WDW- Magical Main Street Memories
News and Notes from around "The World".
March 7 2013
Splash Mountain refurb is almost complete should open on March 20th.
March 3 2013
Disney releases new guidemaps and times guides in all the parks.
January 17 2013
Disney annouced Wilderness Explores adventure game coming to
Disney's Animal Kingdom park this spring.
November 8, 2012
Disney has announced the the Main Street Bakery, will close in January 2012. After a refurb which is expected to take approximately 5 months, it will reopen as a Starbucks location
October 30, 2012
Disney buys Lucasfilms for $4.05 Billion. WOW! This is huge. They have also announced Avenger 2, Justice League and Star Wars Episode 7. This acquisition will create so much potential changes not only for Disney Studios, but for DHS. I can see a whole new Star Wars and Avengers expansion at DHS. Nothing new has been announced, but keep your ears open.
September 12, 2012
Disney will be offering FREE lockers at Kali River Rapids, for use up to 2 hours. Surprisingly, they will be free for 2 hours which is sometimes how long it takes to get through the que and the attraction.
September 7, 2012
Disney has created a new webite, so you can take a look at the new Fantasyland. You can go to http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/new-fantasyland/ to preview the new Fantasyland site.
September 6, 2012
Installation has begun of the installation of the Osbourne Family Spectacle of Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The show begins full scheduled operation on November 9th.
September 4, 2012
The Honey I Shrunk the Kids play area at Disneys Hollywood Studios is closing again for another refurbishment. This will start on October 8 through November 16th.
Also, the Backlot Tour, at Disney Hollywood Studios will also undergo a refurb beginning October 8th through November 16th.
September 3, 2012
The Magic Kingdom has been fully decorated in time for the first of the Not so scary parties, scheduled to begin on September 11th.
August 24, 2012
Complimentary Wifi has completed testing at EPCOT and is operating full time through the park.
August 24, 2012
Disney's All Star Sports Resort main pool has closed for refurbishment with an expected reopening in late September 2012.
August 22, 2012
The National Weather Service has issued weather advisories for all of Florida for some type of impact from Hurricane Isaac. If you are traveling to the area, review the weather forecasts, as the Disney area is expected to see some effects as early as Sunday 8/24/12.
August 21.2012
Disney has installed Nexgen RFID Fastpass systems at "The seas with Nemo and friends".
August 18, 2012
Disney has begun testing in park Wifi, at Typhoon Lagoon.
August 16, 2012
Disney has confirmed that beginning on 8/20/12, you can begin setting reservations for The Be Our Guest Restaurant, in the Magic Kingdom. Reservations must be made through 407-WDW-DINE.
August 4 2012
RFID entry system installed at the Haunted Mansion. This will allow the use of the "preorder" of Fastpasses at the Disney Resorts.
August 3, 2012
Question #10
From whom did Scott rent his scooter during his July 2012 trip to WDW?
Question #9
What form of transportation does Doug use to travel to WDW?
August 2, 2012
Question #7
What is Doug's dream job at WDW?
Question #8
What annual event was ongoing during Scott's trip to WDW this year?
Free Wifi service is now available at the Magic Kingdom park. The name the Wifi service uses in the park is "Disney-Guest".
August 1, 2012
Question #5
What did Scott have to rent during his most recent trip to WDW?
Question #6
What is Doug's favorite dessert?
July 31, 2012
Question #3
What is Doug's LEAST favorite attraction?
Question #4
What park does Scott refer to as the 1/2 day park?
July 30, 2012
Question #1
What is Doug's favorite ressort?
Question #2
What is Scott's favorite resort?
July 30, 2010
Disney confirms the renovation of floor 14 of the Contemporary Resort. All of the room, suites and corridors are included in the extensive renovation. Work will begin January 2013 and run through summer 2013.
July 28, 2012
Disney announced the Lion King" guest suites will be available beginning August 30, 2012. Reservations can be made now!
July 10, 2012
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort will start several refurbishments this year which will impact food, shopping and the main pool. Disney has sent notices to guests with pending reservations.
Pool
The main courtyard pool will be closing approximately August 24 and reopening sometime in December 2012.
Dining
The following restaurants will close for refurbishment:
Beach Pool Bar - Closed now to August 24 2012
Narcoosee's - Closed now to July 22 2012
Mizner's Lounge - Closed now to July 14 2012
Citricos - July 23 to August 4 2012
Gasparilla Grill quick service - August 24 to December 2012
Shopping
Sandy Cove will close on August 21 2012 to December 2012.
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July 7, 2012
The Main Street facade refurbishments are finally complete. The construction scrims have all been removed and the beauty of the new facades are visible to guests.
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July 2, 2012
The California Grill will be closing on January 6 2013 for refurbishment. It will reopen in late summer 2013 where it will feature a new interior decor and tweaked menu.
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June 20, 2012
Casey Jr.'s Splash ans Soak opened to guests today. This play area is located across from Dumbo and Goofy's Barnstormer in the "New Fantasyland" area of the MAgic Kingdom.
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June 14, 2012
The celebrity narrator lineup has been released for the 2012 Candlelight Processional.
Nov. 23–25: Isabella Rossellini
Nov. 26–29: Neil Patrick Harris
Nov. 30–Dec. 1: Whoopi Goldberg
Dec. 11–13: Jodi Benson
Dec. 14–16: Olivia Newton John
Dec. 20–22: Trace Adkins
Dec. 23–25: Gary Sinise
Dec. 29–30: Marlee Matlin
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June 8, 2012
Today, begins the final weekend of the 2012 Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
This weeks "celebrities" are;
Michonne Bourriague (Aurra Sing – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett – Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back and
Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi)
Daniel Logan (Boba Fett – Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones)
Nika Futterman (voice of Asajj Ventress – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
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May 28, 2012
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopened to the public today. Review of the refurb finds the attraction to be repainted with no major changes. It's amazing what some paint and cleaner can do for an attraction.
May 24, 2012
While at the Magic Kindgom today, I observed that Disney was cycling the trains at Big Thunder Railroad. No previews to guests, but that could happen tomorrow.
May 18, 2012
Star Wars Weekends have begun at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The event runs Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through June 10, 2012. Although the "celebrity" list is very weak, it is still a great event for any Star Wars fan.
May 14, 2012
Disney announced that on May 4th a baby White Rhino was born at the Animal kingdom Park. This is the 9th White Rhino to have been born at the park.
May 9, 2012
Disney announced that during this years Star Wars Weekends, you can be encased in carbonite. It will cost $99 and you will need to setup an appointment to be photographed. Technicians will use the photgraphs and cast an 8" figurine which depicts your face in carbonite, like Han Solo in "The Empire Strikes Back. In 3-4 weeks you will receive your figure in the mail.
May 4, 2012
A guest riding Soarin' worked their way from the ride restraint system causing Disney to close both the WDW and DCA versions of the attraction. Disney did not announce how the guest was able to escape the system, but immediate investigation was required. Although the ride systems were brought back online, it does appear there may be the need for modification to the restraints. The problem Disney has at WDW, is the fact that Test Track has just gone down for it's extended refurb.
May 1, 2012
Disney has begun testing of the RFID system for Fastpasses. The system test will run from May 1 to May 15 and will randomly select gusts to participate. Using the system will allow guests to schedule Fastpasses for the entire day, as opposed to having to physically pickup a Fastpass at a Fastpass terminal outside the attraction.
Dates and Tickets have been released for the 2012 Not so Scary Halloween Parties and Very Merry Christmas Parties.
April 27, 2012
Disney has announced a new "tentative" opening for the rest of the new Fantasyland section of the Magic Kingdom.
Phase 2 of Storybook Circus will open July 2012.
Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid will open Fall 2012
The seven Dwarf Mine Ride will open 2014
April 25, 2012
Rifiki's Planet Watch "Affection Section" will close for refurb starting April 30th. The area will reopen on June 10, 2012.
April 23, 2012
Disney has announced a partnership with Starbucks to bring their coffee to WDW later this year.
April 23, 2012
The Tree of Life and It's Tough to be a Bug are closed indefinately, due to structural issues. It was reported a section of the tree fell and it is unknown if there are any other issues with the Animal Kingdom icon.
April 6, 2012
Disney announced the "celebrity" guests for Star Wars Weekends. The list can be found at Disneyblogs.com. If you are a fan of Episode 1,2 and 3 you will be happy. If you are not a fan of the "prequels", you won't be lining up for any autographs.
Sunshine Tree Terrace's facade is complete and the shop is reopened.
April 2, 2012
Disney announced that Buzz Lightyears Space Ranger Spin wil undergo a short refurbishment from June 27 - June 29.
March 26, 2012
The Main Street Ice Cream Parlor was reopened today.
March 18, 2012
The Easter Bunny is now greeting guests at The Magic Kingdom between 10am and 6pm daily. The greets will continue from today until April 8, 2012.
March 16, 2012
Complimentary Wifi is now active in all WDW Resort Hotels and rooms.
March 12 2012
It has begun! The soft openings of the New Fantasyland, Storybook Circus area have started. Dumbo, Goofy's Barnstormer and the Fantasyland Train Station were open today. This area will only be open for limited periods and the times will not be scheduled.
March 10, 2012
The new Royal Guest Rooms have officially opened at Disney's Port Orleans - Riverside resort. More than 500 rooms have been transformed and are available for booking.
March 9, 2012
A new channel lineup has been introduced for Disney Resort television systems. The new channels will be Syfy, HGTV, NatGeo, Discovery, AMC, TNT, TBS etc. This is something that was sorely needed.
March 7, 2012
Enforcement of the printed time on Fastpasses will go into effect starting TODAY! There is also a printed not which states that no other accomodations will be made for late arrivals.
March 5, 2012
Disney announced that Dumbos' Flight opening date will be pushed back to March 31, 2012.
February 23,2012
Disney confirmed that "Snow White's Scary Adventure" will permanently close on May 31, 2012. This will make way for the construction of a new Meet and Greet area.
February 19, 2012
The construction walls around Peter Pan's Flight have been removed. The area has a new Fastpass and wheelchair entry. Things are being shuffled in this area as the restrooms are being relocated and the walkway is being expanded.
February 13, 2012
Temperatures at WDW are expected to be somewhat on the chilly side. The temperatures are expected to be in the low 30's to the high 40's. Disney has already announced that Blizzard Beach will be closed for the weekend.
February 7, 2012
Finally, Disney will begin enforcing the Fastpass protocols. As most are aware, Disney did not firmly enforce the times set by the Fastpass system. Starting in March, Disney will enforce these times. You will be able to arrive 5 minutes early and up to 15 minutes late. Previously, you could return at anytime after the posted return time. This enforcement will even out the fastpass lines during the days and evenings.
February 2, 2012
Some of the pools at the Poly, Bay Lake Tower and Caribbean Beach Resorts will go down for refurbishments over the next 2 months. If you are arriving at one of these resorts, check with Guest Services.
February 2, 2012
The Cape May Cafe will be undergoing a refurb starting July 9th to August 5th.
January 17, 2012
President Obama will be hosting a special "Invitation Only" event, which will close off Main Street USA for much of the day on Thursday January 19th. The Magic Kingdom will be open to guests, however all guests will be routed around Main Street during the Event. The event is expected to end around 3pm.
January 14, 2012
Disney has confirmed that Dumbo's Flight will not re-open on time. The opening date is now set for March 12, 2012. So this means that the opening of the first "phase" of the "new Fantasyland" will not open prior to that date.
January 10, 2012
A new area of Innoventions, called "Vision House", will open in April 2012. This area will focus on "green living" and home automation technologies.
January 6, 2012
Disney has confirmed the long rumored renovation of Test Track. Test Track will close in April 2012 and reopen as "Test Track Presented by Chevrolet", sometime in the fall.
Temperatures at WDW are expected to be somewhat on the chilly side. The temperatures are expected to be in the low 30's to the high 40's. Disney has already announced that Blizzard Beach will be closed for the weekend.
February 7, 2012
Finally, Disney will begin enforcing the Fastpass protocols. As most are aware, Disney did not firmly enforce the times set by the Fastpass system. Starting in March, Disney will enforce these times. You will be able to arrive 5 minutes early and up to 15 minutes late. Previously, you could return at anytime after the posted return time. This enforcement will even out the fastpass lines during the days and evenings.
February 2, 2012
Some of the pools at the Poly, Bay Lake Tower and Caribbean Beach Resorts will go down for refurbishments over the next 2 months. If you are arriving at one of these resorts, check with Guest Services.
February 2, 2012
The Cape May Cafe will be undergoing a refurb starting July 9th to August 5th.
January 17, 2012
President Obama will be hosting a special "Invitation Only" event, which will close off Main Street USA for much of the day on Thursday January 19th. The Magic Kingdom will be open to guests, however all guests will be routed around Main Street during the Event. The event is expected to end around 3pm.
January 14, 2012
Disney has confirmed that Dumbo's Flight will not re-open on time. The opening date is now set for March 12, 2012. So this means that the opening of the first "phase" of the "new Fantasyland" will not open prior to that date.
January 10, 2012
A new area of Innoventions, called "Vision House", will open in April 2012. This area will focus on "green living" and home automation technologies.
January 6, 2012
Disney has confirmed the long rumored renovation of Test Track. Test Track will close in April 2012 and reopen as "Test Track Presented by Chevrolet", sometime in the fall.