5/8/08 Jose Eber Super-Star Update
May 8, 2008
Staff photographer Jose Eber was able to grab some photos of Nick Lachay (singer, Dancing with the Stars competitor, and former husband of Jessica Simpson) filming a few promos for the new High School Musical: Get in the Picture reality show today over at Epcot.
Topics: Epcot, General Resort News |
Toy Story Midway Mania Fun Facts
May 7, 2008
Here are some little know facts Disney has released about the new Toy Story Midway Mania attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
- Each ride vehicle weighs as much as 8,580 Woody dolls.
- It would take 5,026 toy soldiers lined up end-to-end to make up the total track length.
- Toy Story Mania! is the first time that Walt Disney Imagineering is creating an attraction for two Disney Parks simultaneously.
- It has been estimated that, each day, guests may break over one million virtual plates using the spring-action shooters.
- Riders in the Sky, the award winning group that wrote the songs that Mr. Potato Head performs as part of the attraction, is the same group that wrote “Woody’s Roundup” for the “Toy Story” feature films.
- This is the first attraction that Walt Disney Imagineering designed where the Imagineers had to wear 3-D glasses to art direct all the black-light paint elements.
- The murals located in the load area at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are the biggest murals painted since Epcot was built.
- In order to create a show that responds not only to every pull of a guest’s spring-action shooter, but also every move their midway tram makes, there are over 150 computers communicating over multiple networks throughout the attraction.
- At Toy Story Mania! every guest gets to experience life at the size of a toy. So in Andy’s room, a 5 foot 6 inch person will feel about 14″ tall.
- More time was spent programming Mr. Potato Head than for any other Audio-Animatronics figure ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering.
- Mr. Potato Head will be able to say more lines of dialogue than any Audio-Animatronics figure ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering.
- The Mr. Potato Head Audio-Animatronics figure is the first time that an Audio-Animatronics figure can remove a body part and re-attach it (in the case of his ear).
- The Mr. Potato Head Audio-Animatronics figure has new, highly expressive and animated eyes that can look directly at a particular guest in the queue when speaking to him/her.
- Mr. Potato Head marks the first Audio-Animatronics figure whose mouth appears to form words and vowel sounds.
Game:
- In each of the Toy Story Mania! games, there is at least one “easter egg” — targets that can trigger the appearance of bonus high-value targets and other changes in the scene.
- Toy Story Mania! is the first time that Woody and Buzz Lightyear (along with some of their friends) from the Disney-Pixar “Toy Story” films appear together in a ride-through attraction.
- Watch for loose change in the prize scene — Hamm is carrying more than $6 in coins when his cork pops.
Nice to Know:
- Because of the indoor nature of the attraction and to keep the guest experience fun for all, flash photography or video is not allowed on Toy Story Mania!
- Everyone can play! There is no height or age restriction for guests to experience Toy Story Mania!
- Actual ride time aboard Toy Story Mania! is a full five minutes.
- Ready, aim, fire! Players have 30 seconds in each game play area to score points.
- A beeline to fun! Toy Story Mania! utilizes Disney’s FASTPASS, a return voucher offering little or no waiting time at select attractions. Single riders also have their own queuing option for Toy Story Mania!
Topics: Disney's Hollywood Studios |
Interact With The World
May 7, 2008
Every day, Disney cast members invite guests to play special roles in entertainment throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. Other immersive experiences include such roles as starring in a parade down Main Street, U.S.A., learning dance moves from the Disney Channel sensation “High School Musical 2,” dueling with Darth Vader and many more.
“These experiences transport our guests deep into the magical realms of what Disney parks are all about,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Rather than imagine being in a Disney parade or what it’s like to sail with Captain Jack Sparrow, these transformational experiences put our guests right in the heart of their dreams.”
It’s a Disney tradition that goes back to the very beginning of Disney Parks — the opening of Disneyland in 1955 — and is a consideration every time the famed Disney Imagineers huddle to fathom new magic.
In the latest immersive-entertainment experience, Toy Story Mania! guests are transported into a 4-D world where they compete in virtual midway-style games hosted by characters from the Disney-Pixar films “Toy Story” and “Toy Story 2,” including Woody, Hamm and Rex. Donning 3-D glasses and using spring-action shooters, guests launch virtual darts at balloons, rings at aliens and eggs at whimsical barnyard targets to see who can rack up the most points. Guests may even experience some special 4-D effects during different parts of the game.
And the interactive fun doesn’t stop when guests put down their toy shooters. Here’s a sampling of other immersive experiences happening every day at Walt Disney World Resort:
- “Block Party Bash” (Disney’s Hollywood Studios). A new traveling show that lets guests play, dance and party with favorite Disney-Pixar characters from smash-hit animated films like “Toy Story,” “The Incredibles,” “Monsters, Inc.” and “A Bug’s Life.” Block Party Bash rocks and rolls throughout the park, putting guests in the middle of an impromptu party during one of the wildest, most interactive street spectaculars ever.
- “High School Musical 2: School’s Out!” (Disney’s Hollywood Studios). Wildcat fever has guests dancing in the streets in the new interactive show presented multiple times daily. Inspired by the Disney Channel’s record-breaking, original film, “High School Musical 2,”the high-energy cast invites guests to join the fun as they sing and dance along to the movie’s hit tunes, including “What Time Is It?,” “All For One” and “I Don’t Dance.”
- Jedi Training Academy (Disney’s Hollywood Studios). Taking a cue from the popular Star Wars Saga, the power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine for an original and intergalactic entertainment experience. Young Jedi hopefuls — known in ‘Star Wars-speak’ as “Padawans” — learn lightsaber moves from a Jedi Master before facing off in a final test against the evil Darth Vader. Created with Lucasfilm Ltd., Jedi Training Academy is presented multiple times daily, adjacent to the popular Star Tours attraction.
- “Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!” (Disney’s Hollywood Studios). Some of the most beloved characters from the Disney Channel lineup are featured in a singing, clapping and be-bopping show designed for preschoolers. The show stars favorites from popular Disney Channel programs including “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “Little Einsteins,” “Handy Manny” and more.
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (Magic Kingdom Tomorrowland). Armed with infrared lasers, Magic Kingdom guests join forces with Buzz Lightyear to defend Earth’s supply of batteries from the evil Emperor Zurg in Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, a spinning, brought-to-life Tomorrowland spin-off of the hit movie “Toy Story.” The shoot-’em-up fun triggers sight and sound gags, while a lighted display inside toy-spaceship ride vehicles allows guests to keep score.
- Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial (Magic Kingdom Adventureland).Looking for new recruits, Captain Jack and his mate Mack lead guests through a series of pirate skill tests to prove their mettle. Who is craftiest at wooden swordplay? Who can flash their most menacing pirate grimace? Faster than you can say “Yo, Ho! Yo, Ho! A Pirate’s Life for Me!” the big moment arrives: getting officially sworn in with the Pirate’s Oath to become honorary buccaneers of Captain Jack’s famous Pirate Crew.
- Woody’s Cowboy Camp (Magic Kingdom Frontierland). There’s a rootin’ tootin’ good time in store as Woody, Jesse and Bullseye invite everyone to Woody’s Cowboy Camp! Ridin’ in on a wagon are some of their best cowpoke pals, along with Sam the Singin’ Cowboy who leads a rollicking hoedown. Led by Bullseye and saddled up on wooden stick horses, kids giddy-up their way through a cowboy obstacle course — maneuvering around parents donning hats shaped like cacti, mountains and mine shafts. It’s kick-up-your-spurs, hootin’ and hollerin’ fun as the cowboy spirit comes to life on the dusty streets of Frontierland.
- “Main Street Family Fun Day Parade” (Magic Kingdom Main Street, U.S.A.). For the very first time, guests are able to parade down Main Street, U.S.A. alongside favorite Disney characters. It’s a pennant-waving, drum-beating rush for guests when they join characters and march alongside parade floats, a marching band and an old-timey fire truck. There’s even a stroller drill team to accommodate little paraders and their parents. When the parade hits Town Square, guests join the performers for a flag-waving patriotic finale.
Also happening in the theme parks every day:
- “Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor” (Magic Kingdom Tomorrowland). Guests laugh, joke and match wits with the beloved animated characters from Disney-Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.” in an engaging and interactive attraction created by the Disney Imagineers. “Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor” features one-eyed hero Mike Wazowski, who has opened a comedy club to collect laughs that will generate power for the future. As Monster-of-Ceremonies, Mike recruits two comedian wannabes whose slapstick humor delights and engages audiences. Guests even get to text-message jokes on their cell phones for possible use in the show.
- “Turtle Talk With Crush” (Epcot). Crush, from Disney-Pixar’s “Finding Nemo,” has made a different kind of screen debut in The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion at Epcot — as a chatting, joking quipster who engages guests in conversation from his movie-screen undersea environment. “Turtle Talk With Crush” showcases real-time animation using digital projection and sophisticated, voice-activated animation.
And that’s not all! Coming in winter 2008:
- “American Idol” Attraction (Disney’s Hollywood Studios). Starry-eyed Disney guests will get a taste of TV’s pop culture phenomenon — up close and personal — when Disney’s Hollywood Studios unwraps an “American Idol” attraction in winter 2008. Guests will be able to experience the challenge of auditioning, the rush of performing on stage in competition or the thrill of judging the performances in a live interactive setting modeled after the “American Idol” set. There will be multiple show times daily. Guests advancing through the screening process have the chance, in the nightly final competition, to win a guaranteed reservation for a regional audition for the “American Idol” TV show.
Topics: Disney's Hollywood Studios, Epcot, The Magic Kingdom |
5/6/08 Jose Eber Update
May 6, 2008
Jose Eber returns after a weekend of super-stardom (ok, not really) for being the first person to obtain video of the new Toy Story Midway Mania attraction, with a bunch of news updates from around Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The updates include the updated AFI Villians exhibit, the new prop being built at the end of the extended Muppetvision 3-D queue, and much more.
Jose also put together a very special version of the Toy Story Midway Mania blueprint, which should give everyone a better idea of where everything is inside the attraction:
Topics: Disney's Hollywood Studios |
Taking Pin Traders to School
May 5, 2008
Registration for the 2008 Disney Pin Celebration at Epcot will open promptly at 2pm EST on May 7, 2008 through Disneypins.com. This year’s event is called “Pin Trading University” with a large catalogue of pins themed to school classes, clubs, and more. There is even a discount for those who register on May 7, where attendees would pay $100.00, rather than the regular price of $115.00, Here are all the details:
Disney’s Pin Celebration 2008 - Pin Trading University
September 5-7, 2008
Epcot® - World ShowPlace————————————————–
*Disney’s Pin Celebration 2008 is a private, hard-ticket event that will be held in Epcot® during regular park hours. Theme Park admission to Epcot® is not included in the price of event admission, but is required for attendance. All information is subject to change including, but not limited to, dates, times, artwork, release dates, edition sizes and retail prices.
*Disney’s Pin Celebration 2008 is a private, hard-ticket event that will be held in Epcot® during regular park hours. Theme Park admission to Epcot® is not included in the price of event admission, but is required for attendance. All information is subject to change including, but not limited to, dates, times, artwork, release dates, edition sizes and retail prices.
Graduate with highest trading honors at Disney’s Pin Celebration 2008 - Pin Trading University. This three-day, Disney Pin event will be held September 5-7, 2008 at Epcot® - World ShowPlace.
Recall your school days with a “superlative” collection of Disney pins created especially for this event. Students will also enjoy games and activities, plenty of pin trading opportunities and “A Live Auction” presented by the drama club. Don’t forget to bring your No. 2 pins as Trading Class 101 begins at 9:30 sharp!
CLASS REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 7, 2008 (2:00 p.m. Eastern)
Event admission is $115.00 per Guest
**See below for special early booking discount**
(Theme Park admission to Epcot® is not included in the price of
event admission, but is required for attendance)EVENT ADMISSION INCLUDES:
- Opportunity to pre-purchase limited edition pins designed especially for this event.
- “Purchase with Purchase” pin promotion for event Guests only featuring exclusive pins.
- Trading activities and games at World ShowPlace located at Epcot®.
- Limited edition commemorative gifts.
- Live and silent auctions of pre-production pins, artist proof pins and more.
- “First Trading Opportunity” to collect brand new Hidden Mickey pins.
- Opportunity to meet Disney Pin Partners from The Walt Disney Company.
- Two (2) $15 Gift Cards redeemable at Epcot® Food and Beverage locations.
- Plus extra special surprises throughout the event.
EARLY REGISTRATION PIN:
Guests that register for this event by June 7, 2008 will received one (1) limited edition early registration pin. The edition size of this pin will be determined once early registration has been completed on June 7, 2008.EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT:
Guests that register for this event by July 7, 2008 will receive an early booking discount. The early booking admission for this event will be $100.00 per Guest. After July 7, 2008, the event admission will be $115.00 per Guest. Theme Park admission to Epcot® is not included in the price of event admission, but is required for attendance.————————————————–
SPECIALLY DESIGNED DISNEY PINS:
Four specially designed limited edition pin collections have been created for Disney’s Pin Celebration 2008.
- “Most Likely To…” - Pin Trading University is home to a diverse group of students, each with their own talents and interests.
- Clubs - Students attending Pin Trading University find time to involve themselves in social clubs of varying interests.
- Role Call - PTU’s student body ranges from mice to monsters, princesses to aliens. It is through this diversity that Pin Trading University achieves its success.
- Class Schedule - Pin Trading University’s curriculum stands among the best in the world of academics.
To see all of the pins being released at the event, go HERE.
Topics: General Resort News |
High Definition Video of Toy Story Midway Mania Now Available
May 5, 2008
If you enjoyed the youtube video of Toy Story Midway Mania we debuted on WDW News Today (and every other website immediately clamored for), you may want to check out the High Definition version available through Itunes and our podcast download directory as Videocast Episode #11. This version of the video truly shows off the beauty of the Pixar Place area and allows you to see more of the small details of the actual attraction and its queue.
To subscribe to the WDW News Today podcast on iTunes, go to this link. If you do not have Itunes, visit our Podcast Download Directory to download or listen to all of our shows.
Episode 41 of the WDW News Today Podcast is also available in the same place. Here is this week’s show description:
Join Tom Corless and a cast including Jason Diffendal, Justin Heyman, and Jose Eber for a show that Bridges the Gaps Between You and the World. Sit back, relax, and enjoy all of the Walt Disney World information and fun we have to offer on this spring-action edition of WDWNT.
To kick off episode 41, Jason Diffendal, Justin Heyman, and Jose Eber join me in discussing the Walt Disney World News and Rumors. This week, we discuss two interesting incidents occurring at Walt Disney World recently, as well as a complete spoiler report and review of the new Toy Story Mania attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Our Walt Disney World history segment, Back To The Future, returns this week, as we talk about the history of Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress and the carousel theater of The Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland. Join us as we jump into the classic show to see its progression from the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair, to Disneyland, to its latest location inside Walt Disney World. We’ll also talk about what we hope and expect for the ground-breaking attraction in the future.
In case you missed it, here is the youtube video of Toy Story Mania provided by staff member Jose Eber:
Topics: General Resort News |
Hidden Mickey, Exposed Wallets
May 4, 2008
In what has to be one of the most controversial decisions made in Disney merchandising, they will now actually be selling Hidden Mickey pins to the public. For those of you who are not aware, Hidden Mickey pins (formerly known as Cast Lanyard Pins) were only available by trade from a WDW Cast Member off of their lanyard, until now. These pins, which have been appearing in some form for over seven years, are now being exploited for cash. Here is the official Disney information release:
Starting May 4, 2008, Guests will have two ways to start or complete their Hidden Mickey pin collections:
- TRADING with Disney Cast Members and Guests or
- PURCHASING a new Hidden Mickey Mystery Pouch
At participating locations, select Hidden Mickey pins will be released in colorful mystery pouches for $10.00 each (plus tax)*. Each pouch will contain two (2) randomly assorted pins from a particular Hidden Mickey pin series.
- Magic Kingdom® Park - Hidden Mickey Mystery Pouch - Rubber Ducks
- Epcot® - Hidden Mickey Mystery Pouch - Disney Villains
- Disney’s Hollywood StudiosTM - Hidden Mickey Mystery Pouch - Muppets Characters
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park - Hidden Mickey Mystery Pouch - Disney Bears
- Downtown Disney® Marketplace - Hidden Mickey Mystery Pouch - Disney Princesses
As many of you know, we usually do not take a negative stance towards anything done by the Walt Disney Company, but this is one of those cases where we feel Disney needs to hear our opinions. While pin trading has always been an expensive hobby, why would you hurt the one part of the pin trading experience that was not available on a rack for sale? Hopefully this is only a temporary promotion and Hidden Mickey pins will return to being exclusive to trading, not to selling.
Topics: General Resort News |
Exclusive: Toy Story Midway Mania Ride Video!
May 2, 2008
Jose Eber was able to grab an on-ride video (Warning: its a little bit shaky, as is expected with a ride of this nature containg spinning vehicles and 3-D effects) just before Toy Story Mania closed down for the day. Included is video of the queue, handicapped load area, and a special surprise at the end. A special thanks to the cast who allowed this to be filmed. Enjoy!!!
Topics: Disney's Hollywood Studios |
Jose Eber’s Toy Story Mania Update
May 2, 2008
Jose Eber presents us with what he could of the Toy Story Mania previews today, showing us the Pixar Place area in its current state and the entrance to the attraction. Stay tuned as we try to gain further coverage throughout the day.
Topics: Disney's Hollywood Studios |
‘Mania’ At The Studios
May 2, 2008
Cast Member previews of the new Toy Story Mania attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has officially begun. Here are some pictures:
The Pixar Studios entrance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It is very close in style and look to the real-life Pixar studios in California, right down to the brick color.
The green army men are hoisting up a huge Scrabble board near the entrance to Toy Story Mania. Can you see the two messages made out by the tiles?
By looking at the entrance, there are a few interesting stories unfolding. First, notice that the name of the ride is indeed “Toy Story Midway Mania”, the original suggested title. From what I have been told, the reason for the public reference to the name Toy Story Mania is that Disney management felt many guests would not understand what the word Midway means. Strange, isn’t it? On another note, you may notice that single riders and Fastpass guests enter the same queue at the entrance.
Topics: Disney's Hollywood Studios |
Break The Walls Down!!!
May 2, 2008
Walt Disney World Cast Member Previews of Toy Story Mania at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are now scheduled to begin at 11:00am EST today. The walls around Pixar Place have come down and now standing in place is a wall of planters. Also notice that the covering on the Pixar letters has been removed. Jose Eber is live on the scene at the studios for WDWNT and will be providing us with coverage throughout the day, so stay tuned!!!
Topics: Disney's Hollywood Studios |
5/1/08 Jose Eber Update
May 2, 2008
Jose Eber takes us on a trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to look at the new animation archway sign, Pixar Place construction, and new walls on the back-side of the former ABC Theater.
Topics: Disney's Hollywood Studios, Site News |
Toy Story Mania Pictures
May 1, 2008
To see pictures of the Pixar Place area and the queue and loaing area for the new Toy Story Mania attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, head over to the great photo update at Orlando United by clicking HERE.
Topics: Disney's Hollywood Studios |
Give Me A Sign!!!
May 1, 2008
The Disney’s Hollywood Studios logo has finally been installed on the archway leading into the Animation Courtyard.
I’m not a bit surprised that they would wait until they are just two weeks away from the big Toy Story Mania press event on May 14 to make the park neat and pretty. Thanks to Jose Eber for the picture, I think it looks fantastic!!!
PS: Happy 19th Anniversary to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which opened on May 1, 1989 as the Disney-MGM Studios.
Topics: Disney's Hollywood Studios |
Toy Story Mania Previews Back On
April 30, 2008
Toy Story Mania cast member previews are back on track and here is the schedule:
May 2, 2008 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm
May 3 and 4, 2008 from 10:00am to 4:00pm
These previews are open to all Florida resort cast members and Imagineers.
Topics: Disney's Hollywood Studios |