Covert Canada

I don’t think Disney can any longer deny the big changes coming to the O Canada show at Epcot. The attractions original 5 day refurbishment has expanded to most of the month of August. The show is now closed from August 6th until August 31st. During this time, a new film featuring Martin Short as the host will be added as well as some cosmetic upgrades. An official announcement of the changes should be coming any day now.

Epcot 25

A unofficial source has leaked that Epcot will be holding a special rededication ceremony on October 1st, 2007 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the park. Rumors have risen that on this day, Disney may announce the upcoming projects at Epcot such as a refurbishment for the Imagination pavilion, a new fireworks show, or the future of such dated pavilions such as the Universe of Energy and the Wonders of Life.

Epcot Dining Changes

First off, as most of you know, Patina Group Restaurants will be taken over Alfredo’s in Italy at the world showcase under the name Tutto Italia for a few months. After that, Patina will completely rmodel the restaurant and open under a new name in fall 2008. In the Japan pavilion at Epcot, two new dining locations are opening entitled Tokyo Dining and Teppan Edo. In the Mexico pavillion, a bar will be opening in place of a small merchandise area in the middle of the large indoor market. Also at Mexico, the outdoor eatery Catina De San Angel will e undergoing expansion and menu changes that will be completed by Summer 2008.

Wand Progress

The Epcot wand continues to shrink, as it losses more of height everyday. The wand is fading fast into Yesterland and may be the most welcome loss in the history of WDW.

Wand Progress

The Epcot wand has now lost all its signage and is really nothing more than the wand with a metal beam coming out of it. The process is happening very fast and I expect the process to be done by the first day of September.

Soarin’ While You Wait

As most of you are probably aware already, the Soarin’ standby queue has recieved some motion sensored screens on which large groups of guests can play games together and against other groups of guests. Games include piloting a bird, growing grass, and other activities. The motion sensor technology used here is unlike anything I have ever seen and is certainly a welcome addition to a queue that often has waits over an Hour or two.

Spaceship Earth Closed

The big news this week is the removal of the infamous Epcot wand and the refurbishment of the Spaceship Earth attraction that both began today at Epcot. Expect the entire finale of the Spaceship Earth attraction to be completely different from it’s current form when it re-opens in mid-November 2007.

Journey into Awesomeness!

The much anticipated Dreamfinder 9″ Figment 3″ combo Vinylmation was released today at D-Street Orlando and California! This is a perfect use of the 9″, 3″ combo and the detailed depiction of these two Disney fan favorites in spot on.

Dreamfinder and Figment were the stars of the former Journey into Imagination ride at EPCOT. The ride opened in 1983 and the pair happily entertained audiences for 15 years. In 1998, the ride was refurbished and Dreamfinder was taken out and Figment’s role was reduced. Guests were very upset. One of the only places in Disney to get your Dreamfinder fix these days is in Mouse Gears. One of Dreamfinder’s flying machines now decorates the EPCOT Mouse Gears store.

And this detail in Dreamfinder’s right ear wonderfully depicts his blimp.
As another imagineer tribute to Dreamfinder, the name Dean Finder, appears on one of the lab doors in the current Journey ride queue. In 2002, Disney once again refurbed Journey and added more Figment for guests to enjoy. Now Vinylmation and Disney fans can enjoy this pair back together again with this Maria Clapsis designed Vinylmation limited to just 1,200 pieces. It retails for $74.95. And here are some of the first up close shots of the new 3″ Figment Vinylmation that accompanies Dreamfinder:
Also released today is the 9″ Retro Magic Kingdom for $44.95 at D-Street California and Orlando.