Disney News

Tag: 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.

  • Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Reopens After Refurbishment

    Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Reopens After Refurbishment

    As we previously reported, Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland closed for refurbishment in preparation for the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and now it’s re-opened and more beautiful than ever!

    The beloved icon now features vibrant new colors, a new roof and charming and subtle pixie dust, among other enhancements. Over the years, the colors and finishes on Sleeping Beauty Castle have been refreshed and updated since Disney Legend and Imagineering Artist Herb Ryman first created the concept illustration of the castle in the 1950s.

    “What’s interesting about this time is that we used an ages-old painting technique called atmospheric perspective to visually heighten the castle,” said Kim Irvine, art director at Walt Disney Imagineering. “We warmed the pink hues on the lower towers and gradually added blue to lighten the colors toward the top.”

    The same technique was used for the new roof, now with gorgeous cobalt hues. Each of the 18 original turrets was digitally scanned to create the same roofline, and pixie dust was sprinkled on the center roof.

    “We focused the golden accents and pixie dust around the entrance to the castle, as though it has been magically enchanted,” said Irvine. Colorful banners, pennants and landscaping also were included, and the Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough received new paint and lighting.

    To celebrate the reopening, the Disneyland Resort made a donation to Ryman Arts, a charity founded in Herb Ryman’s memory, and planted a dwarf fir tree in his honor. The “Ryman Tree” recalls a Christmas tree that belonged to Herb Ryman the last year of his life that was once planted near the castle after his passing.

  • Disney’s Aulani Resort Guests Receive $50 Per Night Credit During Pool Refurbishment

    Disney’s Aulani Resort Guests Receive $50 Per Night Credit During Pool Refurbishment

    Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii boasts an impressive number of pools and water features and a certain level of maintenance is required to keep the amenities and offerings updated and in line with Disney standards. Guests traveling there this year should be aware of some temporary closures and a special “Pardon Our Pixie Dust Offer” that Disney is giving guests.

    The Waikolohe Pool and Stream, as well as several other features in the Waikolohe Valley at Aulani, will be undergoing necessary maintenance in 2019.

    Guests staying from August 19 to December 17, 2019 will receive a resort credit of $50 per night for every night of their stay. The credit can be used toward any offering at Aulani Resort including dining, merchandise, a visit to Laniwai Spa, an island excursion, and more. Take a look at the specific closures below:

    Here’s the schedule for closures:

    August 19 to October 11, 2019
    Closed:
    Waikolohe Stream
    Tubestone Curl Waterslide
    Menehune Bridge
    Waikolohe Stream Whirlpool Spa

    October 14 to December 17, 2019
    Closed:
    Waikolohe Pool
    Volcanic Vertical Waterslide
    Aulani Pool Parties
    Rainbow Reef
    Waikolohe Pool Whirlpool Spa
    Both ‘Alohi Point Whirlpool Spas

    There are also plenty of other water activities that will be staying open during the updates, including these:

    • Aulani Resort Beach at Ko Olina Lagoon— white-sand beach featuring an abundance of fun-in-the sun activities
    • Ka Maka Grotto— the infinity pool with sweeping ocean views
    • Ka Maka Grotto Whirlpool Spa
    • Keiki Cove Splash Zone— the kids’ delightful interactive splash zone
    • Wailana Pool— will include Guests of all ages during pool refurbishment

    Make sure to contact Kimberly at Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Kimberly for an Aulani vacation quote!

  • 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?

  • Disneyland Horses Kick Up Their Hooves During Main Street, U.S.A. Enhancements

    Disneyland Horses Kick Up Their Hooves During Main Street, U.S.A. Enhancements

    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, giving the Disneyland horses a little break.

    They will be “on vacation” while enhancements are made on Main Street, U.S.A. Can’t you just picture these equine beauties living it up poolside, wearing sunglasses and floppy hats, cooling their hooves in a wading pool and sipping refreshing beverages from very long straws.

    Turns out, a vacation for a horse is very different than a vacation for people. Take a look at this Disney Parks video to see exactly how they are spending their vacation.

    In the absence of regular shifts on Main Street, U.S.A., these four-legged cast members are following their usual routines in order to keep fit—both physically and mentally. Each horse has a schedule for grooming, bathing, driving, riding and ground work. However, they do have more time for play, which is an important part of being a horse. Horses, after all, are herd animals and it’s important for their well-being that they have time to be together.

    One way in which this is accomplished is through “turn-outs,” which is the horsey term for “playdates.” The horses are turned out in an enclosed arena, in groups of three or four, and they run together, kick up their heels and just move as a herd. Inevitably, each horse will find that perfect spot of ground on which to roll over and stretch their back and legs. Total relaxation, equine style. Maybe our vacations aren’t so different after all.

    Disneyland’s refurbished Main Street U.S.A. is expected to reopen in late winter.

  • 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