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
The Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station has officially opened at the Magic Kingdom and with it arrived a circus of fun to Storybook Circus. The Water Play area contains playful camels (what is it with Imagineering and spitting camels?), monkeys, elephants and giraffes who splash along with guests. Joining Dumbo, the Flying Elephant and Barnstormer featuring Goofy as the Great Goofini in Storybook Circus, Casey Jr. is the most recent phase to open in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland expansion.
I got to spend a few minutes watching my son run through the area and was impressed with the variety of methods for getting wet while exploring Casey Jr. During the hot months it will provide a great way to cool down and during the cold months it will still make a wonderful photo opportunity. There is a big problem with a lack of shade between Casey Jr and the Storybook Circus bathrooms. With the sun beating down it was pretty hot even with the play zone just a few feet away.
The astute observer may have caught that each car has a number on its back. Those numbers, 71, 82, 89, and 98 stand for the opening years of the four Walt Disney World parks. I haven’t yet noticed any Hidden Mickeys, but I thought that was a great tribute.
More photos of the water play area below the jump
Read More »Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station Imports Watery Fun to Storybook Circus
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.
Read More »Cars Themed Family Suites Open in Second Phase at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
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
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.
Read More »A Breakfast Visit to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Five-time Nascar Champion Jimmie Johnson visited Walt Disney World on Wednesday. While there he got a ride in a Mickey Mouse golf cart, took a few swings on the golf course, and teamed up with kids racing their wooden cars at ESPN Wide World of… Read More »Nascar Champion “Five Time” Jimmie Johnson visits Walt Disney World
That new set of Disney plates and kitchen ware I profiled on the blog back in April is now available for purchase via The Disney Store’s website. If you order soon you can even take advantage of the latest offer that gives you free shipping… Read More »New Disney Parks Dishes Set Available at Disney Store
Long acknowledged as the crown jewel of Walt Disney World culinary collection, Victoria & Albert’s has once again earned the coveted Five-Diamond award from AAA. This marks the 13th year in a row for the restaurant. Chef Scott Hunnel, Master Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek, Maître… Read More »Victoria & Albert’s earns 13th consecutive AAA Five-Diamond Rating