Voyageurs’ Lounge Announced for Disney’s Riviera Resort
Matthew Soberman
Disney’s Riviera Resort is speeding towards its Fall 2019 opening. And today, we learned that a new lounge will be part of the resort! Called Voyageur’s Lounge, the lounge celebrates Walt Disney’s international travels and the books he collected along the way. From Disney Parks Blog: “Inside this fun lounge at Disney’s Riviera Resort, you will be …
PHOTO REPORT: Epcot 2/7/19 (Japan Restaurant Goes Vertical, Space Restaurant and Other Future World Construction, Festival of the Arts, ETC.)
Iain
We’re about halfway through the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, and between that and the myriad of construction projects going on, there’s always something cooking at Epcot. Let’s see what’s new. Future World Construction The new space restaurant in between Mission Space and Test Track is coming together very quickly. It seems like just …
TONIGHT on WDW News Tonight (2/7/19): The Map Game 1989, How Enjoyable are Disney Parks Today, Around the Hub, Thank You Notes, and More!
Tom Corless
Tonight! WDWNT: The Map Game returns, we talk about how enjoyable the modern Disney Parks experience is, and we start promoting the hell out of Stage 89! The show can be watched live at WDWNTunes.com on your computer or mobile device (but it is also available on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube). You can also use …
SHOP: Winnie the Pooh Merchandise Collection from Epcot Now Available Online
Iain
There’s no need to travel to Walt Disney World to buy the adorable Winnie the Pooh merchandise spotted in the United Kingdom Pavilion in Epcot last month. Several items that have been sold at The Toy Soldier for weeks have made their way to ShopDisney as part of the Hundred Acre Wonder collection. Winnie the …
The Art Corner Pop-Up Shop Now Open at Disney Springs
Jessica Figueroa
The Art Corner, by Artistic Talent Group is now open at Disney Springs and brings a whimsical creative space to the area. If you’re unfamiliar with The Art Corner, the original Art Corner concept actually began on opening day inside Disneyland Park in California. The Art Corner was a small pop-up kiosk at the end of Main Street that …
PHOTO REPORT: Hollywood Studios 2/7/19 (Pixar Place Additions, Bag Check Construction, and More!)
Iain
Welcome to Hollywood Studios, where it seems like every day, something has either been added or taken away. Let’s see what’s changed today. An Incredible Celebration – Pixar Place Here is a list of things that were added to Pixar Place for the An Incredible Celebration. Most of these were intended to be there for …
PHOTO REPORT: Animal Kingdom 2/7/19 (Otter Exhibit Construction, Kali River Rapids, Merchandise, ETC.)
Iain
Good morning from Animal Kingdom! It’s dreary and overcast, with not a speck of sunshine, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a nice day! Apparently everyone else had the same idea… This is one of the few times I’ve actually made good use of the Annual Passholder queue. Probably saved me an easy 15 …
ParksCenter – FastPass Cancellations, Smart Speakers in Rooms, and Paris News – Ep. 42
Ben
This is ParksCenter. We cover the top 7 (yeah, 7) stories from this week in Disney Parks news, in under 30 minutes, guaranteed. In this week’s episode, we’re talking about: Disney will now cancel any FastPass reservations you’ve made when you cancel your resort reservation, in an attempt to prevent abuse of the system Smart …
Full Lineup Released for Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival’s Garden Rocks Concert Series
Matthew Soberman
Music will be in bloom at the Garden Rocks Concert Series as part of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, and we have the full lineup! Concerts happen at the America Gardens Theatre in the American Adventure Pavilion. Shows are 7 nights a week during the festival at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM and 8 …
TONIGHT: ParksCenter – FastPass Cancellations, Smart Speakers in Rooms, and Paris News – Ep. 42
Ben
Tonight, February 6th at 9pm Eastern, will be the next edition of WDWNT’s ParksCenter! We’re going to cover the top 7 stories from this week in Disney Parks news, in under 30 minutes, guaranteed. Want to watch us record the show live? Tune in tonight at 9pm EDT on WDWNTunes! This week, we’ll be talking about: …
VIDEO: Watch This New International Trailer For “Dumbo”; New Character Poster
Joe Hogarty
A new international trailer for Tim Burton’s “Dumbo” has been released online with some new footage of the world’s most famous pachyderm! A new character poster of “Dumbo” has also been released. From Disney and visionary director Tim Burton, the all-new grand live-action adventure “Dumbo” expands on the beloved classic story where differences are celebrated, …
PHOTOS: Even More New Winnie the Pooh Merchandise in the United Kingdom Pavilion in Epcot
Iain
Even more new Winnie the Pooh and friends merchandise has been spotted at Toy Soldier in the United Kingdom Pavilion at Epcot! My Fist Tervis Sippy Cup – ($21.99) Pooh And Friends Tervis – ($26.99) Pooh And Friends Clutch – ($17.99) Tigger Ladies Shirt – ($39.99) Pooh And Friends Fleece Blanket – ($54.99) Here are …
The Weekly Walt Disney World Maintenance Report (2/6/18): Way More Added Than Repaired, American Adventure Out of Sync
Tom Corless
Welcome to the Weekly Walt Disney World Maintenance Report. In this weekly report, the goal is to create a comprehensive list of broken effects, damaged props, and more at the Walt Disney World Resort in the hopes they will be repaired, or at the very least just track how long it takes for Disney to …
‘The Lion King’ Celebration Coming This Summer To Disney California Adventure Park
Iain
This summer, Disney California Adventure park will come alive with a vibrant celebration inspired by Disney’s new upcoming live action film, “The Lion King.” Throughout the day, a traveling troupe of storytellers will arrive to celebrate “The Lion King” in story, song and dance, inviting everyone to join in. The fun continues with music, …
PHOTOS: New Limited Release Pinocchio Plush Arrives at Italy Pavilion in Epcot
Iain
We were taking a stroll through Epcot’s World Showcase when we stumbled upon this cute little guy in Italy. Apparently Geppetto has switched from wood to yarn. This new Pinocchio plush is made of a knitted yarn, similar to some plush we’ve already seen in the parks in the past (Oswald, Olaf, etc.) He feels …
PHOTOS: New Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster FastPass+ Entrance Installed, Old Entrance Shuttered
Jessica Figueroa
With Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy moving in next door, G-Force Records has had to shuffle around their studio’s patio a bit. Just last week, we noticed the arrival of a mystery construction box signaling the eventual move of the current FastPass+ entrance queue to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. Well today, the current FastPass+ touch point …
PHOTOS: Disney’s Riviera Resort and Caribbean Beach Skyliner Station 2/6/19 Construction Update
Iain
Construction work continues on Disney’s Riviera Resort and Caribbean Beach Skyliner station. With Riviera Resort set to open in December and with the official opening of the Disney Skyliner just under a year away, we will be following the construction updates closely. Here’s a closer look at the latest construction taking place at Disney’s Riviera …
PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom 2/6/19 (Tomorrowland Construction, Merchandise Updates, PhotoPass Box, and More!)
Iain
It’s an overcast midwinter’s day in central Florida… the perfect time to go to Magic Kingdom! Let’s see what’s new. I was welcomed to the park with this charming little iOS alert. It truly is the future, where Cast Members don’t just welcome you to the park––your phone does! Construction Updates The Tomorrowland Speedway has …
PHOTOS: New Women’s “The Little Mermaid” Apparel At Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Iain
You can make “The Little Mermaid” part of your world and your closet with some new apparel spotted at Sunset Club Couture in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Little Mermaid Sweatshirt – $49.99 “Kiss the Girl” Long-Sleeve Shirt – $44.99 This new “Little Mermaid” shirt will have you singing, “Sha la la la la la, my, oh …
Overnight Road Closures in Disney World Affecting World Drive Traffic Through February 8
Matthew Soberman
Guests driving around Walt Disney World will have to contend with an overnight road closures on World Drive through February 8. The closures begin at park close for the Magic Kingdom through 6:00 AM. The affected portion spans from Disney’s Wilderness Lodge to Disney’s Contemporary Resort. In addition, the turnaround on World Drive (just south …
Disneyland Paris Hollywood Tower Hotel Exterior Work To Be Completed By Late Spring 2019
Iain
The Hollywood Tower Hotel at the Walt Disney Studios Park will continue to have work done on the exterior throughout the Spring. It looks as though guests will have to wait until the end of the Legends of the Force season – A Star Wars Celebration to see the Hollywood Tower Hotel recover all its …
“Disney Loves Jazz” at Disneyland Paris Packages Now Available
Iain
Packages are now available for the Disney Loves Jazz event taking place June 15th in the Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris! The soiree’s success from the 2018 edition has welcomed it’s return to Disneyland Paris this summer along with Electroland taking place at Walt Disney Studios Park the following month. Experience a fun …
PHOTOS: New Annual Passholder and Captain Marvel Alex and Ani Bracelets Arrive at Disney Springs
Annie Wilson
If you’ve been dreaming of a new Alex and Ani bracelet, now might be the time to add to your collection. Two new Alex and Ani bracelets have arrived at Disney Springs and they feature the Captain Marvel logo and the Mickey annual passholder logo. If you’re a proud Walt Disney World annual passholder, we’ve …
PHOTOS: Coronado Springs Resort Construction Update 2/5/19 (Themed Elements Up at Gran Destino Tower, Villa Del Lago, ETC.)
Iain
During our most recent visit to Coronado Springs, we checked up on the soon to come Gran Destino Tower, as well as the upcoming Villa Del Lago lakeside lounge and restaurant coming soon to the resort! Gran Destino Tower The main entrance to the construction zone was sitting wide open, allowing for a great look at …
New Peter Pan PhotoPass Magic Shot at Disneyland Park and The Magic Kingdom
Iain
You don’t need faith, trust, or pixie dust to have Peter Pan fly with you, thanks to the latest Magic Shot at Disney Parks. The newest PhotoPass opportunity will have Peter Pan soaring above you as he flies off to Neverland. The Magic Shot is available at the main entrance to Disneyland Park and Walt Disney …
D23 to Host 10-Year “Fan-niversary” Reception with Park Luminaries, Archive Displays, and More
Iain
On March 10, D23, the official Disney fan club, will host Gold and Gold Family members for an elegant reception to mark their 10th anniversary. The big night, held at the Walt Disney Studio, will include the opportunity to meet Disney luminaries, savor a bowl of Walt’s famous chili, and take photos with Disney characters. The …
PHOTO REPORT: Disneyland Park 2/5/19 (Steamboat Willie Popcorn Bucket, Castle Construction, New Character Costumes, ETC.)
Ali
In anticipation of the Steamboat Willie Annual Passholder exclusive popcorn bucket release, we expected crowds on this Friday morning. There were definitely crowds. Sleeping Beauty Castle continues to see more and more walls go up for the refurbishment. What castle? A few minutes before rope drop, there was this massive crowd unsure of where the …
PHOTOS: Walt Disney World Spirit Jersey Hoodie Now Available at DisneyStyle in Disney Springs
Jessica Figueroa
Have you ever worn a Spirit Jersey and thought, “Man, this is cozy… but this really needs a hood and some pockets.” Well, the Disney merchandising team must’ve overheard you and come up with this Franken-jersey. That’s right, if you’re looking for ultimate comfort, there’s a new Spirit Jersey Hoodie out at DisneyStyle now. While …
PHOTOS: New “it’s a small world” Phone Case, Adult Apparel Sails Into DisneyStyle at Disney Springs
Jessica Figueroa
It’s a merchandise explosion, after all. For weeks, we’ve been chronicling the release of set after set of amazing “it’s a small world” merch. Just yesterday we spotted these adorable Tsum Tsums. Well, today we spotted some more useful merch, like a phone case and a hoodie. “it’s a small world” D-Tech Phone Case – …
PHOTOS: New Disney Parks Jewelry Collection Snack Necklaces at World of Disney in Disney Springs
Jessica Figueroa
It appears the Disney snack trend is still going strong. Even more Disney snack jewelry has been released, and this latest collection even includes friendship necklaces! (You know, for that special someone you share snacks with… or not.) We found this collection at World of Disney in Disney Springs. “But first, churros!” Necklace – $19.99 …
PHOTOS: Construction Begins Near Fantasia Gardens for New Swan and Dolphin “The Cove” Hotel
Iain
Construction walls have sprung up in and around The Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf course in anticipation for The Cove, a new hotel being built adjacent to the Swan and Dolphin complex. Everything that isn’t the golf course is being removed to make way for the new structure and parking lot. It can be hard to …
PHOTOS: Planters Paths, and Speeder Bike Photo-Op Being Altered to Accommodate Star Wars – Galaxy’s Edge Crowds at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Tom Corless
With just months to go until Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the park is getting ready by altering paths and planters on the road to Batuu. The famous Speeder Bike photo-op is now behind walls. That may be the latest victim of the park expansion. Walls wrap around to the Red …
Smart Speakers Currently Being Tested in Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort Rooms
Jessica Figueroa
“Alexa, when’s the next bus to Magic Kingdom?” Imagine having your own virtual personal assistant versed in Walt Disney World park hours, bus information, and weather, right in your resort room. Well, at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club resorts, it appears they are testing out smart speakers (like the Google Home or the Amazon Alexa …
PHOTOS: Planet Hollywood Signage Removed, Legends of Hollywood Signs Go Up at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Tom Corless
Planet Hollywood Super Store closed on Saturday, but Disney is quick at work on expanding the Legends of Hollywood shop into this entire block of stores on Sunset Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As you can see, all of the Planet Hollywood signage has been removed and signage has gone up for Legends of Hollywood. …
Phantom Manor at Disneyland Paris Possibly Reopening in May
Jessica Figueroa
The reopening of Phantom Manor at Disneyland Paris has been delayed over and over again since it closed for refurbishment back in January 2018, much to the dismay of Phantom Manor fans everywhere. The ride was initially expected to reopen no later than December of 2018, as part of the resort’s billion-euro Experience Enhancement Program (EEP), AKA …