Myrna Litt spent the weekend at the Disneyland Resort and reports back to us with these photos:
Looks like new merchandise in World of Disney
Food and Wine Festival banners in Downtown Disney
Club Libby Lu is being transformed into Studio Disney 365, which is scheduled to open this summer
Since I see the Twitterverse (many people on Twitter) has picked up on it, I’ll let you what I know about thus far on ” The Pirate’s League”, coming to Adventureland:
-It will be the Bibbidi Bobbiti Boutique for boys, dressing up kids (for a hefty price) in Pirate paraphernalia and giving them Pirate lessons very similar to those given in the Jack Sparrow Pirate Tutorial. Similar to how the Boutique takes boy customers, girls will be allowed to do the same, even though it is geared towards the swashbuckling boys.
-The location will be the long sealed section of the Caribbean Plaza market at the exit of Pirates of the Caribbean, once mostly used to provide families of guests with group pictures dressed as pirates.
-“The Pirate’s League” is scheduled to begin operating early in the summer, at least opening by 4th of July weekend.
Stay tuned to WDW News Today as we get more information and an official announcement on the upcoming “Pirate’s League” in Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom.
UPDATE 10:50 PM: The DisneyShawn blog has the first piece of concept art released for “The Pirate’s League:”
This Earth Day, celebrate in style, Disney style that is. The Disneyland® and Walt Disney World® Resort are pleased to offer an array of environmentally friendly merchandise offerings including tee’s, accessories, bags, plush, stationary and more.
One of our most popular items includes the Every Tree Has Character – Reusable Bag. Choose to Re-Use! Be sure to stop in and pick up one of our Every Tree Has Character Reusable Bags for only $2.95, plus tax. The bags will be available at select locations throughout the Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resorts as well as World of Disney® Store New York. Regardless of your purchase of the “Every Tree Has Character” bag, Disney has made a contribution to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund helping wildlife and wild places around the globe.
About the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund:
The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund* (DWCF) helps to protect and study some of the world’s most endangered plants, animals and habitats. To date the DWCF has contributed more than $12 million to non-profit conservation and animal welfare organizations supporting projects in 110 countries. To learn more about this effort for wildlife, wild places and the people link to their survival, please visit www.disneyconservation.com. *The DWCF is a Disney initiative to support conservation and animal welfare and is not a US 501(C)(3) public charity.
Find all of these items and more at locations throughout Disney Parks & Resorts:
Disneyland® Resort locations include Emporium, Greetings from California, Disney Vault 28 and World of Disney® Store, among others.
Walt Disney World® Resort locations include Emporium, Mickey’s of Hollywood, Island Mercantile, Tren-D, and World of Disney® Store in Downtown Disney® as well as New York
In honor of Earth Day our teams have worked hard to use recycled and re-usable items to enhance the displays in our locations. Below are a few images of some of the newest displays and fun facts regarding the recycled items.
Downtown Disney® District – World of Disney® Store:
Disney Vault 28
Disney’s California Adventure® park – Greetings From California
Disneyland® park – Adventureland Bazaar
Our good friends over at WDWCelebrations have put out a press release that includes details on the official activities Disney will be doing to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 1, 2009:
WDWCelebrations Studio 20 Commemorative Event Final Schedule Released; Official Disney Events Include Special Sessions with Walt Disney Imagineering
Orlando, FL , April 19th, 2009 —WDWCelebrations is pleased to announce the release of the final schedule for our Studio 20 Commemorative Event, celebrating the 20th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios™. Two major additions to the event schedule feature official Disney activities marking the anniversary.
On Friday May 1, 2009, the date of the anniversary, the park will open at 8:00 am with a special rope drop ceremony welcoming guests into the park to kick off the celebration. In addition, two special sessions to commemorate the anniversary will take place in the Premiere Theater, one at 9:00 am and another at 10:45 am. These sessions will feature Imagineers from Walt Disney Imagineering who were fundamental in the development of the park and will share their insights on the creation of Disney’s Hollywood Studios™. Currently scheduled to appear are Bob Weis (Executive Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering), Tom Fitzgerald (Executive Vice President, Senior Creative Executive; WDI), and Eric Jacobson (Senior Vice President, Creative Development; WDI). Each session will last approximately one hour. This exclusive information was communicated to the WDWCelebrations Core Team by the management of Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ in a recent meeting regarding the park’s 20th anniversary celebration. This information was approved for release by Disney.
Adam Roth, Co-Founder of WDWCelebrations, explains, “We are very excited about these new developments surrounding the celebration of the anniversary, and are very appreciative of the management of Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ for sharing it with us. As such, we decided to extend our registration period in order to accommodate any additional guests who wish to join WDWCelebrations at our Studio 20 event.” The registration deadline for Studio 20 has been extended to Saturday, April 25, 2009.
About WDWCelebrations, L. L. C.
WDWCelebrations, L. L. C. is a Florida-based organization created by Disney fans, dedicated to “celebrating the magic of the past, present, and future, together.” WDWCelebrations was founded by the organizers of Celebration 25, which commemorated the 25th anniversary of Epcot in 2007. WDWCelebrations Commemorative Events are designed to celebrate milestones in Disney park history. For more information about WDWCelebrations and its events can be found at http://www.wdwcelebrations.com.
In addition:
Anniversary merchandise will be available, and Starring Rolls will be selling special anniversary cupcakes. Many of the restaurants will feature menu items from opening day.
If you are planning at being at the Studios on May 1 or 2, 2009, be sure to register to be a part of history and WDWCelebrations’ Studio 20 commemorative event by visiting WDWCelebrations.com.
The good people at Orlando Attractions Magazine have reported that a KUKA robotic arm ride will be an aspect of the upcoming Raytheon exhibit coming to Innoventions at Epcot this Fall:
As revealed to Disney cast members via their online web portal called the Hub, Walt Disney Imagineering is working with Raytheon to develop a new motion simulator attraction for Innoventions at Epcot.
The attraction is called “The Sum of All Thrills” and will allow guests to design a roller coaster, jet plane, or bobsled ride using real-life physics and engineering and then ride it within a robot arm-based simulator.
The exhibit is being described as feeling “like a high-tech laboratory” and is said to try to emphasize to guests “that math can be cool.”
In customizing the ride as part of the experience, guests will use a multi-touch surface table which can sense human interactions and objects placed upon it. Similar technology is currently being used inside the House of Innoventions at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA.
Once the ride is customized it can be ridden by guests in a simulator on the end of a KUKA robotic arm, created by German-based KUKA Roboter GmbH. The robot arm is similar to the one currently being used to control the menacing angler fish in Epcot’s The Seas with Nemo and Friends attraction, though it is the first time a robotic ar is being used as the ride system in a Disney theme park.
The arm pictured here dates back to 2002, as created by the KUKA Robot Group. It is expected that the Disney version of this ride will be a fully enclosed simulator, similar to Cyber Space Mountain in DisneyQuest at Downtown Disney, but with many more possible degrees of movement as a result of being attached to the KUKA arm.
In addition to the experience at Epcot, Raytheon will be supporting another 2009 initiative at the Walt Disney World Resort – the 2009 Raytheon MathCounts National Competition. Taking place May 7 to 10, 2009, at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, the competition is the culmination of an enrichment and coaching program that promotes middle school mathematics achievement in every U.S. state and territory. Raytheon is the title sponsor of the MathCounts National Competition for the next three years, through 2011.
The new Innoventions exhibit is scheduled to open in late 2009.
In usual fashion, Walt Disney World put out a number of new press releases all at once, giving us a lot to talk about after what has been a rather quiet period. The first piece gives us an official time frame and some already announced details about the Stich’s Supersonic Celebration show coming to the Magic Kingdom:
Interactive wizardry that combines comedy, real-time animation and live musical madness will dazzle guests during Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom.
Beginning in May, Stitch will host a zany interactive experience at the new Rockettower Plaza Stage. Guests are invited to participate in a Galaxy Day celebration when the new outdoor stage comes to life with music and a giant LED screen displays real-time, interactive animation.
The new show incorporates the same interactive technology used in “Turtle Talk With Crush” and “Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.” Shows will take place six times daily.
Looking for some sweet fun at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa?
There’s a lot “s’more” new fun in store at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa each evening when guests staying at the resort can roast marshmallows around a Mickey-shaped campfire, sing favorite camp tunes on the shore of Seven Seas Lagoon and see the “stars” – both on the silver screen and in the sky – as they watch a family-friendly Disney film on the moonlit beach. S’mores kits and marshmallows are available for purchase during the campfire and movie. For more information about recreational activities at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, visit Disneyworld.com or call 407/824-4321.
The line-up for this year’s Sounds Like Summer Concert Series at Epcot has been released and includes WDWNT’s favorite group, Bjorn Again:
The whole family will be rockin’ and rollin’ to legendary music this summer at Epcot when popular tribute bands take the stage at America Gardens Theatre.
Seven tribute bands will recreate classic hits from musical icons under the stars as part of the Sounds Like Summer concert series. Concerts, which are included in regular Epcot admission, are nightly at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. (except July 4, when show times will be 5:15, 6:30, 7:45 and 9 p.m.).
Here is the lineup (subject to change):
June. 15-21 – Stayin’ Alive – A Tribute to the Bee Gees
June 22-28 – Hotel California – A Tribute to the Eagles
June 29-July 8 – Slippery When Wet – A Tribute to Bon Jovi
July 9-19 – Bjorn Again – A Tribute to ABBA
July 20-26 – The Sounds of the Supremes – A Tribute to the Supremes
July 27-Aug. 2 – 2U – A Tribute to U2
Aug. 3-9 – Petty Theft – A Tribute to Tom Petty.
Even though it has been runnign for a few week’s now, Disney is finally publicizing the new farwell show at Animal Kingdom:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests get so involved in adventures with birds and beasts of many kinds that they tend to put off one of their priorities all day long: a little quality time with Disney characters.
“So when guests come out of the park, they are absolutely determined to see our characters,” said Chris Ambrose, general manager of entertainment at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
In a classic example of giving guests what they want, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has launched Adventurers’ Celebration Gathering, an interactive experience near the theme park entrance each evening during park closing.
Khaki-clad cast – including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy – gather to bid farewell to guests with a music-filled celebration. Cast members shake their pom-poms and urge guests to join in the street-party fun by dancing to the music and forming a conga line procession while Mickey, Minnie and Goofy keep the beat from atop their safari vehicle.
“We’ve created a way for our guests to experience our characters … and it’s a way for us to have a fun, exciting way to end the day at Animal Kingdom,” Ambrose said.
Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today for more information on all of these items as it becomes available.
Reported by our big brother site, WDW News Today:
Since news is slow this week, I thought it would be a good time to highlight another special Walt Disney Classics Collection piece that is coming out only in the Disney Parks:
“Simba: Little King, Big Roar”, Available: 4/17/09, Retail: $99 plus tax, Dimensions: 4 1/2″H
WDCC Simba Spring Premiere Event
Date(s): April 17, 2009
Locations: Art & Collectible locations at Disney Parks & Resorts
Mischievous Simba is well aware that as the son of Mufasa, he’s next in line to rule over all the other critters as king. In a wild-and-wooly celebration of his fantastic future, Simba even imagines what he’ll look like with a grown-up mane by popping his head through a wreath of fire-red blossoms. Plussed with a pewter tail, the lovable cub gains the lion’s share of praise as our Spring Premiere Event’s “mane” attraction. So roar on by and let this cute cub make you feel like royalty.
Sculpted by Bruce Lau, Simba: Little King, Big Roar is a numbered limited edition of 1,500 and is available for $99, plus tax. Sculpture comes compete with a 15th Anniversary backstamp. Dimensions: 4 1/2″H
Disneyland® Resort locations include:
Disneyana Shop, Disneyland® park
World of Disney® Store, Downtown Disney® District
Off the Page, Disney’s California Adventure® park
Walt Disney World® Resort locations include:
List will be available shortly
Merchandise available while supplies last. Information subject to change without notice. Separate admission is required to enter Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort theme parks.
Disney pin collectors and Epcot purists should be happy about this 6 pin boxed-set coming out later this year at the Walt Disney World Resort (courtesy of Disneypins.com):
Among the notable pieces of the collection are the original Future World, World Showcase, Spaceship Earth, and Epcot Center logos, the Dreamfinder and Figment pin, and a pin replicating the opening day Epcot Center ticket. Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today and the Disney Pincast for more information on this and other upcoming Disney pins.
The good people over at LaughingPlace.com have reported two interesting news bits from around the Walt Disney World Resort that I feel are of interest. The first piece concerns a new dining option at Animal Kingdom:
Animal Kingdom has introduced a new program – Picnic in the Park. The following is from the brochure:
Turn your meal at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park into an adventure with Picnic in the Park!
Tier 1 – Sandwiches
Select from Turkey Focaccia, Chicken Wrap, Ham Grinder or Tuna PitaMeal for Three – $24.99 + tax
3 Sandwiches, 1 side, 3 desserts, 3 bottles of Dasani waterMeal for Four – $32.99 + tax
4 Sandwiches, 1 side, 4 desserts, 4 bottles of Dasani waterMeal for Five – $40.99 + tax
5 Sandwiches, 1 side, 5 desserts, 5 bottles of Dasani waterMeal for Six – $48.99 + tax
6 Sandwiches, 1 side, 6 desserts, 6 bottles of Dasani waterSides: Chips, coleslaw, corn medley, green beans, macaroni & cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy, orza pasta, oven-roasted potato wedges, seasonal fruit salad, tomato & cucumber salad
Desserts: Apple, brownie, cookie, cornbread, crisped rice treat, orange
Tier 2 – Rotisserie Chicken or Ham
Meal for Three – $29.99 + tax
8 Pieces of Rotisserie Chicken or 1 lb of Ham, 2 sides, 3 desserts, 3 bottles of Dasani waterMeal for Four – $38.99 + tax
8 Pieces of Rotisserie Chicken or 1 1/4 lb of Ham, 3 sides, 4 desserts, 4 bottles of Dassani waterMeal for Five – $47.99 + tax
10 Pieces of Rotisserie Chicken or 1 1/2 lb of Ham, 4 sides, 5 desserts, 5 bottles of Dassani waterMeal for Six – $56.99 + tax
12 Pieces of Rotisserie Chicken or 1 3/4 lb of Ham, 5 sides, 6 desserts, 6 bottles of Dassani waterSides: Chips, coleslaw, corn medley, green beans, macaroni & cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy, orza pasta, oven-roasted potato wedges, seasonal fruit salad, tomato & cucumber salad
Desserts: Apple, brownie, cookie, cornbread, crisped rice treat, orange
Note: No substitutions allowed
Details
- Stop by the Picnic in the Park podium, located in front of Guest Relations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park to place your order, or visit the Tusker House Restaurant podium in Africa. Orders must be placed between the hours of Park Opening and 1:30pm.
- Select which tier of entrées you would like and your choice of sides and desserts.
- Each order comes in a reusable bag packed with plates and utensils, plus a map to help guide you to picnic spots throughout the Park.
- When placing your order, you’ll also be able to select a pick-up time at least two hours after the time the order is placed.
- You may pick up your order at Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery, adjacent to Tusker House Restaurant in Africa (indicated by H on the map on the reverse side). Payment is due upon pick-up.
- If you are on a Disney dining plan, Picnic in the Park may be used as a Quick Service Meal. Requires one
Adult entitlement per meal ordered. For example, a Meal for Three will require three Adult entitlements.There are 14 picnic locations spread throughout the park
The picnic prices seem very reasonable and it sounds like a great dining option for Animal Kingdom, which only offers a short list of eateries. The second piece of news leads us to believe Pleasure Island is coming back to life (sort of):
Downtown Disney has introduced “Celebrate Tonight!”, a high-energy street party focusing on guest celebrations. Guests are invited to join in with the DJs (spinning party hits), stilt walkers and party crew for group dances and sing-alongs to celebrate anything and everything. Celebrate Tonight! is now running 5pm-11pm Sunday through Thursday and 6pm-Midnight Fridays and Saturdays.
From the sounds of this, the Pleasure Island clubs will remain closed as guests party in the streets rather than indoors. A strange decision, but it will certainly be interesting to see how many guests actually attend these nightly parties. Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today as we get more information on both of these breaking stories.
According to the OC Register’s Around Disney blog:
Saturday is the last day for Disney’s Yamabuki restaurant, inside the Paradise Pier Hotel.
The doors will officially shut to customers at 9 p.m. A few reservations are still available between 5:30 and 9 p.m. today and Saturday.
The closure of the Japanese-style-cuisine restaurant affects 39 hourly employees and a handful of salaried employees.
Those salaried employees who can not be relocated will receive a 60-day severance package and extended heath benefits.
Because of a misunderstanding in the original announcement, Around Disney erroneously reported earlier that the same severance package would be offered to those 39 hourly employees.
No such package is being offered, said Suzi Brown, a spokeswoman for Disneyland Resort. Instead, Disney netotiated with the union to place all of those hourly employees on shifts among the five other hotel restaurants or four other food-and-beverage locations.
Those employees will retain their same pay.
Brown said: “The company has shifts available for all Yamabuki cast members at other hotel restaurant locations at Disneyland Resort. We expect all hourly Yamabuki (employees) to be redeployed as of next week.”
Brown said she was unsure whether all employees would be offered an equivalent amount of hours. But she added, “We are committed to providing the most hours available.”
Victor Alvarez, 29, a server at Yamabuki, said workers at the restaurant had established strong bonds and are sad about the closing.
“We are more than co-workers, we’re like a family,” he said. “We’ve really kept a positive atmoshere at the restaurant and everybody’s been a part of that … It’s hard to see that go.”
