Changes

News

New Appointment in Disney Imagineering Indicates Possible 'Significant Activity' at WDW

It's been reported Walt Disney Imagineering has recently undergone a shuffle of sorts of its employees - all of which could indicate new activity in Walt Disney World's future.

The newest change in Walt Disney Imagineering has Kathy Magnum taking on the new role of "Producer, Walt Disney World Portfolio." This new role will have Magnum partnering up with Jack Blitch and working with Meg Crofton as a creative producer for Walt Disney World. She'll continue to report to Walt Disney Imagineering Chief Creative Executive Bruce Vaughn.

California Grill Slated To Close For Renovations

A super popular spot for firework watching will be getting a makeover after the holidays. The California Grill is set to close in early 2013 for what's being called an "extensive renovation."

While there are not a whole lot of details at this time as to what exactly will change with the Contemporary Resort-based restaurant, guests can expect a brand new look for the Grill and some changes to the menu. Chef Brian Piasecki looks to be "excited" about the upcoming changes and "enhancements to the interactive kitchen." He also says:

How Toontown's Closing Will Affect Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

Guests who are heading out to this year's Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom can expect a few changes thanks to the closing of Mickey's Toontown Fair.

Most of the changes appear to center around the location of certain characters. Frontierland will take on some of the costume-clad characters, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Frontierland will also be the site of Br'er Rabbit's Candy Patch, the newly moved and reimagined Treat Trail that could be found in Toontown.

DVC President Fired

Management changes and shake ups continue at Disney. Last Friday, the company fired Jim Lewis, president of the Disney Vacation Club.

Disney confirmed the change on Friday. Spokeswoman Rena Langley said, "We wish Jim Lewis well in his future endeavors and we plan to announce his successor in the near future." Lewis had been president of the DVC since 2006.

More Executive Changes for Disney Parks

There have been more recent changes going on in the executive management world of the Disney Parks. Recently, we told you about the retirement of Disney exec Al Weiss. In the wake of his departure, two other Disney executives have been promoted.

A Glimpse At Changes For 2012 Disney Dining Plans

There is some buzz surrounding the 2012 Disney Dining Plans and upcoming changes to the plans. Without further ado, here is the nitty gritty on what you might want to know about plans for next year.

Guests purchasing the Standard Dining Plan can expect to receive a refillable mugs as part of the plan. These nifty mugs let guests have access to unlimited soft drink and other quick service beverage refills while at their Disney resort.

Is Australia Coming to the Animal Kingdom?

G'day, mate! Disney cast members at the Animal Kingdom may have some Aussie lingo to learn in the future as rumors surface about a possible expansion at that park.

New Parade Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios; “Block Party Bash” to End January 1

Disney's "Block Party Bash," which has been running since 2008, will end on January 1st. Not to worry, though, Disney is set to introduce a brand new parade. The new parade has yet to be named " but will feature some of Disney-Pixar's most famous characters. Remy and Emile from "Ratatoille" and Carl and Russel from "Up" will be part of the production.

Kodak to End Imagination! Pavilion Sponsorship

The relationship between Walt Disney parks and Eastman Kodak is soon to end after over a half-century long run. The partnership started in 1955, when Disneyland originally opened, and at present there are over 50 Kodak picture spots in Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Although Kodak will not disappear completely from Disney parks, the presence will be slightly decreased.

Kodak has provided corporate sponsorship for Mickey's Philharmagic in the Magic Kingdom and the Imagination! Pavilion at Epcot. Support for the Imagination! Pavilion and Tomorowland theater will end as a result.

"The Village Beatniks" Leave Animal Kingdom

After twelve years of entertaining guests at the Animal Kingdom, the "Village Beatniks" have left Walt Disney World. The five-person percussion ensemble, which performed vivid African music at the "Discovery Island" section of the park, performed their last show on September 25, 2010.

The "Beatniks" have delighted thousands of park-goers over the years " and had a knack for encouraging guests to play along and engage in the full experience. Part musicians, part storytellers, the "Beatniks" told many mythical stories of Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Forum Posts

Articles

Rumor: Stormwater Project Paves The Way For Future of Downtown Disney

Over the past few years it seems like there has been a lot of "Blue Sky" planning for Walt Disney World's Downtown Disney area but very little actually happening to change the face and feeling of this popular location. Many feel that sections of the shopping, dinning and entertainment district have been suffering from a lack of identity and direction since the closure of Pleasure Island in 2008.

Race Courses: They Can Make or Break You

When I first started running, I never gave much thought to the actual race course itself. I was more concerned about actually finishing the race and not getting swept! (If you're not familiar with being swept, for Disney races you must keep a 16 minute/mile pace on the course or you will get picked up by race officials and taken to the end of the race.) Now as I've done more races, I have become increasingly aware of the course and what challenges it will hold.

Changing and Cancelling Your Walt Disney World Reservations

We all look forward to our Walt Disney World Vacations once they're booked. However sometimes (especially for early planners) things don't go quite right and life rears it's ugly head, making for a trip that needs to be canceled or postponed. It's the worst-case scenario, but if you know what you need to do in advance it doesn't need to be difficult or fraught with drama.

Disney Vacation Club Point Charts and Home Resort Advantage Are Great for Early Planners

Last week the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) sent out email to it's members announcing that the point charts for 2013 had been released. This is exciting news for owners as it means that they can sit down and really start to plan out their upcoming vacations!

Orlando's Winter Weather

Every year thousands of northerners head south to Florida in an effort to take a break from the cold and snow. After freezing, shoveling, and slipping on the ice, they pack their bags during December, January and February trying to recapture the sun and warmth that they are missing in the cold arctic blasts. However, old man winter can be a cranky guy and the January weather in Florida has become increasingly colder.

Remodeled Bathrooms in Magic Kingdom Make a Splash

Restrooms. We all use them; we all want them to be clean, modern, and "Disney-esque." And there's a newly remodeled set of restrooms in the Magic Kingdom that we think are pretty snazzy. Snazzy enough, in fact, to give them a shout-out!

These are the restrooms located in that little underpass between Adventureland and Frontierland, and Disney World has recently updated them to reflect rich Arabian themeing. We have a few photos of the women's restroom (clearly the best choice, we think!) to give you an idea of the changes.