Posted on Mar 31, 2012
Posted in: Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom's chief Imagineer Joe Rohde gave a brief interview with the official Disney Parks blog where he details a few thoughts on the upcoming AVATAR land. It was thought that the project may have stalled as nobody from Disney had commented on it for some time, however this recent post shows that they are still planning on going ahead with the new land.
From the Disney Parks Blog:
When I think about the AVATAR story and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, I see the value systems that underlie both. We have the opportunity to tell that story in a way that will make the AVATAR experience feel like a natural part of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
All of us who are designers have an opportunity to take the work we are given and make it something unexpected. That’s how we help the company to grow and expand into new areas.
This follows comments made by Disney CEO, Bob Iger earlier this month during the Walt Disney Company shareholders meeting where he reaffirmed that AVATAR land will be coming to Animal Kingdom, and should be ready to open in 2015.
Posted on Mar 29, 2012
The 2012 International Flower and Garden Festival is in full swing at Epcot and this year we're seeing some great displays. The 19th annual festival kicked off on March 7th and will run for 75 days, closing on May 20th.
Jose Feliciano of Feliz Navidad fame opened the Flower Power Concert, traditionally held each weekend durning the festival at the American Gardens Theater.
We've got photos of some of the topiaries from the festival - click below to take a look!
Posted on Mar 29, 2012
On March 12th, 2012 Storybook Circus began its soft opening at 10:45am. This new area in the Magic Kingdom is part of the Fantasyland expansion project and is the first phase to open. Its a relatively small area, including just two attractions; The Barnstormer and Dumbo. These are both rehashed, updated versions of existing attractions. Dumbo was moved from the middle of Fantasyland to its new spot, and was doubled in size and had an external makeover. The Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini used to be called The Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm.
The first thing you immediately notice about Storybook Circus is the attention to detail. It feels like they have put a heck of a lot of work into even the smallest details, more so than usual.
On opening day it didn't take too long for both Dumbo and The Barnstormer to reach a 45 minute wait time. We're expecting that this will be the case for at least the next 12 months.
We've got pictures from Storybook circus - click below to take a look!
Posted on Mar 26, 2012
With Splitsville's planned opening at Downtown Disney pegged at late 2012, we're starting to see some activity. Some new concept art has been released depicting how the final building may look. It sports a retro 50's style bowling ally design, with what appears to be red neon lighting. Interestingly, there are two seperate entrances. One titled 'Splitsville Luxury Lanes' and the other 'Bowlers Bin'.
Splitsville have confirmed that they will have two floors and 30 lanes over 45,000 square foot. They will also be providing patio dining and live music. There will be 750 seats for dining and have been working with Disney for over 3 years to get the menu, prices and opening hours right so that Splitsville will work well with other restaurants and shops in Downtown Disney.
They have altered the setup for their Orlando location. Guests will pay by the hour instead of by the game.
Click the image below to view a larger preview.
