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Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train Construction Update – September

rock work finally starting on this side

rock work finally starting on this side

Disney’s Magic Kingdom Mountain Range is about to get its fourth member – Snow White’s Mountain (just trying that on for size, no official name for the mountain has been revealed). The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train that rolls across the low hills of the mountain is getting closer to opening and in fact past an important milestone this week. In an online chat Imagineers revealed that a ride vehicle has been fitted to the track and can now be maneuvered by hand completely around the track. That’s big as it means systems testing can’t be too far behind.

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The ride height for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster was confirmed to have a height requirement of 38″. That puts it above Barnstormer at 35″, but less restrictive than Big Thunder which requires 40″. That’s about what was expected. I would have liked to seen 36″, but I understand it’s a new ride system (with first of their kind ride vehicles), so better to be cautious when first opening.

I have a new video of construction progress on the attraction below the jump:
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California Grill Construction Time Lapse Video

With sweeping views of Magic Kingdom fireworks from atop Disney's Contemporary Resort, the re-imagined California Grill also features a new design inspired by mid-century modern California, and a new menu showcasing seasonal ingredients and a lighter touch.

With sweeping views of Magic Kingdom fireworks from atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the re-imagined California Grill also features a new design inspired by mid-century modern California, and a new menu showcasing seasonal ingredients and a lighter touch.

The California Grill has always been my restaurant of choice when I wanted to celebrate a big event, so I was a bit nervous when they announced a major makeover for the space. But I needn’t have worried. The space is beautiful and the food still wonderful. If anything, I think they were a bit conservative in their vision.

You can now get your first look at the re-imagined California Grill as it is now open for dining, or drinks and a snack in the lounge (they serve the full menu there too), but the transformation didn’t happen overnight. Since the signature restaurant at Disney’s Contemporary Resort closed to guests in January, the space has been humming with activity. The wood-burning oven is just about the only thing that stayed in place as the kitchen and dining rooms got major makeovers.

Shortly after the installation of new floor-to-ceiling windows, a time-lapse camera went into place on the fifteenth floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, capturing all the construction and remodeling between June 2013 and the last test meals before opening to guests September 9th. I have a cameo during the 1:44 mark. But don’t blink!

Below the jump is a video featuring General Manager Michael Scheifler discussing the changes:
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Universal and Disney fight for your Vacation Dollar

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We talked last week about how Universal Orlando Resort plans to hold Disney’s feet to the fire by continuing its investment in the parks. Today I want to discuss a way you can tell if Universal is making progress in its quest to steal market share from Walt Disney World.

I have one simple indicator that tells me which park is pulling ahead at the moment — it’s a statistic I believe Disney really cares about, or should at least — how many tourists visit Universal before they visit Disney. It’s pretty simple to observe. Sit at any Disney park where you have a clear view of crowds as they walk by and count how many guests are wearing recently produced Universal merchandise. Every hat, t-shirt, or Harry Potter robe that passes by represents a large sum of money that Disney missed out on. In addition to that t-shirt, that guest also dined at Universal, bought admission media, and maybe even stayed at the resort (soon much more likely as Universal looks to add thousands of hotel rooms).

Although they seldom admit it, Disney doesn’t really care that much if you spend a day at SeaWorld or Universal at the end of your trip. By then you’ve already spent the vast majority of your vacation budget (including importantly your souvenir, lodging, and food budget), with them. Having Orlando internationally known as a family vacation destination benefits Disney (those marketing dollars go a lot farther when its true) so it doesn’t make sense for them to set the phasers on kill when it comes to their competition.
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Musings on Disneyland

Earlier this summer, I was a few days away from my first trip to Disneyland in 8 years when a last minute family reunion was scheduled. Family comes first, so, barring some miracle, my reunion with Walt’s park will have to wait at least another… Read More »Musings on Disneyland

Escape from Tomorrow Trailer Now Online

The trailer for the controversial feature film shot surreptitiously at Walt Disney World is now online. Randy Moore’s Escape from Tomorrow starts out innocuously, as a family embarks on a trip to Disney World. Once there, however, the father learns that he’s lost his job.… Read More »Escape from Tomorrow Trailer Now Online

Walt Disney World opens Instagram Account

Walt Disney World had added another social media platform to their quiver of digital arrows. It looks like they plan to feature the best photos of the parks and resort taken by their fans. You can follow them at @WaltDisneyWorld and use the hashtag #WaltDisneyWorld… Read More »Walt Disney World opens Instagram Account

Starbucks Makes Splash at EPCOT a Bit Early

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I snuck into EPCOT today after a little bird told me that the new Starbucks was opening a few days ahead of schedule. Turns out it was just a preview, but karma was on my side and I was allowed in with a group of guests to help the team work out any final kinks before officially opening tomorrow, September 4th.

The new location keeps the Fountain View name, but ditches the ice cream for other, more caffeinated treats. The layout will look very familiar to those who have visited the Magic Kingdom Starbucks. Only instead of turn of the century look and feel, there’s a vaguely futuristic, decidedly fluid watery environment. It’s appropriate given the Fountain View location.

It is a slightly smaller space than the MK location. Similarly there are no tables or chairs, or even benches, inside. There is a small space on an exterior porch for some tables, but you’re exposed to the elements there. So you take your chances if the winds blow the fountain mist your way.

Another change is that there is now only one entrance via the front doors that face the fountain. I’m not sure this is a good move, as it means there’s no way to get coffee without getting wet when it’s raining and no where to hangout inside when it does.

I love me some Starbucks, of course your mileage may vary depending on your addition level. Having it at EPCOT is going to make those chilly mornings easier. It’s nice that the prices aren’t that much above your typical Starbucks location either.

More photos below the jump:

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