WDWNT Archive – Page 446 – A blast from the past!

Disney Princess Dresses by Harrod’s to Make Debut at the D23 Expo

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

A display of exclusive handcrafted dresses inspired by Disney’s iconic princesses will make their U.S. debut at the D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center August 9-11, 2013.

Included are works of world-leading designers inspired by the individual stories of the Disney Princesses by Ralph & Russo (Tiana), Versace (Cinderella), Elie Saab (Aurora), Marchesa (Ariel), Escada (Jasmine), Missoni (Mulan), Roberto Cavalli (Pocahontas), Jenny Packham (Rapunzel), Valentino (Belle), and Oscar de la Renta (Snow White).

The dresses were first displayed in an ultra-glamorous set of window displays at Harrod’s, the luxury store in Knightsbridge, London, during the 2012 holiday season.

Also during the D23 Expo, additional presentations have been announced:

As the 50th anniversary of “Mary Poppins” nears, Disney legend and Walt Disney Archives Chief Archivist Emeritus Dave Smith will host “Behind the Scenes of Walt Disney’s “Mary Poppins.” Guests will learn the whole story of how Walt Disney discovered the book, worked with author P.L. Travers on the script, hired the Sherman Brothers to write a memorable score, selected an unforgettable cast, oversaw the actual filming, and celebrated at a gala Hollywood premiere.
At “Secrets of the Lost Chords,” Grammy^® Award-winning producer and resident Disney Music historian, Randy Thornton will share some of the secrets behind Disney’s “lost” songs that were written for several classic Disney films by legendary Disney composers, such as the Sherman Brothers, that were lost for several decades – until now. As a special part of this exclusive D23 event, attendees will be among some of the very first to hear songs currently in production for an upcoming “Lost Chords” release.
“Sounds Delightful: An Illustrated Audio Adventure,” will be hosted by Stacia Martin, Disney Artist and Historian. This presentation will take guests on an entertaining trip across decades via vintage Disney Vinyl Recordings from Martin’s personal collection. Forgotten favorites will be heard along with rare promotional and production tracks, including never-before-heard musical moments from Walt Disney’s own “journey down the Yellow Brick Road.”

For presentation times, dates, and locations (subject to change), please visit D23Expo.com.

Disney Fine Art Portraits Add Some Character To Your Family!

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

Looking for a totally unique way to capture your next Walt Disney World vacation? Check out the all-new portrait experience available with Disney’s Fine Art Photography and Video department; they will capture the memories of your visit and enable you to bring some Disney magic home with you.

Taken by a Disney photography artist, the exclusive portrait session places you and your family inside the artwork itself!

Within the artwork, the letters spell out “DISNEY” or a beloved character’s name, while whimsical photos of your family are placed inside the letters.

Finally, a chosen Disney character poses with your family, completing your Disney family art portrait, creating a memory that will last a lifetime.

The mounting, packaging, prints, a double matte, acrylic glass and a wire frame hanger are all included in the price of the art portrait.

For more information on this new Disney experience visit disneyeventphotography.com or to book a session, call 407.934.4004.

Dessert Menu Revealed for the Revamped California Grill

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

Parting is such sweet sorrow, but the California Grill’s grand reopening will be much sweeter! Guests have been missing the California Grill for months now, but the re-opening date is close approaching (rumored to be around August 25th).

Pastry Chef Jeff Barnes gave a preview of a few of the new desserts for the California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The new dessert menu will feature several new additions that Chef Barnes and his artistic team have been creating.

“You’re going to see a big change with some new concepts. This is our chance to create a new menu with a fresh infusion of California, and it’s coming together nicely,” says Chef Jeff, stating that the new theme of the menu is “artful and playful.”

New to the California Grill menu is a dessert trio with a Coke float, strawberry sundae and caramel corn sundae, “too good and tempting to have such great flavors on one plate,” Chef Barnes says.

The chocolate pudding cake is made with a 70% Dark Chocolate from Belgium

Banana fritters, dusted with sugar, are served with chocolate and marshmallows

And don’t forget the Lemon Meringue Cheesecake! Served with fresh fruit, it’s light and refreshing

Keep checking with wdwnt.com for more details about the California Grill’s grand reopening date; we will be sure to update you as more information becomes available.

Guardians of the Galaxy Cast Revealed at SDCC’13

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

During the Marvel Studios panel at San Diego Comic-Con this past weekend, the cast of the Guardians of the Galaxy was fully revealed. Up until recently, only Chris Pratt was officially on board as Peter Quill, aka Star Lord, but the rest of the cast “officially” appeared in person. They include Zoe Saldana as Gamora, Karen Gillian (with newly shaved head) as Nebula, Lee Pace as Ronan the Accuser, Michael Rooker as Yondu, Benecio Del Toro as The Collector, Dave Bautista as Drax the Destroyer and Djimon Hounsou as Korath.

The only one left to be announced is who will voice Rocket Raccoon. Many sources lead toward David Tennant being the VA for the crazy Raccoon.

Originally posted on the AWPA Network

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Whedon says Avengers: Age of Ultron Will Not Include Hank Pym (Ant-Man)

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

Whedon has some big things in store for Avengers: Age of Ultron. The biggest thing? No Hank Pym (Ant-Man) the creator of Ultron.

How can a movie about the homicidal A.I. Ultron, created by Hank Pym not involve his original creator? Well Joss had some things to say:

“We’re crafting our own version of it where his origin comes more directly from The Avengers we already know about. It’s a little bit darker than the other film because Ultron is in the house. There’s a science fiction theme that wasn’t there in the other one. Ultron is definitely something that evolves, so we’re going to get together a couple of different iterations. Nothing can be translated exactly as it was from the comics; particularly Ultron.”

Compelling points of course, but if not Pym then who? Well Tony Stark or Bruce Banner are both geniuses, so technically either one of them could be responsible for the creation of Ultron. My money is on Tony Stark, as he already has his own A.I. in the films, Jarvis.

Talking more about the movie and the sheer scope of it all, Whedon dropped that Hawkeye will have an increased role in the film:

“It’s very much a global Avengers film. A lot of the movie has to do with their place not just in America, but the world. Part of the fun for me, definitely this time around, is writing Hawkeye. He did get possessed pretty early by a bad guy and had to walk around all scowly for most of the movie so now it’s nice to actually have the character there and see him interact with the other guys.”

More character information about a beloved comic book character like Hawkeye is always a good thing.

Whedon did take the time to alleviate a growing concern since the title announcement, a Marvel Comic event called Age of Ultron recently took place, and Whedon wanted to set the record straight:

“Well, because there was a book called ‘Age of Ultron’ quite recently, a lot of people have assumed that is what we’re doing, but that is not the case. We’re doing our own version of the origin story for Ultron. In the origin story, there was Hank Pym, so a lot of people assumed that he will be in the mix. He’s not. We’re basically taking the things from the comics for the movies that we need and can use. A lot of stuff has to fall by the wayside.”

Wow, so that’s everything we know so far. How do you feel about these announcements?

Originally posted on the AWPA Network

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A Look at the the MyMagic+ Touch-To-Pay System at Table Service Restaurants

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

Since MyMagic+ and MagicBands were announced (and even when they were just rumored), many of us have wondered exactly how they would work in every aspect of a Walt Disney World vacation. Over the last few months, we have seen the system operate with FastPass+ for attractions, order ahead dining at counter service locations, and even touch-to-pay at stores. One thing we are now just seeing for the first time is exactly how the system will work at the many table service restaurants around WDW.

Last night I saw one of these devices in action at Olivia’s at Old Key West. I can only assume with the current MyMagic+ testing going on, this is at most, if not all of the table service restaurants at Disney World right now. It is essentially an iPod touch with a giant device hooked onto the back of it.

So, this is the device that will be used at every restaurant to utilize touch-to-pay with hard tickets and MagicBand ticket media. How will the process work? Well, here is what your server should say when you show up with your MagicBand and are using the Disney Dining Plan:

Hello! Welcome to ___________! My name is ____________ and I will be taking great care of you this evening. I see you are on the dining plan. That’s Wonderful! If you’ll kindly touch your MagicBand and enter your PIN, I’ll be able to preview your plan information. This will help me to better guide you through your dining experience.

This will be done to avoid guest and server confusion regarding the dining plan. The server will then need to touch your MagicBand again at the end of the meal. That might go something like this:

I see some MagicBands at the table this evening. If you plan to use your band for payment this evening, I can capture the touch now if you like. Thank you! I will bring back your receipt for signature.

If the guest enters an invalid pin, a blue Mickey icon will appear on the screen for the cast member. Three invalid pin entries may require you to use alternative payment.

The process seems like it may simplify the process a little bit for those on the dining plan at least… split checks are a whole other story for another post…

If you don’t have the dining plan, you will only have to tap your band should your credit card be attached to your account and you choose to use that as a payment method. There has been no word yet on if Tables in Wonderland or Annual Pass dining discounts will use this system or still have to entered manually. If you are paying with cash or a card not attached to your MagicBand, this process will not apply to you.

So, what do you think? Would this make it easier or harder for you to pay at a table service restaurant?

Cool Off with the New Animated Film Frozen in the Fall Issue of Disney Twenty-Three

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

This August, the latest issue of Disney twenty-three Magazine will be delivered to the mailboxes of D23 Gold Members, and the cover story is Frozen! Disney’s 53rd animated feature, in theatres this November, will be the highlight of this issue, with behind-the-scenes film maker magic, as well as interviews with voice actors Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel.

Readers will also enjoy a fascinating look at newly discovered photographs recovered from Walt’s personal camera in “Every Picture Tells a Story”.

There will be stories about Tokyo Disneyland’s 30th Anniversary in “Happiness in the Park”, as well as an inside look at Hong Kong Disneyland’s exhilarating new attraction Mystic Manor.

Disney Legend Marty Sklar gives an exclusive interview, as he takes you into his home, and shares information about his exciting new book, Dream It! Do It!: My Half-Century Creating Disney’s Magic Kingdoms.

Other features of this Fall issue will include:

The latest on the new Mickey Mouse cartoons
PHOTOfiles: The best photo ever taken of Walt
Remembering Mouseketeer Annette Funicello in “Forever Annette”
The Disney classic, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, on its 25th anniversary
“D Society”: A tour of the Disney Studio Lot, Jerry Bruckheimer at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Monsters University world premiere

Members will also receive one of two exclusive retro-style magnets, celebrating Tinker Bell, and the Haunted Mansion’s Hatbox Ghost.

Complementing the Disney twenty-three Fall issue, there will be additional magic available at D23.com starting August 9th, with member-only news and web extras. Readers will be treated to interviews with voice actors from Disney’s Planes, additional artwork from Frozen, and a video interview at home with Marty Sklar.

So grab a frosty drink and cool off while enjoying the latest Disney twenty-three magazine!

Images courtesy of the Walt Disney Company

Downtown Disney Plans Parking Changes To Accommodate Disney Springs Construction

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

Walls are up all around what is currently Pleasure Island and work is expected to begin in some sections of the Downtown Disney Marketplace next month, but Disney Springs construction is about to get a lot messier and Disney is ready for it.

With several of the parking areas in Downtown Disney set to close over the next few weeks, you can expect visiting any section of the area to be a hassle anytime after noon for quite some time. In fact, the first parking structure won’t even be completed and open for Disney Springs until the Fall of 2014.

The first lot that will be constructed will be on the West Side, so the amount of parking spaces on the West Side will be greatly diminished for the next year. This work is expected to begin any day now.

Disney is aware that there will be several days over the next 15 months when Downtown Disney lots will not be able to accommodate everyone who visit. The current plan is to offer overflow lots across the street at Team Disney, Casting and SunTrust on certain afternoons to allow Guests to have convenient parking. Disney will also offer a shuttle service for Guests who park at Team Disney to make it easier for them to get to the West Side.

Even with all of this planning in place, guests may still want to utilize Disney transportation to get to Downtown Disney, or even maybe a taxi cab.

In the meantime, Disney is doubling the amount of cast member parking in the Hess lot across the street, so cast members should not be affected by this construction. Disney has also added communication tools for Cast to help them know where to park, including text messaging, a parking hotline and signage along Buena Vista Drive that will let them know when Cast parking in lot P is full.

So, what do you think of this parking plan? Will you still visit Downtown Disney during this construction project or will you wait for the new parking structures to open?

Walt Disney World (And Disneyland) Resort-Inspired Signs Now Available

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

One of the most difficult things for me to face is saying farewell to my “happy place” at the end of a Walt Disney World vacation. The sights, the smells, the sounds — fun and happiness all around you.

One of the ways I try to combat post-WDW sadness is to try and recreate some of my favorite dishes from the restaurants. I’ve perfected the New England Clam Chowder from Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, and the Key Lime Pie from Olivia’s Café at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, and the Buttermilk Fried Chicken from the Hoop De Doo Review at Fort Wilderness.

Now Walt Disney World has a new way to recreate the feeling of the Disney Resorts at home – with a line of art-inspired signage from the Disney Parks. Created by the Disney Imagineers and the Disney Design Group, these signs are following the trend of vintage sign replicas.

David Whitaker, senior merchandiser, says, “The sign program has been wildly popular with guests. We wanted to offer oversized replicas of Disney Parks’ signs printed on wood-like material or metal… we had plenty of options for us at Disney Parks. The fun part was selecting the most iconic signs for this first program.”

For some signs, the artists reproduced the sign almost exactly how it looks at Disney Parks, like the Aloha Isle sign.

Other signs combine elements from several signs for an attraction to create an original piece of artwork, like the Enchanted Tiki Room sign.

“We took the attraction sign and combined it with shields found both on the Adventureland bridge in Magic Kingdom Park in Florida and on the attraction building in Disneyland park in California,” explained David. “I thought the addition of the shields made the sign more aesthetically pleasing.”

Look for the new vintage resort signs at the Art of Disney location in Downtown Disney Marketplace and Animation Gallery at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Gaston’s Tavern sign is located in the new Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom.

There are also two Disney•Pixar’s “Cars“-inspired signs found at select locations in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park.

Unfortunately, the vintage signs will not be available at the Disney Parks online store, but some of these signs will be offered at the Disneyland Resort at a future date.

Tom Corless’ 7/12-14/13 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

I spent a majority of last weekend visiting the Magic Kingdom and I took a number of newsworthy photos to share, so let’s take a look at what’s new around the park:

The Villas at the Grand Floridian are looking great

Moving to the Magic Kingdom, the MyMagic+ service center is sitting dormant in Town Square Theater for now

Speaking of Town Square Theater, some guests decided to write on Mickey’s hand…

This is not alright people…

A few new character banks are now on sale

There is also now a kid’s Toodles shirt

Another pair of giant glasses has come out, this pair looks like Minnie’s bow

The gutters have returned to Sleepy Hallow Refreshments, meaning work is finally done on the facade

The new ear hat ornaments can be found at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe

The shoe ornaments are still in stock as well

There is now a Haunted Mansion candlestick holder available

Everything but the Haunted Mansion throw blanket is currently available

Some new Winnie the Pooh merchandise has arrived at Hundred Acre Goods

Some new shirts with Pooh, Tigger, and Eeyore

FastPass+ signage at the Tomorrowland Speedway

Work is speeding up on the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train in New Fantasyland

So, after the new FastPass+ merge point at “it’s a small world”, there is currently a free-for-all of people in line with no divider… hopefully this will be fixed before FastPass+ rolls out