Disney News

Category: Attractions

  • 2018 Disney World Refurbishment Schedule

    2018 Disney World Refurbishment Schedule

    if you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World you may want to know what will be closed during your visit so you can plan accordingly.  Disney World Refurbishment is standard procedure to keep the rides safe and updated and the resorts looking fresh and new.

    refurbishment and temporary closures are subject to change without notice. Take a look below at the list of Walt Disney World closings and refurbishment taking place during 2018.

     

    Magic Kingdom

    • Cinderella’s Royal Table – February 28, 2018 to March 2, 2018
    • Liberty Square Riverboat – January 8, 2018 to TBD
    • Pirates of the Caribbean – February 26, 2018 to March 18, 2018
    • Splash Mountain – January 8, 2018 to February 1, 2018

    Epcot

    • The American Adventure – Early January to Early February 2018

    Animal Kingdom

    • Kali River Rapids – January 2, 2018 to February 10, 2018
    • Finding Nemo: The Musical – February 4, 2018 to February 25, 2018
    • Flights of Wonder – Closes Permanently January 1, 2018

    Water Parks

    • Blizzard Beach – October 29, 2017 to January 6, 2018
    • Typhoon Lagoon – January 7, 2018 to March 7, 2018

    Disney Springs

    • DisneyQuest – Now Permanently Closed
    • Portobello Country Italian Trattoria – Now Permanently Closed; New Concept Opening 2018
    • Wolfgang Puck Cafe – Now Permanently Closed
    • La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil – Permanently Closing December 31, 2017; New Concept Opening TBD

    Walt Disney World Monorail

    • Ongoing service until further notice could result in modified service and routes.

    Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

     

    Disney’s All–Star Movies Resort

    • The Duck Pond leisure pool will be under refurbishment – Jan. 2-Spring 2018.

    Disney’s All–Star Music Resort

    The Calypso Pool will be under refurbishment – Late February – Early March 2018.

    Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village

    • The Samawati Springs Pool will be undergoing refurbishment – Early January – Mid-January 2018.

    Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

    • The Big Blue Pool will be undergoing refurbishment – Mid-January 2018.
    • The Flippin’ Fins Pool will be undergoing refurbishment – Late January – Early February 2018.
    • Cozy Cone Pool will be undergoing refurbishment – Early February – Mid February 2018.
    • Disney Skyliner. There will also be construction of the new transportation system.
    • The resort is currently undergoing various other ongoing refurbishment projects.

    Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

    • The resort is currently undergoing various other ongoing refurbishment projects.

    Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

    • Ongoing: Old Port Royale Food Court, Shutters at Old Port Royale, Cabana Pool Bar and Calypso Trading Post will be closed.
    • Disney Skyliner. There will also be construction of the new transportation system.

    Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

    • Hard goods refurbishment will be taking place through Summer 2019.

    Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

    • Meadow Swimmin’ Pool will be undergoing refurbishment – Late January – Early February 2018.

    Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

    • The Grand Floridian Beach Pool & Pool Bar will be undergoing refurbishment – Jan. 2-Spring 2018.

    Disney’s Old Key West Resort

    • Room refurbishment will be taking place Aug. 1-June 28.

    Disney’s Pop Century Resort

    • Room refurbishment will be taking place Now through Summer 2018
    • Ongoing: The resort is currently undergoing refurbishment projects.
    • The Bowling Pool will be under refurbishment – Late February – May 2018.

    Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

    • Room refurbishment will be taking place Early January through late Spring 2018.

    Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

    • High Rock Springs Pool will be undergoing refurbishment – Mid-January – Late January 2018.
    • The Paddock Pool will be undergoing refurbishment – Late January – Mid-February 2018.

    Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

    • Copper Creek Springs Pool will be undergoing refurbishment – Mid February – Late February 2018.

    Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

    • The Convention Center will be undergoing expansion work Now through Winter 2018.

    Guests may see or hear construction, but should not be heard from guest rooms between dusk and 9:00 a.m. Alternate amenities, including dining, merchandise and recreation locations, will be available.

    Walt Disney World Permanent Closures

    Magic Kingdom Park

    • Wishes: Closed permanently in May 2017
    • Stitch’s Great Escape – Closes Permanently in January 2018

    Epcot

    • Ellen’s Energy Adventure: Closed permanently Aug. 13, 2017

    Disney’s Hollywood Studios

    • The Great Movie Ride: Closed permanently Aug. 13, 2017

    Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

    • Flights of Wonder: Closed permanently Dec. 31, 2017

    Disney Springs

    • DisneyQuest: Closed permanently July 3, 2017
    • Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe: Closed permanently Aug. 3, 2017
    • La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil: Closed permanently Jan. 1, 2018
  • Guest Removed From Hall of Presidents Show After Chanting “Lock Him Up!”

    Guest Removed From Hall of Presidents Show After Chanting “Lock Him Up!”

    A revised Hall of Presidents at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom just reopened less than two weeks ago and as expected it has been met with mixed reactions. Wednesday, a guest identified as Jay Malsky filmed himself yelling “Lock him up” throughout the Trump’s speech at the Disney World Hall of Presidents.

    The outburst directed at Trump was caught on video Tuesday and has social media buzzing.

    In the video above a robotic representation of Donald Trump was set to give a speech on stage in front of 44 other animatronic presidential audio figures. All of the presidents are introduced before Donald Trump begins to speak. He can barely even get his name out before Malsky starts chanting “Lock him up!” repeatedly without pause. The disruption obviously frustrated the other guest trying to enjoy the attraction.

    Many guests try shushing him while others start yelling back at him. The cast member inside the attraction got on the loudspeaker to remind everyone to “please stay seated throughout the duration of the show”. The best part is when one guest can be heard yelling, “He’s not real!”

    It continues for close to a minute before Malsky is escorted out of the building.

    Malsky also tweeted his own outburst:

    Though it was rare, it should be noted that similar outbursts also occurred when President Obama headed the stage.

    Since the attraction opened Disney’s security and Orange County Sheriff’s officers have been stationed at the attraction and it looks like this would be the reason why.

    Trumps addition to the attraction has been the center of controversy since his inauguration with petitions circulating and calls for Disney boycotts. Like it or not, it’s called the Hall of Presidents and he is there to stay. People have a right to protest, but this clearly isn’t the place to do it. Regardless of your opinion on it, an attraction in the middle of the Magic Kingdom isn’t the place for politics and you could always just skip that attraction.

    The Hall of Presidents carries a legacy and passion for American history that has been part of Disney Parks for more than 50 years. It’s meant to honor more than 200 years of the American story. The epic theatrical production was envisioned by Walt Disney himself to honor the country by honoring the presidents of the United States.

  • BREAKING VIDEO: Trump Has Speaking Role in Hall of Presidents Debut

    BREAKING VIDEO: Trump Has Speaking Role in Hall of Presidents Debut

    After months of speculation Donald Trump finally makes his presidential debut in the Hall of Presidents.  He is standing front and slightly off-center on the stage next to a seated Abraham Lincoln and his animatronic figure indeed has a speaking role.

    “Above all, to be American is to be an optimist, to believe that we can always do better, and that the best days of our great nation are still ahead of us,” the Trump figure says. Check out the video at the bottom to see and hear the new addition for yourself.

    The first part of his speech was a re-recording of the presidential oath of office. Then, with hands moving he spoke about the spirit of the American people and the U.S. Constitution.

    Trump’s speech concludes, “It’s a privilege to serve as the President of the United States, to stand here among so many great leaders of our past, and to work on behalf of the American people.”

    The hall has been closed since mid-January, two months after Trump won the presidential election. Following a year-long transformation, The Hall of Presidents will officially reopen at Magic Kingdom Park on Tuesday, December 19, with enhancements that will bring the story of the American presidency to life as never before. The epic theatrical production was envisioned by Walt Disney himself to honor the country by honoring the presidents of the United States.

    This endeavor began with a single animated figure of President Abraham Lincoln that was developed for the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair. In 1971, advances in technology made it possible for Imagineers to make Walt Disney’s vision a reality by including every chief executive who ever served the United States of America.

    Get a first look here with the video below.

    The history of innovation at The Hall of Presidents continues to this day. In addition to updating the show’s content, Imagineers have incorporated the latest in theatrical design and Audio-Animatronics technology. Landmark moments in history come alive on a panoramic 180-degree screen that transports guests across more than 200 years of the American story. High-impact projection, sound, lighting and other enhancements take guests into rare and indelible moments in history that helped define a nation.

    As has been the tradition with every new president since the attraction debuted, an Audio-Animatronics figure of President Donald J. Trump has been added to the show and features the latest advances in technology that enable smoother and more lifelike movements. President Trump personally recorded remarks exclusively for The Hall of Presidents, just as each sitting president has done for the attraction since the early 1990s.

  • New Cirque du Soleil Show Coming to Disney Springs

    New Cirque du Soleil Show Coming to Disney Springs

    If you haven’t gotten a chance to see “La Nouba” by Cirque du Soleil at Disney Springs then now is the time before it’s gone for good. After 19 years and over 8,500 performances, the show will come to a close at the end of this year.

    “La Nouba” by Cirque du Soleil would be taking its final bow at Disney Springs on New Year’s Eve 2017. As the curtain closes on this fan favorite, it’s fitting that we share some exciting news about the future of the long-lasting relationship between Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. After nearly twenty years of teaming up to bring “La Nouba” to the stage, the two entertainment companies are working together on a new collaboration.

    This original show will be created by Cirque du Soleil and will pay homage to Disney’s rich history of animation, with a vivid story told in a way that only Cirque du Soleil can deliver. Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, elaborated, sharing “We are incredibly inspired by Disney’s immense creative universe. We are convinced that bringing Disney’s magic to life on stage will touch audiences and bring them back to their childhood.”

    An opening date for the new show has not been announced.

  • First Look: Disney Parks’ Millennium Falcon Ride

    First Look: Disney Parks’ Millennium Falcon Ride

    And there it is… She’s the fastest ship in the fleet! You know, the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs! Disney took to their twitter feed today to give small glimpse of the inside of the Millennium Falcon flight simulator ride coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

    Construction on both lands at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort are well under way, but we are still a good two years away from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opening.

    Going by the tweet we should learn more this Saturday at Star Wars: Galactic Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Until then take a look at this fly-through video of a model of the new land.

  • Tickets Are Now On Sale for Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire Immersive Hyper-Reality Experience

    Tickets Are Now On Sale for Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire Immersive Hyper-Reality Experience

    Tickets are now available for a new hyper-reality experience, Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire by ILMxLAB and The VOID, an offering that will debut at Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort December 16, and at Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort, January 5, 2018.

    Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire will transport guests deep into the Star Wars universe, walking freely and untethered throughout the multisensory experience with friends and family. In groups of four, teams will go undercover as stormtroopers to capture Imperial intelligence vital to the budding rebellion’s survival.

    Free Poster with Star Wars: The Last Jedi Tickets
    “We are so excited about this magical collaboration between three boundary-pushing companies in the burgeoning out-of-home VR entertainment sector,” says Curtis Hickman, co-founder and chief creative officer at The VOID. “We can’t wait to share the experience of hyper-reality with everyone.”

    Guests can experience the excitement of hyper-reality today with this first look at Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire below.

    “People have longed for a chance to step into the Star Wars universe and this incredible new hyper-reality experience will allow them to do just that in a totally unique way,” notes Vicki Dobbs Beck, executive in charge, ILMxLAB. “It’s a group experience that evokes the senses in bold new ways.

    About The VOID
    By combining physical sets with real-time interactive effects, The VOID allows guests to step beyond reality, engaging all senses in new and unimaginable hyper-realistic worlds. In July 2016, The VOID opened its first public experience at Madame Tussauds New York. In 2017, The VOID expanded with locations at The Rec Room in Toronto, The Beach in Dubai, and at the company’s headquarters in the greater Salt Lake City area. The VOID was also chosen to participate in the acclaimed Disney Accelerator program during the summer of 2017.

    For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.thevoid.com.

    About ILMxLAB
    Founded in 2015, ILMxLAB, Lucasfilm’s Immersive Entertainment division, combines compelling storytelling, technological innovation and world-class production to create truly impactful, immersive entertainment experiences. ILMxLAB develops experiences for virtual reality, augmented/mixed reality, real-time cinema, theme park entertainment and narrative-based experiences for future platforms.

  • Star Wars: Galactic Nights Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios December 16

    Star Wars: Galactic Nights Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios December 16

    There are holidays, and then there are “Star Wars” holidays. An upcoming special event at Walt Disney World is designed to add cheer and share insights about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the land under construction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. The one-day event — dubbed Star Wars: Galactic…

    The special event, Star Wars: Galactic Nights, which sold out last April, will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on December 16.

    Held after park hours from 7 p.m.-midnight, the event will be filled with out-of-this-world entertainment that celebrates the entire Star Wars saga.

    Among many thrills in store, guests can expect to enjoy Star Wars entertainment, special photo opportunities, event-exclusive merchandise and F&B, character greetings, a look at the ongoing Star Wars expansion coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and much more.

    Here’s a look at other event offerings:

    • Star Wars Entertainment – Both Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks and the Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show will be enhanced with special saga elements.
    • Sneak Peeks at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – The Epic Theater will play host to a special one-night-only panel discussion about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the 14-acre Star Wars expansion that’s set to open in 2019 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
    • Special Photo Ops – Throughout the park, guests can step into immersive and iconic scenes from their favorite Star Wars films in a series of incredibly detailed photo locations, including new backdrops inspired by Star Wars Rebels and more.
    • Character Encounters – Be on the lookout for Star Wars characters like Ewoks, AWR Troopers and roaming droids; Jedi Knights teaching younglings in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple; rocketing to the stars aboard Star Tours – The Adventures Continue; and more.
    • Exclusive F&B and Merchandise – Even more specialty Star Wars-themed food and beverage and merchandise will be available.
    • Enjoy park attractions – Select attractions will be open to all guests. At embarkation points to Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, guests may come face-to-face with Stormtroopers on the lookout for a Rebel spy.

    Star Wars: Galactic Nights access and activities will be exclusive to event ticket holders. Last spring’s event sold out, so booking early is strongly suggested. Tickets are priced at $129 adults, $124 ages 3-9.

    Tickets are now on sale at Disneyworld.com/GalacticNights

  • AERIAL PHOTOS: Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios – Construction Update

    AERIAL PHOTOS: Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios – Construction Update

    They’re not playing around on construction as progress on Toy Story Land is really starting to take shape at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Most of the construction can’t be seen by guests, so aerial pics really give some perspective on what progress is being made on the transformation of the former “Hollywood East” park.

    This the most recent look, Cowgirl Jessie and dinosaur Rex were put in place by crane this month and Slinky Dog was recently trucked in too as the 10-acre attraction continues to take shape ahead of its summer 2018 opening.

    These new aerial photos of the Toy Story Land construction site come courtesy of Don Gworek (@bioreconstruct on Twitter) and show progress on the expansion to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

    Unlike the Toy Story Lands found in Paris and Hong Kong, the Orlando version will have a roller coaster themed to Slinky Dog instead of a simple carnival-style ride. The Slinky Dog Dash family coaster looks to be of a similar thrill level as Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Magic Kingdom, but with multiple launches instead of a traditional lift hill. The bright red track is nearly finished on the new coaster that will be the central feature in the new land. A large wall is being built behind the coaster that will block views of a castmember parking garage.

    Along with the two new rides, the Toy Story Land will feature a new entrance for Toy Story Mania through what is currently the back of the building. New retail, dining and entertainment is also expected in the land.

  • RUMOR: Donald Trump’s Hall of Presidents Debut at Disney World to be Before Christmas

    RUMOR: Donald Trump’s Hall of Presidents Debut at Disney World to be Before Christmas

    Reports at Disney World have surfaced stating that Donald Trump’s expected debut in he newly refurbished Hall of Presidents may happen before Christmas. The Hall of Presidents was set to reopen on June 29, but has remained closed since January 17.

    In past years, the Disney theme park attraction would close for a short period of time to include the newest president. However, Trump’s inclusion has taken much longer than expected, especially as he was elected over a year ago.

    The Hall of Presidents is expected to open by Christmas of this year according to WDWMagic sources . We should point out that relying on unnamed sources surrounding this particular attraction has been in the fake news category in the past, but if you consider that back in June, Disney did say in a tweet that the attraction would open by “late 2017,” then this date does make a lot of sense.

    Perhaps the biggest controversy surrounding the attraction came from a report from Vice, which, cited an anonymous source at Disney who stated that there was an internal struggle amongst Imagineers on whether or not to completely retool the attraction so that the 45th president wouldn’t have a speaking role.

    Only time will tell if these current reports prove true or if Disney plans to keep it on the back burned a little longer.

    Below is a look at the most recent version of the attraction before it closed in it’s entirety.

  • 15 Freebies from Disney Parks

    15 Freebies from Disney Parks

    Who doesn’t want FREE stuff!? Disney World vacations aren’t cheap experience that’s for sure. When you factor in travel, hotels, tickets, etc., the cost of a family visiting Disney World it can add up quick. However, while there are many costs associated with a trip to visit Mickey, there are many things at Disney World that can be done for free. That’s right…FREEBIES from Disney Parks!

    There are numerous free items and experiences offered at Disney World – you just have to know where to look and who to ask. Out of various freebies available at Disney World, here are what we feel are the 15 most amazing ones!

    15 –  MagicBands

    Magic Bands
    We’ve been to Disney World time and time again, and have never once had the need to purchase a MagicBand. Save on the MagicBand expense by receiving complementary MagicBands as Disney Resort guests or as Annual Passholders. Plus, use the same MagicBand visit after visit!

    14 – FastPasses

    fast pass magic band
    The FastPass+ system at Disney World is one of our favorite freebies! Saving us SO much time, we try to take full advantage of the three initial FastPasses available to each guest, followed by additional FastPasses after that.

    13 – Free App and Wi-Fi

    MyDisneyExperience

    Disney’s MyDisneyExperience App is completely free and incredibly helpful when visiting the parks. Maps, dining reservations, FastPasses – all managed right from your phone. Plus, the free Disney World Wi-Fi makes saving data a breeze.

    12 – Free Vacation Planning

    Fairy Godmother
    You can either request a Vacation Planning video directly from Disney, or better yet, have someone plan the vacation for you (with your specific requests of course)! This opportunity seems too good to be true, just like having a Fairy Godmother, but it’s not. Contact travel time with Vikki for your free quote today.

    11 – Transportation

    Disney Transportation
    For Disney World Resort guests and for park guests, Disney’s transportation is a freebie essential! Park hoping is made easy with the bus system. Or maybe you want to catch the monorail from Magic Kingdom to dine at a resort restaurant. Wherever your plans take you on Disney property, chances are there is an easy way to get there for free.

    10 – Celebration Buttons

    Celebration Buttons
    You’ll see them throughout Disney World parks as people wear the bright buttons to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, first visits, and more! We still have people ask us how much they cost. They are FREE – just ask a Cast Member where you can snag one (usually Guest Services or a merchandise shop).

    9 – Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

    Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
    This is a fun activity for young and old alike! Disney provides each guests 5 free Sorcerer cards per admittance. Trek your way around Disney’s Magic Kingdom, defeating the evil Villains that are trying to take over! Each visit equals 5 new cards.

    8 – Soda Tasting

    Club Cool
    Check out Club Cool while visiting Disney’s Epcot. It’s the perfect place for a middle of the day refreshment – for free. Little sample cups are available to park guests. Taste all the different Coke products from around the world!

    7 – Jedi Training Academy

    Storm Trooper
    We absolutely love that Disney World has included Jedi Training in park admission to Hollywood Studios. Your young Jedi (4 to 12-years-old) can fight against Darth Vader or Seventh Sister after some Jedi training practice.

    6 – Scavenger Hunts

    Remy Scavenger Hunt
    Disney World knows how to keep us (and kids) entertained. Check out Kidcot at Epcot where children can color a Duffy souvenir and have it stamped at each of the 11 countries. Animal Kingdom’s Wilderness Explorers is another fun scavenger hunt throughout the park as you collect “badges” (stickers) in your Wilderness Explorer booklet.

    5 – Pin Trading

    Pin Trading
    Purchase a few Disney trading pins online before arriving at Disney World to save some money, then begin trading at Disney for free! Anytime you see a Cast Member with a pin, they are happy to trade. It doesn’t matter what pins you trade for what. Before you know it, you’ll have so super awesome pins.

    4 – Pirate Contract

    Pirates of the Caribbean
    Located just outside of Disney’s Magic Kingdom’s Pirates of the Caribbean, you may time it right to watch Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial. This fun stage show is great for all ages. Watch out as Cpt. Jack recruits your young ones to join his scurvy crew as he provides them with a rolled scroll stating they are now one of his!

    3 – Pixie Dust

    Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
    Visit one of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations at either Magic Kingdom or Disney Springs. Ask one of the Fairy Godmothers in Training if they will sprinkle you with pixie dust and they will for no cost! You can also get some sparkly dust from the Barber Shop on Main Street USA.

    2 – Driver’s License

    Sci Fi Dine In
    Dine at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and have your young one sit in the driver’s seat location in your vehicle. A Cast Member may just provide him or her with a Sci-Fi Driver’s License! Transportation Cards are also available from bus driving Cast Members. We’ve caught on that these Transportation Cards aren’t available as often as they used to be.

    1 – Sundry Items

    Disney Soap
    When staying at a Disney World Resort you’ll spot Disney’s shampoo, condition, soap, and shower gel available for purchase in the gift shop. Folks love it so much they purchase the full bottles. But, keep in mind that you can get free sundry items like this from Mousekeeping. Save your money and ask for a couple of extra bottles in your room for free!