PHOTOS: Pandora at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Prepares for Massive Thanksgiving Holiday Crowds

Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has been quite popular since it opened back in May, but the wait times and crowd levels inside the park’s newest addition have certainly become more manageable since the Summer. However, the massive crowds expected at Walt Disney World for the Thanksgiving Holiday through Christmas have Disney expecting the return of those higher crowd levels in the new land.

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As you can see in the photo above, the barricade to seperate guests entering and leaving Pandora has returned. Should the crowds in the land reach its capacity, the space to the left can become a queue just to enter the area, nevermind to experience the two attractions or any other offerings inside it. Just two days ago we witnessed a 300 minute wait for Flight of Passage, so demand for Pandora attractions is clearly on the rise once again as many guests who haven’t been to Disney World since the land opened are now clamoring to visit during their holiday vacations.

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With lines expected to be quite long for the Windtraders store and the Banshee Rookery experience, a pop-up shop of some kind is being installed in some unused space outside. It will be interesting to see if this is used for express sales of the Banshee toys that won’t include the adoption experience.

If you are visiting Pandora: The World of AVATAR this week or during any of this holiday season, you should be prepared to battle some massive crowds based on these changes Disney is making.

Permits for Ratatouille Attraction & Expanded France Pavilion Reveal New Details of Epcot Project

A new round of permits have been filed for the upcoming Ratatouille attraction to be located at the France pavilion in Epcot.

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This permit shows the expansive show building to be constructed on the expansion pad between Morocco and France. If you look back to our detailed analysis in June, you’ll see that most of the buildings we predicted would be relocated are indeed now shown in their new locations.

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You’ll see in the lower right corner the new cast break building as well as relocated merchandise “sheds” located behind Morocco.

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North of the new show building you’ll find the one existing entertainment trailer as well as the newly-relocated entertainment trailer.

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What is most interesting in these new plans is the new area leading to the attraction, filled with new shopping and dining options.

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The new path will follow the canal side of the existing pavilion, then curve along the back of the existing pavilion until it meets with the show building for Ratatouille. While we don’t know everything about this new street area, we do know there is a restroom facility and that one of the new food options will be a establishment selling crepes.

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Stay tuned to WDW News Today as these plans slowly comes to fruition, and we’ll bring you updates as construction commences.

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PHOTOS: Trader Sam’s, Great Movie Ride, and Haunted Mansion Cast Costume Bags Coming Black Friday

This Friday at Disney Springs in Cherry Tree Lane inside the Marketplace Co-Op, Guests will find bags made from authentic Walt Disney World cast costumes.

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The bags will be made using material from the cast costumes of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, The Haunted Mansion, and the shuttered Great Movie Ride.

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The totes will retail at $48 each, the cosmetic case at $18, and the zipper case at $14. Disney has not announced what the purchase limits will be on these items.

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VIDEO: Take A Ride Through the New Magic Kingdom Resort Area Entrance

Last week, the new roadway passage to the Magic Kingdom Resort area opened, allowing guests to skip the toll plaza.

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The new road extends from a right lane exit on World Drive just before the Magic Kingdom toll plaza. Guests can them turn right or left onto Vista Blvd. depending on their resort destinations.

Below we have a narrated video drive-through of the new road to give you a better idea of how it works:

PHOTOS: New Outdoor Seating Area Opens at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, Magic Kingdom

After months of work, the new outdoor covered seating area at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe at the Magic Kingdom is complete.

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The new seating area features quite a few seats, which should help out the popular restaurant. It also has fans installed for the warmer times of year.

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In recent months, Cosmic Ray’s has also gone to a single menu for all bays and opened completely remodeled restrooms.

PHOTOS: Limited Edition Jingle Cruise Pin Released at Magic Kingdom

With the 2017 seasonal return of the Jingle Cruise today at the Magic Kingdom, a limited edition pin was released to mark the occasion.

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The pin features the recently-returned rhino from the attraction, with fruitcake stuck to his horn of course.

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The pin is $14.99 and has an edition size of just 2000. It is available at the Frontierland Trading Post shop. The usual purchase limits of 2 per guest apply.

Disney Offers An Update on Sumatran Tiger Cubs at Animal Kingdom

It’s been a couple of months since we last saw the precious Sumatran tiger cubs that were recently birthed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Now that the cubs are two months old, Disney has shared an update on the cubs’ growth and habitat. Below we have Jeda (male cub on the left), and Anala (female cub on the right).

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The cubs are continuing to develop a strong bond with their mother, Sohni, and are beginning to display their own unique personalities. Jeda is very laid back, as is his father, Malosi. The name Jeda means “pause” in Malay, and is representative of the two parallel stripes on his head that resemble a pause button.

Anala loves to explore and has a more independent spirit. Her name means “fiery, sizzling” in Hindi.

Here is some additional information about the cubs from the Parks Blog:

“The cubs wrestle with each other constantly and love jumping on plants and logs,” said Erin Heavey, an animal care specialist who cares for the tigers. “Jeda in particular loves ripping the bark off the logs and playing with all the pieces that come off. Anala is becoming more adept at sneaking and pouncing and loves hiding behind things (even when she isn’t entirely hidden) and trying to surprise attack Sohni or her brother. This is actually something she gets from Sohni, who loves to “hide and sneak” even though she isn’t always very covert about it.”

It is still too soon for the cubs to make their way to the Maharajah Jungle Trek for the public to see, but the parents are still out on stage in the meantime.

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Okay, this one is too cute…

BREAKING: OtterBox to Bring New Phone Cases to U.S. Disney Parks

OtterBox and Disney announced today that OtterBox will be the “Official Protective Case” of Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort as part of a new multi-year strategic alliance.

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Whether Mickey Mouse or Minnie Mouse is your favorite character, or you just love all things Disney, OtterBox has you covered with its exclusive Symmetry Series Classic Disney Collection. (PRNewsfoto/OtterBox)

Whether Mickey Mouse or Minnie Mouse is your favorite character, or you just love all things Disney, OtterBox has you covered with its exclusive Symmetry Series Classic Disney Collection.

This will bring OtterBox cases to several D-Tech locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort and eventually expand OtterBox’s in-park presence, offering guests a way to protect their vacation memories with the No. 1-most trusted mobile case brand.

“The collaboration between OtterBox and Disney allows us to combine the trusted protection of OtterBox with the magic of Disney Parks,” OtterBox CEO Jim Parke said. “Not only can we help protect guests’ precious memories inside the park and beyond, but we can help them express their passion for Disney with cases that represent some of their favorite characters and attractions.”

OtterBox will also collaborate with Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media to offer a wide variety of brand new case designs. The first will be a signature series called the Classic Disney Collection, featuring timeless Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse designs on OtterBox Symmetry Series for iPhone 8, iPhone 7, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 7 Plus.

“This alliance joins two companies that share a commitment to providing high-quality products and experiences,” said Carlos Castro, vice president of Disney Corporate Alliances. “We are thrilled to collaborate with OtterBox and look forward to introducing a variety of new Disney-inspired merchandise for our guests to enjoy.”

Symmetry Series Classic Disney Collection cases are available now for iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus on otterbox.com and are coming soon to D-Tech retail locations at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. For more information, visit otterbox.com.

About OtterBox:

OtterBox innovates bold products that deliver confidence and trust in any pursuit. From its humble beginnings with a drybox in a Fort Collins, Colo., garage, OtterBox has honed and leveraged its expertise in manufacturing and design to become the No. 1-selling smartphone case brand in the U.S. and a leader in rugged outdoor lifestyle products.

Annual Passholder Previews of Sunset Seasons Greetings Begin Today at Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is hosting an annual passholder exclusive preview of their new “Flurry of Fun” beginning tonight, November 5th, 2017.

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The preview event takes place 8:30-9:30PM and primarily features the all-new Sunset Seasons Greetings experience. Passholders will also have access to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ‘ N’ Roller Coaster during this event. Select food & beverage and merchandise locations on Sunset Boulevard will also be available.

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A wristband is required to attend and are being distributed at the Annual Passholder entry line to park while supplies last.

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This event is likely to happen on additional nights between now and November 9th when the offerings officially debut.

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Sweet Lineup of Treats Unveiled for 2017 “Flurry of Fun” Holiday Season at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

While the “Flurry of Fun” officially kicks off on November 9th at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the festive sweets and treats for the season will actually be available throughout the park for you to enjoy starting on November 5th.

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To start off the list, there are cookies and gingerbread pops galore, offered at various locations throughout the park. In addition, there’s a “Prep and Landing”-themed gingerbread cupcake dropping in at ABC Commissary, Rosie’s All-American Café, Catalina Eddie’s, Sweet Spells and The Trolley Car Café.

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If you’re looking for that classic cup of hot cocoa to go with those cookies, guests of all ages can enjoy classic hot cocoa with marshmallows at ABC Commissary, Backlot Express, PizzeRizzo, Rosie’s All-American Café, Catalina Eddie’s, Fairfax Fare, and Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner.

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Guests over the age of 21 can warm up with a special array of hot chocolate beverages offered at Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner and Fairfax Fare, including a hot chocolate martini, Bailey’s Salted Caramel hot chocolate, black cherry bourbon hot chocolate, and a hot chocolate flight where you can sample all three. Other adult beverages available this year include a Peppermint White Russian, a Winterberry Cooler and a Let It Glow drink consisting of vodka and blue-raspberry frozen carbonated beverage with your very own glow cube at various locations around Echo Lake and Sunset Boulevard.

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These decadent red velvet whoopie pies are decorated with icing garland, ornament pearls, and holiday sprinkles. You’ll find these tree-shaped desserts at Sweet Spells and Fairfax Fare.

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Guests will find an apple cranberry cobbler at Hollywood Scoops and Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner; or if you’re looking for a sweet and savory snack, you can find a festive holiday popcorn mix at popcorn carts throughout the park. This popcorn comes with marshmallows, pretzels and M&M’s and is drizzled with chocolate.

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Olaf is also the star of several treats to mark the release of Olaf’s Frozen Adventure. Find his special cupcake at ABC Commissary, Rosie’s All-American Café, Catalina Eddie’s, Fairfax Fare and Sweet Spells. You’ll also find an Olaf Pop at Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction, an Olaf Sundae at Hollywood Scoops, and Sugar Frosted Fruit Bites at Pretzel Palooza. Also, be on the lookout for an Olaf-themed sipper that comes filled with a fun “Frozen” beverage.

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Finally, the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Dessert Party is back (be sure to check out our review from last year). Indulge in specialty sweets and sips before you move to a special reserved viewing area to enjoy Disney Movie Magic and Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, a holiday spectacular hosted by the elves Wayne and Lanny from “Prep and Landing.” Among the desserts offered are candy cane brownies, holiday Mickey and Minnie sugar cookies, warm pumpkin pie spiced bread pudding, and sweet Yule Log (some of this new from last year). In addition, you’ll be given an exclusive ornament to take home with you at the end of the party. This is a premium event with dates available November 9th through December 31st.

The Flurry of Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios starts November 9th, but you can start eating all this goodness come Sunday.