Tom Corless’ 6/27-7/1/13 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

I managed to visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Grand Floridian, and the Magic Kingdom over the last week and took plenty of newsworthy photos to share, so let’s take a look at what’s new at the Walt Disney World Resort:

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A new purchase-with-purchase bag is available

FastPass+ entrance at the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

MagicBand accessories can also be found at Animal Kingdom Lodge

They have Incredibles MagicBandits

Moat exciting has to be the appearance of Star Wars CoverBands

There are also a few MagicBand t-shirts available

The new seasonal line of Beautifully Disney has been released

Moving to Animal Kingdom, we found some Monsters University school supplies for sale

Construction continues on the new theater for Festival of the Lion King in Africa

There are now stand-by and FastPass+ signs at Finding Nemo: The Musical

New Sorcerer Mickey iPhone 5 case

While the real sign has still not arrived, this temporary sign shows us artwork for what the real Adventurers Outpost sign will look like

Lone Ranger and Tonto Vinylmation for sale

The Grand Floridian gave out 25th anniversary buttons on July 1st

Some new novelty sunglasses are being sold at the Magic Kingdom

I really love these Goofy ones

Princess shades are neat too

Happy 4th of July everyone!

Dirk Wallen’s 7/4-7/6/13 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited the Walt Disney World theme parks over the holiday weekend and has a number of newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

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The Villas at the Grand Floridian as seen from across the lagoon

The awnings for the third Magic Kingdom bus loop are being assembled

Plenty of Fourth of July goodies were available this week

Apparently if Buzz Lightyear breaks at Space Ranger Spin, there is a big curtain to cover him up

Still no visible progress on Princess Fairytale Hall

On the Fourth of July, the Voices of Liberty had their special performances at the America Gardens Theater

Chip and Dale were out in some patriotic attire

You can buy Tour De France merchandise at the France pavilion right now

Work continues on Spice Road Table in Morocco

A look from the other side as construction has gone vertical

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner has some food cones similar to Cars Land… although we haven’t heard anything good about them…

Specialty patriotic beverages were available all of the holiday weekend

Nothing going on at the Premiere Theater right now

FastPass+ entrance at Light, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show… yes, there is FastPass again…

Some red, white, and blue merchandise for sale

A Planes billboard up in the Backlot

The Mike Wazowski glasses from the Monstrous Summer All-Nighter

There was a 4th of July cupcake at counter service locations at the Studios

YUM!

“May The Fourth Be With You” Limited Time Magic At Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

For a long time, Star Wars fans have proclaimed May 4th as “May the Fourth be with you” and so this year Disney is playing on that term and using it as a Limited Time Magic offering over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. For one day only, May 4th 2013, Disney will host an event separate from Star Wars Weekends called “May The Fourth Be With You”. What can we expect from this? Lets take a look.

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On May 4th you’ll find special Star Wars characters, merchandise, a Star Wars dance party, and to top it all off… a special Star Wars themed Fireworks Show. Characters will also be making appearances around Star Tours: The Adventures Continue and if you are lucky enough, you’ll get to ride with some of them on the attraction. (Wouldn’t it be cool if you could ride Star Tours with Chewbacca?)

A special edition of Star Wars Jedi Academy will be performed on May 4th and this time, Disney invites the parents to take the stage with the kids to be part of the fun and help battle the Empire. As soon as the sun goes down, join Lobot as DJ for the biggest dance party and fireworks spectacular in the galaxy.

All this will be part of your regular park admission, all you have to do is show up at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 4th 2013 and get ready to have fun!

Dirk Wallen’s 4/25-26/13 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios last week and has a ton of newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

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The Kodak sign is still up, too bad the waterfall isn’t…

Just imagine it is there

This seating area in Innoventions is now being used as office space as far as we can tell

Segway Central hasn’t changed since closing

Probably should take this down

Monsters University merchandise in Mouse Gear

MU iPhone cases

Scare Pig plush

Art plush

Open edition pin

Kids shirt

Ummmmm….

Graduation Duffy!

AHHHHHH!

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Moving to Studios, there is a Monsters University billboard in the parking lot

Kodak letters gone from the Darkroom facade, but are still on the sign

FastPass test for Fantasmic! ongoing

We are in the final days of the old Monsters Inc. meet and greet in the backlot

Soon we will be going back to college…

Monsters University billboard near PIXAR Place

A Lone Ranger billboard up as well

MU banners in the Animation Courtyard

Inside the Magic of Disney Animation, Monsters University artwork has been added

The Gallery exhibit was updated as well

Tom Corless’ 4/16-4/26/13 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

I recently visited the Walt Disney World Resort (just last week) and I have a ton of newsworthy photos to share with you, so let’s take a look at all of the changes happening around the resort right now:

They got a new banner, too bad they only have a few months left…

They added some “blood” red carpet in the queue at the Haunted Mansion… sorry, it’s dark in there

The backside of the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train appears to closely resemble the rock-work on Under the Sea

After a month, it appears the construction of the third bus loop at the Magic Kingdom is still in the early stages

I see you Grand Floridian Villas…

Over at Animal Kingdom, banners are still up for the 15th anniversary

We can already see posts for a marquee going up where the new Festival of the Lion King entrance will be in Africa

The Anandapur Ice Cream Truck is gone, so you can only get soft-serve at Camp Minnie-Mickey right now

With Planes coming out this August, there are some character planes clothes for kids coming out

I particularly like the Dumbo jumbo jet…

Taking a look at the Villas at the Grand Floridian from the Polynesian Beach

The trademark red roof is starting to appear

Monsters University merchandise can be found everywhere

More Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train construction

A few weeks ago, the Gaston’s mug was updated with new artwork featuring Gaston and LeFou

Sorry for the blurry pic, but you get the idea

More MU stuff in Mouse Gear

Some new Villains watches have come out

Scar and Chernabog

Queen of Hearts and Maleficent

Scar

The Monsters University display recently added some gargoyles despite the fact that the event is ending soon

Some banners describing the film were also put up

Touch-point entry was finally installed at International Gateway

There are now Mickey and Minnie handset phones for mobile phones for sale

Mickey and Minnie mini-speakers for sale

I tired the chili cone queso at Downtown Disney… it’s the same as Cars Land…

The Droid Factory has now opened inside Once Upon a Toy

The four stations really help out with lines

Some new magnets for sale

The Boardwalk Bakery re-opened on Friday at Disney’s Boardwalk

It looks a lot different

You should probably wear a shirt to the bakery…

The expanded kitchen added some pre-made sandwiches to the menu

They also have soup

Mmmmmm

MMMMMMMMMM

FastPass testing for Fantasmic! going on now

The American Idol Experience store now sells Star Wars stuff… Yes…

They added a seafood platter to the menu at the ABC Commissary…. Yum?

The oscars are back at the Magic of Disney Animation from filming for Saving Mr. Banks the last several months

Cool new baseball cap

PHOTOS & VIDEO: A Look Back at “May the 4th” Star Wars Day at Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

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Yesterday at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Limited Time Magic brought a Star Wars Day to Walt Disney World in honor of May 4th’s recognition as “May the 4th Be With You”. We have a ton of photos from thge festivities yesterday to share with you in a slideshow (photos taken by Joe Hogarty & Tom Corless):

We also have video of the complete Symphony in the Stars fireworks show from last night for you to enjoy:

Tom Corless’ 5/11-14/13 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

On Saturday and Tuesday I visited the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios (respectively) and took some newsworthy photos to share with you, so let’s take a look:

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The canopy is missing from the Haunted Mansion

Should be back soon

work progresses on the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train in Fantasyland

The steak sandwich is gone from the Be Our Guest lunch menu, replaced with a prime chuck roast beef sandwich

For some reason, a Disney Visa card kiosk has been built near the Haunted Mansion

Signage for A Pirate’s Adventure has been uncovered

Pins are once again gone from Uptown Jewelers, replaced with ladies’ accessories

Moving over to Hollywood Studios, the Lightning McQueen popcorn bucket from Cars Land is being used at Backlot Express as a healthy meal bucket

Some of the new Haunted Mansion merchandise was released at Villains in Vogue, including this new shirt

New Haunted Mansion pillow

The Darth Maul face painting ad for Star Wars Weekends was turned into a t-shirt

Legends of Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard is now a store for women’s and girl’s accessories and apparel

Starting this week, there is a flash-mob with Disney characters being performed in front of the Sorcerer’s Hat daily at 3:30PM

Some new Star Wars pins came out a little early

A number of new or updated hats have been released sporting a new “Graphic Edge Collection” tag

Found a cute new tumbler at the Boardwalk

Boardwalk Bakery has some great options for breakfast

They now also have Mickey-shaped muffins!!!

I found more new hats at Beach Club

A new purchase-with-purchase watch is available featuring Sorcerer Mickey

Class of 2013 merchandise is also now available

VIDEO: A “Galaxy” of Excitement & Surprises in Hyperspace Hoopla 2013

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

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As always, the highlight of Star Wars Weekends this year was the Hyperspace Hoopla show at the end of the day, featuring the always popular “Dance Off With the Star Wars Stars”. The show this year was excellent in my opinion and the surprise ending was one of the cooler moments in the history of the show. Take a look for yourself:

So, what do you think of this year’s Hyperspace Hoopla?

Dirk Wallen’s 5/13-5/20/13 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen has been all over the Walt Disney World theme parks over the last week and has a ton of newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

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We begin at Downtown Disney

To Pleasure Island while it is still a thing…

While nothing is going on at Adventurer’s Club…

Walls are already up for Disney Springs at the former Comedy Warehouse

The walls from inside Pleasure Island

Work happening at the Sassagoula boat dock on Pleasure Island

It’s closed, so you have to get off at Marketplace

Soon this will be The Landing

The Truckeria taco truck is at Downtown Disney

Not sure how long this has been a thing, but there is a snow-cone cart in Marketplace

They also have glazed nuts

Some new pins are out at Pin Traders, including this Remember When Figment & Dreamfinder pin

Toy Story Mania 5th anniversary pin

The pin trading nights pins are still available

Moving over to Epcot, Character Spot is still closed, but we can see a new sign where the entrance will likely now be

I have seen the kid’s shirt before, but the adult “I conquered the world” shirt looks new to me

Some work going on in  the queue for Turtle Talk

Walls still up at the Norway pavilion waterfall

Work continues on the new, larger restrooms at the American Adventure

Work continues on Spice Road Table in Morocco

The new France pavilion ice cream parlor is set to open next month

Moving to Studios, the Monsters Inc. meet and greet is closed until the 24th to become a Monsters University meet and greet

Current progress on the Villas at the Grand Floridian

A lot of work to be done near the resort entrance still

The 24 hour day is on the Magic Kingdom times guide

The Adventureland Veranda is still behind tarps

Signage is uncovered at A Pirate’s Adventure

Tarps still up at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments

The Liberty Bell is no longer behind walls and looks great

It has seemed like forever since we have seen the facade at Columbia Harbour House…

Work continues on the former Fantasyland restrooms near Peter Pan

No visible progress on Princess Fairytale Hall

More rock-work appearing on the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train

Still a lot of work to be done over here

The Mad Tea Party is still closed

Dirk Wallen’s 5/25/13 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Saturday and has some newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip:

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Work continues on turning FountainView into a Starbucks location

The Epcot Character Spot is expected to return to its original location next week, but it looks like the entrance is moving over here

The Flower and Garden Festival is over…

No more butterflies…

The Lion King display was still up

Goodbye Oz…

Radiator Springs has been wiped from existence

The Monsters University display is gone

No visible progress on Spice Road Table in Morocco yet

At the Studios, the KODAK logo is gone from the film in the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids play area

A large Etch-A-Sketch was installed in the Toy Story Mania queue recently. We expect this to interact with guests at some point soon…