Jun 5, 2013

Earlier today, I was lucky enough to get a tour of the model villas for “The Villas at the Grand Floridian” which will be opening in October. Here are photos I took of the deluxe studio and one-bedroom villa model rooms: The hallway Artwork in the hallway First we will look at the studio I’m not surprised to see Mary Poppins in the room, but The Happiest Millionaire? A really cool obscure reference! The pull-out bed has Dumbo artwork behind it The kitchen The bathroom Yes, there is a TV in the mirror… Now on to the one-bedroom villa Notice the Duffy in the girl’s basket in the picture on the right… Mary Poppins lyrics adorn the back of the fold-out bed in this room The kitchen is pretty awesome The kitchen table The...

Jun 4, 2013

Back in the fall of 2012, Epcot Character Spot closed for a lengthy refurbishment, but we were never given a date when it would reopen. At one point, the re-opening was set for March, but March came and went and the original location remained closed. Finally, the original Epcot Character Spot location re-opened this week with some major changes: The entrance has moved to where the exit was previously The queue is now in the former exit hallway where some strange blue flowers have been added Mickey, Pluto, and Minnie were greeting guests today, it looks like Minnie and Mickey will always be there while the middle character alternates Pluto’s backdrop features the Astro Orbiter, Monorail, and Soarin’ The last backdrop appears to be a space station We...

Jun 3, 2013

A few days ago, the former Monsters Inc. meet and greet at Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopened as a Monsters University meet and greet: Some sections of the meet and greet were just slightly altered The new props added have a lot of great details Make sure you read all of them All of the fraternities and sororities are represented A campus map There’s even a board featuring the faculty The campus bookstore advertises some collegiate apparel Overall, the meet and greet has some great details and you should check it out the next time you visit the...

Jun 2, 2013

Several months ago, Walt Disney World announced that they would debut an experience at Animal Kingdom based on the Wilderness Explorers from the Disney-PIXAR film UP. While we looked for signs of the attraction being installed over the last few months, we were not able to find anything around the park. While there was no apparent work taking place, quietly over the last several days some props and signage were installed for the game and it turned out to be somewhat more substantial that we thought it would be. The Wilderness Explorers game officially opened to guests on June 1st and we were on the scene to check it out. The headquarters for the attraction is located on the bridge to Discovery Island from the Oasis, so guests will have to pass it when entering the...

May 30, 2013

After many years, the Fantasyland Theater returned at Disneyland over the weekend with the debut of Mickey and the Magical Map, an all-new stage spectacular. We have full video of the show for you to enjoy: So, what do you think of Mickey and the Magical Map?

May 29, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Saturday and has some newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip: Work continues on turning FountainView into a Starbucks location The Epcot Character Spot is expected to return to its original location next week, but it looks like the entrance is moving over here The Flower and Garden Festival is over… No more butterflies… The Lion King display was still up Goodbye Oz… Radiator Springs has been wiped from existence The Monsters University display is gone No visible progress on Spice Road Table in Morocco yet At the Studios, the KODAK logo is gone from the film in the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids play area A large Etch-A-Sketch was installed in the Toy...

May 28, 2013

A few weeks ago, we showed you video of two of the raids in the still yet-to-officially-open “A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas” attraction at the Magic Kingdom. Since then, the attraction has been operating quite frequently and we have managed to see all of the raids, including the special finale available to guests upon completing all five raids. Take a look: The first video was previously posted when we went through the play testing of the attraction. These next four videos were taken last week: In my last review, I basically said this attraction was onyl for children. Since completing all the raids, I think I have a different view on this attraction. The three new raids we completed were a lot more fun and some of the effects...

May 28, 2013

Disneyland News Today reporter Tim Alcoser attended the entire 24-hour Monstrous Summer event at the Disneyland Resort. For those who want to recap or who could not attend the event, there are plenty of pictures here for your enjoyment. For the event, early guests were parked in the Bambi section of the Toy Story Parking lot, which is traditionally reserved for Cast Member parking only. Crowds await the 6:00 AM entrance into Disney California Adventure. Time is 5:30 AM. Camera crews await the 6:00 AM start of Disney’s Monstrous Summer. Guests eagerly await the 6:00 AM opening of Disneyland.   Watch the Countdown to the Start of the Monstrous Summer All-Nighter at Disneyland.   A Monstrous Summer All-Nighter sign at the entrance to Main Street USA...

May 27, 2013

On Friday, the Magic Kingdom celebrated the start of the Monstrous Summer with the All-Nighter, another 24 hour day. Unlike 2012, this edition had many more special entertainment offerings mostly revolving around the upcoming Monsters University film. Mike and Sulley were the grand marshals in a special pre-parade at the Magic Kingdom, including a marching band playing the MU fight song: Mike and Sulley also appeared in the “Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It!” Street Party: Finally, throughout the evening, guests could meet their favorite Disney pals in their pajamas (This particular encounter included a cast member who commandeers my...

May 27, 2013

Disneyland News Today reporter Tim Alcoser was at the Disneyland Resort the day before the 24 hour Monstrous Summer Event and captured a few photos of newsworthy items: Studio equipment is ready to go for the Monstrous Summer Event in the middle of the Esplanade. Red, White and Blue is showing up at both parks in lieu of Memorial Day/Independence Day. The Market House will be closed until the Fall when it will reappear as a Starbucks. The Mickey and the Magical Map Media Event took place on May 23rd closing down most of Fantasyland with a Grand Premiere of the show. Mickey and the Magical Map is now open and showing several times daily at the Disneyland Resort! When you are at the Happiest Place on Earth, you just never know who is going to show up and...