PHOTO REPORT: The Magic Kingdom 2/13/17 (Walls Everywhere, Tomorrowland Overhaul, Beauty and the Beast, ETC.)

WDWNT on February 16, 2017

Our latest photo report brings us to the Magic Kingdom as many refurbishments and enhancements continue through the less busy weeks of the year.

Welcome to the Magic Kingdom

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Work continues on the Magic Kingdom monorail station (and it remains open thankfully).

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Work continues on the Magic Kingdom train station.

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The Emporium remains open while work is done to the exterior.

Tomorrowland In Progress Today

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Sadly, the new paint scheme on the Tomorrowland rocks is already peeling.

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There are now Toy Story Snuggle Snappers for sale.

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Work continues on the rumored Joffrey’s Coffee location in Tomorrowland.

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Just a few days ago, there was just a foundation behind those walls.

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The Cool Ship has reopened, but the Cool Scanner remains under refurbishment.

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The exterior painting on Space Mountain continues.

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A look down at just the foundation for the coffee stand.

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The Cool Ship is looking good after its short refurbishment.

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Apparently, the guest relations location in Tomorrowland is still a thing, there was just no one working there the last time we visited.

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Some Beauty and the Beast phone case designs can now be found at the D-Tech on Demand kiosks here.

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As you can see, it was open again. I’m guessing they were understaffed the last time we visited.

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The refurbishment of Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe is underway, with the restrooms closed for remodeling.

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This kid asked me why the bathrooms are closed. I responded, “Kid, have you eaten here?”

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I’m not sure if it was done recently, but I noticed the old multicolored covering on the benches was gone and there was a new paint scheme on the walls.

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There is now a FuelRod kiosk inside of Cosmic Ray’s. The convenience continues to grow as you can find many of these in each park now.

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The work on the exterior has many of the windows covered.

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If you couldn’t tell, it is really dark inside right now.

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The work outside is to add more covered seating areas.

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Beauty and the Beast Taking Over

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I found the Beauty and the Beast MagicBand at the Magic Kingdom. It’s not the best one I’ve seen…

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Bonjour Village Gifts is now selling tons of merchandise from the new movie.

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Including the Belle doll which most think looks more like Justin Bieber in a dress…

This and That

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I’m no fan of Pinocchio Village Haus, but closing at 6pm seems a bit early. Even the @WDWToday twitter account tweeted at 6pm the other day that you should go eat here, but it was closed already…


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Inside, the electronic menu boards have been covered for a while, with these static signs placed over them for now.

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There are now candy-filled lightsabers for sale at the parks.

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Filled with off-brand M&M’s…

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You can get blue or red, but clearly the red is more popular.

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A new mug for sale in the Emporium.

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I thought it was neat that it has an emoji of the castle underneath instead of the usual logo.

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Pecos Bill’s has become my favorite quick service lunch spot over the last year. It seems this is where I end up every time there’s not something new to order elsewhere in the park.

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The new kid’s nachos dish is a pretty good value, and you can load it up as much as you want at the fixin’s bar.

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The taller trees on the riverbank were removed to help with the sight-lines for Tiana’s Riverboat Party.

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As you can see, this new, smaller tree was just planted.

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All sorts of emergency walkways and exits around the parks seems to be getting much brighter LED lighting for nighttime.

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Seen here, the stairway at the dock is brighter than the lights on the Riverboat.

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Tomorrowland Tonight

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The nighttime lighting on the Tomorrowland rocks looks great as it reflects off the water and makes a wave effect.

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New lighting was installed on the Progress City model along the Peoplemover and it looks great.

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Just two days later, the entire Joffrey’s Coffee kiosk was there (sorry for the blurry pics, but best I could do).

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Goodbye…

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The Wishes! poster acts as a decent reminder when you leave that you only have a few weeks left to see this legendary show.

Disney Introducing Monorail Resort Restaurant-Hopping Experience, “Highway in the Sky Dine Around”

WDWNT on November 29, 2016

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Walt Disney World has just announced a new dinner experience that will involve monorail hotel hopping and much more around the “Monorail Resorts” near the Magic Kingdom:

Join us for a progressive dinner unlike any other—with sumptuous offerings at 3 Disney Resort hotels.

Your Dine Around adventure begins at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, where you’ll check in at The Wave… of American Flavors restaurant. Relax and mingle with your fellow diners, enjoying a welcoming appetizer and specialty cocktail before setting off on your epicurean odyssey. Bon voyage and bon appétit!

First stop: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort—where you’ll feel as if you’ve arrived in a far-flung tropical paradise. Celebrate the spirit of the South Pacific and luxuriate in the charm of this exotic retreat, with an enticing variety of island-inspired libations and appetizers.

Then it’s time for a change of scene and cuisine—as the monorail transports you a world away: to the opulent Victorian-style Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Step inside and step back into a bygone era of elegance and gracious hospitality. You’ll be escorted to the award-winning Cítricos restaurant where we invite you to settle in amid the refined ambience as you’re treated to a special Chef’s main course selection. Afterward, gather in the splendidly appointed lobby to sip champagne and savor a selection of artisanal cheeses.

Board the monorail once more to return to Disney’s Contemporary Resort for the culmination of your evening. Here, you and your Dine Around companions will retire to a private patio to enjoy an indulgent assortment of desserts, cordials and coffee. From this exclusive location, watch in wonder as the Wishes nighttime spectacular fireworks light up the night over Cinderella Castle—a musical, magical grand finale to your one-of-a-kind dining adventure.

-Price: $150 per person plus tax; gratuity included.
-The Highway in the Sky Dine Around is offered select Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evenings.
-Reservations must be canceled at least 24 hours in advance to avoid forfeiting the full price of the experience.
-Check-in takes place at The Wave… of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at the time of your reservation. Please arrive 15 minutes ahead of check-in time.
-Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. A valid form of government identification will be required to verify your age.
-Please alert the host at check-in regarding food allergies. Wherever possible, alternative dining selections will be offered.
-Disney dining plan entitlements may not be redeemed for this event.
-Discounts and promotions are not valid for this event.

Dining experience is subject to change; fireworks experience is subject to change or cancellation without notice.

The event is bering offered starting December 2nd, 2016 and is being offered on Fridays, Saturdays, and Tuesdays starting at 6:45pm through March. It can be booked online here. The event will close the 4th floor patio at the Contemporary to other guests on those evenings.

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“Ferrytale Wishes” Dessert Cruise Coming to the Seven Seas Lagoon This October np

WDWNT on September 3, 2015

Everyday, the Magic Kingdom ferryboats transport thousands of guests to and from the park. Starting October 5th, they will also be used for a new nightly fireworks dessert cruise from which guests can see Wishes! or either of the holiday themed shows offered on special party nights. Since the cruise departs from the Transportation and Ticket Center, no park admission is required.

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Enjoy a special voyage featuring decadent sweets, specialty beverages (with and without alcohol—in a special glow glass that you get to keep) and one-of-a-kind views of the world-famous Wishes Nighttime Spectacular above Magic Kingdom Park. Our specially created dessert menu includes:

  • “The Grand” Key Lime Tart
  • Polynesian De-constructed Pineapple Upside Down Cake
  • Contemporary “Traditional with a Twist” Spiced Flourless Chocolate Cake
  • “Main Street” Mickey Balloon Tarts
  • Mini “Fireworks” Cupcakes with a Pop
  • Cinderella’s Sugar Slipper with Orange Financier
  • Florida Mango Panna Cotta

Plus, you can enjoy a refreshing assortment of beverages, including sparkling wine, coffee and our signature punch.

Disney is also promising that the event will include special magical moments and that the fireworks soundtrack will be played on the boat in synchronization with the show. Guests will also recieve a souvenir palate plate and glow glass for attending.

With limited guests per sailing (150 guests), reservations are encouraged. Cost is $99, $69 ages 3 to 9, including tax and gratuity. For reservations, visit DisneyWorld.com/DINE or call 407-WDW-DINE.

“Glow with the Show” To Become “Made With Magic”, Interactive Wands, Hats, and Gloves Coming Soon to Disney Parks

WDWNT on October 24, 2014

Goodbye Glow with the Show! Starting with the release of some new interactive, light-up items at Disney Parks, all Glow with the Show technology and the use of it with now be referred to as “Made with Magic”. Shows that offer Glow with the Show currently will be referred to as “Made with Magic” enabled entertainment.

“Made With Magic” items will interact just as Glow with the Show ears have with select experiences at the Disney Parks. The original Glow with the Show ear hat first introduced a few years ago will continue to be offered, but there will also be  new items including a Minnie Mouse-inspired headband, a Mickey Mouse glove, and a magical wand before the end of 2014.

The Sorcerer Mickey wand will have multiple light-up functions and will give guests the ability to change the light patterns of other newly-titled “Made With Magic” items. Guests can also place the Made With Magic items in a color-changing demo mode, when they aren’t watching or near a “Made With Magic”-enabled event.

As with the  ear hat, all Made With Magic items will interact with experiences at Disney Parks around the world regardless of where the items were originally purchased. Each item will have a retail of $25.00.

Guests should look for the Minnie Mouse headband to arrive in late October and early November in select merchandise locations at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. The Mickey Mouse glove and the Sorcerer Mickey wand will be introduced in late November to early December at those same locations.

If you haven’t seen the Glow with the Show ear hats in action at the Disney Parks, we have several videos in which you can see them at work:

Glow with the Show (now “Made with Magic”) interacts with the following entertainment (some items offered seasonally):

Disneyland Resort

  • Magical!
  • Remember, Dreams Come True
  • Fantasmic!
  • World of Color
  • Cars Land (Different areas initiate different colors)

Walt Disney World

  • Wishes!
  • Celebrate the Magic
  • Fantasmic!
  • The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
  • Villainy in the Sky (special events)
  • Frozen Fireworks (special events)
  • Happy HalloWishes
  • Holiday Wishes

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VIDEO: “Glow with the Show” Mouse Ears Debut in Wishes! Fireworks at the Magic Kingdom

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

On Saturday at the Magic Kingdom, Wishes! fireworks debuted using the “Glow with the Show” ear hats for the first time. We have complete video of the show and the mouse ears for you to enjoy today:

We also now have video of Fantasmic! with the “Glow with the Show” mouse ears featuring “picture-in-picture”, so you can clearly see when the ears interact with different scenes and such in the show:

So, after seeing this technology also used in Wishes, what do you think of “Glow with the Show”?

Walt Disney World Rings in 2012 with the Usual New Year’s Eve Offerings

WDWNT on November 28, 2011

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest fireworks evenings of the year at Walt Disney World Resort, a place where fireworks are both spectacular and an every-night occurrence. Fireworks and nighttime shows will light up the skies and create a mood of celebration at three theme parks on Dec. 31, 2011, while revelry of other sorts takes place elsewhere throughout the Vacation Kingdom.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s in store:

  • Magic Kingdom presents a double helping of pyrotechnics: “Wishes” nighttime spectacular with a holiday overlay at 8:30 p.m. and “Fantasy in the Sky” at 11:51 p.m.
  • Epcot‘s “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” delights revelers with a salute to the new year at 7 p.m. and 11:42 p.m.
  • At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the 25-minute spectacular “Fantasmic!” that combines water, fire, lights, lasers, fireworks and music will be presented at 6:30 and 8 p.m., with the popular “Lights! Camera! Happy New Year!” fireworks display at midnight.
  • At Cirque du Soleil, all guests attending the Dec. 31 performances will receive a limited-edition Walt Disney World/Cirque trading pin. Shows are at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. For pricing contact 407/WDW/SEAT.
  • Registered guests at select Disney resort hotels will be treated to music and entertainment. At Narcoosee’s restaurant (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa), for instance, there will be a four-course dining experience for $149, plus DJ, balloon artist and special fireworks viewing at 8:30 and 11:51.
  • Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort offers a special-ticket New Year’s Eve party from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. with video DJ Tony Zapulla.

For specific information about other holiday dining offerings at Disney resort hotels on Dec. 31, call 407/WDW/DINE.

VIDEO: Walt Disney World’s 40th Anniversary Celebration

WDWNT on October 25, 2011

The next best thing to attending the 40th Anniversary festivities at the Magic Kingdom on October 1st or attending WDWCelebrations Project XL has to be watching this Martin smith video. All of the day’s special activities are featured, so sit back and enjoy a look back at a very special day in Walt Disney World history:

In Case You Missed It…

WDWNT on April 17, 2010

Since there have been a few minor news stories in last week that have gone without posting, I figured we should just share all of them in one giant post:

Night of Joy moves back to the Magic Kingdom this year:

Past Christian music “Artists of the Year” Third Day, mercyme and Chris Tomlin and 2010 “Artist of the Year” nominees Casting Crowns and Francesca Battistelli head a star-powered 15-act lineup set for Disney’s Night of Joy 2010 Sept. 10-11 when the long-running Christian music event makes its return to Magic Kingdom.

Also part of the two-night event (when specific acts play one evening each): David Crowder*Band, Family Force 5, Red, BarlowGirl, Group 1 Crew, Day of Fire, Smokie Norful, Lecrae, 10th Avenue North and Sidewalk Prophets.

Tickets for Night of Joy 2010 will go on sale May 1. For more information about the event, visit online at nightofjoy.com.

Wishes! Desert Parties returned after the refurbishment of the Tomorrowland Terrace was completed:

The Wishes Dessert Party has returned to the Tomorrowland Terrace in Magic Kingdom, providing treats and sweets to eat along with a prime viewing location for the popular “Wishes” fireworks spectacular.

For $25.99 ages 10 and older, $13.99 ages 3 to 9, guests can settle in an hour before “Wishes” and enjoy a wide range of sweets with coffee, tea and other beverages. Magic Kingdom admission is required. Advance reservations are strongly suggested and can be made by calling 407/WDW-DINE.

Star Wars Weekends are almost here:

Once again, the power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine in May and June for Star Wars Weekends, a sci-fi fan-fest inspired by the popular film saga. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 21-June 13, 2010, Disney’s Hollywood Studios becomes the galaxy’s home for out-of-this-world characters including Sith, Bith, droids, bounty hunters, Twi’leks and Rodians.

Dates are May 21-23, May 28-30, June 4-6 and June 11-13. This year’s event will celebrate the 30th anniversary of “Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back,” which first appeared in theaters May 21, 1980.

More than 50 Star Wars characters will roam the streets of Disney’s Hollywood Studios for meet-and-greets and photo opportunities. Also featured: the chance to purchase special- and limited-edition Star Wars memorabilia, Star Wars trivia contests, Jedi Training Academy, Star Wars parades, rides aboard Star Tours and the popular “Hyperspace Hoopla” dance party.

Celebrities from the Star Wars films and creative geniuses who helped create the saga will be on hand each weekend for star conversations and autograph sessions.
(*Talent subject to change)

The celebrity hosts for each weekend are Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett in “Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back” and “Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi”)and Ashley Eckstein (Ahsoka Tano from “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”).

Special guests making weekend appearances include:

· May 21-23: Temuera Morrison (Jango Fett in “Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones”), Daniel Logan (Boba Fett in “Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones”), and Dee Bradley Baker (voice of Captain Rex in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”)
· May 28-30: Matthew Wood (voice of General Grevious in “Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith” and “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”), Lorne Peterson (model-maker who worked on all six Star Wars live-action films) and Tom Kane (voice of Yoda in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”)
· June 4-6: Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian in “Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back” and “Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi”), Ray Park (Darth Maul in “Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace”) and Dave Filoni (director of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”)
· June 11-13: Ray Park (Darth Maul in “Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace”), Peter Mayhew (who played everyone’s favorite Wookiee, Chewbacca, in four of the live-action films) and James Arnold Taylor (voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”).

Event activities are included in theme park admission.

Press release featuring the three new restaurants coming to Walt Disney World:

During fall 2010, new culinary adventures coming to the Vacation Kingdom include an authentic Neapolitan pizzeria and a Latin chicken restaurant, while a popular Mexican restaurant reopens with a fresh menu and expanded seating:

In Italy at Epcot World Showcase, Via Napoli, an authentic Neapolitan pizzeria operated by the Patina Restaurant Group, will feature wood-burning ovens – and will import water from a source that most resembles the water in Naples, Italy, home of some of the world’s best pizza dough. This 300-seat pizzeria will feature a menu inspired by the famous pizzerias of southern Italy. The menu also will feature pastas, salads, sandwiches and Italian wines. The Patina Restaurant Group also operates Tutto Italia Ristorante at the pavilion.

At Downtown Disney Marketplace, Pollo Campero, an international Latin chicken quick-service restaurant chain, has partnered with franchisee Levy Campero to deliver a new restaurant concept. The restaurant will showcase Pollo Campero’s signature Latin chicken (which features the taste of lime and orange juices, red bell peppers and a special blend of Latin herbs and spices) as well as a new fresh concept named Fresh A-Peel (featuring fresh salads, sandwiches, fruits and healthy snacks) plus vegetarian, gluten-free, sugar-free, low-sodium or organic offerings.

In Mexico at Epcot World Showcase, an expanded Cantina de San Angel restaurant will feature 400 combined seats with al fresco seating for quick-service meals plus a new, air-conditioned table-service restaurant featuring authentic specialty dishes from Mexico created by the talented culinary team at San Angel Inn, LLC., which has operated the food service at the Mexico pavilion for more than 25 years.

The luxury “pet resort” is finally opening later this year:

Slated for a late-summer opening, a full-service luxury pet care facility on Bonnet Creek Parkway across from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort will provide a comfortable home-away-from-home for Fido, Frisky and all their pet pals! The one-of-a-kind facility will be able to accommodate up to 270 dogs in a variety of standard and luxury suites, some with private outdoor patios and play yards. The separate “Kitty City” pavilion will be able to house up to 30 cats in two- and four-story cat condos. A special room is also available for the boarding of “pocket pets,” Including pet hamsters and birds.

The facility, to be operated by Best Friends Pet Care, will comprise more than 17,000 square feet of air-conditioned indoor space plus 10,000 square feet of covered outdoor runs and play areas. It will replace the five existing pet care facilities throughout Walt Disney World Resort and will be open to both Walt Disney World Resort guests and visitors staying off-property.

It’s never too early to talk about the Food and Wine Festival:

When Walt Disney World Resort turned 25 in 1996, it popped the cork on a concept that has grown to become one of the Vacation Kingdom’s signature events: The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. The 2010 festival, presented by Vanity Fair Napkins Oct. 1 through Nov. 14, is celebrating “15 years of delicious discoveries” with a focus on outdoor marketplaces where everyone from neophytes to epicures and aficionados can nibble and sip their way around the Epcot World Showcase promenade and across six continents of food and beverage adventures.

While specific details are still in development for the 15th annual festival, expect talented culinarians from across America and around the world to be involved with the marketplaces as well as with specialty dinners, tequila tastings, seminars featuring cooking demonstrations and wine tastings, and the popular Saturday night grand tastings – Party for the Senses. The festival also will feature the popular Eat to the Beat! concert series each evening.

Details about the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will be available this summer online at www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine.

Have “Wishes” for a Magic Kingdom Dessert Party?

WDWNT on June 22, 2009

According to Mark Goldhaber’s “Mark My Words” blog on MousePlanet.com:

Apparently, Disney will be testing a new Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party in the Magic Kingdom starting on Tuesday.

The test will run from June 23 through Saturday, August 29, “near” the Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station. Our guess is that it probably will be in the Noodle Station’s lower seating area and possibly the middle level, as well. There’s really no other area that can accommodate the 160 people (maximum) that the party will allow aside from the smoking area, which would either tick off the dislocated smokers or the non-smokers forced to put up with the smokers.

The party will feature an all-you-can-eat dessert buffet and beverages, and will run from 1 hour prior to Wishes through the end of Wishes.

The cost will be $17.99 for adults and $9.99 for kids. Booking opens on Monday, and you can call the Disney Dining Line (407-WDW-DINE/407-939-3563) to make those reservations.

Party attendance is prepaid, and (as with the Fantasmic dining package), there will be no refunds if the weather causes a cancellation of Wishes. The dessert reception will be held regardless of weather.

I was indeed able to book this “un-announced” dessert party offering this morning and will be attending it on the evening of June 24th. You can expect a full review with photos at some point this week, so stay tuned.