Block Party Bash Coverage

WDWNT Author on March 9, 2008

For complete coverage of the first public showing of the new Block Party Bash parade/show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, head on over to Epcot Servo’s coverage HERE. The parade runs the opposite route of the now defunct Stars and Motorcars Parade, as it starts on Hollywood Blvd. and makes its way to the Star Tours area, making two lengthy stops along the way. We will have our review and explanation of the parade in the news and rumors section of episode 34 of the WDW News Today podcast.

Change of Plans and Parades

WDWNT Author on March 5, 2008

It appears that the final performance of the Stars and Motorcars Parade at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be Saturday March 8, 2008, not March 9th as originally reported. The reason for the change seems to be that the new Block Party Bash parade is ready ahead of schedule and will make it’s first “soft” performance at 3pm on Sunday March 9, 2008. WDW News Today will have coverage of both of these parades throughout the weekend into Monday, be sure to stay tuned for more details on these two major events.

Weekend Update

WDWNT Author on March 2, 2008

Here are some Disney news updates to brighten your weekend:

-A correction on news we reported yesterday: the tarps surrounding the Animation Courtyard archway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios have indeed been removed, but a temporary sign saying ESPN the Weekend has been put over where the new park logo will be placed.

-At 9am on April 22, 2008, there will be a re-dedication of Disney’s Animal Kingdom for it’s tenth anniversary celebration. Of course, the same group that brought you Epcot’s famous Celebration 25 in October will be putting on “A Wild Decade”, a commemorative event featuring one of a kind fan opportunities at celebrating this special occasion. For more information on this event, head on over to WDWCelebrations today.

-I made my way over to a meet for the Central Jersey Disney Pin Traders today and have to say I had a great time trading and talking with all of the attendees. Our co-host of the upcoming Disney Pincast, John Rick, is the founder of the group and once again put on a great Disney pin trading meet. Next month, the CJDPT will be hosting its huge “Trade till’ You Fade” event from April 11-13. For more information on this upcoming opportunity to trade with hundreds of Disney pin traders and take part in numerous Disney activities at this event, head on over to www.cjdpt.com. A special note, I will be attending this event along with staff members Jason Diffendal and John Rick and we will be recording a special edition of the Disney Pincast.

We’re Back With News

WDWNT Author on February 16, 2008

Here is what we missed during our short downtime:

-Splash Mountain is once again operating at the Magic Kingdom. The ride was not suppose to re-open until February 18th.

-The Earful Tower at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is recieving its new logo:

Hi Definition Video (720p):  Click Here

-The Pirate and Princess Parties at the Magic Kingdom may be recieving a new name in the near future, Mickey’s Pirate and Princess Party.

After a short period of closure this week, Spaceship Earth at Epcot has re-opened with an enhanced descent portion.

-The descent now features some triangle panels that light up above you (again matching the panels on the outside of SSE).

-A new video has replaced the stars and trivia segment while you wait for your future to be created on the touch screen.

-The interactive map has returned, and now adds your ride photo to the giant globe in the Project Tomorrow post show area.

-There are some new kiosks near the globe that are not yet operational, but once they are, you will be able to email photos and even the “your future” video from the attraction to anyone.

We will obtain some pictures of these updates as soon as we can, but as you know, we are having our own refurbishment problems.

News & Notes From Mickey Monitor

WDWNT Author on February 10, 2008

Here are some notable news bites from the annual passholder publication, The Mickey Monitor:

-In Toy Story Mania at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, vehicles will make full stops at various booths, giving guests a little more time to experience each of the attractions various shooting games.

-As stated a few months ago, some of the Toy Story Mania attraction’s show scenes will feature special effects that are activated as you hit various targets, such as blasts of air and water.

-Dates for Annual Passholder previews of Toy Story Mania should be announced soon. Stay tuned to WDW News Today for more information.

-Annual Passholders can purchase discount tickets and get VIP fireworks seating during some upcoming Pirate and Princess Parties at the Magic Kingdom by going to disneyworld.com/passholder

-Using four vouchers in the Mickey Monitor, passholders can pick up a set of four special lithographs made just for them at all four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks.

Jose Eber Update 2/6/08

WDWNT Author on February 6, 2008

Staff member Jose Eber has provided us with some live updates from the Walt Disney World Resort:

-Monorail Black returned from its refurbishment today. The monorail now has the four central handrails much like the other ten monorails which have already received the renovations. Monorail Red headed in for refurbishment today and is the last to recieve the modifications.

-The Earful Tower at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has received a glossy black finish on its ears and should receive its finishing touches any day now. The Animation Archway at the studios should receive new signage around the same time.

-The new marble tile at the Grand Floridian should be installed in the next 1-2 weeks.

-In what has become a frequent occurence, Space Mountain broke down and went out of commission at about 11:45 today. One wonders how much longer the big refurbishment for the Magic Kingdom attraction can be put off.

Stars and Motorcars Changes

WDWNT Author on February 6, 2008

In order to accommodate work on the upcoming Block Party Bash parade at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, some changes have been made to the Stars and Motorcars Parade route. Staff member Sparky LD is reporting:

As of February 1, the Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade now starts at the gate near Sid Cahuenga’s One of a Kind shop near the front of the park. It then progresses down Hollywood Boulevard and turns left in front of the Sorcerer’s Hat, following the regular parade route. It passes in front of Star Tours and continues down the hill past Tatooine Traders. It then turns left and exits the park at the gate near MuppetVision 3D.

Movies and a Makeover

WDWNT Author on February 4, 2008

Our friend Jim Hill over at JimHillMedia.com is reportingtoday that a new revamped concept of The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique currently operating at both the Magic Kingdom and Downtown Disney will be making its way over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the near future. The new version of the boutique will still offer makeovers to both little girls and boys, however, these makeovers will be themed to the Disney Channel favorites High School Musical and Hannah Montana. You can read Jim’s entire report on this developement at this link.

Toy Story Mania Update

WDWNT Author on February 3, 2008

News has been slow about the upcoming Toy Story Mania attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but here are some small bits of information we have been able to pick up on:

-The new Pixar Place area is expected to be open sometime between March 20 and April 1, 2008.

-Soft Openings for Toy Story Mania are expected to begin between April 15 and May 1, 2008.

-The official opening of the attraction should be during the second week of June at both Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World and Disney’s California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort.

We will try to provide more on the attraction as we get closer to opening day. None of the notes above have been officially confirmed, but are highly likely.