Win Your Own Dream Home!

WDWNT on June 29, 2008

From BizJournals:

Taylor Morrison Inc. is giving away a home inspired by the recently unveiled Innoventions Dream Home at Disneyland’s Tomorrowland.

The Scottsdale, Ariz.-based home builder has launched an online contest that runs through Aug. 20 with the winner able to choose a home in one of Taylor Morrison’s communities in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada and Texas. The home will include a custom technology package and furnishings. A vacation for four to the Disneyland Resort in California also is part of the package.

Participants can visit the entry Web site, www.tmdreamhomegiveaway.com, once a day to register. They also may visit any Taylor Morrison community and receive a special code that offers the maximum number of chances available to enter the contest.

The Innoventions Dream Home debuted June 16 and features what Walt Disney Co. calls a “high-tech, high-touch” experience within a 5,000-square-foot home. Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, Life|ware and Taylor Morrison were also involved in the Dream Home project.

The home showcases the latest in mobile devices, computers, digital music, entertainment and gaming technology in a connected environment that adjusts to the preferences of its occupants.

Magical Texting

WDWNT on June 28, 2008

Here are a couple of little tidbits from MousePlanet that I wanted to share with y’all:

Disney’s PhotoPass service is testing out a series of new “Magic Photos” at locations around Disneyland. Now you can duel with Darth Vader in Tomorrowland, or join the Hitchhiking Ghosts near the Haunted Mansion. Look for the PhotoPass cast members carrying sample photos like the one below.

The Disneyland Resort has begun a marketing campaign to promote Downtown Disney merchants. Text DTDFUN to 67463 to receive instant discounts and coupons for select Downtown Disney restaurants and shops. Current offers include 20 percent off meals at the La Brea Bakery Cafe, 20 percent off a meal at the House of Blues before 5:00pm, 15 percent off lunch at Catal and $5 off a purchase of $25 or more at Build-a-Bear.

A Softer Side of Indy

WDWNT on June 28, 2008

From the OC Register:

A softer side of Indiana Jones is coming to Disneyland.

During an interview this week, Glenn Kelman a Disney Entertainment Productions senior show director, said that direct hits choreographed into the “Secrets of the Stone Tiger” and the related Adventureland stunt show will be taken out. Kelman said there are three direct hits in the whole sequence that will be removed.

“We haven’t had a big negative response,” he said. “But there will be more pushes and shoves than direct hits.”

Kelman said that the crowd enjoys when Indiana Jones is beat up on, but the bad response is when he hits the show’s female character, playing Col. Dr. Irina Spalko, in the face.

“There are things that can happen in a movie that just shouldn’t happen in a theme park,” Kelman said.

Dateline Disneyland Picture Update

WDWNT on June 28, 2008

Let’s take a look at some of the various things going on through-out the Disneyland Resort from this week’s Dateline Disneyland on MiceAge:


The information sign that’s been missing for well over a year now has returned to the security tents, with the only change being the “new DCA logo”


While New Century Timepieces is closed, New Century Jewelry is remaining open


The Three Magic Fairies crystal shop in Sleeping Beauty Castle has been closed, & will be converted into the disabled room for the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walk-through


Monorail Blue has finally started daytime testing! No guests yet unfortunately


As previously reported, the Department 56 store in Downtown Disney has been cut in half, & a new store is expected to take over the currently closed half

Be sure to take a look at the Dateline Disneyland article (the link is at the top of the post) for more news & information from through-out the Resort, including a look at all 3 McDonald’s locations in the Resort, which will soon be a thing of the past!

MintCrocodile’s 6/26 DLR Update

WDWNT on June 28, 2008

Staff Photographer MintCrocodile was also at the Disneyland Resort yesterday, & he managed to find a few things that I didn’t snap:


The golden apple is back at the entrance to Snow White’s Scary Adventures


The new menu at the French Market


A new wait time sign outside Pirates of the Caribbean


First High School Musical, now this!

More of Mint’s pictures from yesterday can be found here!

MouseTimes Innoventions Dream Home Update

WDWNT on June 21, 2008

The latest MouseTimes.com DLR Pictorial offers the best look so far at the new Innoventions Dream Home. Here are a few of MouseTimes’s photos from the Dream Home:


An interactive racing game


One of the new rotating stages (where Tom Morrow previously was)… This is the only one finished as far as I know


One of the many HP computers running Windows


The Girl’s Room


From this screen, you can adjust things such as music, lighting, blinds, etc.


A camera or mirror (not sure what its use is yet)


The Pirates Room for boys


Cast Members tell the story of Peter Pan, which is projected on the wall


Modern appliances in the Kitchen


The office in the back of the Living Room


The Tree of Tomorrow is still there

MouseTimes also has up full video coverage of the opening ceremony for Toy Story Midway Mania, which is available for download here!

No More Fried Chicken!

WDWNT on June 21, 2008

According to the Cast Member Resort Today website, the French Market will be getting a brand new menu this Wednesday. It will close early on Monday, & then be closed for all of Tuesday.

The new menu will feature American & Cajun-Creole themed items, as well as a healthier selection for both lunch & dinner.

We’ll post a picture of the new menu when I get back from my trip to Disneyland on Thursday night.

Monorail Blue Making Late-Night Runs

WDWNT on June 19, 2008

Disneyland has been conducting regular after-hours tests of the new Monorail Blue as adjustments continue on the Monorail Red cooling system, Disney officials confirmed.

Mouse Planet columnist David Koenig, author of the definitive “Mouse Tales: A Behind-the-Ears Look at Disneyland,” reported that poor air circulation in the air-conditioning-less cabins remains the key kink holding up the new monorail’s much-anticipated debut.

Complicating matters, the Mark VII monorails feature windows that only partly swing out from the bottom rather than slide down like an automobile, making for an uncomfortably warm ride on hot days, according to Koenig.

Mice Age columnist Al Lutz reported that Disneyland maintenance crews are exploring the option of installing exterior-mounted baffles to scoop air into the cabins while in transit along the beamway.

The new monorail’s sleek iconic exterior features color-shifting paint with gray pinstriping that evokes the stainless-steel side panels of the 1959 original designed by Disney Imagineer Bob Gurr.

— Brady MacDonald, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

Darkbeer DLR Picture Update

WDWNT on June 18, 2008

Let’s take a look at the preparations for today’s opening ceremonies, with pictures taken yesterday from David “Darkbeer” Michael:


Signs were up through-out Tomorrowland directing guests to the attractions while the Innoventions Dream Home opening ceremony was taking place


A couple of attractions were closed as well


I presume the train was still operating, but just went straight pass the Tomorrowland Train Station


Moving over to Toy Story Midway Mania’s opening ceremony preparations


I think this is where the ceremony stage went up


A second stage was also up right by the attraction


Filming by Mr. Potato Head

And now a couple of non-ceremony related pictures:


The temporary stage in Pacific Wharf is gone


The It’s a Small World sign is now behind tarps too