The American Idol Experience Set To Close at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2015

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

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Typically, some hardcore Disney World fans will make up a rumor every now and then that the American Idol Experience attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is closing. For once, it seems the rumors are true and the attraction will close forever at the very beginning of 2015 in early January. Starting in July, the show will be decreasing the number of daily performances offered as well.

The American Idol Experience opened to mixed reviews in early 2009 amidst a tremendous amount of hype. The attraction was a first of its kind as everyday park guests could compete for a front of the line pass to any American Idol audition around the country. Many American Idol Experience golden ticket winners went on to be finalists on the actual television program, making it hard to argue that the attraction managed to find some really great talent and serve its purpose during its nearly 6 year run.

The American Idol Experience holds a special place in our hearts here at WDWNT as we were the very first website to post photos and a review of the show during the short soft-opening period in January 2009.

While Disney and Freemantle Media have quietly confirmed the closing of the attraction, there has been no word on the future of the Superstar Television Theater. Rumors indicate that somewhere down the line the building will be demolished for the long-rumored Star Wars land project, but the proximity to the center of the park and Hollywood Boulevard leads us to believe otherwise. This theater was vacant for seven years prior to the opening of the American Idol Experience, so there is always the possibility that it will remain dormant. Only time will tell…

Princess Fairytale Hall Line-Up Altered Yet Again; Aurora & Snow White Removed, Anna & Elsa From Frozen All-Alone

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

Changes have been made to the meet and greet line-up at Princess Fairytale Hall once again. The two available meet and greets are now either Anna and Elsa from Frozen (they are still together, just separated from any other princesses now) or Rapunzel & Cinderella. The changes are in response to the over-300 minute waits there have been at the location since Anna & Elsa moved in. Removing another princess from the equation should help with the line… at least Walt Disney World thinks so…

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In the process, Snow White and Aurora have been removed from the Princess Fairytale Hall line-up. Princess Aurora from Sleeping Beauty can now be found daily next to City Hall in the Tour Guide Gardens on Main Street U.S.A.. Snow White is meeting guests on Center Street near Uptown Jewelers.

VIDEO: “Winged Encounters: The Kingdom Takes Flight” Debuts at Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

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A spin-off of the popular Flights of Wonder show at Animal Kingdom, guests are now invited to experience “Winged Encounters: The Kingdom Takes Flight”, performed four times daily on Discovery Island. This short show showcases six types of macaw: hyacinth, green-winged, blue and gold, scarlet, blue-throated and military and talks about how these birds have become endangered out in the wild. The show is performed just outside of Dinoland U.S.A. and to the right of the restrooms, near Disney Outfitters. They currently offer four shows a day at 9:15 AM, 10:15 AM, 1 PM, and 2 PM. Here’s a full video of the show:

6/20/14 Aerial Pictures of AVATAR Construction at Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

WDWNT Reporter Nick LoCicero took to the skies over Disney’s Animal Kingdom this morning to see the progress on the AVATAR area at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and lucky for us, he brought a camera with him to snap some shots of the work completed so far:

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A look from afar

As you can see, there is nothing left of Camp Minnie-Mickey at this point, all of the land is cleared

Two large cranes stand at the site

You can see the new Harambe Theatre in the distance

Stay tuned as we’ll be continuing these aerial updates as work progresses on the AVATAR land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Aerial Construction Photos of Disney Springs from 6/23/14

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

WDWNT Reporter Nick LoCicero once again takes us high above what is today Downtown Disney so we can see what is happening to make it Disney Springs for the future in this latest aerial update:

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Downtown Disney is pretty much a war zone right now, but at least the parking structure will be complete in a few weeks

Some road work starting to happen, preparing for all of the new access roads for busses and cars into and out of the area

It may be hard to believe now, but the structure will open by the Fall

A lot of the waterways near what was Pleasure Island are being torn up now

We can see that quite a bit of progress has been made on the Marketplace bridge

If you look towards the top of the photo above, you can see what appears to be a small amphitheater being built next to the large waterside dining building for The Landing

Pollo Campero is history…

You can see the new bridge to Saratoga Springs towards the top of this photo

Stay tuned for more exciting updates on Disney Springs!

6/24/14 Walt Disney World Photo Report (Polynesian Resort, Magic Kingdom, & Animal Kingdom)

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

WDWNT Reporters Joe Hogarty and John Corigliano visited Disney’s Polynesian Resort, the Magic Kingdom, and Disney’s animal kingdom over the last few days and have plenty of exciting pictures to share with us, so let’s take a look:

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Concept art for the changes at the Polynesian are decorating the walls that cover up the work in the lobby

The entrance to what will be the Disney Vacation Club wing

TRADER SAM’S!!!

Another look at the DVC building

The new look lobby in the Great Ceremonial House

Captain Cook’s new look

Seating area by the outside pool bar

More Trader Sam’s

Captain Cook’s is still closed

Work outside the arrival area at the Great Ceremonial House

A look at the bungalows

Moving to the Magic Kingdom, Anna and Elsa now meet on one side of Fairytale Hall alone, they are also no longer posing with each other

Plenty of Frozen merchandise inside Sir Mickey’s

If you’re afraid of your children going deaf from loud music, buy these

This store really needs a name change… Sir Mickey’s has nothing but female character merchandise

A long line to buy Frozen merchandise…

The Astro Orbiter and the TTA are both closed for refurbishment

The entire Astro Orbiter has been dismantled

Work continues on the massive hub overhaul at the Magic Kingdom

The Gaston fountain is starting to look a little funky… not sure if they’ll leave it for the more realistic look

Aurora now greeting guests next door to City Hall

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Moving over to Animal Kingdom, there are walls up all over the park

The KODAK sign is still up…

Walls near Flame Tree Barbecue

The gate along the path from Asia to Africa, has been demolished…

Maybe a new pathway?

Walls up on Discovery Island

Walls up in Africa where the new pathway should lead

The construction area for the path goes very close to the Wildlife Express Train tracks

The path would go around Tamu Tamu Refreshments and the adjacent seating area

Thanks for the report John and Joe!

VIDEO: New “It All Started With a Mouse” Show Debuts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

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Disney’s Animal Kingdom recently started a new show at Rafiki’s Planet Watch called “It All Started with a Mouse”. “It All Started with a Mouse” showcases Walt Disney’s lifelong love of the animal world and his belief that “what everyone will learn who studies it is a renewed sense of kinship with the earth and all its inhabitants.” During the show, Conservation Station’s “animal ambassadors,” including sheep, parrots, porcupines, birds of prey and Kunekune pigs help tell stories and make appearances in, around, and even above the audience, as the cast members share natural history fun facts, conservation messages and inspiring (and fun) calls-to-action. We have a full video of the new show to share with you today:

The show is much longer than and probably more worthwhile than the heavily hyped Winged Encounters show which also debuted last week at the park. After the show, guests have an exclusive opportunity to meet and talk to some of the stars of the show and are encouraged to capture once-in-a-lifetime memories with plenty of photographs.

When you plan your visit, allow at least 15 minutes of travel time to and from Rafiki’s Planet Watch via the Wildlife Express train to get to the 20/25-minute show which is currently performed once a day, at 11:30 a.m.

Frozen Summer Fun LIVE Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios July 5th – September 1st

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

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Update – Disney Parks Blog has officially acknowledged the event and we have even more details. Frozen Summer Fun will be taking place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios everyday from July 5th through September 1st.

This summer, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be celebrating “Frozen,” the hit animated feature film from Disney, with a daily character procession, sing-alongs with Anna and Elsa, fireworks, a polar playground, ice skating rink, ice carving demonstrations and a nightly party featuring a live band, all themed to the worldwide phenomenon.

From July 5-Sept. 1, 2014, “Frozen Summer Fun Live!” will bring to life the world of royal sisters Anna and Elsa and their fairy tale kingdom of Arendelle.  Most activities are included in theme park admission.

Special experiences will immerse guests in lots of Frozen fun. Here are some highlights (*schedule subject to change without notice):

Olaf on Summer Vacation
As a special feature before the fireworks, guests will have a chance to be a part of a pre-show celebration by hashtagging photos of themselves in the park with a “Take-Along Olaf.”  Throughout the day, Take-Along Olafs will be distributed at various locations in the park.  Guests are then invited to take Olaf along with them on their Disney’s Hollywood Studios adventures.  By sharing their photos with the unique hashtag #OlafSummerVacation, their photos may appear on the big screen in this special pre-show feature.

Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome
Each day at 11 a.m., Anna and Elsa, riding in a horse-drawn sleigh, will travel in a royal procession down Hollywood Boulevard.  Rugged mountain man Kristoff is along for the fun joined by a flurry of skaters, skiers and ice cutters, all dressed in their Arendelle best.

For the First Time in Forever: A “Frozen” Sing-Along Celebration
Inside the park’s Premiere Theater, Princess Anna and Queen Elsa join the Royal Historians of Arendelle for a fun and comedic retelling of the history of their kingdom amidst projections, lighting and special effects.  Guests will be invited to join in special sing-along moments from the film’s chart-topping soundtrack.  At the end of the performance, guests might find themselves becoming “Honorary Citizens of Arendelle.”  The 20-minute show will be presented multiple times each day.

Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post & Frozen Funland
There’s a “big summer blowout” happening inside the park’s Soundstage One, where Oaken – the film’s trading post owner – and his cousins have created the “Frozen Funland” amidst a winter wonderland.  Living up to its name, there will be plenty of frozen festivities inside the makeshift adventure park Oaken and his cousins built to make the most of the sudden snowstorm. Part of the Oaken’s Frozen Funland will be an ice skating rink with demonstrations by some of Oaken’s talented cousins on the Arendelle ice. In addition, icy artisans will put their talents on display, creating carvings of favorite “Frozen” characters from giant frozen blocks.  Kids can enjoy frozen wintertime activities in the “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” area.  For all of his Frozen Funland friends, Oaken has plenty of merchandise at his Trading Post, along with hot cocoa and sweet treats available for purchase.

Skating sessions are $10 for 30 minutes on the ice, including the use of ice skates, socks and a helmet. Guests can also bring their own equipment. Oaken’s Frozen Funland will be open daily from park opening to 8 p.m., and skating sessions are available on a first come, first serve basis. (Note: Skating availability may be limited to the sizing of skates. Waivers for all guests are required and minors must have an adult/responsible party age 18 or older present to sign for them).

“Coolest Summer Ever” Dance Party
From 5:30-9:30 p.m. each evening, a live band will take the stage to celebrate the Frozen summer fun with contemporary songs and a few familiar tunes from the film.

“Frozen” Fireworks Spectacular
At 9:45 each evening, the giant Sorcerer Mickey Hat on Hollywood Blvd. gets the full Frozen treatment with special projections of snow and ice images, in an eye-popping spectacular above Hollywood Blvd.  Set to the film’s soundtrack, the fireworks show will feature some special guests – including a very magical appearance from Elsa in which she will show how her powers flurry “through the air and to the ground” to produce magically icy blue and white gleaming fireworks.

 

 

Details have leaked from the My Disney Experience app (which have been pulled since) for a special event being hosted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 5th, 2014. The event will be themed around “Disney’s Frozen” and will be included with regular park admission. Disney has not officially confirmed this event and as of right now its strictly a rumor. Below are the details that were included on the My Disney Experience app:

Frozen Summer Fun LIVE! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 5th
Olaf on Summer Vacation in Hollywood Boulevard
Coolest Summer Ever Dance Party taking place in Hollywood Boulevard
Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome taking place on the Sorcerers Stage
A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration taking place on the Streets of America
Oaken’s Frozen Funland in Pixar Place
Frozen Fireworks Spectacular happening above Hollywood Boulevard

Stay tuned for more information on this event as it becomes available.

PHOTOS: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure at Epcot Introduces Smartphones from AT&T

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure at Epcot debuted new smartphones today courtesy of new mobile sponsor AT&T after 2 years of using Verizon Samsung flip-phones.

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Since today was the first day running with the new phones, cast members made it clear that there may be a few glitches with them and guests should locate an Agent P cast member should they have any problems. That being said, we experienced no issues during the two missions that we tried out today.

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The phone itself is a nice, large screen Nokia smartphone. The touch screen was very responsive and the audio quality was noticeably improved. They also have a large range volume control on the side of the phone, a much-welcomed change since the Agent P mission phones were often insanely loud, especially when brought inside a building around World Showcase. We expected some sort of “Otter Box” type indestructible case, instead, there was just a thin, sleek rubber case around the phone. This was day one, so we can only imagine the screens getting rather dirty or smashed very quickly and new cases having to be ordered.

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On a negative note, the animation sequences have not been changed. Seemingly produced for the smaller flip phone screen, when stretched to the size of the larger smart phone screen the animation is noticeably pixelated. We can only hope new animation will be made and will debut at a later time. What they fail to tell you at mission briefing is be sure not to touch the home, back or search buttons on the bottom of the phone. This will bring you to a main phone menu. When we tried to get back to the mission, all progress was lost and it asked that the phone be returned in a designated drop box. Hopefully these minor issues will be addressed, but overall, the new phones are a great improvement over the old flip-style phones.

Epcot “Sounds Like Summer” Concert Series Line-Up Announced for 2014

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

Chart-topping classics will fill the air at Epcot this summer when high-energy bands rock the mic during Sounds Like Summer concert series. Performing hits from U2, Journey, Boston, and more, seven acts will take the stage in June and July at America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase.

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This year’s concert line up includes:

  • June 8-14:  Hotel California ~ A Salute to the Eagles
  • June 15-21: Don’t Stop Believin’ ~ Journey Tribute Band
  • June 22-28: Good Vibrations ~ A Tribute to The Beach Boys
  • June 29-July 5: Don’t Look Back ~ Boston Tribute Band
  • July 6 to 12: Stayin’ Alive ~ A Tribute to the Bee Gees
  • July 13 to 19: Slippery When Wet ~ The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute
  • July 20 to 26: 2U ~ A Tribute to U2

Show times are 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. – except on July 4 when show times are 5:15, 6:30, 7:45 and 9 p.m.  Sounds Like Summer concerts are included with Epcot admission (Entertainment subject to change without notice).