Category Archives: Attractions

Rock out in Splitsville at Downtown Disney

Splitsville 23 Exterior Rendering F 640x365 300x171 Rock out in Splitsville at Downtown Disney %tag

Details are beginning to emerge about the look and feel of the new Splitsville location that is coming this fall to Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort.

This new Splitsville is going to be their first two-level venue and, at 50,000 square feet, will be the largest one in the country – in fact, almost twice the size of any of the other four locations. And it’s going to feature 30 bowling lanes, again nearly twice as many as at any other Splitsville.

This Splitsville will also have a balcony with outdoor seating, as well as billiard tables and live entertainment, making it an ideal place for some family fun outside of the theme parks. Like other Splitsvilles, this one will serve upscale food and beverages, including sushi, amid a stylish interior that features both hip and retro décor elements.

Construction is already well underway at its location in the heart of Downtown Disney near the AMC Downtown Disney 24. Expect a grand opening sometime this fall to mark the arrival of the newest entertainment option among the stream of fresh and fun family experiences that have been added lately to Downtown Disney.

In the meantime, here’s the newest rendering of the location’s exterior and a video that will give you a feel for what it’ll be like inside.

 Rock out in Splitsville at Downtown Disney %tag

2012 Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Schedule

sounds concert 300x201 2012 Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Schedule %tag

Summer just isn’t summer without great tunes. And summer nights mean sizzling entertainment at Epcot Theme Park! During the annual Sounds Like Summer Concert Series, enjoy high-energy performances from some of the world’s greatest tribute bands.

Get the family together and get into the groove with the songs you all know and love. Dance to classic hits and have a toe-tappin’ good time under the skies of the open-air America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase.

We have the 2012 Lineup.

June 10-17 – Hotel California – Eagles tribute band
June 18-23 – Mike Delguidice & Big Shot – A Billy Joel tribute band
June 24-30 – Stayin’ Alive – Bee Gees tribute band
July 1-7 – Slippery When Wet – Bon Jovi tribute band
July 8-17 – Police Experience – The Police tribute band
July 18-21 – Southbound and Company – Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band
July 22-28 – 2U – U2 tribute band

All dates and acts are subject to change.

 2012 Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Schedule %tag

Opening Dates Announced for Disney’s Fantasyland Expansion!

dum118932SMALL Opening Dates Announced for Disneys Fantasyland Expansion! %tag

Great News Disney has finally released dates and details on the Fantasyland Expansion Opening! While they are not opening all areas at once the area we have been waiting for is coming later this year.

Here are the details:

The next phase of Storybook Circus, which includes the second half of the Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction and the Casey Jr. Splash ‘n’ Soak Station, will open in July 2012.

mer228914SMALL Opening Dates Announced for Disneys Fantasyland Expansion! %tag

Disney will  have plenty to celebrate the 2012 holiday season, including the openings of Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Be Our Guest Restaurant, Gaston’s Tavern, and Ariel’s Grotto. I would watch for a soft opening in November 2012.

dwa338921SMALL Opening Dates Announced for Disneys Fantasyland Expansion! %tag

Additionally, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will debut in 2014.

Now, who’s planning a visit?

Source Disney Parks Blog

 Opening Dates Announced for Disneys Fantasyland Expansion! %tag

Planning a Non Park Day at Disney World

Characters in Flight Downtown Disney 300x199 Planning a Non Park Day at Disney World %tag

Characters in Flight Downtown Disney

Did you know that outside the gates of Disney’s theme parks lies more magic?  Working a day or so of “non park” entertainment into your itinerary can allow you to experience Disney’s magic outside the parks.

1.  Downtown Disney-Downtown Disney is a marketplace of shops, restaurants, and entertainment.  It’s divided into three sections-Downtown Disney Marketplace, Downtown Disney West Side, and Pleasure Island.  You can visit the huge LEGO store, enjoy some Ghiradelli ice cream along the waterfront, or listen to live music at various times of the day.  Or, take in a movie, Cirque du Soleil La Nouba performance, and enjoy the Characters in Flight hot air balloon attraction.  If you have a gamer in your travel party, then Disney Quest might be a great way to cool off during the hot days.  It’s an interactive, indoor theme park at Downtown Disney.

2.  Resort Hop-What does this mean?  Basically, you hop on the monorail, a Disney boat or bus for a different Disney resort than where you are staying.  Staying at Contemporary?  Hit the monorail and ride it over to the Polynesian to enjoy a Dole Whip at captain Cook’s and explore the grounds of this Hawaiian themed resort.  The monorail will also take you to the Grand Floridian or you can take the boat to Wilderness Lodge.  There are several EPCOT resorts within walking distance of each other.  Disney’s Beach CLub Resort, Yacht Club Resort, and Boardwalk Inn are all on the Boardwalk area outside of EPCOT.  Another fun excursion could be over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.  This resort has balconies for viewing the animals on the savanna, and the resort in and of itself is gorgeous.  Exploring some of the theming, restaurants, and views from other resorts can be so much fun!

January 11 141 500x375 Planning a Non Park Day at Disney World %tag

3.  Disney’s Boardwalk Area-Speaking of the Boardwalk Resorts, hang around the Boardwalk for some non park fun.  To get to the Boardwalk from your resort, simply take a Disney bus.  At the Boardwalk, you can enjoy a surrey ride, movies from the beach, and fun street performers.  This is also the home of Disney’s famous “Kitchen Sink” dessert. Literally, the most ice cream I’ve ever seen in one serving!

4.  Watching Wishes-A “magical” way to end your non park day is watching Wishes from the Polynesian Resort beach. Perhaps plan a 7:00 or so dinner at Chef Mickey’s {at the Contemporary Resort} or Ohana {at Disney’s Polynesian REsort}.  Enjoy your dinner, and take the boat or monorail to the Polynesian Resort.  You can also enjoy Disney’s Electrical Water Pageant from the Poly beach.

Do you plan a day outside the parks?  If so, I’d love to hear about it!

Magically Yours,

Carrie

 Planning a Non Park Day at Disney World %tag

Disney World Refurbishment Schedule May 2012

disneyworldrefurb 500x300 Disney World Refurbishment Schedule May 2012 %tag

Here is the Refurb and Closure Schedule for Walt Disney World for May 2012 and beyond. Refurbishment/closure information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting. Updated information is available at the Disney World Website.

Current

  • Stormalong Bay Pool (Yacht & Beach Club Resorts) and slide closed through 4/23/12 for refurbishment. Only a portion of the pool will be closed. Guests may use the open parts of the pool and the pool and slide at BoardWalk Inn Resort.
  • Tutto Italia Restaurant (Epcot) closed through 4/27/12 for refurbishment.
  • Liberty Square Riverboat (Magic Kingdom) closed through 5/26/12 for refurbishment.
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom) closed through 5/27/12 for refurbishment.
  • Innoventions: House of Innoventions exhibit closed through late April 2012 for refurbishment. It will reopen with a new name and will focus on green construction and projects.
  • Test Track (Epcot) closed through September 2012 for transformation to the Chevrolet Design Center.
  • Grand Floridian Spa (Grand Floridian Resort) closed through mid-2013 due to construction at the resort. The Grand Floridian Fitness Center will remain open and guests may use The Spa at Saratoga Springs Resort.

Upcoming

  • Pool near Building 55 (Old Key West Resort) closed 4/23/12-4/24/12. The feature pool and all other leisure pools will remain open.
  • Lights! Motors! Action! Extreme Stunt Show (Hollywood Studios) closed 4/29/12-5/2/12 for refurbishment.
  • Lake Buena Vista Golf Course closed 5/7/12-5/17/12 for refurbishment.
  • Magnolia Golf Course closed 5/14/12-5/23/12 for refurbishment.
  • Palm Golf Course closed 5/29/12-6/8/12 for refurbishment.
  • Oak Trail Golf Course closed 5/29/12-9/28/12 for refurbishment.
  • Snow White’s Scary Adventures (Magic Kingdom) will close 5/31/12. It will be replaced by Princess Fairytale Hall, a meet and greet location. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (a Seven Dwarfs themed roller coaster) will open at another location in the Magic Kingdom.
  • Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin (Magic Kingdom) closed 6/27/12-6/28/12 for refurbishment.
  • Cape May Cafe (Yacht & Beach Club Resorts) closed 7/9/12-8/4/12 for refurbishment.
  • Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue will be closing for refurbishment sometime this fall. Dates are pending.
  • Yachtsman Steakhouse (Yacht & Beach Club Resorts) closed 8/27/12-9/15/12 for refurbishment.

 

Source Mousesavers Newsletter

 

 Disney World Refurbishment Schedule May 2012 %tag