Howdy! The heat is here in full force, but that didn’t stop me from having a fun day in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. There is a new Stitch Pandora Collection, tons of construction updates, a tiny village update from the Germany pavilion, and random fun in the parks.
Good Morning from Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Good morning from Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I am already sweaty and hot so let’s embrace the heat and southern stroll our way through the crowds. It’s easy to get ahead of yourself when the weather gets in the 90s.
Keystone Facade Update
I was excited to see that Keystone had repainted the green marble facade. The last time Disney tried to do this the paint peeled and looked rough. Hopefully this time they found the perfect top coat. I did notice that they didn’t bother to fill in the existing holes which gives away the illusion. Hopefully, there will be something covering that down the road.
Notice how many times hopefully was used above. Disney keeps the guests hoping for the way things used to be done.
Desolate Courtyard
The Courtyard is certainly in a state of construction. This whole space feels illegal to be in right now, especially in the morning when there is nothing but a few Cast Members rolling into work. No major updates with ‘The Little Mermaid’ or Disney Junior today, unfortunately.
Fun fact for you. If you ever see someone rolling one of these giant bags through the park, that is likely a Cast Member. I’ll leave it to your imagination what might be in that rolling bag.
New Stitch Pandora Collection and Gift
In Legends of Hollywood, I ran into one of my very good friends who showed me the new Stitch Pandora collection. I am in love with this entire collection and am seriously tempted to buy the three necessary pieces to get the Stitch jewelry box. I survived today without spending, but this guy better sell out fast.
I mean look at the clasp of the bracelet. It’s Stitch’s face and when you open it he has teeny little teeth hidden like his biting down to hold your bracelet together. It’s precious.
Here’s a cost breakdown…
- Necklace – $135
- Bracelet – $125
- Charms – $95 each
- Ring – $88
- Earring Set – $88
Sunset Showcase is Looking Villainous
Over at Sunset Showcase, the painting work continues and now you can see words! The framework for new posters has also been added to the far right wall. I don’t want to give it all away. For more details on this villainous update be sure to visit our website.
Happy Pin Tuesday!
This week there was only one exclusive Disney pin released.
- Inkwells of Evil featuring Scar
- Limited Edition of 4000
- $22.99
Are you collecting the Inkwells Collection? Let me know in the comments below. I think they are cool, but I already have too many Disney collections going.
Verizon Celebrates in Style
I took the Skyliner over to EPCOT but noticed an elaborate setup at the Yacht and Beach Club beach. Turns out Verizon has been renting out the parks at night and had a party here on the beach. I have seen some elaborate setups for weddings and other conferences, but this was next level. There were even lights on the swings and along the water.
Stormalong Bay Updates
Stormalong Bay is the best pool on Disney property without a doubt. The sand and water are like a miniature waterpark. It looks like the construction is wrapping up in the pool area, and construction on the facade is slowly moving from the Yacht Club down to the Beach Club.
You can see construction workers repairing the facade near the pool restrooms. Other construction workers are hanging scrim to protect guests walking to Beaches and Cream Soda Shop.
The Ultimate Crossroad
After being exceedingly jealous of Verizon’s beach party I walked to the back entrance of EPCOT. I hate starting here. I don’t know what it is. You have to choose directions from the front of the park too. What happens to me almost every time is I go to the United Kingdom pavilion and the Canada pavilion and then turn around and go to France.
Are you particular like me on how you do the World Showcase?
United Kingdom Pavilion in Disrepair
I noticed that some of the string lights on the facade between Rose and Crown Pub and the Fish and Chips Stand have started to fall. Hopefully, this will be repaired before someone with a little too much confidence tries to take it down. People get rowdy here at EPCOT.
Japan Pavilion – Koi Pond
The Japan pavilion is one of my favorite stops along the showcase. I love watching the Koi. If you can get back here before it gets crowded it’s very peaceful too. For whatever reason this morning the Koi were getting after their breakfast.
Italy Pavilion – Lady and the Tramp Topiary
Oi. I feel like I lied to y’all this year about the fluff of Lady’s ears. Usually, it’s fairly rainy which helps the flowers grow, of course, but with little rain no fluff. I apologize for any anticipation you may have experienced a few weeks ago. I am also disappointed. She is still very cute though.
Germany Pavilion – Tiny Village Update
Honestly, the tiny village in the Germany pavilion has been relatively quiet with very few updates, boring I know. I think the town is still recovering from the miniature unclothed women who trotted through town.
Our tiny friend remains at the top of the tower without railing to protect her, but she’s been standing sturdy there through everything so I’m starting to think she has this handled.
A boy was carrying what appeared to be a dog in a basket while some men were working on a tractor. Love that for the boy.
I was stoked to see the accordion player back in Townsquare. Also, there was a serious chat happening at the fruit kiosk. I was jealous of their small shade.
Germany Pavilion – Solar Trash Can Takeover
I have only one question. Why are all the solar trashcans in EPCOT exclusively in the Germany pavilion? There has to be a manager here who has a test in place to see if the solar cans are worth the efficiency. Five. I counted three last week and now we have five. They are multiplying like rabbits.
Club Cool is Cool Again…Almost
I am stupid excited to announce that every machine in Club Cool currently has ALL flavors. HOWEVER. Finding a cup to sample the flavors did prove challenging. I noticed on my way out that the Coordinator was working on resupplying the cups.
Mission Space Has Seen Astroid Damage
Over the past few months, Mission Space has had some refreshes to the exterior, and the Earth even spins again. Part of the refresh included these mosaic circles on the ground. I’m pretty sure these are meant to be stars and not planets. The point is the mosaic tiles are chipping away under the constant foot traffic and it looks like an astroid has torn through the entire galaxy.
At this point, it looks more like a forgotten breaking relic than an intentional new improvement.
Test Track Refurbishment Update
I noticed that there were a bunch of these black things hanging from the Test Track awning. I think they may be fans which is outstanding. I feel like Disney forgets the importance of cool shade these days.
Manatee Update in The Seas
The biggest update of my day was hearing that Mino has moved out of Disney’s The Seas. Mino is now staying in what’s considered a halfway home to practice being out in the wilderness again in a safe environment.
I also noticed that the Diver Lock-Out Chamber had water and bubbles and I about popped myself I got so excited. The Cast Member standing in front of the chamber assured me that there were no divers in there yet, but they should be able to again SOON. KILLING ME. I think that is so cool as a SCUBA Diver myself.
Disney Bus in Tow
On my journey back to my car I noticed that there was a Disney Bus being towed from the Hollywood Studios bus depot. I have never seen this nor really ever considered it, but it make sense. It was just wild to see so I thought I’d share.
I hope you enjoyed our day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. Other than melting slowly as I reacclimate for this hellish summer ahead it was a really fun day. I most enjoyed watching the Koi have breakfast this morning in the Japan pavilion.
Let me know in the comments below if you have a favorite moment from today.
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