UPDATE: Man Arrested for Attempting to Bring Loaded Firearm into Epcot, Walt Disney World

WDWNT on October 31, 2016

A Louisiana Man attempted to bring a loaded firearm into the Epcot theme park on Monday, according to reports.

The weapon was found at the security check point at the entrance to the park, prior to the metal detector area. The man disclosed he had a gun on him prior to being screened. The loaded Smith and Wesson Bodyguard .380 Automatic was found in a case underneath a jacket tied around Michael Langston of Abita Springs, LA.

The deputy wrote in the arrest report that Langston had no plans to declare his weapon to authorities prior to being chosen for screening and planned to bring the loaded weapon into the park if he wasn’t stopped. The man was arrested as he was in possession of a concealed firearm with no permit.

REVIEW: New Menu Items at Restaurantosaurus in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

WDWNT on October 31, 2016

Restaurantosaurus at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Restaurantosaurus at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Recently, Restaurantosaurus at Disney’s Animal Kingdom underwent a slight menu change, so we decided we should head on over and check it out.

Menu, Restaurantosaurus at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Menu, Restaurantosaurus at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

New to the menu is a Grilled Chicken BLT Sandwich, but there were a few things on the menu here that we had never tried before (which we will review below).

Menu, Restaurantosaurus at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Menu, Restaurantosaurus at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

If you are interested in hearing more about the Double Angus Bacon Cheeseburger that is not pictured on the menu, we have an entire review dedicated just to that item that you should check out. Also,m Flights of Wonder is not a menu item and I’m not sure exactly why it has a strangely placed ad on the back of the menu…

Grilled Chicken BLT Sandwich ($12.99)

Grilled Chicken BLT Sandwich ($12.99)

Grilled Chicken BLT Sandwich ($12.99)

I subjected myself to the new Chicken BLT sandwich. You can’t see the chicken in the picture above because the sandwich is topped with 1/4 of a tomato essentially.

Grilled Chicken BLT Sandwich ($12.99)

Grilled Chicken BLT Sandwich ($12.99)

The bun was soft and flaky (again, why don’t they just have this bun everywhere?), the bacon was cooked nicely, the tomato piece was large, juicy, and very fresh, and the chicken was cooked well enough. I know Disney seems to be overusing gate arugula lately (it is also on the Buffalo Chicken Chips we reviewed yesterday), but I really enjoy it. This sandwich was good and filling, and I would order it again if I was dining here.

Grilled Chicken BLT Sandwich ($12.99)

Grilled Chicken BLT Sandwich ($12.99)

Chicken Breast Nuggets with Fries and Southwest Salad ($10.49)

Chicken Breast Nuggets with Fries and Southwest Salad ($10.49)

Chicken Breast Nuggets with Fries and Southwest Salad ($10.49)

Someone join our party ordered the ubiquitous Chicken Breast Nuggets, so I took a picture. The Weird part is that it now comes with a Southwest Salad. The Chicken and the fries were fine, but the Southwest Salad was bit on the unpleasant side and completely different from what we had experienced with the baked potatoes at Fairfax Fare.

Chili-Cheese Hot Dog ($10.69)

Chili-Cheese Hot Dog ($10.69)

Chili-Cheese Hot Dog ($10.69)

First off, the mushrooms do not naturally come with the hot dog, but were added at the rather large toppings bar you can find at Restaurantosaurus. This thing was terrible. The bun was flavorless, the hot dog itself was fairly standard, and chili-cheese topping left a lot to be desired. This is probably not what you want to eat here.

Chili-Cheese Hot Dog ($10.69)

Chili-Cheese Hot Dog ($10.69)

Chili-Cheese Fries ($4.99)

Chili-Cheese Fries ($4.99)

Chili-Cheese Fries ($4.99)

We also had an order of Chili-Cheese Fries, which as you would guess after reading about the hot dog, were also pretty bad. I don’t enjoy Disney counter service french fries and the chili-cheese topping didn’t improve upon them at all.

Overall

I like Restaurantosaurus typically. The interior and music loop are a lot of fun and there is certainly enough on the menu to please, you just need to be careful what you order. If you like chicken, the chicken sandwich and the chicken breast nuggets are fine options, and if you like burgers, the single or double cheeseburger won’t steer you wrong. Unlimited fountain beverage refills and a sizable toppings bar help out a lot too. I would easily go here over Flame Tree Barbecue and Pizzafari currently, but I would probably prefer Yak and Yeti’s counter service offering if I’m going that route.

RUMOR: New Show to Replace “Celebrate the Magic” Nighttime Spectacular

WDWNT on October 31, 2016

The Celebrate the Magic projection show that takes place on Cinderella Castle nightly at the Magic Kingdom is rumored to be replaced soon.

celebrate-the-magic-00-new

The recent projection system upgrades that took place late in the Summer and some work surrounding the Castle point to the show’s replacement. Note that this replacement would be another projection-only show, not a replacement for the larger Wishes! nighttime spectacular, which is still heavily rumored as well.

We expect an announcement from Disney very soon on this change.

Man Dies Hours After Riding Star Tours

WDWNT on October 31, 2016

According to the Florida State Database for theme park illnesses, injuries, and deaths, a 67-year-old man died last month within 24 hours of riding Star Tours – The Adventures Continue at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

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Ralph Lyles of Memphis, Tenn. was reported to be listed under deaths after Disney submitted their quarterly report to the state. Florida law does not mandate state inspection for rides, though every three months the theme parks are required to send an updated list to the state that includes any illnesses or injuries that sent the victim to the hospital for at least 24 hours.

The cause of death was listed as “hypersensitive cardiovascular disease with other significant conditions contributing to death listed as obesity.”

The report stated that Lyles had pre-existing heart conditions and even mentioned feeling ill after riding.

Disney Springs to Host Festival of Holiday Trees Among New Line-Up for 2016 Holiday Season

WDWNT on October 31, 2016

Disney Springs will celebrate its very first holiday season since it was completed with an entirely revamped lineup of offerings for guests between November 14th, 2016 and January 8th, 2017.

festival-of-the-seasons-05-full

This year’s highlights include:

  • A nightly tree lighting ceremony at the Once Upon a Toy fountain play area
  • Elaborate storefront window displays at select shops
  • Santa’s Chalet! Meet and take a keepsake photo with Santa Claus from November 14 through December 24, 2016; and with Santa Goofy from December 25 through December 30, 2016.
  • A holiday-themed DJ dance party with games and activities at the Once Upon a Toy fountain play area
  • Live entertainment, including toy solider and snowflake stilt walkers, pop carolers, acapella groups and more—6:00 PM to 10:00 PM from November 13 through January 8, 2017
  • Special performances celebrating Kwanza on Waterside Stage in the Marketplace on December 26 and December 27, 2016
  • Songs and stories in honor of Hanukkah at Waterview Park in The Landing, with evening performances from December 24 through January 1, 2017.
  • A decked out trail near the Marketplace bus loop with custom-decorated holiday trees—all centered around a different Disney theme
  • Photo ops with oversized toy sculptures throughout Disney Springs

Here is some additional information on the Festival of Holiday Trees, new for this year:

Wander through an enchanted wonderland and marvel at a stunning collection of custom-decorated trees. Each one has been designed to capture a popular Disney theme.

Begin your walk-through experience near the play fountain outside Once Upon a Toy in the Marketplace. Once there, you’ll spot an alluring pathway—a fun invitation to explore.

Santa’s Chalet will also utilize the pager waiting system currently being used for the temporary Princess meet and greet at the World of Disney store:

Steps to Meet Santa

  • Check in at the podium.
  • Receive a pager from one of Santa’s Helpers.
  • Shop, eat and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Marketplace.
  • When you receive a message from Santa’s Helpers, return to the podium within 10 minutes.
  • Take your place in line to meet Santa.

Have a Disney’s Memory Maker Package?
Your photos with Santa are included!

Santa’s Schedule
Noon to 10:00 PM

Famous Disney Character Voices Added to 2016 Candlelight Processional Lineup at Epcot

WDWNT on October 31, 2016

Five additional narrators have been revealed for 2016 edition of the Candlelight Processional at Epcot starting November 25th.

Candlelight_Processional

Among the newly listed are actors sure to be familiar with those reading this story, some who have given voice to Disney animated characters. Participating are Ming-Na Wen (speaking voice of Mulan), Jodi Benson (Ariel in The Little Mermaid), and Robby Benson (Beast from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast).

The additions fill out most of the season for the event. There is still a three-day gap in the schedule beginning Dec. 7.

The Candlelight Processional lineup, subject to change, currently looks like this:

  • Nov. 25-27: Steven Curtis Chapman
  • Nov. 28-Dec. 1: Neil Patrick Harris
  • Dec. 2-3: Whoopi Goldberg
  • Dec. 4-6: Edward James Olmos
  • Dec. 10-12: Robby Benson
  • Dec. 13-15: Meredith Vieira
  • Dec. 16-18: Jim Caviezel
  • Dec. 19-21: Joe Morton
  • Dec. 22-24: Ming-Na Wen
  • Dec. 25-27: Jodi Benson
  • Dec. 28-30: Cal Ripken Jr.

Candlelight Processional is included in regular Epcot admission. Disney of course also sells a dinner package for the event that guarantees seating. More info can be found at DisneyWorld.com.

The Famous Muppets Courtyard Fountain at Hollywood Studios is Becoming a Planter

WDWNT on October 31, 2016

Without a doubt, you are familiar with the iconic fountain outside of MuppetVision 3-D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Well, that iconic piece of Studios history is now becoming a planter…

muppets_fountain

Don’t worry though, the change is only temporary. The fountain will return in some form at some point in the future, but Disney is not stating when. It is believed that the nearby Star Wars construction requires the pipes for the fountains to be temporarily removed and the rerouted.

The temporary Miss Piggy planter will be completed by October 28th.

Disney World Theme Parks Adjust Security Screenings Following Guest Attempting to Bring In Loaded Gun

WDWNT on October 31, 2016

Following Monday’s incident where a Louisiana man attempted to bring a loaded gun into Epcot, Walt Disney World Security has altered the way in which they are screening guests entering the park.

Gates force all guests without bags to funnel into a now mandatory metal detector screening at Hollywood Studios

Gates force all guests without bags to funnel into a now mandatory metal detector screening at Hollywood Studios

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests without bags are now being directed down a new route where they are forced to be screened a metal detector. Previously, these screenings were at random, although it was not uncommon at select times to find occurrences where Disney security cast members would send everyone coming in through metal detector screenings.

It is unknown if this will be the new standard procedure or if it is just being done temporarily placate guests fearful after Monday’s incident.

CONFIRMED: “Once Upon a Time” Replaces “Celebrate the Magic” Nighttime Show on November 4th

WDWNT on October 31, 2016

As we reported yesterday, “Celebrate the Magic” at the Magic Kingdom is on its way out, and “Once Upon a Time” from Tokyo Disneyland is on its way in.

ouat_peterpan-bigben

In this new-to-the-U.S. show, Mrs. Potts from “Beauty and the Beast” shares bedtime stories with Chip, taking them on a magical trip through the most adventurous scenes from favorite Disney films like “Cinderella,” “Peter Pan,” “Alice in Wonderland” and “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.”

Scenes include a flight with Peter Pan from London to Never Land, the Mad Hatter’s whimsical tea party, and a daring duel between Gaston and Beast. Mrs. Potts and Chip end their bedtime story with a grand finale that includes appearances by characters from even more Disney films.

The show, which is a version of what currently operates at Tokyo Disneyland Park (minus a lot of pyro as the Tokyo show is essentially the park’s nightly fireworks show), uses projection mapping technology to cover every nook and cranny of Cinderella Castle in vibrant images that appear almost three-dimensional.

“Once Upon A Time: Where Stories Take You Anywhere” will replace the 4-year-old “Celebrate the Magic” projection show, which will end its run on November 3. “Once Upon a Time” debuts November 4th.

UPDATE: Woman Attempted to Bring Gun into Animal Kingdom Monday, Same Day as Epcot Incident

WDWNT on October 31, 2016

As it turns out, our first report Monday of a person bringing a loaded weapon into a Walt Disney World Theme Park was correct.  There were actually two incidents Monday morning, one at Epcot and one at Animal Kingdom.  We had initially reported the Animal Kingdom incident, news of which we received from an inside source at the park, but as the Epcot incident unfolded, we had assumed our source was confused, as we would have never thought such an occurrence would happen twice within hours of each other.

But indeed our source was correct.  Court records show an Alabama woman, Baleigh Turner, was arrested on a charge of carrying a concealed firearm, after Disney security found a .380 caliber pistol in her backpack. Apparently the woman did have a concealed weapon permit in Alabama, but it had expired.  Even if the permit had been valid, weapons are not permitted in Disney theme parks.