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2014 Hidden Mickey Pins to Be Arriving Soon

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If you’re a fan of trading pins at the parks, you’ll be excited to hear that the Hidden Mickey pins for 2014 will be released soon to cast members! The first wave will feature favorite characters and attractions from both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, as well as the “it’s a small world” collection that will be shared between parks to mark the famous attraction’s 50th anniversary.

From the selection of Disneyland pins, I’m especially loving the Tiki Faces and Oswald. And the tiles, which are inspired by the art on Carthay Circle on Buena Vista Street, are also great collectibles.

And for the Walt Disney World collection, the Parking Lot signs are back again, along with some new choices. I particularly like the Colorful Pascal (because he’s the best Disney sidekick ever) and the Character Sketch Pads.

Pictures of the Wave A pins from Disneyland and Walt Disney World are below:
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Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Cars Paint & Design with Walt Disney’s Imagineers

We’re very excited to receive this new video interview with Walt Disney Imagineers Ben Van Beusekon and Mary Mac Eachin who explain the creative process behind designing and producing themed cars for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train roller coaster. In the video, they reveal that in… Read More »Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Cars Paint & Design with Walt Disney’s Imagineers

Inside Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Roller Coaster – The Details

Yesterday we updated you with an overall look at progress on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train construction site, today we have a collection of photos that focus on the smaller details from within the belly of the attraction. These details come from the portion of… Read More »Inside Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Roller Coaster – The Details

Walt Disney World Given Top Marks for Safety Achievement

It should go without saying that a commitment to safety is the number one priority for Walt Disney World. You don’t often see it in action at the parks, it tends to happen backstage, but there is always some project going on with the goal… Read More »Walt Disney World Given Top Marks for Safety Achievement

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Roller Coaster Construction Update from Disney World

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The last attraction to open in the Magic Kingdom’s New Fantasyland expansion is the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. It’s a completely new kind of roller coaster with cars that swing back and forth. This allows for tighter corners and a slight increase in the thrill, while still keeping it kid friendly.

If it seems like the project has been taking forever, you’re partly right. Vertical construction of the coaster only began in March of 2012. It is currently expected to open sometime in early summer of 2014, which puts it at a little over two years from dirt to ride opening. Don’t make any plans based on that rumor as it may be pushed back. That’s about the speed for a major new attraction at Disney these days.

Those who have been paying close attention to the blog know I had an emergency surgery to correct a heart defect, so I’ve been limited in what I can do in the parks, but I was able to get out and get some new video and photos from the scene earlier this week.

There is significant progress from my November 6th update. The mountain is starting to look like a mountain, with actual real trees and some artificial ones dotting the show building. Queue and show elements are beginning to be installed and actual testing of cars on the track is occurring. Not on the day I was there unfortunately, but I did capture some video of the mountain to share with you:

Many more pictures of the construction site below the jump:

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#SavePUSH – Tell Disney to keep Push the Talking Trashcan

Update: Disney tells the Orlando Sentinel that Push The Talking Trashcan isn’t going anywhere… my read of that… the fans have been heard and Disney decided to keep Push. Good job everyone. But just in case, keep the #savePUSH campaign going strong until we see… Read More »#SavePUSH – Tell Disney to keep Push the Talking Trashcan

NFL Super Bowl MVP Malcolm Smith Celebrated at Disney World

First the 12th Man started to arrive:

Then they started cheering:

Finally, the man of the hour arrived:

It was a short, but memorable parade. He also stuck around for a brief interview.

And then, like the international man of mystery that he is, NFL Superbowl XLVIII MVP Malcolm Smith, returned to the jet setter life of parties and TV interviews that is his destiny… at least until practice starts for next season with the Seattle Seahawks.

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Update on the Details of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in New Fantasyland

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Disney’s Imagineers have been high-ho’ing away on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ride at New Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom, and we finally have proof that it’s almost ready to ride! We know it will open sometime in 2014, although when exactly is still unannounced.

The aspect of the train that I find the most fascinating is its aged look. Obviously it’s a brand new ride, but the Imagineers specifically painted and carved the wood to make it look weathered. The rusty hinges on the doors and the crumbling rock structures also add to the worn appearance, which I think makes it feel more authentic. The story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is an old one, so it makes sense to combine it with an aged, yet new theme park ride.Read More »Update on the Details of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in New Fantasyland