Transformers and Simpsons Springfield Update

Soft openings has begun!

Optimus Prime added on top of the Transformers Ride Entrance:


Simpsons Springfield Expansion construction Update:

Opening June 1st most of everything on the Simpsons ride side. Area closer to lagoon will open later.

Antarctica : Empire of the Penguin now open!

On Friday, SeaWorld opened its newest attraction. Antarctica : Empire of The Penguins. Guest were let in prior to the parks 9 am opening to attend grand opening show located just across the Journey to Atlantis attraction, it is one of the two ways you can get to the new attraction. SeaWorld Orlando president greeted guest and introduced Lauren Alaina who performed the attractions theme song.

The first couple hundred guests received a sticker and an Antarctica bracelet.

The new Antarctica area includes a new eatery, ( Expedition Cafe ) and a gift shop ( Glacial Collections ). Expedition Cafe serves breakfast in the morning. During lunch and dinner, food selections include American, Italian and Asian foods. For all my Disney fans it is similar set-up to the Sunshine Seasons in The Land pavilion at Epcot.

Outside the attraction is where you can find the South Pole photo-op and the penguin wall which has the different kinds of penguins.

As said on a previous post, the ride exits into the penguin exhibit. All must queue to get into the attraction even if you do not want to ride. Once you get past the pre-show, and before selecting mild or wild expedition is where you can break off from the line and see the penguins. (See a team member) Mild expedition is a smoother ride which twirls and glides while wild spins a little more and rocks back and forth depending on the scene. Guest under 48 must ride mild. See video of the mild ride below. Each ride vehicle seats 8, 4 front and 4 back. 

Part of the inside queue and pre-show room:

Queue outside 

Penguin exhibit 30 degrees F. A 2 - 4ft glass in between you and penguin. The ride ends and docks by the penguins. The ride itself does not go through the penguin exhibit.

Underwater viewing:

More Coke freestyle machines in the new area, also new souvenir cups available. 

The ride is currently not included with quick queue. The restaurant also does not participate in the all-day dining deal. In the future, SW hopes to add a backstage tour for the new penguin exhibit.

Video on ride mild expedition Antarctica Empire of the Penguin:

 

Opening ceremony SWO President and Lauren Alaina (thrillgeek.com):

Who's ready for StarWars Weekends at Hollywood Studios?

StarWars weekend begins this weekend, May17 to June 9 at Hollywood Studios. Star Wars characters, special shows, meet Star Wars celebrities, special star wars merch. and much more.

Quick overview of what you might see around DHS during SWW

Mickey Minnie Goofy and Donald at Star Wars Weekends

StarWars weekend processional.

Some of the Stars from the celebrity motorcade Star Wars Weekends 2012

Chewbacca " Sexy and I know it " Hyperspace Hoopla

Star Wars weekend is included with paid admission to Hollywood Studios check the link below for more info.

STAR WARS WEEKEND DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD TUDIOS

Bumblebee shakes it.

Bumblebee shaking it for the ladies.

VIDEO:

It's Disney Fairies week at the Magic Kingdom

As part of the "Limited Time Magic" at Disney, you can meet Disney fairies: TinkerBell, Iridessa, Rosetta, Silvermist, Vidia, and Terrance ( not all at once ). Daily, till Sunday April 21st. From park opening - one hour prior to park close (see parks times guide). Tinkerbells magical nook is located near where you can get Dole Whip in Adventureland. More details on the links tab above.

Autograph cards are handed out with everyone's autograph, similar to the True Love and Lost Lost friends week

Epcot pic updates 4.11.13

Some of the flower beds at Epcot are being changed to plants that can tolerate warmer temps. Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival ends next month ( May 19th )

The Fountain View located near the Epcot character spot has now closed to be transformed into a Starbucks; opening later this year. This is the second location Disney will be transforming into a Starbucks. Earlier this year, the Main St bakery at the MK closed to be turned into a the popular coffee shop. 
Most of the Fountain View's inside is now cleared of most furniture. It used to be a place where you can buy pastry and was just recently a place to buy Edy's ice cream and other beverages.

Work continues on the front of Mission Space. The ride is open.

A few months ago, things have moved around at the Morocco pavilion in World Showcase. The store located near the lagoon moved to the front seating area of the Tangarine Cafe. The stage in which the Morrocc'n band performs was moved to the left by the boat dock. All to make way for a new eatery. More details to come..

Spring Limited Time Magic / New Maps and more.

Delight in the sights and sounds of spring as a horse-drawn trolley brings a musical celebration to Main St. This week, see them on Main St. at 9:15, 10:10 and at noon. 
VIDEO:

Sweet treats at the Main St bakery.

On Sunday, Disney introduced their new theme park maps (shown below). If you have downloaded the "My Disney Experience" app. (available for download from the App store on the iPhone or Google play for Android phones for free) You will find the same map on the app. Scanning the QR code on the bottom left corner of the park maps will get you to the screen to download the app for your phone. Times Guide has also changed

A look at the inside of a DHS map.

Finally, who's excited for the Flower and Garden Festival? Here is a sneak peek of some of the food and wine selection for this years event.