PHOTOS: Some Nerd-Tastic Attraction Shirts Are Coming to Disney Parks Online Store

WDWNT on April 20, 2016

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In recent years,Disney Parks has offered unique t-shirts on their Disney Parks online store that celebrate classic Disney attractions, films and characters. Today, they shared a look at several new shirts coming to the online store in April and May 2016. These limited release shirts will be offered online only at DisneyStore.com/ParksEvents.

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April 18-24 – Rocket Jets and Star Jets

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April 28 – May 4 – Twenty Eight & Main

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May 2-8 – Bob-A-Round Boats and Phantom Boats

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May 16-22 – Mickey Mouse Raglan

BREAKING: Rivers of Light Likely To Not Make Summer 2016 Debut

WDWNT on April 20, 2016

As Walt Disney World rolls out the red carpet for its annual summer media preview this week, something BIG is noticeably missing from any and all press releases… Rivers of Light.

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While many new attractions we do not have opening dates for as of yet are mentioned (i.e. Soarin’ Around the world, Frozen Ever After), Rivers of Light is not mentioned at all, even though Animal Kingdom does have some announced nighttime offerings:

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

For the first time in its 18-year history, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will debut new day-into-nighttime experiences that celebrate the magic of nature.

  • The park’s iconic Tree of Life will awaken each night amid a lively celebration of Discovery Island music and dance. Through stunning visuals, animal spirits appear and enchanted fireflies reveal stories of wonder as the tree morphs to showcase the magic of nature.
  • Kilimanjaro Safaris transitions to a new nighttime adventure in the extended orange glow of a setting sun. For the first time, hyenas and African wild dogs join the safari trail creature feature.
  • Hungry adventurers can have lunch or dinner at the new Tiffins signature restaurant on Discovery Island this summer. Guests seated in the restaurant’s travel-themed dining rooms or on the waterfront patio can sip libations and savor dishes featuring African, Asian and South American flavors
  • Across the park, guests can experience wondrous new nighttime experiences and entertainment celebrating marvels in nature and enjoy long-time favorites such as Expedition Everest, DINOSAUR, Kali River Rapids and more – in a whole new light.

While the park will be open into the late-evening all Summer long, it is now uncertain that Rivers of Light will make its debut anytime soon. Rumors persist that the wireless control system for the nighttime show’s floats is just not working, or even that one of the larger flower barges may have sunk into the Discovery River. Either way, I wouldn’t count on seeing this show anytime soon as Disney is obviously being very cautious in its publicity.

Whatever the case may be, this latest development makes the situation look possibly worse than we originally imagined. If the show does debut this Summer, we expect it to be mid-way or late into the season.

Stay tuned for any and all details on Rivers of Light as they become available.

PHOTO REPORT: Hollywood Studios 4/19/16 (Tower of Terror Bar, Carrot Cake Cookie Goes Home, Star Wars, ETC.)

WDWNT on April 20, 2016

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen and myself both visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios this week and have some newsworthy photos compiled to share with you from our two separate visits:

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Fantasmic! has replaced Lights, Motors, Action! on the road entrance signage, while the Frozen sign has seen better days…

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Reel Vogue now has a large selection of MARVEL merchandise leading up to Civil War

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The projection towers and control booth for Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular are currently being constructed

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The stores are trying something different, mixing pins in with displays for certain characters

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Thought this new glass slipper pin was pretty cool

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Spotted one of the new Star Wars attraction poster pins as well

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There was no visible work on the Tower of Terror bar, which had me scared that maybe we were misinformed…

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But then I found this behind the counter confirming that the desk had been cleared out so work could begin!

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Even though Sunset Showcase is closed, a sign tells guests to check times guides…

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New drawstring bag at Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster

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A new tank top as well

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Another look at the projection towers going up in the center of the park

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The second tower had not gone up yet

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For some reason, all of the Star Wars banners around the park got a new look…

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I found the rest of the Star Wars attraction poster pins at Tatooine Traders

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For some reason, they closed the gate by the exit of Muppet Vision 3-D

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One of the planet lights is now down at Pizza Planet, the last few pieces of the old theme should be gone shortly

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New DHS luggage tag

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Also, a new fleece throw

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You can still walk through the gate, but it is closed, probably to push guests towards the gift shop

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Hard to see, but Writer’s Stop lounge has pastries again, as well as the carrot cake cookie!

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A few temporary tables rolled in now…

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Work continues on the new meet and greet homes for Mickey, Minnie, and Olaf

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The queue for the Great Movie Ride gets pretty long these days, so the line usually enter here

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So they very shoddily covered the Stand-By entrance sign up here

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With queue work happening now, Toy Story Mania has setup quite the extended queue

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Launch Bay not only has the new Star Wars 3″ Vinylmation on sale, but also the recently released limited edition set

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Spotted some new Star Wars phone cases that could be made at Launch Bay as well

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Also, 3 new MagicBand designs

PHOTOS: The Haunted Mansion Debuts New Interactive Hitchhiking Ghost Scene

WDWNT on April 20, 2016

Recently, we showed you how guest’s names were being showcased at both “it’s a small world” and Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith using MagicBand technology. Well now, the Hitchhiking Ghosts of the Haunted Mansion at the Magic Kingdom are getting into the act:

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Along with a series of new animated sequences, the Hitchhiking Ghosts at the end of the attraction may now leave a tombstone with a guest’s name on it lying behind or even remark that they are following the guest home to the home-state (like in the photo above).

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A bit blurry, but you get the idea…

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A tombstone left behind after Gus hits guests with a portrait that captures their faces

Photos courtesy @Schmoofy on Twitter.

VIDEO: “Behind The Walls” Look at Epcot’s New Frozen Ride and Meet & Greet

WDWNT on April 20, 2016

We’ve been waiting seemingly forever to see behind the work walls at Epcot’s Norway pavilion, well, “For the First Time in Forever” we’re getting a look today.

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Starting this Summer, Anna and Elsa will greet guests in the new Royal Sommerhus next door to the existing Norway pavilion, modeled after a traditional Norwegian cabin. Disney today released a video looking behind the walls at the new meet and greet experience, which definitely has more of a World Showcase look to it than that of an animated film:

Of course, Anna, Elsa and their latest-generation Audio-Animatronics co-stars will also welcome guests aboard the new Frozen Ever After boat ride replacing Maelstrom in the Norway pavilion. Passengers on their way to Arendelle’s Winter in Summer Celebration for Queen Elsa will visit the ice palace and hear beloved film tunes plus new lyrics by Oscar-winning “Let It Go” songwriters Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson. Bobby and Kristen were recently interviewed about the attraction during a visit to Epcot:

Frozen Ever After and the Royal Sommerhus will open at Epcot this Summer, but no exact date has been given yet.

VIDEO: Fly to China and Australia in Soarin’ Around the World Preview

WDWNT on April 20, 2016

Guests will celebrate the U.S. debut of the new Soarin’ Around the World attraction at The Land pavilion this summer. Now with a third Epcot theater, plus new digital screens and projection systems, the expanded attraction takes guests on an exhilarating “flight” above spectacular global landscapes and man-made wonders. (Disney)

Disney today previewed the Soarin’ Around the World attraction, which will of course open this summer at both Disney California Adventure and Epcot. The following video showcases short clips of the China and Australia segments of the attraction that guests may be flying over:

At Epcot, the attraction will be presented in a digital film format with crystal clear imagery for the very first time, and the addition of a third theater for the attraction should shorten wait times for guests. The attraction will open to guests June 17th at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts, the same day it opens at Shanghai Disney Resort.

PHOTO REPORT: Animal Kingdom 3/7/16 (Rivers of Light, AVATAR, Tiffins, ETC.)

WDWNT on March 31, 2016

I visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Saturday to see the latest progress on all of the construction projects around the park, so let’s take a look at what’s new and exciting in our latest photo report:

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Pandora as seen from outside of the park

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Some construction happening near the non-Disney bus stop in the parking lot

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A closer look at AVATAR construction

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Walls came down around the center of Discovery Island, out first unobstructed view in a long time

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The Haunted Mansion POP! Vinyls are back in stock

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Disney Outfitters is still closed

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But outside, the exterior and pavement work is complete

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Walls are up near the Isle of Java now

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The Boneyard is closed for a few weeks for refurbishment

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Tsum-Tsums are now available at Chester and Hester’s

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Rivers of Light getting ready for an April 22nd debut

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Decorative lanterns now being installed over the viewing area

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The control tower is almost complete and it looks gorgeous

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Scaffolding was coming down Saturday afternoon, it was all gone by park close

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It will be nice to lose these walls soon

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A new roof is being constructed for Flights of Wonder

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The waterfront behind the Tree of Life was completely cleared this week

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The drum popcorn bucket is now in stock again in Africa

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Never noticed this, but ads for the Harambe Theater can be found in the original Harambe area now

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Tree of Life Garden sign looking extra-mossy these days

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Work continues on Tiffins and the Nomad Lounge

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Another look at Pandora

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Walking around the now wide-open Discovery Island paths

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One of the Discovery Island food booths recently introduced some new menu items, including Smoky Cheddar Grits

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These were absolutely fantastic, I highly recommend trying them

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A look at Rivers of Light construction from Flame Tree Barbecue

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I realized as we left the park at closing time, it might be one of the last times I’m ever there for park close while it is still daylight

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Someday we can tell our children about Animal Kingdom and when it used to close at 5PM…

Joy and Sadness from Inside Out Coming to Epcot Character Spot

WDWNT on March 31, 2016

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Starting April 3rd, Epcot Character Spot will provide direct access to Headquarters, where you can meet Joy and Sadness, two of the Emotions from the Disney•Pixar film “Inside Out.” On the way to Headquarters, you’ll journey through Riley’s long-term memory, catching a glimpse of her Islands of Personality before joining Joy and Sadness at the console. Joy and Sadness join Baymax in the newly expanded Epcot Character Spot, located in what was Innoventions West.

Disney World May Add $15 Nightly Resort Fee to Hotel Stays

WDWNT on March 31, 2016

A WDWNT reader sent the following tweet our way yesterday…

Apparently, Disney is surveying guests to see what they think of a nightly fee that would “cover” resort guest amenities such as MagicBands, Magical Express, Extra Magic Hours, etc. Of course, these are all things that have always been complimentary with your resort stay, so it would be interesting to see Disney market these items as a $15 charge every night in addition to what you are being charged for your hotel room.

I personally doubt any guest surveyed was OK with this, but Disney is at least thinking about implementing this charge in the future.