WDW News Today Turns 5 Years Old! – July 8th, 2012

WDWNT on December 3, 2012

Every year this Network grows older, we reflect upon the accomplishments, impact, and incredible growth of WDWNT. It has now been 5 years since WDW News Today launched on July 8th, 2007. What was founded on the website you see before you and built on the back of daily news and information about Walt Disney World is now a vibrant collection of websites, podcasts, electronic publications, online radio stations, & more. The last year in particular has been a memorable one, from the ongoing project of moving our expansive video library to Youtube, to “See Ya’ Real Late” with Tom Corless making it’s successful debut on iTunes. We even set new records in traffic for our websites and podcasts this year, as well as brought you the best live coverage of events such as the D23 Expo back in August.

In the world of Disney, our sites have covered huge stories such as the announcement of an AVATAR-themed land at Animal Kingdom, the completion of the Disney California Adventure expansion with the opening of Cars Land and Buena Vista Street, the grand opening of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, and the continuing progress on the Magic Kingdom’s New Fantasyland. We even celebrated the 40th anniversary of Walt Disney World along with WDWCelebrations and have continued to present a fascinating series of WDWNT: The Magazine articles and podcast segments celebrating four decades of the Magic Kingdom.

Tonight, we will continue our annual tradition of presenting a special anniversary edition of WDWNT Live! show on WDWNTunes.com. The show begins at 9PM EST and will last until 12AM EST. We hope you will join us for that, but also what we have coming up this week…

We’ll also be presenting a series of live programming coming to you from our event in the NY/NJ area including the recording of the 25oth episode of the WDW News Today Podcast on 7/13 at 8PM EST, WDWNTunes Around the Hub on 7/13 at 12PM EST, and a live video edition of “See Ya’ Real Late” with Tom Corless on 7/14 at 11PM EST. All of these programs will be available on WDWNTunes.com at those times, but will also be released for download at some point afterward. As well, if you’d like to attend the festivities in person, last-minute registration is still open for our event at WDWNT.com.

On a personal note, the 5 year journey of this website, the podcast, and the entire family of shows and websites that make up WDWNT has been the greatest experience of my life. I’d like to thank the incredible volunteer staff of over 50 people that has worked tirelessly to get us where we are today and the loyal readers & listeners who are to thank for our great success. I am very proud of what we have accomplished in just 5 short years, and look forward to many more of “Bridging the Gaps Between You and the World”.

Tom Corless
CEO & Founder of the WDWNT Network

An Intimate Look Back at the Last 5 Years

WDWNT on December 3, 2012

When WDW News Today turned 1 year old, John Corigliano wanted to celebrate with a video recapping the year that was in both Walt Disney World and in our site and podcast. This became an annual tradition for three years, with us eventually canceling the project for 2011 because of a lack of time and resources. We are very happy to share that we did not let our 5 year anniversary go by the same way. Instead of just looking back at the year that was, we decided to do a video recapping the last 5 years when John returned to WDWNT in January. John not only did this, but he also produced a short music video in honor of our big celebration. We hope you enjoy this intimate look back at the last 5 years:

Vote For The Ten Biggest Moments In DCA History!!!

WDWNT on July 7, 2012

To celebrate the completion of the 5 year expansion of Disney California Adventure, The Disneyland News Today Podcast is celebrating by holding a month of DCA inspired segments covering the history and attractions of Anaheim’s second gate. Wrapping up DCA Month, we will be holding a special segment that you the listeners can take part in. On episode 117, we will be discussing The Ten Biggest Moments In DCA History as voted by you the listeners.

To take part in this, follow this link and fill out the survey: www.esurveyspro.com

To take part in this, follow this link and fill out the survey: www.esurveyspro.com

 

WDWNT’s Annual Tradition Is Bigger Than Ever with 30 Hour Live Show to Benefit Toys for Tots!

WDWNT on May 31, 2012

The holiday season is once again upon us and as usual, it’s a time where we should think about those who are less fortunate than we are and try to make a difference in their lives. Over 60 years ago, Walt Disney became one of the original sponsors of the Toys for Tots foundation, which ensures that every underprivileged child receives a toy during the holiday season. Walt and his animators personally designed the original Toys for Tots train logo that is still used today and the first poster created for Toys for Tots. In this spirit, WDW News Today, the WDWNT Network, and our many friends and partners are putting on a 30-hour live broadcast to raise money for Toys for Tots. That’s right, in honor of Epcot’s 30th anniversary, we are expanding from 24 to 30 hours of constant broadcasting!

We hope you will join us beginning at 6PM ET on November 23, 2012 when the broadcast begins and will help us by making a donation to this great cause. The broadcast is taking place at WDWNTunes.com stating at 6PM ET on the 23rd and running until 12AM ET on November 25th.
Throughout the 30 hours we will be presenting special segments, programs, and content in hopes of breaking last year’s donation total of $3000. Here is a list of scheduled events:

11/23 10PM EST – The WDW News Today Podcast presents our signature segment, Back to the Future covering the complete history of The Living Seas/Seas with Nemo and Friends
11/24 11AM EST – WDWNT: The Pyramid game show for prizes
11/24 1PM EST – Live chat with Ron Schneider, author of “From Dreamer to Dreamfinder”
11/24 3PM EST – WDWNT: The Match Game game show for prizes
11/24 6PM EST – The Disneyland News Today Podcast counts down the top 10 Disneyland attractions ever
11/24 9PM EST – Live recording of WDWNTunes Around the Hub
11/24 11PM EST – Live new episode of “See Ya’ Real Late” with Tom Corless late-night talk show

We will be on the air for the entire 30 hours and even when there is nothing scheduled we will be chatting and interacting with you via the live chat. If the past three years have taught us anything, it is that you can expect the unexpected and you really won’t want to miss a minute of the action.

Donations for Toys for Tots will be accepted through the always safe and secure FirstGiving. You can donate directly through them at toys.wdwnt.com.

We thank you for taking the time out of your busy holiday weekend and hope you will help us make a difference for the 4th year in a row. We are so happy to use the blessings we have to make a difference in the world, and I know we can do it again with your help. We look forward to seeing you starting tomorrow night!

NOW HIRING: Lead Reporter for Disneyland News Today

WDWNT on April 19, 2012

As of lately, The Disneyland News Today website has not been living up to its original expectations. This is mostly due to myself and my lack of time to donate to posting on the site and keeping up with the daily news. That is why I am stepping down as lead reporter of the Disneyland News Today website and as of immediately we are beginning our search for a new lead reporter to post news daily on the Disneyland News Today website. We are looking for someone who is extremely familiar with the Disneyland Resort and visits the parks often. Position is voluntary. If you would like to apply for the position please email wdwnewstoday@gmail.com and please put DLNT Lead Reporter in the subject line.

Conner Purzycki

VP of Disneyland News Today

WDWNT: The Job Fair (We’re Hiring)

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

The WDWNT Network has over 60 volunteer employees that make up our entire group of websites and podcasts, but we are always looking for more help to keep our finger on the pulse of the Disney Parks and the fans of these amazing places. Here are the positions we are currently looking for:

WDW News Today

Photographer- Taking pictures on a regular basis at the Walt Disney World Resort

Videographer- Video recording attractions, entertainment, and special events at the Walt Disney World Resort

Disneyland News Today

Photographer- Taking pictures on a regular basis at the Walt Disney World Resort

Videographer- Video recording attractions, entertainment, and special events at the Disneyland Resort

Podcaster – Participate in discussions on the Disneyland News Today Podcast
Requirements: Vast knowledge of current events and the history of the Disneyland Resort. Quality microphone and high speed internet connection. Must be available for recording sessions.

WDWNTunes

Original Programming – Producing an original audio program.
Note: Existing podcasts or other audio shows are invited to apply, WDWNT will review your program before deciding to add it to the lineup on WDWNTunes.com

WDWNTube

Video Editing – Helping with the editing of videos, should have

Original Programming – Producing an original video program
Note: Existing podcasts or other audio shows are invited to apply, WDWNT will review your program before deciding to add it to the lineup on WDWNTunes.com

The Vinylmation Station

Editor – Editing the podcast on a bi-weekly or monthly basis.

If you are interested in any of these positions, please email us at wdwnewstoday@gmail.com

WDWNT Live! 24 Hour Broadcast to Benefit Toys for Tots Starts Tonight!

WDWNT on November 26, 2011

Don’t forget that tonight at 10PM ET, WDWNT presents the 3rd annual 24 hour live show to benefit Toys For Tots. The show will run for 24 continuous hours until 10PM ET on Saturday, November 26. During this time, we will present our signature segments, game shows, and an interactive chat LIVE on www.WDWNTunes.com. Don’t miss the fun and the opportunity to help this great cause!

WDWNT Live! 24 Hour Broadcast to Benefit Toys for Tots Starts Tonight!

WDWNT on November 25, 2011

Don’t forget that tonight at 10PM ET, WDWNT presents the 3rd annual 24 hour live show to benefit Toys For Tots. The show will run for 24 continuous hours until 10PM ET on Saturday, November 26. During this time, we will present our signature segments, game shows, and an interactive chat LIVE on www.WDWNTunes.com. Don’t miss the fun and the opportunity to help this great cause!

WDW News Today Celebrates 4 Years Online!

WDWNT on July 8, 2011

Every year this Network grows older, we reflect upon the accomplishments, impact, and incredible growth of WDWNT. It has now been 4 years since WDW News Today launched on July 8th, 2007. What was founded on the website you see before you and built on the back of daily news and information about Walt Disney World is now a vibrant collection of websites, podcasts, electronic publications, online radio stations, & more. The last year in particular has been a memorable one, from hosting our first fan events (WDWNT: The Weekend in Florida & “Hangin’ 10” in California) to the launch of WDWNT: The Magazine. In the world of Disney, our sites have covered huge stories such as the opening of Star Tours, the continuing expansion of Disney California Adventure, and progress on the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland Expansion.

Speaking of the Fantasyland Expansion, we will be unveiling our latest project this evening. It’s called WDWFantasyland.com and to explain it in just a few words, it’s essentially a Disney family photo album for the Fantasyland expansion, something that will be compiled to be a permanent reference for Disney fans on the biggest project in the history of the world’s most visited theme park. I’ll be talking more in-depth about this later tonight and in the coming weeks.

Speaking of tonight, we will continue our annual tradition of presenting a special anniversary edition of WDWNT Live! show on WDWNTunes.com. The show begins at 9PM ET, here is the current schedule:

  • 9:00-10:00PM ET – Live Interactive Chat
  • 10:00PM ET – A Live, Interactive Walt Disney World Resort News and Rumor Report
  • 11:00PM ET – The 40 Biggest Moments in the History of Walt Disney World: Moments #17-15
  • 11:45PM ET – Introducing WDWFantasyland.com

We hope you will join us for tonight’s show and that you’ll enjoy our latest project.

On a personal note, the 4 year journey of this website, the podcast, and the entire family of shows and websites that make up WDWNT has been the greatest experience of my life. I’d like to thank the incredible volunteer staff of over 40 people that has worked tirelessly to get us where we are today and the loyal readers & listeners who are to thank for our great success. I am very proud of what we have accomplished in just 4 short years, and look forward to many more of “Bridging the Gaps Between You and the World”.

Tom Corless
CEO & Founder of the WDWNT Network

WDW News Today Introduces New Features For Easier Navigation & Communication

WDWNT on April 28, 2011

As many of you are aware, several weeks ago we closed the WDWNT Network Community Forums to allow us to move forward and “keep up with the times”. This community and the world around it has changed greatly since we launched the forums over three years ago, and it was time to move on. In the battle for your precious time, forums were unnecessary with the existence of social media like Twitter & Facebook. In an effort to allow you to comment on the Walt Disney World news & information we post here on WDW News Today without having to then post your feeling in several other places, you can now leave comments on and share our posts through connectivity with a multitude of social media sites (Facebook, Twitter,DISQUS, Google, & Yahoo!). We hope this will make it easier for you to discuss Disney topics with fellow fans and connect with our community. (NOTE: The comment system can be accessed from a small link at the bottom of each post on the main page, but by clicking into each post, you can simply scroll to the bottom to find the comment area)

In addition, we have made several eliminations and additions to our site. The calendar of Walt Disney World events and the “Fantasyland Project Tracker” are history, but we have added links to our most popular news topics to the navigation bar. Right now, Star Tours II & the Fantasyland Expansion are the two hottest topics, so we have links that will send you right to a complete listing of every story we have had on that subject. We hope this will make it easier to track projects step-by-step and to not get lost searching for the topic in the sea of news we post on a regular basis.

So go ahead, try out the new comment system and let us know what you think of these changes below!