Tom Corless’ 3/23/14 Disney Springs Photo Report (Pollo Campero Closes, Concept Art, New Shirts, ETC.)

WDWNT on March 31, 2014

Plenty is going on at Downtown Disney as it slowly transforms into Disney Springs, so I took my camera and headed over to the districts to see what new merchandise has been popping up and exciting changes are happening to the area:

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New kid’s shirt featuring PIXAR characters

There’s also a new kid’s shirt with Disney characters

A few new adult t-shirts have also been released

Railroad t-shirt

I love this new shirt that not only features a Friendship boat, but also says Lake Buena Vista on it

Work continues on the Marketplace bridge

Pollo Campero and Babycakes NYC have closed to make way for Disney Springs construction

This location will be knocked down, but it remains unknown if either tenant will return in a new location

On the West Side, you can now find concept art for the new parking structure

FastPass+ in Advance and MagicBands Roll-Out to Non-Disney Resort Guests

WDWNT on March 31, 2014

Well, it finally happened. Starting today, guests not staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel or in possession of an annual pass can make FastPass+ reservations up to 30 days in advance, and they can buy a MagicBand to boot. Disney resort guests get up to 60 days to make the very same FastPass+ reservations.

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The MyDisneyExperience app is now equipped to make the reservations for all guests with park tickets, not just those using MagicBands while staying on Disney property.

If the plastic park ticket these guests are being issued isn’t good enough and they’re feeling left out, select Walt Disney World merchandise locations are now selling MagicBands in the seven original colors for $12.95 each. We expect some “vanity” or upscale character bands to join the merchandise fray in the not-too-distant future.

These buyable bands feature all of the capabilities of the resort guest’s bands except for one thing: they can not be linked to a credit card and used for charging.

This is all subject to change at any point as Disney has stated they are still in the testing phases for MyMagic+.

Tom Corless’ 12/30/13-1/1/14 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on February 18, 2014

I managed to spend the last three busy days citing Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Magic Kingdom, and Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World and I have some photos to share with you all from my journey, so let’s tai a look at what’s new and exciting:

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New 2014 iPhone 4/4S and 5 cases have hit stores

These have a new design as they are hard cases with a bumper

Disney’s Hollywood Studios once again had the stage up for the holidays and used the screens to give guests park information

The Legend of Jack Sparrow is now only available to guests via a ticketing system done on a first-come, first-serve basis. Disney’s thoughts are guests will be less let down that this isn’t a ride if they don’t have to stand in line for 30 minutes or more. The tickets were all gone by the time we got there on the 30th.

Specialty holiday drinks were available in the park

Comedy Warehouse returned again for the busy holiday season

Moving to Downtown Disney, the new barbecue quick service location at House of Blues is nearing completion

These two-layered t-shirts were found at World of Disney

It’s a mesh layer over a colored character layer

The Disneyland 4-D puzzle has made its way to WDW

A whole bunch of new charms for charm bracelets have been released, including the Orange Bird

The 4th and final food truck debuted at Downtown Disney, Fantasy Fare

There are a lot of good offerings

CORN DOGS!!!

I dared to venture to the Magic Kingdom for New Year’s Eve again this year…

This looks much worse than it actually was, it took less than 3 minutes to get through bag check

Some lines were long, as to be expected, especially at Starbucks

Casey’s Corner was offering breakfast due to crowds

The ham, egg, and cheese croissant was excellent

Golden Oak Outpost has re-opened and now has a spicy chicken sandwich, the lines were just too long to try it on the 31st…

Pirates of the Caribbean reached an 80 minute wait at one point

Work continues on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Friar’s Nook is open as well and now has gourmet mac and cheese dishes

There are 3 choices of different mac and cheese styles

Here is the Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese

And the mac and cheese with bread crumbs, both were very good

The 31st was your last chance to catch Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

See you in 2014 Santa!

Prince Eric’s Village Market was offering soup since it was cold

90 minute wait for Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid

Cinderella’s Coach is out for photos through the 4th to deal with some crowds

The second seating planter by Pinocchio’s Village Haus came out from behind walls recently

A new sign was added to the facade of the Country Bear Jamboree in an attempt to draw in more guests

We dined at the Tortuga Tavern buffet that was only open for the busy holiday season and I have to say it was pretty good

Some great desserts as well!

The animated Pluto bank is now available in stores for $19.95

As always, free cookies and cocoa were offered at the end of the night to keep guests in the park during the midnight rush to leave

Moving over to Animal Kingdom, the Dawa Bar in Africa has moved opposite the Tusker House check-in desk to accommodate the eventual queue for Festival of the Lion King

A new limited release iPhone 5 case available at the park

Some new clothing

A sweatshirt

Construction continues on the new Festival of the Lion King theater

All guests visiting Animal Kingdom can now use FastPass+ by heading to any service center or FastPass+ location

This is the first KODAK picture spot sign I’ve seen blank, but it should have a new NIKON picture spot sing in it soon

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Some new Toy Story action figures made by Disney Parks have been released

Aerial Construction Photos of Disney Springs From 1/3/14

WDWNT on February 18, 2014

WDWNT Reporter Nick LoCicero is once again bringing us the latest aerial construction photos from high above Downtown Disney as the conversion to Disney Springs continues:

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Vertical construction on the parking structure continues

Pleasure Island is slowly transforming into The Landing

Another look at the structure

A look at the former site of the Comedy Warehouse that is being excavated

Another look at the parking lot

Vertical construction on the main structure in The Landing should begin shortly

Captain Jack’s is gone, all that remains are some posts in the water

VIDEO: “Celebrate A Dream Come True Parade” Has Emotional Farewell After 5 Years Running

WDWNT on February 18, 2014

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Yesterday, the Magic Kingdom presented the final performance of the long-running “Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade” as they prepare to debut the new Festival of Fantasy Parade starting in March. While not one of the most beloved parades ever (as it was the 2nd overlay of a parade that debuted in 2001), the performers, guests who loved the parade, and many cast members who were both on-and-off duty had an emotional farewell as the procession pulled through the gates on Main Street for the last time yesterday afternoon. We were camped at the very end of the parade route to capture the historic moment in video for you. Our apologies as the video is a little shaky at times, but there was so much going on with many characters and performers saying goodbye to the parade. Regardless, we hope you enjoy:

VIDEO: Imagineering Releases On-Ride Footage of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

WDWNT on February 18, 2014

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Walt Disney Imagineering released a video today showcasing the work that has gone into all of the vehicles for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train opening this Spring in New Fantasyland. The video also offers us our very first glimpse inside the attraction and a look at the trains in action! Take a look:

Construction Begins on AVATAR Project for Disney’s Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on February 18, 2014

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Earlier this week, the long-awaited ground breaking ceremony was held in former Camp Minnie-Mickey for the AVATAR-themed land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. George Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort; Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations, United States and France; Tom Staggs, chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts; a Na’vi; Jon Landau, AVATAR Producer; Bruce Vaughn, chief creative executive of Walt Disney Imagineering; and Joe Rohde, creative executive, Walt Disney Imagineering, pose Jan. 8, 2014 during the ceremonial groundbreaking.

The area, which is being designed by Walt Disney Imagineering in partnership with “AVATAR” creator James Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment, will be unlike anything ever experienced at a Disney park. Guests will experience the wonders of Pandora when they fly with banshees and explore a rich natural environment with mountains that float and interactive plants that glow at night.

“Disney’s Animal Kingdom is already home to some of our guests’ favorite attractions,” said Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “With AVATAR, we are adding a spectacular new world and an exciting set of attractions unlike any our guests have experienced. The expansion now under way will make the park a true full-day, must-see experience.”

This week’s milestone is just the first step in a larger expansion for the park that will also include the debut of a new evening spectacular, as well as a nighttime version of Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Check out the video below for a look inside the ceremony:

Green Builder Media Celebrates Vision House Anniversary at Epcot with Trip Giveaway

WDWNT on February 18, 2014

Green Builder Media is celebrating Earth Day and the 2nd anniversary of its Vision House at Epcot’s Innoventions this year with a  4-day, 3-night Walt Disney World Resort vacation giveaway.

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Located in Epcot’s Innoventions West, the Vision House enables guests to walk through a house built with the environment in mind. The Vision House tour guide walks guests through each room in the house, highlighting the “green” technology, like water-saving toilets and LED lighting.

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The Vision House also introduces some pretty cool “tech gadgets” for the home, with ways to automate your green home. From the touch screens, homeowners can set temperatures, lower shades, and control the technology throughout the house.

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 Enter for your chance to be Green Builder Media’s guest on Earth Day for the 2nd Anniversary celebration at GreenBuilderMag.com/EarthDayGiveaway2

REVIEW: Spice Road Table Soft Opens at Epcot

WDWNT on February 18, 2014

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This past weekend the Spice Road Table soft opened at the Morocco pavilion in Epcot. There is no official opening date yet and in the meantime no discounts are being accepted (this includes Cast, Tables in Wonderland, Annual Pass, ext.). The restaurant is located right along World Showcase Lagoon giving it stunning views of the park and a new viewing location for Illuminations. The menu for Spice Road  Table is tapas style, featuring classic Mediterranean dishes. Also well the restaurant has a selection of beers, wines, speciality drinks and desserts. Spice Road Table currently does not accept reservations making it a perfect spur of the moment dining choice.

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The decor at Spice Road Table is simply stunning. Imagineering once again did an excellent job. Upon walking in, you see a beautiful bar. To the left is the outdoor seating and the indoor seating is on the right.

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Let’s take a look at what the menu offers for Spice Road Table…

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Pictured above is the Hummus and Imported Olives. This dish was a table favorite the hummus was so smooth and creamy with no aftertaste that you commonly find with the hummus you can buy in the grocery store.

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Above is the Mediterranean Omelet this was a surprisingly good dish. It’s basically your standard omelet that is stacked on top of potatoes and topped with a thick tomato sauce. I thought it would make a perfect breakfast dish, it was odd to have the omelet mixed with items that were more traditional dinner items.

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Spicy Garlic Shrimp – the name says it all! It wasn’t as spicy as I was expecting and it sure was loaded with garlic.

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The Moroccan Merguez Sausage was by far the spiciest dish we tried out. So if you love spicy this is the dish to try out.

For those of you who have allergies Spice Road Table is happy to accommodate. I have a dairy allergy and the chef came out and I could actually have 7 out of the 10 items. Items that were deemed unsafe, the chicken roll, lamb slider and calamari. Another important note is that ALL the bread served at Spice Road Table contained dairy.  Unfortunately, on this trip we didn’t get to desserts so I am unsure if any of those items are safe.

Overall, it was great to try out the new dishes at Spice Road Table but no dish was a run away hit with me. The food was okay but once you factor in the prices and portions it has me in no rush to be returning to this location.

PHOTOS: Giant “Steampunk” Maleficent as Dragon Revealed for Festival of Fantasy Parade

WDWNT on February 18, 2014

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When the new Festival of Fantasy Parade debuts at the Magic Kingdom in March, guests will be greeted by a 26 foot tall, steampunk version of Maleficent as a Dragon from Sleeping Beauty. The 35 foot long float was designed along with Michael Curry who also worked with Disney on the Tapestry of Nations parade at Epcot and Finding Nemo: The Musical at Animal Kingdom.

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The story behind the parade is that the residents of Fantasyland have crafted their own parade floats in their own style, thus, this is a dragon built of parts “available” to the characters.

Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade will debut this Spring at the Magic Kingdom, with rumors pointing towards March 16th. This however is not official yet.