Park Events and Refurbishments – 5/16/2012

Walt Disney World Closures and Refurbishments

Magic Kingdom

  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be closed for refurbishment January 9 through May 27.
  • Liberty Square Riverboat is closed for refurbishment April 16 through May 20.
  • Updated – Fairytale Garden is closed until May 18th for preparation of a new play and greet experience themed after Pixar’s new “Brave” movie.  The Merida play and greet will replace the Rapunzel meet and greet. Rapunzel has currently moved to City Hall on Main Street USA where she is meeting with guests daily.
  • Snow White’s Scary Adventures will close for good on May 31. The location will become the new home of the Disney Princesses meet and greet called Fairytale Hall.
  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will close for a brief refurbishment from June 27 through June 29. 

Epcot

  • Updated – Test Track closed April 16 for re-imagining through November 30th.
  • New – Bistro de Paris in Epcot’s France pavilion will be closed for renovations from July 1 through September 30.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

  • NewThe Narnia walk through attraction has permanently closed and reopening in its place sometime in the Fall of 2012 will be the all new Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow.

Animal Kingdom

  • The ‘Affection Section’ at Rafiki’s Planet Watch will be closed for refurbishment through June 9. During the closure there will be animal encounters inside the Conservation Station.
  • Kilimanjaro Safaris is undergoing changes that will allow guests to see more of the elusive zebras during the ride by creating a new zebra habitat. The new zebra area will be located in the “Little Red” and related “poacher” staging area of the ride, which has now been removed. Work is scheduled to be complete in fall 2012. Kilimanjaro Safaris will remain open during the construction.

Disneyland Closures and Rehabs

  • The Blue Ribbon Bakery will close for conversion to an indoor seating area for the Carnation Cafe which will also be closed until Summer 2012 (Approximately July 14).
  • Frontierland Shooting Exposition is closed for refurbishment through May 25.
  • Matterhorn Bobsleds will be closed January 9 through June 14 for refurbishment.
  • Carnation Plaza Gardens closed April 30 for construction of Fantasy Faire. Fantasy Faire is anticipated to open in Winter 2013.

Disney’s California Adventure Closures and Refurbishments

  • Cove Bar at Ariel’s Grotto will be closed for refurbishment through May 30.
  • Goofy’s Sky School will be closed for refurbishment through June 1.
  • Ghirardelli at Pacific Wharf will be closed for rehab through June 1.
  • Cars Land will be under construction until its opening date of June 15.
  • Baker’s Field Bakery is closed for conversion to Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream and Bur-r-r Bank Ice Cream for conversion to Fiddler, Fife, and Practical Cafe, both until June 15.

Water Parks

  • NewTyphoon Lagoon will close for annual refurbishment on October 28.

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Magical Memory – 5/16/2012

This is John at 9 months old. It was his first trip to Disney, along with his first haircut!  He just loved all of the attention and the mouse ears!  This smile was constant throughout our whole trip!  Amazing memories thanks to Disney! (Submitted by Heather & John S.)

Worldly Tips – 5/16/2012

Want to try to avoid long lines at the Magic Kingdom? Try going on attractions during Wishes.  It never fails that lines are a lot shorter.  This also seems to work well during the afternoon and evening parades.  (Submitted by Theresa K.)

 

The Best of Be Our Guest

Each issue we will feature a snippet of what you could learn by listening to the Be Our Guest Podcast. Be sure to check back each issue for more fun.

From Episode 436: Everything Pop

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Give a Little Whistle – Tackling Your Disney Dilemmas – 5/16/2012

When you get in trouble and you don’t know right from wrong
Give a little whistle! Give a little whistle! – Jiminy Cricket

 

Q. Hi!  We’re planning on going to WDW in early November and possibly attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.  How much are the tickets this year?  What are some can’t-miss things to see and do around this time?  (Submitted by Bernadette N.)

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Lost in the World 5/16/2012

 

Ms. Lost managed to get into the Winner’s Circle over at the Tomorrowland Speedway in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom!  Congratulations to Richard B.!

 

Ms. Lost saw this horseshoe during her travels. Where did she find it?

If you think that you can help, please e-mail your answer to us.  lost@themouseforless.com

Send in your guess by May 26th. Please be as specific as possible, noting not only the park but the specific ride, attraction, or section where the picture was taken. For instance, instead of saying, “Epcot,” say, “At Epcot at Maelstrom” (which, isn’t this week’s answer). One random entry from all correct entries will receive a Disney trading pin.

May The Force Be With You!

By Rikki Niblett
Random useless commentary by Chris Johnson

 

©Disney

Every year in May/June Walt Disney World holds Star Wars Weekends, celebrating all that is included in the Star Wars Universe.  This event takes place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Friday, Saturday and Sunday during those weekends.

I know that I’m in the minority as I am not a Star Wars fan.  Well, I guess I can’t actually say that. Someone can really only say that if they’ve seen the Star Wars movies…and seeing as how I have NOT…saying I’m not a fan isn’t really accurate.  I’m pretty much indifferent to the whole Star Wars saga.

She is breaking my geek heart. Really? You haven’t seen ANY of them? How is that possible? I thought they were required viewing in most school systems by now.  

Yet for some strange reason, I would like to experience a Star Wars Weekend at some point in my life.  From everything I’ve heard about this event, it seems like it would be something to experience, kind of like how a person should attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at least once.

So what is it that would draw in someone like me (or maybe you) who’s never been into Star Wars?  (Or in my case, someone who’s never watched the movies?)

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