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.