Peak Inside Flower & Garden 2012

WDWNT on March 26, 2012

I had some time yesterday to drop by Day 1 of the 2012 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival. The opening scene was from Fantasia with Sorcerer Mickey rising high above the walking mops. The sides of display featured dancing animals included ostriches, hippos and gators. Of course, the Fab 5 graced the entrance to World Showcase and the princes and princesses danced within. Hope you enjoy these first pictures, I’ll bring you more on my next visit this weekend. (click any for larger image)

EPCOT 30th Merchandise

WDWNT on March 26, 2012

Somewhere over the course of the past couple years, EPCOT has seemed to replace Magic Kingdom as my favorite Walt Disney World park. It’s the one I end up at the most as it’s so enjoyable to just go, walk around, take pictures and have a bite to eat there. This October the park turns 30. It’s undergone many changes over the years… some of our favorite attractions have come and gone. I’m not sure if it’s just rose colored glasses, but today’s EPCOT attractions do not seem to be as cool as some of the extinct ones. I also enjoy the retro designs of EPCOT much more than styles we see today. That is why I was thrilled when I read the latest post on the Disney Parks Blog. It is a sneak peak at some of the upcoming merchandise, and very specifically, pins.

I’m really excited about all the retro inspired merchandise that will be coming out later this year. But I have to say, just as my bank account was recovering from last year’s WDW 40th and The Florida Project, I am afraid I’ll see another dip this fall. No mention of Vinylmation… but what would you like to see? Some single 3″ or 9″? How about an LE set? Coming on the heals of a few EPCOT related LE sets from the WDW-centric Park 7 (Kitchen Kaberet and Tapestry of Nations) I’m not sure how much we will see, but I would love it! Check out the full Disney Parks Blog article here. There are a few more designs revealed.

Blueprints To a Successful Vinylmation

WDWNT on March 26, 2012

Among the large cardboard cut outs of Vinylmation that adorn the windows of Mouse Gears at EPCOT, we occasionally see a design unfamiliar to us. Last week was one such occasion.

This design was stuck next to good old Park 5 chaser Tom Morrow. It appears to be a blueprint. I for one love the design and hope it is part of an upcoming Urban series, as this is a throwback to Urbans of yesteryear that we at DV enjoy so much. What do you think of Blueprint Mickey?

Zach Larson’s 2/6/12 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

From Super Bowl MVP parades to Animal Kingdom, WDWNT Reporter Zach Larson brings us around the world with him on a very busy photo report. Let’s take a look:

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Land clearing continues for the Grand Floridian DVC wing

overgrowth getting cleared away

Meanwhile, some brush is being cleared from this island in the Seven Seas Lagoon

The main street characters were out entertaining guests waiting for Eli Manning to parade down the street. I really don’t like the new one in the beige shorts…

They were offering free balloons with every audio guide purchased! 😉

Giants fans out in force

Here comes the Super Bowl MVP

Congratulations to our hometown champions, the New York Giants… even though I’m a Dolphins fan… stop laughing…

The Big Thunder Mountain refurbishment rolls on

I love this sign

The Pecos Bill’s facade is out from behind tarps and looks great

More of the facade still covered

The Frontierland Trading Post still behind tarps

Pathway work continues and Electrical Parade takes a break and Celebrate a Dream Come True stays on Main Street

Work continues on the old Fantasyland Skyway

Restrooms are coming, but rumors say to expect more

Rumors indicate that a Tangled play area and an area for guests to rest and recharge electronics is coming

Work continues on the Peter Pan’s Flight queue

Crane up in New Fantasyland

The new Tomorrowland/Fantasyland vending cart costume is a better fit for Tomorrowland in my opinion

Work continues on the castle walls

The crane! The crane!

Storybook Circus

The Dumbo queue is coming along

Beast’s Castle

They are finally topping Prince Eric’s Castle at Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid

A spire finally appears at the very edge of the castle! PROGRESS!

Fantasyland Station is looking great

The old Dumbo spinner is now sitting next to the completed new spinner

I really love the pastels

It’s hard to improve a simple spinner, but I think they have

Circus tents

Awww….

Bye balloons… sniff…

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Main Street bridge work continues

Center Street still behind tarps

Chamber of Commerce/Package Pick-Up behind tarps as well

Cosmic Ray’s installed these screen menu boards a while ago

I like this shot…

Lights were on in Space Mountain

Long line for the Peoplemover

Something is missing…

Oooooo…

Walls still up behind the shrunken pet cemetery

Ooooo….

Another new Haunted Mansion shirt

On to Epcot

Test Track on the map, get them while you can

Kind of empty…

The screen works!

This scene may be gone soon…

GM cars out in the loop

Punch it Chewie!

Plenty of blue Chevy labeled cars out

The VISION House is coming to Innoventions soon

Habit Heroes is testing

Some clever puns… good thing this isn’t DCA…

The Final Boss, He's defeated with exercise.

There were quite a few bugs and they weren’t allowing pics inside, so listen to next week’s podcast for a full review

Doors locked for some reason

MINE!

No, they are not putting FASTPASS machines in…

Nemo?

In case you don’t know how to play Simon…

Preparations have begun for the Flower and garden Festival

They keep adding more and more signs for Kim Possible

The new Future World directional signs

The Canada facade refurbishment is done and it looks brand new

Leave a Legacy being fixed up

Over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, work continues on one of the paths in the Oasis

Kali River Rapids is closed for refurbishment

These were added some time ago, but the seating area at the Yak and Yeti counter service now has covered sections

I miss these signs that don’t say dream builders…

The drink window was open

A Brave Photoshoot

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

Merida and the Triplets from the Disney Pixar movie Brave recently posed for some pictures for us at Epcot.

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AJ P’s 2/12 Walt Disney World Resort Photo Report

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

WDWNT reader AJ P. was nice enough to offer us some newsworthy photos they took on their recent trip to Walt Disney World, so let’s take a look around all 4 parks and Downtown Disney:

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Land clearing continues for the Grand Floridian DVC wing

the rain left some large puddles

Welcome to the Magic Kingdom

Chamber of Commerce behind tarps

The Bakery as well

On to New Fantasyland

Work being done on the facade of Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid

Large walls popping up on the site of the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train

Supports and such for the Mine Train in the foreground, Storybook Circus tents in the background

A green and red wall will separate the forest from Storybook Circus

A look across to Belle’s Village

The remains of Dumbo right in front of an expanding Castle Wall

Dumbo is coming along quickly

The backside isn’t themed in any way, but it faces the Speedway, so it will match nicely…

The Barnstormer tower

Circus tents

Walls still up near the Haunted Mansion

The Sunshine Tree Terrace is still behind tarps

Tarps still up at Pecos Bill’s

The planters have been repaired in Tomorrowland, but they have temporary covers until plants are placed

On to Downtown Disney, work continues on Splitsville

Doesn’t look like much has happened inside yet

Rainforest Cafe is open while work is done on the exterior

Concept art shows the new exterior and the new Lava Lounge

Stitch is gone from the World of Disney sign

Work being done on the pavement outside the store

Moving over to Epcot

Flower and Garden Festival preperation

Work continues on the entrances to the Seas with Nemo and Friends

The water play areas in Future World are being fixed-up

Tutto Italia is finally being remodeled after 5 years in the former Alfredo’s building

The exterior is being ripped apart

The old waiting area is gone…

The horror… THE HORROR!

I hope they are fixing the menu here as well, because Via Napoli makes this place look silly

The other water play area behind walls

Modifications being made to the Spaceship Earth queue in preparation for the eventual roll-out of Xpass…

We’re going to animal Kingdom!

For one piece of news… they are still repairing the rock-work in the Oasis

Adam Roth’s 12/20/11 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on December 22, 2011

WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Epcot on Tuesday and has some newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip, so let’s take a look:

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The steam is on at Everest

Pretty…

No bird 🙁

He’s there…

Apparently it’s catching on…

Primeval Whirl re-opened from a LONG refurbishment back in October

While we may not like this “off the shelf” ride, it does look refreshed

You can only refresh it so much…

LOVE the christmas decorations in Dinoland

Moving on to Epcot

The RFID turnstiles are completely gone

They’ll probably be back soon…

Hey, let’s try Katsura Grill in Japan!

It’s a little crowded

The Tonosama Combo

The Okanami Yaki. Adam didn’t think either was very good…

YAY! It’s the holidays!

Have fun in line everybody!

This is enough to scare anyone away…

AMAZING!

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“If you would like one, they are available in the gift shop”

“If you are made uncomfortable by Gary Sinease…”

I see you re-decorated Test Track car!

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And one final destination…

“Hello!”

“Seat, seatbelt, carry-on items, safety strap, fear of flying, keep your hands and arms inside at all times… anything else? Oh yeah, have a nice flight.”

Josh Siegel’s 12/15/11 Epcot Photo Report

WDWNT on December 17, 2011

WDWNT Reporter Josh Siegel visited Epcot last night and has a number of newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip:

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The Germany train village is decorated for the holidays

Candlelight Processional

Santa’s Village at the American Adventure

Plenty of holiday merchandise available

Precious Moments Disney dolls

More Precious Moments

You can build your own Disney Christmas village with these pieces

Decorations at the American Adventure

Hanukkah display

How to make one large gingerbread house

Katsura Grill at the Japan pavilion is now open

It looks nice after the long remodel

A look at the menu

Epcot Christmas tree

New directional signage is up around Future World

The signage is either blue or green, again pointing to the eventual renaming of Future World East and West as Blue/Green that we have been talking about for a few years

Topiary display near Innoventions

A booth on the walkway between Future World and World Showcase behind walls

Stage set for Joyful!

The tip board still works and is decorated for the holidays!

The Stitch topiary lights up at night

Lilo and Stitch signed the back

Bambi

Thumper and Flower

If you can’t have real snow…

Sayonara Yakitori House, Konnichiwa Katsura Grill

WDWNT on December 6, 2011

From Pam Brandon on the Disney Parks Blog:

Just in time for the busy winter holidays, Katsura Grill at the Japan Pavilion in Epcot World Showcase is open – a beautiful space that replaces the former Yakitori House. The new exterior is inspired by the strolling gardens at the historic Katsura Imperial Villa outside Kyoto, Japan, established in the 1600s and one of Japan’s cultural treasures.

It’s a nice respite on World Showcase Promenade, with quick-service dishes from sushi to Japanese curry, teriyaki and udon noodles – no big changes from the old menu (but they did add edamame, a favorite lo-cal, high-protein snack) and tweaked a few of the old favorites. Our new favorite addition is Okonomiyaki, a traditional Japanese pancake (sometimes described as a pizza) topped with veggies and a tangy sauce – crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Also new is a crispy, panko-breaded chicken sandwich, and a cold ramen noodle dish with shredded crab stick in a sweet soy dressing.

Sip a Kirin beer, plum wine or hot or cold sake and enjoy the gardens!

“VISION House” Coming to Innoventions at Epcot

WDWNT on December 1, 2011

Green Builder® Media Announces

VISION House® in INNOVENTIONS at Epcot®

Exhibit focuses on helping homeowners reduce their environmental impact

Seattle, WA, November 30, 2011– Green Builder Media, North America’s leading media company focused on sustainable living, recently announced its plans to construct the VISION House, a green home exhibit in INNOVENTIONS located in the heart of Epcot®.

Inspired by Green Builder Media’s VISION House demonstration home series, the experiential exhibit will highlight the major themes of whole-home automation, energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor environment quality, security, multi-generational design, and durability. Visitors will learn that each house is a set of interactive systems, and that proper management of those systems will maximize comfort and minimize operational costs.

“We founded Green Builder Media to create positive change in the world,” says Sara Gutterman, CEO of Green Builder Media. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Disney to demonstrate to homeowners that small behavioral modifications can make big differences in their environmental impact. Our goal with the VISION House in INNOVENTIONS at Epcot® is to deliver a powerful and inspiring message that makes sustainability personal—to help families ‘bring green home,’ literally and
figuratively.”

INNOVENTIONS cast members will lead guests at VISION House through a guided tour, featuring building science fundamentals, integrated design elements, green products, and intelligent systems that enhance the home’s sustainability. Then, visitors will be directed into a post-show area, which will contain interactive kiosks that contain further information about sustainable living.

Throughout the exhibit, visitors will be encouraged to consider how they can reduce their personal impact on the planet, as well as changes they can implement in their own
homes to make them more sustainable, healthier, safer, and more durable. As guests tour the home, they will be educated on the latest in advanced products and technologies, including:

• Electronic vehicle charging station by SIEMENS (NYSE: SI)

• Chevy Volt electric vehicle by GM (NYSE: GM)

• High efficiency heating and cooling systems and controls by Trane and innovative whole-home automation system and door hardware by Schlage, both brands of Ingersoll Rand (NYSE: IR)

• Durable and environmentally friendly exterior systems, including smogeating tile roofs, cultured stone, bricks, permeable pavers, and trim by Boral

• Ventilation solutions to improve indoor air quality by Panasonic (NYSE: PC)

• Water-conserving fixtures, faucets, showerheads, and home standby generators

by KOHLER

• ENERGY STAR certified home appliances by Bosch

• LED lighting solutions by SYLVANIA

In addition to the onsite exhibit, Green Builder Media will launch a comprehensive technology platform that will integrate advanced online, mobile, digital, and social media solutions to compliment and expand the onsite experience.

About Green Builder Media

Green Builder® Media, LLC is the leading media company in North America focused on green building and sustainable living. With a comprehensive suite of print and digital media solutions, demonstration projects, case studies, online training, and live events, Green Builder Media assists building professionals in preparing themselves for the new green economy and helps homeowners understand how to live more sustainably.

About INNOVENTIONS at Epcot®

INNOVENTIONS is located in the heart of Epcot® at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Creativity and imagination abound as guests celebrate inspiration and the innovations that improve their lives and expand their horizons. Hands-on, interactive exhibits allow children and adults to be immersed into ideas that inform, entertain and inspire. For more information about INNOVENTIONS, visit www.innoventions.disney.com.