Tag: Royal Friendship Faire

April 2, 2016 – A sad day for some

As reported a few months ago here: New for 2016 and beyond,  there will be several areas of Hollywood Studios that will be experiencing there last day today.  These areas and attractions include:Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” Movie Set Adventure, Monsters Inc. meet and greet, Studio Catering Co., Youze Guys Moychondise, Streets of America, The Prop Shop, Watto’s Grotto, Writer’s Stop.  I know there are several Disney fans that are really disappointed in the announcement and definitely not looking forward to the day.  But let’s take a look closer at what is leaving. Continue reading April 2, 2016 – A sad day for some

New for 2016 and beyond

As Walt said, Disney world will never be complete.  There are constant changes occurring to Disney World, and 2016 will be no different.  Below is a list of some of the bigger changes that will be occurring.

Magic Kingdom

Royal Friendship Faire (April 2, 2016) This new live stage show will include Mickey and a crew of Merry Makers hosting a joyous festival. The Merry Makers have invited their friends from other lands to join in on the celebration. This stage show will feature favorite characters and songs from movies like The Princess and the Frog, Tangled, and Frozen.

With this new castle stage show, we must say goodbye to Dream Along With Mickey which will have its last performance at Magic Kingdom on April 2.

Animal Kingdom

Sunset Kilimanjaro Safaris (2016 Spring) — The popular Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park will be extended for a new nighttime adventure. Guests will travel through the African savanna amid the magically extended orange glow of the setting sun and discover two species new to the attraction: African wild dogs and hyenas.

 

“Rivers of Light” (2016 Spring) — “Rivers of Light” is an innovative experience unlike anything ever seen in a Disney park, combining live performances, floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery. “Rivers of Light” will magically come to life on the natural stage of Discovery River, delighting guests and truly capping off a full day of adventures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

 

Pandora — The World of AVATAR (2017) —Disney in collaboration with filmmaker James Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment is bringing to life the mythical world of Pandora, inspired by Cameron’s AVATAR, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. The awe-inspiring land of floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests and soaring Banshees will give guests a transformational experience they will never forget.

 

AVATAR Flight of Passage (2017) – This E-ticket attraction, the centerpiece of Pandora at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, will allow guests to soar on a Banshee over a vast alien world. The spectacular flying experience will give guests a birds-eye view of the beauty and grandeur of the world of Pandora on an aerial rite of passage.

 

Epcot

 

Frozen Ever After (Spring 2016) – There has been much dispute about whether it was a good decision to replace Maelstrom, but Frozen fans will be delighted with the planned  attraction set to open during the spring of 2016 at Epcot’s Norway Pavilion. The new attraction will bring a “Frozen” overlay to the former Maelstrom ride, and will also include a meet and greet as Anna and Elsa move from their current home in Magic Kingdom, to their new home in Norway.

Soarin’ Around the World (Summer 2016) The popular ride Soarin’ just closed January 4, 2016 to undergo some updated and changes.  When Soarin’ opens again, it will include a third theatre and a new film.  The new film will be Soarin’ Around the World, and feature some of the world’s most unique natural landscapes and man-made wonders.

 

Hollywood Studios

The closures in Hollywood Studios have been a major topic of discussion.  To date the following have closed: Animation Academy, Pizza Planet, Phineas and Ferb meet and greet, Lightning McQueen and Mater meet and greet, American Idol, The Backlot tour.  April 2, 2016 will mark the closure of even more rides, shows, attractions and restaurants: Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” Movie Set Adventure, Monsters Inc. meet and greet, Studio Catering Co., Youze Guys Moychondise, Streets of America, The Prop Shop, Watto’s Grotto, Writer’s Stop.  These closures and changes are making way for some major changes to Hollywood Studios.

 

Star Wars Launch Bay (Recently Opened) – The closing of the Animation Academy made way for a “preview center” of sorts for the star wars attractions yet to come.  This building consists of a movie, many star wars props, and two meets.  Currently, Chewbacca and Kylo Ren are the two characters that are meeting guest at this location.

 

Symphony in the Stars (Recently begun) – A Star Wars themed firework show from a land far far away.

Toy Story Land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios (TBA) — The reimagining of Disney’s Hollywood Studios will take guests to infinity and beyond, allowing them to step into the worlds of their favorite films, starting with Toy Story Land. This new 11-acre land will transport guests into the adventurous outdoors of Andy’s backyard. Guests can experience two new attractions, including a family-friendly roller coaster on the back of Slinky Dog and an aliens saucer attraction. Toy Story Mania! will add a third track to the existing popular attraction.

Star Wars Themed-Land arriving at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (TBA) — Star Wars-themed land is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where Star Wars characters and their stories will come to life. Highlights feature two signature attractions, including the ability to take the controls of one of the most recognizable ships in the galaxy, the Millennium Falcon, on a customized secret mission, and an epic Star Wars adventure that puts guests in the middle of a climactic battle.

Disney Springs

 

A unique destination that will treat guests to significantly more shopping, dining and entertainment amid beautiful open-air promenades, meandering springs and waterfront charm is currently underway. Disney Springs will feature an eclectic and contemporary mix from Disney and other noteworthy brands in a setting inspired by Florida’s waterfront towns and natural beauty. New retail shops coming to Disney Springs include Edward Beiner, Lilly Pulitzer, L’Occitane en Provence, PANDORA, Tommy Bahama, UGG, UNIQLO and Zara. Upcoming new dining locations include:

  • The Ganachery(recently opened) — A new chocolate shop with fresh batches of ganache chocolate daily, including dark (65 percent custom blend), hazelnut, chipotle and a custom blend flavored with the world’s finest spices and flavors.
  • STK(2016) – A modern steakhouse mixed with the ambiance of a sleek lounge and emphasizing a social and fun environment. The vibrant, lively scene will offer guests fine dining, signature cocktails, and a DJ playing eclectic music nightly.
  • The Edison(June 2016) – A lavish “Industrial Gothic”-style restaurant, bar and nighttime destination that will feature exceptional classic American food, artisanal craft cocktails and unparalleled live entertainment.
  • Sprinkles(2016) – The world’s first cupcake bakery, as named by Food Network and others, serves up handcrafted cupcakes, slow churned ice cream and homemade cookies. Their innovative Cupcake ATM satisfies sweet-toothed epicureans 24/7.
  • Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza(2016) – Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza is a modern day “pizza joint” known for its custom-built artisanal pizzas, freshly made salads, blood orange lemonade and s’more pies.