News and Rumors 8/6/12 - 8/12/12

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


News


Magic Kingdom

• Pirates of the Caribbean will be closed for one day, October 9th.
• Disney has announced that Pete's Silly Sideshow which will be found in Storybook Circus, will contain a character meet and greet location.  Guests will have the opportunity to meet up with the Great Goofini, Minnie Magnifique, Madame Daisy Fortuna, The Astounding Donaldo. 
• Disney has announced that the New Fantasyland's Grand Opening will be Dec. 6th, with previews beginning Nov. 19th.  For more info, read this blog post.  It also appears that the remainder of Storybook Circus will also open around then. 

Disney Resorts

•  The Lion King section of Disney's Art of Animation has officially opened. 

Disney Water Parks

• Expect a meet and greet opportunity with Swampy the Gator from the Where's My Water mobile game to be found at one of the water parks soon.  

Rumors

•  There may be a refurbishment coming soon for the Jungle Cruise.  No idea on how extensive it will be, but rumors indicate that it may be quite extensive.  
• Gaston is still expected to be a meet and greet character in the New Fantasyland.  
• Marie from the Aristocats may be moving the the Magic Kingdom from Epcot
• Chip and Dale could move to Frontierland
• Captain Hook and Mr. Smee may soon be found in Adventureland. 
• Donald may be leaving the Character Spot at Epcot.  Replacing him could be Daisy.  
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto could have a meet and greet at the Magic Kingdom.  
• The IBM THINK exhibit may come to Epcot by the end of this year.  
• Festival of The Lion King may close in January.  (It is rumored to be relocated to another section of the park)

Going To this year's Epcot International Food and Wine Festival?  Make sure to read all the delicious details in this book.