Disney is (unsurprisingly) closing rides.

In a shocking move to no-one, Disney World announces permanent ride closures. 

I'm unsure how anyone can be surprised at this point when rides that have been on 'seasonal only' status for years finally close.

This week Disney World finally announced that 'Primeval Whirl' and 'Sititch's Great Escape' we're closed for good. Both rides have operated as 'seasonal only' for years. In the case of Stitch's Geat Escape, it's been on 'seasonal only' status since 2016. Primeval has been seasonal longer than I can even recall. The surprising bit out of this round of closures is that the 'River of Light' night show at Animal Kingdom will also be closed. The nighttime attraction was rather widely popular and has only been running for three years.

Which leaves the question, with the sudden cuts Disney has been making due to the loss of income from the coronavirus shutdown, will anything new actually go into these spaces?

Rumors have circulated for  years about Stitch's Great Escape being replaced. We've heard everything from 'Alien Encounters is coming back' to 'Wreck-it Ralph'.  As for Primeval Whirl, it's hard to say. Some speculate that we'll be seeing a re-theme to Dinoland USA while others think that the space will turn into another flat-ride. Again, I expect this is going to boil down to if (or when) Disney decides they are ready to spend money again.  I wouldn't expect too much for at least a year, if not longer.

Disney Slashes Reservations, Hotels, Dining and FastPasses

The new 'Disney World Resort' in a post COVID19 world will have a new look and extremely limited service, reservations and options for guests.


Honestly, I'm not sure what the world expected in a post-plague world but it seems that the changes coming to Disney World are not what the public expected.

Today details dropped from Disney World in regards to exactly what changes would be happening around the resort. The changes are massive, and from dining plans to FastPasses, the world will not look the same when it reopens and likely not for a long time.


Full Stop on Sales
Reservations and Ticket Sales are gone. Disney has decided to currently halt all new ticket sales and reservations for the resort. The parks state this is to help accommodate those who have already repurchased or moved reservations due to the closure due to COVID19. Meaning you cannot currently reserve a hotel room, purchase a package or buy a ticket to visit any Disney World park now or for the current future.   Only existing reservations will stay in place, with no word on when things may resume.

Yes, you read this correctly: You cannot currently buy a ticket to visit Disney World.


Booking Window Cuts
The normal booking period for Disney is normally 180 days in advance, in this new world that time has been slashed and is now currently only 60 days in advance.


Extra Magic Hours Halted
Disney has stated any and all previously planned 'Extra Magic Hours' are halted and will not be used in the forthcoming reopening.


Dining Reservations and Plans Slashed
Disney stated today that all current dining plans and dining reservations are cancelled. You can't make, book or otherwise use dining reservations previously made at the parks. Those with a dining plan will no longer have that option and will need to make other arrangements.
You can re-book some limited dining experiences within a 60 day window.


FastPasses Suspended
The FastPass system is fully suspended. Until further noticed, the current system of FastPass+ will be suspended to allow for all additional line space to be used to accommodate social distancing.
No more FastPasses.


Magicband Sales Halted
Disney has suspended and removed all sales of MagicBands for the foreseeable future. Only current orders or already shipped MagicBands will be received.


Experiences Cancelled
Disney has cancelled all "high touch experiences" within the parks. Meaning make-over experiences like 'Bibbity-Bobbity Boutique' are closed. Along with this the parks stated that playgounds. golfing and character experiences are also unavailable to guests.


These details were released and clarified in the last two days. With these new and massive changes to the park the landscape of Disney World continues to evolve in this pre-reopening phase. The reservation system for visiting the parks has not yet been released, details of that are expected to drop in the coming dates.

For more details, you can read all the changes on the Disney World information page.

Disney World Announces Reopening Dates

Disney World announced dates for post-coronavirus re-opening. 

In no real shock to anyone, Disney World in Orlando, Florida has broken their silence on their reopening. The parks have been closed since mid-March along with most other amusement parks and attractions in the Central Florida area.

News broke today that states Disney World's reopening plan has been approved. The parks will reopen with Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom on July 11th, 2020. Epcot and Hollywood Studios will follow four days later, opening on July 15th, 2020.

This date follows the news that both Universal Orlando and several other parks across the country have dropped opening dates for what is left of the 2020 summer travel season. What many aren't considering in the light of this announcement, are the restrictions which will be in place. The gates are just not being thrown open to the 'happiest place on earth'.

Disney has stated both employees and guests will be REQUIRED to wear masks in the parks and also undergo a temperature screening prior to admittance.  Considering how openly flaunted these restrictions have been at Disney Springs (which reopened on May 20th), it doesn't bode well for those who are concerned with safety. Will Disney actually enforce this rule? How will it be enforced? Will those openly violating the rules face consequences? There are no details it be found in regards to how this will be handled.

Park capacity will be 'greatly reduced' and they will offer no parades, night time fireworks shows or other events which cause large gatherings of people. This means that we're likely looking at these parks having a 20-30% capacity in effect, if they follow the model used in the reopening of Shanghai Disneyland. I can tell you already, this will lead to a massive rise in complaints (please be kind to Guest Services, they are trying.) The shows are one of the great draws of the parks, and missing these will lead to a changed experience.

The resort will enable cashless transactions by expanding contactless payments. This is not much in the way of news, but the expansion is a bonus. Over my years of experience both working at theme parks and visiting them, cash transactions have become rare. Most people are using cards or the debit system linked to their Magicbands.

Disney has stated they will increase the number of available hand sanitizing stations.  This is good, but I've heard the argument put that this will 'ruin the immersion'. After a quick poll on Twitter we found that is a 'weak at best, stupid at worst' argument. If a hand sanitizing station ruins your vacation, you probably shouldn't be on vacation.

While this is a good step in the right direction, concerns still arise from the logistics involved, some of which we have mentioned. By no means are these even the tip of the iceberg but Disney, along with Florida as a whole, are pushing hard to get the tourists rolling back in and thus boost the flagging economy during what should be the busy summer season.

There has also been no word in regards to the reopening of the numerous Disney Resort Hotels, Resort Pools, or the Disney Water Parks.

Magic Kingdom- Tron construction update

Magic Kingdom's Tron Construction Update

Yet another big ticket construction item from our trip to Florida- The new TRON coaster, coming to Magic Kingdom at Disney World in 2021.

 While it currently it may not look like much, this is one of the most anticipated rides in Magic Kingdom history. A new roller coaster based off a fan-favorite, TRON will be the 4th roller coaster attraction to come to the park.

While the exact specifications for the ride aren't know, it's widely believe this is an exact copy of the TRON coaster currently operating at Shanghai Disneyland. This will give us the following spec's on the coaster-

Builder: Vekoma
Height:  78 Feet
Speed: 59 MPH
Inversions: 0
Train: 2 Across, 14 Total. With special 'normal' seating in the back for those unable to ride in the 'motorcycle' position.
(Spec's taken from RCDB.com)

 Another interesting bit involving this new construction- It appears as if the Tomorrowland Speedway will once again be closed for an extended period. This happened previously with the Fantasyland Expansion that opened in 2016.

 There is also rumor floating around that the track may once again be shortened, you can see where the track now ends and is being used for the construction on TRON. Although I don't give this rumor much credit as the track was already cut greatly during the previously mentioned construction of the expanded Fantasyland.

Either way, we've got plenty of time to speculate on Tomorrowland Speedway and the new TRON coaster with two years left before opening.


Remember- We Fight for the User.

More updates in the future, we've got plenty of time!

Star Wars Galaxy's Edge- What we know.. and what we guess.

 Star Wars Galaxy's Edge: What we know.. and what we guess!

This is pretty much the news I've wanted my entire life, a land completely devoted to Star Wars. It's like my childhood dream came true, so while I haven't had time to sit down and really put together a comprehensive post about it.. I have been following the news rather closely. So now it's time to sit down and really put together a list of things- What we know and what we're guessing on. Which is still a LOT of speculation sprinkled in with what Disney has released so far.

 Planet Batuu and Black Spire Outpost.

This is the 'setting' which Galaxy's Edge will be based around. According to Disney, it will be a rouge trader port on the edge of the galactic frontier. Bordering the Outer Rim and Wild Space. It's the last stop full of creature and notorious characters.
The outpost its-self is settled around a petrified forest, in a river valley which is where the outpost is located.  It seems, Disney is going with a familiar theme from the heart of Star Wars here. That of Mos Eisley Spaceport on Tatooine, just set in a new location.

What about the Star Wars Timeline?

With the Star Wars Timeline is a bit of an uproar due to the Disney takeover from Lucasfilm and many things being cut from the previously accepted 'canonverse' it's certian that the setting for this expansion is sometime during the newest movies. Making it on par with the First Order being in power, rather than the setting being from a previous portion of the Star Wars universe. By doing this, Disney can update easily and toss out more movie tie-in's for whatever happens past the current saga (meaning movies 7, 8 and 9).

Opening Date
'Fall of 2019'

 However, knowing Disney- We can make some educated guesses!
'Fall of 2019' generally means September but allows them the option to push the time back as late as needed in case of delays. Although if we follow how Disney opened their last few major expansions, we can expect to see a soft-open as early as late August and an official 'Grand Opening' sometime in November or December. That does leave the problem of a possible 'staggered opening' which means while construction is done, the area is 'open' some aspects may not yet be operational.
The simple fact is this: We don't know... yet.

What about the rides?!

Galaxy's Edge will feature two attractions (or 'rides' if you prefer). The one we know the most about is the attraction featuring the Millennium Falcon. The working title for the attraction is 'Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run'  which Disney has promised guests the controls of the Falcon for an action-packed 'secret mission' and a battle between the First Order and the Resistance.  The second attraction is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, which will be a dark ride on a trackless ride system. This will include some form of a rescue and another portion which will involve the landing bay of a Star Destroyer, beyond this, not much is known.

Smugglers Run

From what can be pieced together, this will be an interactive simulator that will seat six people per cabin. Much like 'Mission: Space' at Epcot, it's almost certain that each person will be in control of some aspect of the Falcon which will interact with the simulation. Likely this will have no real effect on your 'mission' if it's anything like 'Mission: Space' since the effects will work regardless of pushing buttons or not, However, Disney has promised an interactive incentive to play along with the controls of your very own Falcon. Supposedly how well you do during the ride will give you a 'reputation' which will follow your around your visit to Galaxy's Edge and Black Spire Outpost.
 As for time, this is the more confusing angle of things. If you run the numbers multiple times (which we did) in order to hit the magic number of 1080 we have a breakdown of how the ride with operate. 6 riders per car, with 12 total ride vehicles with a 4 minutes ride.. you have your numbers.

(This still leaves the question of 'How are you going to put 12 ride cars with room to maneuver into that building' but we'll touch on that in another post!)

Rise of the Resistance 

This second attraction coming to Galaxy's Edge is more along the lines of traditional Disney. This is a classic style dark-ride which features a trackless ride system, very similar to the new Ratatouille attraction going into Epcot (Also similar to Mystic Manor in Tokyo Disneyland, SpiderMan and Transformers at Universal Orlando).
While few details are still known about what ride elements or features will be included, speculation includes that it will be a single floor attraction while other groups believe that it will incorporate 3D elements as well as special effects.  We have rough details that a First Order fleet will be involved with a battle between the Resistance and the First Order with most of the show taking place in the likely setting of a Star Destroyer.

Oga's Cantina

Oga's Cantina is easily a huge draw, because who didn't want to visit the cantina scene in Episode 4? No one. The answer is NO ONE. 

So Disney is providing our very own chance to visit a shady place to make deals, hosted by Oga Garra. A full-blown, (but family friendly) bar will allow both adults and kids to 'belly up' and pick a drink of their choice from a themed menu. It also promises to have a 'colorful cast of characters' which leaves you wondering if Disney plans to plant in actors for local 'color'.  Along with this, fans of the original Star Tours will be thrilled (I am) to see that entertainment is provided by RX-24 (Rex). Who they promise will provide both chatter and tunes to waiting customers. 


Shopping
...because who isn't going to spend a fortune? 
While Disney hasn't announced a set name for the shopping haven which will inundate the area, it's not hard to guess multiple 'shops' will be present and themed for the area. Rumors run the gauntlet of 'haggling traders in street-lined stalls' to a 'Star Wars Emporium'.  Frankly, I think we'll see a more typical pattern for Disney where exit lines will empty into stores as well as more 'themed' locations for Black Spire Outpost. 

Restaurants
Even people on the edge of Wild Space need to eat!
So this is bound to happen. While nothing has been said from official channels, the rumor mill is always ripe with guesses. Some of them are as wild as a full sit-down, reservations only dining option to the other corner who states 'it won't have anyplace to eat'.  Personally,  I expect to see something very similar with what Disney did with Cars Lands in California. If we use that model, we'll see one 'counter service' restaurant with themed (but familiar) food choices, much like Flo's V-8 Cafe. For quick service and snacks, likely several other spots where one can grab something for 'on the go' food options. 

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.

Star Wars Land Announced for Disneyland and Disney World Hollywood Studios!

Yep, you read that headline right. Just a short while ago, at Disney's annual D23 Expo, the announcement of the long anticipated Star Wars Land was finally made. It was never a matter of "if", but always when with this one.

Now, though? We have the details go along with it and just what guests will be able to expect from this massive new project that will be going on at not just Disneyland but also Disney World.

Since this is a breaking story, we don't have all the details yet, but here's what we do know!

So, just what can we expect? Well, here's the breakdown on things. Both parks will be a massive 14 acres in size. If that doesn't sound big, just think of the fact that this will be taking up most of the space in the existing Disney Hollywood Studios at Disney World for starters.

The Millennium Falcon on Landing Pad

“We are creating a jaw-dropping new world that represents our largest single themed land expansion ever," Iger said. "These new lands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World will transport guests to a whole new Star Wars planet, including an epic Star Wars adventure that puts you in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance.”

There's at least two new rides coming along with this, and one of them, you'll be able to pilot the Millennium Falcon in one of two new signature attractions coming to each land. The other attraction will put guests right in the middle of a climactic battle. I think the last pic is possibly from that? Hard to say.

Now, for a few more concept pieces to show off just what the future looks like in a park not so far far away.

More Star Wars Land Concept Art!

Possibly for the Millennium Falcon ride?

Stay tuned for more details as we get them on this monster announcement out of Disneyland and Disney World!

BREAKING NEWS- Disney Confirms "Frozen" to Replace Maelstorm

BREAKING NEWS- Disney World Confirms that "Frozen" and "Arendelle" will Replace Maelstorm at Epcot's Norway Pavilion.

 Is a surprise and un-wise decision, Disney has confirmed today that they will replace the 'Maelstorm' ride at Epcot's Norway Pavilion with a ride based entirely on their blockbuster movie "Frozen".

 In what I'm now called "The dumbest move of a lifetime" Disney has completely abandoned their original plans an dreams for the Epcot Center Theme Park and World Showcase as a whole. By moving in Frozen and Arendelle it's obvious that Norway refused to shell out the demanded $9 Million dollars which Disney has been demanding in order to 'upgrade' and 'update' the pavilion. They have followed through with the threat to turn the area in Arendelle and Frozen, thus the first steps in loosing Epcot has begun.

 Today Disney Stated- The new attraction which replaces Maelstorm, will take our guests to Arendelle and immerse them in many of their favorite moments and music from the film. The pavilion will also include a 'Royal Greeting Location" where Anna and Elsa can meet our guests. We think these "Frozen" elements are great compliments to the Norway Pavilion, which showcases the country and region which inspired the film.
 You can read more of their 'spin' about this on Disney Parks Blog

What. The. HELL.
You had ONE JOB, Disney!

Epcot's 'Norway' May be Safe.. for now.

 Epcot's "Norway" May be Safe.. for now.



 For several months now we've been reporting rumors that Walt Disney World has been considering changing Epcot Centers "Norway" area to something with a 'Frozen' theme based off the hit movie as well as the countries reluctance to pay $9 million for updates to the land and ride found within.

In-case you missed these
The rumor of Frozen/Norway can be found here.
The Norway/Disney $9 Million Demand can be found here.

 For the last few days, Disney has been hinting at a 'Big Announcement' coming at the end of their "The Making of Frozen" special which aired last night ABC Family. This had whipped the speculation wagon into a full gallop with many believing we'd finally learn the fate of Disney's Norway and Maelstorm.

 Well, we can take a relaxed breath, for now. The only annoucement found at the end of "The Making of Fozen" involved the movie getting a new 'movie shot' and not a peep about the World Showcase country. While this may be good news, I hesitate still to accept it as gospel. It could be that Norway is just getting the massive refurbishment the ride Maelstorm and the country overall has needed for years.. or it could mean something else.

 Frankly, I don't know. Speculation exists on both sides of the argument with fans of the movie crying for a Frozen-Norway make-over while fans of Epcot and World Showcase scream that it doesn't belong. Personally, I stand firmly with the Epcot/World Showcase folks.

 We'll simply have to wait and see what the next hints from Disney and rumors mill involve.

Disney Demands Norway Pay $9 Million.. or Arendelle is Coming.

Image and Story from Daily Finance

 Disney Goes Crazy, Demands Norway Pay $9 Million Upgrade to World Showcase Pavilion..

 Now, I freely admit I'm rather alone in my unpopular opinions about Epcot Center and World Showcase in general. You won't find any "Everything Disney Does is Sooooo Wonderful" business in the post below, so don't be too surprised at my rather unflattering and realistic opinions. Here we stand among the few in numbers who still believe Epcot could be about education and entertainment, holding to the principle's which Walt Disney himself wanted.

 Somehow I suspected something like this would happen, Disney Management and Igor Iger has finally gone completely stupid, demanding $9 Million to upgrade the World Showcase pavilion.. or they will turn it into Arendelle from the current hit move, Frozen.

 Yes Folks, Disney has finally lost their collective minds in demanding money in order to get what they want. Supposedly Disney has demanded $9 Million from the country of Norway in order to upgrade and maintain the pavilion or they will turn it into Arendelle, the mythical country in which Queen Elsa and Princess Anna reside.  Now, to be fair, the Norway Pavilion has been needing some attention and updating for several years now. The ride 'Maelstorm' needs a face lift and heavy refurbishment as well as the ending film needing an update. The area could use an overall loving hand to update but all that aside.. never before has Disney entered the world of politics with a demand for money and attention, with a threat tacked onto it.

 Rumors are flying left and right. Since Norway is one of only two countries in World Showcase which have a physical 'ride' involved, it makes it a rather rare place. Many state 'Maelstorm' will be turned into a 'Frozen' themed ride and have been since the movies release. Currently folks are saying this could happen as soon as October if Norway fails to shell out some heavy-duty cash flow.

 Since 'Frozen' has gotten so big, many of us have had uneasy feelings. Disney has a nasty habit of getting exactly what they want, one way or another. With Frozen being so big, they wasted no time in stuffing their newest 'Princess Hit' into a country and theme park where it didn't belong. The movie just keeps gaining in popularity as time keeps going, which has given Disney leverage it's never had in the past, the ability to use thinly hidden threats to gain the upper hand.

 The Norway Pavilion has already suffered from Frozen. The retail store has lost space to host a mass of 'Frozen' merchandise and the Stave Church has been completely converted from Viking and Norwegian History, to that of the mythical country Arendelle. Now, Disney is pushing for the $9 Million they want to 'update' a pavilion which is barely keeping to the culture which inspired it.

 So far, Norway has been very reluctant to fork over that level of cash. More so when you consider their already paying to promote a fictional country rather than their own.

 The downside it that Disney will eventually win on some level. They'll either get the cash to update from Norway or they'll get Arendelle, which has zero business being in World Showcase to begin with.

((Edit: Yes, the source is real.. it's linked up under the photo but I'll re-post it down here for ease of the readers: Daily Finance))

Off the Rails Chat- Safety Announcements and You!

Off the Rails Chat- Safety Announcements and You!

In a new series of chats and rants, which I've decided to call "Off the Rails" we're going to discuses topics facing the theme park and amusement park worlds. As well as guests, special events and anything else which requires off-topic conversations and rants.

 Considering over the weekend some idiot decided to NOT follow those handy 'Safety Announcements' which we all hear while riding our favorite attractions and as a result lost the tips of two fingers while on Disney World's 'Pirates of the Caribbean'.

 No really, it's completely true!

 Now, what do you want to bet this one tries to sue for his own stupidity? Let's throw all forms of common sense out the window and stick our hands in the water! While on the drop! Apparently forgetting the boats don't just 'free float' through these rides, there really ARE rails under the water. Plus really, have you smelled pirate water? It's not the best smell (but you learn to love it), why would you really have a need to stuff your fingers into it?

Nope, I don't know either.

Which brings us to the topic of "Safety Announcements and You". 

 Seriously, these things really shouldn't need to exist. Common sense should tell us 'let's not do anything really stupid because, you know, ouch'. Alas, this isn't the case. I've watched plenty of people do some highly stupid shit while on rides and at parks in general, normally followed by a look of 'are you kidding me?".

Nope, they really did just do that.

 Folks, just because your on vacation.. don't forget to think.

 Don't pack your brains in the truck of your rental car to keep them safe, you need them. These parks do the best they can to keep you safe but you need to do your own part in protecting yourself, because it's really not their job to keep you from doing incredibly stupid acts of stupidness. Follow the rules, use your brain. It's really not that difficult and plus it keeps all your body parts attached and makes for a much better environment for the rest of us.

 When someone tells you to "keep off the walls" or "keep your fingers out of the water" they probably have a very, very good reason for it. They aren't 'targeting' you or 'trying to embarrass you'.. their trying to keep you and yours safe.  You may think your kid is perfect safe climbing all over that wall but when they fall, who are you going to blame? Not yourself, blame the park.  Nevermind that sigh which said "keep off the walls" nor the person who told your kid to "please get down from the wall". At least these days that's what seems to happen, when I was growing up your parents would help you up and then you'd get a hardy "now what did you learn" speech. Well, that or you'd get plucked off the wall and a warning swat for not reading the signs on your own.

..but that's neither here nor there.

Listen to those safety announcements, if they say to keep your limbs inside- keep them inside (or in the air). Although I have to woner about the "keep your feet inside" part..because what would posses a person to stuff their foot out of a ride? That rather boggles my mind but somehow I'm sure someone did it along the way.

 By following the basic rules which generally tell you to NOT be an idiot, everyone has a much better time. Who would want that kind of memory on a vacation? How would you like to explain that to your kids or loved ones?

"Sorry baby, the not-so-smart man had to put his hands in the water and the pirates ate his fingers"

Cause that sounds great.

 So really folks, enjoy your trips and vacations. Ride the rides and have a blast.. but don't forget to use your heads, pay attention and keep yourselves (and as a result those around you) safe this summer!

Disney World- Monorail Evacuated *UPDATED*

Image from +WDW News Today 

Monorail Evacuated at Disney World.

 Last night around 6pm, Monorail Gold was evacuated while stranded between the 'Transportation and Ticket Center' and 'Epcot Center', Around the area of Fort Wilderness Lodge.

 Early reports stated this was due to a lightning strike, while the official report doesn't mention that, it does state the monorail system lost power multiple times during the evening. Mostly due to heavy thunderstorms which where moving through the area, it also states that other monorails on the system had to be 'restarted multiple times'. Which suggests either the suspected lightning strike or a power system surge, which stopped the transportation system in it's tracks. While others where able to make it back into their respective stations, Monorail Gold had to be evacuated by Reedy Creek Fire Department.

 Guests where safely removed and bused to their respective locations. No word on the status of Monorail Gold or if the Epcot/TTC line will be up and running this morning.

**UPDATE**
A Disney Spokesperson announced that the monorail lines and fully up and running today for standard operations.

 Info from Orlando Sentinel

Disney Parks- Star Wars Land Likely Delayed?

 Disney Parks- Star Wars Land Likely Delayed?

 New rumor circling today, regarding the much rumored 'Star Wars Land' which may show up at Disney Hollywood Studioes as well as other Disney Parks.

 Rumors have been going around since this one broke the surface, with fans and fanatics going bonkers in regards to the idea. Some love it, others hate it. Well, it looks like we're all going to be waiting a while longer before hearing anything more concrete on the matter.

 With new movies being released, we'll likely have to wait until those are underway. On top of the fact another blog (Disney and More) believe that the final update of Star Tours will be Disneyland Paris but not until 2016.  They make some valid points, we'll likely not see a full 'land' coming until this point due to updating the current rides. When you toss out the idea that Disney World, the most likely park to receive a new 'Star Wars Land' first, is still in the middle of working on AvatarLand.. it's unlikely that they'll take on two massive construction projects at once.

 So, we can rest easy (or upset) for a while. We likely won't be seeing changes or announcements for some time!

Disney World- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train OPEN for 24-hour Disney Day

Image from Orlando Sentinel

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is OPEN for the 24-Hour "Disney Day".

 Just breaking into the new this morning, Disney World has announced that the newest addition to Magic Kingdom WILL be open for today's 24-hour Disney Day.

 While Seven Dwarfs Mine Train isn't set to open to the public until next week, this hasn't stopped testing of the ride. While guests have slowly been allowed to ride during the 'cast member testing' which has been going on this week, this was kept rather quiet until word began spreading though the blogging community.

 It appears the ride opened as a surprised for the 24-hour theme park marathon currently underway. At least according to Orlando Sentinel!

Rumor Alert- Seven Dwarfs Mine Trian Soft Opened Today.

Rumor Alert- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Soft Opened Today.

 Hey Folks, rumor has reached me direction from Walt Disney World that the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train has quietly soft-opened today to limited entry.

 The ride has been in "cast member only" testing for several days now. 

 Rumor is also going around that the ride will be in 'soft open' again tomorrow. All this before the official opening of the ride which is coming on May 28th. There is NO confirmation on this yet being true but we have a friend of the blog, +Mark Fowle down at Disney World Resort right now who's going to check it out!


 More information and pictures as news comes in! 

Disney World- "Eat with the Beat" Food and Wine Concerts

 Well Folks,
It's that time of the year again, when preparations for the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival announcements begin!

 While this is one of our favorite events to happen at Disney World over the year, it also happens to be one of the largest and most popular. Drawing in hundreds of thousands, between the established pavilions, the 'country' stands and the concerts, Food and Wine Festival has a winning combination.

 Disney has announced the "Eat with the Beat" concert series artists, which is another one of the large draws to the Food and Wine Festival. Needless to say, we've got the complete list for all your possible planning needs!

Something Weird- Monorail Red for Sale?!

 Ever wanted to own your very own Disney World Monorail?

 Well, Now you can. Theme Park Connection has somehow gotten their hands on a Mark IV, Monorail Red from Disney World circa 1989.

 From the eBay Auction Listing this monorail is complete, it just lacks it's additional cabs and track to run upon. It does come with it's very own trailer for transport back to you. One has to pick up this amazing piece of Disney World history but it's much better then what the shipping cost would likely be!

 The downside, is the price. This unique and original Monorail will set the hard-core WDW fan back a pretty $200K.  While not a bad price, it's well beyond the means of even the most die-hard fans. Although it does look like their willing to take best offers, I don't see this going cheaply!

Disney World- Opening Date for 'Seven Dwarf's Mine Train' Revealed.

Disney World Announces Opening Date for 'Seven Dwarfs Mine Train'.

 Early Friday Morning Disney World dedicated their newest, if lack-luster, attraction in Magic Kingdom. Along with this ceremony, they've also given the opening date.

 May 28th, 2014 the "Seven Dwarfs Mine Train" will open to the public, finally completing the extensive renovations on Magic Kingdom's FantasyLand area. Under construction for nearly 3 years, the ride is the last and final part of the expansion to open.

 Check out our early review of the attraction and POV footage- POV Footage of 'Seven Dwarfs Mine Train' at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

POV of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom!

It's been no secret that the long awaited Seven Dwarfs Mine Train attraction, part of the Magic Kingdom Fantasy Land expansion, has been testing as of late. They were even shooting a commercial just the other week. However, aside from some video of the trains running where we could see them, we never got a chance to see what the ride was really all about.

Well, the wait is over!

The folks over at Attractions Magazine have gotten their hands on full, uncut, on ride POV video that shows the entire ride with all of it's show elements. The video below has both the front view and back view included in it and it's definitely worth checking out. So, let's take a look at what Disney has taken three years to put together for us, shall we?


There's definitely some interesting elements going on and the ride itself seems more a dark ride/roller coaster hyrbid. Which, is an interesting mix of things to say the least, and the swinging action from the cars is definitely a cool feature too. The theming around the track area and queue looks great too, but something seems off.

Disney World- Hollywood Studios 25th Anniversary Celebration

 Disney Hollywood Studios 25th Anniversary Celebration.

 Did you know this is an Anniversary year at Disney World? Don't feel bad, most people don't. Hollywood Studios (Formerly Disney-MGM Studios) theme park is celebrating 25 years open in the 2014 season.

 However, you won't find much news coverage about the event. The park has never been what Disney World has hoped it would develop into, while it has some great events during the year, the lack of planning and Disney money in the park has kept it rather underdeveloped compared to others.

 Over it's 25 year life, not much has been added in the way of 'big attractions' to the park. Pretty much 2 'big ticket' rides and a lot of cuts has kept the park quietly in the background.  While it's always been one of my personal favorites, it makes me rather sad to see Disney NOT making a bigger deal of it's 25th Anniversary. There will be some limited 25th Anniversary merchandise available for purchase.

 This park needs love and attention, just as much as Epcot does. It needs a vital influx of money and ideas to make it sparkle, which it could do easily if someone at WDW just cared enough to stop building resorts and dumping all the cash into Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. 

On May 1st, 2014 Disney Hollywood Studios will celebrate it's 25th Anniversary with the following events-

10am- Re-Dedication Ceremony with Dan Cockerell and some of the 25 year employees.

7pm- "Stars of the Studios" Motercade, which will travel up Hollywood Boulevard featuring some big stars found in the park (Captain Jack Sparrow, Darth Vader. Wreck-it Ralph, Sophia the First plus Mickey and Minnie Mouse. No nod to past stars or other characters found in the park).

After the Motorcade-  A Dance Party will be held at the stage in front of the tacky 'Sorcerers hat' .

9:30pm- Fireworks Show to be set off around the same tacky 'Sorcerers' hat.

All Events are available to anyone with normal park admission.
-That's It-