Walt Disney World News and Rumors 8/5/13 - 8/11/13

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

News


Epcot

• The Chase Lounge will be back for this year's Epcot Food and Wine Festival.  It will be found in the American Adventure Pavilion this year and you must show your Disney Visa to gain access. 
• Neil Patrick Harris has joined the Candlelight Processional list.  His dates are Dec. 2nd and 3rd. 

Disney's Hollywood Studios

• Sofia the First is now greeting guests in the Animation Courtyard, over by Disney Junior - Live on Stage! 

Disney's Animal Kingdom

• This park is no longer participating in rope drop.  Instead, guests will be allowed inside 15 minutes or so early ahead of official opening.  Kilimanjaro Safari, Expedition Everest and TriceraTop Spin will be open for guests for guests to enjoy.
• Another living statute act, like DeVine, will be entertaining guests in the park, named Bamboo.  This character will debut Aug. 14th in Africa and showtimes are expected to be 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm.

Downtown Disney

• In preparation of Disney Springs, Cap'n Jack's Restaurant will be closing permanently, Aug. 17th.  

General WDW News

• This week's Limited Time Magic (from Aug. 12th - 18th) will allow Juniors (ages 6-13) to audition and participate in a special show at the American Idol Experience, called American Idol Experience Juniors Edition.  The show will feature the three best singers of the day and will be shown at 6 pm.  
• Tables in Wonderland will be seeing some changes for 2014.  Starting Aug. 1, 2014, specific restaurants will be included in extended blackouts.  These include 1900 Park Fare, Chef Mickey’s, ‘Ohana (Dinner Only), Cinderella’s Royal Table, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Le Cellier Steakhouse.  Blackout dates are:  Nov. 23-29, 2014; Dec. 21-27, 2014; March 8-April 4, 2015; and May 31-June 20, 2015.  In addition, beginning Aug. 1, 2014, Victoria and Albert's will no longer accept the card.  

Rumors

• Starbucks at the FountainView in Epcot is expected to open Sept. 5th.  
• While we haven't seen anything out of D23, there were the few hints that were mentioned.  Most notably, it does appear that Imagineering is working on something featuring Star Wars, code word Orange Harvest. 
• MyMagic+ is expected to be rolled out sometime in full by the end of the year.  

Download the ALL NEW DFB Guide to the 2013 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Enter code CHEFS for a discount!