PHOTOS: New Disney Skyliner Concept Art Released on Epcot Construction Walls

Now located on the construction walls at International Gateway at Epcot, guests can get a closer look at the upcoming Disney Skyliner gondola transportation system.

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A map of the system, as well as an overhead rendering of the International Gateway station can be seen.

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The art recently released by Disney for the Epcot station is also found on the walls here.

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However, this are some other new pieces to be seen…

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The Disney Skyliner logo.

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The final piece shows a view from above and a look across the park to Spaceship Earth and the nearby France pavilion.

No opening date has been provided as of yet for the Disney Skyliner system.

PHOTOS COURTESY @ARTISTNERD_16 ON TWITTER.

PHOTOS: New Disney Skyliner Concept Art for Hollywood Studios Revealed

Now located on the construction walls at the entrance of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests can get a closer look at the upcoming Disney Skyliner gondola transportation system.

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A map of the system, as well as an overhead rendering of the Disney’s Hollywood Studios station can be seen.

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The art recently released by Disney for this station is also found on the walls here. However, there is a new piece to be seen…

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The final piece shows a view from above and a look across the park to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

Similar art for the Epcot station was released as well at that park’s construction walls.

No opening date has been provided as of yet for the Disney Skyliner system.

PHOTOS COURTESY @ARTISTNERD_16 ON TWITTER.

Stacy Fulford, Mimi Kaboom of Streetmosphere at Hollywood Studios Has Passed Away

We have received the sad news (according to cast members who worked her) that Stacy Fulford, who played Mimi Kaboom in Streetmosphere at Hollywood Studios, has passed away. The Citizens of Hollywood always entertain and delight guests and Mimi Kaboom was no exception. From her official website you can see her passion for performing runs deep:

Her love for performing began in dance class early in life. Passions then led her to pursue music education, then by the natural order of things found herself in the world of theatre. After stealing the show as Wicked Witch of the West in her elementary school’s production of The Wizard of Oz, she knew the stage was her home. Stacy earned her degree in Theatre Arts from Florida Southern College, and has been happily working in the industry ever since.

Mimi Kaboom

We would like to thank Stacy for her many years of bringing joy to guests from around the world and our condolences go out to her family and friends.

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WDWNT’s Top 7 Things That Happened at Disney Parks in 2017

As 2017 comes to a close, we look back at some of the greatest moments in Disney Parks this year. From new restaurants and attractions, to festivals and more, 2017 added so much to the Disney Parks we love. So, in no particular order, here are the seven (yeah,…. seven) best things from 2017 (in our opinions, of course).

Be sure to read more about each of them by clicking their titles.

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!

Mission: Breakout had many fans upset when news broke that DCA’s Tower of Terror would be gone for good, but after the attraction opened in May, many people’s opinions quickly changed. Not only is Guardians of the Galaxy a worthy replacement for Tower of Terror, but it might even be a superior one. Either way, it’s a welcomed new attraction that takes Disney’s unique drop tower ride and adds a ton of charm the way only Disney knows how.

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Geyser Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

What’s not to love about Geyser Point Grill and Bar? This new restaurant offers fantastic food and drink options, breathtaking views of Bay Lake, and a cozy outdoor environment that will surely please guests. With solid menu prices and being just a boat ride away from Magic Kingdom, Geyser Point has quickly become one of our favorite spots on property.

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Reopening of the Disneyland Railroad with New Magic

After a lengthy bit of downtime, the Disneyland Railroad reopened this summer with new and enhanced scenes that have been a hit with guests. Both the Grand Canyon and Primeval World dioramas were restored to their original glory, with each scene looking fresh and having the added benefit of some new aesthetic touches. This seminal attraction has been preserved to inspire and entertain new generations of guests, while the new area north of the Rivers of America is a beautiful new vista.

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Happily Ever After Nighttime Spectacular

When people heard that Wishes was going to end at Magic Kingdom, there was a lot of concern, and rightfully so. However, Happily Ever After debuted in May and won the hearts of Disney fans from all corners of the world. With its outstanding soundtrack, impressive new technologies, unrelenting usage of pyrotechnics, and thoughtful use of beloved Disney IPs, Happily Ever After is perhaps the new greatest Disney fireworks show to date.

 

Opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar

It took nearly seven years from the time it was announced, but in 2017 Pandora – The World of Avatar finally opened at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. After all the years it took, the money invested, and confusion among fans, was Pandora worth it? The answer is a resounding yes! Pandora proves that with the proper resources, attention, and passion, Disney can still create something so unfamiliar and amazing that they further raise the bar for what a theme park can and should be. The World of Avatar is absolutely stunning, and houses a phenomenal restaurant, an incredibly lifelike Audio-Animatronic, and one of the most groundbreaking attractions ever conceived. Thanks to Pandora, 2017 has been the biggest year yet in theme park innovation.

REVIEW: Initial Thoughts from Inside Pandora - The World of AVATAR at Disney's Animal Kingdom

 

Halloween Comes to Disney California Adventure

At the D23 Expo in July Disney announced that for the first time, Disney California Adventure would be celebrating the Halloween season in a big way. Not only did the park do a wonderful job with the project, but they’ve created what is being seen as one of the most memorable Halloween celebrations ever in a theme park. Just look at Cars Land’s Haul-O-Ween celebration, never mind the new decorations on Buena Vista Street and the Monsters After Dark overlay of Guardians of the Galaxy. It’s reason enough to make the trip out to Disneyland Resort.

 

Inaugural Year of Epcot’s Festival of the Arts

2017 started out strong with the inaugural year of the International Festival of the Arts at Epcot. The festival sets itself apart from the long running Flower and Garden and Food and Wine festivals by offering some of the best entertainment, food, and exhibits we’ve seen yet at an Epcot festival. While not quite perfect, the Festival of the Arts is a welcomed addition to Epcot, and we can’t wait to see it evolve over the coming years.

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As you can see, 2017 has been quite a great year for Disney Parks fans. With so many new and thoughtful changes, 2017 ends with the promise of a stronger and better Disney experience for all guests for years to come.

WDWNT’s Top 7 Things Coming to Disney Parks in 2018 (New Roller Coasters, Returning Parades, and More!)

2018 looks to be a promising year for Disney Parks, which is surprising given it is the calm before the storm which is 2019. With so many new attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options on the way, we are listing the seven (yeah, seven…) things that have us most excited for the new year.

Paint the Night Returns to Disneyland 

Paint the Night will finally be making a return to the Disneyland Resort in Spring 2018 as part of PIXAR Fest. I would say we are excited for this event, but it’s really just for the return of this amazing parade, which will now perform at Disney California Adventure. Frozen has been removed from the parade and new float is being added to fit the PIXAR promotion (rumored to be Inside Out-themed). We may not be excited for PIXAR Pier or PIXAR Fest next summer, but we’re sure excited to have Paint the Night back.

 

Tokyo Disneyland Celebrates 35 Years of Magic

Beginning Spring 2018, Tokyo Disneyland will hold the “Happiest Celebration” for the resort’s 35th anniversary. With a new daytime parade, nighttime spectacular, decorations, specialty food and drink offerings and more, Tokyo Disneyland will have tons to offer to guests visiting during the celebration.

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The Epcot International Festival of the Arts Returns

Returning January 12 is the Epcot International Festival of the Arts. The festival was a big success in 2017, so for 2018 it’s expanding to seven days a week until February 19th. We can’t wait to see the changes and improvements to the festival this year!

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Animal Kingdom Celebrates 20th Anniversary 

Walt Disney World’s youngest park will be turning 20 in 2018, and while Disney has been a little scarce on details regarding a specific celebration, we already know that Flights of Wonder will be replaced by a new bird show featuring the characters from Pixar’s Up. In addition, D23 will be hosting some sort of ticketed event on the actual anniversary, April 22nd.

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Caribbean Beach Undergoes a Major Transformation 

By the time Caribbean Beach Resort’s transformation is complete in late-summer, the resort will look almost indistinguishable from the original incarnation. We can’t wait to see the new Centertown Marketplace, Shutters Restaurant, lobby and more that will be completely reimagined when the project is finished.

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For a better look at what Caribbean Beach used to look like, check out our video tour.

New Restaurants Coming to Disney Springs 

The Edison will open at Disney Springs on New Years Day, and that’s just the first restaurant coming to the shopping and dining district in 2018. Terralina Crafted Italian by “Top Chef Master” Tony Mantuano will be opening sometime in 2018 where Portobello’s currently is, Jaleo will open on the West Side of Disney Springs and offer some flavors of Spain from chef José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup, and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill will be opening in Town Center, offering laid back California-inspired dishes. As you can see, there are a handful of new eateries making their way to Disney Springs in 2018 (barring the usual delays we’ve become accustomed to), so stay hungry.

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Toy Story Land Opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios 

Perhaps most exciting for 2018 is the opening of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. That’s right, completely new rides will open at Hollywood Studios for the first time since 2008! This new land will have guests shrink down to the size of a toy where they will then enter the world of Andy’s backyard. New attractions, a merchandise store, and a new counter service restaurant make up this land, and guests will be able to experience the whole thing this summer.

 

As you can see, 2018 has a lot to offer.

What new offerings coming to Disney Parks in 2018 have you most excited? Let us know in the comments, and from all of us at WDWNT, have a Happy New Year!

VIDEO: Imagineers Use Real World Inspiration for Pandora – The World of AVATAR

With just 18 days until the official grand opening of Pandora: The World of Avatar at Animal Kingdom, Disney continues to show us how imagineers have created this one-of-a-kind land.

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In today’s video from the Disney Parks Blog, we see how imagineers found the artistic inspiration to create Pandora by traveling throughout the countries of Bali and Jakarta:

Pandora: The World of Avatar opens May 27th, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Introducing 4th of July Barbecue Event

New for 2017, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will offer a special cookout-style event with a menu featuring grilled steak, shrimp, and other favorites along with specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

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Desserts will be served at the end of the evening in the Marina, where guests can enjoy views of Cinderella Castle and the Fourth of July fireworks of the Magic Kingdom. Tickets for this Fourth of July celebration are $120 (plus tax) for adults and $59 (plus tax) for children. For reservations, call 407-WDW-DINE.

PHOTOS: First Look Inside New Counter Service Location at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

As part of the ongoing remodeling of Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, the Fittings and Fairings shop in the Yacht Club is being converted into a new counter service dining location.

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Thanks to @MikeyTonery on twitter for use of his photos.

It is unknown when the location will open, but it appears it may be just in time for the Summer season. The menu for the location is also unknown at this time.

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Thanks to @MikeyTonery on twitter for use of his photos.

The addition of this location is important as it would mark the only counter service restaurant inside of the Yacht Club resort. Sources claim that this location will be a coffee house in the morning, offer a quick service lunch, and then be a lounge/bar in the evenings.

According to cast members at the resort, the Fittings and Fairings shop will move to the current location of Ale and Compass Lounge once this new counter service location is completed.

REVIEW: Drinks, Dessert, and Charm are on the Menu at Pongu Pongu in Pandora – The World of AVATAR

While visiting Pandora: The World of AVATAR during our special preview, we did get to drink and grab a dessert from the Pongu Pongu kiosk.

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Pongu Pongu – Pandora: The World of AVATAR, Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Quench your thirst the Pandoran way at an otherworldly pit-stop offering Na’vi-inspired refreshment.

Are your expeditions at Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey leaving you parched? Hike to the corner of Windtraders where you’ll find Pongu Pongu—when you spot a friendly expat serving out-of-this-world drinks, you’ve come to the right place.

Meaning “Party Party” in the language of the Na’vi, Pongu Pongu welcomes weary travelers to try our “bioluminescent” frozen cocktail, indigenous beers—or even a sweet snack you won’t find elsewhere!

While most of Pandora is simply huge and awe-inspiring to look at, I found fun and charm around this one corner of the land. Pongu Pongu exhibits a kooky character in a land heavily filled with conservation messages and fantastic plant-life.

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Pongu Pongu – Pandora: The World of AVATAR, Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Probably why Dinoland U.S.A. has always been my favorite area in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is because it doesn’t take itself to seriously, and neither does Pongu Pongu, understanding that its a drink stand run by a human tour company with the purpose of serving tourists.

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Pongu Pongu – Pandora: The World of AVATAR, Disney’s Animal Kingdom

It has an eclectic charm with traces of the world’s heritage abounding. Even though you are in the remnants of a military facility, they are clearly long gone and now we’re just here to have a good time on vacation.

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Pongu Pongu – Pandora: The World of AVATAR, Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Pongu Pongu has two serving windows and no seating area, but it is just steps away from the outdoor seating area at the Satuli Canteen.

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I present the very first trash can pictures of Pandora: The World of AVATAR

So, how are the drinks and the long-advertised Lumpia snacks? Let’s find out…

Pongu Pongu Menu

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Pongu Pongu Menu – Pandora: The World of AVATAR

The menu includes one non-acloholic and one alcoholic frozen drink, two specialty beers brewed just for this land, the Pongu Lumpia dessert, and bottled water.

Night Blossom – Non-Alcholic Specialty Beverage ($4.99, $18.25 with souvenir cup and glow cube)

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Night Blossom – Non-Alcholic Specialty Beverage ($4.99, $18.25 with souvenir cup and glow cube)

Mixture of Limeade with Apple and Desert Pear flavors topped with Passion Fruit Boba Balls. Can be served in a souvenir Pongu Mug with glowing Unadelta Seed

I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would. It is very sweet, but the mix of limeade, apple, and pear flavors make for a unique and refreshing combination. It is quite a bit more if you want the plastic souvenir cup and glow cube, but otherwise, I think it is a good value based on the size of the beverage. It also takes an awfully nice picture.

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The frozen drinks are concocted from these machines, which are surrounded by even more themed elements inside the kiosk

Mo’ara High Country Ale ($8.25 16oz, $9.50 22oz, $18.50 with souvenir mug and glow cube)

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Mo’ara High Country Ale ($8.25 16oz, $9.50 22oz, $18.50 with souvenir mug and glow cube)

Draft Beer 16oz. Rich amber color with a spicy Hop aroma and notes of Caramel, Toffee and Nuts

The high country ale is the darker amber colored beer. It’s a more bitter beer with notes of a nutty flavor and caramel and toffee. Though not as highly carbonated as the grog, it is still heavier than the average IPA, but doesn’t have the over-bitterness that a Jai Alai would have. There’s prevalent hop, but this isn’t a full IPA, and I’m not talking Indigenous Pandora Ale

Hawkes’ Grog Ale ($8.25 16oz, $9.50 22oz, $18.50 with souvenir mug and glow cube)

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Hawkes’ Grog Ale ($8.25 16oz, $9.50 22oz, $18.50 with souvenir mug and glow cube)

Draft Beer 16oz. Golden Ale with a brilliant green color and flavors of Wheat and Citrus followed by a creamy finish

Tasting notes are very carbonated, tastes like a lighter wheat beer with light citrus notes. Very drinkable, highly themed to the land. Slight creamy finish that isn’t as off-putting as it sounds, the beer is balanced but not overly crafty and shouldn’t be avoided by those without advanced beer palettes.

Pongu Lumpia ($4.59)

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Pongu Lumpia ($4.59)

A pineapple cream cheese spring roll

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Pongu Lumpia ($4.59)

This was what I was most anticipating from the food lineup on Pandora and I have to say it was just alright. Served warm, the spring roll doesn’t really hold together well after a bite or two. The flavor is there, and is certainly enjoyable if you like cream cheese and pineapple flavors. Your dessert money may be better spent inside of Satuli Canteen honestly and I’ll let you know once we (hopefully) get in there on Saturday.