad inventions.

As guests embark on this international adventure, they will receive an official “Kimmunicator,” at kiosks throughout Epcot.  The interactive, handheld device is designed to help them maneuver through the mission.  Using state-of-the-art technology, the interactive device connects guests with a variety of Kim Possible characters who provide clues to stop villains from taking over the world.  The highly interactive devices also allow guests to control top-secret equipment hidden inside theWorld Showcase pavilions, creating an ultra-interactive adventure jam-packed with mystery and excitement.

Guests can play Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure in seven of theWorld Showcase pavilions: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Japan, France andUnited Kingdom.  Each pavilion features a unique mission including distinctive visual events and a different super villain from the animated series.

“Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure is an example of a next generation attraction that offers fun and excitement for the entire family,” said Jim MacPhee, Epcot vice president. “We are constantly exploring new ways to provide immersive experiences to Epcot guests, and this new offering will add to our dynamic portfolio.”

“Today’s emerging generation expects more immersive, personal and interactive experiences in every facet of their lives, including their entertainment choices,” added Bruce Vaughn, chief creative executive of Walt Disney Imagineering.  “As leaders in family entertainment, Disney theme parks push the envelope by combining state-of-the-art technology with creative storytelling to enhance the overall Disney vacation experience.”

Epcot is a place of innovation, imagination, human achievement and endless possibilities.  The park encompasses two “lands” of discovery: Future World, a showcase of new ideas and technology, and World Showcase, a kaleidoscope of nations celebrating cultural heritage, arts and entertainment.  For more information, guests may call 407/824-4321 or visit disneyworld.com.

Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure will open at Walt Disney World Resort during “The Year of a Million Dreams” celebration. 

A worldwide hit for kids and families, Disney’s “Kim Possible” is an Emmy Award-winning animated series from creators/executive producers Bob Schooley and Mark McCorkle and Walt Disney Television Animation.  It tells the story of an average high school cheerleader, Kim Possible, who, in her spare time, happens to save the world from super villains.  With the aid of her enthusiastic pals, this contemporary heroine is capable in ways few high school students ever imagine.  On the flipside, she realizes that defeating the bad guys comes easier than coping with the typical teen pressures of schooling and socializing.  Viewers’ connection to “Kim Possible” led to a successful off-TV franchise for The Walt Disney Company including Kim Possible and Ron Stoppable characters at Disney Parks &  Resorts, DVDs, books, video games and Disney Consumer Product’s line of “Kim  Possible” branded products available at mass retailers  nationwide.

Night Kingdom Scaled Back to Jungle Trek???

WDWNT on August 21, 2008

Our good friend Jim Hill over at Jim Hill Media is now reporting that the Night Kingdom project (a fifth park for the Walt Disney World Resort that would only operate during the evenings, operate with a 2 to 1 cast member to guest ratio, and cost a pretty hefty ticket price) has been severely altered, and will now be tentatively named “Disney’s Jungle Trek”. The name change may not be all that was altered, as Jim goes into some detail in today’s article about various budget cuts the concept is already receiving in these very early planning phases.

Jim also reports that various surveys are going to be conducted very soon to gauge guest reaction to the idea of this proposed vanity park. So if your going to be at Walt Disney World in the not-so-distant future, be sure to be on the lookout for those research Cast Members wielding clipboards.

We would also like to remind you that project is still just a rumor and has not been discussed or announced in anyway by the Walt Disney Company. However, numerous sources have confirmed that a project of the sort is indeed in development, but may still never be constructed. To read Jim Hill’s complete article, go HERE.

WDW Photo Update 8/15-8/17/08

WDWNT on August 19, 2008

WDWNT is back from another trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. Let’s take a look at what’s going on at the “Construction Kingdom”:

A Bolt poster outside the Magic Kingdom.

The temporary parade route that Disney Dreams Come True will be following during the Liberty Square bridge’s refurbishment. Click HERE for a bigger version of this picture.

Steel showing in-between 2 parts of City Hall.

And here is the new top to City Hall at dusk.

Construction on the Liberty Square bridge, which is closed off to guests… and parades.

Work going on under the bridge that leads to the Mad Tea Party & Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe.

They’re already starting to put up the Cinderella Castle Christmas Lights.

The curtains aren’t hanging on the sides of the screen to Mickey’s PhilharMagic, so instead this projection is shown.

They’re doing some work on the pavement in Liberty Square.

Seems they’re painting the poles near the Emporium.

The Grand Marshal Pre-Parade to Disney Dreams Come True, running up & down Main Street USA before the Disney Dreams Come True Parade showings at 3 & 7pm.

Nice tires on the Grand Marshall car.

Let’s take a look at Disney Dreams Come True, in its slightly abbreviated form.

The Princess float is not in the parade at the moment, so the Princesses are with the Fab 5 on the infamous Castle float.

Now here are a couple of videos from the backwards running Disney Dreams Come True Parade:

And now the parade returns back down Main Street:

Whew, that’s it for Disney Dreams Come True. Now moving over to Epcot:

Let’s take a look at the new StormStruck exhibit now open in Innoventions.

Work being done on the side of the American Adventure.

Work being done to the Japan pavilion once again.

Merchandise for the Beijing Olympics on sale at the China pavilion.

Construction going on at the United Kingdom pavilion.

A couple of Mickey Mouse shirts for sale inside MouseGear.

And here are some shirts in this design for various characters.

Back into Innoventions, the long-running IBM exhibit has been removed.

The lights in the concrete outside MouseGear are covered while being worked on.

The Toy Spring Action Shooters are finally on sale at MouseGear of all places!

Moving over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, paint is already peeling on a door at Toy Story Midway Mania.

Can you believe that people are putting their feet on this wall at Toy Story Midway Mania!?

Notice the un-painted section & burnt out lights.

Mr. Potato Head was broken down again.

This woman was wearing a Disney-MGM Studios shirt from 1990.

A new piece taking shape on top of the new north wing being constructed at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Hope you enjoyed the photos!

Plenty of Press Releases for 8/18/08

WDWNT on August 18, 2008

Here is a collection of press releases just made available by Walt Disney World. First off is some details about the Night of Joy event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

The 26th Night of Joy at Walt Disney World Resort will have lots of “news” surrounding a lineup featuring a “Who’s Who” of Christian music Sept. 5-6:

  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios will host the event for the first time
  • First performances each evening will be at 7:15 p.m., with the fun continuing till 1:30 a.m.
  • “Rap sessions” will engage guests in moderated Q&A discussion with select artistsA stellar 16-act lineup (with eight acts performing each night) will feature Artist of the Year tobyMac, Male Vocalist of the Year Chris Tomlin, Group of the YearCasting Crowns and New Artist of the Year Brandon Heath plus enduringly popular MercyMe and Rebecca St. James.  Here’s the complete talent lineup with show times and locations (subject to change): FRIDAY, SEPT. 5

    Artist – Stage – Showtimes

  • Brandon Heath – Lights, Motors, Action! – 7:15pm
    Britt Nicole – Icon Stage – 7:30pm
    Matthew West – Premier Theater – 8pm, 9:15pm
    Chris Tomlin – Lights, Motors, Action! – 8:15pm, 9:45pm
    BarlowGirl – Icon Stage – 8:30pm, 9:45pm
    Rush of Fools – Premier Theater – 10:45pm, Midnight
    Rebecca St. James – Icon Stage – 11pm, 12:15am
    MercyMe – Lights, Motors, Action! – 11:15pm, 12:45am  

    SATURDAY, SEPT. 6

    Artist – Stage – Showtimes

    Red – Lights, Motors, Action! – 7:15pm
    PureNRG – Icon Stage – 7:30pm
    Mandisa – Premier Theater – 8pm, 9:15pm
    Casting Crowns – Lights, Motors, Action! – 8:15pm, 9:45pm
    Marcos Witt – Icon Stage – 8:45pm, 10pm
    GMA Winner – Icon Stage – 9:35pm
    Aaron Shust – Premier Theater – 10:30pm, 11:45pm
    tobyMac – Lights, Motors, Action! – 11:15pm, 12:45am
    Fred Hammond – Icon Stage – 11:30pm, 12:45am

One-night advance tickets ($44.95) and two-night tickets ($75.95) can be purchased online at www.disneyworld.com/nightofjoy or by calling 407/W-DISNEY.  Groups of 10 or more can go to www.nightofjoy.com or call 877/NITEJOY for ticket information. Guests attending Night of Joy can combine an evening of Christian music with the thrills of popular Disney’s Hollywood Studios attractions plus a DJ dance party each evening.

Applications will soon be accepted for the 2009 WDW Moms Panel:

Disney Parks undertakes its search in September for a group of park-savvy parents to be named the 2009 Walt Disney World Moms Panel, following in the footsteps of the first-ever online Walt Disney World Moms Panel which has been fielding and answering thousands of vacation questions in 2008.

The quest is for 16 parents who pride themselves on being Walt Disney World “know-it-alls” and have an undying passion to share their Disney knowledge with others at www.disneyworldmoms.com.  From Sept. 8 through Sept. 19, interested applicants can visit www.disneyworldmoms.com/2009 to apply for the panel.  The application process begins with a series of questions and three brief essays — about their family, why they are a great Walt Disney World vacation planner and their favorite Disney vacationing tip.

“The first-ever Disney Moms Panel has responded to more than 9,000 questions from vacation planners this year.  They have offered our guests countless tips to plan a magical vacation at our resort,” said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort.  “We thank the 2008 panel for their contributions and look forward to working with a new group of parents.”

Since the launch of www.disneyworldmoms.com in January 2008, the current 12-person panel has responded to questions covering just about anything from how to sign up for a character dining experience to what items are allowed in the parks.

Here is the complete Eat to the Beat Concert series line-up for this year:

Eight Grammy-winning acts join 10 other stellar hit-makers to bring a rocking mix of classic tunes to Walt Disney World Resort during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival beginning Sept. 26.  Eat to the Beat! concerts are scheduled three times daily through Nov. 9.

From rock to jazz, funk to pop, 10 new Eat to the Beat! acts and eight returning bands take their turn on the America Gardens Theatre stage in 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. shows.  The lineup (subject to change) includes:

Sept. 26-27 — Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (NEW)
Sept. 28-30 — Sheena Easton (2 Grammys) 
Oct. 1-4 — Starship starring Mickey Thomas
Oct. 5-7 — En Vogue (NEW) 
Oct. 8-9 — Jonny Lang (NEW, 1 Grammy)
Oct. 10-12 — Peabo Bryson (NEW, 2 Grammys) 
Oct. 13-14 — Sister Hazel (NEW) 
Oct. 15-16 — David Sanborn (6 Grammys) 
Oct. 17-18 — Jon Secada (2 Grammys) 
Oct. 19-21 — Spyro Gyra (NEW) 
Oct. 22-23 — Otis Day & the Knights 
Oct. 24-26 — Exposé 
Oct. 27-28 — Kool & The Gang (1 Grammy) 
Oct. 29-30 — Boyz II Men (NEW, 4 Grammys) 
Oct. 31-Nov. 2 — Atlanta Rhythm Section (NEW) 
Nov. 3-5 — David Cassidy 
Nov. 6-7 — Night Ranger (NEW) 
Nov. 8-9 — Los Lobos (NEW, 3 Grammys)

Details on the 2008 Race for the Taste on October 12:

The 9th annual Disney’s Race for the Taste 10K takes place Oct. 12, giving competitors an opportunity to run and eat during the popular Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort.

Runners will enjoy a ceremonial toast and fireworks display at the 7 a.m. start of the race at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, then embark on a 6.2-mile journey through Disney’s Hollywood Studios and past Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club resorts before passing through World Showcase at Epcot, the epicenter of the food and wine festival. 

At the finish line, runners — along with ticketed friends and family members — will have an opportunity to sample international cuisine from the Epcot festival at a post-race picnic.

There will also be several Race for the Taste Kids’ Races, including a Heelys’ Race and Roll race (200m) for kids ages 8-14.  Other kids’ races include a 100-meter event (ages 1-3), a 200-meter race (ages 4-6), a 400-meter race (ages 7-9) and an 800-meter event (ages 9-11).  

Runners can register online at www.disneyraceforthetaste.com. Race-only registration is $55; race registration that includes a Disney theme park ticket is $92.  Each participant who completes the race will receive a medal shaped like a chef’s hat.  Awards will be presented to the top three finishers in several categories, including top male, top female and wheelchair divisions.

Details on the T-Rex restaurant opening now in late October (another change) at the Downtown Disney Marketplace:

Walt Disney World guests will go on an adventure back in time to dine among the dinosaurs when T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover opens it doors by late October at Downtown Disney.

 T-Rex, developed by Schussler Creative, Inc., and operated by Landry’s Restaurants, Inc., features dining and retail in a 30,000-square-foot, 600-seat interactive prehistoric environment.  The concept is built around water, fire and ice:  Guests will be greeted with life-size animatronic dinosaurs that live among cascading waterfalls, bubbling geysers, a fossil dig site and much more.

Schussler Creative Chairman Steve Schussler, the founder of Rainforest Café and T-Rex restaurants, depicts the experience as “edutainment,” noting that this “treat for all five senses” includes artifacts such as fossils — all carefully labeled — that are hundreds of millions of years old, carefully crafted animatronic dinosaurs, and even a meteorite found in Argentina.

A full-size skeleton replica of Argentinosaurus, one of the largest of the dinosaurs and copied from a museum specimen about 125 feet in length, looms over the entrance, joined by a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton.

The theme carries over to the menu, which features items with names such as Caesarsaurus (Caesar salad), Raptor Ribs (Asian BBQ ribs), Pterodactyl Wings (Buffalo chicken wings), Triassic Tortellini (tri-colored cheese tortellini) and Gigantosaurus Burger (think really big hamburger!).

Menu choices range from starters (appetizers, salads and soups) to pastas, burgers and sandwiches to a broad selection of entrees plus desserts.  Some favorites include rotisserie chicken, fried shrimp, steaks and ribs, tarragon chicken salad sandwich, Cobb salad and “Chocolate Extinction.”  Guests will be able to make reservations by calling 407/WDW-DINE.

Mickey and Minnie Get New Halloween Costumes

WDWNT on August 18, 2008

In an official press release today:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — When the Disney characters dress up for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this September and October, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be debuting a whole new look.  Mickey has traded his scarecrow costume for stunning purple and orange eveningwear fit for a Halloween ball.  Not to be outdone, Mickey’s best girl, Minnie Mouse, exchanged her witch costume for a party dress to complement Mickey’s attire.

For Mickey, it’s a top hat and purple tails. For Minnie, it’s a party dress with a purple hat with an orange ribbon — bright and colorful, befitting the fun on 25 evenings between Sept. 5 and Oct. 31 when Magic Kingdom hosts the popular after-hours party.

Guests are invited to dress up as well for the 7 p.m.-midnight party which features two scheduled entertainment extravaganzas guests can see at no other time: the “Boo-to-You” Halloween parade and the bewitching “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks spectacular.  There’s trick-or-treating galore and also a chance to experience popular attractions throughout the evening.

Parties are slated for Sept. 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 28, 30 and Oct. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31.  To purchase advance tickets, guests can call 407/W-DISNEY or visit disneyworld.com/halloween.

This costume change comes as no surprise, as a number of upcoming Disney pins show off the new costumes, as well as the new pumpkin decorations that will be coming to the Magic Kingdom this year:

WDW Gets Stormstruck?

WDWNT on August 18, 2008

Hurricane Fay may make Monday a very interesting day for everyone at the Walt Disney World Resort. While it is still unknown what impact, if any, the storm will have on the Resort’s regular operations, they seem to be prepared:

“It’s business as usual at Walt Disney World Resort. We’re continuing to monitor the weather,” said Andrea Finger, a Disney spokeswoman.

While the storm is not expected to directly hit the central Florida area, be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today for more information on this story.

Beluga Sevruga Indeed

WDWNT on August 18, 2008

Though unconfirmed, it is highly likely that today was the last day of operation for the Ariel’s Grotto meet ‘n greet. In honor of this closing, I’d like to link you over to a video tour of Ariel’s Grotto that I put up last week on WDWNTube.

Again, we’re not 100% certain that it closed today, but we will certainly let you know on its fate tomorrow. As previously reported, Ariel will move over to the Princess Fantasy Faire in her human form for 2-3 years, until a new meet ‘n greet for her mermaid form is built as part of the upcoming Little Mermaid attraction over at Disney’s California Adventure. Ariel’s Grotto’s replacement, Pixie Hollow, reportedly will open up on October 28th.

Pixie Hollow Opens October 28th

WDWNT on August 16, 2008

We have received confirmation that the Pixie Hollow meet ‘n greet that is replacing the Ariel’s Grotto meet ‘n greet will officially open on October 28th, 2008. As previously reported, the latest set of auditions for the Fairies takes place this Sunday. Ariel’s Grotto closes this Sunday as well.

Stay tuned to Disneyland News Today for the latest on Pixie Hollow!