walt disney world

Inside Dumbo Interactive Play Queue

by John Frost
June 24, 2012

We visited the Magic Kingdom yesterday morning and were fortunate enough to get an opportunity to explore the new interior queue portion of Dumbo The Flying Elephant. When you approach Dumbo the left side is now the Fastpass Queue and the the right side is now the Standby. Fastpass machines are currently located over at Mickey’s Philharmagic, so plan for that as you head toward Dumbo. But keep in mind that Fastpass does not include access to the new indoor play area.

The queue was short when we entered the standby side, so we were given the option of just heading right on to the spinner or taking a break in the play area. We choose the play area and were given a restaurant style beeper at the podium. The cast member there has a control that says how many are in the play area at once (looked like a limit of 150 when we were there) and lets them monitor the average amount of wait time.

When you enter the queue there are circus style benches for adults to sit on while the kids run around and play. The center ring is for toddlers (2-5) and the outer play structures are for older kids (4 – 8). Many of the elements generate sound effects and the background music is periodically interrupted by announcements from Timothy Mouse.

We were in there for about 5 minutes when our beeper went off. As you might expect many parents were having trouble rounding up the kids to head out and get on the spinner. My son enjoyed the play area so much that after we got off Dumbo he wanted to go back and play some more.

Magic Kingdom Update – New Fantasyland, Storybook Circus, and More

by John Frost
June 22, 2012

We visited Dumbo the Flying Elephant yesterday, today we’ll take a longer walk around the Magic Kingdom with photos of many changes at the park. The Dwarfs Mine Train ride show building is expanding, The New Fantasyland Wall is really taking shape, and lots of… Read More »Magic Kingdom Update – New Fantasyland, Storybook Circus, and More

Walt Disney World Fourth of July Fireworks

by John Frost
June 22, 2012June 21, 2012

Walt Disney World announced their plans to illuminate the night skies with special pyrotechnic shows for our nation’s independence holiday. It’s a weird week with the 4th of July falling on the Wednesday but that won’t stop Disney from showing a wide selection of shows,… Read More »Walt Disney World Fourth of July Fireworks

Timothy Mouse Returns to Dumbo The Flying Elephant at Storybook Circus

by John Frost
June 21, 2012

Yesterday the 2nd Dumbo spinner was up and running for a soft opening as this photo from Disney World’s Gene Duncan shows. The whole attraction, including the new indoor queue, is officially set to open in July sometime. Last week Imagineering also returned Timothy Mouse… Read More »Timothy Mouse Returns to Dumbo The Flying Elephant at Storybook Circus

Cars Themed Family Suites Open in Second Phase at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

by John Frost
June 19, 2012June 18, 2012

The west coast got its Cars Land, an immersive environment that transports the guest into the world of Cars, but the east coast is getting some cars lovin’ too. The second phase of Disney’s Art of Animation just opened and guests are now able to explore the three wings and book a room in the Cars themed hotel rooms. You’ll find Lightning McQueen, Mater, Flo and other characters from the popular Pixar film “Cars” in a larger than life Radiator Springs set design.

In the new Cars wing, featuring 480 family suites, a freshly paved road leads guests on the greatest road trip ever, a cruise down memory lane to small town America — Radiator Springs. Parked at the entryway Sheriff and the infamous Doc Hudson welcome folks into town, along with other car “faces” parked along the road. There’s backdrops of Luigi’s Casa Della Tires, Tow Mater Towing and the Wheel Well Motel, creating an authentic setting lifted from the super-charged adventure.

All roads lead to the 60′s style Cozy Cone Motel where distinctive orange cone-shaped cabanas invite guests to kick back and then take a dip in the Cozy Cone Pool. High-octane theming is full-throttle inside the family suites, with orange cones imprinted in the carpeting and adorning the light fixtures plus animation-inspired artwork. Guests will feel as though they walked into a scene from the blockbuster film as a pull-out bed extends from the living room sofa (whimsically appearing as the back seat of an old hot rod), the tool chest is actually the dresser and the bathroom design is inspired by a car wash.

Below the jump is a gallery of images from the new Cars themed buildings and a teaser image from The Lion King wings that will open soon.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Family Suites – Converting Bed from Table

by John Frost
June 19, 2012June 18, 2012

The Finding Nemo, Cars, and Lion King themed buildings at Disney’s Art of Animation resort all feature the family suite style rooms. Although they’re designed to sleep six adults comfortably, you’ll still need to convert the couch and the dining room table to beds before… Read More »Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Family Suites – Converting Bed from Table

A Breakfast Visit to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

by Lauren
June 18, 2012

On a recent visit to The Happiest Place on Earth, my dear friend Kristin and I decided to visit the newly opened Art of Animation Resort to check things out as well as try their some of their unique breakfast offerings. Kristin and I, along with my husband, will be staying at DAAR in January over Marathon Weekend, so we definitely wanted to explore a bit and see what it would have in store for us as guests!

Upon pulling into the parking area, you are already able to get a sense that this resort is not quite as kitschy as any of the other value resorts. Most of the decoration/color is left to two dimensions instead of three, giving the building a very sleek, clean look while still being bright and colorful. The basic layout of the main building is the same as POP! Century: the main areas are located in the same places; the front desk, gift store, food court, arcade, etc. It might feel empty in comparison to many props and shadow boxes that adorn POP! Century, except there is so much color around you that it never feels undecorated; it just feels clean. Shapely lines and curves are everywhere, making you feel as though you’ve stepped right on to the animator’s desk. The front desk sparkles with color while the backlit storyboard sketches that decorate the Ink & Paint Shop entrance positively glow.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Photo Update

by John Frost
June 13, 2012June 12, 2012

It’s been a few weeks since we visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom, so we’re overdue for a photo update. We’ve also got some good rumors to discuss.

You may have heard that DAK is starting a ‘Sundowner Celebration’ with extra entertainment and unique food offerings in an attempt to keep people in the park after the parade. It didn’t work for us, we had to leave before Noon.