News and Rumors 2/7/11 - 2/13/11

News


Magic Kingdom

• For those unaware, there is a lengthy refurb going on on the backside of Cinderella Castle.  Scrims are in place and will be until May 16th.
• The Liberty Belle will be down for another refurb starting May 5th and potentially ending May 20th.  (It is expected it will be closed as work is being completed on the Haunted Mansion next gen queue.)

Epcot

• There is a new sponsor for the International Flower and Garden Festival!  HGTV is going to be sponsoring the event for the first time ever.  Hosts from various different shows are going to appear and hold presentations.  The celebrity line up includes:  
  
  Genevieve Gorder, HGTV Design Star and Dear Genevieve (March 4-6)
  The Art of Sculpting Space
  
  Lisa LaPorta, Designed to Sell (March 11 - 13)
  Design It Yourself: Easy-to-follow Tips for Designing Your Favorite Rooms
  
  Kim Myles, Myles of Style (March 18 - 20)
  The 5 DIY Secrets That Can Transform Any Space
  
  Brian Patrick Flynn, Design Happens, HGTV.com (March 25-27)
  Mobile Gardens
  
  Taniya Nayak, Designed to Sell and Destination Design (April 1-3)
  Adding Value to Your Home Without Breaking the Bank
  
  Ahmed Hassan, Yard Crashers (April 8-10)
  Life, Love and Landscaping
  
  Patti Moreno, Garden Girl, HGTV.com (April 15-17)
  Gardening with Kids: Fun Seed Starting Projects
  
  Michele Beschen, B. Original (April 22-24)
  When Nature Calls: Creative, Back-to-Basics Style for All Things Natural and Decorative
  
  John Gidding, Curb Appeal: The Block (April 29-30, May 1)
  The Design Process: Curb Appeal Projects from Concept to Construction
  
  Frank Fontana, Design on a Dime (May 6-8)
  Beautiful on a Budget: High Style, Low-Cost Secrets to Bringing Indoor Styling Outside
  
  Vern Yip, HGTV Design Star (May 13-15)
  Top Design Trends Made Affordable and Accessible 
• There have been changes made to the Wine and Dine Half Marathon and after party.  First is during the After Party, all attractions will remain open, instead of just World Showcase.  (Which makes me wonder...how much are ticket prices gonna jump up for this now?!)  In a change to the end of the race, the finish line will now be just outside the main entrance of Epcot.  Wine and Dine weekend is scheduled for Sept. 30th - Oct. 2nd. 

Disney's Hollywood Studios

• Finally...after all this time, Phineas & Ferb are going to have their very own play and greet.  It is expected to begin in mid-May and it will take place near the Muppet Vision 3D exit.
• A big chunk of information came out about who would be joining the cast of the new Star Tours II attraction.  Guests will be able to see Darth Vader, Storm Troopers, Boba Fett, Yoda, Admiral Ackbar, Princess Leia and Chewbacca.

General WDW Resort

• The Wilderness Swimmin Pool at Ft. Wilderness will be down for refurb from March 14th - April 22nd.
• The boat dock at the Yacht and Beach Club is closed for refurbishment until March 10th.  During this time bus transportation will be available for guests traveling to Disney's Hollywood Studios and for guests wanting to travel to Epcot, they must walk. 

Rumor

• It appears that County Bounty in what is formerly known as Toontown will eventually be called Big Top Souvenirs and may feature the Three Little Pigs.  Also, there may be something called Pete's Silly Sideshow, featuring Pete.  This is all speculation based off the posters they had on display for the Cast Member farewell party. 
• Rumors are still floating around about the reopening of the Tiki Room.  I'm hearing once again that things may have been pushed back.  Instead of opening at the end of March, we may be back to it being reopened the 1st of June.

News and Rumors are gathered from various different sources. All rumors are rumors and are to be taken as such.