News Round Up 2016

[DisneyFansInNYC]

News

Details on the nighttime safari

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2016/03/additional-nighttime-kilimanjaro.html

Do you know if they still will be offering the Starlight Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge?

 

[rteetz]

I wonder if this means that Pizza Planet and Mama Melrose will re-theme to Muppets.

Yes that's what I'm hearing.

 

[rteetz]

Do you know if they still will be offering the Starlight Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge?

Yes they will. They just changed the name and are allowing all Disney guests to take part not just AKL guests.

 

[rteetz]

News

Disney doubles the amount donated to Make a Wish!

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...thanks-all-who-participated-in-shareyourears/

 

[englishrose47]

For a full expansion pad, I'd lean a bit more towards Australia.

Alternatively, I wonder if there are potential attraction spots in existing areas. DAK has a lot of shops, restaurants, and free space that could be converted into attractions IMHO.

I like that idea !!!! Some kangaroos hopping around , would be nice o the safari!!!

 

[pork]

News

Disney doubles the amount donated to Make a Wish!

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...thanks-all-who-participated-in-shareyourears/

This is one thing Disney does I truly appreciate. Knowing people that have used this program before I can say it really helps spread some joy around for children that deserve it.

 

[Travis B]

Sweet. I'd love a dark ride. I know that's too much to ask.
I'd also love it if this were good news for "The Muppets" as I think they belong on television (even if the show needs some serious love).

A muppets dark ride would be seriously delightful.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Can't say I agree with the writer of the article. I don't think Elsa should have a prince at all, but maybe that's just me. I wonder what type of story they are doing though. The Walt Disney Animation team is a lot stronger now than they were when they first released Frozen, so hopefully the story will also be better. I'm not here for a Cars 2 sized mess (making a film for the sake of expanding the franchise).

Fully agree with you. One thing I saw speculated as a reason the movie got so big is that it was about familial love not romantic love and kids could relate to that better - I hope they stick with that aspect

 

[Grym]

Yes that's what I'm hearing.

Is Mama Melrose closed? Scheduled to close? When?

 

[skier_pete]

News

Muppets courtyard is happening apparently.

https://twitter.com/orlparknews/status/710896404164710400

All right! I would love a ride - but even so I really like the idea of a Muppet themed area. I think this gives more credence that the Star Wars land will stretch out into the parking lot area behind Star Tours / Backlot Express - and also that there will eventually be at least two other "lands". It's pretty obvious that they are going with the Harry Potter / Carsland model of themed lands, that each land is immersive to whatever property, and each is separate and distinct. (The exception will be the "Hollywood" theme of the entrance area - the front of the park that already exists. Whooo - it's going to be a long time coming, but if they DO get two additional themed lands this could legit become the #2 park in Orlando.

 

[RooRach0906]

Since they are adding rivers of light and sunset safari at Animal Kingdom, I would assume the hours will length, any idea when that will happen for September?

 

[rteetz]

Is Mama Melrose closed? Scheduled to close? When?

It's scheduled for a refurb.

 

[rteetz]

Since they are adding rivers of light and sunset safari at Animal Kingdom, I would assume the hours will length, any idea when that will happen for September?

It hasn't even happened for April yet.

 

[Flyerjab]

News

Muppets courtyard is happening apparently.

https://twitter.com/orlparknews/status/710896404164710400

@rteetz, are you hearing anything about what this could mean? I am assuming that the 3D Movie theater will remain. But does that mean that both Mama Melrose and the Pizza Planet locations will be themed to Muppets? Both QS and TS options for this area? Could that also mean that the theming will be plussed a bit?

 

[Flyerjab]

I know that @rteetz, pretty much posts everything, but in case this was missed, Micechat has a nice photo update of DAK, including a lot of the finished construction of the RoL area.

http://micechat.com/121889-nighttime-fun-approaches-disneys-animal-kingdom/

 

[Budshark]

With the proximity to Star Wars Land there really is only one option for this Muppet area....

PIIIIIIGS IN SPAAAAAACE!

Jus sayin...

 

[rteetz]

@rteetz, are you hearing anything about what this could mean? I am assuming that the 3D Movie theater will remain. But does that mean that both Mama Melrose and the Pizza Planet locations will be themed to Muppets? Both QS and TS options for this area? Could that also mean that the theming will be plussed a bit?

Yes both restaurants become muppets themed.

 

[Fantasia79]

Swedish chef! Please Disney, don't mess this up.

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

With the proximity to Star Wars Land there really is only one option for this Muppet area....

PIIIIIIGS IN SPAAAAAACE!

Jus sayin...

I had thought that they could do a SW parody and it could fit in with the new SW land. If that isn't necessary now, I still think they should update the film. Though I do enjoy seeing the theater wall blown open at the end and all the early 90s fashions.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Yes both restaurants become muppets themed.

I believe Mama Melrose was originally supposed to be muppet themed as Gonzo running it (and obviously things go wrong) - wonder if they bring that idea back