“Limited Time Magic” Brings End-Of-Summer Parties to Walt Disney World & Disneyland

WDWNT on September 13, 2013

What’s the best way to end the summer season? With a party, of course! Walt Disney World  and Disneyland just announced more “Limited Time Magic” with end-of-summer parties at both resorts.

Starting on Monday, “Limited Time Magic” presents a rockin’ celebration at the Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland, between Space Mountain and the Carousel of Progress. This celebration will feature Disney’s canine friends, Pluto, Bolt, Dug — all with dance along to music spun by DJ K-9. Even Lilo’s “dog,” Stitch, will stop by to crank things up a bit. This dance party will only happen for a limited time, from August 26th – September 1st.

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Disneyland is also having their share of fun during the same week — at the Paradise Pier at the Disney California Adventure Park. Like the last summer days at the beach, Paradise Pier will be celebrating with boardwalk-style acts and a variety of your favorite Disney characters ready to party with you.

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How will you be celebrating the end of the summer?

Dirk Wallen’s 8/24/13 WDW (Magic Kingdom & Epcot) Photo Report

WDWNT on September 13, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited the Magic Kingdom and Epcot on Saturday and has some newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip so let’s take a look:

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Work continues on the pavement outside of the Emporium

Work is wrapping up on this facade across the street on Uptown Jewelers

The Haunted Mansion no longer gives you a choice, if you go stand-by, you go through the interactive queue

Tarps still up at the former Fantasyland restrooms

The marquee and signage for Princess Fairytale Hall has finally gone up

Work continues on the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train attraction

Still a bit messy in there…

It’s looking better every day

Some new details emerging over the walls

While not open yet, the new food stand near Triton’s Treasures and across from The Little Mermaid is out from behind walls

This stand will specialize in healthier options, but will have 5 flavors of shaved ice!

Moving over to Epcot, they are still fixing up some sections of Leave a Legacy

Walls are up outside of Project Tomorrow, near Spaceship Earth

The seating area in Innoventions West is back without any changes made… seems it was just temporary office space

The Segway area is still closed with no signs of life or replacement

“Unleash the Villains” on September 13th to Include New Fireworks Spectacular

WDWNT on September 13, 2013

We finally have some details on the “Unleash the Villains” event being held at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Friday, September 13th from 8PM-1AM EST. The focal point of the event will be the stage in front of the Sorcerer’s Hat which will be turned into “Hades’ Hangout” for the evening. Being dubbed “The Hottest Club North of The Underworld”, Hades will host a party with his henchmen, dancers, interactive DJ, and house band.

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The 13 villain meet and greets will be hosted around the stage area, offering guests a chance to meet and greet with their favorite Disney baddies.

At midnight, the festivities on the ground will pause for a brand-new fireworks show called “Villainy in the Sky” will be performed above the Sorcerer’s Hat.

So, what do you think about this special event coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios?

Represent Your Favorite British TV Shows With New Items From the U.K Pavilion

WDWNT on September 13, 2013

Do several TV shows from the United Kingdom make it into your top 10 list of your all-time favorite, or favourite as the case may be, shows?

If so, now you’ll be able to represent shows such as Downton Abbey, Doctor Who, and even Monty Python’s Flying Circus with a new selection of apparel, mugs, posters and other items now available at the Sportsman’s Shoppe, located across from the Rose and Crown Pub in the United Kingdom Pavilion at Epcot.

Featuring references to characters and events in Downton Abbey, even the Dowager Countess is well represented:

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The Doctor Who display already in the store has been expanded with more items:

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And, while nobody ever expects the Spanish Inquisition, you can be sure to get your silly walk on with these Monty Python-inspired shirts:

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 So whether it’s for you or a fellow fan of British television on your gift list, be sure to stop by the Sportsman’s Shoppe, located across from the Rose and Crown Pub in the United Kingdom Pavilion.

So, will you be picking up any of this merchandise on your next visit?

“Celebrate The Magic” Adding Disney Villains To The Mix Starting Sunday

WDWNT on September 13, 2013

Just in time for Halloween, some of the Disney Villains are coming to Celebrate the Magic on Sunday, September 1st:

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This new segment of “Celebrate the Magic” places the Disney villains center stage. From the sea witch Ursula, lording over the poor unfortunate souls trapped in her underwater lair, to the demon Chernabog from Walt Disney’s “Fantasia,” spreading his wings across the face of Cinderella Castle, it promises to be a particularly dark and foreboding chapter.

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Things heat up as Maleficent casts a forest of thorns around the base of the castle, and then transforms into a wicked, fire-breathing dragon who threatens to destroy the very magic we’ve come to celebrate. Fear not, though. As with all great Disney stories, this one is sure to have a happy ending.

Stay tuned to WDWNT.com as we will have coverage of the debut of this new segment over the weekend.

Marquee & New Details Unveiled for Princess Fairytale Hall at The Magic Kingdom

WDWNT on September 13, 2013

Here’s some exciting news from New Fantasyland at the Magic Kindom Park … Disney Imagineers added and officially unveiled the attraction’s marquee recently!

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This beautiful character meet-and-greet is set to open this fall, and will feature stone walls and stained glass windows. There will be a large gallery with vaulted ceilings, filled with portraits of Disney princesses, where guests will have the magical experience of meeting with Disney princesses. There will be separate queues for guests to meet Rapunzel or Cinderella, each of which will be joined by an additional princess that can be Snow White, Aurora, Jasmine, or Mulan depending on when you visit.

Recently, 11 Princess icons were added to the facade as well, representing every Disney Princess to date:

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Stay tuned to WDW News Today for more as we get closer to the opening of Princess Fairytale Hall in New Fantasyland!

Halloween Merchandise at Disney Parks Features New Items & Returning Favorites

WDWNT on September 13, 2013

Halloween merchandise has arrived at Disney Parks! The assortment includes some new items as well as returning favorites, and includes home and decorative goods, plush, pins, Vinylmations, softlines, souvenirs, and more.

This year there are new antenna toppers, featuring a scarecrow, a ghost Mickey Mouse, and pumpkins. There’ll be a Hitchhiking Ghost topper coming in October.

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Another new item that looks awesome is the Singing Busts ornament set.  A nice complement to the other Haunted Mansion home items that were introduced last February, this set features five stylized busts inspired by the graveyard scene, and was designed by Disney Design Group artist Costa Alavezos.

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Being released September 20th are two new 3-inch Vinylmation figures designed by artist Caley Hicks of the Disney Design Group .

two new 3-inch Halloween Vinylmation figuresAnd starting September 10th, you can begin looking forward to a number of new pins created especially for the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom Park. Here are Chip n’ Dale, and a collection of Happy Haunts.

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Following are some of the other Halloween merchandise you can look forward to.

How about a Halloween Duffy Bear?

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A variety of buckets, including Halloween Ghost Buckets,

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Halloween Popcorn Buckets,

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and Halloween Trick-or-Treat Buckets!

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Here are some Halloween Flags that look pretty cool.

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And of course Halloween Ear Hats.

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A number of Halloween T-Shirt designs for Kids and Adults

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Kids Halloween Shirts

And let’s not forget Madam Leota Globes

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You can also find many of these items and more in the Disney Parks online store. I hope you can find just the merchandise to put you in the spirit!

Continue to follow WDW News Today for all your Disney Halloween news.

VIDEO: Disappointing Disney Villains Segment Invades “Celebrate the Magic” Show

WDWNT on September 13, 2013

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Short and sweet, and perhaps a bit underwhelming, the Villains segment debuted in “Celebrate the Magic” on Sunday evening at the Magic Kingdom. The new segment of the show is included to celebrate Halloween and does so in a very short run time under 1.5 minutes. See the segment for yourself:

Removed from the show is the seasonal summer segment, as well as the segment featuring Buzz Lightyear, Pirates of the Caribbean and Brave.

Unlike previous additions to the show, the Villains portion does little to use the castle for any novel effects. While we always appreciate seasonal updates to the show, this one seems somewhat ill-concieved

So, what do you think of this new segment?

Dirk Wallen’s 8/28/13 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on September 13, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Epcot and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort on Thursday and has a number of newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

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The food court at All-Star Sports is closed for major renovations through December

You can catch a shuttle to the other All-Stars while this is going on

The arcade has been closed to become a temporary food court of sorts

At least guests have an option at their hotel

A number of pre-packaged options

Plenty of seats available

These new pieces have been installed in the lobby at each All-Star Resort. It’s expected they will interact with MagicBands at some point


Moving over to Epcot, the Cool Wash was closed for a few days for changes you’ll see in a later report…

Still doesn’t make them open this thing…

The new restrooms at the American Adventure are nearing completion

Work continues on Spice Road Table in Morocco

The new stage for Mo’ Rockin’ was completed and has opened on the left side of the pavilion

IT’S ALMOST TIME FOR FOOD & WINE!!!

Prep work is well underway

REVIEW: Garden Kiosk Opens at Animal Kingdom to Assist Guests with Allergies

WDWNT on September 13, 2013

With up to 15 million Americans having food allergies, Walt Disney World has responded with several options for guests traveling to the resorts. The newest resource for guests with dietary restrictions is the Garden Kiosk, which recently opened at the Animal Kingdom Park.

On a recent trip to Walt Disney World, I decided to stop by the Garden Kiosk and see what food options they have available to guests. While the Garden Kiosk was difficult to find, and not all Cast Members knew where to direct me, I did finally locate the Garden Kiosk near the exit to the “It’s Tough to Be a Bug” attraction and the Adventurer’s Outpost.

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While visiting the Garden Kiosk, I was able to chat with the Cast Member behind the counter. She mentioned that the Garden Kiosk has three main objectives:

First, the kiosk sells pre-packaged snacks, drinks, and fruit that are allergen-free. Guests can also use their Snack Points from the Disney Dining Plan at the Garden Kiosk.

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Second, guests can check with the Garden Kiosk for menu ingredients from all of the restaurants at the Animal Kingdom. Behind the counter of the kiosk, the Cast Member has several giant binders with which to refer. Guests can visit the kiosk with questions, and the Cast Member can look in the binders for the restaurant, the dish, the ingredients in that dish, and any allergens that could potentially problems for guests with dietary restrictions. The Garden Kiosk also provides a pamphlet with a listing of menu choices and allergen-free options.

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Third, the Garden Kiosk’s aim is to provide Quick-Service options for guests with dietary restrictions. Guest with advanced dining reservations at Table Service Restaurants can contact the Walt Disney World Special Diets department and alert them to the guest’s dietary restrictions and have alternate menu choices available when they arrive to their reservation. For Quick-Service dining, it’s not that easy to know where to eat when a guest has a dietary restriction. The Garden Kiosk hopes to guide guests with those Quick-Service menu choices while still keeping with their dietary needs.

While I visited the Garden Kiosk, a guest came to the counter to ask about the ingredients in cotton candy at one of the snack carts. Her granddaughter had a gluten-allergy and she wanted to make sure there wasn’t any ingredients in the cotton candy that would cause an allergic reaction. The Cast Member checked the reference binders, made sure there wasn’t any allergens in the snack, and assured the woman that it was a safe choice for her granddaughter.

The Garden Kiosk is a pilot program. If guests respond well to the Garden Kiosk at Animal Kingdom, there may be more kiosks installed in other parks at Walt Disney World.

Do you have a food allergy? What has been your experience with dining within the Walt Disney World resorts? Will you visit the Garden Kiosk?