Goodbye Pleasure Island, Hello Hyperion Wharf!

WDWNT Author on November 18, 2010

Huge announcement from the Disney Parks Blog today:

How about that? New dining, shopping and entertainment experiences are in the works for Downtown Disneyand today we’re sharing a first look at what to expect in the future for the 120-acre complex. Look closely and you’ll see that Pleasure Island will evolve into a vibrant waterfront district called “Hyperion Wharf.”

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The district will come to life with a nostalgic yet modern take on an early 20th century port city and amusement pier. By day, stylish boutiques and innovative restaurants will draw you in and by night, thousands of lights will transform the area into an electric wonderland.

Taking its name from Hyperion, the Greek god of light, as well as the street on which Walt Disney built his first major animation studio, the wharf district will also feature a relaxing lakeside park and enhanced pedestrian walkways. And its diverse eateries will expand dining availability at Downtown Disney by more than 25 percent.

Along with the new wharf district, other projects are underway at Downtown Disney, including:

  • An extensive renovation of Lego Imagination Center, which will increase its overall footprint by nearly 3,500 square-feet and add new Lego exterior models featuring scenes from classic Disney movies.
  • Enhancements at AMC Theatres that will take the movie-going experience at Downtown Disney to the next level with new digital technology, a Concession Stand of the Future and Florida’s first Fork & Screen Theater; and…
  • Numerous new or renovated retail shops and merchandise vignettes, as well as additional atmosphere entertainment, throughout Downtown Disney.

Construction on the district begins immediately and it’s scheduled to be completed in 2013.

Pretty exciting, huh?

First Look at Brand-New Disney Store in Times Square

WDWNT Author on November 9, 2010

While it isn’t a dose of Disney news from Orlando, the Disney Store is set to officially open its brand new flagship store in New York City on Tuesday afternoon. Even though the store is not officially open yet, it has been operating normal hours since Thursday, a soft opening of sorts to put it in park lingo. WDWNT Lead Reporter Tom Corless was able to visit the store a few times over the weekend and has hundreds of photos to share from the Disney Store in Times Square, so let’s take a look:

The facade is made up of a large screen and several very small screens scattered through square glass windows

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World of Gaming at Once Upon a Toy Opens 10/23/10

WDWNT Author on October 22, 2010

From the Disney Parks Blog:

The Wonderful World of Gaming

On Saturday, October 23, 2010, at Downtown Disney Marketplace inside the Once Upon A Toy, Disney Interactive Studios is proud to present the grand opening of the newest gaming destination at Walt Disney World Resort – The Wonderful World of Gaming.

This amazing location is the ultimate family gaming destination at Walt Disney World. There are three state-of-the -art Wii stations where guests can test their skill on the most recent Wii releases from Disney Interactive Studios; games like Cars Toon: Maters Tall Tales and Disney Sing It: Family Hits.

Is the Nintendo DS more your style? We’ve got you covered. Come to the Wonderful World of Gaming and you’ll find seven DS interactive units ready for you to get your game on! Hot Disney games like Toy Story 3, Club Penguin: Herbert’s Revenge and fan favorite, Phineas and Ferb: Ride Again are featured and ready for you to play. In addition, Once Upon a Toy boast the most extensive collection of Disney Interactive video games in all of Walt Disney World.

To help ring in the grand opening of the Wonderful World of Gaming, Once Upon a Toy is offering a $5 Disney Gift Card with any purchase of a Disney Interactive video game! On top of this special offer, we’ll also have activities and surprises throughout the entire day.

So grab the entire family and come out to Once Upon a Toy at Downtown Disney Marketplace on Saturday, October 23 from 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. to test your skills on family friendly video games, receive special savings on Disney Interactive Games and much more!

Friendly Disclaimer: Offer valid only at Once Upon a Toy store on in-stock titles only, and not valid on previous purchases. While supplies last. $5 Disney Gift Card is activated at time of purchase and must be returned in the event the Disney Interactive video game is returned. Offer subject to change without notice