Disney’s Contemporary Resort Introducing New Year’s Eve Special Event to Ring in 2017

WDWNT on July 6, 2016

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Walt Disney World is once again testing the waters on a resort New Year’s Eve experience this year, this time hosting an event at Disney’s Contemporary Resort:

Starting at 8:00 PM on December 31, 2016, Disney Countdown to Midnight gives Guests like you the opportunity to ring in the New Year at an extraordinary event held within the convention center at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

The fun begins as you head to the heart of the party in the Fantasia Ballroom, where you can indulge in an assortment of libations—including adult beverages for Guests 21 years of age and older—before moving and grooving to dance tunes from our interactive DJ, featuring music spanning from the ‘60s to today!

Then, after a delightful culinary experience boasting “best-of-the-best” bites and wine pairings from such restaurants as California Grill, Flying Fish Cafe, Cítricos and Narcoossee’s, you’re invited to soak up the sounds of the group Alter Ego as they perform their extravagant music- and dance-filled revue.

The evening continues as you stroll outside to catch a unique musical act playing songs of today—complete with a retro twist—and then concludes as the New Year’s Eve “Fantasy in the Sky” Fireworks Spectacular lights up the night from Magic Kingdom park, officially celebrating the arrival of 2017!

Plus, to help you capture memories along the way, be on the lookout for a variety of themed photo backdrops and props.

It’s all incredible, and it’s all included with the price of your ticket—but tickets are limited! Be sure to act soon before this special event sells out…

Disney Countdown to Midnight is an all-inclusive, all-ages event available for $225 per Guest (tax and gratuity included), and takes place from 8:00 PM on December 31, 2016 to 1:00 AM on January 1, 2017.

To purchase a ticket, you can book online or by calling (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

UPDATE: Universe of Energy at Epcot Likely to Close Soon for Guardians of the Galaxy Attraction

WDWNT on July 6, 2016

With some clarifying from inside sources, it seems likely that the Universe of Energy at Epcot will be closed to be replaced with a Guardians of the Galaxy attraction.

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While we had reported that it was Mission: SPACE that would be overlaid with a Guardians of the Galaxy theme, it seems that rumor was incorrect as instead there are currently plans for a lavish update to Mission: SPACE on hold from Walt Disney Imagineering. While we can’t say much about that project yet, it seems the Guardians of the Galaxy attraction that will replace the Universe of Energy has already been approved and is moving forward.

The Universe of Energy is an original pavilion from EPCOT Center, opening in 1982 and moderately updated to Ellen’s Energy Adventure in 1996. While the 1996 refurbishment changed the music and most film portions of the ride, it otherwise has remained very similar to the original attraction and has been enjoyed by Epcot guests for nearly 34 years now. Barring some unforeseen complications, it is likely the building will be gutted or demolished and replaced with a Guardians of the Galaxy attraction.

Rumors indicate that Bob Chapek, the new chairman at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, was key in the decision. Chapek spent 3.5  years in charge of Disney Consumer Products, but this is his first role in the Parks and Resorts division of the company.

The Universe of Energy could close as soon as the Fall of 2016, but Disney has made no announcement of any closure as of yet.

Stay tuned for any further developments should they become available.

REVIEW: Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Revamps Menu, Favorites Change, New Items Added

WDWNT on July 6, 2016

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar at Disney Springs has been a hot spot amongst Disney fans to say the least, offering what many considered a very strong drink and food menu. I personally will drop by at least 2-3 times a month for a quick drink or bite, feeling this is really one of the best bar/restaurants on property. This week, a fair amount of the food menu was altered due to guest demand, so we decided to go and try it out.

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Gone are the Good Dates, Snack of Ra, and the original Tanis Tacos, replaced with Temple Tenderloin, Sallah’s Falafel, and the Tanis Tuna Tacos.

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The temporary menu in the front of the book sin’t all that has changed… the entire book is gone…

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Some drinks have descriptions on the front page.

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Most just have a name and a price.

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The Sallah’s Falafel was really great, especially with the spicy sauce on the side. There is naan bread under all of that, with guests expected to rip all of this up and eat it as a finger food. Luckily it tasted great because trying to eat this in this format was kind of a challenge. It should probably be served pre-cut or something of the sort.

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The Rolling Boulder Sliders were revamped for the most part, losing the spicy yogurt sauce in favor of brisket meatballs with a tomato-bacon jam. I would order the old sliders about 1-2 times a month, so I was pretty worried about this change, but these were good. They are radically different but in a good way. Gone is the spiciness, replaced with a more flavorful sauce that will likely be enjoyed by more guests overall.

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I was pretty excited about the Temple Tenderloin, but the flavor was very bland. The bread was fresh, but the rest of it just lacked any flavor to me. The fries underneath however, were spectacular. The fries are tossed in a bacon and chimichurri sauce, unique to say the least.

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The Tanis Tuna Tacos also lacked flavor, even after squeezing a generous amount of lime on them. The toppings and the tacos themselves tasted very fresh, but the main ingredient tasted non-existent honestly. 
Overall, the changes don’t make me went to stop visiting Jock Lindsey’s but they aren’t overly positive either. I prefer the original sliders, but the new ones are a solid adjustment. Otherwise, there wasn’t much outside of french fries and the falafel that I thought was particularity good. Hopefully they will continue to work on the menu until it evenly rounded out, but until then it’s still worth flying by for drinks and a bite.

PHOTOS: Magic Kingdom Adds Alligator Warning Signs Inside Theme Park Areas

WDWNT on July 6, 2016

Disney’s resort hotels won’t be the only place guests will find the now infamous alligator and snake warning signs. The Rivers of America waterfront area in Frontierland and Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom now has the signs posted about every 20-30 feet along the shoreline.

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This is the first appearance of the signs inside of a Walt Disney World theme park. There has been no word on if these signs will ever be themed in some way to fit their surroundings or if they will remain in this style. No other Walt Disney World theme parks have added the signs as of yet.

PHOTOS, REVIEW: Disney Pin Quest Begins at the Magic Kingdom; Is It Worth Your Time & Money?

WDWNT on July 6, 2016

Anyone who has read WDWNT for a lengthy period is probably aware that I am an avid pin collector. I started with the hobby right at the very beginning in 1999 and have remained a feverish collector of the small metal objects for over 15 years now. When Disney yesterday announced (to much greater fanfare than expected) that they were introducing a Pin Quest at the Magic Kingdom starting that day, I immediately planned my trip to the park that evening to try it out. My excitement came from a place of nostalgia, as pin quests were very common in the infancy of pin trading, roughly from 2001 until 2004. The quests were always popular, but fairly rudimentary, mostly revolving around the purchase of pins and offering little in the form of a game or immersion, but still, it was a nice change of pace to have to run all over Walt Disney World to complete a collection and typically fill in a designed cardboard piece with all of the pins in the collection for the ultimate reward, typically, of a special completer pin.

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Guests will find these instructional signs at any merchandise location that is participating in the game. Only certain registers in the stores are equipped to handle the game and that may require a short wait for those looking to play, really my only problem with the quest.

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The starter set, which includes the lanyard, lanyard decoder medal, and map, can be purchased for $14.99 plus tax (AP and Cast discounts are accepted). Clue cards will cost you $9.99 each and eventually turn into a pin upon redemption. Everything in the collection is limited release, so it will only be available while supplies last, which could be any amount of time. All of the items are exclusive to the pin pursuit and are only available through this promotion.

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The starter set is pretty neat, the decoder metal is a nice enough piece on its own.

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Above is everything included in the starter set, available at the starting locations, Curtain Call Collectibles and Frontierland Trading Post.

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The clues give guests a question that can be answered by looking around the interior or exterior of the store where the card was purchased. Guests can then scratch off the answers to find the correct one. Even if you are wrong the first time, you can keep scratching until you unveil a Mickey icon. You then take your clue back to where you bought it and the cast member (or NavigatEAR as they are called in the game) will rip off the ticket and stamp your map. Stamping the map is important as collecting all 6 stamps entitles you to the final stamp and the completer pin.

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When you redeem the clue for a pin, the pin is then used to direct you to your next location. The map will help you find these locations.

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The back of the map is used for the stamps and for general instructions.

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The pins work with the decoder to point you in the direction of your next location where you can buy a clue.

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Simply lne up the arrow portion which the decoder and it will reveal a letter and number which can be used with the map to find the next clue location. This is important as the map does in fact have decoy locations on it that will not have a clue to sell you. The game was explained poorly to us by the first cast member, so we ended up at a decoy location the first time. At that decoy location, they had absolutely no idea what was going on. In fairness, it was the first day and I’m sure most cast members at Magic Kingdom stores are aware of the game by now.

Once you reach the next location, you can buy another clue and then redeem the ticket for another pin. This process continues until all 6 stamps and pins have been acquired. There is no time limit to complete any of these, it is simply while the supplies last. We conquered the quest in about an hour and 45 minutes, but I would recommend pacing it out through your day if you are spending a full day in the park.

I won’t show you any more clues as not to spoil the game, but here are the other pins that can be “won”:

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Upon getting your sixth stamp, you can head to Curtain Call Collectibles or Frontierland Trading Post to redeem your quest for a completer pin, which will cost $4.99 plus tax. You simply have to unscramble 6 letters from the back of the 6 pins (which is way too easy).

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If you enjoy pins or want a little challenge that will make you search for some of the more obscure details around Magic Kingdom, this is a fun option. The pins and accompanying materials are well made and make for a cool souvenir, maybe cooler than most others because you have to work a little bit for them. The price point is high, it would cost about $80.00 (without discount, plus tax) to complete the entire quest, but you are getting seven pins, a lanyard, a lanyard medal, and all of the paper pieces that you keep when it is all over. The Disney Pin Quest is a nostalgic romp for long time pin traders, but may also be a lot of fun for the young (and young at heart), so be sure to check it out next time you visit the Magic Kingdom.

BREAKING: Disney Testing Automated PhotoPass Cameras at Non-Attraction Locations

WDWNT on July 6, 2016

Disney is currently testing the use of installed, stationary cameras activated by guests at non-attraction locations around the Magic Kingdom. What does that mean? Well, it means guests are able to stand in front of a stationary camera, activate the camera to take their photo, and then link it to their MyDisneyExperience/PhotoPass account just as they would when interacting with a PhotoPass photographer in the parks.

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The test is currently taking place in front of Rapunzel’s Tower at the Magic Kingdom, but will move to the Sword in the Stone in Fantasyland in a few days. Cast members will be helping guests test the new system during this period, and all participating guests will receive a free photo download as a thank you for helping with the test.

The use of such a system would eliminate the need for a PhotoPass photographer at these locations, but would be helpful for times when a PhotoPass photographer would not be staffed at such a location anyway. The system would require the permanant infrastructure of an installed, stationary camera which would remain in place at all times.

PHOTOS: Coca-Cola Store & Rooftop Tasting Bar Open at Disney Springs

WDWNT on July 6, 2016

Earlier today, the Coca-Cola Store opened on the West Side of Disney Springs, located at the border between the area and Town Center, just steps from the Orange parking garage.

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Coca‑Cola Store Orlando is modeled after a 1920s Coca‑Cola bottling plant. Celebrating the history of Coca-Cola, the inviting brick exterior gives a nod to the brand’s heritage while the glass-accented entry pays tribute to the iconic Coca‑Cola green glass bottle.

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Stickers were being given out upon entry.

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Inside, guests are welcomed by a 30-foot-wide blown-glass chandelier crafted from repurposed Coca‑Cola bottles. The store – one of only three retail locations operated by The Coca‑Cola Company in the United States – features a broad assortment of Coca-Cola branded merchandise. A line of sustainable fashion apparel and other handmade items crafted from recycled materials showcase the 5by20 collection – an array of items created by women artisans from around the world.

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There are two fairly large floors of shopping for guests to enjoy.

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Plenty of Orlando-exclusive merchandise is available, including a special wrapped bottle.

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The hot item today was a special grand opening silver bottle that was limited to only 500 pieces.

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The ramp that goes around the outside of the store offers pleasant views of the surrounding West Side area. Elevators are also available.

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Guests can visit the rooftop beverage bar and taste an ice-cold Coca‑Cola while taking in the sights of Disney Springs. For the ultimate Coke experience, guests can choose from a variety of Coca‑Cola brands from around the world such as the infamous Beverly from Italy and Thums Up from India, frozen beverages and over 100 drink choices via Coca‑Cola Freestyle. A selection of specialty adult beverages will be available in the evenings beginning July 8th.

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The most interesting part of the menu to me was the Taste of the World. An International tray of 16 drinks is available for $8.00, a float tray for $8.50, and you can get both for a discount at just $14.00.

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This is a lot for $14.00 in my opinion, and something fairly unique and family friendly. There is a lot of alcohol at Disney Springs, and I enjoy a drink as much as the next person, but it’s nice to see something special that can also cater to those who maybe can’t have or do not enjoy such drinks.

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The floats were all fantastic, made with Haagen Daaz ice cream.

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They come in Pibb Xtra, Barq’s Rootbeer, Barq’s Red creme, Fanta Orange, Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fantas Grape, and Cherry Coke flavors. There really wasn’t even one of these I didn’t enjoy.

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The sodas are akin to a paid trip to Club Cool at Epcot, however, you get a much greater variety here, 16 in total.

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The soda flight comes with a booklet to help you identify the flavors, a nice touch.

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Just like at Club Cool, you are bound to like some and hate others, and probably argue with the rest of your party about what’s good and what isn’t. It’s the fun of such an experience and I think overall it’s worth $8.00 alone, most certainly worth $14.00 for the full sampler with floats. It’s also a pretty pleasant place to enjoy such an experience as the rooftop bar offers fantastic views of Disney Springs.

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They even have cans of Surge…

UPDATE: Crocodile Jokes Return to Jungle Cruise, Living with the Land Removes Crocs

WDWNT on July 6, 2016

The Jungle Cruise at the Magic Kingdom is once again welcoming its skippers to make jokes about the crocodiles that appear in the attraction, albeit these are jokes that do not involve the creatures and children. Meanwhile, the floating crocodiles in the Living with the Land attraction at Epcot have been removed. Talk about mixed signals…

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While guests will no longer hear jokes about crocodiles watching children, skippers on the world famous Jungle Cruise are now once again mentioning Old Smiley and his girlfriend Ginger (who snaps). This is the first time the creatures have been acknowledged since an alligator attack rocked Walt Disney World last month.

Meanwhile, at the Living with the Land boat ride at Epcot, the crocodiles were quietly removed a few days ago. There’s no word on why exactly they were removed, but the creatures could very easily be re-installed whenever. Ironically, the crocodiles in Living with the Land are cast from the same mold as those on the Jungle Cruise.

PHOTOS: Shaved Ice Joins Dole Whip at Disney’s Polynesian Resort

WDWNT on July 6, 2016

Starting this week, guests will find a new frozen treat at Pineapple Lanai at Disney’s Polynesian Resort joining the infamous Dole Whip, shaved ice.

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The new treat costs $4.00, but is a rather good sized serving. Strawberry, blue raspberry, pina colada, mango and passion fruit flavors are available. A condensed milk snowcap is added to give the treat the finished look above.

The item is not currently on the menu, so you will have to ask if you want to try it. It’s a bit sweet, but a good refreshing treat for the summer months.

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Tickets For “D23 Expo 2017” Go On Sale Thursday, July 14th; Prices Announced

WDWNT on July 6, 2016

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TICKETS FOR D23 EXPO 2017: THE ULTIMATE DISNEY FAN EVENT GO ON SALE THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2016

Discounted Tickets Available for a Limited Time

D23 Members Enjoy Additional Savings and Member-Only Benefits

On Thursday, July 14, at 10 a.m. PT, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will begin selling tickets for the next D23 Expo, which will take place July 14–16, 2017, at the Anaheim Convention Center. The largest Disney fan event in the world, D23 Expo celebrates all the wonderful worlds of Disney entertainment, uniting all parts of The Walt Disney Company under one roof, including The Walt Disney Studios (including Marvel, Pixar, and Lucasfilm); Walt Disney Parks and Resorts; Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media; and Media Networks (including ABC, Disney Channel, and Radio Disney). D23 Expo 2017 marks the fifth biennial event held in Anaheim.

Once again the Expo will celebrate the past, present, and future of Disney with live events, celebrity appearances, panels, presentations, sneak peeks, and immersive experiences. D23 Expo 2017 marks the return of fan favorites, including the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, honoring the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to the Disney legacy; an exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives, which spotlights costumes, props, and set pieces from Disney’s rich history; and the Mousequerade costume contest.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2017 will be available at a discounted price for a limited time. From July 14–December 31, 2016, tickets are $67 for a one-day adult admission and $46 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $57 for a one-day adult admission and $41 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available. D23 Members can save as much as $296 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for members and general admission, visit D23Expo.com.

To celebrate the launch of ticket sales, D23 will be streaming select presentations from D23 Expo 2015 at D23Expo.com from Wednesday, July 13, through Sunday, July 17. Presentations include “Once Upon a Time: An Evening with Snow White & the Evil Queen” (featuring Ginnifer Goodwin and Lana Parilla), “A Goofy Movie 20th Anniversary Celebration!” (including stars Bill Farmer, Jason Marsden, and Jim Cummings), “Disneyland: Fond Memories of the Past” (with Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline), and “In Conversation with the Filmmakers and the Emotions Behind Inside Out” (featuring Pete Docter, Jonas Rivera, and a special appearance by Sadness herself, Phyllis Smith).

D23 Expo 2017 will showcase all of the latest stars in the Disney universe. In 2015, celebrity appearances included Johnny Depp, Harrison Ford, Ellen DeGeneres, Chris Evans, Lupita Nyong’o, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, and Dwayne Johnson. The event also featured performances by Ne-Yo, Sabrina Carpenter, the cast of Teen Beach 2, and stars of Disney’s shows on Broadway. Additionally, Disney executives and creative talent came together to deliver special presentations, announcements, and experiences to Disney fans throughout the three-day extravaganza.

A limited number of VIP Sorcerer Packages for D23 Expo 2017 will be available. The Sorcerer Package includes:

  • Three-day admission ticket and commemorative Sorcerer credential
  • Reserved seating at presentations in Hall D23, Stage 23, and Stage 28
  • Limited-edition D23 American Tourister boarding bag
  • Pre-Expo tour of select exhibits including Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives
  • Exclusive shopping time in the D23 Expo Dream Store, Disney Store, and Mickey’s of Glendale
  • Tour of the D23 Expo show floor the day before the Expo is open to the public
  • Welcome Reception on Thursday evening
  • Exclusive entrance to the Expo each morning
  • A voucher for an appointment with an on-site massage therapist
  • Exclusive D23 Expo gift pack including gifts from D23 and the rest of The Walt Disney Company
  • Meet and Greet with a special Disney guest
  • “Fond Farewell” reception on final day of Expo
  • Plus, access to the Sorcerer Member Lounge and other benefits

Sorcerer Package tickets are available exclusively to both D23 Gold and Gold Family Members at $2,250 per ticket. Members have the option to purchase up to two Sorcerer tickets. Additional details and benefits are highlighted at D23Expo.com.

D23 Gold and Charter Members will be entitled to special benefits throughout the weekend. Look for announcements about these opportunities in the coming months.

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 member-exclusive 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.