Disney World Changes Bus Routes to Alleviate Traffic on Buena Vista Drive

WDWNT on October 13, 2017

With all of the road work and traffic on Buena Vista Drive, Walt Disney World is rerouting some buses to take traffic off of the troublesome road and provide a better experience for guests.

width=

Buses to Disney Springs from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort are now traveling north of Epcot from World Drive to Epcot Center Drive, skipping over most of Buena Vista Drive. It is unknown for how long these new routes will be in effect.

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Latest DisneyQuest Demolition in Preparation for the NBA Experience at Disney Springs

WDWNT on October 7, 2017

With the NBA Experience on the way, the demolition of DisneyQuest at Disney Springs continues…

We have yet to see any concept art for the NBA Experience, so it is hard to judge what a lot of this demolition work is for exactly and how much of the building is actually staying.

width=

For whatever reason, a number of squares holes have been cut in the building.

width=

width=

width=

width=

There’s not much to see on the bottom floor.

width=

width=

width=

width=

A lot of twisted steel is sitting behind the walls towards the back of the building.

width=

width=

The signage facing the outside of Disney Springs has started to come down.

width=

No opening date has been provided for the NBA Experience at Disney Springs.

D-Living at Disney Springs Closing for Extended Period

WDWNT on October 7, 2017

D-Living (one of the themed stores located in the Town Center neighborhood of Disney Springs) will temporarily close at the end of business day on Sunday, October 8 in order to install a new theme.

width=

The location is not expected to reopen until November and will then feature apparel and accessories of an unspecified theme.

The store most recently sold Minnie Mouse Ear Headbands, Spirit Jersey items, and some other random apparel.

PHOTOS: Demolition Begins on Disney Quest at Disney Springs, Future NBA Experience

WDWNT on September 19, 2017

Visible demolotion has begun on the exterior of the former DisneyQuest at Disney Springs, as it begins its transformation into the NBA Experience.

width=

The awning over the entrance to Disney Quest has been completely ripped off.

width=

I love the the original colors of the building were under all of that…

width=

The small awning was also ripped off of the DisneyQuest Emporium.

width=

width=

width=

A look from above.

width=

width=

width=

width=

Some larger portions of the wall were also removed… or more likely came down with the awning…

No opening date for the NBA Experience at Disney Springs has been provided as of yet. DisneyQuest closed on July 3rd, 2017.

PHOTOS: New Haunted Mansion Furnishings Available at Disney Springs, Including Chairs and Mirrors

WDWNT on September 19, 2017

Hey’ who’s got a few thousand dollars to burn and loves The Haunted Mansion? Marketplace Co-Op at Disney Springs sure hopes the somebody does…

width=

If there’s “room for one more” chair at your dinner table, the Disney Springs shop has Haunted Mansion chairs with or without armrests for sale.

width=

The version without armrests will cost $2000 each.

width=

The chairs are not actually in stock, but are special order items that have no discounts applicable and there are shipping charges attached.

width=

The one with armrests will cost $4000 each. Yes, they are cool, but they do seem tiny bit overpriced. Regardless, I’m sure people will buy them because they are Haunted Mansion-related and Mansion fans never cease to amaze me.

width=

Personally, I’d settle for this new mirror that is for sale, $250 and any discounts are applicable.

width=

width=

It’s pretty neat, although I would have made it with just a hitchiking ghost in the middle, just like in the attraction.

There is apparently also a new $55.00 Haunted Mansion tea set for sale, but it was sold out when we got to Marketplace Co-Op.

SaveSave

REVIEW: The $8 Artisan S’mores from The Ganachery at Disney Springs are Life Changing

WDWNT on August 29, 2017

So, $8 seems like a lot of money for a s’mores, considering the average creation of a single serving of graham cracker, marshmallow, and chocolate probably would cost you less than $1 as a consumer. However, I don’t think you’ll be making s’mores quite like The Ganachery at Disney Springs…
width=

A relatively new offering, the above $8 s’mores can be ordered at the counter and the guest is then given a little sign to hold up at the window where the desserts are made. The artisan behind the glass will then begin to make your s’mores and brings it out to you. You can see this entire process in the video below:

So, how it it? Amazing, and certainly worth the hefty price tag. The quality of the chocolate is staggering and the flavor with the sea salt is perfection. The giant chunk of marshmallow makes sure every bite has more than enough, and the graham cracker isn’t terribly crunchy to the point where the entire thing falls apart. This thing can be a little messy, so be sure to grab a napkin… or all of the napkins. You may also want to share it if you don’t want to feel terrible about yourself afterwards, but hey, it’s your vacation so I won’t judge you if you eat the entire thing alone.

I can’t recommend this enough. It is undoubtedly the best s’mores I’ve ever had in my entire life!

So the next time you’re at Disney Springs, be sure to stop by The Ganachery in the Landing to try this for yourself (or try something else from here, you really can’t go wrong).

PHOTOS: New Concept Art & Location Revealed for Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill at Disney Springs

WDWNT on August 29, 2017

That odd, sunken-in plot of grass between the Coca-Cola Store and Planet Hollywood Observatory finally has a tenant: Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill.

width=

Opening in 2018, the new Wolfgang Puck concept will open in Town Center, housed in a completely new building.

width=

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, will modernize the traditional “bar and grill” concept in a setting inspired by traditional farmhouses with a touch of elegance.

width=

The restaurant, designed by tonychi, will capture the essence of laid-back California dining made popular by Puck at Spago, his flagship restaurant in Los Angeles.

width=

The menu will highlight the best of Puck’s signature dishes with Mediterranean influences, innovative takes on comfort food classics and handcrafted specialty cocktails, beer and wine.

BREAKING: “Star Wars – Secrets of the Empire” VR Attractions Coming to Disney World, Disneyland Later This Year

WDWNT on August 20, 2017

The Void announced today that their newest hyper-reality experience, Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire, is coming to Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts later this year.

width=

This first-of-its kind Star Wars experience is being produced by the world-class teams at Lucasfilm and ILMxLAB in collaboration with the team at The VOID. Soon you’ll have the opportunity to step beyond reality into a galaxy far, far away!

Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire will plunge guests directly into the iconic Star Wars galaxy. They will move freely throughout the untethered, social, and multi-sensory Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire experience in a way that allows them to interact and engage with friends, family and Star Wars characters. This ground-breaking experience will open to the public at two new VOID Experience Centers at Downtown Disney at Disneyland Resort and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort beginning this holiday season.

width=

“At The VOID, we combine the magic of illusion, advanced technology and virtual reality to create fully immersive social experiences that take guests to new worlds,” said Curtis Hickman, co-founder and chief creative officer at The VOID. “A truly transformative experience is so much more than what you see with your eyes; it’s what you hear, feel, touch, and even smell. Through the power of The VOID, guests who step into Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire won’t just see this world, they’ll know that they are part of this amazing story.”

Vicki Dobbs Beck, executive in charge of ILMxLab, said, “At ILMxLAB, we want people to step inside the worlds of our stories. Through our collaboration with The VOID, we can make this happen as guests become active participants in an unfolding Star Wars adventure. By combining Lucasfilm’s storytelling expertise with cutting-edge imagery, and immersive sound from the team at Skywalker Sound, while invoking all the senses, we hope to truly transport all those who experience Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire to a galaxy far, far away.”

“Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire marks an important milestone in the continued expansion of The VOID, which also joined the 2017 Disney Accelerator earlier this year,” said Cliff Plumer, CEO of The VOID. “Through the power of The VOID, guests can now experience the magic of Star Wars firsthand.”

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar at Disney Springs Introduces Late Night Happy Hour

WDWNT on August 20, 2017

Guests visiting Disney Springs can now quench their thirst for adventure during an expanded happy hour at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar!

width=

Visitors can enjoy special prices on cocktails, wine, and draft beer, or fuel up for their next adventure with happy hour appetizers including Jock’s Loaded Nachos, Belloq’s Bacon Fries and Double Agent Sliders. These happy hour savings are available Monday through Thursday from 3-6:30PM and 9-11PM, and Fridays, 3-6:30PM.

American Idol to Kick-Off Auditions at Disney World, Disney Springs to Host Pop-Up Audition Kiosk

WDWNT on August 20, 2017

American Idol will begin its search for hopefuls at Walt Disney World before debuting on ABC this Fall.

width=

American Idol will kick off open auditions at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World. The iconic American Idol bus will roll into Disney Springs for auditions taking place on THURSDAY, AUGUST 17. Idol-winners Jordin Sparks, Kris Allen and Ruben Studdard will make a special appearance and greet lucky audition participants during the kickoff celebration of the search for America’s next superstar.

Think you could be the next American Idol and are interested in attending this open audition with American Idol producers? Here are some important details: Early arrival is encouraged. Parking will be available beginning at 4 a.m. at the surface parking lot on the West Side of Disney Springs, near House of Blues and Cirque du Soleil. (No overnight camping, please.) Registration begins at 6 a.m. and closes at 12 p.m. (or sooner, due to capacity). Due to venue capacity, Disney Springs can accommodate a total of 4,000 audition participants. The auditions will begin at 8 a.m. and will take place outdoors, therefore it’s advised to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.

All singers must be at least 15 years old to audition. Pre-registration is encouraged. To pre-register and for more information, audition details, locations, full eligibility requirements, submission forms, and terms and conditions, visit americanidol.com. Those auditioning can bring one guest to accompany them and the guest must be over five years old.

When the bus rolls away at the end of the day, Central Florida hopefuls will still have the chance to become a part of Idol history by auditioning via the American Idol pop-up audition kiosk, which will be at Disney Springs on FRIDAY, AUGUST 18 through FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15. During regular Disney Springs operating hours, visitors can create and submit their very own audition video at the kiosk.