New Test Track Ride Vehicle Debuts!

WDWNT on August 30, 2011

With the rumors of a HUGE, multi-month refurbishment of Test Track at Epcot coming in 2012, we have been hopeful that some significant upgrades would be made to the ride next year. Well, we may not have to wait that long…

These photos were taken earlier today by twitter user shawnathon33. This new Test Track vehicle is very similar to the original in shape, but it looks like GM is trying to get some publicity for more of their brands, illustrated by the Chevy logo on the front of the car (painted on, not articulated). The new car also has a very different paint scheme than the original, but we expect each vehicle to have a different color palate. While pure speculation at this point, I would expect to see other GM brand logos on the front of other vehicles (Buick, GMC, etc.). This new vehicle confirms that General Motors will be staying on as the sponsor of the pavilion. We will have more on this breaking story as it becomes available, so stay tuned!

Tom Corless’ 1/15-1/18/11 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on January 21, 2011

I was visiting Walt Disney World for the premiere of PIXAR Pals: Countdown to Fun and “Let the Memories Begin” last week and managed to find some time to take some newsworthy photos, so let’s take a look at what’s new around the parks:

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We begin at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Gnomio & Juliet was going to be a Disney movie, now it’s just a Disney promoted movie…

Read More about Tom Corless’ 1/15-1/18/11 WDW Photo Report

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”

Stanley Tools: Proud Sponsor of Construction at Walt Disney World

WDWNT on January 22, 2010

From the Orlando Sentinel:

Walt Disney World has signed up a new corporate sponsor: Stanley Works.

The New Britain, Conn.-based tool manufacturer has signed a multiyear contract making it the “official tool provider” at Disney World and ensuring its brand is on view throughout the giant resort.

Stanley’s logo now appears on construction walls in Disney theme parks (on signs that feature quotes from Walt Disney) and its tools are now part of the garage area of the Lights, Motor, Action! Stunt Show in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Tools will soon be added to the queue of Test Track in Epcot, as well.

Stanley has also provided a Mac Tools truck for use by Disney technicians, and it will have access to resort facilities for employee and sales meetings.

The companies declined to disclose exact terms of the deal.

Walt Disney World: Then and Now

WDWNT on October 26, 2009

A few weeks ago, we showed you the concept art for a 2010 monthly Walt Disney World pin series called “Then and Now”. The “What’s HapPINing Blog” was updated today with a look at two of the actual pins in the series. From the “What’s HapPINing Blog“:

As a follow up to a preview we presented in August, we received pin samples for the upcoming Walt Disney World® Then & Now series and they look great!

Blog_20091026_ThenandNow

You’ll notice that the “then” side is in a metal finish with no color, and the “now” side is in full color. It’s been great to revisit some of our favorite older attractions in this series and we think the series will be a fun way for Guests to discover the history of the Theme Parks.

Extinct Attractions Return to WDW in 2010

WDWNT on August 11, 2009

Some exciting merchandise news released today by the What’s HapPINing Blog:

As promised, here is a first look at a new Pin of the Month collection coming to the Walt Disney World® Resort in 2010. Titled “Then and Now,” each pin in this collection will salute a current Disney attraction and its predecessor. This collection will be released starting in January 2010, and each pin will have an edition size of 1000.

The artwork for this collection was created by Disney Design Group Artist Mike Sullivan. We love the design of this pin – like we are looking into the “ThenandNow-O-Matic 3000.” For some reason, the spinner design reminds us a machine that could have been found in a Penny Arcade.

Other attractions in this collection will include:

  • Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor – The Timekeeper
  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – if you had wings
  • Test Track – World of Motion

We’ve always wanted to take the time to do anything with our wings in a world where it is fun to be free.

For more details on this exciting new pin series as it becomes available, be sure to tune in to the Disney Pincast. If you haven’t started collecting pins yet, 2010 may be a good time to start 🙂