CONFIRMED: Table Service Restaurant to Be Added to Pizzafari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on December 30, 2014

Internal Disney documents confirmed this week that there is “work to add table service restaurant to Pizzafari” ongoing.

pizzafari-signage-00

Pizzafari is a counter service restaurant that has operated at Animal Kingdom since opening day, a fairly large counter service restaurant that often has trouble filling all of the gorgeously themed seating space it has. In fact, during the early 2000’s, a back portion of the restaurant was used as an annual passholder lounge. These days, the restaurant offers a fairly standard menu with fast-food pizza and a chicken Caesar salad, as well as a pretty lackluster breakfast.

pizzafari-gallery04

The information so far is unclear as to how the table service restaurant will work… will it be an extension in the back of the restaurant, or will the restaurant be a hybrid much like Be Our Guest Restaurant at the Magic Kingdom? either is possible. We’ll have to wait to find out more.

The project is part of a larger expansion of the park which includes two new sections of Harambe, Africa, the Rivers of Light nighttime show, new nighttime entertainment, a nighttime version of Kilimanjaro Safaris, and the AVATAR themed land. Changes to Pizzafari now add to a rather large dining overhaul happening at the park currently, with a remodeling of Flame Tree Barbecue, the closure of Creature Comforts to become a Starbucks location, and the opening of the Harambe Marketplace counter service location in 2015.

Bob Iger Shows Off The Millennium Falcon In The Latest Issue Of Fortune Magazine

WDWNT on December 30, 2014

Fortune-Article

In the January issue of Forbes magazine, Disney CEO Bob Iger is shown with some new photos of the Millennium Falcon from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”. Iger also shares the cover (below) with the new Millennium Falcon. You can tell that this Millennium Falcon is the new version from The Force Awakens by the new rectangular satellite dish. The article highlights the acquisitions of such franchises such as Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm under Bob Iger’s tenure as Disney CEO and what their impact has been for The Walt Disney Company.

Fortune-Cover

What’s Happening New Year’s Eve 2014 At Walt Disney World

WDWNT on December 30, 2014

Thanksgiving and Christmas haven’t happened yet, but chances are, you’re already thinking ahead and starting to make plans for New Year’s Eve. If you’re going to be ringing in 2015 at Walt Disney World Resort, here’s a rundown of some of the entertainment that’s planned for this year’s celebration.

Illuminations

  • Epcot – It’s a night-long party throughout Epcot, with unique entertainment including a DJ and light show at the Future World Fountain Stage, dancing under flame effects and a smoke-billowing dragon in China, a British blast to the past in United Kingdom, Euro-pop and lasers in Italy, and a Latin band and DJ on the America Gardens Stage. Cap it all off with one of two showings of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” fireworks, at 6:00 p.m. or 11:40 p.m., followed by a countdown and pyrotechnic salute to the new year.
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Exclusive specialty drinks and food items are available throughout the night, as the Event Stage comes alive with an energetic DJ and performances by Mulch, Sweat & Shears. As midnight approaches, the band takes the stage to count down to 2015 and plays live during a jaw-dropping fireworks spectacular.
  • Magic Kingdom Park – You can get a head start on the festivities, with a special New Year’s Eve eve presentation of “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks at 11:50 p.m. on Tuesday, December 30. The same show will be repeated on December 31.

Tell us in the comments below, what are you doing New Year’s Eve?

PHOTOS: Food Truck Park Opens at the West Side in Disney Springs

WDWNT on December 30, 2014

After months of delay, Food Truck Park on the West Side at Disney Springs finally opened to guests today. The area offers a permanent home to the Food Trucks at Downtown Disney and to some live entertainment space along the water:

IMG_1019

Walls came down around Food Truck (or Exposition) Park today, located between Bongo’s and Starbucks on the West Side

IMG_1005

As reported, the Sunshine Highline is not accessible

IMG_1002

There is no more grass, just pavement and planters around the Food Trucks

IMG_0998

Live entertainment in the park

IMG_0999

Live entertainment in the park

IMG_0997

This is where the elevator would have gone to get up to the Sunshine Highline

IMG_1001

Another look

IMG_0996

Instead of ordering at the truck, there are now podiums at the Food Truck

IMG_0995

Signs tell guests to order at the kiosk

IMG_1006

Nearby, walls have also come down around the Harley-Davidson store

BREAKING: Turner Classic Movies to Present and Change the Great Movie Ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on December 30, 2014

Adco-superJumbo

The reason for the removal of the Sorcerer’s Hat at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is apparently related to a major update of the Great Movie Ride attraction, thanks to a partnership with Turner Classic Movies.

TCM will help Disney make changes to Great Movie Ride in early 2015, in return Turner Classic Movies will essentially be credited as a sponsor, or presenter of the Great Movie Ride which has operated at the park since it opened in 1989. According to reports, a majority of changes will be made in the pre-show area and in the attraction’s finale.

Among the additions will be a video featuring Robert Osborne , a host from TCM.

The New York Times is confirming these rumors that have been swirling for a few months, but also reports that the deal includes a programming block on the TCM channel that will include classic Disney programming such as the Wonderful world of Color and the Disneyland TV series.

Disney will make an official announcement about the deal on Wednesday.

Full Details on What Changes Are Coming to the Great Movie Ride presented by Turner Classic Movies

WDWNT on December 30, 2014

Disney has released some official details on the changes coming to the Great Movie Ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2015 as part of the leaked deal with TCM:

The_Great_Movie_Ride_building

  • TCM branding will be integrated into the attraction’s marquee, as well, new exhibits curated by Turner Classic Movies will be placed in the display windows outside of the attraction.
  • Also outside, guests will find a new attraction poster and banners hanging from the facade.
  • In the queue, guests will find find new digital movie posters and a new pre-show video hosted by TCM’s Robert Osborne. Robert will give fascinating insight to movies guests will experience while on the ride.
  • The finale of the attraction will indeed feature an all-new montage of classic movie moments.
  • After exiting, guests will have a photo opportunity with a classic movie theme.

All of these new elements will be in place by Spring 2015.

PHOTOS: Walls Come Down and Walkways Open in Disney Springs, Revealing “The Landing”

WDWNT on December 30, 2014

Walls came down around the former Pleasure Island bridge area (near the Adventurer’s Club site) over the Thanksgiving weekend, revealing new facades, concept art, and more for The Landing, the replacement land for PI courtesy of the Disney Springs makeover project of Downtown Disney. Let’s see what’s new and exciting:

image2

Walls came down on the former Pleasure Island bridge connecting to the West Side last week, just in time for the heavy crowds

image3

It has been closed for quite a while, well over a year

image4

This area underneath the Restrooms next door to the former BET Soundstage seems to have been cleaned up

image5

The large open space is where the Comedy Warehouse used to be

image6

New lamps

image7

Continuing the story of the abandoned railroad, there are train tracks in the pavment

image8

Train tracks

image9

Train tracks

image10

One of the new facades, not sure if this is a shop or restaurant

image11

Looking down the main street of The Landing towards Paradiso 37

image12

Another look at this large facade

image13

Sign is up, but nothing is on it…

image14

As much as there have been complaints that the Town Center looks fairly bland, the Landing has some really pretty elements

image15

The former home of the Adventurer’s Club will become a restaurant

image16

Some small store facades in The Landing

image17

Some small store facades in The Landing

image18

Some small store facades in The Landing

image21

The former home of Mannequin’s is transforming in Morimoto’s

image22

Another new facade

image23

Originally meant for just dining, The Landing now includes several store spaces

image24

Some new concept art for The Landing

image25

Looking towards Paradiso 37 and the West Side from the new park area

image26

Concept art showing the Landing, including another look at the yet-to-be-named restaurant in an airplane hangar…

image27

The frame of the airplane hangar building is up

image28

Another beautiful piece of concept art showing what will become of the Adventurer’s Club and BET Soundstage

image29

Here’s what it looks like now

image30

The Landing will open in the Spring, but I can’t imagine these facades will be changed by then

image31

Another new piece of concept art

The Landing neighborhood in Disney Springs will open Spring 2015, although the area will likely not be finished by that time.

Contestants Needed for WDWNT The Price is Right; Sign Up Now; Win Prizes from Theme Park Connection!

WDWNT on December 30, 2014

During WDWNT’s 25 hour broadcast to benefit Toys for Tots, we will be playing a full game of WDWNT The Price is Right game show… and we are looking for contestants! Here are the details:

  • This is a pre-show sign-up for Saturday’s game show contestants.
  • Send an email to contactnickl@gmail.com with your name, hometown and phone number you can be reached at.
  • The game is played entirely over the phone. We will call you when it is time to play.
  • You need to be available on Saturday, November 29 from 8-10 EST. You need to be available the whole time to play your game, spin the wheel and be a part of the showcase showdown if applicable; although we will not have you on the phone the entire time.
  • You need to be a Disney fan who wants some great prizes from our wonderful sponsor, Theme Park Connection!
  • Not everyone who sends an email will appear on the show, but everyone who does appear on the show will win a prize from Theme Park Connection. And the better you perform, the more you win. Last year’s showcase showdown winners won park used props from the Haunted Mansion and Buena Vista Street at DCA!

Don’t forget to tune into as many hours of this year’s broadcast as you can and even stop by Theme Park Connection if you are in the area. You can find all the broadcast details here.

WDWNT2014_ToysForTots_Flyer