September 2016 – Page 10

RUMOR: Is Vekoma Constructing A Revolutionary Flying Roller Coaster for Epcot’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” Ride?

WDWNT on September 17, 2016

The plot is thickening for the rumored Epcot “Guardians of the Galaxy” attraction. Long time Disney roller coaster manufacturer Vekoma is now building a test track that may be the earliest version of a new coaster ride system that would replace the Universe of Energy.

A Guardians of the Galaxy themed roller coaster ride is rumored to replace Epcot’s Universe of Energy.

Vekoma has in many ways been the coaster manufacturer of choice for the Walt Disney Company over the last 25 years, producing the ride systems for The Barnstormer, Big Grizzly Mountain, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster, and many more.

Photos from a Vekoma fan show a Vekoma test site with a strange coaster test track being erected. The following photos were posted by user MrRC:

But why do we think this could be related to the Epcot Guardians of the Galaxy ride? An interesting Disney patent form a few years back looks like it may tie-in to this very design, featuring a unique load system and track for a suspended, “flying” roller coaster:

A ride system for giving passengers a flying roller coaster experience. The ride system includes a train of vehicles, with each of the vehicles including seat assemblies that each has a seat and seat back for receiving a passenger. The vehicles are supported by the track to roll along a length of the track, and the ride path is adapted for gravity-based movement of the train of vehicles in at least portions of the ride path. The track includes a vertical segment, and the ride system includes a station including a platform assembly with horizontal platforms vertically spaced-apart to provide multi-level loading. The train is positioned on the vertical segment with each of the vehicles proximate to an end of one of the horizontal platforms. The seat backs are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the track to provide vertical loading and, then, vertical launching from the station.

Does this patent and the Vekoma test track mean anything? That is the real question. Disney seems like a likely customer for an experimental ride system like this, especially considering Vekoma and Disney worked together on building a whole-new sort of vehicle for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train together.

The track in the patent and what is being built at the Vekoma test site are eerily similar. The Disney patent is for a sideways loading roller coaster and Vekoma is building what looks to be a sideways loading flying coaster track. It is an awfully big coincidence if not related.

VIDEO: Sneak Peek At The Table Read For Disney’s “Beauty And The Beast”

WDWNT on September 17, 2016

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Take a look at a new sneak peek of Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast” from the bonus features of the upcoming release of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION. Relive the magic and the music of Disney’s beloved animated classic with four versions of the film plus all-new bonus features! Watch the full sneak peek when “Beauty and the Beast Walt Disney Signature Collection Edition” becomes available on Digital HD September 6th and Blu-ray September 20th.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWitrdChM_k&feature=youtu.be

One of the most acclaimed and treasured animated films of all time is about to sweep you off your feet. Follow the adventures of Belle, a bright young woman who finds herself in the castle of a prince who’s been turned into a mysterious beast. With the help of the castle’s enchanted staff, Belle soon learns the most important lesson of all, that true beauty comes from within. An all-new digital restoration makes the feature more magical than ever. Be our guest and let the music you’ll never forget and the characters who will fill your heart cast a shimmering spell like never before.

Source: Disney Movies Anywhere

FIRST LOOK: All Covers and Inside Peek at “Enchanted Tiki Room” Comic Series

WDWNT on September 17, 2016

Disney posted on the Parks Blog some first look images at the upcoming Enchanted Tiki Room comic book series from Disney Kingdoms.

Here are some of the variant covers:

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The comic series will be presented as five unique stories that take place at the Enchanted Tiki Room which is located on an isolated island. Almost anything can happen and does on the island that is populated by talking (and singing) birds and plants and ancient Tiki gods. Stories will unfold with the arrival of new visitors to the island, and the mysteries revealed may all be connected.

The “Enchanted Tiki Room” series will be written by Jon Adams. Artwork will be penciled by Horacio Domingues with cover artwork by Brian Kesinger.

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Be sure to check out the series this fall at select locations at Disney Parks.

VIDEO: PizzeRizzo Signage Goes Up, “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” Comes Down in Our Latest Hollywood Studios Update

WDWNT on September 17, 2016

It’s time once again to check in on the latest progress of the expansion of Disney’s Hollywood Studios! By popular demand (although I still don’t really understand why anyone wants to hear me talk), this edition is the first narrated by Tom Corless, as he explains what exactly you are looking at throughout the update.

This update includes the latest progress on PizzeRizzo and Gonzo’s Royal Flush, the demolition of the Streets of America for Star Wars and Toy Story Land, and more! Enjoy:

VIDEO: Experience the New Entertainment (Including Zootopia) and Snacks of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2016

WDWNT on September 17, 2016

On Friday evening, we attended the very first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party of 2016 at the Magic Kingdom. While I am still composing my thoughts on the overall event this year, I figured I would share some video of the experiences we recorded during our night of fun, including a few short reviews of some of the party-exclusive snacks. Let’s take a look…

Zootopia Party Patrol Pre-Parade

New for 2016, gone is the “Creepa Crew” and here is the Zootopia Party Patrol, a new pre-show of sort for the guests waiting on Main Street U.S.A. for the Boo To You Parade.

The Headless Horseman

A staple of the event, the Headless Horseman rides again just before Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade. However, it is still at that rather slow speed that has been kind of a letdown over the last few years…

Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade

Perhaps the most beloved parade at Walt Disney World, Boo To You returns in 2016 with a newly-enhanced segment for Wreck-It Ralph characters. The parade is performed twice nightly during the event.

The Hocus Pocus Villains Spelltacular

While not new for 2016, new lighting effects and pyro make the Hocus Pocus Villains Spelltacular stage show even more fantastic then before, even though it is now only presented 3 times an evening.

Happy Hallowishes! Fireworks

The Halloween Party’s fireworks show is back, once again unchanged from the previous years.

Celebrate the Magic – Halloween Edition

The Magic Kingdom’s nighttime projection show is back, and just in time for the Halloween season is a special segment featuring the Disney villains. This show is presented just before the one performance of Happy HalloWishes! fireworks.

Party Exclusive Snack Reviews

A series of exclusive snacks are available at select locations only during the party. Below are reviews of the Pumpkin Spice Cupcake at Gaston’s Tavern, the Ghoulish Strawberry Lemonade Slush at Friar’s Nook, and the Candy Corn Soft Serve ice cream at Storybook Treats.

VIDEO: Rogue Fireworks from Star Wars Show Strike Car at Walt Disney World

WDWNT on September 17, 2016

You know how that new launch site for fireworks at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is located just across World Drive? Well, that means the launch site is a little closer to many major roadways at Walt Disney World than any other at the resort, so things like this can happen:

In the above video, it seems a firework landed and exploded on a Walt Disney World roadway. According to the video description, the bus was travelling from Magic Kingdom to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and caught this incident while passing Disney Hollywood Studios during the nightly fireworks. The incident supposedly happened a few weeks ago and clearly no one was injured.

Swan & Dolphin Hotels Giving Away a Presidential Suite Stay for Election Season

WDWNT on September 17, 2016

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort to “Elect” a Candidate for a “Presidential” Vacation
One contest winner will be awarded a stay in the resort’s luxurious presidential suite

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. – August 31, 2016 – As the nation prepares for the next race to the White House, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is making its own headlines by giving one lucky guest and his or her family the opportunity to be treated to their own presidential vacation at this iconic Walt Disney World resort by signing up at www.swandolphin.com/offers/presidential by Nov. 8.

In honor of the 2016 presidential election, the resort will select a “candidate” (guest) to stay in one of its spacious and luxuriously appointed presidential suites on a vacation fit for a true leader! The resort’s presidential suites have hosted the likes of President H.W. Bush and President Bill Clinton.

As the presidential guest, the winning candidate will be invited to bring up to four “cabinet members” on a 3-day/2-night term. He or she will arrive via complimentary transport from the airport and be treated to a red carpet welcome with a personal escort to the suite. A special welcome amenity created by the resort’s two-time world champion pastry Chef Laurent Branlard will await the winner in the suite and the entire group can celebrate the victory with a “state” dinner using a $250 dining certificate at any of the resort’s 17 restaurants and lounges, which include Shula’s Steak House, celebrity chef Todd English’s bluezoo and Il Mulino New York Trattoria.

The “elected” candidate (chosen by random drawing) along with his or her guests will receive complimentary Walt Disney World theme park two-day Park Hopper passes (up to four) as well as access to all the other amenities offered by the resort. No caucuses, campaigning or debates are required – guests simply nominate themselves by visiting www.swandolphin.com/offers/presidential and signing up for the resort’s email newsletter before the polls close on Nov. 8.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort offers 12 presidential suites featuring elegant bathroom and bedroom appointments richly designed in residential-style décor. Presidential suite amenities include multiple flat-screen TVs, deluxe private bathrooms, Westin Heavenly Beds, kitchens with a private bar and dining room table and extraordinary views of Walt Disney World Resort.

PHOTO: Disney World Changes Complimentary Mosquito Repellent Less Than 1 Week After Starting Program to Fight Zika

WDWNT on September 17, 2016

Less than a week after introducing complimentary insect repellent to combat mosquitos and the Zika virus, Walt Disney World has changed the brand and the composition of the repellent they are providing to guests.

Complimentary mosquito repellent at Disney World is now a lotion

The repellent is now a lotion that comes in industrial size containers. The repellent replaces the small bottles of “Cutter” brand spray Disney has been using since last week and been distributing to resort guest rooms. The large bottles are simply placed on top of these tables around the parks and Disney Springs for guests to use, but there is a cast member at each kiosk to assist with any questions or concerns guests may have.

Mama Melrose’s at Hollywood Studios To Offer Reduced Menu While Under Refurbishment

WDWNT on September 17, 2016

Beginning September 12th, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will offer a temporary menu to accommodate a refurbishment of equipment in the kitchen.

The flatbreads typically on the menu at Mama Melrose’s will not be available during this time. The project will take 4 weeks to complete.

PHOTO REPORT: Disney Springs 9/4/16 (Hatbox Ghost, Ride Models, Mosquito Repellent, ETC.)

WDWNT on September 17, 2016

Our latest photo report brings us to Disney Springs for a look at lots of new merchandise, the addition of complimentary mosquito repellent stations, but mostly just for pizza…

Complimentary Mosquito Repellent

Disney Springs is home to several kiosks touting the complimentary mosquito repellent for guests to use.

The Cutter bottles are now only being given out in resort rooms, while the kiosks around the resort are switching to a lotion bottle.

Another kiosk at the Welcome Center.

A kiosk by the Lime Garage.

Another kiosk inside the World of Disney store.

An additional kiosk inside what was guest relations, between Arribas Bros. and Marketplace Co-Op.

Odds & Ends

It isn’t a trip to Disney Springs without a stop at Blaze Pizza these days. I honestly think I’ve been there about 5 times already. Please check out our review for more info and to find out why I like so much.

The billboard on the back of the T-Rex Cafe is finally finished.

Balloon peddlers have been a more common sight at Disney Springs as of late.

I hadn’t seen the Finding Dory balloon before this encounter.

World of Disney now carries the new Bambi line from Disney Baby (mixed in with some random Disney Parks Bambi plush).

More New Pirates of the Caribbean Toys

More and more Pirates of the Caribbean/Fab 5 merchandise keeps popping up.

The big set with the ship retails for $54.99.

The small set retails for $24.99.

This Captain Playlet is $12.99.

Metal Earth Disney Parks Collection

A few months ago, Metal Earth released a few Disney Parks exclusive Star Tours models for purchase. There is now a large collection of Disney Parks icons on sale, only at the domestic Disney theme parks and resorts.