D23 and Epcot- Oh my!

 "Oh my.." Because honestly folks, I don't have a clue what to say about this much less react. 

Epcot is finally getting some love and a much needed influx of money for Disney. Mostly to bring the park 'up to snuff' for the 50th anniversary happening in 2021, which leaves me feeling very conflicted.

Disney's "It's A Small World" 50th Anniversary

Image from Orlando Sentinel

Disney's "It's A Small World" turns 50.

 Some love it, some hate it and many just can't get the song out of their heads for days after riding this iconic attraction.

  Disney's "It's A Small World" attractions are celebrating the 50th anniversary since their inception at the 1964 Worlds Fair to promote UNICEF.  The classic song (which inspires love and hate in people) was written by the famous Sherman Brothers and within two weeks of it's debut, a world hit happened.

Image from Orlando Sentinel

 From the World's Fair the attraction was enlarged, upgraded and built at Disneyland in 1966, Another version was built at Disney World's "Magic Kingdom" park which opened in 1971. Versions of the ride are also found at Disneyland Paris. Tokyo Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland. Each park has it's own with slight differences but it's easy to say this this attraction is a must-have Disney Park staple.

 To help celebrate the attractions anniversary, Disney has created a website dedicated to the ride where users can upload their own version of "It's a Small World Afterall". Guests can also create their own unique "Small World Figure" and soon you can purchase anniversary items which still support UNICEF projects.

 On April 10th, 2014 Guests and Cast Members of the Disney Parks can unite as one and sing along with the song to celebrate the anniversary event.

www.SmallWorld50.com

Love it or Hate it, Small World has impacted both Adults and Children. It's simply a legend and without it, the Disney Parks would be a slightly duller place.

Seaworld Parks- New Shamu Night Show

Image from Orlando Sentinel

 New Shamu Night Show coming to All Seaworld Parks.

 Today Seaworld Parks announced that in Summer of 2014, they will be launching an all new "Nighttime Shamu Show" to replace the seven year old "Shamu Rocks" show.

 This new orca show works with Seaworlds big "Sea of Surprises" 50th anniversary projects. Along with the new shamu show, the parks will be adding in other fun surprises for visiting guests. Including expanded animal encounters and art installations (made from washed up ocean debris).  Along with this, Seaworld San Diego is getting a new entrance plaza called "Explorers Reef" which will feature touch pools and learning stations.

 None of these moves have been a response to the sad phenomena of "Blackfish" (which isn't getting that Oscar they so wanted- HA!). The parks have reported record earnings and states these anniversary programs have been on the list since they decided to make a project of the event.

Special Saturday Update- Rumor RoundUp!

Happy Saturday!

So rumors have been flying all over the damn place lately to the point I left it was time for yet another "Rumor Round-Up". So get comfortable! We've got a lot of juicy materiel to cover here today!
Please remember, these are RUMORS and have not yet been confirmed!


So let's get started!

Cedar Point
Location: Sandusky, Ohio
 RUMOR: 2013 B&M Wing Coaster
Cedar Point may well be building in 2013. A new Wing Coaster from B&M is the rumor floating around right now. The Sandusky Register posted up a 'leaked' document stating that Disaster Transport and Space Spiril will be removed  to make way for project "CP Alt.Winged" in 2013.

"Cedar Fair stands ready to spend big money on a new roller coaster for 2013 at Cedar Point that will change the park landscape.
Code-named “CP Alt.Winged,” the coaster will have the “longest drop, run the fastest and be the longest ride” of its kind, Cedar Fair CEO Matt Ouimet wrote in Feb. 15 memo to Cedar Fair’s board of directors."

Read the Full Piece: Cedar Point to build Coaster in 2013


In additional News about Cedar Point and this 2013 Project, It's possible track is already being built and possibly transported to the park!
Screamscape: Industry News, Green Track?! 


Disney Imaingeering/ Project Avatar/Testing
Location: Orlando, Florida 
RUMOR: Testing for AvatarLand?
This came as a bit of a surprise to me, Could it be Disney is starting testing on some of their "AvatarLand" projects? This article seems to show they may just be doing that!

 

Dragon spotted over Minter Field

Universal Orlando Resort
Location: Orlando, Florida 
CONFIRMED: Universal to add Themed Resort
Universal Orlando Confirmed that they will be adding a new resort to their growing collection of on-property hotels. Also to be run by Loews Hotels, Cabana Bay Beach Resort will be a family friendly property as well as "High Value" which really means "Budget Hotel" for those not familiar with the lingo. 

"Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort will offer two distinct experiences within the development’s multiple buildings: 900 family suites, capable of sleeping six, that include kitchen areas and 900 standard guest rooms – offering both moderate- and value-priced accommodations. It will be operated by Loews Hotels & Resorts and is scheduled to open in 2014."

Amusement Today: Cabana Bay Beach Resort 

Six Flags Magic Mountian

Location: LosAngelos, California

CONFIRMED: Lex Luthor "Drop Tower".

For this, let my quote one of my favorite writers over on Theme Park Insider, Jeff Elliott.  Simply because he sums this up perfectly, at least in my opinion!

"Let’s super glue a drop tower onto the Superman tower so that we can use it some of the time while Superman is down for one of its many maintenance issues…..and thus was born Lex Luther’s Drop of Doom…..which just opened. Some of the other drunken rants that didn’t quite make it onto the fabled napkin include all of them going down to Disney to punch the Mouse right in the nose, taking sidewalk chalk over to Universal to write signs that say “Magic Mountain is cheaper and has more than 6 rides”, and some sort of launched roller coaster that uses the old tunnels through the middle of the mountain."

Lex Luthor.. Stapled to Superman!

Discovery Cove

Location: Orlando, Florida

CONFIRMED: Freshwater Oasis is Now Open!

"Now Open is Freshwater Oasis, an all-new attraction featuring wading adventures and face-to-face encounters with playful otters and curious marmosets. Designed with a rainforest canopy above and sparkling-clear springs below, Freshwater Oasis is a natural fit within Discovery Cove’s tropical vibe. You can relax and explore. You’ll wade, wonder, and float in the water-filled trails. No matter where you turn, you’ll find endless discoveries. "        

Disney World

Location: Orlando, Florida

RUMOR: Master Plans for 50th Anniversary

Screamscape has a GREAT bunch of pieces devoted to the "Disney Master Plan" which continues some information on what we could be looking at for the big 2021 "50th's Anniversary".  Also notice how Epcot has once again been completely left out in the cold?

Magic Kingdom: 50th Anniversary Rumors 

Hollywood Studios: 50th Anniversary Rumors

Epcot Center

Location: Orlando, Florida

RUMOR: New Illuminations/Nighttime Show

Rumor has it that Illuminations may be going threw a change soon. The Video Globe could well be retired with water-screens and fountains taking it's place in various areas of the World Showcase Lagoon.  

Screamscape: Possible New Illuminations? 

Freestyle Music Park

Location: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

CONFIRMED: Land purchased for "Hard Rock Hotel" sold in auction.

Freestyle Music Park is still closed with no buyers in site. Due to the fact this little park folded within it's very first year of operations, it's not a big surprised the extra land purchased by "Hard Rock" for their hotel plans got thrown to the chopping block. 

Hard Rock Hotel Land SOLD.