Walt Disney World Resort Non-Park Discussion Thread

[ahecht]

I love that shower!

[SLUSHIE]

I'm glad that the Lion King is still relevant enough to theme a portion of a hotel after.

 

I like the look of the rooms, but they all (Nemo and Cars ones included) look like something you could DIY if you had any carpentry/design skills. There is a good and bad thing about that. Maybe there are some things they had to have custom made, like the shower tile, but other things like the chairs n whatnot look bought. From the floor to the bedspread to the dressers, nothing looks entirely cohesive.

 

I realize that's still more effort than the average hotel room.

[BeemerBoy]

I like the look of the rooms, but they all (Nemo and Cars ones included) look like something you could DIY if you had any carpentry/design skills.

With the right skills (or just watching a weekend marathon of home shows), you could probably replicate any room on property. Just sayin'.

[A.J.]

Am I the only one who absolutely dislikes (hate is a strong word, I love WDW too much) the design of the carpet in the Lion King room?

[ahecht]

Am I the only one who absolutely dislikes (hate is a strong word, I love WDW too much) the design of the carpet in the Lion King room?

 

At least it will hide vomit stains well...

[SharkTums]

It does look a little 'Vegas'!

[jedimaster1227]

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/08/swampys-walt-disney-world-resort-dream-vacation/

 

If you love to play mobile games, like my son and husband do, you’re in for a treat today. Our new pal Swampy, from the free Disney mobile game “Where’s My Water?,” is off to Walt Disney World Resort!

 

In the game, players help Swampy the Alligator get clean water for a shower by digging tunnels and connecting pipes. But the game just got more exciting: there’s now a hidden level inspired by Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, featuring a variety of pipes with twists and turns, plus three different choices of two black pipes down which the player can send the water.

 

Tip: You can access the Typhoon Lagoon level at any time. Just look at the bottom of the collection screen for the inner tube icon and tap it to unlock the secret level inspired by the water park.

 

To download the app or to find out more about “Where’s My Water,” click here.

[Wes]

He already looks like the mascot from Blizzard Beach.

(dunno who these people are)

[jedimaster1227]

And moving on to the last of my Walt Disney World update... The rest of Walt Disney World!

Over in the Contemporary Resort, new RFID card readers have been installed as a test run for tying credit cards to the guests' room keys.

Over in Downtown Disney, visible work continues on developing the former Virgin Megastore building to become Splitsville.

This definitely isn't a minor undertaking.

Additions to the building's floorspace have already been completed as evidenced by this new section that juts out from the building.

Another open section of Splitsville is visible.

After the incident with Ocean Park's tethered balloon by Aerophile, Characters in Flight was removed to undergo safety testing and enhancements.

No established return date has been announced at this time.

An unobstructed view of Saratoga Springs from the Pleasure Island bridge.

Work continues on the upgraded volcano for Rainforest Cafe.

A small section of the princess section inside World of Disney has been walled off, presumably to make room for the D-Tech Me's princess figurine setup.

The top floor of the Grand Floridian Disney Vacation Club expansion has been completed.

The same number of floors at the Grand Floridian's original wings, it will be interesting to see how well the new buildings matches up with the look of the older ones.

Plenty of work still to be done!

[jedimaster1227]

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/08/celebrate-the-great-irish-hooley-at-raglan-road-august-31-september-3-at-walt-disney-world-resort/

 

This Labor Day weekend, guests at Downtown Disney here at Walt Disney World Resort can celebrate The Great Irish Hooley at Raglan Road August 31 – September 3.

 

A traditional Irish social celebration – or “hooley” – combines music, entertainment and interactive fun for the whole family. Raglan Road’s event will offer a mix of Irish bands, Irish dance workshops, structured set dancing known as the Ceili (pronounced kay-lee), Celtic face-painting and Irish food.

 

The four-day party kicks off Friday, August 31 at 5 p.m. and continues through midnight Monday, September 3. The entertainment lineup includes six top Irish bands and a troupe of acclaimed dancers, including Elevation, the U2 Tribute Band; Raglan Road’s house band Creel; and more.

 

On Saturday, Sunday and Monday, guests can participate in Irish dance workshops with renowned Irish dancer and choreographer Ronan McCormack of the original Riverdance cast and the Raglan Road Dancers. Ronan will chart and demonstrate the origins and traditional styles of Irish Dance through to the contemporary styles of dance made famous by Riverdance. And on each of those three afternoons, guests can step up for a two-hour Ceili (kay-lee) – a traditional music and structured set-dancing event that was the precursor to today’s popular country line dancing.

 

If it’s anything like Disney Parks Blog author Gary Buchanan’s recent dance lesson, it’s sure to be a blast!

 

Celebrate The Great Irish Hooley at Downtown Disney with the U2 Tribute Band, Elevation

Participate in Irish Dance Workshops with Renowned Irish Dancer and Choreographer Ronan McCormack of the Original Riverdance Cast and the Raglan Road Dancers

Celebrate The Great Irish Hooley at Raglan Road in Downtown Disney

 

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/08/a-behind-the-scenes-look-at-d-tech-me-princess-in-world-of-disney-at-walt-disney-world-resort/

 

The D-Tech Me Princess experience officially opened yesterday in the World of Disney at Downtown Disney Marketplace. My fellow author Erin Catalano recently gave you a first look at the experience on the Disney Parks Blog. I’ve been involved with creating this project for more than a year now. I love how this experience uses state-of-the-art technology to create a unique and personalized keepsake from Disney Parks.

 

I recently partnered with our Imagineering scientists at the Disney Research labs to create a short behind-the-scenes video of this experience. The video highlights the entire process – from capturing an image using the world’s highest-resolution, single-shot 3D face scanner to creating the final princess figurine using a high resolution 3D printer. It’s amazing!

 

Reservations are strongly recommended for this limited-time experience and can be made by calling 407-WDW-TECH (407-939-8324).

 

Please note: Guests must be between 3-12 years of age to participate. Children must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age or older during the entire experience. A valid accepted credit card number is required at time of booking. No-shows or in the event a reservation is cancelled within 48 hours of scheduled experience will result in such credit card being charged a $25 cancellation fee. The experience, due to its personalized nature, is non-refundable and not eligible for an exchange. Certain restrictions apply. All prices, components and information are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

[cfc]

^That doll would look less creepy if it were encased in carbonite.

[jedimaster1227]

http://www.businessinsider.com/exclusive-interview-with-disneys-page-pierce-inside-disneys-new-luxury-community-golden-oak-2012-8

 

As Pursuitist fans know, I’m a big admirer of Walt Disney. Not only am I inspired by the work of Disney, but I also have great family connections with the parks — my family has appeared in Disney TV ads and has been featured nightly at the “Magic, Memories, and You!” projection show on Disney’s Cinderella Castle. However, when we received our invite to visit Disney’s Golden Oak, their new luxury community, the destination exceeded our expectations (See our initial review, impressions and photos of Disney’s Golden Oak here).

 

Quality. From Walt Disney movies, theme parks to the Golden Oak project, Disney is all about the quality. Quality that includes amazing experiences, being exceptional and not cutting corners. These themes thrive at Golden Oak. The attention to detail at their new luxury community is remarkable — they take quality and “plus it.” They take something great and make it even better. Plussing.

 

The Pursuitist had the opportunity to chat with Page Pierce, the vice president of Disney’s Golden Oak. Learn how the Disney tradition of “plussing” is at home within Golden Oak.

 

Q. How long has the plan for Golden Oak been in the works?

A. The concept of a luxury home development for guests with a high affinity for Walt Disney World began to take shape in 2005, and was announced as Golden Oak in June 2010. Around that same time, Four Seasons approached Disney about opening a hotel near our theme parks in Florida. Disney Imagineers went to work to create the designs and plans for what is now Golden Oak at Walt Disney World Resort.

 

Q. How is Golden Oak unique compared to other experiences at WDW?

A. This is the first time that families have had the opportunity to actually live at Disney. Additionally, through something we call the Disney Connection, Golden Oak homebuyers have access to VIP passes that provide admission for the pass-holder and up to four guests to eight Disney parks and attractions with no block-out dates. Other amenities include door-to-park transportation, merchandise discounts and free parking.

 

Q. At the end of the year, how many homes will be built?

A. We are very excited by the progress at Golden Oak. About a dozen families have moved into the community as of July, with even more on the horizon. When complete, Golden Oak will encompass 450 homes across 980 acres.

 

Q. Tell us about the Club House, what will be benefits for your residents?

A. Summerhouse, the private club for Golden Oak homeowners, is now open, offering residents and their guests exclusive access to lounge areas, a lap and family pool, a game room and state-of-the-art fitness facilities. The Resident Services team is based at Summerhouse, providing guests with concierge-style assistance – from making dinner reservations to arranging VIP park tour guides and door-to-park transportation. When fully operational, Summerhouse will feature food and beverage accommodations in both indoor and outdoor dining areas.

 

Q. Seriously, you will have concierge garbage pick-up?

A. Yes! Residents don’t need to worry about hauling their garbage out to the curb – we’ll take care of it.

 

Q. How will Golden Oak residents take advantage of the Parks?

A. Homebuyers who close on the purchase of a home before the end of this year will receive a complimentary three-year Golden Oak VIP pass that provides access for the passholder and four guests to eight Disney World parks and attractions, including Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, DisneyQuest and ESPN Wide World of Sports. Residents can also enjoy no blackout dates, free parking, door-to-park transportation, and more as part of the Disney Connection.

 

Q. When will the Four Seasons resort open — and what will be some shared luxuries?

A. The Four Seasons is anticipated to open in 2014 and will offer Golden Oak residents multiple dining options and access to luxury spa amenities.

Edited August 29, 2012 by jedimaster1227

[coasterfreak101]

All I wanted before was to live in Celebration.

 

Now I have to add another million to those home prices. But one of these will be mine!

[jedimaster1227]

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/09/amc-downtown-disney-24-at-walt-disney-world-resort-offers-monthly-sensory-friendly-shows-geared-toward-autistic-guests/

 

Did you know that select AMC Theatres now offer “sensory friendly” film-going experiences for guests with autism? And it just so happens that our theater here at Walt Disney World Resort, AMC Downtown Disney 24, is one of those locations.

 

During a sensory friendly showing, theater lights are turned up, sound is reduced and audience members are welcome to talk or get up and move during the show.

 

The program was initiated at the AMC Columbia Mall 14 theater in Columbia, Maryland, where a request from a parent of an autistic child inspired a screening attended by more than 300 parents and children.

 

Upcoming shows at AMC Downtown Disney 24 at Walt Disney World Resort are:

• “Finding Nemo” – September 22
  
• “Frankenweenie” – October 13
  
• “Wreck-It Ralph” – November 10
  
• “Rise of the Guardians” – December 8

All sensory-friendly shows take place at 10 a.m. Dates and films are subject to change.

[Jew]

^Very cool that they are doing this. I'm sure the parents and kids really appreciate it!

[ernierocker]

I haven't taken my son to a movie yet, but it is nice to know these options are becoming available!

[jedimaster1227]

^I had never heard of the offering before this, but it is neat to know that there's a safe haven for families to take younger kids without having to worry about aggravating the audience around them.

[jedimaster1227]

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/09/downtown-disney-at-walt-disney-world-resort-hosting-frankenweenie-weekend/

 

Did you hear? There’s a special Frankenweenie celebration planned for Downtown Disney West Side – and you’re invited. From September 28-30, you can kick-off the October 5th opening of Disney’s new stop-motion animated movie “Frankenweenie” directed by acclaimed filmmaker Tim Burton with a 3D sneak peek, photos, treats and a first-ever Walt Disney World Resort appearance of Jack & Sally from Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

 

From September 28 -30, you can purchase $6 tickets for exclusive screenings of “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Alice in Wonderland” and get an extended 3D sneak peek of “Frankenweenie” at AMC Downtown Disney 24. The nightly schedule looks like this:

• “The Nightmare Before Christmas” at 4:15 p.m.
  
• “Alice in Wonderland” at 6:30 p.m.
  
• “The Nightmare Before Christmas” at 8:00 p.m.
  
• “Alice in Wonderland” at 10:30 p.m.

And here’s a quick look at the other “Frankenweenie” fun you can expect at Downtown Disney each night from 6 to 11 p.m.:

• New Holland Pet Cemetery picture spot presented by HGTV and inspired by “Frankenweenie”
  
• First Walt Disney World meet and greet with Jack & Sally from “The Nightmare Before Christmas”
  
• “Frankenweenie”-inspired merchandise at D-Street
  
• Special treats and beverages including Franken Fusion Lemonade, Frankenweenie hot dogs and more

 

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/09/disneys-art-of-animation-resort-celebrates-completion/

 

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, which immerses guests in the stories of “Cars,” “Finding Nemo” and “The Lion King,” will celebrate the opening of “The Little Mermaid” courtyard this Saturday, September 15.

 

I recently had the opportunity to stay in the “Cars” courtyard for my son’s birthday, and the level of detail our Imagineers went to to recreate the places and characters from these films is simply amazing! Not to mention that the family suites offer three different sleeping areas, two bathrooms, and a kitchenette – plenty of room for a birthday party!

 

Here’s a look inside each of the resort’s four courtyards.

 

The Little Mermaid courtyard offers 864 standard rooms, which are decorated in perfect “Under the Sea” style. Outside, the area features large icons of Ariel, Flounder, Ursula, and King Triton, among others, plus a Flippin’ Fins pool.

 

The Finding Nemo courtyard offers 320 family suites, an impressive Big Blue Pool and a kids’ water play area. Character icons that can’t be missed here include Nemo, Marlin, Crush and Mr. Ray.

 

If your kids loved the movie “Cars,” this is a not-to-be-missed trip through Radiator Springs. The Cars courtyard offers 480 family suites, and on your journey to your room, you’re sure to pass the Cozy Cone Motel, Tow Mater Towing & Salvage, the Wheel Well Motel and other nods to the film.

 

The Lion King courtyard, which offers 320 family suites, allows guests to embark on a journey through Africa with Simba and friends. Here guests can visit Pride Rock, watch Timon and Pumbaa dance “hakuna matata” style across a log bridge, and more.

 

Which area of the resort looks most intriguing to you? Tell us in the “comments” section below!

[jedimaster1227]

Last week I had the brief chance to stop by Downtown Disney to see the latest progress happenings along the West Side...

 

The backside of Splitsville, formerly Virgin Megastore is still receiving minor exterior work.

A patch has been made to the former hole made in the building not too long ago.

New structures are being added to the building at a rapid pace.

It looks like Splitsville will expand outward slightly, or at least require a little extra wiggle room to complete the building enhancements.

Supports have become visible for the new roof that will cover the second floor balconies.

This complex should look very different soon enough!

The side of the building closest to DisneyQuest appears to be nearly complete.

Major construction work on the second floor can be seen from afar.

There's still plenty of work to be done, but Splitsville will surely look great when it is done!

In other news, the Phineas and Ferb & You: A Brand New Reality offering is now open for guests.

A look at the attraction's marquee...

Guests can stand in the designated space and interact with Phineas, Ferb & Perry on screen. The concept is actually very similar to the old Dreamfinder's School of Drama located in the old Imageworks upstairs at Journey into Imagination at Epcot.

It wasn't even open yet during my visit, but the attraction already had a line!

The Phineas and Ferb topiary from the Flower & Garden Festival has moved to Downtown Disney to help support the temporary setup.

Edited October 8, 2012 by jedimaster1227

[gisco]

What is Splitsville? I know it is food and bowling but is it based off anything?

[Wes]

^ http://www.splitsvillelanes.com

 

Seems like the perfect idea for DTD.

[jedimaster1227]

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/10/a-refreshing-spin-on-alley-eats-at-downtown-disney/

 

Dine. Drink. Bowl. Maybe in that order for some of us – that’s the approach to having fun at the soon-to-open Splitsville Luxury Lanes at Downtown Disney West Side. And, wow, this two-story “bowling alley” puts a new spin on the sport with 50,000 square feet of fun for the entire family – 30 lanes cleverly separated into clusters, two kitchens, dramatic architecture, outdoor seating, billiard tables and live entertainment.

 

We love that there’s a bowling concierge who delivers your shoes to your lane. We’ll go just for that privilege, plus a waitress to take our food and drink orders. Roll a few strikes and spares, soak up the energy, then grab a menu and get bowled over by the cuisine created by Tim Cushman, one of Food & Wine magazine’s “Best New Chefs” in 2008.

 

There’s sushi rolled on display – and they’re serious about freshness, since “who would expect sushi with bowling,” says Mark Gibson, co-founder of Splitsville. So they’ve got experts slicing and dicing everything from California rolls to spicy tuna to their signature Crab Rangoon – a dozen rolls in all.

 

But ask Gibson his favorite, and he’ll tell you that the appetizer-sized filet sliders are right up there, served with onion rings and horseradish cream. Other starters include 3-pepper calamari sautéed with cherry, jalapeño and banana peppers; seared ahi tuna; alley nachos with the works, and Loaded Fries “smothered with nacho cheese, bacon and love,” reads the menu.

 

The extra-juicy burgers are a blend of Black Angus brisket, short ribs and ground beef, and if you’re really hungry, order the triple-decker Mad King burger, a full pound with double cheese and bacon, topped with a crispy onion ring. But it’s not all sandwiches and salads. Standout entrées include slow-cooked pulled pork with fries and slaw; blackened mahi mahi with grilled shrimp and spicy, buttery voodoo sauce; an 8-ounce filet mignon; and steak chimichurri. There are seven kinds of pizzas, from cheese to barbecued chicken and the Firehouse with mozzarella, diced chicken tenders, spicy bleu cheese sauce and a drizzle of Ranch dressing.

 

Enormous desserts to share include made-to-order sundaes, brownie a la mode and red velvet cake with butter frosting (it’s called “Giant Cake” for a reason). And there are plenty of menu options designed just for kids, all for an affordable $7.

 

And we haven’t even mentioned drinks, from an old-fashioned Icee to and 18-ounce frozen schooner of draft beer. There are signature cocktails like rum runners and piña coladas, snicker-tinis and key lime martinis. And their popular “Bowl” drinks which include Long Island Iced Tea and the Beach Bowl.

 

Plans are to open the doors at 10 a.m. and keep customers “rolling in and rocking out” until 2 a.m.

 

“It’s all about families and friends having fun together,” says Gibson. “And while you might come to Splitsville for the bowling and atmosphere, you’ll come back for the food!”

[jray21]

Splitsville looks like a great addition! I wonder which will finish building first, Splitsville in Orlando, or Earl of Sandwich in California DTD!

 

Do they still sell the Frankenweenie? Sounds like a fun idea.

[jedimaster1227]

^I'm guessing Earl of Sandwich will open first, as I've heard they could open as early as next month... Splitsville is set to open in December.

Edited October 25, 2012 by jedimaster1227

[jedimaster1227]

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/11/splitsville-almost-ready-to-roll-in-and-rock-out-at-walt-disney-world-resort/

 

Construction has been underway on the new Splitsville Luxury Lanes at Downtown Disney for several months now, and I bet you’ve been wondering how things are going over there.

 

Me too.

 

So, I decided to pop by there the other day to check out the place and find out firsthand what’s going on behind those construction walls. Splitsville founders Guy Revelle and Mark Gibson, two of the driving forces behind the project, suited me up in a hard hat, vest and safety glasses and allowed me to take a look around. Afterwards, they talked to me about what we can all expect when the doors to the place are finally swung open.

 

I was really interested in what they had to say. I thought you would be too, so we shot this video of them talking about everything from the construction process to the excitement surrounding the greatly anticipated grand opening later this year.

 

Sorry, I could only show you a little of the actual venue right now because there’s still some construction going on (some of the video you’ll see includes renderings and video from their Tampa location), but I’ll definitely have a full video tour for you once we get a little closer to the grand opening. Be sure to check back here regularly for more updates from me, in particular when I announce the official grand opening date.