News Round Up

[mcjaco]

Jim's problem is that he doesn't filter out any rumors. He relays everything he hears whether its from an Imagineer or bus driver. And whether it's 2 days from breaking ground or a thought someone had at a meeting yesterday.

Exactly. I used to keep a log of rumors he'd post, and within a year 97% of them were debunked by someone else, or even himself.

I'm not knocking his work, whatever gets you page hits, but I'd like to see someone call him out sometimes, and not revere him as a Disney god.

I've got friends inside Disney, and at one point was told that Beastly Kingdomme was right around the corner. Six months later it was.....as Avatar. It's way too fluid, and there's way too many rumors within rumors to believe much of anything you hear. Unless it's from the Dippin' Dots guy. They always know the real deal.

 

[happyj]

I just hope beauty and the beast stay!

 

[jon18uk]

I like all of these except #9. This would make me so sad.

Although Walt once said, that DisneyLand is not a museum, some of the parks are starting to feel that way. The beauty and the beast show has been going for 20years, it's time to replace it!

 

[cel_disney]

I just hope beauty and the beast stay!

We will see this show for the first time in October (after 10s of trips there!) but now that we have Belle in MK - I like the idea of changing this to Tangled....

 

[rteetz]

Exactly. I used to keep a log of rumors he'd post, and within a year 97% of them were debunked by someone else, or even himself.

I'm not knocking his work, whatever gets you page hits, but I'd like to see someone call him out sometimes, and not revere him as a Disney god.

I've got friends inside Disney, and at one point was told that Beastly Kingdomme was right around the corner. Six months later it was.....as Avatar. It's way too fluid, and there's way too many rumors within rumors to believe much of anything you hear. Unless it's from the Dippin' Dots guy. They always know the real deal.

I also find that he is very full of himself very cocky. Someone who really shouldn't be that way.

 

[rteetz]

If you haven't heard all ready Disney Legend Robin William has died at the age of 63 he was found dead at his home earlier today. It is to be believe he was suffering from a deep depression and he ended his life. Sad situation for such a good guy who brought laughter for millions. He starred in 80 movies and 55 TV shows over his long career.

 

[rteetz]

The 'My Disney Experience' website and iOS apps will begin offering an improved dining reservation service from tomorrow, August 13 2014.

Guests will be able to make same day dining reservations from 20 minutes out. This improves on the current system by a couple of hours.

Initially, the update will only be available to iOS users on iPhone, iPad and iPods. The My Disney Experience website will also offer the new functionality. Similar functionality on the Android platform is expected later in the year.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/other/mymag...rvations-for-users-of-ios-and-the-website.htm

The Walt Disney Company and PANDORA have announced that they have entered into a new strategic alliance giving PANDORA jewelry a presence in both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.

The agreement includes sponsorship of the Wishes nighttime firework show at the Magic Kingdom, and the creation of an original Disney themed jewelry collection launching at retail locations from the fall.

The new collection of hand finished sterling silver and 14K gold charms will feature inspirations from Disney’s beloved characters, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The initial launch, expected to roll out to stores early November 2014, will include 25 different styles; an additional 16 styles will be sold at Disney merchandise locations, including the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. The Disney collection from PANDORA will also be available in PANDORA stores throughout Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Central America and the Caribbean in November.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions...-wishes-and-range-of-disney-themed-charms.htm

With Pandora entering and sponsorship of Wishes, does that mean a new version of this night time spectacular will be coming soon?

 

[rteetz]

Here is a good photo update of all the things at MK. Lost of photos of the Peoplemover after its recent refurbishment.

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2014/08/magic-kingdom-update-peoplemover.html

 

[rteetz]

The Orlando Sentinel is reporting new details on the rumored 5th Universal hotel.

A "notice of commencement" was filed with the Orange County comptroller's office for excavation work in the same area where, according to plans Universal filed earlier, a new hotel with 1,000 rooms and 159,000 square feet of meeting space could be built on 20 acres. The site is between Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Royal Pacific Resort.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/os-cfb-tourism-0811-20140807,0,6041593.story

 

[rteetz]

Rumors are out now that Universal Orlando will be closing Twister the attraction in January. Also rumors are out that the Kidzone will be closing. No confirmation from universal on this but what could Universal have up their sleeves now?

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2014/08/universal-orlando-rumors-twister-and.html

 

[rteetz]

Guests with a MagicBand linked to the Memory Maker photo package will begin receiving a souvenir onboard video at the Tower of Terror.

Beginning today, the Tower of Terror attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios is the first at Walt Disney World to offer on-ride videos as part of the new MyMagic+ system. More attractions are expected to follow, with the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Haunted Mansion strongly tipped to get the on-board photo and video experience.

After riding, those guests with a MagicBand and a linked Memory Maker photo package should expect to see their videos online at My Disney Experience within 24 hours of riding. The video is captured, edited, and uploaded to the guest's My Disney Experience account automatically - all driven from the MagicBand and RFID readers in the attraction.

The on-ride video is not available to any guests not wearing a MagicBand with a linked Memory Maker account.

Via wdwmagic.com

 

[rteetz]

Djuan Rivers has been named as the new vice president, Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Djuan Rivers has previously served as the general manager of Aulani, and as a vice president, Hotels and Business Solutions at Disneyland Paris. Most recently at Walt Disney World, he had served as general manager of Disney's Wilderness Lodge, and vice president, Downtown Disney.

Existing Disney's Animal Kingdom vice president Josh D'Amaro will be taking up the role of senior vice present, Resort and Transportation Operations. This position has recently been vacated by Tom Wolber, who is heading to Disneyland Resort Paris, in the role of President of Euro Disney S.A.S.

Via wdwmagic.com

 

[rteetz]

Fans of the legendary Pinocchio Village Haus Figaro Fries have had to wait over 6 years for their return, but now the Golden Oak Outpost in the Magic Kingdom's Frontierland has new loaded waffle fries offerings that closely resemble the original.

Costing $5.99 each, there are four speciality waffle fries available - BLT Waffle Fries topped with Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, and Ranch Dressing, Brown Gravy and Cheese Waffle Fries topped with Brown Gravy and White Cheddar, Barbecue Pork Waffle Fries topped with Barbecue Pork and Coleslaw, and Tex-Mex Waffle Fries topped with Black Bean Cucumber Relish, warm Cheddar and Slice Jalapeños.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/dining/gold...-fries-make-a-return-to-the-magic-kingdom.htm

 

[rteetz]

Very cool photo update of Shanghai Disney
http://www.themeparx.com/shanghai-disneyland/

 

[luisov]

Shanghai looking good so far. Can't wait to see the exclusive rides they've got.

 

[Figmentforever24]

Disneyland Paris.....a hot mess. Yet Disney is looking at fixing some things at the resort.

1. Newport Bay Resort is will reopen as a four star resort after its finished being overhauled.

2. New York Resort is gonna become a Deluxe resort.

3. Paris managers are in talks with the Disney company for major investing into Walt Disney Studios and Disney Village. Plans are on the table they just need a timetable.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Djuan Rivers has been named as the new vice president, Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Djuan Rivers has previously served as the general manager of Aulani, and as a vice president, Hotels and Business Solutions at Disneyland Paris. Most recently at Walt Disney World, he had served as general manager of Disney's Wilderness Lodge, and vice president, Downtown Disney.

Existing Disney's Animal Kingdom vice president Josh D'Amaro will be taking up the role of senior vice present, Resort and Transportation Operations. This position has recently been vacated by Tom Wolber, who is heading to Disneyland Resort Paris, in the role of President of Euro Disney S.A.S.

Via wdwmagic.com

No personal offense to Mr. Rivers...

But that resume is full of underperforming locations.

Again, not this guys fault...but still

This is what is so aggravating about the corporate philosophy...instead of finding execs that are right for the specific spots, leaving them there as paying for the talents...they rotate/recycle on a completely random basis.

This is right in line with that nonsense.

The best example was the Staggs/Rasulo swap...

What the hell kinda business swaps the "leisure" division head with the accountant?
To completely different things

CMB and the whole board should have been thrown out of the dwarve building with that stunt.

 

[rteetz]

The Polynesian has reopened Captain Cooks today. The restaurant is a quick service and had been closed for sometime for a redo.


http://www.wdwmagic.com/dining/capt...ens-at-disney's-polynesian-village-resort.htm

 

[famgel]

Bump thank you for the updates

 

[Reddog1134]

http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions...rmanently-closing-at-the-end-of-this-week.htm

Is this the first sign of preparation for Star Wars land?