May 18, 2013

I can’t wait for the upcoming all-night party that will kick off a Monstrous Summer at Disney Parks on May 24, 2013. I had a blast at last year’s 24-hour party with my fiancée, so I imagine this one will be even more “eye-mazing!” As part of Limited Time Magic, Disney Theme Park Merchandise has created some commemorative items featuring Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan, stars of Disney•Pixar’s upcoming film “Monsters University.” Here are some things you can expect starting May 24. We will have a new logo shirt featuring Mike, created just for the 24 hour party. The shirts will be similar on each coast except for a small logo change on the sleeve (either “Magic Kingdom” for guests in Florida or “Disneyland Resort” for guests in...

May 18, 2013

Unique food, treats and snacks are being added to many locations around the Disneyland Resort for the Monstrous all-nighter event and Disney is sharing a few of these items to whet our appetite. Of course the Disney chefs had to get in on the Memorial Day weekend fun to kick off a Monstrous Summer atDisneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Magic Kingdom Park, Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park will stay open from 6 a.m., May 24, to 6 a.m. May 25, – which gives us 24 hours to nosh our way through the delightful bites. We won’t give away all the ideas the chefs have planned, but here are a few:                                                                The cupcake craze gets a nod at Gaston’s...

Apr 11, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen has been all-over the Walt Disney World Resort as of late and has a ton of newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look: While most of the new parking lot at the Grand Floridian Villas is open, some is still closed to accommodate construction Work continues on the Villas at the Grand Floridian This appears to be the drop-off area Iron Man-O-Rail running Moving to the Magic Kingdom, work continues on the Main Street Bakery The new Dumbo popcorn bucket available on Main Street Purty Work continues on the exterior of the Adventureland Veranda The glass canopy on the other side of the building is still missing Some work happening at the Swiss Family Treehouse while it is open Kodak picture spots are still up around...

Apr 1, 2013

Disney confirmed the addition of a waterside restaurant to the Morocco pavilion at Epcot earlier today. The restaurant will be called Spice Road Table and will have both indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant will open later this year and will feature various small plates and refreshments inspired by the cuisine of the Mediterranean. Disney has also promised other “enhancements” to the pavilion that will be announced at another time. So what do you think? Is another Moroccan restaurant a good...

Mar 21, 2013

Things have been so crazy around here at WDW News Today lately that we’ve had some minor news stories slip through the cracks. In an effort to get you up to speed on some of the stories we haven’t covered on the site lately, here are newsworthy photos from myself and Dirk Wallen taken earlier in March: Some new “flat” snowglobes for sale There are some new hot sandwiches in Liberty Square Most of the arcades at Walt Disney World are replacing their prize counters with one of these An automated prize machine is a pretty cool concept The new purchase with purchase item for sale is an expandable duffle Wriost gift cards are available for the Flower and Garden Festival Work continues on expanding the Boardwalk Bakery The arcade next door...

Mar 3, 2013

Since the cancellation of the Hyperion Wharf project for Downtown Disney some time ago, we have all been wondering what will be happening to what is now Pleasure Island. Well… we may not have to wonder any more… A few days ago, an unnamed source provided us with a PDF document referring to the overhaul of Downtown Disney by a project name which we will not be disclosing at this time. The project includes changes to the entire Downtown Disney district as we know it, including a rumored change to the name “Disney Springs”. According to the document, “The roots of this destination can be traced back as it evolved around the town’s local spring. In this evolution, clear changes in the environment have manifested, making what we know today...

The California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is shuttering for refurbishment on February 1st and will be closed until late Summer 2013. The interior of the restaurant is being remodeled with a design by the Puccini Group in San Francisco and will feature a wall of wines at the entrance and spectacular views from every table. Here are some renderings: Chef Brian Piasecki recently previewed some of the new menu options. The pork and polenta dish will become “Pork Two Ways” with wood-fired tenderloin with goat cheese polenta, and braised lacquered pork belly with country applesauce. Creative new sushi tastes include the Spicy Kaza roll with tuna, shrimp and scallops with tempura crunch and fireball sauce; Japanese-style bone marrow with crunchy...

So, 2012 is coming to a close and you’re probably now asking, “Well, what is happening at Walt Disney World in 2013?” It’s going to be nearly impossible to top all the changes and additions we had in 2012 at the Vacation Kingdom of the World, but there will be a steady diet of exciting offerings coming in 2013: Princess Fairytale Hall Disney princesses including Cinderella, Aurora, Snow White, Jasmine, Tiana and Rapunzel will have a new home for meeting their loyal subjects when Princess Fairytale Hall opens in 2013 in the shadows of Cinderella Castle. The castle-like entrance will feature walls of stone and stained glass windows leading to a large, high-ceilinged room where portraits of the princesses adorn the walls. When summoned, Magic...

Dec 20, 2012

Splitsville at Downtown Disney is now open to the public after what feels like years of waiting, and we have some video to share with you. The following video was taken at the Disney Parks Blog Meet-Up on Monday, showing mostly the upstairs of the new Downtown Disney West Side establishment....

With FastPass+ testing going on this week, Disney is also using this time to test “order ahead” dining at Be Our Guest Restaurant in New Fantasyland. Disney has released plenty of information internally on the new test, you may want to take a read: As part of our efforts to continuously improve the Guest experience, we’re testing a new offering at Be Our Guest Restaurant. Be Our Guest Restaurant offers fast casual service for lunch including an innovative table delivery service. There are no counters at the restaurant. Guests instead order from a kiosk and receive a magic rose. Their meal is delivered directly to their table. Arrival window selection: In December, selected Guests (Club Level Concierge Guests at select resorts) will have the opportunity...