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What’s Happening New Year’s Eve 2014 At Walt Disney World

WDWNT on December 30, 2014

Thanksgiving and Christmas haven’t happened yet, but chances are, you’re already thinking ahead and starting to make plans for New Year’s Eve. If you’re going to be ringing in 2015 at Walt Disney World Resort, here’s a rundown of some of the entertainment that’s planned for this year’s celebration.

Epcot – It’s a night-long party throughout Epcot, with unique entertainment including a DJ and light show at the Future World Fountain Stage, dancing under flame effects and a smoke-billowing dragon in China, a British blast to the past in United Kingdom, Euro-pop and lasers in Italy, and a Latin band and DJ on the America Gardens Stage. Cap it all off with one of two showings of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” fireworks, at 6:00 p.m. or 11:40 p.m., followed by a countdown and pyrotechnic salute to the new year.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Exclusive specialty drinks and food items are available throughout the night, as the Event Stage comes alive with an energetic DJ and performances by Mulch, Sweat & Shears. As midnight approaches, the band takes the stage to count down to 2015 and plays live during a jaw-dropping fireworks spectacular.

Magic Kingdom Park – You can get a head start on the festivities, with a special New Year’s Eve eve presentation of “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks at 11:50 p.m. on Tuesday, December 30. The same show will be repeated on December 31.

Tell us in the comments below, what are you doing New Year’s Eve?

RUMOR: 5th Walt Disney World Theme Park To Be Built Before 2021, Located Near Flamingo Crossings?

WDWNT on October 24, 2014

A 5th Walt Disney World theme park has been a dream for many since Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened in 1998. We are currently living through the longest drought without a new theme park at Walt Disney World in the resort’s history: 16.5 years. As Walt Disney World reached its 40th anniversary in 2011, a new ten year plan for the growth of the resort was laid out, culminating in the 50th anniversary in 2021, which is sure to be viewed as the pinnacle theme park celebration in the company’s history. Sure, Disneyland is the original and Walt’s baby, but Walt Disney World was his last dream and has always been favored by management in the company for being the resort destination with the highest profits. This reasoning made it easy to believe rumors that a 5th theme park was one of the end goals of the ten year plan management devised for Orlando.

So, just a few days ago we told you about the groundbreaking finally taking place at Flamingo Crossings and why that seems to be important and indicative of larger plans for Walt Disney World in the next 8-10 years. Well, it seems it might be a good sign that a 5th park is coming, especially with some recent land purchases made by Disney in the surrounding area (hat tip to Screamscape to putting together some pieces of the story).

Disney owns 3000 total acres of land that are put aside for Flamingo Crossings project, located just outside of the colorful character borders of the Walt Disney World Resort on Western Way. 300 acres of this land seem to be getting some special attentions, a plot just behind the largest development pads for Flamingo Crossings. This plot may be home to Walt Disney World’s 5th theme park.

Why does this plot make sense? A lot of the reasons are those we presented for Flamingo Crossings: 429 is empty and the other side of WDW property is overburdened. Also, building the 5th park here would entice more companies to get involved in Flamingo Crossings. Disney has had trouble selling the plots until recently, but maybe the recent hotel development deal with Marriott was struck because they know something we don’t. One would assume Marriott was privy to this information before finally agreeing to build two hotels that will be the first tenants for the project. If Disney is telling possible investors that there will be a 5th park that their business can be steps away from, they are probably going to be much more likely to open up shop between Western Way and 429.

A lot of this is speculation at this point, but any big projects getting underway currently at Disney’s Hollywood Studios would be completed by 2017-18 and we know that all of the additions to Disney Springs, Epcot (Frozen attraction), and Animal Kingdom will be opening between 2016 and 2017, so the Disney World construction calendar is pretty wide open for the 3 years leading up to the 50th anniversary.

Does all of this mean a 5th gate? Will the park be located in Flamingo Crossings? Will the borders of the Walt Disney World Resort expand west? There are certainly a lot of questions to answer… and we’re not even getting into what the 5th park would be yet…

Apple Pay Coming to Walt Disney World Resort

WDWNT on September 30, 2014

Update: We reported earlier that this system would be coming to Walt Disney World beginning in October, but according to the keynote it actually is December 2014.

Earlier today, the world came to standstill as everyone watched Apple unveil the latest and greatest new products for consumers to enjoy. In the announcement, Apple announced a new payment system called “Apple Pay” which allows users to pay using their phones using NFC (Near Field Communication) technology.

Coming to Disney Stores and Walt Disney World Resort beginning in October, guests will be able to use their iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus to pay for merchandise, food, and products. Apple Pay will change how you pay with breakthrough contactless payment technology and unique security features built right into the devices you have with you every day. So you can use your iPhone 6 to pay in an easy, secure, and private way.

Now paying in stores happens in one natural motion — there’s no need to open an app or even wake your display thanks to the innovative Near Field Communication antenna in iPhone 6.To pay, just hold your iPhone near the contactless reader with your finger on Touch ID. You don’t even have to look at the screen to know your payment information was successfully sent. A subtle vibration and beep lets you know.

You can learn more about Apple Pay by visiting apple.com. Stay tuned to WDWNT as we learn more about this and bring you the latest news on Apple Pay at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Editor’s Note: As a huge Apple fanboy that I am, I will be following this very closely and using it when it launches.

OSHA-Mandated “Fall Protection” Coming to WDW, Skyline Around the Resort Will Change Forever

WDWNT on September 30, 2014

Over the last year or so, the Disneyland Resort has been ordered to install safety railings in areas where cast members might be working, particularly rooftops around the resort. These additions are referred to by OSHA as “fall protection”. When the edict first came down, Disneyland installed a lot of temporary railings on rooftops to meet standards before finally designing themed structures that guests would not notice in those areas. The result was a lot of buildings getting much taller and a lot of walls where there had never been any before.

Well, a few weeks ago, temporary railings started appearing on rooftops around Walt Disney World…

Pirates of the Caribbean at the Magic Kingdom

These stanchions with small warning flags that read “danger” are appearing in every park, and in some cases areas outside of the parks, and are growing in number every day.

Restrooms in Tomorrowland

In order to meet OSHA regulations, Disney will either have to leave these ropes up or design roof pieces of roughly the same height to add to each and every one of these buildings.

Your complete view of Space Mountain over the entrance is about to be obscured…

While we are certainly overjoyed that Disney is improving some safety conditions for cast members who work in these areas, there hasn’t been an accident with anyone falling from any of these places, so one has to wonder how unsafe it really is.

The rooftops of Innoventions at Epcot also have the temporary ropes

It will be interesting to see how different many façades around the resort will be once this is completed, but it may be a while until the permanent solutions are in place. Stay tuned…

PROFILE: Meet Gris Grimly — The Creative Force Behind Disney’s Animated Haunted Mansion Special

WDWNT on September 5, 2014

Photo courtesy of Riley Kern. Learn more about her work at www.rileykernstudio. Used with permission.

By now you’ve heard that Disney Television Animation is developing an animated special based on the enormously popular and pseudo-mythological Haunted Mansion attraction. At this point details are sketchy, but what we do know is that the special will be animated by horror artist, New York Times best-seller, and children’s book illustrator Gris Grimly. Gris’ unique style and artistic flare are the absolute perfect fit for this expression of the Haunted Mansion.

You may not be familiar with Gris, but his fingerprints are all over the pop culture and novel art world. He has produced and directed music videos, collaborated with feature film director Guillermo del Toro, and created critically acclaimed short films in addition to his best-selling illustrated projects, the earliest of which are already somewhat rare and fairly valuable. His illustrated works include Gris Grimly’s Wicked Nursery Rhymes, Edgar Allan Poe’s Tales of Mystery and Madness and Tales of Death and Dementia, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and Pinocchio. Most recently Gris released his vision of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.

About his latest project, Frankenstein, one reviewer described it as “… by turns grotesque, whimsical, and surreal.” Another pointed out how “Grimly’s unique and twisted style blends perfectly with the material and breathes new life into these characters and situations.” Given his artistic bent and a history that has crossed paths with the Disney universe multiple times, it’s no wonder Disney Television Animation tapped Gris for its Haunted Mansion project. There is reason to be excited about this project even if you’re not among the legions of Haunted Mansion aficionados out there in the Disney fan community.

WDWNT had a chance to catch up with Gris as he prepared for ScareLA last week. Below is a short Q&A with the visionary who will drive the story, art, and design for Disney’s upcoming Haunted Mansion animated television special.

WDWNT: Thanks for taking a few minutes to be with us.
GRIS: It’s an exciting time.

WDWNT: The Haunted Mansion is probably the most discussed Disney attraction. Admittedly, I didn’t “get” all the affection the Haunted Mansion receives early in my relationship with the Disney parks. But now I get it. Mixed plots, a who’s who of imagineering, the years and iterations between concept and completion all contribute to Haunted Mansion mythology. What about the Haunted Mansion is most interesting to you?
GRIS: I’ve always been intrigued by the Museum of the Weird. Rolly Crump’s designs are so dark, whimsical, and just completely strange that you can’t help but be drawn to them.

WDWNT: Speaking of whimsical, the Haunted Mansion story can be inaccessible—which also happens to be one of the aspects that makes it great. In fact, the attraction is really an imagineering “anthology” in some respects with multiple story angles. How are you going to approach the various story elements and narrative threads present in the Haunted Mansion?
GRIS: The lore of The Haunted Mansion is certainly rich. I recently had the privilege to explore this mythology that Disney keeps secure in their vaults, and it’s amazing. That experience and some of the elements have inspired our story, but overall, we are expanding in our own direction.

WDWNT: What characters or scenes from the Mansion are most intriguing to you and why?
GRIS: The entire Haunted Mansion ride is brilliant. But I would have to say my favorite section is the cemetery. Then again, I’ve always loved creepy cemeteries. I used to ride my bike to the cemetery, sit amongst the gravestones, and draw.

WDWNT: Surely there are some basic details you can share about the Haunted Mansion animated television project beyond the press release. Can you tell us when you are scheduled to begin production, more about your role, or when the show is scheduled to be released?
GRIS: Actually, I can’t. I can only repeat what has already been released. I’m Art Director and Executive Producer on the Haunted Mansion Special currently in development for Disney Television Animation. I’m working very closely with writers Scott Peterson and Josh Pruett. Maybe sometime in the near future we can reveal more, but not at this point.

Art courtesy of Gris Grimly and Mad Creator Productions. Used with permission.

WDWNT: Gris, in what ways has your relationship with Disney influenced your art?
GRIS: The archived collection of Haunted Mansion art I was able to study in the vaults has definitely inspired me. The artwork from Rolly Crump and Marc Davis in particular has shaped me as an artist. The vast collection of unreleased material is almost overwhelming.

WDWNT: You live in Southern California so you might not make it to Walt Disney World very often, if ever. But Disneyland, I’m guessing, is a different story. Where would I most likely find you during one of your visits to Disneyland?
GRIS: I usually frequent the same spots at Disneyland. Three of the most obvious places I hit are Indiana Jones, Pirates of the Caribbean, and of course the Haunted Mansion. But there are some less obvious spots I hit every time. I like to catch the troubadour show at the Golden Horseshoe. When I was young I was in awe on the Jungle Cruise so I will usually hit that up for some nostalgic comedy. Sometimes I’ll pop into the Main Street Cinema and watch the old black and white Mickey cartoons. And I never miss the Tiki Room with a frosty Dole Whip in my hand.

Art courtesy of Gris Grimly and Mad Creator Productions. Used with permission.

WDWNT: Two more questions. I’ll lose my job if I don’t bring it up so here it goes. Will the Hat Box Ghost be making an appearance in the special? (Please just say yes.)
GRIS: Ha ha. No comment.

WDWNT: Fair enough. One more. Being an artist, there’s got to be a favorite piece of Disney history that you have acquired. What is your favorite Haunted Mansion collectible?
GRIS: I’m a vinyl record collector. So some of my favorite items are old 60s storybook records.

Look for future updates about this special here at WDWNT. We’re excited to see how Gris brings the Haunted Mansion and its story into animated life. Follow Gris on Twitter @GrisGrimly and find out more by visiting www.madcreator.com.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Officially Opens May 28th

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

Earlier today, Walt Disney World hosted a special dedication ceremony for the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train attraction at The Magic Kingdom. During the event, Tom Staggs officially announced that the new attraction will officially open to guests on May 28th.

The family-style coaster features an innovative new ride system that allows cars to swing back and forth as they travel down the track. The cars are even designed to reflect similar vehicles that appear in the film, handmade of wood by the Dwarfs, shaped by an axe, and used to haul rocks and jewels.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train also uses the latest in technology featuring some of the most advanced and charming Audio-Animatronics figures we’ve ever created. Adding to the fun, the journey will be accompanied by music from the film classic and scenes filled with Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs and playful forest critters.

Re-Imagined Disney’s Polynesian Resort Announced

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

Back in February, we posted about the closure of the Polynesian Resort lobby as it made way for a complete overhaul. Well, its now official that Disney’s Polynesian Resort is going to be completely “Re-Imagined” starting with a name change. As part of a complete re-imagining, Disney’s Polynesian Resort is returning to its original, 1971 opening day name: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

The biggest announcement outside of the re-imagining, is that the infamous Trader Sam’s from the Disneyland Hotel is making its way to Walt Disney World as Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. Check out the official concept art for the re-imaging.

D23 Destination D: Attraction Rewind Tickets On Sale April 16th

WDWNT on March 31, 2014

Walt Disney once said, “We keep moving forward—opening up new doors and doing new things—because we’re curious. And curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” It’s in that spirit that guests this fall will have the opportunity to visit—or revisit—some of the most beloved Disney attractions of yesteryear. D23 Destination D: Attraction Rewind presented by H2O Plus will take place November 22 and 23 at Walt Disney World Resort. D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will bring Disney archivists, Imagineers, Legends, and luminaries together to celebrate fan favorites such as Adventure Thru Inner Space, If You Had Wings, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with rarely seen concept art and images; vintage video clips; and hours of revealing stories. In addition, there will be a full day of presentations dedicated to the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair, which debuted beloved attractions like it’s a small world and Carousel of Progress.

Presenters and panelists include Disney Legends Marty Sklar, Bob Gurr, and Alice Davis; Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline; Disney and World’s Fair historians Bill Cotter, Stacia Martin, and Michael Kelley—and more to be announced.

During the weekend, guests will be able to explore a special exhibit designed by the Walt Disney Archives in honor of the event.

The weekend will end with an exciting evening event—Pleasure Island: Rewind. This celebration of the Downtown Disney nightlife district will include areas dedicated to the Adventurers Club, Comedy Warehouse, Mannequins, and 8 Trax. And of course there will be a “New Year’s Eve” celebration to cap the night.

Plus, for the first time, Mickey’s of Glendale, the famed Walt Disney Imagineering store, will set up a pop-up shop at the event for attendees, featuring a selection of exclusive Imagineering merchandise as well as limited-edition pins, T-shirts, and collectibles themed to the event. The shop will also carry a special line from H2O Plus, whose products are featured at Disney Resort Hotels.

Highlights of D23 DESTINATION D: ATTRACTION REWIND presented by H2O Plus will include*:

Disney Goes to the World’s Fair: A look at how Disney became a part of the landmark event
Lost on the Way to the Fair: Pavilion concepts for the World’s Fair that never came to be
Retro Rewind References: Nods to favorites of the past in current Disney Parks attractions
That Was Entertainment: Revisiting beloved theme park parades, shows, and spectacles

The weekend event will take place in the convention center at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Tickets, available Wednesday, April 16, are $190 each and available exclusively to D23 Gold and Silver Members for a limited time. Any remaining tickets will be made available to D23 Free Members on May 28 for $250 per ticket. All guests will receive a special gift in honor of Disney’s contributions to the 50th anniversary of the 1964–65 World’s Fair in New York City. A limited number of “Top of the World” tickets will be available featuring reserved seating, early shopping on November 21, an exclusive dinner reception, special collectibles, gifts from H2O Plus and Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, and more.

More details about the program and tickets for D23 DESTINATION D: ATTRACTION REWIND presented by H2O Plus, as well as a special offer just for members of D23, can be found at D23.com/Events. Additional schedule announcements will be made in the coming months.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. D23 gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

About H2O Plus, LLC

H2O Plus, LLC is a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of prestige, marine-based skincare products for the face and body. Their parent company, Pola Orbis, is the fourth-leading beauty care company in Japan. Celebrating their 25th anniversary this year, H2O Plus continues to develop innovative products based on their heritage of water-based formulas powered by exclusive marine blends and state-of-the-art technology. H2O Plus has a large and expanding global presence in more than 9,000 points of distribution, worldwide. For more information on H2O Plus, please visit www.h2oplus.com

Fans can join D23 at Gold, Silver, and Free Membership levels at D23.com and at www.DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow us @DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.

Hollywood Studios’ Brown Derby Opens New Patio Lounge Today

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

The Hollywood Brown Derby Restaurant at Disney’s Hollywood Studios opened a new patio lounge today; diners can now relax and enjoy the warmth and sunshine while dining on the Brown Derby’s fabulous menu selections.

Under the big red umbrellas, diners can enjoy a glass of wine, beer and cocktails, such as a classic Mint Gimlet (Nolet’s Silver Dry Gin, simply syrup, lime juice and fresh mint) or a Bloody Mary with Absolut Peppar Vodka. The Brown Derby serves flights of martinis, Champagne, wines, Scotch and Grand Marnier, and wine by the glass or half bottle.

The Patio Lounge menu includes artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, duck confit tacos, steamed Prince Edward Island mussels, Derby Cocktail with jumbo lump blue crab, black tiger shrimp, avocado and a horseradish-tomato juice. It also features two Derby Sliders, one Wagyu beef slider with cognac mustard aïoli, smoked gouda cheese, bacon and avocado, and another house-made chorizo slider with chipotle mayo, manchego cheese, pickles and crispy onions.

Or why not pop by the Patio Lounge just for dessert? The dessert menu offers Chocolate Three Ways (praline milk chocolate cream, crunchy ganache and orange-chocolate mousse), a banana-white chocolate toffee tower on a cocoa-almond cookie and bananas Foster, or strawberry Champagne cheesecake.

Guests cannot make reservations for Brown Derby’s Patio Lounge, it’s on a first-come, first-serve basis. Guests cannot use the Disney Dining Plan when dining at the Patio Lounge, but the Tables in Wonderland discount can be applied to your bill.

Horizons 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Shirt Now Available

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

I still remember the mantra of Horizons – “If we can dream it, we can do it.” Since its closing in 1999, many Disney Parks guests have truly missed the Horizons attraction. With its glimpse into 21st century living, “on land, sea and even in outer space,” guests were able to experience visions of the future.

Horizons operated at Epcot from October 1, 1983 to January 9, 1999, and Walt Disney World is now celebrating the 30th Anniversary premiere of the attraction. The Disney Parks online store will offer an exclusive anniversary T-shirt from November 21-25, 2013.

The artwork for this shirt was created by Disney Design Group artist Casey Jones. His design shows the iconic robot butler along with the attraction’s signature marquee on the front of the shirt. Casey also included the iconic quote, “If we can dream it, we can do it,” which was found just inside the attraction’s entrance.

Some guests may remember “choosing your own flight path back to the FuturePort” at the end of the attraction; the back of the shirt is inspired by this “choose your own” element. Casey decided to feature three different graphics for the back of the shirt – Mesa Verde, Sea Castle Resort and Omega Centauri.

He partnered with Steven Vagnini from the Walt Disney Archives in Burbank, California. The two collaborated to bring these reference images to the shirt design. The front of the shirt will remain the same for each order, but customers can choose the logo they want printed on the back of the shirt.

To order this shirt, starting November 21, please visit www.Disneystore.com/ParkEvents. All items will ship in 6-8 weeks (express shipping is not available).

Tag: Walt Disney World Resort