New Concept Art of the Fantasyland Forest Expansion

WDWNT on March 8, 2010

While the presentation about the Fantasyland Expansion during the D23 First Anniversary party did not allow photography of any kind, there were ten pieces of artwork on display at Ariel’s Grotto during the party, some new, some you may have seen before:

The overall view, nothing new here

Old concept art of Dumbo’s Circus area and the “Dueling Dumbos”

The exterior of “Dreams Come True with Cinderella”

Old concept art of “Under The Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid”. A new version of this artwork was shown during the presentation, however, photography was not allowed. The ride will use omnimover vehicles very much like those found at the Seas with Nemo and Friends

Old concept art of “A Birthday Surprise for Sleeping Beauty”

Old concept art of “Dreams Come True with Cinderella”

Old concept art of Gaston’s Tavern

New concept art of the cottage that will hold the magic mirror transporting guests into “Enchanted Tales with Belle”

Older concept art of “Be Our Guest” Restaurant, but take note of the “living character” Lumiere being wheeled around, along with the stained glass windows featuring Beauty and the Beast characters towards the back of the room

New concept art showing the entrance to the Beast’s Castle and the “Be Our Guest” Restaurant

Video of Updated Frontierland Hoedown

WDWNT on March 8, 2010

Although it is not listed on any Magic Kingdom times guides yet, Disney is testing a new version of the long-running Frontierland Hoedown daily at 9:40, 10:40, & 11:40AM daily. Here is a video of the updated show taken by WDWNT Reporter Banks Lee:

Pins Move Further “Uptown” at Magic Kingdom

WDWNT on February 23, 2010

From the “What’s HapPINing Blog” at DisneyPins.com:

It was an early morning for Julie, Jeanne and Sylvie, Product Developers from the Disney Pin Team. They joined members from Magic Kingdom® Park Merchandise to help set a “new” location for Disney pins. We call this location the “Tip Board Cart” as it is located directly across from the tip board at the end of Main Street U.S.A.® toward Cinderella Castle. This “new” location means that we have retired the Uptown Jewelers as a location for pins.

Tip Board Cart

As you can see from the image below, this location contains an assortment of various trading pins and accessories. If you are looking for a larger selection of items, make sure you stop by Frontierland Trading Post in the Frontierland® Area.

Close Up Look

Julie told her and the team arrived around 4:15 a.m. to set the location. It only took a couple of hours to set but we think it looks great. Next time you are in Magic Kingdom® Park, please stop by.

Matt Paul’s 2/10-2/11/10 Media Event Video Coverage

WDWNT on February 16, 2010

“What’s New, What’s Next” – Walt Disney World Resort

“What’s New, What’s Next” – Interviews

“Celebrate Volunteers” Media Event

Epcot “Can Do” Cavalcade

“Disney’s Friends for Change” – Private Concert featuring Demi Lovato & Joe Jonas

Summer Nightastic Overview

WDWNT on February 11, 2010

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Feb. 10, 2010) – The “Main Street Electrical Parade” lights up the streets of Magic Kingdom and headlines a season of after-dark excitement coming to Walt Disney World Resort.

“After the sun goes down, our Walt Disney World parks will light up the night with ‘Summer Nightastic!’, ” announced Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort, at a media event Wednesday.

Disney magic will shine and shimmer in a whole new light. Here’s a look around:

  • With floats and characters appearing for the first time at Walt Disney World Resort, Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” returns with its joyous sights and sounds. Direct from Disneyland and marking its first engagement in Florida since 2001, the cherished parade will be led by Tinker Bell waving from the basket of a magical balloon aboard a new float. Pinocchio and Snow White join the parade this summer, aboard bright new floats. Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” is set for its summer-long nighttime premiere in early June at Magic Kingdom.
  • The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror welcomes “drop-ins” this summer with even more pulse-racing surprises. New lighting effects and the addition of a new drop sequence, created especially for “Summer Nightastic!”, will bring unexpected frights to guests who step into that infamous service elevator. If they dare.
  • What could be more summery than fireworks on a star-studded night? Magic Kingdom will treat guests to a special summer fireworks spectacular. The night sky will explode in vivid colors and brilliant visual effects as whimsical music fills the air.
  • Other fun! The return of the Sounds Like Summer concert series to Epcot and extended evening hours at Disney’s Animal Kingdom several times a week add up to summer fun as only Disney can do – at all four Walt Disney World theme parks.