Splitsville at Downtown Disney is now open to the public after what feels like years of waiting, and we have some video to share with you. The following video was taken at the Disney Parks Blog Meet-Up on Monday, showing mostly the upstairs of the new Downtown Disney West Side establishment. Enjoy:
Of all the places for it to surface, some never-before-seen concept art from New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom has surfaced ion the new “Realms of Fantasy” exhibit at the Disney Gallery in Disneyland Park. Thanks to our sister site Disneyland News Today for the following photos from the Disneyland Resort:
These two pictures are never-before-seen conceopt art of the exterior of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coming to New Fantasyland in 2014
Here is the concept art we have seen thus far: The finale scene and the previously released exterior concept art
Concept art of the scene with the audio-animatronics Dwarfs in the mine
Interestingly enough, you can purchase the concept art through Art on Demand
Now for some “New Fantasyland that never was”… An Alice in Wonderland area was envisioned at one point, including a new entrance to Fantasyland and a new fancy roof for the Mad Tea Party
You can see the Barnstormer in the background, perhaps re-themed to the Caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland. Also, notice guests sitting and dining in large tea cups.
In addition, two new pieces of Mine Train concept art are being shared on the construction walls in New Fantasyland:
Both of these pieces show the queue
You can see guests playing with an interactive element in the mine portion of the queue
So, what do you think of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and the rejected Alice In Wonderland section of New Fantasyland?
Just a few days ago, we showed you video of the Mr. Spell prop near Toy Story Midway Mania at Disney’s Hollywood Studios actually displaying text. Well, now there is some audio to go along with it. It still isn’t exactly working properly, but it seems we are getting closer and closer to a fully operational Mr. Spell:
With FastPass+ testing going on this week, Disney is also using this time to test “order ahead” dining at Be Our Guest Restaurant in New Fantasyland. Disney has released plenty of information internally on the new test, you may want to take a read:
As part of our efforts to continuously improve the Guest experience, we’re testing a new offering at Be Our Guest Restaurant.
Be Our Guest Restaurant offers fast casual service for lunch including an innovative table delivery service.
There are no counters at the restaurant. Guests instead order from a kiosk and receive a magic rose. Their meal is delivered directly to their table.
Arrival window selection: In December, selected Guests (Club Level Concierge Guests at select resorts) will have the opportunity to select an “arrival window” for their lunch at Be Our Guest Restaurant prior to arriving at the restaurant. This will happen via a website, similar to the FastPass+ testing that has taken place this year.Order Ahead: As part of the test, the selected Guests will also have the opportunity to view the menu online and order their meals ahead of time in addition to selecting an arrival window.
All Guests visiting Magic Kingdom Park will continue to have the ability to walk up and order from a kiosk, and then have their meal delivered to their table.
This is an invitation-only test. Participants in the test will be selected prior to arriving at Magic Kingdom Park.The offer for select Guests to participate in the test will be made during the check-in process. They will then be given the Be Our Guest Restaurant test website to make their selections for same-day bookings.
Guests may select an arrival window and then order items from the menu once they arrive at Be Our Guest Restaurant.
Once a participating Guest selects an arrival window, the Guest can view the menu online and choose to order their meal ahead of time as well. If a Guest does not order ahead, the Guest can place an order at a kiosk upon arrival at Be Our Guest Restaurant.
If a Guest chooses not to select an arrival window, they then have the option of ordering their meal ahead of time and arriving to Be Our Guest Restaurant between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Guests will then experience an expedited payment process upon arrival.
Whether a Guest orders ahead or places an order at a kiosk upon arrival, they will receive a magic rose which enables their meal be delivered directly to the table, just like all Guests at Be Our Guest Restaurant.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why can’t I participate in the test of the arrival window selection and ordering ahead process?
The test of this new service has been limited to pre-selected Guests for the time being. Any Guest can dine at Be Our Guest Restaurant for lunch by ordering at a kiosk. As the arrival window selection and pre-ordering processes evolve, they will be available to all Walt Disney World Guests on a first come, first served basis.2. Where can I get a FASTPASS for Be Our Guest Restaurant?
Disney FASTPASS is not currently available at Be Our Guest Restaurant. Pre-selected Guests are able to choose an arrival window and select items from the menu prior to arriving at Magic Kingdom Park as part of a test of a new lunch service at Be Our Guest Restaurant.3. What if I am not interested in selecting my meal ahead of time?
You may select an arrival window only and order once you arrive at Be Our Guest.4. Am I able to select my meal but not my arrival window?
Yes, you are able to select a meal ahead of time without also selecting an arrival window. However, you must arrive to Be Our Guest between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to ensure you are able to enjoy your meal. Additionally, if you didn’t select an arrival window in advance you must wait in the standby queue, but you will have an expedited payment process.5. How many days can I select an arrival window?
You are able to select one arrival window during your stay at the Walt Disney World® Resort.6. Can I select an arrival window with another party?
Yes, as long as that time is offered to both parties.7. What are the arrival window options that I can choose from?
Arrival windows are offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and are subject to availability. You will have the option to choose an early, mid or late lunch arrival window. Each arrival window is 15 minutes long.8. Why can’t I pick the exact time I want?
Arrival windows are limited and subject to availability. You will have the option to choose an early, mid or late lunch arrival window.9. Are we able to select an arrival window for dinner?
Arrival windows are being tested for fast casual dining experiences at this location and are not available for table service experiences. Table service dining, including dinner at Be Our Guest Restaurant, will continue to offer reservations. To book a reservation, please call 407-WDW-DINE or visit the website at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/reservations/dining/ or visit the Be Our Guest Restaurant podium.10. What is a FastPass+ selection?
Because this is a test, we are also testing language options for the options Guest choose. This may or may not end up in our theme parks and resorts.11. Is there a cost to participate in this test?
Valid park admission is required to enter Magic Kingdom® Park, however, there is no additional cost to participate other than the price of your meal.12. Are other restaurants participating in this test?
At this time we are only offering this test at Be Our Guest Restaurant.13. Where do I check in once I arrive to Be Our Guest?
If you participate in this test you should proceed to the Cast Member at the front of the bridge prior to entering Be Our Guest. If you selected an arrival window in advance, your arrival window will be listed under the name you used to register online.14. I will need to make a special dietary request. Can I still participate in the test and pre-select my meal?
If you have a lifestyle dietary request, such as a vegetarian option, you are encouraged to pre-select your meal. However, if you need to make a dietary request due to allergies you may select an arrival window in advance but should order at the restaurant. Upon arrival, you should request to speak to a chef or a manager on duty and they will be happy to assist.15. What if I want to change my order after I have selected?
At any time prior to the start of your arrival window, you are able to view your order and arrival window on the website, based upon availability. Upon arrival, you may still change your order at one of our self-service Kiosks or with a Cast Member. Guests who have pre-selected their meal and arrival time will be guided to utilize a kiosk or make changes with a Cast Member upon arriving.16. Can I choose where I sit ahead of time?
Tables are based on availability; all three of our dining rooms are open during lunch.17. No arrival windows are being offered to me online, can I still participate?
Yes, even though arrival windows may no longer be available for the test, you may still pre-order your meal and arrive at Be Our Guest between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.18. If I am a Disney Resort hotel Guest, can I pay with my Key to the World Card?
For Guests who select an arrival window and pre-select their meal, once you arrive we accept Disney Resort Key to the World Cards, Disney Dining Plans, Credit Cards, and Disney Gift Cards for payment upon arrival. Guests paying with Cash or vouchers will be directed to pay at a cashier at the restaurant.19. I want to pre-select my meal and choose my arrival window, but I’m paying with cash, is this possible?
If you choose to pay with cash you may only select either your arrival window, or pre-order your meal in advance.20. I purchased a package that includes a Disney dining plan; can I use my dining plan entitlements for my meal?
Guests who purchased packages that include a Disney dining plan will be asked to use 1 meal entitlement for their lunch.21. What happens if I’m not able to make my arrival window?
If you are not able to make your arrival window, please cancel your reservation on the website at https://www.BeOurGuestLunch.disney.go.com22. If I need to cancel my arrival window is there a fee?
No, Guests who need to cancel their arrival window will not charged a cancellation fee.23. How do you know where I am sitting to deliver my meal?
There are no counters at the restaurant. Guests will instead order from a kiosk and receive a magic rose. Their meal will be delivered directly to their table. We use wireless radio frequency (RF) technology, which is commonly used in everyday items like smart phones, video game controllers and credit cards.24. Who can I contact if I have a question?
You can contact a Concierge Cast Member at your Resort with any questions prior to arrival.
Walt Disney World cast members are currently testing FastPass+ at the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios through Saturday. I got to play around with the registration system a bit earlier today and I have to say it is looking a lot better than it was during the last testing period. Here’s what we have learned about the process:
Once you log-in, each guest can choose a character avatar (only 8 available now) and mark if they are celebrating anything
The current test allows one day at Magic Kingdom and one day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
You pick the day you want to visit that park…
The current test allows you to pick one experience from the first category and 2 experiences from the second
You will then get 4 options with different times for each experience
You can always make changes based on availability
You can change times or experiences, you can even change it for individual guests in your party
All other available times are listed if you want to change times
The main menu has a variety of options
We will be out in the field testing FastPass+ this weekend, so stay tuned for complete coverage!
A lot has been changing in the world of Disney PhotoPass recently (including the new logo seen above), but the biggest change has to be the new offering of Disney Attractions+. Here is an official description of the new service directly from Disney:
One price… multiple thrills… take home all the memories! NEW! Disney Attractions+ now available at Walt Disney World® and Disneyland® Resorts.
With Attractions+ you can take home all your Attraction images, taken within a 14 day visit to the parks, for $44.95.
How does it work?
1. RIDE: Ride one of the participating Attractions2.
2. ASSOCIATE: Present your Attractions+ card at the Attraction Imaging Sales Center within 24 hours of riding to associate your photo
3. CLAIM: Visit DisneyPhotoPass.com and enter the ID on the back of the card.
4. DOWNLOAD: Go to “My Downloads” to access your Attractions+ photo downloads.
Disney Attractions+ is available for purchase at any of the participating Attractions.
Walt Disney World Participating Attractions: Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n Roller Coaster, Expedition Everest, Dinosaur, Test Track
I personally don’t use PhotoPass often, but I think this is a really great deal for those who love on-ride photos. What do you think?
When The Giggle Gang was announced by Disney a few days ago, many guests were worried that scary clowns would be invading Storybook Circus in New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom. After having seen a show from the new group, I can safely say that scary clowns are hardly what guests are seeing in the park. The show is actually pretty cute; that being said, it probably could still use a little work. As with most comedy shows, some things work and some don’t, and I’m sure they will figure it out as they go along. The following video is from a very early preview performance of the Giggle Gang, so please keep in mind that they had only completed 2 actual shows prior to this performance. Enjoy:
So, what do you think of the Giggle Gang in Storybook Circus?
WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth visited the Magic Kingdom and Downtown Disney yesterday and took plenty of newsworthy photos, so let’s take a look at what’s new:
It appears some of the elements for the Adventureland interactive game have been installed
This icon should help guests locate the game area
Not sure what this will do
A different icon near this cannon
You can see the cannon aiming at something behind this tarp
Another game area
Looks like there is a skeleton under the water where the Junior Jungle Boats used to be
Another game area being set-up
The Crow’s Nest is still behind walls
We expect this is where the game will begin for guests
Golden Oak Outpost is closed again…
The tower from Tangled visible from Frontierland
Kind of strange…
Work is speeding along on the restrooms on the former Skyway site, rumors still indicate we will see guest charging stations for electronics in this area as well
The tower was installed recently
The Royal Majesty Makers out and about in Fantasyland
Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train construction continues
The construction walls were updated with the Dwarfs now mimicking the areas they are in
This scene is near Enchanted Tales with Belle
The small Lumiere on the signage now swings his arms back and forth
Looks like another device built by Maurice
More new Mine Train walls
Some new concept art shows off the interactive queue
Looks like fun
The finale scene
Everyone has clocked in, meaning they are working hard on the new attraction
Another look at Mine Train
Some more walls came down revealing a small section of the bridge
A look from the other side
100 minutes for Mermaid… yeah, Fantasyland is a total failure 😉
All of the screen-based wait times signs in the park were themed recently, all of them now match the physical signage now
The back side of Mine Train
Triton’s Treasures is being built and is coming along quickly
Wait for Ariel’s Grotto
Some cool walls you can look through were put up as well
Let’s take a look inside
A lot of work still to be done
This wall is near Winnie-The-Pooh
Near the Mad Tea Party
Another look through the walls
Moving to Downtown Disney, the volcano at Rainforest Cafe is coming along nicely
Splitsville opens December 19th
Curl is also moving to some small space next door to Splitsville
Looks like there is space for another store as well
There’s an outside bar as well
Test Track presented by Chevrolet is now officially open at Epcot and if you haven’t had a chance to check out this great new offering, well, we have you covered. First up, we take an in-depth look at the car and truck design process:
Then we have video of the on-ride portion where you take your car for a ride on the Sim Track:
One of the post show features that was added a few days later was the Driving Tables, where you take you car you designed and race it against other guests:
To top it all off, we have a comprehensive video that includes all the video from above, but also the facade, queue, loading area, and more post-show elements. Enjoy this comprehensive look at Test Track presented by Chevrolet:
So, what do you think of the new Test Track?
With Test Track presented by Chevrolet officially opening tomorrow, we decided it might be a good idea to prepare you for thr rigors of designing your own custom car for ther Sim-Track. The following video will take you through the design process for both a car and a truck and will show you how each decision you make can affect your final score. Enjoy:
