Massive Beauty and the Beast Statue Going to New Fantasyland?

WDWNT on December 2, 2011

WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios yesterday and (for some reason) decided to take a trip on the Backlot Studio Tour. Boy, are we glad he did, because he came across this “beauty” in the prop shop:

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Taking a wild guess, I would imagine this still unfinished statue is going to New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom, seeing as this is the same building where the mural for Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid was created. Where exactly in the expansion will this statue end up? Possibly the Be Our Guest Restaurant, but it’s still too early to tell. Just another little preview of Fantasyland to wet your appetite for 2012…

On a side note, where is that table in the background from? Another piece of New Fantasyland, or maybe we’re just over-thinking this…

Walt Disney World Rings in 2012 with the Usual New Year’s Eve Offerings

WDWNT on November 28, 2011

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest fireworks evenings of the year at Walt Disney World Resort, a place where fireworks are both spectacular and an every-night occurrence. Fireworks and nighttime shows will light up the skies and create a mood of celebration at three theme parks on Dec. 31, 2011, while revelry of other sorts takes place elsewhere throughout the Vacation Kingdom.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s in store:

  • Magic Kingdom presents a double helping of pyrotechnics: “Wishes” nighttime spectacular with a holiday overlay at 8:30 p.m. and “Fantasy in the Sky” at 11:51 p.m.
  • Epcot‘s “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” delights revelers with a salute to the new year at 7 p.m. and 11:42 p.m.
  • At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the 25-minute spectacular “Fantasmic!” that combines water, fire, lights, lasers, fireworks and music will be presented at 6:30 and 8 p.m., with the popular “Lights! Camera! Happy New Year!” fireworks display at midnight.
  • At Cirque du Soleil, all guests attending the Dec. 31 performances will receive a limited-edition Walt Disney World/Cirque trading pin. Shows are at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. For pricing contact 407/WDW/SEAT.
  • Registered guests at select Disney resort hotels will be treated to music and entertainment. At Narcoosee’s restaurant (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa), for instance, there will be a four-course dining experience for $149, plus DJ, balloon artist and special fireworks viewing at 8:30 and 11:51.
  • Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort offers a special-ticket New Year’s Eve party from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. with video DJ Tony Zapulla.

For specific information about other holiday dining offerings at Disney resort hotels on Dec. 31, call 407/WDW/DINE.

Fantasmic! Refurbishment Has Us Imagining Some Possible Show Changes

WDWNT on August 4, 2011

It is now confirmed that Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will not run from January 5th to February 12th, 2012. We have been getting a lot of questions about this closure and if it means the show will be changing. While everything is purely speculation at this time, let’s look at the facts. The show will only be closed for a little over 5 weeks. This is not enough time for any serious overhaul such as a new high-tech dragon, but is at least enough time for some technical upgrades. It is more than possible that new lighting, projectors, and props could be introduced to the show as installation time on items like this is not very lengthy. At this point, we should probably just be happy that the show is getting some TLC at all and will probably look a lot better following the brief closure.

If anything on this story should change, WDW News Today will keep you posted. For now, any major changes are simply “in your imagination”.