It is assumed any changes would be tied into the film, but it is interesting that these changes will be made at some point ahead of the film’s release and at every Disney Resort that has the attraction apparently.
We’ll keep you in the loop as more information on this story becomes available.
Over the last week, I have seen a number of rumors circling the internet about a volcano-themed roller coaster possibly being constructed in Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom. I find the rumor strange for a number of reasons, first because it seems likely that a TRON roller coaster is being constructed in the park in the next 4 years (why build 2 roller coasters simultaneously?), but secondly, because we have been hearing for over a year now about Walt Disney World’s plans for a new resort hotel themed around a volcano.
Another Disney Parks Volcano – Mount Prometheus, Tokyo DisneySea
About a year ago, a reliable source informed us that Disney was looking to build a new luxury resort in the Magic Kingdom area, one that would have a large volcano at the very center of it. Around the volcano would be all manners of recreational activities, including pools, slides, a lazy river, live entertainment, dining areas, and more.
Original (and still possible) proposed site for volcano-themed hotel
Last I had heard, the project was slated for the land between the Transportation and Ticket Center and Disney’s Contemporary Resort, but the project may have actually moved closer to the Magic Kingdom now. In fact, it might be inside of it, located behind Pirates of the Caribbean and the Jungle Cruise.
The space in the Magic Kingdom rumored for a volcano roller coaster is more likely going to be home to a luxury resort themed around a volcano.
Now, it is possible that this somehow has morphed into a roller coaster or that is a competing idea for the space, but this resort has been on the table for a while and seems likely to happen one way or another. The project is still in the development phase, so it could be quite a while until we hear anything official from Disney on the fate of the parcels, but the rumor seemed relevant with all the talk of Magic Kingdom volcanoes going on at the moment.
Stay tuned as we will update you on the story as more becomes available on it.
Last night, many of the new effects and pyro for Happily Ever After at the Magic Kingdom were tested out for the very first time and were visible to guests around the Magic Kingdom resort area. If these photos are any indication, we are in for an amazing new nighttime spectacular…
Happily Ever After at the Magic Kingdom, photo by Disney Photo Snapper
These photos show a lighting test, which at first looks similar to what we see in Once Upon a Time, but just wait until you see how they have amplified the effect…
Happily Ever After at the Magic Kingdom, photo by Disney Photo Snapper
Mind you, these photos were taken from far outside of the park. Pretty amazing, huh?
Happily Ever After at the Magic Kingdom, photo by Disney Photo Snapper
If you look closely at Cinderella Castle, you may even spot some stars created by lasers being projected onto the face of the classic icon.
Happily Ever After at the Magic Kingdom, photo by Disney Photo Snapper
Next week, “Wishes” will have its last performance at the Magic Kingdom on the evening of Thursday May 11th and “Happily Ever After” will debut the next night on May 12th. In order to accommodate larger crowd levels expected for the final/first shows, Disney is adding additional viewing areas for fireworks over the next few days.
To accommodate the additional guests, Disney is opening up an a viewing area in the cast member parking lot located next to the Main Street bypass (behind Tomorrowland) on May 6th, 11th, 12th, and 13th. The backstage bypass between Main Street and Adventureland may also be opened to guests if the crowd levels are high enough.
With less than 10 days until the ‘Happily Ever After’ Nighttime Spectacular debuts at the Magic Kingdom, Disney is trying to advertise for the show and hype people up as much as possible. Today, Disney has given us another look into this amazing show coming to the park. In today’s video, Imagineers show us how they prepared for this one of a kind show. Here is that video below from The Disney Parks Blog:
Happily Ever After debuts at the Magic Kingdom on May 12th.
The Walt Disney World Monorail system routes around the Magic Kingdom will be operating a little differently on several dates through the end of May 2017.
On these dates, the Resort Monorail will travel between Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Magic Kingdom. It will not stop at the Transportation and Ticket Center or Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The Express Monorail will make a stop at the Contemporary in addition to its regular stops at the TTC and the Magic Kingdom to accommodate guests.
The modified routes will operate on May 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th, and 30th, 2017, from 11:30AM to 6:00PM.
Quite a few months ago, Walt Disney World finally announced that they had purchased new parking trams to transport guests in their theme park parking lots. We of course had spotted the trams long before this, just sitting around in the Transportation and Ticket Center parking lot long before this, but where awaiting the debut of the much-needed replacement vehicles. Now, Walt Disney World is finally getting around to painting these new trams with the color-coding system (somewhat similar to the monorail) that they promised…
The tram was spotted today at the TTC in all of its vintage stylings. While the color seems like a bit much, it is nice to see the older logos and typefaces in use.
There is still no word on when these will debut and what the other colors will be, but we will let you know as we (and fellow readers, like this one) spot more of them around.
This week, perhaps the most-beloved fireworks extravaganza of all-time is saying goodbye and the most technologically advanced to date will debut at the Magic Kingdom, and WDWNT.com will be celebrating all week long with special content!
Beginning May 12, 2017, Walt Disney World guests can discover the newest, most spectacular fireworks show in the history of Magic Kingdom Park with “Happily Ever After.” The stunning new nighttime extravaganza will feature more lasers, lights and projections than any Magic Kingdom Park show before it. Characters and scenes from more than 25 Disney films will be featured through state-of-the-art projections, enchanted by more than 50 choreographed spotlights, brilliant lasers and plenty of awe-inspiring fireworks. (Disney)
Here’s the schedule:
Back to the Future LIVE!: Wishes and the History of Magic Kingdom Fireworks Spectaculars – Monday, May 8th at 9PM
Streaming live on YouTube, catch the next edition of WDWNT’s beloved history show Back to the Future, as we delve into the history of Wishes and all that came before it. Fireworks are synonymous with the Magic Kingdom and Cinderella Castle, but how did that come to be? Well, we’ll show you during this multimedia program.
LIVE from The Magic Kingdom – Goodbye Wishes and Hello Happily Ever After – Thursday, May 11th & Friday, May 12th
Join Tom Corless and crew live from The Magic Kingdom for the final performance ever of Wishes Fireworks Spectacular on May 11th, and the first-ever performance of Happily Ever After on May 12th. Live streaming information will be shared on those dates.
Special Features
A number of special feature articles will appear on WDWNT.com to celebrate the legacy and your memories of Wishes!
Our latest photo report brings us to the Magic Kingdom, but not before a quick stop at the Polynesian.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Ads for Copper creek are now being handed out since the location is on sale.
A bamboo barrier was erected at Tambu Lounge to separate it from the waiting area.
This was my first time going through security at a monorail station and I must say, it was wonderful. This is a HUGE improvement over the way things were done before and it was so nice to step off the monorail and into the park with just the scan of a MagicBand.
Welcome to The Magic Kingdom
The tagline on the grammatically correct busses was changed to “When You Wish Upon a Star” from “Charmed to See You”. I think this fits better for the Magic Kingdom vehicles. Many of the other phrases for other destinations changed as well.
Getting artsy with a monorail.
In what has been a point of much debate, the Railroad Station sign was changed and now simply says “Magic Kingdom” as opposed to “The Magic Kingdom”. The population sign was also removed, but in fairness, it hasn’t been updated in over a decade.
The local ducks do not seem to care either way.
The main reason for our latest visit was the annual Magic Kingdom Easter Parade on Saturday and Sunday, which you can watch below:
Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 merchandise for sale in the Emporium.
Some of the taller trees around the Hub area have started to be removed for extra viewing space for Happily Ever After.
Yes, we ate at Pecos Bill’s again…
Mostly just to see this duck who refused to use his other leg. Even as people tried to walk past him, he wouldn’t budge.
Work to prepare for new launches in Happily Ever After is taking place up on the rooftops.
Shopping for Her
A new Snow White handbag for sale, $29.95.
There’s also this new reversible tote.
A new-to-me Belle handbag.
These outfits for little girls with tutus seem to be a big deal now. More on those shortly.
I thought that this Cinderella Horse and Carriage playlet was pretty neat.
It even lights up!
Who doesn’t need a backpack with a crown?
Here are the tutus with the matching shirts.
Some other new apparel.
This and That
For the 3 people who drink and like LeFou’s Brew…
The Easter season brings egg-shaped cake pops to the parks.
Some new apparel from the Disney Boutique line.
Slap band s are still cool, right?
A new Alice t-shirt for ladies.
Interestingly enough, there are Star Wars tutus and an entire portion of what was the Princess section of the Emporium is now dedicated to Star Wars.
The new purchase with purchase backpack available resort-wide.
The Humphrey the Bear mug has finally made its way to Florida.
