| Page Number |
PassPorter's Walt Disney World 2012 Update Description |
33 | Walt Disney World is currently testing free WiFi Internet access at some Deluxe Resorts as well as resorts that have conference centers such as Disney's Coronado Springs. There are also reports of free WiFi in some of the theme parks. Only time will tell if this becomes a permanent amenity!
- 2011-10-18 14:10:06 [update] | 41 | A rare baby was born at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge on October 1, 2011. A baby girl Okapi (the relative of the giraffe that more closely resembles a zebra) joins the herd on the Pembe savanna later this month.
- 2011-11-08 19:11:44 [update] | 46 | A Mongolian grill and tandoori ovens are among the novel features of Landscape of Flavors, the food court at Disney's Art of Animation Resort at Walt Disney World. When the resort and restaurant open in May, diners will be able to order Mongolian-style stir-fry dishes at dinner. For breakfast, the 3-foot diameter steel griddle will do double duty, dishing up Challah-bread French toast. A design-your-own burger station will let you start with a choice of beef, chicken, or veggie burgers, and the sky's the limit from there. The tandoori ovens will be used to quick-cook meat and vegetable specialties, and naan, one of India's famous breads. For dessert, the scene moves to Italy, for fresh-made gelato. Yum!
- 2012-04-12 20:04:05 [update] | 53 | WDWMagic.com reports that the Health and Wellness Suites at Disney's Contemporary Resort, originally announced in April 2011, have been canceled. Originally scheduled to open in late 2011 in the resort's club level, the suites were to provide a luxury spa-styled experience with special health food menus, a fitness studio, in-room fitness equipment, and fully-refurbished guest rooms and lounges. The club level is now scheduled to be refurbished in 2013.
- 2011-12-01 11:12:19 [update] | 69 | Long rumored, Disney has confirmed plans to add a Disney Vacation Club resort to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. The Villas will be located in a separate building, expected to open in late 2013.
- 2011-12-13 09:12:49 [update] | 77 | Walt Disney World's new resort, Disney's Art of Animation, will be opening in stages beginning on May 31, 2012. The Cars-themed suites will open on May 31, 2012, the Lion King-themed suites will open on September 30, 2012, and the Little Mermaid-themed rooms (standard guest rooms, not suites) will open on December 31, 2012.
- 2011-10-11 11:10:14 [update] | 133 | New Year's Eve fireworks will be held at three Walt Disney World parks. Magic Kingdom will have Wishes at 8:30 pm and a special New Year's edition of Fantasy in the Sky at 11:50 pm. Epcot will have an early IllumiNations at 7:00 pm and the big finale at 11:40 pm. Disney's Hollywood Studios will perform Fantasmic at 6:30 and 8:00 pm, with the special Lights, Cameras, Happy New Year fireworks at midnight.
- 2011-11-01 09:11:59 [update] | 133 | The holiday season has arrived at Walt Disney World. Cinderella Castle lights up every night covered in the Castle Dream Lights until January 7, 2012. The nightly "The Magic, the Memories & You" show has been updated to include a holiday theme. The Osborne Lights twinkle nightly at Disney's Hollywood Studios (no Osborne Lights on December 8).
- 2011-11-08 19:11:30 [update] | 134 | Cast Members are testing a new interactive game: Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom. This role-playing, trading-card game will be available to guests in early 2012. Players have a chance to be the hero as they work to defeat the Disney Villains who are trying to take over the Magic Kingdom.
- 2011-11-08 19:11:06 [update] | 137 | Walt Disney World has revealed a video of Mickey Mouse speaking to guests visiting Town Square Theater at the Magic Kingdom. This test of Imagineering hocus pocus was revealed to a limited number of guests on Halloween, and there's no word yet on whether Mickey will have more to say in the future.
- 2011-11-03 10:11:06 [update] | 138 | The Dumbo attraction in the Magic Kingdom is now scheduled to open March 11, 2012.
- 2012-01-24 15:01:59 [update] | 140 | While no official dates have been announced, the new Storybook Circus section of Walt Disney World's Fantasyland is expected to open in early 2012. The area's attractions, such as the new Dumbo the Flying Elephant spinner (the original Dumbo spinner is being moved and reinstalled adjacent to the new spinner), the Great Goofini (known as Goofy's Barnstormer in its previous incarnation) and the new Fantasyland train station are all scheduled for early 2012.
- 2011-10-03 10:10:50 [update] | 180 | A large, 3-D model that previews the completed Fantasyland Expansion has gone on display at Walt Disney: One Man's Dream, at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
- 2012-05-17 09:05:55 [update] | 183 | On Friday, May 4, 2012, mama rhino Kendi gave birth to her fourth calf. The male calf has not yet been named.
- 2012-05-15 15:05:43 [update] | 183 | Anne Savage, Ph.D., senior conservation biologist at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, has been nominated to receive the Indianapolis Prize, the world’s leading award for animal conservation. Dr. Savage has been recognized for creating numerous programs that blend conservation and education to protect the cotton-top tamarin, a critically endangered one-pound monkey found only in Colombia, South America.
- 2011-11-15 13:11:49 [update] | 210 | Celebration, a planned community in the Orlando area, originally conceived and built by the Walt Disney Company, has been named one of the nation's "prettiest neighborhoods" by Forbes Magazine which cited Celebration's "small-town America feel."
- 2011-10-04 09:10:11 [update] | 215 | Ever want to drive a Ferrari, Lamborghini, Corvette, or Porsche around a race track? You may get your chance as the Richard Petty Experience plans to bring exotic cars to its track in January 2012. Give them your input on the new program at http://www.projectexotic.com.
- 2011-11-01 09:11:59 [update] | 215 | "A real Ferrari?!" asks Luigi in the Disney Pixar film Cars. Yes Luigi, a real Ferrari! The Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World will be adding Ferraris and other exotic automobiles beginning in January 2012. The Exotic Driving Experience will offer packages ranging from a $99 "Thrill Ride" up to $380 for six-laps behind the wheel. Vehicles include two Ferraris, two Lamborghinis, a Porsche, and an Audi.
- 2011-11-15 12:11:54 [update] | 221 | Beginning this June, the first of six planned Starbucks locations is scheduled to open at Disney California Adventure park in the re-themed Buena Vista Street area. More locations are planned for Disneyland park and Walt Disney World Resort (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom). The Starbucks will be themed to fit their locations and will serve Starbucks items as well as some Disney favorites.
- 2012-04-23 12:04:18 [update] | 222 | Dining reservation no-shows will soon become more expensive at Walt Disney World Signature Dining and character dining experiences. Walt Disney World has announced that it will require a credit card number to hold and guarantee the reservation, and will charge a $10 per-person fee for no-shows and for cancellations on less than 24 hour notice for restaurants in the Signature Dining category, as well as all locations that host character meals. This policy will go into effect for reservations made on or after October 26, 2011 (and has already been in effect for several restaurants on the list). Reservations policy will remain the same for restaurants and dinner shows that require pre-payment in full. Advanced Dining Reservation (ADR) policies are unchanged at all other establishments. Restaurants covered by the new policy are:
Signature Dining:
Artist Point, California Grill, Citricos, Flying Fish Caf�, Jiko, Le Cellier, Narcoosee's, Hollywood Brown Derby, and Yachtsman Steakhouse (Victoria & Albert's charges $25 per person).
Character Dining (includes non-character meals served at these establishments):
1900 Park Fare, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Cape May Caf�, Chef Mickey's, The Crystal Palace, The Garden Grill, Hollywood & Vine, 'Ohana, and Tusker House. (Cinderella's Royal Table and the dinner shows require full pre-payment.)
A special dining cancellation phone number has been announced, 407-WDW-CNCL (407-939-2625), and reservations can also be made and canceled by calling 407-WDW-DINE or visiting the podium at any table-service restaurant, resort front desk, concierge, or Guest Relations.
- 2011-10-12 15:10:22 [update] | 233 | Sunshine Tree Terrace, the refreshment stand next to The Enchanted Tiki Room at Walt Disney World's Adventureland, has re-opened after rehab. In addition to the return of the Citrus Swirl, a long-time favorite icy refreshment, the Orange Bird, Sunshine Tree Terrace's old-time mascot, has also returned. In recent years the Dole Whip, the frosty pineapple-flavored treat served at nearby Aloha Isle, has gotten all the attention, but the Citrus Swirl was the first tart, frozen confection in Adventureland, a celebration of Florida oranges. Disney seems to hope that we'll be excited by Orange Bird's return - they unveiled a full line of Orange Bird-themed merchandise to go along with the re-opening! That's something you can't get at Aloha Isle. Yet.
- 2012-04-20 00:04:38 [update] | 239 | Opening in early May, Tutto Gusto is the new wine bar adjacent to Tutto Italia in the Italy pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase. Tutto Gusto is located in what was formerly the lobby of Tutto Italia and will feature a small plates menu with everything from cured meats to sweet treats, in addition to an extensive Italian Wine List with over 200 wines to choose from.
- 2012-04-10 08:04:35 [update] | 240 | Katsura Grill has replaced Yakitori House in the Japan pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase. The new menu features many of the same items with a few additions including okonomiyaki, a traditional Japanese pancake sometimes described as a pizza; and a cold ramen noodle dish.
- 2011-12-06 10:12:37 [update] | 257 | Zagat's restaurant review guide has named Victoria & Albert's at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa as the top dining establishment in Orlando, as well as one of the top restaurants in the country. This is just one of many awards the restaurant has received, including the AAA Five Diamond Award.
- 2011-11-01 09:11:10 [update] | 279 | A new PhotoPass+ is now available at Walt Disney World. Guests can now combine all park, ride, dining, and character PhotoPass pictures on one CD. For $199.95, guests receive a special PhotoPass+ card and lanyard, as well a CD with over 400 stock photos in addition to the photos the guest selects to add to the CD. Visit www.disneyphotopass.com for details.
- 2012-04-03 10:04:40 [update] | 284 | Looking for a fun place to ring in the New Year with your family? DisneyQuest in Downtown Disney may be the perfect place. Beginning at 8:00 pm and going until the wee hours at 1:00 am, entertainment for families includes full access to all DisneyQuest attractions as well as a dance party. At midnight, celebrate with confetti and party favors. Tickets are $45 per person in advance, $55 per person at the door. The price includes a voucher for food. Tickets can be purchased by calling 407-934-7639.
- 2011-11-29 11:11:27 [update] | 288 | Ashley Eckstein and James Arnold Taylor – who provide the voices of Ahsoka Tano and Obi-Wan Kenobi, respectively, for the popular animated series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars – will be the celebrity hosts for Star Wars Weekends 2012. The Weekends will be held Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at Disney's Hollywood Studios May 18 - June 10, 2012. James is the Official Celebrity Host of Star Wars Weekends 2012, and Ashley is Celebrity Host of “Behind the Force,” a show that gives fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse at Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
- 2012-04-03 09:04:17 [update] | 288 | Star Wars Weekends 2012 are being held at Disney's Hollywood Studios, May 18 - June 10, 2012. Special events and celebrity appearances (including autograph opportunities) are among the highlights for guests. The celebrity line-up (subject to change):
Weekend I (May 18 – 20)
•Ray Park – (Darth Maul – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
•Jerome Blake (Rune Haako/Mas Amedda – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
•Dee Bradley Baker (voice of Clone Captain Rex and Clone Commander Cody – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
Weekend II (May 25- 27)
•Andy Secombe (Watto – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
•Ray Park (Darth Maul – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
•Tom Kane (voice of Yoda – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
Weekend III (June 1 -3)
•Jake Lloyd (Anakin Skywalker – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
•Silas Carson (Nute Gunray/Ki-Adi-Mundi – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
•(Star Wars: The Clone Wars voice talent – currently TBD)
Weekend IV (June 8- 10)
•Michonne Bourriague (Aurra Sing – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
•Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett – Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi)
•Daniel Logan (Boba Fett – Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones)
•Nika Futterman (voice of Asajj Ventress – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
- 2012-04-10 08:04:29 [update] | 288 | The Eat to the Beat Concert Series will be held in the America Gardens Theatre during the 17th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, September 28 - November 11, 2012.
Sept. 28-30 – Night Ranger
Oct. 1-3 – Sugar Ray
Oct. 4-7 – Starship starring Mickey Thomas
Oct. 8-10 – Boyz II Men
Oct. 11-12 – Smash Mouth
Oct. 13-14 – Javier Colon
Oct. 15-17 – Air Supply
Oct. 18-19 – Gin Blossoms
Oct. 20-21 – Survivor
Oct. 22-23 – Hanson
Oct. 24-25 – The Pointer Sisters
Oct. 26-28 – Sister Hazel
Oct. 29-31 – Billy Ocean
Nov. 1-2 – .38 Special
Nov. 3-4 – Howard Jones
Nov. 5-6 – Blues Traveler
Nov. 7-8 – Dennis DeYoung, original member of the group Styx
Nov. 9-11 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
- 2012-05-08 12:05:45 [update] | 999 | D23, the Official Disney Fan Club, announced the D23 Expo will once again take place at the Anaheim Convention Center, August 9-11, 2013. Advanced tickets go on sale August 9, 2012. (And yes, Sara is already planning her trip!).
- 2012-03-16 12:03:15 [update] | 999 | Similar to the “Tron”-themed wrap, one of the Magic Kingdom Park Monorails is currently undergoing a Marvel Comics “The Avengers”-themed changeover to celebrate the May 4 opening of the film, which stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Tom Hiddleston, with Stellan Skarsgård, and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury. The made-over monorail will remain through Summer 2012.
- 2012-04-03 09:04:49 [update] | 999 | Disney Imagineers have been honored with four Thea Awards from the Themed Entertainment Association, the industry's major trade organization. Star Tours won for Attraction Refresh; the Magic Kingdom's "The Magic, the Memories, & You!" show took the prize for Show Spectacular, and "Animation Magic," the "show" debuting in Animator's Palate restaurant on the Disney Fantasy when that ship is launched in March 2012 won for Ingenious Use of Technology. (The last award was judged based on a media preview earlier this year.) Finally, legendary Imagineer Joe Rhode, whose accomplishments range from "A to A" (Animal Kingdom to Aulani) received the Buzz Price Award, recognizing a lifetime of achievement.
- 2011-11-17 11:11:00 [update] | 999 | Disney Junior, the new 24-hour cable channel aimed at 2- to 7-year olds, will debut on March 23, 2012. Disney Junior will feature existing programming such as "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" and "Jake and the Neverland Pirates," as well as new, exclusive programming.
- 2012-01-10 11:01:34 [update] | 999 | President Barack Obama visited Walt Disney World on January 19, 2012. Standing before Cinderella Castle, President Obama called on America to become the world's top travel destination with a program that could significantly increase tourism to South Florida. He said, "America is open for business! We want to welcome you."
- 2012-01-17 12:01:33 [update] | 999 | Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has changed their employee dress code for Disneyland and Walt Disney World, and will now allow male Cast Members to grow beards. The restriction on facial hair was previously eased to allow moustaches. Facial hair must be no longer than 1/4 inch in length and must be well-groomed and professional in appearance. Also, "Casual Friday" has been introduced for non-costumed Cast Members who do not interact with guests.
- 2012-01-24 15:01:02 [update] |
