PHOTOS: First Look Inside The New “Flying Fish” Restaurant at Disney’s Boardwalk

The newly renovated Flying Fish on Disney’s Boardwalk was nice enough to let us in for an early look around the restaurant ahead of their highly-anticipated August 3rd grand opening.

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The inspiration for the fresh design is none other than the beloved flying fish of Disney’s BoardWalk, which are subtly suggested throughout the location – from upholstery patterns to kitchen tiles.

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Be sure to check out the restaurant’s sparkling architectural accents, which include golden-winged room panels and a glittering chandelier that mimics a school of flying fish swimming overhead.

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The restaurant also features boardwalk-inspired mementos like carnival art, vintage games, and a nod to the legendary “Flying Turns” rollercoaster.

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My favorite part? The fish-inspired silverware!

Stay tuned for a review of the new Flying Fish later this week on WDWNT.com.

BREAKING: Disneyland Officially Announces “Eastern Gateway” Project, New Parking Structure & Transportation Hub

Disneyland Resort announced today the Eastern Gateway project, which includes a new seven level, 6,800 space parking structure on the site of the Pumbaa parking lot and a transportation hub on the east side of Harbor Boulevard.

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In conjunction with the project, the Carousel Inn & Suites will close on October 17, 2016 to make way for an elevated pedestrian bridge to transport guests between the parking structure/ transportation hub and the existing Disneyland Resort. Any existing bookings for this hotel from that date on are being moved to other hotels.

The project is intended to improve overall guest circulation in the area, relieving congestion on Ball Road, Harbor Boulevard, Katella Avenue, and Disneyland Drive. It is part of an over $1 billion investment from Disney in Anaheim which includes the new Star Wars themed land for Disneyland Park.

The construction for the Eastern Gateway will begin in early 2017 and is scheduled to be completed in late-2018.

VIDEO: Star Wars Land Demolition Visible from World Drive Entrance to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

While the inside of the park is like a war zone as demolition rages on at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the World Drive entrance of the park isn’t faring much better. Even though the new exit from Osceola Parkway is complete, the World Drive entrance road now merges down to one lane before shifting guests over to the right towards the furthest toll plaza booths and away from the construction zone. However, it does offer guests their very best look at the ongoing work to prepare the park for two new themed lands:

Channing Tatum To Play The Mermaid Role In Disney’s “Splash” Remake

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A few months ago we reported that original “Splash” producer Brian Grazer said that a “Splash” remake was in development, but this time around there would be a twist to the story. Looks like we know what the twist is now. Channing Tatum will play the role of the mermaid, or merman, originally made famous by Daryl Hannah. Jillian Bell will be playing Tatum’s love interest, who’s character was originally played by Tom Hanks.

From Deadline:

Disney is moving full speed ahead with a re-imagining of Splash, the 1984 sleeper hit film that launched the stars of Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah, along with Imagine partners Ron Howard and Brian Grazer, the latter of whom hatched the idea for the fish wish-fulfillment story that Howard directed. They’ve got an intriguing take: It’s being developed for Channing Tatum to take role that Hannah played, with Jillian Bell in the role that Hanks played. I’m told the pitch was hatched by Bell, who worked with Tatum in 22 Jump Street, most recently wrapped Office Christmas Party and next stars in Rock That Body.

Source: Deadline Hollywood

Hostess with the Mostess – Top 5 Water Rides at Disney World

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Welcome back to WDWNT’s Hostess with the Mostess! Right here is where you can get your weekly Disney fix while talking and learning about our Disney favorites!  These past two weeks have been very hot where I live. In fact, it was so hot that it was time for a dip in the pool. My surroundings were perfect, humid weather and cool water. Naturally, I closed my eyes and started dreaming of Disney. The first thing that popped into my head was getting soaked on Kali River Rapids, next thing I know, I was on the Jungle Cruise enjoying a breezy and adventurous ride down the Amazon River. Then it hit me! My next post should be about water rides.

But before we begin, let me specify what I mean when I say water rides. These are all attractions from the four main parks. Sorry water parks! Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon are amazing, but they are in a category of their own and will definitely be in a countdown in the future. These water rides are not only rides where you get wet, but attractions where you are on the water and a boat is your mode of transportation.

Now let’s check out my Top 5 Favorite Water Rides

5. Maelstrom/Frozen Ever After
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I know what you’re thinking, the Maelstrom is no longer with us so it shouldn’t really count right? But just hear me out. Maelstrom will forever hold a special place in my heart and it would have been in my top 5 if I did this countdown while it was still operating. The reason I kept it and combined it with Frozen Ever After is because I have not ridden Frozen yet. My first ride is next month, I cannot wait! Frozen looks really beautiful, detailed, and just a lot of fun. I am sure the pictures do not do it justice. From what I have seen, I know I will love it. Remembering the Maelstrom and not yet experiencing Frozen kind of puts me in the middle. So the obvious thing to do was to mesh them together because I know both the old and new will make my number 5. What do you think of Frozen Ever After?

 

Jungle-Cruise4. Jungle Cruise

“And now, we’re approaching the beautiful Schweitzer Falls, named after that famous African explorer, Dr. Albert Falls.” It never gets old! And that is why this exotic world-famous cruise hits number 4 on my list. With elephants forgetting to pack to their trunks, Skipper’s pointing out their favorite plant life, the back side of water, and Trader Sam getting “ahead” in sales … see what I did there? … there is never a dull moment. Every Skipper has a unique spin on the spiel and they all have different and fun personalities. I know that when I get on that boat I am going to laugh and have a great time. Jungle Cruise also receives some bonus points for their queue line. I love going through and finding all of the unique and funny jokes!

 

Pirates of the Caribbean3. Pirates of the Caribbean

Avast! Pirates of the Caribbean is my number 3 pick. Why you ask? Because it’s just plain awesome! From the minute you step into the building you are transported into a time when pirates and privateers ruled the seas. This swashbuckling adventure is an exciting combination of fun and danger! We start our journey off slow, moving through a cave with a cool ocean breeze and then the next thing you know you plunge right into the middle of a battle between pirate and land lover. Speaking of the plunge, has anyone else noticed that we get even more wet with the new boats? One of my favorite additions to the ride are the mermaids. You can hear them singing “My Jolly Sailor Bold” and see a glowing light in the water next to you. The effect isn’t always working, but when it is, it’s mysteriously fun! Every time I ride Pirates I see something new and I feel like I am really experiencing a pirate invasion!

 

Kali River Rapids2. Kali River Rapids

Kali River Rapids hits number 2! I really do not have a lot to say about this one other than it is a blast. Just like Everest, Kali’s line is very detailed, there is so much to look at and it can really help the time go by faster if you are waiting in line. Fun fact, some of the canoe paddles found in the queue have signatures of the attraction’s Imagineers. The ride itself is what wins it it’s place at number 2. It is thrilling, refreshing, and even a little educational. It is so much fun and with the summer heat, I wish I was riding it right now!

 

Splash Mountain1.Splash Mountain

“Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay. My, oh my, what a wonderful day!” I love Splash Mountain! This attraction has it all and that is why it is my number 1 pick. From the beginning we are completely immersed into the story with Brer Rabbit. The ride is amazingly long and takes us inside and outside, gives us multiple thrilling hills, Imagineering details everywhere, the cutest animatronics in the world, a repertoire of lovable and catchy songs, and of course water! To make it even better, there is nothing like riding it at night and on the last drop seeing the castle all lit up in colors in the distance … talk about magical! Do we have any daring hand raisers out there? I always put my hands up, it is the best way to ride.

My family has a fun tradition that started when I was little. There is a rabbit sitting on the front of the log boats, I’m sure you have seen him. If anyone in our family got the front seat, we had to pet the rabbit on the head. There was no reason behind it, just something my dad made up for us to have fun with. After all these years, it still stuck! I always look forward to sitting in the front row so I can carry on our tradition. Now I pass it to you. If you get the front seat, go ahead and give that adorable rabbit a big ol’ pat on the head!

Those are my Top 5 Favorite Water Rides! Now I want to hear from you. What is your favorite water ride and why? Go ahead and cast your vote below and remember, I love reading your comments and may share what you said on next weeks results.

Here is my Extra Magic Tip of the week: For those of you out there who do not want to get too wet on Splash Mountain, sit on the left side of the boat. The right side tends to attract more water.

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BREAKING: Original World of Color Show to Return September to Disney California Adventure

While it seems likely that Disneyland will de downgrading their nightly fireworks come September, a beloved show will be returning across the Esplanade…

'WORLD OF COLOR' -- Lights, water, music, fire and animation come together like never before in ÒWorld of ColorÓ at Disney California Adventure park in Anaheim, Calif. The show combines nearly 1,200 powerful fountains with heights that range from 30 feet to 200 feet in the air, dazzling colors and a kaleidoscope of audio and visual effects, including both classic and new animation projected on one of the worldÕs largest projected water screens Ñ a wall of water 380 feet wide by 50 feet high for a projection surface of 19,000 square feet . Presented on Paradise Bay in Disney California Adventure park, ÒWorld of ColorÓ is a major milestone in the multi-year expansion of the park. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland)

Disney today confirmed that the original World of Color (albeit the last version of the show) will return to California Adventure beginning September 6th, 2016. Wold of Color – Celebrate will have its final performance on September 5th.

The replacement show was never as well received as the original show, which has existed in a continuously modified form since 2010 before being completely replaced by Celebrate in 2015 for the Diamond Celebration.

PHOTO REPORT: Epcot 8/1/16 (Figment’s Footprints Erased, Finding Dory, New Merchandise, ETC.)

Let’s see what’s new and exciting around Epcot in our very latest photo report:

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The banner in the Frozen Ever After queue was getting beaten up pretty bad, so they put a metal plate inside of it to make it sturdier…

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Plenty of Soarin’ Around the World merchandise available in The Land

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The Mills Stage in Canada is currently home to Les Parfaits Inconnus, which you can watch below if you haven’t sen it yet:

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The bar inside the Canada pavilion was quietly removed recently

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All gone

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MouseGear is selling a number of “reversible” plush right now

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The Mater one makes no sense…

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Taste Track (when open) now sells ice cream

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Extensive work is once again being done to the interior of MouseGear

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A lot of items were moved around again as well

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Elena of Avalor has her own section in the shop

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Some new oped edition pins released recently

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The foam Star Wars weaponry has finally made its way to the east coast

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Some new magnets

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This register is somehow open during the work above it…

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Another reversible plush

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Finding Dory merchandise has taken the spotlight away from Star Wars… for now…

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Found this giant EPCOT Center log inside what’s left of Innoventions West

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Figment’s footprints at the exit of Journey Into Imagination, leading to the ImageWorks, were erased recently

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Turtle Talk has new signage to promote the additions to the show

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After 9 years, the Epcot 25th anniversary timeline was removed from the hallway near Club Cool

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 This awesome Crush souvenir cup is popping up at various locations around Walt Disney World, but here it was at the Beach Club.

PHOTOS: “Lights, Motors, Action!” Now Being Demolished at Hollywood Studios for Star Wars Land

Over the weekend, work began on removing the viewing area for the former “Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in preperation for the new Toy Story and Star Wars themed land being added to the park.

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Lights, Motors, Action! performed for the very last time over 4 months ago, and while the staging for the show was removed some time ago, the 5,000 seat viewing area is just beginning to be torn down.

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Disney has not provided a timetable for when demolition in the backlot area of the park will be completed, nor when either the Toy Story or Star Wars themed lands will open.

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Photos by Jose Castillo

PHOTOS: Tomorrowland Entrance at Magic Kingdom Getting a New Look

While just a few rocks are sporting the new look so far, the Tomorrowland entrance at Magic Kingdom will be getting a refreshed look:

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There is a tent in my lace storing all of the painting materials.

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While just one small section has been completed so far, all of the rock-work in front of the land should change to this paint scheme over the next few weeks.

Disney Infinity’s End Date Announced and Explained

Sad news Infinity fans, Disney has announced the final details regarding the end of Disney Infinity.

Unfortunately, the details are not as cut and dry as they should be. There are a ton of dates, catches, and exceptions. Starting off with the console version of Disney Infinity 3.0, support for sharing Community Content will cease on September 30.This is just the ability to share, or upload, Toy Boxes, not download them.

Effective immediately, players can no longer make in-app purchases on Disney Infinity 2.0. As a reminder, this was only a feature on non-console versions of the game. As for non-console versions of 3.0, in-app purchases can be made only on the Steam version for now.

Thinking back to September 30, it looks like all versions of Disney Infinity will be removed from mobile app stores, Apple TV, and PC. In addition to being removed from stores, the game will also become unplayable. However, the Steam versions of both 2.0 and 3.0 will remain like the console versions and still work as normal, just without the online functionality.

As mentioned before, sharing through Community Content will end on September 30, but players can still download Toy Boxes until March 3, 2017. This will be available for all players playing on consoles.

Regarding players on Apple TV and Windows 8/10, January 3, 2017 is the day that in-game purchases will be discontinued. Unlike the console versions, these versions of the game will become entirely unplayable on March 3, 2017.

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That is a lot of jumbled information, but the most important thing to note is this, March 3, 2017 is the day that Disney Infinity will shut down online functionality completely. From that point on, no more Toy Boxes will be available for download. I encourage players to get on soon and download all of their favorite Toy Boxes before it is too late (Disney Infinity 3.0 let’s you download and save up to 300 Toy Boxes).