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July 2012

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Update

Disney’s Hollywood Studios continues to be one of Walt Disney World’s more neglected properties. It will be seeing some major changes soon, not in the park, alas, but in how you get to it. Road work is under way that will funnel all guests to the parking lot via the main entrance. Right now a significant portion of guests enter off Buena Vista Drive, which only has two lanes and sometimes back up into the intersection. In the future, that traffic will be redirected around the park to Osceola Parkway where a new off ramp will direct guests to the main entrance. The work they’ve done so far looks pretty nice, but it will be a bit difficult to get used to the change. The Buena Vista Drive route will still be used by busses and as an exit from the park.

One hopes they’ll also take advantage of this to reroute the entry road and allow for a little more expansion on that side of the park. Speaking of expansion, we heard that they’re once again looking at adding a Nemo themed coaster similar to the one in Paris to Pixar Place. Not sure how much weight I put behind that rumor. We do know for sure that DHS will be getting Fastpass Plus. The electrical requirements have been added to a number of attractions, as you can see on the floor to the right of the Tower of Terror entrance here:

There is some work being done on the secondary entrance for American Idol Experience. This could be related to Fast Pass Plus too.

There is no longer an American Idol Experience store.

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Disney Research Showcases Video-Based 3D Motion Capture Through Biped Control

Disney Research Pittsburgh together with Brown University have released a video showcasing their latest project featuring video-based 3D motion capture through biped control. In plain language, that means it’s an easier way to capture and reproduce natural movement in markerless motion capture and then replay… Read More »Disney Research Showcases Video-Based 3D Motion Capture Through Biped Control

Frankenweenie at Comic-Con

Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie was of the big hits of this year’s Comic-Con. The special exhibit of art and production materials from the film and the HGTV Electrifying Garden erected by Disney to promote the film drew large crowds. There appears to be a large appetite… Read More »Frankenweenie at Comic-Con

ABC Lists Premiere Dates for Fall Series

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s safe to start making your evening plans. ABC has announced the fall premiere dates for its lineup of prime time shows on the network channel. For the most part, the night they debut on, is their regular night. However, please note:… Read More »ABC Lists Premiere Dates for Fall Series

Sorcerers of The Magic Kingdom Card Game Adds New Dimension, Rare Cards

The Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom interactive card based game at the Magic Kingdom has been wildly popular. So many fans want to play the game that it quickly outgrew the capacity the in-park portals could handle. But via leaks and careful observation, it’s been… Read More »Sorcerers of The Magic Kingdom Card Game Adds New Dimension, Rare Cards

Chase rolls out Disney Visa Debit Card

Disney fans who have been jealous of the perks available to Chase Disney Visa card members, but didn’t want to switch their current credit card habits to get them, may now find a reason – the Chase Disney Visa Debit Card. As a current Chase member myself, mostly to take advantage of no-fee ATMs at the parks, I know we’ll be switching to the Debit Cards.

The new Disney’s Visa Debit Card gives customers access to special Cardmember perks when visiting Walt Disney World and the Disneyland and when shopping at DisneyStore.com and Disney Store locations. Disney’s Visa Debit Card is available now and has no annual fee.

“Disney’s Visa Debit Card is perfect for fans of Disney who prefer to use a debit card for their everyday spending,” said Ryan McInerney, CEO of Chase Consumer Banking. “With no annual fee, it provides access to Cardmember perks at Disney Theme Parks and Disney Store, and offers a choice of imaginative Disney card designs.”

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Walt Disney World Plans Magical 2012 Winter Holiday Season

For many fans Walt Disney World has two seasons, the winter holidays and everything else. There is no question that the parks, resorts, and surrounding areas look all the more magical with the Christmas decorations. Guests are often in a better mood too as they share some special family time in the parks. This year the holiday season starts building on November 9th and Walt Disney World has lined up some extra merry for good measure.

In fact, here is a video from Disney showing how preparations are already underway for this year’s decorations.

Here are some of the highlights from around the resort:

Magic Kingdom

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will have its longest-ever run with 20 magical nights from November 9-December 21. For a quarter century, Walt Disney World guests have been mesmerized by this must-see event, a grandly festive tradition immersing families in the holiday spirit. Dates for 2012: Nov. 9, 12, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, 30 and Dec. 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21. Beginning at 7 p.m. (after regular park hours), guests with special event tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party can enjoy all the holiday splendor with lively stage shows, spectacular fireworks, a unique holiday parade and favorite holiday traditions including complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, and snow flurries on Main Street, U.S.A. NOTE: this is a hard ticket special event after regular park hours; purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended.

Entertainment, Fireworks and More: Santa’s elves have transformed the Magic Kingdom into a winter wonderland with festive wreaths, bows, garland, sparkling lights, parades and towering Christmas trees. The fun includes the Holiday Wishes nighttime spectacular: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season fireworks, plus live entertainment with Disney characters all dressed up for the holidays.

Castle Dream Lights on Cinderella Castle: Cinderella Castle transforms into a glimmering ice palace for the holidays — thanks to a special effects spectacle bathing the castle in 200,000 shimmering white lights. Magic Kingdom guests are treated nightly to the dramatic castle celebration and stage show.

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