Sweeping Renovations Completed as Work Continues on Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

WDWNT on January 9, 2013

In preparation for the opening of the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, the rest of the resort has been undergoing sweeping changes overt the last few months. Most of this work has been completed, so let’s take a look at the current state of the resort:

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Gasparilla Grill and Games is now Gasparilla Island Grill

The old mats are still here

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The seating area was expanded and remodeled

The ordering area is generally the same, just freshened up

ICE CREAM!

There are a lot more seats now

The arcade is now next door

Arcadia Games

The arcade has a separate exterior entrance

Sandy Cove Gifts and Sundries reopened recently too

There is now a huge refrigerator section for cold drinks and food

Some new Grand Floridian Resort merchandise was released when the store opened

Mizner’s Lounge is back

Nothing different inside

They added food to the menu though

Senses recently opened as well

The new parking lot near the Wedding Pavilion is open for the most part

Dirk Wallen’s 1/9/13 Hollywood Studios Photo Report

WDWNT on January 9, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen made a quick trip over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios earlier today and has a couple of newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip. Let’s take a look:

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Peter Pan blu-ray billboard in the parking lot

We’re still letting the memories begin…

More RFID entrances are being installed in preparation for the rollout of MyMagic+ and MagicBand

Plenty of Kodak references still up all over the park

The stage is finally down in front of the hat

Peter Pan and Frankenweenie billboards in the Animation Courtyard

The Monsters Inc. 3-D billboard is now a billboard for Monsters University

Comedy Warehouse is gone…

Muppetvision 3-D is still presented by Kodak currently

Osborne Lights are coming down

“Limited Time Magic” Brings a Winter Wonderland to Canada

WDWNT on January 3, 2013

From the Disney Parks Blog:

It’s Friday, and time to share our next “Limited Time Magic” surprise at the Walt Disney World Resort. Our latest extra sprinkle of Pixie Dust begins on Monday at the Canada Pavilion in Epcot.

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The forecast at Epcot this week is sunny with a chance of flurries. For one week only, January 14-20, there will be a magical Winter Wonderland location with falling snow where you and your family can meet and take photos with some of your favorite Disney characters. It’s an all new character greeting location in the Canada Pavilion.

Times for the Winter Wonderland location at Epcot are:

  • 10:30 a.m. – 2:10 p.m.
  • 3:05 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.

What do you think of this Limited Time Magic offering?

Disney Giving Away Vacation Every Day in January

WDWNT on January 3, 2013

Happy New Year!!

In honor of 2013, Disney Parks is giving away a vacation every day in the month of January. There are several “options” which you can choose from. All includes a 5 day/4 night stay with special in room accommodations  air transportation, theme park tickets, $500 Disney gift card and a themed welcome basket. “Options” vary from selecting

– Happy Happenings (aimed more to kids. Character Dining, VIP parade seating)

– Magical Discoveries (also aimed more to kids. Two free Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or Pirates League with a Disney Family Magic Tour (Magic Kingdom only))

– Amazing Fun (special World of Color dining and viewing*, a one-day
Adventures By Disney® Lights! Camera! Magic! Tour of Hollywood and Fantasmic!
V.I.P. seating with desserts included.)

– Big Thrills (n Adventures By Disney® Lights! Camera! Magic! experience, plus a shopping spree and a special World of Color Dining and viewing* experience.)

– Sweet Romance (Included entertainment at the Downtown Disney district)

There are variations for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

Only one entry per e-mail address is allowed per day.

To apply, go t0 www.disneytimesweeps.com

Conner Purzycki’s 12/31/12 DLR Photo Report

WDWNT on January 3, 2013

Conner did the first photo report of 2013! He rang in the new year at the Disneyland Report and captured some magic!

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Special Barges have been installed for New Years Eve.
New Years Eve stage in front of Carthay Circle
These rocks just came out from behind tarps recently
These rocks was recently unveiled. 
You can see the difference between old and new. Perhaps a test for the upcoming BTMRR refurb??
New Years Eve Stage near It’s a Small World. 
Kodak opted to not renew their lease. Booth in Fantasyland will remain. 
Nothing going on in the fantasyland theater yet
Construction continues.
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Honda Exhibit returns to Innoventions.
World of Color barge close up.
New Years Eve stage at Paradise Gardens. 
Construction continues on what was the Neverland Pool at The Disneyland Hotel. 
Mad T Party keeping the beat up to the new year.
Country singers entertain guests in Cars Land until the new year. 
Disney Pushed Glow with the Show ears this holiday. 
Incentives of exclusive stickers and seating were offered. 
Glow with the Show ears were being sold buy one get one free December 31st only. 

New Pins to Collect or Trade Coming to Disney Parks in 2013

WDWNT on January 3, 2013

By Steven Miller on The Disney Parks Blog:

New Pins to Collect or Trade Coming to Disney Parks in 2013
When I served as project manager for Disney Pin Trading, I was often asked by guests which pins they should collect or trade. My best advice for someone starting a Disney pin collection is to pick a certain theme and trade for what you like. For years, we have offered mini-collections that are an easy way to jump start a collection. I spoke with Jeanne Lewis, merchandiser for Disney pins, about some of these new collections arriving in 2013.

“We have new limited edition pin collections coming to Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts next year,” explained Jeanne. “Some pins will be released each month, while others may be released every other month or once each quarter. I like these mini-collections because they have one consistent story. I also like making these pins extra special by adding different elements like stained glass or sculpted metal.”

New Pins to Collect or Trade Coming to the Disneyland Resort in 2013
Fans at Disneyland will see the next chapter of the “Piece of Disneyland Resort History” collection. For this series, Jeanne acquired costume pieces from the Creative Costuming team from various Audio-Animatronics figures. I like the “it’s a small world” pin that features pieces of the Japanese girl’s obi sash from the attraction’s final scene. Each pin in the series will have an edition size of 1,000.

The “Window to the Magic” collection is also coming to Disneyland Resort. This pin series features scenes from classic Disney animated films where magical things took place by windows. The pins in this series will have edition sizes of 1,000.

New Pins to Collect or Trade Coming to Walt Disney World Resort in 2013
For Walt Disney World Resort, there will be a pin-of-the-month collection called “Good Luck / Bad Luck.” This playful collection shows there are two sides to every story – lucky and unlucky. I thought the Flower pin was funny (poor Flower!). The edition size for these pins will be 1,000.

Surprise Pin Collections Coming to Disney Parks in 2013
I convinced Jeanne to let me tease two new surprise pin collections for 2013. There will be six different pins in each collection, released at various dates throughout the year. The Walt Disney World Resort collection is called “Remember When” and gives a nod to classic Disney attractions and characters. The Disneyland Resort collection has images of vintage Disney characters in stylized crests. The surprise pins will each have an edition size of 750.

I invite you to keep watching Disney.com/Pins for the latest news about pin releases. Happy trading!

Five New Disney Couture Ear Hats Kick Off ‘Year of the Ear’ at Disney Parks

WDWNT on January 3, 2013

By Thomas Smith on the Disney Parks Blog:

Over the holidays, we shared our first updates on what to expect with “Limited Time Magic” at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, including the announcement that 2013 is the “Year of the Ear” at both parks. Today, there’s more to share – a first look at January’s limited release Disney Couture Ear Hats.

 

 

Limited Release Disney Couture Ear Hats Kick off the 'Year of the Ear' at Disney Parks
 

Limited Release Disney Couture Ear Hats Kick off the 'Year of the Ear' at Disney Parks
 

Every month, Disney Parks will offer new ear hats to add to your collection as part of “Limited Time Magic.” January will start with five new Ear Hats. Which one is your favorite?

Limited Release Disney Couture Ear Hats Kick off the 'Year of the Ear' at Disney Parks
 

Limited Release Disney Couture Ear Hats Kick off the 'Year of the Ear' at Disney Parks
 

 

Limited Release Disney Couture Ear Hats Kick off the 'Year of the Ear' at Disney Parks
 

We’ll be posting “Limited Time Magic” updates on Fridays during 2013 so be sure and check the Disney Parks Blog to find out what’s coming to the parks. You can also find updates on Twitter using the hashtag #LimitedTimeMagic and on our limitedtimemagic.com web page.

Larry Delceg’s DLR 1/4/2013 Photo Report

WDWNT on January 3, 2013

Photographer Larry Delceg and his family went to the Disneyland Resort on the 4th of January. He was able to capture the final holiday magic and the first of limited time magic. They were also able to capture some of the final runs of Thunder Mountain before it goes through a sixth month renovation. Enjoy!

PhCast members were present to provide face painting for the children.
The Three Kings Festival (Dia De Reyes) was celebrated at Big Thunder Ranch on January 4th, 5th and 6th. This festival of the Epiphany recognizes the historic visit of three foreign kings who came to honor Jesus. Christians celebrate this event because it symbolizes that the gift of life in Christ is for all people and all nations. Hispanic culture especially prizes this holiday, and many Spanish speakers were present – enthusiastically participating in the festivities. It was a unique Disney event and a truly wonderful experience.
For more information on the Three Kings Festival... just read this sign!
For more information on the Three Kings Festival… just read this sign!
Cast members were present to provide face painting for the children.
Cast members were present to provide face painting for the children.
The grammy award winning
The grammy award winning “Mariachi Divas” performed periodically throughout the day. Performers at Disneyland are always exceptional, and the level of talent demonstrated by this group was especially impressive.
Have you ever tried playing the bass while singing?
Mickey and Minnie demonstrated some fine dance moves.
Mickey and Minnie demonstrated some fine dance moves.
Little princesses became part of the show.
Little princesses became part of the show.
Not to be mistaken for
Not to be mistaken for “Woody”, cast member Victor from San Juan Puerto Rico enthusiastically greeted guests.
Word is getting out that Earl of Sandwich is now open in Downtown Disney. Time for an in-depth photo report!
Around noon, wait time to the register was almost exactly 15 minutes.
Unfortunately, the books were not available for reading while in line...
A close-up of the highly reflective menu...
The bread is baked fresh every morning.
The bread is baked fresh every morning.
On January 4th, John was not personally present to make our sandwiches.
Step 1: A first time customer is preparing to unwrap her warm prize...
Step 2:
Step 3: Moments before eating, this is what your
Step 3: Moments before eating, this is what your “Italian” will look like. It was amazing.
The
 “Full Montegue”
Shortly before you consume it, this is what your
The Full Montegue. Photographer Larry Delceg rated it as “It actually may have been the best hot sandwich ever.”
Picnic table style outdoor seating. This is perfect if you like sitting with people you've never met before.
A delightful culinary experience!
Legend has it that a ghost mine train can be spotted in these here hills. And these here photos were taken three days before that train disappeared for a long-term refurb project which will extend through most of 2013...
Legend has it that a ghost mine train can be spotted in these here hills. And these here photos were taken three days before that train disappeared for a long-term refurb project which will extend through most of 2013…
Last glimpse of the runaway ghost train until October 31, 2013...
Last glimpse of the runaway ghost train until October 31, 2013…
The end of Christmas 2012: On January 4th, the following photos were taken just two days before 2012 Christmas decorations would be removed from the Disneyland Parks.First we have Cars Land...
A Small World Holiday.
New Orleans Square is stunning at Christmas time.
Shortly after the Disneyland fireworks show on the evening of January 4th, a freak snowstorm struck Anaheim. Fortunately for travelers, the frozen precipitation subsided after only a few minutes.
Shortly after the Disneyland fireworks show on the evening of January 4th, a freak snowstorm struck Anaheim. Fortunately for travelers, the frozen precipitation subsided after only a few minutes.
Like searching for the holy grail... another attempt at the perfect castle photo. And the end of another magical Disneyland vacation...
 

Tim Alcoser’s 1/10/13 Photo Report (Special Golden Horseshoe Photos!)

WDWNT on January 3, 2013

Tim Alcoser went to the Disneyland Resort on the 10th of January. He captured limited magic of the Salute to the Golden Horseshoe Revue and continued construction at the resort. He reported:

I headed to the Disneyland Resort with Connor Purzycki to see the first public showing of the Golden Horseshoe Revue and the first of the many to come Limited Time Magic guests will get to enjoy this year. There are a lot of ride closures and refurbishments around the resort as is typical for this slow time of year, including Fantasmic. Princess Fantasy Faire is coming along very nice. Most of the Christmas decorations are down already, including the Christmas trees at DCA and Disneyland. Enjoy!

– Tim Alcoser

 

If you purchase multi-day tickets, these cast members are taking your picture with a small cell phone like device before you enter the parks.This is to fight multi-day ticket scammers who buy tickets for several days and
If you purchase multi-day tickets, these cast members are taking your picture with a small cell phone like device before you enter the parks.
This is to fight multi-day ticket scammers who buy tickets for several days and “rent” days out to people. Not against the law, but in direct violation of Disney policy.

There was already a line at park opening to reserve a spot to see the Golden Horseshoe Revue.
There was already a line at park opening to reserve a spot to see the Golden Horseshoe Revue.
The line wasn't too long, but it took a long time to get through because guests needed to sign a waiver that they may be filmed.
The line wasn’t too long, but it took a long time to get through because guests needed to sign a waiver that they may be filmed.
The Golden Horseshoe had several cameramen on hand.
The Golden Horseshoe had several cameramen on hand.
The band comes out in preparation for show start.

The band comes out in preparation for show start.

Can-Can girls start the show right.
The Golden Horseshoe had several cameramen on hand.
Ms. Lily makes her appearance.
She reflected light unto unsuspecting male guests and made her comments on some.
“Your single? No wonder your so happy” ~ Ms. Lily.
Lots of guest interaction.
Lots of guest interaction.
The fun is not limited to the stage.
The fun is not limited to the stage.
Main Street Station under refurbishment. You cannot exit or enter the train from this location at this time.Primeval World and Grand Canyon Diorama are open.
Main Street Station under refurbishment. You cannot exit or enter the train from this location at this time.
Primeval World and Grand Canyon Diorama are open.

Fossil shop in Downtown Disney under refurbishment.
Fossil shop in Downtown Disney under refurbishment.
Cold but beautiful day at Disneyland. High of about 55 degrees.
Movie advertising inside Innoventions.

Movie advertising inside Innoventions.

Toontown City Hall.
Gadget's Go Coaster in Toontown.
Disneyland Limited steams into Toontown Station.
Haunted Mansion Holiday decorations being taken down.
Mark Twain being repainted.
Mark Twain being repainted.
Work being done on Fantasmic.
Work being done on Fantasmic.
The line for the Golden Horseshoe Revue remained long throughout the day.
The line for the Golden Horseshoe Revue remained long throughout the day.
Vineyards at California Adventure.
Christmas trees and most Christmas decorations are down.
 

Mickey Check for Kids’ Meals Debuts at Disneyland Resort,

WDWNT on January 3, 2013

By Pam Brandon on the Disney Parks Blog:

From an udon noodle bowl at Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure park to turkey pot pie atCinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom Park, the new Mickey Check is now featured on kids’ menus in both quick-service and table-service restaurants across Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.
,center>Mickey Check for Kids’ Meals Debuts at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

Following the introduction earlier this month at Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort, the expansion of the Mickey Check helps families easily find nutritious choices, part of an ongoing program that launched in 2006 with nutrition guidelines. The Mickey Check makes it even easier to identify healthier food options in all of the Disney theme parks and resorts.

Choices that receive the Mickey Check must meet Disney Nutrition Guidelines that limit calories, saturated fat, sodium and sugar. For the Disney chefs, it’s been a fun challenge to tweak menus. For example, Blue Bayou inDisneyland park now offers seared salmon, spaghetti, broccolini and fresh fruit for kids. At Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada Pavilion at Epcot, there’s grilled sirloin with green beans and brown rice. (Kids’ Complete Meals must be ordered without substitutions and include at least three of the following food groups: fruits and vegetables; low-fat dairy; whole grains or lean protein, beans, eggs and nuts.)

Mickey Check for Kids’ Meals Debuts at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort
While new to table-service restaurants, the Mickey Check also appears on some Disney-licensed food products sold at retail locations, on qualifying recipes at Disney.com and Family.com, and on menus at quick-service restaurants at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.

Has your family found a favorite Mickey Check item in the theme parks or resorts? For more information, visitwww.DisneyMickeyCheck.com.