Apr 18, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited the Magic Kingdom yesterday and has some newsworthy photos to share with us, so lets take a look: Work continues on the Grand Floridian DVC wing Work continues on a third bus loop for the Magic Kingdom The Grand Floridian Villas off in the distance There is still a ton of construction equipment put in the Polynesian Resort parking lot Some work being done to the planter in front of the train station Beautifully Disney products now available in the Emporium The Swiss Family Treehouse s being fixed up while it is open The Adventureland Veranda facade is still being worked on Sleepy Hollow Refreshments is still behind tarps The exterior refurbishment of Columbia Harbour House rolls on Tarps now up on this end of the...

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...

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...

Feb 12, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Monday and has a ton fo newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look: Work continues on Splash Mountain Splash Mountain will re-open in March Work continues on the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train Pinocchio’s Village Haus has the Lemonade with Wil Berry Foam from Be Our Guest, but in a Pinocchio stein The Adventureland Veranda is behind tarps The roof is being replaced in this often neglected section of the building Another wall up in another section of the building The stage for Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial is being worked on The show is still being performed though The interactive queue is being constructed at Pirates...

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited the Magic Kingdom on Saturday and has some fantastic pictures of new progress on the Big Thunder Mountain interactive queue, A Pirate’s Life: Treasures of the Seven Seas, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and more, so let’s take a look: While the Main Street Bakery is closed, guests can head to the Tomorrowland Terrace Plenty of options at Tomorrowland Terrace, including beignets! The flowers in the hub have gone to Valentine’s Day colors and the ducks love it… Valentine’s Day cupcakes available at Big Top Treats I’ve heard of panning for gold… More props and interactive elements have been installed in the queue at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad The “exploding” crates are...

I know it is a few days late, but I decided that I should share some newsworthy photos from my last trip to Walt Disney World with you, so let’s take a look at a couple of interesting things happening around the resort: The Epcot Center charm bracelet is now available The “Oz The Great and Powerful” playground fro the Flower and Garden Festival is being constructed near Imagination! The FastPass+ queue seems to be finished at the Seas with Nemo and Friends Yes, the cut a hole in the mural… The Main Street Bakery is closed until May to convert to Starbucks service Tomorrowland Terrace has breakfast for now FastPass+ scanners uncovered at Tomorrowland Speedway Also uncovered at the Barnstormer The umbrellas have finally arrived for...

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 22, 2012

WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth visited the Magic Kingdom and Downtown Disney on Monday and has some newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip, so let’s take a look: RFID turnstiles are installed and being used at the Magic Kingdom Looks permanent this time More track has been installed for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Looks like WDW Resort Hotel carpet on the roof so workers don’t slip A lift hill now installed A lot of dirt… More rockwork is about to appear Something interesting happened to all the new screen-based wait times signs Yep, that’s there… Instead of being a generic font with a black background, all of them are themed and match in color now The Pete cut-out at Silly Sideshow now tips his hat TA-DA! Guests were...

Dec 20, 2012

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort on Tuesday and has some newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look: IT’S ALMOST HERE! All of the Kodak picture spots will be removed soon as the sponsorship has come to an end The Cheshire Cafe sign is missing for some reason Work continues on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Gaston’s Tavern now has hot cocoa The Gaston’s Tavern stein is available again at Bonjour Village Gifts 2013 merchandise can be found just about anywhere at WDW now 2013 Duffy! The Disney Afternoon pins are now available 2013 mystery pins were recently released as well Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure mystery pin set FastPass+ testing was still...

From Michelle Baumann on the Disney Parks Blog: A soothing escape into a world of pampering and relaxation is just steps away from Disney theme park fun at the newly re-imagined Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. The fully remodeled spa, now owned and operated by Disney, is set to open December 17. I recently had a chance to duck in for a sneak peek and our Imagineers did a splendid job of blending Grand Floridian turn-of-the-century elegance with modern touches – plus a dash of Disney whimsy. Here are some of the highlights: Spa-goers first walk through the new Victorian style entryway and indulge in a relax, renew, or imagine journey that’s determined by your treatment choice. The centerpiece of the spa’s lobby is an original mural...