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...

Mar 14, 2013

Well, after we broke the story about Disney Springs a few weeks ago and the rumors aired on nearly every local news outlet in Central Florida, Disney finally officially announced Disney Springs to replace Downtown Disney today: LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., March 14, 2013 – Walt Disney World Resort today announced the multi-year transformation of Downtown Disney into Disney Springs, a unique destination that will treat guests to significantly more shopping, dining and entertainment amid beautiful open-air promenades, meandering springs and waterfront charm. Disney Springs will feature an eclectic and contemporary mix from Disney and other noteworthy brands. From boutique shops to unique flagship anchor stores, guests will be able to explore a variety of shopping, dining...

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...

Mar 2, 2013

While the new Walt Disney World maps may not be available to guests until tomorrow, we managed to get our hands on them a few days early and decided to share a look at these new maps with you today (Click each to see larger image): Magic Kingdom Epcot Disney’s Hollywood Studios Disney’s Animal Kingdom Downtown Disney Water Parks ESPN Wide World of...

Feb 19, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Tom Corless visited the Walt Disney World Resort last week and has some newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip, so let’s take a look: There is now an official Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card book, $34.95 Work continues on the Tangled restrooms Lanterns now hang over the area A poster featuring Vladamir from the movie is hanging on the wall There is now a wait time sign for the Express Monorail Tarps are up on the guitar at Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster Angry Birds: Star Wars stuff now available in Tatooine Traders Moving to Downtown Disney, you can now see the pinsetters working through the windows at Splitsville Taco truck is back on West Side The Little Mermaid shirt from California is available A painting of...

Feb 11, 2013

I took a quick trip to the Disneyland Resort today and captured a few photos from both Downtown Disney and Disney California Adventure. Starting in Downtown Disney, the stage by ESPN Zone is being replaced AMC showing romance movies for Valentines Week  Temporary stage setup down the way  Over in DCA, the Glendale Hyperion bridge was painted again  Here is the other side for comparison which still has the beige color  World of Color just went though two weeks of refurbishment and I noticed some small new things  Some new LED rings on some of the fountains  and also a new mist screen nozzle on the front screen that looks a bit different than the old one  The rear mist screen look the same as they did before. Just the front one is new it seems.  Silly...

By Steven Miller on the Disney Parks Blog: The start of a New Year brings many reasons to celebrate. This year, there are two months of back-to-back holidays including Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and Easter. I caught up with Monty Maldovan, long-time artist with Disney Design Group, about some of the new merchandise coming for Mickey Mouse’s bear, Duffy the Disney Bear. Monty recently celebrated the release of three original art pieces, including one featuring Mickey and Duffy, at the Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace. “I had a lot of fun designing some of the seasonal outfits for Duffy the Disney Bear this year,” said Monty. “We have some new things that our guests have told us they wanted including outfits for 17-inch bears and...

ANAHEIM, Ca., Jan. 28, 2012 – Love is in the air at Disneyland Resort as fairy tale princesses find true love with their princes, and “happily ever after” becomes a reality. It all happens during True Love Week February 11-17, 2013 at Disneyland Resort. The weeklong love fest is part of “Limited Time Magic” at Disney Parks, where each week in 2013 guests will be treated to a sprinkling of Disney magic, with fun and surprises that enhance their vacation memories. During True Love Week, a tapestry of romance is woven throughout the resort — from special entertainment and limited-edition Valentine’s merchandise to candlelit dinners for two and new, themed photo locations offering encounters with beloved Disney sweethearts – all for a limited-time only. The...

By Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:   Grammy winners and Disneyland Resort favorite Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea have been nominated for a 2013 Grammy award for their eighth album, “Oye,” in the category of Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano). To celebrate, the full ensemble will appear in the Downtown Disney District on February 5 at 1 p.m. They will share their history, answer questions about their experience and perform a medley of songs from their Grammy-nominated album as well as favorites from their past albums. Directed and founded by trumpet player Cindy Shea in 1999, the Mariachi Divas are well known in the national and international music scene. With four Grammy nominations, 1 Latin Grammy nomination and 1 Grammy win...