Walt Disney World News – Page 3

Idol, Innoventions, and “it’s a small world” at WDW

When the American Idol Adventure closed last year at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, much speculation was being batted around like a ball during baseball season. For now, an answer has been given. The Superstar Television Theater will be renamed the Hyperion Theater and will be the host theater for this year’s version of the “For The First Time In Forever” Frozen Sing-Along celebration. This name change may sound a little familiar as it pays tribute to the original Disney Studio in California.

EPCOT’s Innoventions West appears to be closing down. There are several exhibits have already closed and the remainder are expected to close down by the end of May 2015. Gone is the Test The Limits Lab, soon to be joined by IBM Think. Surviving the first cut are The Great Piggy Bank Adventure, Where’s The Fire, the Videogame Playground, and the Disney VISA Character Meet and Greet area. It is not clear if these existing areas will be closed permanently, or moved to other areas of EPCOT. This has not been officially announced by Disney, so we will have to see what happens.

Finally, a couple of quick refurbishments were announced for the Magic Kingdom. “it’s a small world” and Space Mountain will be shutting down for a couple of days. Small World will be closed April 14 – 17 and Space Mountain will be closed April 20- 23. There was no word on what the brief updates will include.

Thanks for reading, and have a Blessed and Magical day, friends!

Disney Parks…Fun In A Day

Disney has announced two all day events with a different theme on each coast. But, it will all occur on the same day. Let’s look at how they will differ.

Disneyland Resort in California will launch their Diamond Celebration with a 24-hour event beginning at 6AM on May 22, 2015. The event will include some special offerings and will include both Disneyland AND Disney California Adventure. “Paint The Night” will be the first all LED lighted parade in a Disney Park. It will have over 1.5 million twinkling lights, and resort guest coming to Disneyland Park will be among the first to see this new parade.

“Disneyland Forever” Fireworks will also be premiering during this 24-hour event, and will light the night, and there will be special effects on all of the Main Street buildings, the Matterhorn, and It’s A Small World.

“World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” will be hosted by Neil Patrick Harris and Mickey Mouse. This show will look at Walt Disney’s influence on animation and the dream of Disneyland Park. This is also a new show debuting during this 24-hour celebration.

Meanwhile, the east coast will be celebrating the “Coolest Summer Ever” hosted by Olaf from Disney’s hit movie “Frozen”. Beginning at 6AM on Friday, May 22, 2015. Guests are encouraged to come in costume and be ready to enjoy some of the coolest attractions in the world! There will be some special event merchandise, and there will be food and beverage available throughout the night. And, can I just way that I wish there would be a second park open during this 24 hours, also? Afterall, California gets two parks. I know they are closer together and not as big, but still it would be nice!

Park admission is required for both events.

Thanks for reading! Please have a Blessed and Magical week, my friends!

Changes Soarin’ at WDW

Walt Disney always said that things in the parks would continue to evolve and change as imagineers came up with new ideas and technologies. Well, this week saw a completed refurb and a few announcements of new enhancements at Walt Disney World.

First, Under The Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid recently completed a short refurbishment that saw enhancements to the scenes. Most notably, some added fish and the use of additional black lighting to bring out the glow of this dark ride. I can’t wait to see this one in person!

Walt Disney World announced two rides would be getting a little more space to help with crowds. These changes have been rumored for sometime, but we now know that a third track is being added to Toy Story Midway Mania at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This additional track will hopefully help shorten wait times in the stand-by line. We shall see!

And, at EPCOT, Soarin’ will have a third theater added to help swallow larger crowds. The new theater will have a new screen and an upgraded movie system. I am assuming that it will be going digital, but that hasn’t been confirmed at this point! Once this third theater opens, the other two will be upgraded with new screens and the upgraded movie system. A completion date hasn’t been released, but most guesses are in the fall of 2016.

Cinderella’s Royal Table reopened in THE Castle! I can’t wait to see the new pictures, but at this point, no word on any improvements to the menu. Stay tuned!

Have a Blessed and Magical Day, my friends!!

magical_matthew

WDW…Did you hear?

With News from Walt Disney World, this is threestrandswdw!

A new refurbishment has been scheduled at The Magic Kingdom. Sadly, for many, Pirates of the Caribbean will be out of circulation beginning May 11, 2015 and lasting through summer until September 25, 2015. It has been reported that there are many enhancements being made as well as some safety upgrades. It will be interesting to see how this plays on lines for other nearby attractions.

Also at The Magic Kingdom, the project to expand and enhance the hub area is beginning to wind down. The area in front of The Crystal Palace is now available, and looks stunning! Take a look at this video from iThemePark to see where things are, and get an idea of how it might affect your touring.

As Downtown Disney continues it transformation into Disney Springs, there is yet more construction taking place in and around the area. Roadwork on Buena Vista Drive continues through March 2016. And, construction on the East Garage and the Town Center continues to develop and is scheduled to be completed in August 2016. With all of the restaurants and shops coming to Disney Springs, this is all necessary to aid in the flow of both car and foot traffic.

The EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival gets underway this week! The gardens look amazing, and I hear that there will be food to taste, too! Beautiful gardens and topiaries will decorate the park. And, the Outdoor Kitchens are returning with some fan favorites, as well as new offerings to delight the palate. You will need admission into EPCOT to enjoy this wonderful time if the year, but once inside the displays and entertainment are included. You will have to pay to taste, however! The festival runs from March 4 through May 17, 2015.

And finally, dates have been announced for both Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party. MNSSHP dates are: September 15, 18, 22, 25, 27; October 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31; and November 1. MVMCP dates are: November 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 29; and December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18. Tickets will go on sale in April, so start planning now!

That’s it for now! Thanks for reading! Have a blessed and magical weekend, my friends!

Check-In Changes at WDW

Checking into your Walt Disney World Resort room has just gotten streamlined! Testing on this began late last year, but has now moved into the active phase of the My Disney Experience life.

The first resorts to convert began on February 10, 2015 and include Animal Kingdom Lodge, Art of Animation, Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, Pop Century Resort, and Port Orleans Resort including Riverside and French Quarter.

On February 25, 2015 Boardwalk Inn, Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Wilderness Lodge, Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will begin the bypass check-in.

Finally, on March 10, 2015 you will have All-Star Resorts, Caribbean Beach Resort, Coronado Springs Resort, Old Key West Resort, and Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa will complete the transition.

Here’s how it works! Once you order your Magicbands for your current stay, and order them shipped to your home, you must complete the Online Check-In process on the My Disney Experience App or Website. You must either pay for your reservation in full, or assign a credit card to you Magicband with a PIN number. And, you must also decide if you prefer to have communication via email or text.

Before your departure you will receive and email explaining the Direct-To-Room service with additional information. You will receive a text or email notifying you of your room assignment. And, once you arrive at your resort a Cast Member will assist you in what to do next.

This is an OPTIONAL service, according to Disney, I would love some feedback from anyone who uses it! Just leave your comments below! Have a Blessed and Magical Weekend, my friends!!

Monorail Changes at WDW

So, have you seen the current schedule for the Monorail? Both the Express and Resort Loops have been affected with the current round of refurbishments being implemented at Walt Disney World! The schedule is from the Walt Disney World Travel Agents website is as follows…

The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System will undergo refurbishment that will impact the Resort and Express monorail beams on select days in February and March. During these times, Monorails on the Resort beam will travel between Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Magic Kingdom® Park. Monorails on the Express beam will now make an additional stop at Disney’s Contemporary Resort as they travel between Magic Kingdom Park and the Transportation and Ticket Center.

Monorail service will continue to be available from all stations while this work takes place. Monorail operating hours will remain unchanged. Guests may note a difference in the way they board the Monorail and should allow for additional travel time to reach their destinations. Guests staying at impacted Resorts will receive in-room communication upon their arrival.

So, the only common station is at Magic Kingdom park. If you want to go to the Contemporary from The Polynesian, you will have to take the Resort Loop monorail to the Magic Kingdom, and either walk to the Contemporary, or get on the Express train that will go back through the Polynesian on it’s way to the Transportation and Ticket Center, and the Contemporary.

The dates for this schedule are: February 9 – 12, 23 – 26 and March 2 – 5, 2015 from 11:00am to 7:00pm.

Hopefully, this will mean smoother and more reliable service once all of the upgrades have been completed.

Thanks for reading! Have a Magical and Blessed day, my friends!!

News Tidbits From Around WDW

First up…PLAY BALL! For you sports fans who want to have an intimate experience with professional baseball, the Atlanta Braves will be returning to the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex for Spring Training, March 4 – April 4, 2015. Tickets for Braves ‘Home Games’ range from $14 for lawn seats to $54 for lower level reserved seats. Parking is FREE!

The Memory Maker Pre-purchase Package price increased as of December 3, 2014 from $129 to $169. The price paid during, or after, your visit will still be $199. It may be worth it with the enhancements that have been made to add ride pictures and videos.

Star Wars Weekends will be returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Fridays – Sundays, May 4 – June 14, 2015. There will be a

Star Wars Dine-In Galactic Breakfast featuring some of the ‘villains’ from the Empire. Darth Vader, Bobo Fett, Greedo, Jawas, and Stormtroopers will be a part of the experience. Cost will be $49.99 for adults and $31.99 for kids ages 3 – 9. Breakfast will be offered during Star Wars Weekends at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, and the hours will be 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dine will be held at Hollywood and Vine, and will include the Fantasmic! Dining Package. Along with Jedi Mickey will be Princess Leia Minnie, Darth Vader Goofy, Storm Trooper Donald, and Ewoks Chip ‘n’ Dale. Cost is $57.99 for adults and $34.99 for kids ages 3 – 9, and gratuities are not included.

Advanced reservations are strongly suggested for both dining experiences, and character appearances are subject to change. Call 407-WDW-DINE for more information and reservations!

Thanks for reading, and have a blessed and magical day, my friends!!

TCM’s GMR

The addition of Turner Classic Movies sponsorship of The Great Movie Ride could be a fabulous partnership at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! The possibilities are nearly endless when it comes to putting new scenes together to both update the ride and keep the classic feel of the ride! And, IF memory serves correctly, TCM still has a partnership with MGM…hmmmm!

I am curious if there are going to be any changes to the facade of the theater, with the demolition of the Sorcerer Mickey Hat, to enhance the view as we walk up Hollywood Blvd.

Now to see what OTHER news will come out of DHS!

In the end, I think we all win!

Happy Thanksgiving to my American readers…and a Magical Weekend to you all!!

When, Oh When WDW, Will You Tell Us?

With the announcements that Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be closing The Legend of Jack Sparrow, and possibly moving the Sorcerer’s Hat, one question is still left unanswered…

WHAT’S COMING TO THE STUDIOS!?

The short answer is: We Don’t Know! The Walt Disney company has not shared any plans for new attractions, major refurbishments, or anything else. We know that some studio elite toured the park over the past few months. We assume that there will be an expansion to Pixar Place and possibly the addition of something Star Wars related. And, how could we forget, the rumor of a name change to Disney’s Hollywood Adventure? Keep in mind that nothing has been confirmed, or denied, by Disney!

This tactic, while potentially wise, drives Disney fans, like myself, a bit crazy! And, if I had to guess, nothing major will be announced until Spring at the earliest. But, I suspect any BIG news will have to wait until D23 next August. Wow! That’s a long time!

For now, we will just have to sit back and take a wait and see stance. So, until next time, may you have a Blessed and Magical Day, my friends!!

This JUST In…Arendelle is coming to the Norway Pavilion and MORE

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman, Tom Staggs, announced today that Frozen will indeed be moving into the Norway Pavilion with a target opening in early 2016. The new attraction will be replacing Maelstrom, the popular attraction currently occupying the space where Arendelle will be taking up residence.

The attraction will present the looks and music made popular in Disney’s record-breaking hit, Frozen! And, there will also be, what is being called, a royal greeting area where Anna and Elsa will greet park guests! There is no word, yet, on how this may affect the meet and greet currently taking place at The Magic Kingdom.

The Frozen Summer Fun attractions are also being extended at Disney’s Hollywood Studios…well, some of them anyway. the Sing-along is set to continue and Wandering Oaken’s is going to be moved to a new location closer to the same area. It will have a larger play area, and will have real snow!

Finally, the holiday season at The Magic Kingdom will take on a bit of a different feel and Queen Elsa will transform Cinderella’s Castle into a real Ice Palace in the evenings. And, Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf will join the queen in the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade during the party.

Cinderella's Castle Ice Palace — Cinderella’s Castle
Ice Palace