New Look for Buena Vista Street Merchandise at Disney California Adventure Park

Barely shy of it’s one year birthday, we know Buena Vista Street is home to unique shops and merchandise.  Disney has now announced new Buena Vista themed products coming this month.

Were you a fan of the Buena Vista Street-inspired merchandise created in celebration of the opening last year? If so, and you are looking to update your wardrobe, there are new collections on the horizon. Here’s your first look at some of the new art that will appear on an array of merchandise including tees, fleece, hats, drinkware, pins, souvenirs and more.

If you are looking for summer wear for the kids, then be sure to pick up this Oswald youth tee.

Look for this new collection to debut in July at Elias & Co. atDisney California Adventure park, among other select locations.

Photo reports will make an appearance as soon as the new merchandise does, so stay tuned!

 

Tim Alcoser’s 6-29-13 Disneyland Photo Report

Disneyland News Today Reporter Tim Alcoser visited the Disneyland Resort on Saturday (6/29) and caught a few bits of news in and around the resort.

The Steam Engine from the upcoming film, The Lone Ranger, is on display east of the Esplanade at Disneyland’s East Transportation Center.

A fairly obvious hidden mickey is seen inside the cab of the engine.  I wonder if you will be able to see it in the movie…?

A closer look.

It’s a real Steam Train.  Not just a movie prop.

With 4th of July almost here, many guests are stopping to enjoy the Flag Retreat ceremony.

Over at Disney California Adventure, Sir Tow Mater takes a stroll towards Carsland.

Radiator Springs Racers was down for awhile when I dropped by.

Here’s another look at the holiday decorations on Buena Vista Street.  Buena Vista Street is all set to celebrate it’s second Independence Day!

“We sell hats…and not much else…”

With Summer in full swing comes the return of an annual guest favorite.  The All American College Band.

The band is very talented and always draws huge crowds.

A look at Main Street USA, finally cooling off after a heat wave rolled across much of the state.

80z All Star Band played 80’s favorites all evening long.

The large crane that was rebuilding Big Thunder’s track has been long gone.  But basic renovations of the landscape still go on.

Magical! Fireworks Spectacular.

What Disney day is complete without Fantasmic?

Lasers, lights, fireworks and smoke.  Hope you enjoyed the report!

Sip a ‘Lone Ranger’ Slush at Disney Parks to Celebrate Film Release July 3

The Disneyland Resort (and the Magic Kingdom) has something tasty and refreshing planned to commemorate the launch of the Lone Ranger on July 3rd.

A root beer slush in a cool Lone Ranger souvenir boot is just a little reminder of the July 3 premiere of Walt Disney Pictures’ “The Lone Ranger” American action-adventure western comedy film.

Found only at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe in Frontierland in Magic Kingdom Park for $8.99 (3.99 without the souvenir boot). However, if you are visiting Disneyland park, be sure to visit the Golden Horseshoe for a Root Beer Float in the Lone Ranger souvenir boot starting tomorrow.

The new movie stars actor Armie Hammer as the Lone Ranger and Johnny Depp as Tonto, the proud American-Indian warrior. (We expect Depp’s version will have a dry sense of humor with Producer Jerry Bruckheimer and Director Gore Verbinski, the filmmaking team behind the blockbuster “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise.)

We’ll sip our root beer slush and patiently wait for July 3!

‘Eye-mazing’ Merchandise for Monstrous Summer All-Night Party on May 24, 2013

I can’t wait for the upcoming all-night party that will kick off a Monstrous Summer at Disney Parks on May 24, 2013. I had a blast at last year’s 24-hour party with my fiancée, so I imagine this one will be even more “eye-mazing!” As part of Limited Time Magic, Disney Theme Park Merchandise has created some commemorative items featuring Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan, stars of Disney•Pixar’s upcoming film “Monsters University.” Here are some things you can expect starting May 24.

We will have a new logo shirt featuring Mike, created just for the 24 hour party. The shirts will be similar on each coast except for a small logo change on the sleeve (either “Magic Kingdom” for guests in Florida or “Disneyland Resort” for guests in California). This shirt will also be offered on our Disney Parks online store from May 24-27 at http://www.DisneyStore.com/ParkEvents. (Please note that items will be shipped in 6-8 weeks from time of order.)

My favorite items are the Sulley-inspired Disney ear hat (it’s furry!) and Mike’s one-eyed novelty sunglasses. We will also be offering an embroidered Disney ear hat with a “Monstrous Summer” logo that day.

The apparel, ear hats and sunglasses will be released at the Emporium and select locations in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort. At Disneyland Resort, look for these items in Emporium at Disneyland park and Elias & Co. at Disney California Adventure park, among other select locations.

The Consumables team will offer some treats inspired by Mike and Sulley, including blue and green cotton candy, cake pops, and decorative candy apples. My favorite (mostly because they gave me a sample to try) is the delicious cupcake complete with green icing and a chocolate logo square. Look for select goodies in locations like the Main Street Confectionery in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort, Candy Palace at Disneyland park or Trolley Treats at Disney California Adventure park.

All of these items will be available for a “limited time” only beginning May 24, while supplies last.

Finally, I invite you to follow the Disney Parks Blog on May 24, as I will be traveling coast-to-coast to party in three Disney Parks that day. I look forward to seeing friends on both the east and west coasts! If you are in the parks, please say hello!

Looks like the Disneyland Resort will have you covered from head to toe with merchandise and limited time gear, and well fed too.

“May The Fourth Be With You” Limited Time Magic At Disney’s Hollywood Studios

For a long time, Star Wars fans have proclaimed May 4th as “May the Fourth be with you” and so this year Disney is playing on that term and using it as a Limited Time Magic offering over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. For one day only, May 4th 2013, Disney will host an event separate from Star Wars Weekends called “May The Fourth Be With You”. What can we expect from this? Lets take a look.

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On May 4th you’ll find special Star Wars characters, merchandise, a Star Wars dance party, and to top it all off… a special Star Wars themed Fireworks Show. Characters will also be making appearances around Star Tours: The Adventures Continue and if you are lucky enough, you’ll get to ride with some of them on the attraction. (Wouldn’t it be cool if you could ride Star Tours with Chewbacca?)

A special edition of Star Wars Jedi Academy will be performed on May 4th and this time, Disney invites the parents to take the stage with the kids to be part of the fun and help battle the Empire. As soon as the sun goes down, join Lobot as DJ for the biggest dance party and fireworks spectacular in the galaxy.

All this will be part of your regular park admission, all you have to do is show up at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 4th 2013 and get ready to have fun!

24 Hours of Fun and Entertainment in Three Disney Parks

Disney has given us a sneak peek into the entertainment schedule for the Magic Kingdom, Disneyland and California Adventure for the special 24 hour event on May 24th, 2013.

We’re just one week away from our next Limited Time Magic event, the huge Disney ParksMonstrous Summer All-Nighter on May 24! Pam Brandon and Steven Miller will be along later to share details about some of the great food and merchandise you can expect to find, but first I’d like to tell you more about the special entertainment we have in store.

Everything kicks-off with special opening moments in front of the parks, leading up to 6 a.m., and then you’re off and running for 24 hours of fun!* Many of your usual favorite characters and shows will be happening throughout the day, but we also have some extra things planned just for this event.

At Magic Kingdom Park, Mike and Sulley from this summer’s new Disney•Pixar film “Monsters University” will pop in to “scare up” some excitement at the “Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It!” Street Party, and serve as Grand Marshals during a special pre-parade, complete with a cheer squad, flag corps and a marching band playing the MU Fight Song! You can catch this procession just ahead of each of that day’s two performances of the “Celebrate a Dream Come True” Parade. In Tomorrowland, the Rockettower Plaza Stage plays host to a “Monster Mania” DJ Dance Party from 4 – 9 p.m. and “Monsters University Movie Night” from 11 p.m. – 5 a.m., featuring back-to-back showings of the original “Monsters, Inc.” and an opportunity to meet Mike and Sulley! Finally, you can dance the night away at Disney’s Up All Night Dance Party at Cinderella Castle, keeping things lively from 2 – 5:45 a.m.

At Disneyland Resort, the fun spreads out across two Disney Parks! Disney California Adventure park is having a Hollywood Viewing Party, screening “Monsters, Inc.” inside Muppets Theater and hosting Mad T Party outside inHollywood Land. Both start at 9 p.m. and continue through the night. Elsewhere, the “Monsters University” gang will be out and about with the new MU float from the Pixar Play Parade, happy to pose for pictures with you.

Disneyland park celebrates with a Disney Character Pajama Party, starting after midnight in Mickey’s Toontownwith classic Disney cartoons, a Mickey Mouse Party Zone with DJ and activities for kids, plus goodies available for purchase, like hot chocolate, milk and cookies and other treats. Over in Tomorrowland, there will be Star Warscharacters to meet and the TLT “Monstrous” Dance Club at Tomorrowland Terrace, where you can keep the party going from midnight to 5:30 a.m.

During the All-Nighter, the Royal Theatre at Fantasy Faire hosts a Royal Swing Ball, with a live band from 10 p.m. – 1:40 a.m., and beginning June 15 the “Jump, Jive, Boogie Swing Party” will return to the Royal Theatre for select nights during the summer. Keep an eye on the calendar page on Disneyland.com for dates and information.

So whether you’re heading to Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort for the Disney Parks Monstrous Summer All-Nighter, you’re in for a monster-sized good time!

Please note that the parks will be open between Friday, May 24th, 2013 at 6:00 AM to Saturday, May 25th, 2013 at 6:00 AM and entrance is subject to capacity.

 

 

Special Eats Part of Monstrous All-Nighter Fun at Disney Parks

Unique food, treats and snacks are being added to many locations around the Disneyland Resort for the Monstrous all-nighter event and Disney is sharing a few of these items to whet our appetite.

Of course the Disney chefs had to get in on the Memorial Day weekend fun to kick off a Monstrous Summer at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World ResortMagic Kingdom ParkDisneyland park and Disney California Adventure park will stay open from 6 a.m., May 24, to 6 a.m. May 25, – which gives us 24 hours to nosh our way through the delightful bites.

We won’t give away all the ideas the chefs have planned, but here are a few:

                                                              

The cupcake craze gets a nod at Gaston’s Tavern in New Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom Park, with a chocolate cupcake topped with tasty “Monsters University” sweets. And we can’t resist the “Eye Scream Sundae” at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor and Plaza Restaurant in two flavors – mint chocolate chip or strawberry.

The Launching Pad in Tomorrowland will have two theme drinks, Randall’s Suds and Mike’s Punch.

At the Disneyland Resort, tasty treats are everywhere. From a steak and eggs breakfast at Carnation Café in Disneyland park to a Monster Nacho Dog at Award Weiners at Disney California Adventure park, there are dozens of creations added to menus. We expect lots of guests will be looking for early-morning eats, like the breakfast pizza at Redd’s Pizza Port with eggs, chorizo, roasted tomatillos, mozzarella and pico de gallo. Blue Bayou is adding roasted bourbon shrimp stuffed with Dungeness crab mousse served with spinach, pasta and smoked tomato-habanero-artichoke sauce. Café Orleans has decadent bananas Foster French toast, or, if you must behave, fresh fruit with yogurt and granola.

For breakfast goodies at Disney California Adventure park, Golden Vine Winery Trattoria has a Wine Country breakfast with scrambled eggs, herbed potatoes, biscuit, bacon or sausage and fruit; or spinach frittata made with egg whites. For around-the-clock eating, the potstickers are back at Lucky Fortune Cookery, or head to Pacific Wharf Café for a hearty loaded baked potato soup in a fresh sourdough bread bowl.

Oh, there’s so much more, like the mac-and-cheese flatbread pizza with sun-dried tomato pesto at Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, or the Monstrous Open-Face Turkey Sandwich at Flo’s V-8 Café (brioche piled high with turkey and topped with gravy, cranberry marmalade on the side).

Come hungry, and you can bet there are plenty of delicious eats to keep you going around the clock.

Attending a 24 hour event may be just cause for being tired, but one thing is for sure, you won’t be hungry.

Downtown Disney District Extended Hours for Monstrous Summer All-Nighter at the Disneyland Resort

The Disneyland Resort has posted operating hours for entertainment, restaurants, food carts and merchandise stores at Downtown Disney. In addition to both California Adventure and Disneyland, Downtown Disney will be open, and some locations will continue operating all night.

Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks aren’t the only places to have a monstrous time during
this Friday’s all-nighter at the Disneyland Resort … the Downtown Disney District is also getting in on the fun with extended hours and more. Check it out

Restaurants, Food Carts and Quick Service Locations:
Downtown Disney District restaurants will be open until 2 a.m. on Saturday, May 25 (excluding ESPN Zone)
Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Express will be open until 3 a.m. on Saturday, May 25
Special extended hours at ESPN Zone
The Arena – open until 3 a.m.
The 19th Hole Bar – alcohol available until 1 a.m.
Non-alcoholic drinks served until 3 a.m.
Limited food menu served until 1 a.m.
“1/2 price” special on all Arena games from 12-3 a.m.
House of Blues and Tortilla Jo’s will open for breakfast at 6 a.m. on Saturday, May 25

The following will be open 24 hours on May 24-25:
Café Renee
Planet Popcorn
Wetzel’s Pretzels
Jamba Juice
La Brea Bakery Express

The following will be open until 2 a.m. on Saturday, May 25:
Wetzel’s Pretzels Cart
Gelato Cart
Churro Carts
Merchandise Stores and Carts

Downtown Disney District stores will be open 24 hours on May 24-25
Merchandise carts will be open until 2 a.m. on Saturday, May 25
Live Entertainment
6–10 p.m. – Downtown Disney District live entertainment
11 p.m. – 4 a.m. – DJ Wendy on the Main Stage
11 p.m. – 4 a.m. – DJ Justin at House of Blues area
For more information, click here, and join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #Disney24.

Looks like the entire Disneyland Resort will be open for ’round the clock fun.

Tim Alcoser’s 05/23/2013 Photo Report (Memorial Day decorations)

Disneyland News Today reporter Tim Alcoser was at the Disneyland Resort the day before the 24 hour Monstrous Summer Event and captured a few photos of newsworthy items:

Studio equipment is ready to go for the Monstrous Summer Event in the middle of the Esplanade.

Red, White and Blue is showing up at both parks in lieu of Memorial Day/Independence Day.

The Market House will be closed until the Fall when it will reappear as a Starbucks.

The Mickey and the Magical Map Media Event took place on May 23rd closing down most of Fantasyland with a Grand Premiere of the show.

Mickey and the Magical Map is now open and showing several times daily at the Disneyland Resort!

When you are at the Happiest Place on Earth, you just never know who is going to show up and where

Refurbishment of the Disneyland Railroad’s New Orleans Square Station has now wrapped up.

A few pictures of Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular!

Buena Vista Street seasonal decorations are also present Memorial Day through 4th of July.


The sun sets over Disneyland. It preps for the Monstrous Summer 24-Hour event the next morning.

Thank you for reading!

Tim Alcoser’s Monstrous Summer All-Nighter Photo Report (20130524 – 20130525)

Disneyland News Today reporter Tim Alcoser attended the entire 24-hour Monstrous Summer event at the Disneyland Resort. For those who want to recap or who could not attend the event, there are plenty of pictures here for your enjoyment.


For the event, early guests were parked in the Bambi section of the Toy Story Parking lot, which is traditionally reserved for Cast Member parking only.


Crowds await the 6:00 AM entrance into Disney California Adventure. Time is 5:30 AM.


Camera crews await the 6:00 AM start of Disney’s Monstrous Summer.


Guests eagerly await the 6:00 AM opening of Disneyland.

 

Watch the Countdown to the Start of the Monstrous Summer All-Nighter at Disneyland.

 


A Monstrous Summer All-Nighter sign at the entrance to Main Street USA in Town Square.


Radio stations recorded live and were set up near It’s a Small World.


The first ride Tim went on was…


Refurbishment work was finally wrapped up at the New Orleans Square Train Station just in time for the event.


A look at the crowds streaming into Disneyland at approximately 7:00 AM. Very light.


However, most of the security checkpoints were bogged down for several hours after opening.


Nickelodeon cutting into Disney’s turf at Build-a-Bear Workshop?


New Monsters University posters at AMC Theaters in Downtown Disney


One of these monsters seems all too familiar…


The Oozma Kappa (OK) Frat.


DLNT Reporter Tim was very fortunate to secure a special screening pass to Monsters University at AMC Theaters in Downtown Disney. 199 other lucky Annual Passholders were granted access to see Monsters University nearly a full month before Release. More details on how this was done on the podcast later.


The quickest way to obtain a Monsters University Identification Card.


Before being granted access to the theater, all cell phones, cameras, camcorders and other equipment had to be checked in. Additionally, “Secret Service” style security guards used Metal detector wands on each guest to ensure all equipment was turned over. As an added caution, two guards were placed at each exit of the theater to constantly watch all guests in attendance.


Fantasyland Theater is now showing Mickey and the Magical Map several times daily at the Disneyland Resort.


Annual Passholders await entrance into Fantasyland Theater to see the first public showing of Mickey and the Magical Map.


The stage to Mickey and the Magical Map. Look for the complete show video on the website very soon.


The Sorcerer’s Hat.


A closer look at the stage.


A closer look at the new Fantasyland Theater.


Over to DCA now, a similar Monstrous Summer All-Nighter sign has been placed near Carthay Circle.


Red Car News Boys still going strong nearly one year later.


Mike and Sully act as Grand Marshall’s for the Pixar Play Parade along with a whole host of friends from Oozma Kappa (OK).


Everyone seems to be in school spirit. Even Roz.


The new Monsters University Meet and Greet is located between Mad T Party and the Hyperion Theater and is very well done.


On Radiator Springs Racers.
“Careful on the turns, Kid” ~Doc Hudson


As part of the Monstrous Summer All-Nighter, Monsters Inc. was shown several times throughout the day and night at Muppet Vision 3D Theater, including 1:00 AM and 3:00 AM. Many guests, evidently, found it a convenient place to take a nap.


Main Street USA at approximately 2:45 AM.


Sleeping Beauty Castle was basked in a brilliant white light to show off for a live taping of Good Morning America.

See the Good Morning America Live taping here: http://gma.yahoo.com/video/disneyland-stays-open-24-hours-130827269.html


Bright floodlights stream into the castle gates.


A closer look at the castle before the taping of Good Morning America.


Over in Toontown, guests had a Pajama Party with their favorite Disney Cartoon Characters and also enjoyed classic run Disney Cartoons on an oversized TV.


Children had beanbags for a comfortable front row experience.


The sun rises over Disneyland and Sleeping Beauty Castle. Time is approximately 5:15 AM.


The view from Princess Fantasy Faire.


Main Street USA at approximately 5:30 AM. Certainly not as busy as One More Disney Day. The parks never did reach capacity.


I hope you enjoyed the post. Thank you for viewing!