News & Rumors 4/20/09 - 4/26/09

News and Rumors are gathered from various different websites. One particular website is not favored over another. All rumors are rumors and are to be taken with a grain of salt.

News

• Disney is finally offering some more "boy friendly options." First off, Disney will now be offering the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage starting July 13. Guests depart from the Contemporary with general pirate merriment onboard ship during the cruise. (It was previously only available for Grand Gatherings, but it has now been opened up to everyone. In the past, the cruise featured character meets with some of the gang from Peter Pan...seeing Wishes from the boat, and on select nights, a view of the Electrical Water Pageant. It is unclear if this is how it will continue on exactly in the future.) Tickets will run $53.99 for adults ages 10 and up and $30.99 for guests ages 4-9.
• Also, Disney is offering yet another "boy friendly" option. This option is similar to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique-style offerings Disney has for girls and will be located in the Pirates of the Caribbean gift shop area in a section that had previously been closed. This experience won't focus so much on hair and makeup, but will instead focus on costumes and sword training. This is expected to go live in either June or July this year.
• Characters from Club Penguin will soon be found at the Studios for a test. If the test goes will, it is expected that they will become a full fledged meet and greet.
• Disney has recently included information about ImageWorks, which is located above the Imagination with Figment ride...curious...
• Disney's Animal Kingdom is set to get it's own version of something called the Kiss Goodnight. This new celebration that would take place at the end of each park's day would include what is going to be known as the Adventurer's Celebration Gathering and will feature music, characters (Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy in their safari finest), and dancing (including guests doing the conga and shaking some pom poms!). Sounds a lot like their opening ceremonies (not that I've been to those!), but instead, they will be wishing you a good night now too!
  

Rumors

• It's been rumored that there may be some changes coming to the parks in the near future. Disney is considering using RFID technology in various aspects. One of the recent rumors of how they could be using this technology is by having the characters in Fantasyland say your name as you pass through the ride. Of course, there are other ways that Disney will be using this technology as well, if this rumor comes to life. Guess we'll have to wait and see.