Grand Floridian – Page 4

Dirk Wallen’s 9/10/12 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on October 29, 2012

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen was on the scene at the Magic Kingdom earlier this morning and has some newsworthy photos to share from his trip:

Work continues on the Grand Floridian DVC wing

Lampposts installed in the new parking lot

If you closely, you can see the new children’s water play area themed to Alice In Wonderland that is being installed

There is a new Fall trolley show running every morning at the Magic Kingdom. We have a short video clip:

Everyone likes to point out budget-cuts and declines in show, but offering seasonal new shows like this prove Disney still cares despite what you may read elsewhere

Speaking of declines though… the bears are gone from the Brave meet and greet

This is a permanent change as Merida may not have much longer at the Magic Kingdom anyway

No one wants to color?

The new Fantasyland restroom facility project keeps chugging along

A new walkway through the Castle Walls has been set up to accommodate pavement work and other minor things

New directional signs on the walls

Work continues very slowly on finally installing the Storybook Circus entrance. Looks like we won’t be getting the ticket booth in the concept art as there just isn’t enough path space…

Robert Ashburn’s 3/13/12 Magic Kingdom Photo Report

WDWNT on September 8, 2012

Here’s a quick photo update from around the Magic Kingdom from a few days ago, courtesy of Reporter Robert Ashburn:

Grand Floridian DVC construction continues

Another new poster up at Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

Work continues on the Bakery facade

Storybook Circus has some great lighting at night

The blue light is a little strange… did Aliens arrive at the station?

The rocket has lighting to go along with the smoke

Someone got a new profile pic…

Another new poster popped up at the station

Dumbo looks fantastic at night!

Color changing LED lighting under the water really adds a whole new element at night

Just a friendly reminder… OR ELSE!

Guests playing Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

OK, if you have to wait in line to play, it completely defeats the purpose… you see your whole story play before you even get near the window, and to be honest, as fun as it is, it isn’t worth waiting any length for. Sorry, I won’t play when lines are like this… it’s not worth it for a screen…

Cool new Phineas and Ferb shirts

Some new shirts

A Dole Whip shirt? Really? It’s nice though…

Shirts for Churros and Turkey Legs, wow…

Oh, there you are Perry…

We might be here a while… you run ahead…

An Aerial Look at New Fantasyland – March 2012

WDWNT on September 8, 2012

Courtesy of Scott Keating and scottkeating.net, we once again have some fantastic aerial photos of Fantasyland to share with you:

The base of the old Dumbo is still lingering, guess it isn’t that easy to completely remove…

A lot going on here: The bridge that will serve as the entrance to the Be Our Guest Restaurant is nearing completion, the Mermaid queue entrance is out from behind scaffolding and appears mostly complete with the exception of pavement, and we can now make out a distinguishable footprint for the Seven Dwarves Mine Train

Another angle shows that Gaston’s Tavern is far behind the other buildings in the village

We can now see where the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station is going in Storybook Circus, but what lies beyond it in the tents is mostly a mystery…

Getting away from Fantasyland, the Big Thunder Mountain refurbishment rolls on with most of the queue being rebuilt, all track being replaced, and a visible fresh coat of paint being applied to the entire mountain

Work continues on the DVC wing of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Robert Ashburn’s 1/24/12 Magic Kingdom Photo Report

WDWNT on July 27, 2012

WDWNT Reporter Robert Ashburn visited the Magic Kingdom on Tuesday and has a number of newsworthy photos to share with us, including Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom play-testing and Grand Floridian DVC wing construction, so let’s take a look:

Work continues on the Main Street Bakery facade

Is this crane for Fantasyland construction? No…

They are fixing a few small things on the Castle

Nice to see maintenance being done after such a short period of time

That is one tall crane

Work continues on the Main Street bridge

Renovations continue inside Plaza Ice Cream

Main Street characters out and about

The Chapeau and some of the Confectionary behind tarps

It is a strange look down Main Street these days

Package Pick-Up/Chamber of Commerce also behind tarps

Time to take a look at the progress on the Big Thunder Mountain refurbishment

Almost every roof is being replaced

Painting the mountain

They sure are friendly!

Some scrims are up to block some of the view

Still plenty to see though

Tumbleweed is practically being rebuilt, as are the lift hills

Another roof being replaced

Workers still up on the Castle

No, it can’t be…

EVERYONE RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!

The Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom windows on Main Street have all been installed

Sorcerers play-tests every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday currently

A window under the Train Station

I warned you that more and more Disney Store merchandise is invading the parks…

Many windows now have a permanant floor marking

A look at Robert’s cards

Now let’s take a quick look at the construiction progress on the Grand Floridian Disney Vacation Club wing

Nothing to see here yet…

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

WDWNT on July 16, 2012

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

Zach Larson’s 1/6/12 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on July 16, 2012

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:

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!

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

WDWNT on July 16, 2012

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!

Disney Takes Control of All Spas, New Spa Opens December 17th at Grand Floridian

WDWNT on May 31, 2012

From Michelle Baumann on the Disney Parks Blog:

A soothing escape into a world of pampering and relaxation is just steps away from Disney theme park fun at the newly re-imagined Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.

The fully remodeled spa, now owned and operated by Disney, is set to open December 17.

I recently had a chance to duck in for a sneak peek and our Imagineers did a splendid job of blending Grand Floridian turn-of-the-century elegance with modern touches – plus a dash of Disney whimsy. Here are some of the highlights:

Spa-goers first walk through the new Victorian style entryway and indulge in a relax, renew, or imagine journey that’s determined by your treatment choice.

The centerpiece of the spa’s lobby is an original mural reflecting old Florida landscape and nature. Glass mosaic tiles in the Jacuzzi rooms further enhance the elegance and sophistication of the spa. All the senses are engaged in an ultimate relaxation experience – flavorful and soothing elixirs, color variations in lighting and orchestral music harmonize with the treatment selected.

Some 15 treatment rooms offer full-service pampering services such as watertherapy, sugar exfoliation body treatment, rejuvenating citrus facial, a restorative hand and foot ritual with Chinese Jasmine oils, plus a Magical Manicure or Princess Pedicure for youngsters. Lounges, whirlpools, and treatment rooms all provide rejuvenation through the healing nature of Florida citrus and botanicals.

The new menu of services also includes a signature 80-minute Grand Floridian treatment featuring a special aromatherapy massage.

Guests can book spa appointments at the new Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort beginning November 15, by calling 407-WDW-SPAS (407-939-7727) or learn more by visitingwww.disneyworld.com/spas.

Incidentally, all of our spas, salons and fitness centers will be owned and operated by Disney beginning January 16. On that same day, the spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort will temporarily close for renovation and reopen in the summer as Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. More to come on that soon.

Adam Roth’s 12/17/12 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on May 31, 2012

WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth visited the Magic Kingdom and Downtown Disney on Monday and has some newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip, so let’s take a look:

RFID turnstiles are installed and being used at the Magic Kingdom

Looks permanent this time

More track has been installed for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Looks like WDW Resort Hotel carpet on the roof so workers don’t slip

A lift hill now installed

A lot of dirt…

More rockwork is about to appear

Something interesting happened to all the new screen-based wait times signs

Yep, that’s there…

Instead of being a generic font with a black background, all of them are themed and match in color now

The Pete cut-out at Silly Sideshow now tips his hat

TA-DA!

Guests were getting confused, so Pete got an added uvula that is a sign…

WAIT! Is that a Maelstrom reference? IT IS! “… seek peril and adventure, but more often find beauty and charm.”

Mine Train track

Triton’s Treasures is coming along nicely

Work continues on Princess Fairytale Hall

Work also continues on the new Tangled area

We think there might be a small counter-service location (more of a cart in terms of size) over here that looks like the “Snuggly Duckling”

As we reported over a year ago, there will also be an area for guests to charge their electronic devices

One wall is done

Yankee Trader came out from behind tarps, this is on the Fantasyland side

You can start to see pathways taking shape

Art on Demand is now selling a ton of Fantasyland concept art under “Realms of Fantasy”

Plenty of New Fantasyland concept art available

Kodak references are still up at Town Square Theater

Should be gone soon

Moving to Gaston’s Tavern, we find a display with pastries

They are also serving Hot Cocoa

So, some names were added to the barrels behind the register

EIGERBOCK? Looks a lot like the Matterhorn too

Staggs Ale… absolutely brilliant

The Gaston’s Tavern steins are available again

I love this shirt…

More Adventureland interactive game props have been revealed

Now there is a treasure chest

And another…

Pirate skeleton under the water

Looks like the lock was busted off by a pirate

You can see the entire mechanism that raises the skeleton… hope they fix that

FastPass+ installed at Magic Carpets of Aladdin

The Grand Floridian DVC wing is coming along nicely

Moving to Downtown Disney, there is now a Wreck-It Ralph area in DisneyQuest

Plenty of Fix-It Felix machines

Adam then attended the Splitsville Parks Blog meet-up

The pizza is surprisingly good

These cheesecake bites were amazing

Let’s take a look at the drink menu

Ooooooo….

The kids balls have Mickey and Minnie on them

A mual downstairs depicts artwork from the old Walt Disney World shopping bags

Spaceship Earth is a bowling ball…

Dirk Wallen’s 12/18/12 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on May 31, 2012

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort on Tuesday and has some newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

IT’S ALMOST HERE!