Periwinkle joining Tinker Bell at Disneyland

WDWNT on March 31, 2012

From Shawn Slater of Disney Parks Blog:

In the newest Disney Fairies movie “Secret of the Wings,” coming to Blu-ray and DVD October 23, Tinker Bell journeys into the mysterious world of the Winter Woods, where curiosity and adventure lead her to an amazing discovery and reveal a magical secret that could change her world forever. In the Winter Woods, Tinker Bell meets Periwinkle, a frost fairy who turns out to be Tink’s sister, born of the same baby’s laugh.

Soon, you’ll be able to meet Periwinkle, too, as we bring a bit of the Winter Woods to Tinker Bell’s Magical Nook at Magic Kingdom Park and Pixie Hollow at Disneyland park. These areas will receive a sparkling layer of snow and ice, creating the perfect environment to greet Periwinkle and make her feel at home. Even Tinker Bell will be dressed for the occasion, wearing her warm, wintry ensemble from the film.

Look for Periwinkle to join her sister at Disneyland and Magic Kingdom parks, beginning in mid-September.

New Concept Art of the Fantasyland Forest Expansion

WDWNT on March 8, 2010

While the presentation about the Fantasyland Expansion during the D23 First Anniversary party did not allow photography of any kind, there were ten pieces of artwork on display at Ariel’s Grotto during the party, some new, some you may have seen before:

The overall view, nothing new here

Old concept art of Dumbo’s Circus area and the “Dueling Dumbos”

The exterior of “Dreams Come True with Cinderella”

Old concept art of “Under The Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid”. A new version of this artwork was shown during the presentation, however, photography was not allowed. The ride will use omnimover vehicles very much like those found at the Seas with Nemo and Friends

Old concept art of “A Birthday Surprise for Sleeping Beauty”

Old concept art of “Dreams Come True with Cinderella”

Old concept art of Gaston’s Tavern

New concept art of the cottage that will hold the magic mirror transporting guests into “Enchanted Tales with Belle”

Older concept art of “Be Our Guest” Restaurant, but take note of the “living character” Lumiere being wheeled around, along with the stained glass windows featuring Beauty and the Beast characters towards the back of the room

New concept art showing the entrance to the Beast’s Castle and the “Be Our Guest” Restaurant

Imagineer2017’s 2/20/10 Epcot Photo Report

WDWNT on February 22, 2010

WDW News Today “super-fan” Imagineer2017 (not his real name, just his WDWNT Network Community Forums username) sent in a few newsworthy photos from his latest trip to Epcot, so we thought we should share them with everyone:

Preparation for the 2010 Flower and Garden Festival is in full swing, the Lion King display moves behind Spaceship Earth this year

Despite the press release from Disney late last year, the butterfly garden is not moving, just changing name to match the Pixie Hollow area

Playground being assembled

Test Track vehicles have been equipped with new, brighter headlights

Thank you for the photos Imagineer2017 and “Thank the Phoenicians”

Fantasyland Expansion Model: A Closer Look

WDWNT on January 28, 2010

A few days ago, a picture of a Walt Disney Imagineering model for the upcoming Fantasyland Expansion at the Magic Kingdom was leaked on to the Internet. We have obtained the picture and have a number of new details to share about the parks’ largest expansion ever. To view any of the images below in a larger format, simply click on the images to see them on the WDWNT SmugMug:

An overview of the entire model (you’ve probably seen this already): Since we saw the blueprints back in September 2009, some things have changed. The new “Dumbo the Flying Elephant” ride is going to be to the south of the Barnstormer now, leaving Pixie Hollow (in its newly updated form) to the north and next-door to the Little Mermaid attraction.

Beauty and the Beast Realm: Everything according to plan here. You can see the buildings for the meet-and greet and the connected buildings for “Be Our Guest” restaurant and Gaston’s Tavern behind the model facades.

The Little Mermaid Realm: The Little Mermaid dark-ride isn’t all this land has to boast. An Ariel meet-and-greet, the largest store of the Fantasyland Expansion, and (if the budget holds-up) a living character version of Sebastian the crab could be in the queue of the genuine Magic Kingdom E-Ticket.

Pixie Hollow: As we stated before, the model has a very different Pixie Hollow area from the original blueprints. Not only has the area moved, but the attractions in the area have been changed greatly. The building that will house the Pixie meet-and-greets is much bigger than the originally proposed Home Tree and is now attached to the show building for The Little Mermaid dark-ride. The huge building for the meet-and-greets isn’t a mistake, it’s because these meet-and-greets are supposed to be unlike anything ever seen before. The current plan is to use new living character technology to project the fairies into their natural habitat and have them interact with guests. We saw a short preview of this new technology in a Walt Disney Imagineering video released last year.

Also new for Pixie Hollow is a ride featuring “Cheese” the mouse, replacing the concept of a Pixie play area. This character from the Tinker Bell film series will take guests for a spin around part of Pixie Hollow after guests board from a queue made of oversized items (remember, you will be the size of one of the fairies when visiting Pixie Hollow). The ride will only be different in theme from the upcoming “Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree” at Disney’s California Adventure. Tinker Bell may even appear inside the giant lantern at the south end of the attraction as guests in vehicles spin from turntable to turntable.

Note that the new WDW Railroad station is rather plain, either because it borders both the Dumbo Circus area and Pixie Hollow, or simply because it has not been decided what the station should look like. The WDW Railroad will be closing for 3-4 months in 2010 to accommodate construction.

Dumbo’s Circus: The “Dueling Dumbos” have moved south to border the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway. Meanwhile, the new theme for Goofy’s Barnstormer is undecided. Rumors indicate that it may be a more modern version of the Casey Jr. Circus Train attraction, running on the same track as the current coaster.

Pooh and Princesses: This area remains very true to the original blueprints. The facade and shop of the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh attraction will be updated this year to reflect a “Hundred Acre Woods” theme and most of what is Pooh’s Playful Spot today is set to become a Winnie the Pooh character meet-and-greet. The Mad Tea Party will probably not see any changes until after the entire expansion is completed in 2013. The Cinderella meet-and-greet and princess/royal guard training as well as the Aurora meet-and-greet/birthday party are still very much what they were originally announced to be.

For those wondering about the placement of the Castle Walls that will separate the medieval fair from the fantasy forest, this picture should give you a good idea. The thatched roof you see on what is currently Mrs. Potts’ Cupboard is currently being put in place, so the first piece (although very minor) of the expansion is already being completed.

We hope you enjoyed this in-depth look at the Fantasyland Expansion model. Stay tuned to WDW News Today in the coming weeks as we introduce a new feature to the site that will allow you to easily follow the development of the Fantasyland Expansion.

More Info on Pixie Hollow Enchantment and the TLT Dance Club

WDWNT on June 9, 2009

Disney has released two press releases on the two smaller items of Summer Nightastic. First up, Pixie Hollow Enchantment:

ANAHEIM, Calif. (June 12, 2009) – Summer nights at Disneyland Resort will sparkle with more pixie dust than ever this year as Tinker Bell and her fairy friends unite to create an iridescent light show in their first appearance under the stars, at Pixie Hollow Enchantment.

WHAT: Tinker Bell and her friends have been welcoming guests into their Pixie Hollow home, tucked into the glen near the entrance to Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland, since fall of 2008. This summer, for the first time, nighttime visitors will find magical surprises at Pixie Hollow and see the nearby pond come to life in twinkling light shows.

WHEN: Nightly, at 15 minute intervals, beginning Friday, June 12, and continuing through Sunday, Aug. 23, at Pixie Hollow.

THE MAGIC: Pixie dust cascades across the landscape and radiates down into the pond. Even the water becomes enchanted as playful fountains spring to life, pop jets perform with whimsical precision and sparkling strobes shine throughout Pixie Hollow.

LUMINOUS COLORS: The dazzling light show features an array of luminous colors, from the deepest blues to brilliant reds to the most marvelous whites.

PIXIE MUSIC: The magical score transforms the fairy land after dark and includes all-new songs inspired by the film score from the popular movie, “Tinker Bell.”

LED LIGHTS: Sparkling, dazzling and twinkling effects are created by 1,000 LED strobe lights that use as much as 50 percent less energy than regular incandescent lights. In addition, the attraction is enhanced by colored LED fixtures both in the landscaped areas and in Pixie Dust Lake. While using less energy, the LED fixtures allow the color of the landscape and water to interact with the music.

SHOW DIRECTOR’S COMMENT: “Everyone will be swept away by the great music and shimmer of pixie dust at Pixie Hollow this summer,” said Denny Newell, show director for Pixie Hollow. “This little gem of an addition to Nightastic! combines so many of the elements that make Disneyland the place where dreams come true – great storytelling, cutting-edge technology and, of course, heart.”

And secondly, the TLT Dance Club at the Tomorrowland Terrace:

ANAHEIM, Calif. (June 12, 2009) – This summer guests at the Disneyland Resort will celebrate life’s milestones in a huge party under the stars, Summer Nightastic!, and Disneyland will rock like never before at the new, exciting TLT Dance Club in Tomorrowland.

WHAT: Tweens, teens and families will be drawn to the TLT Dance Club at Tomorrowland Terrace in Disneyland. Dazzling décor includes an illuminated DJ console, where the TLT Dance Club DJ will spin the hottest dance tunes, guaranteed to keep Tomorrowland rockin’ all night.

THE SCENE: The music is pulsing, lights are flashing and Disney performers keep the energy flowing and the moves going. Summer nights get a lot hotter as guests get their groove on at this smokin’ summer hotspot. What’s more, guests can snag giveaway items and also test their Disney knowledge in a variety of fun trivia contests.

WHEN: Nightly, beginning Friday, June 12, and continuing through Sunday, Aug. 23, at Disneyland park.

THE MUSIC: Popular Top-40 bands—including Suburban Legends, Reunion, Tomasina and The Bolts—and DJs from the hottest radio stations in LA and San Diego crank up the music and pump up the energy from a stage flanked by flaming columns. The dance floor will be as jam-packed as the schedule:

June 12 to 13 – Suburban Legends
June 15 to 18 -102.7 KIIS-FM
June 19 to 20 – Reunion
June 22 to 25 – Star 94.1 San Diego
June 26 to 27 – Tomasina
June 29 to July 2 – Latino and La Raza
July 3 to 4 – Suburban Legends
July 6 to 9 – 104.3 MYfm
July 10 to 11 – The Bolts
July 13 to 16 – POWER 106
July 17 to 18 – Tomasina
July 20 to 23 – Super Estrella
July 24 to 25 – Reunion
July 26 – Instant Replay
July 27 to 30 – 102.7 KIIS-FM
Aug. 3 to 6 – Channel 933 San Diego
Aug. 10 to 13 – 104.3 MYfm
Aug. 14 to 15 – Reunion
Aug. 17 to 20 – POWER 106
Aug. 21 to 22 – Tomasina

Performances on other dates to be determined

GET YOUR GLOW ON: Guests will light up the night and the dance floor with glow-in-the-dark necklaces and flashing bracelets available at the TLT Dance Club.

VIRTUAL SHOUT-OUTS: Teens and tweens can give virtual “shout-outs” to friends and family by texting the TLT Dance Club, and the texts will appear on giant plasma screens.

“TOP 8@8” COUNTDOWN: What’s more, club-goers can text their favorite songs to TLT Dance Club and the top tunes will be played in a totally cool countdown, “Top 8@8” countdown.

This Summer is Going to Be Nightastic!

WDWNT on June 2, 2009

Disney put up a new website today promoting “Summer Nightastic!”. This new website offers an overview of the new entertainment experiences coming this summer (the new fireworks show Magical, changes to Disney’s Electrical Parade and Fantasmic, nighttime lighting of Pixie Hollow, and the TLT Dance Club at the Tomorrowland Terrace), 2 commercials (one an overview of “Summer Nightastic!” and the other on the changes to Fantasmic), and lots more. There’s also a downloadable 3D Fantasmic dragon, as well as a pdf of the entire schedule for the summer over at the TLT Dance Club.

Bellow are a few screen-shots from the website:

The new Cheshire Cat in Disney’s Electrical Parade is featured on this page

The Disneyland by Day and Night page has the familiar concept art of the new Tinker Bell float in Disney’s Electrical Parade

To view this amazing website, click HERE.

A Summer Beyond Your Wildest Imagination!

WDWNT on April 24, 2009

As expected, today’s press event at the Disneyland Resort announced their summer 2009 marketing program focusing in nighttime entertainment:

nightasticjpg

“Disneyland Resort Celebrates Summer Nightastic! Lighting Up The Night With New Shows And A New Glow!”

ANAHEIM, Calif., April 24 – Disneyland Resort will glow like never before this summer as it debuts an all-new fireworks show, Magical, along with sensational new characters and effects that will brighten the Summer Nightastic! lineup of after-dark entertainment.

WHAT: Guests can see Disneyland Resort in a whole new light as Summer Nightastic! brings nighttime shows and parades to life – bigger, better and brighter. A huge new dragon and other special effects will highlight Fantasmic! Explosive surprises will illuminate the night sky in the all-new fireworks spectacular, Magical. Guests can rock the night away at a new dance club in Tomorrowland. Sparkling new magic comes to “Disney’s Electrical Parade,” as well as to Pixie Hollow, the enchanting home Tinker Bell inhabits with her fairy friends.

WHEN: Nightly, beginning Friday, June 12, and continuing through Sunday, August 23, at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure parks. All shows and immersive experiences are free with park admission.

A BOLDER FANTASMIC!: Guests will find new thrills at the popular Fantasmic! on the Rivers of America in Frontierland. The evil Maleficent from “Sleeping Beauty” transforms into a 40-foot tall, fire-breathing dragon. Ursula the Sea Witch from “The Little Mermaid” introduces her pet eels, Flotsam and Jetsam, who slither into the show with new power. In addition, the Fantasmic! video projections practically leap off the giant mist screens, thanks to HD (high-definition) technology … (in this case, HD takes on a new meaning – Huge Dragon).

dragon_homejpg

AN EXPLODING CELEBRATION IN THE SKY: Magical is a new Disney fireworks spectacular created especially to celebrate Summer Nightastic! at Disneyland. Tinker Bell is once again your host, waving her wand to ignite the brilliant color, stunning special effects and charming music. But she won’t be alone in the sky this summer. Dumbo will make his surprise airborne debut in the new show. Tink’s sparkling touch awakens a fantastic array of Disney’s most magical characters, from Pinocchio to Mary Poppins to Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother, and the Three Good Fairies from “Sleeping Beauty.”

NEW FLOATS BRING NEW MAGIC TO ‘DISNEY’S ELECTRICAL PARADE’: Everything about “Disney’s Electrical Parade” will have a new glow as Tinker Bell leads the way, waving from the basket of a magical balloon aboard a new opening parade float. The parade’s beloved music and floats will feature electrifying audio and lighting technologies, with sparkling pixie dust added to all the parade floats. Snow White and Pinocchio return to the parade this summer as well, after several years’ absence, riding bright new versions of their classic floats.

AN EXCITING NEW DANCE CLUB ‘IGNITES THE NIGHT’ IN TOMORROWLAND: Tweens, teens and families will be drawn to the TLT Dance Club at Tomorrowland Terrace in Disneyland. Dazzling décor will include an illuminated DJ console where the TLT Dance Club DJ will spin the hottest dance tunes, guaranteed to keep Tomorrowland rockin’ all night. Live bands and the hottest Southern California radio stations will appear on select nights throughout the summer.

PIXIE HOLLOW ENCHANTMENT: Tinker Bell and her friends have been welcoming guests into their Pixie Hollow home, tucked into the glen near the entrance to Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland, since fall of 2008. This summer, for the first time, nighttime visitors will find magical surprises as Pixie Hollow and the nearby pond come to life in iridescent light shows. Pixie dust cascades across the landscape and radiates down into the pond. Even the water becomes enchanted as playful fountains spring to life, pop jets perform with whimsical precision, and sparkling strobes shine throughout Pixie Hollow.

More information about Summer Nightastic! can be found at www.disneyland.com/summer.