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Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Tour – Photo (and Video) Report
June 30, 2009 at 11:18 PM EST
Our own Tom Corless and company went on a private tour Monday, June 29th of the brand new DVC Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. They were able to get some great photos courtesy of Jessica Pezzula and even a great high definition video from our good friend Matt Pezzula from WDWCelebrations. Let’s start our wonderful tour:
A look at some familiar concept art during the presentation portion of the tour
Topics: General Resort News, Photo Reports, Resorts | |
Trade City USA
June 30, 2009 at 6:32 PM EST
Even though the 2009 pin celebration, The Museum of Pintiquities was just last weekend, Disney didn’t waste any time in announcing next year’s pin celebration, Trade City USA. From the What’s HapPINing blog on DisneyPins.com:
One of the highlights was the announcement of Disney Pin Celebration 2010. The theme next year is Trade City, U.S.A.. Steven invited all long time and new residents of “Trade City” to help celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the founding of the city. He also explained that Trade City is an eclectic city (a cross between Radiator Springs and Main Street, U.S.A.®). The city is nestled in Trading Valley and features some amazing sites to see such as the world’s largest Ear Hat, world’s largest backer card and the world’s longest lanyard. The whole city is themed around trading. While the event will take place during the 10th Anniversary Celebration of Disney Pin Trading, the pins will be a mixture of things not necessarily related to the 10th Anniversary. Below is the logo created by Alex Maher and Tyler Dumas from Disney Design Group.
Steven said they haven’t finalized the date yet for this event but they are seriously considering mid-August (after the seasonal Passholder block-out date expires). He said to keep watching DisneyPins.com in a few weeks for that official date. He also mentioned that in the coming months Guests should look for road/traffic sign icons buried on various places on DisneyPins.com. When you click on the image, it will unlock a behind-the-scenes look at this event (similar to the “Find The Keys” campaign that was done for Disney Pin Celebration 2009).
Be sure to tune in to the only podcast dedicated to Disney Pin Trading, The Disney Pincast, in the coming months for information on Trade City USA.
Robert Ashburn’s 6/28/09 Hall of Presidents Photo Report
June 30, 2009 at 3:05 PM EST
Robert Ashburn of Figmentsmedia.net was in attendance at one of Sunday’s Annual Passholder previews of the updated Hall of Presidents attraction. Here are his photos from the updated attraction:
The Hall of Presidents entrance looks a lot nicer before, with two very prominent signs and a general freshening up
Everything surrounding the attraction was cleaned up
Topics: The Magic Kingdom | |
Celebrate America at the Walt Disney World Resort
June 29, 2009 at 3:00 PM EST
Tom Corless has checked in with us while waiting for his tour of Bay Lake Tower, with a few interesting tidbits of information. Firstly, the July 4th holiday schedule had some interesting additions to the Magic Kingdom entertainment lineup:
- SpectroMagic will perform twice on July 4th at 10:30pm and 12:30am.
- Celebrate a Dream Come True will also perform twice on July 4th at 12:00pm and its normal 3:00pm run (this is the first time anyone can ever remember the 3:00pm parade being performed twice so perhaps attendance is back to normal at least for this week).
- UPDATE: The Magic Kingdom will now be open until 1:00am on July 4th.
As previously reported:
Guests celebrating the Fourth of July at Walt Disney World Resort will have a choice of fireworks shows as Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios present special pyrotechnics and Epcot adds a patriotic “tag” to its famous “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” spectacular. Here’s what’s in store:
- Magic Kingdom – “Celebrate America Fireworks” will fill the sky at 9 pm. July 4 (guests who’d like to begin the celebratory weekend a day early can enjoy the special fireworks on July 3 at 9 p.m.).
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Special fireworks will be presented at 10 p.m. on July 4, providing guests with a bonus nighttime entertainment extravaganza to complement “Fantasmic!” (which will be at 9 p.m. and 10:45 p.m.). Park hours on July 4 are 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Epcot – “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” which features dazzling special effects, colorful lasers, brilliant fireworks and fiery torches all choreographed to a musical score, becomes even more dynamic on July 4 as the normal show is supplemented with a patriotic finale. The performance begins at 10 p.m. Park hours on July 4 are 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom – No fireworks here (we wouldn’t want to disturb the animals’ rest). Guests can enjoy all the regular attractions and shows on July 4 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tom also checked in with a quick piece of information regarding Stitch’s Supersonic Celebration. It appears though we have reports that this show is no more it is still appearing on the times guide only listing itself as “no showings”.
As always stay tuned to WDW News Today as we track this and other news from around the Walt Disney World Resort!
Topics: Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Epcot, The Magic Kingdom | |
Preview a Vacation as You Wish
June 28, 2009 at 10:44 PM EST
Disney Vacation Club will be giving Walt Disney World Annual Passholders a sneak preview of Bake Lake Tower in July. Here are the details:
From July 10-12, Disney Vacation Club invites you to attend “Vacation As You Wish,” a special sales presentation featuring an interactive show that reveals how you can save more, get more, and do more than you ever dreamed possible. Plus, you will be able to enjoy character greetings, tasty treats, exclusive giveaways, and a guided tour of the still-unopened Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Event Details:
- Event Dates: July 10 -12, 2009
- Event Times: July 10 – 7:00pm, July 11 – 3:00pm, July 12 – 3:00pm. Show will last approximately 2 hours.
- Check-in Location: Ballroom of the Americas, Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
- Parking: Contemporary Resort parking lot – be sure to mention you are a Passholder to be allowed in.
- Check-in Time: 45 minutes prior to show time.
Additional Information:
- Passholders need to sign up for the event, due to limited capacity.
- Passholders need to bring their confirmation slip, their valid Disney pass and a photo ID at the time of check-in.
Topics: Resorts | |
Walt Disney World News Roundup
June 27, 2009 at 1:45 PM EST
Disney has released a few press releases over the past couple of days pertaining to different things going on around the Walt Disney World Resort right now. First up, 1,000 immigrants that will be sworn in as American citizens on July 3rd not only get that honor, but they will also get to preview the updated Hall of Presidents attraction:
In a stirring celebration of citizenship, more than 1,000 immigrants will gather on Main Street, U.S.A. July 3 to be “sworn in” as American citizens.
And as the country kicks off Independence Day weekend, these brand-new Americans will attend a premiere performance of the newest Walt Disney World attraction, a re-imagined Hall of Presidents, now featuring a lifelike Audio-Animatronics figure of President Barack Obama.
From more than 100 countries and ranging in age from 18 to 82, the immigrants will take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States during a Friday morning ceremony jointly hosted by Disney Parks and Resorts and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
USCIS’s highest-ranking official will preside over the ceremony on the forecourt of Cinderella Castle. The event will feature a welcoming address by Walt Disney World Resort President Meg Crofton, the presentation of the colors, the national anthem, the Oath of Allegiance and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Actor Andy Garcia – a naturalized citizen himself – will deliver a keynote address during the ceremony. Garcia, originally from Cuba, is an acclaimed actor known for roles in films as diverse as “The Untouchables,” “The Godfather: Part III” and “Oceans Eleven.”
“This year, Disney parks are asking our visitors, ‘What will you celebrate?’ ” Crofton said. “And on a weekend when our entire nation celebrates its independence, we are honored to host – and celebrate – 1,000 individuals who are embracing American citizenship.”
New Citizens to Preview Revised Hall of Presidents
To cap a star-spangled morning, the new citizens and their family members will get to preview the Hall of Presidents attraction – which reopens July 4 in the Liberty Square area of Magic Kingdom. The attraction has been closed since Election Day last November for a makeover that included installation of a lifelike Audio-Animatronics figure based on President Obama.
The recently installed figure of the country’s 44th chief executive – which comes to life with recognizable mannerisms and makes comments that were recorded recently at the White House – is only part of an eight-month makeover so significant that the iconic attraction in the park’s Liberty Square has been retitled Hall of Presidents: A Celebration of Liberty’s Leaders. Other updates to the “re-Imagineered” attraction which has been entertaining Magic Kingdom guests since 1971:
A re-programmed Abraham Lincoln delivers arguably the greatest speech in the history of the presidency – the Gettysburg Address.
For the first time in the attraction’s history, George Washington stands and delivers a stirring speech.
Developed with the assistance of Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, the show now tells a moving story of the bond between the presidents and “We, the People,” focusing on the chief executives who have guided America through trying, turbulent times.
“Our goal with every major Disney attraction is to completely immerse our guests in a compelling story,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “The stories associated with the American presidency are some of the most engaging and relevant our guests will hear while they are with us. And, like all great stories, these stories inspire, motivate and teach us to appreciate the challenges and personal triumph that comes with overcoming adversity.”
True to Walt Disney’s vision, Hall of Presidents features the appearance on stage of every United States president – life-sized, three-dimensional and fully animated. Seven presidents have been added to the “Hall” since the attraction opened during the presidency of Richard Nixon.
The figure of President Barack Obama is not only the seventh addition but also the most dynamic figure Disney has ever created. Disney Imagineers, who’ve been refining Audio-Animatronics technology since 1963, have discovered new ways to integrate an array of subtle movements and facial expressions into the figures. Imagineers also worked closely with White House staff to create realistic clothing and accessories worn by the figure in the show, right down to a lapel pin and watch.
Kathy Rogers, senior show producer for Walt Disney Imagineering, says the show pays particular tribute to the strength of the bond between the people and the president “that led us through the most troubling times in our nation’s history.
“We still present that ‘mighty cavalcade of history’ that Walt Disney originally envisioned,” Rogers says, referring to “headline moments” of America’s past that are depicted in the film, “but it is viewed through the lens of the presidency.”
The 25-minute show begins with the story of George Washington and the struggle to build a new nation. It continues through today, highlighting presidents who have reached out to the people during times of strife. Disney senior show writer and director Pam Fisher, who worked closely with Kearns Goodwin to develop the story, describes the revised Hall of Presidents as “a very human story – one that we hope strikes a chord with all guests.”
A soaring new musical score written by Emmy-winning composer Joel McNeely adds another emotional dimension to the experience.
The show’s impact is bolstered by the stirring performances of actor David Morse, who voices Washington, and the late veteran actor Royal Dano, who voices Lincoln. Morse played Washington in the award-winning HBO miniseries, “John Adams.” Dano was selected by Walt Disney himself to voice the first animated Lincoln figure, which debuted at the 1964 New York World’s Fair and later became part of the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln attraction at Disneyland in California. Obama’s speech, recorded in the White House Map Room, includes the presidential oath of office and his thoughts about “the American dream.”
In the tradition of earlier versions of the show, the rewritten story begins with a large-format movie, but this time it is projected in crystal-clear, high-definition video. Imagineers digitized many of the huge scenic paintings of historic America made for the original movie by Disney legends including Herb Ryman and Sam McKim. In addition, the team combed through the National Archives, Library of Congress, museums and private collections to acquire more than 130 new images ultimately woven into the show.
Imagineers enhanced the soundtrack with digital production and state-of-the-art speakers; they also upgraded the lighting with energy-efficient LED technology.
The new Hall of Presidents experience begins in the pre-show lobby, which has been transformed into an expanded gallery of presidential artifacts. The inaugural exhibit showcases the women behind the presidents. Large display cases exhibit dresses and personal objects worn by several First Ladies, including Edith Roosevelt (Teddy’s wife), Elizabeth Monroe and Nancy Reagan. The historical gallery also displays presidential portraits of Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and other chief executives, plus two cases filled with personal artifacts of presidents including Gerald Ford, Franklin Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover and George Washington.
Presentations of the Hall of Presidents show will take place daily and are included with Magic Kingdom admission.
Topics: Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Epcot, The Magic Kingdom | |
Video From Day One of The Museum of Pin-Tiquities
June 26, 2009 at 6:21 PM EST
Our own Tom Corless and Jose Castillo are currently attending the Museum of Pin-Tiquities pin trading event at World Showplace in Epcot. Jose managed to upload a quick video preview from the first day of the event yesterday to our WDWNTube video site:
Stay tuned to both WDW News Today and The Disney Pincast for continuing coverage from the Museum of Pin-Tiquities. Also be sure to follow the WDWNT Twitter account for the latest from the pin event and from around Walt Disney World.
Topics: Epcot | |
Pocahontas and her New Forrest Friends?
June 25, 2009 at 9:30 PM EST
It seems that Pocahontas isn’t completely out of a job at Camp Minnie-Mickey yet! Thanks to our good friend Tim Sayler over at the Walt Disney Boards we have been able to gather some information about a new and unique offering at Camp Minnie-Mickey inside of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The space that formerly housed Pocahontas and Her Forrest Friends is now called the Good Times Gathering Spot and houses an interactive meet and greet location which includes storytelling by Pocahontas as well as meet and greet opportunities with Pocahontas, Chip and Dale, Koda and Kenai, and Meeko, a DJ playing children’s music and other fun games and dances with the characters.
This offering came very quietly, so look for an official announcement sometime in the future if it proves popular. This is the second time we have seen an offering like this at Animal Kingdom come without an official announcement to welcome it (the first was with the new closing ceremony which was announced at least a month after it began). Thanks to Tim for these great photos, you can find more photos and his full report here.
Stay tuned to WDW News Today as we expect more details on this new offering when Tom returns from his trip at Walt Disney World next week.
Topics: Disney's Animal Kingdom, General Resort News | |
Holiday Magic in June at the WDW Resort
June 24, 2009 at 8:48 PM EST
While Tom is away at the WDW Resort we have this Press Release from the Walt Disney World Resort to share with you. The Resort has released some early information on this year’s holiday offerings, including the dates for this year’s Very Merry Chirstmas Party and what guests can expect as they celebrate the holiday season aboard the Disney Cruise Line:
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Trees glisten, snow flurries and Cinderella Castle sparkles during the winter wonderland season at Walt Disney World Resort. By late November, themed décor will blanket the Vacation Kingdom as Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Downtown Disney and 23 resorts unwrap their own sleighfuls of yuletide gaiety.
And with the year’s “What Will You Celebrate?,” guests can get in the spirit beginning
Nov. 10 by beholding twinkling lights of one of Disney’s newest holiday traditions – Castle Dreamlights! – in Magic Kingdom. Donning their holiday finest, Cinderella and friends take to the Cinderella Castle stage daily for a dream-come-true, light-the-night moment. With 200,000 sparkling, jewel-like crystals adorning the iconic castle, the glistening light-show spectacular signals the beginning of Disney seasonal merriment.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom – Nov. 10 also marks the first of 19 select evenings when the theme park hosts the long-running Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. During this popular special-ticket event, guests are treated to “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade,” “Holiday Wishes-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season” fireworks spectacular plus special shows featuring Disney characters decked out in their holiday finest, carolers, festive tree lightings and more.
The “Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” celebrates the festivities with dancing snowflakes, marching toy soldiers, a horse-drawn sleigh, enchanting floats and spirited characters all proceeding through the streets of the theme park in a merry and melodic cavalcade.
During “Holiday Wishes-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season,” Cinderella Castle beams brightly as the evening is capped with eye-popping fireworks orchestrated to classic holiday tunes.
Favorite attractions also are open throughout the evening. And while forecasters predict the first snowfall of the season will swirl a winter-like effect down Main Street, U.S.A, guests can take heart: there’s hot cocoa and cookies to add a warm spirit, plus apple slices and apple juice as the perfect trimming for a not-to-miss outing for the whole family.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party dates are: Nov. 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 29 and Dec. 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18. Advance tickets are suggested as some nights are expected to sell out. Advance tickets and information are available now.
Beginning Nov. 27, Walt Disney World Resort unwraps even more wintertime wonderment across property. Here’s the lineup:
Epcot Presents Holidays Around the World – International holiday traditions unfold throughout World Showcase Nov. 27-Dec. 30 when storytellers such as Pere Noel in France, La Befana in Italy and Santa Claus in The American Adventure share the traditions of the season and spread the message of goodwill. As a “nightcap” to each day, “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” – a kaleidoscope of lasers, lights, fireworks and music – takes on a spirited holiday finale.
Candlelight Processional at Epcot – A heartfelt holiday tradition led by a mass choir and 50-piece live orchestra showcases the reason for the season Nov. 27-Dec. 30. Presented at America Gardens Theatre at 5, 6:45 and 8 p.m. nightly, Candlelight Processional features celebrity narrators who retell the joyous Christmas story. The narration is interspersed with memorable music. Past celebrity narrators include Angela Bassett, Courtney B. Vance, Abigail Breslin and Edward James Olmos. Performances are included with Epcot admission, and guests are advised to arrive early. Entertainment is subject to change without notice. Special dining packages that include guaranteed seating for this beloved event also are offered by calling 407/WDW-DINE.
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Bathed in bulbs of brilliance, the streets of America glow with millions of dancing lights and animated displays Nov. 27 through Jan. 3, 2010. Amid gently falling snow, guests will bask in the glow as twirling carousels, melodic angels, colorful wreaths, marching toy soldiers and Santa and his reindeer move to high-energy music and 3-D effects, creating a dazzling symphony for the senses. The spectacle actually starts behind the scenes while the summer temperatures are still on the rise in Florida as dozens of Disney “elves” begin their meticulous work on more than six miles of rope lights, 84 angels, 66 snow machines and more.
Holiday Happenings at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – “Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade” gets a holiday makeover Nov. 27 through Jan. 3, 2010, when it is magically transformed into “Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade.” This whimsical spectacle is a theatrical showcase of characters, floats and puppetry with a holiday world-beat twist. Guests can meet Disney characters decked out in their holiday best at Camp Minnie-Mickey, which also features live seasonal entertainment, holiday photo opportunities and decorative Christmas trees.
Festival of the Seasons at Downtown Disney – There are enough toys to fill up Santa’s sleigh at stores such as Once Upon a Toy, World of Disney, Team Mickey Athletic Club and LEGO Imagination Center. Guests can finish their holiday shopping at this one-stop mecca featuring something for everyone on their list – Tren-D, the newest designer boutique; Basin bath and body shop; Arribas Brothers; Disney’s Days of Christmas holiday shop; Fuego by Sosa Cigars and more– and enjoy the dazzling light display and holiday décor that adorns the Downtown Disney streets.
Nov. 17-Dec. 24. And at Downtown Disney Marketplace, guests can meet Santa himself Nov. 17-26 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Nov. 27-Dec. 24 from noon to 10 p.m. (subject to change).
Christmas Confections Sweeten Vacation Kingdom – Each holiday season, Disney chefs deck the halls in fanciful fashion, creating larger-than-life displays from edible ingredients all across Walt Disney World Resort. The sweet scent of gingerbread fills the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, where a life-sized Victorian gingerbread house is constructed for the holidays. To create the 16-foot-high dream house, Walt Disney World pastry chefs use 1,050 pounds of honey, 600 pounds of powdered sugar, 800 pounds of flour, 140 pints of egg whites and 180 pounds of apricot glaze. Meanwhile, at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, a life-size carousel silently spins in the lobby, featuring ponies made of chocolate and fondant, giant candy cane poles, handcrafted poinsettias and hand-painted portraits of famous Disney characters.
Sail Away to a Magical Winter Holiday with Disney Cruise Line – For a gift that’s both nautical and nice. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, Disney Cruise Line adds sparkle to both ships, with traditional “turkey day” fare to Christmas feasts, “snow flurries” and New Year’s Eve galas. Beginning Nov. 21, special stem-to-stern events on both ships include: nightly King Triton’s Tree Lighting of a glittering, three-deck-tall tree; family crafts such as decorating stockings, making holiday cards and creating animation cels; storytellers sharing tales of diverse holiday traditions; feasts in Disney’s three themed dining rooms; and “Til We Meet Again,” a special seasonal edition of Disney Cruise Line’s cheerful farewell on the final night of each cruise.
To make arrangements for a holiday vacation at Walt Disney World Resort or the Disney Cruise Line, visit our friends at Magical Travel at www.magicaltravel.com or 1-866-207-8387.
Topics: Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Epcot, General Resort News, The Magic Kingdom | |
WDWNT Network Announces New Additions to Celebrate 2 Year Anniversary
June 24, 2009 at 2:20 AM EST
As we kick off the two year anniversary celebration of the WDWNT Network and WDW News Today (running now through August 8th), we are proud to announce a number of exciting new additions and enhancements throughout our family of websites and podcasts. On July 8, 2007, we pledged to find new ways to bring the latest news, information, magic, and fun from the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts directly to you. Over the past two years, we have kept to that promise, launching some of the most popular entities in the Disney online fan community such as the WDW News Today podcast, The Disney Pincast, and Disneyland News Today. We have also innovated with the only fully interactive Walt Disney World Resort focused podcast, the internet’s only podcasts covering current events at the Disneyland Resort and the huge hobby that is Disney pin trading, and most recently, the newest version of our WDWNTube, the premiere location for streaming and sharing your favorite Disney Park videos. Moving into our third year of operation, we plan on being more innovative, interactive, informative, and entertaining than ever before.
The Podcasts of the WDWNT Network
While we could have never imagined it two years ago, our podcasts have been the heart and soul of everything we do at the WDWNT Network. Making use of the utilities that the remainder of our online community provides, we have used things such as our WDWNT Network Community Forums to enhance our already popular weekly productions. Beginning in July 2008, we kicked off a program we call WDWNT Interactive, allowing WDW News Today Podcast listeners to vote for the topics discussed in their favorite segments on the show. The popularity of that program has been unparalleled and has made us sure that every segment we air is one that a majority of our audience will find useful or entertaining. Based on this success, we are proud to announce that the Disneyland News Today Podcast will launch a similar service called DLNT Interactive, where listeners will be able to head to the community forums and vote for the segments that would like to hear on that weekly program. DLNT Interactive will be officially launching on July 2, 2009. In addition to these interactive features, all three of the WDWNT Network produced podcasts offer multiple services on the WDWNT Network Community Forums. WDW News Today and Disneyland News Today Podcast listeners can already view show notes and discuss the shows with those who produce it weekly by posting and reading under corresponding sections. Listeners of the Disney Pincast can not only discuss the show, view show notes, and weekly pin releases while on the forums, but can also discuss Disney pin trading and other Disneyana collecting (such as Vinylmation) while visiting. All of these features make a visit to the WDWNT Network Community Forums a must and enhance the listeners experience each and every week.
Focusing only on the podcasts of the WDWNT Network, some popular segments of these shows are leaving and returning, and a number of new offerings are just on the horizon. The WDW News Today Podcast is proud to be introducing two exciting new segments, titled “The Golden Age” and “World’s Finest”. “The Golden Age” will be a quest to find out which point in Walt Disney World history could be considered the best overall period of the “Vacation Kingdom’s” existence. The “World’s Finest” segment will provide listeners with plenty of opinions and banter, as the WDWNT Podcast team tries to figure out what the very best of Walt Disney World truly is. Two classic segments that haven’t been heard in quite a while will also be returning, in “Back to the Future” and “Disney Don’t Forget the Lyrics”. Since it’s debut in January 2008, “Back to the Future” has allowed the WDWNT Podcast crew to educate listeners on the past, present, and future of Walt Disney World while honoring a favorite film series of the same name. “Disney Don’t Forget the Lyrics” was the first trademark game show on the WDW News Today Podcast and has set an example that many other Disney fan podcasts have tried to imitate, but have been unable to duplicate, a game where contestants must remember the lyrics to the classic songs of the Disney Parks. Over on the Disneyland News Today Podcast, the “What Were They Thinking” segment will find a new home. In this segment, the DLNT Staff will look at the various decisions made by Disneyland Management both past and present and try to figure out “What Were They Thinking?!?”. This segment will also be part of the all new DLNT Interactive program being introduced
At many times during our continuous evolution, we have brought you some new and experimental projects, one of the longer-lasting and well known was “Your Ear to the World”. On June 10th, 2009, the “Your Ear to the World” podcast had its final episode. This was a fun and innovative project for us over the last year, but we have decided to retire it to make room for a more unique method of bringing you audio experiences. The name of our latest and perhaps most exciting project to date is WDWNTunes.
Introducing WDWNTunes!!!
What is WDWNTunes? WDWNTunes is a streaming online radio station that will bring listeners audio from the Disney Parks, as well as exclusive content from the WDWNT Network. The main site for WDWNTunes will also provide listeners with a chat room, a full listing of our current audio library, a broadcasting schedule (coming soon!), and much more. In addition, WDWNTunes will be the new home of our WDWNT Live! shows, an opportunity to join us join us each month for a live interactive podcast. The first WDWNT Live! presented on WDWNTunes will be taking place on July 8, 2009, and will be a special show to commemorate our two year anniversary. Be sure to stay tuned for more details on this special show as we get closer to that date. In the mean time, you can find WDWNTunes online at www.wdwntunes.com and follow WDWNTunes on Twitter at www.twitter.com/wdwntunes and on Facebook at this link.
More To Come
If all of this news wasn’t enough from the WDWNT Network, we invite you to join us for the Town Square Talk segment during Episode 100 of the WDW News Today Podcast and Episode 70 of the Disneyland News Today Podcast for a few more pieces of news, as well as a blockbuster special announcement that will shake the very foundation of the WDWNT Network.
WDW News Today and the WDWNT Network is proud to present this full line-up of changes and additions to you, our audience, and hope you will continue to be a part of our still growing community. We are truly thankful for your devotion to our websites and podcasts and would like you to know that the last two years would have never been possible without your support. We hope you are as excited as we are about these new efforts in continuing to “Bridge the Gaps Between You and the World”.
Tom Corless
Owner of the WDWNT Network
Topics: Site News, WDWNT Podcast | |
Hall of Presidents Details Emerge
June 23, 2009 at 8:20 PM EST
From Dewayne Bevil of the Orlando Sentinel:
Had a mini-sneak-peek at the revamped Hall of Presidents this afternoon at Magic Kingdom. Showing us around — but not the whole presentation — was Eric Jacobson, senior vice president at Walt Disney Imagineering. Here are some tidbits he shared about HoP, which is set to reopen officially on July 4:
+ The front room/pre-show has been reorganized a bit. Some of the presidential portraits have been replaced, and the imagery has quotations beneath them. A new display area features dresses from three first ladies: Elizabeth Monroe, Edith Roosevelt (Mrs. Teddy) and Nancy Reagan. (The silk dresses of Monroe and Roosevelt are reproductions).
+ Reagan sent a selection. ”Mrs. Reagan actually — at the Reagan Library — picked out six dresses for us to rotate through the collection,” Jacobson says. “She picked them out herself.” Her outfit will change every six months, but she’ll start off in a black-sequined number. The gown area is flexible. “Maybe some day we’ll have one of Michelle Obama’s outfits in here,” Jacobson says.
+ New wording has been placed on an interior wall. It now reads “Welcome to the Hall of Presidents, a Celebration of Liberty’s Leaders.” Outside, the building gets its first marquee (still covered, as seen in photo above. Photo by Joe Burbank, shot Tuesday.) (Previously, there was merely a sign in the planter.)
+ The film, now narrated by Morgan Freeman, is a bit trimmer, and the Animatronic section expanded. “That’s what they [park guests] come to see,” Jacobson says.
+ The emphasis of the attraction is more about the history of the presidency and the presidents as people. Before, it was more of a history lesson, and this change will help distinguish the Hall from the American Adventure presentation at Epcot.
+ The film still will end with the Space Shuttle as the curtain rises to reveal the presidents.
Topics: The Magic Kingdom | |
Luxo Jr. Daytime Show Video
June 23, 2009 at 2:42 PM EST
As promised yesterday, here is the video of the short daytime show that the Luxo Jr. character is performing on Pixar Place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
Topics: Disney's Hollywood Studios | |