Tom Corless’ 3/23/14 Disney Springs Photo Report (Pollo Campero Closes, Concept Art, New Shirts, ETC.)

WDWNT on March 31, 2014

Plenty is going on at Downtown Disney as it slowly transforms into Disney Springs, so I took my camera and headed over to the districts to see what new merchandise has been popping up and exciting changes are happening to the area:

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New kid’s shirt featuring PIXAR characters

There’s also a new kid’s shirt with Disney characters

A few new adult t-shirts have also been released

Railroad t-shirt

I love this new shirt that not only features a Friendship boat, but also says Lake Buena Vista on it

Work continues on the Marketplace bridge

Pollo Campero and Babycakes NYC have closed to make way for Disney Springs construction

This location will be knocked down, but it remains unknown if either tenant will return in a new location

On the West Side, you can now find concept art for the new parking structure

Aerial Construction Photos of Disney Springs From 1/3/14

WDWNT on February 18, 2014

WDWNT Reporter Nick LoCicero is once again bringing us the latest aerial construction photos from high above Downtown Disney as the conversion to Disney Springs continues:

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Vertical construction on the parking structure continues

Pleasure Island is slowly transforming into The Landing

Another look at the structure

A look at the former site of the Comedy Warehouse that is being excavated

Another look at the parking lot

Vertical construction on the main structure in The Landing should begin shortly

Captain Jack’s is gone, all that remains are some posts in the water

All Aboard for Brand New Disney Railroad Merchandise

WDWNT on February 18, 2014

Many die-hard Disney fans have seen the iconic photo of Walt riding the train he built in his backyard for his daughters. His love for trains is well-known.

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Walt Disney World has featured railroads in its Parks since the opening days, and in honor of Walt’s love of trains, a series of Disney Attraction Poster t-shirts will be released January 27th, 2014.

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The Disney Design Group artists worked with Designer Richard Terpstra to create  two t-shirts inspired by the Disney Railroad attraction posters found within the Disney Parks. According to the book, “The Poster Art of the Disney Parks” by Walt Disney Imagineers Vanessa Hunt and Danny Handke, the original attraction posters that inspired  the merchandise designs were created by Jim Michaelson, Ernie Prinzhorn and Rudy Lord in 1977.

These t-shirts will be available on the Disney Parks online store from January 27 to February 2, 2014.  The railroad-themed shirts will ship in 6-8 weeks (express shipping is not available).

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While not available in January, these poster-themed plates and cups will be available at the new home goods mini-shop, Centerpiece,  at the Marketplace Co Op in Downtown Disney Marketplace opening later in 2014. There will be additional plates and cups featuring other attraction posters offered in Centerpiece.

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The Disney Parks attraction posters will also be offered later in the year, as a set, so look for those in a few months. The 2014 poster calendar set has featuring these has sold out and will not return to stores according to Disney.

Who’s coming aboard for train-themed merchandise?

Dirk Wallen’s 1/19/14 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on February 18, 2014

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Downtown Disney, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and the Magic Kingdom on Sunday and has some newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

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Work continues on the Disney Springs parking structure

Since this photo was taken, the new confer service location at House of Blues opened

It’s called The Smokehouse

Here is the menu

The West Side Starbucks under construction

A look at what will be The Landing

Paradise 37 will remain open through all of the construction

No visible progress on Pleasure Island

Walls up in the Marketplace

The Starbucks under construction in the Marketplace

Captain Jack’s and the marina has been reduced to some poles in the water

Moving over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Min and Bill’s is now serving turkey legs and pork shanks

The Glow with the Show window at Villains in Vogue has vanished behind this old Fantasmic display

Over at Animal Kingdom, the stroller parking area at the Wildlife Express Train in Africa is behind walls

Work continues on the new DVC wing of the Polynesian

We spotted out first Nikon Picture Spot in Fantasyland

FASTPASS machines are now being uninstalled at the Magic Kingdom as they are now only using FastPass+

Peter Pan FASTPASS covered up

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train appears to be nearing completion, and trains are now testing on the track daily! Here’s video of a train running:

Dirk Wallen’s 2/4-2/8/14 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on February 18, 2014

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney over the last few days, so let’s take a look at everything happening around Walt Disney World right now:

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Nikon photo spot now in place near the Rose Garden

Some more planter work happening near the hub… rumors suggest this may all be related to a new nighttime show for the park…

See ya’ later trash can…

The facade at the Enchanted Tiki Room is getting some work done

The Nikon picture spot at Splash Mountain isn’t quite picturesque yet…

The Splash Mountain refurbishment continues

Tarps up on the buildings in Liberty Square and the castle crane looming behind it

The Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin FastPass machines are being removed

Plenty of Valentine’s Day treats are available at Big Top Treats

Moving over to Disney’s Polynesian Resort, DVC wing construction is in full swing

I love these signs…

Gates up on the beach

The work out in the water on the rumored bungalows

Over at Epcot, the former Kim Possible kiosk area is now a MyMagic+ service center

Prep work for the Flower and Garden Festival is in full swing now

Another Nikon picture spot

The Darkroom at Hollywood Studios is still presented by Kodak

Yet there is a Nikon Picture Spot not too far away

The Monsters University meet and greet is becoming the Monsters Inc. meet and greet again

Backlot tour is still closed

Frozen billboard up in the backlot

Pirate Fairy and Jungle Book billboards up in the Animation Courtyard

Nikon picture spot at Animal Kingdom

A decent size line for FastPass+

AVATAR construction is happening folks…

Some work happening outside of Expedition Everest

A look at the new Festival of the Lion King theater from high up on Everest

Looks like there is a lot of work to still be done

On to Downtown Disney… Disney Springs… whatever it is…

Not much visible progress to the West Side Starbucks

Not much to see on Pleasure Island either

But there is something happening behind these walls

Here is the site for the large water-side building in The Landing

Bridge work in the Marketplace is happening quickly

The stage area near Fulton’s has been behind walls for a few weeks now

The staging area for the bridge is across from T-Rex behind the DVC booth

The Marketplace Starbucks is also coming along slowly

Guests watching construction take place

Cinderella outside of World of Disney received a backdrop on the construction walls for the Starbucks

Some strange new men’s shirts on sale

Team Mickey is now closed to become the Marketplace Co-Op

New Star Wars MagicBandits have arrived

There is also an R2-D2 MagicSlider!

Dirk Wallen’s 2/17/14 Epcot & Disney Springs Photo Report

WDWNT on February 18, 2014

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Epcot and Downtown Disney this week and has some newsworthy photos of Walt Disney World to share with us, so let’s take a look:

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The Flower and Garden Festival is just a few weeks away

The butterfly garden is starting to rise

The playground near Imagination! is also being set up

Moving to Downtown Disney, work continues on the parking structure

The latest progress on the West Side Starbucks

This crane and construction materials are still mysteriously sitting out by the West Side parking lot and the construction trailers

Not much to see here

It appears that the back of Portobello is being themed to fit in once the new walkway to The Landing (Pleasure Island) opens

Some work happening where the stage is between Fulton’s and Portobello

The latest progress on the Marketplace bridge


Finally we can see some of the framework for the Starbucks in the Marketplace

Photos of Disney Springs Construction From Above on October 16th

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

Thanks to a loyal WDWNT reader, Daniel Gunter, we have some cool photos of Disney Springs construction to share with you today! The photos were taken from the Characters in Flight balloon:

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The parking lot in front of the AMC has been completely leveled in preparation of the first parking structure

A new pedestrian bridge around Pleasure Island is nearing completion

Comedy Warehouse, Curl, and 8Trax have been completely bulldozed

You can see the completed new paint scheme for DisneyQuest in this shot. There is also new nighttime lighting which we will highlight in another post…

Another look at the parking lot

As always, feel free to send us your photos and we will be happy to share them with the world and provide fellow Disney fans with great updates!

REVIEW: Superstar Catering Food Truck Debuts at Downtown Disney

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

Disney had announced that four food trucks will be moving into Downtown Disney’s West Side in November and the first one has arrived! In time for the Festival of the Masters this weekend, the Superstar Catering food truck pulled in and began serving food to guests.

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The menu consists of meatballs, meatballs and more meatballs served in a variety of styles and flavors. At $11 and $12 each, it seems a bit pricey for a quick food truck stop and for the amount of food you are getting. I did try the Spinach and Feta Beef Meatball Sandwich and it was very tasty. There is also the kids option at $4.25.

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A variety of Coca-Cola products, water and alcohol is also served here. The food truck is currently located among festival tents next to the Disney Artist Village.

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Marketplace Co Op Coming to Downtown Disney Marketplace in Early 2014

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

An exciting new concept shop is coming to Downtown Disney Marketplace in the Spring of 2014. The Merchandise Co Op will be moving into the space that is currently occupied by Team Mickey, located next to TrenD.

coop

The Merchandise Co Op features a unique “shop within a shop” concept. Within the co-op space, six shops will operate under one roof.  The Marketplace Co Op’s six new spaces will be:

  • Beautifully Disney – A beauty destination for woman featuring make-up, fragrance and beauty accessories.
  • Cherry Tree Lane – Accessories for the sophisticated woman with a passion for scarves, shoes, bags and jewelry.
  • D-Tech on Demand – A place to personalize and customize your own electronic accessories.
  • The Trophy Room- Vintage inspired, lifestyle sports apparel and collectibles.
  • Centerpiece – Home product for Guests that want a splash of Disney in their room furnishings, textiles and everyday ware.
  • Zoey and Pickles – A girls’ destination containing the latest trends and glamour for the up and coming fashionista.

Tom Sheldon, manager of retail design and development for Disney Theme Park Merchandise, suggests to “think about your favorite marketplaces from across the US. These unique shopping experiences in major cities like Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, or New York all have something in common – they are compelling and distinct, allowing visitors to connect to the environment, and fostering a sense of discovery. This is our goal with the Marketplace Co Op.”

“This public marketplace will serve as a laboratory to showcase new concepts and specialty products,” continued Tom. “It will be an incubator to introduce exciting new Disney retail shops and products.”

Embellishments to the building’s construction and design will reveal its craftsmen style identity. The Marketplace Cop Op also plans on keeping the original ceiling elements, especially the skylight.

Work on the new Marketplace Co Op will begin in early 2014.

Will you check out the new Marketplace Co Op? What do you think of the new marketplace co op concept?

Dirk Wallen’s 11/18/13 WDW (Magic Kingdom & Disney Springs) Photo Report

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited the Magic Kingdom and Downtown Disney yesterday and has a ton of newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip, so let’s take a look:

The statue with the Brer characters is back at Splash Mountain, but still behind walls for now

A look at the now-completed signage package at the Haunted Mansion

Peter Pan’s flight is back from refurbishment and looking great!

Legacy FastPass did return, but should be going away soon…

Walls up outside of the Village Haus

Work progressing on the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train

Structures rising and taking shape

Plenty of seasonal treats can be found nearby at Big Top Souvenirs

What was supposed to be the Triton’s Treasures gift shop is instead a Disney Vacation Club kiosk, but at least it is really beautiful

Great pieces on the wall

A map inside with characters from The Little Mermaid

It is really gorgeous and well-themed for what it is

A look back at Mine Train

The Tomorrowland Stage decorated for a Totally Tomorrowland Christmas

Mickey santa popcorn buckets available

Work is wrapping up on the new Magic Kingdom bus loop and it should be ready for Thanksgiving week

There is a strange floating bridge near the Grand Floridian… not sure what for

Work has begun on the Disney Vacation Club wing at Disney’s Polynesian Resort

Moving over to Downtown Disney

Vertical construction is starting on the parking structure

Disney Quest was repainted a few weeks back, and at night, there is some new lighting that really livens up the building:

Some work going on outside of the House of Blues

Fit 2 Run is now open on the West Side next door to Curl

Christmas Tree inside Splittsville

Wetzel’s Pretzels has closed and is becoming Starbucks

Starbucks will open here in the Spring of 2014

Pleasure Island is now the walkway…

Disney Springs construction is in full swing

Constructions walls are now adorned with concept art

Here’s a new piece we had not previously seen

We have out first new structure!

Another look at that new concept art

All that’s left is the outline of the building…

More new concept art for The Landing at Disney Springs

While the store is closed, you can buy Raglan Road merchandise outside

Work beginning on removing the Captain Jack’s Marina and installing a new bridge

You can meet Santa at Downtown Disney throughout the season

Olaf from Frozen is over here for some reason

Demolition should begin shortly on the Captain Jack’s building

Over on the new Pleasure Island by-pass bridge, you can catch the water transportation to and from the area

Another look at The Landing concept art

More new concept art

We saw this piece back when we leaked the Disney Springs information in March

Here, a parking structure will soon rise…