(More) Changes at The World

Disney has just announced:

     The Studio Backlot Tour at DHS will be closing as of September 27th in the name of "future enhancements".

 Disney's Hollywood Studios Backlot Tour Closing

 Ooooh. I am ever so hopeful that a new Cars Land is in the works!!!

It’s all in the name of progress, or as a Disney representative told us, “future enhancements”. The Studio Backlot Tour at Disney’s Hollywood Studio will give its final tour on Sept. 27, 2014. - See more at: http://attractionsmagazine.com/studio-backlot-tour-attraction-closing-later-month-disneys-hollywood-studios/#sthash.2tdLCcgj.dpuf

It’s all in the name of progress, or as a Disney representative told us, “future enhancements”. The Studio Backlot Tour at Disney’s Hollywood Studio will give its final tour on Sept. 27, 2014. - See more at: http://attractionsmagazine.com/studio-backlot-tour-attraction-closing-later-month-disneys-hollywood-studios/#sthash.2tdLCcgj.dpuf

And ....
     The Maelstrom ride at Epcot's World Showcase Norway Pavilion will be replaced by a new attraction based on "Frozen".   

 Frozen ride replacing Maelstrom

Some folks are not happy with this.

 new Frozen-attraction stirs up controversy

Two things:
  I hope it's better Imagineered than the 'Under the Sea Journey of the Little Mermaid'  over in Fantasyland.


  I wonder if the movie at the end of the ride will remain. (probably not)

The movies at Norway, China, France, and Canada are some of favorite Epcot things. And yes, I do wish that ALL of the countries would have one.

So many changes!!

Disney Springs, Coming Along

We have pretty much been avoiding DownTown Disney lately because of all the construction, but last week we wanted to have a look (and have an Earl's sandwich), so we braved the traffic and I have to say that the changes are very interesting.


The 1st of the new parking garages:

The new Starbucks on the WestSide:
        (there is another one open in front of the World of Disney store)

Looks like Mannequins is being 're-imagined':

This is going up right across from Paradiso 37 (just there on the right):

Something big on the waterfront:

And a new bridge (?) across the water:

The new Disney Springs is shaping up to be pretty awesome.

Save Off Kilter !!

The WDW Powers-That-Make-Decisions recently released this message:

Over the coming months, we’ll be introducing new entertainment acts at Epcot, refreshing some of our existing acts and retiring a few others.

Namely: Off Kilter (Canada),  Mo'Rockin (Morocco),  The World Showcase Players (United Kingdom),  Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps

.... their final performances the week ending September 27. We thank them for all they’ve done to make the Epcot Guest experience enjoyable and memorable.

 The Disney Parks Blog announced their replacements:  

B'net Houariyat, a traditional Berber music and dance troupe in Morocco;  Sbandieratori Flags, a corps of dynamic flag-waving performers in Italy; a 'thrilling' lumberjack-inspired show in Canada; Scottish Musical trio, a Celtic folk music ensemble at the United Kingdom .... more." 

Whoa whoa whoa ...  Wait a minute....
Off Kilter is a very very popular act. Very. Popular.
They are just about the only reason I go to Epcot in the afternoon. Sorry, Disney-Powers-That-Make Stupid Decisions, I just don't think that a lumber-jack inspired show will ever replace Off Kilter, no matter how 'thrilling' it might be.

 

There's a grassroots campaign going on Facebook to save Off Kilter.   The Facebook page is called "Save Off Kilter"

The petition can be found here:

https://www.change.org/p/the-walt-disney-company-keep-off-kilter-in-epcot-s-canada-pavilion

Food and Wine 2014

The 2014 Food & Wine Festival is looming (Sept 19th-Nov 10th).    Remember when it used to be only 3 weeks?



Now that the list of kiosks and menus is out,

 food-wine-marketplaces

 I've been working diligently to make my list of must haves and wanna tries.     Note: This takes several trips!


  Must haves:
 
Belgium: Belgian Waffle - chocolate -or- berry compote ?? Mmm, undecided, probably....both!  Potato and Leek waffle? Undecided.

Canada: Cheddar cheese soup & Filet Mignon. Definitely.

France: Beef Bourguinon and Creme Broulee. Absolutely.

Hawaii: Pork Slider. Another definite.

Hops & Barley: Florida Beef slider and carrot cake.

Mexico: Rib-eye taco, sweet corn cheese cake.

Scotland: Vegetarian Haggis. I was very pleasantly surprised by this last year.  And the Crannachan (new).

Fife & Drum: Ghirardelli Sundae.  Uh oh. Trouble here. I love Ghirardelli's

Intermissions Cafe: Key Lime tart.

  Wanna Tries:

Desserts: Frozen s'mores (beverage). Sounds interesting.

New Zealand: Venison sausage. Not me, Hubby wants to try it.

 Puerto Rico: Sorullitos and bolitas de queso.

Refreshment Port: Croissant doughnut and the Dole Fruit Squish'em. 

   AND don't forget: 

Only a few Must Sees this year:

Richard Marx  (Oct 13-14)  My sis and I see ALL of his shows everytime he's here (which is not often enough).

Wilson Phillips (Oct 27-28) Missed 'em last time.

.38 Special  (Nov 1-2)  Love the boys from Jax! Donnie Van Zant will be missed!

Happy 25th, DHS!

Disney's Hollywood Studios has been open 25-years today!     

The Hollywood Tower of Tower is my most favorite ride of all WDW rides.

And Toy Story Mania is loads of fun.










I love the little things that you might not notice as you rush around:

Know what this is??

A net full of jello.



Hint: It's an homage to a very special person.

Say it out loud. Say it fast.

Here's 'a ton of bricks' ... don't let it hit you.

Ever noticed this? 

Stop and pull the rope!!

I also enjoy the American Idol Experience. There are some talented people out there!

DHS remains my favorite WDW park ... even with some changes.

What changes you ask?


Remember  Residential Street?

It was the original location of the Osborne Lights... and I really liked them much better back there.

It was bulldozed to make way for the stunt show arena.

Remember "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire"?

Now it's the location of Toy Story Mania, which I like a lot, but  wish it could have been built elsewhere so that  WWTBAM could have stayed.




And I do so hope that Carsland (like at Disney California Adventure) will come to the Studios!!!

Unknown Disney

Came across an interesting site today ...

buzzfeed.com: things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-disney-parks

Here are a few that I didn't know:

   The brownish winding path in Liberty Square is meant to represent raw sewage that flowed down the streets of Colonial America, since indoor plumbing wasn’t yet invented.

 Photo: flickr:vmpyrdavid

    
While most of the lawns at Disney parks are meticulously tended to, the lawn at “The Haunted Mansion” is left to grow out and die, to match the mood of the ride.

 

Photo: flickr:eccentricscholar

    

Look for a wedding ring embedded in the concrete in line at “The Haunted Mansion.” It’s said that it belongs to the hanging bride you see in the stretching room and attic scenes on the ride.

 

Photo: justoffmainstreet.wordpress.com

    

 The futuristic palm trees in Tomorrowland actually fold up at dusk, and unfold at dawn.

 Photo: flickr: expressmonorail

    
 The lobby and queuing area for the “Tower of Terror” ride are full of hidden Twilight Zone references, such as Burgess Meredith’s broken glasses and a book with alien script that has been translated to “To Serve Man.”

 Photo: Towerofterror.org

   

 On the “Dinosaur” ride in Animal Kingdom, there are three pipes in the queuing area with chemical formulas printed on them. The formulas on the pipes are for ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise.

 

Photo: disney-pal.com

 I'll be looking for these!!

Today !!

Disney Festival-of-Fantasy parade steps off at MK park

Cannot wait to see THIS :

Photos: Disney Parks Blog

Confession # 23: I Miss ToonTown Fair... Still!

Today is the 3rd-year anniversary of the demise of WDW's Toon Town Fair.

ToonTown was closed in 2011 to make way for The Storybook Circus part of the new Fantasyland.

Dueling Dumbos, Pete's Silly Sideshow, Casey Jr, Splash 'n Soak Stations, The Storybook Circus Giggle Gang (clowns)....

just cannot compare with Mickey's and Minnie's houses. Ever.

Disney Picture of the Day

 

 No, I did not add the caption, but I do think it's funny!

Club Cool(er)

New flavors at Club Cool in Epcot's Future World:

Fanta – now available in more than 90 flavors (not all of them here, tho!)


Fanta (Melon Frosty) – a melon-flavored soda, popular in Thailand. 

Bibo – a fruit-flavored juice drink from South Africa. 

Sparberry – a raspberry cream-flavored soda, a favorite in Africa since 1955. 

Guarana Kuat – flavored after the guarana berry, popular in Brazil. 

Inca Kola – a Peruvian favorite offering a sweet, almost bubblegum-like taste.


Returning: 

VegitaBeta – a Japanese beverage combining apricot and passion fruit flavors. (although this was on the 'new' list)

and the ever popular ...
Beverly

 Club Cool debuts new flavors

Confession # 22: Mind-Change!

Okay, so I wasn't thrilled when Disney announced that
'Avatar-land' would be a huge new part of Disney's Animal Kingdom. (Even tho I enjoyed the film immensely)

I was hoping Disney would create 'Australia' to go along with Africa and Asia.

Imagine:
   an Outback area (kangaroos, wallabys, dingoes, emus,
        koalas),
   The Great Barrier Reef,
   a "Shrimp on the Barbie" food kiosk,
   and my personal favorite: "Mad Max", the ride.

Sigh.

But then, over on the Disney Parks Blog,

First Look: Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Okay, so now I'm interested!

"As these concept renderings show, in the world of AVATAR guests will encounter awe-inspiring floating mountains and wander through a nighttime jungle of bio-luminescent plants that are alive with light and sound. 

Guests will also discover what it feels like to soar into the sky riding a Banshee."

Photos: Disney Parks Blog

Bring on Pandora!

G W T S

= Glow with the Show

These FABULOUS  Mickey Ears are finally coming to WDW!

AllEars News: glow_with_the_show:

Guests of the Walt Disney World Resort will light the night thanks to new Glow with the Show Ear hats that will magically change colors in sync with fireworks, shows and each other at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Fun interactive versions of the famous Mickey Ear hats will debut on Oct. 15 during the 15th anniversary of Fantasmic!, the nighttime spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

These magical Ear hats glow in myriad colors, commanded with the latest technology to complement the imagery and beat of the fireworks and spectaculars. When not activated by these experiences, more surprises are in store for participants as the magical ears glow with other ears and settings around the Vacation Kingdom.

“Technology allows the Ear hats to dance and play along with each musical and illuminated sequence. They truly bring the show’s environment out of the lagoon and the sky, and into the audience in an amazing and dazzling new way, making our guests truly Glow With the Show,” said Dara Trujillo, manager of merchandise marketing, communication, synergy and integration, Walt Disney World Resort.

And beginning Oct. 19, guests will be able to experience the Wishes fireworks extravaganza at Magic Kingdom with the new Glow with the Show Ear hats. And during the holiday season guests can don their hats and “glow” with Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and at Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season fireworks display and Celebrate the Magic, the nighttime projection show at Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom.

Each set of Glow with the Show Ear hats is available for $25 at select locations throughout the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The new Glow with the Show Ear hats made their debut at Disney California Adventure in 2012 at World of Color.

Photo: Disney

So There!

I just love this:

Happiest Place on Earth

Well, for most folks.

Food & Wine 2013

Did the Kiosk & menu list come out later this year?
Seems like it to me, but then I (ever hopeful) begin looking for it in June!

Alas, this year I have some dietary restrictions. No spicy stuff. No coffee. No wine. Bummer.

But.
Terra will have fresh watermelon juice and the Refreshment Port will have Orange Dole Whip.

So here's the rest of my list (yes, I learned many Food & Wines ago to make a list - and also to get the wristband card!):

Brazil: x

Argentina: grilled beef skewer

Australia: Pavolova (sounds good)

Mexico: Taco de ribeye (yesss!) & rice pudding

Singapore: Lemongrass Chicken Curry (maybe)

China: Chicken potstickers & Silky Spun Ice in 3 flavors
(new, sounds yummy)

South Korea: x

Africa: Spinach and Paneer Cheese Pocket

Cheese: x

Brewer's Collection: x

Germany: Schinken Nudel, Roast Bratwurst & Apple strudel

Poland: Zapiekanki

Italy: x

American Adventure Coffee Cart: x

Hops & Barley: x

Florida Local: Beef Slider

Japan: Green tea Colada (maybe)

Morocco: Baklava

New Zealand: x

Belgium: 2 Belgian waffles this year! Must try BOTH:
              1 with warm chocolate ganache
              1 with berry compote
The Chilled coffee with Godiva chocolate is off my list. Major Bummer. otherwise, definitely.

France: Braised short ribs, Creme Broulee

Ireland: warm chocolate pudding (maybe)

Canada: Cheddar cheese soup, Filet mignon

Greece: Griddled cheese, spanakopita

Refreshment port: pineapple fritters (sounds interesting), fried chicken chunks with pineapple sauce (maybe), orange dole whip

Desserts & Champagne: cherry pistachio mousse (sounds good)

Hawaii: pork slider (definitely)

Scotland (NEW): vegetarian haggis, Banoffee tart (maybe)

September 27th - November 11th

Let the Farce Be With Us!

It's almost time for Stars Wars Weekends!

Where: Disney's Hollywood Studios

  When: May 17- June 9  2013/ Fri-Sat-Sun

All Photos: WDW

Hyperion Wharf / Disney Springs

Remember the make-over of Pleasure Island that was supposed to be 'Hyperion Wharf'?

Well, it looks like that ain't a-gonna happen after all, which is no big surprise as nothing has been done or said about it in over a year.

Just heard on the local evening news that speculation and rumors abound about a new plan: 'Disney Springs'


The Downtown Disney area will become ‘Disney Springs,’ with 6 neighborhoods: The Gateway, The Town Center, The Springs, The Landing, The West Side and The Village Marketplace.

• The Gateway of “Disney Springs” - the main entrance hub with a 5-story parking garage.
• The Town Center - a retail area built on two existing parking lots.
• The Springs - a more natural, relaxing area next to  ...
• The Landings, which is a dining sector.
• The West Side and The Village Marketplace will remain the same (almost).

Here's more, including a conceptual map from Parkrumors.com: 
 

Major facelift for-planned Downtown-Disney      

 

Being a CM

What it's all about:

H/T:  Izismile

October 31st

On a stormy Halloween night in 1939, five people stepped aboard a Hollywood Tower Hotel elevator and into a nightmare.

So begins the ride spiel for the best ride at WDW.

... and on October 31, 1995

The first Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

takes place at Magic Kingdom Park.

 

So began the most fun event with the best parade held at the MK.