Banks Lee’s 9/10/10 Animal Kingdom Photo Report

WDWNT Author on September 11, 2010

What’s going on at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park? It’s a question often asked by Walt Disney World regulars. To answer that question, WDWNT Reporter Banks Lee went to the park to take a few newsworthy photos:

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All of the kennels are gone thanks to the Best Friends Pet Resort

Work is being done to one of the passages in The Oasis

Flame Tree Barbecue is still closed for refurbishment

Time for some DINOSAUR

The right side of the loading area is under refurbishment, putting the ride at half-capacity

Good thing it isn’t busy…

Ewwwww….

Epcot Welcomes Via Napoli Ristorante E Pizzaria

WDWNT Author on August 6, 2010

The grand opening ceremony and media event for the new restaurant in the Italy pavilion, “Via Napoli”, was held yesterday at Epcot and Robert Ashburn was there to cover all of the excitement for WDWNT. Let’s take a look at the festivities, beginning with some Disney provided photos:

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Mickey Mouse; Dan Cockerell, Vice President of Epcot; Clay Shoemaker, Walt Disney World Ambassador; Nick Valenti, CEO of Patina Restaurant Group; Joachim Splichal, Founder and Chairman of Patina Restaurant Group; and Minnie Mouse celebrate Aug. 5, 2010 during the grand opening of Via Napoli in the Italy pavilion at Epcot World Showcase. (Gene Duncan, photographer)

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Robert Ashburn’s 8/5/10 Epcot Mini Photo Report

WDWNT Author on August 5, 2010

While we piece together our coverage of the grand opening of Via Napoli, here are some newsworthy pictures our good friend Robert Ashburn was able to take while at Epcot:

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Hacienda de San Angel is nearing completion

The railings around the back of the Fountain of Nations is finally being replaced

Stay tuned for coverage of the Via Napoli grand opening later tonight!

8/1/10 “it’s a small world” Refurbishment Update

WDWNT Author on August 2, 2010

The refurbishment of “it’s a small world” at the Magic Kingdom began August 1st and is scheduled to wrap-up on October 22nd. The only changes to the attraction we can confirm at this time include a queue reconfiguration and the moving of the attraction entrance back to its original location near Pinocchio’s Village Haus. The following photos were taken by Banks Lee on August 1st:

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Tarps wrap the entire facade

My favorite refurbishment sign EVER!!!

That sign should be moving down to the other end of the facade

oops….

The windows looking into the loading area of the attraction from Pinocchio’s Village Haus have been blocked