World’s Worst Job Interview

WDWNT on April 30, 2008

From the Orlando Sentinel:

ORANGE COUNTY – -A former Planet Hollywood employee was arrested Monday after he threw his backpack on the ground and told restaurant managers that it contained a bomb, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said.

Jason Sean Davis, 21, of St. Cloud came to the Downtown Disney West Side restaurant about 4 p.m. asking to be rehired, deputies said. Managers refused, so he threw his backpack between the gift shop and a stairwell, the Sheriff’s Office said. Investigators evacuated the restaurant, even though Davis tried to take back his allegation.

The backpack was blown up and found to contain only Davis’ belongings. He was arrested on a charge of making a bomb threat and was being held late Monday at the Orange County Jail. Planet Hollywood reopened about 7 p.m.

Toy Story Mania Update

WDWNT on April 25, 2008

While I cannot say whether or not I experienced the new Toy Story Mania attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this week, I can share a few news bites about the soon-to-open interactive adventure.

-Cast Member previews were originally scheduled for this weekend, but are now going to take place from May 2-4, 2008. However, some guests and cast have already play-tested the attraction.

-It seems the rumors of a separate track in the ride were right, as we are now being told that the trams will split down two individual tracks in order to provide a higher capacity.

-The loading area for the attraction is themed to the underneath of Andy’s bed, a much more detailed experience then you will find at the Disney’s California Adventure version of Toy Story Mania. The attraction’s queue is going to take place on two levels of the show building.

Please stay tuned to WDW News Today as we continue to gain information on the upcoming Toy Story Mania attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

“May the Merchandise Be With You”

WDWNT on April 23, 2008

Those of you attending the Star Wars Weekend events during the month of June at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be interested to know that the event is getting it’s own specialized shop. The shop will be located next to Toy Story Mania in Pixar Place, the old Sorcerer Mickey meet and greet location. This shopping space may become a permanent home for all of the studio’s special events merchandise.

We’re Ready To Go

WDWNT on April 20, 2008

In just a few hours, most of the WDW News Today staff will be heading into the Walt Disney World resort for what should be a fun and exciting week. Of course, the big reason we’re all going is to be a part of WDWCelebration’s “A Wild Decade” event, celebrating ten years of Disney’s Animal Kingdom park. With over 400 people attending, it should be a spectacular gathering. We will also be at WDW beyond the event, providing you with daily coverage of everything happening at the World this week (hopefully coverage of Toy Story Mania). Be sure to stay tuned to WDWNT if you can’t get down there this week, but be sure to say hello if your there and spot us.

What’s In a Name?

WDWNT on April 18, 2008

Yesterland.com is now featuring an excellent article recapping and explaining the reasons behind the name change from “The Disney MGM Studios” to “Disney’s Hollywood Studios” earlier this year. It is truly an exciting read, as there are a few little known facts about the relationship and deal between Disney and MGM, as well as just who owns the rights to the few remaining non-Disney pieces of the park. To read this full article, go HERE.

4/14/08 Jose Eber Update

WDWNT on April 15, 2008

Jose Eber returns with another video update from Walt Disney World!!! This time, Jose updates us on American Idol and Pixar Place construction, as well as some other minor updates from Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Enjoy!!!