DisneyDawgs

Category: Disney History

  • Onsite McDonald’s Closes… Sort of

    If you are having a hankering for some fries or a Big Mac while staying at a Disney World Resort. You are going to have a take a little longer of a ride, for now.

    The McDonald’s location located outside of the All-Star Resorts and in the vicinity of Animal Kingdom closed its doors on October 30th at 3am.

    Not to worry though, it is only for a refurbishment. It is expected to re-open in March of 2020.

    It is said that they are going to modernize the restaurant and provide a better customer experience.  This probably means that they are going to put in self-ordering and self-checkout kiosks like much of today’s retail stores are doing.

    My family has been visiting this location since the restaurant had the humongous french fries on the outside of the building and they were showing old Disney movies in the dining room.  We have found that the McDonald’s is a cheaper and quicker option for breakfast when visiting Animal Kingdom than going to the Resort Cafeteria or getting food in the park$$$.

    If you still have that craving for a Big Mac, the next closest Mickey D’s is located on International Drive, 5.5 miles away or a 11 minute Minnie Van ride.

  • ‘Disney Genie,’ Coming to Walt Disney World Resort

    Recently announced at D23 2019, “Disney Genie”.  From the description give, the “Disney Genie” is the current Disney World App on steroids.

    According to Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Bob Chapek, the Disney Genie will enhance the way that you plan for and experience a trip to Walt Disney World Resort.  It will join other products such as the MagicBand to help rookies and veterans of the parks have a much better experience.

    The Disney Genie will allow you to make custom itineraries based on your interests.  Food, Characters, rides, etc.  The app will also send you notifications of entertainment in the parks that match your interests in real-time.

    It was not mentioned whether the Disney Genie was going to replace the “Disney Parks App” or if it would have the same functionalities such as FastPass+, Mobile Ordering, Unlocking Resort Room Doors, and more.

    I am sure that there are quite a few bugs to be worked out still

     

  • The End of an Era: A Valediction for “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth”

    The End of an Era: A Valediction for “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth”

    After a celebrated two-decade residency at Epcot’s World Showcase Lagoon, the curtain is set to fall on one of the park’s most iconic and defining spectacles. “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” which premiered on October 1, 1999, to inaugurate the Walt Disney World Millennium Celebration, will conclude its nightly run on September 30, 2019.

    While its 1988 predecessor, simply titled “IllumiNations,” first established the tradition of a nighttime spectacular, “Reflections of Earth” has defined the Epcot experience for a generation. Its conclusion marks a pivotal moment in the park’s announced, large-scale transformation. Beginning October 1, 2019, a new, temporary nighttime show titled “Epcot Forever” will debut, serving as an interim production that pays homage to the park’s rich musical history.

    The Show’s Thematic Structure

    “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” is far more than a 12-minute pyrotechnic display; it is a sophisticated, tripartite narrative presenting a symbolic story of our planet. The show’s three distinct movements are:

    1. Chaos: Representing the fiery and explosive creation of the planet, this segment is driven by intense fireworks and powerful flames.
    2. Order: The chaos subsides as the massive “Earth Globe” glides to the center of the lagoon. This movement showcases the history of humanity and the diversity of our civilizations.
    3. Meaning: The globe opens like a lotus flower to reveal a final “Unity Torch.” This climax, set to the soaring anthem “We Go On,” serves as a powerful message of global unity and a hopeful future.

    This entire multimedia symphony is set to a stirring, award-winning orchestral score composed by Gavin Greenaway.

    Technological Innovation

    A centerpiece of the show’s technological achievement is the “Earth Globe.” This 28-foot-diameter sphere was a groundbreaking feat of engineering upon its debut: the world’s first spherical video display system. Featuring 15,000 internal LED clusters, the globe serves as the show’s visual nucleus, displaying a continuous tapestry of images depicting humanity and the natural world. This innovation, combined with choreographed high-pressure water fountains, lasers, and perimeter fireworks, created an immersive 360-degree experience.

    Looking to the Future

    While the impending retirement of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” is a bittersweet milestone for countless Epcot visitors, it signals the dawn of a new era. The forthcoming temporary show and the permanent, technologically advanced spectacular planned to debut in 2020 are integral components of Epcot’s ambitious revitalization.

    Although we bid farewell to this beloved production, the core message of unity and inspiration it championed for twenty years is expected to remain central to the park’s future identity.

  • NBA Experience Opens at Disney Springs

    Without much fanfare or hoopla as with other experiences on the Disney properties, the NBA Experience is now open in Disney Springs.

    The NBA Experience is an interactive basketball experience for guests where they can test their basketball skills.

    The NBA Experience takes over the space formerly occupied by Disney Quest which was an interactive arcade that dates back to Downtown Disney.

    Below is what is offered at the NBA Experience:

    Dunk! – Challenge Your Skills “Above the Rim”
    Step up and demonstrate the dunking skills you’ve only dreamed of until now. And bring your game face for a photo op that’s sure to impress.

    Shoot! – Beat the Clock, Bring Home the Win
    Live out your basketball dreams in this innovative experience. Step on the court, where you’ll be guided through a sequence of shots, with a virtual crowd cheering you on. Feel the thrill of making the game-winning basket!

    Dribble – Bounce that B-Ball… “Show-off”
    Grab a ball, hit the court and let the coach take you through the drills to assess your basketball-handling skills. This challenge is designed for a wide range of ages and skill levels—from novice to expert.

    Slingshot – Score, Score, Score!
    Take your game to new heights in this next-level shooting challenge. Using a large slingshot, you’ll try to shoot the ball through hoops set at varying heights. Pay close attention—as the game progresses, the scoring changes!

    Arcade Area
    Test your hand-eye coordination at a variety of arcade games:

    • B-Ball Games Up-Close and Personal: Beat the clock with a perfect shot as your basketball skills are put to the test in this spin on classic basketball arcade games.
    • Pop-A-Shot: Fans young and old can try their hand at a series of Pop-A-Shot arcade games that include static hoops and hoops that move side to side.
    • NBA 2K, NBA Live and NBA Playgrounds: Test your skills in the digital arena with the latest immersive video games of the NBA—featuring some favorite venues!

    Combine – Stand out from the Crowd
    Explore the science behind the sport as you put your skills to the test through a series of Combine drills. You’ll get real-time feedback on your performance to see how you measure up to an NBA or WNBA player.

    Draft – The Number One Pick is… You!
    One of the biggest moments in a player’s life is the day they’re drafted into the league. Now, it’s your turn to experience this incredible moment.

    Players – Inside the Player Sanctuary
    Enter the off-court sanctuary of the locker room, where you can explore current team rosters, records and highlights from the season.

    Trophy Moments in Hall of Champions
    Have your own championship moment with a league MVP trophy to hold high and proud for a thrilling photo op. You’ll be surrounded by photos and video clips from some of the greatest championship moments in NBA history—so you’ll be immersed in the feeling of victory.

    Combine – Stand out from the Crowd
    Explore the science behind the sport as you put your skills to the test through a series of Combine drills. You’ll get real-time feedback on your performance to see how you measure up to an NBA or WNBA player.

    Trivia – Get your Brain in the Game
    Test your knowledge of the NBA and all of its leagues—past and present—in a competitive game of trivia. The heat is on as you compete against up to 24 other players, as well as the clock.

    Champions – That Winning Feeling
    Relive the NBA and WNBA’s rich history in the Hall of Champions, from buzzer-beaters to championship victories. The history of these organizations is at your fingertips—so you can follow the journeys of legends whose names have been etched into NBA immortality.

    Replay – Be the Ref!
    Championships are made not only by super-human player abilities and razor-sharp coaching acumen, but also by the split-second decision-making of officials. All it takes is one call to shift a team’s momentum and be the difference between a win and a loss; those who go home with a championship trophy, and those who just go home.

    Do you have what it takes to make the right call? Correct calls will earn points and, more importantly, bragging rights among fellow “couch refs!”

    Theaters
    The NBA Experience is home to 2 custom-made theaters showing new, short films that will draw you into the world of the fan and the player. Here, you’ll be connected to the game through immersive storytelling and unique visual and audio methods.

    Draft – The Number One Pick is… You!
    One of the biggest moments in a player’s life is the day they’re drafted into the league. Now, it’s your turn to experience this incredible moment.

    Players – Inside the Player Sanctuary
    Enter the off-court sanctuary of the locker room, where you can explore current team rosters, records and highlights from the season.

    Trophy Moments in Hall of Champions
    Have your own championship moment with a league MVP trophy to hold high and proud for a thrilling photo op. You’ll be surrounded by photos and video clips from some of the greatest championship moments in NBA history—so you’ll be immersed in the feeling of victory.

  • Disney Skyliner Opening Announced

    © Courtesy Walt Disney Co.

    The Disney Skyliner Gondolas that everyone has been watching grow right before our eyes has announced an opening date.

    The Gondolas have been built as an additional form of transportation between Hollywood Studios and Epcot to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and the new Disney’s Riviera Resort (opening in December, 2019).

    Disney Bloggers have been reporting on the progress of the construction since groundbreaking (see our report here) and now the 2 year long project is nearing completion.

    The gondolas are decorated with various Disney characters, films and rides such as Mickey Mouse, Haunted Mansion, Finding Dory and more.

    Disney Park’s Blog is reporting that the gondolas will begin operation and transport guests on September 29, 2019.

  • Rabies Alert for Epcot

    The Florida Department of Health in Orange county has issued a rabies alert for a two mile radius of where a where a feral cat was caught and determined to have rabies.

    A spokesman for Disney World confirmed that two Disney Cast Members had been scratched by the cat.  This occurred in an office building’s parking lot outside of Epcot itself.

    The Florida Department of Health believes that it is likely that the cat may have infected other wild animals in the woods around Epcot.

    The Florida Department of Health warns is scratched or bitten by an infected animal, you will want to see immediate medical care.  Rabies is easy to treat if care is administered immediately.  Though, without treatment, it can be fatal.

  • New Disney World Buses

    Disney World is currently testing six new buses at Magic Kingdom.  The new buses have both wifi and charging ports. They are said to be a little larger than the current buses.

    Although there is no official word from Disney on when they will be put in full service, they have been seen on test runs transporting guests from the Magic Kingdom to the TTA.

    The six buses are brightly colored and wrapped in classic Disney Characters.

    • Mickey
    • Minnie
    • Goofy
    • Pluto
    • Donald
    • Daisy

     

  • Gran Destino Tower is Open

    The Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is officially open.  With a “soft” opening on July 10th for media, the resort officially opens today to the public.

    Gran Destino Tower is a convention hotel at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.  Coronado Springs has always been a convention resort.  It boasts two featured restaurants and several large halls that have held many company and athletic meetings over the years.

    The main issue with Coronado Springs is it’s size.  This resort is almost the same size (area-wise) as the Magic Kingdom.  Having to walk from one end of the resort was a great inconvenience for those there for a convention.  Not to mention the Florida heat or tropical rain showers.

    The 15 story tower contains 545 rooms, including several Executive Suits.  The Tower was built with Mexican, Spanish and Soutwestern USA styles in mind.  The landscape around the building is beautiful and there is also a covered/air conditioned walkway for The Gran Destino to the conference centers to keep guests cool and dry.

    Rooftop views are breathtaking.  You have a clear panoramic view of Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom.  Firework viewing from the roof is spectacular.

    Along with the Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, three new bridges were built to crossing Lago Dorado so that guests will be able to walk over the lake, rather than around it.  This will mean lest walking for visitors to get to the new restaurants or to bring the kids to the Dig Site pool.

    Having stayed at Coronado Springs with my family several years ago, I have to agree that the resort is huge.  So adding the bridges is a definate plus for those staying on the other side of the resort or those wanting to go to the pool.  I can also see why this resort is for an older, convention-type crowd.  After a day in the parks, having another 15-20 minute walk with toddlers from the parking lot to your room can be life-draining.