Week In Review
Anthony Yacullo
Here are a few of the more interesting happenings from the week, that have popped up on the internet while I was in Las Vegas: Halloween merchandise has started rolling out in Disneyland Park, & Dateline Disneyland on MiceAge has complete coverage of merchandise. According to the OC Register, two Cast Member “heroes” were honored …
Fill Up The World!
Anthony Yacullo
The re-filling of the It’s a Small World flume started yesterday, & by now should hopefully be completely filled. You should be able to make out water in the flume in this picture of MintCrocodile’s: Anthony Yacullo
One Golden Morning at the Magic Kingdom
Tom Corless
We are receiving multiple reports claiming that record-setting Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps will be in the Magic Kingdom at 10:30 am Friday morning for a heroes welcome parade. While no major news outlets have made this official, the sources giving us the news can be considered credible. If the parade does take place, be sure …
More to those Magic Hours
Tom Corless
As reported by multiple outlets, you may not need to get a wristband to ride attractions and stay in the parks during provided Extra Magic Hours for Disney resort guests beginning next week. According to these sources, guests will just need to flash their “key to the world” cards to gain admittance to attractions open during …
8/24/08 Studios Update from Studios Central
Tom Corless
The great Disney’s Hollywood Studios focused website StudiosCentral has a new photo report up today. Here are some newsworthy photos: The single rider line from Toy Story Midway Mania is gone. Expect Fastpass for this attraction to be leaving in the not-so-distant future. Some strange Orange and Red lights have appeared on top of the strange …
Fort Not-So-Wilderness
Tom Corless
The Orlando Sentinel is reporting on a project that brings Disney’s Fort Wilderness into modern times: Roughing it is not what it used to be, especially at Walt Disney World‘s Fort Wilderness Campground. Disney is quietly undertaking its broadest campground-improvements program in two decades, adding extra-extra-large camper pads for recreational vehicles, cable-TV and Internet service throughout, Segway …
Attraction Refurb Update
Anthony Yacullo
We have a few updates to the attractions refurbishment list for you today. First up, the Haunted Mansion refurbishment has been pushed forward to start on September 2nd, as opposed to the 8th. It will still end as originally planned on September 25th. The removal of McDonalds from Burger Invasion, Harbor Galley, & the Conostoga …
Monday in the Parks DLR Update
Anthony Yacullo
Let’s take a look through some of the latest happenings through-out the Disneyland Resort, brought up in both pictures & words in this week’s Monday in the Parks on MiceAge: A couple updates for you on the Miley Cyrus Sweet 16 event that is being held on October 5th. Turns out that regular Disneyland guests …
“Big Time”-Stamp
Tom Corless
Apparently, there are some more changes to the fastpass system at the Walt Disney World Resort on the way. Notice in the picture below that they have moved the date stamp on some fastpasses (as well as the addition of a the year of distribution) right underneath the redemption time, as well as greatly improved …
Mickey Mouse & Princess Rooms at the Disneyland Hotel
Anthony Yacullo
ANAHEIM, Calif. — August 19, 2008 — When it comes to magical vacation experiences at the Disneyland Hotel, it’s character that counts. That’s why the famous resort hotel, located next to Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure parks, is now featuring the opportunity to book Character Quarters – connecting rooms for children that are specially themed …
DLR Entertainment Rumors
Anthony Yacullo
Here are a few juicy rumors on some possible entertainment changes & upgrades that could be happening starting at the end of the year through-out both parks: First up, the Pixar Play Parade may be receiving a holiday overlay of sorts, that would give the parade some Christmas music, holiday decorations on all of the …
Kim Possible Coming Back
Tom Corless
As first reported by WDW News Today and the WDW News Today Podcast, it is now official that the interactive Kim Possible experience at Epcot is returning this year: LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Epcot guests at Walt Disney World Resort will be treated to a brand new, highly interactive attraction inspired by Disney Channel’s …
Sweet Operating Hours
Anthony Yacullo
We’ve got another update for you on the Miley Cyrus Sweet 16 event. Because the event runs from 6pm to 11pm in Disneyland Park, that will obviously cause some extremely different operating hours. So on October 5th, Disneyland will open at 6:30am & close at 5pm. DCA will open at the usual 10am, but remain …
The 7 Things I Hate About Miley
Anthony Yacullo
We have a little more info for you on the Miley Cyrus Sweet 16 event being held at Disneyland, in the form of a press release: ANAHEIM, Calif. (August 21, 2008) – When the world’s most popular teenager turns “Sweet 16,” it’s cause to celebrate. And when that teen is Miley Cyrus – star of …
Night Kingdom Scaled Back to Jungle Trek???
Tom Corless
Our good friend Jim Hill over at Jim Hill Media is now reporting that the Night Kingdom project (a fifth park for the Walt Disney World Resort that would only operate during the evenings, operate with a 2 to 1 cast member to guest ratio, and cost a pretty hefty ticket price) has been severely altered, and …
Stay Away!
Anthony Yacullo
If there’s ever been a time to stay away from Disneyland, this is it! Entertainment Tonight reports: ET breaks the news that Miley Cyrus will celebrate her Sweet 16 birthday during a once-in-a-lifetime bash at the Happiest Place on Earth — Disneyland! The “Hannah Montana” star is also sharing the spotlight during the private party …
Goodbye Ariel, Hello Doors?
Anthony Yacullo
We now official confirmation, in the form of pictures of construction walls, that Ariel’s Grotto is indeed closed. Here are a few pictures of construction, as well as a couple of other things from around the Disneyland Resort, off of the lovely SmugMug page of David “Darkbeer” Michael: Not sure how well you can tell …
50th Anniversary Monorail Pin
Anthony Yacullo
The What’s HapPINing official Disney pin blog put up a preview of a pin being release next year, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Monorail system: It should be safe to say that Disneyland will somehow be celebrating the 50th anniversary of not only the Monorail, but also the Submarine Voyage & the Matterhorn next …
WDW Photo Update 8/15-8/17/08
Tom Corless
WDWNT is back from another trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. Let’s take a look at what’s going on at the “Construction Kingdom”: A Bolt poster outside the Magic Kingdom. The temporary parade route that Disney Dreams Come True will be following during the Liberty Square bridge’s refurbishment. Click HERE for a bigger version …
Early Bird Catches the Parks
Tom Corless
The following notice was issued by the Walt Disney World Resort regarding special hours of operation for tomorrow: The Walt Disney World® Resort continues to monitor the progress of Tropical Storm Fay. Recent forecasts indicate that there likely will be rain and wind conditions that may affect operations as early as Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 19, 2008. …
Weekend Round-Up
Anthony Yacullo
It’s been a news filled past few days, & there’s been a few things that we haven’t reported, as well as some updates, that were covered in this week’s Monday in the Parks update on MiceAge. Let’s take a look through some of the news pieces brought up: After going missing for a second time …
Plenty of Press Releases for 8/18/08
Tom Corless
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. …
Mickey and Minnie Get New Halloween Costumes
Tom Corless
In an official press release today: LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — When the Disney characters dress up for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this September and October, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be debuting a whole new look. Mickey has traded his scarecrow costume for stunning purple and orange eveningwear fit for a Halloween ball. …
“He’s a Legend???”
Tom Corless
According to our good friend Jim Hill of Jim Hill Media, former CEO of the Walt Disney Company, Michael Eisner, will be honored as a 2008 Disney Legend. While I expect a number of our readers to react rather harsh to this award, I personally never had a problem with Mr. Eisner’s work. In fact, …
WDW Gets Stormstruck?
Tom Corless
Hurricane Fay may make Monday a very interesting day for everyone at the Walt Disney World Resort. While it is still unknown what impact, if any, the storm will have on the Resort’s regular operations, they seem to be prepared: “It’s business as usual at Walt Disney World Resort. We’re continuing to monitor the weather,” said …
Beluga Sevruga Indeed
Anthony Yacullo
Though unconfirmed, it is highly likely that today was the last day of operation for the Ariel’s Grotto meet ‘n greet. In honor of this closing, I’d like to link you over to a video tour of Ariel’s Grotto that I put up last week on WDWNTube. Again, we’re not 100% certain that it closed …
Pixie Hollow Opens October 28th
Anthony Yacullo
We have received confirmation that the Pixie Hollow meet ‘n greet that is replacing the Ariel’s Grotto meet ‘n greet will officially open on October 28th, 2008. As previously reported, the latest set of auditions for the Fairies takes place this Sunday. Ariel’s Grotto closes this Sunday as well. Stay tuned to Disneyland News Today …
Grand Marshall Pre-Parade Downsizing
Anthony Yacullo
It’s cost cutting time once again! Beginning this Sunday (August 17th), the Grand Marshall Pre-Parade to Walt Disney’s Parade of Dreams will not have the dancers, Year of a Million Dreams banner, or Disney characters, & will just feature the Grand Marshall car with the chosen guests & the Mayor of Main Street riding in …
Food & Wine Fight
Tom Corless
Culinary greats will put their spatulas to the test in an elaborate cook-off Sept. 26-27 – during the opening weekend of the 13th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – in a quest to represent the United States at the prestigious Bocuse d’Or World Cuisine Contest. Eight two-person teams will turn up the heat …
Picketing Pictures
Anthony Yacullo
The ever useful David “Darkbeer” Michael of MiceAge.com was on the scene outside the Disneyland Resort yesterday, as Unite HERE held their protest against the Walt Disney Company. Here are a few of his pictures showing this unfortunate event (and plenty more can be found on his SmugMug page): They marched from the Paradise Pier …
The Vineyard Room Officially Closing
Anthony Yacullo
Last week we shared with you the rumor that the Vineyard Room restaurant at Disney’s California Adventure may be closing, & sadly enough, that rumor was made official by Disney yesterday. According to the OC Register, the restaurant will permanently close on August 31st, 2008. Disney spokeswoman Betsy Sanchez said that “In the short term, …
32 Picketers Arrested Outside Disneyland
Anthony Yacullo
ANAHEIM, California – Cinderella, Snow White, Tinkerbell and other fictional fixtures of modern-day childhood were handcuffed, frisked and loaded into police vans Thursday at the culmination of a labor protest that brought a touch of reality to the Happiest Place on Earth. The arrest of the 32 protesters, many of whom wore costumes representing famous Disney …
Chris Lastrapes’ 8/14 Photo Report
Anthony Yacullo
Our new staff member Chris Lastrapes is at the Disneyland Resort today & tomorrow, & he’s got some pictures for us from his first day: The It’s a Small World logo sign is back… New colors once again folks Here are a few construction shots of It’s a Small World As previously reported, the Small …
New Walt Disney World Resort Discounts Now Available
Tom Corless
Here are some details on some new discounts Walt Disney World will be offering for those visiting in the fall this year: If guests purchase a provided 5-night, 6-day Magic Your Way package, they’ll get accommodations for five nights at a select Disney Value Resort or a select Disney Deluxe Villa Resort and a 6-day …
Monorail Orange Is Definitely at the Resort!
Anthony Yacullo
We now have confirmation that Monorail Orange did arrive at the Pongo parking lot yesterday, thanks to a couple of pictures from David “Darkbeer” Michael (plenty more of which are available on his SmugMug page): Anthony Yacullo
Hotel Strike Tonight
Anthony Yacullo
You might wanna watch out if you’ll be at the Resort tonight, becuase Unite HERE Local 681 will be holding a protest to the Disney Company: Police to Arrest Mickey Mouse Clergy and Community Leaders to Join Hotel Workers and Supporters dressed in Disney Characters in Civil Disobedience WHO: Orange County Religious and Community Leaders, …
New Pavement, No New Music
Anthony Yacullo
Earlier this week we had reported that the planned repaving of Main Street that is to be done this winter was shortened from a 2 month job, to just a 2 week job. Well it now seems that it will last 4 weeks, which gives them time to fix up the areas in dire need …
A Deceiving Orange
Anthony Yacullo
Various reports have said that Monorail Orange arrived in the Pongo lot approximately an hour ago. Now we’re not sure if it really did arrive or not, however our new on the spot reporter Chris Lastrapes will be at the Resort tomorrow, & he’ll try find out the latest on the Monorails & the rest …
44 Days To Go!
Anthony Yacullo
Disney has put up a interactive countdown to Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort. It has the same old descriptions as seen from year to year, & also has an old Official Disneyland Resort podcast on Halloween Time linked to. The only really interesting thing is that Golden Screams is not listed, which pretty much …
“That is Our Dino!!!”
Tom Corless
In case you didn’t get the Dinosaur attraction joke in the article title, here are some details on Downtown Disney’s newest resident: A two-story tall dinosaur is pictured August 13, 2008 being transported on a flatbed truck past a pedestrian crossing sign at the Downtown Disney entertainment district at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake …