Walt Disney World News for the week of May 10, 2009

May 11th, 2009 @ 3:54 am by Lou Mongello

Magic Kingdom

I had a chance to see the new “Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration” show in Tomorrowland a couple of weeks ago during a soft preview… and I have to say. I loved it!

The all-new show at Magic Kingdom stars Stitch on screen and on stage at the new Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland. Guests join in a Galaxy Day celebration which includes high-energy music, comedy, dancing, and real-time, interactive animation, similar to Turtle Talk with Crush, but plussed even more.

The 25-minute show also features Guest interaction in one-on-one encounters with Stitch, as well as group singing and dancing with other members of the Cast on stage. On screen, an animated “Experiment 626” spots specific guests in the audience, asks questions and interacts with them in lots of fun ways. The show is hosted by Tip Trendo, and includes 60s style diva dancers and two breakdancing robots. “Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration” is scheduled six times daily. For more information about show times or Walt Disney World Resort, guests may visit disneyworld.com.

Ever wanted to pillage and plunder, rifle and loot, just like a real Pirate of the Caribbean? Well now you can, without having to worry about the seasickness, awful conditions, scurvy and whole piracy thing, because starting in late June, The Pirates League will be recruiting new members in Adventureland in the former House of Treasures shop at the exit of the Pirates of the Caribbean attration. Following in the footsteps of the hugely successful Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Downtown Disney and Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom, Disney has created a similar experience for boys (and girls I assume) who have always dreamed of joining Captain Jack Sparrow’s crew. The VERY immersive transformation begins as you receive your Official Pirate Name as recorded from the leather-bound captain’s log. Next, you stop by the Muster Station to leave your old identity behind as the Pirate Masters begin their makeover. You’ll hear tales from pirate lore as they apply yer buccaneer beard, scars, earrings and eye patches. Once you have fully transformed, you enter the Secret Room where your Pirate Portrait is taken and the Pirate Masters reveal their hidden treasure. But that’s just the beginning. With your new pirate identity and map case folder, you embark on a challenge in Adventureland.

The Pirates League offers 3 packages—”The First Mate Package,” “The Empress Package” and “The Captain’s Package”. All packages include a sword and sheath, earring and eye patch, tattoo, exclusive pirate coin necklace, map case folder, and a personalized pirate oath!

The First Mate Package at $49.95 plus tax includes:

* Bandana (reversible)
* Choice of Facial Effect look: Cursed Pirate, Captain Hook or Captain Jack
* Fake Teeth
* One (1) 5×7 picture

Empress Package at $49.95 plus tax includes:

* Bandana (reversible)
* Shimmering Makeup Makeover
* Face Gem
* Nail Polish
* One (1) 5×7 picture

Additional pirate costumes for this package are available for purchase at The Pirates League.

The Captains Package at $124.95 plus tax includes:

* Choice of pirate costume
* Choice of Facial Effect look: Cursed Pirate, Captain Hook or Captain Jack
* Fake Teeth
* Three (3) 5″ x 7″ pictures

Make Your Reservations - For ages 3 and up. Starting May 11, 2009, The Pirates League is accepting reservations when you call (407) WDW-CREW (939-2739). Theme park admission required. Open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.


EPCOT

It’s almost that time of year again, as we start anticipating the 14th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Running for six weeks between September 25 and November 8, it is a time packed with new culinary delights, free entertainment, special events and so much more. Guests can enjoy the flavors of more than 25 international marketplaces dotting the World Showcase promenade. The festival will spotlight tastes from cities on six continents, including Bologna, Italy; Bangkok, Thailand; Wellington, New Zealand; Santiago, Chile; Marrakesh, Morocco; Shanghai, China; and, from the United States – New Orleans. Tapas-sized portions of regional specialties run $2-to-$7 each, and recommended wines and beers make perfect pairings at each kiosk. Will cover Food & Wine before the event begins, and of course will visit the event often during its run to cover it from a number of different angles, with segments for the show and videos as well. Guests can call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) for information and to make reservations for special events and programs. Festival details will be available by late July at www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine, and guests can book special events and programs beginning Aug. 11.


Disney’s Hollywood Studios

RUMOR: Star Tours 2.0 may have been delayed, but the Force may be back and a new version of the attraction may be coming soon. There are reports online and in major news sources such as the LA Times that filming is taking place in West Hollywood California at this time. The Times eve quotes legendary voice actor Frank Oz, who voice Jedi Master Yoda in the films, as saying that the last time he did Yoda’s voice was “…not long ago at all, I was recording dialogue for the new Disney ride.” Rumors abound that the film may be in 3D, and incorporate
prequel characters like Naboo citizens and Geonosians, along with many creatures from the original trilogy. Supposedly, the new story has your Star Tours vehicle being chased by Boba Fett. C3PO and R2-D2 are still around, and we’ll also be able to see Admiral Ackbar through a holographic projection. Again, this is just rumor once again, but with Star Wars Weekends coming up very soon, Star Wars and Disney fans might just have another reason to be excited about their favorite attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Speaking of Star Wars Weekends, The official Star Wars site has unveiled some of this year’s Star Wars Weekends merchandise at http://www.starwars.com/vault/collecting/20090504.html

Also during my trip to the Studios a couple of weeks ago, I saw the characters from Club Penguin in the Studios for a meet and greet near the Backlot Tour. Younger kids seemed very excited to see the characters, and we’ll have to watch and see if they will become more permanent fixtures in the parks.

Speaking of characters in the parks, keep on the lookout for characters from Disney-Pixar ‘s “UP” at the Studios possible as early as ate May. Daily Meet & Greets are reportedly planned to be held in the Magic of Disney Animation post-show area, replacing the current Bolt Meet & Greet location.


Disney’s Animal Kingdom

For Guests interested in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Picnic in the Park, vegetarian dishes have been added to the menu. Portobello Mushroom and Vegetable Wrap has been added as an entree available with Tier 1, and Tandoori Spiced Tofu and Zucchini Squash – a side dish available with either tier.


 

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