VIDEO: Villainy in the Sky Fireworks Truly The Highlight of “Unleash the Villains”

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As we upload videos of the next day or so, I thought it was clear that the first video we had to share from the “Unleash the Villains” Friday the 13th event had to be the 9-minute fireworks spectacular. The song choices and pyrotechnics in Villainy in the Sky were absolutely stunning. Watch the show for yourself:

We have much more to share from this incredible event on this week’s podcast and over the next few days here on WDWNT.com, so stay tuned!

Limited Time Magic Reversible Heroes & Villains “Cover Your Ears” Now at Magic Kingdom

In celebration of the “Year of the Ear,” Walt Disney World is introducing some very cool Cover Your Ears reversible base wraps for Limited Time Magic. These wraps cover the base of the Mickey Ear hats, and this new release introduces a new hero and villain-theme.

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This wrap slips right over your everyday Mickey Mouse black ear hat. The photo above shows the front and back of the reversible wrap.

The hero/villain Cover Your Ears base was designed by long-time Disney Design Group artist, Mark Seppala. “A few years ago my fellow artist Brian Blackmore and I worked on a project that featured heroes and villains,” explained Mark. “I pulled character elements from that project for this hat as I thought it would be a neat concept. I’m happy with the final version as the colors and printing really pop! I’m partial to the villain side and included as many characters as I possibly could. There are approximately 34 villains and 61 heroes represented on this base. Now that’s a hat with a lot of character!”

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You can find these reversible wraps in Fantasyland’s Mad Hatter at the Disneyland park, at the Disneyland Resort, and at Chapeau Hat Shoppe in Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort. Because this is park of the Limited Time Magic celebrations, there are  limited numbers of the reversible covers available, while supplies last.

What villain or hero would you like to see on your Cover Your Ears?

The Pirates League is Back for a Limited Time Only at the Disneyland Resort!

For the ultimate pirate fan in your family, the Disneyland Resort has announced that the popular Pirates League will be returning for a limited time during the Halloween season.  From the Disney Parks blog:

Yes, you read the subject line right! For those of you who made The Pirates League part of your Halloween Time experience at the Disneyland Resort last year, good news – it’s back! For a limited time beginning September 13, The Pirates League will come ashore taking over part of Festival Arena in Frontierland at Disneyland park.

At The Pirates League, landlubbers will be transformed into the most swashbuckling of pirates, receive a sea-worthy name, train with some of the League’s most veteran Pirate Masters, take the official Pirates League Oath and learn the ways of the scurvy sea dogs as they apply yer buccaneer beard, scars, earrings and eye patches.

                               

Experiences will be as follows:

Jake and the Never Land Pirates
Includes Jake and the Never Land Pirates bandana with faux hair, Jake facial effect, sword and sheath, The Pirates League bag and a unique pirate coin necklace.

The First Mate
Includes choice of facial effect (Options: Black Beard, Black Eyed Jack, Captain Hook and Ghosted Pirate), Reversible bandana, earring and eye patch, sword and sheath, The Pirates League bag, temporary tattoo, unique pirate coin necklace, personalized pirate oath and an official pirate name.

Empress
Includes reversible bandana, earring and eye patch, sword and sheath, The Pirates League bag, temporary tattoo, unique pirate coin necklace, personalized pirate oath, official pirate name. The Empress package also includes vibrant makeup, nail polish, lip gloss and face gem!

Packages at the Pirates League range from $29.95 to $34.95 plus tax.

Experiences and operating hours may vary. Reservations will be available beginning Aug 20 at 714-781-STYLE or 714-781-7895.


 


Don’t miss out on this limited time opportunity if you are at the resort around Halloween time.

 

We All Scream for Limited Time Magic Monstrous Sundaes at WDW & DLR

Starting July 28th through August 4th, the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort are offering up some monstrously-sweet treats for part of their “Limited Time Magic.”

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With two scoops of delicious mint chip ice cream, gooey hot fudge, whipped cream, sprinkles, candy eyeball and horns in a crunchy waffle cup,  the Disneyland sundae will be sure to scare up some yummy fun.  This colossal treat at be found at Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor in Disneyland Park and Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream at Disney California Adventure. ($6.99 plus tax)

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At the Plaza Restaurant at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, you can try a parfait-glass sundae that comes in either mint chocolate chip or vanilla-strawberry ($6.99 plus tax). For a smaller appetite, you can try a mini version of these sundaes at the Plaza Ice Cream Shop ($5.29 plus tax).

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Now instead of using spoons to dig tunnels under the city, you can use the spoons to try out these cool sundaes!

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Will you be trying these monstrously-delicious sundaes at the Parks this week?

Long Lost Friends Week Returns to the Magic Kingdom July 15th-21st

Recently, the Disney Parks Blog conducted a poll to see which long-lost characters their readers would like to see make an appearance at the Magic Kingdom. The results are in, and the readers chose:

  • From “Robin Hood” — Robin Hood, Friar Tuck, the Sheriff of Nottingham, and Prince John

Robin Hood and Friends

  • From “Chicken Little” — Chicken Little and Abby Mallard

Chicken Little

  • From “Songs of the South” — Brer Bear and Brer Fox

Long Lost Friends week will be held July 15th – July 21st, and is part of the ongoing Limited Time Magic celebration for 2013.  Other Long Lost Friends may make an appearance during this special engagement; be sure to bring your cameras, just in case you catch a glimpse of a long-lost Disney friend!

Last February, Disney enthusiasts were able to visit with Robin Hood and friends, Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket, and Clarabelle Cow, to name a few. Check out our video of the Long Lost Friends Week from February 2013:

What do you think of the characters for this edition of Long Lost Friends Week?

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!

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!

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.

‘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.

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.