Downtown Disney Officially Becomes Disney Springs September 29th, 2015

WDWNT on September 3, 2015

Since we first told the world of Disney Springs replacing and overlaying Downtown Disney back in March 2013, everyone has been wondering when the name change would finally take place. Next Tuesday, September 29th, the Downtown Disney name will be no more 20 years after it replaced the Disney Village.

Disney Springs Concept Art

The name change comes 1 day before the opening of Morimoto Asia Restaurant on September 30th and just a few days after the opening of Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar in The Landing. The final restaurants, second parking structure, and the new Town Center area will open in 2016 to complete the project.

VIDEO: The Indiana Joned Themed Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Opens at Disney Springs np

WDWNT on September 3, 2015

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Today was the big day at Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar in Disney Springs as the long awaited Indiana Jones-themed offering opened to guests:

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Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar opens at 11:30am daily. They close at 12AM Sunday through Thursday and at 1AM on Friday and Saturday. Surprisingly, there is not a ‘no one under 21’ rule like at Trader Sam’s after 8PM. 4 souvenir mugs will be available at Jock Lindsey’s at a later date, but not available right now.

We have hundreds of photos of Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar to share with you later, so stay tuned!

Tom Corless’s 9/21/15 WDW Photo Report (Disney Springs, Food & Wine, Star Wars, Hub, Etc.)

WDWNT on September 3, 2015

I managed to visit the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios over the last week and I have some great newsworthy photos to share with you from my trip, so let’s take a look at what’s new and exciting around the Vacation Kingdom of the World:

Disney Springs is now on all of the I-4 road signage

The new exit ramp heading West hasn’t opened yet though

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Over at Epcot, there is a lot of work happening in front of the park

A ton of new big figs have arrived at the Art of Disney

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New Princess lithographs

A ton of merchandise is left over from the recent GenEARation D pin event

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The 2nd Star Wars countdown pin was released this week

New Pirates of the Caribbean MagicBand

New updated Jack Skellington MagicBand

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France has an entirely new booth for Food and Wine this year

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Looks great!

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Work continues on the FROZEN expansion in Norway

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The facade should appear here in no time

The Spirited Beasts exhibit in Japan is gone and a new exhibit is coming

Moving to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, I got a peek backstage where construction will eventually be taking place for Toy Story Land

Not much happening yet, but crews working on the Toy Story Mania expansion were all over the place

Work continues on the Star Wars Launch Bay

New Star Wars shirts released recently

Force Awakens merchandise has made it into Tatooine Traders

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New gluten, nut, and dairy free snacks are available in the parks

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Moving over to the Magic Kingdom

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Dream Along with Mickey is back, but the stage area is still a disaster

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The building expansion for the Skipper Canteen is coming along nicely

New Peg Leg Pete bandanna for sale at Pirates

Merchant of Venus in Tomorrowland has become a Star Wars shop

They even have Force Awakens balloons at the Magic Kingdom

New Jingles big fig featuring mickey on sale

BREAKING: Hangar in Disney Springs is an Indiana Jones Themed Restaurant, “Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar” Opens This Fall

WDWNT on June 5, 2015

We were already excited about the hangar themed restaurant coming to Disney Springs in The Landing, but that excitement has just been taken to new heights…

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Original concept art from Disney

The bar and restaurant opening Fall 2015 is going to be called “Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar”, named for the pilot friend who comes to Indiana Jones’ rescue in the beginning of Raiders of the Lost Ark. The aviation themed lounge located between Paradiso 37 and the Boathouse will feature 150 seats, including a bar area located on a boat that seems to be hanging off the side of the main building. The theme will be expressed through propeller themed ceiling fans, vintage travel posters, and correspondence between Jock and Indy.

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Jock in his plane in Raiders of the Lost Ark

The location will feature small plates and themed beverages and include special effects similar to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

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Construction photo from a few weeks back showing the boat bar “hanging” on the side of the restaurant

UPDATE: Disney has now officially confirmed our story and given a few more details:

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With a prime location along Lake Buena Vista and seating for 150, the venue will feature unique cocktails – such as the “Hovito Mojito” with Barsol Quebranta Pisco, fresh lime juice and simple syrup – and small plates such as “Air Pirates Everything Pretzels” with house-made mustard and beer cheese fondue.

The design team has gone to great lengths to ensure that every element – from the propeller-based ceiling fans and diving bell “booth” to the “Rolling Boulder Meatballs” on the menu – fits within the storyline.

And just what is that story? Ardent fans of the “Indiana Jones” films may recognize Jock Lindsey as Indy’s frequent pilot; he’s also the owner of a pet snake named Reggie – an important detail, trust me on this! In the main room, guests will discover an expansive bar, aviation decor filling the room, vintage travel posters covering the walls and correspondence between Jock, Indy and their fellow adventurers on display. Guests can eat, drink and be merry outside as well, in Jocks’ old steamboat, now in permanent dry dock and aptly named “Reggie;” and in nearby seating on the adjacent deck.

“NBA Experience” Restaurant, Store, and Entertainment Experience Coming to Disney Springs

WDWNT on June 5, 2015

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Announced today, “The NBA Experience at Walt Disney World Resort” is coming to Disney Springs.

The NBA Experience at Walt Disney World Resort is going to be a one-of-a-kind destination featuring hands-on activities that put families and guests of all ages right in the middle of NBA game action. You’ll be able to explore inside the world of professional basketball with numerous interactive experiences and enjoy a restaurant and retail store.

No opening date has been given, but it will open by the completion of the Disney Springs project in 2016. No exact location for the experience has been provided either.

The concept is very similar to the long-standing NBA City location at CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort and rumors indicate that location will close before the opening of this new NBA experience at Walt Disney World.

Super Hero Headquarters to Open by May 1st, Avengers Vinylmation Being Released

WDWNT on May 5, 2015

The new Super Hero Headquarters store at Downtown Disney’s West Side will be open by May 1st, just as The Avengers: Age of Ultron opens in theaters.

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Official store logo

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To celebrate the opening, Avengers Vinylmation are being released on May 1st at the new store:

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Disney Design Group Artist, Thomas Scott, will be on hand for a special appearance and signing from 5p.m.- 6p.m. at Super Hero Headquarters that day as well.

PHOTOS & VIDEO: Super Hero Headquarters MARVEL Store Opens at Downtown Disney

WDWNT on May 5, 2015

The anxiously-anticipated Super Hero Headqaurters store soft-opened today at Downtown Disney West Side, and lucky for us, WDWNT’s own Nick LoCicero was there to check it out:

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The Super Hero Headquarters takes over what was United World Soccer

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There is nothing but tons of MARVEL items in the store

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The location is themed to a S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters

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Hero and villain bios come up on various screens

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There are also wanted posters on the walls

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You can get super-imposed as or with one of your favorite heroes in the store

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The Avengers Vinylmation series will be released May 1st

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There is a hidden reference to the opening date, as well as cast services…

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Due to legal restrictions, there is no sign of the MARVEL logo on the store

We also have a short video walk-through of the store to share with you:

New Shops & Restaurants Coming to The Landing as The Boathouse Prepares to Open April 13th in Disney Springs

WDWNT on April 13, 2015

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When the Boathouse opens as the first new restaurant of Disney Springs next week (April 13th), several new retailers will be following close behind, joining it in the lineup for The Landing:

  • Erwin Pearl – offers a fine selection of enamel, precious, and semi-precious fashion jewelry marked by style, creativity, and outstanding quality.
  • Joffrey’s Tea – specializing in teas (iced or hot) featuring custom blends, accessories, and packaged teas.
  • Vivoli Gelateria – serving panini sandwiches, espresso drinks, and expertly crafted gelato made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

No opening dates were given for these new businesses, but they should be fairly soon. New Downtown Disney guidemaps will be released on the 13th to reflect all of the new additions.

Dirk Wallen’s 3/20/15 WDW Photo Report (Polynesian Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs, ETC.)

WDWNT on April 13, 2015

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen was all over the Walt Disney World Resort this week and has a ton of newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look at what’s new and exciting:

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Starting at the Polynesian, the right side of the entrance is out from behind walls and looking good

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The pool area is nearing completion also

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Moving to the Magic Kingdom, work on the center of the hub is picking up speed

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New planters await railings

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The old Rose Garden is now being demolished as part of the hub expansion

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The final remnants of the Plaza Swan Boats are being erased

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Moving over to the Studios, walls are up around the former site of the Sorcerer’s Hat, at least through late-April

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Strange to see this sight again, but if Echo Lake is demolished, it won’t be a sight for long

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Over at Epcot, work continues on the mysterious “colorful” new Innoventions exhibit

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Meanwhile, there is no visible progress on the Frozen attraction

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Moving to Disney Springs, the Marketplace Co-Op has these Adventurer’s Club signs back in stock

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These photos were taken just before the first pedestrian bridge was installed yesterday

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The Town Center will rise upon this site over the next 12-14 months

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One large structure is already rising

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The small park area in front of Planet Hollywood and the Orange Garage entrance is nearing completion

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New planters being installed outside Harley Davidson

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No visible progress on STK Orlando, the supposed replacement for the BET Soundstage

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The Hangar restaurant is now completely sealed, but still no announcement from Disney

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The new Margarita Bar and pier in the Marketplace is coming along nicely

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The BOATHOUSE, as seen from the Village Causeway

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Still to early to tell, but this looks like one fo the facades that will hide the second parking garage from view

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A lot of work still to be done on Morimoto Asia

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Meanwhile, flags have gone up outside of the BOATHOUSE, leading us to believe it is nearing completion

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Work on the dock is wrapping up

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Another look at the Hangar Restaurant, whatever it might be…