Chris Lastrapes’ 12/14/09 D Street Preview Report

WDWNT Author on December 15, 2009

Chris Lastrapes of the WDW News Today Podcast is still visiting the west coast and made another trip to the Disneyland Resort earlier today. Chris took a few photos of the D Street store at Downtown Disney that is scheduled to open tomorrow:

Signage is up on the exterior. You can see many Vinylmation banners up in the store’s atrium

At look at the store’s sizable Vinylmation selection

Another Vinylmation display

Looks like Vinylmation plush will still be available

More of the store

Stay tuned for more photos from the opening of the store tomorrow!

D-Street Coming Soon to Downtown Disney

WDWNT Author on November 13, 2009

In an odd turn of events, a new store will be opening in Downtown Disney in the former home of Illuminations, called D-Street. This store’s idea stems from Disney Vault 28 and Tren-D at Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney, selling trendy merchandise like those two stores, but spreading to men’s apparel as well as Vinylmation.

There’s not yet a scheduled opening date, but we presume it will be sometime in the New Year. Stay tuned to Disneyland News Today for the latest.

Luke Manning’s 8/17/09 Photo Report

WDWNT Author on August 18, 2009

Hey everyone, Luke Manning here. I visited the Disneyland Resort yesterday on what easily was the busiest day I have ever seen at the parks. But anyway, let’s get to my photo report:

The line at the Downtown Disney Monorail station was 3 switch-backs long, which meant a wait of over half an hour. Only Monorail Blue was running

Here you can see work on the permanent home for LittleMissMatched, which will be right next to its current home

All guests, even Annual Passholders, were required to get their hand stamped

Some of the merchandise from the recent SHAG Haunted Mansion 40th anniversary event is still available in the Disneyana Store

Read More about Luke Manning’s 8/17/09 Photo Report

Downtown Disney Vice President “Goes Wild”

WDWNT Author on July 20, 2009

According to Jason Garcia of the Orlando Sentinel:

Walt Disney World has named Kevin Lansberry the new vice president in charge of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a spokeswoman confirmed this afternoon.

Lansberry, who has been with Disney since 1986, was previously vice president of Downtown Disney, transportation, sports and golf. He replaces Val Bunting as the top executive at the Animal Kingdom. Bunting will become general manager of the Port Orleans resort.

Lansberry’s successor at Downtown Disney will be Keith Bradford, who had been vice president of operating participants. Bradford has been with Disney since 1995.

In addition to taking the helm at the Animal Kingdom, Lansberry will continue overseeing transportation at Disney World.

DLR Photo Report – 7/17/09 :: Featuring Video of the Updated Blue Sky Cellar

WDWNT Author on July 18, 2009

I visited the Disneyland Resort yesterday for not only its 54th anniversary, but also for the D23 member only screening of “People and Places: Disneyland USA”. I had an amazing time, and got to see some pretty special stuff. So let’s get right into this photo report:

My first stop was to check out the new exhibits in the Blue Sky Cellar

Concept art for the Pocahontas scene in World of Color

The Lucky Fortune Cookery returns this September, now to the old home of Cocina Cucamonga

Paradise Garden Grill and Boardwalk Pasta and Pizza look to be the replacements for Burger Invasion and Pizza Oom Mow Mow

Read More about DLR Photo Report – 7/17/09 :: Featuring Video of the Updated Blue Sky Cellar

Studio Disney 365 Now Open!

WDWNT Author on June 26, 2009

As scheduled, the newest offering at Downtown Disney, Studio Disney 365, is finally open. With the opening of this location Disney has released the following information:

Disneyland Resort Opens New Immersive Makeover Experience
Exclusively at Downtown Disney District

ANAHEIM, Calif. (June 26, 2009) – A stylish and unique makeover experience premiers at the Disneyland Resort with the debut of Studio Disney 365.  Opening June 26 in the Downtown Disney District, the dazzling new makeover boutique is a one-of-a-kind specialty store offering guests a unique chance to rock out like some of their favorite Disney Channel stars.

From the moment they step into the Studio Disney 365 “sound stage,” guests will see lights, cameras, and a lot of action!  Talent agents and stylists will help these “stars of tomorrow” undergo a complete transformation, getting them camera-ready to walk the carpet and preparing them for their grand entrance onto the set. Studio Disney 365 is the place to be for emerging stars, with so much to do and so much to see!

Studio Disney 365 guests can choose from five different Studio Star makeover packages.  All packages include a talent contract, choice of hair makeover, complete cosmetic makeover, deluxe make-up case, a downloadable photo file, a customized lanyard with photo and a photo shoot.

  • From The Top –Your hair, our unique style, $29.95.
  • Color Cue – Includes a unique twisted pony design and choice of up to four colored streaks, $39.95.
  • That’s A Wrap – Includes five front braids and high pony twists, your choice of faux hair tousled pony and a lace stretch headband, $49.95.
  • Spotlight – Includes two French braids wrapped to each side, your choice of faux hair pony tail and a flower hair accessory, $49.95.
  • Secret Star – Includes a Hannah Montana-inspired wig with sequined headband, rocker light-up headset and a themed face gem, $59.95.
  • Rock Star –Studio Disney 365 also features a special treatment for those upcoming rock stars.  The “Rock Star” look for boys is $18.95 plus tax and includes a slicked-back or spiked hairstyle with colored gel tips, smokey eyes, a downloadable photo file and a customized lanyard with photo.

Wardrobe options befitting a true superstar await guests at Studio Disney 365, where they can take center stage dressed from head to toe in today’s hottest fashions.*

  • Studio Rocker – Includes choice of trend T-shirt, fingerless gloves, tutu and colored ankle tights.
  • Trend Setter – Includes choice of trend T-shirt, sunglasses, scarf and fedora.
  • Scene Stealer – Includes complete Hannah Montana costume, featuring gold lame jacket, tank, black leggings, black and purple tutu and light-up guitar sticks.

Studio Star makeovers are designed for children ages three and older, who must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.  Studio Disney 365 is located in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort.  Operating hours vary.  Advance reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 714/781-STYLE (714/781-7895).

* Wardrobe package price may vary based on style, size and price of apparel and accessories.  Subject to restrictions and change without notice.
www.downtowndisney.com/disneystudio365

Disneyland Resort Roundup

WDWNT Author on June 24, 2009

Here is a quick bit of news to hold you all over while Luke Manning is away on vacation. Justin “The Mayor” Heyman is here to keep you up to date on everything happening around the Disneyland Resort:

  • It would appear the new Dragon isn’t the only thing experiencing some issues. During Monday’s performance the new Fantasmic, the Marc Twain caught fire. Luckily no one was hurt, but Disney had this to say about the accident:

During a showing of Fantasmic last night, exhaust from the Mark Twain caught on fire from a show element in which flames ignite on the Rivers of America. The Disneyland Fire Department noted that such a minor fire typically would extinguish itself, but that they were on scene to assist. There was no damage.

  • In Celebration of the Matterhorn’s 50th anniversary, the OC Register has an interesting article and look inside the mountain here.
  • Finally, though Studio Disney 365 did hold some very limited cast member previews today, it look like the earliest any guest will see it may be this Friday.

As always stay tuned to Disneyland News Today as we will keep you up to date with the latest news and information from around the Disneyland Resort!