UPDATE: Launch Date & More Info on the MagicBand 2

WDWNT on November 29, 2016

We are beginning to get more details on the MagicBand 2, just announced and released this morning at D23’s Destination D event.

img_7981

The MagicBand 2 will be mailed to Walt Disney World annual pass holders starting in December 2016. In January 2017, resort guests will start to receive the new MagicBands as well. Around the same time, the retail versions of MagicBand 2 will be released, along with the new accessories such as the keychains.

img_7980

As for the MagicBand 2 itself, the puck inside is removalble only via a small screwdriver. The band distributed today does not include it, but the accessories, such as the keychains, will include a small screwdriver for guests to remove the puck from the band and move it into the alternate holder.

img_7974

Now having the MagicBand 2 in my hand, I will say it is not uncomfortable or too bulky as I had worried. It is more akin to wearing a watch now, but not a huge adjustment.

img_7985

The new MagicBand 2 works the same as the original band and light-up effects at touch points with specialty versions of the band will continue to be made.

D23 Announces 2017 Events including Epcot 35th

WDWNT on November 29, 2016

d23_logo_stack-lg

 

From exclusive tours to cinematic surprises, Disney’s official fan club serves up something for fans both young and young-at-heart.

In 2017, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club brings a new roster of events for fans around the country to enjoy.

SCREENINGS ON THE DISNEY STUDIO LOT AND AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT: Throughout the year, D23 will once again offer special screenings on both coasts of classic Disney favorites, including Tangled, Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, and more. D23 will also screen The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh exclusively for members in Orlando. Just in time for back-to-school, D23 will celebrate Disney Afternoon favorites such as DuckTales, Gummi Bears, and Chip ’n Dale Rescue Rangers, holding a screening event on the Studio lot with special guests, picture spots, and more surprises. And D23 Members will be invited to the lot for a spook-tacular Halloween screening event that will include a special exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives.

THE OFFICIAL WALT DISNEY STUDIOS TOUR—PRESENTED BY D23: D23 Gold Member-exclusive tours of the historic Studio lot return, including a look inside the Walt Disney Archives and a tour of Walt Disney’s office suite. The 2.5-hour tours offer fans a unique perspective on historic moments from Disney films, television shows, and theme parks.

D23 BEHIND-THE-SCENES EXPERIENCES: In January, D23 will host the first of several behind-the-scenes events at unique Disney locations, featuring special guests and gifts tailored to each experience. Following a year where members explored the Ink & Paint Department on The Walt Disney Studios lot and took an after-hours tour of the Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror at Walt Disney World Resort, there will be more surprises in store for members in 2017.

D23’S LUNCH WITH A DISNEY LEGEND: Beginning in February, D23 brings back these exclusive luncheons with Disney luminaries, where members will meet Disney Legends and hear their fascinating stories. The events return to both Walt Disney World Resort and The Walt Disney Studios, where members have already dined with Legends such as animator Glen Keane, Imagineering Ambassador Marty Sklar, and voice talent Kathryn Beaumont.

ADVANCE SCREENINGS: Members can expect a host of exclusive, advance screenings of what are sure to be some of 2017’s most popular releases from The Walt Disney Studios. This year, D23 Members saw previews of Zootopia, The Jungle Book, and Finding Dory in cities across the county, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Portland, and Seattle. Plus, D23 Members in Los Angeles attended the red carpet premieres of Moana and Pete’s Dragon. For those guests who don’t live in the cities where movies are screened, D23 Gold Members across the country will be selected at random to receive complimentary movie passes, which will be included in issues of Disney twenty-three, D23’s quarterly publication.

D23 DISNEY FANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION—EPCOT 35: D23 heads to the parks in honor of Epcot’s 35th anniversary. Epcot, originally announced as the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow by Walt Disney in 1966, has continued to grow and evolve over the years. D23 Members can look forward to a treasure trove of video, illustrations, and photographs to complement a host of stories, both new and old, in honor of this landmark. Plus, D23 will hold a special member event at Walt Disney World Resort in honor of the anniversary. 

SIGNATURE EVENTS: D23 will bring back foodie favorite Sip & Stroll during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, and members on the West Coast will get to join the fun, as D23 debuts a new event in conjunction with Disneyland Resort’s culinary festivities. And after giving members a look inside the Walt Disney Birthplace in Chicago in 2016, D23 will return to the Windy City next year to see the tremendous progress made on the home’s restoration. Expect special holiday events on both the East and West Coasts to make the season bright.

MEMBER MIXERS AROUND THE COUNTRY: After mixing and mingling at complimentary gatherings in Seattle, Chicago, Bridgewater, N.J., and even at San Diego Comic-Con, D23 will bring more mixers to cities around the country in 2017. 

D23 EXPO 2017: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event returns. It’s D23’s biggest event of the year, as all of Disney’s wonderful worlds come together once again July 14–16, 2017, at the Anaheim Convention Center for three magical days of once-in-a-lifetime live performances, star-studded presentations, exclusive collectibles, and more.

Dates, ticketing information, and more D23 events will be announced throughout the year. Full details on D23’s lineup of 2017 special events can be found on the Fan Club’s website at www.D23.com/events. All events and dates are subject to change.

Current event calendar:

  • January 14: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour — Presented by D23, Burbank, Calif.
  • January: D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experience, TBA
  • February 4: Tangled, Burbank, Calif.
  • February 11: Tangled, Walt Disney World Resort
  • February: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Walt Disney World Resort
  • April 8: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour — Presented by D23, Burbank, Calif.
  • April: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Burbank, Calif.
  • April: D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experience, TBA
  • May 13: Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, Burbank, Calif.
  • May 13: Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, Walt Disney World Resort
  • May: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Walt Disney World Resort
  • Spring: Behind-the-Scenes Experience, Walt Disney Birthplace, Chicago
  • July 14–16: D23 Expo 2017, Anaheim, Calif.
  • August 19: “Disney Afternoon” on the Lot, Burbank, Calif.
  • August: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Burbank, Calif.
  • September 9: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour — Presented by D23, Burbank, Calif.
  • September: D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experience, TBA
  • Fall: D23’s Disney Fanniversary: Celebrating 35 Years of Epcot (more info coming in 2017)
  • Fall: Sip & Stroll, Walt Disney World Resort
  • October 29: Halloween on the Disney Lot, Burbank, Calif.
  • November 18: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Walt Disney World Resort
  • November: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Burbank, Calif.
  • December: Light Up the Season with D23, Burbank, Calif.
  • December: D23 Holiday Event at Walt Disney World Resort

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($74.99), Gold Family Membership ($99.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com and at DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.

New Concept Art, Stores and Dining for Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on November 29, 2016

It was announced today that Pandora – The World of Avatar is set to open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in summer 2017. Now, Disney is sharing a first look at what you can expect to see in the land.

Opening in summer 2017 at Disney's Animal Kingdom, Pandora-The World of Avatar will bring a variety of new experiences to the park, including a family-friendly attraction called Na’vi River Journey and new food & beverage and merchandise locations. Satu’li Canteen, (pictured here) will be the main restaurant in Pandora – The World of Avatar and will feature Na’vi art and cultural items. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (David Roark, photographer)

Opening in summer 2017 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Pandora-The World of Avatar will bring a variety of new experiences to the park, including a family-friendly attraction called Na’vi River Journey and new food & beverage and merchandise locations. Satu’li Canteen, (pictured here) will be the main restaurant in Pandora – The World of Avatar and will feature Na’vi art and cultural items. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (David Roark, photographer)

Satu’li Canteen will be the main restaurant in Pandora – The World of Avatar and will feature Na’vi art and cultural items.

Opening in summer 2017 at Disney's Animal Kingdom, Pandora-The World of Avatar will bring a variety of new experiences to the park, including a family-friendly attraction called Na’vi River Journey and new food & beverage and merchandise locations. Windtraders, (pictured here) travelers can find Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits, and more.Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (David Roark, photographer)

Opening in summer 2017 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Pandora-The World of Avatar will bring a variety of new experiences to the park, including a family-friendly attraction called Na’vi River Journey and new food & beverage and merchandise locations. Windtraders, (pictured here) travelers can find Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits, and more.Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (David Roark, photographer)

At Windtraders, travelers can find Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits, and more.

Opening in summer 2017 at Disney's Animal Kingdom, Pandora-The World of Avatar will bring a variety of new experiences to the park, including a family-friendly attraction called Na’vi River Journey and new food & beverage and merchandise locations. Pongu Pongu (pictured here) will be a special drink location with a design that is as eclectic as its Expat owner. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Disney Parks)

Opening in summer 2017 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Pandora-The World of Avatar will bring a variety of new experiences to the park, including a family-friendly attraction called Na’vi River Journey and new food & beverage and merchandise locations. Pongu Pongu (pictured here) will be a special drink location with a design that is as eclectic as its Expat owner. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Disney Parks)

And Pongu Pongu (pictured at the top of the story) will be a special drink location with a design that is as eclectic as its Expat owner.

All of today’s new images were shared by Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek during a D23’s Destination D: Amazing Adventures presentation at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Bob Chapek Confirms Disney Will Overhaul Epcot

WDWNT on November 29, 2016

While no details were provided as of yet, Bob Chapek alluded to an overhaul of Epcot at Walt Disney World today at the Destination D event.

SPACESHIP-EARTH-MURAL-2

Chapek stated that he was telling Imagineers to “dream big” in fixing the park. Bob also stated that changes and additions will be “Disney, timeless, relevant, and family friendly”. He also stated that Epcot would remain true to its original vision.

More details will be shared at a later time, Disney was not ready to talk about the project just yet.

PHOTOS: New Parking Tram Arrives at Walt Disney World

WDWNT on November 29, 2016

Walt Disney World has been running the same parking trams for quite some time now, but today we happened to spot something of interest…

img_0423

While the seating cars are the same, this is an entirely new tram car pulling them. The new vehicle is much more akin to a truck or car than the current tram designs.

img_0427

img_8084

It is unclear if the entire fleet will be replaced or if just one or a few of these newer models will be added.

VIDEO: First Look at Amazing AVATAR Animatronic Figure for Disney World

WDWNT on November 29, 2016

As posted today on the Disney Parks Blog:

Alpha Centauri Expeditions Offers the First Look At The Na’vi River Journey Shaman

1120zu_0289as-copy

Earlier today Alpha Centauri Expeditions (A.C.E.) Founder Marshall Lamm joined filmmaker James Cameron and Imagineer Joe Rohde to share details on upcoming travel to Pandora – The World of Avatar, the amazing world that is located 4.4 light years away from Planet Earth.

Marshall closed his presentation with a remarkable video. The reclusive Shaman of Songs, a revered member of the Na’vi people of Pandora, shared just for fans at D23’s Destination D: Amazing Adventures. Take a look here:

Magic Kingdom Introducing “Festival of Fantasy Parade Liberty Belle Ice Cream Social” Add-On Event

WDWNT on November 29, 2016

As Disney continues to try and pad their bottom line with add-on events and experiences in their theme parks, there is a relatively weird one coming our way fairly soon…

The Festival of Fantasy Parade Liberty Belle Ice Cream Social is coming to the Magic Kingdom

The Festival of Fantasy Parade Liberty Belle Ice Cream Social is coming to the Magic Kingdom

According to internal documents, The Festival of Fantasy Parade Liberty Belle Ice Cream Social will allow guests to watch the Disney Festival of Fantasy afternoon parade from on-board the Liberty Belle Riverboat at the Magic Kingdom. The boat will have ice cream and various other drinks and snacks available on board for guests to enjoy during this event.

After the first lap around the Rivers of America, including the viewing of the parade, thew boat will return to the dock and pick upon two additional passengers: Princes Tiana and Prince Naveen from the animated film The Princess and the Frog.

No further details, pricing, or dates of availability are floating around just yet, but we expect an announcement from Disney shortly.

REVIEW: Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory Re-Opens with New Look & Menu

WDWNT on November 29, 2016

After being closed for several months, the Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory recently reopened at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter. Besides undergoing a massive overhaul in design, the menu has also seen several changes over the time of the closure.

img_8124

img_8122

More props are scheduled to arrive and be hung from the ceiling of the restaurant, but until then, the interior is fairly plain.

img_8123

img_8125

img_8136

One of the columns that separates the ordering area from the seating area was removed in favor of additional register space. It is a little strange to see a spot where a column clearly belongs but is simply devoid of it.

img_8156

The remodeled condiment and drink station features a first for a Walt Disney World Resort counter service: a permanent installation of a Coke Freestyle machine.

img_8157

img_8159

img_8160

img_8161

img_8162

For now, it kind of just looks like a neutered version of its former self.

img_8163

The tile-work near the drink station was the one part of the remodel that I liked. The rest… well…

img_8172

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory Menu

img_8164

img_8168

img_8128

img_8169

img_8166

img_8167

img_8126

img_8127

img_8135

img_8139

Well, enough talking about it, let’s eat it…

Crawfish Mac and Cheese Burger ($13.49)

img_8145

The Crawfish Mac and Cheese burger was heavily publicized and seemed to garner the most interest from you, the reader, so I went ahead and ordered it. I don’t know where the crawfish flavor was, but I couldn’t find it. It was basically a mac and cheese hamburger, which is fine, but it really didn’t taste like anything unique or different. The fries were great, but otherwise I was fairly unimpressed with the dish.

img_8146

For my second side, I chose the macaroni salad, which was surprisingly good for being at a counter service restaurant.

Crispy Fried Chicken on a Biscuit ($10.99)

img_8149

Once I saw that this chicken sandwich had Voodoo sauce, I became insanely excited about it. In the one vacation in my life that wasn’t to a theme park, I visited New Orleans and fell in love with the cuisine there, especially anything with Voodoo sauce, which can be on the spicy side. This sandwich was good, but the sauce had little heat and just not enough flavor. The biscuit also crumbled once we tried to pick this thing up.

img_8150

The coleslaw was good enough, but nothing crazy.

Mardi Gras King Cake ($4.49)

img_8152

I did thoroughly enjoy the king cake and the pastry was of a good enough size that more than one guest could share it after a meal. Again, it isn’t going to be of the quality (or even style) you would find in real New Orleans, but it is good enough that I would order the doughy treat again.

Overall

In review, I wasn’t really blown away with much that we ate here, and beyond that the time we waited for food to be prepared and then to checkout on this particular visit was absurd (20-25 minutes). Honestly, I would just take a short trip down the road to Riverside Mill at Port Orleans Riverside if you are looking for an often exceptional counter service dining experience in this area. Three new hamburgers offered over there (which I will have a review of really soon) are among the best I have had anywhere at Disney World and truly blow away the sandwiches we had at the Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory.

BREAKING: The Magic Kingdom Adding In-Park Cabanas for Guests to Rent

WDWNT on November 29, 2016

You may be used to renting cabanas at Disney water parks, but now Disney is adding the offering to its theme parks…

Kingdom Cabana, now for rent at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom

Kingdom Cabana, now for rent at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

The Kingdom Cabanas will be added to the Magic Kingdom Park on November 27th, 2016. Situated near Space Mountain in Tomorrowland, the cabanas (which are pretty ugly looking white tents in this reporter’s opinion) can accommodate up to 8 guests. They are available for a daily rental price of $649.

Amenities in the Kingdom Cabanas include private and shaded seating, cold beverages, snacks, a lockable storage trunk, electronic device charging stations, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, insect repellent, a small refrigerator, one fruit basket, a one-time delivery of ice cream novelties and desserts, personalized Mickey ears, and reserved viewing space for parades and fireworks.

Bookings for the cabanas are now open by calling 407-WDW-PLAY or visiting concierge at any Disney World Resort Hotel.

A WDWNT reader also sent us the following photos of the cabanas being set up at the park recently:

15135607_10102961130278159_2046769017_n

15151010_10102961130353009_1848060917_n