PHOTOS: Epcot Tests Strange Paint Scheme on Innoventions Buildings

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

If you’ve been to Epcot over the last few days, you probably couldn’t help seeing this…

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When this strange pattern started to appear on the exteriors of the Innoventions buildings, we assumed they were testing paint schemes they might be interested in. It seems this may actually be the desired result…




It’s definitely on the odd side, but I don’t think it looks terrible. It will certainly be interesting to see what the final product looks like…

What do you think?

Disney’s “Best Moment Ever” Sweepstakes Now Open For Entries

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

Running now through May 14, 2014, Disney’s Best Moment Ever sweepstakes is now accepting entries from fans competing to win a trip for 4 to The Walt Disney World Resort. All they have to do is share a photo and a caption of one of their favorite moments.

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Every Disney Princess has had their best moment ever. Merida was able to change her fate, Tiana realized her dream of opening her own restaurant, and Rapunzel finally made it to see the sky lanterns. Now, you can share your best moment ever for a chance to win a Walt Disney World Resort vacation and participate in the Disney Royal Family 5K.

To enter, submit a photo that portrays a moment of achievement in any activity (recreational, educational or a significant moment in time). Along with your photo, submit a caption that best describes your moment in less than 140 characters. You can check out examples in the Best Moment Ever Photo Gallery and for more detailed instructions, visit Disney.com/BestMomentEver and read the official rules.

Entrants will have a chance to win 1 of 5 prizes:

     1 GRAND PRIZE WINNER will receive a 4 days/3 nights Disney Parks Vacation for 4 to The Walt Disney World® Resort:

  •          Roundtrip coach Airfare (If winner resides more than 250 miles from Orlando International Airport)
  •          2 Nights at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel
  •          1 Night at the Cinderella Castle Suite in the Magic Kingdom® Park at Walt Disney Worldc Resort
  •          4 Day Magic Your Way Tickets with Park Hopper® Option
  •         4 Tickets to the runDisney “Royal Family 5K” as part of the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World® Resort on February 20, 2015

     1 FIRST PRIZE WINNER will receive a $1,000 Disney Store shop card

     3 SECOND PRIZE WINNERS will receive a $100 Disney Store shop card

Go to Disney.com/BestMomentEver to submit your entry today.

VIDEO: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Testing Gives Guests First Views of Swinging, Swaying Vehicles

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

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While visiting the Magic Kingdom yesterday, WDWNT Reporter Joe Hogarty couldn’t help but notice that the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train was being tested with trains full of weights. With more of the construction walls coming down yesterday, we can get a clear look at the trains running through most of the outdoor portion of the ride and see how they will swing and sway with guests inside:

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is scheduled to open in May 2014, but no exact date has been given yet. The attraction will be the final component to open in the New Fantasyland project which was announced almost 5 years ago and has been under construction for 4 years.

Dirk Wallen’s 4/22/14 WDW Photo Report (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, ETC.)

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s animal Kingdom yesterday and has a number of newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

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The lobby lives on…

Still no visible progress at the old Wyland Gallery

The temporary Captain Cook’s is what is usually where Cast Members eat at the resort

The Disney Vacation Club bungalows are progressing nicely

Not hard to believe these will open by next year, they have progressed quickly

Moving over to the Magic Kingdom, work continues on the Hub

Some temporary popcorn and ice cream carts have been added as they demolish the old locations in the hub

Tarps up on some of the buildings in the Agrabah section of Adventureland

Tarps came down, but walls are still up outside of the Tiki Room

Walls still up across from the Little Mermaid in New Fantasyland, related to the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train construction

The DVC kiosk got a name…

Most of the walls around Seven Dwarfs Mine Train have come down

Some remain near the entrance

The sign for the attraction is now up

Moving over to Animal Kingdom, work continues on the Harambe Theatre, new home to Festival of the Lion King

Walls still up near the stroller parking in Africa

Walls are also up along the Wildlife Express Train route, not sure if the two are related

Disney Announces Official Festivities for 25th Anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

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On May 1st, 2014, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will mark its 25th anniversary with some special events in the park:

  • At 10 a.m., Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will take the stage with Disney’s Hollywood Studios Vice President Dan Cockerell to start the celebration day, honoring some of the 25-year cast members during a short rededication ceremony.
  • A special motorcade — “Stars of the Studios” — will make its way down Hollywood Blvd. beginning at 7 p.m. and feature many of the famous characters showcased throughout the park. Mickey and Minnie will be joined by television and film stars including Captain Jack Sparrow, Darth Vader, Doc McStuffins, Wreck-It Ralph, Venellope, Sofia the First and more.
  • Following the motorcade, the area in front of the park’s Sorcerer Hat Stage will become a dance party before a fireworks show ends the day in grand fashion at 9:30 p.m. The pyrotechnics show, which will be high in the sky above the Sorcerer Mickey Hat, will pay tribute to 25 years of show business stories that have been told throughout the park.
  •  And finally, a taste-tempting treat — a 25th Anniversary Chocolate Nutella Cupcake — will be sold at many of the park’s quick service dining locations during the day.

As we posted last week, special merchandise to mark the occasion will also be available.

WDWNT will be there to cover all of the festivities for those who can’t make it (as well as Studios 25), so stay tuned!

Don’t Miss out on WDWCelebrations’ Studio 25 Event, May 1st-4th!

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

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There are just a few days left to secure your ticket for the ultimate Disney fan event of the year! This year WDW Celebrations is hosting Studio 25 in celebration of Disney’s Hollywood Studios silver anniversary on May 1st, 2014. Studio 25 is a four day event packed with activities all around the Walt Disney World resort.

Just to name a few highlights from the Studio 25 schedule, a scavenger hunt, group rides (yes they really do cram a group of 100+ people into line for an attraction), a trivia challenge and a new game to be unveiled! Did I also mention those games and challenges include prizes? Because they do, so brush up on your Hollywood Studios facts! Those are just a few of the event offerings, for a look at the full schedule please visit their website here. Please note the event schedule is always subject to change for various reason such as inclement weather (and let’s face it in Florida that’s not unusual!) If you plan on attending the event, I recommend staying up to date throughout the event with Event Alert Service.

The events hosted by WDW Celebrations are always a great complement to the official events hosted by Disney. This year Disney is hosting several events throughout the day at Hollywood Studios including, a rededication of the park, a special motorcade — “Stars of the Studios,” and lastly a dance party will precede a special firework show at 9:30 p.m. 

Personally I must say the highlight of all the WDW Celebrations events I have attended in the past has been getting to celebrate with fellow fans. You will get to spend time with old friend as well as make new friends!

So don’t miss out on this opportunity to celebrate, sign up before it’s too late! Tickets are available for purchase until Sunday April 29, 2014. Tickets can be purchased here for just $10 for adults and $6 for children. Don’t forget this event also gives back, a portion of all the proceeds will be going to the charity Give Kids the World!

As the WDWNT Network is an official partner with WDW Celebrations many staff members will be in attendance at the event! We hope to see you all there and please feel free to come up and say hi!

 

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Anna & Elsa from Frozen Move to Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

Starting Sunday, April 20, 2014, Anna and Elsa from Disney’s hit animated film Frozen began greeting guests at Princess Fairytale Hall at the Magic Kingdom. The pair was greeting guests in Norway at Epcot, with with the Summer months approaching and no interior queue for guests to keep cool, Disney decided it would be best to move the sisters to the fairly new Princess Fairytale Hall, which opened as part of New Fantasyland last year.

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210 minutes will be a pretty average wait time to meet Anna and Elsa, we suggest booking FastPass+ as soon as you can for your trip if you want to see them

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Anna and Elsa posing inside Princess Fairytale Hall

We also have a short video of the experience to share:

Unlimited FastPass+ With Park-Hopping Begins 4/28/14

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

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Starting Monday April 28th, after guests have used their first three FastPass+ selections that they arranged before arriving, they will be able to select another one at one of the kiosks located in each of the WDW parks. When they’ve used that one, they’ll be able to select another, and so on. Guests will also be able to select and use their additional FastPass+ entitlements when they hop from park to park.

Stay tuned to WDW News Today as more information on the rollout of MyMagic+ becomes available.

Synopsis of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in New Fantasyland, What We Know So Far

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

It seems like we may be days (even hours) from the first guests riding the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom, so it seems like a good time to recap what we already know about this attraction coming to the Magic Kingdom sometime in May 2014.

Here are some recent photos taken of the attraction, now no longer hiding behind construction walls:

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Here’s the synopsis of the attraction experience that Disney is now sharing with guests:

Embark for family-friendly thrills as you enjoy the twistiest, turniest, rollickingest ride in New Fantasyland.

Showcasing a first-of-its kind coaster system, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train cruises along through a fabulous mine—glittering with diamonds, emeralds and other precious gems—swinging and swaying Guests up large lifts, across sharp banks and around exhilarating turns.

Come feel a rush of enchantment and excitement too as you take off on this all-new addition to Magic Kingdom park!

Plus, be on the lookout for several favorite characters from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs—they’re all here, recreated in vivid detail using innovative technology that brings their 3-dimensional expressions to life.
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Follow the path of forest creatures as you pass a cozy woodland cottage on your way to the mountain slope. From its footprints, enter the mine of the Seven Dwarfs, where a treasure trove of experiences awaits!

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Help Doc at an Interactive Queue! Within a covered wooden tunnel carved into the mountainside, discover a series of mining stations prepared by Doc, each one a gem of its own:

  • Jewel Sorting – Follow Doc’s instructions, etched into a nearby plank, and help match jewels by color and shape as they flow down a wooden trough—a.k.a. dozens of touch-screen video displays.
  • Jewel Washing – After the jewels are sorted, grab ahold of a musical water spigot and start cleaning. Each spigot plays its own melody—heed Doc’s tips and you may hear a collection of familiar tunes!
  • The Vault – Inside the door of the mountain, enter the center of the vault to find a collection of wooden barrels overflowing with glowing stones. Turn each barrel to see the ceiling above you transformed!

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Then hop into your mine cart—hewn together with wood, metal bands and nails—and get ready for a ride like no other as your train departs, winding down and around before starting its ascent up a steep hill.

Near the peak, beware the broken track that lies before you, along with 2 ominous vultures perched atop an abandoned jib crane. Peer beyond the sea of empty crates and barrels, and listen closely to hear a familiar song being sung from the depths of the mountain.

Once you reach the tippy top, hold on tight—this adventure’s only getting started!

Feel the wind in your face when your cart teeters over the crest, traveling down and around the mountain and deep into the mine shaft. Soon, the dark begins to sparkle as you happen upon the Seven Dwarfs hard at work—whistling and singing while collecting diamonds, rubies and other shining jewels.

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All your Dwarf friends are accounted for—Sleepy, Happy, Grumpy, Dopey, Sneezy, Bashful and Doc—as you careen through the cavern and climb toward an opening to the outside world. At the top, soak up an inspiring view of New Fantasyland before arriving back to the foot of the mountain.

After passing behind a waterfall, prepare for a party as you peek inside a rustic cottage where Snow White and her Dwarf friends are dancing in celebration, just as this rocking ride comes to an end!

So, who’s excited to finally see the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train?

Don’t Miss Live Coverage of Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ 25th Anniversary on May 1st!

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

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Tune in tomorrow, May 1st, to @WDWNT on twitter for live coverage throughout the day of the festivities at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to mark the park’s historic 25th anniversary! We’ll also be posting photos and video of the special events as soon as we can. On this coming weekend’s WDW News Today: The Radio Show (Saturday at 7PM on AM 1520 WBZW) and on the WDW News Today Podcast, we’ll also be sharing audio and insight of the day’s events.

Here’s a schedule of the major events of the day which we will be sharing with you through our coverage:

  • At 10 a.m., Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will take the stage with Disney’s Hollywood Studios Vice President Dan Cockerell to start the celebration day, honoring some of the 25-year cast members during a short rededication ceremony.
  • A special motorcade — “Stars of the Studios” — will make its way down Hollywood Blvd. beginning at 7 p.m. and feature many of the famous characters showcased throughout the park. Mickey and Minnie will be joined by television and film stars including Captain Jack Sparrow, Darth Vader, Doc McStuffins, Wreck-It Ralph, Venellope, Sofia the First and more.
  • Following the motorcade, the area in front of the park’s Sorcerer Hat Stage will become a dance party before a fireworks show ends the day in grand fashion at 9:30 p.m. The pyrotechnics show, which will be high in the sky above the Sorcerer Mickey Hat, will pay tribute to 25 years of show business stories that have been told throughout the park.

If you will be in the park tomorrow, be sure to say “hi” if you spot us!