The 3 areas visible are marked on the concept art map
With the new Fantasyland expansion at Walt Disney World set to open in 2012, anticipation is running high. Tall construction walls edge one side of Fantasyland adorned with beautiful concept art and descriptions of the wonders that will appear next year. The looming cranes, thrumming motors, and occasional voices of workmen drifting from behind the wall, however, hint at a far more practical process going on just beyond view.
With the help of a bench or decorative wall and the help of a tall friend (shout out to my tall friend Mike), some of that excitement is visible. There are three particular locations where glimpses of what’s going on behind that wall can be had – near Pinochio’s Village Haus, where the Beast’s castle, Be Our Guest restaurant, and Maurice’s cottage are well underway; past Dumbo, where more of the Beauty and the Beast area can be glimpsed; and across from The Adventure of Winnie the Pooh, where both the Little Mermaid show building and entrance to the dwarves’ mine train are visible.
The Beauty and the Beast area is, of course, the most visible and the most recognizably complete. Well aware that the Beast’s castle, perched atop the building that will become the Be Our Guest restaurant, would be clearly visible over the construction walls, Disney made sure that the forced perspective building was complete and painted almost as soon as it was installed. In a way, the structure serves as what Walt would have called a “weenie” – a visual teaser to pique interest and draw people’s attention to the new expansion.
Below that highly visible structure, however, other less visible things are taking shape. The stonework of the mountains around the castle is visible as is the clearly recognizable shape of Maurice’s cottage, which will serve as the location for a Belle meet and greet/show where guests will be transported from Maurice’s cottage to the Beast’s castle in a 40 minute show.
Arches are visible at the lower right of the image
Further along, opposite The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, the basic structure of a building is visible. Based on its location and shape, it seems likely it is a part of the cottage pictured as part of the entrance to the Dwarves’ Mine Train.
And, although individual features are not yet visible, the rockwork for Little Mermaid is taking shape around the ride building.
There is still a massive amount of work to be done, of course, but the overall skeleton of the Fantasyland expansion is quite definitely taking shape. The areas for the rides and their basic structures are well underway, and construction will no doubt accelerate once those basic elements are in place. We’ll be keeping a watch on the progress over the construction walls whenever possible. Magic may be coming in 2012, but right now the excitement is in seeing that magic get underway!
On your mark, get set, go! Disney Consumer Products (DCP) introduces an exciting array of Disney•Pixar Cars 2 merchandise that will recreate the fun of the film. The robust new Cars 2 product assortment will span toys, apparel, home, stationery, food, publishing and more and is now available at all major retailers, at Disney Store locations and at Disneystore.com.
Directed by John Lasseter, Cars 2 debuts in U.S. theaters on June 24th and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ and in IMAX® 3D in select theaters.
See below for images
Highlights from the Cars 2 product assortment include:
Toys:
Mattel introduces more than 150 Cars 2 toys that bring to life the thrilling racing action and spy intrigue featured in the film. Highlights include a collection of more than 70 new collectible die-cast Cars featuring new and favorite characters (SRP $3.99 – $9.99), exhilarating track sets like the Tokyo Spin Out Track Set that features dual launchers for the ultimate race (SRP $29.99) and Secret Agent Finn McMissile loaded with ‘top secret’ spy weapons, projectile missiles, sound effects and transformations (SPR $29.99).
Now fans can build their own Cars 2 scenes with LEGO. The LEGO Group introduces its first full line of Cars toys consisting of 20 versatile and action-packed play sets recreating key scenes from the film — play sets so detailed that some come with as many as 800 pieces! Among the new line is the Cars 2 International Racing Circuit, which enables fans to recreate one of the film’s most exciting scenes featuring Lightning McQueen, Mater, Francesco, and Luigi (SRP $89.99).
Defy gravity and race through the Cars world with the Spin Master Cars 2 collection of over a dozen toys including RC vehicles featuring Zero Gravity technology, such as the Zero Gravity Finn McMissile vehicle. Fans can bring this British spy home for hours of intriguing play as Finn McMissile zips across the floor and even drives up the wall to continue the adventure (SRP $34.99).
Fashion & Home:
For the first time, DCP and Williams-Sonoma are collaborating to create CARS 2 themed cooking accessories. Bake mini cakes of your favorite Cars 2 characters with the Cars 2 Cakelet Pan, which has eight different character molds and features charming details (SRP $39.95). Create edible masterpieces with the Cars 2 Cookie Cutters, the set of four includes Lightening McQueen, Mater, Francesco and Finn McMissile (SRP $19.99) cookie cut outs. Also, for your little chef, the Cars 2 Apron is a must-have. The Apron features Lightning McQueen in colorful embroidery on durable red cotton twill with a double front pocket, perfect for storing spatulas and wrenches (SRP $19.99 -$29.99). The Cars 2 Williams-Sonoma collection is available at Williams Sonoma stores nationwide and online at WilliamsSonoma.com.
From school to bedtime, dress your little one in fun new Cars 2 apparel. Featuring your favorite characters from the original and new ones from the sequel, DCP has a wide variety of apparel options for young boys and girls, including t-shirts, tennis shoes, hats, pajamas and more. Available at Target, JC Penny, Sears, Stride Rite and more.
Food, Health & Beauty:
Lunchtime just got more fun thanks to Nestle Juicy Juice and Perdue®. Disney•Pixar and Nestle Juicy Juice has teamed up to introduce a collectible limited edition Cars 2 Nestle Juicy Juice box line featuring 9 flavors of 100% juice. Each juice box will feature your child’s favorite Cars 2 characters, on-pack games, and an exciting online game site where your child can go to Spy School. These juice boxes are perfect for lunch and convenient for when your family is on the go. Perdue’s new Cars 2 whole grain breaded chicken breast nuggets and sticks are available in fun shapes inspired by Lightning McQueen, Mater and lightning bolts. These new Perdue car shapes provide a delicious taste that even picky eaters will want to eat and nutrition that moms will want to serve.
Kleenex®, Cottenelle® and Huggies® are just a few of the Kimberly-Clark products that feature fun Cars 2 designs. Keeping comfort, softness and cleanliness in mind, Kimberly-Clark Cars 2 items are available at all major retailers. Check out all of the Kimberly-Clark Cars 2 items at www.kimberly-clark.com/cars2.
When it comes to personal care, DCP has your Cars 2 fan covered! Cars-themed Vitamin Gummies are fun, tasty and a great addition to a balanced diet. Uh oh! Racing around the house too fast? Cars Band-Aid® brand bandages are here to help! Playtime Pals Sunscreen By Baby Blanket® UVA/UVB sunscreen protection is designed for babies and children and will protect the whole family from those harsh sun rays this summer! Cars-themed personal care items are available at Toys ‘R’ Us, Babies ‘R’ US, Walmart, Target, grocery and drug stores nationwide.
Disney Store:
Disney Store is the official pit stop for a wide variety of exclusive Cars 2 merchandise. Hot new items include the Cars 2 Die Cast Collection with deluxe 1:43 scale model cars ($6.50 each), in addition to Cars 2 Feature Die Cast Sets ($16.50 to $29.50) which re-create moments from the film, with action-packed light and sound features. Other offerings include the sleek Cars 2 Siddeley Spy Jet Shoot Out Playset ($29.50), complete with Finn McMissile who appears when you press the button that launches him into action for more espionage excitement.
And at newly-designed Disney Store locations across the country, guests can build their own custom CARS-branded Ridemakerz models. These products along with Cars 2 organic tees, backpacks, towels and more, all featuring Lightning McQueen, Mater and the entire Cars 2 crew, are now available at Disney Store locations nationwide and at DisneyStore.com’s Cars 2 Pit Stop. Race into action today at www.disneystore.com/cars/mn/1000012/.
Guests will enjoy wild, hilarious flying lessons beginning July 1 at Goofy’s Sky School, one of several new attractions and restaurants opening in Paradise Pier at Disney California Adventure park. Along with the debut of The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, these new experiences will complete the transformation of Paradise Pier, a section of the park reminiscent of a seaside amusement park of the 1930s.
The fun at Paradise Pier adds to the excitement of Disney Soundsational Summer, June 3 through Sept 5, offering guests even more ways to make special memories at the Disneyland Resort, New dining locations also make their debut July 1, offering a variety of options for lunch, dinner and snacks at Paradise Pier — Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, Paradise Garden Grill and Bayside Brews, a beer and pretzel kiosk. This spring, the popular Corn Dog Castle made its return and Seaside Souvenirs opened as a restyled merchandise location.
During the past two years, Walt Disney Imagineers have added new attractions, enhanced the entertainment offerings and updated the architecture in Paradise Pier, the boardwalk area surrounding Paradise Bay. The water spectacular “World of Color” opened in 2010, along with Silly Symphony Swings, and guests first enjoyed the high-scoring fun of Toy Story Mania! in 2008.
Ariel and Goofy are now part of the cast of Disney characters along Paradise Bay, inviting guests to stay and play all summer long.
Goofy’s Sky School – Joining the fun along Paradise Pier July 1, this coaster attraction invites guests to enroll in Goofy’s Sky School, a hilarious adventure filled with zany dips, twists and family thrills. Inspired by the classic Goofy “How-to” shorts of the 1940s and 1950s as well as the cartoon short, “Goofy’s Glider,” the attraction takes “novice pilots” on a flying lesson through the wild, blue yonder. Zipping over and through the clouds, the flight path rises three stories high with plenty of wacky antics and instruction from Goofy via whimsically animated billboards.
Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta – The sights and sounds of the boardwalk are part of the flavor at this quick-service Italian eatery, which offers something for everyone. The menu includes delicious pasta dishes and salads, and guests will be able to watch their flatbread pizza being pulled piping hot from the ovens. Flatbreads run the gamut from a traditional cheese or pepperoni to a Portobello mushroom and spinach flatbread with pesto, artichokes, mozzarella, ricotta-salata and Pecorino Romano cheese. Pasta fans can dig into classic spaghetti and meatballs, pasta tossed with chicken in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce, or five-cheese ravioli with pesto and toasted pine nuts.
Hearty salads include a chicken Caesar; Mediterranean chef salad with provolone, salami, capocollo, fresh mozzarella, cured ham, roasted peppers, olives and greens in a red wine vinaigrette; and a field greens salad with Craisins® dried cranberries, raisins, caramelized pecans and a basil vinaigrette. Vegetarian options are also available.
Paradise Garden Grill – Guests will find a Mediterranean spin on the food at this location with a variety of skewers and kabobs. Signature items include chicken, beef, vegetable, and tofu skewers served with rice pilaf, cucumber salad and grilled pita bread, with a selection of sauces, including Moroccan chili tomato and tandoori-spiced yogurt. Refreshing Greek salads and a kid’s menu are also available
Bayside Brews – Warm, salted pretzels are an ideal treat to pair with a cold beer, available at this new kiosk beginning July 1 at Paradise Pier in Disney California Adventure park. Bayside Brews will offer beverages and six types of beers on tap, for guests 21 years of age and older. The beers include domestic and specialty brews.
Corn Dog Castle – This boardwalk favorite returns to serve one of California’s favorite beach snacks. The quick-serve eatery offers two choices for corn dog fans, original and hot link. A meatless option is also available, as a delicious, deep-fried cheddar cheese stick.
Seaside Souvenirs – This quaint boardwalk mercantile recalls the nautical-themed curio shops of seaside towns across the land. Formerly known as Souvenir 66, the mementos here are themed to the nearby The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure attraction, and it also carries general merchandise and sundries.
Fun Facts About Goofy’s Sky School:
The attraction is inspired by the classic Goofy “how-to” short films of the 1940s and 1950s as well as the cartoon short, “Goofy’s Glider.”
The flight instructor’s motto is on the entrance sign: “Fly the Goofy Way.”
The attraction tells the story of Goofy’s decision to launch a flight academy following a failed attempt as an egg farmer on his California farmland.
Residents of the egg farm-turned-flight school still linger on the premises, making this wacky flight school even more thrilling.
Guests will enjoy unexpected turns on this “flight,” which features several “switchback” sections over 1,200 feet of track.
Attraction vehicles will hold four guests per car.
Guests must be 42 inches tall to ride, and FastPass is available for Goofy’s Sky School.
Greetings Disney fans!
Here’s the latest news from the crew of Sorcerer Radio!
Sorcerer Radio 10th Anniversary 2011 Trip Meets JULY 31-AUG 6 and Oct 15-23
It’s that time. If you are attending the Trip Meet #1, if you haven’t made your ADRs now is the time. Don’t forget Disney just extended new dinning plan savings. For those of you planning on or interested in attending Trip Meet #2 ADRs it’s time to be booking your ADRs as well. If you have not booked for either Trip Meet yet or your 2011 Disney Trip, check out the great offers and booking services provided by Magical Journeys Travel, Sorcerer Radio’s Official Disney Travel Agency HERE.
Sorcerer Radio Proudly Welcomes and Announces Our TWO New Shows/Podcasts “The Lost Boys List Podcast” is the NEW Sorcerer Radio Network PODCAST hosted by brothers Kyle and Craig DeFrancesco. Every week they discuss ther TOP 5 with guest for the Disney Community! Subscribe to “The Lost Boys List Podcast” today on iTunes! Follow then on Twitter @TheLostBoysList and on Facebook!
“Weekend Expedition” is the NEW Sorcerer Radio Network PODCAST hosted by William “Yeti Chaser” Hershey! He’ll get you caught up on all the Sorcerer Radio Network happenings from your favorite SR shows, celebrity interviews, Cooking with Mickey, WDW After Dark, The Lost Boys List Podcast and more! It debuts THIS SUNDAY (June 5th) at 9 a.m./eastern! Coming soon to iTunes!
SorCom Review – Eric’s 1 Year Host Anniversary
5/31- Tune in and join Eric as he celebrates his 1 YEAR anniversary hosting the SorCom Review. As always Eric will be bringing you great music selections, the Hot Forum Topics, and more Tuesday at 8 a.m./eastern.
WDW Backstage – Behind the Cast Member Doors
6/1- This Wednesday Krystal and her special guest will take you behind the scenes and give you exclusive insider information at being a cast member of the Disney company, with only the best Disney music, information and travel books, cast news, travel tips, Magical moments Wednesday at 8 a.m./eastern.
DW:60 – Presents Interview with Francia Raisa and Ken Baumann
6/2-Tune in as Jeff Davis brings you the latest and greatest Disney news and music. Featured this week is William “YetiChaser” Hersey’s Q&A interview with “The Secret Life of the American Teenager’s” Francia Raisa and Ken Baumann for ABC Family! Tune in Thursdays at 8 a.m./eastern!
Castaway Midday – NEW Travel Deals!
6/2-Join Kristen and Natalie as they talk about the NEW Magical Journeys travel deals! Get the best Disney travel information right Thursday at 1 p.m./eastern.
WDW Tiki Room – Continuing Star Wars Weekends Coverage
6/3- Enjoy the continuing Star Wars Weekends coverage with Kristen and Aljon. This week they bringing you audio clips from C-3PO himself, Anthony Daniels. Tune in Fridays at 8 a.m./eastern!
A Special Thanks!: All On-air coverage of Star Wars Weekends made in partnership with CookingwithMickey.info, JediMousekteer.blogspot.com, andHalloweenExpress.com – be anything you want to be!
Sorcerer Radio On-location!
July 31-August 6 – Sorcerer Radio 10th Anniversary Trip Meet #1 at Walt Disney World!
August 19-21 – Live at D23 Expo, Anaheim California with special guests!
October 15-23 – Sorcerer Radio 10th Anniversary Trip Meet #2 at Walt Disney World!
Thanks for listening and your continued support!
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If you are looking to virtually relive your recent Disney trip or dream of your next one, then Sorcerer Radio is the place for you. Sorcerer Radio is a fan-run, award-winning internet radio station that has been entertaining Disney fans for a decade! With many weeks worth of Walt Disney World park music and attraction audio, as well as Disneyland and Disney Cruise Line you can easily be transported to your favorite vacation destination anytime, while at home or at work. Sorcerer Radio stands out from the pack in our innovative programming and personalities, providing fans with DJ hosted shows every weekday morning providing a balance of Disney discussion and music.
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On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world’s biggest Muppet fan, and his friends Gary (Jason Segel) and Mary (Amy Adams) from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theater and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets’ former stomping grounds.
To stage The Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever and raise the $10 million needed to save the theater, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways: Fozzie now performs with a Reno casino tribute band called the Moopets, Miss Piggy is a plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris, Animal is in a Santa Barbara clinic for anger management, and Gonzo is a high-powered plumbing magnate.
With secret, signature, celebrity cameos, “The Muppets” hits the big screen Nov. 23, 2011.