It looks like the very talented Weird Al Yankovic has produced yet another masterpiece, this time a song and video that I think all of us will enjoy. His latest single is titled “Skipper Dan” and revolves around the Magic Kingdom’s classic attraction, The Jungle Cruise. This song will eventually be released on his next album, believed to be on the way in 2010. Enjoy:
“Skipper Dan” by Weird Al
Vinylmation park series 2 is going to be released at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort on this Friday, May 22, 2009. Here’s a look at the new assortment of 3 inch and 9 inch figures:
Artist:Michelle St. Laurent Sheive
3″ Collection
Park 2 Series
$9.95
Artist: Randy Noble
3″ Collection
Park 2 Series
$9.95
Finally, here is our very last Walt Disney world photo report (we promise) from last week. This report is from WDWNT Owner Tom Corless and is quite lengthy, so let’s get started:
Starting at the Magic Kingdom on April 27th…
All of the details on Star Wars Weekends 2009 merchandise (excluding pins) has been released by Disney. Here’s a look at some of what they have to offer this year:
From the What’s HapPINing blog on Disneypins.com:
In other news, we mentioned we would be discussing Mickey Monsters this week. Guests who attended Disney Pin Trading Night last Friday at Walt Disney World® Resort had a first look at these new plush. We recently spoke with Denise Edelmaier, Product Developer for Dolls and Plush, and Wei Liu from the Development Team about these new creatures.
“The basic story is that the Mickey Monsters are visiting the Disney Parks,” said Denise. “They try to blend in by disguising themselves as Mickey and a host of other characters that they encounter on their visit.”
Series 1 will have six different Mickey Monsters, each with their own name, personality and story (which will be told on each hang tag). Each plush will retail for $12.95.
Wei shared with us some awesome photos of these new monsters.
Cheeky Bubbles loves to ride rides. The faster the better! Most of all he likes to ride with his best friend Ralf, because everything is always better with your best friend.
Ralf doesn’t talk very much. He leaves all the talking to his best friend Cheeky Bubbles. That gives Ralf more time to eat. If you like to eat, Ralf will be your best friend too.
Murff likes hot chocolate. If you give Murff hot chocolate he will be your best friend – at least until the mug is empty. Then he will throw a fit. Don’t forget to add marshmallows. Murff loves them.
Eeku loves ninja movies. He also loves to have his picture taken. When he sees a fun family having their photo taken, he uses his stealth to find his way into the picture.
Ogg likes to visit the parks. He loves to go on rides. Ogg also likes to eat hot dogs and ice cream – together! But after he goes on the rides – not before.”
Keeti likes to dress up. She is always trying to fit in. Sometimes it works – sometimes not. If you play dress up with Keeti she will love you forever. Her sash says, “I’m beautiful.”The Mickey Monsters were designed by Disney Design Group Artists. We spoke with Monty Maldovan from Disney Design Group about them.
“We wanted to created something that everyone, especially kids, could enjoy,” said Monty. “These Mickey Monsters are fun and allow us to showcase our storytelling abilities. After all, Disney is known for fun and great storytelling.”
Monty designed Cheeky Bubbles and Ralf while Tyler Dumas designed Keeti and Murf.
These plush will be coming to select locations at the Disneyland® Resort in July 2009. The plush will arrive at Walt Disney World® in August 2009.
By this point you may be wondering why new plush are appearing on DisneyPins.com. Anyone care to guess if you’ll see these new characters as Disney pins? We asked Julie Young, Product Developer for Open Edition pins and Accessories.
“I love Mickey Monsters,” exclaimed Julie! “They are going to make phenomenal pins. Look for them in November 2009. Each Mickey Monster pin will be on a custom backer card that carries forth the story found on the plush.”
We can’t wait, too!
Dewayne Bevil of the Orlando Sentinel has more details on the “Pirates League” coming to Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom this summer, including pricing, an opening date, and when you can start making reservations:
The new Pirates League will try to do for buccaneers what the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique has done for little princesses at Disney World.
The attraction, which will open at Magic Kingdom theme park June 29, will perform swashbuckling makeovers. Participants will receive pirate names before receiving a variety of accessories, including beards, eye patches, scarves, scars, earrings and gold teeth. These will be applied by a “veteran pirate” with sea-sailing tales.
After taking a sacred oath and an official portrait, guests will be part of Jack Sparrow’s gang.
There will be three pirate packages.
+ First Mate Package ($49.95): bandana, choice of facial effects, sword and sheath, pirate coin necklace, 5×7 photo and a “personalized pirate oath.”
+ Empress Package ($49.95): bandana, “shimmering” makeup, sword and sheath, pirate coin necklace, 5×7 photo and a “personalized pirate oath.”
+ Captains Package ($124.95): choice of costume, facial effects, sword and sheath, pirate coin necklace, three 5×7 photos and the personalized oath.
The League will be located in the area between the entrance to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction and the Pirates Merchandise shop. (Disney says this is currently backstage territory.)
But hang tight, mateys: Reservations cannot be made until May 11.
Since I see the Twitterverse (many people on Twitter) has picked up on it, I’ll let you what I know about thus far on ” The Pirate’s League”, coming to Adventureland:
-It will be the Bibbidi Bobbiti Boutique for boys, dressing up kids (for a hefty price) in Pirate paraphernalia and giving them Pirate lessons very similar to those given in the Jack Sparrow Pirate Tutorial. Similar to how the Boutique takes boy customers, girls will be allowed to do the same, even though it is geared towards the swashbuckling boys.
-The location will be the long sealed section of the Caribbean Plaza market at the exit of Pirates of the Caribbean, once mostly used to provide families of guests with group pictures dressed as pirates.
-“The Pirate’s League” is scheduled to begin operating early in the summer, at least opening by 4th of July weekend.
Stay tuned to WDW News Today as we get more information and an official announcement on the upcoming “Pirate’s League” in Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom.
UPDATE 10:50 PM: The DisneyShawn blog has the first piece of concept art released for “The Pirate’s League:”
Since news is slow this week, I thought it would be a good time to highlight another special Walt Disney Classics Collection piece that is coming out only in the Disney Parks:
“Simba: Little King, Big Roar”, Available: 4/17/09, Retail: $99 plus tax, Dimensions: 4 1/2″H
WDCC Simba Spring Premiere Event
Date(s): April 17, 2009
Locations: Art & Collectible locations at Disney Parks & Resorts
Mischievous Simba is well aware that as the son of Mufasa, he’s next in line to rule over all the other critters as king. In a wild-and-wooly celebration of his fantastic future, Simba even imagines what he’ll look like with a grown-up mane by popping his head through a wreath of fire-red blossoms. Plussed with a pewter tail, the lovable cub gains the lion’s share of praise as our Spring Premiere Event’s “mane” attraction. So roar on by and let this cute cub make you feel like royalty.
Sculpted by Bruce Lau, Simba: Little King, Big Roar is a numbered limited edition of 1,500 and is available for $99, plus tax. Sculpture comes compete with a 15th Anniversary backstamp. Dimensions: 4 1/2″H
Disneyland® Resort locations include:
Disneyana Shop, Disneyland® park
World of Disney® Store, Downtown Disney® District
Off the Page, Disney’s California Adventure® parkWalt Disney World® Resort locations include:
List will be available shortlyMerchandise available while supplies last. Information subject to change without notice. Separate admission is required to enter Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort theme parks.
The Tren-D store in the Downtown Disney Marketplace officially opened this morning with a small ceremony, unlike the “Characters in Flight” balloon which is still only testing with Cast Members at this time. WDWNT Reporter Jose Eber was there to see the opening ceremony this morning and has pictures and video to share:
The ribbon awaits to be cut to open the store that has already been operating for weeks
Other than the two mangers pictured, I think Jose was the only male guest there…
Jose managed to pick up the Limited Edition pin commemorating the store’s opening
Despite what Disney said, the pin was limited to 1000 pieces, not 500
Here is a short video Jose took of the grand opening, including a look around the store and free cupcakes
The Tren-D store in the Downtown Disney Marketplace has pushed back its official opening by one day to April 10, 2009. Here is the slightly updated information:
Event: Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of Tren-D, Disney’s stylish new boutique store!
Event Date: Friday, April 10
Event Time: 10:00am
Event Location: Downtown Disney® Marketplace, near Disney’s Pin Traders and Once Upon a ToyA stylish boutique with designer flair and eclectic offerings becomes a premier shopping spot at Downtown Disney Marketplace with the March opening of TrenD. The urban-inspired Walt Disney World® Resort specialty store is a one-of-a-kind, hip destination for fashion-conscious shoppers seeking trendy apparel and novel accessories.
“This unique environment, filled with textured fabrics, silhouettes, and whimsical art and design allows us the opportunity to push the creative envelope as it relates to fashion and our characters,” said Mark Perrotta, Director of Product Development and Design. “Our guests continue to respond to trend merchandise and novel products that they can’t purchase at home. TrenD speaks to what is happening today with a blend of vintage and hip with stylized Disney influences.”
Offerings include organic loungewear, embroidered handbags, jeweled sunglasses and trendy accessories set among whimsical art and unique furnishings. The eclectic environment offers a raw and unfinished feel with jeweled chandeliers, distinct fixtures and mod furnishings.
Much of the merchandise will not be available anywhere else at Downtown Disney. Designers such as Kidada Jones, Tarina Tarantino and Roxy will showcase their artistry — blending it with Disney-inspired creations.
“With its exclusive product lines and new environment, we think TrenD will complement the existing merchandise offerings at Downtown Disney,” said Perrotta. TrenD is in a 2,500-square-foot venue near Pin Traders and Once Upon A Toy. The space previously was used by Summer Sands.
In addition, a special Limited Edition pin will be released to commemorate the occasion:
The pin will retail at $12.95 and will be limited to 500 pieces
