D23 Expo – Parks and Resorts Presentation: Fantasyland Videos

WDWNT on August 20, 2011

From Jennifer Fickley-Baker on the Disney Parks Blog:

Ever wonder how Disney develops new attractions and experiences for its theme parks and resorts? Today, Tom Staggs, chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, and Bruce Vaughn, chief creative officer, Walt Disney Imagineering, took us on a behind-the-scenes look at the creative design process for the Magic Kingdom Park New Fantasyland expansion at Walt Disney World Resort.

When Imagineers start building a new park or a land, they first create a detailed scale model to help visualize what the project will look like when it’s complete. Models like the one in this Magic Kingdom Park New Fantasyland flythrough video are not only works of art, but they’re also an invaluable tool that helps Imagineers visualize sight lines, analyze guest traffic patterns and get an overall sense of the design and aesthetics.

Some of the attractions and restaurants coming to New Fantasyland that you saw in that video include:

  • Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid where guests will get to experience what it’s like to go under the sea with Ariel and her friends.
  • Enchanted Tales with Belle where families and children will have the opportunity to meet Belle with a whole new degree of interactivity and personalization.
  • Dumbo The Flying Elephant, complete with an interactive queue under the Big Top and not one but two Dumbo attractions.
  • Be Our Guest Guests can dine in three separate dining rooms in the Beast’s castle. The main dining room is the Ballroom, where Belle and Beast had their first dance, in the West Wing or in the Castle Galley during lunch hours.
  • Gaston’s Tavern, a place where guests can dine in splendor and pay tribute to the manliest of men…Gaston himself!

Tom also gave D23 Expo attendees even more detail around the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train where guests will take a journey through the diamond mine of the Seven Dwarfs in a new ride system designed by Walt Disney Imagineering. The ride system allows each mine car to swing back and forth individually as the train twists and turns along the track. But don’t take my word for it – see for yourself.

Apricot Lane Opens at Downtown Disney

WDWNT on August 12, 2011

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Fashionistas of all ages will have a hot new shopping spot at Downtown Disney as Apricot Lane Boutique opens its doors today. The stylish store will offer one-of-a-kind gifts, trendy accessories and all the latest fashions for moms and daughters. My soon to be 13-year-old already has it on her radar for a birthday shopping spree. Good thing the collections are affordable.

Apricot Lane carries a nice mix of celebrity-inspired brands – the kind you would usually find at upscale department stores or fancy shops – including Miss Me, Lucky Brand, Vintage Havana and Chaser. It will be the go to place for fun and unusual trinkets and gifts, while also offering punk rock t-shirts, contemporary sportswear, chic dresses, plus handbags and jewelry for the perfect night out.

The boutique recently opened a location at Downtown Disney in Disneyland Resort in Anaheim with huge fanfare. It will be great for visitors to Orlando and for locals who want to avoid the mall.

The Technology Behind New Fantasyland

WDWNT on August 10, 2011

From Jennifer Fickley-Baker on the Disney Parks Blog:

Who’s up for another inside look at the construction of the New Fantasyland?

In the video below, Walt Disney Imagineering takes you onto the construction site to learn more about the innovative technology the Imagineers are using to build the new attractions, restaurants and other guest areas that will make up the expansion.

As you’ll see, this visualization technology allows the team to identify any potential challenges before construction begins. Tablet computers also allow Imagineers to take the program onsite to see how work is progressing.

If you look closely enough at the video, you’ll catch some pretty unique views inside Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid and the Be Our Guest Restaurant.

Fantasmic! Refurbishment Has Us Imagining Some Possible Show Changes

WDWNT on August 4, 2011

It is now confirmed that Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will not run from January 5th to February 12th, 2012. We have been getting a lot of questions about this closure and if it means the show will be changing. While everything is purely speculation at this time, let’s look at the facts. The show will only be closed for a little over 5 weeks. This is not enough time for any serious overhaul such as a new high-tech dragon, but is at least enough time for some technical upgrades. It is more than possible that new lighting, projectors, and props could be introduced to the show as installation time on items like this is not very lengthy. At this point, we should probably just be happy that the show is getting some TLC at all and will probably look a lot better following the brief closure.

If anything on this story should change, WDW News Today will keep you posted. For now, any major changes are simply “in your imagination”.

“Key to the Kingdom” WDW 40th Anniversary Ink and Paint Cel Premieres

WDWNT on August 4, 2011

Art of Disney Parks recently announced a new Ink and Paint Cel that is on the way just in time for Walt Disney World’s 40th anniversary:

Event: Key to the Kingdom Ink and Paint Cel Premiere
Special Guests: Disney Design Group Artist, Costa Alavezos and Ink & Paint Artists, James Bonserio, Erin Magill, Theodora M. DeLaney, David Rippberger, Lynn Rippberger, Sharon K. Vincent
Event Date: Saturday, September 3, 2011
Event Times: 10:00am -1:00pm & 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Event Location: Studios Animation Gallery, Disney’s Hollywood Studios™

Celebrate 40 Magical years with the newest commemorative release from the Disney Studios Ink & Paint Team!

Key to the Kingdom captures the essence of wonder and excitement that comprised the magical kingdom since it opened its gates on October 1, 1971.

The talented Ink & Paint team hand painted the iconic Mickey Mouse and loveable Pluto onto each Key to the Kingdom cel in this celebratory release comprised of 1500 cels.

An exclusively designed pin has been created to commemorate the release of the new cel, the pin is available with the first 750 orders placed for a framed cel only.



Key to the Kingdom
Limited Edition Pin

The Ink and Paint cel frames are wooden frames with options of either black or gold finishing.  All Ink and Paint cels are framed in museum grade plexi to preserve the delicate art.

If you are unable to attend the premiere of Key to the Kingdom, but would still like to purchase the Ink & Paint cel, please contact Walt Disney Event Services to pre-order your cel.

All pre-orders must be placed with
Walt Disney Event Services no later than
Friday, September 2, 2011 by 3:00pm EST.

Walt Disney Event Services
at 407-827-7600
Monday – Friday
9:00am – 12:00pm & 1:00pm – 5:00pm

Key to the Kingdom 
IS AVAILABLE IN THE FOLLOWING FRAME OPTIONS:

FRAMING OPTIONS & RETAILS
Unframed Cel $125
Black Frame and Cel $215
Black Frame with Pin and Cel $240
Black Frame with Pin, Postcard and Cel $265
Gold Frame and Cel $290

“I’m Chiquita Banana And I’m Here To Sponsor”

WDWNT on August 2, 2011

 

Walt Disney World Resort and Chiquita Brands International announced an agreement July 29 that will bring premium, healthy fresh Chiquita and Fresh Express products to a number of retail points at Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line. This new strategic alliance represents the commitment of both companies to provide consumers with healthy food options.

“We are pleased to work with Disney to offer healthy, nutritious Chiquita and Fresh Express products to the millions of Guests who visit Walt Disney World Resort as well as the Disney Cruise Line each year,” said Fernando Aguirre, Chiquita chairman and chief executive officer. “This alliance joins two companies with the shared commitment of providing quality experiences to consumers. This is yet another step in Chiquita’s efforts to improve world nutrition by extending distribution of our healthy fresh products, now to include the world’s favorite vacation destinations.”Throughout the Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line, Chiquita and Fresh Express products will receive brand exclusivity within their respective categories and enjoy significant exposure to important consumer segments. The new agreement continues Chiquita’s expansion into distribution points beyond traditional channels as well as providing an opportunity for Chiquita to educate consumers about the benefits of proper nutrition.

“This alliance complements our company’s commitment to providing Guests with high-quality, healthy food options,” said George Aguel, senior vice president, Corporate Alliances for The Walt Disney Company.

As part of the agreement, Chiquita will serve as the sponsor of both the “Crush ‘n’ Gusher” at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, themed around a tropical fruit processing center, and the “Living with the Land” attraction at Epcot, where Chiquita will join forces with Disney to help teach Guests about nutrition. In another joint effort, Chiquita also will participate in the runDisney marathon series to help promote healthy living and active lifestyles. Beginning with the upcoming Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend in September, Chiquita will share with Guests and participants how its fresh and convenient products can help improve personal nutrition.

Chiquita and Fresh Express products add to Disney’s existing portfolio of nutritious snack items as well as its ongoing effort to promote healthy lifestyles and nutrition for kids and families. Chiquita bananas and Fresh Express salad items will be featured throughout Walt Disney Resort and offer visitors convenient low-calorie snacks.

The Walt Disney Company first pioneered groundbreaking nutritional guidelines in 2006 aimed at giving parents and children healthier eating options. Disney Magic of Healthy Living, a comprehensive initiative launched in 2010, builds on that commitment by inspiring kids and families to explore simple and fun ways to eat right and be active. Today, more than 85 percent of Disney’s licensed food portfolio consists of healthier options, including produce and low-fat dairy.