Adam Roth’s 1/6/12 Magic Kingdom Photo Report

WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth visited the Magic Kingdom yesterday and has a TON of newsworthy photos to share with us (including a lot of New Fantasyland), so let’s take a look:

Work has begun on the new path into Liberty Square from Fantasyland

The path will cut around the Yankee Trader

Walls still up at the Skyway station, soon to be restrooms

Dumbo closes in the original location on January 9th

Plenty of trees planted in New Fantasyland now, these will be staying

The pavement is a bit messy still

Castle wall construction

PROGRESS!

Prince Eric’s castle is coming along nicely

Awww…

Not too bad…

Another look at the Castle Walls

The first interactive queue

A look at Maurice’s Cottage

Work on the new Dumbo queue

The tower that Goofini will crash through is coming along as well

Belle’s Village

Mermaid rock-work

Bonjour Village Gifts

Goodbye old Dumbo…

Although we will see this one again, slightly remodeled for Storybook Circus

The Barnstormer building looks great off in the distance

If you look in the bottom right, you can see the Dumbo title “D” clearly on the new spinner

What a mess!

Hopefully this will be cleaned up and ready to open next month

This area will take a little longer…

More of Belle’s Village

A better look at barnstormer and the top of the new Dumbo

They have practically rebuilt these tents from scratch at this point

The Be Our Guest restaurant building

Work continues on the facade of Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid

A lot of construction workers out and about

That’s still one long wall…

Work has shifted into high-speed on Dumbo

Some Storybook Circus pavement is now visible

Back to Under the Sea

Back to Dumbo and Storybook Circus

Maurice’s Cottage, home to Enchanted Tales with Belle

The Castle Wall again

Cement, FINALLY!

Some Haunted Mansion 40th anniversary shirts have been released

Big Thunder Mountain is closing for a 4.5 month refurbishment on Monday


Rumors are that an interactive queue, some new show elements, and a general fix-up will happen over this period

Work pretty much started months ago when the railroad ties were removed

More Main Street facades are being worked on and these will be like this until May. Here is the Bakery

Work continues on the new semi-announced Disney Vacation Club wing at the Grand Floridian

Ads for a special Florida resident pass up outside of the TTC

Go wild today!

Zach Larson’s 1/6/12 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT Reporter Zach Larson visited the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot on Friday and has some newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

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Land clearing continues for the Grand Floridian DVC wing

More Main Street U.S.A. facades are going behind tarps, this should be the last batch

A temporary sidewalk ramp installed

Signs point guests around to the meet and greet FASTPASS distribution

Center Street tarps still up

The Bakery is now behind tarps

A temporary cart is also serving some bakery items

Plaza Ice Cream is closed

This facade will be behind tarps soon

Storybook Circus construction

Dumbo is almost ready to roll

The queue seems a bit behind

Dumbo was testing

We’re ready… we’ve been ready…

Belle’s Village

Trees in place, this is most likely where they will be staying

The details on Prince Eric’s castle are visible

The Beast’s Castle, Maurice’s Cottage, and the Castle Wall all in this shot

The path around Yankee Trader is now being constructed

It will put guests right about here

See?

The Madame Leota merchandise cart has moved closer to Columbia Harbor House

The Frontier Trading Post is still behind tarps

Pecos Bill’s is still behind tarps as well

Big Thunder is closing for a few months for major upgrades on the 9th

The queue should be the most radically different thing when it re-opens

The Barnstormer/Great Goofini looks like it is nearing completion

The times guide has been expanded to include the parade route, probably since it will change to a short loop this week as Electrical Parade goes dark for a paving project

Over to Hollywood Studios, where Toluca Legs Turkey Company is back in action…

During PIXAR Pals, an escape route… I mean alternate route is being opened to help guest flow

IT’S DONE! Oh, wrong park…

MUSH! MUSH!

Now on to Epcot

The tip board still works! A new record!

It indicates if FASTPASS is available

Time is almost up…

The pre-show monitors are now flat screens!

More and more cars are getting the Chevy branding

The new directional signage in Future World is color-coded and looks great!

Is it open?

Barely…

Oh, this side has lights…

No visible progress on the upcoming Habit Heroes exhibit

Thanks for the report Zach!

An Aerial View of New Fantasyland, The Grand Floridian DVC, and Big Thunder Mountain

Thanks to Scott Keating of www.scottkeating.net, we have an “over-the-walls” aerial view of the consturctiuon going on in New Fantasyland, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and the new DVC wing at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:

The tents from Toontown are basically being rebuilt, but the rest of the Storybook Circus looks like it will make it for Mid-Februaury

Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid and the Beauty and the Beast realm are coming along nicely. Foundations for the Seven Dwarf Mine Train are starting to appear

Dumbos are being carefully removed from the old spinner, getting ready for the move

The new Dumbo spinner looks ready to go, and the queue isn’t far behind

The Fantasyland Station is almost done, and the Casey Jr. Roundhouse should be installed soon

The waterways are being carved out under bridges

It looks like a path is appearing slowly in front of Enchanted Tales with Belle

Moving out of the park, land has been cleared for the Grand Floridian DVC addition

The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad refurbishment has begun, but there isn’t anything to see yet

 

 

Dirk Wallen’s 10/25-26/12 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and a few of the resort hotels last week and has some newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip:

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It’s Autumn

Pins available for Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid

Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak has a pin

Holiday pins are out

Walls still up near the Haunted Mansion

Tarps up on Columbia Harbor House

The Yankee Trader is still behind tarps

Work continues on the new restrooms in Fantasyland

The Village Haus balcony is still closed, but tarps have started coming down

Looks nice

The souvenir cups from Gaston’s Tavern are also at Village Haus

Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train construction continues

Wow…

Fun “character” apples

Storybook Circus has its own specialty cupcakes

Pete’s Silly Sideshow

Finishing touches keep being added, the eyes on the snakes now have a spinning effect

There is some large construction happening between the TTC and the Magic Kingdom bus loop

At the All-Star Resorts, the lobby has been redecorated with large pictures to replace the old small ones

All-Star Sports

All-Star Music

The game cards at most of the arcades are now Wreck-It Ralph themed

Moving over to Animal Kingdom

Enjoy Camp Minnie-Mickey while you can

Pocohontas and Her Forrest Friends has been closed since September 2008 and is now being used for stroller parking

Beastly Bazaar is closed as it is being turned into a character meet and greet

That’s why we are here…

NO ZEBRAS!

They weren’t out at the time…

Test Track is coming along nicely (as seen from the monorail)

You can see the outline of the two Ts on the canopy

Digging the spot where the sign will go

Not much visible progress by the exit

The Epcot Character Spot is being refurbished

Work continues on the new IBM exhibit in Innoventions

Some Epcot 30th merchandise remains

Christmas merchandise in abundance

Neat…

Adam Roth’s 11/11/12 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth visited Epcot and the Magic Kingdom on Sunday and has a bunch of newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip, so let’s take a look:

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Habit Heroes – still closed

The exterior of Test Track is making quick progress as we race towards soft openings

Signage about to go up

They finally painted the exit

A look over the walls

Epcot Christmas tree

Food and Wine is now over, but at least we have the memories…

The temporary Epcot Character Spot is in the old Epcot 25th Anniversary exhibit space

The backdrop is retro-tastic…

Some remnants of the exhibit remain

The actual Character Spot in down for a lengthy refurbishment

Looks like it is going to be a while

Still using the same entrance

Walls still up near Electric Umbrella

The Epcot 30th window display is still up at Art of Disney

FastPass Plus at Spaceship Earth

The podium was uncovered

BYE!

It’s Christmas at the Magic Kingdom

Some tarps up on the Adventureland Veranda

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin refurbishment is done

The old steel drum bandstand is behind tarps, probably related to the upcoming Pirates interactive game being installed in Adventureland

Work continues on the new Fantasyland restrooms

Let’s check-in on New Fantasyland

The Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train

New tarps are up on Princess Fairytale Hall

Looks like these 5 princesses will be greeting guests when it opens in late-2013

Mesh for the rock-work going up on Mine Train

Cinderella Castle Dreamlights are back

The exit test is back in use

Goodnight Magic Kingdom!

“Royal Majesty Makers” Coming to Fantasyland Next Week

Disney is adding several new entertainment groups to Fantasyland leading to the December 6th grand opening of New Fantasyland, the first of which was announced today. Meet the Royal Majesty Makers who will meet guests starting November 19th:

The Royal Majesty Makers engage boys and girls in random acts of “royaldom,” endowing them with the skills to become princes and princesses. These royal consultants, official ambassadors of Cinderella’s court, inspire and delight visiting villagers with magical moments throughout the land. Led by retired knight Sir Sterling and royal etiquette expert Lady Llewellyn, the Royal Majesty Makers also include squire extraordinaire Tobias and flirtatious lady-in-waiting Bridget. They may be found in the Castle Courtyard, conducting Knight School, delivering invitations to a royal ball, leading royal dances or even playing a game of “Sir Sterling Says.”

It sounds like this show will be a mix of Hollywood Studios streetmosphere and the short-lived “Let’s Have a Ball” show that was performed behind Cinderella Castle back in 2006. We’ll provide a look at this new entertainment group next week when they debut, so stay tuned.

VIDEO: An In-Depth Look at Be Our Guest Restaurant in New Fantasyland

Be Our Guest Restaurant in New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom is now open daily for lunch & dinner, but if you haven’t had to chance to experience it for yourself just yet, you may want to check out this comprehensive tour we’ve put together:

After seeing the beautiful exterior and interior, what do you think of the latest Magic Kingdom dining establishment?

Adam Roth’s 12/10/12 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth visited the Magic Kingdom and Downtown Disney yesterday and took plenty of newsworthy photos, so let’s take a look at what’s new:

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It appears some of the elements for the Adventureland interactive game have been installed

This icon should help guests locate the game area

Not sure what this will do

A different icon near this cannon

You can see the cannon aiming at something behind this tarp

Another game area

Looks like there is a skeleton under the water where the Junior Jungle Boats used to be

Another game area being set-up

The Crow’s Nest is still behind walls

We expect this is where the game will begin for guests

Golden Oak Outpost is closed again…

The tower from Tangled visible from Frontierland

Kind of strange…

Work is speeding along on the restrooms on the former Skyway site, rumors still indicate we will see guest charging stations for electronics in this area as well

The tower was installed recently

The Royal Majesty Makers out and about in Fantasyland

Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train construction continues

The construction walls were updated with the Dwarfs now mimicking the areas they are in

This scene is near Enchanted Tales with Belle

The small Lumiere on the signage now swings his arms back and forth

Looks like another device built by Maurice

More new Mine Train walls

Some new concept art shows off the interactive queue

Looks like fun

The finale scene

Everyone has clocked in, meaning they are working hard on the new attraction

Another look at Mine Train

Some more walls came down revealing a small section of the bridge

A look from the other side

100 minutes for Mermaid… yeah, Fantasyland is a total failure 😉

All of the screen-based wait times signs in the park were themed recently, all of them now match the physical signage now

The back side of Mine Train

Triton’s Treasures is being built and is coming along quickly

Wait for Ariel’s Grotto

Some cool walls you can look through were put up as well

Let’s take a look inside

A lot of work still to be done

This wall is near Winnie-The-Pooh

Near the Mad Tea Party

Another look through the walls

Moving to Downtown Disney, the volcano at Rainforest Cafe is coming along nicely

Splitsville opens December 19th

Curl is also moving to some small space next door to Splitsville

Looks like there is space for another store as well

There’s an outside bar as well

VIDEO: The Giggle Gang Brings Big-Top Laughs to Storybook Circus in New Fantasyland

When The Giggle Gang was announced by Disney a few days ago, many guests were worried that scary clowns would be invading Storybook Circus in New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom. After having seen a show from the new group, I can safely say that scary clowns are hardly what guests are seeing in the park. The show is actually pretty cute; that being said, it probably could still use a little work. As with most comedy shows, some things work and some don’t, and I’m sure they will figure it out as they go along. The following video is from a very early preview performance of the Giggle Gang, so please keep in mind that they had only completed 2 actual shows prior to this performance. Enjoy:

So, what do you think of the Giggle Gang in Storybook Circus?

Be Our Guest Restaurant Testing “Order Ahead” Service This Week

With FastPass+ testing going on this week, Disney is also using this time to test “order ahead” dining at Be Our Guest Restaurant in New Fantasyland. Disney has released plenty of information internally on the new test, you may want to take a read:

As part of our efforts to continuously improve the Guest experience, we’re testing a new offering at Be Our Guest Restaurant.

Be Our Guest Restaurant offers fast casual service for lunch including an innovative table delivery service.

There are no counters at the restaurant. Guests instead order from a kiosk and receive a magic rose. Their meal is delivered directly to their table.
Arrival window selection: In December, selected Guests (Club Level Concierge Guests at select resorts) will have the opportunity to select an “arrival window” for their lunch at Be Our Guest Restaurant prior to arriving at the restaurant. This will happen via a website, similar to the FastPass+ testing that has taken place this year.

Order Ahead: As part of the test, the selected Guests will also have the opportunity to view the menu online and order their meals ahead of time in addition to selecting an arrival window.

All Guests visiting Magic Kingdom Park will continue to have the ability to walk up and order from a kiosk, and then have their meal delivered to their table.
This is an invitation-only test. Participants in the test will be selected prior to arriving at Magic Kingdom Park.

The offer for select Guests to participate in the test will be made during the check-in process. They will then be given the Be Our Guest Restaurant test website to make their selections for same-day bookings.

Guests may select an arrival window and then order items from the menu once they arrive at Be Our Guest Restaurant.

Once a participating Guest selects an arrival window, the Guest can view the menu online and choose to order their meal ahead of time as well. If a Guest does not order ahead, the Guest can place an order at a kiosk upon arrival at Be Our Guest Restaurant.

If a Guest chooses not to select an arrival window, they then have the option of ordering their meal ahead of time and arriving to Be Our Guest Restaurant between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Guests will then experience an expedited payment process upon arrival.

Whether a Guest orders ahead or places an order at a kiosk upon arrival, they will receive a magic rose which enables their meal be delivered directly to the table, just like all Guests at Be Our Guest Restaurant.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why can’t I participate in the test of the arrival window selection and ordering ahead process?
The test of this new service has been limited to pre-selected Guests for the time being. Any Guest can dine at Be Our Guest Restaurant for lunch by ordering at a kiosk. As the arrival window selection and pre-ordering processes evolve, they will be available to all Walt Disney World Guests on a first come, first served basis.

2. Where can I get a FASTPASS for Be Our Guest Restaurant?
Disney FASTPASS is not currently available at Be Our Guest Restaurant. Pre-selected Guests are able to choose an arrival window and select items from the menu prior to arriving at Magic Kingdom Park as part of a test of a new lunch service at Be Our Guest Restaurant.

3. What if I am not interested in selecting my meal ahead of time?
You may select an arrival window only and order once you arrive at Be Our Guest.

4. Am I able to select my meal but not my arrival window?
Yes, you are able to select a meal ahead of time without also selecting an arrival window. However, you must arrive to Be Our Guest between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to ensure you are able to enjoy your meal. Additionally, if you didn’t select an arrival window in advance you must wait in the standby queue, but you will have an expedited payment process.

5. How many days can I select an arrival window?
You are able to select one arrival window during your stay at the Walt Disney WorldÂŽ Resort.

6. Can I select an arrival window with another party?
Yes, as long as that time is offered to both parties.

7. What are the arrival window options that I can choose from?
Arrival windows are offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and are subject to availability. You will have the option to choose an early, mid or late lunch arrival window. Each arrival window is 15 minutes long.

8. Why can’t I pick the exact time I want?
Arrival windows are limited and subject to availability. You will have the option to choose an early, mid or late lunch arrival window.

9. Are we able to select an arrival window for dinner?
Arrival windows are being tested for fast casual dining experiences at this location and are not available for table service experiences. Table service dining, including dinner at Be Our Guest Restaurant, will continue to offer reservations. To book a reservation, please call 407-WDW-DINE or visit the website at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/reservations/dining/ or visit the Be Our Guest Restaurant podium.

10. What is a FastPass+ selection?
Because this is a test, we are also testing language options for the options Guest choose. This may or may not end up in our theme parks and resorts.

11. Is there a cost to participate in this test?
Valid park admission is required to enter Magic KingdomÂŽ Park, however, there is no additional cost to participate other than the price of your meal.

12. Are other restaurants participating in this test?
At this time we are only offering this test at Be Our Guest Restaurant.

13. Where do I check in once I arrive to Be Our Guest?
If you participate in this test you should proceed to the Cast Member at the front of the bridge prior to entering Be Our Guest. If you selected an arrival window in advance, your arrival window will be listed under the name you used to register online.

14. I will need to make a special dietary request. Can I still participate in the test and pre-select my meal?
If you have a lifestyle dietary request, such as a vegetarian option, you are encouraged to pre-select your meal. However, if you need to make a dietary request due to allergies you may select an arrival window in advance but should order at the restaurant. Upon arrival, you should request to speak to a chef or a manager on duty and they will be happy to assist.

15. What if I want to change my order after I have selected?
At any time prior to the start of your arrival window, you are able to view your order and arrival window on the website, based upon availability. Upon arrival, you may still change your order at one of our self-service Kiosks or with a Cast Member. Guests who have pre-selected their meal and arrival time will be guided to utilize a kiosk or make changes with a Cast Member upon arriving.

16. Can I choose where I sit ahead of time?
Tables are based on availability; all three of our dining rooms are open during lunch.

17. No arrival windows are being offered to me online, can I still participate?
Yes, even though arrival windows may no longer be available for the test, you may still pre-order your meal and arrive at Be Our Guest between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

18. If I am a Disney Resort hotel Guest, can I pay with my Key to the World Card?
For Guests who select an arrival window and pre-select their meal, once you arrive we accept Disney Resort Key to the World Cards, Disney Dining Plans, Credit Cards, and Disney Gift Cards for payment upon arrival. Guests paying with Cash or vouchers will be directed to pay at a cashier at the restaurant.

19. I want to pre-select my meal and choose my arrival window, but I’m paying with cash, is this possible?
If you choose to pay with cash you may only select either your arrival window, or pre-order your meal in advance.

20. I purchased a package that includes a Disney dining plan; can I use my dining plan entitlements for my meal?
Guests who purchased packages that include a Disney dining plan will be asked to use 1 meal entitlement for their lunch.

21. What happens if I’m not able to make my arrival window?
If you are not able to make your arrival window, please cancel your reservation on the website at https://www.BeOurGuestLunch.disney.go.com

22. If I need to cancel my arrival window is there a fee?
No, Guests who need to cancel their arrival window will not charged a cancellation fee.

23. How do you know where I am sitting to deliver my meal?
There are no counters at the restaurant. Guests will instead order from a kiosk and receive a magic rose. Their meal will be delivered directly to their table. We use wireless radio frequency (RF) technology, which is commonly used in everyday items like smart phones, video game controllers and credit cards.

24. Who can I contact if I have a question?
You can contact a Concierge Cast Member at your Resort with any questions prior to arrival.