The Block Party Is Over, So What’s “UP”?

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Disney/Pixar fans, we’ve got some great news to share today. The entertainment team at Walt Disney World Resort is in the midst of developing a new parade for Disney’s Hollywood Studios featuring some favorite Pixar pals. While details are still being worked out, we do know that four Pixar characters not currently seen at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Remy and Emile from “Ratatouille” and Carl and Russell from Disney/Pixar’s “Up” – will be added to the lineup.

For those who want to be sure to celebrate the last dance with their favorites from Block Party Bash, make sure to mark January 1 for the final performance. The new show is scheduled to open January 16. Keep your eye on the blog for more future parade updates.

While this announcement says “new parade”, I wouldn’t necessarily buy it. It sounds like it may be a few new floats mixed in with the existing Block Party Bash floats in a more traditional performance without show-stops. A new soundtrack and name are sure to be a part of it. Stay tuned to WDW News Today as more information on this breaking story becomes available.

Chuck Canzoneri’s “Up All Night” Photo Report

Our very own Chuck Canzoneri attended the first official D23 member event, “Up All Night”, last night at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. He brings us plenty of photos and a couple of videos from the event:

The digital marquee

Yesterday was also the premiere of a new stage show, “Lighten Up”

A video of the marque

The crowds were thick on both ends of the ticket booth

Read More about Chuck Canzoneri’s “Up All Night” Photo Report

Things Are Looking “UP” This Weekend

In keeping with tradition here at WDW News Today, I have collected a number of videos from across the web to promote Disney-Pixar’s tenth feature length animated film, “UP”, in theaters tomorrow, May 29th. The movie has already had stellar reviews, probably not a surprise to anyone who has seen the last nine Disney and Pixar co-branded films. Without any further delay, here are the videos (all of which are available in stunning High Definition by clicking the HD button at the bottom of each window):

The official trailer:

The teaser trailer (Carl Goes Up):

Upisode: First Aid

Upisode: Animal Calling

Upisode: Snipe Trap

Preview: Meet Kevin

Up at the Cannes Film Festival

WDWNT Podcast Episode 94 Now Available for Download

Join me, Tom Corless, and a cast including Scott Smith, Chris Lastrapes, Kyle Duffield, John Rick, and Lee Arenberg for a variety show that celebrates the Walt Disney World Resort and its many fans. So what are you waiting for? Let’s celebrate another week of Walt Disney World information and fun on the WDW News Today Podcast!!!

To kick off episode 94, we have your Walt Disney World Resort News and Rumor Report. In this latest report, we will be discussing an exclusive D23 member event coming to the Walt Disney World Resort later this month, what’s “Up” at the Magic of Disney Animation in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and how you can now get your share of Disney theme park merchandise at the click of your mouse.

Following that, we have a huge interview conducted by myself and my fellow Disney Pincast co-host John Rick, with a huge star from the Pirates of the Caribbean film series, Lee Arenberg. The interview is a bit lengthy, but I have a feeling you’ll enjoy the insights into just what it’s like to be an actor in a major film series, as well as being a part of a Disney theme park attraction.

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.

This episode is also available in an enhanced version. An enhanced podcast is a podcast with added features that standard podcasts don’t have. Enhanced podcasts include many features like Chapter listings, this lets you skip through chapters or see what is in store for this weeks show. Enhanced podcasts also have images to let you differ the chapters by. Enhanced podcasts have one negative feature, you can not play them on all mp3 players. The file format for this is a .m4a which can play on Apple’s iPod and Microsoft’s Zune. You will also need iTunes or Windows Media Player to be able to skip through chapters. If you need or would like the standard edition, download the normal edition listed below this file both on Itunes and in our podcast directory.

Special D23 Members-Only Screening of Disney·Pixar’s Up

D23 members can be the first to see the new Disney·Pixar movie “Up” at a special screening at the El Capitan Theatre on Thursday May 28th, 2009 at 12:01am, a day before the domestic release of the movie.

I’m sure our very own Myrna Litt will be attending this showing, so stay tuned for coverage.