Here are pictures from the second day of Jose Castillo’s trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. On Friday, Jose visited Epcot:
Another day dawns aboard Spaceship Earth…
With rather long lines
Jose got his funny photo posted somewhere in the middle of the ocean
Over at the exit of Test Track, we’ll take another look at the updated Fuel for Thought
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
Matt Paul has provided us with more pictures from his latest trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. Let’s see what happening at the world:
Guest Relations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is decked out for the season
Since I always get yelled at by High School Musical fans for a lack of coverage…
we will fill our annual quota in two pictures
I thought I would take this time to address a few short subjects in one post just to make sure everyone is caught up on what’s going on with WDW and WDWNT right now:
-We have opened our fantastic poll allowing you to choose what you think are the 20 biggest moments in the history of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Just go HERE, pick 20 moments, and hit submit. The 20 biggest moments as voted by you will then be counted down every week on the WDW News Today Podcast until the anniversary on May 1, 2009. Voting closes on December 4 at midnight, so don’t miss out!!!
-Disney has released a picture of the completed facade of the new American Idol Experience attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (we should have our own pictures of the completed building very soon, until then check out THIS photo report on the WDW News Today Community Forums):
IT’S SHOWTIME!: Disney’s Hollywood Studios raises the curtain on the newest showbiz-themed attraction, “The American Idol Experience.” All the excitement of the popular “American Idol” TV show comes to life in a first-of-its-kind attraction where Walt Disney World guests can vote on their favorite performance, or audition with the chance to perform on stage. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (David Roark, photographer)
-Ellen’s Energy Adventure at Epcot will be closed for a lengthy refurbishment from January 5 through March 22, 2009. During this time, some general maintenance will occur. It is also rumored that Imagineering will use this a a time to look around the attraction for possible changes.
-Reported on the WDW News Today Community Forums:
Beginning December 1st, anyone booked for lunch at Tusker House (at Disney’s Animal Kingdom) between 1:00pm and 1:40pm will receive a ticket for reserved seating at the Finding Nemo (The Musical) 3:15pm show. If you are already booked during that time frame you will qualify for the reserved seating ticket. Only reservations between 1:00pm and 1:40pm qualify. One ticker per person dining.
-Also Reported on the WDW News Today Community Forums, Disney launching an online check-in service for resort guests:
Disney’s Online Check-In service enables Guests to simplify their arrival by allowing them to go online and provide information related to their upcoming stay. On a Guest’s scheduled arrival date, since check-in information will have been provided previously online by the Guest, they may experience a streamlined check-in at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels or Disney Vacation Club resorts. A welcome folder with their Key to the World Card will be waiting at a designated Disney’s Online Check-In area in the resort hotel lobby. Guests will need to present valid photo ID to pick up the folder and complete check-in. Guests may check-in online beginning 10 days prior to their arrival date. Web site addresses for Disney’s Online Check-In service will vary based on the original method of booking. As Guests are completing Disney’s Online Check-In service, select Guests will have an opportunity to apply for the Disney Rewards® Visa Card® that could be used during their stay. This service launches in January, 2009.
A lot to process, but hopefully we have everyone caught up on current Walt Disney World and WDW News Today events before the big holiday week begins.
As first reported by WDW News Today and the WDW News Today Podcast, it is now official that the interactive Kim Possible experience at Epcot is returning this year:
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Epcot guests at Walt Disney World Resort will be treated to a brand new, highly interactive attraction inspired by Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning animated series, Disney’s Kim Possible. The new experience is slated to premiere in late 2008.
Using the latest technology, Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure invites guests of all ages to become secret agents, teaming up with members of Team Possible to save the world from various comical villains and their mad inventions.
As guests embark on this international adventure, they will receive an official “Kimmunicator,” at kiosks throughout Epcot. The interactive, handheld device is designed to help them maneuver through the mission. Using state-of-the-art technology, the interactive device connects guests with a variety of Kim Possible characters who provide clues to stop villains from taking over the world. The highly interactive devices also allow guests to control top-secret equipment hidden inside theWorld Showcase pavilions, creating an ultra-interactive adventure jam-packed with mystery and excitement.
Guests can play Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure in seven of theWorld Showcase pavilions: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Japan, France andUnited Kingdom. Each pavilion features a unique mission including distinctive visual events and a different super villain from the animated series.
“Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure is an example of a next generation attraction that offers fun and excitement for the entire family,” said Jim MacPhee, Epcot vice president. “We are constantly exploring new ways to provide immersive experiences to Epcot guests, and this new offering will add to our dynamic portfolio.”
“Today’s emerging generation expects more immersive, personal and interactive experiences in every facet of their lives, including their entertainment choices,” added Bruce Vaughn, chief creative executive of Walt Disney Imagineering. “As leaders in family entertainment, Disney theme parks push the envelope by combining state-of-the-art technology with creative storytelling to enhance the overall Disney vacation experience.”
Epcot is a place of innovation, imagination, human achievement and endless possibilities. The park encompasses two “lands” of discovery: Future World, a showcase of new ideas and technology, and World Showcase, a kaleidoscope of nations celebrating cultural heritage, arts and entertainment. For more information, guests may call 407/824-4321 or visit disneyworld.com.
Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure will open at Walt Disney World Resort during “The Year of a Million Dreams” celebration.
A worldwide hit for kids and families, Disney’s “Kim Possible” is an Emmy Award-winning animated series from creators/executive producers Bob Schooley and Mark McCorkle and Walt Disney Television Animation. It tells the story of an average high school cheerleader, Kim Possible, who, in her spare time, happens to save the world from super villains. With the aid of her enthusiastic pals, this contemporary heroine is capable in ways few high school students ever imagine. On the flipside, she realizes that defeating the bad guys comes easier than coping with the typical teen pressures of schooling and socializing. Viewers’ connection to “Kim Possible” led to a successful off-TV franchise for The Walt Disney Company including Kim Possible and Ron Stoppable characters at Disney Parks & Resorts, DVDs, books, video games and Disney Consumer Product’s line of “Kim Possible” branded products available at mass retailers nationwide.
Another permit has been filed to perform construction on the Imagination pavilion at Epcot, however, it is unclear as to what area it is for. The permit states that work will be done to “build new partition walls and install metal doors” somewhere in the area, most likely either for the new character meet and greet area to replace Figment’s Place or to update the old Imageworks that lay dormant in the upstairs of the current attraction. To see the permit that was filed, go HERE. Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today for more information on this as it becomes available.
Thanks to Adam Roth of WDWCelebrations for the update!!!
The Wonders of Life was finally removed from seasonal activity on DisneyWorld.com, but the reason will only be for it’s demise. From February 1, 2008 forward, the pavilion will no longer be officially referred to as the Wonders of Life. In addition, control of the pavilion has been handed over to Walt Disney World Special Events. During the 2008 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, the following events will now take place in the pavilion:Â
It looks like our assessment of the now extinct Future World pavilion was correct, but the idea of a replacement now may be further off than once thought. Other projects at Epcot, such as the addition of new pavilions to World Showcase, fixing the Imagination Pavilion, and upgrading Test Track’s ride system and technology is most likely where Epcot’s budget goes to work next.
I have been receiving a lot of emails lately about the Wonders of Life pavilion at Epcot. Many readers have brought to my attention that it is no longer listed as a closed attraction after January 31, 2008. Let me sadly state that the reason for this is that the attractions inside the pavilion will be gutted over the next few months. The pavilion may once again open as a home to events for the Food and Wine Festival in 2008, but the attractions inside will be gone by then. The pavilion has been in seasonal operation for years now and the attractions haven’t seen use since the 2006 Holiday Season. Walt Disney Imagineering has a few ideas on the table for the pavilion, but the current building will not be demolished until a plan is finalized.Â
