PHOTO REPORT: Epcot 4/21/16 (DVC Lounge, Finding Dory, Ample Hills Creamery, ETC.)

WDWNT on May 4, 2016

I took a quick stroll through Epcot, the Boardwalk and the Yacht and Beach Club earlier this week and have some newsworthy photos to share, so let’s take a look at what’s new and exciting:

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The Circle of Life is still closed until April 22nd

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Not sure that it actually counts as anyhting new for the event, but there are Flower and Garden Festival signs in Living with the Land

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I don’t know what adding these signs does for the sake of the Festival…

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The men’s restroom near Soarin’ is now behind walls

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The Seas is carrying a lot of the new Finding Nemo related merchandise

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New Epcot popcorn bucket features Mission:SPACE

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We rode Journey Into Imagination (for some reason) and the train stopped between screens in the first room…. this ride is falling apart again.

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Meanwhile, tarps are finally up for work on the new DVC member lounge which will be located upstairs

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Haunted Mansion Tsum Tsum are available at ImageWorks

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A new Stormtrooper shirt in MouseGear

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Also, a new kid’s hoodie

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There is now an entire line of compact mirror key-chains available

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I think they have finally just given up on Ellen and the giant Dinosaur attacking her at the Universe of Energy as they have been gone for over a year now

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Work continues on the Royal Sommerhus, which will officially open in June, but should actually soft-open sometime in May

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Frozen Ever After is also set for a June opening, but we expect it to open in May as well

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Over at the Boardwalk, work is well underway on the Ample Hills Creamery

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As well as the massive remodel of Flying Fish

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The Yacht Club has a lot of great new resort-specific merchandise

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Going back to the Boardwalk, they have a lot of great, unique pieces as well

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If you’re missing your sweet treats on the Boardwalk, they are now available inside the Screen Door shop

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Elena of Avalor Meet and Greet Coming to Magic Kingdom & California Adventure

WDWNT on May 4, 2016

Disney Parks will welcome its first princess inspired by diverse Latin cultures. Princess Elena of Avalor will be appearing at Walt Disney World Resort this summer and at Disneyland Resort in the fall, following her television debut in a new animated series this summer on Disney Channel.

ELENA OF AVALOR - "Elena and the Secret of Avalor" - Character poses. (Disney Channel) ELENA

Kids and families worldwide will be enchanted by the story of Princess Elena, a bold, caring, funny and clever 16-year-old who is ascendant to the throne in the fairytale kingdom of Avalor.  The series follows the story of Elena, who saves her kingdom from an evil sorceress and must now learn to rule with the support of her appointed Grand Council and some magical friends by her side. Elena’s adventures will lead her to understand that her new role requires thoughtfulness, resilience and compassion, the traits of all truly great leaders, while highlighting the importance of family and family traditions.

The inspiring story of Elena of Avalor will be shared in 33 languages in 163 countries on Disney Channels worldwide. And, Disney Parks, where universally enchanting stories come to life every day, will be the place where families can see Disney’s newest princess in person.  At Walt Disney World Resort, Elena will appear in the Magic Kingdom. At Disneyland Resort, she will appear at Disney California Adventure.  The Disney Princesses at Walt Disney World Resort will welcome Elena in August. Her Disneyland arrival date will be announced in the near future.

VIDEO: An Early Look at “Rivers of Light”, New Nighttime Show at Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on May 4, 2016

"Rivers of Light,"the majestic nighttime jewel, coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom creates an illuminating musical experience for guests. Currently in development with a premiere date to be announced soon, "Rivers of Light" will celebrate the magic of animals, humans and the natural world with a blend of performers, floating lanterns and theatrical animal imagery. (David Roark, photographer)

Rivers of Light may not be ready to debut anytime soon, but Disney previewed what they could of the new nighttime spectacular for Animal Kingdom at last night’s media preview. Take a look:

What we have seen of the show so far looks visually stunning, and personally, I’m a big fan of the soundtrack so far. Whenever it does debut, this should be a real crowd-pleaser for the park. Hopefully it is soon…

Finding Dory Characters Get Added to Turtle Talk at Epcot in Early May

WDWNT on May 4, 2016

Starting in early May, guests visiting Epcot will be able to spot Dory and some of her friends from the new film “Finding Dory” at the park’s “Turtle Talk With Crush” attraction.

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Some of her new pals you can expect to spot within the attraction include Destiny the whale shark, Bailey the beluga whale and Hank the “septopus” (that’s a seven-legged octopus). Crush’s son and best pal Squirt will also be swimming by for the first time, as well you may spot Nemo and his dad Marlin.

“Finding Dory” swims into theaters on June 17, 2016.

BREAKING: Toy Story Land Attractions Named, New Details Revealed Including First Virtual Ride Video

WDWNT on May 4, 2016

Just minutes ago, Disney shared a sneak peek of what’s coming to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including new details on the land’s attractions set to bring the world of Toy Story to life for guests.

The reimagining of Disney's Hollywood Studios will take guests to infinity and beyond, allowing them to step into the worlds of their favorite films, starting with Toy Story Land. This new 11-acre land will transport guests into the adventurous outdoors of Andy's backyard. Guests will think they've been shrunk to the size of Woody and Buzz as they are surrounded by oversized toys that Andy has assembled using his vivid imagination. Using toys like building blocks, plastic buckets and shovels, and game board pieces, Andy has designed the perfect setting for this land, which will include two new attractions for any Disney park and one expanded favorite. (Disney Parks)

In Toy Story Land, you’ll find yourself shrunk to the size of a toy to explore the world of Andy’s backyard with your favorite Toy Story characters, including Woody and Buzz. There are two new themed attractions being developed for Toy Story Land.

The first – Slinky Dog Dash – will be a family coaster attraction. The attraction features a coaster track that Andy has built all over his backyard using his Mega Coaster Play Kit, but as you know, he has a pretty amazing imagination, so he’s combined it with some of his other toys, according to Imagineer Kathy Mangum. Take a look at a concept video of Slinky Dog Dash that Kathy shared earlier:

On Slinky Dog Dash, you will zip, dodge and dash around many turns and drops that Andy has created to really make Slinky and his coils stretch to his limits.

The second all-new attraction in Toy Story Land will be Alien Swirling Saucers. This attraction is designed as a toy play set that Andy got from Pizza Planet, inspired by the first Toy Story film. Aliens are flying around in their toy flying saucers and trying to capture your rocket toy vehicle with “The Claw.”

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As you rotate around the toy planets and satellites as part of the game, you’ll swirl to the beat of fun “Space Jazz” music developed just for this experience, Mangum said. The music, the lighting, and the sound effects will add to the flurry of your adventure while “The Claw” looms ominously over you.

Also today, Mangum shared an update that beginning Memorial Day weekend, even more guests will be able to experience Toy Story Mania with the addition of a third track.

“Jungle Book” Show To Fill-In Until Rivers of Light is Ready, Park Open Late Starting Memorial Day

WDWNT on May 4, 2016

Disney's Animal Kingdom's iconic Tree of Life will undergo extraordinary ÒawakeningsÓ throughout each evening as the animal spirits are brought to life by magical fireflies that reveal colorful stories of wonder and enchantment. Projections of nature scenes take on a magical quality as they appear to dramatically emanate from within the Tree of Life. (David Roark, photographer)

Rivers of Light won’t be looking to debut this Summer as we reported, but that won’t be stopping Disney from bringing Disney’s Animal Kingdom to life in the evenings. Starting Memorial Day weekend, a number of offerings will debut, including a Rivers of Light placeholder:

The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic

For the summer, Discovery River becomes the stage for music and pageantry in a limited-engagement show inspired by Disney’s hit live-action film The Jungle Book. Jungle Book: Alive with Magic is a live show filled with music and special effects that celebrates the new film and the classic songs, now infused with an Indian influence.

The rest of the lineup is coming as originally envisioned:

The Tree of Life Awakens

The theme park’s iconic Tree of Life will undergo extraordinary “awakenings” throughout the evening as the animal spirits are brought to life by magical fireflies that reveal colorful stories of wonder and enchantment. High-tech projections of nature scenes take on a magical quality as they appear to dramatically emanate from within the Tree of Life.

Kilimanjaro Safaris after Dark

Each evening, the popular Kilimanjaro Safaris daytime experience is artfully bathed in the glow of sunset with special lighting allowing guests to explore this attraction well into the night. During the expedition, guests can now encounter the nighttime behavior of the wildlife and better tune in to the unique vocalization of the animals. Plus, there are two new species to discover: African wild dogs and hyenas.

 

Harambe Wildlife Parti

When the sun sets, the popular Village of Harambe will become a hot spot with the new Harambe Wildlife Parti. Here, “party animals” can dance alongside a variety of entertainers and local street musicians, and enjoy the lively rhythms of African music. Guests can also partake in exotic foods and libations, and explore the diverse wares of village artisans and merchants in the vibrant marketplace.

Discovery Island Carnivale

The spirited community of Discovery Island has come together to celebrate their love of the natural world with the Discovery Island Carnivale. This nightly experience will captivate guests with lively music, jubilant dance, vibrant costumes, stilt walkers and tasty culinary creations — winding from one end of the island to the other.

Tiffins Signature Restaurant

In addition to the diverse new entertainment offerings, guests will enjoy Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s new signature eatery, Tiffins. Open for both lunch and dinner, this new signature dining experience will celebrate the art of traveling and include waterfront views from both indoor and outdoor seating areas. “Tiffin” is an Indian English word meaning midday meal or type of container used to carry food while traveling.

New Adventures with Favorite Attractions

Most attractions remain open at nightfall, and will shine like never before. At sundown, Kali River Rapids will reveal mysterious twists and turns throughout the rainforest with dramatic and drenching fun. Expedition Everest thrills adventurers as it lurches forward and backward through the icy peaks of the Himalayas. At night, the majestic mountain challenges trekkers to an evening ride revealing breathtaking views of the Animal Kingdom canopied by starlight. Amidst the colorful midway games at Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama in DinoLand U.S.A., the thrills turn up aboard the zany Triceratop Spin or Primeval Whirl under the lights.