Tidbits February 2009

[Figment!]

Tidbits
February 2009

Mexico Mixer

2/17/09It has been internally announced that the San Angel Inn in Epcot's Mexico Pavilion will be closed for renovations beginning May 10, 2009. This announcment appears to fit with the speculation that the adjacent Artesanias Mexicanas will soon be replaced with the long-delayed Tequila Bar, as it is likely both projects would commence at the same time. A completion date for these renovations has not been announced.

1/30/09 It has been internally announced that the interior retail area of the Mexico pavilion will be rearranged. Casa Mexicana, the exhibit of a traditional Mexican homestead, has closed and construction permits have been filed to modify walls, casework, lighting, doors and fire sprinklers. Once the construction is complete, it has been internally announced that Artesanias Mexicanas will move into the new location. While a replacement for the soon-to-be former Artesanias Mexicanas area has not been announced, it is currently rumoured among Cast that it will become the long-delayed tequila bar.

A Dimmed Umbrella ?

2/17/09 The Electric Umbrella in Epcot's Future World has been tentatively scheduled to under-go a refurbishment from February 23 - April 7, 2009. It has yet to be reported how the restaurant's operation will be affected during this time period.

Transportation Celebration

2/17/09 The Walt Disney World Bus line has become to be adorn with the "celebration" decor as well. The windows of the buses are being decorated with the same type multi-colored Mickey head balloon decals as the monorail trains.

2/10/09The Walt Disney World Monorails have begun to become decked out in “celebration” décor. The windows of the monorail trains are starting to be decorated with multi-colored Mickey head balloon decals.

Spoodle Re-Tooling

2/17/09 The Spoodles restaurant at Disney's Boardwalk will be implementing reduced operations from May 11- 29, 2009 due to kitchen renovations. During this time period, the location will offer breakfast from a limited menu and will be closed for dinner. The Boardwalk Pizza Window attached to the restaurant will continue normal operation during the renovations.

A Marionette Meet

2/13/09The Magic Kingdom has unveiled a new Meet and Greet location to promote the 70th Anniversary and Platinum Edition DVD of Pinocchio. The Tour Garden next to City Hall has been transformed into Pinocchio’s Marionette Garden Party and features a themed back-drop and themed banners. Pinocchio is scheduled to appear at this location intermittently from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm each day. The duration for this Meet and Greet location has yet to be announced, but it is reasonable to assume it will continue at least until March 10th-- The release date for the Platinum Edition DVD of Pinocchio.

Idol On-Line

2/13/09 Guests who wish to audition for the American Idol Experience may want to take advantage of the new Advanced Audition Reservation feature. Guests can reserve an audition time on-line for a day they will be visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios prior to leaving home. Although the section is located on the ticketing section of the Walt Disney World website, there is no charge for the reservation.

Curtain Call

2/13/09 In addition to the retirement of PIPA: The Talking Recycling Can, “Smear, Splat, and Dip” was also retired from the Animal Kingdom’s unpublished entertainment offerings effective February 7, 2009. PIPA was featured in the Conservation Station and “Smear, Splat, and Dip” was featured Dinoland USA.

A Work of (Block) Art

2/13/09 The LEGO Imagination Center at the Downtown Disney Marketplace has recently unveiled two new LEGO structures. Guests approaching the store are now greeted by new Transformers and T-Rex sculptures.

A Pool Retool

2/13/09The Meadow Pool at Disney’s Fort Wilderness and Campground is scheduled to re-open from the on-going refurbishments March 13, 2009.

1/7/09 The main pools at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa will be closed for refurbishment 1/5/09 – 3/31/09 and 1/5/09 - 1/23/09, respectively. The Contemporary refurbishment is reportedly fairly drastic and will reportedly update the pool area with the new decor and style of the resort. Guests of both resorts will be permitted to use the pool facilities at Disney’s Polynesian resort during the refurbishments.

Construction permits have also been filed to upgrade the Meadow Pool at Disney’s Fort Wilderness and Campground. A permit has been filed with the General description of improvements of, "Upgrade the existing Meadow pool area and add a companion restroom located at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground". The pool is scheduled to close for refurbishments January 12, 2009.

International Entertainment

2/13/09 Epcot Cast are reporting that two of World Showcase’s table service eateries are scheduled to soon debut new entertainment. Tutto Italia in the Italy pavilion is reportedly scheduled to debut a new musical trio to serenade Guests on February 23, 2009. The group will reportedly be named Viva Venezia, however; their planned appearance schedule has yet to be reported. Chefs de France in the France pavilion is reportedly scheduled to debut new dining room entertainment March 1, 2009; however, the details have yet to be confirmed. It is currently rumoured amongst Cast that the restaurant will add the Remy living character that previously debuted at Walt Disney Studios park at the Disneyland Paris Resort. Guests unfamiliar with the Remy living character should be able to find a video of it by searching for “Remy live at Walt Disney Studios Paris” on YouTube.

[Figment!]

An Increase Fantasmic!

2/10/09 For the benefit of any planners who may have missed the recent operational updates, Fantasmic! begins an expanded schedule offering showings beyond two nights per week starting the week of the February 15th. Based on the currently released schedule, the expanded offerings are set to continue through April 2009 including a “Peak Spring Break Week” where the show is scheduled 7 nights in a row. See the Current Events section of INTERCOT info Central for the currently release schedule.

Times to Idol

2/13/09 In addition to the times below, regular shows will also be offered at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm daily. The total number will be 7 regular shows and 1 finale show each day.

2/10/09 It appears that the soon-to-open American Idol Experience will offer 5 regular shows and 1 finale show each day. Based on show-times posted during the recent previews, the regular shows will be offered at 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm, 5:00 pm, 6:00 pm and the finale show at 7:00 pm each day.

Only Rehabs Can Prevent Inferno Fires

2/10/09 The on-going refurbishment of the Illuminations Inferno Barge may take longer than originally scheduled. Cast close to the show are now reporting that the Inferno Barge is tentatively scheduled to not return to the nightly show until Mid-March 2009.

1/30/09 Epcot Cast have reported that the Inferno Barge will be removed from the nightly Illuminations Reflections of Earth show for a brief refurbishment. The refurbishment is tentatively scheduled to start February 1, 2009 and last 3 - 4 weeks. During this time period Illuminations will be presented as scheduled, but with-out the Inferno Barge's effects.

Jambo to Sanaa and Maji

2/10/09 The Animal Kingdom Lodge will unveil two new dining options in 2009. Sanaa, opening May 1st, will be located in the brand new Kidani Village section of the resort and will operate as a Table Service Location. The location will open reservations on February 23, 2009 for May 1, 2009 and beyond up to 90 days in advance via Walt Disney World Dining. As an added perk for Disney Vacation Club Members, they will be able to make reservations starting February 16, 2009 through Member Services. Additionally, the Kidani Village will also offer Guests a Snack Location in its new Samawati Springs Pool area. The Pool Side Snack Location will called Maji.

The official descriptions of the two new dining locations are as follows:

Saana Restaurant serves African cuisine with Indian flavors for breakfast and dinner at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas — Kidani Village in Walt Disney World Resort. Just as its name — in Swahili — means "work of art," Sanaa offers its Guests beautifully prepared food in an artistic atmosphere. Before dinner, relax in the comfortable lounge beside the spacious dining room. Once you are seated, chose from an array of delectable dishes that are slow-cooked, grilled over a wood fire or roasted in a traditional Indian clay oven.

Maji means "water" — water, water everywhere! If you're looking for something cool to drink to revive you from the heat, whether it's water or something more unusual, look no further than this bar located near Samawati Springs Pool.

Celebrate the Details

1/30/09 The Magic Kingdom has recently added a new kiosk and added a new feature to a classic attraction as part of the resorts "What will you celebrate?" marketing campaign. Guests wishing to get a button to celebrate their special occasion should now visit the new "button cart" that has been set-up outside of City Hall. The cart features newly designed Birthday, Anniversary, Honeymoon, First Visit, and Family Reunion buttons in addition to a new catch-all "Celebrate!" button. Guests can continue to celebrate their occasion on the classic Tommorowland Speedway attraction. The attraction has recently introduced "tailgate signs" that can be attached to the back of the celebrating Guest's speedway vehicle. Guests can currently choose signs to help them celebrate their Birthday, Honeymoon, or Anniversary.

[the other micki]

Thanks, Figment!

[CaptainJessicaSparrow]

Ha! I knew the 2 day a night Fantasmic thing wouldn't last. Hope they keep it at 7 days, realizing the error of their ways.

[vizsla]

Thanks for the updates.

[TinkerbellT421]

Thanks Figment for the update

[readytogo2]

great as usual

[Crow]

thanks Jason
Illuminations is my fav nightime show so I always like to be kept utd on it.
Fantasmic is slated to show every night on my April trip, w some twice a night so thats good.....just hope i can get in.
and as far as the AKL dining options....ill keep an eye on it, but not sure if I will go back to that area for personal reasons...

[Figment!]

**Update**

[OleDoleDoffin]

Thanks for the updates!

I'd love to see the "living character" Remy! I think anybody who's ever been loved by a rat has a soft spot for that little fella...

[vizsla]

Thanks for the updates.

[DixieBelle]

Thanks for the info!

[sleepingbooty]

I love coming on here and finding a new "Tidbits" - Thanks!

[pdrlkr]

Thanks for the update!

[Figment!]

**Update**

[DixieBelle]

Thanks!

[yjgirl32]

Thanks for the updates.

[JSparrow]

I unfortunately found out about the San Angel Inn Refurb yesterday when making Advanced Dining Reservations...what a heartbreaker! We are going in May and I was so excited to be dining in Mexico. I'm going with my family and I'm bringing my girlfriend who hasn't been to Disney World. She was pretty excited to eat in Mexico too which made it even more upsetting.

[LarryBoy]

Any word yet on how long San Angel will be closed?

[battle beast]

Could anyone post a picture of the new LEGO sculptures at DD Lego Store?