Disney Princess Dresses by Harrod’s to Make Debut at the D23 Expo

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

A display of exclusive handcrafted dresses inspired by Disney’s iconic princesses will make their U.S. debut at the D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center August 9-11, 2013.

Harrod's Composite

Included are works of world-leading designers inspired by the individual stories of the Disney Princesses by Ralph & Russo (Tiana), Versace (Cinderella), Elie Saab (Aurora), Marchesa (Ariel), Escada (Jasmine), Missoni (Mulan), Roberto Cavalli (Pocahontas), Jenny Packham (Rapunzel), Valentino (Belle), and Oscar de la Renta (Snow White).

The dresses were first displayed in an ultra-glamorous set of window displays at Harrod’s, the luxury store in Knightsbridge, London, during the 2012 holiday season.

Also during the D23 Expo, additional presentations have been announced:

  • As the 50th anniversary of “Mary Poppins” nears, Disney legend and  Walt Disney Archives Chief Archivist Emeritus Dave Smith will host “Behind the Scenes of  Walt Disney’s “Mary Poppins.” Guests will learn the whole story of how Walt Disney discovered the book, worked with author P.L. Travers on the script, hired the Sherman Brothers to write a memorable score, selected an unforgettable cast, oversaw the actual filming, and celebrated at a gala Hollywood premiere.
  • At “Secrets of the Lost Chords,” Grammy® Award-winning producer and resident Disney Music historian, Randy Thornton will share some of the secrets behind Disney’s “lost” songs that were written for several classic Disney films by legendary Disney composers, such as the Sherman Brothers, that were lost for several decades – until now. As a special part of this exclusive D23 event, attendees will be among some of the very first to hear songs currently in production for an upcoming “Lost Chords” release.
  • “Sounds Delightful: An Illustrated Audio Adventure,” will be hosted by Stacia Martin, Disney Artist and Historian. This presentation will take guests on an entertaining trip across decades via vintage Disney Vinyl Recordings from Martin’s personal collection. Forgotten favorites will be heard along with rare promotional and production tracks, including never-before-heard musical moments from Walt Disney’s own “journey down the Yellow Brick Road.”

For presentation times, dates, and locations (subject to change), please visit D23Expo.com.

Joe Hogarty’s 4/11/13 Magic Kingdom Photo Report

WDWNT on April 24, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Joe Hogarty visited the Magic Kingdom yesterday and has a ton of newsworthy photos (including A Pirate’s Adventure, the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train, Princess Aurora’s new costume, and more) to share with us, so let’s take a look:

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Stage set for the AFV taping

I love that it actually fits Main Street U.S.A.

Beautiful day at the Magic Kingdom

Jack Sparrow What-Not?

The Crow’s Nest will be the starting point for A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas

There is a queue set up now

The sign above the entrance is covered

Tangled tower

It has become a popular photo spot

No visible progress on Princess Fairytale Hall

Work continues on the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train

More scaffolding going up on the west side

Meanwhile, the facade on the east side is nearing completion

It looks nearly complete from this side

The track was wrapped to accommodate other work

Triton’s Treasures should be open by the Summer

New rock work going up

Other than a few walls that were enclosed, nothing new over here

The Mad Tea Party is closed for refurbishment

IRON MAN-O-RAIL

WOOSH!

Princess Aurora has received an updated costume as well now

Looks nice

Jack Sparrow really let himself go…

Disneyland Resort Turns Up the Romance During ‘True Love’ Week, All Part of ‘Limited Time Magic’

WDWNT on January 3, 2013

ANAHEIM, Ca., Jan. 28, 2012 – Love is in the air at Disneyland Resort as fairy tale princesses find true love with their princes, and “happily ever after” becomes a reality. It all happens during True Love Week February 11-17, 2013 at Disneyland Resort.

The weeklong love fest is part of “Limited Time Magic” at Disney Parks, where each week in 2013 guests will be treated to a sprinkling of Disney magic, with fun and surprises that enhance their vacation memories.

During True Love Week, a tapestry of romance is woven throughout the resort — from special entertainment and limited-edition Valentine’s merchandise to candlelit dinners for two and new, themed photo locations offering encounters with beloved Disney sweethearts – all for a limited-time only.

The weeklong event celebrates the love of friends and family, and invites couples to rekindle the flame. Here is the lineup:

  • Romantic Setting: Guests will feel the romance at every turn, as heart-shaped signage and sweetheart-themed décor adorn Disneyland Park, making it an ideal place to celebrate Valentine’s week.
  • Blushing Castle: At dusk, hues of red and pink will bathe Sleeping Beauty Castle, with projections of flowers and hearts.
  • Floral Heart: A giant floral heart makes a sweet setting for a Valentine photo, in Town Square, Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland.
  • Valentine Wishes: Flowers, garlands and decorative doves will create a second ideal location around Snow White Wishing Well near Sleeping Beauty Castle. At night, magical lighting adds a romantic touch to the wishing well and Snow White Grotto.
  • Disneyland Sweethearts: Also near Town Square, guests will find a photo location with resident Disneyland sweethearts – Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck.
  • Dinners for Two: Romantic dinners for two with prix fixe menus will be offered at select restaurants during the most romantic week of the year.  Specially-created menus at Blue Bayou and Café Orleans in Disneyland, Carthay Circle Restaurant in Disney California Adventure Park, Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel or Napa Rose in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel make    ideal choices for a romantic evening. To book call 714-781-DINE (714-781-3463).
  • Cupcake Lovers: Chefs have prepared a specially themed Valentine’s dessert: a chocolate cupcake with raspberry mousse filling and dark chocolate mousse frosting. It will be available at Jolly Holiday Bakery Café in Disneyland, Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café and Pacific Wharf Café in Disney California Adventure, and Disneyland Hotel Coffee House.
  • Valentine’s-themed Takeaways: Limited-edition pins, plush, newly-designed apparel and Vinylmations will be available at select merchandise locations.
  • Ears for your Sweetheart: The classic Disneyland ear hat gets a total glitz makeover just in time for the most romantic time of the year. It will dazzle your Valentine and become the most sophisticated pair of ears in your collection.
  • Royal Romance:  Guests will enjoy a rare opportunity to get photos of Disney Princes as they escort their Princesses along The Royal Walk in Fantasyland. In New Orleans Square, guests will find another pair of sweethearts, Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen.
  • In Search of True Love: Guests may also encounter the Wandering Wallflowers, in search of “true love.”

 

The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla., will celebrate True Love week with similar in-park offerings. VisitDisneyworld.com for details.

For more information about “Limited Time Magic,” guests may visit www.LimitedTimeMagic.com or search for Twitter hashtag #LimitedTimeMagic.

Cinderella’s Blu-Ray & Vinyl Ball

WDWNT on September 8, 2012

Update 09/12/12 We snapped some pictures of the 9″ Cinderella Castle and 3″ Prince Charming at Mickey’s Circus. We also learned of a September 17 Disney Store release. The price of the 9″ is $59.95 and was designed by Gerald Mendez. The price of the 7 figure pack is $69.95 and was designed by Ignacio Rodriguez.

On October 2nd, the Disney animated classic Cinderella goes Hi-Def when the Diamond Edition Blu-Ray combo pack is released.

To commemorate the re-released of one of Disney’s treasured films, the Disney Store will also release some (presumably LE) Vinylmation on October 2nd. A big thank you to Vinylmation Kingdom for unearthing this info. The first figure is a 9″ that will retail for $59.95.

The figure depicts Cinderella’s castle in a very animated style. Even in this grainy photo we can tell the colors and artwork are beautiful. The castle steps lead down toward the feet with the glass slipper sitting on them with sparkles all around. The packaging itself add to the collectability of this piece. A blue box with stars and what looks to be Cinderella’s coach at the top. Next, is a set of Vinylmation.

This 7 figure set includes five 3″ figures and two Juniors. Depicted here are:

Cinderella: Dressed in her ball gown with stars in her ears as well as a glass slipper. All of these figures take on a slightly exaggerated cartoonish style that the Disney Store artists seem to prefer over the more true to the animation style the Disney Design Group artists strive for. It’s not a good or bad thing… it’s just a style and a matter of preference. I still would love to see Thomas Scott take on the princesses, but this one is done beautifully. As with Rapunzel from the 25th Anniversary set, Cinderella’s hair is used to frame her face, keeping her face from appearing chubby.

Prince Charming: He is all dressed in his best clothes for the ball and boy is he happy! And why not? He just found the foot that fits the glass slipper… WHICH IS A HOLDABLE ACCESSORY!!! That is by far the best part of this set for me. Very cool idea.

The Fairy Godmother: This is our second version (Animation 1) and as described above, this is a more cartoonish as opposed to true to animation approach. This one also has a wand. Her ears have stars, with the left one also having an outline of the castle.

Jaq and Gus: A brilliant idea to make the two mice Jr figures. Especially with the detail artists can put on these 1.5″ figures now. They both look great with a ton of character in their tiny faces.

Anastasia and Drizella: Cinderella’s stepsisters are chosen without their mother Lady Tremaine. This is a commendable decision given that Lady Tremaine can already be found in the Villains 2 series. Their design looks good… evil and mean… just what the artist was going for.

The Disney Store has now given us another classic princess. What are your thoughts? Here is the trailer to get you ready for the big release.