Disney are currently installing their new Radio Frequency ID (or RFID) door locking system across the Walt Disney World hotels, and Disney's Coronado Springs is the latest to join the new program. It is expected that the work will be finished by the end of September 2012.
The new RFID system will mean that guests no longer need to insert their room key into a slot in the lock, and can instead just touch the card against the lock to open the door, much like the Near Field Communications (NFC) used on newer credit and debit cards.
Only a week on from its introduction at Typhoon Lagoon, Disney have launched their new free Wi-Fi service at Epcot. Much like the service already in operation at the Magic Kingdom, guests can now connect their smartphones and tablet computers to the WiFi, which is accessible throughout the park.
Disney are rolling out the new Wi-Fi system as part of its "NextGen" system, designed to bring numerous enhancements to the parks and resorts. Complimentary WiFi is already provided across all Walt Disney World hotels.
This leaves just Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park and Downtown Disney left, and it is expected that all will be fitted out with the free WiFi system within the next month or so.
A tropical storm watch is in effect for Central Florida. This includes the theme park areas. The National Hurricane Center is providing regular updates on the storm, click below to view the complete advisory.
We reported last week that Disney were closing the popular 'The Magic, The Memories, and You!' night time projection based show. It's now been confirmed that a new show, titled 'Celebrate the Magic' will be launched in its place from November 2012. The new show will incorporate the same technology and special effects of its predecessor,
"'Celebrate the Magic' takes us on a journey to the heart of the most beloved Disney stories and characters,"” said Show Director Katy Harris. "This amazing show will magically transform Cinderella Castle with spectacular projection effects, choreographed to a new music soundtrack. The show will be full of emotion and storytelling, proving that, with imagination and magic in our hearts, anything is possible."
The final showing of 'The Magic, The Memories, and You!' will take place on Labor Day (September 3) at both the Magic Kingdom, and at Disneyland. Whilst 'Celebrate The Magic' will be a Magic Kingdom exclusive, Disney have confirmed that "it's a small world" holiday will be returning to Disneyland "later this year".
We announced the 2012 Candlelight Processional celebrity narrator lineup last month, however as has been the case almost every year, there are a few minor changes.
Isabella Rossellini has been removed and replaced with Geena Davis. There are also three new additional celebrities added for previously unannounced dates; Amy Grant, Andy Garcia and James Denton.
With these updates, the provisional line-up now looks like this:
Nov. 23–25: Geena Davis(Actress and former fashion model)
Nov. 26–29: Neil Patrick Harris (Emmy Award-winner, Broadway star and TV host)
Nov. 30–Dec. 1: Whoopi Goldberg (television host, actress and comedian)
Dec. 2-4: Andy Garcia (Actor)
Dec. 5-7: TBA
Dec. 8-11: James Denton (Actor)
Dec. 11–13: Jodi Benson (singer and actress)
Dec. 14–16: Olivia Newton John (singer and actress)
Dec. 17-19: TBA
Dec. 20–22: Trace Adkins (Award-Winning Country music artist)
Dec. 23–25: Gary Sinise (actor and musician)
Dec. 26-28: Amy Grant (Singer)
Dec. 29–30: Marlee Matlin/Jack Jason (Academy Award-winning actor and TV star)
The National Hurrican Center issued its latest data on Tropical Storm ISACC a little over an hour ago, and the current predictions are that it will be close to south Florida by the early hours of Monday morning, and looks set to continue up towards Central Florida.
Visitors to the Florida area should remember to follow the National Hurrican Center's recommendations and be prepared for severe weather early next week.
Disney have announced that from September 17 2012, a new Segway Tour, "Keep Moving Forward", will be in operation at Epcot. The new tour "explors Walt Disney's vision for a better tomorrow - and the results of that vision: The Florida Project and Epcot". The tour is three hours long and includes a complete Segway training lesson, breakfast at the Sunshine Seasons restaurand, an in-depth tour of the World Showcase, and an exclusive Disney pin.
The new tour will cost $99 (plus tax) for guests aged 16 or over. For guests aged 16-17, a parent or gardian must sign a waver. Disney Vacation Club members and Annual Passholders are eligable for a 1§5% discount.
Guests wishing to book, or find out more information should call (407) WDW-TOUR (939-8687).
For the last three consecutive years, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin has been running the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic, a 2 day event showcasing some of the top food, wine and beers from around the world.
The event includes seminars conducted by members of the hotel's award-winning team of food and beverage experts. The event will also feature appearences from celebrity chefs Michael Mina and Todd English.
Disney have made some changes to the Extra Magic Hours at the Magic Kingdom. Generally during an Extra Magic Hour (or 'EMH') period, a selection of the parks attractions operate, whilst others remain closed.
Starting on August 26 2012, Splash Mountain will no longer be open during Extra Magic Hours, and has been replaced with Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room.
The reason behind this modification is unclear, however it's likely to do with maintenance. As the parks are open every day of the year, cast members have to perform most maintenance work overnight. Given that Splash Mountain has not had a significant refurbishment in a fairly long time now, it's feasible that the park operators chose to reduce its running hours to allow extra work to be carried out.
Disney Imagineering has released a video showing you around the interior of Maurice's Cottage, which is to be part of the new Enchanted Tales with Belle attraction. The video shows imagineers describing the internal decor and layout of the house and attraction.
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