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‘Star Tours 2.0′ to Launch at Tokyo Disneyland in 2013

Stitch Kingdom — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:12:45 +0000

Oriental Land Company, owner and operator of Tokyo Disneyland, has announced that it will be following in the footsteps of the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts and will be updating its ‘Star Tours’ attraction in Tomorrowland. With an estimated cost of 7 billion yen (approximately $91 million US), ‘Star Tours: The Adventure Continues’ is expected to open in spring 2013.

From the initial announcement, it does not appear that the attraction will differ from that of the recent makeover at the Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. Just yesterday, the attraction redo was recognized by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) and will receive a Thea Award for its refresh.

‘Star Tours’ opened at the Tokyo Disneyland Resort in July of 1989. It will close April 2, 2012 to receive the upgrade.

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Post tags: Attractions, Star Tours, Star Wars, TDL, Tomorrowland

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Tokyo Disneyland to Open ‘Cinderella’s Fairy Tale Hall’ in April 2011; Encourages Use of Flash Photography

Stitch Kingdom — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 05:56:15 +0000

Tokyo Disneyland® Park announced its new attraction titled Cinderella’s Fairy Tale Hall is scheduled to open on April 15, 2011. This will be a walkthrough-type attraction located inside Cinderella Castle in which guests can wander through gorgeous rooms that bring the world of Disney’s classic animated film Cinderella to life and view paintings, diorama, and other artworks that follow the story of the beloved princess. Cinderella, wanting to share her magical princess story, decided to open up the castle even during her absence and exhibit various artworks that show scenes from her story.

In the lobby and corridor, guests will find eight murals showing how Cinderella changed from beloved daughter, to servant girl and then to Princess. They will also find a diorama of Cinderella being magically transformed into wearing a beautiful ball gown and other works of art made from various materials such as paper, wood and glass. In the Grand Hall, guests will also find a magnificent chandelier, the renowned glass slipper, a throne and special paintings that reveal a magical message when photographed using a flash.

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Post tags: Attractions, Cinderella, Cinderella's Fairy Tale Hall, TDL

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Video: Toy Story Playland Opens at Disneyland Paris Resort

Stitch Kingdom — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:18:51 +0000

Toy Story Playland opened earlier this week at Disneyland Paris and the Resort has just published the following package video covering the grand opening. In addition to the ribbon cutting ceremony, the video includes time-lapse photography of the area’s construction (as well as the construction of Buzz, pictured left) and on-board videos of attractions such as RC Racer and Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJQNDvwpUuM

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Post tags: Attractions, DLP, Toy Story, Toy Story Playland, TS

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Terror at Disney California Adventure as Guest Falls from ‘Tower of Terror’

Stitch Kingdom — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:54:29 +0000

KTLA is reporting that a male guest fell from the Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort last night. According to the article, the incident was reported at approximately 10:30 PM PT and the man was immediately transported to the UCI Medical Center but little else is known at this time including his condition or how (and from where) he fell.

UPDATE: According to KABC-TV, the victim is a 19 year old male who was intoxicated at the time he fell approximately 20-25 feet from a railing in the queue he had climbed over. Allegedly, the victim preceded the non-simulated drop with the line ‘wouldn’t it be funny if I fell?’ Answer: apparently not.

According to the report, he suffered some abrasions but is otherwise okay and has already been released from the hospital.

UPDATE #2: Disneyland has provided us with the following official statement:

“Last night a 20-year-old male guest fell in the queue line at the Tower of Terror attraction at Disney California Adventure. The guest was standing in line with friends on a second-floor platform when he climbed over a barrier to the area below and lost his balance and fell approximately 25 feet. The guest was transported by ambulance to the hospital.”

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Post tags: Accidents, Attractions, Tower of Terror

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D23 to Offer Star Tours ‘Final Flight’ Event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Sept. 7

Stitch Kingdom — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 19:34:59 +0000

Following in the footsteps of the ‘Final Flight’ event at Disneyland, in which D23 members were invited to enter the park after hours to ride Star Tours for the final time before it closes for its refurb and transition into Star Tours 2: The Adventure Begins, D23 has announced a ‘Final Flight’ for Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World on September 7. The attraction is currently scheduled to re-open on May 17, 2011.

Guests will check in at the main entrance to Disney’s Hollywood Studios beginning at 8:30 pm and will receive their commemorative boarding pass for their trip. According to the event’s page, the event will consist of just visiting the attraction.

D23 members may reserve tickets for themselves and one guest. Tickets for the event are required (but theme park admission is not) and are free, but there will be a $5 ticket processing charge. Tickets will become available online on a limited first come, first serve basis beginning August 26 at 1 pm ET. For more information on the event and to reserve tickets when available, click here.

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Post tags: Attractions, D23, Events, Star Tours, Star Wars

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‘Star Tours II’ Previewed by Disney Parks in Queue Video First Look

Stitch Kingdom — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 21:40:46 +0000

On its official blog, Disney Parks and Resorts shared the following video today which was also shared at the Disney Parks panel at the Star Wars Celebration V convention currently taking place in Orlando.

Although Bespin, Endor and Alderaan are mentioned in the promotional film for the Star Tours Travel Company that guests will see while in the queue for the upgraded classic attraction, the official blog makes the disclaimer that the destinations may or may not be featured in Star Tours II. It has long been expected since the initial announcement at the Disney D23 Expo in 2009 that Star Tours II will feature multiple destinations and will be in 3D. Rumors speculate that the destination will be voted on by the attraction’s riders per voyage.

Star Tours will be closing at Disney’s Hollywood Studions on September 8 and a re-opening date for the attraction is currently planned for May 17, 2011 while at Disneyland, which has already closed its clone, is scheduled to re-open on May 10, 2011 (with perhaps some speculation of a planned soft-opening for ‘May the 4th’).

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Post tags: Attractions, Star Tours, Star Tours II

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First Look: The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, Goofy’s Flying School and More

Stitch Kingdom — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 01:27:44 +0000

After a recent update, the Blue Sky Cellar at Disney California Adventure re-opened today and we got a first look before the park opened at some of the new and exciting attractions coming to the Disneyland Resort within the next couple of years and here’s what we have learned of the upcoming additions:

Ariel’s Undersea Adventure – This attraction, which is slated to open in 2011 is also coming to the Magic Kingdom in 2012. Boarding what looks at first to be a clammobile from the Nemo & Friends attraction at Epcot (the vehicles here are simply called clamshells), guests actually enter the doorless vehicles from the sides (as the vehicle will be perpendicular to the guest at loading). A vehicle identified as Triton’s Chariot will be able to directly support a wheelchair. In the loading area will be a mural telling the story of The Little Mermaid and measuring in at an amazing 86 foot length and 12 foot height.

On display is a layout of the attraction at 1:96 scale and maps out all of the defined areas of the attraction. After boarding the vehicle (Scene 1): the guest will travel to see Scuttle and Sebastion (Scene 2); descend (Scene 3) into Ariel’s Grotto (Scene 4) where the guest will encounter an audio animatronic of Ariel holding a chest in her lap and a figure of a dancing couple as she sings ‘Part of Your World.’ According to the plans on display, Ariel will be capable of almost 30 separate functions including full control of her pupils (as well as blinking) and full mouth movement. Guests will then continue on to journey under the sea which includes new effects to enhance the sensation (Scene 5); Travel to Ursula’s Lair (Scene 6); ascend (Scene 7) to the ‘Kiss the Girl’ scene (Scene 8); journey on to Love’s First Kiss (Scene 9); and finally live Happily Ever After (Scene 10) before unloading (Scene 11).

Interestingly enough, the attraction’s ride system and vehicles are being constructed in Japan.

Goofy’s Sky School – A redo of Mulholland Madness and also expected to open in 2011, Goofy’s Sky School is based on the classic ‘how to’ cartoons featuring every one’s favorite talking dog. Although it looks like the billboards will remain (but re-themed), the facades will all be lowered to ground level, opening the attraction up. Guests will enter the queue through a ‘control tower’ designed to fit in with the early seaside attraction theming of Paradise Pier. The vehicles will also remain the same but will receive a paint and decal makeover as well as a hood ornament of sorts.

Red Car Trolley – Probably one of the more highly anticipated new attractions of the park makeover is the addition of the Red Car vehicle system for moving around the park. At a height

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Post tags: Ariel, Ariel's Undersea Adventure, Attractions, DCA, Goofy's Sky School, The Little Mermaid

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WDW Refurb Update: Toy Story Mania Date Change, One Man’s Dream to Take a Nap

Stitch Kingdom — Mon, 31 May 2010 19:00:08 +0000

A couple of brief refurbishment updates for Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World.

First, we realize we caused some shockwaves when we first announced way back in March that Toy Story Mania would be closing for a refurb in mid-August. Many confused this with the recent TS3 additions that have already taken place, but the refurb is something completely different (reportedly something to do with unloading gates). And while Disney Parks has yet to confirm it, a recent tweet from DHS cast member @PaulChadkin confirms our announcement with a minor date change. According to Paul, the new dates for the refurb are August 16 through August 28 (opening on the 29th). Given this new announcement from another source we consider to be extremely credible, we will be updating ReSearch with these new dates.

Paul also announces the temporary closure of Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream which is scheduled to close on August 16 as well, but won’t re-open until November 3.

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Be the first to know when changes that potentially affect your trip occur by signing up with ReSearch!

UPDATE: 06/02/10 – Updated with official correct dates as per Disney

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Post tags: Attractions, Closures, DHS, OMD, One Man's Dream, Refurbishments, Refurbs, Rehabs, TSM, TSMM

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Disney Parks Confirms Closure Dates for Star Tours

Stitch Kingdom — Thu, 13 May 2010 18:26:15 +0000

With Star Wars Weekends at Walt Disney World’s Disney’s Hollywood Studios rapidly approaching, Star Wars news on all fronts is pouring in.

In addition to announcing the personal appearance of R2-MK at Star Wars Weekends this year, Disney Parks has also confirmed closure dates for the Star Tours attraction at both the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.

As we already advised back in March, the attraction is scheduled to close on September 8 with an expected re-opening date of May 20, 2011 in Orlando while the Anaheim version will close much earlier than originally anticipated on July 27 with an expected re-opening date of May 10, 2011.

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Post tags: Attractions, DHS, Refurbishments, Refurbs, Rehabs, Star Tours, Star Wars, Star Wars Weekends, SWW, Tomorrowland

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Walt Disney World to Host ‘Last Tour to Endor’ Event for Celebration V Attendees

Stitch Kingdom — Thu, 06 May 2010 14:42:48 +0000

The Walt Disney World Resort and Celebration V (the premiere Star Wars fan event) have announced that in honor of the convention being held in Orlando this year along with the impending makeover of the Star Tours attraction to Star Tours 2 which will take the motion simulator film to a third dimension (and possible ‘multiple destinations’), there will be a special one-night-only event titled ‘Last Tour to Endor’ where Celebration V attendees are being invited to ‘be the first to be the last’ in an exclusive after-hours Star Wars party.

Admission to the party, which is $75 per guest on top of Celebration V credentials, includes: themed party zones, ‘Star Wars shows,’ a ‘Death Star Disco,’ special Star Wars-themed fireworks and more. Round trip transportation from the Orlando Convention Center is included with the ticket.

Those attending Celebration V who wish to attend the event that takes place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on August 14 from 8 pm – 1 am (park admission can be as early as 4 pm) can obtain more information and purchase tickets (available on a limited basis) here.

Please note that for those concerned, we do not have reason to believe that this means the Star Tours attraction will close for its lengthy changeover on or about August 14, only that this date was chosen because it falls within the Celebration V event dates and will no doubt be the last hurrah for many attendees. No official closing date for Star Tours has been announced yet by Disney Parks.

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Post tags: Attractions, Celebration V, DHS, Star Tours, Star Wars

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Photo: Let Her Fly — Hootie’s Darius Rucker with Family at Magic Kingdom

Stitch Kingdom — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:45:30 +0000

Singer/songwriter Darius Rucker (front, left) takes flight April 6, 2010 on the Magic Carpets of Aladdin attraction at the Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. with daughter Dani, 9, (front, center), son Jack, 5, (front, right), daughter Cary, 14, (back, right) and family friend Rachel Herman, 15, (back, left). Rucker, former lead singer of the Grammy Award-winning band Hootie & The Blowfish, won “New Artist of the Year” at the 2009 Country Music Association Awards. Rucker is vacationing with his family at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Gene Duncan, photographer)

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Post tags: Adventureland, Attractions, Celebrities, Darius Rucker, Hootie and the Blowfish, Magic Carpets of Aladdin

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WDW Refurb Update: Star Tours Closure Earlier Than Anticipated, Toy Story Mania

Stitch Kingdom — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:52:14 +0000

We have received a tip on upcoming closures for Star Tours and Toy Story Mania at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. These are not from official Disney sources but we believe they are credible enough to pass along to you. Should we find out alternate information in the future, we will update and post in the Refurbs category not to mention on ReSearch! Disclaimer aside, on with the mega-news.

Our source informs us that Star Tours will close on September 8. This is earlier than announced by former Disney Parks and Resort Chairman Jay Rasulo at last year’s D23 Expo, but not unexpected. It’s also scheduled to take place after Celebration V, which takes place in Orlando this year, ends in mid-August.

The anticipated upgrade for Star Tours (aka Star Tours 2.0) features a 3D film (for which D23 Expo-goers were treated to a sneak peek) and reported ‘multiple destinations’ for the Star Tours Travel Agency. Initial rumors had it closing post-Star Wars Weekends in 2010 and pre-Star Wars Weekends in 2011. Our source gives us a scheduled re-opening date of May 20, 2011, so that’s cutting it pretty close!

Our source also informs us of an earlier and much shorter refurb, also at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, for Toy Story Mania which is scheduled to close on August 15 and re-open on September 5.

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Be the first to know when changes that potentially affect your trip occur by signing up with ReSearch!

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Post tags: Attractions, Closures, DHS, Refurb, Refurbishments, Refurbs, Star Tours, Star Tours 2.0

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Tokyo DisneySea to Receive New Aladdin-Themed Attraction in 2011

Stitch Kingdom — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:21:40 +0000

It was announced yesterday by the Oriental Land Company (OLC) that Tokyo DisneySea will receive a new attraction in 2011 based on Aladdin. Jasmine’s Flying Carpets will allow guests to manueuver their vehicles up and down to a maximum height of approximately 16 feet as well as tilt the vehicle forward and backwards. Located in the Arabian Coast area, next to Sindbad’s Storybook Voyage, each of the 16 vehicles will hold two rows of two guests each.

With a total approximate investment of $22 million dollars, Jasmine’s Flying Carpets is anticipated to open in Summer of 2011. Other attractions anticipated in 2011 at the Resort include Mickey’s Philharmagic and Cinderella’s Fairy Tale Hall, both in Tokyo Disneyland.

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Post tags: Aladdin, Arabian Coast, Attractions, DisneySea, Jasmine, Jasmine's Flying Carpets, OLC, Oriental Land Company, TDL

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We Are Go for Product Launch: ‘Captain EO’ Merchandise to Hit Disneyland Shelves

Stitch Kingdom — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:30:14 +0000

You probably saw this coming a lightyear away, but with the return of Captain EO to Disneyland, there simply must be a way to bring the experience home with you. Enter a full line of limited release EO merchandise featuring the Captain EO logo.

Among the items to be found at the Main Street Emporium, Star Trader and Tomorrowlanding, you’ll find a button ($3.95), poster ($7.95), men’s tee ($26.95), ladies’ tee ($24.95), crew fleece ($42.95), military cap ($24.95) and beanie hat ($24.95).

There will also be an embroidered nylon jacket expected to be released in mid-March.

The merchandise will be available exclusively in person at Disneyland (no mail order) at the locations specified above as well as other select retail locations.

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Post tags: Attractions, Captain EO, Clothing, Collectibles, Merchandise, Tomorrowland

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Set Phasers to Fun: ‘Captain EO’ Returns to Disneyland on February 23

Stitch Kingdom — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:50:38 +0000

Disneyland officially announced today that Captain EO starring the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, will make it’s Disneyland re-debut on February 23.

The resort does note that some of the special effects from the original installation of the film will not be part of the return limited engagement, but that it will use a new print of the film and the sound has been greatly enhanced.

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Post tags: Attractions, Captain EO, HISTA, Michael Jackson, Tomorrowland

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