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

WDWNT on June 4, 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.

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

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

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)

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

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!

He was totally into Disney before you…

WDWNT on June 1, 2013

Looks like Disney is going hipster. Here’s a pic of Hipster Mickey that will be part of a Hipster Cocktail Party on July 18th at Wonderground Gallery in Disneyland. Find out more here.

What do you think of this look?

Will it come to Vinylmation too?

Trading Locations Reportedly on Decline at Disneyland Too

WDWNT on March 18, 2013

We reported last week about an internal memo sent to Walt Disney World Cast Members announcing a decrease in trading locations around the resort (read about it here). Now, we are getting word that Disneyland will see a similar decrease in trading locations.

While we have now knowledge of a memo, we do have word from OC Vinyl Don (VinylmationTraders.com) and others who spoke to Cast Members who confirmed the reduction of trading locations at Disneyland. Word is, there will only be three locations: D-Street, Disneyana (Disneyland) and Off the Page (DCA).

In the previous article, we discussed many pros and cons and heard your opinions as well. Now, Disneyland guests… what are your thoughts? Comment, email or call 209-28 MOUSE and we will play your comments on the next podcast.

Fun Eats at the Golden Horseshoe for ‘Limited Time Magic’ at Disneyland Park

WDWNT on March 3, 2013

By Pam Brandon on the Disney Parks Blog:

‘A Salute to the Golden Horseshoe Revue’ at Disneyland Park
Starting Thursday, get a taste of “Limited Time Magic” at the Golden Horseshoe at Disneyland park, where the celebration includes a special tribute to the historic “Golden Horseshoe Revue” but also includes some fun eats that will make the whole experience even more fun.

The bite-size renditions of the Monte Cristo are back, one of the all-time favorite Disneyland sandwiches. Indeed, the delightful little bites are on the “Limited Time Magic” menu just for this show that runs from January 10-14, January 17-21, January 24-28 and January 31-February 4.

“A Salute to the Golden Horseshoe Revue” takes you back to the days of musical variety shows (the kind that Walt Disney loved), but the food is decidedly contemporary – crispy mozzarella sticks, chicken wings, chicken salad and those Monte Cristo nuggets served with sliced apples and blackberry jelly. (You still can get the popular chili cheese fries and the chili in a bread bowl with shredded cheese.) And a special sweet ending is red velvet cake with cheesecake mousse, raspberries and a snazzy can-can girl decoration.

To reserve a seat for “A Salute to the Golden Horseshoe Revue,” stop at the podium at the entrance to the Golden Horseshoe on the day you want to see the show. A cast member will issue a ticket for the preferred show time, based on availability, which you’ll need for admission. (Anyone old enough to remember that this is the way it was done back during the show’s original run?)

‘Limited Time Magic’ Continues at the Disneyland Resort with New Orleans Bayou Bash!

WDWNT on March 3, 2013

From Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:

Join Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen at the New Orleans Bayou Bash at Disneyland Park

It’s almost time to let the good times roll at Disneyland park with the return of New Orleans Bayou Bash! – this year, part of “Limited Time Magic” here at the Disneyland Resort. New Orleans Square will be decked out for a party, and so will some of your favorite Disney friends! New Orleans Bayou Bash! will come alive in New Orleans Square from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on the following dates:

  • January 18-21
  • January 25-27
  • February 1-3
  • February 8-12

Here’s a look at what is in store:

  • Princess Tiana’s Mardi Gras Celebration – Princess Tiana, Louis and Prince Naveen make their way through New Orleans Square to the Rivers of America, where a musical celebration takes place featuring tunes from Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog.”
  • Jambalaya Jazz Band – The popular band will perform their jazzy tunes along the streets of New Orleans Square.
  • Royal Street Bachelors – This Disneyland favorite will be found at the French Market Stage, and will be joined throughout the day by Princess Tiana.
  • New Orleans Traditional Jazz Band – Throughout the day, a rousing Mardi Gras procession will burst onto the streets of New Orleans Square. In traditional “second line” style, an umbrella dancer leads the mash-up of colorful performers and musicians.
  • Character Greetings at Court of Angels – Princess Tiana will be greeting Disneyland park guests along with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy in their Mardi Gras finest.

Conner Purzycki’s 1/14/13 DLR Photo Report

WDWNT on March 3, 2013

Conner Purzycki went to the Disneyland Resort a couple of days ago and captured some soon-to-be magic!

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug
Fantasy Faire Construction
The wall now has the same paint scheme as the castle 
Big Thunder Mountain closed for refurbishment 
It was a windy day
Main Street Station under wraps 
WOW, under an hour for once 
One side of Mater’s is being repainted and resurfaced, more on that later 
I will have a more updated report up later today

Max Guggenheim’s 01/20/13 DLR photo report

WDWNT on March 3, 2013

Max Guggenheim went to the Disneyland Resort on the 20th of January and captured some in progress magic! He was able to capture construction on Main Street Railroad station, Big Thunder Mountain, Mark Twain and Fantasy Faire. In this report is photo’s of Blue Bayou Bash and Blue Sky Cellar. Enjoy!

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Artwork being done at the parks.
 
Facade is covered with a tarp with a neat graphic of the train station while construction continues.
 

Fantasy Faire slowly being built up.
 

Royal Theater to the left and Royal Hall in the middle being constructed.
 

The purple tent is Royal Theater.
 

 

The Sailing Ship Columbia is operating while Mark Twain is under refurb.
 

Work being done on the center Fantasmic fountain platform.
 

 

Part of Limited Time Magic.
 

 

 

 

The stage where Tiana’s Mardi Gras Celebration
 

 

Decorations for Bayou Bash
 

More Mardi Gras decorations.
 

 

Additional Bayou Bash decorations.
 

Princess and the Frog meet and greet location.
 

Limited Time Magic special beverage and food selections.
 

Blue Bayou Bash Face Painting.
Check out Blue Sky Cellar at Disney’s California Adventure for details of Fantasy Faire.

























Celebrate the Seasons with New Duffy the Disney Bear Items

WDWNT on March 3, 2013

By Steven Miller on the Disney Parks Blog:

“Celebrate
The start of a New Year brings many reasons to celebrate. This year, there are two months of back-to-back holidays including Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and Easter. I caught up with Monty Maldovan, long-time artist with Disney Design Group, about some of the new merchandise coming for Mickey Mouse’s bear, Duffy the Disney Bear. Monty recently celebrated the release of three original art pieces, including one featuring Mickey and Duffy, at the Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace.

“I had a lot of fun designing some of the seasonal outfits for Duffy the Disney Bear this year,” said Monty. “We have some new things that our guests have told us they wanted including outfits for 17-inch bears and smaller sized bears that have been a hit!”

“Celebrate
The 9-inch Valentine’s Day bear has been extremely popular this year (at time of press there weren’t many remaining in merchandise locations). For St. Patrick’s Day, Monty designed a costume for a 17-inch bear that includes my favorite detail – a bow tie! Monty felt the bow tie was the perfect complement to the bowler hat (and here I thought it was because of my intense love for bow ties).

Monty also designed what may be my favorite Duffy item I’ve seen in the past two years – a 9-inch egg that unzips to reveal a 7-inch bear dressed as a baby chick. He said the design was inspired by previously released plush.

“We introduced Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse plush eggs about two years ago,” explained Monty. “Guests loved them, so we updated the colors this year and added a version with Duffy.”

“Celebrate
Other favorites will return this spring including two 12-inch bears. Gardener Duffy will be found at the start of theEpcot International Flower & Garden Festival on March 6. Monty said the pocket on the front of his overalls is big enough to hold a Disney Gift Card (smells like the perfect gift for someone with a green thumb). Graduate Duffy looks similar to last year’s design but features different colors.

“Celebrate
Finally, we released a series of new Hidden Mickey pins that has Duffy the Disney Bear sporting different Disney hats. These pins build on a collection introduced last year of Duffy wearing hats. Look for them on cast members’ lanyards at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.