Tom Corless The Spring 2010 issue of Disney Twenty-Three magazine features a huge article on the Fantasyland Forest expansion (as it is now being referred to according to the article), featuring some never before released details on the project. Here are just a few interesting notes from the article that should be arriving in members mailboxes any … Read more
Jamie Nakagiri, the first female team member in Disneyland News Today Podcast history, recently took a trip to the Disneyland Resort and has a plethora of photos to share in her first ever photo report:
Welcome to Disneyland, where we’re still celebrating….
Join me, Tom Corless, and a cast including Jason Diffendal, Anthony Yacullo, Banks Lee, and Scott Smith for a variety show dedicated to the Walt Disney World Resort and its many fans. Plenty of Walt Disney World information and fun awaits you on this “Silver Screen″ edition of the WDW News Today Podcast!!! To kick … Read more
DLNT Reporter Chris Lastrapes made a quick trip to Disneyland park this morning and has a few newsworthy photos to share with us:
The Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor is closed for refurbishment
When one uses the words landmark and iconic, they typically refer to objects and places that are instantly recognizable by virtually everyone, anywhere on the planet. These words can easily be applied to things like the Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel Tower, and the Taj Mahal. But for a theme park and resort complex? Never… well except for one place, Disney Parks.
In addition to Mickey Mouse, who is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world, Cinderella’s Castle, Epcot’s Spaceship Earth and a number of other Walt Disney World buildings also fall into that category. Another Walt Disney World landmark that falls into that group is the Contemporary Resort Hotel.
The Contemporary Resort Hotel and the Polynesian Village Resort (as it was known in 1971) were the first two hotels to open with Walt Disney World on October 1, 1971. On opening day, it truly lived up to its name, but to truly appreciate this resort, one must understand the hotel’s history.
In 1964, Walt Disney puts “Project X” (later known as “The Florida Project”) into motion. After Walt’s death in December of 1966, Roy put most of Walt’s plans for EPCOT the city on hold; however, he incorporated many of EPCOT’s ideas and companies – already on board – into the creation of the new Florida park and resort. The birth of the Contemporary Resort Hotel came from Walt’s vision for his “Progress City,” as well as the involvement of US Steel.
(JAN. 28, 2010): The 220-acre sports complex at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. has been rebranded by ESPN, and will officially relaunch Feb. 25, 2010 as “ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.” Pictured, the “E” of the ESPN logo is lowered into place on the complex’s entrance sign on Jan. 28, 2010. … Read more
WDWNT Reporter Brandon Struve made a quick visit to the Magic Kingdom on Tuesday night and has a number of updates to share with us from around the park:
Most of the tarps on the Crystal Palace are down
A few days ago, a picture of a Walt Disney Imagineering model for the upcoming Fantasyland Expansion at the Magic Kingdom was leaked on to the Internet. We have obtained the picture and have a number of new details to share about the parks’ largest expansion ever. To view any of the images below in … Read more
From the Disney Parks Blog: Great news – especially if you share my passion for amazing pizza. An authentic pizzeria will be opening at Italy Pavilion at Epcot later this year and it’s an attention-grabber. The new 300-seat restaurant will have traditional Florentine architecture, vaulted-ceilings and outside dining. And the food will be authentic — … Read more
WDWNT Reporter Brandon Struve made another journey (not really a journey when you live so close) to the Walt Disney World Resort on Saturday and has a plethora of newsworthy photos to share with us:
ESPN Wide World of Sports coming February 25th
DLNT roaming reporter Myrna Litt went to an NFFC Show and the Disneyland Resort on a rainy Sunday and took these photos to share with us:
Myrna took a picture with Tony Baxter
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 … Read more
Just in time for ESPN the Weekend, Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex will finally become the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Here’s a preview of what the updated area will look like when it opens next month: The famous roadside sign will be changed The globe will sport the ESPN colors The new … Read more
Disney recently released two videos highlighting the creation process for California Adventures’ upcoming “World of Color” nighttime spectacular:
We can confirm that the construction taking place in the very back of the Italy pavilion at Epcot is for the addition of Patina Restaurant Group’s “Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria”, a restaurant that already exists in Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort. While we don’t know if this particular location will be table service like … Read more
From the official Star Wars website: This spring, visitors to Disney Parks in Florida and California will be able to pick up an exclusive new Hasbro astromech R2 unit, decked out in classic Mickey Mouse colors and ears! The new astromech, R2-MK, recently made a quick stop at Skywalker Ranch before heading to Walt Disney … Read more