Today Marks the End of the Siemens & Disney Parks Sponsorship, Attractions Left Sponsor-less

WDWNT on October 13, 2017

Today, the “strategic partnership” between Siemens and the Walt Disney Company comes to an end officially. Siemens has released a statement summarizing the twelve years of the deal coming to a conclusion today:

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When Siemens and Disney began to explore the mutual benefits and opportunities of forming one of the largest marketing alliances in the technology sector for the entertainment space, it was a natural fit. The two organizations have many share values such as Innovation, Service, and Quality as well as a worldwide brand presence. Since 2005, the opportunities to leverage this technology alliance extended across The Walt Disney Company including theme parks and resorts, studios, networks, publishing, and digital. On October 10, 2017, the Siemens-Disney Alliance reached a mutually agreed upon conclusion.

Sponsorship Activation Timeline:

  • October 2005 Siemens US and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Sign 12-year agreement
  • October 2005 ABC SuperSign at Times Square, presented by Siemens
  • October 2005 IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot, presented by Sylvania, A Siemens Company [July 2013, presented by Siemens]
  • November 2005 Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney Hollywood Studios, presented by Sylvania, A Siemens Company [November 2013 – 15, presented by Siemens]
  • January 2006 – April 2010 Disney’s Electrical Parade at Disney California Adventure, presented by Sylvania, a Siemens Company
  • January 2006 – November 2008 Walt Disney’s Parade of Dreams at Disneyland, presented by Sylvania, A Siemens Company
  • May 2007 Siemens VIP Center at Epcot Opens [private executive meeting and guest lounge]
  • February 2008 Spaceship Earth, presented by Siemens
  • March 2008 Project Tomorrow: Inventing the Wonders of the Future at Epcot, presented by Siemens
  • April 2008 – March 2015 Project Tomorrow: Inventing the Wonders of the Future at Disneyland Innoventions, presented by Siemens
  • November 2010 it’s a small world at Disneyland, presented by Sylvania, A Siemens Company [August 2013, presented by Siemens]

About Siemens USA

Siemens Corporation is a U.S. subsidiary of Siemens AG, a global powerhouse focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world’s largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is a leading supplier of systems for power generation and transmission as well as medical diagnosis. With approximately 351,000 employees in 190 countries, Siemens reported worldwide revenue of $88.1 billion in fiscal 2016. Siemens in the USA reported revenue of $23.7 billion, including $5.4 billion in exports, and employs approximately 50,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

Siemens technology was also used to create several new theme park attractions, including Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land.

PHOTOS: Figment Epcot 35 Backpack Released Today

WDWNT on October 13, 2017

A few days late, but the Figment Epcot 35 lady’s backpack was finally released today at Epcot.

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The bag retails for $75 and is made of a plastic faux leather.

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The bag has a repeating Figment pattern on the outside.

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Inside, the lining has a The EPCOT Center icon repeating.

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The bag was found today at ImageWorks, but should eventually be available at multiple locations.

PHOTO REPORT: Epcot 10/12/17 (Guardians of the Galaxy Coaster Construction, Goodbye Energy, Siemens, Epcot 35, Etc.)

WDWNT on October 13, 2017

Our latest photo report brings us to Epcot in the days after it’s 35th anniversary, as the early phases of the overhaul of the park get into motion…

Welcome to Epcot

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The Siemens sponsorship of Spaceship Earth has ended, but the signage remains, as does Project Tomorrow, which is pretty much a giant advertisement for the company.

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Some new, very bright, white lights are pointed at the Fountain of Nations, illuminating the taller water features. A strange addition considering this will all be bulldozed in the park’s overhaul.

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Feel the Flow, There It Goes…

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Signage was removed pointing guests towards the Universe of Energy. It now points towards what’s left of Innoventions, which is just Colortopia at this point.

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A closed Universe of Energy pavilion behind walls.

This and That

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Signage was already taken down for the Test Track SIMporium so they could paint the wall behind it. This is where you can now make your own Sim Car Card to take home.

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Some new phone cases for sale inside of MouseGear.

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A little late, but a Limited Release World Showcase pin has been released at Pin Central to commemorate the 35th anniversary. It retails for $14.99.

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A large line of classic Mickey and Minnie Mouse merchandise has hit all of the parks. I’m usually not a fan of such generic stuff, but the line looks pretty nice.

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There’s also a new line that evokes colors of the late 80’s/early 90’s that I’m pretty crazy about.

OOGA CHAKA

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Outside of the park, work has commenced on the Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster ride.

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A series of barricades make sit hard to get too close, and security is patrolling the area to combat “corporate espionage”. Since this is a first-of-its-kind ride system, Disney will be very strict about letting guests see the construction.

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Disney Announces Full Celebrity Narrator Lineup for Candlelight Processional 2017 at Epcot

WDWNT on October 13, 2017

Disney has announced the remainder of the celebrity narrator lineup for the  2017 Candlelight Processional, now part of the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays.

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Emmy and Tony award-winning Actor Neil Patrick Harris narrates Candlelight Processional Dec. 1, 2015 at Epcot. The event is one of the most beloved holiday traditions at Walt Disney World Resort, featuring a joyous retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a glorious mass choir. Epcot is located at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Mariah Wild, photographer)

Disney Legend Kurt Russell, who has starred in Disney films from the 1960s to 2017’s “Guardians of the Galaxy 2” will read the Christmas story this year – as well as gold- and silver-medal-winning gymnast Laurie Hernandez. Two veterans of the event – actress/comedienne Ana Gasteyer and Jodi Benson, voice of Ariel in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” – complete this year’s list.

As previously announced, new narrators for this year’s lineup include Matt Bomer (“White Collar,” “The Last Tycoon,”); Star Wars fan favorite Warwick Davis, who played Wicket the Ewok in “Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi;” Daytime Television Legend Pat Sajak and TV star CCH Pounder, who was recently at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the grand opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar. And returning this year are everyone’s favorite hard-driving Dr. Bailey from “Grey’s Anatomy,” Chandra Wilson – and newly-named Disney Legend Whoopi Goldberg, co-host of ABC’s “The View.”

Here is the full list of narrators (everything subject to change, of course):

  • Nov. 24- 26 – Laurie Hernandez – NEW!
  • Nov. 27-28 – Matt Bomer – NEW!
  • Nov. 29 – 30 – Ana Gasteyer
  • Dec. 1-3 – Whoopi Goldberg
  • Dec. 4-5 – Pat Sajak – NEW!
  • Dec. 6-8 – Jodi Benson
  • Dec. 9-11 – Kurt Russell – NEW!
  • Dec. 12-14 – Warwick Davis – NEW!
  • Dec. 15-17 – Trace Adkins
  • Dec. 18-21 – Neil Patrick Harris
  • Dec. 22-24 – CCH Pounder – NEW!
  • Dec. 25-27 – Jaci Velasquez
  • Dec. 28-30 – Chandra Wilson

The Candlelight Processional presents the traditional story of Christmas in truly spectacular fashion – with a celebrity narrator, a 50-piece orchestra and a massed choir. The processional is performed three times per night (5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.) during the holiday season at the America Gardens Theatre. These packages, available on select nights, include a delicious meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances. Availability is limited.

In addition to lunch and dinner packages, breakfast options are available at restaurants in and near Epcot like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and The Garden Grill. Breakfast, lunch and dinner options are also available this year at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, with breakfast and dinner options being offered at Trattoria Al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk. Candlelight Dining Packages for breakfast start at $35 plus tax per person for adults and $21 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9. Candlelight Dining Packages for lunch and dinner start at $44 plus tax per person for adults and $15.50 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9.

 

Map Cover Revealed, Specialty Cupcake, Starbucks Mug, and Souvenir Wine Glasses Being Released for Epcot 35

WDWNT on October 7, 2017

In addition to all of the events and offerings we told you about a few days ago, Disney is now revealing a little more about their celebration of Epcot’s 35th anniversary this Sunday.

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Above, you’ll find the cover of the commemorative map being released on October 1st. A specialty Epcot 35 cupcake will be available at the following locations:

  • Kringla Og Cafe in Norway
  • Fountain View in Future World
  • Sunshine Seasons in The Land
  • Fife and Drum Tavern at the American Adventure

Disney will also offer a sparkling wine toast in a commemorative glass at the Food and Wine Festival Marketplaces around the park. Fountain View will also offer an Epcot 35 Starbucks mug beginning on 10/1.

Stay tuned to WDWNT.com for live coverage of Epcot’s 35th anniversary this weekend!

PHOTOS: Entrance Tile Mural Removed From Epcot’s Universe of Energy

WDWNT on October 7, 2017

1.5 months after it was closed, the beloved tile mural that welcomed guests to the Universe of Energy at Epcot has been removed.

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A peek through the entry doors shows that the mural is being ripped off of the wall.

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The Universe of Energy is being replaced by a Guardians of the Galaxy attraction.

VIDEO: Disney Releases Rare ‘The Dream Called EPCOT’ Promo Video From 1980

WDWNT on October 7, 2017

In celebration of Epcot’s 35th anniversary coming up Disney has released this hard to find promo video that used to play at Magic Kingdom in 1980.

Titled “The Dream Called EPCOT,” this video was used to offer guests a look at what they could expect when EPCOT Center opened. The video shows some behind the scenes footage of WED Enterprises during the development of EPCOT Center in the 1970s.

Disney was trying to ease guests into the idea of a new type of Disney theme park by showcasing the unique offerings that guests could look forward to in both Future World and World Showcase. The video shows construction footage, attraction models, concept art, and renderings for The Living Seas, Horizons, World of Motion, CommuniCore and Spaceship Earth. This video is also where guests got their first taste of some classic EPCOT attraction theme songs like “It’s Fun to Be Free,” “Universe of Energy” and “Listen to the Land.”

Epcot’s 35th anniversary will be this Sunday, October 1, 2017.