Shannen Ace 
Two filings with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District suggest new businesses are coming to Disney’s Boardwalk after two storefronts have sat empty for months. Project Amazon and Project Bubbles Both projects still have little public detail available. However, the latest filings give us a little more context. “Project Amazon” is listed for the former … Read more
Work progresses on the foundation of a future event space at Universal Epic Universe. Land clearing began in the area off Celestial Park last year. Universal then filed permits for the new building. Epic Universe Event Space Construction The event center will be located between Super Nintendo World and Other Worlds Mercantile, next to a … Read more
After Level99 announced they would open their Disney Springs location this summer, we checked on construction progress outside the new gaming venue. Level99 Construction More panels have been installed on the exterior frame at the front of the building. They create a curved triangular element similar to the Level99 logo. Only a bit of framework … Read more
A series of Star Wars-themed “Smuggled Snacks” are now available at Disneyland Resort. We found these in World of Disney at Downtown Disney District. Dagobah Delights – $7.49 Featuring Yoda on the packaging, these are sour green apple gummies. Imperial Pew Pew Chews – $7.49 This chewy candy is cinnamon-flavored. A Stormtrooper is pictured on … Read more
Coaster supports are now in place near Hard Rock Cafe for Fast and Furious: Hollywood Drift at Universal Studios Florida. Construction on the roller-coaster has been ongoing for several months, with some track installed at the ride’s station. But these are the first supports installed at the other end of the coaster’s site. Fast and … Read more
As we reported earlier this week, boat transportation between Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Magic Kingdom has resumed. However, the boardwalk leading to the resort dock remains under refurbishment. Currently, most guests have to take a longer walk to reach the dock. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Dock Refurbishment The main boardwalk leading through the wilderness from Copper … Read more
Walt Disney World has a trio of new vintage-style Marvel t-shirts featuring the Hulk, Captain America, and Spider-Man. These are available at Super Hero Headquarters in Disney Springs. Hulk “Smashing Personality” T-Shirt – $36.99 This white and green tie-dye shirt features artwork of the Hulk swinging his fists. “Smashing Personality” is in dark letters around … Read more
Most scrims and scaffolding have been removed from Hogwarts Castle at Universal Islands of Adventure but refurbishment work is not quite done. Hogwarts Castle Refurbishment As captured by photographer @bioreconstruct, there is now only scaffolding around the towers to the right and in the center. But the scaffolding on the right is starting to come … Read more
Crews continue to replace the carpeting throughout the Soarin’ queue in EPCOT with a brand-new design. They have also started to refurbish the blue lighting in the second half of the queue. Soarin’ Carpet There is now new carpeting in both the stand-by and Lightning Lane queues. All the old carpeting has been removed from … Read more
The Magic Kingdom welcome show “Let the Magic Begin” featuring Mickey and other characters will not return in full. “Let the Magic Begin” Not Returning The show ended performances in January due to painting of Cinderella Castle. Since then, only an audio message has welcomed guests to the park. Disney has announced the welcome will … Read more
Walt Disney World brought Cool Kids’ Summer directly to five Central Florida school districts, playing GoofyCore games with students, surprising teachers with theme park tickets, and announcing a $1.3 million investment in education programs. Cool Kids’ Summer & Education Investment The investment supports education programs across Orange, Osceola, Lake, Polk, and Seminole counties, benefiting all … Read more
TRON Lightcycle Run and Space Mountain are now letting guests utilizing rider swap walk through the queue with their entire party before separating. New Rider Swap Procedure at Magic Kingdom Rider swap allows adult guests to take turns waiting with kids or other guests who are unable to ride an attraction. At most rides throughout … Read more
The Hall of Presidents at Magic Kingdom continues to rotate through photos and artifacts representing past presidents and first ladies. This week, the lobby has new items for Harry S. Truman, Bess Truman, and Gerald R. Ford. Truman & Ford Artifacts in The Hall of Presidents The additions make the “Public Lives, Personal Memories” case … Read more
Fresh piles of dirt can be seen near The Haunted Mansion at the Piston Peak National Park construction site in Magic Kingdom. Construction walls also continue to creep up on Big Al’s and a new retaining wall has been erected across from The Diamond Horseshoe. Dirt Piles There’s a large pile of fresh dirt on … Read more
Multiple U.S. Senators are demanding the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rescind their order requiring Disney to file early license renewals for ABC stations. The FCC indicated they would review Disney’s licenses two years early immediately after President Donald Trump demanded they fire Jimmy Kimmel. Letter to FCC Over Disney Licenses Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), … Read more
Spotlights have been installed near the fireworks launch site at Universal Epic Universe, supporting rumors that a fireworks show will debut at the park soon. Spotlights for Fireworks Spectacular Aerial photographer @bioreconstruct shared photos of 12 spotlights being installed along the far end of the lake behind Universal Helios Grand Hotel. The peninsula cutting into … Read more
