Walt Disney World Testing MemoryMaker Sales with Park & Party Tickets Through 10/31

WDWNT on September 30, 2014

Currently, MemoryMaker at Walt Disney World can only be purchased at two price points, one for advance purchases and another for day-of purchases. Starting immediately, guests can be part of a test which allows them to buy 1-day park or Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets that include the MemoryMaker.

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These tickets that include MemoryMaker can only currently be purchased at the ticket sales locations at the Transportation and Ticket Center. Guests who purchase the 1-day park tickets and/or party tickets will receive a MagicBand as well. The testing period will last through October 31st. Ticket prices are as follows (all include tax):

  • 1-day Magic Kingdom ticket with MemoryMaker: 146.97
  • 1-day Park Hopper ticket with MemoryMaker: 184.25
  • 1-day Water Parks Fun & More (Includes 2 “Fun” visits): 205.55
  • 1-day Park Hopper Water Parks Fun & More (Includes 2 “Fun” visits): 233.24

The ticket with MemoryMaker is also being tested on all remaining Mickey’s Not-so-Scary Halloween Party nights:

  • Party Ticket for 9/28/14: 107.57
  • October Party Tickets: 112.89 for nights priced at $67 normally, $117.15 for nights priced at $71 normally

PHOTOS & VIDEO: Astro Orbiter Resumes Flights; New Color Scheme for Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom

WDWNT on September 30, 2014

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Over the last few months, there had been some speculation that the new colors adorning Rocket Tower Plaza (home to the Astro Orbiter, Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover, and the Lunching Pad) would spread beyond the center of Tomorrowland and perhaps mean a new color scheme and look for the entire Magic Kingdom realm. Well, with the re-opening of the Astro Orbiter and the Disney Vacation Club booth nearby this past weekend, it seems Tomorrowland is about to get a fresh, bright new look…

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Teal, orange, white, and lime-green make-up the new colors on the DVC booth

Astro Orbiter rockets are now predominantly blue, with beige, red, and green accents

These colors will likely extend to other buildings in Tomorrowland later, but are just in the center area for now.

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The now-orange elevator shaft that lifts guests to the loading platform for Astro Orbiter

The Astro Orbiter re-opened with not only fresh paint on the rockets, but also a completely reconstructed centrifuge. With the new spinning structure, the rockets angle inward a bit more when you steer upwards, creating a sensation that you may spill out towards the center. The surrounding planets and such on the structure will no longer spin as it was decided the effect was just too unreliable over the years. Many a time, Disney would spend months working on fixing the planets, only for the effect to break a few weeks later. Regardless, we have a video of the updated attraction for you to enjoy:

So, what do you think of the new Astro Orbiter and the new Tomorrowland colors?

Dirk Wallen’s 8/7/14 Magic Kingdom Photo Report (Hub Work, Halloween Merch, Mansion Store, ETC.)

WDWNT on September 5, 2014

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen returns with some fantastic, newsworthy photos from the Magic Kingdom to share with us, so let’s take a look at what’s new:

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The parking lot at the Vacation Club wing at the Polynesian is taking shape

Work continues on the Hub expansion at the Magic Kingdom

Halloween merchandise has arrived

This year’s shirt features Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion


Mad Hatter Mocha cake cup served at Cheshire Café

The Seven Dwarfs Mine store is closed for refurbishment, but it’s unclear if it will return as the same store or carry Seven Dwarfs merchandise currently on sale at Hundred Acre Goods

The Yankee Trader is now closed for conversion into The Haunted Mansion-themed store

 

John Corigliano's 8/11/14 Magic Kingdom Photo Report (Peoplemover, Hub Construction, ETC.)

WDWNT on September 5, 2014

WDWNT Reporter John Corigliano visited the Magic Kingdom this weekend and has some newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip, so let’s take a look at what’s new:

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A Stitch photo-op is up on construction walls near Tomorrowland

Alright…

The Peoplemover has returned from refurbishment

Besides some new paint, not much has changed on the Peoplemover, but we still have a video ride-thru to share with you today

This side of the Astro Orbiter elevator shaft has still not been painted

Work continues on the expansion of the Hub

As you can see, an orange and red paint scheme has taken over the entrance and the center of the structure

Some of the painting hasn’t been finished yet

A look at the other side of the Astro Orbiter elevator shaft, painted orange now

Most of the Astro Orbiter is still missing

RUMOR: Is The Haunted Mansion Adding An On-Ride Photo Opportunity?

WDWNT on September 5, 2014

As we reported several weeks ago, The Haunted Mansion is finally getting a gift shop in the former Yankee Trader location in Liberty Square. Well, another long-standing rumor is making the rounds again and it seems like an on-ride photo may be available to guests who board a Doombuggy before the end of the year.

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The new Haunted Mansion store themed to Madame Leota was scheduled to open in October, but has since been pushed back officially to January 1st, 2015. In addition, a refurbishment of the Haunted Mansion has been scheduled from December 1st through the 19th of this year. Rumor has it that these few weeks in December will be used to install an on-ride photo (and/or video) opportunity inside of the attraction. If it comes to fruition, the photos could then be reviewed and purchased at the new store across from the attraction when it opens towards the end of 2014 or beginning of 2015.

There has been no information leaked about where the photo might be taken, but the assumption for many years is that it would happen in the hitchhiking ghost scene of the ride. With the installation of the new hitchhiking ghost projections  a few years back, it is unclear if a photo could also be taken of guests while the infrared technology is used to sense guests.

We’ll keep our eyes out for more information on this story as it becomes available, so stay tuned.

What do you think of the idea of an on-ride photo on the Haunted Mansion?

“Move It! Shake It! Dance and Play It!” Street Party Coming to the Magic Kingdom

WDWNT on September 5, 2014

The Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party has been one of the most positively received entertainment offerings in Walt Disney World history since debuting in 2009 at the Magic Kingdom. This Fall, the procession and dance party will be getting new characters, music, and an interactive element, along with a new name.

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The new name is the “Move It! Shake It! Dance and Play It! Street Party”. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy will now be atop the four party gift float units, while Phineas, Ferb, and Stitch will be new characters added to the streets during the show. No word has been given as to which other characters currently in the show will be staying or removed. The soundtrack will feature a number of new, remixed party songs.

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The interactive portion will have the crowd deciding between 3 current hit songs to be played.

The new show will debut in the Fall, but no exact date has been given yet.

Many New Additions Planned for “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party” for 2014

WDWNT on September 5, 2014

Walt Disney World today announced changes and addition to Mickey’s Not-so-Scary Halloweens Party for 2014:

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A few new Disney villain meet and greet opportunities are being added this year. Look for Jafar in Adventureland and the Queen of Hearts near Mad Tea Party in Fantasyland, while Lotso lurks near Buzz Lightyear in Tomorrowland.

At Princess Fairytale Hall, guests can choose between visiting Anna and Elsa or dropping in to see Snow White and Aurora, who will be joined by their corresponding The Queen and Maleficent.

Another all-new feature of this year’s event, Club Villain will take over The Diamond Horseshoe in Liberty Square with a wicked atmosphere, lively music, glowing décor, and appearances by Cruella De Vil, Dr. Facilier, Anastasia, Drizella, Lady Tremaine, and more.

Disney is also introducing enhancements to Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade, including the expansion of the Phineas and Ferb Creepa Crew pre-parade interactive experience to more of the parade route and the first-ever appearance of Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope in the parade.

All of these offerings come in addition to the usual assortments of meet and greets and entertainment the party has to offer.

“Villains’ Sinister Soiree” Dessert Party & Preferred Entertainment Viewing Added to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

WDWNT on September 5, 2014

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A new dessert party is taking place during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, the Villains’ Sinister Soiree: A Wicked Takeover of Cinderella Castle. Here is more information from Disney about the offering:

Join Lady Tremaine and her villainous friends at the witching hour for the season’s most decadent dessert party. Taking place during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary-Halloween Party, it’s the Villains’ Sinister Soiree: A Wicked Takeover of Cinderella Castle!

Set within the majestic halls of Cinderella’s Royal Table, don’t miss your chance to meet a menagerie of malevolent special guests—all while you indulge in devilish desserts and wicked entertainment.

As the evening continues, follow fellow Guests to the dining room, where the surroundings have transformed into an upscale, villainous atmosphere. Inside, enjoy the eerie entertainment as a piano player provides live music, accompanied by a few haunting solos from Lady Tremaine herself.

By purchasing a ticket to both Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the Villains’ Sinister Soiree: A Wicked Takeover of Cinderella Castle, you’ll receive preferred viewing for the 8:15 performance of Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade, as well preferred viewing for the Happy HalloWishes Fireworks Spectacular.

Plus, you’ll be treated to the Dessert Soiree at Cinderella’s Table—a delightful affair where you can feast your senses on Lady Tremaine’s eerie musical talents, over-the-top desserts and specialty non-alcoholic beverages. You’ll even receive an autograph card and a souvenir Maleficent dragon cup!

Admission
•Admission to the Villains’ Sinister Soiree: A Wicked Takeover of Cinderella Castle is available for $99 per person, plus tax (gratuity included).
•Please be aware that admission to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is required and is not included in the price.
•In addition, be aware that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a special ticketed event and is not included with admission to Magic Kingdom park.

Reservations
•Online booking is not available for the Villains’ Sinister Soiree: A Wicked Takeover of Cinderella Castle. To make a reservation, please call (407) 939-5262. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.
•Reservations are highly recommended for the Dessert Soiree at Cinderella’s Royal Table, taking place at both 10:15 PM and 11:45 PM on September 1, 9 and 12, 2014; and at 10:15 PM only on September 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28 and October 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 31, 2014.

Check-In
•To check in for the event, visit the Will Call booth outside the main entrance of Magic Kingdom park from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Starting at 7:30 PM, you may check in at the parade and fireworks viewing area in the central plaza by the Castle Forecourt Stage.
•Once you have checked in, you’ll receive a wristband identification, which must be presented to enter the preferred viewing areas and Cinderella’s Royal Table.
•If you choose not to participate in the preferred parade or fireworks viewing, you can check in at Cinderella’s Royal Table at your designated seating time.

Additional Information
•Entertainment and character appearances are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
•Reserved viewing for Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade is for the 8:15PM performance only.
•Wrist bands are non-transferrable and will not be replaced if lost or stolen.
•Please be advised that seating is not provided at the preferred parade or fireworks viewing. Wheelchairs and Electronic Conveyance Vehicles (ECVs) can be accommodated in the viewing areas and at Cinderella’s Royal Table.
•Disney dining plan entitlements may not be redeemed for this event.
•Offer may not be combined with any other discounts or promotions.
•There are a limited number of tickets available for this event.

The Villains appearing at this event will be Judge Frollo, Cruella De Ville, Captain Hook, The Evil Queen, Maleficent, the Queen of Hearts, Lady Tremaine, and Dr. Facilier. It is unclear if you will be able to meet all of these villains at each party.

Halloween night, October 31st, has sold out already and Disney expects all of these add-on packages to sell-out in the next 24-48 hours, so you may want to move quickly…

Haunted Mansion “Ghost Capture” Game Coming to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2014

WDWNT on September 5, 2014

Get your iPhone and iPad ready for some ghost hunting at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year…

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The official description reads:

Be a part of the Halloween mayhem in this augmented reality experience where 3D Disney Characters come to life!

The Hitchhiking Ghosts have escaped, and they’ve created Mayhem at the Mansion!

To help bring the ghosts back to Haunted Mansion®, Guests attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party* at Magic Kingdom® Park can look for the ghosts on their event map (available beginning September 9). Help capture every ghost and then send them back to Haunted Mansion!

Who knows. If you should want to join the rest of the spooks in the Haunted Mansion®, they are always making room for more. Any volunteers?

Download this target to try it now and watch a special message with Vampire Mickey!
DisneyMansionMayhem.com

*This is a separately priced, ticket event.

This event begins September 9th, so it will not be working at the first parties for some reason. Guests will be using the camera on their phone to fin, capture, and return guests to the Haunted Mansion through this app.

The app is now available for download in the App Store if you would like to explore the backstory and more of the functionality of the game.

Credit to Stitch Kingdom for finding the app.