BREAKING: Registration Now Open for Annual Passholder Previews of Pandora: The World of AVATAR

WDWNT on March 27, 2017

As of right now, registration is open for 10 days of annual passholder previews of Pandora: the World of AVATAR between May 13th and May 22nd, 2017.

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Some details on the event from Disney:

Passholder In-Park Preview for Pandora – The World of Avatar

You’re invited to get an early peek of a groundbreaking destination–Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Here, you’ll be among the first to experience expeditions where you can fly on the back of a banshee, walk under floating mountains and navigate a mystical Na’vi River. You’ll also be able to purchase international-inspired cuisine from Satu’li Canteen and merchandise from Windtraders. This world beyond belief awaits you.

Passholders can pre-register by making an online reservation for one in-park preview time slot. Event capacity is limited. Please note the number of reservations for this event is limited and subject to availability. There is no additional charge for this in-park preview with valid theme park admission.

Please note: as this is an early exploration, access to specific activations and some areas of the Valley of Mo’ara within Pandora – The World of Avatar may be limited during your visit.

  • All Guests must be Passholders in order to register for a time slot to preview Pandora – The World of Avatar.
  • Guests may only register for one (1) time slot over the course of the preview period.
  • If an Annual Passholder would like to register a Guest to accompany them, that Guest must also have a valid annual pass for admission to the event’s theme park location on the date of the event, be listed on your Family &
  • Friends list and have opted to share “All My Plans” with you.
  • Passholders with confirmed reservations will receive an additional email with details on how to check in for this experience, by May 12, 2017.
  • All Guests must present their valid annual pass (or linked MagicBand), government issued ID and confirmation page to a Cast Member in order to enter Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park and Pandora – The World of Avatar on the date of your preview.
  • Availability is subject to change without notice.
  • Event is subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather.
  • Guests must meet appropriate boarding and height requirements for the attractions.
  • Capacity is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Due to limited capacity, modifications to existing reservations will not be available.
  • Limit one reservation per Passholder. Reservations are nontransferable and void if sold or otherwise transferred.

Registration is open now at this link and will be filled on a first come first serve basis.

Disney CEO Bob Iger Extends Contract Through 2019

WDWNT on March 27, 2017

On Thursday, the Walt Disney Company announced the extension of current CEO Bob Iger’s contract to July 2, 2019.  The complex nature of finding a suitable replacement has proven challenging in the years since Mr. Iger first announced his desire to retire.   Since it is a “robust process of identifying a successor and ensuring a smooth transition” the Board of Directors felt keeping the steady approach Mr. Iger has provided would best serve the Company.

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Robert A. Iger

In the release, the Independent of Lead Director of the Disney Board Orin C. Smith highlighted Mr. Iger’s success’s over his first 11 years as CEO.  Among those achievements are the 448% growth in shareholder returns while simultaneously increasing the market capitol of the company from $46 billion to $177 billion.

Mr. Iger expressed his gratitude in saying “leading this Company is a tremendous privilege, and I am honored to have been asked to continue serving as CEO” adding “even with the incredible success the Company has achieved, I am confident that Disney’s best days are still ahead”.

As part of his agreement, Mr. Iger will receive a $5 million dollar bonus for staying on.  In addition to the bonus, Mr. Iger will remain a consultant for the company for 3 years following his retirement.  Back in 2011, Mr. Iger announced his intentions to step down in 2015.  The departures of CFO Jay Rasulo and COO Tom Staggs left no clear successor within the company.  This latest extension marks the 3rd time that Mr. Iger’s contract has been extended since his initial announcement.

With Pandora: World of Avatar set to open this spring and both Toy Story and Star Wars Lands set to open by 2019, it makes sense that Mr. Iger would want to stay on for those openings as the acquisition of both Pixar and Lucasfilm have been huge success under the Iger tenure.

D23 Offering Behind The Scenes Tour of Pandora: The World of AVATAR with Joe Rohde

WDWNT on March 27, 2017

D23 is offering you the chance to be among the first to explore Pandora – The World of Avatar, not only before it opens to the public, but with Imagineer Joe Rohde! In addition to a guided walk-through of the exotic new land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park with Joe, attendees will enjoy lunch at Tiffins with Mr. Rohde and fellow D23 Members.

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The tour/experience will begin promptly at 11 am eastern. Tour will roughly last about 3 hours, and check-in will be made at the Tiffins Restaurant in Animal Kingdom. You will not be able to check in prior to 10:45 AM.

On the tour, guests will learn how the thriving Pandoran landscape conveys intrinsic park messages of the value of nature, transformation through adventure, conservation and stewardship. All attendees will receive a commemorative keepsake for this special engagement. Tickets will be $250 per person, plus a $5 per person processing fee. Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, April 5 at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. EDT). Please check back here at the official D23 website for this event for the ticketing link when available.

NOTE

  • D23 Gold and Gold Family Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and one (1) guest.
  • Due to the nature of this experience, all attendees must be at least 21 years of age or older to partake in this D23 event.
  • This event does not include admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Guests will need to have or purchase admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom to attend. If planning to use a Walt Disney World Annual Passport to attend, each guest should check blockout dates to verify that the pass is valid for admission on Friday, May 19.
  • A very limited number of tickets are available. D23 Members will be required to provide their membership number when reserving tickets. Tickets may be picked up only with a valid photo ID AND D23 MEMBERSHIP CARD. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card may not be admitted to the event. Ticketed Members who do not attend the event forfeit their place as well as all experiences, benefits, and gifts associated with the event.
  • All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice. There are no cancellations or refunds, and tickets are not transferable.

PLEASE BE ADVISED: Filming, photography, and other recording will take place at Walt Disney World Resort during the event you will be attending. By entering the premises, you irrevocably consent to and authorize The Walt Disney Company, its affiliates, successors, and assigns (collectively “Producer”), to photograph you, make sound recordings of you, and use such photographs and recordings throughout the world, for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity, including, but not limited to, television broadcasts and home entertainment products, including, but not limited to, home video and DVD. All such photographs and sound recordings will be the sole property of Producer.

*Event is subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. As this is an early exploration of Pandora – The World of Avatar, please note that access to some areas of the Valley of Mo’ara on Pandora may be limited during your visit.

Portobello at Disney Springs Closing April 23 For Refurbishment

WDWNT on March 27, 2017

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Portobello will be closing as of April 23rd, 2017, to undergo a lengthy refurbishment. In collaboration with award winning Chef Tony Mantuano, they are looking to provide an authentic Italian dining experience, which will include a new family style menu, and craft Italian wines & beers. Portobello is expected to open in fall 2017.

PHOTOS: New Magic Kingdom Security Checkpoints Being Constructed

WDWNT on March 27, 2017

As we reported earlier this week, rumors were indicating that the Magic Kingdom would be moving its security checkpoints further out. Well, it appears that construction has begun on the new checkpoints for guests on watercraft and busses.

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This screening area will likely be for guests coming off of the Walt Disney World busses. The temporary tents are being used during the test and adjust period. Permanent structures would be built once the best permanent location is determined.

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The first set of tents would house the bag check. The second is for the metal detectors.

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Guests arriving via watercraft would have their own security checkpoint as well.

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Rumors indicate that monorail and ferryboat guests will be screened at the Transportation and Ticket Center, but we didn’t see any tents erected there as of yet. Guests at resorts taking the monorail would be screened at the loading platform if all of this should pan out.

RUMOR: Groot and Star Lord from Guardians of the Galaxy are Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on March 27, 2017

Rumors indicate that both the Groot and Star Lord characters from Guardians of the Galaxy may be coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World.

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We already knew that Star Lord would be coming per an audition posting a few weeks ago, but it now appears that Groot will be joining him in some capacity. It is unknown in exactly what capacity the two will be appearing at the park, but it may be something similar to the Dr. Strange show that was conducted in late 2016.

At Disney California Adventure, a meet and greet experience and other activities featuring Star Lord, Gamora, and Groot will take place over the Summer to celebrate the opening of the Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout attraction.

REVIEW: Breakfast Waffle Sandwich at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments, The Magic Kingdom

WDWNT on March 27, 2017

With the debut of breakfast at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor and Casey’s Corner (even though the latter has already been discontinued), we were also promised that a breakfast waffle sandwich would be coming to Sleepy Hollow Refreshments in Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom. Well, after I had my Mission to S’mores Latte from Revive in Tomorrowland, I was a little hungry, so I decided to stop by and try this sandwich out…

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“When pizza is on a bagel, you can have pizza anytime.” Well, I guess when a sandwich is on a waffle, you can have a sandwich anytime as well, because the lunch offerings from Sleepy Hollow are also available first thing in the morning.

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You wouldn’t really know that there is a breakfast waffle sandwich offered until you get to the counter, which is where the only sign is. I’m guessing this hampers sales of the morning-only meals, but what do I know about selling food as I chose to go into the blogging field.

Sleepy Hollow Refreshment Breakfast Waffle Sandwich – $8.99

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Sleepy Hollow Refreshments Breakfast Waffle Sandwich – $8.99

The sandwich contains an egg patty with cheese, ham, and tomatoes inside of a waffle, as you might imagine.

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Sleepy Hollow Refreshments Breakfast Waffle Sandwich – $8.99

Overall, I thought it was very good. The cheese could be a little overpowering at times, but otherwise I thought it was of a good size and enough food to hold you over if you have an early dinner reservation or something of the sort. Personally, I prefer the chicken sandwich, but you may not want that to start your day at 9am.

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Sleepy Hollow Refreshments Breakfast Waffle Sandwich – $8.99

If you are not looking for Mickey Waffles or a Doughnut Sundae to start your Magic Kingdom day, the Sleepy Hollow Breakfast Sandwich is a viable grab and go option during the hectic attraction rush of the park’s opening.

PHOTO REPORT: The Magic Kingdom 3/6/17 (Refurbishments, Tomorrowland Changes, Cosmic Ray’s, New Merchandise, Etc.)

WDWNT on March 17, 2017

Our latest photo report brings us to the Magic Kingdom for a day of fun… I mean pictures of construction and new merchandise. I’m not allowed to have fun… 😉

Welcome to the Magic Kingdom

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Work continues on the Magic Kingdom train station.

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As well, work continues on the Emporium on Main Street U.S.A.

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Casey’s Corner once again has a new featured hot dog, this one topped with asian style coleslaw, sweet chili sauce, and crispy eggroll strips.

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In other news, some tall chairs have been added to some of the tall tables outside of Casey’s Corner.

Goodbye Crane…

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The Cinderella Castle crane is finally gone.

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Some tarps remain up on the Sir Mickey’s facade in Fantasyland though.

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Here, a child tries to run through the tarps.

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A new skirt and shirt combo for girls for sale inside of Sir Mickey’s.

Changes for the Future

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Work continues on the expansion of Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland.

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Covered exterior seating for the restaurant is being added.

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Signs direct gusts to the restaurant entrance during the construction.

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A peek through the walls reveals that all of the ground has been dug up under the area.

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Cosmic Ray’s is still using that all-bay menu we told you about a few weeks back.

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Work continues on the restrooms.

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Sonny Eclipse was underground as the stage in here was used for a special event.

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The merchandise assortment inside Mickey’s Star Traders was altered drastically. They now sell mostly Mickey and Minnie merchandise.

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Gone is the Build Your Own Lightsaber station, but don’t worry, it has just moved.

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Some PIXAR character items can be found on one wall.

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Merchant of Venus, which has been a Star Wars store for some time now, is now the home to the Build Your Own Lightsaber station.

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They now sell an Ezra Bridger lightsaber for $24.99.

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Work continues on Revive, the Joffrey’s Coffee Kiosk in Tomorrowland.

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The in-park Kingdom Cabanas are finally gone. Maybe its a time to restore the smoking section in the back of this area so that the Storybook Circus trail is walkable for guests who don’t want to inhale cigarette smoke.

New Merchandise

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Some new ladies’ shirts for sale.

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A new style of the popular Grumpy shirt.

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These princess shirts were new to me.

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Some new Princess socks for sale.

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The center of The Emporium now has a large Beauty and the Beast merchandise display.

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A new limited release Mad Tea Party MagicBand 2 for sale.

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There is also a new UP MagicBand 2 for sale.

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Cinderella Castle

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We end our report with some nice evening pictures of Cinderella Castle.

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PHOTOS: First Look at Specialty Food and Drink & More Details on Dining in Pandora – The World of AVATAR at Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on March 17, 2017

Disney has finally released more details on the dining options in Pandora: The World of AVATAR. While we don’t have the full menu just yet, the photos below mark our first look at the specialty food and drink items that will inhabit the land.

A dish from the Satu'li Canteen in Pandora: The World of AVATAR

A dish from the Satu’li Canteen in Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Satu’li Canteen

Indulge in the art and culture of the Na’vi while dining inside this former RDA mess hall, only at Pandora – The World of Avatar.

Navi blueberry cheesecake, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Navi blueberry cheesecake, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Pictured above is the Na’vi blueberry cheesecake served with passion fruit curd.

A dish from the Satu'li Canteen in Pandora: The World of AVATAR

A dish from the Satu’li Canteen in Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Discover healthful dishes and familiar flavors from another world—wholesome grains, fresh vegetables and hearty proteins.

Between your aerial adventures on Avatar Flight of Passage and family-friendly voyages aboard Na’vi River Journey, tuck inside the Quonset-hut structure called Satu’li Canteen—long ago an RDA mess hall, now a peaceful dining facility adorned with Na’vi art and cultural items.

A dish from the Satu'li Canteen in Pandora: The World of AVATAR

A dish from the Satu’li Canteen in Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Owned and operated by Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE), Satu’li Canteen supplies travelers all the comforts of home—courtesy of a unique, fast-casual menu that’s been crafted from Pandora’s natural abundance.

Featuring international-inspired cuisine, vegetarian options and specialty libations, it’s the perfect place to refuel as you venture through the Valley of Mo’ara.

Pongu Pongu Refreshments

Drinks from Pongu Pongu, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Drinks from Pongu Pongu, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Wet your whistle at this popular drink stand run by an expat who fell in love with Pandora – The World of Avatar… and never left.

Lumpia from Pongu Pongu, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Lumpia from Pongu Pongu, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Pictured above is Lumpia, a crispy pineapple-cream cheese spring roll that will be offered at Pongu Pongu.

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

Drinks from Pongu Pongu, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Drinks from Pongu Pongu, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

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.

Drinks from Pongu Pongu, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Drinks from Pongu Pongu, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

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!

Pandora: The World of AVATAR opens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on May 27, 2017.