Disney’s California Food and Wine Festival Celebrates Flavors of the World in 2009
Anthony Yacullo
Tickets for Premier Events Go On Sale Beginning Feb. 24; Hundreds of Culinary and Tasting Experiences Are Complimentary ANAHEIM, Calif., February 19, 2009 — Disney’s California Food and Wine Festival will celebrate the international cultures, people, food and traditions that have made California one of the most diverse culinary destinations in the world. With a …
Shawn Hutchinson’s 2/22/09 Disneyland Park Photo Report
Anthony Yacullo
So soon after his first, we have another Disneyland Park photo report in from Shawn Hutchinson: It was very busy yesterday! As we reported yesterday, some white powder was found between the 2 parks. Construction going on up and down Main Street USA. Anthony Yacullo
Portobello: “We’re Open!!!”
Tom Corless
Even though it has been open for a few months now, the remodeled Portobello restaurant at Downtown Disney’s Pleasure Island has now launched its own updated website. The website features the story of the restaurant and their chef, as well as complete lunch and dinner menus and wine lists. The site can be found at portobellorestaurant.com and …
Disneyland Guests Held Back Today While Powder Investigated
Anthony Yacullo
According to the OC Register: The ticket booths at Disneyland Resort were temporarily shut down this morning but have reopened after authorities determined that a suspicious white powder found on the park’s ticket booths was harmless, authorities said. Cleaning crews reported early this morning that they had spotted an unusual white substance at the windows …
Shawn Hutchinson’s 2/20/09 Disneyland Park Photo Report
Anthony Yacullo
We’d proudly like to welcome Shawn Hutchinson to the Disneyland News Today staff as not just a staff photographer, but also a member of our podcast team. Here’s his first photo report for us from this past Friday: Lines were not very busy at the Mickey and Friends Tram Station. Or at the Disneyland main …
“Move It! Shake It! Embed It!”
Tom Corless
WDWNT Videographer Matt Paul has provided us with a fantastic (and lengthy) and long-awaited video of the brand new “Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party” at the Magic Kingdom. The video is embedded courtesy of the WDWNTube Disney Parks video site: Tom Corless
Two Disneyland Resort Jungle Cruise Skippers ‘Spiel’ Their Way to Tokyo Disney Resort
Anthony Yacullo
ANAHEIM, CALIF., February 16, 2009 – Earlier this year, Jungle Cruise skippers all around the world were preparing their funniest material for a chance at representing their respective Disney Parks in Tokyo this month. Since the attraction debuted at Disneyland in 1955, the skipper role has always been one of interaction and fun, telling the …
Myrna Litt’s 2/19/09 Photo Report
Anthony Yacullo
After about a month away from the parks, Myrna Litt finally returns with a new photo report: After taking a break off for Presidents Day weekend, the Main Street repaving project returned this week in full force! New, similar signs, replacing the old birthday ones at the Plaza Inn. The windows have been temporarily covered …
“Super-Manny” Takes Over Downtown Disney
Anthony Yacullo
Casting will be held this weekend in Downtown Disney for ABC’s new “Suppernanny” spin-off, “Super-Manny”. The OC Register’s Around Disney blog: If you’re a parent: Are your children a giant pain? If you’re a child: Do you frequently find yourself in trouble with your parents, teachers, the cops or the fire marshal? The casting team of ABC-TV’s parenting reality …
Celebrate Eating at Tutto Italia
Tom Corless
Even though I strongly dislike the restaurant, I applaud the effort to keep the experience at the “Tutto Italia Ristorante” in the Italy pavilion at Epcot fresh with special dining events like this one: Carnevale di Venezia is February 23 to March 4 at Tutto Italia Ristorante at Epcot A special lunch and dinner menu …
Move ‘Em! Shake ‘Em! Manage ‘Em!
Tom Corless
The recent changes in the entire “Disney Parks and Resorts” management structure has brought about some interesting additions and repositioning in Walt Disney World management. From the Orlando Sentinel: The number two executive at Walt Disney World is being bumped up to run newly merged resort functions between Orlando and Anaheim, Calif. Erin Wallace, who has been the …
Jose Castillo’s 2/15/09 WDW Photo Report
Tom Corless
After a few days of delay, Jose Castillo has finally provided us with pictures from the last day of his latest trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. Let’s take a look at some of his pics from Monday: The balloon window-clings have now reached the Walt Disney World buses “Follow that bus to the best kept …
Anaheim GardenWalk Lures Few Customers
Anthony Yacullo
Times are hard over at Disneyland’s neighboring mall, the Anaheim GardenWalk. It seems it has failed to attract any interest since its opening last year. The OC Register’s Around Disney blog has more: One family ate at a single table in an otherwise empty food court on a recent weekday afternoon at the Anaheim GardenWalk …
“One-Disney”, Multiple Layoffs
Anthony Yacullo
While we provided you with Disney’s side of the story yesterday, the Orlando Sentinel is offering a fresh perspective into the entire shake-up going on throughout the domestic “Disney Parks” in both Anaheim and Orlando: The Walt Disney Co. on Wednesday said it will eliminate an undisclosed number of jobs as part of a sweeping corporate overhaul at its domestic …
“One-Disney”, Multiple Layoffs
Tom Corless
While we provided you with Disney’s side of the story yesterday, the Orlando Sentinel is offering a fresh perspective into the entire shake-up going on throughout the domestic “Disney Parks” in both Orlando and Anaheim: The Walt Disney Co. on Wednesday said it will eliminate an undisclosed number of jobs as part of a sweeping corporate …
Major Announcement: Four Parks, “One-Disney”
Tom Corless
If you weren’t a fan of “Disney Parks” combined branding, then you’re not going to like the next major step that was taken today. Here’s the press release from Disney: BURBANK, Calif. – February 18, 2009 – Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, today announced organization changes to deliver a “one-Disney” experience by …
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Reorganizes to Create a “One-Disney” Experience
Anthony Yacullo
BURBANK, Calif. – February 18, 2009 – Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, today announced organization changes to deliver a “one-Disney” experience by simplifying the Parks and Resorts operating structure, streamlining decision-making and eliminating redundancy. “We know that our Guests want a ‘one-Disney’ experience and we must organize around that expectation,” said Rasulo. …
American Idol Slideshow Experience
Tom Corless
Disney has released a special slideshow, featuring hundreds of pictures and some videos of the American Idol Experience media event that was held at Disney’s Hollywood Studios last thursday: Tom Corless
WDWNT Podcast Episode 81 Now Available for Download
Tom Corless
Join me, Tom Corless, and a cast including Jason Diffendal, Justin Heyman, Chris Lastrapes, and Luke Manning for a variety show that celebrates the Walt Disney World Resort and its many fans. So what are you waiting for? Let’s celebrate another week of Walt Disney World information and fun on the WDW News Today Podcast!!! …
Matt Paul’s 2/14-2/15/09 Magic Kingdom Photo Report
Tom Corless
WDWNT Videographer and Photographer Matt Paul just visited the Walt Disney World resort this past very busy weekend and has a number of newsworthy photos to share of his trip with us: The pavement at the very busy Transportation and Ticket Center could use some work “Celebrate Today!” banners greet you as you exit towards …
Celebrating 100th Birthday at Disneyland
Anthony Yacullo
On her 100th birthday, Friday, February 13, Frances Taylor of Lake Forest, California, took advantage of the Disney Parks “Free On Your Birthday” offer to celebrate with her extended family – four children, 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren – at Disneyland in Anaheim. She was greeted at the Main Entrance to Disneyland by Mickey Mouse and friends, …
WDWNT Live! Episode 6
Anthony Yacullo
This edition of WDWNT Live! has been completed, but don’t threat… For those of you who missed it, we will be releasing it as podcast sometime in the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned! Included in the Show is: Call-In Questions “What Were They Thinking?!?”: So Many Celebrations John Rick’s Disney Pin Investigation WDWCelebrations …
Jose Castillo’s 2/13-14/09 WDW (and Place of Evil) Photo Report
Tom Corless
WDWNT Technical Director Jose Castillo has shared some interesting photos from the first two days of his 3 day excursion to Walt Disney World this weekend, so let’s take a look: Jose started his Friday at Epcot I love seeing the characters out-and-about rather than confined to the Character Spot, I wish they would bring back “Characters …
Justin Heyman’s 2/4-2/12/09 WDW Photo Report
Tom Corless
WDW News Today’s first Cast Member, Justin Heyman, is back from his latest trip to the Walt Disney World Resort and has provided us with a few photographs that will make up his first-ever WDWNT photo report: The entire Hall of Presidents facade is now under tarps, making this lengthy refurbishment n upgrade both inside and …
DLR Photo Report – 2/13/09 :: Featuring It’s a Small World Ride Video!
Anthony Yacullo
It was a dark, rainy day yesterday, but fun still ensues at the Disneyland Resort! Let’s get to my latest photo report: It was quite an empty day yesterday, probably due to the rain. New Celebrate Today! decorations on the security tents. This side of the Emporium has been re-painted and looks as great as …
Chris Lastrapes’ 2/14/09 Photo Report
Anthony Yacullo
WDWNT’s very own Chris Lastrapes was at the Disneyland Resort celebrating his birthday this past Thursday, and shares with us a few photos of the latest happenings around the Resort: Workers were working outside the gates of The Haunted Mansion up to it’s soft re-opening Thursday afternoon. The attraction was closed early in the day. …
Blue Carpet Brings Out the Idols
Tom Corless
Disney has released some interesting publicity photographs & a video from yesterday’s American Idol Experience “grand opening” media event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as well as this new press release: With the largest-ever gathering of “American Idol” winners joining in the celebration, Walt Disney World Resort Thursday night raised the curtain on “The American Idol …
Move It! Shake It! Start It!
Tom Corless
Short video clips have begun to surface of the new Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party that debuts tomorrow at the Magic Kingdom with the first performance at 11:00am. Here are the three only videos that have surfaced so far showing the first two floats in the parade as well as a couple …
Grim Grinning Ghosts Come Out to Socialize Early
Anthony Yacullo
Our very own Chris Lastrapes is currently on location at the Disneyland Resort and reports to us with the news that The Haunted Mansion has re-opened early from its refurbishment. According to Chris, nothing much is new, except for some fresh coats of paint. Stay tuned to Disneyland News Today as I will be visiting …
American Idol Almost Ready to be Experienced
Tom Corless
Walt Disney World re-launched the official American Idol Experience attraction website this morning, just as a huge media blitz descends upon Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a weekend of publicity festivities. The website now features a 3-D model of the stage, some video clips, and a number of other features. The most vital feature has to be the …
Live from the Blue Carpet?
Tom Corless
Walt Disney World will actually be providing live blue carpet coverage from the American Idol Experience media event tomorrow afternoon at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The events will be broadcast between 4:30 PM and 6:45 PM and can be viewed at that time at the link provided HERE. The attraction officially opens to guests on Saturday, February …
Celebrate Race Week
Tom Corless
Four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and three-time Daytona 500 winner Jeff Gordon (left) takes a spin with his wife Ingrid (right) and two-year-old daughter Ella (front right) February 9, 2009 on the Magic Carpets of Aladdin attraction at the Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Gordon visited the Walt Disney World theme parks the …
Four Stores Close in Downtown Disney
Anthony Yacullo
According to the OC Register’s Around Disney blog: Downtown Disney is quickly losing tenants. Club Libby Lu – a store for girls to dress up, shop and have a makeover – has closed. Owned by Saks Inc., all 78 of the Club Libby Lu stores around the nation are closing. Department 56 and Starabillas have closed as well. The Register’s …
Innoventions “Adds” an Exhibit in 2009
Tom Corless
It seems that a new math themed exhibit is coming to the “new” Innoventions at Epcot in the Fall of 2009: Raytheon Company plans to unveil an interactive, math-based experience called “The Sum of All Thrills” at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The exhibit, set to …
Doorway to Dreams Leads to Long Island
Tom Corless
Disney has confirmed that it will be opening a second “Doorway to Dreams” Disney Vacation Club sales location (in my backyard) on Long Island, New York in the summer of 2009: Scheduled to open later this summer, Disney’s Doorway to Dreams will offer Roosevelt Field visitors and Long Island, N.Y.-area residents a convenient and exciting …
Walt Disney World Entertainment Updates
Tom Corless
There are a ton of entertainment changes that will be taking place at the Walt Disney World theme parks this week, so I thought it would be useful to provide a list for those of you visiting in the next few days: The “Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party” at the Magic Kingdom …
Matt Paul’s 2/8/09 Magic Kingdom Video Update
Tom Corless
WDWNT Videographer Matt Paul has provided us with a fantastic video update (opposed to a photo update) from his latest trip to the Magic Kingdom on Sunday. This update includes a look at: Continuing construction inside the Grand Canyon Concourse and of the new Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Construction of the stage …
Dreamworks Along with Mickey
Tom Corless
In case you haven’t heard the news over the weekend, Dreamworks pictures appears to have ended its four-month-old deal with Universal Studios and should be announcing a distribution deal with the Walt Disney Company later today. Here is a report from the New York Times on Friday breaking the news: LOS ANGELES – Steven Spielberg may be moving to …
Happy 1 Year Anniversary Disneyland News Today!
Anthony Yacullo
Well, we made it… Today is the 1 year anniversary of Disneyland News Today! It certainly has been an achievement for everyone involved, with quite a lot of turmoil on the path to a year, but as I said, we made it. It has been a great year for me personally with this website. It’s given …
Maintaining Orbit
Anthony Yacullo
In a very interesting turn of events, it seems rumors are floating around saying that the Astro Orbitor will be removed sometime before the summer season arrives. The reasoning for this seems to be maintenance issues, that for some reason the attraction costs too much to maintain (what about Dumbo?). If all goes according to …