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Category Archives: Parks & Resorts
Fantasyland Opening Dates Announced
Walt Disney World has updated their opening dates for the brand new Fantasyland. Announced Friday, the remaining half of Storybook Circus will open featuring another carousel of Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Casey Jr. Splash n’ Soak Station.
Under the Sea- Journey of the Little Mermaid attraction, Enchanted Tales with Belle including the Be Our Guest Restaurant, Gaston’s Tavern and Ariel’s Grotto will open “this holiday season” which I hope is by November when they start putting up Christmas decorations.
I was disappointed to hear that the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will now open in 2014- bummer!
What are you most excited about in the new Fantasyland?
Lesley is a travel agent with Pixie Vacations, contact her for your next Disney vacation at Lesley@pixievacations.com or check her out at www.destinationmagic.com. She is currently offeringgenerous booking incentives (Disney gift cards and Disney on board credits for Disney Cruiseline) as well as $200 per person Disney gift cards for all Adventures by Disney Vacations!
New Artist Renderings Depict a Reimagined Test Track at Epcot
Many of you have asked for an update on what’s going on at Test Track at Epcot, and we’re happy to announce that new renderings were just released by Walt Disney Imagineering this morning!
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When complete, the reimagining of this attraction will allow guests to design their own custom concept vehicle, and then put it through its paces on the exhilarating hills and switchbacks of the Test Track circuit. In the post-show, guests can make a TV commercial featuring their concept car or truck, race their car or truck on our virtual track and take a picture with their custom concept vehicle.
The attraction is currently scheduled to reopen late fall.
What do you think?
Related articles
- How to tour the Parks – Splitting up Epcot (chipandco.com)
It’s Raining…Not Pouring! Making the Most of the Parks in the Rain!
Have you ever been in the parks when a massive down pour happens. Ponchos get whipped out, strollers are scooted to the sidelines, and the awnings attract humans like moths to a flame. I’ve been there and chances are if you haven’t you will be! Just when you think your fun is over (well, at least until the rain stops) I am here to tell you that you have options! Let’s take a look at a few things that are sure to turn that rain into a rainbow:
Head for cover: the obvious choice here is to head to an indoor attraction. Sometimes that is hard. I suggest taking a moment to find these spots on a map (you can get a free customized map from Disney’s official site). The Magic Kingdom offers a lot of indoor rides and shows. I have found the Main Street Train Station to be the perfect spot to take cover. Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios have a few more choices where you can do more than just wait until the rain stops.
Here are some of my other suggestions:
- Epcot: Innoventions, Club Cool, the Seas, or the Land Pavilion
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Art of Animation
- Animal Kingdom: Conservation Station
Come prepared: I always pack a rain jacket or a disposible poncho in my park bag. Not only does this come in handy because it is so accessible in the event of rain but, it also helps to save you money! Another part of being prepared is looking at the daily forecast. While the summer months almost always gaurentee a shower you never really know. I always watch the morning forcast or check my phone before heading out to the parks. Sometimes this determines my park choice ( for example I would go to Epcot on a rainy day since there are so many interactive indoor choices).
Brave it:If it is just raining, I say brave it! I put on my poncho with pride and head to the next ride. I’ve found that most of the rides/attractions stay open and lines are much shorter! By all means, take cover if there is lightning or thunder! Safety first! But, if it is simply raining…make the most of a damp situation!
Next time it rains, don’t let it put a damper on your park fun!
Ashley of disneydonerightblog.com
Related articles
- Don’t miss this Top Disney World Attraction! (chipandco.com)
- Disney World Quick Tips – What to do when it rains (chipandco.com)
2012 Openings Announced for the New Fantasyland as Largest Expansion in Magic Kingdom History
“Fantasyland is a place where a very special kind of memory is made: where children just old enough to understand the moment come in contact with princesses and heroes and meet their most beloved friends,” said Meg Crofton, president, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations, United States and France.
“We are excited about sharing our treasured stories in new ways and giving guests the opportunity to interact with their favorite characters like never before.”
Last month, the New Fantasyland unwrapped its first openings with one of two Dumbos planned for Storybook Circus, a new train station and The Barnstormer family coaster whimsically re-themed to The Great Goofini (see separate release for additional information).
Announced Friday were next phases:
July 2012
- Opening of the second Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Indoor interactive area serving the new double attraction
- Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station.
Openings “In time for Holidays 2012″ were also announced by Crofton for:
- Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Enchanted Tales with Belle
- Be Our Guest Restaurant
- Gaston’s Tavern
- Ariel’s Grotto
And beyond…
- In addition, Crofton announced plans for a 2014 opening for The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
Related articles
- Opening Dates Announced for Disney’s Fantasyland Expansion! (chipandco.com)
- Dumbo Flies Again as First Phases of the New Fantasyland Stir to Life (chipandco.com)
Time-Lapse Video of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
We’re nearly one month away from the opening of Phase I of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, which will include the “Finding Nemo” wing, Landscape of Flavors food court, Ink & Paint Shop merchandise location and other common guest areas.
The “Finding Nemo” wing will feature large character installations of Crush, Marlin, Nemo, and Mr. Ray, among others, as well as the largest pool ever built at a Disney resort.
Here’s an exclusive time-lapse video from our friends at Walt Disney Imagineering that shows all the progress that has been made so far.
The resort’s remaining wings will open later this year, with “Cars” opening June 18, “The Lion King” on Aug. 10 and “The Little Mermaid” on Sept. 15.
Related articles
- Opening Dates for Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (chipandco.com)
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Puts Guests in the Middle of the Story with Enchanting Tales (chipandco.com)
