Parks & Resorts – Page 353

Storybook Circus Opens Late March, Snow White Closes Late May

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

From Jennifer Fickley-Baker on the Disney Parks Blog:

Who’s ready for an update on New Fantasyland? I just heard that the first elements of Storybook Circus will open by late March, marking the first in a series of progressive openings for the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom Park history.

Among the first experiences to open will be one carousel of Dumbo the Flying Elephant, a re-themed Barnstormer starring the Great Goofini and the Fantasyland Station of the Walt Disney World Railroad.

In designing Storybook Circus, Imagineers were inspired by Disney’s animated film, “Dumbo.” When complete later this year, the area will be filled with multicolored circus tents and other nods to the film. The section will also feature Casey Jr., the famous locomotive from the movie, who has rolled into town, bringing the circus with him.

Beyond Storybook Circus and as we mentioned in a previous post, the Disney Princesses will be getting a new home at the location where Snow White’s Scary Adventures is today. The last day of operation for this attraction will be Thursday, May 31.

We look forward to sharing more with you throughout the year as our work progresses.

A few interesting notes to be made:

-The Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station is not mentioned, so now will be opening sometime after March.

-Snow White’s Scary Adventures is not supposed to close until Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid is ready to open, so it is very possible that the new attraction will open sometime around May 31, 2012.

-Soft openings for Dumbo, Barnstormer, and Fantasyland Station can happen at any point now as the project nears completion, mid-March is just the official opening date

Tim Alcoser’s 6/30/12 Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives Photo Report

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

DLNT Reporter Tim Alcoser went to a media preview of D23â²s Treasures Of The Walt Disney Archives exhibit at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley and captured tons of photos of all the displays and exhibits to share. The exhibit opens to the public on Saturday, July 6, and is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Yearâs Day. Â The exhibit is scheduled to run through April 2013.

These Haunted Mansion props are from Walt Disney World

Maleficent dragon head from Disneylandâs Fantasmic!

Mickey Mouse Revue!

Thanks for reading!

Josh Siegel’s 2/23/12 Magic Kingdom Photo Report

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

WDWNT Reporter Josh Siegel visited the Magic Kingdom yesterday and has some newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

The Bakery is still behind tarps

A tarp came down in the bad weather

Some lighted effects added to another Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom window

A line building for some of the windows

A new poster inside the Fire Station

A decent amount of guests waiting

The Chapeau is still behind tarps

Some new, smaller trees planted in Town Square

Chamber of commerce (package pick-up) is also still behind tarps

A temporary wheelchair ramp installed while work is being done

Another look at the new trees everyone seems to hate

I don’t see what all of the commotion is about… they’re trees…

Another look at the Chapeau/Confectionary

They fixed the fallen tarp on Center Street

Some of the facades came out from behind the tarps and look great

The Bakery tarps in the daytime

Plaza Ice Cream is still closed

Work continues on the Main Street bridge

The Dumbo building is coming along nicely

Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid coming along nicely

One of the large tents has already been covered

Some kind of wall rising, possibly for the Seven Dwarves Mine Train

The new rock-work at the edge of the Mermaid facade taking shape

Belle’s Village

The crane! The crane!

The facade of Enchanted Tales with Belle is finally getting some detail

A better look at the new covered tent

Tigger’s Bounce Area is still closed…

This may be made into a Pooh meet and greet area in the not too distant future

Plenty of trees planted in Storybook Circus

A billboard for The Barnstormer is now up, you can spot it over the Dumbo queue

Another look at Enchanted Tales with Belle

Another look towards Dumbo and Barnstormer

The days are numbered for this store

And we all know this closes May 31st now

The unveiled portion of Castle Wall looks nice

Guests being prevented from going upstairs at Pinocchio’s Village Haus

A portion of walls near the restrooms remains

This piece of wall was already revealed

A new wheelchair ramp has been installed at Peter Pan’s Flight in preparation for the new interactive queue addition once the new restrooms open

I hope we can spare a few shields to decorate this…

Work continues on the former Skyway plot

The Haunted Mansion is clearly visible

What a mess

Work continues on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

One new roof looks pretty much finished

MAdame Leota’s cart out in Liberty Square

40th anniversary shirts

I haven’t seen this out in a while, but now it’s at the cart

Some new pavement along the parade route

Some new pavement that looks like wooden planks

Work continues by the Vacation Club booth

Work was completed on the Frontierland Trading Post facade

I assume that the missing part of the sign will return soon

This facade looks brand new

Some pieces still being worked on

Sunshine Tree Terrace still behind tarps

Some signage was recently installed at the Sorcerers station in Liberty Square

Good luck Sorcerers!

Tim Alcoser’s 4th Of July Disneyland Photo Report

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

DLNT Reporter Tim Alcoser was at the Disneyland Resort for the 4th of July and grabbed some photos of the special festivities as well as the huge crowds that came to the resort on Independence Day. Take a look…

This sign has Sam the Eagle and Ollie Owl from America Sings on it. Neat.

The new exhibit Crowning Achievements has opened in the Disney Galley.

Busy day on Main Street

The All-Star American College Band out before the parade

The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band marching down Main Street

The Marine Band played at the Big Thunder Jamboree.

We will have video up tomorrow of the performance

Crowds waiting for Celebrate America

Thanks for reading

AJ P’s 2/12 Walt Disney World Resort Photo Report

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

WDWNT reader AJ P. was nice enough to offer us some newsworthy photos they took on their recent trip to Walt Disney World, so let’s take a look around all 4 parks and Downtown Disney:

Land clearing continues for the Grand Floridian DVC wing

the rain left some large puddles

Welcome to the Magic Kingdom

Chamber of Commerce behind tarps

The Bakery as well

On to New Fantasyland

Work being done on the facade of Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid

Large walls popping up on the site of the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train

Supports and such for the Mine Train in the foreground, Storybook Circus tents in the background

A green and red wall will separate the forest from Storybook Circus

A look across to Belle’s Village

The remains of Dumbo right in front of an expanding Castle Wall

Dumbo is coming along quickly

The backside isn’t themed in any way, but it faces the Speedway, so it will match nicely…

The Barnstormer tower

Circus tents

Walls still up near the Haunted Mansion

The Sunshine Tree Terrace is still behind tarps

Tarps still up at Pecos Bill’s

The planters have been repaired in Tomorrowland, but they have temporary covers until plants are placed

On to Downtown Disney, work continues on Splitsville

Doesn’t look like much has happened inside yet

Rainforest Cafe is open while work is done on the exterior

Concept art shows the new exterior and the new Lava Lounge

Stitch is gone from the World of Disney sign

Work being done on the pavement outside the store

Moving over to Epcot

Flower and Garden Festival preperation

Work continues on the entrances to the Seas with Nemo and Friends

The water play areas in Future World are being fixed-up

Tutto Italia is finally being remodeled after 5 years in the former Alfredo’s building

The exterior is being ripped apart

The old waiting area is gone…

The horror… THE HORROR!

I hope they are fixing the menu here as well, because Via Napoli makes this place look silly

The other water play area behind walls

Modifications being made to the Spaceship Earth queue in preparation for the eventual roll-out of Xpass…

We’re going to animal Kingdom!

For one piece of news… they are still repairing the rock-work in the Oasis

Disney Parks To Host “One More Disney Day”

WDWNT on January 12, 2012

Anaheim, Calif. and Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Jan. 1, 2012) – Disney Parks guests can get the most out of February 29 when Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California celebrate Leap Year by keeping a theme park on each coast open for 24 hours of nonstop memory-making fun.

For the first time ever, both the Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland Park will stay open for 24 hours straight as part of a bi-coastal salute called “One More Disney Day.” From 6 a.m., February 29 to 6 a.m., March 1, 2012, local time, guests can fill the extra day of leap year with a marathon of Disney magic and fun.*

And for 60 days straight – from Jan. 1, 2012 to Feb. 29, 2012 – a daily winner will be chosen in the “Disney Parks One More Disney Day Sweepstakes” to receive a Disney Parks vacation. One entrant each day will win a vacation for four to make memories at either Disneyland Resort in California or Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.**

For the past year, Disney Parks has invited guests to “let the memories begin,” noted Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

“We’re honored that so many guests have shared their Disney memories with us as part of ‘Let the Memories Begin’, and I’m pleased to announce that the campaign will continue throughout 2012,” Staggs said. “To celebrate, for the first time ever, the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Parks will remain open for 24 hours on Leap Day, so that our guests can take advantage of every minute of their extra day to make memories with friends and family.”

In addition to the extra time, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California will feature a special offer:

Guests get one more day and night of memory making, free when they buy a 3-night/3-day non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Co. room and ticket package at select Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort hotels. The package offer is good for arrivals most nights Feb. 26 – March 10, 2012 and must be booked by Jan. 31, 2012. ***

In 2011, Disney Parks has encouraged families to “Let the Memories Begin,” with guests celebrating their only-at-Disney memories by sharing their vacation stories, photos and videos online at DisneyParks.com/memories.

For more information on One More Disney Day, you can visit the offical website at OneMoreDisneyDay.com

Carnation Cafe Closing Tomorrow For Refurbishment

WDWNT on January 12, 2012

From Pam Brandon on the Disney Parks Blog:

A Disneyland park favorite will close its doors this week – but only until summer, when Carnation Café will re-open with more seating (adding the indoor seating that disappeared in the 1990s) and a spruced-up menu.

And no worries – if you’re looking for cast member favorite Oscar Martinez, you’ll find him over at the Jolly Holiday Bakery Café opening this month, but only until Carnation Café re-opens. Then you’ll find Oscar back at Carnation Café.

When Carnation Café re-opens, look for breakfast, lunch and dinner favorites, along with new dishes and some Walt Disney favorites.

So, ‘til the doors open this summer, here’s the recipe for the decadent Loaded Baked Potato Soup just in case you have a hankering.

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Serves 6

1 pound bacon, roughly chopped
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 large carrot, peeled and diced
3/4 cup diced celery
4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
4 medium red potatoes, diced
1/4 cup flour
2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
Coarse salt, freshly ground pepper, to taste
4 cups heavy whipping cream
Optional garnishes: chopped chives, bacon bits, sour cream, shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese

In a 6- to 8-quart stockpot over medium heat, fry bacon until crisp.

Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving half for garnish. In bacon fat, cook onions, carrots, and celery until the onions are translucent. Add potatoes and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Whisk in flour and stir constantly over low heat until the flour is cooked and the mixture has thickened slightly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add chicken stock and half of the bacon. Season with salt and pepper.

Over medium-high heat, bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes or until the potatoes are soft. Mash some of the potatoes for thicker, creamier texture. Add whipping cream and simmer for 5 minutes.

Adjust thickness by adding water or stock. Soup should have a creamy consistency.

Season to taste, and garnish with toppings.

Cooks’ notes: Soak diced potatoes in cold water until ready to use to keep them from turning brown. To make bacon easier to chop, lightly freeze.

Jolly Holiday Bakery Opening This Saturday

WDWNT on January 12, 2012

From Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:

As we told you last August, some exciting changes are coming for Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park – and the first of those changes is almost here! On Saturday, January 7, Jolly Holiday Bakery Café will officially open its doors. The new bakery, located at the top of Main Street, U.S.A., will feature your favorite bakery and coffee items in addition to a new menu of sandwiches and salads.

And tomorrow, January 5, we will begin the next phase in the transformation of the area when Carnation Café, Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor and the Candy Palace will close temporarily to receive their own expansions and updates. Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor and the Candy Palace will re-open in the spring, both with expanded indoor space. Carnation Café will re-open in the summer, when it will once again offer indoor seating to Disneyland park guests.

We’ll keep you updated here on the Disney Parks Blog as these expansions continue to take shape.

Tom Corless’ 12/31/11 – 1/5/12 DLR Photo Report

WDWNT on January 12, 2012

Owner of the network, Tom Corless took a trip to Disneyland for new years and captured some newsworthy photos to share including Cars land, Buena Vista Street, and Jolly Holiday Bakery…

Trader Sam’s had some neat additions for the Holidays

Tom had a Mele Kaliki-Mocha.

Over in DCA now, a look at the carthay circle

Looks good…

Now over in Cars Land, the meet and greet has been removed in front of the work walls giving us some angles of the street we weren’t able to see before.

Back to Buena Vista Street

The backside of the theater was uncovered

Over in Disneyland, the Jolly Holiday Bakery opened and Tom was one of the first costumers

Love the detail

Over in DCA, work has begun on fixing the second half of the shops on the boardwalk

Rip that stucco out!

YEAH

It was so good…. That tom decided to come back for lunch

A nod to the old Stouffers mural 😉

Spoonful of sugar please

The Jolly Holiday Combo, a cheese sandwich and tomato and basil soup… and of course the Practically Perfect Punch which I have been told is very Delicious

Quite a line all day

Since Jolly Holiday is now open, Carnation cafe and the Blue Ribbon bakery have been closed for refurbishment

Coke Corner has also shut its doors for its refurbishment

Along with the Penny arcade

Neat picture

Thanks for reading

Main Street Has A New Beat

WDWNT on January 12, 2012

After a few weeks of rumors, today, the Main Street background loop has been updated to a new selection of songs. Some old songs you may recognize but they have been re-composed and sound wonderful.

From Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:

Starting next Monday, January 9, guests strolling down Main Street, U.S.A., will be humming along to some new – and familiar – tunes. For the first time in 20 years, we are once again adding new music to the iconic entrance music of Disneyland park.

Though there have been many updates over the years, the last refresh of Disneyland’s Main Street’s musical score was back in 1992, when selections recorded for Disneyland Paris were brought back to Disneyland park in California.

This time around, over a dozen new tunes, arranged and recorded specifically for Main Street, U.S.A., will join many of the existing songs. Included in the new mix are such iconic period pieces as “Meet Me in St. Louis, Louis,” “In the Good Old Summer Time,” “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” “Oh You Beautiful Doll,” Scott Joplin’s “Maple Leaf Rag,” and a recent tune given a turn-of-the-last-century arrangement, Michael Giacchino’s “Married Life” from Disney•Pixar’s “UP.”

So the next time you’re ambling down Main Street, U.S.A., keep an ear out for some new – and old – classics!

If you would like to hear a full recording of the new loop, you can head on over to a spectacular podcast, Window To The Magic. Paul was able to get a full binural recording of the new loop.

Category: Parks & Resorts

Storybook Circus Opens Late March, Snow White Closes Late May

Tim Alcoser’s 6/30/12 Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives Photo Report

Josh Siegel’s 2/23/12 Magic Kingdom Photo Report

Tim Alcoser’s 4th Of July Disneyland Photo Report

AJ P’s 2/12 Walt Disney World Resort Photo Report

Disney Parks To Host “One More Disney Day”

Carnation Cafe Closing Tomorrow For Refurbishment

Jolly Holiday Bakery Opening This Saturday

Tom Corless’ 12/31/11 – 1/5/12 DLR Photo Report

Main Street Has A New Beat

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