Disney Talks About Mickey Talking….

WDWNT on May 6, 2010

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Some lucky Disneyland park guests experienced a very special meet and greet with Mickey Mouse this week.

Mickey, who usually saves his voice for shows and parades, talked with guests and interacted with them in never-before-seen ways! This was part of a process we call “playtesting” as it gives us a chance to develop new concepts with our guests long before they end up in the Parks. “We’re always looking for innovative ways to let guests interact with our beloved characters,” says Disney Imagineer and head of Advanced Development Scott Trowbridge. “And we have many more surprises up our sleeves.”

Since many guests did not have an opportunity to experience this, here’s a short video that shows some of the fun.

Disney Gallery Celebrates Disneyland’s 55th Anniversary

WDWNT on May 5, 2010

From Art of Disney Parks:


DAY ONE DISNEYLAND

Original Inspirations for “The Happiest Place on Earth”

Art Exhibit Opens – May 22, 2010

Join us as we unveil the new 55th Anniversary themed exhibit at The Disney Gallery which will showcase original inspirations for The Happiest Place on Earth. This new exhibit will capture your imagination while it takes you on a visual journey back in time.

The Disney Gallery will also offer a selection of
55th Anniversary inspired original art, giclees and deluxe prints by Walt Disney Imagineers and Disney inspired artists as Steve Adams, Charles Boyer, Jim Crouch, Jeremy Fulton, Larry
Nikolai, Noah, Maggie Parr, Jimmy Pickering, George Scribner, Mark Seppala
and Yakovetic.  Please continue to watch for more information
regarding a special product release & signing with these artists on
from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 22, 2010 in The Disney Gallery.


Steve Adams

Main Street, U.S.A. Horse-Drawn
Streetcars

Original –Acrylic/Colored Pencils – $3,600

Limited Edition 95 Framed Giclee – $tbd

Deluxe Print – Open Edition – $35

Tink Over Castle with Fireworks

Original –Acrylic/Colored Pencil – $3,100

Limited Edition 95 Framed Giclee – $
tbd
Deluxe Print – Open Edition –
$35

Charles Boyer & Bruce Boyer


Disneyland park, 55th Anniversary


Original – Oil Paint – $19,500

Limited Edition 95 Framed Giclee – $495

Deluxe Print – Open Edition – $35


Jim Crouch


Image will be available shortly


Title TBD


Original – Oils – $TBD

Limited Edition TBD Framed Giclee – $TBD

Deluxe Print – Open Edition – $TBD


Find out more about Jim Crouch


Jeremy Fulton

Fantasyland

Original – Ink & Paint- $2,000

Limited Edition 95 Framed Giclee – $450

Deluxe Print – Open Edition – $35

Find out more about
Jeremy Fulton

Main Street, U.S.A.

Original – Ink & Paint – $2,000

Limited Edition 95 Framed Giclee – $450
Deluxe Print – Open Edition – $35

Find out more about Jeremy
Fulton


Larry Nikolai


Welcome to Fantasyland


Original – Acrylic on Masonite Board – $5,850

Limited Edition 95 Framed Giclee – $400

Deluxe Print – Open Edition – $35

Find out more about Larry Nikolai


Noah


Image Will Be Available Shortly


Title TBD


Original – Acrylic on Linen and Board – $TBD

Limited Edition TBD Framed Giclee – $TBD

Deluxe Print – Open Edition – $TBD

Find out more about Noah


Maggie Parr

Dare to Dream

Original – Oil on Canvas – $5,000
Limited Edition 95 Framed Giclee – $650
Deluxe Print – Open Edition – $35

Find out more about
Maggie Parr

Welcome Aboard

Original – Oil on Canvas – $4,000
Limited Edition 95 Framed Giclee – $795
Deluxe Print – Open Edition – $35

Find out more about Maggie Parr


Jimmy Pickering


Disneyland 55

Original – $2,800
Limited Edition 95 Framed Giclee – $450
Deluxe Print – Open Edition – $35

Find out more about Jimmy Pickering


George Scribner


6 pm Stage, Disneyland park 1955

Original – Oil on Canvas – $5,000
Limited Edition 95 Framed Giclee – $375
Deluxe Print – Open Edition – $35

Horse Drawn Wonder

Original – Oil – $1,500
Limited Edition 95 Framed Giclee – $300
Deluxe Print – Open Edition – $35

Find out more about
George Scribner

Follow Me

Original – Oil – $1,500
Limited Edition 95 Framed Giclee – $300
Deluxe Print – Open Edition – $35

Find out more about
George Scribner


Mark Seppala


Fantasyland Grape Juice Bar Mural

Original -Acrylic – $TBD
Limited Edition TBD Framed Giclee – $TBD
Deluxe Print – Open Edition – $TBD


Yakovetic

Opening Day

Original – Oil on Wood Panel – $7,000
Limited Edition 95 Framed Giclee – $450
Deluxe Print – Open Edition – $35

Find out more about Yakovetic

Jingles

Original – Oil on Wood Panel – $8,000
Limited Edition 95 Framed Giclee – $450
Deluxe Print – Open Edition – $35

Find out more about Yakovetic

*****************************************

Merchandise available while supplies last. Information subject to change without notice.  Separate
admission is required to enter Disneyland Resort theme parks.

D23 Announces 2010 Member Events!

WDWNT on January 15, 2010

D23 announced today on there official website some planned events for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Here is what they had  to say:

D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans today unveiled a host of special events that have been designed especially for its growing worldwide membership base.

D23 Days at the Walt Disney Studios, D23 First Anniversary Parties at Disneyland and Walt Disney World and Toby Tyler, or Ten Weeks With a Circus, the first film in our new “50 and Fabulous” screening series are just some of the magical experiences D23 Members have a chance to enjoy in 2010!
Among the exiting offerings for 2010 are exclusive D23 one-year anniversary parties at the Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort, free “50 and Fabulous” film screenings at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank and a special 40th anniversary celebration event to honor the Walt Disney Archives.

“In our first year, D23 created some truly memorable event opportunities for our members, and this year we plan to outdo ourselves with a mix of all-new events and encores of fan favorites,” said Steven Clark, head of D23. “D23 Members are going to have more opportunities than ever to be part of the Disney magic through the events we have planned in 2010, and we hope they’ll be as excited as we are to experience them alongside their fellow members.”

D23 Members will receive notification of special events and reservation times via e-mail, and all events are offered on a space-available basis.

D23’s special-event lineup includes:

January 22, 2010: A Practically Perfect Night of Surprises with D23 and Mary Poppins
D23 Members will attend a performance of the critically acclaimed Mary Poppins at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles — plus an exclusive post-show experience with the Mary Poppins cast… and a top-secret surprise guest. (Hint: It’s an actor from the classic 1964 film.) D23 Members will receive 20 percent off select tickets for the January 22 performance (in various seating locations and price ranges). Click here for more information.

February 13, April 10, August 14 and November 13, 2010: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives
D23 Members will get a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank and at the Walt Disney Archives on a two-hour tour hosted by D23 and Archives staff members. Three tours will be held on each date, and each tour can accommodate 50 people. In D23’s Charter Year, these special tours sold out almost immediately. Tickets for the February 13 and April 10 tours will be available at 10 a.m. Pacific time Tuesday, January 26 and are $50 per person. Click here for more information about the February 13 D23 Day. Click here for more information about the April 10 D23 day.

March 5, 2010: D23’s First-Anniversary Party at the Walt Disney World® Resort
Hundreds of D23 Members are expected to gather from around the country — and around the world — for a once-in-a-lifetime night of magic and memories. The evening’s festivities include a private dinner inside the Magic Kingdom’s Diamond Horseshoe Saloon, followed by an exclusive D23 viewing of Mickey’s PhilharMagic. Afterward, guests will hear insider details about the upcoming Fantasyland expansion from Walt Disney Imagineering. The celebration will also feature a sumptuous dessert party, a special commemorative pin for everyone attending and a host of surprises. Check back here for more information, including reservation availability and pricing.

March 10, 2010: D23’s First-Anniversary Party at the Disneyland® Resort
D23 will hold its one and only West Coast anniversary celebration in the most magical land at the Happiest Place on Earth: Fantasyland. D23 Members will take over all of Fantasyland for one amazing night filled with classic attractions, familiar characters (as well as a few you may not have seen in a while!) and a chance to see rare pieces of Disneyland history up close. Plus, D23 Members and their guests will enjoy an array of delicious Disney-inspired desserts, a special commemorative pin for everyone attending and other surprises. Check back here for more information, including reservation availability and pricing.

March 27, 2010: “50 and Fabulous” Screening of Toby Tyler
At last year’s D23 Expo, Disney fans had a chance to see Disney masterpieces that were celebrating their Golden Anniversaries… a new D23 tradition that continues in 2010, this time in the recently renovated, state-of-the-art, 400-seat Studio Theater on the Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank. Tickets to the “50 and Fabulous” screenings are free for D23 Members and their guests, and the series kicks off with a movie that hasn’t been seen on the big screen since its first release in 1960: Toby Tyler, or 10 Weeks with a Circus. D23’s screening of this lighthearted, live-action comedy will combine with special D23 surprises and the opportunity to enjoy a movie in this exclusive cinematic venue. Reservations may be made beginning at 10 a.m. Pacific time on Tuesday, January 26. (A $5 processing fee for each ticket will apply.) Click here for more information.

As with all live events, dates and times are subject to change.

Additional D23 special events are planned throughout 2010, including:

  • May 8: “50 and Fabulous” screening of Pollyanna at the Walt Disney Studio Theatre;
  • May 29-30: “Flowers and Fireworks” event at the Walt Disney World Resort, adding all-new elements as D23 expands the festivities to two days;
  • June 26: A special celebration at the Walt Disney Studios marking the 40th anniversary of the Walt Disney Archives;
  • July 10: “50 and Fabulous” screening of Swiss Family Robinson at the Walt Disney Studio Theatre;
  • October 15-16: “Sip & Stroll” at the immensely popular Epcot International Food and Wine Festival;
  • October 23: “50 and Fabulous” screening of The Sign of Zorro at the Walt Disney Studio Theatre;
  • December 11-12: “Magic and Merriment” weekend at the Walt Disney World Resort;

D23 is in the planning stages for even more exciting 2010 events, details of which will be revealed in the coming months.

Myrna Litt’s D23 Candlelight Spectacular 12-6-09 Photo Report

WDWNT on December 16, 2009

DLNT’s Myrna Litt attended the D23 Candlelight Spectacular and took some phenomenal photos. As she explains “D23 hosted the December 6, 2009 Candlelight Spectacular. Check in was from 10am to 5pm. We had reserve viewing for “A Fantasy Parade” located in town square. At 6pm was dinner at Stage 17 located in Hollywood Back-lot in Disney’s California Adventure. At 8pm we were escorted to the Candlelight seating location for a up close view. Following the ceremony we walked back to Stage 17 for a behind the panel discussion and our D23 Christmas ornament.”

Time to check in for the dinner portion of the event

Read More about Myrna Litt’s D23 Candlelight Spectacular 12-6-09 Photo Report

A Wonderful “World of Color” Coming to California

WDWNT on September 24, 2009

While it doesn’t really pertain to Walt Disney World, we thought you would enjoy another pair of videos from the D23 Expo recorded and edited by our own Matt Paul. The first video is “The Making of World of Color” presentation with Imagineer Steven Davison (walking us through the entire new nighttime spectacular for Disney’s California Adventure) and the accompanying video is of the World of Color press conference that directly followed. We hope you enjoy this inside look at Disney’s World of Color embedded via the WDWNTube:

Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee Concept Art

WDWNT on September 5, 2009

Concept art has been released for the new Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee show coming to New Orleans Square from November 6th, 2009 through January 3rd, 2010:

From this concept art, you can see that the band and Louis the Alligator will be at the front of the boat, Prince Naveen and Princess Tiana will be on the 3rd level, the performers will be on the second and third levels, and the guests will be on the bottom level (be sure to click on the image to see a bigger version of the concept art)

Disney Characters Celebrate a Small Christmas

WDWNT on September 3, 2009

Disneyland will be releasing an It’s a Small World Holiday mystery pin set, featuring the recently added Disney characters with some holiday decorations as backdrops.

This is the first glimpse we’ve seen at what they’ll be doing with the Disney characters during the It’s a Small World Holiday overlay this year. The mystery pin set will be released on October 1st, containing 4 random pins of the 10 in the collection for $25. Also, It’s a Small World will be closed from October 27th to November 12th for the addition of the holiday overlay.

New Fantasmic Dragon to Finally Debut Tonight!

WDWNT on September 1, 2009

Exciting news from our good friend Brady MacDonald over at the LA Times Travel Blog:

After months of false starts and frustrating anticipation, the Fantasmic dragon will finally take the stage at Disneyland tonight (Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009) at 8:15 p.m., according to park officials.

Despite top billing, the oft-delayed dragon failed to appear during the Anaheim theme park’s Summer Nightastic promotion.

Expect big crowds along the Rivers of America tonight as the news spreads via the blogosphere, Twittersphere and Disneysphere.

During the rest of the week, Fantasmic plays at 8:15 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday and 9 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. over the four-day Labor Day Weekend (Friday-Monday). On high attendance days, Disneyland often adds a third Fantasmic show.

After Labor Day, Fantasmic switches to a weekend-only schedule (Friday-Sunday) until the Christmas holidays.

New Treats at This Year’s Halloween Time

WDWNT on September 1, 2009

ANAHEIM, Calif. (Sept. 1, 2009) – Spooky new fireworks and ghoulish screams at Space Mountain add to the fun when Halloween Time returns to Disneyland Resort Sept. 25-Nov. 1. Halloween Time offers families a chance to celebrate the season as they interact with some of Disney’s most beloved characters decked out in seasonal costumes at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure parks. Guests will also enjoy a unique opportunity to experience some spooky fun with Disney’s more sinister characters, the Disney villains. In addition, Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party returns for 12 special nights in October.

For older kids and adults, Halloween Time offers a new attraction: Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy in Tomorrowland at Disneyland. The scary new experience will begin as a typical Space Mountain adventure, but will suddenly launch voyagers into an uncharted and haunted section of the universe. Ghosts appear out of the starry darkness and swirling galaxies of Space Mountain, reaching out as if to grab guests as they speed through space. The exhilarating drops and curves of the journey are punctuated by piercing screams, creepy sound effects and haunting music. The Halloween transformation occurs outside the mountain as well, as frightening images, audio and lights illuminate the Space Mountain exterior.

Also new this year is “Halloween Screams – A Villainous Surprise in the Skies.” The new fireworks spectacular will haunt the nighttime sky throughout the Halloween season. To start the show, “Master of Scare-omonies” Jack Skellington appears in a flash of fire above Sleeping Beauty Castle. Thanks to Jack’s ghoulish charm, haunting melodies fill the air and a Halloween pyrotechnics extravaganza explodes into the night. Such classic Disney villains as Maleficent, Ursula the Sea Witch and Oogie Boogie join in the “spirit” of the celebration, and even Zero, Jack’s faithful ghost dog, will make an appearance. Spectators in Disneyland are encouraged to participate in a bone-chilling Halloween Scream-Along during the show.

Jack Skellington also returns to take over the Haunted Mansion and bring back Haunted Mansion Holiday to New Orleans Square in Disneyland. Transformed to a mix of Halloween spookiness and Christmas tradition, Haunted Mansion Holiday is inspired by the classic animated film “Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas.” Jack and his friends provide plenty of havoc and surprises as they celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Haunted Mansion in their unusual style. Jack’s return to the Haunted Mansion includes the traditional Halloween/Christmas gingerbread house in the Mansion Ballroom, with some special spooky surprises in this year’s design.

For not-so-frightful fun, Halloween Time offers special pleasures for children and parents.

  • Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland is again transformed for the Pumpkin Festival, where more than 300 “non-identical” pumpkins will be on display in shop windows.
  • Visitors to Big Thunder Ranch in Frontierland will sometimes find the ranch animals dressed in costume for a seasonal Halloween Roundup, with pumpkin carvers, Halloween décor and activities for youngsters, all presided over by Sheriff Woody.
  • Next door at Big Thunder Barbecue, Miss Chris and the Roundup musicians add Halloween songs to their repertoire.
  • Meeting favorite Disney characters will be easier than ever as Disney villains gather to plot Halloween mischief in “it’s a small world” Mall in Disneyland, while other characters in seasonal costumes greet guests in Town Square, Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland and Sunshine Plaza in Disney’s California Adventure.
  • Also available throughout both parks are special Halloween treats, including menu items such as Zero’s Ghostly Ghoulash served in a dog dish in honor of Zero.
  • Special Halloween Time gifts are offered in Disneyland Resort shops. Gifts include jack-o-lantern mouse ears and collectable pins depicting Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends in Halloween costumes.

More spine-tingling fun can be found in Disney’s California Adventure at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, where a “supernatural” event happened on Halloween evening, 1939, forever haunting the building.

Also at Disney’s California Adventure, Sunshine Plaza becomes Candy Corn Acres, with Mickey’s pal Goofy up to his tricks again – attempting to wow the world with his unusual candy corn treats. Candy corn carrots, candy corn pumpkins and candy corn grapes are just a few of the candy corn items Goofy is harvesting.

Back by popular demand is Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party, a one-of-a-kind celebration that returns to Disney’s California Adventure for 12 nights in October (2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 and 31). Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party lets adults and children alike dress up and trick-or-treat in the ultimate Disney neighborhood. Highlights this year will include:

  • 25 Treat Stops located throughout Disney’s California Adventure
  • All your favorite Disney’s California Adventure rides and attractions
  • A Hollywood Bat-Lot Bash in Hollywood Pictures Backlot
  • A nightly “Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat on the Street” cavalcade
  • Character photo locations featuring Disney villains, princesses and other favorites
  • Pirate’s Wharf, a transformation of the Pacific Wharf area into an entertainment area, photo location, craft area and games area

This separate-ticket nighttime event gives children and their families a chance to dress as their favorite princesses, goblins or heroes and trick-or-treat throughout the park. Tickets purchased in advance are $32 most days, while tickets purchased on the event day are $39. For Oct. 30 and 31, all tickets to Mickey’s Trick or Treat Party are $42. Favorite Disney characters, including Mickey himself, will be in attendance in their favorite costumes. It’s the ideal environment to have fun, eat special holiday treats, play interactive games, listen to “spirited” music and watch a nightly character cavalcade that celebrates the season.

For more information about Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort, see disneyland.com/halloween. This site will be updated as frightfully fun details become available.

Value-minded vacationers can celebrate Halloween Time with a special travel offer this fall: savings of $400* at the Disneyland Resort. From Aug. 12 through Dec. 19, 2009, guests will save $400 when they book a 4-Day/4-Night Disneyland Resort vacation package, featuring Disneyland Resort hotel accommodations – Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Paradise Pier – and park hopper tickets. The offer is valid for arrivals through Dec. 20, 2009, with a final booking day of Dec. 19. Details are at disneyland.com/Save400.