Here is our first photo report provided by WDWNT’s Head Technician Jose Castillo. Here is what he saw during his first day trek through the world:
The gingerbread display at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
A cool monorail tree inside the Fantasia shop
Some work being done on top of the BVG store
The tree outside the Contemporary
Here is another fantastic photo (and video) report by WDWNT Photographer Jose Eber from his latest trip to the world:
Refurbishments on the Fantasyland facades has now moved on to Pinnocchio’s Village Haus
Work is now 100% complete on the new Liberty Square Bridge, no more work in the waterways
Christmas has now taken over Main Street U.S.A.
Tinker Bell movie merchandise has taken over some of the windows
This window that was full of Year of a Million Dreams merchandise has been changed, the first piece of the celebration to disappear with just about a month and a half left in it.
Fresh paint going on another facade on Main Street
Moving over to Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the Contempo Cafe is now open
Here’s a video of the Cafe (boy is it loud on that floor now)
The Holiday napkins have arrived
New promotion, similar bag… 🙁
Continuing construction on the Bay Lake Tower addition
An arial view of the bridge
The lesser seen side of the Bay Lake Tower
Click the above image for a larger version
Here’s a video of the construction on the Bay Lake Tower Jose has taken
Chocolate Advent character with some awesome artwork
Same can be said for these holiday cards
We’ll end this report by looking at this cool recordable gift card holder, again featuring that artwork we love so much
Thanks for the update Jose!!!
For our second photo report of the day, here is Jose Eber with a photo update taken earlier this afternoon:
Christmas banners at the Magic Kingdom parking entrance
This very cool picture is appearing everywhere this year
Decorations near the Magic Kingdom entrance
The Santa Clause meet and greet area
Is it really that soon?
Now lets move over to Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Construction on the Bay Lake Tower
Work finishing up on the Contempo Cafe
The new counter service dining spot will open on Saturday
Here is the menu:
Flatbreads
Cheese, Pepperoni, or Marinated Beef with oven roasted Tomatoes, Caramelized Onions, Goat Cheese & Arugula
Salads Tossed To-Go
Caesar Salad, Chicken Chop Salad, Roasted Curry Vegetable and Bulgar Salad, or Steakhouse Salad
Cold Sandwiches
Multigrain Turkey BLT or Stacked Salad
Kid’s Picks
Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza, Mini-Turkey and Cheese Sandwich, Chicken Nuggets, or Hamburger
Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today for more on this new dining location as it becomes available
As promised, here is a short video from Jose Eber of the new T-Rex Restaurant, now open at the Downtown Disney Marketplace:
WDWNT Photographer and Videographer Jose Eber made a special visit to the Downtown Disney Marketplace today to see the grand opening of the new T-Rex Restaurant. Here are some pictures of the new “prehistoric” eatery:
The interior is really well themed and has a shop inside much like the Rainforest Cafe’s.
If you enjoyed these pictures, be sure to stay tuned for a short video of the restaurant that we will have up later tonight. Again, a special thank you to Jose Eber for the photos.
The T-Rex Restaurant at the Downtown Disney Marketplace will be opening at 4pm today and our own Jose Eber will be there to cover the opening of the newest dining experience at the Walt Disney World Resort. Expect pictures and video of the “Prehistoric Family Adventure” later this evening.
Here are some quick bits of news for you while most of the crew is down at Walt Disney World for WDWCelebrations.com World Wide Weekend:
-The Fry Wagon in Frontierland appears to now be gone for good.
-Nine Dragons Resturant in Epcot has re-opened early from its refurb.
-Test Track track appears it got a slight change to the on-ride audio, it now mentions OnStar.
News might be slow while the staff is enjoying World Wide Weekend but stay tuned as we will continue to bridge the gaps between you and the world! Also, don’t forget to visit one of our other sites by going to www.wdwnt.com !
In a rather unexpected turn of events, Disney is changing the name of the well-liked Disney Dining Experience to “Tables in Wonderland”. The announcement also comes with some details on special events cardholders can experience during the 2008 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival:
On the occasion of the 13th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, we are pleased to announce that we will be launching a new name for the Disney Dining Experience.
Our Festival, which will take place from September 26 – November 9, 2008 will celebrate Cities in Wonderland, and following that theme, your dining club will be named Tables in Wonderland as of September 15, 2008.
This new name will not alter any of your current benefits. We have simply decided to do this to help distinguish your membership from any other dining privileges at Walt Disney World Resort that bares a similar name to the Disney Dining Experience.
You may continue to use your current card until expiration and your renewal card will reflect the new name, Tables in Wonderland.
In addition, we look forward to seeing you during the Festival. The team has planned an exciting line-up of events for the entire 45 days. We are particularly excited about hosting the Bocuse d’Or Culinary Competition on September 26th and September 27th from 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. on each day.
Chefs Paul Bocuse, Daniel Boulud and Thomas Keller invite you to watch some of the countries top professional chefs compete live to earn the privilege to represent the United States at the renowned Bocuse d’Or International Cuisine Competition in Lyon, France 2009.
Plan to attend this unique event with Al Roker and Dana Cowin, Editor in Chief, Food & Wine Magazine as host emcees. Several celebrity chefs will be judging the Event and will be available for book signings throughout both days. Viewing the Competition is included in park admission.
Also, the Gala Dinner on Saturday, September 27th will be a rare treat and a lot of fun. More information on this event, including the menu will be sent on a separate e-mail . . . an event not to be missed!
We wish you a delicious journey as you explore Cities in Wonderland during the Festival, and as a member of Tables in Wonderland all year around.
A special thanks to Jason Diffendal of WDWCelebrations for the news. Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today for more information on this as it becomes available.
Here is a collection of press releases just made available by Walt Disney World. First off is some details about the Night of Joy event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
The 26th Night of Joy at Walt Disney World Resort will have lots of “news” surrounding a lineup featuring a “Who’s Who” of Christian music Sept. 5-6:
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios will host the event for the first time
- First performances each evening will be at 7:15 p.m., with the fun continuing till 1:30 a.m.
- “Rap sessions” will engage guests in moderated Q&A discussion with select artistsA stellar 16-act lineup (with eight acts performing each night) will feature Artist of the Year tobyMac, Male Vocalist of the Year Chris Tomlin, Group of the YearCasting Crowns and New Artist of the Year Brandon Heath plus enduringly popular MercyMe and Rebecca St. James. Here’s the complete talent lineup with show times and locations (subject to change): FRIDAY, SEPT. 5
Artist – Stage – Showtimes
- Brandon Heath – Lights, Motors, Action! – 7:15pm
Britt Nicole – Icon Stage – 7:30pm
Matthew West – Premier Theater – 8pm, 9:15pm
Chris Tomlin – Lights, Motors, Action! – 8:15pm, 9:45pm
BarlowGirl – Icon Stage – 8:30pm, 9:45pm
Rush of Fools – Premier Theater – 10:45pm, Midnight
Rebecca St. James – Icon Stage – 11pm, 12:15am
MercyMe – Lights, Motors, Action! – 11:15pm, 12:45amSATURDAY, SEPT. 6
Artist – Stage – Showtimes
Red – Lights, Motors, Action! – 7:15pm
PureNRG – Icon Stage – 7:30pm
Mandisa – Premier Theater – 8pm, 9:15pm
Casting Crowns – Lights, Motors, Action! – 8:15pm, 9:45pm
Marcos Witt – Icon Stage – 8:45pm, 10pm
GMA Winner – Icon Stage – 9:35pm
Aaron Shust – Premier Theater – 10:30pm, 11:45pm
tobyMac – Lights, Motors, Action! – 11:15pm, 12:45am
Fred Hammond – Icon Stage – 11:30pm, 12:45amOne-night advance tickets ($44.95) and two-night tickets ($75.95) can be purchased online at www.disneyworld.com/nightofjoy or by calling 407/W-DISNEY. Groups of 10 or more can go to www.nightofjoy.com or call 877/NITEJOY for ticket information. Guests attending Night of Joy can combine an evening of Christian music with the thrills of popular Disney’s Hollywood Studios attractions plus a DJ dance party each evening.
Applications will soon be accepted for the 2009 WDW Moms Panel:
Disney Parks undertakes its search in September for a group of park-savvy parents to be named the 2009 Walt Disney World Moms Panel, following in the footsteps of the first-ever online Walt Disney World Moms Panel which has been fielding and answering thousands of vacation questions in 2008.
The quest is for 16 parents who pride themselves on being Walt Disney World “know-it-alls” and have an undying passion to share their Disney knowledge with others at www.disneyworldmoms.com. From Sept. 8 through Sept. 19, interested applicants can visit www.disneyworldmoms.com/2009 to apply for the panel. The application process begins with a series of questions and three brief essays — about their family, why they are a great Walt Disney World vacation planner and their favorite Disney vacationing tip.
“The first-ever Disney Moms Panel has responded to more than 9,000 questions from vacation planners this year. They have offered our guests countless tips to plan a magical vacation at our resort,” said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “We thank the 2008 panel for their contributions and look forward to working with a new group of parents.”
Since the launch of www.disneyworldmoms.com in January 2008, the current 12-person panel has responded to questions covering just about anything from how to sign up for a character dining experience to what items are allowed in the parks.
Here is the complete Eat to the Beat Concert series line-up for this year:
Eight Grammy-winning acts join 10 other stellar hit-makers to bring a rocking mix of classic tunes to Walt Disney World Resort during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival beginning Sept. 26. Eat to the Beat! concerts are scheduled three times daily through Nov. 9.
From rock to jazz, funk to pop, 10 new Eat to the Beat! acts and eight returning bands take their turn on the America Gardens Theatre stage in 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. shows. The lineup (subject to change) includes:
Sept. 26-27 — Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (NEW)
Sept. 28-30 — Sheena Easton (2 Grammys)
Oct. 1-4 — Starship starring Mickey Thomas
Oct. 5-7 — En Vogue (NEW)
Oct. 8-9 — Jonny Lang (NEW, 1 Grammy)
Oct. 10-12 — Peabo Bryson (NEW, 2 Grammys)
Oct. 13-14 — Sister Hazel (NEW)
Oct. 15-16 — David Sanborn (6 Grammys)
Oct. 17-18 — Jon Secada (2 Grammys)
Oct. 19-21 — Spyro Gyra (NEW)
Oct. 22-23 — Otis Day & the Knights
Oct. 24-26 — Exposé
Oct. 27-28 — Kool & The Gang (1 Grammy)
Oct. 29-30 — Boyz II Men (NEW, 4 Grammys)
Oct. 31-Nov. 2 — Atlanta Rhythm Section (NEW)
Nov. 3-5 — David Cassidy
Nov. 6-7 — Night Ranger (NEW)
Nov. 8-9 — Los Lobos (NEW, 3 Grammys)
Details on the 2008 Race for the Taste on October 12:
The 9th annual Disney’s Race for the Taste 10K takes place Oct. 12, giving competitors an opportunity to run and eat during the popular Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort.
Runners will enjoy a ceremonial toast and fireworks display at the 7 a.m. start of the race at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, then embark on a 6.2-mile journey through Disney’s Hollywood Studios and past Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club resorts before passing through World Showcase at Epcot, the epicenter of the food and wine festival.
At the finish line, runners — along with ticketed friends and family members — will have an opportunity to sample international cuisine from the Epcot festival at a post-race picnic.
There will also be several Race for the Taste Kids’ Races, including a Heelys’ Race and Roll race (200m) for kids ages 8-14. Other kids’ races include a 100-meter event (ages 1-3), a 200-meter race (ages 4-6), a 400-meter race (ages 7-9) and an 800-meter event (ages 9-11).
Runners can register online at www.disneyraceforthetaste.com. Race-only registration is $55; race registration that includes a Disney theme park ticket is $92. Each participant who completes the race will receive a medal shaped like a chef’s hat. Awards will be presented to the top three finishers in several categories, including top male, top female and wheelchair divisions.
Details on the T-Rex restaurant opening now in late October (another change) at the Downtown Disney Marketplace:
Walt Disney World guests will go on an adventure back in time to dine among the dinosaurs when T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover opens it doors by late October at Downtown Disney.
T-Rex, developed by Schussler Creative, Inc., and operated by Landry’s Restaurants, Inc., features dining and retail in a 30,000-square-foot, 600-seat interactive prehistoric environment. The concept is built around water, fire and ice: Guests will be greeted with life-size animatronic dinosaurs that live among cascading waterfalls, bubbling geysers, a fossil dig site and much more.
Schussler Creative Chairman Steve Schussler, the founder of Rainforest Café and T-Rex restaurants, depicts the experience as “edutainment,” noting that this “treat for all five senses” includes artifacts such as fossils — all carefully labeled — that are hundreds of millions of years old, carefully crafted animatronic dinosaurs, and even a meteorite found in Argentina.
A full-size skeleton replica of Argentinosaurus, one of the largest of the dinosaurs and copied from a museum specimen about 125 feet in length, looms over the entrance, joined by a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton.
The theme carries over to the menu, which features items with names such as Caesarsaurus (Caesar salad), Raptor Ribs (Asian BBQ ribs), Pterodactyl Wings (Buffalo chicken wings), Triassic Tortellini (tri-colored cheese tortellini) and Gigantosaurus Burger (think really big hamburger!).
Menu choices range from starters (appetizers, salads and soups) to pastas, burgers and sandwiches to a broad selection of entrees plus desserts. Some favorites include rotisserie chicken, fried shrimp, steaks and ribs, tarragon chicken salad sandwich, Cobb salad and “Chocolate Extinction.” Guests will be able to make reservations by calling 407/WDW-DINE.
In case you didn’t get the Dinosaur attraction joke in the article title, here are some details on Downtown Disney’s newest resident:
A two-story tall dinosaur is pictured August 13, 2008 being transported on a flatbed truck past a pedestrian crossing sign at the Downtown Disney entertainment district at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The dinosaur will be featured inside a new restaurant, currently under construction, called “T-Rex: a Prehistoric Family Adventure.” Developed by Schussler Creative, Inc. and operated by Landry’s Restaurants, the 600-seat restaurant will feature dinosaurs, waterfalls, bubbling geysers and a fossil dig site. “T-Rex” will open in mid-October at Downtown Disney. (Kent Phillips, photographer)
Notice that the restaurant is once again ahead of schedule and will now open even earlier than was last reported, Sometime in the middle of October. Stay tuned to WDWNT as we continue to update you on the progress of the T-Rex Restaurant at Downtown Disney.
