Pre-Paid Coupon Book to Be Offered at Epcot Food & Wine Festival 2013?

So, a few months ago, I took a lengthy survey about the 2012 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. All of a sudden, I received a follow-up survey from Disney about the festival just last week…

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Now, it has been rumored for years that Disney might develop some pre-pay option for the Food and Wine Festival to improve sales and perhaps even shorten the wait times at some of the booths. What makes this survey most interesting is the one scenario they asked me to respond to…

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Needless to say, I responded with a 10 that the idea is extremely appealing. Not only could a book like this help cut down on lines around World Showcase, but you can also save a few bucks in the process. I say sign me up.

Hopefully this concept will test well enough with those being surveyed and become a reality at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013. What do you think of this concept? Would you buy a coupon book?

Spotlight On: NRB Relic’s Remy

NRB Relic emailed us this cool custom and we thought you guys should know a little more about it.

NRB: HE IS HERE..!!! NRB Relics newest 3″ custom Vinylmation inspired by Remy from Ratatouille “Lets Get Cooking”.
This custom Vinylmation is part of The Custom Artist Project Series 2 PIXAR.

DV: WE’re excited too. Pixar is a great choice for a series. One question about your vinyl though. What is the spoon made of?
NRB: Remy’s Spoon is made with an apoxie clay that I use on most of my pieces.

DV: Is Ratatouille your favorite Pixar movie?
NRB: Ratatouille is one of my favorites….there are so many wonderful ones
to choose from….Remy gave me a chance to add a lot of detail…..! He
was truly a blast…..!

DV: Where can we find out more about this figure and the Custom Artist’s Project?
NRB: To find out more about this series visit facebook.com/groups/ArtistProject/. To see more artwork from NRB Relic visit facebook.com/NRBRelic or nrbrelic.com.

DV: Thanks for the info!

Dirk Wallen’s 2/2/13 Magic Kingdom Photo Report

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited the Magic Kingdom on Saturday and has some fantastic pictures of new progress on the Big Thunder Mountain interactive queue, A Pirate’s Life: Treasures of the Seven Seas, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and more, so let’s take a look:

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While the Main Street Bakery is closed, guests can head to the Tomorrowland Terrace

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Plenty of options at Tomorrowland Terrace, including beignets!

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The flowers in the hub have gone to Valentine’s Day colors and the ducks love it…

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Valentine’s Day cupcakes available at Big Top Treats

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I’ve heard of panning for gold…

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More props and interactive elements have been installed in the queue at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

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The “exploding” crates are no longer under tarps

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These huge machines popped up in the second-half of the queue over the weekend

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It looks like guests will play some sort of game where they turn a lever

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Spinning handles on the back of another machine

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The refurbishment of Splash Mountain continues

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Lots of painting going on

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Golden Oak Outpost is closed again

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Work continues on the Adventureland Veranda building

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Another area of the building is also walled-off

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The Crow’s Nest is out from behind tarps and it looks quite different… we expect it to play a role in “A Pirate’s Adventure”

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More props for “A Pirate’s Adventure” have been installed throughout Adventureland

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Jack Sparrow’s compass

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This was the first prop installed a few months ago

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A cannon

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Ball and chains

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Some props by the Jungle Cruise

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Nearby, a pirate skeleton lies under the water near a treasure chest

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It appears these skulls near the Pirates of the Caribbean entrance will talk

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Another strange set of props

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Gun powder

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Sleepy Hollow Refreshments is open while the exterior is refurbished

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Walls up outside of the Haunted Mansion and Yankee Trader

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Tarps still up on Columbia Harbour House

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The latest progress on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

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Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day lanyards are out

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As is the new Test Track logo pin

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Over at The Villas at the Grand Floridian, we can start to make out windows

Ep. 113 Lava Lamp

Ep. 113 Lava Lamp

This week we go in depth about Urban Redux. What is is, what it can be and what it means for the hobby. We also talk about Flower and Garden, Easter Egg Hunt and some random tangents about mollusks and portals. There is of course a full release and events calendar as well.

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Belle Joins the “New-Look” Disney Princesses at Disney Parks

Following in the footsteps of Cinderella a few months back, Belle will also soon have a new look when you visit her in the Disney Parks:

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Madame Wardrobe has pulled out an all-new formal ball gown for Belle, made with luxurious fabrics and detailing.

After much anticipation and hard work on behalf of the Creative Costuming team, Belle will begin making appearances in her new look this Sunday, Feb. 3, at the Disneyland Resort. She is sure to dazzle our Guests with a complete makeover from head to toe, wearing her elegant attire at Ariel’s Grotto Princess Celebration in Disney California Adventure park. Belle will also wear her new gown when participating in shows and character greetings at Fantasy Faire, opening in Disneyland Park March 12.

Walt Disney World Resort Guests will experience the grandeur of the new ball gown starting Feb. 10, when Belle visits Princess Storybook Dining at Epcot and participates in Enchanted Tales with Belle in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park.

What do you think of Belle’s new look?

PICTURES & VIDEO: “Limited Time Magic” Super Bowl Pre-Parade at the Magic Kingdom

Just hours before it premiered, Disney announced that there would be a Super Bowl Pre-Parade before the Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade at the Magic Kingdom starting on Friday. The special processional is being held February 1st-3rd and will also appear with the Super Bowl MVP on Monday afternoon. Thanks to our own Patty Granger, we have pictures and video of the parade to share with you:

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Noah and the Bunny

Noah will be creating a limited number of Custom Vinylmation to celebrate Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival.  These pieces will be available on a first come, first served basis on the morning of Sunday, April 7th.  Guests wishing to purchase a Custom Vinylmation will need to obtain a wristband at the Disney Artist tent, located on the promenade.  A wristband will allow the Guest to purchase one Custom Vinylmation.

Noah Instagramed the following photo:

VIDEO: Habit Heroes Quietly Re-Opens Inside Innoventions at Epcot

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Back in 2012, the Habit Heroes exhibit inside Innoventions at Epcot quickly opened and closed after a media firestorm concerning what many considered characters who were “fat-shaming” overweight guests. The attraction quietly re-opened a few weeks ago with new characters and revamped activities for guests. We have video of the complete experience for you to enjoy: