Authorities ID Man Who Jumped from the Disneyland Hotel

WDWNT on May 6, 2008

From the OC Register:

ANAHEIM – Authorities have identified a 48-year-old man who apparently jumped to his death Friday from the 14th floor of the Disneyland Hotel’s Wonder Tower.

John Newman Jr., of Santa Cruz, jumped from a balcony in the hotel’s south tower onto a parking lot at 1150 Magic Way, authorities said.

Newman was in town on business and was staying in a room with a business associate; the business associate was in the room when the man jumped, said Anaheim police Sgt. Rick Martinez.

Newman was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives interviewed possible witnesses to see if anyone saw what happened.

The hotel has been the scene of at least two other suicides. In 1994, a 75-year-old man jumped from the ninth floor and was pronounced dead at the scene. Two years later, a 23-year-old man committed suicide by jumping from the 14th floor of the hotel.

In 1998, a 23-year-old Walt Disney Co. employee jumped from the 14th floor but survived the fall.

High Definition Video of Toy Story Midway Mania Now Available

WDWNT on May 5, 2008

If you enjoyed the youtube video of Toy Story Midway Mania we debuted on WDW News Today (and every other website immediately clamored for), you may want to check out the High Definition version available through Itunes and our podcast download directory as Videocast Episode #11. This version of the video truly shows off the beauty of the Pixar Place area and allows you to see more of the small details of the actual attraction and its queue.

To subscribe to the WDW News Today podcast on iTunes, go to this link. If you do not have Itunes, visit our Podcast Download Directory to download or listen to all of our shows.

Episode 41 of the WDW News Today Podcast is also available in the same place. Here is this week’s show description:

Join Tom Corless and a cast including Jason Diffendal, Justin Heyman, and Jose Eber for a show that Bridges the Gaps Between You and the World. Sit back, relax, and enjoy all of the Walt Disney World information and fun we have to offer on this spring-action edition of WDWNT.

To kick off episode 41, Jason Diffendal, Justin Heyman, and Jose Eber join me in discussing the Walt Disney World News and Rumors. This week, we discuss two interesting incidents occurring at Walt Disney World recently, as well as a complete spoiler report and review of the new Toy Story Mania attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Our Walt Disney World history segment, Back To The Future, returns this week, as we talk about the history of Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress and the carousel theater of The Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland. Join us as we jump into the classic show to see its progression from the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair, to Disneyland, to its latest location inside Walt Disney World. We’ll also talk about what we hope and expect for the ground-breaking attraction in the future.

In case you missed it, here is the youtube video of Toy Story Mania provided by staff member Jose Eber:


 

Suicide at the Disneyland Hotel

WDWNT on May 3, 2008

According to MousePlanet:

At approximately 11:00 a.m. today, a man jumped to his death from the 14th floor at the Disneyland Hotel. According to Anaheim Police Department spokesman Sgt. Rick Martinez, APD is treating this as a suicide based on what police have found so far.


A couple of onlookers turn to view the activity at the Disneyland Hotel, as a police officer keeps the area clear. Numerous police cars are parked in the hotel’s driveway as the Anaheim Police Department investigates an apparent suicide of a man who jumped out of the 14th floor. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The man, approximately between 30 and 40, was in a south-facing room of the Wonder Tower (formerly Bonita) of the hotel, facing a parking lot. According to police, the man was in town for business. He was in the room with an adult male associate when, shortly after 11 a.m., he stepped out onto the balcony, made a statement, and jumped.

Emergency services are on scene at the hotel, and although the area is cordoned off, the scene has been visible from the balconies by hotel guests staying in the tower.

Exclusive: Toy Story Midway Mania Ride Video!

WDWNT on May 3, 2008

WDWNT Reporter Jose Eber was able to grab an on-ride video (Warning: its a little bit shaky, as is expected with a ride of this nature containg spinning vehicles and 3-D effects) just before Toy Story Mania closed down for the day. Included is video of the queue, handicapped load area, and a special surprise at the end. Enjoy!!!

Jose Eber’s Toy Story Mania Update

WDWNT on May 2, 2008

Jose Eber presents us with what he could of the Toy Story Mania previews today, showing us the Pixar Place area in its current state and the entrance to the attraction. Stay tuned as we try to gain further coverage throughout the day.

 

5/1/08 Jose Eber Update

WDWNT on May 2, 2008

Jose Eber takes us on a trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to look at the new animation archway sign, Pixar Place construction, and new walls on the back-side of the former ABC Theater.


 

Toy Story Mania Pictures

WDWNT on May 1, 2008

To see pictures of the Pixar Place area and the queue and loaing area for the new Toy Story Mania attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, head over to the great photo update at Orlando United by clicking HERE.

Toy Story Mania Previews Back On

WDWNT on May 1, 2008

Toy Story Mania cast member previews are back on track and here is the schedule:

May 2, 2008 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm

May 3 and 4, 2008 from 10:00am to 4:00pm

These previews are open to all Florida resort cast members and Imagineers.

Grand Theft Floridian

WDWNT on May 1, 2008

Another unfavorable incident has taken place at the Walt Disney World Resort this week:

Bianca Prieto | Orlando Sentinel Staff Writer

An armored truck employee was arrested after arranging for two friends to rob his armored truck during an early morning delivery at Walt Disney World. Orange County Sheriff’s Office received a call from Garda Security Company around 3 a.m. on Tuesday from Disney’s Grand Floridian hotel security, who alerted them of the theft. Three men who worked in the armored truck made a delivery at the hotel and returned to find one of the doors open and money missing.

Bernard Leonard Jr., 24, was arrested after investigators found he plotted with two friends to steal the undisclosed amount of money. The other two employees were not involved, according to the sheriff’s office. Police made a second arrest this afternoon. Sondra Tarrell Farmer, 24, was arrested in connection to the robbery of the armored truck. The money has not been recovered. Deputies took two suspects into custody and were interviewing them.

Stay tuned to WDW News Today as more info on this breaking story becomes available.

Toy Story Mania Update

WDWNT on April 30, 2008

Walt Disney World Cast Member previews for the new Toy Story Mania attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios have once again been postponed. The previews were originally set to run from May 2-4, but have been changed. No replacement dates have been set, but it has to be soon considering Passholder previews run from May 10-12, 2008. Stay tuned as more information becomes available.