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
One of the benefits of the media event for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train was that I got a chance to talk with some of the planners involved in upcoming events at Walt Disney World. Below is a brief talk with Randi Hoffert from Disney Destinations… Read More »Star Wars Weekends – What’s New and What Not To Miss
Among the many things announced by Walt Disney World yesterday, was the first new area of Downtown Disney to open as part of its transformation into Disney Springs. “The Landing” will be set by the water front and feature nationally known restauranteurs. None have been officially announced, but it’s expected to include concepts from the Patina group (Via Napoli) and Steven Schussler (T-Rex, Yak & Yeti, and Rainforest Cafe). The Landing will occupy part of the area formerly known as Pleasure Island (basically behind where Raglan Road is now).
Disney also released a bunch more information about the transformation of Disney Springs (which will be the official name for the area commencing with the opening of The Landing. For summer 2014, outdoor entertainment will bring Downtown Disney to life, with nine different acts scheduled nightly – more than 30 live performances daily, a free highlight of the Downtown Disney experience. Special events like Car Masters Weekend (June 14-15) puts the spotlight on classic and exotic cars for Father’s Day weekend, and includes character experiences featuring favorite Disney*Pixar “Cars” characters.
New this summer for Downtown Disney:
Two new Starbucks locations – a storefront at Downtown Disney West Side and a kiosk near World of Disney at Downtown Disney Marketplace. Look for the familiar green roof at the West Side flagship Starbucks, part of the company’s commitment to be environmentally conscious. The design includes a covered patio overlooking the waterfront and a fireplace, as well as the new Clover Bar, featuring special reserve coffees brewed to order. A high-tech screen behind the Clover Bar will show images from coffee regions around the globe, and a new Human Connection Wall will include large touch-screen monitors that allow guests to use their finger to draw images.
Read More »Disney Springs “The Landing” – New Shopping and Dining District Opening in 2015
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
The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train standby queue features three interactive games you can play while passing the time. Projects like these are considered part of the Next-Gen technology that’s being introduced with MyMagic+.effectiveffe The first element is a trough game where you sort gems by… Read More »Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Interactive Queue at Night
1972 Walt Disney World postcard. Culled from a family vacation in late 1972 or early 1973, the author isn’t sure, this collection of clips from home movies filmed on 8mm tape is fantastic. There is a documentarian’s eye for scenery and details. I love how… Read More »Flashback Friday: 8mm Home Video of Magic Kingdom in Early 1970s
A first look inside the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Fastpass Queue (which is also the ride exit) and my Post-Ride Reaction after filming the ride-mount POV camera (coming soon, I hope). I’ve only been on it once so far. If the weather holds out, I… Read More »Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Fastpass Queue & My Post-Ride Reaction
One last Seven Dwarfs Mine Train mini-update before the big media preview later today. Work on last minute details continued yesterday and, although a few hopefuls waited it out, there were no soft openings in the offing. As for when it might open to the public, I’m hearing two stories. From one camp comes the assertion that the roller coaster will be open to guests as soon as Friday evening or perhaps this Saturday morning. From the other camp comes the worrying report that the test and adjust phase continues as they work on making the cars themselves work a little better on the attraction and deal with problems with the audio-animatronics in the show scenes.
They also have to do some work installing a permanent sprinkler system meant to run during nightly fireworks as Snow White’s Mountain exists inside the fallout zone. The question is, can the open to guests with the temporary system in place now or will they have to wait until the final system is installed?
As the big media preview commences today, you might want to go back in time to watch Seven Dwarfs Mine Train come to life via the 20+ videos assembled in our New Fantasyland Playlist on YouTube. Below are a few more photos taken from around Snow White’s mountain yesterday.
Follow Walt Disney’s seven dwarfs as they welcome you to their cottage and mine for a tour
The final section of wall has come down at last to reveal, the cast member entrance to the attraction down that hall.
A temporary stage has been erected for the Media preview event today and ribbon cutting tomorrow.Read More »Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – Last Update Before Media Preview