Hotels & Resorts - WDWNT Archive 2007-2010

More to those Magic Hours

WDWNT Author on August 26, 2008

As reported by multiple outlets, you may not need to get a wristband to ride attractions and stay in the parks during provided Extra Magic Hours for Disney resort guests beginning next week. According to these sources, guests will just need to flash their “key to the world” cards to gain admittance to attractions open during those hours. What this does is cut costs by dispensing of the cast members who would give out the wristbands and it also allows non-Disney Resort guests to actually still stay and enjoy shopping and dining in the parks during these hours. Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today as we gain more information on this change to Extra Magic Hours in the Walt Disney World theme parks.

Fort Not-So-Wilderness

WDWNT Author on August 25, 2008

The Orlando Sentinel is reporting on a project that brings Disney’s Fort Wilderness into modern times:

Roughing it is not what it used to be, especially at Walt Disney World‘s Fort Wilderness Campground.

Disney is quietly undertaking its broadest campground-improvements program in two decades, adding extra-extra-large camper pads for recreational vehicles, cable-TV and Internet service throughout, Segway scooter tours, a mini-water park, a dog park, and an improved electric-cart rental operation. The program also is taking aim at invasive plant species such as potato vines, replacing such vegetation with fresh native plantings.

“The fort is a treasure at Walt Disney World. There really is so much history with the success of Walt Disney World that stems back to Fort Wilderness,” said Jean Gallagher, general manager of both Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort Campground. “And because of the nature of this property, and the theming, we really haven’t done a lot of changes. … We have not made a lot of investment from a site perspective in the 37 years we’ve been open. So this opportunity to meet what our guests are asking for, and how the industry has changed, this is more than we could expect.”

Disney installed TV and Internet cable to select areas several years ago, and created three Wi-Fi hot spots. But now, Gallagher said, “What we are seeing is, everyone has a computer when they come here.”

Never mind the people who cannot leave work behind, even in a campground, and feel a constant need to check e-mail, news and market updates on a regular basis. For today’s teens and pre-teens, roughing it without the Internet is often going too far. That’s why even veteran campers like Matthew McKown, 15, and his sisters Caroline, 13, and Nicole, 10, from Charleston, S.C., all said they missed having an Internet connection during their latest stay at Fort Wilderness a couple weeks ago, and look forward to having it next year. Their father, Phillip McKown, however, was less interested in the cable and Internet connections, still preferring to keep some semblance of being able to get away from the real world.

“It adds to the experience, camping here,” he said. “It’s like camping and you get to go to the parks. Going to a hotel room is just like going to a hotel room.”

Linda Profaizer, president and chief executive officer of the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds, praised Disney’s efforts to upgrade Fort Wilderness, saying her recent visits had told her it was time for some updating.

“It’s a great property, but the sites are older,” Profaizer said.

In particular, she said, campers’ appetite for Internet service and cable TV has been growing for several years.

“All the parks do that today; it’s very much a required service. It’s a great thing to do,” Profaizer said.

Do TV and Internet hookups at every campsite detract from a desire to get away from it all?

“Sadly, here’s the deal,” Profaizer said: “People want to be connected no matter what. You have to offer what the people expect.”

Disney is also catching up with the trend toward larger RVs. The rolling vacation homes, which now often exceed 40 feet in length, have become wider in recent years, too, thanks to the popularity of “slide outs,” those room extensions that pull out from the sides when the vehicle is parked.

For that reason, Disney is creating areas with what it calls “premium campsites,” which will include much larger paved pads plus upgraded amenities such as grills and picnic tables. Those sites will cost $66 to $116 a night, depending on the season and day of the week.

Disney also is adding a themed water-slide and splash-zone attraction to The Meadows area pool. Fort Wilderness abuts River Country, Disney World’s original water park, which closed a few years ago. Now designers and engineers are looking over what’s left of that park, and they’re thinking about moving and recycling the park’s signature water tower to the Fort Wilderness pool and building a slide into it.

The Fort Wilderness overhaul comes as the industry wonders about what near-record-high gas prices will do to RV camping.

“For years we’ve been telling everybody you have to expand your sites because the industry is building the larger RVs in larger numbers. Now with the gas situation, we’re wondering,” Profaizer said. “We’re wondering, No.1, will the manufacturers continue to build the big units? And two, the consumer, is that what people will still be wanting?”

For now, she said, the question is moot. There are plenty of house-size RVs on the road, so campgrounds need to accommodate them. Disney does not release occupancy numbers for its individual resorts. But while Fort Wilderness seems as vulnerable as any resort to consumers’ reactions to gas prices, the campground appeared to be holding its own, at least last year, according to remarks made by Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger during an earnings call last fall.

“We have a big RV park in Orlando, and I would think that they would be hit the hardest, because it’s pretty expensive to fill up a tank in one of those babies,” Iger told investors. Yet “those parks have been completely full. And there’s demand going forward from a bookings perspective.”

New Walt Disney World Resort Discounts Now Available

WDWNT Author on August 14, 2008

Here are some details on some new discounts Walt Disney World will be offering for those visiting in the fall this year:

If guests purchase a provided 5-night, 6-day Magic Your Way package, they’ll get accommodations for five nights at a select Disney Value Resort or a select Disney Deluxe Villa Resort and a 6-day Magic Your Way Base Ticket for just –

$49* per person, per day for a family of four in a standard room at a select Disney Value Resort (total package price is $1,168). These vacation packages are valid for stays most nights Sept. 28 – Nov. 25, Nov. 29 – Dec. 3 and Dec. 13-23, 2008.

or

$94* per person, per day for a family of four in a studio at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa or Disney’s Old Key West Resort (total package price is $2,236). These vacation packages are valid for stays most nights Sept 28 – Oct 1, Oct 24 – Nov 1, Nov 10 – Nov 25, Nov 29 – Dec 3, Dec 13 – 23, 2008.

Discount Booking Codes Are:
DGL – Magic Your Way Package Discount
QXD – Magic Your Way Plus Dining package discount
UVL – Magic Your Way Plus Deluxe Dining Package Discount

*Rates are based on two adults, one junior and one child. The number of packages available at these rates is limited. Theme Park tickets are valid for one Theme Park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. No group rates or other discounts apply.

You can get more information and book these special packages through Magical Travel, or get more information by participating in the Trip Planning area of the WDW News Today Community Forums.

Prices Follow The Crowds

WDWNT Author on July 31, 2008

We are hearing that Walt Disney World ticket prices may once again rise on Sunday, August 3. While we’re not hearing that the increase will be more than a few dollars, this change should be met with the usual resentment from guests.

In other pricing updates, 2009 Walt Disney World vacation packages should be available soon and rumors already indicate that this year will show one of the smallest single-year increases in Disney history. Again, it appears that Disney is expecting lower crowd levels throughout the year in 2009.

We can also expect changes once again in the Disney Dining Plan, with the addition of a quick-service dining plan and more changes in the infrastructure of the pre-existing plans.

Stay tuned to WDW News Today for more information on these headlines as it becomes available.

Jim Hill Goes Off the Wall-E

WDWNT Author on July 14, 2008

Our good friend Jim Hill over at Jim Hill Media has a great article up today about the rooms currently being re-decorated to Pirates of the Caribbean and Finding Nemo over at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. While the new movie themed rooms are very news-worthy, there is something towards the end of the article that is far more interesting and exciting.

When mentioning tomorrow’s article for the site, Jim brought up the rumor that plans for Shanghai Disneyland’s Tomorrowland area have it completely themed to Disney-Pixar’s Wall-E film. I found this pretty exciting since I had been told about a month ago that the Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland may be getting the same treatment. Current plans include having the fictional “Buy N Large” corporation from the film Wall-E taking over tomorrowland, in order to give the land a cohesive storyline after years of mass-confusion. The Tomorrowland Transit Authority, Space Mountain, and Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress would most likely only be touched up to reflect the new theme, but major changes would be happening to the remainder of Tomorrowlandunder the current plan. A Wall-E themed show is currently in the works in Imagineering and would most likely replace Stitch’s Great Escape (while Stitch moves over to the Enchanted Tiki Room), although there is also talk of the show replacing The Laugh Floor. Other plans include major refurbishments of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and the Astro Orbiter. While all of this is still rumor for now, there is a very strong possibility that most of the changes in this plan will take shape by 2012. Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today as more information on the future of Tomorrowland becomes available.

Movin’ on Down To Moderate

WDWNT Author on July 9, 2008

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort are now being listed as a Moderate resort option on the official Walt Disney World Resort website. No reason for the option’s downgrade from Deluxe to Moderate has been made available at this time, but due to the overwhelming size of these accommodations, it is highly doubtful that a price change is going to happen anytime in the near future. The only rumored explanation for the change is that by listing it with the other Moderate resorts, Disney hopes bookings for the location will increase. WDW News Today will continue to update you on this story as more information becomes available.

Trouble at the Wilderness Lodge

WDWNT Author on June 19, 2008

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35, Orlando) — A manager at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge hotel was arrested Wednesday for charging $1,200 on a guests’ credit card.

Orange County Sheriff’s deputies said 44 year old Patrick Noze stole a credit card out of a guest’s wallet and charged the card for auto repairs.

The owner of the Orlando mechanic shop Noze went to said he told them he had permission to use the credit card.

Noze was charged with credit card forgery, grand theft by hotel employee, fraudulent use of a credit card, and dealing in stolen property.

A Disney Spokesperson said he has been placed on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of the charges.

Police are still investigating at this time.

Press Release Mania

WDWNT Author on June 17, 2008

Walt Disney World has put out a number of press releases today promoting new attractions and seasonal entertainment. The first talks about the great success of Toy Story Midway Mania at Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The points are piling up and the spring-action shooters are getting a workout during the first month of operation at Toy Story Mania! — the new 4-D attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

An arcade-style tally at the ride’s conclusion heralds the high scores of the day as guests try their best to beat the top totals. During the first month of daily operation, daily high scores regularly topped 200,000+ points, while all-time highs have reached the 300,000+ point range.

In Toy Story Mania!, guests don 3-D glasses and enter a wild and wooly 4-D world of Woody, Buzz and other favorite “Toy Story” characters. Inspired by the Disney-Pixar films “Toy Story” and “Toy Story 2,” Toy Story Mania! raises the bar for interactive ride-game attractions.

As vehicles move among midway-style game booths, guests aim for 3-D, animated targets using their own on-board spring-action shooters. Players pair up and sit side-by-side, scoring points in a friendly competition that delivers an ever-changing variety of targets and surprises.

As they play, guests can actually see the “virtual objects” they’ve launched — everything from pies, plastic eggs and pointed darts … to baseballs, rings and suction-cup darts — leave their spring-action shooters and hit (or miss) the targets. And thanks to the 4-D special effects technology, they may sense objects popping out of the 3-D scenes and whirring past them.

Disneyland Resort in California also welcomed Toy Story Mania! when the attraction debuted June 17 at Disney’s California Adventure theme park.

Disney also made it official that Fantasy in the Sky will not be shown at the Magic Kingdom to celebrate the 4th of July holiday this year. Expect a new firework show to debut on New Year’s Eve this year as Fantasy in the Sky is believed to have made its final performance on December 31, 2007. The release also makes mention of the other spectaculars around the World this year:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — A popular July 4th tradition at Walt Disney World Resort will continue this year as star-spangled salutes to America’s independence are presented all across the Florida Vacation Kingdom.

Here’s some of the fireworks fun scheduled for July 4 this year:

A Fourth of July “Concert in the Sky” will light up the night at Magic Kingdom in honor of Independence Day. Featuring a magnificent display of aerial fireworks, dazzling pyrotechnic effects and dynamic music, the show, entitled “Disney’s Celebrate America!-A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky,” is a grand tribute to the United States, its people and traditions. The special show is scheduled for 9 p.m. Magic Kingdom also will feature two performances of the “SpectroMagic” nighttime parade, first at 10:30 p.m. and then again at 12:30 a.m. that same night.

A holiday-inspired finale will be added to Epcot’s nightly fireworks extravaganza, “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth.” The park’s American Adventure pavilion also will feature enhanced entertainment throughout the day, with visits from historic characters who will share their stories. American Adventure also will feature additional performances of its signature musical group, Voices of Liberty, performing patriotic classics.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will present a special July 4th fireworks show at 9 p.m., with skyrockets and patriotic music filling the air at the showbiz-themed park. The park’s popular “Fantasmic!” show, featuring fireworks, animation, dancing waters and Disney characters, will be presented on July 4 at 10:30 p.m.

Downtown Disney will present July 4th fireworks at 10:30 p.m. for the revelers, shoppers and diners enjoying the nighttime entertainment district.

Meanwhile, more details on The Wave at Disney’s Contemporary Resort are emerging:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — A new Disney dining experience, The Wave, has opened at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily in a 220-seat restaurant that takes casual dining into the health-conscious 21st century.

The classic American breakfast menu includes plenty of egg creations, but guests also can make their own Wave muesli or sip a Beta Berry Smoothie with raspberry puree and non-fat yogurt blended with Odwalla Berries GoMega (a great source of Omega-3). The Pure Sunshine breakfast cocktail features organic vodka and orange juice topped with Vitamin Energy Drink. Coffee is organic Colombian (fair trade and “Smithsonian-certified bird-friendly”) and teas are whole leaf Pyramid bags in flavors from chamomile blossoms to monsoon chai.

At lunch, light eaters might enjoy lettuce wraps with sautéed lamb and bay scallops, or a lump crab cake with crispy papaya slaw. Entrées range from oversized salads and a vegetarian sandwich with grilled tofu, roasted veggies and herb goat cheese on multi-grain bread to an Angus chuck burger with cheese and Applewood smoked bacon, or a classic grilled Reuben.

The dinner menu offers a delicious spin on comfort classics such as pan-seared Alaskan black cod with corn and edamame (soybean) stew with cilantro chutney; braised lamb shank with bulgur lentil stew and red wine sauce, and a nouvelle chicken pot pie with thyme pastry. Sides at both lunch and dinner include braised greens and roasted sweet potatoes and carrots.

The innovative wine list has a quirky claim to fame — all screw caps, no corks. Cutting-edge wines from around the globe are showcased on the list.

The schedule for the Sounds Like Summer concert series at Epcot is now available:

Timeless tunes performed by tribute bands have guests groovin’ at Epcot America Gardens Theatre during the return of the Sounds Like Summer concert series.

The series, which began June 9 and runs through Aug. 10, features a lineup of ‘tribute’ bands covering famous tunes that have been performed by some of the greatest artists from around the globe. Concerts are included in Epcot admission.

The lineup of acts for July and August (talent subject to change) includes:

June 30-July 10: Bjorn Again (A Tribute to ABBA)

July 11-20: Slippery When Wet (A Tribute to Bon Jovi)

July 21-27: 52nd Street (A Tribute to Billy Joel)

July 28-Aug. 3: Captain Fantastic (A Tribute to Elton John)

Aug. 4-10: The Sounds of The Supremes (A Tribute to The Supremes)

Some television star will be making an appearance at the Norway pavilion at Epcot:

The Norway pavilion at Epcot will host Sig Hansen — one of the featured stars on the popular reality series on The Discovery Channel, “The Deadliest Catch” — for an in-park appearance July 10-13, 2008. Hansen will appear inside The Puffin’s Roost, the pavilion’s merchandise location, each day. He will be joined by his brothers, Edgar and Norman Hansen, who also appear on the show.

A fourth-generation Norwegian fisherman, Sig Hansen is the captain of the Northwestern, one of the crab-catching vessels on “The Deadliest Catch.” He, Edgar and Norman own and operate the Northwestern. Based in Seattle, Wash., the Hansens have fished together for nearly 20 years.

The Hansens’ crab-catching skills on the television show also have inspired “Deadliest Catch: Alaskan Storm,” a video game for the Xbox 360 system.

In addition to signing autographs and posing for photos, the Hansens will have Northwestern merchandise for sale during their Epcot appearance.

My favorite resort will be celebrating its landmark 20th anniversary soon, with some changes we have spoken about on the way:

On July 1, 1988, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa opened its doors and invited Walt Disney World guests to rediscover a bygone era of elegance and luxury among the gabled roofs and Victorian balustrades of a turn-of-the-century seaside resort.

In the two decades that followed, approximately 15 million guests have enjoyed the splendor of its 867 deluxe accommodations and the gracious hospitality of its cast members. Countless others have been enchanted by the creative cuisine of its incomparable restaurants, including Narcoossee’s, Cítricos and Victoria & Albert’s, a consecutive recipient of the annual AAA Five-Diamond Award since 2000.

Disney’s flagship resort is celebrating its 20th anniversary with plenty of “grand” new magic for Grand Floridian guests, including extensive renovations completed in late 2007 that upgraded its guest rooms with sophisticated new furnishings, carpet, drapes, bedspreads, flat-screen televisions and more.

Also new is the latest yacht to bear the Grand 1 name, a 52-foot Sea Ray pleasure craft available for chartered cruises across the tranquil waters of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake, and a floating view of nighttime fireworks spectaculars above Magic Kingdom.

Coming soon is an opulent marble floor to be showcased throughout the hotel’s main lobby and mezzanine. Designed by the creative minds of Walt Disney Imagineering, the lavish enhancement will add another magical touch to a destination resort created as a fantasy image of Florida’s past.

The new Journey Into Narnia: Prince Caspian exhibit will finally debut later this month at Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

Some of the characters from the timeless fantasy “The Chronicles of Narnia” come to life in a new experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park.

“Journey Into Narnia: Prince Caspian,” an all-new soundstage experience (opening in late June), offers an in-depth and unique look into the making of “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian,” the hit motion picture released in May 2008 by Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media Films.

The journey begins at the attraction queue where guests can test their knowledge of the “Narnia” stories. Next, guests will have an option of participating in a meet and greet with Prince Caspian himself. Or, fans have the option to head directly into the new movie attraction “Journey Into Narnia: Prince Caspian.”

The soundstage experience features a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film with narration from director Andrew Adamson. Guests also can view authentic props from the movie set and costumes worn by the actors and actresses in the film.

Here are some more details on the mobile service based on Disney’s water parks we first reported here some-time ago:

Thanks to a new Disney WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) site, adults and their kids this summer can immerse themselves in the magic of Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach water parks before, during and after they actually visit — and all it takes is their cell phones.

Thanks to a new Web site customized for the mobile phone, users can download any of four exclusive wallpapers from Toyko-based, avant-garde artist Jesse LeDoux. Also featured: insider tips, an interactive personality quiz and more. Another highlight stars actor-singer Corbin Bleu, famous for his role in the Disney Channel’s hit “High School Musical” films.

How to get the fun rolling? Guests have several options:

In their Disney Resort hotel room, guests can view a video and text H20 to SPLASH (775274). Then their cell phone rings with a message from Corbin Bleu, plus a link to the WAP.

Before arriving, guests can text H2O to SPLASH on their cell and get a call from Corbin.

Guests familiar with texting on their cell phones can send a picture of their favorite attraction at the water parks to disney@splash.com to receive a special mobile wallpaper.

Guests can access a number of interactive features including tips to “surf” Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon or “ski” at Disney’s Blizzard Beach. Other great tips for park-goers can be downloaded onto guests’ cell phones.

And finally, a press release on the build your own ear hats, now available at the Magic Kingdom:

Every Kingdom has its crown jewels, and Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort is no different. But don’t expect rubies or spires of gold: The jewels here — those famous Mouse Ear hats — come with a little extra “character.”

Guests are finding a new, customized way to enjoy the already blossoming array of Ear hats offered at Florida’s Vacation Kingdom. Exclusively at The Chapeau on Main Street U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom, guests can visit the Build Your Own Ears Hat boutique and fashion a set of ears that represents their individual personality.

“For the first time, guests can take our traditional, iconic Mickey Mouse Ears — made famous in the 1950s with the Mickey Mouse Club — and customize them,” said Dara Trujillo, merchandise manager at Walt Disney World Resort. “Not only is this a unique product offering, but every set will be different, just like our guests.”

Here’s how it works:

Guests start by choosing one of 19 bases in colors and materials such as purple satin, pink fur, blue velvet or green glow-in-the-dark.

Next, guests choose two snap-on ears from an assortment such as metallic, rhinestone and holographic — either two ears of the same variety or two different options for a really distinctive look.

If they wish, guests can adorn their hat using peel-and-stick patches representing favorite Disney characters, Disney princesses and Disney Channel shows. Custom embroidery and stick-on letters are also available.

With thousands of combinations possible, it’s easy for guests to create an Ear hat that is uniquely “them.” And once the creation is complete, there’s no fewer than seven mirrors stationed around the shop in which to admire the one-of-a-kind work of art.

“Guests take pride in showing off their creative talents,” said Trujillo. “It’s their way of saying, ‘These were made just for me.’ ”

Prices vary based on how elaborate a creation a guest concocts. A basic hat — a base, two ears and a chin strap — starts around $7.50, with patches ($2.95 each), letters ($5.95 for a pack) and embroidery ($3.00) optional. Hats are one-size-fits-all, but can be adjusted to fit smaller guests using the chin strap.

Certainly a rather large amount of news for what should be a slow summer at Walt Disney World. Hopefully this large amount of news can sustain our appetites until the next new major attraction is announced.

Catch The Wave

WDWNT Author on June 11, 2008

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Wave, the new restaurant just opened at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, is all about bold ideas, featuring modern American cooking with a dash of world flavors. And an unusual wine program with more than 50 choices by the glass matches the forward-thinking cuisine.

“The Wave suggests a surge of new ideas,” said Master Sommelier John Blazon, manager of wine sales and standards, Walt Disney World Resort. “It’s a chance to have some fun with a wine list that balances New World flavors and a variety of price points.”

Blazon put together a taste of the best New World wines with 95 cutting-edge choices that are all screw cap. The approachable list supports sustainable agriculture, he says, with a majority of the wines originating from vineyards where grapes are organically grown, or farmers are using sustainable methods.

“And the recyclable screw caps are nothing short of a revolution in wine packaging,” said Blazon. Industry experts say that the screw cap is the most significant technical evolution in the wine industry since the glass bottle was introduced 250 years ago.

“In the forward-thinking wine industry, screw caps are gaining rapid acceptance,” said Blazon. Research shows that the screw cap consistently provides the most reliable wine quality (spoilage is as high as 9 percent for corked bottles). The New Zealand wine industry, for instance, has set high standards for quality and bottles more than 90 percent of its wines with screw caps.

The options for screw cap wine are growing, said Blazon. The Wave serves no California wines (California Grill on the resort’s 15th floor has a corner on that market), but instead focuses on bright-style New World wines from the Southern Hemisphere, including Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. Prices range from $37 for a bottle of pinot gris from Mendoza, Argentina, to $160 for a syrah from Eden Valley, Ore. By-the-glass prices range from $8 to $20.

With 45 whites and 40 reds on the list, the biggest challenge was finding Bordeaux-style grapes, said Blazon, because the industry still is hesitant to put expensive reds into screw cap bottles. But when Blazon visited one of New Zealand’s top estates, Craggy Range Winery, he worked with the winery to bottle half bottles of merlot from the Gimblett Gravels region in Hawkes Bay, “arguably some of the finest merlot out of New Zealand,” said Blazon. Exclusively at The Wave guests can unscrew a half bottle of Craggy Range Te Kahu, Gimblett Gravels, and Craggy Range Sophia, Gimblett Gravels.

Pinot noir standouts on the list from New Zealand include Craggy Range Te Muna, Martinborough; Pegasus Bay, Wairarapa, and Peregrine Wines, Central Otago.

Because of its range of styles, Australian shiraz (the Australians call it syrah) comprise the biggest collection of The Wave’s wines, said Blazon. “It’s flavorful, satisfying, and superb with food,” said Blazon.

Among other interesting choices are sparkling wines from Tasmania, Rieslings from South Australia and floral New Wave whites from Argentina.

The Wave offers flights of three 3-ounce samplings, including syrahs, sauvignon blancs, pinot noirs and crisp whites. The sauvignon blanc flight, for instance, includes sips from three continents: New Zealand, Chile and South Africa, so that guests can compare and contrast the similarities and subtle differences of each, selected from top wineries in their class. “You never stop learning with wine,” said Blazon. “Just around the corner is the next great glass.”

The 220-seat Wave is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and features one of the largest lounges at Walt Disney World Resort. For reservations, call 407/WDW-DINE.

The restaurant is part of a revitalization at Disney’s Contemporary Resort that includes a makeover of the hotel’s fourth floor with a new game arcade and new quick-service eatery for salads and sandwiches (replacing Concourse Steakhouse). The popular Chef Mickey’s restaurant and the monorail station anchor that family-friendly area.

John Corigliano WDW Photo Update 6/1/08

WDWNT Author on June 1, 2008

Hi everybody, John Corigliano here to provide you with some photo updates of my wild weekend at the Walt Disney World Resort, visiting both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Hope you enjoy it!!!

Spaceship Earth’s wait time for 20 minutes today. Does that look like 20 minutes?

They’ve added this sign to Pin Central at Epcot to tell guests how to trade pins. They’ve also a screen that will soon tell guests how much pins are just by scanning the UPC bar code.

Here’s the new Price Pin Guide that’s being implemented at the Epcot’s Pin Central. Each color is represents a different price.

Here’s what the UPC Bar Codes on the back of the pins look like. This pin has a blue sticker denoting that the price is $8.95.

Here’s another example. The price here is $6.95.

Rumors were circulating that Nestle had their signs removed at The Land, for the time being that is totally and completely FASLE. Here’s the proof.

The only thing that’s gone is the Jr. Chef station.

Here’s the “NEW” EPCOT Center shirt that’s been released around Epcot shops.

The only difference is that there’s a 25th Anniversary logo on inside where the tag would be.

Here’s some of Father’s Day merchandise being sold around Walt Disney World.

Here’s a billboard for Toy Story Mania! that’s just down the street near my home.

Now we move over to the actual attraction and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

TSMM had a 90 minute wait on opening day (May 31). Sadly, I one got on the ride once since the ride had technical difficulties after I got off it.

Here was my one and only score. Not as good as Tom Corless who actually holds the all-time high score at the moment.

Here’s the newly unveiled directional sign showing where Toy Story Midway Mania is.

Here’s the only reference to the Disney-MGM Studios that I could find in the entire park. I miss you MGM.

More Disney’s Hollywood Studios merchandise continues to come in.

Already, Imagineering has a Toy Story Midway Mania wait time sign pin. Tom wants this pin so bad.

Progress on enclosing the old Hunchback Theater is almost done.

As you can see from looking over the wall.

Nothing really new over at the old ABC Theater, future home of the American Idol Experience.

Does it seem like something is missing?

Anyone know the answers?

Here’s the new DHS watch design by Jason Zucker, only 50 of them available.

One of Jason’s amazing drawings for Star Wars Weekends.

Here’s one of Jason’s unreleased Star Wars Weekends artwork designs featuring Donald Duck.

Here, again you can see the new Playhouse Disney sign at the entrance.

A lot of progress as gone on over at the DVC Tower.

I finally got to eat here for the first time….on the last day in operation. Too bad I can’t come back for seconds.

So, as we end this WDW Update, we say good-bye to the Concourse Steakhouse.