Coming Attractions

WDWNT on December 31, 2008

Even though we are a few days removed from it, here are some interesting pictures taken from the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade of some new attractions on the way to WDW:

Concept art of the “Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party”, debuting in February 2009

The stage inside the Superstar Television Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Original Concept Art

Original Concept Art

Real stage under construction

Theater and stage

Completed stage with some rules at the bottom

Registration for American Idol Experience AP Previews Now Open!

WDWNT on December 30, 2008

You can now register for the Walt Disney World Annual Passholder previews of the new American Idol Experience attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios by going to this link. You must have a valid Annual Pass to register and attend the event anytime from February 5-8, 2009. Space is limited, so be sure to register as soon as possible for one of the open time slots on the preview dates mentioned above.

Don’t worry if you can’t be there for these previews, random soft-previews will be occurring throughout the month of January. Stay tuned to WDW News Today as more information on previews of the American Idol Experience becomes available.

Chris Lastrapes 12/19/08 WDW Update

WDWNT on December 19, 2008

Chris Lastrapes from Disneyland News Today is now visiting the Walt Disney World Resort and has provided us with some photos from his trip, so let’s take a look:

Tickets were available for the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on that evening, but are sold out for tonight’s final party.

The Magic Kingdom in it’s Holiday finest

The Magic Kingdom tree, which has actually only been in place for a few days now

The mystery food vendor that is replacing the old Frontierland Fry Cart continues to rise over the walls

Read More about Chris Lastrapes 12/19/08 WDW Update

Jose Eber’s 12/13 American Idol Update

WDWNT on December 13, 2008

WDWNT Videographer Jose Eber has provided us with a picture of what we may be seeing the cast members wearing at the upcoming American Idol Experience attraction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

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Jose has also provided us with a short video of the exterior of the Superstar Television Theater he took a few days ago in both normal definition below and high definition at this link:

 

“Sounds” Seasonal

WDWNT on December 8, 2008

Not only did the “Sounds Dangerous starring Drew Carey” show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios close for an unannounced refurbishment yesterday that will span through the 13th of December, it now seems the attraction will only be operating seasonally at the park. The most recent closure of the attraction is to allow some finishing touches on the American Idol Experience attraction that will be giving tours of its studio to Annual Passholders in just a few days.

The Sounds Dangerous show has garnered horrible reviews and low attendance since it opened back in 1999, making it very surprising that it has lasted until now. However, it is expected that the attraction will not remain seasonal for long and will most likely be replaced with a Disney Channel themed sound-show within the next year or two. The attraction will close again in January and will remain closed until crowd levels allow it to re-open. Stay tuned to WDW News Today as more information on this story becomes available.

A WDWNT Weekend Update

WDWNT on November 23, 2008

I thought I would take this time to address a few short subjects in one post just to make sure everyone is caught up on what’s going on with WDW and WDWNT right now:

-We have opened our fantastic poll allowing you to choose what you think are the 20 biggest moments in the history of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Just go HERE, pick 20 moments, and hit submit. The 20 biggest moments as voted by you will then be counted down every week on the WDW News Today Podcast until the anniversary on May 1, 2009. Voting closes on December 4 at midnight, so don’t miss out!!!

-Disney has released a picture of the completed facade of the new American Idol Experience attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (we should have our own pictures of the completed building very soon, until then check out THIS photo report on the WDW News Today Community Forums):

THE AMERICAN IDOL EXPERIENCE AT DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

IT’S SHOWTIME!: Disney’s Hollywood Studios raises the curtain on the newest showbiz-themed attraction, “The American Idol Experience.” All the excitement of the popular “American Idol” TV show comes to life in a first-of-its-kind attraction where Walt Disney World guests can vote on their favorite performance, or audition with the chance to perform on stage. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (David Roark, photographer)

-Ellen’s Energy Adventure at Epcot will be closed for a lengthy refurbishment from January 5 through March 22, 2009. During this time, some general maintenance will occur. It is also rumored that Imagineering will use this a a time to look around the attraction for possible changes.

-Reported on the WDW News Today Community Forums:

Beginning December 1st, anyone booked for lunch at Tusker House (at Disney’s Animal Kingdom) between 1:00pm and 1:40pm will receive a ticket for reserved seating at the Finding Nemo (The Musical) 3:15pm show. If you are already booked during that time frame you will qualify for the reserved seating ticket. Only reservations between 1:00pm and 1:40pm qualify. One ticker per person dining.

-Also Reported on the WDW News Today Community Forums, Disney launching an online check-in service for resort guests:

Disney’s Online Check-In service enables Guests to simplify their arrival by allowing them to go online and provide information related to their upcoming stay. On a Guest’s scheduled arrival date, since check-in information will have been provided previously online by the Guest, they may experience a streamlined check-in at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels or Disney Vacation Club resorts. A welcome folder with their Key to the World Card will be waiting at a designated Disney’s Online Check-In area in the resort hotel lobby. Guests will need to present valid photo ID to pick up the folder and complete check-in. Guests may check-in online beginning 10 days prior to their arrival date. Web site addresses for Disney’s Online Check-In service will vary based on the original method of booking. As Guests are completing Disney’s Online Check-In service, select Guests will have an opportunity to apply for the Disney Rewards® Visa Card® that could be used during their stay. This service launches in January, 2009.

A lot to process, but hopefully we have everyone caught up on current Walt Disney World and WDW News Today events before the big holiday week begins.

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:

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Let’s begin at Epcot

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The new IBM Thinkplace inside Innoventions is still coming soon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The American Idol Experience sign

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I think it looks great

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The name of the theater is still way too cool 🙂

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Matt thought this was a cool picture

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

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

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Finally, over to the Magic Kingdom

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

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

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