BREAKING: Hourglass Lake Overlook Being Built at Pop Century & Art of Animation; Is This the Gondola Station?

WDWNT on March 17, 2017

Disney will be constructing a scenic overlook over Hourglass Lake, the body of water located between Disney’s Pop Century and Art of Animation Resorts.

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Permits were filed with the South Florida Water Management District and the image below is provided in the documentation.

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It appears as though this could be the spot for the station of the rumored gondola transportation system. The size of the plot would be big enough to hold such a item, and the placement directly between both resorts makes sense. Otherwise, it is unknown what the exact reasoning for building this overlook could be. There is already more than enough seating out in this area for those who wish to enjoy the view, so building more seating or standing space wouldn’t serve any real practical purpose.

Either way, this overlook is being constructed starting soon.

Rivers of Light at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Now To Be Performed Twice A Night

WDWNT on March 17, 2017

Starting March 11th, Rivers of Light at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be offered twice a night on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

On March 11th, an 8:30pm show has been added. Following that, with daylight savings time in effect, Rivers of Light will be offered at 8:45PM and 10PM on those select nights. Park hours on these nights have been extended until 9:30PM.

PHOTOS: New Look Remodeled Rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Resort and Spa

WDWNT on March 17, 2017

Today, Walt Disney Imagineering is sharing more details on changes to Disney’s Grand Californian Resort and Spa to bring guests a more ‘premium’ look and feel. In the renovations, all guest rooms, pool areas, the concierge-level Craftsman Club, and the furniture for the lobby, will be remodeled and replaced.

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Guest rooms will be completely redesigned to create a fresh sense of luxury. Every single element will be new—from the floors and walls to the furnishings, beddings, and linens as well as upgraded bathrooms. Upon entry, you’ll notice hardwood flooring transition into soft, bright-toned carpeting. The room decor is a contemporary take on the Arts & Crafts style featuring all-new furniture made of natural oak, specially designed for each room, as well as California-inspired artwork created by artists and Imagineers, including beautiful headboard walls with wood inlay designs featuring orange trees and Chip ‘n Dale!

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Guests with a sharp eye will catch other uniquely Disney details throughout these newly refreshed rooms. Refurbishments are well underway at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and guests will begin enjoying the first phase of refreshed guest rooms soon.

The multi-phase roll-out is expected to be completed by the end of 2017.

DOWNLOAD & LISTEN – WDWNT Podcast Episode 364: 2017 Flower and Garden Festival Review, Pressing Issues Including WDW Gondolas

WDWNT on March 17, 2017

Have you heard this week’s WDW News Today Podcast? If you haven’t, here’s what you can expect:

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Join Tom Corless and a cast of others for a variety show dedicated to the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Plenty of Walt Disney World and Disneyland information and fun awaits you on this edition of the WDW News Today Podcast!

On this week’s show, we introduce a new segment called “Pressing Issues” that covers the biggest news stories since the last podcast, and after that, we review the 2017 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

To download or listen to the show on-site, go to our podcast download page. You can also download episodes of the show by subscribing to our iTunes feed, or through Stitcher.

REVIEW: Joffrey’s Coffee “Revive” Opens in the Magic Kingdom, Mission to S’mores Pays Homage to Classic Ride

WDWNT on March 17, 2017

For months, we have been watching the construction of the Joffrey’s Coffee “Revive” kiosk in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom. This morning, the coffee and pastry shop opened with the park.

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Joffrey’s Coffee Revive in Tomorrowland, the Magic Kingdom

The kiosk is the first for the Magic Kingdom, with Joffrey’s operating several kiosks at other Walt Disney World theme parks. It’s sign is an homage to the old Tomorrowland attraction marquees of the 70’s and 80’s.

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Joffrey’s Coffee Revive in Tomorrowland, the Magic Kingdom

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Joffrey’s Coffee Revive in Tomorrowland, the Magic Kingdom

Exclusive to this location is Mission to S’mores, an homage to the Mission to Mars attraction that once stood in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom. Mission to Mars was open from 1976 until 1992, replacing the instantly dated Flight to the Moon and then closing to make way for the ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter (which would eventually debut in 1995).

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Mission to S’mores, Joffrey’s Coffee Revive kiosk at the Magic Kingdom

Mission to Mars, Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom, 1976-1992

Mission to Mars, Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom, 1976-1992

The signage for the drink even looks like the old Mission to Mars logo!

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Mission to S’mores, Joffrey’s Coffee Revive kiosk at the Magic Kingdom

I ended up being the only guest running to this at park opening (what a surprise that no one else wanted to rope drop coffee, but went to Space Mountain instead). As the first guest ever at Revive, I was given my drink for free!

So how was the Mission to S’mores? It was delicious! It wasn’t overly sweet, but instead was a latte with just enough of a marshmallow flavor for you to get your caffeine fix and not feel terrible about yourself afterwards (like some of the dessert drinks at Starbucks). I will be ordering this again for sure.

It is available hot or iced. I ordered it iced because it’s Orlando in March…

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Mission to S’mores, Joffrey’s Coffee Revive kiosk at the Magic Kingdom

Other than this specialty beverage, the Revive kiosk also offers a wide array of coffee drinks (all non-alcoholic at the Magic Kingdom, but you’ll find the alcoholic versions at other parks), as well as pastries.

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Joffrey’s Coffee Revive menu, the Magic Kingdom

Pastries are of the usual Joffrey’s kiosk variety, including the giant doughnuts, croissants, muffins, and cookies.

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Overall, the stand is a great addition to the park. With Casey’s Corner already discontinuing breakfast, it’s nice to have another location for pastries at breakfast time. I also really enjoy Joffrey’s coffee and prefer it to Starbucks, so I’m excited to have another good coffee drink location in the park (other than the Auntie Gravity’s coffee float).

Revive by Joffrey’s Coffee is now open daily at the Magic Kingdom, opening with the park every morning.

St. Patrick’s Day Festivities Returning to Raglan Road Irish Pub at Disney Springs

WDWNT on March 17, 2017

Bring out the green beer, get your corned beef and cabbage cooking, and hopefully, you might be able to find a leprechaun this year at the end of the rainbow because the St. Patrick’s Day celebration will be here in only 8 days.

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Raglan Road Irish Pub at Disney Springs definitely wants to make the ‘Irish” experience a traditional one for many guests. To do that, they will have their annual St. Patrick’s Day festival from March 16th through March 19th, 2017. The team at Raglan Road takes the Irish holiday so seriously they have actually put some tips together for guests on how to truly “celebrate like the Irish:”

  • Don’t call the holiday “St. Patty’s.” It’s either “St. Patrick’s Day” or “St. Paddy’s.”
  • A shamrock has three leaves (not four – that would be a clover).
  • Americans invented the St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1737 in Boston.
  • Most Irish pubs do a full month’s business on St. Patrick’s Day.
  • Guinness sells 13 million pints on St. Patrick’s Day versus the usual 5 million daily.
  • Green beer is an American invention. Raglan Road does not serve green beer.

New at this year’s festival is the Irish and hearty rock celebration band, The Young Dubliners, as well as Byrne Brothers who are 3 brothers ages 12, 10, and 7. Some of the bands returning again to the festival are the HanaLena Band, The Raglan Roots Coalition, Swingin’ On the Gate, Rollickin’ Rua and the Raglan Road Irish Dancers. For the full entertainment listing, visit raglanroad.com.

Not only is there amazing talent and entertainment, there will also be an assortment of traditional Irish food for purchase at the restaurant. Guests can order from popular brunch, lunch, bar and dinner menus, including loin of bacon and cabbage, the authentic Irish dish of St. Patrick’s Day. Also as a daily item, Fish and Chips will be available. Since St. Patrick’s Day can’t be it without the beer, Guinness, a Mighty Festival Brew, and  Bailey’s Shakes will all be available on tap. The Mighty Festival Brew which is new for the festival, is a brew made in collaboration with the Orange Blossom Brewing Company.

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Irish holiday attire is encouraged, but for those who need an extra dose of shamrock flair, complimentary face painting will be available from noon – 8 p.m. daily during the festival. Please note: On March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, guests will be seated on a first come, first-served basis with a cover charge of $10 for each guest age 18 and older. To make reservations for all other festival days, call 407-938-0300. The festivities take place from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. March 16-19, 2017.

Téigh go maith agus is féidir leis an Luck na hÉireann a bheith in éineacht leat!- which means go well and may the Luck of the Irish be with you!

Height Requirement & FastPass + Information for Pandora: The World of AVATAR Rides

WDWNT on March 17, 2017

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According to the official Walt Disney World website, new information in regards to the rides in Pandora: The World of AVATAR has been released.

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Flight of Passage

Height Requirement: 44 inches tall

Age Interest: kids,tweens, teens, and adults

Official Description: “Get a banshee’s-eye view of the beauty and grandeur of Pandora on a rite of passage you won’t soon forget! Deep in the heart of the Valley of Mo’ara, discover Avatar Flight of Passage—an all-new expedition that lets interstellar explorers like you climb atop a mountain banshee for a breathtaking, first-person flight over the moon’s incredible landscape. Bonding with a mountain banshee is a crucial step in the life of a Na’vi hunter—and flying on the back of one of these powerful winged creatures represents an important rite of passage.Now, as a visitor to Pandora, you’ll finally have the chance to test yourself in a similar way!

FastPass+: yes

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Navi River Journey

Height Requirement: none

Age Interest: everyone

Official Description: “Glide down a gentle, mysterious river and feel a sense of wonder as the full beauty of Pandora reveals itself. Located within the Valley of Mo’ara, Na’vi River Journey offers explorers an experience that has to be seen—and heard—to be believed! As your expedition begins, climb aboard a reed boat and drift downstream. After coasting through a series of caves, and passing by exotic glowing plants and amazing creatures of the rainforest, you’ll soon find yourself face-to-face with the Na’vi Shaman of Songs. The adventure comes to a conclusion as the Shaman demonstrates her deep connection to the life force of Pandora—and sends positive energy out into the forest through the power of her music!”

Thrill level: slow rides

FastPass+: yes

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Valley of Mo’ara 

Height Requirement: none

Age interest : anyone

Official Description: “Walk about through the Valley of Mo’ara and get ready to discover a world like no other! There’s more to Pandora than expeditions like Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey… much more! All around its enormous floating mountains, you’ll quickly uncover the valley’s one-of-a-kind dining and shopping experiences—along with sights, sounds and experiences that include: Exotic plants that come to life with beautiful bioluminescence each night, A Na’vi-built drum circle containing instruments playable by all, Na’vi totems and other cultural items found throughout the land, Brand-new Wilderness Explorers challenges and badges to collect. You may even come across tour guides from Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE), scientists from the Pandora Conservation Initiative (PCI), or even an eclectic expat or two!

Stay posted for any future updates on Pandora: the World of Avatar in the coming weeks as the opening date draws closer. Pandora: the World of Avatar officially opens to the public on May 27th, 2017.

PHOTOS: First Look at Specialty Food and Drink & More Details on Dining in Pandora – The World of AVATAR at Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on March 17, 2017

Disney has finally released more details on the dining options in Pandora: The World of AVATAR. While we don’t have the full menu just yet, the photos below mark our first look at the specialty food and drink items that will inhabit the land.

A dish from the Satu'li Canteen in Pandora: The World of AVATAR

A dish from the Satu’li Canteen in Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Satu’li Canteen

Indulge in the art and culture of the Na’vi while dining inside this former RDA mess hall, only at Pandora – The World of Avatar.

Navi blueberry cheesecake, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Navi blueberry cheesecake, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Pictured above is the Na’vi blueberry cheesecake served with passion fruit curd.

A dish from the Satu'li Canteen in Pandora: The World of AVATAR

A dish from the Satu’li Canteen in Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Discover healthful dishes and familiar flavors from another world—wholesome grains, fresh vegetables and hearty proteins.

Between your aerial adventures on Avatar Flight of Passage and family-friendly voyages aboard Na’vi River Journey, tuck inside the Quonset-hut structure called Satu’li Canteen—long ago an RDA mess hall, now a peaceful dining facility adorned with Na’vi art and cultural items.

A dish from the Satu'li Canteen in Pandora: The World of AVATAR

A dish from the Satu’li Canteen in Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Owned and operated by Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE), Satu’li Canteen supplies travelers all the comforts of home—courtesy of a unique, fast-casual menu that’s been crafted from Pandora’s natural abundance.

Featuring international-inspired cuisine, vegetarian options and specialty libations, it’s the perfect place to refuel as you venture through the Valley of Mo’ara.

Pongu Pongu Refreshments

Drinks from Pongu Pongu, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Drinks from Pongu Pongu, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Wet your whistle at this popular drink stand run by an expat who fell in love with Pandora – The World of Avatar… and never left.

Lumpia from Pongu Pongu, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Lumpia from Pongu Pongu, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Pictured above is Lumpia, a crispy pineapple-cream cheese spring roll that will be offered at Pongu Pongu.

Quench your thirst the Pandoran way at an otherworldly pit-stop offering Na’vi-inspired refreshment.

Drinks from Pongu Pongu, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Drinks from Pongu Pongu, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Are your expeditions at Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey leaving you parched? Hike to the corner of Windtraders where you’ll find Pongu Pongu—when you spot a friendly expat serving out-of-this-world drinks, you’ve come to the right place.

Drinks from Pongu Pongu, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Drinks from Pongu Pongu, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Meaning “Party Party” in the language of the Na’vi, Pongu Pongu welcomes weary travelers to try our bioluminescent frozen cocktail, indigenous beers—or even a sweet snack you won’t find elsewhere!

Pandora: The World of AVATAR opens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on May 27, 2017.

PHOTO REPORT: The Magic Kingdom 3/6/17 (Refurbishments, Tomorrowland Changes, Cosmic Ray’s, New Merchandise, Etc.)

WDWNT on March 17, 2017

Our latest photo report brings us to the Magic Kingdom for a day of fun… I mean pictures of construction and new merchandise. I’m not allowed to have fun… 😉

Welcome to the Magic Kingdom

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Work continues on the Magic Kingdom train station.

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As well, work continues on the Emporium on Main Street U.S.A.

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Casey’s Corner once again has a new featured hot dog, this one topped with asian style coleslaw, sweet chili sauce, and crispy eggroll strips.

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In other news, some tall chairs have been added to some of the tall tables outside of Casey’s Corner.

Goodbye Crane…

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The Cinderella Castle crane is finally gone.

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Some tarps remain up on the Sir Mickey’s facade in Fantasyland though.

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Here, a child tries to run through the tarps.

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A new skirt and shirt combo for girls for sale inside of Sir Mickey’s.

Changes for the Future

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Work continues on the expansion of Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland.

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Covered exterior seating for the restaurant is being added.

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Signs direct gusts to the restaurant entrance during the construction.

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A peek through the walls reveals that all of the ground has been dug up under the area.

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Cosmic Ray’s is still using that all-bay menu we told you about a few weeks back.

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Work continues on the restrooms.

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Sonny Eclipse was underground as the stage in here was used for a special event.

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The merchandise assortment inside Mickey’s Star Traders was altered drastically. They now sell mostly Mickey and Minnie merchandise.

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Gone is the Build Your Own Lightsaber station, but don’t worry, it has just moved.

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Some PIXAR character items can be found on one wall.

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Merchant of Venus, which has been a Star Wars store for some time now, is now the home to the Build Your Own Lightsaber station.

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They now sell an Ezra Bridger lightsaber for $24.99.

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Work continues on Revive, the Joffrey’s Coffee Kiosk in Tomorrowland.

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The in-park Kingdom Cabanas are finally gone. Maybe its a time to restore the smoking section in the back of this area so that the Storybook Circus trail is walkable for guests who don’t want to inhale cigarette smoke.

New Merchandise

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Some new ladies’ shirts for sale.

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A new style of the popular Grumpy shirt.

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These princess shirts were new to me.

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Some new Princess socks for sale.

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The center of The Emporium now has a large Beauty and the Beast merchandise display.

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A new limited release Mad Tea Party MagicBand 2 for sale.

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There is also a new UP MagicBand 2 for sale.

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Cinderella Castle

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We end our report with some nice evening pictures of Cinderella Castle.

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