PHOTOS: An In-Depth Look at the Festival of Fantasy Parade Debut at the Magic Kingdom

WDWNT on March 31, 2014

WDWNT Reporters Joe Hogarty, Dirk Wallen, and Nick LoCicero were all on the scene for the debut of Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade at the Magic Kingdom yesterday and have nearly 300 photos of the parade to share with us of this new daily spectacle:

Needless to say, the parade was stunning. We’ll have a full review of the parade on this week’s WDW News Today Podcast and talk all about it in depth, including the cool details you should look for when you see it.

Full parade video will be shared this afternoon once we get it uploaded.

VIDEO: Moat Drained Around Cinderella Castle in Preperation for Hub Overhaul

WDWNT on March 31, 2014

The very first step in remodeling the hub in front of Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom is draining the moat…

Interestingly enough, some sections of the drained moat still have the remnants of track from the Plaza Swan Boats, an attraction that closed in the early 1980’s. As you can see in the video, the former loading dock for that attraction is already behind walls and should be demolished shortly.

The hub remodeling is slated to be finished in early 2014.

Thanks to John Corigliano for the video.

Frozen Meet and Greet with Anna and Elsa Moving to Magic Kingdom April 20

WDWNT on March 31, 2014

It’s no secret that the meant-to-be-temporary Frozen meet and greet in the Norway pavilion at Epcot ended up a huge success with lines ranging anywhere up to 4 or 5 hours in length sometimes, so with the hotter months in central Florida coming up fast and the lengthy queue being outdoors, Disney seems to have decided a move to the Magic Kingdom is the best solution to the problem…

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Starting April 20th, Walt Disney World’s website has listed that you can meet Anna and Elsa as well as a visiting princess at Magic Kingdom’s Princess Fairytale Hall.

Screen Shot 2014-03-12 at 8.57.17 PMIt appears Rapunzel and Cinderella will be paired off in the second meet and greet inside the hall. Obviously, Disney has not entered any more information on the meet and greet as there are not even pictures or a description of the attraction on the site yet, but it seems they are getting ready by adding it to the entertainment schedule.

Now, whether or not this is a permanent addition remains to be seen. Rumors indicate further modifications could be on the way to Norway to make room for a larger Frozen meet and greet with an indoor queue (as well as a Frozen attraction somewhere down the line). So, for just how long Anna and Elsa take over a room at Fairytale Hall remains to be seen.

It’s also worth noting that Princess Fairytale Hall features nods to all 11 Disney princesses that existed prior to its opening in 2013. There are currently no references to Frozen’s 2 princesses anywhere in the building. I’m curious to see if some decorative shields or portraits of the sisters end up there sometime soon…

Until any announcement from Disney, this meet and greet is purely speculation, but this slip by the official site makes it highly likely.

UPDATE: Disney has confirmed these changes will be taking place starting April 20th, 2014. The Norway meet and greet will be discontinued at that time, but it is unclear what will come of the shop space that was converted for the meet and greet.

Epcot Adds IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party on Select Evenings

WDWNT on March 31, 2014

Starting March 15th, Epcot guests can now add a night of delicious desserts and sparkling wines to their day at the park with a new ticketed party.

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The IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party offers a sampling of treats and drinks from around World Showcase along with premiere viewing of the nightly Epcot fireworks on select evenings, namely Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The party lasts from 7:45PM until 9:20PM. The price is $49 for adults and $29 for children.

Menu (subject to change):

  • Italy: Tiramisu
  • France: Vanilla Pot de Crème
  • United Kingdom: Shortbread Cookies
  • Morocco: Traditional Baklava
  • American Adventure: Sugar Dusted Cronis with Strawberry Sauce and Whipped Cream
  • Disney Parks ice cream novelties
  • Lemonade, coffee, teas
  • Sparkling wine from Washington State and Prosecco from Italy

Aerial Construction Photos of Disney Springs From 3/15/14

WDWNT on March 31, 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 with his photos from last Friday:

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A lot happening in this shot… the parking structure rises as Pleasure Island becomes The Landing

The second story of the structure is starting to go in

Still one level over here

The site of the Boathouse in The Landing

The park between Bongo’s and Starbucks is becoming “Food Truck Park”, new home to the Disney food trucks

Work continues on the new bridge in the Marketplace

Tom Corless’ 3/19/14 Magic Kingdom Photo Report (Hub Changes, Mine Train, Polynesian DVC)

WDWNT on March 31, 2014

WDWNT Reporter Tom Corless visited the Magic Kingdom yesterday afternoon and has a number of newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip, so let’s take a look:

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It was a really beautiful day in Central Florida yesterday

With the monorail out of service in the afternoons for maintenance, the old Discovery River Boats are making trips between resorts instead of the smaller boats

The bungalows at the Polynesian are coming along nicely

I know everyone isn’t a fan, but these will have the be the coolest rooms at Walt Disney World

Maintenance vehicles out on the monorail beams

Moving to the Magic Kingdom, the hub redesign is in full swing

Tarps now block the view into the moat for guests

Cinderella Castle is getting fixed up while all of this is going on, getting ready for a new nighttime show rumored to happen in 2015

The turrets are being stripped and repainted among other changes

An empty moat

Plenty of tarps up in Adventureland

Walls also up at the Tiki Room still

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train could be soft opening any day now, some Cast Members got to ride during recent training

It is starting to look like the finished product

Another section of construction walls came down, revealing more track


Back in the hub, the expanded Casey’s Corner seating area is being enjoyed by guests

Most of the work on enclosing the balcony at Cosmic Ray’s in Tomorrowland is done

No more outdoor seating

The popcorn stand in the hub has already closed

Disney Set To Test Live Karaoke Band Concept at Atlantic Dance Hall

WDWNT on March 31, 2014

For 8 weeks starting March 27th, guests visiting Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s Boardwalk can get on stage and rock out, living out their rock star fantasies.

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The Tom Casey Band will be presenting “Totally Rockin! Live Interactive Band”, an interesting concept at Atlantic Dance Hall on Thursday evenings through May 15th. The new experience will essentially has guests picking a song and either singing or playing the guitar or keyboards along to it. Think karaoke with instruments and a full 6-person band.

Show times on Thursdays will be 9PM until 1:30AM and costumes will be provided in case guests really want to get into the act.

Whether or not this becomes a permanent addition to Walt Disney World will rely on the success of this test.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Offering Star Wars Character Meals in May & June 2014!

WDWNT on March 31, 2014

While not officially announced by Disney yet, anyone who calls (407) WDW-DINE starting today will have the opportunity to book one of two Star Wars character meals at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in celebration of Star Wars Weekends. The meals will be offered daily May 4 to June 15, 2014:

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Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dine at Hollywood and Vine

The Fantasmic! dinner experience at Hollywood and Vine has been transformed into a Star Wars theme where Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Chip & Dale will all be dressed as their favorite Star Wars characters (Jedi Mickey, Princess Leia Minnie, Darth Goofy, Stormtrooper Donald, and Ewoks Chip & Dale). The characters will meet and greet and interact with Guests throughout the evening. Meals are offered from 4:15pm to 8 or 8:30 pm (sometimes 9pm to 9:30 – based on park closing). The price is $59.99 with Fantasmic! Package or $55.99 without for adults, $36.99 with Fantasmic! Package or $32.99 without for children. A digital photo of the party with the Ewoks Chip & Dale on a commemorative PhotoPass card is included.

Star Wars™ Dine-In Galactic Breakfast

The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater becomes the Star Wars Dine-in Theater for this character dining experience. Characters include Stormtroopers, Jawa, Greedo, and Boba Fett and a Darth Vader Meet & Greet after check-in. Additionally, the traditional Sci-Fi clips will be replaced with Star Wars clips, trailers and music.  Meals will be offered from 8am – 12pm daily. Price for adult is $47.99, child is $29.99. A digital photo of the party on a commemorative PhotoPass card is included.

D23 Destination D: Attraction Rewind Tickets On Sale April 16th

WDWNT on March 31, 2014

D23_Event_DestD_PressLogoWalt Disney once said, “We keep moving forward—opening up new doors and doing new things—because we’re curious. And curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” It’s in that spirit that guests this fall will have the opportunity to visit—or revisit—some of the most beloved Disney attractions of yesteryear. D23 Destination D: Attraction Rewind presented by H2O Plus will take place November 22 and 23 at Walt Disney World Resort. D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will bring Disney archivists, Imagineers, Legends, and luminaries together to celebrate fan favorites such as Adventure Thru Inner Space, If You Had Wings, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with rarely seen concept art and images; vintage video clips; and hours of revealing stories. In addition, there will be a full day of presentations dedicated to the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair, which debuted beloved attractions like it’s a small world and Carousel of Progress.

Presenters and panelists include Disney Legends Marty Sklar, Bob Gurr, and Alice Davis; Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline; Disney and World’s Fair historians Bill Cotter, Stacia Martin, and Michael Kelley—and more to be announced.

During the weekend, guests will be able to explore a special exhibit designed by the Walt Disney Archives in honor of the event.

The weekend will end with an exciting evening event—Pleasure Island: Rewind. This celebration of the Downtown Disney nightlife district will include areas dedicated to the Adventurers Club, Comedy Warehouse, Mannequins, and 8 Trax. And of course there will be a “New Year’s Eve” celebration to cap the night.

Plus, for the first time, Mickey’s of Glendale, the famed Walt Disney Imagineering store, will set up a pop-up shop at the event for attendees, featuring a selection of exclusive Imagineering merchandise as well as limited-edition pins, T-shirts, and collectibles themed to the event. The shop will also carry a special line from H2O Plus, whose products are featured at Disney Resort Hotels.

Highlights of D23 DESTINATION D: ATTRACTION REWIND presented by H2O Plus will include*:

  • Disney Goes to the World’s Fair: A look at how Disney became a part of the landmark event
  • Lost on the Way to the Fair: Pavilion concepts for the World’s Fair that never came to be
  • Retro Rewind References: Nods to favorites of the past in current Disney Parks attractions
  • That Was Entertainment: Revisiting beloved theme park parades, shows, and spectacles

The weekend event will take place in the convention center at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Tickets, available Wednesday, April 16, are $190 each and available exclusively to D23 Gold and Silver Members for a limited time. Any remaining tickets will be made available to D23 Free Members on May 28 for $250 per ticket. All guests will receive a special gift in honor of Disney’s contributions to the 50th anniversary of the 1964–65 World’s Fair in New York City. A limited number of “Top of the World” tickets will be available featuring reserved seating, early shopping on November 21, an exclusive dinner reception, special collectibles, gifts from H2O Plus and Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, and more.

More details about the program and tickets for D23 DESTINATION D: ATTRACTION REWIND presented by H2O Plus, as well as a special offer just for members of D23, can be found at D23.com/Events. Additional schedule announcements will be made in the coming months.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. D23 gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

About H2O Plus, LLC

H2O Plus, LLC is a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of prestige, marine-based skincare products for the face and body. Their parent company, Pola Orbis, is the fourth-leading beauty care company in Japan. Celebrating their 25th anniversary this year, H2O Plus continues to develop innovative products based on their heritage of water-based formulas powered by exclusive marine blends and state-of-the-art technology. H2O Plus has a large and expanding global presence in more than 9,000 points of distribution, worldwide. For more information on H2O Plus, please visit www.h2oplus.com

Fans can join D23 at Gold, Silver, and Free Membership levels at D23.com and at www.DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow us @DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.