News and Rumors 4/23/12 - 4/29/12

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


News

Magic Kingdom

• The summer edition of The Magic, The Memories, and You has been announced.  It will begin on May 25th and is expected to feature Phineas and Ferb.  It is rumored that we'll see  Lion King , as well as a Little Mermaid characters in this version. 
• A new timetable has been announced for the New Fantasyland project.  As of right now, the second phase of Storybook Circus,  including the second Dueling Dumbo with the indoor queue and Casey Jr. Splash and Soak Station are set to open this July.  The Be Our Guest Restaurant, Under The Sea - Journey of The Little Mermaid, Enchanted Tales With Belle, Ariel's Grotto, and Gaston's Tavern  have a projected opening date of late 2012, right in time for the Holiday Season.  Finally, Disney is expecting to open up The Seven Dwarves Mine Train, as well as putting the remaining finishing touches on this new expansion in late 2014. 

Epcot

• According to newly released concept art, the new version of Test Track will have a very sleek, almost Tron quality look to it.  (It is rumored however, that FASTPASS guests will not be able to design their car, however they will have the opportunity to select from several premade versions.  Also, in the post show, it's rumored that guests will be able to make a TV commercial featuring their concept vehicle.  The physical attraction is not expected to change.)
• The list for the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series is out!  June 10-17 – Hotel California – Eagles tribute band June 18-23 – Mike Delguidice & Big Shot – A Billy Joel tribute band June 24-30 – Stayin’ Alive – Bee Gees tribute band July 1-7 – Slippery When Wet – Bon Jovi tribute band July 8-17 – Police Experience – The Police tribute band July 18-21 – Southbound and Company – Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band July 22-28 – 2U – U2 tribute band

Disney's Animal Kingdom

• The Affection Section at Rafiki's Planet Watch is closing for a refurb until June 10th.  If you would like to still have animal encounters, you will be able to at the Conservation Station section.  

General WDW News

• Disney is set to test it's newest version of FASTPASS, NextGen technology in May.  As part of the test, select random guests will be allowed to select preferred times for attractions prior to their arrival via email.  Guests will then be emailed their itineraries and will only be allowed to enter FASTPASS+ attractions they are designated for during that specific time period.  (If you forget your designated time, you will be able to check with guest relations or one of the FASTPASS+ locations.)  Details are still sketchy on how this is to all play out, but the test will last until May 15th. 
• Attention coffee lovers!  Starbucks will be coming to Disney!  Locations will be placed inside each of the four theme parks, themed in an appropriate manner. 

Rumors

•  The rumor is back that a Rapunzel show may be replacing the Beauty and The Beast Show at DHS.  It's also rumored that The Theater of the Stars where the show is currently performed is going to become an enclosed theater.  
• Rumored NextGen queues at DHS include Great Movie Ride, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, and Beauty and the Beast. 

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News and Rumors 4/16/12 - 4/22/12

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


News



Magic Kingdom

• The Orange Bird has officially returned to the Sunshine Tree Terrace, along with the famous Citrus Swirl.

Epcot

• Test Track has officially closed for it's refurb.  It is now scheduled to reopen December 1st. 

Disney's Animal Kingdom

• It's Tough To Be a Bug and the area surrounding the attraction are closed for an indefinite amount of time due to urgent maintenance because of a small branch that fell from the Tree of Life. 

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Disney's Animal Kingdom for Families

Disney's Animal Kingdom is a great park for families.  There are so many different attractions here that appeal to all ages, both young and old.  Today, I thought we'd take a look at the best 5 attractions I think the whole family would certainly enjoy.
 

• Finding Nemo: The Musical- This show is seriously one of the best shows I've seen at Disney, period.  At first, you don't think it can work.  I mean, Finding Nemo wasn't even a musical!  But some very creative minds came together to create some amazing music to go along with an incredibly touching story.  My favorite song?  Go With The Flow.  It's so toe tapping and whenever it comes on Magical Mouse Radio, I sing along loudly.  As if the songs weren't cool enough...this show prominently features large puppets, but you can see the performers on stage with them.  A lot of people would find that distracting, but after a few minutes of watching the show, you forget the performers are even there. 
• Kilimanjaro Safaris- Have you ever wondered what it was like to go on an African safari?  Well, with this Disney attraction, it's the closest you'll get to it without leaving the country.  Here, on this attraction, you come face to face with giraffes, Thompson's Gazelles (Tommies), lions, and many other animals that roam the land of Africa.  The attraction takes you through to see many different animals, some of which are even allowed to roam freely enough that they can even come up to your safari vehicle.  This attraction appeals to all, especially those animal lovers in your family.  

• Maharajah Jungle Trek/Pangani Forest Exploration Trail- These trails are some of the coolest in any Disney park.  If you thought the Kilimanjaro Safaris was cool with your ability to come face to face with animals, you'll love these areas!  In the Maharajah Jungle Trek, you get to come face to face with some of the fiercest cats imaginable.  These tigers act just like your cat, but on a MUCH larger scale.  In addition, you'll come in contact with Komodo dragons AND even bats.  (Yes, I said bats.  But you can bypass this section if you are too afraid to go in the same area as the bats are in.)  On the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, you'll be able to see hippos in an underwater viewing area.  It's so cool to get to see them swim by, they are so graceful for their size.  In addition, you'll see one of my favorite animals, gorillas.  When on these trails, make sure to talk to the Cast Members that staff the area.  They are full of great information about the animals that can be found along the way.  
• Festival of the Lion King- Do you like amazing singing?  Do you like acrobatics?  Do you like amazing shows in general?  Then this is the show for you.  The singers here are absolutely amazing.  You'll be floored at how great they are.  This show also has such fabulous stagemanship. There really isn't much I can say about it.  If you haven't seen this one yet, go now!  You will not regret it!  

• It's Tough To Be A Bug- Ok...fair warning...this attraction can be scary to some people...so fair warning.  Little kids and those who have an extreme fear of bugs, this may not be the appropriate attraction for them.  But, if you can get around those small things, this attraction is one of the best 3D shows in all of WDW.  It has a good story and the effects here are simply remarkable.  

So, on your next trip to Disney's Animal Kingdom, make sure to check out these attractions.  The whole family will love getting to bond over the fun you'll have experiencing this park.

What are your favorite Family Friendly Attractions at Disney's Animal Kingdom?  Make sure to share on our Facebook page.

Also, this week is Disney's Animal Kingdom's Birthday...so Happy Birthday DAK!

News and Rumors 4/9/12 - 4/15/12

News


Epcot

• While Test Track is down, both The Land Pavilion and The Character Spot will be open until 10 pm, despite the park's 9 pm closure.  
• An a Capella group will be called the Test Track All Stars will perform outside of Test Track during the refurbishment. 

Rumors

• There is a rumor floating out there that the Fall 2012 reopening date may be Dec. 1st.  (The previous rumored reopening date is scheduled for Sept.)

Disney's Animal Kingdom...It's One Beautiful Park

As a reminder, this month, in honor of Disney's Animal Kingdom's anniversary, I thought I would take a look at what makes this park so special. 

Today, I thought we'd take a look at what a beautiful park Disney's Animal Kingdom truly is.  With it's well themed lands, incredible details, and it's lush landscapes, this park really has some of the most beautiful views of any Disney theme park.

But what better way to show you the beauty that is Disney's Animal Kingdom than to show you in picture form?  I mean, they say a picture is worth a thousand words, right?  Granted, I am no Tom Bricker, however, with this park, it doesn't matter if you don't have his awesome skills.  Because of the park's beauty, it automatically shows it's gorgeousness.   

 

 

 

 

 Of course, this is just a sample of the beauty that Disney's Animal Kingdom had to offer.  This park, is one where you need to stop and smell the roses and so many of us, myself included, are guilty of just running past everything and missing out on ALL the artistry that has been included by the Imagineers.

Next time I have the chance...a real chance...my goal is to really examine this park.  See areas I've never seen before, like Rafiki's Planet Watch.  It's a park that is meant to be explored...which is a perfect thing to do with a park that's themed around animals.

What is your favorite, gorgeous area of Disney's Animal Kingdom?  What really sticks out to you as one of the most beautiful areas in the entire park?  Make sure to let me know in the comments section or on our Facebook page! 

Also, if you like this article, I shamelessly ask that you spread the word!  Share it on Twitter or Facebook...hit up the Google + emblem...just let others know about us here!  

News and Rumors 4/2/12 - 4/8/12

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



News


Magic Kingdom

• Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin will be closed for a refurb from June 27th, reopening June 29th. 
• Rapunzel's meet and greet location has changed.  Rapunzel will be moving to the Town Square Courtyard next to City Hall.  Flynn Ryder will not be joining her here.  Ariel will remain at the Adventureland Veranda.

Epcot

• Tutto Gusto, the new wine cellar that will be apart of Tutto Italia, is expected to open early May. 

Disney's Hollywood Studios

• The stars have been announced for Star Wars Weekends.  The hosts for the event are Ashely Eckstein and James Arnold Taylor.  Here is the schedule for the rest of the guests!   1st Weekend (May 18 – 20)
  
  Ray Park – (Darth Maul – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
  Jerome Blake (Rune Haako/Mas Amedda – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
  Dee Bradley Baker (voice of Clone Captain Rex and Clone Commander Cody – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
  
  2nd Weekend (May 25- 27)
  
  Andy Secombe (Watto – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
  Ray Park (Darth Maul – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
  Tom Kane (voice of Yoda – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
  
  3rd Weekend (June 1 -3)
  
  Jake Lloyd (Anakin Skywalker – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
  Silas Carson (Nute Gunray/Ki-Adi-Mundi – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
  (Star Wars: The Clone Wars voice talent – currently TBD)
  
  4th Weekend (June 8- 10)
  
  Michonne Bourriague (Aurra Sing – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
  Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett – Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi)
  Daniel Logan (Boba Fett – Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones)
  Nika Futterman (voice of Asajj Ventress – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

General WDW News

• Disney is now offering Photopass +.  According to Disney:  PhotoPass+ will be sold at PhotoPass view stations located throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.  With PhotoPass+ you will have digital files of all your PhotoPass photos, Attraction photos, and Dining photos taken within a 14 day visit to Walt Disney as well as Print Packages at select Dining locations.  Once you arrive home from your vacation, you can view your photos and order a PhotoCD with all the high resolution photos plus a limited license agreement, which allows you to print photos at any local photo processing center.  The cost of this is $199.95. 

Rumors

• Kali River Rapids is rumored to be getting lockers to store your stuff during your ride. 

Also, if you like this article, I shamelessly ask that you spread the word!  Share it on Twitter or Facebook...hit up the Google + emblem...just let others know about us here!  Also, make sure to LIKE our new Facebook page!  :)  

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Restaurant Review: Flame Tree Barbeque

Wow!  April is upon is!  How on earth did this happen?  Wasn't Christmas just yesterday?

Well, April is the birth month of Disney's Animal Kingdom, so I thought that this month, I would write exclusively about the park that is not so popular amongst the Disney fandom.  This is going to be a test for me, because, I too, am one who doesn't particularly spend a lot of time at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

To start off the celebration for Disney's Animal Kingdom, I thought we'd take a look at one of the best quick service restaurants, not just at this park, but among all the parks in my opinion...Flame Tree Barbeque.  This quick service dining location has some of the best views to go along with their delicious food, which makes it a must stop whenever I go to Disney's Animal Kingdom.  The dining location can be found in Discovery Island and overlooks the Discovery River in many locations. 

First, we need to talk about the food and as the name suggests, this place is certainly famous for the BBQ!  While the menu is a tad limited (what Disney counter service restaurant isn't?) there is certainly not a chicken finger, burger, or pizza to be found here!  Instead, it's all unique offerings that are quite yummy.

They have 1/2 a slab of ribs, 1/2 of a chicken, (or you can do the combo of both ribs and chicken) and a delicious pork sandwich.  Looking for something a little on the "healthier" side...try the barbeque chicken salad.  Plus, they even have a fruit plate!  To round out the offerings, they finish the menu off with a smoked turkey sandwich.  Add on top of that, the perk that their portions are HUGE here and the cost averages about $8 per meal...it makes this place a great value, in my eyes. 

It's often very hard to eat a whole meal here myself, but I love the food so much, that I'll get a kids chicken drumstick.  It comes with carrots and grapes and a drink.  Now, I'll readily admit, the chicken drumstick has become noticeably smaller over the course of the past few years.  It almost looks like a slightly larger chicken drummie...so if you have kids, you may want to consider getting the 1/2 of a chicken and passing the drumstick off to them, either giving them 2 or saving the money on their meal and splitting your sides with them, because trust me, you'll have more than plenty for yourself! 

Now, let's talk scenery here!  This place has it in spades!  There is no indoor seating...so beware!  You will be sitting outside.  However, there are some great shaded areas in the back.  (There is plenty of seating here too....so if you come up on the restaurant and it looks packed, just keep walking...you'll find a spot eventually.)  The back has some of the best views because it overlooks the water...and in the distance, you'll see the great forbidden mountain...Expedition Everest.

One word of warning...beware of the ducks.  Because people feed them, the ducks know there's good eats to be found.  So, they will often come up to you while you're eating.  However, what that also means is they are liable to try to eat you.  I've had a duck bite me and a friend of mine in Walt Disney World....with here being one of the locations.  So, just a friendly reminder....the ducks may look hungry...but don't feed them!  They will attack!

Flame Tree Barbeque is one of those restaurants at WDW that will have you wanting to come back time and time again.  Or at least it does me.  What about you?  Do you like to dine at Flame Tree or have you never tried the deliciousness that is this restaurant?  What's your favorite thing to eat here?  Make sure to share in the comments section or let me know on our Facebook page!

Also, if you like this article, I shamelessly ask that you spread the word!  Share it on Twitter or Facebook...hit up the Google + emblem...just let others know about us here! 

News and Rumors 3/26/12 - 4/1/12

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


News

Magic Kingdom

• The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor is now back open after an extensive refurb.  A new addition includes a Gourmet Hot Chocolate. 
• Merida, from the new, upcoming movie, Brave, will begin meeting guests starting mid-May.  The meet and greet will take place in the Fairytale Garden, where Rapunzel is currently greeting guests. 
• Because Merida will be taking Rapunzel's place, Rapunzel will be leaving on April 15th and will be moving to the Adventureland Veranda, where Ariel is currently doing her meets.  Also joining Rapunzel on her move, Flynn Ryder will be meeting guests as well in this location.  (Rumors are floating that Rapunzel will have a new, more permanent home near the former Fantasyland Skyway Station by the end of Summer.
• Ariel and Prince Eric will be moved to a new location, the Glass Gazebo, next to the Adventureland Veranda, right across from the Swiss Family Treehouse.

Epcot

• The Vision House will debut at Innoventions on Earth Day, April 22nd. 

Disney's Animal Kingdom

• Russell and Dug from "Up" are now featured as meet and greet character outside the Tough To Be A Bug entrance.  They have replaced Flik.

General WDW News

• The Avengerail has now debuted on the Magic Kingdom loop.  

Rumors

• The new France Bakery Expansion is rumored to be open around March 2013.  
• At Disney's Animal Kingdom, it's rumored that Pocahontas, King Louie, Baloo, Miss Bunny and Thumper may be leaving.  

Also, if you like this article, I shamelessly ask that you spread the word!  Share it on Twitter or Facebook...hit up the Google + emblem...just let others know about us here!  Also, make sure to LIKE our new Facebook page!  :)  

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