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The Epcot Explorer's Encyclopedia

Monthly Archives: August 2011

Splitsville to begin construction soon at Downtown Disney

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New filings today: Hawkeye Construction of South Florida has filed paperwork (link) to install temporary barriers and begin the interior build-out of the building at 1494 East Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL. That’s the address of the old Virgin Megastore in Downtown Disney West Side’s shopping/entertainment district.

As previously announced by Disney, that building is going to become a Splitsville bowling/dining/entertainment complex. The paperwork notes that the project is intended to be completed prior to December 2012. Expect to see refurbishment walls and heavy equipment in this area in the near future. We’ve included the concept art below originally released by the Disney Parks Blog for your viewing pleasure.

Great Movie Ride Getting Lighting Upgrades

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Just a quick note – the Great Movie Ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has had paperwork (link) submitted for work on lighting upgrades at the attraction. The work is scheduled to be completed by late December according to the documents. In the new year the twinkle of tinsel town will be just a little bit brighter… possibly more colorful, better aimed, and sharper focused.

There doesn’t appear to be a downtime for the attraction scheduled to coincide with these upgrades, so we’re assuming Disney will be doing to work in phases overnight. We’ll keep you updated if the operating schedule of the attraction changes due to these enhancements.

Test Track gets a new vehicle!

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From the twitterverse: @shawnathon33 got these great photos of a new test vehicles being tried out at Epcot’s Test Track. Cast Members at the attraction say the entire fleet will be replaced with similar vehicles. Note the Chevy logo on the nose of the sleek new vehicle. Shiny! We’ve heard rumors that Test Track may close for refurbishment in January to get new show scenes (the full rumor details can be found in our earlier post), but Disney hasn’t confirmed anything yet. Of course, if you want to read about the detailed history of GM’s relationship as sponsor of the pavilion you can always find it in the Epcot Explorer’s Encyclopedia.

 

Magic Memories and You B-Roll Footage

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Disney has released some promotional footage of the Magic, Memories, and You castle projection show. Oo… aah…

There’s also this press release we almost didn’t run because it insults our intelligence:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – In a dramatic new projection show filled with special effects and magic, Cinderella Castle will transform into a shimmering canvas for images of Walt Disney World guests and the memories they made that day at Magic Kingdom.

In the nighttime spectacle, photos of guests captured that very day in the park will be projected larger-than-life among the spires and turrets of Cinderella Castle. In similar fashion, guest images will be projected onto “it’s a small world” on select nights at Disneyland Park in California, beginning Jan. 27.

The ten-minute experience – called “The Magic, The Memories, and You!” – will dazzle park guests on both coasts in ways never before experienced, themed to beloved Disney stories and with playful animated sequences that seem to defy the architecture of the buildings. The spectacle is scheduled most nights with up to two shows per night depending on theme park operating hours and other special ticketed events.

As many as 500 images shot that day will project onto the castle each night the show is presented, producers estimate. Disney PhotoPass photographers will capture guests creating new memories as they “smile for the castle.”

“Disney parks create family vacation memories to last a lifetime,” said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “What better canvas for those memories than Cinderella Castle, one of the most photographed icons in the world.”

After the sun goes down, 16 high-powered state-of-the-art projectors will bring the castle to life as that day’s photos (and videos taken from Disney’s “Let the Memories Begin” online hub) seem to dance about the famous facade, explained Alan Bruun, associate creative director, Walt Disney World Entertainment.

As classic Disney music weaves in and out of the new “Let the Memories Begin” theme song, turrets spin while the castle shimmers and magically transforms itself in playful and exciting ways to accompany the guests’ memories of fun, adventure and family experiences.

“The images dance to the music and culminate in a spectacular finale punctuated by animated and actual fireworks,” Bruun said.

As Disney Parks encourages families to “Let the Memories Begin,” guests have been celebrating their only-at-Disney memories by sharing their stories and by uploading photos and videos online at DisneyParks.com/memories.

Vacation memories hold a special place in the hearts of families, too, according to a recent survey of Americans and Canadians conducted by Ypartnership, a leading research firm that tracks consumer insights and trends in travel.

Nine out of 10 parents polled said they plan their vacations with the express hope of creating a lasting family memory. And most memories don’t fade with the passage of time. Nearly three-quarters of those surveyed said they think back “often” or “very often” on their most cherished vacation memories.

BY THE NUMBERS:  ‘The Magic, The Memories, and You!’ Nighttime Spectacle

  • Height of Cinderella Castle: 189 feet
  • Number of shows: up to two per night (select evenings)
  • Length of each show: ten minutes (approx.)
  • Projectors: 16
  • Same-day guest photos per show: up to 500
  • Total number of images projected per show: more than 5,000

Journey to Narnia closes at Studios on Sept 10th

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The closure of the Journey to Narnia: Prince Caspian walk-through attraction at Disney Hollywood Studios has been scheduled for September 10, 2011. No replacement for the attraction has been announced at this time. We will keep you updated with further details as they become available.

Yakitori House to Reopen as Katsura Grill in Epcot’s Japan Pavilion

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The Eating Around Walt Disney World Blog has uncovered some new details about the unannounced 3-month closure of the Yakitori House counter service dining location in Epcot’s Japan Pavilion.

Essentially the three month project is to convert the entire hillside of pavilion into Katsura Gardens – an homage to the architecturally significant Katsura Imperial Villa and gardens in real-world Japan. The real Katsura Imperial Villa is located outside the city of Kyoto and considered one of the greatest achievements of Japanese architecture. Its minimalist design was very influential on famous 20th-century modernist architects like Le Corbusier, Bruno Taut, and Walter Gropius.

The actual quick-service dining location will be redesigned and renamed the Katsura Grill. It will serve roughly the same offerings as the old Yakitori House it replaces. Interestingly enough, the Yakitori House hasn’t served “yakitori” (poultry skewers) in years so the change in name will probably be less confusing to anyone who is familiar with Japanese cuisine.

Cosmic Ray’s major overhaul forthcoming?

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There have been rumors circulating that Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom will soon get an overhaul and renovation. Exterior ding areas are said to be absorbed into the interior seating and the general look of the building are supposed to be updated. Disney filed paperwork today suggesting that project might be starting soon. The notices call for work on Electrical, Telecomm, Structural and Finishes” at the location. According to the paperwork, the project should end before August of 2012.

Torches to return to Adventureland?

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Disney filed a notice with the county that they intend to work on and/or repair the main gas valve for Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland. Could this mean a return of the torches and fire effects in the area? We’ll keep you updated if we learn more.

Plans for the Four Seasons at Walt Disney World Revealed

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Disney filed with the water management district for the Four Seasons resort scheduled to tentatively open in 2014 and that means we’ve now got the basic plans for the site in PDF.

Here’s a couple of quick screen grabs of the most interesting bits to save you form having to sort through the technical documents contained within the PDF linked to above. First off, a general overview of the are and how it integrates into the existing Osprey Ridge golf course and Golden Oak luxury home community:

The lower right side of the image has the current Golden Oak Club House. The parcel to the left is the driving range and golf course club house. The other parcels to the right and above the main hotel site are Golden Oak residential area.Now a slightly zoomed-in look at the hotel site itself:

The main hotel is the rectangular block in the middle of the parcel. Parking is to the right, and a large man-made lake is the left. The top left of the image is a large recreational complex separated from the main hotel by what looks to be some impressive design elements like waterfalls and other water features. Here’s a closer look at the recreational complex:

There appears to be a pair of twisting water-slides on the left, as well as a “Teen Club” toward the top. Most interesting to us though is the “Ruinous Mansion” that is toward the bottom of the layout. Just below the Ruinous Mansion in another section of the plans:

It’s a large water feature dotted with small structures, likely cabanas, and a “Lakeside Restaurant.” How charming! This whole northwestern complex of the side is separated from the main hotel by a walkway over a waterfall:

The main Four Seasons hotel itself is going to be a fairly standard high-rise hotel structure. While it may have some evocative thematic elements once constructed, the basic plans for the ground level don’t suggest any particularly interesting architectural details at this point. It seems the surrounding of the main building will be the featured design rather then the tower of lodging itself.

That should just about do it for this update for now.. and a quick reminder since this update is going to cause a big influx of page views: We wrote a book, you should buy it and support us so we can keep posting and keep this website up and running. Link.

Three Golden Oak Model Homes Open for Tours, First Family Moves-In in January

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Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Aug. 24, 2011) – For most people, a visit to Walt Disney World is reason to celebrate.  But that wasn’t quite enough for two families from Oklahoma and West Virginia.

“I wanted to be the grandma who lives at Walt Disney World!” says Jill, who along with her husband, Jack, was one of the first families to purchase land and build a home in Golden Oak, Disney’s unique residential resort community. “Who do you think the kids will want to visit the most?”

Karen, who bought a home with her husband, Kevin, had a similar feeling about Golden Oak: “Disney’s just outside the gate, but it’s quiet inside. We know this will make our kids and grandkids happy!”

Karen and Kevin will move into their Spanish-Revival inspired home in the next two months. The home is located in Silverbrook, which features 19 home sites of approximately one-half acre each. Residents can savor moments of quiet repose alongside conservation areas or water features, or easily stroll to community amenities and activities at the Summerhouse, which is currently under construction.

Jack and Jill will move into their Tuscan-inspired vacation home in January, with plans to split their time between Florida and Oklahoma. But, as Jill says jokingly, “Jack is a little concerned that he may lose me to Florida for most of the year!” Their home is located in Kimball Trace, a charming Tuscan-inspired village nestled between the tranquil waters of the lagoon and the cool shade of the natural preserves. Varying in design and style, each home demonstrates the luxury lifestyle that Golden Oak has to offer – including subtle Disney-inspired touches.

Kimball Trace also features the first three showcase village homes in Golden Oak, which were recently completed and furnished, and are now open for tours (by appointment only):

  • Inspiring to all who enter the front door, Villa d’Este by Goehring & Morgan showcases the exquisite view of the outdoor areas. Featuring approximately 3,664 square feet of indoor living space, this home offers four bedrooms, four en-suite bathrooms and one powder room, a gathering room with incredible beamed ceilings and a separate study. The owner’s suite overlooks a long view of the courtyard areas and pond. Subtle, yet elegant details of this home, such as the knotty alder front door; the interior and exterior ironwork; the clay tile imported from France; and, the authentic stone on the exterior elevation, help to create a truly exceptional showcase home.
  • Casa di Lusso by ISSA Homes is as beautiful as it is timeless. This two- story home features approximately 4,272 square feet of indoor living space where almost all rooms have a generous view of the pond.  This home is inspired by a creatively designed farmhouse, and is open and airy. Featuring four bedrooms, four en-suite bathrooms, one powder room and a generous area for entertaining, this home is one of a kind. One is immediately drawn to the large outdoor living space and generously sized pool and spa.
  • An architecturally inspiring home, Da Vinci by Cahill showcases approximately 4,044 square feet of indoor living area. This home features four bedrooms – all with en-suite bathrooms and one of which is a private guest suite – an additional study/guest bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, one powder room and a family room and kitchen designed for bringing the family together as well as entertaining. The well-appointed and large owner’s suite features a walk -in closet and is privately located on the first floor, surrounded by a beautiful courtyard filled with flowers and palm trees.

CHARMING VILLAGE SETTINGS

Both Kimball Trace and Silverbrook are within neighborly reach of Summerhouse, Golden Oak’s planned 16,000 square-foot residential clubhouse designed by Walt Disney Imagineers. Currently under construction and scheduled for opening in 2012, Summerhouse has been planned to include indoor and outdoor dining areas, a lounge with wine storage and full bar, a family room with gaming area, a demonstration kitchen for guest chef appearances, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness facility, locker rooms and pool with towel service. An outdoor fire pit, courtyard, function lawn and park areas are planned for year-round recreation. Programs are anticipated to include kitchen demonstrations by Disney chefs, seasonal parties and family events hosted by Golden Oak Resident Services professionals.

Other neighborhoods currently under construction in the one-of-a-kind community located at Walt Disney World Resort include:

Carolwood Reserve

A limited offering of eight premium custom-home sites, all generously sized at approximately three-quarters acre each. Residents here will enjoy serene natural, golf course or water views.

 

Carolwood

The natural preserves surrounding this lovely neighborhood offer a scenic and private setting. At up to three-quarters acre in size, each of Carolwood’s 17 grand estate custom-home sites can amply accommodate multi-generational families.

THE DISNEY CONNECTION

Families who close on the purchase of a homesite or completed home in Golden Oak before December 31, 2011 will receive one complimentary five-year Golden Oak VIP Pass for the homebuyer, providing admission for the homebuyer and up to four guests. The special Golden Oak VIP Pass will allow admission to all four Walt Disney World theme parks, water parks, DisneyQuest indoor interactive theme park and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex every day of the year with no block-out dates. Also included is complimentary parking for one car and discounts up to 20 percent on select merchandise purchased at select Walt Disney World Resort parks or Downtown Disney area locations.

Every homeowner at Golden Oak will be a member of the private social and recreational Golden Oak Club.  As part of the club membership, homeowners will receive Door-to-Park transportation, complimentary merchandise delivery to their home in Golden Oak, special golf services, and access to the Extra Magic Hours benefit at Walt Disney World (early- or after-hours access to one of the four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks daily). Disney-designed holiday décor, golf program and in-park special event tickets will be available for an additional fee.

Additionally, Resident Services at Golden Oak will bring Disney’s personal guest service culture directly to residents and guests.  A dedicated onsite team at Golden Oak will help arrange personal, residential and resort requests such as move-in services, pre-arrival and post-departure home maintenance services, travel and private transportation, holiday home décor, grocery shopping, VIP tours and more.

Jill says her family is excited to experience all that Golden Oak has to offer. “We are counting the moments until we turn the key at Golden Oak and say ‘Welcome to our Disney home!’”