Monday in the Parks Picture Update

WDWNT on August 4, 2008

Let’s take a look at some of the various things going on through-out the Disneyland Resort from this week’s Monday in the Parks column on MiceAge:


The new ticket prices went into effect yesterday


In addition to the water playground in the Bountiful Valley Farm that we reported was closed last Friday (and it still is closed btw), a couple other water playgrounds in DCA appeared to be closed, at least yesterday…


… Including Princess Dot’s Puddle Park in a Bug’s Land…


… As well as the SS Rustworthy in Paradise Pier


Construction seems to be happening on both sides of Department 56


The stilt chefs in the Ratatouille section of the Pixar Play Parade appeared to be off their stilts once again yesterday… Probably was just for yesterday though

Be sure to check out the Monday in the Parks column (linked at the top of the post) for tips on how to get cheap tickets, & plenty more updates from the around Disneyland Resort this week!

Hall of Presidents Changing Again

WDWNT on August 4, 2008

It appears that one way or the other, some big changes are coming to the Hall of Presidents Attraction at the Magic Kingdom. It was just made official that the attraction will be closed for some major show changes from November 2008 until July of 2009. Despite that this refurbishment is now public information, what changes are going to occur remains a mystery. While we would expect the addition of an Audio-Animatronics figure of the new president of the United States (whether it be John McCain or Barack Obama) with a speaking part, it has been rumored that the new version of the show would simply add the latest president to the line-up on stage and give Abraham Lincoln a longer speaking part in the show. 

This refurbishment is now set to begin on November 1, 2008 and end on July 1, 2009. Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today as more information on the future of the Hall of Presidents becomes available.

WDW Photo Update 8/1-8/3/08

WDWNT on August 4, 2008

UPDATED @ 11:32PM EST

WDWNT is back from another of his lovely weekend trips to the Walt Disney World Resort. Let’s take a look through some of his most newsworthy pictures:

The Laugh floor seems to be loosing power 🙂

The brand new top for City Hall has been lowered into place after 7 months of waiting.

The wait time board at the Magic Kingdom on August 2nd.

Glaceau Smart Water is a new addition to ODV carts around the Resort.

It seems that the Adventureland Veranda has re-opened temporarily as Veranda Refreshments.

The Diamond Horseshoe has also re-opened, as it always does during busier seasons.

Contemporary north-wing construction is quite visible from Liberty Square.

Just thought this was a nice shot.

The new Grand Marshall vehicle with covering.

New Toy Storry Midway Mania T-Shirts available in… Tomorrowland!?

This is a really nice new Wall-E T-Shirt!

So many great new T-Shirts! I think we’re all in love with this one!

This is a new Figment T-Shirt for women.

Is that a new Kodak sign?

The sign for the new StormStruck exhibit in Innoventions, opening soon.

The top of the new exhibit.

This is something new in the Don’t Waste It exhibit in Innoventions.

The Fantastic Plastic exhibit is still closed, awaiting a new exhibit.

Apparently, you plug Mickey into your MP3 player and he “grooves along with your music.” I wonder what he does when he listens to our podcasts?

The Great Movie Ride sign still needs some fixing.

One of the few remnants of the Disney-MGM Studios left at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The Muppet Vision 3D hot air balloon is being fixed behind walls on the Streets of America.

Advertisement for the Night of Joy at the Premiere Theater.

The Al’s Toy Barn facade near Muppet Vision 3D has been removed. It will be replaced with a Cars themed meet ‘n greet.

Refurbing going on near the Hollywood Scoops Ice Cream shop.

The Hanes sponsorship has started over at the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.

Posters in the exit hallway now have Hanes advertising.

New production art from Bolt inside the Magic of Disney animation.

The latest construction on T-Rex Resturant at Downtown Disney.

Construction of the new stage in Downtown Disney.

Construction going on in the former home of the Concourse Steakhouse at the Contemporary.

A look at the latest construction of the new north wing of the Contemporary.

Hope you enjoyed the update!

The Vineyard Room Closing?

WDWNT on August 3, 2008

Various reports have been going around saying that the Vineyard Room restaurant in the Golden Vine Winery section of Disney’s California Adventure may possibly be closing, permanently or not, on August 31st.

Please do keep in mind that this is in no way confirmed, & it just pure speculation at the moment, but we’ll be sure to keep you posted on whether the Vineyard Room truly will be closing or not.

American Idol Experience Auditions

WDWNT on August 3, 2008

Walt Disney World have put out a casting call for hosts, judges, and audience warm up personalities for the upcoming American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Here are the details:

Walt Disney Entertainment is seeking Hosts, Judges, and comedic audience warm up hosts, for the opening cast of its newest attraction, The American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ Park in the Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, FL set to open January 2009. Rehearsals begin October 12, 2008 in Orlando.

SEEKING THE FOLLOWING ‘ACTORS/ PERSONALITIES’ OF ALL ETHNICITIES AND SHAPES/SIZES:

HOST: Male, 20s – 30s. Charismatic, handsome, trim, hip. Quick wit and improv skills needed. In synch with the times: look and slang. Knowledge of American Idol and the music industry a plus. Confidently ringmaster all the hosting elements of a fast-paced multimedia show.

JUDGES: Male and Female, 30s – early 50s. Music educated with extensive music background. Confident, big personality/charismatic. Improv and comedy skills needed. These roles are not intended to be an impersonation of the American Idol Judges as seen on TV. Types needed: Hip, Optimistic, Comically Constructive. Judges will provide constructive and knowledgeable vocal feedback, always with an entertaining twist.

AUDIENCE WARM UP: Male and Female, 20s – early 40s. Energetic, big personality, playful, charismatic. Improv and comedy background needed. Must be able to command and entertain large audiences. Music and DJ skills a plus. Will be responsible for warming up the 1000+ member audience, making sure they are energized, informed, and ready to play their role as the supportive studio audience.

All performers employed by the Walt Disney World Resort are covered under the terms and conditions of a Collective Bargaining Agreement with Actors’ Equity Association.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and authorized to work in the United States.

Please visit www.disneyauditions.com for audition dates, times and locations.

DisneyGeek DLR Update

WDWNT on August 3, 2008

Let’s take a look at some of the various things going on through-out the Disneyland Resort from the latest DLR Update on DisneyGeek:


The sign, minus the logo, is out from behind tarps, which brings me to something interesting…


On the left is the sign as it was before the refurb, on the right the sign as it was yesterday… Notice a new color scheme?


The “mini dolls” appear to be missing from the boat


Apparently the tarps on the train track, blocking the view of Small World, are down… So here are a few of DisneyGeek’s shots of the Small World construction progress


And on an unrelated note, the water playground at the Bountiful Valley Farm seemed to be either not working, or just turned off

Honey, I Shuttered the Magic Eye Theater

WDWNT on August 3, 2008

Rumors are floating around saying that Honey, I Shrunk the Audience could possibly be closing after Labor Day, & there are 2 possible reasons as to why:

  1. Disneyland is seriously looking at cutting down on the money spent, by closing shows during the slow season, & this seems to be stretching to Honey now, as it may join Fantasmic & Aladdin in the shuttered department this fall.
  2. And then there’s the reason everyone is hoping for, & need I say more than, a New Film?

Stay tuned to Disneyland News Today to find out the ultimate fate of Honey, I Shrunk the Audience!

Walt Disney World Provides New Offerings for 2009

WDWNT on August 2, 2008

More details on some new packages and resort offerings for 2009 Walt Disney World vacations have become available and here is what we have been able to gather thus far:

-The quick service Dining Plan will be available for 2009, and will offer guests two quick service meals and two snacks per person, per night. Guests will also receive one refillable resort mug each.

-More Magic Your Way Packages will be offering a 30 minute arcade play card with the booking of most packages. It will most likely be one card per room with corresponding packages.

-All of the off site vacation packages (Swan and Dolphin & good neighbor hotels) will include a $15 Planet Hollywood gift card and 1 free round of miniature golf at either the Winter Summerland or Fantasia Gardens courses.

-The Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas in the Kidani Village building will be available for bookings by non-Disney Vacation Club guests for as early as May 2009.

-It is being rumored that the Magical Fireworks Voyage will not only be offered to grand gatherings guests next year, but to all guests in 2009.

-The courtesy holds on Walt Disney World resort packages will now be lowered down to just 7 days, rather than the current 14 days that guests are given.

-Some new room categories are coming to some of the WDW resorts in 2009. At Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, they will be adding a “Business Club” level.  Also, premium campsites at Ft. Wilderness & all campsites will include cable and internet access.

For more information on these options as well as 2009 resort pricing, you can contact our good friends at Magical Travel starting Sunday, August 3.

More Price Increases

WDWNT on August 2, 2008

It appears that Walt Disney World Resort ticket prices are not going to be the only thing that will become more expensive August 3. It looks like theme park parking prices will be raised from $11 to $12 this Sunday. These price changes have been an annual tradition at Walt Disney World the last few years and are expected to be on the rise every August for years to come.

Ticket Price Changes Official

WDWNT on August 2, 2008

From the Orlando Sentinel:

Disney announced increased ticket prices Friday afternoon that push the cost up 5.6 percent to $75 for the basic one-park, one-day ticket for adults and children age 10 or older. The old price, $71, is still in effect today. The price of a basic ticket for children ages 3-9 will rise Sunday to $63, up 5 percent from $60.

Disney also raised the price of its “Magic Your Way” multiday-ticket packages, by 3 percent to 8 percent. The top deal, a 10-day adult Magic Your Way ticket, now costs $237, or $23.70 a day, up 5.3 percent. The Park Hopper add-on, which allows ticket holders to move among any of Disney’s parks, will cost $50 for up to 10 days, a $5 increase. The Water Park Fun & More add-on option remains $50.

Florida residents may buy advance tickets from participating agencies, by phone or over the Internet, starting at $67.50 for one day. That also reflects a 5.6 percent increase from the current base price.