News Round Up

[rteetz]

Does anyone know if they're keeping the Peter Pan story room in Innoventions? I was so worried when they closed it that they'd take it out. It is so special. My son got to do all the effects once since there were only a few adults in the room and they were all loving watching his reaction. One of those things that makes Disney what it is.

As far as I know all of Disneylands innoventions has been gutted. Half will be Star Wars and the other half marvel.

 

[skier_pete]

As far as I know all of Disneylands innoventions has been gutted. Half will be Star Wars and the other half marvel.

Pretty sure this is the case. I for some reason thought it was an "upstairs / downstairs" sort of thing, but having never been in there I am just guessing. Looking forward to checking it out in February. "Seasons of the Force" hopefully still going on! Woo hoo!

 

[rteetz]

Small fire at the castle in Shanghai

http://disneyandmore.blogspot.com/2015/10/shanghai-disneyland-enchanted-storybook.html

 

[skier_pete]

Hi! Longtime lurker -- first post. I suppose this is as good as any. Has there been definitive word on whether or not Soarin will close in January for six months? We go in April, and while of course one ride isn't even close to a deal-breaker, it is the one thing my husband gets "little-kid-excited" about. We are taking his younger sister and BIL for their first ever WDW trip, and the one thing he said was "I cannot wait to take her on Soarin'." I just think that is a long time to be out of commision for Epcot's most popular ride.

Rumors aren't always right - but a lot of times the rumors on rehabs get pretty close. There's some pretty specific rumors on exactly what's going to be done, including modifications to restrooms. It could well be a shorter shutdown than six months though. If I were you, I would be prepared for the fact it might not be open, and be pleasantly surprised if it is. If it IS a dealbreaker, you may want to consider postponing the trip until official word comes out.

 

[rteetz]

Christmas parade taping to be earlier than normal

http://www.wdwmagic.com/events/holi...celebration-taping-scheduled-for-november.htm

 

[mollmoll4]

Christmas parade taping to be earlier than normal

http://www.wdwmagic.com/events/holi...celebration-taping-scheduled-for-november.htm

Oh, bummer! DH was really excited that we might get to see them taping on our trip. I wonder why the bumped it?

 

[rteetz]

AK photo update

http://micechat.com/112674-animal-kingdom-photos-updates/

 

[Bay Max]

Christmas parade taping to be earlier than normal

http://www.wdwmagic.com/events/holi...celebration-taping-scheduled-for-november.htm

I'm relieved. I thought it was going to be taped during my first weekend there.

 

[rteetz]

Morimoto Asia lunch menu

http://www.wdwmagic.com/dining/mori...15-a-look-at-the-morimoto-asia-lunch-menu.htm

 

[rteetz]

Apparently Meg Crofton got a window on Main Street

http://www.**************.net/2015/...-longtime-employee-meg-crofton-magic-kingdom/

 

[Spacedog1975]

Morimoto Asia lunch menu

http://www.wdwmagic.com/dining/mori...15-a-look-at-the-morimoto-asia-lunch-menu.htm

Now I'm curious about forbidden lounge and brunch. Street food too. I wonder if brunch or street food will debut in the next 30 days.

 

[beer dave]

Seems to me with all the price increase we should all stop trying to find good deals from Disney and instead find a good way to fake a Florida residency.

And before I get a bunch of nasty responses...
I'M KIDDING!!!

Dude-- I can rent you a room......

 

[rteetz]

Now I'm curious about forbidden lounge and brunch. Street food too. I wonder if brunch or street food will debut in the next 30 days.

The street food window is supposed to open up soon.

 

[rteetz]

GF aquatic play area refurb

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/10/aquatic-play-area-refurbishment-at.html

 

[rteetz]

WDW transportation update

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/10/walt-disney-world-transportation.html

 

[circus4u]

Christmas parade taping to be earlier than normal

http://www.wdwmagic.com/events/holi...celebration-taping-scheduled-for-november.htm

I assume this refers only to WDW. My granddaughter is performing in the Disneyland parade and it is being taped Nov 6, 7, & 8.

 

[Keels]

Agreed, there's so much in the air on that front. I've heard of plans to maybe do the Anaheim stadium or Toy Story as options for gate 3. They also have that large parking lot behind paradise pier. Additionally, what IPs would they use? SW? Done. Marvel? Coming soon. Frozen? Good chance it's going into New Fantasyland. More Pixar? There's already a huge presence. Nothing pops out at me. They could do something more cultural like a Animal Kingdom/World Showcase fusion that is really immersive and would allow for extensive IP tie ins and merchandising. Nothing super obvious though.

Hold up. I know this was from a couple of days ago - but how would Disney be able to re-appropriate a stadium they do not own, that currently houses a team they do not own for a third gate? The Angels are in Anaheim until 2031 at minimum, and at the same location because it's paid for by the City of Anaheim. Arte Moreno, the owner of the Angels, is not likely to give up a spot to Disney to build a theme park unless someone else is building him a brand new stadium somewhere AND he's getting paid a pretty penny to leave the Big A. And I assure you, Anaheim doesn't want to lose a sporting franchise.

 

[DDLand]

Hold up. I know this was from a couple of days ago - but how would Disney be able to re-appropriate a stadium they do not own, that currently houses a team they do not own for a third gate? The Angels are in Anaheim until 2031 at minimum, and at the same location because it's paid for by the City of Anaheim. Arte Moreno, the owner of the Angels, is not likely to give up a spot to Disney to build a theme park unless someone else is building him a brand new stadium somewhere AND he's getting paid a pretty penny to leave the Big A. And I assure you, Anaheim doesn't want to lose a sporting franchise.

http://m.ocregister.com/articles/city-686591-angels-anaheim.html

Actually very nicely timed article. There had been no development on this story for months and then this came out only days ago. Here's another from two years ago:
http://articles.latimes.com/2013/sep/04/local/la-me-ln-angels-anaheim-downtown-la-20130904

And then last year:
http://www.latimes.com/sports/angels/la-sp-angels-move-anaheim-20140927-story.html

Update: I'd also add, that the City of Anaheim could make 100s of millions by increasing the amount of hotel guests staying in the district. A new theme park could grow demand in a massive way. Disney could open new hotels themselves and other private businesses could follow suit. This would increase Disney leverage and influence in the area (something Anaheim and her residents hate) but it would create compelling opportunities.

With all this above said, it's obviously not something forthcoming. Disneyland is spending billions to upgrade their theme parks. Not just any theme parks, but some of the best in the world already. They're doubling down on their already excellent DCA. I'd say they follow up with new hotels too. We're at least a decade out from a new park. Unless Tom Staggs really wants to prove something and gets to work quickly.

 

[rteetz]

I assume this refers only to WDW. My granddaughter is performing in the Disneyland parade and it is being taped Nov 6, 7, & 8.

Correct

 

[rteetz]

Shelly (Jim Hill's ex wife) seems to have found the blue prints for the Skippers Canteen.

http://micechat.com/112594-jungle-skipper-canteen/