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WDWNT Network’s “As The Globe Turns” 8/29-9/4/10
September 4, 2010 at 6:35 PM EST
Over the last few years, we have tried to develop and maintain some sort of a weekly recap for everything going on around the WDWNT Network. We’re hoping that this new weekly feature called “As The Globe Turns” fills that gap. Every week, we will review all the topics of interest and new programming provided by the entire WDWNT Network, just in case you missed something. Without any further ado, here is the premiere edition of “As The Globe Turns” for August 29-September 4, 2010:
News from Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida (Provided by WDW News Today)
-Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom debuts on-ride audio
-New Original Character Leaked for “Star Tours: The Adventures Continue”
News from Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California (Provided by Disneyland News Today)
-Dragon in Fantasmic! Out of Commission Once Again
-DLNT Reporter Michael Wada Brings Us Updates on the Red Car Trolly and More
-TRON inspired attraction coming to California Adventure This Fall
News on Disney Trading (Provided by The Disney Pincast and The Vinylmation Station)
-2011 Trading Events at the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort
-Vinylmation International Flag Series Announced
-Vinylmation Celebration Series Announced
-Previews from Multiple Upcoming Vinylmation Series
WDWNT Network Podcasts
-The WDW News Today Podcast Episode 159 (8/29/10) – Tom, Scott, Jason, Justin, Brandon, and Jose dive into table service dining at the Magic Kingdom for the return of the Dining Discussion Series. Available for download on-site or through iTunes in either enhanced or standard edition.
-The Disneyland News Today Podcast Episode 33 (8/31/10) – The DLNT Podcast crew digs up the remains of the Skyway in the Disneyland Graveyard and discovers the roots of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Also features the Disneyland Resort Events Calendar. Available for download on-site or through iTunes.
-The Disney Pincast Episode 126 (9/3/10) – John Rick covers all of the usual news from the world of Disney Pins, as well as presents audio from Disney’s Pin Celebration 2010 – Trade City U.S.A. Available for download on-site or through iTunes.
-The first new episode of The Vinylmation Station podcast since early July will be recorded and released sometime in September 2010.
New Videos from WDWNTube
The following videos from the Disney Parks around the world were released on the WDWNTube (www.WDWNTube.com) in the past week:
-The grand opening of the Best Friends Pet Care Luxury Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort
-Star Wars Hyperspace Hoopla from “Last Tour to Endor” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Audio Programming from WDWNTunes
The WDWNT Network’s online radio station plays Disney Parks music 24 hours a day, but also features special music blocks and plenty of original programming you won’t find anywhere else. Here’s a look at some current and upcoming special programming for WDWNTunes (www.WDWNTunes.com):
-”WDWNT Network presents (for some reason) The Transformerscast: The Epic, Epic of Epic Proportions – A Play in Five Acts” will debut at 10:00PM ET on September 22nd. Scott Smith attempted to launch a podcast about his favorite toys twice (unsuccessfully) on “See Ya’ Real Late” with Tom Corless. Tom has give Scott one last chance to make the show a success, and Scott won’t let anyone stop him, including the rest of the WDWNT Network staff. Will Scott finally be able to make The Transformerscast a hit? Tune in to find out.
-Season 2 of the “Super Obscure Show” (or S.O.S.) debuts October 2nd at 11:00PM ET. Episodes will replay for a full week at both 10:00AM and 11:00PM until a new episode debuts every Saturday.
-Your last chance to catch Season 1 episodes of the revolutionary “See Ya’ Real Late” with Tom Corless is during replays nightly at 11:00PM ET through October 1, 2010. First season episodes will no longer be airing on WDWNTunes beyond this date. “See Ya’ Real Late” with Tom Corless Season 2 is tentatively scheduled to debut January 2011.
-Our 2 hour Halloween audio block will begin airing on September 13th and will run through October 31st. Times for the daily music block are still to be determined.
Everything Else
Topics: Site News | |
Best Friends Pet Care Luxury Resort Opens at WDW
September 4, 2010 at 3:14 PM EST
WDWNT Reporter Banks Lee attended the grand opening of the Best Friends Pet Care Luxury Resort at Walt Disney World on Wednesday and has the following video capturing the dedication and an overview of the pet pavilion to share with us:
Topics: General Resort News | |
Cody Smith’s 9/3/10 WDW Photo Report
September 3, 2010 at 6:10 PM EST
WDWNT Network’s Cody Smith will be providing photo updates on a much more regular basis for WDW News Today, and he starts today with some interesting updates from the Magic Kingdom and Epcot:
The Magic Kingdom is ready for Halloween
Topics: Epcot, Photo Reports, The Magic Kingdom | |
“My World” by Chad Smith
September 3, 2010 at 7:57 AM EST
So, as a committed Disney fan and lover of Walt Disney World, I often dream of Disney. When you’re sitting at work and things get a little stressful, you have those moments where your mind escapes. Where does it go to? Spaceship Earth at Epcot? The castle at the Kingdom? For a drop on the Tower of Terror?
At times, I imagine the “shopping day”, where I hit gift shops at the Yacht & Beach Club and Boardwalk resorts, or the always relaxing escalator ride at the Swan or Dolphin as I people watch. But, as a fellow Disney fan asks you, what is your personal Disney World? What do you imagine when you dream of the world?
I have some thoughts to share as I have talked with many folks about this subject over the years:
The Monorail
No doubt the monorail is Disney for many folks. A more common fame, the “Please Stand Clear of the Doors” has been quoted more than any favorite movie. The smell of the monorail, the sound and the feel all give the sensation that “oh, yes, I am back at Walt Disney World again!”. I always know the first sight on the monorail is one of the most reassuring visuals that “yes, you have arrived!”
Resort TV’s “Top 7 Must Sees”
Some may say we check into their hotel and rush to the TV for “Walt Disney World’s Top 7 Must Sees” hosted by Stacy Aswad. Stacy’s voice and presentation have given a many the feeling of “yes, we are in Disney now”. My wife and I always enjoy the show and often let it repeat the entire time we are on vacation. Who needs news, weather, etc. when you are at Disney? Give me the Top 7 again Stacy!
Hotel Lobby
Standing in line at check-in and waiting to start your vacation at your favorite Disney resort should have a name. Maybe I could contact Webster’s and see if they would add it to their dictionary. Let’s see… it would be something like… ”Mouseness” -the feeling one gets while waiting to check into their favorite Disney resort to start their magical vacation. Oh, sorry to the online check-ins, while I respect the efficiency of saving time, you also sacrifice a possible Magical Moment being made by the Cast Member at check-in. There is a story here for another day and another article, one day I will share how a guest received a complimentary 5-day park-hopper at check-in.
Disney’s Magical Express
A great vacation usually starts with a successful flight into Orlando International Airport. Upon landing, skip baggage claim and proceed to the Disney’s Magical Express Welcome Center. This has become the first feel of Disney World for many since its inception in May of 2005. Disney’s Magical Express service collects your luggage and delivers it directly to your Walt Disney World hotel room within a short 3 hours or so after you check-in at your favorite resort. Nothing can be better than a cool ride on a Disney motor-coach heading to the start of your vacation (Please note: Disney’s Magical Express will not handle your bags if you arrive in Orlando International Airport after 10:00pm). This service has been especially great for families traveling with small children (I am one of those who mobilize a small army through the airport).
Character Meals
I have had many Disney friends say a breakfast at Chef Mickey’s is the best way to start day one of a Walt Disney World vacation. The monorail ride, breakfast with Mickey Mouse are a great prequel to a day at the Magic Kingdom! Even as I write this, I get excited thinking, “man, this sounds like fun!”. Our family has also always enjoyed the first evening of a trip with a character dinner.
Planning
I saved the best for last. As someone constantly wishing to be at Disney, you may find yourself just like me. The planning process can never be overlooked, it is half the fun! As the old saying goes, it is not the destination, it is the journey (or maybe it’s the other way around, oh well). Planning your trip, collecting your favorite Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR in Disney jargon), and surveying your friends or family who are traveling can build the anticipation. Enjoy this process, even in the pre-planning without an unknown travel date.
So my Disney friends, I presented some random thoughts for you to shut your eyes and imagine about. Where-ever you may be, sit back, relax, and think: “what is my “Disney World”?
Topics: Articles | |
New Character Leaked for “Star Tours: The Adventures Continue”
September 2, 2010 at 10:30 PM EST
While attending Disney’s Pin Celebration – Trade City U.S.A. last weekend, WDWNT Network staff member Cody Smith took a picture of an interesting “Disney Robots” pin set that will be released at the Disneyland “Sci-Fi Academy” pin event next year:
The center robot is labeled as originating from Star Tours in 2011. If that is any indication, ALY SAN SAN will be a flight attendant droid when Star Tours re-opens at Disneyland and Walt Disney World next year. This droid may even be the female voice announcing the arrival of the Star Speeder 1000 on the special preview vehicle toy that was released at Star Wars Celebration V in August. Whether the droid will be represented in audio-animatronics or simply on screen is unknown at this point, but stay tuned to WDW News Today as more information on Star Tours: The Adventures Continue” becomes available.
Topics: Disney's Hollywood Studios | |
Video of “Last Tour to Endor” Hyperspace Hoopla (Hoopla!)
September 2, 2010 at 4:11 PM EST
WDWNT Reporter Matt Paul brings us the last of his videos from “Last Tour to Endor” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios from back on August 14th. Time for some super-sized Hoopla!:
We hope you enjoyed our coverage of Celebration V and Last Tour to Endor over the last few weeks, many thanks to WDWNT’s Matt Paul and Adam Roth for the coverage.
Topics: Disney's Hollywood Studios | |
Space Mountain On-Ride Audio Recordings!
August 30, 2010 at 2:58 PM EST
Yes you read that right we have an exclusive for you right here at WDW News Today we bring you straight from Walt Disney World a recording of the new on-ride audio from Walt Disney World’s Space Mountain!
As announced today on the Disney Parks Blog:
Listen up Space Mountain fans, there’s a new addition to the Walt Disney World Resort attraction that just may be music to your ears. It’s an enhanced audio experience with sounds you’ve never heard before. Walt Disney Imagineering has added a new composition that’s exclusive to the attraction at Magic Kingdom Park that will play with varying sound effects throughout all “flights” on 60 newly installed speakers. “Starry-O-Phonic Sound” compliments a slew of enhancements that debuted on Space Mountain last year, including new lighting, storyline elements and updated decor. Here’s a special message from The Space Mountain Project Team.
Today, Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom park launches a new era ins Super Sonic Space Travel! Now all flights departing from Space Mountain will zoom across the galaxies in the new dimension of Starry-O-Phonic Sound!
Space was once a silent voice, but now, every twist and turn on your galactic journey will be accompanied by a zippy musical track, the whoosh of passing asteroids, and the rush of interstellar traffic, making your space voyage an all-encompassing cosmic joy-ride.
Space Mountain had a grand re-launch in November of 2009, but Starry-O-Phonic Sound is arriving a bit later, in the Summer of 2010. We needed the extra time to test every aspect of this hyperspace audio technology, without disrupting the continued on-time departures and arrivals of this busy space hub.
We hope you enjoy this new amenity, brought to you by Starport Seven-Five. The future of space travel is sounding better all the time!
As promised we have that new audio right here for you in a WDWNT exclusive, we also have the new exit music as well. Please right click and select save as to download the audio below. Enjoy!
Download Space Mountain On Ride Audio!
Download Space Mountain New Exit Music!
Topics: General Resort News, The Magic Kingdom | |
New Fairy at the Magic Kingdom
August 26, 2010 at 8:24 PM EST
Though this isn’t earth shattering news in light of the upcoming release of Tinkerbell and The Great Fairy Rescue we do have to consider what this means for the fate of the second phase expansion of Fantasyland.
From the Disney Parks Blog:
Yes, there’s a new fairy in Pixie Hollow at the Walt Disney World Resort and her name is Vidia. She’s known as the fastest-flying fairy there is and beginning today you’ll be able to meet Vidia and her other pixie friends – including the world’s most beloved fairy Tinker Bell – at Magic Kingdom Park. Vidia is one of the stars of the upcoming movie “Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue”set to be released on Blu-ray, DVD and via movie download on September 21.
Though we have heard rumors that Pixie Hollow maybe off the table a lot may have to do with just how well this latest installment of the Tinker Bell series of DVD movie releases does. Either way it seems that WDW hasn’t thrown in the towel quite yet on this franchise. As always you can see the ongoing progress of the Fantasyland Expansion at our project tracker. Stay tuned right here for more information on the ever changing Fantasyland expansion as it becomes available.
Topics: General Resort News | |
Let’s go to Chef Mickey’s for ….. Lunch?
August 24, 2010 at 5:03 PM EST
It would seem that as WDW expands it’s free dining promotion to allow more guests the pleasure of dining at the great restaurants around the resort, changes are being made to keep up with the high demand.
For just 14 days in August and 14 days in September-October, Chef Mickey’s restaurant at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is adding a lunch buffet, complete with Disney Characters to meet and greet diners.
High demand for the free dining package necessitates the expanded dining time, but anyone (not just guests on the package) can make a reservation at 407-WDW-DINE or here. Cost is $28.75 including tax, $15.97 ages 3 to 9, under 3 free.
Dates are now through Aug. 28, and Sept. 19-Oct. 2. Lunch hours are 12:30-2:30 p.m. Breakfast and dinner are still offered as usual.
It will be interesting to see what happens to restaurant schedules next year as the free dining promotion is available for most of year with just a few blackout dates if you book before mid-december. As always stay tuned to WDW News Today for this and more news as it becomes available.
Cody Smith’s 8/20/10 Epcot Photo Report
August 21, 2010 at 4:41 PM EST
Disney Pincast and Vinylmation Station reporter Cody Smith visited Epcot yesterday and has some newsworthy photos to share with us:
Hacienda de San Angel is nearing completion
Topics: Dining, Epcot, Photo Reports | |