Loading ...
Loading ...WDWNTube Upgrades Videos to Full High Definition
February 23, 2010 at 7:18 pm EST
The WDWNTube video site recently added the capability to post videos in full High Definition (1080p resolution), so we thought we would share a few of the updated videos here and show you just how awesome these videos now look (trust me, you’ll agree if you watch some of them):
Disney’s Electrical Parade (2009) at Disney’s California Adventure
Disneyland’s Fantasmic! (2009)
Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade version 3 (January 2010)
Fantasy in the Sky fireworks (New Year’s Eve 2009)
Topics: Website News |
The NEW DLNT Podcast Episode 7 (2/22/10) – Enhanced Edition
February 23, 2010 at 6:31 pm EST
An enhanced podcast is a podcast with added features that standard podcasts do not have. Enhanced podcasts include advancements such as Chapter listings, this allows you to skip through segments or see all of the contents of this show. Enhanced podcasts also contain images allowing you to differ the chapters by or actually see a picture of what the podcaster is talking about. Enhanced podcasts have only one negative feature, you can not play them on most basic mp3 players. The file format for an Enhanced Podcast file is .m4a, which can play on an Apple iPod or a Microsoft Zune. If you need or would like a standard show, download the normal edition listed below this file. We hope you enjoy this WDWNT Network Enhanced podcast.
Join me, Sean Dickey, and a cast including Brian Martsolf, Jamie Nakagiri, Stephen Katherman, and Homan Hashemzadeh
for a variety show dedicated to the Disneyland Resort and its many fans. Plenty of Disneyland information and fun awaits you on this edition of the Disneyland News Today Podcast!!!
On this week’s show, we’ll have the return of the weekly Disneyland Resort News & Rumor Report, the premier of Disneyland Graveyard, this weeks Disneyland Events Calendar, and much more.
If you would like to contact us with any questions, suggestions, comments, or concerns you can email us atwdwnewstoday@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail message at (206)-666-2982.
Discuss this show, see our show notes, and vote for the segments you want to hear every week by going over to the WDWNT Network Community Forums at www.wdwnewstoday.com/forums.
Please visit the official “WDWNT: The Weekend” website and sign up for the WDWNT: The Weekend event newsletter at WDWNTtheWeekend.com. Be sure to visit often as event details are updated quite regularly.
Be sure to visit the entire WDWNT Network of Disney inspired websites and podcasts by visiting WDWNT.com, where “Anything is Possible!”
Enhanced Podcast [56:18m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Topics: Podcast |
The NEW DLNT Podcast Episode 7 (2/22/10) – Normal Edition
February 23, 2010 at 6:30 pm EST
Join me, Sean Dickey, and a cast including Brian Martsolf, Jamie Nakagiri, Stephen Katherman, and Homan Hashemzadeh for a variety show dedicated to the Disneyland Resort and its many fans. Plenty of Disneyland information and fun awaits you on this edition of the Disneyland News Today Podcast!!!
On this week’s show, we’ll have the return of the weekly Disneyland Resort News & Rumor Report, the premier of Disneyland Graveyard, this weeks Disneyland Events Calendar, and much more.
If you would like to contact us with any questions, suggestions, comments, or concerns you can email us atwdwnewstoday@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail message at (206)-666-2982.
Discuss this show, see our show notes, and vote for the segments you want to hear every week by going over to the WDWNT Network Community Forums at www.wdwnewstoday.com/forums.
Please visit the official “WDWNT: The Weekend” website and sign up for the WDWNT: The Weekend event newsletter at WDWNTtheWeekend.com. Be sure to visit often as event details are updated quite regularly.
Be sure to visit the entire WDWNT Network of Disney inspired websites and podcasts by visiting WDWNT.com, where “Anything is Possible!”
Standard Podcast [56:18m]: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download
Topics: Podcast |
Captain Lastrapes’ 2/23/10 Captain EO Tribute Report & Review
February 23, 2010 at 3:48 pm EST
DLNT Reporter Chris Lastrapes headed to Disneyland earlier today to see the return of a former attraction in the “Captain EO Tribute” and took a few photos of the attraction’s debut to share:
The exterior of the theater has been slightly updated
The original poster returns, slightly modified to say “tribute”
New attraction sign
A decent-sized crowd showed up in the afternoon
Illuminated posters in the waiting area
Still sponsored by Kodak
Clips from the original pre-show are shown on the monitors, without narration
The Captain EO logo graces the screen as you enter
A few pieces of merchandise available in the Star Trader
TomorrowLanding also has the merchandise
Chris Lastrapes also wrote a short review of his experience:
Captain EO’s return to Tomorrowland is a glimmer of the original attraction, but holds up to the test of time. Before the film begins, the cast member up front gives a brief spiel on the history of the attraction and its return to Disneyland. The film print itself looks fantastic with the music and sound effects resounding well throughout the Magic Eye Theatre. For anyone who remembers the original run, some of the special effects — like the lasers blasts and smoke — will seem lacking. However, the excitement of the film is not lost without these elements. Guests will experience a few wind gusts and the movement of the audience seats used in Honey, I Shrunk the Audience. Clocking in a nearly 17-minute, the film seems shorter, indicating how engaging it is by itself.
The film itself seems dated, especially compared to recent 3-D attractions. Some of the special effects used — like the claymation, — are almost laughable. Still, it shines through with its unique story and strong influence by George Lucas that draws many parallels to Star Wars. But it is the film’s star that stands out beyond anything else. It is amazing to see Michael Jackson doing what he does best, singing and dancing in the style from an era that was the height of this success. The songs “We Are Here to Change the World” and “Another Part of Me” are vintage Jackson and sound like they belong on Thriller or Off the Wall. And guests in the audience were laughing at the sight of many of the 80’s hairstyles.
I think Captain EO will appeal more to the older crowd who draw on fond memories of this attraction and a Disneyland (or Walt Disney World) of the 80’s amd 90’s. While it may be enjoyable to younger guests, I don’t see many of them clamoring to see it. I saw some kids who thought they were about to see Nemo. But I think this nostalgic feel like the one Main Street USA evokes will keep Captain EO around Tomorrowland longer than many might have anticipated.
Topics: Disneyland |
Captain EO Reopens
February 23, 2010 at 3:43 pm EST
ANAHEIM, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2010) – “Captain EO,” the classic musical spectacular that thrilled Disneyland park guests from 1986-1997, is now open at Disneyland. The attraction’s return to Tomorrowland provides new audiences the opportunity to experience the original 3D production for the very first time, as well as a nostalgic look back for longtime fans wanting to see “The King of Pop” in a rare performance created for the big-screen.
Twenty-three years ago, at the height of his phenomenal entertainment career, Michael Jackson joined forces with Disney, producer George Lucas and director Francis Ford Coppola to create a groundbreaking 17-minute 3D film experience starring Jackson as Captain EO performing two original songs, and featuring Academy Award®-winning actress Anjelica Huston, and a cast of merry, mythical space characters with dual personalities who undergo magical transformations to become Jackson’s electronic band in conquering the forces of darkness.
The colorful Disney-created characters include: Hooter, the little green elephant-like creature who sneezes wild musical notes through his flute-like trunk; Fuzzball, the orange-haired space monkey with butterfly wings; the Geex, a golden-haired, two-faced personality with two left feet, one right foot and two shaggy heads named Idy and Ody; Major Domo, whose mirrored silver costume becomes a complete set of drums, and Minor Domo with his sparkling purple torso that turns into an electronic synthesizer played by Hooter.
For all its technology, “Captain EO” is first and foremost a musical spectacular and a thrilling space-fantasy adventure. The realism of the 3D process will once again make it seem that Jackson dances right out of the screen into the theater. While it’s not possible to replicate some of the special effects elements from the original presentation, it will boast a new 70mm print of the film and sound better than ever thanks to acoustical enhancements made to the theater since the film last played there. The total effect is one of motion, color and high energy filled with Jackson’s musical brilliance and various illusions to create an exciting and realistic journey in space for the audience.
During the journey, Captain EO and his merry crew discover a colorless planet where they are confronted by the Supreme Leader (Huston) and her forces of darkness. Using the power of music, dance and light to fill the planet and the theater with all the shades of the rainbow, the EO crew turns the black and white land into a magical world of color and happiness.
“Captain EO” makes use of more famous-name talents than any other film of its length ever produced. The production called on Hollywood’s finest choreographers, set designers, costume creators and special effects artists – all of them excited by the challenge of shooting this kind of imaginative film in three dimensions.
“Captain EO” is presented multiple times daily at Disneyland.
Topics: Disneyland |
“We Are Here to Sell You Stuff”
February 22, 2010 at 12:33 pm EST
From the Art of Disney website:
Captain EO Merchandise – Available beginning February 23rd!
Disney enthusiasts will be excited to find special Captain EO inspired merchandise created in celebration of the re-opening of the attraction. Merchandise will include, ladies and men’s tees, fleece, military and beanie style hats, posters and souvenir items. In early March, be on the lookout for a specially created Captain EO embroidered nylon jacket. See merchandise and prices listed below.
Captain EO Logo Ladies Tee – $26.95
Captain EO Logo Men’s Tee – $24.95
Captain EO Poster Men’s Tee- $ 26.95
Captain EO Logo Crew Fleece – $42.95
Captain EO Logo Military Cap – $24.95
Captain EO Logo Beanie Hat – $24.95
Poster – $7.95
Captain EO Logo Button – $3.95
Captain EO Embroidered Nylon Jacket – Coming in early to mid-March!
Merchandise will be available at the following Disneyland® park locations and other select locations:
Emporium on Main Street, U.S.A.
Star Trader in Tomorrowland
Tomorrowlanding in Tomorrowland
Merchandise items may vary. Available while supplies last. Separate admission is required to enter Disneyland® park. Please note, the merchandise listed above is available for purchase at Disneyland® park only and will not be available to purchase via Disneyland Merchandise Guest Services. Information subject to change without notice.
Topics: Disneyland, Shopping |
Captain EO Opening Announced
February 19, 2010 at 6:46 pm EST
The return date for Captain EO attraction has been announced which will be on February 23rd .
D23 released a article with some details and a little history about the attraction.
It’s only 17 minutes long, but Captain EO is among the most celebrated, park-exclusive movie musicals of all time. On February 23 at Tomorrowland Theater, Disneyland guests will be able to relive this space-traveling 3D experience all over again… and, in the case of younger guests who missed out on the intergalactic phenomenon, discover 1980s kinetic dance moves for the first time!
This attraction from the past returns to the Tomorrowland 3D theater in which it debuted more than 23 years ago. This time, the sci-fi adventure boasts a new 70mm film print and thanks to the theater’s added state-of-the-art acoustical enhancements — since Captain EO last played in 1997 — guests can expect the film to sound better than ever.
“Guests have been very enthusiastically asking to see Captain EO again,” says Tony Baxter, senior vice president, Walt Disney Imagineering, who helped oversee plans for the film’s return. “So we’re excited to bring back the magic, music and messages of this iconic attraction.”
While some elements of the original presentation aren’t possible to replicate, Tony adds, “We’ve been able to add some new surprises to the show.” A rare mix of colorful, imaginative filmmaking and legendary choreography rocketed Captain EO to become an instant hit upon its near-simultaneous debut at Disneyland Park and Epcot. The attraction first premiered at Epcot, with the Disneyland version opening six days later on September 18, 1986. On top of an all-star cast, the musical teamed executive producer George Lucas together with director Francis Ford Coppola. And this immersive, alien encounter was also a hit internationally, playing at Tokyo Disney Resort and Disneyland Paris. The Southern California run lasted more than a decade and ended in April 1997, when it was replaced by Honey, I Shrunk the Audience.
EO’s story is simple: A ragtag group of friends is on a quest to deliver a gift to the Supreme Leader (Anjelica Huston). The alien comrades, along for the ride, include: Fuzzball, the two-headed Idee and Odee, robotic security guards Major and Minor Domo and a lovable, elephantine purple alien named Hooter. Before they reach the Supreme Leader, Captain EO and his crew are taken hostage. Only by delivering his miraculous gift of song to the evil Supreme Leader can they ultimately win her over, save themselves and quite literally, change the world.
Just as important as the action that unfolds onscreen are Captain EO’s memorable songs. Despite its brevity, the film features two show-stopping numbers that were written expressly for the story and have since become classics: “We Are Here to Change the World” and “Another Part of Me.” Captain EO will once again take a new generation of guests on a dazzling visual and musical journey to the stars. The moon-walking adventure starts in February, so don’t miss out!
It has been reported that a line will form outside the gates for the opening of EO so be ready for insane crowds and long lines.
Topics: Disneyland |
Little Mermaid… Big Details
February 19, 2010 at 6:28 pm EST
The OC Register recently released a video showing some details and concept drawings for the new and upcoming Little Mermaid attraction in California Adventure.
Topics: Disney's California Adventure |
WDWNT Network Announces Major Changes and Additions
February 19, 2010 at 10:24 am EST
The WDWNT Network has always been dedicated to providing its followers with quality information and entertainment. In continuing this tradition, we are happy to announce a few additions and changes to the WDWNT Network that are taking place in the coming days, weeks, and months:
-For the first time ever, an existing podcast is being added to the WDWNT Network family. “Mr. Frank’s Wild Ride” has been a popular podcast & radio show since it was introduced, and now it is being added to the WDWNT Network roster. Frank Rogers hosts the variety show along with co-hosts Heather Nichols and Margaret Fries of the Disney World Moms Panel. “Mr. Frank’s Wild Ride” will soon reside at www.MrFranksWildRide.com, and can also be found on Twitter, Facebook, and its own section on the WDWNT Network Community Forums. The podcast actually began as an online radio show beginning September 2009 and ran through January 2010, switching to a podcast format this month. “Besides how nice the WDWNT Network staff has been to me, this move for Mr. Frank’s Wild Ride offers an enhanced connection to Disney, and great technical support,” said Frank, “We’re excited about the move to the WDWNT Network for the opportunity to offer a wonderful podcast product.”
-Multiple upgrades are on the way to the WDWNTube Disney Parks video site. You have probably already noticed the new layout that we introduced to the site a few weeks ago, but that was only the beginning. We have already begun converting many of our existing videos to full 1080P resolution and all new videos to come will be uploaded at this resolution as well. Followers will also soon be able to watch WDWNTube videos on their smart phones and various other mobile devices. Other enhancements are on the way as well, so stay tuned!
-Since WDWNTunes was launched in June 2009, it has been a tremendous learning experience for the WDWNT Network staff. Not only were we finally able to conduct live interactive programs with our listeners and followers, but we have also been able to provide great original programming and music from the Disney Parks and Resorts all around the world. Beginning Saturday, February 20, WDWNTunes will launch a completely revamped schedule filled with original programming, great Disney Parks music both past and present, and signature WDWNT Network Podcasts. For complete details on the new schedule, be sure to check the newly added WDWNTunes section of the WDWNT Network Community Forums.
-WDWNT: The Weekend is the WDWNT Network’s first ever fan event at the Walt Disney World Resort, taking place August 26th through August 29th, 2010. The event was officially announced June 2009 and registration opened for the event opened January 2010. Today has registration opening for our Live Podcast Recording/Catered Breakfast at the Seas with Nemo and Friends Lounge on August 28th from 10:00AM-12:00PM. This event will be the very first time a WDW News Today Podcast is recorded in front of a live audience, also allowing the audience in attendance to be part of the program. For more information on the entire event, be sure to visit www.WDWNTtheWeekend.com.
If you have any questions about these changes or additions, feel free to leave a post in the WDWNT Network Community Forums or email us at wdwnewstoday@gmail.com. Thank you for your continued support and we hope you enjoy these additions and changes.
Tom Corless
Owner of the WDWNT Network
Topics: Podcast, Website News |
Food and Wine Details Announced
February 18, 2010 at 3:33 pm EST
Details have been announced for the 2010 Food and Wine Festival at Disney’s California Adventure.
- The Hollywood Pictures Backlot comes to life as the new hub of energy and excitement, complete with artists, musicians and an international beer menu at the Brewers Collection. At the new Festival Showplace located in Stage 12, guests will sample from the delicious tapas menu at the Taste of California Marketplace and relax at the new Hollywood & Wine Lounge.
- Among the most popular events at the festival are live culinary demonstrations and autograph sessions with popular celebrity chefs. Along with Guy Fieri and Cat Cora, those scheduled to present include Robert Irvine, Jeffrey Saad and Kerry Simon.
- Hundreds of complimentary experiences and cooking demonstrations will entertain guests during the 46-day festival, many featuring the talents of Disneyland Resort chefs. Guest will also enjoy seminars that feature outstanding wine, spirits and beer.
- At the spectacular ticketed events, food and wine aficionados will collect cooking tips from chefs, mingle with noted winemakers and celebrate the palette of flavors presented by culinary masters.
- Also new this year is a Brewmaster Dinner on May 7. The ingredients for this memorable evening include savory seasonal fare artfully paired with handcrafted Karl Strauss beers.
- Taste Food-Wine-Life: This fun, high-energy evening combines the best elements of the Food & Wine Festival into one grand celebration, May 29. The immersive party has live entertainment, an outstanding selection of wines and colorful décor. Guests will stroll from station to station sampling delectable food dishes created by the chefs of Disneyland Resort.
- Sweet Sundays: The sweetest of all events features a light buffet breakfast and sparkling toast at the new Festival Showplace in Disney’s California Adventure. Guests will see demonstrations and taste signature desserts created by acclaimed pastry chefs, including Richard Ruskell of Montage Beverly Hills.
- Winemaker Dinners: Disneyland Resort chefs partner with premier California winemakers to prepare outstanding culinary delights at exclusive Winemaker Dinners on selected Friday nights. Each festival meal is paired with award-winning vintages and served at Steakhouse 55, inside the Disneyland Hotel.
- Napa Rose Cooking School: Disney Executive Chef Andrew Sutton will once again lead this hands-on course that sells out quickly. Each class will create and enjoy a four-course meal, expertly paired with wines, and each class member will go home with a white chef’s coat embroidered with the festival logo. This rare opportunity takes place in the show kitchen of the renowned Napa Rose restaurant at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Guests must be at least 18 years old.
- Introduction to Wine Tasting: In this entertaining class, Advanced Sommelier Joy Cushing introduces guests to the joys of wine tasting. Guests will learn about wine regions, varietals, growing and harvesting techniques and then test their skills with a blind tasting.
Topics: Disney's California Adventure |