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Photo Update – Downtown Disney Orlando

It’s been awhile since we dropped in on Downtown Disney to see what’s new. As it turns out, nothing major. Splitsville is still under construction with almost no change to the facade, although that will have to happen soon if they want open later this year as they’ve announced. They have been going at it inside. The escalators are now gone in what will be the two-story bowling alley / lounge.

Rainforest Cafe is still working on a new volcano that will actually erupt with a lava flow.

In theory, it will look like this:

Disney has yet to announce plans for what will replace Hyperion Wharf, the concept that was originally planned to replace Pleasure Island. But so far no activity on the spot formerly occupied by a couple of night clubs.

Our tour continues below the jump:

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Walt Disney World Marathon to Celebrate 20th Event with New Course

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As soon as WDW Marathon weekend 2012 came to a close, runDisney has been hinting that the Walt Disney World Marathon in 2013 will have some big surprises in store for those ready to “go the distance” and tackle the 26.2 mile race on its… Read More »Walt Disney World Marathon to Celebrate 20th Event with New Course

Build a Droid Factory at Star Wars Weekends

One of the new merchandise features coming to Star Wars Weekends in 2012 is the Droid Factory where you can build your very own Droid figure. The Droid Factory is open now and will run at least through the Star Wars Weekends festival. Similar to… Read More »Build a Droid Factory at Star Wars Weekends

EPCOT Photo Update: Summer’s Coming

With summer right around the corner, EPCOT has a couple major projects going on right now and a lot of little details being added or upgraded. First a couple things that aren’t pictured: EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Festival wraps up this weekend with a special… Read More »EPCOT Photo Update: Summer’s Coming

Merida Meet & Greet Soft Opens at Magic Kingdom

While word of Disney’s first Scottish princess greeting guests inside a Disney themepark makes its way around the world to Scotland’s papers (she sounds Irish, they say), the Magic Kingdom has completed the transformation of the space originally created for Belle’s Story Time and subsequently used by Rapunzel and Flynn is now playing host to Merida.

Update: The Disney Parks Blog shared this photo on their Facebook page:

I didn’t have time to stand in line and get up close with Princess Merida myself, but you can get a general idea of the set up from the following pictures. Note the tartan and kilt worn by the cast member, is that a first outside of performing groups? There’s also a lot of fun new merchandise available (although I’m not too sure about the Merida sippy cup where you drink from a straw in the back of her head.. brains, I need brains… it’s Zombie Merida).

Can’t make it to the parks? Some of the above merchandise is available at the DisneyStore.com too.

Below the cut is a video from Ricky of Inside the Magic:

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Magic Kingdom Update – Princess Merida, New Fantasyland and more

Trying something new for the Magic Kingdom update this week. I’ve put an album of photos up over on The Disney Blog’s Google+ page. Anyone can view it. If you’re logged in, feel free to share it as well. This week we have Princess Merida’s… Read More »Magic Kingdom Update – Princess Merida, New Fantasyland and more

New Fastpass Invades Magic Kingdom, Are You Ready for Next Gen?

We’re really beginning to see the fruits of Disney’s $2 billion investment in integrating technology into the way guests experience their theme parks. According to Bob Iger one of the big changes will be how much of their vacation families will be able to make schedule from home. Instead of just dining, you’ll soon be able to schedule rides, parade viewing, show seating, and more. The first step in that is integrating a new type of RFID based Fastpass into the parks.

Magic Kingdom is ground zero for the beta-test for this advanced version of Fastpass. During the test select Disney World hotel guests are given the opportunity to schedule 4 rides a day using this new pass. Since it’s RFID, you carry around a unique identifier and the computer knows who you are, a few personal items (if it’s your birthday, anniversary, etc), and what your reservations are. If you forget the latter, you can swipe your card at a terminal and it will let you know what you next reservation is for. Eventually you’ll be able to change your Fastpass reservations at that terminal or even via your mobile device.

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Walt Disney World Cast Member honored by PCMA for Convention Industry Achievements

This week, the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) recognized George Aguel, senior vice president for The Walt Disney Company, for his lifetime of service to the meeting and convention industry. The national organization awarded Aguel with its 2012 Professional Achievement Award during a gala dinner… Read More »Walt Disney World Cast Member honored by PCMA for Convention Industry Achievements