Archive for June, 2008
4th of July events
NEW: A Fourth of July “Concert in the Sky” will light up the night at Magic Kingdom in honor of Independence Day. Featuring a magnificent display of aerial fireworks, dazzling pyrotechnic effects and dynamic music, the show, entitled “Disney’s Celebrate America!-A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky,” is a grand tribute to the United States, its people and traditions. The special show is scheduled for 9 p.m. Magic Kingdom also will feature two performances of the “SpectroMagic” nighttime parade, first at 10:30 p.m. and then again at 12:30 a.m. that same night.
A holiday-inspired finale will be added to Epcot’s nightly fireworks extravaganza, “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth.” The park’s American Adventure pavilion also will feature enhanced entertainment throughout the day, with visits from historic characters who will share their stories. American Adventure also will feature additional performances of its signature musical group, Voices of Liberty, performing patriotic classics.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios will present a special July 4th fireworks show at 9 p.m., with skyrockets and patriotic music filling the air at the showbiz-themed park. The park’s popular “Fantasmic!” show, featuring fireworks, animation, dancing waters and Disney characters, will be presented on July 4 at 10:30 p.m.
Downtown Disney will present July 4th fireworks at 10:30 p.m. for the revelers, shoppers and diners enjoying the nighttime entertainment district.
Fuel change at the Speedway
The speedway attraction will soon be undergoing a backstage refurbishment to replace its fuel tanks and most likely the type of fuel it consumes.
Recently, several alternative fuel cars were tested on the track in rotation with the old gasoline cars. Apparently one of these new styles was chosen and will be implemented in the near future. Which one? We’re not sure, but we’ll let you know as soon as we discover any information.
The good news is that the most outdated attraction in Tomorrowland may soon hint at the future.
Caribbean Beach Resort Room Renovation
Disney has filed permits to renovate 1728 guest rooms at the Caribbean Beach Resort. Modifications are to include new window treatments and new carpets.
Boardwalk Inn Rennovation
Disney has filed permits to renovate 374 rooms of the Boardwalk Inn resort extensively including new furnishing and even new crown molding and carpet in each room.
No animals temporarily at the AKL
A quick note from the mouse itself: As the development of Kidani Village continues at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas, crews are preparing to complete the new savanna and acclimate the animals to their new habitat. To accommodate this important process, animals are not scheduled to be on Sunset Savanna from January 15-April 15, 2009.
Reminder, that’s 2009, next year.
Food Mania
Work continues on a small quick service restaurant across the way from the new Toy Story Mania. Though refurbishment walls are still up and the restaurant is not yet operating, a peek at the menu suggests it will be a small location offering drinks, slushes, and minor snack food items.
Change in airline fees means changes in Disney service
United and American Airlines have chosen to now charge $15 for the first checked piece of luggage for all domestic economy passengers. Some other airlines are expected to follow as well. This now means rather then calling and simply scheduling return service using Disney’s Resort Airline Check-In Service, all guests wishing to check a bag on certain airlines will have to pay for that checked bag via Disney’s service.
To date, some airlines such as Southwest have mentioned that they have no intention of charging such a fee and access to Disney’s Magical Express bus service is still allowed free of charge – you simply check the bags at the airport yourself upon arrival.
Concourse Steakhouse Closes
After a few push backs of the date, the Concourse Steakhouse at the Contemporary Resort has finally closed.
The restaurant is being functionally replace by the Wave now located on the first floor, and will physically be replaced by a new quick service restaurant to support the masses staying at the resort.
The new flow of the area also suggests the larger quick service may be intended to support the new tower building being erected next door as well.
Candlelight Narrators
A tentative listing of the narrators for this year’s Candlelight Processional at Epcot:
11/28 – 30: John O’Hurley
12/01 – 03: Pattie LaBelle (Uncomfirmed)
12/04 – 12/6: Brian Stokes Mitchell
12/07 – 12/9: Virginia Madsen
12/10 – 12/12: Monique Coleman
12/13 – 12/15: TBA
12/16 – 12/18: Chita Rivera
12/19 – 12/21: Abigail Breslinl
12/22 – 12/24: Steven Curtis Chapman
12/25 – 12/27: Edward James Olmos
12/28 – 12/30: Marlee Matlin
Sushi Bar at Polynesian under testing
Though signs throughout the main lobby still think it’s a coffee bar, the bar near the Kona restaurant is currently a sushi bar.
Prices seem on par with the rest of the resort and it appears to have a good selection of typical choices. Worth a try for any sushi fan.
