Animal Kingdom Getting a New Table Service Restaurant in 2016:– “Tiffins”

WDWNT on November 13, 2015

We’ve been watching construction of a new restaurant at Animal Kingdom (just behind Pizzafari on the way to Pandora: The World of AVATAR) for quite a while now, but we now finally know what it will be…

Tiffins Concept Art

Tiffins Concept Art

The restaurant will be called Tiffins and it “will celebrate the art of traveling, featuring a diverse menu drawing from places that inspired the creation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom”. Serving lunch and dinner, Tiffins will also include waterfront views from indoor and outdoor seating areas. “Tiffin” is an Indian English word for a midday meal or a type of container used to carry food while traveling.

Tifins will open to guests in 2016 at Disney’s animal Kingdom theme park.

CONCEPT ART & VIDEO: Disney Previews “Rivers of Light” and the Tree of Life Nighttime Projections for Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on November 13, 2015

Today, Disney is finally sharing more about the Rivers of Light nighttime spectacular coming to Animal Kingdom in 2016:

In “Rivers of Light,” a pair of mystical hosts come to the river bearing gifts of light. During the show, the hosts set out from the shore on elaborate lantern vessels for a dramatic dance of water and light to summon animal spirits. With the storytellers as your guides, the wonders of “Rivers of Light” builds to a stunning crescendo.

In addition to the show, you’ll also notice the park’s iconic Tree of Life will undergo an amazing awakening as the animal spirits of the tree are brought to “light” by magical fireflies, revealing moments of wonder and enchantment.

To create “Rivers of Light,” Imagineers and Creative Entertainment partnered with the talents of master puppet designer Michael Curry, composer Mark Mancina and the filmmakers at Disneynature. According to Imagineer Joe Rohde, the addition of “Rivers of Light” to the park’s offerings will serve as that huge “wow” moment that ends a guest’s visit to the park.

 

Disney also released a video with Imagineer Joe Rhode discussing the project:

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2016 Expands to 90 Days

WDWNT on November 13, 2015

If 75 days wasn’t enough last year, the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival will now run a full 3 months in 2016.  Epcot will host the annual event March 2 – May 30, 2016.

 

Making their topiary debut at the park’s front entrance will be Donald Duck’s mischievous nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie along with Donald and Daisy. To celebrate the National Parks Service centennial, Ranger Mickey Mouse will be presented for the first time in Future World.

The Cars play area will be replaced in 2016 with the innovative new “Fab Five” play garden featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto and Donald Duck topiaries. Musical instruments will be built into the children’s outdoor climbing systems.

RUMOR: Pizza Planet at Hollywood Studios to Become Muppets Restaurant?

WDWNT on November 13, 2015

Pizza Planet at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is closing January 11th, 2016. If no further information was provided, we would assume this has something to do with the construction of the Star Wars themed land, but the restaurant is scheduled to re-open in late 2016. So… are the Muppets moving in?

Provided Muppetvision 3-D is staying, it would make sense to finally turn this establishment into a Muppets themed restaurant, as originally intended back in 1991. With a refurbishment this long and an entire Toy Story Land being built on the other side of the park, it makes little sense for it to return as a Toy Story-themed eatery. While it may not be a Muppets re-theme, something is definitely happening to Pizza Planet in 2016.

We have no solid details at this time, but stay tuned for more on this as it develops.

Monorail Coral Nose Cone Destroyed Due to Collision with Tractor During Test Run, No One Was Injured

WDWNT on November 13, 2015

During a planned test on the Express Line of the Magic Kingdom monorail this afternoon, a tow tractor collided with Monorail Coral.

Disney blocked all foot and vehicle traffic in the area around Disney’s Contemporary Resort and ensured most guests had no way of visibly seeing what exactly had happened on Wednesday afternoon near Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The planned test was to have the Express Line unavailable to guests all afternoon, but the accident brought all lines of the Walt Disney World Monorail System to a close. They are still closed at this time.

The test was related to the TCS (Train Control System), the long-awaited automation system that might bring driver-less Monorails to Walt Disney World.

No one was injured and no guests were on-board as the train was not in operation.

 


Monorail service resumed as normal the next day.

Star Wars “Season of the Force” Cancelled for Walt Disney World; Star Wars Fireworks to Run Nightly Instead

WDWNT on November 13, 2015

Despite a HUGE announcement at the D23 Expo, it seems Walt Disney World has decided to make several changes in regards to the roll-out of the many aspects that would have been part of the Season of the Force event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With many fragments of the event rolling out in small bursts from now until January 5th, it seems Disney will simply advertise all of the pieces individually rather than market it as some seasonal event. In short, Season of the Force will not exist.

Launch Bay

 

That being said, all of the advertised pieces of Season of the Force are still happening. In fact, the fireworks show that was originally announced as only a weekend offering will now be offered nightly:

“Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular’’ – Starting Jan. 5, 2016, guests will be treated to a spectacular finish to their visit to the park involving a dazzling Star Wars-themed fireworks show set to memorable Star Wars music from throughout the saga.

There will also be an added-charge dessert party offered for the show:

Guests will soon be able to purchase admission to a dessert party during the fireworks show featuring themed desserts, specialty drinks and a souvenir Chewbacca stein.

But specialty snacks will also be available throughout the day:

Guests can experience Star Wars through their palates. Various novelty items and specialty foods inspired by a galaxy far, far away, such as Blue Milk Panna Cotta, Padawan Limeade, BB-8 Lemon and Butter Cream cupcake and a Han Solo Souvenir Kid’s Meal served in a Han Solo-themed bucket, will be available at various locations inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Another new offering beginning on January 5th will be the First Order Stormtrooper patrols:

As guests enjoy the sights and attractions of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, they may come face to face with First Order Stormtroopers who will patrol various areas of the park, interacting with guests during their mission to find members of the Resistance.

These pieces come in addition to the Path of the Jedi clip show, Star Wars Launch Bay, Star Tours: The Adventures Continue additions, and the new Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple Show that will all be in place by December.

“Disney & PIXAR Short Film Festival” Set to Replace Captain EO in the Magic Eye Theater

WDWNT on November 13, 2015

We already know that Captain EO will close forever on December 6th, 2015, but now we know what is replacing it:

Coming in December, Epcot guests can experience Disney and Pixar animated shorts in a new 4D experience located in Magic Eye Theater in the Imagination Pavilion. “Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival” will include a look into the visionary minds behind some of the world’s most iconic animated films today.

Then inside the theater, guests can put on their 3D glasses and enter the imaginative worlds of three animated shorts, which will burst to life on the big screen (and in the theater) like never before.

While this is the permanent replacement for Captain EO, we can’t help but feel this is just a placeholder until a full overhaul of the pavilion can be planned and carried out.

Stay tuned for more details on this breaking story as it develops.

CONFIRMED: Captain EO at Epcot Will Finally Close Forever on December 6th, 2015

WDWNT on October 7, 2015

While we are still waiting for official confirmation from Disney, rumors are circulating that Captain EO starring Michael Jackson may finally close forever on December 6th, 2015.

 

The attraction returned in 2010 to celebrate the life of Jackson after his passing the year prior. The attraction also returned at 3 other Disney resorts around the world, but has since been closed at all other locations. Captain EO at Epcot closed temporarily earlier this year to accommodate previews of Tomorrowland and Inside Out, but surprisingly returned later in the summer.

It is unknown why the attraction might be closing, but speculation has it that Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald has been tasked with being the leader of a team to overhaul Epcot over the next few years and this could just be one of the early steps in the process. The rumor does not seem to include Journey Into Imagination with Figment, possibly debunking rumors of a makeover for the entire pavilion, but only time will tell.

Stay tuned as we try to get confirmation on this breaking story.

UPDATE:

Disney has updated the Epcot poster to confirm the attraction is indeed closing December 6th:

Captain EO Farewell Mission December 6

The “Na’vi River Journey” Formally Announced for Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on October 7, 2015

Pandora – The World of AVATAR’s boat ride has been mostly a mystery up until this point, but Disney is finally spilling the beans on this family-friendly Animal Kingdom attraction which will be called “Na’vi River Journey”.

The adventure begins as guests set out in canoes and venture down a mysterious, sacred river hidden within the bioluminescent rainforest. The full beauty of Pandora reveals itself as the canoes pass by exotic glowing plants and amazing creatures. The journey culminates in an encounter with a Na’vi shaman, who has a deep connection to the life force of Pandora and sends positive energy out into the forest through her music.

Na’vi River Journey will open along with the Flight of Passage attraction in Pandora – The World of AVATAR in 2017.

2015 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party “Sorcerers” Card Features Olaf and the Snowgies

WDWNT on October 7, 2015

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns to Magic Kingdom Park November 8, and this year Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom fans can pick up a special event-exclusive game card on party nights. This year’s event-exclusive card features Olaf and his “snowgies.”

 

The “Olaf’s Snowgies” card will be distributed in addition to the regular Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card packs. Guests can pick it up at either the Magic Kingdom Firehouse or the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom location behind Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe. Guests must register to play with their party ticket and event wristband in order to get one.