Category: Refurbishments

  • Snow White’s Scary Adventures to Get New Ending During Major Refurbishment at Disneyland

    Snow White’s Scary Adventures to Get New Ending During Major Refurbishment at Disneyland

    In 2020, Snow White’s Scary Adventures, an opening day attraction, will celebrate 65 years at Disneyland and Disney has announced that the attraction will be undergoing a major refurbishment and getting a new ending.

    This classic Fantasyland attraction, Disneyland park’s only ride-through princess attraction, will be updated with new magic inside and out in 2020. Walt Disney Imagineering is reimagining how the classic tale of Snow White lives happily ever after, and guests will be invited to follow along with her story.

    In addition to experiencing familiar elements of the attraction you know and love, you’ll discover enhanced story details and all-new scenes. For example, a new vignette will show Snow White in a beautiful forest setting waking up from her deep sleep as you can see in the concept art below:

    Also, the attraction will conclude when Snow White is reunited with her animal friends and a shimmering castle is seen in the distance. The ride currently ends with a bolt of lightning sending the wicked witch tumbling to her death from a mountaintop with a terrifying scream.

    Imagineers are implementing state-of-the-art audio and visual technology throughout the attraction, including new music, LED black lighting, laser projections and a new animation system. The exterior of the attraction will be completely refreshed with new, fairy tale-inspired details to complement the nearby charming Sleeping Beauty Castle.

    This isn’t the first time the attraction has undergone a significant refurbishment. In 1983, as a whole new version of Fantasyland was unveiled, Snow White’s Adventures reopened with new technology and a brand-new facade, along with the new name.

  • New “Beauty and the Beast”-Inspired Lounge Coming to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

    New “Beauty and the Beast”-Inspired Lounge Coming to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

    Tie your napkin around your neck, because Disney is bringing a new “Beauty and the Beast”-inspired lounge to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa this fall as we have previously reported and now we have a name.

    Located on the second floor of the lobby, this re-imagined lounge will be called Enchanted Rose and will celebrate the magic and romance of Disney’s popular live-action movie. 

    Formerly Mizner’s Lounge and Commander Porter’s, the new lounge will feature four unique spaces inspired by Belle and the Beast. The signature bar will glow from the light of a magnificent gold chandelier that takes its inspiration from Belle’s flowing ball gown, with subtle nods to the Beast’s magical rose. The formal library showcases classical baroque designs and French furnishings inspired by Belle, with hints of the Beast’s friends. The garden room will be a whimsical space that draws its inspiration from the enchanted forest surrounding Beast’s castle. And an outdoor patio will evoke the romance of Beast’s garden terrace.

    It’s the latest new Disney magic coming to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. In February, we announced a new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique location will open this summer at the beloved and picturesque resort hotel located on the banks of the Seven Seas Lagoon.

    With charm and elegance to be found around every turn, this quaint bar and lounge will be the place where you can put our service to the test and share a tale as old as time.

  • Pirates of the Caribbean Returns to Disneyland with New Magic

    Pirates of the Caribbean Returns to Disneyland with New Magic

    Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland has been under refurbishment since mid April and the newly revamped ride will finally be back up and running beginning Friday June 8.

    As we previously shared, guests now sailing will be introduced to a new scene, that’s familiar to those who have visited Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris, which features a pirate auctioneer overseeing a sale of the townspeople’s most prized possessions and goods. The familiar redhead figure, known as Redd, has also switched sides to become a pirate who’s just pillaged the town’s rum supply.

    Red Head Pirates of the Caribbean

    The redhead has been part of the auction scene in the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction since it first opened, but last year Disney announced that it would be reimagining that section of the ride. The attraction has already opened in Disney World with its new scene, but Disneyland guests are anxiously awaiting the reopening of the classic attraction.

    Timed to coincide with the re-opening of the attraction, now you will actually be able to meet the redhead who has now turned pirate. Beginning Friday, June 8, the brassy buccaneer known as Redd will be arriving at Disneyland and you can meet her in person in New Orleans Square.

    Redd_Pirates_of_the_caribbean

    In the video below you can see another new bit of magic developed by Disney’s team of Imagineers. Kim Irvine, Art Director for Walt Disney Imagineering, gives a peek at what’s new inside Pirates of the Caribbean!

    As Kim mentions, another fun element has been added, which fans from the attraction’s early days may recognize—but you’ll have to experience it for yourself and listen closely to find out!

  • New Menu Options Available at Restaurants in Epcot

    New Menu Options Available at Restaurants in Epcot

    The International Flower & Garden Festival at Epcot is known for its beautiful floral aromas, but another thing Disney Parks are known for are the sweet smell of the delicious food, especially when its new food. Well some new menu items are being cooked up at Electric Umbrella, Refreshment Port, Liberty Inn and more and were going to dish out all the delicious details.

    New Food in Epcot

    We start with Sunshine Seasons in The Land. Here they’ve got a couple new breakfast options that will be sure to kick-start your day in the park. The first is a Breakfast Croissant Sandwich – eggs, bacon, and Colby Jack on a flaky croissant and served with a side of breakfast potatoes. The second is a fantastic Breakfast Broccoli and Egg-White Soufflé served with a multigrain croissant and fresh fruit. And if you plan to return to Sunshine Seasons later in the day, there are a couple new items on the lunch and dinner menus as well – like the Rotisserie Turkey Breast Club Sandwich that comes with roasted turkey breast, bacon jam, and avocado spread served on fresh ciabatta bread. There’s also the Tuna Poke Salad – a noodle and wakame seaweed salad topped with tuna poke, spicy mayonnaise and sweet soy. And then there’s my personal favorite – the BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich with coleslaw and garnished with a fresh, crisp pickle!

    New Food in Epcot New Food in Epcot

    Another good option for lunch would be Electric Umbrella, where a Mojo Pulled Pork Burger, a Brisket Sandwich, and a Vegetable Quinoa Salad have been added to the menu. The Mojo Pulled Pork Burger comes with cilantro and lime aïoli; and the Brisket sandwich comes with a delicious beer cheese sauce. And for a vegetarian option, the Veggie Quinoa Salad consists of quinoa, riced cauliflower, pickled carrots, cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes, edamame, and agave-lime dressing.

    New Food in Epcot

    Now at Refreshment Port near Canada, a special poutine has been tempting the taste buds of guests. Here you’ll find two new poutine offerings: Traditional Poutine consisting of french fries topped with beef gravy and cheese curds and Signature Poutine consisting of french fries topped with Canadian cheddar-bacon sauce and cheese curds. And you can still get that deliciously sweet Croissant Doughnut with cinnamon sugar and the option to top it with vanilla, chocolate, or swirl soft-serve ice cream. For the adults out there, you might want to try the specialty Bloody Mary!

    New Food in Epcot

    New Food in Epcot New Food in Epcot

    Traveling around to the back of World Showcase, the next stop is at Liberty Inn in the American Adventure. New to the menu are Fried Shrimp and a Fried Chicken Sandwich with lettuce, pimento cheese, and smoked bacon. On the lighter side, you can try the new Cobb Salad with warm chicken, green apples, avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers, hard-boiled eggs, blue cheese, and bacon, topped with a sherry vinaigrette. And for dessert, we welcome two new desserts with open mouths: an Apple Pie Cheesecake and a Marshmallow Cookie Crunch Cupcake!

    New Food in Epcot

    Finally, in Norway, where the Midnattssol Bakeri is now open for business! Here you’ll find your favorite Norwegian snacks such as the popular School Bread, Lefse, Anna’s Birthday Cake, and Chocolate Pretzels. On the savory side, the Norwegian Club Sandwich and the Viking Dog can also be found at this new bakery location. The Norwegian Club Sandwich consists of ham, turkey, bacon, Jarlsberg, and Muenster with fresh tomatoes, sliced red onion, and lingonberry mayonnaise on toasted multigrain bread. The Viking Dog is an all-beef hot dog served with pulled pork, purple cabbage, spicy mayonnaise, bacon, and fried onions.

    No matter where you go, your day at Epcot will be deliciously delightful with these new eats throughout the park. Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival through May 28.

  • Reimagined Redhead Returns to Pirates of the Caribbean at Disney World with New Auction Scene

    Reimagined Redhead Returns to Pirates of the Caribbean at Disney World with New Auction Scene

    Pirates of the Caribbean reopened Monday in the Magic Kingdom Park with a new role for the storied Redhead who was once up for auction on the attraction.

    So if you ‘wants the redhead’, don’t worry she hasn’t gone anywhere. The famed Redhead now has a new look and a new attitude. She is also sporting a rifle and clearly isn’t taking any guff from any scurvy pirates.

    Red Head Pirates of the Caribbean

    The pirate auctioneer now oversees a sale of the townspeople’s most prized possessions and goods. In this scene, the familiar redhead figure has switched sides to become a pirate named Redd, who’s just pillaged the town’s rum supply and has something to say about it.

    “Aw, quit your cluckin’,” Redd says. “The gentlemen wants the rum, dontcha, boys?” she calls to pirates on the opposite side of the ride’s waterway. The pirates shouting back, “We wants the rum! We wants the rum!”

    The scene originally depicted a group of women bound to an auction block, with a banner reading “Auction: Take a wench for a bride” hanging above their heads. A group of nearby pirates could also be heard requesting the redheaded “wench,” who was the most prominently displayed woman on the block.

    The storyline change for the attraction’s was announced by Disney last summer and put into place during the recent refurbishment.

    “Just as Walt Disney embraced and encouraged Disney Parks to ‘keep moving forward’ since the opening of Disneyland Park in 1955”, Disney said about the new changes.

    This isn’t the first time Disney has modified its “Pirates” rides to become more family-friendly. In 1997, Disney redesigned a scene in which pirates were chasing women, and changed it so the pirates looked to be chasing the women for the trays of food they carried. They have also augmented scenes with Jack Sparrow from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” film franchise.

    Pirates of the Caribbean Johnny Deep

    The auction scene in the attraction at Disneyland Paris received a similar revision last year. Disneyland park will also receive similar updates to its Pirates of the Caribbean attraction later this spring, with work beginning April 23.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Main Street, U.S.A. Refurbishment Progress Shows New Brickwork at Disneyland

    Main Street, U.S.A. Refurbishment Progress Shows New Brickwork at Disneyland

    As we recently reported Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park is currently undergoing a refurbishment and the progress they are making looks quite beautiful. And while the Disneyland Horses are currently on a vacation we are getting a first look at some of the beautiful new brickwork.

    Main-Street-USA-at-Disneyland-624x417

    While the horse-drawn streetcar track is replaced in its entirety for the first time. This complete replacement has also incorporated new brickwork along the length of this iconic thoroughfare, and today now we have a first look at this gorgeous enhancement as the sections around Town Square and Central Plaza (also known as the Hub) have been revealed!

    Cinderella-Castle-in-Disneyland-624x417

    The pieces of original track remaining prior to this refurbishment are being salvaged and preserved, and the previously updated pieces of track are being recycled.  One thing is for sure, Donald obviously thinks it’s great!

     

  • Epcot’s American Adventure Attraction Will Add New American Icons

    Epcot’s American Adventure Attraction Will Add New American Icons

    There is so much to see and do around the World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot, and The American Adventure attraction is a guest favorite.  The attraction is currently getting some major upgrades.

    This marvel of engineering has been there since day one and brings together a moving stage, 35 Audio-Animatronics figures and a giant screen that together shares the story of the United States of America.

    Right now, the team at Epcot is busy converting the attraction to an all-digital projection system, and installing a new screen and new speakers so the show will look and sound better than ever before when it reopens later this month.

    In addition to the update from film to digital, the show’s finale will return with some notable faces from America’s recent history. Newly-added American icons include individuals such as music composer John Williams, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and noted ballerina Misty Copeland.

    And that’s not all: the iconic anthem “Golden Dream” has been re-recorded with all-new orchestration that brings the beloved music and lyrics to life in a way that will resonate more than ever. If you’re like me, you’re already humming along – ‘America, spread your golden wings!’

    Which scene in The American Adventure are you most excited to see when it returns?

  • “It’s A Small World” Getting A Makeover at Disneyland

    “It’s A Small World” Getting A Makeover at Disneyland

    The holidays are over and Disneyland’s “it’s a small world” is about to start transitioning from the Holiday version back to the classic version, but the work doesn’t stop there.

    Work will continue in the promenade in front of the attraction. The queue location is being moved – along with other enhancements, including a new parade route entrance and stroller area – allowing guests to travel through “it’s a small world” Mall with greater ease.

    “it’s a small world” Mall is a popular area of Disneyland park. In addition to accessing “it’s a small world,” guests use the promenade in front of the attraction to get to Mickey’s Toontown and Fantasyland Theatre, among other offerings. The slightly adjusted parade route will make room for the attraction’s new queue, creating more space in the area.

    “it’s a small world” Holiday will close on Jan. 22 and “it’s a small world” will reopen on Feb. 2. The aforementioned changes are expected to complete in spring, when “Pixar Play Parade” will step off the new parade route entrance during Pixar Fest, beginning April 13.

  • Dumbo and Main Street Vehicles Close for Refurbishment

    Dumbo and Main Street Vehicles Close for Refurbishment

    A temporary closure for two of Disneyland original attractions start Monday as they undergo refurbishment. Dumbo the Flying Elephant and the horse-drawn streetcar track on Main Street, U.S.A. are both getting an update.

    The horse-drawn streetcar track on Main Street, U.S.A., will be replaced in its entirety.  This will temporarily pause the operation of all Main Street, U.S.A. vehicles.

    While sections of the Main Street, U.S.A., track have been replaced before, this the first complete replacement. The modifications will incorporate new brickwork that will enhance the look of the iconic thoroughfare. The pieces of original track that remain today will be salvaged and preserved, and the previously updated pieces of track will be recycled.

    Also, Dumbo the Flying Elephant is receiving a new queue location.  Were not talking New Fantasyland queues here, but it will increase guest comfort and accessibility.

    The attraction  will close temporarily to move the location of its queue and erect a new shade structure. The attraction will also be up to its “ears” in fresh paint!

    Refurbishment is a common practice that Disney performs periodically to keep their attractions fresh and up to date. Main Street, U.S.A., vehicles and Dumbo the Flying Elephant will reopen in late winter and early spring, respectively.

  • 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