Epcot – Page 42 – WDWNT Archive

Represent Your Favorite British TV Shows With New Items From the U.K Pavilion

WDWNT on September 13, 2013

Do several TV shows from the United Kingdom make it into your top 10 list of your all-time favorite, or favourite as the case may be, shows?

If so, now you’ll be able to represent shows such as Downton Abbey, Doctor Who, and even Monty Python’s Flying Circus with a new selection of apparel, mugs, posters and other items now available at the Sportsman’s Shoppe, located across from the Rose and Crown Pub in the United Kingdom Pavilion at Epcot.

Featuring references to characters and events in Downton Abbey, even the Dowager Countess is well represented:

The Doctor Who display already in the store has been expanded with more items:

And, while nobody ever expects the Spanish Inquisition, you can be sure to get your silly walk on with these Monty Python-inspired shirts:

So whether it’s for you or a fellow fan of British television on your gift list, be sure to stop by the Sportsman’s Shoppe, located across from the Rose and Crown Pub in the United Kingdom Pavilion.

So, will you be picking up any of this merchandise on your next visit?

Dirk Wallen’s 8/28/13 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on September 13, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Epcot and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort on Thursday and has a number of newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

The food court at All-Star Sports is closed for major renovations through December

You can catch a shuttle to the other All-Stars while this is going on

The arcade has been closed to become a temporary food court of sorts

At least guests have an option at their hotel

A number of pre-packaged options

Plenty of seats available

These new pieces have been installed in the lobby at each All-Star Resort. It’s expected they will interact with MagicBands at some point

Moving over to Epcot, the Cool Wash was closed for a few days for changes you’ll see in a later report…

Still doesn’t make them open this thing…

The new restrooms at the American Adventure are nearing completion

Work continues on Spice Road Table in Morocco

The new stage for Mo’ Rockin’ was completed and has opened on the left side of the pavilion

IT’S ALMOST TIME FOR FOOD & WINE!!!

Prep work is well underway

PHOTOS: FountainView at Epcot Re-Opens as Starbucks Location

WDWNT on September 13, 2013

FountainView at Epcot re-opened yesterday after several months of remodeling for the Starbucks takeover. Let’s take a look at this new location:

The exterior keeps the round shape, but looks very different

At night, the signage is a different color depending on where you are looking at it from

Yes, there is a big Starbucks logo in Epcot…

The menu is identical to the Main Street location, offering 4 breakfast sandwiches, assorted pastries, and drinks

The inside looks really sharp and has a feel very much like current Spaceship Earth or Test Track

An assortment of Starbucks products here as well

Overall, there is nothing really special about this location, but we think it looks really nice. Now the question is when is Starbucks coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom and where will they be going?

The Food Truck Craze Is Coming to Downtown Disney

WDWNT on September 13, 2013

Calling all Walt Disney World Foodies! Food trucks are all the rage these days, and now they are coming to Downtown Disney. These trucks will be rolling in later this Autumn.

Chef James Kleinschmidt and Downtown Disney Area Manager for Food & Beverage, Matt Fisher, have been working together with the Walt Disney World Food & Beverage partners on the food truck concept. According to these two, there will be four food trucks, each truck to represent the essence of a different Disney Park.

The food trucks are:

“Enchanted Fare” — this food truck will serve favorites from Disney Parks; for example, Croque Monsieur from Magic Kingdom Park, Glass Noodle Salad from Hong Kong Disneyland and Hand-Dipped Corn Dogs from Disneyland Park.

“The World Showcase of Flavors” – this food truck is will include feature menu items from the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, such as Grass-Fed Beef Sliders, Pierogies with Kielbasa and Lobster Rolls.

“Superstar Catering” — Meatballs will be the “star” of this food truck! A variety of meatball dishes, like the Lamb Meatball Flatbread with Tzatziki, will be showcased on this truck’s menu.

“Namaste Café” — this food truck will infuse a mix of spices into their menu items, such as Butter Chicken, Slow-Cooked Beef Short Ribs and Tandori Spiced Shrimp.

Are you a fan of the food truck craze? From which Downtown Disney food truck will you be sampling?

Dirk Wallen’s 7/27-29/13 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Epcot, the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Downtown Disney over the last three days and has a ton of newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

More touch-point entrances are being installed at Epcot

The exit has been moved to accommodate this work

Work continues on Fountain View which will open as Starbucks in the Fall

This booth is once again out from behind walls… let’s see if it actually opens this time…

The latest Remember When pin is out, featuring Journey Into Jungle Book from Animal Kingdom

Walls are still up around this planter on World Showcase promenade

Hard to see, but roads have been paved for the third bus loop at the Magic Kingdom

There is some major concrete work happening outside of the Emporium

Walls are down from around this sign

White tarps up on this Main Street facade for whatever reason

Planes merchandise has landed at the Emporium

New crossword Mickey Mouse iPhone 5 phone case

These walls are still up in Liberty Square

Walls still up at the old Peter Pan restrooms in Fantasyland

This awesome sign featuring the two lines at the Mad Tea Party finally went back up this week

Still nothing to see at Princess Fairytale Hall

Plenty to see over at the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train site

You can now see hills and valleys where the trains will dive down and rise up… this looks pretty incredible…

Work has just about wrapped up on the back of the mountain

We’re still waiting for Triton’s Treasures to open

One tarp is still up on the building

FastPass+ running at Magic Carpets of Aladdin

The FastPass+ entrance is also ready to go at Pirates of the Caribbean

A new marquee and times board are up at the American Idol Experience

Signage points FastPass+ guests down to here to enter

The Hollywood Brown Derby is testing a new lunch menu right now and it looks amazing

Moving to the Studios, Planes banners are up in the Animation Courtyard

Planes and Frozen billboards up in the Animation Courtyard as well

FastPass+ at the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

Moving to Downtown Disney, one of the West Side parking lots has already been closed for construction

Demolition continues at the former Comedy Warehouse

A new bridge is being constructed from the West Side to Pleasure Island, going around the planned construction area

Full Menus & Special Event Registration Date Announced for 2013 Epcot Food & Wine Festival

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

Foodie fans of Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival know how important it is to call ahead for spots at the first-class events during the festival. With even more new events and cuisines to try this year, including a Parisian breakfast, a Scottish part and a Hibachi dinner, it will be even more crucial to have the reservation phone number on speed dial.

Attendees of the upcoming International Food and Wine Festival, held from September 27th to November 11th, will need to set their alarms for 7 a.m. on August 13th to make a reservation for their selected events. The number on speed dial? 1-800-WDW-FEST (939-3378). There is a full listing of demonstrations and seminars, go to www.epcotfoodfestival.com.

During a sneak peek this past weekend, diners were able to sample a few of the upcoming festival dishes, including a Brazilian crispy pork belly with pureed black beans and sweet onions, avocado and cilantro micro-greens. Another favorite of the diners was the South Korean marketplace’s kimchi hot dog with spicy mustard sauce. Scotland’s seared Scottish salmon with cauliflower puree, watercress and malt vinaigrette, was served alongside Canada’s Le Cellier wild mushroom beef filet mignon with truffle butter sauce.

Dole Whips also made an appearance at the preview event; the festival Whips were made with oranges and a hint of crème de cacao white.

You can find a complete list of Marketplace Menu, including wine, beer, and cocktails, for the 2013 International Food & Wine Festival below:

Terra:

Trick’n Chick’n Curry with Basmati Rice featuring Gardein™ Chick’n Breast
Chili Colorado with House-made Chips and Cashew Cheese featuring Gardein™ Beefless Tips*
Chocolate Cake with Coconut Mousse and Passion Fruit Sauce
Fresh Watermelon Juice
Napa Smith Organic IPA
The Vegan Vine Chardonnay
The Vegan Vine Red Blend

Brazil (All-New Menu):

Seared Scallop with Ragout of Tomatoes, Peppers, Hearts of Palm and Steamed Rice
Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Onions, Avocado and Cilantro
Cerveharias Kaiser Brewery Xingu Black Beer
Carnaval Moscato White
Frozen Caipirinha featuring LeBlon Cachaça

Argentina:

Beef Empanada
Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Purée
Pascual Toso Sparkling Brut
Terrazas Reserva Malbec
Terrazas Reserva Torrontes
Kaiken Cabernet Sauvignon

Australia:

Garlic Shrimp with Roasted Tomatoes, Lemon Myrtle and Rapini
Grilled Lamb Chop with Mint Pesto and Potato Crunchies
Pavlova (Crispy Meringue Shell with Fresh Driscoll’s® Berries and Vanilla Custard)
Rosemont Estate Pinot Grigio
Wolf Blass Gold Label Chardonnay
Rosemont Estate Merlot
Penfolds Bin 8 Cabernet Shiraz

Mexico:

Shrimp Taco with Purple Cabbage
Taco de Ribeye with Salsa de Chipotle
Rice Pudding
Dos Equis Beer
Sangria
Tequila Flight
Mango-Habanero Margarita

Singapore:

Lemongrass Chicken Curry with Coconut and Jasmine Rice
Seared Mahi Mahi with Jasmine Rice and “Singa” Sauce
Tiger Beer
Marqués de Caceres Satinela
Singapore Sing featuring Hendrick’s Gin and Cherry Herring (garnished with Cherry Man Farm-to-Market All-Natural maraschino cherry)

China:

Mongolian Beef in a Steamed Bun
Black Pepper Shrimp with Sichuan Noodles
Chicken Potstickers
Silky Spun Ice with Toppings (three flavors: Coconut, Strawberry, Chocolate)
Tsing Tao Beer
Francis Ford Coppola Su Yuen Riesling
Francis Ford Coppola Su Yuen Syrah
Kung Fu Punch with Vodka
Happy Lychee with Vodka
Lychee Aerated Water

South Korea:

Kimchi Dog with Spicy Mustard Sauce
Lettuce Wrap with Roast Pork and Kimchi Slaw
Bohae Black Raspberry Wine – Bokbunjajoo
Jinro Chamisul Soju
Soju Fruit Slushy featuring Jinro Chamisul Soju

Africa:

Berbere Style Beef with Onions, Jalapeños, Tomato, Okra and Pap
Spinach and Paneer Cheese Pocket
Man Vintners Chenin Blanc
The Wolftrap Red (Syrah, Mourvèdre, Viognier)
Porcupine Ridge Syrah

Cheese:

Almond Crusted Blue Cheese Soufflé with Fig Jam
Artisan Cheese Selection: Flagship Reserve Cheddar, La Bonne Vie Triple Crème Brie, Wijngaard
Goats Gouda
Once Upon a Vine’s The Lost Slipper Sauvignon Blanc
Once Upon a Vine’s The Fairest Chardonnay
Once Upon a Vine’s The Big Bad Red Blend
Once Upon a Vine’s A Charming Pinot

Brewer’s Collection:

Schöfferhofer Grapefruit
Altenmünster Oktoberfest
Warsteiner Premium Verum
Warsteiner Premium Dunkel
Radeberger Pilsner
BraufactuM Palor
BraufactuM Roog Smoked Wheat Beer
BraufactuM Darkon
Beer Flight 1: Schöfferhofer Grapefruit, Altenmünster Oktoberfest, Warsteiner Premium Verum, Warsteiner Premium Dunkel
Beer Flight 2: Radeberger Pilsner, BraufactuM Palor, BraufactuM Roog Smoked Wheat Beer, BraufactuM Darkon

Germany:

Schinken Nudel (Pasta Gratin with Ham & Cheese)
Roast Bratwurst in a Pretzel Roll
Apple Strudel with Werther’s Original Karamel and Vanilla Sauce
Altenmünster Oktoberfest
Braufactum Darkon
J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Kabinett
Selbach-Oster Mosel Riesling Spätlese
J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Auslese
Weingut Pitthan Dornfelder Dry Barrique Style

Poland:

Kielbasa and Potato Pierogie with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream
Zapiekanki (Toasted Mushroom, Caramelized Onion and Cheese Bread with House-made Ketchup)
Okocim Brewery, Okocim O.K. Beer
Temptation Zinfandel
Frozen Szarlotka (Apple Pie) featuring Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka

Italy:

Ravioli de formaggio all’emiliana
Salsiccia e ‘Papacelli” Napoletani
Cannoli al Cioccolato
Moretti Beer
Moretti La Rosa
Procecco
Pinot Grigio Placido
Chianti Placido
Italian Margherita

American Adventure Coffee Cart:

Shakin’ Jamaican Coffee – Made with Kāhlua, Vanilla and Caramel. Served Hot or Frozen

Hops & Barley:

Lobster Roll with Lemon Herb Mayonnaise
New England Clam Chowder with a side of Tabasco®
Craisin® Bread Pudding with Grand Marnier Anglaise
Samuel Adams Boston Lager®
Samuel Adams® Octoberfest
Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat®
Rogue Chocolate Stout
Iron Horse Fairy Tale Cuvée
Beer Flight 1: Samuel Adams Boston Lager®, Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat®, Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat®, Rogue Chocolate Stout

Florida Local:

Florida Grass Fed Beef Slider with Monterey Jack and Sweet & Hot Pickles
Florida Shrimp Ceviche with Fire Roasted Vegetables and Micro Cilantro
Cigar City Brewing Florida Cracker Belgian-style White Ale
Orlando Brewing, Sun Shade Organic Pale Ale
Florida Orange Groves, Hurricane Class 5 White Sangria
Florida Orange Groves, Key Limen-Key Lime Wine

Japan:

California Roll
Spicy Hand Roll
Teriyaki Chicken Hand Roll
Youki Tofu topped with Miso Sauce, Edamame and Served with Grilled Vegetables
Sapporo Draft Beer
Sake: Junmai Ginjo
Green Tea Colada

Morocco:

Kefta Pocket
Harissa Chicken Roll
Baklava
Casa Beer
Ksar White
Sangria
Mimosa Royale

New Zealand:

Gratinated Green Lip Mussels with Garlic and Herbs
Lamb Meatball with Spicy Tomato Chutney
Venison Sausage with Pickled Mushrooms, Baby Arugula and Black Currant Reduction
Kim Crawford Pinot Grigio
Mohua Sauvignon Blanc
Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay
Kim Crawford Pinot Noir

Belgium:

Potato and Leek Waffle with Braised Beef
Belgian Waffle with Warm Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Cream
Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote featuring Driscoll’s® Berries and Whipped Cream
Hoegaarden
Stella Artois
Leffe Blonde
Leffe Brune
Beer Flight 1: Hoegaarden, Stella Artois, Leffe Blonde, Leffe Brune
Chilled Coffee featuring Godiva Chocolate Liqueur

France:

Escargots Persillade en Brioche (Garlic and Parsley Snails in Brioche)
Boeuf Bourguignon (Braised Short Ribs in Cabernet with Mashed Potatoes)
Crème Brûlée au Chocolat au Lait (Chocolate Milk Crème Brûlée topped with Caramelized Sugar)
Beer Kronenbourg Blanc
Chardonnay, Macon-Villages, La Côte Blanche
Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, Château Bonnet
Sparkling Pomegranate Kir
Eiffel Sour Cosmo Slush (Vodka, Grey Goose Cherry Noir, Grand Marnier, Cranberry Juice)

Ireland:

Lobster and Seafood Fisherman’s Pie
Kerrygold Cheese Selection: Reserve Cheddar, Dubliner with Irish Stout, Skellig
Warm Chocolate Pudding with Bailey’s® Custard
Guinness Draught
Bunratty Meade Honey Wine
Chilled Irish Coffee featuring Bunratty Potcheen

Canada:

Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup
Seared Rainbow Trout with Bacon, Frisee and Maple Minus 8 Vinaigrette
“Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce
Moosehead Lager
La Face Neige Apple Ice Wine
La Face Neige Sparkling
Mission Hill Family Estate Syrah

Greece:

Taste of Greece: Grilled & Marinated Calamari, Hitipiti, Eggplant Dip, Olives and Pita Bread
Griddled Greek Cheese with Pistachios and Honey
Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce
Spanakopita
Dannon Oikos® Light & Fit Blueberry Greek Yogurt
Domaine Skouras Moscofilero
Domaine Siglas Assyrtiko/Athiri
Alpha Estate Axia Syrah
Ouzo by Metaxa

Refreshment Port:

Dole® Pineapple Fritters
Fried Shrimp with Dole® Pineapple Sweet and Sour Sauce
Fried Chicken Chunks with Dole® Pineapple Sweet and Sour Sauce
Orange Dole® Whip
Orange Dole® Whip with Crème de Cacao White
Dragon Berry Colada featuring Bacardi® Dragon Berry Rum

Desserts & Champagne:

Chocolate Orange Cupcake
Hazelnut Chocolate Cheesecake
Morello Cherry Pistachio Mousse
Dessert Trio
Guylian Belgian Chocolate Seashell Truffles
Frozen S’mores
Pyramid™Weiss Cream Beer
Möet & Chandon Ice Impérial
Möet & Chandon Impérial
Möet & Chandon Nectar Impérial Rosé
Nicolas Feuillatte Rosé

Hawai’i:

Kālua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour Dole® Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise
Tuna Poke with Seaweed Salad and Lotus Root Chips
Kona Brewing Company’s Big Wave Golden Ale
Kona Brewing Company’s Pipeline Porter
Lucien Albrecht Gewurztraminer Réserve
Aulani Sunrise featuring Ocean Vodka

Scotland (New):

Seared Scottish Salmon with Cauliflower Puree, Watercress and Malt Vinaigrette
Vegetarian Haggis with Neeps and Tatties-Griddled Vegetable Cake with Rutabaga and Mashed Potatoes
Scottish Banoffee Tart with Bananas, Scottish Whisky Toffee, Walkers Shortbread Crumbles and Sweet Cream
Innis & Gunn® Original
Loch Lomond featuring Glenfiddich® 12 year
Glenfiddich® Scotch Flight (12, 15 and 18 year)

Craft Beers:

Dogfish Head Brewery, Namaste
Abita Brewing Company, Fall Fest
Leinenkugel’s® Seasonal Shandy, (Summer Shandy/Orange Shandy)
Florida Beer Company, Devil’s Triangle
New Belgium Brewing Company, Fat Tire
Widmer Brothers Brewing®, Alchemy Ale
Red Hook, Audible Ale
Sierra Nevada, Torpedo® Extra IPA
Beer Flight 1: Dogfish Head Brewery Namaste, Abita Brewing Company Fall Fest, Leinenkugel’s® Seasonal Shandy, Florida Beer Company Devil’s Triangle
Beer Flight 2: New Belgium Brewing Company Fat Tire, Widmer Brother s Brewing Alchemy Ale, Red Hook Audible Ale, Sierra Nevada Torpedo®

Are you attending this year’s International Food & Wine Festival at Epcot? Which menu items will you be trying?

A Week’s Worth of Special Fireworks to Mark July 4th, 2013 at WDW

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

Disney Parks guests can get their red, white and blue on for an entire week during a special tribute to the stars and stripes with Independence Week July 1-7, 2013 — all part of Limited Time Magic at Walt Disney World Resort.

It’s a seven-day patriotic extravaganza as Disney Parks honor America with a Fourth of July celebration like never before. At Magic Kingdom, a 15-minute 360-degree fireworks spectacular rockets into the air every night with ”Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.”

Guests can enjoy a patriotic spectacle as Goofy, Donald and Pluto lead a spirited procession down Main Street, U.S.A, prior to the daily Celebrate a Dream Come True parade at Magic Kingdom. The rousing pre-parade features the Main Street Philharmonic, Citizens of Main Street and Walt Disney’s historic horse-drawn calliope.

Patriotic-themed merchandise and tasty treats inspired by Americana will also be on the menu all week long.

Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will participate on July 4th only with the following festivities:

At Epcot, guests can meet with Disney characters adorned in patriotic dress from 11:30am-2:30pm and 3:30pm-6pm. An afternoon of live entertainment kicks off at 12:30 p.m. in the America Gardens Theatre with the Voices of Liberty Fourth of July concert. This holiday special is a harmonizing partnership of the eight-part, a capella Voices of Liberty, Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps and Disney characters. Additional showtimes are at 1:45pm and 3pm. There are also two sets inside the American Adventure rotunda at 4:15pm and 5:00pm. The Heartbeat of Freedom, a special tribute following IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, lights up the sky at 10 p.m.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, enjoy a twist on traditional fireworks with the all-new “Rockin’ 4th of July Celebration”. The party begins at the Sorcerer Hat with a DJ at 6 pm. At 7, 8, 9 and 10 p.m., Mulch, Sweat & Shears will take you on a musical road trip through America. Everything leads up to a special rock ‘n roll fireworks presentation at 10:15 p.m

Tom Corless’ 6/5-6/15/13 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

This photo report may be a bit late, but I figured it was better lat than never. I have been all over the Walt Disney World parks the last few days and I have taken a lot of photos, so let’s look at what is new and noteworthy at the Vacation Kingdom of the World:

A ton of new merchandise has been released at Disney’s Polynesian Resort

Window decal

Magnet

Mug

Shot-glass… I mean toothpick holder

I really like the artwork a lot

Moving to the Magic Kingdom, there are some new hats for sale in the Emporium

Those are… different…

There is now a trading box just for Park Starz Vinylmation at Frontierland Trading Outpost

A strange wall up in Liberty Square, somewhat near the Haunted Mansion

The canopy was recently replaced in the Haunted Mansion queue

Some work is taking place on the second level of Grizzly Hall, so the Country Bear Jamboree sign is down

You can now get a frozen root beer slush at Pecos Bill’s

More importantly, you can get it in a Lone Ranger boot-shaped cup!

It’s actually quite big

Tarps are down at Princess Fairytale Hall, but we still can’t see much…

Work continues on the much-anticipated Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train attraction

A section on the back of the mountain is out from behind walls

It serves as stroller parking for Under The Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid

Triton’s Treasures looks like it might open very soon

The path to Storybook Circus from Mermaid is now officially open all the time

There is stroller parking for Ariel’s Grotto as well

A look at the other side of the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train

Moving to Epcot, that new food cart that never opened has now been ripped down again…

I’m not really sure what the deal is with this kiosk and if it will ever actually open

One of the escalators in The Land is being repaired

The Mickey made of hops is growing in nicely at Living with the Land

With the escalator broken, the backstage area near Soarin’ is being used to exit guests out of the bottom floor of The Land

Cool

It dumps guests out by the Imagination! restrooms

There are some cool attraction poster magnets being sold now

Some new iPhone 5 cases have been released, including Oswald

New Grumpy case for the iPhone 4S

“Mine!” case for the iPhone 5

New Mickey case for the iPhone 5

There was a new Star Tours case for the iPhone 4S and 5 out at Tatooine Traders a few days ago, but last we checked it had sold out for the 5

Staying at Studios, FastPass+ signage about to go up at Disney Junior

Some props and costumes from Oz: The Great and Powerful are now on display at the AFI Showcase

There is a wacky souvenir cup that comes in two sizes now available at Backlot Express….

The Monsters University topiary from the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival has found its way to the front of Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the Monstrous Summer

Going back to Epct, they have changed the tarps for Spice Road Table in Morocco to photo tarps that blend in

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

There are some cool Summer Vacation shirts now on sale

Going back to the Magic Kingdom, the FastPass+ entrance at “it’s a small world” is ready to go

The normal entrance now has a stand-by entrance sign

A more recent look at the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train

A metal wall has risen where the track appeared over the construction walls in the back of the mountain

You can now purchase your own Gaston’s Tavern sign at Bonjour Village Gifts

Dirk Wallen’s 6/27/13 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Animal Kingdom, the Villas at the Grand Floridian, and Epcot earlier today and took some great photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

Starting at Animal Kingdom, Kodak signage is gone from the Camera Center

With FastPass+ currently testing, It’s Tough to be a Bug once again has a FastPass queue

There are still some construction walls up under the Tree of Life, meaning they are still installing nets under it

Wow, they’ve caught plenty of stuff…

Over at Camp Minnie-Mickey, this theater is still just stroller parking

Since it isn’t closing in this location just yet, they are using FastPass+ at Festival of the Lion King

Pocahontas has moved into one of the greeting trails at Camp Minnie-Mickey

Chip and Dale have moved into another

Work continues on the new Festival of the Lion King theater in Africa

Still not much to see

Work is wrapping up on the FastPass+ queue at Finding Nemo: The Musical

The signage is now up

Leaving Animal Kingdom, work continues on the Villas at the Grand Floridian

I’m not crazy about the plain white sides, but I’ll hold my judgement until the building is finished

Scaffolding is down on the water side and it looks fantastic

Work continues on the new bus loop at the Magic Kingdom

More turnstile conversions happening at Epcot

The middle section that is typically the exit is walled-off

Some touch-point entrances are going to be here soon

In other news, they are still patching up the landscaping from the Flower and Garden Festival

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:

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…