Dirk Wallen’s 8/11-12/13 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen recently visited three of the Walt Disney World theme parks and has a number of newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip. With all the D23 Expo coverage we’ve been dealing with, it has taken a while to get to this report, but better late than never, so let’s take a look:

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

No more Lone Ranger preview… it’s not really playing at many theaters anymore…

MuppetVision 3-D is closed for refurbishment

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

Sofia the first debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios recently

She has a nice backdrop for her meet and greet

Disney Infinity billboards are up at the Backlot Tour

Also, the 1-2-3 Mickey Mouse has been decorated to celebrate Planes…

At Epcot, work continues on adding more of the new turnstiles

FastPass+ entrance at Spaceship Earth

This food cart behind Spaceship Earth has finally opened!

No more tarps up on Fountain View and signage has been installed

FastPass+ at Turtle Talk with Crush

Work continues on Spice Road Table in Morocco

Moving to the Magic Kingdom, Halloween merchandise has been released across property

Haunted Mansion singing bust ornaments

The shirt is the same design from last year, but says 2013

Light-up popcorn bucket

During a recent refurbishment, new boats were installed at Pirates of the Caribbean

They look great and don’t bottom out, but they have been getting guests a lot more wet than the old boats and make a horrible squeaking noise when they bump into each other…

The Magic Kingdom now sells the most expensive fruit ever… let’s end with this…

VIDEO: Another Exclusive Planes Digital Short Launched By “Takeoff Tuesdays”

This past Tuesday, July 23, Disney.com released another digital short as part of its “Takeoff Tuesdays” series to promote the August 9, 3D release of Planes.

This week’s offering gives us a profile of Ripslinger, a racing legend who was made, not born 10 years ago.

Ripslinger

This world-renowned role model and beloved champion is on a quest for the answer to life’s greatest mystery – Is there an Awesome beyond Awesome, or is Awesome the most Awesome he will ever be? Head over to Disney.com to check out Ripslinger’s video!


Next week’s featured character: Dusty.

VIDEO: “Takeoff Tuesday,” Means It’s Time for Another Exclusive “Planes” Digital Short!

Yesterday was Tuesday, and that means the release of another exclusive digital short from Disney.com to promote the August 9, 3D release of Planes.

Planes-Dusty-drop

This week’s digital short is a profile of Dusty, an ordinary crop duster with high hopes – literally. When accidentally given the wrong kind of fuel, he discovers the world of fast flyin’. But as a crop duster, Dusty is not exactly built to be a racer, plus he suffers from a fear of heights. With the help of some friends, Dusty soon takes off on the adventure of a lifetime.


Be sure to click over to Disney.com to check out Dusty’s profile and go see Disney’s Planes in 3D at a theater near you beginning August 9!

VIDEO: Disney Launches “Takeoff Tuesdays” Series of Weekly Exclusive Planes Shorts

Beginning Tuesday, July 9th, 2013, Disney launched a weekly series of exclusive digital shorts inspired by the upcoming animated feature Planes.

Planes Takeoff Tuesday

Before landing in 3D in theaters on August 9, 2013, you can head to disney.com to view updated weekly racer profiles such as  Dusty, El Chupacabra and more.

In the first video released earlier this week, El Chupacabra, or “El Chu”, a racing legend in Mexico known for his racing passion and flair for the dramatic, is profiled:


Be sure to check back each Tuesday at disney.com for a new high-flying digital short profile!

VIDEO: “Takeoff Tuesdays” Launches Another Exclusive Planes Digital Short

Today, Tuesday, July 16, 2013, Disney released another digital short as part of its “Takeoff Tuesdays” series to promote the August 9 3D release of Planes.

This week’s offering gives us a profile of Ishani, a female, rear-propeller racer in a world a male plane racers.

This reigning Pan-Asian champion from India boasts more than a billion loyal fans. Ishani is exotic and mysterious, but always has her eyes on the prize.

Next week’s featured character: Ripslinger.