New Jungle Cruise and Big Thunder Mountain Art by NOAH Being Released at Disneyland

Noah will be representing his new Disney Parks Edition “Kid in Me” artwork at Disneyana, Main Street USA, Disneyland Park on November 18th-19th, 2017, appearing from noon until 4pm on both days.

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A fan favorite at Disney’s galleries, Noah will debut his newest pieces: “The 8th Wonder of the world…the backside of water!” and “Growing up…The wildest ride in the wilderness!”. Noah will also be bringing some of his most popular Disney artwork to share with guests on both days.

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Born and raised in Orange County, California, Noah grew up to be one of the most well-known artists in the country and around the globe. He began his first company on his bike at sixteen handing out business cards to create art, signs and illustrations for local businesses. Noah spends his time creating lines of product for cruise ships, galleries, his clothing line and private commissions for collectors.

PHOTO REPORT: The Magic Kingdom 10/13/17 (Alien Encounter, Passholder Lines, Splash Mountain Closure, Etc.)

Our latest photo report brings us to the Magic Kingdom for Fall weather and the lighter crowds of the season. I’m of course joking, it has been above 90 degrees everyday and the parks have been super crowded, but we went anyway…

Welcome to the Magic Kingdom

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Annual Passholder entrances don’t seem to be leaving anytime soon as they now have more permanent signage.

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Thor Raganrok merchandise is now available throughout the resort.

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The Citrus Swirl Orange Float has been added to them menu boards at Sunshine Tree Terrace. You can check out our review here.

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Columbus Day Week has been particularly busy. Here, the Jungle Cruise FastPass return line stretches back almost to the entrance of the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse.

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The line goes on for niles…

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And niles, and niles, and niles, and if you don’t believe me, you are in…

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Well, probably you’re in the standby line then, because who would believe this?

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The refurbishment of Splash Mountain rolls on. For a better look at the all of the work being done (mostly repainting), check out our video below:

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Permanent signage for the lines and exits at the Lunching Pad has arrived. There had been big “foamcore” signs here for the last few weeks.

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Mobile Order is available there as well, which I’ve already used a few times just to order a soda with no wait on these hot and busy days at the Magic Kingdom.

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While Stitch’s Great Escape is closed seasonally, it is now being used for Stitch’s Alien Encounter Character Greeting during the day.

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Signage outside informs guests that the attraction is closed, since the presence of a line might lead to thoughts of the contrary.

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It was so crowded… (how crowded was it?) It was so crowded that the Country Bear Jamboree show that we went to was completely full!

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Disney Has No Plans To Change The Jungle Cruise Attraction, Regardless Of What The Rock Says

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Yesterday we reported that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson said he was working with Disney Imagineers in order to update the classic Disney Parks attraction, Jungle Cruise. Well, according to Disney, it turns out that is not case. Although Disney did confirm that The Rock did meet with Disney Imagineers recently, Disney said there are no plans to revamp the ride at this time. Good news for fans of the original attraction.

Disney Green Lights Dwayne Johnson’s “Jungle Cruise” Movie

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Dwayne Johnson is set to star and produce “Jungle Cruise”, based on the classic Disney Park attraction.

From The Hollywood Reporter:

The actor has closed a deal to star in Jungle Cruise, Disney’s live-action adaptation of its iconic theme park ride. Johnson has found room in his busy schedule, slotting the movie in for a spring 2018 start of production.

Johnson will also produce the adventure project with Dany Garcia, the co-CEO of the duo’s Seven Bucks Entertainment banner and who counts Baywatch, Ballers and the Jumanji re-imagining among her credits for 2017.

Beau Flynn, Johnson’s frequent collaborator who has worked with the actor on movies such as San Andreas, is also in negotiations to produce via his Flynn Picture Co. shingle.

Jungle Cruise is one of the Disneyland’s original rides and takes park-goers on a journey through a range of leafy settings such as Africa’s Nile and Congo rivers as well as South America’s Amazon.

Cruise has had Johnson attached since 2015, but the project was still in deep development and went through several drafts by several writers (J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay wrote the most recent draft) while Johnson filmed movies such as Central Intelligence and Sony’s Jumanji re-imagining. With the script looking more solid, Johnson was ready to slot it into his schedule.

Source: THR

PHOTO REPORT: Disney Springs 3/14/17 (The Edison, The Polite Pig, Hundreds of New Items, Etc.)

Our latest photo report brings us to Disney Springs to see the latest progress on some construction projects, as well as a look at hundreds of new merchandise items recently released. Let’s dive right on in…

Welcome to Disney Springs

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Work continues on The Edison in The Landing area.

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Regardless what is going inside, I’m already a fan of the exterior of the building.

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The AMC is all decked out for the release of Beauty and the Beast this week.

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There is a photo-op for guests located just outside of the Dine-In Theater area.

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The Mighty Festival is taking place this week at Raglan Road in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.

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Work continues on Wine Bar George, which is supposed to open this year.

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A few of the trashcans around Disney Springs have started to get these big, metal icons attached to them.

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Pretty nice, huh?

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I love the “stained glass” Goofy’s Candy Co. sign that’s on one side of the store,. but the other entrances still have the old, ugly signs…

New Things to Buy

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The Wonderful World of Memories store is now just full of 2017 merchandise.

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They also have some items from when they were a scrapbooking and stationery store, but not much.

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A new Woody ornament for sale at Disney Days of Christmas.

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Disney theme park merchandise has also created their own MARVEL ornaments now. They are heavy and made of metal (and very nice), but $25 each.

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The Belle Beauty and the Beast MagicBand 2 is now for sale all around the resort.

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A Frozen Ever After opens edition logo pin was finally released.

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Some other new open edition pins…

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Some Disney Princesses now have light-up dress play sets for $19.99. Elsa and Belle are available.

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Marketplace Co-Op

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Inside the Wonderground Gallery at Marketplace Co-Op, there is now this awesome ceramic coaster set for sale, $24.99.

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This plastic plate ware can be found nearby at the Centerpiece store inside Marketplace Co-Op.

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There is also a new Minnie Mouse collection.

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Some of the Never Land collection of items has arrived here as well.

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How awesome is this throw blanket?

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A shot glass, to “toothpick holder”, as Disney calls them… It’s $9.99.

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The lantern spotted a few pics above features the Castle on it. It retails for $29.99.

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I still am in need of this Monorail toiletry bag in the TAG shop.

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A pretty brilliant item for sure.

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Some new Wonderground Gallery art and items for sale in the center of the store.

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The Adventurer’s Club mug previewed months ago was finally released. It retails for $17.99.

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For those who don’t know, this was once a club at Pleasure Island. For those who don’t know, Pleasure Island was an area of Downtown Disney with night clubs. For thoise who don’t know, Downtown Disney was what Disney Springs used to be.

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A new Hollywood Tower Hotel shirt from Twenty-Eight and Main.

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There is also a new Haunted Mansion-related hoodie.

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The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad mug was released as well.

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A few weeks old now, but there is also an Enchanted Tiki Room glass for sale.

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As well as Shrunken Ned, a favorite from Disneyland.

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A set of cardboard coasters can also be found, $14.99 for 24. I don’t understand buying coasters that are ruined after one use for this much money.

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An awesome Wonderground Gallery Main Street Electrical Parade phone case is available at D-Tech on Demand at Marketplace Co-Op.

PhotoPass Studio

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The PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs is actively marketing the new Princess Storybooks you can have made.

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Apparently, you can also get buttons and magnets with photos made here now.

A World of NEW Disney Items

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Moving on to World of Disney, we find many more new items here, including this awesome Disneyland park map throw.

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An awesome new coin tray for sale.

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Several of the new Twenty-Eight and Main items were available here as well

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PHOTO REPORT: The Magic Kingdom 11/3/16 (Christmas Decorations, Jingle Cruise, Uptown Jewelers Reopens, ETC.)

In our latest photo report, we visit the Magic Kingdom as the Christmas holiday season kicks off early. The park is already fully decorated and new entertainment for the season has already debuted. There’s also plenty more new and exciting things happening around the park, so let’s check it all out. 

Merry Christmas

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November 2nd was the official start of the holiday season at Walt Disney World as the Magic Kingdom is fully decorated and several holiday offerings are now in full swing.

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The Jingle Cruise poster is back under the train station. We’ll check in on that a bit later in the report.

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IS IT ART?

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IS IT? IS IT ART?

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Be sure to take a look at our daytime video tour of the decorations below:

Uptown Jewelers Reopens

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Uptown Jewelers has been closed for months but reopened over the weekend. The store was completely remodeled and now seems just jewelry and bags for women.

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Baked Potato Moves

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The baked potato is gone from Liberty Square Market, but don’t fear. It has moved to the nearby Sleepy Hollow Refreshments.

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The Jingle Cruise Returns

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The Jingle Cruise is back for 2016! The annual holiday overlay began its third season at the Magic Kingdom on Wednesday. We have a video of our first ride of the season for you below:

This and That

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The lighting on the Storybook Circus sign is being replaced, so it is just some flat lettering right now.

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A Snowman Tote is now available as a purchase-with-purchase gift for $19.95 when you spend $25.00 or more.

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Pins from Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party still linger in Big Top Souvenirs.

Elena of Avalor Meet and Greet

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The Elena of Avalor meet and greet, scheduled to begin on November 24th, 2016, is already in a soft-opening phase. Elena can be found next to Cinderella at Princess Fairytale Hall at random.

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We have video of our excellent experience with Elena of Avalor for you:

“it’s a small world” Merchandise

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Some new “it’s a small world” merchandise is now available around the resort.

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Mousecellaneous

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Even though the crane is gone, work continues behind Cinderella Castle.

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The holiday finale of Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire debuted yesterday. You can see video of the finale below:

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I got tow pieces of chicken in my Sweet and Spicy Chicken and Waffle Sandwich. This is apparently a big deal.

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A large crowd showed up for the return of a Frozen Holiday Wish and the first Cinderella Castle lighting of the season.

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The Castle is as beautiful as ever this year, as is Main Street U.S.A.

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Be sure to check out our video walkthrough of the decorations and Cinderella Castle at night as well:

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With just 52 days until Christmas, the holiday season is off and running at Walt Disney World.

PHOTOS: Disney Attraction Poster Inspired Socks Coming Soon to Disney Parks

Guests at Disney Parks will soon be able to wear classic theme park attraction posters and character on their feet with new socks coming from the Twenty-Eight and Main collection:

Disney Parks Attraction Socks

Disney Parks Attraction Socks

No exact release date for the socks was given, but among the items previewed were pairs featuring Expedition Everest, Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, and the world famous Jungle Cruise.

Disney Parks Attraction Socks

Disney Parks Attraction Socks

Disney Parks Attraction Socks

Disney Parks Attraction Socks

Hostess with the Mostess – Top 5 Water Rides at Disney World Results

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Welcome back to WDWNT’s Hostess with the Mostess! The best place for your weekly Disney fix! It has been unbelievable hot where I live! While swimming in my pool I was inspired to talk about the cool, refreshing, and exciting water rides of Walt Disney World.

If you are behind and missed last week’s post you can read it right here. As a little reminder, here is my list.

Kali River Rapids

Kali River Rapids

My Top 5 Favorite Water Rides at Walt Disney World.

  •   5. Maelstrom/Frozen Ever After
  •   4. Jungle Cruise
  •   3. Pirates of the Caribbean
  •   2. Kali River Rapids
  •   1. Splash Mountain

Now let’s see how you voted!

5. Frozen Ever After. Frozen did not get much love. Only two voters represented this new attraction. Is it because it’s just not a fan favorite or could it be because it’s so new and not many have ridden it yet? What do you think?  I am very excited to take my first ride to Arendelle next month!

4. Jungle Cruise came in at number four. I was surprised at first that this attraction did not make it further up on the list, but when I looked at the numbers it was only one vote away for tying for number three! Jungle Cruise is without a doubt on my “list.” You know the list that every Disney fanatic has … the attractions you would want to work on if you ever become a Disney Cast Member. I am sure I am not the only one … right? That just gave me a great idea! That would make for a really fun countdown! If you do not already have a list, you better start thinking about what attractions at Disney World you would want to work on because you know I will want to hear from you!

3. Kali River Rapids barely made it into the number three spot. Brandon said, “I’ll have to disagree with the Kali River Rapids. We rode that for the first time this year. After 2.5 hours standing in line, the ride lasted for 2 minutes. It was a complete let down. Everyone on our raft were saying, ‘That’s it?!’ I will never waste my time on that again.” Brandon has a great point. Kali is very short and not worth a long wait. Even though it is my number two pick, I would never wait in a long line for it. Fastpass all the way!

2. Yo Ho, let’s go to our number two pick! I’m sure you guessed it by that corny introduction … Pirates of the Caribbean! That’s right folks; those swashbuckling singers must have stolen everyone’s hearts! This Pirate adventure certainly deserves it’s placement at number two! Trivia question … Paul Frees voiced many of the pirates including the Auctioneer, what other Magic Kingdom attraction did he voice another important role?

1. Splash Mountain blew all of the other attractions out of the water! Brer Rabbit raced way ahead of the competition and landed in first with ease. I had a feeling that Splash Mountain would be the fan favorite. How can it not? There is so much fun and Disney detail packed into that log flume it is a magical treat with every ride!

Our honorable mention comes from Travis, “I voted Splash Mountain, but if we’re permitted to dig into the past, I have to mention 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Incredible ride, gone too soon …” Since I brought up Maelstrom, I think it’s only fair to include 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. I am too young to have experienced its greatness. But I have done a lot of research and have heard from a lot of people how wonderful it was. My Dad raves about that attraction and I know he would want nothing more than to have the opportunity to ride it.

Splash Mountain

Splash Mountain, Tokyo Disneyland

Staying Dry on Water Rides

Before I go, I am going to share some of my Hostess tips on how to stay dry on these wet attractions. Part of the fun is getting wet! But that doesn’t mean you want to get soaked.

 – Ponchos. They are wonderful things! They are so compact and take up no room at all in your bag. It is so easy to throw one on before the ride. Make sure you purchase one at the Dollar Store before your trip. They are much more expensive in the parks. Ponchos are great at keeping you dry from all of the water coming at you from above. But they are even better when it comes to the real problem … you know what I’m talking about. Yes, that’s right, that pesky puddle of water that sits on the seat and is just waiting to give you a soggy bottom. Ponchos come to the rescue! They are long enough to sit on and help to keep your derriere dry!

– Another helpful item that you can take with you is a gallon bag. These bags are perfect for keeping your personal items dry. Water can easily seep through your bags or pockets and get to that phone or worse yet the cash you saved for that Mickey Mouse ice cream bar. Gasp! In order to prevent an ice cream-less disaster, just put all of your personal items in a gallon bag for safety.

– Some rides have special tricks to stay dry. On Splash Mountain, I have found there are two places you can sit in the log to stay a little drier. The left side of the boat and the back row does not get as much water. I always put my hands up on Chickapin Hill (AKA the big drop), but right before we get to the bottom I put my hands down and duck down as far as I can. This obviously does not prevent the water that is coming down on you, but your face and hair will stay dry!

– On Kali River Rapids there isn’t much hope for staying dry unless maybe wearing a poncho. The most important tip I can offer will at least help keep your feet dry. And let’s be honest, wet socks and shoes are one of the worst parts of getting soaked. Keep your feet up on the bar in front of you during the ride. The floor of the raft fills up with water and in order to keep your feet away from the forming pool, you have to put your feet up!

– What if you want to get soaked but not stay soaked? In that case, I say take extra socks and a hand towel. Having wet feet is pretty miserable but carrying extra shoes and clothes can get really bulky. A good compromise would be to pack extra socks and a hand towel in one of those handy dandy gallon bags. Your feet will thank you and you would be surprised how much water a little hand towel can remove!

 – My last tip is all in the planning. I suppose planning does not really keep you dry per say, but it does help in those wet situations. First things first, do not wear white or clingy clothes. They will only become a bigger hassle! Second, try to plan out the time you will be riding the attraction. You do not want to show up to your dinner reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table soaked. Not only will you be uncomfortable but the air conditioning will make for a very cold evening. Make sure you have plenty of time to dry off before other important plans.

My Extra Magic Tip for the week: Hand dryers. Use them! These little guys can be very helpful when you’re drenched.

Thank you to everyone who voted and commented. As always it is so much fun to learn about what you think! Remember to check back next week for another countdown of my favorites!

See ya real soon!

Tom Corless’ 6/17/15 Magic Kingdom Photo Report (New Pirate Items, Hub Construction, Jungle Cruise Restaurant, ETC.)

Last night I visited the Magic Kingdom and I took some newsworthy photos of what’s going on at the park while I was there, so let’s see what’s new and exciting:

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Work continues on the northern hub area

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A lot of the old Adventureland Veranda and the backstage area inside has been gutted for the upcoming Jungle Cruise restaurant

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On the other side of the hub, a structure reminiscent of those that housed the food and drinks stands has appeared

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Tarps still up for this set of turrets

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The center hub area is finally finished

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The Little Orange Bird has returned to signage and inside the Sunshine Tree Terrace

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Not sure why this took 6 months…

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The egg roll cart in Adventureland has moved over between Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean

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Pirates of the Caribbean is closed until September for modifications

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More new Pirates of the Caribbean merchandise is rolling out, including this mug

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This strange plush

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AND THIS PEG LEG PETE PLUSH!!!

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New notebook set

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For $3.99, you can get a paper map of the one that appears in the Disneyland attraction

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson To Star In “Jungle Cruise” Movie np

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After being announced at the D23 Expo as the voice of Maui in the upcoming animated movie, “Moana,” The Hollywood Reporter today announced that Disney has tapped Johnson to star in the movie adaption of the classic Disney theme park attraction, “Jungle Cruise”.

According to The Hollywood Reporter:

Dwayne Johnson is teaming up with Disney to translate a theme park ride, Jungle Cruise, to the big-screen.

Johnson’s involvement once again puts the Jungle boat back into the water after a multi-year dry-dock phase.

Disney has been trying to mount a movie based on the popular ride since at least 2004, during the years when the success of The Pirates of the Caribbean set sail many ride-based projects.

The studio last tried to develop the project as a starring vehicle for Tom Hanks and Tim Allen in early 2011 with writer Roger S.H. Schulman.

While the Hanks-Allen iteration was to have been set in modern times, the new take brings the project back to its’ period roots with even the intent to harken Cruise to movies such as The African Queen, the 1951 classic starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn adventure movie that was one of the original inspirations for the ride.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter