Monstrous Summer Events

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

From Chip & Company.  One thing I particularly noticed is that they're now saying the Mine Coaster is slated to open Spring 2014.  :)

 

Disney’s Monstrous Summer Details Released

Thursday, April 25, 2013   Chip   

 

How big is summer 2013 at Walt Disney World Resort? So big that only one word describes the attractions, shows, events and more awaiting summer guests to the Florida Vacation Kingdom:MONSTROUS.

 

Disney’s Monstrous Summer is bursting with good times for the entire family, whether it’s the first summer of fun in New Fantasyland or the nonstop thrills of a re-imagined Test Track Presented by Chevrolet.  Whether it’s the next surprise and delight experience of Limited Time Magic or all-new adventures letting guests play pirate in the Magic Kingdom or wilderness explorer in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

 

The “Monstrous” lineup includes entertainment enhancements celebrating the June 21 release of the Disney-Pixar animated feature, “Monsters University.” Mike and Sulley are dropping in from MU to scare up monstrous surprises all summer long. Guests will find all-new collegiate settings for meeting their favorite aspiring scarers. On the Backlot at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests will find the Monsters University Student Union, complete with a view of the campus. Over at Magic Kingdom, the gang at the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor have been studying new jokes and are ready to graduate to new comedy bits in honor of their alma mater.

 

Throw in Star Wars Weekends, the grand reopening of California Grill, a new spa for Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and more and it adds up to a summer that’s exciting, thrilling, magical…Monstrous!

 

“With top-flight new experiences and classic favorites, Walt Disney World celebrates summer like never before,” said George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “Summer season is always in-season for family vacations. For families and friends, our parks and resorts are poised to deliver memories to last a lifetime.”

Here’s a look around:

MONSTROUS FIRST SUMMER FOR….

New Fantasyland – From the lofty spires of Beast’s Castle to the fathoms-deep world of Ariel, New Fantasyland pours on its first summer of fun for Magic Kingdom guests. The new space doubles the size of Fantasyland and is the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history. Be Our Guest Restaurant features a lavish dining experience in an elegant ballroom inspired by Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” animated film classic. By day it’s “great food fast” for lunch while at night it’s full-service table dining featuring French-inspired cuisine. Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid puts guests in clamshells traveling with Ariel and friends through their exciting adventures above and below the waves. Enchanted Tales with Belle takes guests to a far-off French village and right into the world of Belle, Lumiere and Madame Wardrobe — feeling transformed in the process.

 

Guests can refresh with a frothy LeFou’s Brew at Gaston’s Tavern. Meantime over at Storybook Circus, guests can take a spin on one of two Dumbos, dip and soar aboard The Barnstormer Featuring the Great Goofini or meet Disney characters at Pete’s Silly Sideshow. There’s more New Fantasyland to come as late 2013 sees the opening of Princess Fairytale Hall and all is on track for the spring 2014 opening of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, a rollicking family coaster attraction.

 

Test Track Presented by Chevrolet -The re-imagined iconic attraction puts guests in the designer’s studio for an immersive experience as they create their own virtual concept vehicle before boarding a “SimCar” to race through a thrilling series of hills, hairpin turns and straightaways.

Splitsville Luxury Lanes – If bowling is right up your alley, come experience the hottest trend going by rolling over to Splitsville, at Downtown Disney West Side. The hip, retro-style emporium features 30 lanes across two levels, live entertainment, lively indoor and outdoor bars and upscale dining including sushi, filet mignon sliders and more.

 

Limited Time Magic – Magical experiences in all shapes and sizes that appear and disappear as the next special surprise debuts will continue with a weeklong Independence Day celebration highlighting the summer season – all part of Limited Time Magic at Disney Parks. Independence Week will be red, white and blue as Disney Parks celebrates America with a 4^th of July Fireworks Party – for an entire week. Guests enjoy an extra dash of pixie dust each week in 2013. Limited Time Magic takes its inspiration from those special, but fleeting, moments when families spend time together with shared experiences.

 

Disney Junior – Live on Stage! - Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests get a real summer treat as Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First have been added to the onstage fun – joining the latest, most popular characters and stories from the Disney Junior line-up on television. Sofia the First as a series premiered earlier this year on Disney Channel and Disney Junior.

 

The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow experience – Pirates of the Caribbean: The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow gives Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests a chance to become immersed in the action and adventure of the four “Pirates of the Caribbean” films. Buccaneer wannabes journey deep into an eerie lost grotto, where they are put to the test to see if they have what it takes to sail with Captain Jack’s crew.

MONSTROUSLY NEW

Senses, A Disney Spa At Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort – Joining later this summer its sister spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, the new Senses Spa at Saratoga Springs will be inspired by the healing properties of natural springs that have drawn people for centuries to Saratoga Springs in upstate New York. A completely redesigned space, Senses, A Disney Spa At Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, will feature 10 treatment rooms offering an array of services including water therapy, massage and facials. Senses will incorporate the springs, nature and the storyline of health in its design and theming. Call 407-WDW-SPAS.

 

Wilderness Explorers Comes to Disney’s Animal Kingdom - Coming soon, Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests will be invited to become Wilderness Explorers and experience the park in engaging and challenging ways aimed at deepening their understanding of animals and the natural world we live in. Taking the official pledge, armed with field guides and earning sticker badges along the way as they complete their challenges, guests explore the park at their leisure. Aimed at guests 7-10 but fun for the entire family, Wilderness Explorers will be self-guided and encourage more “up close and personal” time with the animal inhabitants of the park. Wilderness Explorers will be included in Disney’s Animal Kingdom admission.

 

New Meet-Up with Mickey, Minnie at Disney’s Animal Kingdom - Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are scheduled to welcome Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests to their new exploration headquarters, Adventurers Outpost, on Discovery Island, beginning this spring. The all-new indoor retreat is the perfect spot for guests to meet the globetrotting duo as they get ready to set off on their next adventure.

 

A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas – Coming soon, “A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas” will be a new interactive adventure where Magic Kingdom guests participate in pirate raids throughout Adventureland. Pirate maps lead to fabulous treasures as guests join Captain Jack Sparrow and fight off the Royal Navy, Captain Barbossa, headhunters, curses — and the greatest threat of all, Calypso, the sea goddess. If they help Jack succeed in all the missions, they will be welcomed as part of his new crew. If not, they face the wrath of the cruel sea…alone. The adventure is divided into 5 different raids, each comprising a series of interactive tasks.

“Re-Discovering America: Family Treasures from the Kinsey Collection” – Epcot guests can journey through 400 years of African-American achievement and contribution at this just-opened exhibit at the American Adventure pavilion. Exhibits draw from an extensive collection of rare art, artifacts, documents and books amassed by philanthropists Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, who share a passion for African-American history. Included in Epcot admission.

 

Disney Dining – Coming by summer’s end: a re-imagined California Grill crowning Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Guests will experience a beautiful new dining room, onstage kitchen and new dining choices – chef Brian Piasecki will keep the focus on creative, fresh, seasonal dishes and top-of-the-line sushi.  At Epcot, what says summer better than ice cream? In France, L’Artisan des Glaces, an artisan ice cream and sorbet shop, debuts in mid-June with 16 yummy flavors, all made in-house with fresh ingredients (with the option of adding a shot of liquor on top, for grown-up tastes). Guests to France also will find Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie, with delightful French sweets and savories, and Monsieur Paul for upscale dining that pays homage to celebrated chef Paul Bocuse.

 

Summer Latte, Anyone? More Starbucks Locations Coming to Disney Parks -Starbucks will be opening locations at Disney theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. When it reopens in early summer, Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom will keep its name and theming and continue to serve Disney favorites such as cookies, brownies and seasonal cupcakes, in addition to Starbucks signature beverages and other menu items.

 

At Epcot, Starbucks products will be featured when the Fountain View location reopens for midsummer. Each Starbucks location inside a Disney Park will reflect the theme of its surroundings.

 

New Summer Line of Disney Parks Cosmetics – In time for summer, fairy tale legends and secrets come to life with the captivating new Unlock the Spell collection from Beautifully Disney, Disney Parks’ line of cosmetics and beauty products. The new-for-summer collection — inspired by the spellbound Tiana, Belle and Rapunzel — is rich in lush colors: soft, pretty yellow, rosy golds, and punchy purples. Unlock the Spell will make its debut at Trend-D at Downtown Disney.

MONSTROUS SUMMER EVENTS

‘Star Wars’ Weekends Returns to the Disney Galaxy in May and June - Star Wars Weekends, the Force-filled fun-fest that takes place annually at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, returns to the Walt Disney World Resort galaxy every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 17-June 9, 2013. Among the features: a special Star Wars-themed parade, appearances by Star Wars celebrities, special additions to Jedi Training Academy, a Star Wars-themed talk show, behind-the-scenes presentations, limited-edition merchandise, a nightly dance celebration and more.

 

Downtown Disney Revs Up for Car Masters Weekend June 14-16 -Car Masters Weekend, now in its third year, is the perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day as Downtown Disney West Side hosts a classic car show with a modern twist June 14-16, 2013. Featuring all things “Cars,” the event showcases more than 150 classic, muscle and exotic cars; a chance for guests to meet “Cars 2″ stars Lightning McQueen, Mater and Finn McMissile; and special appearances by automotive designer Chip Foose and Disney-Pixar “Cars” filmmaker Jay Ward. Completing the car-nucopia of events, fans may purchase tickets for a ”Cars” & “Cars 2″ movie marathon at AMC Downtown Disney 24, “test drive” Ridemakerz “Cars” models, and enjoy caricatures, themed food and beverage, live entertainment and more. Entertainment subject to change.

MONSTROUSLY GOOD DEAL FOR FLORIDA RESIDENTS

Discover Disney - From now until early June, Florida residents can kick-start their summer – and score real savings with the Discover Disney ticket, offering three days of park-going fun for $119 (plus tax) for adults and children age three and up. The special Florida resident ticket can be purchased through June 3, 2013 for use any day (excluding block-out dates) from now through June 7, 2013.

 

 

http://www.chipandco.com/disneys-monstrous-summer-details-released-124915/

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

Is that the actual press release?

 

It sure is long.

 

And there isn't one surprise in there.

 

Not one.

 

No 24 hour MK day?

 

Yawn.

 

TCD

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

It definitely reads like a press release, but I haven't run across anything "straight from Disney" yet.

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

Just found this from News13 (Central FL) - looks like the above might actually be the official press release...

LAKE BUENA VISTA -- 

We're expecting some big news today from Walt Disney World Resort.

 

Dubbed a "Monstrous Summer Media Preview," News 13 is among a select group of media allowed inside the theme park for a sneak peek of New Fantasyland future projects. A Disney spokesperson tells us they're also taking us behind construction walls to see how Princess Fairytale Hall and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train are shaping up.

 

Princess Fairytale Hall is a new place to meet all your favorite Disney Princesses. It's expected to open later this year. We'll have to wait until sometime in 2014 to ride the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

 

After checking out the backstage sights Thursday afternoon, we'll connect with Disney's Imagineers to see how many secrets they'll reveal.

• Tune to News 13 tonight at 5 p.m. for the "monstrous" details.

Speaking of "Monsters," Walt Disney World just rolled out its new "Monsters University" monorail on Wednesday. Disney-Pixar's prequel to 2001's "Monsters Inc." debuts in theaters June 21.

 

Then, on Friday, look out for even more exciting news. We're told that we'll experience nearly a dozen "information stations" and meet experts for all that's new and next across Walt Disney World and beyond.

 

This is a developing story. Check back and refresh this article for the latest updates throughout the day.

 

 

More info follows, which looks similar to what Chip & Co. posted...

 

http://www.cfnews13.com/content/news/cfnews13/on-the-town/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2013/4/25/disney_world_monstro.html

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

What's new there?

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

What's new there?

 

Ah, stop your bellyaching!  Didn't you see how it's the "Monstrous First Summer" for all the stuff that has opened in the last six months!

 

And they stuck some cardboard cut-outs of the Monsters Inc characters on one of the monorails.

 

And the new Starbucks will open!

 

And . . . wait for it . . . they are going to have fireworks on July 4th!

 

I mean, what else could you want?

 

TCD

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

Posting on the fly today (stupid day job) so forgive me if this is already posted somewhere, but WDWMagic has posted a behind-the-scenes video tour of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train construction site...

http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/fantasyland/news/25apr2013-video---take-a-behind-the-scenes-tour-of-the-seven-dwarfs-mine-train-construction-site.htm#.UXl1Q32Awu4.twitter

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

Ah, stop your bellyaching!  Didn't you see how it's the "Monstrous First Summer" for all the stuff that has opened in the last six months!

 

And they stuck some cardboard cut-outs of the Monsters Inc characters on one of the monorails.

 

And the new Starbucks will open!

 

And . . . wait for it . . . they are going to have fireworks on July 4th!

 

I mean, what else could you want?

 

TCD

 

Oh I get it, on my April trip I was lucky enough to preview all the Monsterous Summer attractions... right? Is that how I should look at it?

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

Oh I get it, on my April trip I was lucky enough to preview all the Monsterous Summer attractions... right? Is that how I should look at it?

 

No, no, no!

 

You have to come back for the Monstrous Summer because you saw that stuff in the spring.

 

You never saw it in the summer!

 

And, in early summer, you can get a real Starbucks coffee product right in the MK!

 

How could you even question the awesomeness of this?

 

TCD

[mouseketab.....Carol 1,261]

That video was neat.  They really are constructing each element by hand.  I also watched the construction video of the princess hall.  Very different, just a regular building.

[DaveInTN 3,247]

 

And, in early summer, you can get a real Starbucks coffee product right in the MK!

 

 

Yes, but can you get a cinnamon roll?? 

 

And NOT this piece of crap....

 

 

 

But THIS one!!

 

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

Yes, but can you get a cinnamon roll?? 

 

And NOT this piece of crap....

 

 

 

But THIS one!!

 

 

 

The "press release" says: When it reopens in early summer, Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom will keep its name and theming and continue to serve Disney favorites such as cookies, brownies and seasonal cupcakes, in addition to Starbucks signature beverages and other menu items

 

 

So I'll take that as a no.

 

You can get a barely warm one made in the recent past at Gaston's Tavern, though.

 

Weee!

 

It's so Monstrous!!

 

TCD

[alexwyattmommy 181]

I'm not impressed.

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

I'm not impressed.

 

 

Tough crowd.

 

Did you read the part about a new line of cosmetics?

 

How could you not be impressed by that monstrous bit of news?

 

TCD

[alexwyattmommy 181]

Maybe if I was a girl who wore cosmetics I might be impressed.  LOL

[Lou... 3,118]

Don't be surprised if you see the Flying Dragon again and Mikey on SSE.

The Mine Coaster opening in early 2014 is old news.

I have the complete agenda for the media event today and tomorrow and none of it includes you knuckleheads.

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

Don't be surprised if you see the Flying Dragon again and Mikey on SSE.

The Mine Coaster opening in early 2014 is old news.

I have the complete agenda for the media event today and tomorrow and none of it includes you knuckleheads.

 

I know.

 

What the heck Disney?

 

You set up that projector to show some stuff on the golf ball, and you can't leave it up for a few nights and show it to regular guests too?

 

You know, the ones who actually pay money to visit your parks?

 

And that stupid flying dragon.  Why can't they fly the darn thing a couple of nights?

 

The place is run by a bunch of idiots I tell you.

 

TCD

[Lou... 3,118]

The place is run by a bunch of idiots I tell you.

 

 

 

I see a reoccurring theme here.

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

Don't be surprised if you see the Flying Dragon again and Mikey on SSE.

The Mine Coaster opening in early 2014 is old news.

I have the complete agenda for the media event today and tomorrow and none of it includes you knuckleheads.

 

And... were you planning to share this spiffy information or sit under your bridge and rub your hands together, leaving the rest of us pitiful souls to scavenge for info elsewhere while you throw rocks at us for leaving the kingdom?

[Lou... 3,118]

And... were you planning to share this spiffy information or sit under your bridge and rub your hands together, leaving the rest of us pitiful souls to scavenge for info elsewhere while you throw rocks at us for leaving the kingdom?

 

Yes

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

So since we're all just chomping at the bit to find what all is going on during this MONSTROUS media event, here are some of the things taking place  today and tomorrow, (straight from the Mouse's mouth):

 

• a helicopter flew over WDW today and will be again around 4am tomorrow to capture some promotional aerial footage
• at 10pm tonight there will be a media announcement accompanied by a "fireworks moment"
• tomorrow at 7am there will be a special media event at Spaceship Earth

• at 1:30 pm Mike Wazowski will be at Worldview Plaza for a 30 minute media event (media only - no Guest meet and greet)

• at 4:00pm Mike & Sulley will be at Worldview Plaza for a 30 minute media event (media only - no Guest meet and greet)

• at 10pm tomorrow there will be another media announcement accompanied by another "fireworks moment"

 

Now we just have to wait and see what all these spiffy announcements that warrant actual fireworks are. With this much hubbub, I would hope there is SOMETHING new and/or big coming!

  :)

 

 

========

[DaveInTN 3,247]

We are supposed to be excited about a couple of "fireworks moments" and them turning DJD into a big eyeball?? 

 

What the hell is wrong with the people running the place now?  They better hope Walt doesn't thaw. 

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

TCD better start resting up!!  From the Disney Parks Blog...

 

First Three-Park All-Nighter Kicks Off Monstrous Summer at the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts

posted on April 25th, 2013 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks

 

 

Just seconds ago, a 180-foot-tall Mike Wazowski from the upcoming Disney●Pixar film “Monsters University” made the official announcement that we’re keeping three theme parks open for 24 hours on Memorial Day Weekend, the traditional start of the family travel season, to kick off a Monstrous Summer on both coasts. Wazowski, the loveable green-bodied, one-eyed monster, joins best pal James P. Sullivan (“Sulley”) in the prequel to “Monsters, Inc.”, this summer as college students with hopes of becoming Scarers.

 

Our first-ever, three-park all-night party is happening at the Magic Kingdom Park in Florida and Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park in California. The parks will stay open from 6 a.m., May 24 to 6 a.m., May 25, 2013, local time.

• In Florida, Magic Kingdom Park will feature a “Monsters University” theme where Mike and Sulley will be the Grand Marshals of the “Celebrate a Dream Come True” day parade and make appearances in Tomorrowland. There will be extra entertainment throughout the day and night, including characters in their pajamas in Town Square during the late night and early morning, and late-night dance parties in and around the courtyard of Cinderella Castle.
• In California, you’ll be able to party the night away at both parks with special entertainment including: a “Monsters University” “TLT Monstrous” Dance Club and Star Wars characters in Tomorrowland and late-night Character Pajama Party in Mickey’s ToonTown at Disneyland park. The new Fantasy Faire Royal Theatre at Disneyland park will become a Royal Dance Hall late at night with a live band and dancing; and guests of Disney California Adventure park will find Monstrous photo opportunities with new “Monsters University” “Dorms” in Hollywood Land and a new “Monsters University” float leading the Pixar Play Parade.

Tonight, the huge sphere of Spaceship Earth was transformed from Disney Parks icon to Disney●Pixar “Eye-con” for the announcement.

Walt Disney World Resort President George Kalogridis joined Mike to share the news of the Monstrous Summer. “This summer, Disney Parks are bursting with a monstrous lineup of new thrills, shows and happenings,” he said. “Guests can start Memorial Day Weekend with a 24-hour-marathon of memory-making as three parks stay open all day and all night to celebrate the bi-coastal kick-off of our Disney Parks Monstrous Summer.”

 

All three parks will feature limited-edition specialty merchandise and food and beverage offerings plus other surprises throughout the entire day. Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog and the Monstrous Summer site for more details in coming weeks.

 

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/04/first-three-park-all-nighter-kicks-off-monstrous-summer-at-the-walt-disney-world-and-disneyland-resorts/?CMP=SOC-WDWFY12Q2FBDM0550

[DaveInTN 3,247]

Who volunteers to hit all 3 parks within the 24 hour period?

[mouseketab.....Carol 1,261]

I'm sure there will be a few that will do it.  I have a few friends that live near Disneyland and as a matter of routine when they visit WDW, they go to a WDW park that morning, fly home and go to Disneyland that evening.

 

The one time I went out to Disneyland, I did something similar. Went to Disneyland one day, took a redeye to Orlando, and was in a Disney World Park the next day.