Downtown Disney Vice President “Goes Wild”

WDWNT on July 20, 2009

According to Jason Garcia of the Orlando Sentinel:

Walt Disney World has named Kevin Lansberry the new vice president in charge of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a spokeswoman confirmed this afternoon.

Lansberry, who has been with Disney since 1986, was previously vice president of Downtown Disney, transportation, sports and golf. He replaces Val Bunting as the top executive at the Animal Kingdom. Bunting will become general manager of the Port Orleans resort.

Lansberry’s successor at Downtown Disney will be Keith Bradford, who had been vice president of operating participants. Bradford has been with Disney since 1995.

In addition to taking the helm at the Animal Kingdom, Lansberry will continue overseeing transportation at Disney World.

DLR Photo Report – 7/17/09 :: Featuring Video of the Updated Blue Sky Cellar

WDWNT on July 18, 2009

I visited the Disneyland Resort yesterday for not only its 54th anniversary, but also for the D23 member only screening of “People and Places: Disneyland USA”. I had an amazing time, and got to see some pretty special stuff. So let’s get right into this photo report:

My first stop was to check out the new exhibits in the Blue Sky Cellar

Concept art for the Pocahontas scene in World of Color

The Lucky Fortune Cookery returns this September, now to the old home of Cocina Cucamonga

Paradise Garden Grill and Boardwalk Pasta and Pizza look to be the replacements for Burger Invasion and Pizza Oom Mow Mow

Read More about DLR Photo Report – 7/17/09 :: Featuring Video of the Updated Blue Sky Cellar

Conner Purzycki’s 6/29-7/1/09 Photo Report

WDWNT on July 1, 2009

For our first photo report in over a week (probably a record for us), we go to Conner Purzycki’s 3 day trip to the Disneyland Resort:

Main Street is all decked out for the July 4th holiday weekend

The Monorail awning by the Tomorrowland Terrace has been replaced

It’s now a much shinier, and nicer awning

As of today, the Plaza Pavilion is the new Annual Passport Processing Center, as the Bank of Main Street will soon begin its transformation into the new Disney Gallery

Read More about Conner Purzycki’s 6/29-7/1/09 Photo Report

Photos of Studio Disney 365

WDWNT on June 26, 2009

To go along with our post earlier today about the opening of Studio Disney 365 in Downtown Disney, here are some press photos from this new location:

The towers at the entrance to Studio Disney 365, and obviously the store’s signs, are new

A look inside the store reveals a blend of classic Disney Princess styles with modern day Disney Channel style designs

The make-over area

Stay tuned to Disneyland News Today this week for more coverage from Studio Disney 365.

Studio Disney 365 Now Open!

WDWNT on June 26, 2009

As scheduled, the newest offering at Downtown Disney, Studio Disney 365, is finally open. With the opening of this location Disney has released the following information:

Disneyland Resort Opens New Immersive Makeover Experience
Exclusively at Downtown Disney District

ANAHEIM, Calif. (June 26, 2009) – A stylish and unique makeover experience premiers at the Disneyland Resort with the debut of Studio Disney 365.  Opening June 26 in the Downtown Disney District, the dazzling new makeover boutique is a one-of-a-kind specialty store offering guests a unique chance to rock out like some of their favorite Disney Channel stars.

From the moment they step into the Studio Disney 365 “sound stage,” guests will see lights, cameras, and a lot of action!  Talent agents and stylists will help these “stars of tomorrow” undergo a complete transformation, getting them camera-ready to walk the carpet and preparing them for their grand entrance onto the set. Studio Disney 365 is the place to be for emerging stars, with so much to do and so much to see!

Studio Disney 365 guests can choose from five different Studio Star makeover packages.  All packages include a talent contract, choice of hair makeover, complete cosmetic makeover, deluxe make-up case, a downloadable photo file, a customized lanyard with photo and a photo shoot.

  • From The Top –Your hair, our unique style, $29.95.
  • Color Cue – Includes a unique twisted pony design and choice of up to four colored streaks, $39.95.
  • That’s A Wrap – Includes five front braids and high pony twists, your choice of faux hair tousled pony and a lace stretch headband, $49.95.
  • Spotlight – Includes two French braids wrapped to each side, your choice of faux hair pony tail and a flower hair accessory, $49.95.
  • Secret Star – Includes a Hannah Montana-inspired wig with sequined headband, rocker light-up headset and a themed face gem, $59.95.
  • Rock Star –Studio Disney 365 also features a special treatment for those upcoming rock stars.  The “Rock Star” look for boys is $18.95 plus tax and includes a slicked-back or spiked hairstyle with colored gel tips, smokey eyes, a downloadable photo file and a customized lanyard with photo.

Wardrobe options befitting a true superstar await guests at Studio Disney 365, where they can take center stage dressed from head to toe in today’s hottest fashions.*

  • Studio Rocker – Includes choice of trend T-shirt, fingerless gloves, tutu and colored ankle tights.
  • Trend Setter – Includes choice of trend T-shirt, sunglasses, scarf and fedora.
  • Scene Stealer – Includes complete Hannah Montana costume, featuring gold lame jacket, tank, black leggings, black and purple tutu and light-up guitar sticks.

Studio Star makeovers are designed for children ages three and older, who must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.  Studio Disney 365 is located in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort.  Operating hours vary.  Advance reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 714/781-STYLE (714/781-7895).

* Wardrobe package price may vary based on style, size and price of apparel and accessories.  Subject to restrictions and change without notice.
www.downtowndisney.com/disneystudio365

Disneyland Resort Roundup

WDWNT on June 24, 2009

Here is a quick bit of news to hold you all over while Luke Manning is away on vacation. Justin “The Mayor” Heyman is here to keep you up to date on everything happening around the Disneyland Resort:

  • It would appear the new Dragon isn’t the only thing experiencing some issues. During Monday’s performance the new Fantasmic, the Marc Twain caught fire. Luckily no one was hurt, but Disney had this to say about the accident:

During a showing of Fantasmic last night, exhaust from the Mark Twain caught on fire from a show element in which flames ignite on the Rivers of America. The Disneyland Fire Department noted that such a minor fire typically would extinguish itself, but that they were on scene to assist. There was no damage.

  • In Celebration of the Matterhorn’s 50th anniversary, the OC Register has an interesting article and look inside the mountain here.
  • Finally, though Studio Disney 365 did hold some very limited cast member previews today, it look like the earliest any guest will see it may be this Friday.

As always stay tuned to Disneyland News Today as we will keep you up to date with the latest news and information from around the Disneyland Resort!

Downtown Diana

WDWNT on June 17, 2009

I don’t think anyone saw this coming to Downtown Disney’s West Side:

Hundreds of royal artifacts on view in largest Princess Diana exhibit

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The People’s Princess Charitable Foundation, Inc. (PPCF) is bringing “DIANA–The People’s Princess” – a major new exhibit of royal artifacts – to Walt Disney World Resort. Opening in early July 2009, this limited-time experience showcases the life and story of Princess Diana, one of the most iconic and inspirational figures in recent history, including a sampling of the royal dresses Diana chose to auction for charity and hundreds of authentic artifacts relating to her life.

“DIANA–The People’s Princess” exhibit will be held in a 17,500-square-foot setting at Downtown Disney West Side adjacent to DisneyQuest. This unique exhibition is one of the largest collections of royal dresses and rare artifacts ever assembled for an American audience which provides an in-depth historical perspective of her life. The exhibit includes five rarely seen royal dresses worn by Princess Diana.

As part of this unique experience, guests will come to understand:

  • The stories of Diana’s own childhood and ancestry and how that lineage was influential in her selection as the future bride of HRH Charles, The Prince of Wales, the future King of England.
  • Her magical royal wedding which was viewed by over 750 million people from around the globe; her favorite role as “mum” to princes William and Harry.
  • Kensington Palace, the royal residence where Diana lived from the moment she became the Princess of Wales until her death and which today plays an active role in preserving her charitable legacy.
  • The historical significance of her role as Princess of Wales and the impact she had through that role on the fashion industry and charitable landscape.
  • How at the Christie’s “Sale of The Century,” 79 of Diana’s royal dresses were sold to benefit charities which helped position her as an astute philanthropist.
  • Her untimely passing and the massive media and public interest in the tragedy.
  • The charitable impact still being recognized through her gowns and personal effects.

    • A hint at some of the items on display:

  • Royal  Doulton figurine of Diana in her wedding dress –  Made in 1981 at the time of the royal wedding, the doll is wearing an exact  replica of the famous wedding dress.
  • The  Black Velvet “V” Neck – Designed  by Bruce Oldfield and worn by Diana for her official royal portrait in 1985.
  • Wedding Breakfast  booklet – Contains guest  names and two tickets to observe the bride and bridegroom before and  following the wedding ceremony in the quadrangle at Buckingham Palace and Clarence House.
  • Three-foot doll of  Diana as a young girl –  Released by the Great American Doll Company in 1998 as a tribute to Diana,  Princess of Wales.“The late Princess used her globally renowned platform brilliantly,” commented Maureen Rorech Dunkel, founder of PPCF. “She understood that the many different experiences she had in her life, both positive and negative, made her more relatable to the public.  She used this quality to connect to the common masses and in doing so became known as ‘The People’s Princess.’ She used her compassion to bring support to all those in need and is still to this date, almost 12 years after her tragic passing, regarded as one of the most influential humanitarians of all time.”

    “We look forward to The People’s Princess Charitable Foundation bringing this unique experience to our Downtown Disney guests,” said Kevin Lansberry, vice president of Downtown Disney. “We remain committed to offering guests new and exciting experiences they can only have at the Walt Disney World Resort.”

    • Tickets may be purchased at the exhibit – $14.50 (ages 10 and above), $5 (ages 3-9). The exhibition will be through Nov. 30, 2009.  Hours are 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily.