May 20, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen has been all over the Walt Disney World theme parks over the last week and has a ton of newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look: We begin at Downtown Disney To Pleasure Island while it is still a thing… While nothing is going on at Adventurer’s Club… Walls are already up for Disney Springs at the former Comedy Warehouse The walls from inside Pleasure Island Work happening at the Sassagoula boat dock on Pleasure Island It’s closed, so you have to get off at Marketplace Soon this will be The Landing The Truckeria taco truck is at Downtown Disney Not sure how long this has been a thing, but there is a snow-cone cart in Marketplace They also have glazed nuts Some new pins are out at Pin...

May 15, 2013

With the closure of Camp Minnie-Mickey eminent, we were promised a new home for Mickey and Minnie somewhere in Animal Kingdom a few months ago. The location turned out to be the former Beastly Bazaar shop that reopened today after some delay as Adventurers Outpost, supposedly Mickey and Minnie’s exploration headquarters. Take a look: The entrance A temporary sign in place until the entire experience is complete The interior queue There are many pictures of Mickey and Minnie out on adventurers through the queue This is one fo the two holding rooms. There are two rooms where guests can meet Mickey and Minnie, however the second room was not ready for guests today The actual meet and greet has Mickey and Minnie in front of a large map with some...

May 14, 2013

Animal Kingdom Opening Day Remembered by Ron D’Anna For the Disney Parks fans, there can be no greater event than the opening of a new theme park.  The last time this rare event occurred at Walt Disney World was April 22, 1998. I was there–a senior in high school skipping class to attend. Earth Day was an apt choice to birth a new park based on conservation and the natural world. Disney’s Animal Kingdom officially debuted that Wednesday at 7 AM. Animal Kingdom had already been in soft openings for weeks for Cast Members and annual pass holders, but the official opening still felt like something special. Arriving to the plaza in front of the turnstiles a little before 6AM, I was already so far behind in the sea of people I could not see any of the actual...

May 14, 2013

It isn’t everyday you see Mowgli from the Jungle Book appear at a Disney theme park… From what we understand, you shouldn’t expect to see Mowgli doing regular meet and greets anytime soon, even as part of Limited Time Magic. While it isn’t anything permanent, it sure was nice to see a rare character appear in the...

May 13, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom this weekend and has a ton of newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look: Work continues on the Villas at the Grand Floridian Windows are being installed now It’s starting to look like part of the Grand Floridian A look from across the Seven Seas Lagoon Work continues on the third bus loop at the Magic Kingdom Not much to see yet Getting to the Magic Kingdom, tarps are still up on Main Street Apparel next to Casey’s Corner Starbucks opens in the Main Street Bakery next month Sleepy Hollow Refreshments is still behind tarps In a strange tuern of events, a Disney Visa card kiosk has opened at the old Keelboat dock This space had been used for Haunted...

May 1, 2013

I recently visited the Walt Disney World Resort (just last week) and I have a ton of newsworthy photos to share with you, so let’s take a look at all of the changes happening around the resort right now: They got a new banner, too bad they only have a few months left… They added some “blood” red carpet in the queue at the Haunted Mansion… sorry, it’s dark in there The backside of the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train appears to closely resemble the rock-work on Under the Sea After a month, it appears the construction of the third bus loop at the Magic Kingdom is still in the early stages I see you Grand Floridian Villas… Over at Animal Kingdom, banners are still up for the 15th anniversary We can already see posts for a...

Apr 29, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Downtown Disney, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom last week and has some newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look: The Rainforest Cafe volcano is done Tons of Marvel stuff in Once Upon a Toy They also now have the Star Wars Droid Factory Over at Epcot, work continues on turing Fountain View into a Starbucks location The old Character Spot is still closed… at this point I’m starting to think it will become Starbucks seating… Tarps are down at Mission: Space and the facade looks great Tarps are up where Spice Road Table will be going in Morocco A temporary stage up for Mo’ Rockin’ The waterfall at Maelstrom is being worked on again for some reason Moving to Animal Kingdom, the...

Apr 29, 2013

Last week, Disney’s Animal Kingdom celebrated it’s 15th anniversary with a special ceremony and some added characters in the Jammin’ Jungle Parade. We have video of both of these offerings to share with you today. First up, the morning anniversary ceremony: Here is Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade with the added...

Apr 9, 2013

Here are the official festivities Disney has announced for Animal Kingdom’s 15th anniversary on April 22nd, 2013: Special opening ceremony – Meet at the Tree of Life at 8:40 a.m., to hear from Josh D’Amaro, Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom; Dr. Jackie Ogden, Vice President of Animals, Science and Environment; and Joe Rohde, Senior Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering Creative. Make sure you arrive early for this! Earth Day “Party for the Planet” festivities – Special interactive activities that focus on animals and nature will take place throughout the park from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Artists and other vendors will present their work on in Africa and on Discovery Island, with their work available for purchase. Opportunity to purchase...

Apr 3, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Joe Hogarty visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom yesterday and has some newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look: Work being done on the bridge to Africa, believed to be connected to the work on the new Festival of the Lion King Theater This could be extended queue for the show We haven’t checked on the Tree of Life nets in a while Seems most of the paths are covered now There is one small section still not completed Mickey-shaped snacks? A look at the Africa bridge from the other direction PINE CONE!!! I am Batman! Awwww, kitty! They were being active SLURP! RAWR! More… Almost done… The Adventurers Outpost still has not opened Maybe...