Tomorrow morning I’ll be climbing 126 steps to a height of 80 feet to experience Ihu’s Breakaway Falls. Orlando’s tallest, steepest and only multi-drop tower slide of its kind opens officially May 9. But I’m getting a preview tomorrow. The question is, am I brave… Read More »I’m about to Drop In On Ihu’s Breakaway Falls
Walt Disney Imagineering is famous for their project documentation. The archives are full of great concept art, construction photos, and documentation from most of the major builds over the last 50+ years. But my favorite of these has to be the time-lapse video.
This short time-lapse video shows the construction of most of New Fantasyland, including Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Definitely worth expanding it to full-screen to view:
Interesting how construction on the coaster itself didn’t actually start until about half-way through the video.
Below the jump, I have an interview with Bruce Vaughn, executive vice president at Walt Disney Imagineering, and Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, as they talk about how Seven Dwarfs Mine Train fits into New Fantasyland and how excited the Imagineers are to finally have it open to the public on May 28th.
Read More »Time-Lapse Video of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Construction
Walt Disney Parks Chair Tom Staggs, Snow White, and all seven of Walt Disney’s famous dwarfs gathered on Friday to officially dedicate the newest attraction at the Magic Kingdom and the crown jewel of New Fantasyland, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. “Seven Dwarfs Mine Train… Read More »Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Official Dedication Ceremony
A few big announcement at the presentation formerly known as What’s New, What’s Next, now called “Around Our World.” Among the recap of recent changes at the resort including DCL, DVC, and Adventures by Disney, a sprinkling of new news was released. First news from… Read More »Walt Disney World Resort – What’s New Announcements
After years of work, the last piece of New Fantasyland is about to fall into place with the ribbon cutting ceremony for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train roller coaster later this week. Workers are still buzzing around the track taking care of minor details during the… Read More »Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Clearance Rig On Track As Media Event Nears
Yesterday in part one of this update we looked at some fresh concept art and changes on the Westside of Downtown Disney as it transforms into Disney Springs. Today we’ll take glimpse at the area that will become the “Waterfront District” and the Marketplace Marina area.
Up first is a little video highlighting a few of the changes going on near the water front and marina areas.
Below the jump we have more updates in our photo gallery
Read More »Disney Springs Construction Update – April 2014 – Part II
New garage is rising on the Westside
Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney is the main shopping, dining, and night time entertainment area for the resort. Over the years it has seen a few transitions, but current project promises change on a new scale – mostly upscale, as it turns out.
As part of Disney’s efforts to add more elements that appeal to families with, how shall we say it, extra-spending cash, Downtown Disney will become Disney Springs and bring with it new upscale shopping, high end dining experiences, and new entertainment options. To go along with the increased expectation in crowds, Disney is adding new parking garages as well.
I recently stopped by to grab some photos and video of the transition and was amazed at how much work is going on already. So much, in fact, that I’ve had to split this update into two parts.
Part one today looks mostly at the concept art that’s up around Downtown Disney and a few of the projects going on on the Westside of Downtown Disney. Tomorrow, we’ll dive into changes at Pleasure Island (soon to become the “waterfront district”) and the Marketplace (where Downtown Disney got its start).
Read More »Disney Springs Construction Update – April 2014 – Part I
The water park wars don’t usually get a lot of coverage in the traditional or online media, but it’s on in Orlando. Universal is rumored to be working on a complete re-envisioning of the water park experience (either on the property where Wet-n-Wild now sits… Read More »Ihu’s Breakaway Falls Nears Completion at SeaWorld’s Aquatica