11/23/08 WDW Photo Report By Matt Paul

WDWNT Photographer Matt Paul has provided us with his first photo report from his latest trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. To start off this series, here is his first report from Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

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The tree outside the park along with a large film reel

Some new decorations for Hollywood Blvd. since Block Party Bash floats are way too tall to allow the old decorations

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I think these fit the theming a little better

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Usual decorations replace the long standing Year of a Million Dreams banners on Sunset Blvd.

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More decorations

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Even more decorations

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Green Army Men appearing in Pixar Place

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Decorations outside what will now be known as Muppetvision 3-D (they have permanently dropped the “Jim Henson’s” from the name)

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Nativity scene at the Studios

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Woody and the Toy Story sign have been removed from the top of Pizza Planet, expect something new here in 2009

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As we reported before, the screen outside the American Idol Experience is now operating

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With the walls down, there is much more performance space outside the theater for Block Party Bash

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What used to be the Monsters Inc. meet and greet

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It is the stage entrance, where those performing in the show will be entering

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To end the report, here is the lovely disclaimer you’ll be met with when you get in line for the American Idol Experience beginning in January when the attraction opens

A WDWNT Weekend Update

I thought I would take this time to address a few short subjects in one post just to make sure everyone is caught up on what’s going on with WDW and WDWNT right now:

-We have opened our fantastic poll allowing you to choose what you think are the 20 biggest moments in the history of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Just go HERE, pick 20 moments, and hit submit. The 20 biggest moments as voted by you will then be counted down every week on the WDW News Today Podcast until the anniversary on May 1, 2009. Voting closes on December 4 at midnight, so don’t miss out!!!

-Disney has released a picture of the completed facade of the new American Idol Experience attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (we should have our own pictures of the completed building very soon, until then check out THIS photo report on the WDW News Today Community Forums):

THE AMERICAN IDOL EXPERIENCE AT DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

IT’S SHOWTIME!: Disney’s Hollywood Studios raises the curtain on the newest showbiz-themed attraction, “The American Idol Experience.” All the excitement of the popular “American Idol” TV show comes to life in a first-of-its-kind attraction where Walt Disney World guests can vote on their favorite performance, or audition with the chance to perform on stage. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (David Roark, photographer)

-Ellen’s Energy Adventure at Epcot will be closed for a lengthy refurbishment from January 5 through March 22, 2009. During this time, some general maintenance will occur. It is also rumored that Imagineering will use this a a time to look around the attraction for possible changes.

-Reported on the WDW News Today Community Forums:

Beginning December 1st, anyone booked for lunch at Tusker House (at Disney’s Animal Kingdom) between 1:00pm and 1:40pm will receive a ticket for reserved seating at the Finding Nemo (The Musical) 3:15pm show. If you are already booked during that time frame you will qualify for the reserved seating ticket. Only reservations between 1:00pm and 1:40pm qualify. One ticker per person dining.

-Also Reported on the WDW News Today Community Forums, Disney launching an online check-in service for resort guests:

Disney’s Online Check-In service enables Guests to simplify their arrival by allowing them to go online and provide information related to their upcoming stay. On a Guest’s scheduled arrival date, since check-in information will have been provided previously online by the Guest, they may experience a streamlined check-in at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels or Disney Vacation Club resorts. A welcome folder with their Key to the World Card will be waiting at a designated Disney’s Online Check-In area in the resort hotel lobby. Guests will need to present valid photo ID to pick up the folder and complete check-in. Guests may check-in online beginning 10 days prior to their arrival date. Web site addresses for Disney’s Online Check-In service will vary based on the original method of booking. As Guests are completing Disney’s Online Check-In service, select Guests will have an opportunity to apply for the Disney Rewards® Visa Card® that could be used during their stay. This service launches in January, 2009.

A lot to process, but hopefully we have everyone caught up on current Walt Disney World and WDW News Today events before the big holiday week begins.

Passholder Tour Experience

I’ve been hesitant to post the following news since registration for this event has closed once already and could close again at anytime. The event I’m speaking of is a 25 minute Walt Disney World Annual Passholder only tour of the Superstar Television Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, home to the upcoming American Idol Experience attraction. The tour is happening at various times during the day on December 14th, 2008 and the following times are still available as of this reports posting:

Updated at 6:15 PM EST on 11/14- every half hour from 3:30-7:30 PM now remaining

Space is limited and filling up fast, so if you are interested and can attend, you should rush over to disneyworld.com/passholder and sign up under “News & Upcoming Events”. The American Idol Experience attraction is expected to have full Annual Passholder previews sometime in January 2009 and open to the public the following month.

Matt Paul’s 11/10/08 WDW Photo Update

Here with his first photo report from the Walt Disney World Resort is our own Matt Paul, who spent yesterday visiting three of the theme parks. Let’s see what he found at the World:

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Let’s begin at Epcot

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The new IBM Thinkplace inside Innoventions is still coming soon

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With the end of the Food and Wine Festival, this spot waits for its holiday display

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This small area is still being worked on, perhaps for the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure

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The Christmas display at the park entrance is starting to be put in place

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A strange recycling bin now stands near the ramp to the Epcot Monorail station

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Now we’ll move over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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The final Super Soap Weekend at Walt Disney World will take place this weekend

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The usual stage has been set-up outside the Sorcerer’s Hat

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Because of the stage, the High School Musical show will be performing on the Streets of America

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A lot has happened since we last looked at the American Idol Experience

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All of the signage is up and the attraction is nearing completion

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A large screen stands outside the Superstar Television Theater waiting for the first show to begin

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The American Idol Experience sign

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I think it looks great

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The name of the theater is still way too cool 🙂

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Matt thought this was a cool picture

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Golden Age Souvenirs has closed again as it prepares for some American Idol merchandise

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A new logo has appeared on the trampoline units for Block Party Bash

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Finally, over to the Magic Kingdom

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Here it is, the first of many Cinderella Castle Dreamlights photos for 2008

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Even after seeing it in person, I can’t help but say “WOW”

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We’ll end Matt’s report with a very cool 2008 holiday shirt with an awesome tag-line: “Joy from the World”

High School at the Studios

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:

Lights, Motors, Accident

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:

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.

News from the Winter 2008 Mickey Monitor

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!!!

Experience A Change of Plans

As we reported a few weeks ago, the original plans for the American Idol Experience attraction coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2009 have been drastically changed. The ideas for the elaborate facade that were revealed in concept art earlier this year have now been scrapped, and the official attraction website now features the revised final plans for the exterior of the building. You can view the updated artwork by going HERE to the official website.

While many will argue that the problematic economy is the reason for the changes, it’s actually some much more sensible reasoning. First off, the interior of the attraction has been just about complete for a month now and there was no way they could make the originally planned exterior changes to the theater in time for a first-half 2009 attraction opening. Secondly, going through with the changes would have forced them to find an alternative route for the new Block Party Bash parade that began showing at Disney’s Hollywood Studios earlier this year. Even though the plans are now a lot less elaborate, I think we can all find a smile at the official name that the former ABC Theater will be receiving. When this attraction opens in early 2009, the home for Hollywood Studios latest production will be the “Superstar Television Theater”, a homage to the original attraction that opened in this space, “Superstar Television”.

Original Exterior Artwork Revealed Earlier This Year

At the end of the day, the fact remains that this attraction needs to open when the new season of American Idol begins on Fox and going through with the original plans would have never allowed that to happen. While many will criticize what is for what could have been, this attraction is guaranteed to keep guests coming to the Studios as it approaches it’s 20th anniversary next May. Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today as more information on the upcoming American Idol Experience attraction becomes available.

9/24-10/1/08 WDW Update

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

Disney’s Super Soap Weekend Final Farewell

Looks like Super Soap Weekends will have it’s finale this year at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as it won’t be coming back next year, at least not to Florida. Here is what we have from The Orlando Sentinel.

Who’s killing ABC Super Soap Weekend at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?

It’s not Zach Slater, the sometimes bad boy played by Thorsten Kaye on ABC’s All My Children. He has pledged to attend this year’s gathering of soap-opera stars on Nov. 15-16. So has John McBain, the sometimes suspect character played by Michael Easton on One Life to Live.

Yet as Walt Disney World prepares to host about 30 daytime-drama characters at this year’s Super Soap Weekend, there’s a shocking plot twist in sight: The event won’t return in 2009. Healthy and popular in this episode, it’ll be dead by the next.

Brian Frons, president of Daytime, Disney-ABC Television Group, appears to be the one writing Super Soap out of Disney World’s script after 15 years.

In a news release issued Monday, Frons said ABC wants to send its soap stars on a national promotional tour next year, rather than sponsor a single weekend at Disney World. “Our fans have told us they want us in their neighborhoods,” he stated, adding: “We thank Walt Disney World for being a wonderful host and partner, and look forward to our plans to send Super Soap off with a bang.”

Rilous Carter, Disney World vice president for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, is promising that this year’s event will be a fitting finale.

But will the tour succeed? Is there a chance the soaps might return to Disney World in 2010? Stay tuned.