WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited the Magic Kingdom on Saturday and has some fantastic pictures of new progress on the Big Thunder Mountain interactive queue, A Pirate’s Life: Treasures of the Seven Seas, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and more, so let’s take a look:

While the Main Street Bakery is closed, guests can head to the Tomorrowland Terrace

Plenty of options at Tomorrowland Terrace, including beignets!

The flowers in the hub have gone to Valentine’s Day colors and the ducks love it…

Valentine’s Day cupcakes available at Big Top Treats

I’ve heard of panning for gold…

More props and interactive elements have been installed in the queue at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

The “exploding” crates are no longer under tarps

These huge machines popped up in the second-half of the queue over the weekend

It looks like guests will play some sort of game where they turn a lever

Spinning handles on the back of another machine

The refurbishment of Splash Mountain continues

Lots of painting going on

Golden Oak Outpost is closed again

Work continues on the Adventureland Veranda building

Another area of the building is also walled-off

The Crow’s Nest is out from behind tarps and it looks quite different… we expect it to play a role in “A Pirate’s Adventure”

More props for “A Pirate’s Adventure” have been installed throughout Adventureland

Jack Sparrow’s compass

This was the first prop installed a few months ago

A cannon

Ball and chains

Some props by the Jungle Cruise

Nearby, a pirate skeleton lies under the water near a treasure chest

It appears these skulls near the Pirates of the Caribbean entrance will talk

Another strange set of props

Gun powder

Sleepy Hollow Refreshments is open while the exterior is refurbished

Walls up outside of the Haunted Mansion and Yankee Trader

Tarps still up on Columbia Harbour House

The latest progress on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day lanyards are out

As is the new Test Track logo pin

Over at The Villas at the Grand Floridian, we can start to make out windows

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited the Magic Kingdom on Wednesday and has some newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

Long Lost Friends Week was the first big hit from Limited Time Magic in Florida

Scrooge McDuck and Ludwig Von Drake

The Pinocchio gang

Robin Hood, Friar Tuck, Prince John, and the Sheriff of Nottingham

Clarabelle & Horace

BIG BAD WOLF!

Instead of sining autographs, guests were given autograph cards

The Cinderella Castle Dreamlights are coming down

Crane up behind the castle

Another crane up and working on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

The queue was fixed up while the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh was closed last week

Marie was out in Storybook Circus… this is not a normal occurrence

Sleepy Hollow Refreshments is open while the exterior is being refurbished

Columbia Harbor House is still behind tarps as well

Some strange work going on at the Tomorrowland Speedway

Work continues on The Villas at the Grand Floridian

Looking good!

]]> http://wdwnewstoday.com/archives/10701/feed 1 http://wdwnewstoday.com/archives/10565 http://wdwnewstoday.com/archives/10565#comments Fri, 11 Jan 2013 23:58:09 +0000 wdwntadmin http://wdwnewstoday.com/?p=10565

WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth visited the Magic Kingdom on Wednesday and took a ton of construction photos of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train to share with us, so let’s see how the last large piece of New Fantasyland is coming along:

A lot of progress

A lot of new track installed

It’s starting to look like a ride…

The loading station

A whole lot of Imagineers out at Mine Train

Pssst… Adam… they can see you…

Imagineer Chris Beatty looks mad at Adam…

We also spot Imagineer Eric Jacobson – Senior Vice President, Creative Development

The back of the mountain

Triton’s Treasures on the back side of the mountain is coming along nicely

Shingles going up on the Tangled restroom area

Almost finished…

We say goodbye to Cinderella Castle Dreamlights for this year…

And goodbye to the Christmas season…

Princess Fairytale Hall

Disney princesses including Cinderella, Aurora, Snow White, Jasmine, Tiana and Rapunzel will have a new home for meeting their loyal subjects when Princess Fairytale Hall opens in 2013 in the shadows of Cinderella Castle. The castle-like entrance will feature walls of stone and stained glass windows leading to a large, high-ceilinged room where portraits of the princesses adorn the walls. When summoned, Magic Kingdom guests will proceed to elegantly furnished chambers to meet the princesses.

Limited Time Magic

Disney Parks guests will get an extra dash of pixie dust in 2013 with Limited Time Magic. Themed weekly surprises and special offers will surprise and delight Disney Parks guests with 52 weeks of the unexpected. Plans include everything from dance parties, new festivals and character meet and greets to culinary treats, special entertainment and commemorative keepsakes. The bicoastal offering — created to remind guests about the importance of family vacation time together — is full of unique, magical, memory-filled experiences – all available for a limited time only. Special experiences include Valentine’s week with enchanting dinners, or photo shoots with famous Disney character couples; a patriotic salute during July 4th week with red, white and blue lights adorning castles on both coasts and limited edition souvenirs; or the popular Dapper Dans barbershop quartet swapping their old-time melodies for surprise renditions of today’s boy band hits. Each Limited Time Magic offering will have a varying length from a day to a week to a season adding to the element of surprise.

The Kinsey Collection at the American Adventure

The American story of determination, courage, hope, struggle and inspiration will be told through more than 40 pieces of art, artifacts, books sculptures and documents on display at Epcot. The American Adventure Pavilion will be home to the Kinsey’s personal treasures of African-American art and history, amassed from their travels to 90 countries with some works dating to the 17th century. The Kinsey Collection is the intersection where art and history meet, a virtual history book opened wide, giving voice to untold stories of accomplishment and contribution. After previews during African-American Heritage Month in February, the Kinsey Collection is scheduled to open in March 2013. The Kinsey Collection, at the American Heritage Gallery, will be included in Epcot admission.

Disney Senses Spa Opens at Grand Floridian, Coming to Saratoga Springs
If the new year means a new you, the just-opened Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort welcomes Walt Disney World Resort guests to renew and rejuvenate in 2013. The newly-remodeled spa, owned and operated by Disney, blends Grand Floridian Victorian elegance with modern touches – plus a dash of Disney whimsy.

All the senses are engaged in an ultimate relaxation experience – flavorful and soothing elixirs, color variations in lighting and Disney orchestral music harmonize with the treatment selected. Spa-goers walk through the new Victorian-style entryway and indulge in the spa’s relax, renew, or imagine themes aimed at creating a custom experience. The centerpiece of the spa’s lobby is an original mural reflecting old Florida landscape and nature. Glass mosaic tiles in the Jacuzzi rooms further enhance the elegance and sophistication of the spa.

Fifteen treatment rooms offer pampering services such as water therapy, sugar exfoliation body treatment, rejuvenating citrus facial, a restorative hand and foot ritual with Chinese Jasmine oils, plus a Princess Pedicure or Magical Manicure for youngsters ages 4-12. Lounges, whirlpools and treatment rooms all provide rejuvenation through the healing nature of Florida citrus and botanicals.

The new menu of services also includes a signature 80-minute Grand Floridian treatment featuring a special aromatherapy massage.

Guests can book a spa appointment at the new Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort by calling 407-WDW-SPAS (407-939-7727) or learn more by visiting www.disneyworld.com/spas

All of the spas, salons and fitness centers will be owned and operated by Disney beginning Jan.16, 2013. On that same day the spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort will temporarily close for renovation and reopen in the summer as Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort.

“Sophia the First” and “Doc McStuffins” join Disney Junior – Live on Stage
Disney Junior – Live on Stage! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney California Adventure is periodically updated to feature the latest, most popular characters and stories from the Disney Junior line-up on television. In 2013, the top-rated “Doc McStuffins” and “Sofia the First” join the show. The new version of Disney Junior – Live on Stage! debuts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in mid-February and comes to Disney California Adventure one month later, in March 2013. “Sofia the First” as a regular series premieres Friday, Jan. 11, on Disney Channel and Disney Junior.

Starbucks comes to Magic Kingdom and Epcot
Starbucks will be opening locations at Disney theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. The first two Walt Disney World locations will open in 2013. At Magic Kingdom, Main Street Bakery will close for refurbishment in January 2013. When it reopens in early summer, Main Street Bakery will keep its name and theming and continue to serve Disney favorites like cookies, brownies and seasonal cupcakes, in addition to Starbucks signature beverages and other menu items. At Epcot, Fountain View will temporarily close in March 2013. When Fountain View reopens in midsummer, it will serve Starbucks products. Each Starbucks location inside a Disney Park will reflect the theme of its surroundings. At Magic Kingdom Park for example, Cast Members will wear a costume consistent with the early 20th century look and feel of Main Street, U.S.A. At Future World in Epcot, the new Starbucks location and Cast Member costumes will be designed to match the park’s futuristic theme.

New Dining

• California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort gets a major makeover and will be closed from February 2, 2013 until late-summer 2013. Chef Brian Piasecki also is tweaking the menu, but the focus will remain on fresh, seasonal creations.
• Upstairs at the France pavilion, Bistro de Paris has reopened with a new name and a completely refurbished dining room and new menu. Still haute French but a bit more casual, with a nod to famed chef Paul Bocuse in the décor and the name – Monsieur Paul. In the meantime, Boulangerie Patisserie bakery is a brand-new building at the back of the pavilion, opening in January 2013.
• Citricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa now offers a private dining experience in The Chef’s Domain for up to 10 guests. Available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, cost is $155 per person plus tax (includes gratuity) for six courses.

Other 2013 additions Disney has not confirmed at this time include The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Tapaz (a waterside restaurant to be constructed in the Morocco pavilion at Epcot), and a rather large refurbishment project for the Jungle Cruise. We’ll have more on these projects as they become available.

So… what are you most excited for in 2013?

RFID turnstiles are installed and being used at the Magic Kingdom

Looks permanent this time

More track has been installed for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Looks like WDW Resort Hotel carpet on the roof so workers don’t slip

A lift hill now installed

A lot of dirt…

More rockwork is about to appear

Something interesting happened to all the new screen-based wait times signs

Yep, that’s there…

Instead of being a generic font with a black background, all of them are themed and match in color now

The Pete cut-out at Silly Sideshow now tips his hat

TA-DA!

Guests were getting confused, so Pete got an added uvula that is a sign…

WAIT! Is that a Maelstrom reference? IT IS! “… seek peril and adventure, but more often find beauty and charm.”

Mine Train track

Triton’s Treasures is coming along nicely

Work continues on Princess Fairytale Hall

Work also continues on the new Tangled area

We think there might be a small counter-service location (more of a cart in terms of size) over here that looks like the “Snuggly Duckling”

As we reported over a year ago, there will also be an area for guests to charge their electronic devices

One wall is done

Yankee Trader came out from behind tarps, this is on the Fantasyland side

You can start to see pathways taking shape

Art on Demand is now selling a ton of Fantasyland concept art under “Realms of Fantasy”

Plenty of New Fantasyland concept art available

Kodak references are still up at Town Square Theater

Should be gone soon

Moving to Gaston’s Tavern, we find a display with pastries

They are also serving Hot Cocoa

So, some names were added to the barrels behind the register

EIGERBOCK? Looks a lot like the Matterhorn too

Staggs Ale… absolutely brilliant

The Gaston’s Tavern steins are available again

I love this shirt…

More Adventureland interactive game props have been revealed

Now there is a treasure chest

And another…

Pirate skeleton under the water

Looks like the lock was busted off by a pirate

You can see the entire mechanism that raises the skeleton… hope they fix that

FastPass+ installed at Magic Carpets of Aladdin

The Grand Floridian DVC wing is coming along nicely

Moving to Downtown Disney, there is now a Wreck-It Ralph area in DisneyQuest

Plenty of Fix-It Felix machines

Adam then attended the Splitsville Parks Blog meet-up

The pizza is surprisingly good

These cheesecake bites were amazing

Let’s take a look at the drink menu

Ooooooo….

The kids balls have Mickey and Minnie on them

A mual downstairs depicts artwork from the old Walt Disney World shopping bags

Spaceship Earth is a bowling ball…

IT’S ALMOST HERE!

All of the Kodak picture spots will be removed soon as the sponsorship has come to an end

The Cheshire Cafe sign is missing for some reason

Work continues on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Gaston’s Tavern now has hot cocoa

The Gaston’s Tavern stein is available again at Bonjour Village Gifts

2013 merchandise can be found just about anywhere at WDW now

2013 Duffy!

The Disney Afternoon pins are now available

2013 mystery pins were recently released as well

Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure mystery pin set

FastPass+ testing was still going

It’s Christmas at the Grand Floridian!

The gingerbread house

Work continues on the Grand Floridian Disney Vacation Club wing

You can now see the roof being installed

It’s really starting to take shape now

These two pictures are never-before-seen conceopt art of the exterior of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coming to New Fantasyland in 2014

Here is the concept art we have seen thus far: The finale scene and the previously released exterior concept art

Concept art of the scene with the audio-animatronics Dwarfs in the mine

Interestingly enough, you can purchase the concept art through Art on Demand

Now for some “New Fantasyland that never was”… An Alice in Wonderland area was envisioned at one point, including a new entrance to Fantasyland and a new fancy roof for the Mad Tea Party

You can see the Barnstormer in the background, perhaps re-themed to the Caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland. Also, notice guests sitting and dining in large tea cups.

In addition, two new pieces of Mine Train concept art are being shared on the construction walls in New Fantasyland:

Both of these pieces show the queue

You can see guests playing with an interactive element in the mine portion of the queue

So, what do you think of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and the rejected Alice In Wonderland section of New Fantasyland?

With FastPass+ testing going on this week, Disney is also using this time to test “order ahead” dining at Be Our Guest Restaurant in New Fantasyland. Disney has released plenty of information internally on the new test, you may want to take a read:

As part of our efforts to continuously improve the Guest experience, we’re testing a new offering at Be Our Guest Restaurant.

Be Our Guest Restaurant offers fast casual service for lunch including an innovative table delivery service.

There are no counters at the restaurant. Guests instead order from a kiosk and receive a magic rose. Their meal is delivered directly to their table.
Arrival window selection: In December, selected Guests (Club Level Concierge Guests at select resorts) will have the opportunity to select an “arrival window” for their lunch at Be Our Guest Restaurant prior to arriving at the restaurant. This will happen via a website, similar to the FastPass+ testing that has taken place this year.

Order Ahead: As part of the test, the selected Guests will also have the opportunity to view the menu online and order their meals ahead of time in addition to selecting an arrival window.

All Guests visiting Magic Kingdom Park will continue to have the ability to walk up and order from a kiosk, and then have their meal delivered to their table.
This is an invitation-only test. Participants in the test will be selected prior to arriving at Magic Kingdom Park.

The offer for select Guests to participate in the test will be made during the check-in process. They will then be given the Be Our Guest Restaurant test website to make their selections for same-day bookings.

Guests may select an arrival window and then order items from the menu once they arrive at Be Our Guest Restaurant.

Once a participating Guest selects an arrival window, the Guest can view the menu online and choose to order their meal ahead of time as well. If a Guest does not order ahead, the Guest can place an order at a kiosk upon arrival at Be Our Guest Restaurant.

If a Guest chooses not to select an arrival window, they then have the option of ordering their meal ahead of time and arriving to Be Our Guest Restaurant between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Guests will then experience an expedited payment process upon arrival.

Whether a Guest orders ahead or places an order at a kiosk upon arrival, they will receive a magic rose which enables their meal be delivered directly to the table, just like all Guests at Be Our Guest Restaurant.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why can’t I participate in the test of the arrival window selection and ordering ahead process?
The test of this new service has been limited to pre-selected Guests for the time being. Any Guest can dine at Be Our Guest Restaurant for lunch by ordering at a kiosk. As the arrival window selection and pre-ordering processes evolve, they will be available to all Walt Disney World Guests on a first come, first served basis.

2. Where can I get a FASTPASS for Be Our Guest Restaurant?
Disney FASTPASS is not currently available at Be Our Guest Restaurant. Pre-selected Guests are able to choose an arrival window and select items from the menu prior to arriving at Magic Kingdom Park as part of a test of a new lunch service at Be Our Guest Restaurant.

3. What if I am not interested in selecting my meal ahead of time?
You may select an arrival window only and order once you arrive at Be Our Guest.

4. Am I able to select my meal but not my arrival window?
Yes, you are able to select a meal ahead of time without also selecting an arrival window. However, you must arrive to Be Our Guest between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to ensure you are able to enjoy your meal. Additionally, if you didn’t select an arrival window in advance you must wait in the standby queue, but you will have an expedited payment process.

5. How many days can I select an arrival window?
You are able to select one arrival window during your stay at the Walt Disney World® Resort.

6. Can I select an arrival window with another party?
Yes, as long as that time is offered to both parties.

7. What are the arrival window options that I can choose from?
Arrival windows are offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and are subject to availability. You will have the option to choose an early, mid or late lunch arrival window. Each arrival window is 15 minutes long.

8. Why can’t I pick the exact time I want?
Arrival windows are limited and subject to availability. You will have the option to choose an early, mid or late lunch arrival window.

9. Are we able to select an arrival window for dinner?
Arrival windows are being tested for fast casual dining experiences at this location and are not available for table service experiences. Table service dining, including dinner at Be Our Guest Restaurant, will continue to offer reservations. To book a reservation, please call 407-WDW-DINE or visit the website at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/reservations/dining/ or visit the Be Our Guest Restaurant podium.

10. What is a FastPass+ selection?
Because this is a test, we are also testing language options for the options Guest choose. This may or may not end up in our theme parks and resorts.

11. Is there a cost to participate in this test?
Valid park admission is required to enter Magic Kingdom® Park, however, there is no additional cost to participate other than the price of your meal.

12. Are other restaurants participating in this test?
At this time we are only offering this test at Be Our Guest Restaurant.

13. Where do I check in once I arrive to Be Our Guest?
If you participate in this test you should proceed to the Cast Member at the front of the bridge prior to entering Be Our Guest. If you selected an arrival window in advance, your arrival window will be listed under the name you used to register online.

14. I will need to make a special dietary request. Can I still participate in the test and pre-select my meal?
If you have a lifestyle dietary request, such as a vegetarian option, you are encouraged to pre-select your meal. However, if you need to make a dietary request due to allergies you may select an arrival window in advance but should order at the restaurant. Upon arrival, you should request to speak to a chef or a manager on duty and they will be happy to assist.

15. What if I want to change my order after I have selected?
At any time prior to the start of your arrival window, you are able to view your order and arrival window on the website, based upon availability. Upon arrival, you may still change your order at one of our self-service Kiosks or with a Cast Member. Guests who have pre-selected their meal and arrival time will be guided to utilize a kiosk or make changes with a Cast Member upon arriving.

16. Can I choose where I sit ahead of time?
Tables are based on availability; all three of our dining rooms are open during lunch.

17. No arrival windows are being offered to me online, can I still participate?
Yes, even though arrival windows may no longer be available for the test, you may still pre-order your meal and arrive at Be Our Guest between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

18. If I am a Disney Resort hotel Guest, can I pay with my Key to the World Card?
For Guests who select an arrival window and pre-select their meal, once you arrive we accept Disney Resort Key to the World Cards, Disney Dining Plans, Credit Cards, and Disney Gift Cards for payment upon arrival. Guests paying with Cash or vouchers will be directed to pay at a cashier at the restaurant.

19. I want to pre-select my meal and choose my arrival window, but I’m paying with cash, is this possible?
If you choose to pay with cash you may only select either your arrival window, or pre-order your meal in advance.

20. I purchased a package that includes a Disney dining plan; can I use my dining plan entitlements for my meal?
Guests who purchased packages that include a Disney dining plan will be asked to use 1 meal entitlement for their lunch.

21. What happens if I’m not able to make my arrival window?
If you are not able to make your arrival window, please cancel your reservation on the website at https://www.BeOurGuestLunch.disney.go.com

22. If I need to cancel my arrival window is there a fee?
No, Guests who need to cancel their arrival window will not charged a cancellation fee.

23. How do you know where I am sitting to deliver my meal?
There are no counters at the restaurant. Guests will instead order from a kiosk and receive a magic rose. Their meal will be delivered directly to their table. We use wireless radio frequency (RF) technology, which is commonly used in everyday items like smart phones, video game controllers and credit cards.

24. Who can I contact if I have a question?
You can contact a Concierge Cast Member at your Resort with any questions prior to arrival.

When The Giggle Gang was announced by Disney a few days ago, many guests were worried that scary clowns would be invading Storybook Circus in New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom. After having seen a show from the new group, I can safely say that scary clowns are hardly what guests are seeing in the park. The show is actually pretty cute; that being said, it probably could still use a little work. As with most comedy shows, some things work and some don’t, and I’m sure they will figure it out as they go along. The following video is from a very early preview performance of the Giggle Gang, so please keep in mind that they had only completed 2 actual shows prior to this performance. Enjoy:

So, what do you think of the Giggle Gang in Storybook Circus?

Be Our Guest Restaurant in New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom is now open daily for lunch & dinner, but if you haven’t had to chance to experience it for yourself just yet, you may want to check out this comprehensive tour we’ve put together:

After seeing the beautiful exterior and interior, what do you think of the latest Magic Kingdom dining establishment?