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
Our Orlando Reporter Adam Roth (of WDWCelebrations and Dreamfinder Forever) has provided us with a great update of what’s going on at the Downtown Disney District as of late. Here’s what’s new and notable:
Contrary to popular belief, this place still exists
To bring some life to the area, merchandise carts have been strategically placed throughout Pleasure Island
A shuttered Comedy Warehouse
A shuttered BET Soundstage Club
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
WDWNT Photographer Matt Paul has provided us with his first photo report from his latest trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. To start off this series, here is his first report from Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
The tree outside the park along with a large film reel
Some new decorations for Hollywood Blvd. since Block Party Bash floats are way too tall to allow the old decorations
I think these fit the theming a little better
Usual decorations replace the long standing Year of a Million Dreams banners on Sunset Blvd.
More decorations
Even more decorations
Green Army Men appearing in Pixar Place
Decorations outside what will now be known as Muppetvision 3-D (they have permanently dropped the “Jim Henson’s” from the name)
Nativity scene at the Studios
Woody and the Toy Story sign have been removed from the top of Pizza Planet, expect something new here in 2009
As we reported before, the screen outside the American Idol Experience is now operating
With the walls down, there is much more performance space outside the theater for Block Party Bash
What used to be the Monsters Inc. meet and greet
It is the stage entrance, where those performing in the show will be entering
To end the report, here is the lovely disclaimer you’ll be met with when you get in line for the American Idol Experience beginning in January when the attraction opens
Jose Eber has sent us a few great photos of the Gingerbread House inside Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort which is just about ready for the rush of customers who will be buying treats from inside it this year:
Donald Duck is opening a present above this window
Hard to believe it has been ten years since it was first constructed
Here is another fantastic photo (and video) report by WDWNT Photographer Jose Eber from his latest trip to the world:
Refurbishments on the Fantasyland facades has now moved on to Pinnocchio’s Village Haus
Work is now 100% complete on the new Liberty Square Bridge, no more work in the waterways
Christmas has now taken over Main Street U.S.A.
Tinker Bell movie merchandise has taken over some of the windows
This window that was full of Year of a Million Dreams merchandise has been changed, the first piece of the celebration to disappear with just about a month and a half left in it.
Fresh paint going on another facade on Main Street
Moving over to Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the Contempo Cafe is now open
Here’s a video of the Cafe (boy is it loud on that floor now)
The Holiday napkins have arrived
New promotion, similar bag… 🙁
Continuing construction on the Bay Lake Tower addition
An arial view of the bridge
The lesser seen side of the Bay Lake Tower
Click the above image for a larger version
Here’s a video of the construction on the Bay Lake Tower Jose has taken
Chocolate Advent character with some awesome artwork
Same can be said for these holiday cards
We’ll end this report by looking at this cool recordable gift card holder, again featuring that artwork we love so much
Thanks for the update Jose!!!
Our own Adam Roth of WDWCelebrations has provided us with a short photo report looking at the refurbished Fuel for Thought exhibit at the exit of Test Track at Epcot:
Not all that much has changed here since the walls went up
They cleaned up the exhibit quite a bit, certainly more floor room now
You can get an inside look at how Hybrid vehicles from GM work
Over at The Land, they are preparing for a new exhibit.
We here at WDW News Today would like to welcome Steve Wieczorek to the staff as another official WDWNT photographer. His first photo report for us comes from the first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party of the year:
Nutcrackers around Town Square.
Disney actually does celebrate Thanksgiving!
And now look at Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.
The new Santa float in the parade this year
Cinderella Castle all lit up is a great spectacle at the end of Main Street.
A few shots from Holiday Wishes.
Gotta’ Love that shot
We’ll end Steve’s photos with Goofy as Santa Clause at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe.
Before we end this photo report, here are a couple of pictures from Jose Eber of a new holiday throw available for purchase at the Resort:
For our second photo report of the day, here is Jose Eber with a photo update taken earlier this afternoon:
Christmas banners at the Magic Kingdom parking entrance
This very cool picture is appearing everywhere this year
Decorations near the Magic Kingdom entrance
The Santa Clause meet and greet area
Is it really that soon?
Now lets move over to Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Construction on the Bay Lake Tower
Work finishing up on the Contempo Cafe
The new counter service dining spot will open on Saturday
Here is the menu:
Flatbreads
Cheese, Pepperoni, or Marinated Beef with oven roasted Tomatoes, Caramelized Onions, Goat Cheese & Arugula
Salads Tossed To-Go
Caesar Salad, Chicken Chop Salad, Roasted Curry Vegetable and Bulgar Salad, or Steakhouse Salad
Cold Sandwiches
Multigrain Turkey BLT or Stacked Salad
Kid’s Picks
Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza, Mini-Turkey and Cheese Sandwich, Chicken Nuggets, or Hamburger
Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today for more on this new dining location as it becomes available
Here with his first photo report from the Walt Disney World Resort is our own Matt Paul, who spent yesterday visiting three of the theme parks. Let’s see what he found at the World:
Let’s begin at Epcot
The new IBM Thinkplace inside Innoventions is still coming soon
With the end of the Food and Wine Festival, this spot waits for its holiday display
This small area is still being worked on, perhaps for the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure
The Christmas display at the park entrance is starting to be put in place
A strange recycling bin now stands near the ramp to the Epcot Monorail station
Now we’ll move over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The final Super Soap Weekend at Walt Disney World will take place this weekend
The usual stage has been set-up outside the Sorcerer’s Hat
Because of the stage, the High School Musical show will be performing on the Streets of America
A lot has happened since we last looked at the American Idol Experience
All of the signage is up and the attraction is nearing completion
A large screen stands outside the Superstar Television Theater waiting for the first show to begin
The American Idol Experience sign
I think it looks great
The name of the theater is still way too cool 🙂
Matt thought this was a cool picture
Golden Age Souvenirs has closed again as it prepares for some American Idol merchandise
A new logo has appeared on the trampoline units for Block Party Bash
Finally, over to the Magic Kingdom
Here it is, the first of many Cinderella Castle Dreamlights photos for 2008
Even after seeing it in person, I can’t help but say “WOW”
We’ll end Matt’s report with a very cool 2008 holiday shirt with an awesome tag-line: “Joy from the World”
