Walt Disney World Resort – Page 155

PHOTO REPORT: Epcot 4/21/16 (DVC Lounge, Finding Dory, Ample Hills Creamery, ETC.)

WDWNT on May 4, 2016

I took a quick stroll through Epcot, the Boardwalk and the Yacht and Beach Club earlier this week and have some newsworthy photos to share, so let’s take a look at what’s new and exciting:

The Circle of Life is still closed until April 22nd

Not sure that it actually counts as anyhting new for the event, but there are Flower and Garden Festival signs in Living with the Land

I don’t know what adding these signs does for the sake of the Festival…

The men’s restroom near Soarin’ is now behind walls

The Seas is carrying a lot of the new Finding Nemo related merchandise

New Epcot popcorn bucket features Mission:SPACE

We rode Journey Into Imagination (for some reason) and the train stopped between screens in the first room…. this ride is falling apart again.

Meanwhile, tarps are finally up for work on the new DVC member lounge which will be located upstairs

Haunted Mansion Tsum Tsum are available at ImageWorks

A new Stormtrooper shirt in MouseGear

Also, a new kid’s hoodie

There is now an entire line of compact mirror key-chains available

I think they have finally just given up on Ellen and the giant Dinosaur attacking her at the Universe of Energy as they have been gone for over a year now

Work continues on the Royal Sommerhus, which will officially open in June, but should actually soft-open sometime in May

Frozen Ever After is also set for a June opening, but we expect it to open in May as well

Over at the Boardwalk, work is well underway on the Ample Hills Creamery

As well as the massive remodel of Flying Fish

The Yacht Club has a lot of great new resort-specific merchandise

Going back to the Boardwalk, they have a lot of great, unique pieces as well

If you’re missing your sweet treats on the Boardwalk, they are now available inside the Screen Door shop

RUMORS CONFIRMED?: Guardians of the Galaxy To Replace Tower Of Terror, Captain America Launch Coaster Coming

WDWNT on May 4, 2016

Over the last month, I have heard a lot of people talking about a possible Guardians of the Galaxy overlay for the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Supposedly, Disney is looking to opt out of the licensing fees paid for the use of the Twilight Zone franchise in this ride at Disney Parks around the globe, as odd of an overlay as Guardians might sound like for it. Sounds pretty far fetched, right? Well, it isn’t. Actually, it’s all true according to sources.

Before you get too upset, from everything I have heard at this point, this only applies to Disney California Adventure. There are no plans anytime soon to overlay or replace the Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, especially with Disney and Sony working together on a feature film based on the attraction that also ties into the Twilight Zone franchise. Why overlay the California attraction? For a brand new theme park land for DCA – MARVEL Studios.

MARVEL Studios would encompass the last true expansion pad for the park, situated between Hollywood Land and A Bug’s Land. The area would be a natural extension of Hollywood Land, being a “working movie studio”. On the lot, guests could find a series on indoor and outdoor meet and greet experiences, as well as plenty of shopping and dining. One completely new attraction would greet guests according to current rumblings: a launch coaster featuring Captain America, showcasing elaborate show scenes between coaster ride portions. The other attraction would be near one of the two entrances to the new land: a Guardians of the Galaxy-themed overlay of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

With the current budgetary mindset in Disney Parks management right now, this makes a lot of sense. If they want to get MARVEL quickly and in a less costly manner into the California parks, this seems like a good answer. The Tower of Terror in California has never been as beloved or admired as much as the original attraction in Florida, and as long as an attraction of the same style existed, I find it hard to believe that any guests visiting the Disneyland Resort would actually care.

What would a Guardians of the Galaxy overlay for Tower look like? Who knows. I’m assuming there may be some material in the second Guardians of the Galaxy film which may lend itself to this attraction style, but until then, I am absolutely at a loss for how this makes sense. However, I don’t doubt Disney could make it work and make the overlay not feel so forced.

As always, things are subject to change and it sound like all of this is still in the very early design phases right now and very much subject to change. They still have an entire Star Wars-themed land to complete at Disneyland before this sees the light of day, and a lot can change between now and then. However, it certainly sounds like Disney is “hooked on a feeling” when it comes to Guardians of the Galaxy, so I expect to see an attraction based on these films sooner, rather than later.

PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom 4/22/16 (Carousel of Progress, Star Wars, New Merchandise, ETC.)

WDWNT on May 4, 2016

I visited the Magic Kingdom on a few evenings this week and found a few newsworthy items to share, so let’s take a look around the park (and a nearby resort):

Starting at the Grand Floridian, the carpet in the lobby was replaced recently

While there isn’t as much resort specific merchandise here as there was before, there is a new luggage tag and key chain

They also have a dVC 25th anniversary t-shirt for sale

On to the Magic Kingdom

The stage is being built for Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire

A lot of facade work happening inÂ Liberty Square

New Darth Vader MagicBand available

Some new phone case designs can be found in Tomorrowland

The Wondground Gallery art is gone from this location, but the Space Mountain merchandise moved to this wall now

New Mickey balloon pin

Some work happening on the exterior of Carousel of Progress, looks like they are just replacing lights though

Some of the monorails are getting new vents that are black instead of the old grey

Finally found the Star Wars attraction poster shirts in the Emporium

TIE Fighter popcorn bucket now available in Tomorrowland, but it’s cheaper now

The Beef Stew is gone from Gaston’s Tavern

A ham and cheese stuffed pretzel is available now

It wasn’t awful, but it kind of tasted like a Hot Pocket…

Prairie Outpost and Supply in Frontierland was closed recently, a product of budget cuts

This store sold candy, baked goods, and bottled drinks for the most part

Golden Oak Outpost is now selling the souvenir Country Bear Jug

Some new luggage tags on sale at the Emporium

Walt Disney World Free Dining Offer for Fall 2016 Announced

WDWNT on May 4, 2016

Disney has released the Free Dining package details for Fall 2016:

Get a FREE dining plan when you purchase a non-discounted 5-night/6-day package that includes a room at a select Disney Resort hotel and theme park ticket with Park Hopper or Water Park Fun & More Option.

Call our friends at Magical Travel to book your vacation now: 1-866-207-8387, or magicaltravel.com.

Offer valid at select Disney Resort hotels for arrivals most nights:

August 23 through October 1, 2016
November 15 through November 21, 2016
November 26 through November 28, 2016
December 10 through December 21, 2016

Book through July 8, 2016.

Explore the Disney Resort hotels and Disney dining plans eligible for this offer in the chart below.

Select Disney Deluxe Villa Resort Hotels	FREE Disney Dining Plan
Select Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels	FREE Disney Dining Plan
Select Disney Moderate Resort Hotels	FREE Disney Dining Plan
Select Disney Value Resort Hotels	FREE Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan

Package Includes

Room
Theme park ticket(s) with Park Hopper or Water Park Fun & More Option
Dining Plan (Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan with Value Resort hotel packages; Disney Dining Plan with Moderate, Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resort hotel packages)

Important Details

The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.
Advance reservations required.
Tickets and options must be used within 14 days of first use.
Children ages 3 to 9 must choose from the children’s menu, if available.
Some table-service restaurants may have limited or no availability at time of package purchase.

Offer Restrictions

Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.
Excludes alcoholic beverages and gratuities.
Everyone in the same room must be on the same package.
Offer excludes the following room types: 3-bedroom villas, campsites, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Little Mermaid Standard Rooms and Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.

Jungle Cruise-Themed Skipper Canteen Restaurant to Undergo Radical Menu Change

WDWNT on May 4, 2016

Since the Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen restaurant opened at the Magic Kingdom last December, it has been a point of much controversy. Many applauded the diverse menu, a great departure from other eateries around the park. However, a lot of guests have taken a seat at the restaurant only to find a menu that might be a little scary to those less-familiar with cuisine from other regions. Maybe it’s just too much for such a popular theme park to serve such food? Probably not considering how many other establishments in the park serve fairly standard food offerings. Regardless, Disney will be changing the menu due to the demands of these unsatisfied guests.

Disney has not stated when the change will happen, but cast members at the restaurant have been informed that the changes are coming. The menu is expected to radically change, with almost all of the current offerings going away or moving to another restaurant at Walt Disney World (the head-on shrimp are moving to Tiffins at Animal Kingdom).

We’ll be sure to bring you the new menu once it debuts, so stay tuned.

REVIEW: New Oasis Bar Opens at Polynesian Village Resort With Tasty Tropical Flavors

WDWNT on May 4, 2016

The new quiet pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort opened recently, and with it came a new pool bar: The Oasis. In addition to a bar area, the Oasis also has a food service window to offer guests a counter service option as well. The food menu is the same at both, but alcoholic and specialty drinks will only be found at the bar.

A look at the fairly large menu

The banana cabana has to be in my top five favorite drinks at Walt Disney World. I really enjoy coconut, banana, and pineapple in drinks, so having them all together in one was just perfection. The other guests in my party agreed that this is easily their favorite drink here as well.

The Grand Margarita was fine, but nothing special.

The Lava Flow struck me as an improved version of the ubiquitous Pina Colava sold at every other bar. I like the Colava a lot, but this was a little sweeter and had more flavor to it. Disclaimer: I like sweet, what some would call “girly” drinks as you’ll notice as we roll on with these reviews.

The Niue Rita is pretty solid. Pretty much what you expect based on the ingredients.

The Frosty Pineapple is probably the drink most reading this would be excited to get (as it contains Pineapple Dole Whip), but it just wasn’t that good. The “spiky pineapple” at Trader Sam’s is similar, but just prepared to perfection compared to this. This drink is for the most part pre-prepared in a machine and was just way too sweet.

The sashimi was great, very fresh. Pretty much waht you expect from this kind of dish anywhere at this resort by now.

The fried wontons are what most guests refer to as “Poly Chips”. They are still good, and I like them with this sauce, but they are still best in the nachos at Captain Cook’s.

The Kahlua pork sliders came with a healthy side of fries

These tasted just like the dish from the food and wine festival at Epcot, but you get three here for a much better price (and a side). They were fantastic, just as they are at Epcot.

For dessert, we had the Malasadas (Portuguese doughnuts with a passion fruit curd)

At the end of the day, they were just sugar-covered doughnuts, but they were very good and mixed great with the dipping sauce.

Overall, the Oasis is a really good pool bar compared to many others around Walt Disney World. I was very happy with the food and drinks (even if we didn’t really care for 2 of the 5 we had). Keep in mind, this bar is intended for resort guests only and is behind the locked gates in the quiet pool area, but you can get in if you just perhaps wait for another guest to open the gates (not that we endorse this). Regardless, we plan to visit the Oasis bar again in the near future, most likely for a small bite and a Banana Cabana.

Fulton’s to become “Paddlefish” Restaurant in Fall 2016

WDWNT on May 4, 2016

Fulton’s Crab House will open a new concept this fall called “Paddlefish”.

The re-imagined restaurant will welcome guests with a bow to stern update including interiors reflecting the crisp luxury of modern yachting, and new spaces include a lushly appointed rooftop lounge overlooking Disney Springs, outdoor waterfront bar featuring a “build your own” fish boil and private dining areas. The new menu stars fresh seafood with an oyster shucking bar, Florida stone crab and Alaskan king crab, with hearty steaks and chops, as well as classic and curated cocktails.

The new restaurant will also bring about the return of the working paddle-wheel on the back of what was once the Empress Lilly.

REVIEW: Beaches & Cream Soda Shop Introduces Amazing Alcoholic Milkshakes

WDWNT on May 4, 2016

Beaches and Cream is already one of the most popular dining establishments at Walt Disney World, but something tells me it is about to become even more popular with the addition of new hard floats and milkshakes!

There are now 5 Hard Floats & Milkshakes guests will find on the menu foe either dining in or take out. On a side note, a member of our party had a tree nut and peanut allergy and could still have any of these. Beaches and Cream is really good with dealing with allergies, so don’t be afraid to stop by and order even if you think you might have an issue. Chances are they will be ready to serve you safely.

We ended up ordering three of these drinks for “review purposes”. Here’s what we thought:

The Grasshopper Float combines mint chocolate chip ice cream with Guinness. I will warn you that you probably need to already enjoy mint ice cream and Guinness to like this one, but if you do, you’re in for a real treat.

The Root Beer Float is excellent. Tasted exactly like I expected: like a hard root beer perfectly mixed with vanilla ice cream.

My favorite, by far, was the S’mores Shake. It was really smooth and had just the right hint of alcohol flavor added to the blend of spectacular sweets. I probably could have had at least 2-3 of these if no one had stopped me (or if the line wasn’t 30-45 minutes long at the counter…

I already love Beaches and Cream, but these hard drinks are really well done and give you another reason to visit if you happen to want an adult beverage and dessert all rolled up into one. I will be back again real soon to try the other flavors… or maybe to just get another S’mores Shake…

PHOTO REPORT: Animal Kingdom 4/26/16 (Safaris, New Merchandise, Tiffins, ETC.)

WDWNT on May 4, 2016

I made a quick stop at Disney’s Animal Kingdom earlier this week, so let’s see what’s new and exciting around the now 18-year-old park:

Welcome

The FastPass+ entrance for Kilimanjaro Safaris is back in the original location, so this sign now points the way

Let’s take a ride, shall we?

Work continues on Tiffins which will officially open on the 27th of May

Pandora: The World of AVATAR will take slightly longer…

This new Animal Kingdom mug is pretty great

These new baby outfits are pretty adorable

Select TAG merchandise can now be found around the parks, this was in Riverside Depot

Another new luggage tag

New plastic photo frames

A new Animal Kingdom fleece throw for sale

Disney After Hours Event Now Discounted for Annual Passholders and DVC Members

WDWNT on May 4, 2016

Disney After Hours, the controversial hard-ticket event at the Magic Kingdom we broke the story on a few weeks ago, doesn’t seem to be doing quite as well as Walt Disney World would have hoped. In an effort to increase sales for the event, Disney is now offering 50% off tickets for annual passholders and Disney Vacation Club members.

Disney After Hours takes place on the following dates:

Thursday, April 28, 2016 from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Thursday, May 5, 2016 from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Sunday, May 8, 2016 from 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Thursday, May 12, 2016 from 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Thursday, May 19, 2016 from 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM

Discounted tickets are $75.00 (plus tax). For tickets, call (407) 827-7185 or stop by a ticketing window at Walt Disney World.

Category: Walt Disney World Resort

PHOTO REPORT: Epcot 4/21/16 (DVC Lounge, Finding Dory, Ample Hills Creamery, ETC.)

RUMORS CONFIRMED?: Guardians of the Galaxy To Replace Tower Of Terror, Captain America Launch Coaster Coming

PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom 4/22/16 (Carousel of Progress, Star Wars, New Merchandise, ETC.)

Walt Disney World Free Dining Offer for Fall 2016 Announced

Jungle Cruise-Themed Skipper Canteen Restaurant to Undergo Radical Menu Change

REVIEW: New Oasis Bar Opens at Polynesian Village Resort With Tasty Tropical Flavors

Fulton’s to become “Paddlefish” Restaurant in Fall 2016

REVIEW: Beaches & Cream Soda Shop Introduces Amazing Alcoholic Milkshakes

PHOTO REPORT: Animal Kingdom 4/26/16 (Safaris, New Merchandise, Tiffins, ETC.)

Disney After Hours Event Now Discounted for Annual Passholders and DVC Members

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