Hotel Package Deal Still Underway at Disneyland

WDWNT on November 29, 2008

According to the OC Register’s Around Disney blog:

Through Dec. 11, you can get a fourth night free when you purchase a three-night Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Hotel vacation package. Tickets are included with the special vacation package for as low as $235 per person for a family of four.

This is one of the best times of year to go to the park in the experience of Around Disney contributors — the Thanksgiving rush is over after this weekend, the decorations are up and park-goers can avoid the summer crowds.

For more deals, click here.

Adam Roth’s 11/26/08 Downtown Disney Update

WDWNT on November 28, 2008

Our Orlando Reporter Adam Roth (of WDWCelebrations and Dreamfinder Forever) has provided us with a great update of what’s going on at the Downtown Disney District as of late. Here’s what’s new and notable:

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Contrary to popular belief, this place still exists

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To bring some life to the area, merchandise carts have been strategically placed throughout Pleasure Island

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A shuttered Comedy Warehouse

A shuttered BET Soundstage Club

Read More about Adam Roth’s 11/26/08 Downtown Disney Update

Downtown Stage Construction

WDWNT on November 27, 2008

WDWNT Photographer Steve Wieczorek provides us with construction pictures of the new stage at the Downtown Disney Marketplace:

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Disney Abandoning Ship On Pirate and Princess Parties?

WDWNT on November 26, 2008

From what we have been hearing the last few weeks (contrary to some other “reputable” websites), it appears that Mickey’s Pirate and Princess Party will not be happening in early 2009 at the Walt Disney World Resort. Even though some expected dates were rumored around the net, estimated 2009 attendance levels and “Pirate and Princess” merchandise sales as of late seem to have “altered course” for the after-hours Magic Kingdom event. While we may not see these Parties return anytime soon, I don’t doubt that they will return someday (probably closer to the next Pirates of the Caribbean film release in a few years). As always, things can change, so stay tuned to WDW News Today as more information becomes available.

Illuminations: Reflections of Early

WDWNT on November 26, 2008

The Walt Disney World website has updated it’s January calendar with an interesting note about Epcot operating hours. It appears Epcot will be closing at 8:00 PM on Fridays from January 9th to April 3rd to non-Disney resort guests. This will make Illuminations: Reflections of Earth perform at 8:00 PM on those select evenings, with Extra Magic Hours for Resort guests following until 11:00 PM. To the best of my knowledge, that is the earliest the park has closed since 1999 and the earliest that firework show has ever performed. Stay tuned to WDW News Today as more information on this change becomes available.

11/23/08 WDW Photo Report By Matt Paul

WDWNT on November 25, 2008

WDWNT Photographer Matt Paul has provided us with his first photo report from his latest trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. To start off this series, here is his first report from Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

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The tree outside the park along with a large film reel

Some new decorations for Hollywood Blvd. since Block Party Bash floats are way too tall to allow the old decorations

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I think these fit the theming a little better

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Usual decorations replace the long standing Year of a Million Dreams banners on Sunset Blvd.

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More decorations

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Even more decorations

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Green Army Men appearing in Pixar Place

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Decorations outside what will now be known as Muppetvision 3-D (they have permanently dropped the “Jim Henson’s” from the name)

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Nativity scene at the Studios

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Woody and the Toy Story sign have been removed from the top of Pizza Planet, expect something new here in 2009

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As we reported before, the screen outside the American Idol Experience is now operating

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With the walls down, there is much more performance space outside the theater for Block Party Bash

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What used to be the Monsters Inc. meet and greet

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It is the stage entrance, where those performing in the show will be entering

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To end the report, here is the lovely disclaimer you’ll be met with when you get in line for the American Idol Experience beginning in January when the attraction opens

40 Years of The Haunted Mansion

WDWNT on November 23, 2008

Disneyland is going to be holding a big event for the 40th anniversary of The Haunted Mansion on 9/9/09. Here are some of the products being released, & some info on the events:

Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Merchandise Event - 09/09/09
Date: 09-09-09
Location: Disneyland® Resort

The Plot Thickens. . . After five husbands and five untimely deaths, the Black Widow Bride of the Haunted Mansion will wed once more. Has she found her soul mate? Or will another groom meet his doom? Join us, Foolish Mortals, and we’ll dig up the answers at our ghostly celebration that everyone’s dying to attend.

Event packages are as follows:

  • Grinning Ghosts – $TBD
  • Foolish Mortals – $TBD
  • Dearly Departed – $250
  • Hitchhikers – $85 

    • Early Demise Offer: 

    Guests that register through February 28th only, will receive an “early demise” pin.     

    * Reservations for the Grinning Ghosts and Foolish Mortals packages will be accepted only via www.DisneyGallery.com beginning Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. (Pacific Time).     * Reservations for the Dearly Departed and Hitchhikers packages will be accepted only via www.DisneyGallery.com beginning Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. (Pacific Time).

    There will also be an event & merchandise release with the artist SHAG to be held on August 9th

    SHAG Haunted Mansion Product Release & Signing 
    Date: Sunday, August 9, 2009
    Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
    Purchasing Location: Disneyana Shop, Disneyland® park
    Signing Location: Main Street Cinema, Disneyland® park

    Product & Event Information: 

    Artist, SHAG will be on hand for a special meet & greet and signing opportunity as we celebrate the release of his “Haunted Mansion” inspired artwork created in commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the Haunted Mansion attraction at Disneyland® park. Represented in the artwork are some of the attraction’s most beloved scenes, including the Stretching Portraits, the Ballroom, the Seance Room, the Attic, Graveyard, among others. This unique collection is a must have for any SHAG and Haunted Mansion enthusiast. To view the Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary inspired artwork by SHAG, please click here. Please continue to watch for a complete list of merchandise that will be offered in conjunction with the cocktail reception and product release events. 

    Please Note: Guests attending SHAG’s Spirited Cocktail Reception on August 8, 2009 will have the first opportunity to purchase this product. Remaining quantities will be released as part of the product release on August 9, 2009).

    SHAG “Spirited” Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Cocktail Reception
    Date: Saturday, August 8, 2009
    Time: 8 PM – 11 PM
    Location: Crystal Cove, Disney’s Paradise Pier® Hotel

    It’s sure to be a spirited and swingin’ party tonight! With the hippest artist in town attending, groove with ghouls and spirits of all kinds as we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Haunted Mansion in style. 

    Event Packages Include: 

    Swingin’ Spirits – $TBD (please continue to check back)

    • ONE (1) Night Accommodation at Disney’s Paradise Pier® Hotel (night of 8/08/09)*
    • Spirited Cocktail Reception
    • Photo Opportunity
    • Opportunity to purchase SHAG “Haunted Mansion” inspired merchandise via Random Selection Process (Merchandise purchased via RSP will be pre-signed)
    • Opportunity to purchase remaining themed event merchandise in event stor
    • Artist Meet & Greet
    • TWO (2) Commemorative Gifts

    Groovy Ghouls – $185

    • Spirited Cocktail Reception
    • Photo Opportunity
    • Opportunity to purchase SHAG “Haunted Mansion” inspired merchandise via Random Selection Process (Merchandise purchased via RSP will be pre-signed)
    • Opportunity to purchase remaining themed event merchandise in event store
    • Artist Meet & Greet
    • ONE (1) Commemorative Gift 

    * Reservations for the SHAG “Spirited” Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Cocktail Reception will be accepted only via www.DisneyGallery.com beginning Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. (Pacific Time). 

    * Please note: We are now required to have only one (1) Guest per reservation. It will be necessary for each Guest to register individually. Thank you!

    A WDWNT Weekend Update

    WDWNT on November 23, 2008

    I thought I would take this time to address a few short subjects in one post just to make sure everyone is caught up on what’s going on with WDW and WDWNT right now:

    -We have opened our fantastic poll allowing you to choose what you think are the 20 biggest moments in the history of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Just go HERE, pick 20 moments, and hit submit. The 20 biggest moments as voted by you will then be counted down every week on the WDW News Today Podcast until the anniversary on May 1, 2009. Voting closes on December 4 at midnight, so don’t miss out!!!

    -Disney has released a picture of the completed facade of the new American Idol Experience attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (we should have our own pictures of the completed building very soon, until then check out THIS photo report on the WDW News Today Community Forums):

    THE AMERICAN IDOL EXPERIENCE AT DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

    IT’S SHOWTIME!: Disney’s Hollywood Studios raises the curtain on the newest showbiz-themed attraction, “The American Idol Experience.” All the excitement of the popular “American Idol” TV show comes to life in a first-of-its-kind attraction where Walt Disney World guests can vote on their favorite performance, or audition with the chance to perform on stage. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (David Roark, photographer)

    -Ellen’s Energy Adventure at Epcot will be closed for a lengthy refurbishment from January 5 through March 22, 2009. During this time, some general maintenance will occur. It is also rumored that Imagineering will use this a a time to look around the attraction for possible changes.

    -Reported on the WDW News Today Community Forums:

    Beginning December 1st, anyone booked for lunch at Tusker House (at Disney’s Animal Kingdom) between 1:00pm and 1:40pm will receive a ticket for reserved seating at the Finding Nemo (The Musical) 3:15pm show. If you are already booked during that time frame you will qualify for the reserved seating ticket. Only reservations between 1:00pm and 1:40pm qualify. One ticker per person dining.

    -Also Reported on the WDW News Today Community Forums, Disney launching an online check-in service for resort guests:

    Disney’s Online Check-In service enables Guests to simplify their arrival by allowing them to go online and provide information related to their upcoming stay. On a Guest’s scheduled arrival date, since check-in information will have been provided previously online by the Guest, they may experience a streamlined check-in at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels or Disney Vacation Club resorts. A welcome folder with their Key to the World Card will be waiting at a designated Disney’s Online Check-In area in the resort hotel lobby. Guests will need to present valid photo ID to pick up the folder and complete check-in. Guests may check-in online beginning 10 days prior to their arrival date. Web site addresses for Disney’s Online Check-In service will vary based on the original method of booking. As Guests are completing Disney’s Online Check-In service, select Guests will have an opportunity to apply for the Disney Rewards® Visa Card® that could be used during their stay. This service launches in January, 2009.

    A lot to process, but hopefully we have everyone caught up on current Walt Disney World and WDW News Today events before the big holiday week begins.