RUMOR: Is A Jungle Cruise Store Coming to the Magic Kingdom?

WDWNT on October 24, 2014

Early in the Summer of 2014, we began speculating that a Haunted Mansion store would be coming to Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom. That rumor did in-fact come to fruition as Memento Mori opened just a few weeks ago, but it seems Disney is happy with the merchandise sales for the attraction specific store, enough so to do the same in Adventureland.

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The possible home of the “Jungle Cruise store”

Disney has already announced that the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is the next attraction to receive its very own merchandise line in early 2015 (titled “Hollywood Tower Hotel Authentic”), but since that attraction already has an exit shop, there won’t be any construction or downtime related to the rollout of that merchandise.

Suspiciously, the Island Supply Co. store in Adventureland closed this week with little-to-no warning. All signs point towards a Jungle Cruise merchandise line being next after Tower of Terror, and this would just be the perfect location to sell the items since it is fairly close to the attraction. Needless to say, the store will probably stock the incredibly popular Adventureland line of housewares from Marketplace Co-Op, but we should see many new Jungle Cruise (and maybe even Enchanted Tiki Room) specific merchandise items when the store comes back into operation.

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The Adventureland housewares at Marketplace Co-Op

No re-opening date for the store has been posted, nor has Disney made any announcement of a Jungle Cruise merchandise line at this time. Our guess would be that the store will re-open before the end of the year, remodeled and carrying the Adventureland housewares, before the Jungle Cruise items are released sometime in mid/late 2015.

Thinking of the Jungle Cruise and many of the amazing sight-gags and one-liners, we can only imagine all of the merchandise opportunities. What do you think?

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel Embarks On Largest Room Makeover In Its History

WDWNT on October 24, 2014

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. – Oct. 23, 2014 – The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is getting the largest makeover in its history. The hotel has launched a multi-phase, multi-year, $125 million redesign project that will transform every guest room in the 758-room Swan Hotel and the 1,509-room Dolphin Hotel.

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“As we celebrate the hotel’s 25th anniversary, it is appropriate that we mark the occasion with a renaissance of our room product,” said General Manager Fred Sawyers. “Our guests will continue to receive the level of service and hospitality that comes with a quarter century of experience while enjoying a modern new guest room.”

The transformation will occur without disruption to the guest experience as the majority of guest rooms will be available throughout the process. The hotel’s public spaces, restaurants, meeting rooms, shops, pools and recreational areas will not be impacted and remain fully operational throughout the renovation.

Noted hotel and condominium interior design and architecture firm Garcia Stromberg/GS4 Studios, designers of the Conrad Hotel Ft. Lauderdale, the Waldorf Astoria’s Boca Beach Club and One Thousand Ocean condominium in Boca Raton, Fla., created the concept for the new rooms.

The new room design is inspired by the resort’s water-themed architecture. The goal was to create a serene and sophisticated atmosphere.

The guest room features upgraded furniture and all of the latest technology including large HD TVs.  Additional power outlets provide corporate executives and family travelers more options for use of multiple personal electronics.

Blending an artistic combination of whites, blues and grays, the design creates a tasteful ambiance that appeals to adults while abstract artwork playfully delights children as well.

The centerpiece of the room is the famous Westin Heavenly Bed with its all-white custom-designed pillow-top mattress set, cozy down blanket, a trio of crisp sheets, goose down comforter and four over-stuffed pillows.

The design continues into a completely new bathroom, featuring a back-lit mirror mounted on iridescent glass tiles.

The project started at the Swan Hotel, with approximately 500 of the 756 rooms redesigned by the end of 2014. The first phase of the Dolphin Hotel rooms will begin in 2015 with the entire rooms project currently scheduled for completion by the end of 2016.

About the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel

In the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is the gateway to Central Florida’s greatest theme parks and attractions. The hotel is located between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and nearby Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Magic Kingdom Park. Guests can discover 17 world-class restaurants and lounges, sophisticated guest rooms with Westin Heavenly Beds and the luxurious Mandara Spa. The hotel features five pools, two health clubs, tennis, nearby golf, complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort, extended park hours, a benefit where each day, one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks is open extra time for guests to enjoy select attractions (Valid Theme Park admission and Resort ID required) and the new FastPass+ service, where guests can reserve up to 3 select theme park experiences up to 60 days in advance of their visit. The hotel can be reached at 800-227-1500, www.swandolphin.com or through Facebook at www.facebook.com/swananddolphin.

CONFIRMED: The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow at Hollywood Studios Closing November 6th, The Sorcerer’s Hat to Follow?

WDWNT on October 24, 2014

Evidence continues to mount that Disney’s Hollywood Studios is about to undergo a major facelift…

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With the Studio Backlot Tour now shuttered and most of the smaller offerings in the Backlot section of the park slated for demolition by early 2015, rumors are now circulating that the Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow attraction at the park has only a week left to live. The show opened in December 2012 to fairly poor reviews as most guests expected a full-blown attraction and were instead met with a confusing interactive projection show. In order to combat waits, Disney has offered this attraction by return times only for the past several months. Apparently things have not improved and/or Disney feels the space could be better utilized for something else now green-lit for the park on a verge of a full overhaul.

Rumors still persist that time is almost up for the Sorcerer’s Hat, but other than its usual exclusi0n from merchandise and a single map, there has been no solid information. However, older expansion plans for the park did include the removal of the current park icon, so if an expansion is coming, it would be likely that the Sorcerer’s Hat would finally be demolished.

Stay tuned as we will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

UPDATE: The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will close at the end of the operating day on November 6th, 2014. No other information has been released at this time.

CONFIRMED: The Sorcerer’s Hat at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to be Removed in Early 2015

WDWNT on October 24, 2014

If you’re a fan of Walt Disney World (which we assume you are if you’re reading this site), then you have probably been wishing for the removal of the Sorcerer’s Hat at Disney’s Hollywood Studios since 2001 when it was erected. Well, Disney confirmed to cast members today that the Sorcerer’s Hat will indeed be coming down in “early 2015”.

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Disney’s message to cast members today read:

“We will soon begin to re-imagine the park’s central hub by removing the sorcerer’s Hat in early 2015. As part of that change, the store located underneath the hat will be closing, A closing date will be shared as we get closer to it.”

The Sorcerer’s Hat was erected in 2001 as part of the 100 Years of Magic celebration, but was also used to block the Chinese Theater façade of the Great Movie Ride which Disney no longer had the rights to use in merchandise or marketing materials. Rumors of the Hat’s removal have been swirling for years until now. The removal of the hat is expected to be a part of the remodeling of the park which includes the removal of attractions in the Backlot area such as the already-shuttered Studio Backlot Tour, as well as the Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow which closes on November 6th. Rumors indicate that lands based on Toy Story, Star Wars, and Cars are likely for the park in the next few years. However, only time will tell.

Dirk Wallen’s 9/8/14 Magic King Photo Report (& Polynesian Village!)

WDWNT on September 30, 2014

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited the Magic Kingdom last week and has some great, newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

I’m not sure who thought it was a good idea to replace the canopy over the boat dock in the summer…

Halloween party is in full swing already, and the park is decorated for autumn

The furthest edge of the Chapeau façade is being reworked as the corridor behind the building is expected to become a regularly used path every day during parades and fireworks

The re-imagining of the hub at the Magic Kingdom continues

Sweet potato nuggets at Golden Oak are delicious… if it’s actually open

Work continues on the queue at Peter Pan’s Flight

The Seven Dwarfs Mine store is still behind walls

The Astro Orbiter is slowly being put back together and will reopen later this month

The elevator shaft is completely orange

Work continues on the DVC wing and additions at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Guests walking from the TTC will have to take a different path

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Some signs around the resort have the new name and logo

A look at the current progress on the bungalows

Work has begun on the pool area as well

The outdoor Dole Whip service window, Pineapple Lenai opened last week, offering dole whip in a Tiki Room souvenir bowl!

Apple Pay Coming to Walt Disney World Resort

WDWNT on September 30, 2014

Screen+Shot+2014-09-09+at+4.09.29+PMUpdate: We reported earlier that this system would be coming to Walt Disney World beginning in October, but according to the keynote it actually is December 2014.

Earlier today, the world came to standstill as everyone watched Apple unveil the latest and greatest new products for consumers to enjoy. In the announcement, Apple announced a new payment system called “Apple Pay” which allows users to pay using their phones using NFC (Near Field Communication) technology.

Coming to Disney Stores and Walt Disney World Resort beginning in October, guests will be able to use their iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus to pay for merchandise, food, and products. Apple Pay will change how you pay with breakthrough contactless payment technology and unique security features built right into the devices you have with you every day. So you can use your iPhone 6 to pay in an easy, secure, and private way.

Now paying in stores happens in one natural motion — there’s no need to open an app or even wake your display thanks to the innovative Near Field Communication antenna in iPhone 6.To pay, just hold your iPhone near the contactless reader with your finger on Touch ID. You don’t even have to look at the screen to know your payment information was successfully sent. A subtle vibration and beep lets you know.

You can learn more about Apple Pay by visiting apple.com. Stay tuned to WDWNT as we learn more about this and bring you the latest news on Apple Pay at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Editor’s Note: As a huge Apple fanboy that I am, I will be following this very closely and using it when it launches.

OSHA-Mandated “Fall Protection” Coming to WDW, Skyline Around the Resort Will Change Forever

WDWNT on September 30, 2014

Over the last year or so, the Disneyland Resort has been ordered to install safety railings in areas where cast members might be working, particularly rooftops around the resort. These additions are referred to by OSHA as “fall protection”. When the edict first came down, Disneyland installed a lot of temporary railings on rooftops to meet standards before finally designing themed structures that guests would not notice in those areas. The result was a lot of buildings getting much taller and a lot of walls where there had never been any before.

Well, a few weeks ago, temporary railings started appearing on rooftops around Walt Disney World…

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Pirates of the Caribbean at the Magic Kingdom

These stanchions with small warning flags that read “danger” are appearing in every park, and in some cases areas outside of the parks, and are growing in number every day.

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Restrooms in Tomorrowland

In order to meet OSHA regulations, Disney will either have to leave these ropes up or design roof pieces of roughly the same height to add to each and every one of these buildings.

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Your complete view of Space Mountain over the entrance is about to be obscured…

While we are certainly overjoyed that Disney is improving some safety conditions for cast members who work in these areas, there hasn’t been an accident with anyone falling from any of these places, so one has to wonder how unsafe it really is.

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The rooftops of Innoventions at Epcot also have the temporary ropes

It will be interesting to see how different many façades around the resort will be once this is completed, but it may be a while until the permanent solutions are in place. Stay tuned…

CONFIRMED: Frozen Attraction Coming to Epcot; Maelstrom to Close October 5th, 2014 After 26 Years

WDWNT on September 30, 2014

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Well, it’s official…

We’ve made “Frozen” a part of the guest experience in a number of ways already and our guests have both loved them and asked for more. So I’m pleased to say that we’re starting construction at Walt Disney World Resort on a brand new “Frozen” attraction at the Norway Pavilion in Epcot. The new attraction, which replaces Maelstrom, will take our guests to Arendelle and immerse them in many of their favorite moments and music from the film. The pavilion will also include a royal greeting location where Anna and Elsa can meet our guests. We think these “Frozen” elements are great compliments to the Norway Pavilion, which showcases the country and region that inspired the film.

No closing date was confirmed, but in addition to our original report, we’ve now also heard the date may be October 7th. Regardless, Maelstrom is out for a Frozen attraction that is slated for completion in early 2016.

UPDATE: Maelstrom will close at the end of the day on October 5th, 2014.

FROZEN Characters (including Olaf) and Castle Lighting Show Coming to Magic Kingdom This Holiday Season

WDWNT on September 30, 2014

Guests visiting the Magic Kingdom during the holiday season in 2014 are going to be in for some Frozen fun…

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Concept Art of Elsa Transforming Cinderella Castle

As we reported a few days ago, Elsa will be “freezing” Cinderella Castle nightly for the lighting show, replacing Cinderella’s Holiday Wish. In addition, Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade will see Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf added.

Stay tuned for more on this story as it becomes available.

FROZEN Summer Fun Sing-Along Celebration and Wandering Oaken’s To Remain At Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on September 30, 2014

Walt Disney World sure has gone Frozen crazy…

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“For the First Time in forever” A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration is set to run on at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, along with the Trading Post and Frozen Funland that have made up Wandering Oaken’s for the last few months. While the continuation of these offerings is official, no further details have been provided as to if the offerings will have downtime or are changing venues as rumored. Disney did state that Wandering Oaken’s (minus ice-skating) is moving closer to the Sing-Along, but we can only speculate that would mean the now vacant AFI Showcase at the exit fo the Backlot Tour. It was also rumored that the Sing-Along show would move to the now empty Superstar Television Theater, but that has not bee mentioned either at this point.

Hopefully we’ll hear more about this soon…

9/16/14 UPDATE: It has been confirmed that the Sing-Along Celebration will in fact remain at the Premiere Theater while the snow playground portion of Wandering Oaken’s makes a new home in the former AFI Showcase at the exit of the Backlot Studio Tour. All Frozen merchandise is being relocated to Legends of Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard, across from Villains in Vogue.