PHOTO: New Marquee Replaces Classic Sign for Muppet-Vision 3-D, New Theater Name at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on July 13, 2017

The classic Muppet-Vision 3-D sign that has welcomed guests to the Hollywood Studios classic since 1991 has been removed and will be likely replaced today with this…

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New sign being installed today at Muppet-Vision 3-D, photo by @CityBeautiful_ on twitter

The new sign gives a name to the theater the Muppets and Muppet Labs have taken over for the show, The Grand Arts Theatre. This change is likely just the next step in further changes to the Muppets Courtyard area of the park, as well as its expansion into what is left of the Streets of America next door.

Here is what the original sign looked like last week, as preparations were already underway for this new marquee:

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The old sign was completely removed as of yesterday, with two new banner flanking where the new sign will go.

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Photo courtesy of @LaughingPlace on twitter

With the placement of the marquee, it appears something would have to go above it, but that is purely speculation. We will be sure to show you the finished product once it is finally installed.

BREAKING: Siemens Ending Disney Parks Sponsorship, Leaves Spaceship Earth & IllumiNations Future in Doubt

WDWNT on July 13, 2017

Siemens AG, who has been a Disney Parks corporate sponsor since 2007, has chosen to not renew their deal.

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Siemens sponsored Spaceship Earth and IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot, as well as “it’s a small world’ at Disneyland Park. In the past, they also sponsored the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (as Sylvania, a company they own) and their technology was used to create the Radiator Springs Racers attraction at Disney California Adventure and used elsewhere in the parks.

The end of the sponsorship comes amidst rumors that Siemens offered Walt Disney World a new monorail fleet for free so long as they were company branded, but Disney reportedly declined.

In the midst of a rather large overhaul of Epcot, this change does make the future of Spaceship Earth a lot more interesting. It was already assumed that IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth would be going away, but this change makes the end of that show all the more likely.

BREAKING: Redhead Auction Scene in Pirates of the Caribbean Getting Politically Correct Makeover in 2018

WDWNT on July 13, 2017

Disney today announced that the Disneyland and Walt Disney World versions of Pirates of the Caribbean will be receiving a new scene in 2018, replacing the auction of women which has been part of the ride for 50 years.

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The scene will debut along with other changes when the Disneyland Paris version of the ride opens July 24th, 2017. No exact date was given for the changes in Florida and California.

The new scene will feature an auction of surrendered goods, with the infamous redhead now becoming a pirate assisting with the taking of the items from the townsfolk.

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Disneyland Paris is also adding a new scene featuring Barbossa, along with ghostly images of Davy Jones and Blackbeard.

PHOTOS: Construction Begins on Epcot Gondola Station at International Gateway

WDWNT on July 13, 2017

Walt Disney World’s worst kept secret at this point is the gondola transportation system that will link Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Art of Animation Resort, and Pop Century Resort. With that being said, construction walls are now up at International Gateway, the World Showcase entrance to Epcot, for what we believe to be the gondola station for that park.

Construction for the Epcot gondola station, International Gateway

Construction for the Epcot gondola station, International Gateway

The work site is quite large, visible from the bridge connecting the Beach Club and Boardwalk.

Construction for the Epcot gondola station, International Gateway

Construction for the Epcot gondola station, International Gateway

Construction for the Epcot gondola station, International Gateway

Construction for the Epcot gondola station, International Gateway

What was a tram stop many years ago will now likely be the gondola station for guests at Epcot, just steps away from the entrance and boat dock.

Construction for the Epcot gondola station, International Gateway

Construction for the Epcot gondola station, International Gateway

No work has begun yet, but materials are arriving.

Construction for the Epcot gondola station, International Gateway

Construction for the Epcot gondola station, International Gateway

It should be interesting to see how this changes the often quiet second entrance to Epcot.

Construction for the Epcot gondola station, International Gateway

Construction for the Epcot gondola station, International Gateway

Construction for the Epcot gondola station, International Gateway

Construction for the Epcot gondola station, International Gateway

The Walt Disney World gondola system is expected to be announced at the D23 Expo 2017 in just a few weeks.

World of Disney Offering Free $25 Gift Card Promotion Starting July 10th

WDWNT on July 13, 2017

Beginning July 10, Guests who purchase a limited edition $100 Shopping Card at World of Disney (located at Disney Springs) will receive an additional $25 bonus Shopping Card to be used on future visits, redeemable beginning the following day. Both cards are redeemable at Disney owned and operated merchandise locations at Disney Springs, Earport and Magic of Disney at Orlando International Airport, as well as the Shop Disney Parks app.

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Guests may use the Shopping Cards at the following locations (which are also listed on the cards themselves):
  • World of Disney
  • Disney’s Design-A-Tee
  • Disney’s Pin Traders
  • Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories
  • Goofy’s Candy Co.
  • Marketplace Co-Op
  • Marketplace Fun Finds
  • Mickey’s Pantry
  • Once Upon a Toy
  • The Art of Disney
  • Tren-D
  • Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (Disney Springs location only)
  • The Ganachery
  • D-Living
  • Sundries
  • Disney’s Candy Cauldron
  • Star Wars Galactic Outpost
  • Super Hero Headquarters
  • Disney’s EarPort
  • The Magic of Disney
  • Shop Disney Parks app.

The $25.00 Bonus Shopping Card will expire on October 29th, 2017, while the $100.00 Shopping Card does not expire at any point.

This special promotion is only available for purchase via World of Disney and may not be used at any Disney Springs Operating Participant locations or other merchandise locations at Walt Disney World Resort.

Hostess with the Mostess – Top 5 Star Wars Experiences Results

WDWNT on July 13, 2017

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Episode VI: Hostess with the Mostess Strikes Back

I received multiple requests to hold off on the result post for a few weeks so some of you could experience the things on my list before voting for them. I was thrilled that so many of you wanted to actually go out and give them a try that I was more than happy to honor your request. I hope most of you were able to experience something new and vote for your favorite.

In honor of Star Wars’ 40th Anniversary I brought you my top five favorite Star Wars experiences in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You can check out my original list here.

Now let’s see how you voted!

5. Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple

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You voted the Jedi Training into the number 5 spot. Maybe someday we will be lucky enough to experience Jedi Training. After all, this is the place where dreams come true, is it not?!

 

4.  Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party

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The Galactic Dessert Party beat Jedi Training … but only by one vote! If you do ever get to experience this yummy event make sure you get the Freeze Fried Nutella! It is amazing and you do not want to miss it. If the desserts/snacks weren’t already good enough, the VIP viewing area was the perfect spot!

 

3. Star Wars Launch Bay

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I am surprised the Launch Bay did not get more votes. With an introductory film, meet and greets, and movie props … it is a pretty cool place! You have the choice to bear right and skip the film, but I do not recommend skipping it. It is only about 9 minutes long and features interviews with some of the creators, movie clips, and they even talk about Star Wars’ impact on culture. It is an interesting film and really gets you pumped for the future!

 

2. Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular

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You brought Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular into number two. What a fantastic show! If you haven’t seen it yet, you must make time to go! I recommend scoping out your viewing area ahead of time. If you are not attending the dessert party, near Center Stage is a prime spot. It can get pretty crowded so try to get there early to stake your claim.

 

1. Star Tours: The Adventures Continue

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Star Tours comes in first and this attraction deserves it! It would have been my number one pick but I unfortunately cannot ride it most of the time #Bummer. The last time I was able to ride it was shortly after The Force Awakens came out and lo and behold our scene was Jakku. I was ecstatic that I could experience the new story. I am very happy that this attraction made number one!

Thank you again for voting! I love to read your comments and see how you vote! I have another special post coming up very soon! May the Force Be With You!

Extra Magic Tip: While you are in the queue for Star Tours: The Adventure Continues, pay attention to the security droid scanning luggage. If you look closely while he scans, you will see some familiar objects. There are tons of different easter eggs, but my personal favorite might be a Buzz Lightyear toy that he sends to “Infinity and Beyond”!

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FIRST LOOK: Ratatouille Logo, List of New Booths for the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Revealed

WDWNT on July 13, 2017

The 2017 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is quickly approaching, especially because of the new start date that for the first time enters the month of August during this now 75-day long event. Today, we have a first look at this year’s event logo for you, as well as a list of the 6 new festival marketplaces that will be joining the usual lineup.

Here is the 2017 event logo, featuring Remy from Ratatouille (and possibly Epcot’s newest ride in World Showcase):

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Below is a tentative list of the new booths/marketplaces that will debuting at the event for 2017 (names subject to change):

  • Avocados of Mexico
  • Cheese – Hosted by Boursin
  • Beer (in the former Segway room of Innoventions)
  • Flavored by Fire
  • Active Eats
  • Spain

A record number of global food and wine marketplaces – 35 in all –will sizzle with new edible delights to celebrate 35 years of Epcot during the 22nd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Aug. 31-Nov. 13, 2017.

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UPDATE: Brazil Likely the New Country Being Added to World Showcase During Epcot’s Expansion

WDWNT on July 13, 2017

With multiple sources now confirming, it seems likely that Brazil is the new country being added to World Showcase during the multi-year expansion and re-imagining of Walt Disney World’s Epcot.

Likely location for the new Brazil pavilion at Epcot

Likely location for the new Brazil pavilion at Epcot

The pavilion is rumored to be going between the Italy and Germany pavilions in World Showcase, an empty 1.5 acre plot left for a future pavilion since the park opened in 1982. The pavilion will likely include an attraction, but there are nor rumblings as to what it might be at this time.

Brazil will likely be announced for Epcot at the D23 Expo 2017 during the presentation on Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. This rumor dates back to a 2011 story run here on WDWNT.com.

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PHOTOS, VIDEO: Boulder Ridge Cove Pool and Cascade Cabins Area Opens to Guests at Wilderness Lodge

WDWNT on July 13, 2017

With just two weeks to go before their official opening, the Cascade Cabins area and the Boulder Ridge Cove Pool opened to guests at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort this week. Below, we have a video tour for you to enjoy of the awesome new area, followed by some photos:


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The mighty buffalo topiaries are back, a nice touch for the new area.

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Now connected to the track at Geyser Point Bar and Grill, there is another mine car.

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Steps away from Geyser Point is the new Boulder Ridge Cove Pool.

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The entrance to this section of the Cascade Cabins can be found just behind Geyser Point.

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Once it grows in more, the area around the cabins will be pretty serene. The look is already quite pleasant with the new foliage though.

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I love the cabin number signs so much.

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It probably would have been a little cooler if they were log cabins, but they aren’t unpleasant looking.

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Benches in the surrounding area are nice and unique.

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Now we head back to the Boulder Ridge Cove Pool area.

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The spa timer is attached to dynamite. This might be my favorite detail in any pool area Disney has ever built.

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The poolside restrooms are gorgeous and offer a little more privacy that at most resorts.

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Don’t worry, I made sure it was empty before I took any pictures…

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A shower and changing room with a locking door is a nice offering.

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The covered seating areas are well themed and furnished.

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And lastly, a look from above.

The Cascade Cabins and the Boulder Ridge Cove Pool both look to be fantastic additions to Wilderness Lodge, continuing the rich theme and attention to detail that the resort is known for. While we may scoff at more and more Disney Vacation Club additions, these are well thought out and well executed, and a viable addition to the DVC lineup at Walt Disney World.