Special Events – Page 4

Journey Into Space with Figment

WDWNT on February 6, 2009

As many of you are aware, Figment is my favorite Disney character and I love to buy many Disney collectibles from the Art of Disney stores. Knowing this, you can probably guess that I’m pretty excited about this special release:

Product Release: Space Suit Figment: Journey Into Imagination
Numbered Limited Edition: 750 pieces
Retail: $140.00 plus applicable sales tax
Product Release Date: Saturday, April 25, 2009
Product Release Location: Art of Disney, Epcot®

Extend the boundaries of your imagination with Figment! The act of creativity is a never-ending adventure, especially when Figment is around. The very embodiment of imagination, the unpredictable purple dragon takes on many guises in the Epcot®Journey Into Imagination attraction. But, none represents the excitement of exploring creativity more than an astronaut in limitless space.

This new numbered limited edition of 750 Walt Disney Classics Collection sculpture captures all the star-searching playfulness of Figment as he hitches a ride in outer space, just as in the attraction. Hand-crafted of fine porcelain, Figment features a hand-made glass portion on his helmet with kiln-fired metallic paint on his space suit. Sculpted by Jacqueline Perreault Gonzales, Figment stands 6 1/2″ high and retails for $140.00.

A limited number of Space Suit Figment: Journey Into Imagination will be available for pre-order. To pre-order Space Suit Figment: Journey Into Imagination please contact Walt Disney Event Services at 407-827-7600. Walt Disney Event Services is open Monday through Friday from 9:00am – 12:00pm & 1:00pm – 5:00pm.

Guests may only purchase up to two (2) Space Suit Figments. All orders will be processed and charged on Friday, April 24. Please allow 2-4 weeks for shipping.

Add this intrepid traveler to your collection and set your imagination free into the infinity of outer space with Figment!

To view Space Suit Figment: Journey Into Imagination in closer detail, please click HERE..

News from the February 2009 Mickey Monitor

WDWNT on February 2, 2009

The latest edition of the Mickey Monitor annual passholder publication is now available for viewing and offers a number of newsworthy announcements on some upcoming Walt Disney World attractions and special events. Here are some highlights:

-Passholders are being informed that Space Mountain will be closed for a “Space-Lift” beginning in April 2009. The article confirms that the track layout and the exterior look of the Mountain will not be touched during the refurbishment. While no reopening date is given, an opportunity to own a piece of the classic Magic Kingdom attraction is. For all the details on how to win a piece of Space Mountain, consult the Mickey Monitor and WDW Annual Passholder website.

-The article with top billing in this issue has a lot of information on the 2009 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, including a complete list of performers for the Flower Power concert series.

-Another article has more details on the upcoming “Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party”. The parade/show will feature contemporary Radio Disney music, as well as some classic Disney tunes as characters emerge from large party boxes around the hub to party with guests in front of Cinderella Castle. The parade/show will perform multiple times daily at the Magic Kingdom beginning February 12th.

-Star Wars Weekends 2009 will be held at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between May 22 and June 14, 2009.

More information on all of these special events and attractions, plus much more, can be found in this month’s issue of the Mickey Monitor which can be found HERE.

New Year’s Eve 2009 Line-Up

WDWNT on December 29, 2008

Here is the current line-up for New Year’s Eve entertainment at the Walt Disney World Resort:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — A kaleidoscope of colors and elaborate light displays will decorate the skies on the final night of 2008 at Walt Disney World Resort.

Dazzling fireworks showers, live entertainment and extended park hours throughout the Vacation Kingdom on Dec. 31 make it a popular spot to ring in the new year.

At Epcot, a special version of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” the laser-light spectacular featuring dancing flames and cascading fountains orchestrated to an original musical score, will be presented at 7:30 p.m. and 11:40 p.m. The park’s Dec. 31 operating hours are 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will host “Fantasmic!,” the lavish spectacular of water animation, lasers and fireworks, at 6:30 p.m. and 8 and 10 p.m. Revelers can “rock on” with live performances by in-park band “Mulch, Sweat and Shears,” plus a DJ spinning tunes at Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat. A special “Lights, Camera, Happy New Year” fireworks show brings in the new year at 11:50 p.m. The park is open from 8 a.m. until midnight on Dec. 31.

Late-nighters can party at Magic Kingdom until the wee hours with parades and fireworks galore. The park is aglow with “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” at 12 noon and 3:30 p.m., followed by the wondrous “SpectroMagic” parade at 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. “Holiday Wishes” fireworks, the boldest and brightest pyrotechnics show at Disney, takes place at 8:30 p.m. capped with the grand finale “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks at 11:50 p.m. On Dec. 31, the park is open from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 31. Guests can enjoy one of the final presentations of the romping character cavalcade “Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade” at 3:45 p.m.

“Commercial” Appeal

WDWNT on November 30, 2008

Just thought we would take a moment to look at some recent commercials the Walt Disney World Resort has put together for a variety of topics:

Holidays at WDW

A more recent “What Will You Celebrate?” commercial

3-D Theaters on the Disney Cruise Line

Passholder Tour Experience

WDWNT on November 13, 2008

I’ve been hesitant to post the following news since registration for this event has closed once already and could close again at anytime. The event I’m speaking of is a 25 minute Walt Disney World Annual Passholder only tour of the Superstar Television Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, home to the upcoming American Idol Experience attraction. The tour is happening at various times during the day on December 14th, 2008 and the following times are still available as of this reports posting:

Updated at 6:15 PM EST on 11/14- every half hour from 3:30-7:30 PM now remaining

Space is limited and filling up fast, so if you are interested and can attend, you should rush over to disneyworld.com/passholder and sign up under “News & Upcoming Events”. The American Idol Experience attraction is expected to have full Annual Passholder previews sometime in January 2009 and open to the public the following month.

Matt Paul’s 11/10/08 WDW Photo Update

WDWNT on November 11, 2008

Here with his first photo report from the Walt Disney World Resort is our own Matt Paul, who spent yesterday visiting three of the theme parks. Let’s see what he found at the World:

Let’s begin at Epcot

The new IBM Thinkplace inside Innoventions is still coming soon

With the end of the Food and Wine Festival, this spot waits for its holiday display

This small area is still being worked on, perhaps for the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure

The Christmas display at the park entrance is starting to be put in place

A strange recycling bin now stands near the ramp to the Epcot Monorail station

Now we’ll move over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The final Super Soap Weekend at Walt Disney World will take place this weekend

The usual stage has been set-up outside the Sorcerer’s Hat

Because of the stage, the High School Musical show will be performing on the Streets of America

A lot has happened since we last looked at the American Idol Experience

All of the signage is up and the attraction is nearing completion

A large screen stands outside the Superstar Television Theater waiting for the first show to begin

The American Idol Experience sign

I think it looks great

The name of the theater is still way too cool 🙂

Matt thought this was a cool picture

Golden Age Souvenirs has closed again as it prepares for some American Idol merchandise

A new logo has appeared on the trampoline units for Block Party Bash

Finally, over to the Magic Kingdom

Here it is, the first of many Cinderella Castle Dreamlights photos for 2008

Even after seeing it in person, I can’t help but say “WOW”

We’ll end Matt’s report with a very cool 2008 holiday shirt with an awesome tag-line: “Joy from the World”

09/04/08 WDW Photo Update by Jason Diffendal

WDWNT on September 5, 2008

Staff member Jason Diffendal of WDWCelebrations.com has provided us with some very interesting pictures from around WDW during his latest trip. Let’s take a look at a few newsworthy items:

Starting at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the new Night of Joy event logo has taken over the entrance billboard. I really like the new logo, something about those colors…

The stage in front of the Sorcerer’s Hat is almost ready for the Night(s) of Joy.

While the temporary stage is set, High School Musical 2: School’s Out will be performing on the Streets of America. This shows final performance is going to be September 13th, with the updated High School Musical 3: Right Here! Right Now! show to debut on October 24th.

Work on something continues at the end of Sunset Blvd.

Mouse About Town, Once Upon a Time, and Sunset Club Couture (Sunset Blvd. Shops) have all closed to be refurbished and change over to selling just clothing. This is a horrible decision, which moves the watchmaker into the Art of Disney over in the Animation Courtyard and leaves the park with more limited options when it comes to collectibles and home goods. It appears the restrooms next door are also closed at this time.

Moving over to Epcot, wait times make the off-season seem a little more off this year.

“These wait times look so good, I want one!”

Food and Wine Festival preparation outside the American Adventure

The Morocco gallery is closed while a new exhibit is added. The new exhibit will open on September 25.

Epcot rushing together the International Food & Wine Festival, which begins September 26.

Exterior work continues on the United Kingdom pavilion.

Moving over to the Magic Kingdom, work continues on the Liberty Bell in Liberty Square

Work on the Fantasyland facades continues, now expanded onto Tinker Bell’s Treasures

Even though the new Liberty Square bridge is complete, work continues in the waters below it.

More columns around Main Street U.S.A. are being painted. Wonder how many average guests even noticed this one…

Even the napkins are getting into the Halloween spirit this year.

We end this special report with a Halloween cup you could get next time you buy a Coke at WDW. Thanks for the report Jason!

What’s This? New Halloween Outfits

WDWNT on September 4, 2008

Here’s a quick look at the new costumes that Disney’s most famous couples will be sporting this halloween during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party:

Mickey and Minnie Mouse

Donald and Daisy Duck

John Corigliano’s WDW Photo Update 8/31-9/1/08

WDWNT on September 2, 2008

WDWNT is back from the not-so-crowded Walt Disney World theme parks with another fantastic photo report. Let’s take a look at all the newsworthy happenings from around the world:

Starting at Disney’s hollywood Studios, this special stage has been set up for the Night of Joy events

Construction on the American Idol Experience

They are painting the entire building in a new blue color-scheme

This is where the old poster that featured a few ABC shows such as Good Morning America used to be.

A few color changes on the tower.

Not sure what this is, signage perhaps?

A few more of the statues have been removed.

We expect this exhibit to make a move to somewhere else in the studios soon…

A Bolt billboard up in Animation Courtyard.

As previously reported, Single Rider has been removed from Toy Story Midway Mania.

The current Cars character meet-and-greet by Pixar Place…

The new meet-and-greet being constructed where Al’s Toy Barn was. Looks like it will have some pretty cool, recognizable, movie inspired theming.

A nice looking Tapestry Woven Throw.

And here’s a new Disney’s Hollywood Studios Tapestry Woven Throw.

You can’t see it all that well in this picture, but the Osbourne lights are starting to be put up.

You can get a better look at the lights in this picture.

The Muppet Vision 3-D balloon is still down on the Streets of America.

More painting on the opposite side of the American Idol Experience building.

The limo is back up on the Rock ‘n Roller Coaster sign.

The attraction was closed for 4 hours due to technical difficulties… A rare sight indeed!

Moving over to Epcot… Innoventions might as well be called Construction Land, as there have been so many new projects going on there lately.

This is where the IBM exhibit used to be.

The IBM logo is still there.

We’re less than a month away from this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival!

Another rare sight, the Sheriff of Nottingham from Robin Hood outside the American Adventure!

This sign at Soarin’ could use some fixing up.

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Halloween Decorations are now up at the Magic Kingdom

New statues around the hub on Main Street U.S.A.

They even light up in certain places at night

Banners up at the majestic train station.

Banners on the side of the Exposition Hall.

The Exposition Hall.

City Hall.

Work is still being done on these columns outside the Emporium.

Halloween decorations inside the Emporium.

Very, very short wait times for the Magic Kingdom

The off-season is here

The Liberty Square bridge is one again open to guest flow & parades. It looks pretty good.

However work is still going on in the water beneath the bridge.

New concrete in Liberty Square

The Liberty Bell is behind walls.

They’re working on wiring by & beneath the McDonalds Fry Cart in Frontierland. It’s been going on for 7 months now.

They have repainted the castle stone wall above Snow White’s Scary Adventures (the light tone wall). It looks much better in my opinion.

Same work being done on the Mickey’s PhilharMagic facade.

A funky new Mickey Mouse shirt.

A cool new shirt for the 15th anniversary of Nightmare Before Christmas.

Construction on the new north wing of the Contemporary Resort.

And to cap off this photo report, a billboard advertising T-Rex (and new employees) on the way to Walt Disney World.

Plenty of Press Releases for 8/18/08

WDWNT on August 18, 2008

Here is a collection of press releases just made available by Walt Disney World. First off is some details about the Night of Joy event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

The 26th Night of Joy at Walt Disney World Resort will have lots of “news” surrounding a lineup featuring a “Who’s Who” of Christian music Sept. 5-6:

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will host the event for the first time

First performances each evening will be at 7:15 p.m., with the fun continuing till 1:30 a.m.

“Rap sessions” will engage guests in moderated Q&A discussion with select artistsA stellar 16-act lineup (with eight acts performing each night) will feature Artist of the Year tobyMac, Male Vocalist of the Year Chris Tomlin, Group of the YearCasting Crowns and New Artist of the Year Brandon Heath plus enduringly popular MercyMe and Rebecca St. James. Here’s the complete talent lineup with show times and locations (subject to change): FRIDAY, SEPT. 5
Artist – Stage – Showtimes

Brandon Heath – Lights, Motors, Action! – 7:15pm
Britt Nicole – Icon Stage – 7:30pm
Matthew West – Premier Theater – 8pm, 9:15pm
Chris Tomlin – Lights, Motors, Action! – 8:15pm, 9:45pm
BarlowGirl – Icon Stage – 8:30pm, 9:45pm
Rush of Fools – Premier Theater – 10:45pm, Midnight
Rebecca St. James – Icon Stage – 11pm, 12:15am
MercyMe – Lights, Motors, Action! – 11:15pm, 12:45am

SATURDAY, SEPT. 6

Artist – Stage – Showtimes

Red – Lights, Motors, Action! – 7:15pm
PureNRG – Icon Stage – 7:30pm
Mandisa – Premier Theater – 8pm, 9:15pm
Casting Crowns – Lights, Motors, Action! – 8:15pm, 9:45pm
Marcos Witt – Icon Stage – 8:45pm, 10pm
GMA Winner – Icon Stage – 9:35pm
Aaron Shust – Premier Theater – 10:30pm, 11:45pm
tobyMac – Lights, Motors, Action! – 11:15pm, 12:45am
Fred Hammond – Icon Stage – 11:30pm, 12:45am

One-night advance tickets ($44.95) and two-night tickets ($75.95) can be purchased online at www.disneyworld.com/nightofjoy or by calling 407/W-DISNEY. Groups of 10 or more can go to www.nightofjoy.com or call 877/NITEJOY for ticket information. Guests attending Night of Joy can combine an evening of Christian music with the thrills of popular Disney’s Hollywood Studios attractions plus a DJ dance party each evening.

Applications will soon be accepted for the 2009 WDW Moms Panel:

Disney Parks undertakes its search in September for a group of park-savvy parents to be named the 2009 Walt Disney World Moms Panel, following in the footsteps of the first-ever online Walt Disney World Moms Panel which has been fielding and answering thousands of vacation questions in 2008.

The quest is for 16 parents who pride themselves on being Walt Disney World “know-it-alls” and have an undying passion to share their Disney knowledge with others at www.disneyworldmoms.com. From Sept. 8 through Sept. 19, interested applicants can visit www.disneyworldmoms.com/2009 to apply for the panel. The application process begins with a series of questions and three brief essays — about their family, why they are a great Walt Disney World vacation planner and their favorite Disney vacationing tip.

“The first-ever Disney Moms Panel has responded to more than 9,000 questions from vacation planners this year. They have offered our guests countless tips to plan a magical vacation at our resort,” said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “We thank the 2008 panel for their contributions and look forward to working with a new group of parents.”

Since the launch of www.disneyworldmoms.com in January 2008, the current 12-person panel has responded to questions covering just about anything from how to sign up for a character dining experience to what items are allowed in the parks.

Here is the complete Eat to the Beat Concert series line-up for this year:

Eight Grammy-winning acts join 10 other stellar hit-makers to bring a rocking mix of classic tunes to Walt Disney World Resort during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival beginning Sept. 26. Eat to the Beat! concerts are scheduled three times daily through Nov. 9.

From rock to jazz, funk to pop, 10 new Eat to the Beat! acts and eight returning bands take their turn on the America Gardens Theatre stage in 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. shows. The lineup (subject to change) includes:

Sept. 26-27 — Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (NEW)
Sept. 28-30 — Sheena Easton (2 Grammys)
Oct. 1-4 — Starship starring Mickey Thomas
Oct. 5-7 — En Vogue (NEW)
Oct. 8-9 — Jonny Lang (NEW, 1 Grammy)
Oct. 10-12 — Peabo Bryson (NEW, 2 Grammys)
Oct. 13-14 — Sister Hazel (NEW)
Oct. 15-16 — David Sanborn (6 Grammys)
Oct. 17-18 — Jon Secada (2 Grammys)
Oct. 19-21 — Spyro Gyra (NEW)
Oct. 22-23 — Otis Day & the Knights
Oct. 24-26 — Exposé
Oct. 27-28 — Kool & The Gang (1 Grammy)
Oct. 29-30 — Boyz II Men (NEW, 4 Grammys)
Oct. 31-Nov. 2 — Atlanta Rhythm Section (NEW)
Nov. 3-5 — David Cassidy
Nov. 6-7 — Night Ranger (NEW)
Nov. 8-9 — Los Lobos (NEW, 3 Grammys)

Details on the 2008 Race for the Taste on October 12:

The 9th annual Disney’s Race for the Taste 10K takes place Oct. 12, giving competitors an opportunity to run and eat during the popular Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort.

Runners will enjoy a ceremonial toast and fireworks display at the 7 a.m. start of the race at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, then embark on a 6.2-mile journey through Disney’s Hollywood Studios and past Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club resorts before passing through World Showcase at Epcot, the epicenter of the food and wine festival.

At the finish line, runners — along with ticketed friends and family members — will have an opportunity to sample international cuisine from the Epcot festival at a post-race picnic.

There will also be several Race for the Taste Kids’ Races, including a Heelys’ Race and Roll race (200m) for kids ages 8-14. Other kids’ races include a 100-meter event (ages 1-3), a 200-meter race (ages 4-6), a 400-meter race (ages 7-9) and an 800-meter event (ages 9-11).

Runners can register online at www.disneyraceforthetaste.com. Race-only registration is $55; race registration that includes a Disney theme park ticket is $92. Each participant who completes the race will receive a medal shaped like a chef’s hat. Awards will be presented to the top three finishers in several categories, including top male, top female and wheelchair divisions.

Details on the T-Rex restaurant opening now in late October (another change) at the Downtown Disney Marketplace:

Walt Disney World guests will go on an adventure back in time to dine among the dinosaurs when T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover opens it doors by late October at Downtown Disney.

T-Rex, developed by Schussler Creative, Inc., and operated by Landry’s Restaurants, Inc., features dining and retail in a 30,000-square-foot, 600-seat interactive prehistoric environment. The concept is built around water, fire and ice: Guests will be greeted with life-size animatronic dinosaurs that live among cascading waterfalls, bubbling geysers, a fossil dig site and much more.

Schussler Creative Chairman Steve Schussler, the founder of Rainforest Café and T-Rex restaurants, depicts the experience as “edutainment,” noting that this “treat for all five senses” includes artifacts such as fossils — all carefully labeled — that are hundreds of millions of years old, carefully crafted animatronic dinosaurs, and even a meteorite found in Argentina.

A full-size skeleton replica of Argentinosaurus, one of the largest of the dinosaurs and copied from a museum specimen about 125 feet in length, looms over the entrance, joined by a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton.

The theme carries over to the menu, which features items with names such as Caesarsaurus (Caesar salad), Raptor Ribs (Asian BBQ ribs), Pterodactyl Wings (Buffalo chicken wings), Triassic Tortellini (tri-colored cheese tortellini) and Gigantosaurus Burger (think really big hamburger!).

Menu choices range from starters (appetizers, salads and soups) to pastas, burgers and sandwiches to a broad selection of entrees plus desserts. Some favorites include rotisserie chicken, fried shrimp, steaks and ribs, tarragon chicken salad sandwich, Cobb salad and “Chocolate Extinction.” Guests will be able to make reservations by calling 407/WDW-DINE.

Tag: Special Events