AMC Theatres® (AMC), a leading theatrical exhibition and entertainment company, today announces that guests will be able to see movies in a new, entirely superior fashion when the AMC Enhanced Theatre Experience (ETXTM) makes its U.S. debut on March 5 at AMC Pleasure Island 24 at Downtown Disney® Area at the Walt Disney World® Resort.

ETX includes a 20-percent larger screen, 3D technology, digital projection and an upgraded sound system. Specifically, the digital projection system produces images comprised of 2 million pixels, which delivers a higher resolution than HD. This eye-popping image is then showcased on a wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling screen that immerses guests in the image.

The ETX auditorium also boasts 12 audio channels fueled by 50,000 watts of power, which is a major upgrade and three times the power of typical auditoriums with six audio channels. As a result of this improved sight and sound experience, guests will not simply watch a movie. They will live it in ETX.

“We are proud to launch our new ETX concept for the first time in the United States at AMC Pleasure Island 24,” said John McDonald, executive vice president, U.S. operations. “We truly believe this premier location at Downtown Disney deserves the absolute best entertainment experience AMC can offer, and ETX is the cornerstone of that experience.”

The high-tech, state-of-the-art ETX auditorium will feature Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures’ “ALICE IN WONDERLAND” in 3D when the movie opens across the United States on March 5.

“With the upgraded screen and sound system, in addition to the premium viewing experience digital cinema offers, we believe our guests at AMC Pleasure Island 24 will walk away with a new perception of how movies should be delivered,” said McDonald.

Movies shown in the ETX auditorium will cost $2 more, while 3D titles such as “ALICE IN WONDERLAND” will cost $4 more to see it in ETX. For more information about ETX and amenities at AMC Pleasure Island 24, please visit www.AMCEntertainment.com.

Disney Vault 28 and D Street located in the Downtown Disney district of the Disneyland Resort will jointly be holding an Alice in Wonderland merchandise event on Saturday, March 6.

Events taking place that day include:

• Alice in Wonderland inspired offerings will include the following:
• Tarina Tarantino Trunk Show with Sales Manager, Jennifer Goldstein from 2 pm – 6 pm (Disney Vault 28)
• Mini Makeovers by Sephora from 2 pm – 6 pm (between Disney Vault 28 and D Street)
• Alice in Wonderland Merchandise all day (Disney Vault 28 & D Street)

In addition, Fossil will offer 10% off store items (excluding sale items and battery repairs) with a Downtown Disney AMC 12 Theatres movie ticket stub for Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland on March 6th. Note The ticket stub will be honored all day on March 6th.

In other news, Disney Vault 28 has announced that it will begin selling Dooney & Bourke Disney licensed accessories beginning this week.

Walt Disney World has officially announced that the Downtown Disney area in Walt Disney World will soon be receiving a couple of shops that have already recently made the Disneyland Resort their home.

Vinylmation will find its east coast home in D Street, an urban art-inspired shop that has already proven itself successful since opening in Anaheim just a few months ago.

DTD will also receive a RIDEMAKERZ, a place for guests to custom design and build their own radio controlled vehicles.

The marina at the Marketplace District in Downtown Disney is currently closed and is expected to re-open sometime in mid-March on an unspecified date.

The Baby Care Center in Magic Kingdom is currently scheduled to be closed from May 14 through May 21.

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!

The Build-A-Bear Workshop located at Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort will soon offer an in-store exclusive Downtown Disney Bear.

To celebrate, Build-A-Bear Stuff for $tuff members (membership is free when purchasing BABW items and accessories) are invited for a special sneak peek and pre-sale opportunity of these unique Disney-themed bears on March 5 between 5 and 7 pm.

On top of that, the first 250 guests to purchase one of the new Downtown Disney Bears at the event will also receive a free Downtown Disney tee for their new friend.

To reserve your space for the event, call BABW customer services at 877-789-2327.

[via BearvilleInsider.com]

Pollo Campero, an international Latin chicken quick-service restaurant chain, has partnered with franchisee Levy Campero to deliver a new restaurant concept in Downtown Disney® Marketplace at Walt Disney World® Resort. The restaurant will feature Pollo Campero’s signature Latin chicken, as well as a new restaurant concept featuring fresh, healthy food.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Pollo Campero to introduce its famous chicken, along with our newest fresh restaurant concept of salads and wraps, to visitors from all over the world,” said Adam Cummis, president of Levy Campero. “We are thrilled to collaborate with one of the strongest brands in the world to showcase our Latin delicacies and look forward to a long working relationship.”

Walt Disney World guests will be able to savor combinations of freshly prepared Campero Latin chicken, unique, flavorful side dishes such as yuca fries and sweet plantains, and Latin drinks including horchata and tamarindo. The menu also will include nutritious and delicious meals such as chef-prepared salads, sandwiches and wraps using simple recipes derived from only the freshest ingredients.

“We’re pleased to offer this new Latin-style restaurant to our guests at Downtown Disney,” said Keith Bradford, vice president of Downtown Disney. “Its diversity of offerings and well-balanced options are the perfect addition to our current blend of dining experiences.”

“For decades, Walt Disney World has introduced its guests to rich cultural experiences,” said Juan Jose Gutierrez, chief executive officer of Pollo Campero. “We will build on the park’s rich cultural heritage, helping visitors discover the unique tastes and togetherness of family-style Latin dining.”

Pollo Campero’s food is freshly prepared each day. Fried and grilled chicken is marinated, sending the distinctive Campero flavor all the way to the bone. Fried chicken is hand-breaded in seasoned flour and slowly pressure-cooked without trans-fats, resulting in a flavorful and juicy meal. Grilled chicken features the taste of lime and orange juices, red bell peppers, and a special blend of Latin herbs and spices. The new fresh concept menu will feature fresh salads, sandwiches, fruits, and healthy snacks, as well as vegetarian, gluten-free, sugar-free, low-sodium or organic offerings.

This new family-oriented location at one of America’s beloved destinations – Walt Disney World – exemplifies Pollo Campero’s drive to become one of the top 50 quick-service restaurant brands in the United States. Pollo Campero has spent decades building a brand while retaining the values and service of a family-run business. By combining its efforts with Levy Campero, Pollo Campero has opened new doors including the expansion into Walt Disney World Resort.

La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil announced today that an incredible new act featuring world-renowned juggler Anthony Gatto will be added permanently to the 90-minute spectacle at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort beginning Feb. 5, 2010.

Anthony Gatto comes to La Nouba from the tour of KOOZA by Cirque du Soleil and holds 11 world records in juggling.  In the nine-minute act, Gatto juggles balls, hoops and clubs in unprecedented numbers at amazing speed with seemingly impossible accuracy.

Gatto joins the ranks of professional athletes, dancers, vocalists, musicians and comedic performers in the cast of 67 artists in the incredibly creative and dynamic gem La Nouba.

“Anthony is a true showman and we are pleased to have him join the dedicated and talented cast of La Nouba.  The juggling act is fast-paced and will add to the energy on stage,” said Neil Boyd, company manager.  “This act is an amazing new addition for our fans that come to see the show year after year.”

Time magazine calls Gatto, “simply the best juggler ever.”

The new act is entitled “cinq-a-sept” which means “five-to-seven,” generally known as “happy hour.”  This fits well with the meaning of La Nouba – “to party” or “live it up.”

This new act replaces the chair balancing act in the show.

TICKET INFORMATION
Florida residents can purchase tickets at 30 percent off of the regular price of Category 2 seats for shows from Feb. 2 through March 27.  Discounted tickets are $58.85 for adults and $47.77 for children (ages 3 – 9).  Tickets are available by calling 407/939-7328, in person at the box office located at the plaza level of the theater, or by logging on to cirquedusoleil.com/lanouba.  For discounted group reservations of 12 or more, call 866/353-5625.  For more information and to receive news alerts and priority sale details, visit facebook.com/lanouba.

A few changes to the Walt Disney World refurbishment schedule:

First, the official list from Disney that once listed the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure removed it a few days ago and there are no signs of it coming back, so I removed it from the list here.

Second, we have two additional, unverified additions: Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in the Downtown Disney Marketplace to be closed from January 18 through March 6 and the Sunshine Tree Terrace quick service location in the Magic Kingdom, from January 17 through February 12.

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!

On January 29, there will be a special signing opportunity to meet with Vinylmation artists who have made recent contributions to the collections. Scheduled to appear are Dan Howard (Urban #3), Maria Clapsis (Urban #3, Wall*E/Eve set)  and Randy Noble (Cinderella 60th Anniversary). The event takes place from 5 pm – 7 pm at the Art of Disney at the Downtown Disney Marketplace.

As we first reported January 1, D23 now offers a multi-tiered membership option for new and existing members.

D23 has now furnished us with some additional details including some in regards to the 23-month Disney Undiscovered calendar that serves as the membership gift.

Disney Undiscovered presents rare and never-before seen images from Disney theme-park, live-action and animation projects that were not completed, many of which have achieved legendary status among Disney fans. The calendar features art from never-built project like the Mineral King ski resort and Walt Disney’s St. Louis Project; theme park lands such as Discovery Bay at Disneyland and the Switzerland pavilion at Epcot; and unproduced films including a watercolor from the original Little Mermaid that Walt had in early pre-production in the late 1930s.

Also new for 2010, D23 Members will enjoy new discounts and offers. Members who show their valid D23 Membership card (with a photo ID) will receive a discount at many locations in the Downtown Disney® District at Disneyland and at ESPN Zone locations across the country.

D23 Member year-round discounts at Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort include:

AMC 12 Theaters® 10% off
Anne Geddes 10% off
Basin® 10% off
Catal Restaurant & Uva Bar 10% off, not during special events
Compass Books & Café 10% off
Fossil® 10% off
Haagen-Dazs® 10% off
Hairwraps International 10% off
House of Blues® 10% off, before 5 p.m.
Island Charters 10% off
Jamba Juice® 10% off
Kaman’s Art Shoppe 10% off, including Face Painting, Letter Brush Art, and Pastel Portraits Cart
La Brea Bakery & Café® 10% off
Letter Brush Art Receive for free, when you present your Membership card, one of the following upgrades: calligraphy text, glitter, or stamped design on your matting.
LEGO Imagination Center® 10% off
Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria 10% off, not during special events
Napolini 10% off
Pastel Portraits Receive a free stamped design on your matting when you present your Membership card!
Pearl Factory 10% off
Quiksilver 10% off, cannot be combined with other sales, offers or promotional items or gift cards.
Rainforest Café® 10% off is on breakfast and dinner before 4 p.m.
Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen® 10% off, max discount of $40.00 excludes special events.
RIDEMAKERZ® 10% off
Something Silver® 10% off
Sunglass Icon® 10% off
Tortilla Jo’s 10% off, not during special events
Wetzel’s Pretzels® 10% off

All discounts are subject to change.

ESPN Zone locations in Anaheim, Baltimore, Chicago, Las Vegas, New York and Washington, DC will offer the following to D23 members: With proof of membership shown when ordering, members can receive a burger, a non-alcoholic beverage and a $15 game card for $20. Price is based on Classic Cheese Burger. Add bacon for $1. For the Smoke House, Black and Blue or Cajun burgers add $2. Portobello burger add $3. Triple Double Burger add $4. Meal must be purchased first in order to receive game card. No cash value. May not be resold. Not valid with any other offer or discount. Up to four bundle offers per membership card per seating. Offer subject to change without prior notice. Offer valid January 5, 2010 and expires December 31, 2010.

It should also be noted that renewals will not be receiving a membership certificate. It is included only with new memberships. All subscriptions will receive a new Member ID card however as each card has a dated expiration.