Walt Disney World News and Rumors 6/23/14 - 6/29/14

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


News


Magic Kingdom

• Cinderella's Royal Table will be closed for a refurbishment from January 5 through March 6. 
• Snow White has moved again and can now be found meeting in front of Town Square Theater.
• Peter Pan has been relocated to meeting guests near the Adventureland bridge.

Epcot

• Agent P's World Showcase Adventure received new FONEs, the device used in the game.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

• A brand new event will be taking place from July 5 - September 1 called Frozen Summer Fun - Live.  The event will feature:
• Olaf on Summer Vacation: Olaf will keep everyone updated on all his adventures throughout the day. Plus, grab your own Take-Along Olaf (available in locations around the park) so he can join you on your summer vacation. Be sure to tag and share Olaf via social media sites with the hashtag #OlafSummerVacation, as they may potentially be selected to appear as part of the fireworks spectacular.
• Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome: Each day, at 11:00 a.m. a Frozen mini-parade will take place. The parade will start with Anna and Elsa who will make their way down Hollywood Boulevard in a horse-drawn sleigh. Kristoff will be there, too, joined by skaters, skiers, ice cutters and more! The procession will end at the Sorcerer’s Hat Stage to with a welcome ceremony.
• For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration: Taking place inside the Premiere Theater, Anna and Elsa will join the Royal Historians of Arendelle for a comedic retelling of the unique history of Arendelle, filled with sing-along moments from Frozen. This will be a 20-minute show presented multiple times each day.
• Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post & Frozen Funland:  Inside Soundstage One, Oaken has created a Frozen Funland filled with a frozen pond with ice skating demonstrations, a “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” kids play area, ice artisans carving gorgeous works of ice art, Frozen merchandise for sale, and special Frozen-inspired food and beverage offerings. Guests will also be able to take pictures with the film’s animated characters in a virtual setting and then be able to share them via social media.
• “Coolest Summer Ever” Dance Party: Starting at 5:30 p.m. each day, head for the Sorcerer’s Hat Stage, where a DJ will spin tunes and a live band will perform with rock and roll hits, as well as a Frozen medley.
• Frozen Fireworks Spectacular: At 9:45 p.m. join Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf at the Sorcerer’s Hat Stage for awe-inspiring fireworks set to the music of Frozen!

Downtown Disney

• For those who enjoy bowling at Splitsville, they are offering a special deal for early birds. If you come in Monday - Friday, from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 a.m., you'll only pay $10 for adults and $5 for kids. This includes bowling and shoes. 

General Walt Disney World News

• If you have a trip scheduled through the remainder of the year, make sure to check both park hours, as well as Extra Magic Hours days, as they have changed for quite a few days throughout the end of the year. 
• This summer, Disney and Coca-Cola are teaming together to help Guests create magic by sharing the refreshing taste of Coca-Cola with someone special.From June 30 - August 30, special 20 oz. bottles of Coca-Cola, Diet Coke and Coke Zero will be available at Walt Disney World.
• Disney is offering two new VIP tours. The first is called the The Ultimate Day for Young Families - Walt Disney World VIP Tour Experience and the second is The Ultimate Day of Thrills - Walt Disney World VIP Tour Experience. The cost for these tours are $299 each, per person, access to seven rides across three parks, lunch at a Disney resort and can be booked at 407-WDW-TOUR up to 180 days in advance. Click here for more info.
• For the holiday weekend, Disney is changing up monorail hours.  Here's what you can expect to see:  July 3 and 4 Monorail Hours
  • Express Beam: 7:30am to 2am
  • Resort Beam: 7am to 3am
  • Epcot Beam 8am to 2:30am
  July 5 Monorail Hours
  • Express Beam: 8:30am to 11:30pm
  • Resort Beam: 7am to midnight
  • Epcot Beam: 8am to 11pm

Rumors

• Blizzard Beach should see it's annual refurbishment from January 4 through March 14.
• The new restaurant taking Kouzzina's place when it closes could be called Trattoria Al Forno and it would serve pizza and pasta. 
• Could Hades and Meg become a part of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party? 
• Rumors indicate that Oswald the Lucky Rabbit could be headed to Disney's Hollywood Studios, where Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope meet currently.
• With the success of the recent hard-ticket events, like Harambe Nights and Villains Unleashed, I would look towards more of these types of hard ticket events getting scheduled for guests to enjoy.

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Top Seven Tips For Summer Touring At Walt Disney World

We are officially in the midst of Summer Vacation season! I just took mine (unfortunately not to Walt Disney World this time, but a Disney trip is always on the horizon!)  While Summertime is warm throughout the country, and it's sometimes even hotter in your neck of the woods than it is in Florida, the sticky Florida humidity mixed with being outdoors for a good portion of the day can cause big problems for those not used to the constant barrage on our bodies.

For years, I would vow, I would never go to Disney in the summer.  I knew it was going to be busier than my favorite time of the year (September/October) and the heat was going to be so brutal. But circumstances have made it so that I've been to Walt Disney World the past three summers in a row. While the parks are crowded and hot, knowing how to manage in the heat did wonders for making it a little more manageable. (Dare I say, just as enjoyable?)  

So, today, we're going to talk about the things you should keep in mind when taking your Summer trips to the land of fun in the sun. While most are things that are common sense, sometimes you just need the reminder because it is so easy to forget when you're in the parks. These are all things I've utilized heavily the past three years. Here are the top seven things I think you need to keep in mind while touring:

1. Make sure to go early. I know it's hard to suggest. You are on vacation, you want to sleep in.  While getting to the parks for rope drop is optimal, getting to the parks within the first hour will afford you the opportunity to see some of the lowest wait times of the day. Plus, the air is much cooler than later in the early afternoon. I may not like to get up early on vacation, but in the summer, I have learned that getting to the parks early is going to be key to not overheating later, while still getting attractions done that I want to see. 
2. Drink water. While I know this is a huge no-brainer, this one is so key.  Even I'm guilty of not practicing what I'm preaching.  Seriously, you should have a bottle of water (or something along those lines) in your possession at all times and you should be drinking it like crazy, refilling it if you have to. We bring our own bottles to the park, but sometimes it's better to buy a cold bottle from Disney. You can also get glasses of water from any counter service restaurant for free. Just drink as much as you can because you don't realize how hot it really is out there until it's too late. 
3. Apply  sunscreen. I'll be honest.  I hate sunscreen.  I hardly ever wear it.  It's so gloppy.  However, when I'm in Disney, you can bet your butt I'm wearing sunscreen.  The sun is just so much brighter in Florida and when you're in the parks, it radiates off the pavement, which is all around you. Sunburns happen so easily here!  All I can say is thank god for spray sunscreen.  It's the only way for me.
4. Dress coolly. I always am so surprised when I see people walking around Walt Disney World in clothes I would wear in the winter. It's SO hot out...I'm dying and I'm dressed so coolly, so I know you have to be.  So, wear things that are cotton and lighter colors. Steer clear of black, if you can. As for me, you'll almost always see me in a dress.  So much cooler.

   

   Brian did not listen...he wore black.  I was much cooler with my dress.

5. Take a break. I learned about the joys of this one last July. Brian and I got to Animal Kingdom early, and it got super hot out at around 1 pm, (plus we'd done everything he'd wanted to do) so we decided to go back to the hotel for a swim in the pool. It was honestly the best idea ever. The pool was so refreshing and the relaxation was absolutely necessary. I was always someone who once I got to the parks, I stayed at the parks, but taking that little break in the middle of the afternoon has opened up the possibility to me that it is something I should consider, especially when it's sweltering out.

   

   Pool break

6. Head for shade.  Say you don't want to take that break I just talked about.  At the very least make sure you head towards something that's indoors.  See shows or schedule a meal.  Take breaks in the shade and my tip...bring an umbrella. Yes, you look a little silly, but the umbrella keeps the harsh rays of the sun from beating on your body.  It really is a huge help. (PS: that umbrella will help with the daily afternoon thunderstorm rolls through.)
7. Take on a water ride. Of course, one of the best ways to keep cool is to ride something that involves water.  Surprisingly, there aren't too many though that get you wet enough to cool you down.  Splash Mountain and Kali River Rapids are the only two, however, there are a few splash zones you can run through located throughout some of the parks that you can run through. (Large pet peeve: please don't sit in the fountains around the parks...the fountains are not for playing in...they are not pools.  They are for decoration.)

Honorable mention:  eat a cool treat.  Ice cream is always a winning idea when it's so hot outside and there is plenty of places to stop throughout the park.  Or grab a slush, which can be found in many restaurants on property. Even a frozen banana can be delightful.

Yummy ice cream sammy

Those are my tips for enjoying Walt Disney World when it feels like it's a thousand degrees out, but what tip do you have for surviving the heat?  Let me know in the comments section or on the Facebook page.

If you like this article, I shamelessly ask that you spread the word about A Disney World After All!  Share it on Twitter or Facebook...pin the photos on Pinterest, hit up the Google + emblem...just let others know about us here!  Also, make sure to LIKE our Facebook page and find me on Twitter, I'm @RikkiNibs!      

Walt Disney World News and Rumors 6/16/14 - 6/22/14

News


Epcot

• Garden Grill is now rotating again.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

• Rock Your Summer Side Dance Party will take place until August 22 from 6 pm - 10 pm. There will be a live band and a DJ, as well as characters interacting with guests.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

• Animal Kingdom's parking lot will be expanded. Work will be completed by September 2014.

Disney Resorts

• At Wilderness Lodge, the Silver Creek Springs feature pool will be closed for a refurbishment from September 3 - November 27. 

General Walt Disney World News

• Fourth of July Happenings: 
  

  Magic Kingdom

  July 3 and July 4

  • Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky at 9 pm
  
  

  Epcot

  July 4

  • Patriotic character appearances outside The American Adventure Pavilion
    
    
  • Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps performances at 1pm, 2:15 pm, 3:30 pm, 4 pm and 4:45 pm
    
    
  • Voices of Liberty performing at America Gardens Theatre at 12:30 pm, 1:45 pm, and 3 pm, and inside The American Adventure Rotunda at 4:15 pm and 5 pm
    
    
  • IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth with special finale tag at 10 pm
  
  

  Disney's Hollywood Studios

  July 4

  • DJ playing at the Sorcerer's Hat stage at 6 pm. At 7 pm, 8 pm, 9 pm and 10 pm, Mulch, Sweat, and Shears will be performing.
    
    
  • Rockin’ 4th of July Celebration fireworks at 10:15 pm

Rumors

• A new fireworks show called Stories in the Skies may replace Wishes
• A Frozen stage show could be headed to Disney's Hollywood Studios

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Walt Disney World News and Rumors 6/9/14 - 6/15/14

News

Magic Kingdom

• Aurora and Snow White will be moving around.  Aurora will be leaving Princess Fairytale Hall and can be found at the Town Square Courtyard and Snow White will be found at Center Street.
• The Yankee Trader shop in Liberty Square will be closing for a refurb from July 7-September 30. Rumors indicate that this could be for the ability to purchase on-ride photos from the Haunted Mansion.

Epcot

• For guests who want to catch the World Cup, head to The Odyssey, where there are couches set up, as well as snacks, drinks, and merchandise being sold.
• Garden Grill is currently not rotating. 

Disney's Animal Kingdom

• Winged Encounters-The Kingdom Takes Flight is now being performed daily at 9:15 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.  Do keep in mind that the birds are still doing some training, so the show is subject to change.

Downtown Disney

• Trucks on the Town Food Truck event is scheduled for June 21 on the West Side.  Trucks that will take part in the event: 
• • TheDailyCity.com Food Truck Bazaar by Prestige Trucks
  • El Cactus Azul
  • Ellie Lou's BBQ
  • La Empanada
  • Magic 4 ur Plate
  • Mayan Grill
  • Philly's Best Cheesesteak
  • TJ's Seafood Shack
  • Yum Yum Cupcakes
  • Disney's World Showcase of Flavors
  • Disney's Superstar Catering
  • Disney's Namaste Cafe
  • Disney's Fantasy Fare
  • Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports Truck

General Walt Disney World News

• FastPass+ tiering has seen changes at both Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios.  Here is how the new tiers look:   
•  Epcot
  Tier 1 (Choose One)
  
• IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
• Living with the Land
• Soarin’
• Test Track

                    Tier 2 (Choose Two)

• Captain EO
• Epcot Character Spot
• Journey Into Imagination
• Maelstrom
• Mission Space Green/Orange
• Spaceship Earth
• The Seas with Nemo and Friends
• Turtle Talk with Crush
•  Disney's Hollywood Studios
• Tier 1 (Choose One)
  
• Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage
• Fantasmic!
• The Great Movie Ride
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
• Toy Story Midway Mania!

                   Tier 2 (Choose Two)

• The American Idol Experience
• Disney Junior – Live on Stage
• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!
• Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show
• Muppet-Vision 3D
• Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
• Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
• Voyage of the Little Mermaid

• The monorail is seeing some refurbishment work and it will have reduced summer hours beginning June 22.  Here's what it looks like they will be: 
  • Magic Kingdom Resort beam - 8:30am to midnight
  • Magic Kingdom Express beam - 9:30am to 11:30pm
  • Epcot beam - 9am to 11pm

Rumors

• Could Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and American Idol Experience both be closing in January to make way for Star Wars land?  It seems that American Idol Experience is for sure closing on January 5, and Indy is rumored to be closing around that time too. 

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5th Annual Be Our Guest Podcast 12 Hour Live Show

Today is the day!

The Be Our Guest Podcast 12 Hour Live Show will take place today from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. EST.

This special show is all to benefit the amazing Give Kids The World Village in Orlando, Florida. This facility is a non-profit organization that exists only to fulfill the wishes of all children with life-threatening illnesses and their families from around the world to experience a memorable, joyful, cost-free visit to the Central Florida attractions, and to enjoy the magic of Give Kids The World Village for as long as there is a need.


As a podcast family, in the past four years, we have donated well over $25,000.00 to help families that can really use a little magic in their lives.  This year, our goal is to attempt to raise $10,000!  It's going to be hard, but with your help, we can do it!  If you would like to donate, please do so at http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/beourguestpodcast/twelvehourliveshow2014  Any little bit helps! 

Also, if you can, please spread the word, about the event via your social networks!  The more people know about our fun event, the better! 

For those who would like to listen in on the fun, you can listen live at www.magicalmouseradio.com or tune in to our extended feed at www.mixlr.com/beourguestmike

We have a great line up of guests this year that includes:

3:00 pm - Deb Wills - AllEars
4:30 pm - Len Testa - TouringPlans/WDW Today
5:30 pm - Doug and Dennis - Magical Main Street Memories Podcast
6:00 pm - Tom Ameen - composer
7:00 pm - Pam Landwirth - Give Kids The World
7:30 pm - Matt Hochberg - WDW Today/Studios Central
8:00 pm - Stacey Aswad - Must Do Disney
8:30 pm - Michelle Scribner-MacLean - Mickey Miles Podcast
9:00 pm - Jeff Heimbuch - Communicore Weekly/It's Kind of a Cute Story
9:30 pm - Dr. Steve Barrett - Hidden Mickeys
10:00 pm - Nate and Matt Parrish - WEDway Radio

So, get ready for some laughs, likely some tears, some great guests, fun prizes, and of course, we would gladly appreciate if you would help by donating to Give Kids The World during the show!

Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios FastPass+ Tiering Changes

MyMagic+ is still testing (Disney claims it will always be testing this new system and tweaking things to make it better), however for the most part, as a whole, the MyMagic+ system has officially been rolled out for guests.  One of those tweaks will take place beginning June 16, when the attractions that are tiered at Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios change up a bit.

The changes aren't too major.  However, it is something that I think you should be aware of, so let's dive right in.

At Epcot, the major changes are that Maelstrom and Epcot Character Spot are moving from Tier 1 to Tier 2.  In addition, Living with the Land will be moving from Tier 2 to Tier 1. (The Living with the Land move is the one that I find most curious...but I guess they needed some attractions for Tier 1.  I might have left Maelstrom alone...it seems like it's been seeing a nice boost of guests from both FastPass+ and Frozen's success.)  Here's how the new tiers look:

Epcot
Tier 1 (Choose One)

• IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
• Living with the Land
• Soarin’
• Test Track

Tier 2 (Choose Two)

• Captain EO
• Epcot Character Spot
• Journey Into Imagination
• Maelstrom
• Mission Space Green/Orange
• Spaceship Earth
• The Seas with Nemo and Friends
• Turtle Talk with Crush

Over at Disney's Hollywood Studios, there was only one minor change.  But it's one that I like the least.  Now, The Great Movie Ride is a Tier 1 attraction, instead of a Tier 2.  This leaves the only rides in tier 2 to be Star Tours and Tower of Terror, both of which have height requirements. It's always a  poor idea to use FastPass+ reservations for shows, so if you don't or can't ride one of the tier 2 attractions, you are out of luck.  So, now. you must choose a show for your second FastPass+.  Great Movie Ride worked in Tier 2 because it was a ride that didn't have a height requirement.  Here's how these tiers look:

Tier 1 (Choose One)

• Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage
• Fantasmic!
• The Great Movie Ride
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
• Toy Story Midway Mania!

Tier 2 (Choose Two)

• The American Idol Experience
• Disney Junior – Live on Stage
• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!
• Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show
• Muppet-Vision 3D
• Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
• Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
• Voyage of the Little Mermaid

If you currently have your FastPass+ reservations made for either of these two parks, keep in mind that they will not be affected, unless you change them.

Also, nothing has changed at either Disney’s Animal Kingdom or Magic Kingdom; these parks do not include tiering.

If you would like to learn more about FastPass+, MyMagic+ and My Disney Experience, please make sure to check out this blog post.

So, with that being said, what are your thoughts?  Do you think these changes work or not?  Let me know in the comments section or on the Facebook Page.

 If you like this article, I shamelessly ask that you spread the word about A Disney World After All!  Share it on Twitter or Facebook...pin the photos on Pinterest, hit up the Google + emblem...just let others know about us here!  Also, make sure to LIKE our Facebook page and find me on Twitter, I'm @RikkiNibs!     

Walt Disney World News and Rumors 6/2/14 - 6/8/14

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



News


Disney's Hollywood Studios

• A brand new, hard-ticketed event called Villains Unleashed will take place on August 23.  Tickets will cost $67 for Adults (Ages 10+) and $62 for Children (Ages 3-9).  Tickets go on sale June 9.  The party will include special shows, like “Hades Hangout & Dance Party,” featuring DJ Igg Nite and the Underworld Dancers and “Oogie Boogie’s Variety Show;” villain meet and greets; a Star Wars villain zone; the “Villainy in the Skies” fireworks show; a villain-themed Fantasmic! pre-show; “Ex-Scream” makeovers–face painting to look like your favorite villain; specialty food and beverages; unique merchandise and more.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

• James Cameron said in an interview recently that Avatarland's official name should be Pandora: The Land of Avatar. (Subject to change still).  Also, the AudioAnamatronics are said to be the most state of the art animatronics yet.

Downtown Disney

•  The Marketplace Co-op shop is now open. It features 6 specialty, boutique shops and can be found on the Marketplace side.

Disney Resorts

• The All Star Music's Food Court, Intermissions, will be closed for an extensive refurbishment, from August 1 - December 20.  Guests can dine at either the Note'able Games Arcade for grab and go items or they can head to either All Star Movies or All Star Sport's food courts. 

General Walt Disney World News

• Select attractions will now automatically link the on-ride photos of guests who have purchased the Memory Maker Package to their My Disney Experience accounts.  The attractions will include:

• Magic Kingdom: Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain
• Epcot: Test Track
• Disney's Hollywood Studios: Rock n Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror
• Disney's Animal Kingdom: Dinosaur, Expedition Everest

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Walt Disney World Attractions Overview: Enchanted Tales With Belle

Enchanted Tales With Belle is one of the all new pieces of New Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom.  The attraction is half show/half meet and greet and of course celebrates the movie Beauty and the Beast.

As mentioned in the last post, New Fantasyland was finished last week, with the official opening of Seven Dwarf Mine Train.  The Beauty and the Beast section is one of the largest of the new area and Enchanted Tales With Belle is one of the most popular attractions to come out of the new addition to the park.  Ironically enough, it was originally supposed to be one of three interactive meet and greet/show attractions built, (the other two would have involved Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella) however, the other two made way for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

To enter the queue for Enchanted Tales With Belle, first you need to head to the back on Fantasyland, where the all new Castle walls have been built.  If you go through the wall's pathway, you will see immediately Beast's Castle, but if you look a little to your left, you will see the sign for the attraction.

Enchanted Tales With Belle takes place in Maurice's cottage. (Maurice was her father).  You will enter the queue, which is mostly outdoors, that winds through the front garden area, as well as off to the side, kind of under the porch for the house. After you make your way through, you will eventually enter the main foyer.  Here, you'll see a fireplace, a checkers game, lots of books, knick-knacks an area to go "upstairs", and a beautiful portrait of Belle with her mother. It really feels like a lived in home.

Then, all the sudden, a door opens and you are led to Maurice's workshop area.  When you enter, you will see lots of plans Maurice has to build, as well as some of his incredibly fun inventions.

You will also see a very unique mirror.  This is not your every day average mirror.  Instead, it is enchanted. Guests are magically transported to the day when Belle and Beast fell in love.

You then will walk into the Beast's Castle and are immediately greeted by The Wardrobe, herself. She is there to talk you through what your goal is.  You are there to surprise Belle and act out the story of how they met. Parts are available for everyone who wants one! Mostly children are chosen, however, there are a few adults who get to play roles too!  (Brian has been part of the show twice...the only two times he's gone...he must have a face that says, pick me to be in the show!)

I'm not sure if it was because I was there on a slow night the last time, but it appeared that less parts were handed out than the previous time I'd visited.  Not sure if they cut the show down for time constraints from the first time I saw it or maybe they can change the number of parts depending on crowds.

Once you practice your parts, you are then able to move into the library.  Here you are met by Lumiere, the candle stick. Guests who are not a part of the show can choose to sit down on one of the benches.  Of course, the front row is always going to be the best seat, but the theater is so small, that there really is no bad seat in the house.

Lumiere then calls Belle into the room and the story of how Beast and Belle met is told.  One by one, each guest performs their part. Cast Members inform each guest what they will need to say as the show moves forward.

After the story is told, the guests who were a part of the show will get their photo taken with Belle.  In addition, anyone else who would like their photo taken with Belle may do so. My only wish for this was that they would take the suits of armor by themselves individually with Belle.  Each time they are taken together and I don't care to have a photo with the other guy in it. I have had to crop the photo so that it's only Brian and Belle.

After that, the show is then over and guests enter back into Fantasyland to experience more fun.

Overall, the attraction is a good one.  I do feel that unless you have children in your party, it is kind of a one and done experience.  That is especially true given how monumental the wait times have been for this attraction.  There just isn't enough to bring me back to this one over and over again. (Which makes me glad that they built the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train instead of the other two play and greets.  The coaster will have tons of re-ridability for all.

I am glad to see that Beauty and the Beast got a whole section in the New Fantasyland portion.  It really was time that the movie got quality representation.  (We have to remember that Beauty and the Beast-Live on Stage was added with the movie...after that, it's been over 20 years since there was any sort of attraction based on the popular franchise.)

What are your thoughts?  Do you like the attraction? Enjoy being part of the show?  Share them with me and other followers in the comments or on the Facebook page.

If you like this article, I shamelessly ask that you spread the word about A Disney World After All!  Share it on Twitter or Facebook...pin the photos on Pinterest, hit up the Google + emblem...just let others know about us here!  Also, make sure to LIKE our Facebook page and find me on Twitter, I'm @RikkiNibs!     

Walt Disney World News and Rumors 5/26/14 - 6/1/14

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

News


Magic Kingdom

• Anna and Elsa are now meeting guests until park close.  FastPass+ availability will also be extended.
• The Launching Pad will see a limited serving window until August 1st.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

• Donald Duck will be moving back to the Cretaceous Trail in Dinoland USA.
• Festival of the Lion King has officially returned in the all new Harambe Theater, found in the Africa section of the park.
• A new species of zebras has joined the Pangani Forest.  Known as Grevy's Zebras, they can be found behind the meerkat area.
• Dole Whips seem to be available (with and without alcohol) at Tamu Tamu Refreshments.

Downtown Disney

• Starbucks is now open in Downtown Disney's WestSide.
• Car Masters Weekend is returning on June 14-15. The event will feature a Car Show, a meet and greet with Cars characters, a Cars movie marathon at the AMC Theater, plus much, much more. 
• The Pleasure Island bus station will close permanently June 11.

Rumors

• Starbucks could be coming to The Studios sooner than we thought.  The location could be at the L.A. Prop Store at the corner of Hollywood and Sunset Blvd. This location is going down for a refurb from June 16 - February 28.
• Rivers of Light could open sometime in early spring 2016. (Likely March of that year.)
• Under the Sea - Journey of The Little Mermaid should be seeing the same refurbishment work that was done to Disneyland's version. (Like a darker Under the Sea scene.) 

 

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