AuburnJen

I wanted to see who would catch it.  I also wanted to see if it was someone other than TCD.  Drat!  lol
ETA: They were all gushy about the "new seating".  I guess the fact that they put more sofas around makes it wonderful again.
Oh well.  At least everyone is paying attention here!  Bravo!

Thanks to worldofwalt.com for posting this.  Over in Fantasyland, there is a newer place to sit down and chill out, even with sofas!  They have charging stations there too because we all know how our phones die in WDW.  Here is the link to the article and a picture.  The rest of the pictures can be found by clicking the link.
http://www.worldofwalt.com/magic-kingdom-relax-storybook-circus.html
Magic Kingdom Adds New Area to Relax
This new area is covered, includes comfortable couches and chairs, and even has a few outlets where you can recharge your phone.

photo credit: worldofwalt.com

Nothing is going to deter them if stupid people, including their staff, keep feeding them.
However, it is another barrier.  I am not really sure Disney is worried so much about erosion from waves (because it is really minimal as erosion goes) as they are rising water levels over the course of many years.  See, water levels have risen over the years of existence of the man-made and natural lakes that are connected.  If you doubt this, take a gander of the boat (or remains of) that is on what was Discovery Island.  It was on a regular beach many moons ago.  Now it is partially covered and there is no beach.  Look up old pictures, you can clearly see.  What would happen, if anything is that the fencing would become irrelevant after many years and would have to be moved back.   It helps with rising waters, and in this case, humans. Most vacationing humans are not going to want to climb over a barrier of sharp rocks to get to water and then back again to "just wade in the pretty water".   A benefit with it too is that it will harbor new life for the birds to feast on in the coming year, increasing the smell for people not to go near, lol.

That is a sucker bet.

CJ went to the International Atlantic-Pacific Tang Soo Doo Karate Tournament today and received two medals in board breaking and sparring.  He is really coming along and doing well.  He had even moved up in age division too, which kinda made me worry, but he actually did better!  Go figure!

Thanks to WDW Today, there are photos of the new construction that has started at the Grand Floridian.  I will be there next week and will post some more eyewitness photos and give you a Floridian Fiend Perspective starting Thursday.
Until then, please enjoy this article.  I'll post some and you can clicky the link for the rest.
http://wdwnt.com/blog/2016/07/photos-rocky-shorline-replaces-sand-at-disneys-grand-floridian-resort/
16
Jul 2016
PHOTOS: Rocky Shorline Replaces Sand at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
 
 
 

      photo credit: wdwnt.com              

Yes folks, the new and improved Fort Fiends App has gone into programming and is being made for your enjoyment.  Super Geek would love to hear your suggestions on what you would like added to the app.  Please remember, he has to reprogram the whole thing from almost scratch because of Apple and their IOS protocols.  So, he may be able to add some things now and some things later in updates.
One new thing we will be adding is a scrolling ad like we have here on the site.  There will no longer be one advertiser on the app.  There will be five spots open.  Please contact either super geek or myself if you are interested in those spots.  They are half the cost of our site per year.  
We want to make sure the app is free to everyone, Fiend or no Fiend, so please spread the word to everyone who would be interested in sponsoring the app.  It does cost to have these apps in the Google and Apple stores.  
As always, if you have any concerns, you can pm us directly and we can address issues.  We hope the app has been useful, but like anything else, it is stale and needs an upgrade.
Please know we are working on it as fast as our work schedules allow.

Jul 2016
UPDATE: Electrical Water Pageant Crocodile Returns; Louis the Alligator Joining Cinderella Castle Stage Show
5 comments - Leave comment Posted in:The Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort   With a month now having passed since the alligator incident at Walt Disney World, slowly some of the items removed for fear of offending guests are starting to return to the resort.

photo credit: WDW News Today
http://wdwnt.com/blog/2016/07/update-electrical-water-pageant-crocodile-returns-louis-the-alligator-joining-cinderella-castle-stage-show/
The details of the rest are in the link.  I just posted the teaser.  So, what do you think?  Is everything coming back?  No?  Yes?  Thoughts?

Disney emojis are coming (I gasp just typing this as I know I will have to deal with this sooner or later, lol)
Apparently there is a game and you play it and you get these things called emojis and then you can use them....oy vey...
Just read the article from huffingtonpost.com  (as I sigh some more...those newbies that don't know...I dread these things)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/disney-emojis-are-coming-soon-and-theyre-game-changers_us_5783d5aae4b0344d515046d0?
 

Disneyavenue.com is a really good resource and today they had an article on site markers.  I thought it would be a good link to have here if you ever wondered about the site markers on property.
http://www.disneyavenue.com/2016/07/explaining-disneys-survey-markers.html

photo credit: Keith Mahne, disneyavenue.com

Here is the latest and "greatest" list I have found on the internets.  Has anyone tried any of these?  Do they work, not work?  Lend your thoughts...
 
http://crystalandcomp.com/camping-hacks/
1. Don’t go camping without your own homemade bug spray made that will keep those bugs at bay! Crystal & Co
2. Assemble these eggs in a bottle for the easiest breakfast done in no time and no worry about broken eggs! Lifehacker
  3. Be prepared with this idea to keep toilet paper dry when camping. Field & Stream
4. Make sure you keep your matches dry in a jar for easy access and storage. From Like to Love
5. Prepare breakfast ahead of time with these pancakes in a bag that you just snip the ends and done! A Mum n’ the Oven
6. Easy transport spices in empty tic tac containers. Lifehacker
7. Here is a great tip for waterproofing your shoes just in case you run into some rain or wet weather! Brit & Co
8. Create your own handwashing station that makes keeping hands clean a breeze! Making Memories With Your Kids
9. Starting a fire will be a cinch with these homemade fire starters. Dukes & Duchesses
10. Use a shoe organizer to keep everything you need with arm’s reach and nice and orderly. Starling Travel
11. Take along this soap pouch for easy use in the shower and no mess. Whimsy Love
12. Make these easy salt and pepper shakers from jars you prob have at home! The 36th Avenue
13. Take along Orajel to stop the pesky itch of mosquito bites. Camping Livez
14. If you are in the mood to build your own tent then check out this tutorial for making it easy. The Merry Thought
15. Repel mosquitoes with these survival bracelets that are really simple to make. One Good Thing By Jillee
16. Toss a few glowsticks in the cooler to make it easier to find things at night. Camping Livez
17. Make these outdoor candle stakes for some awesome lighting around your campsite. A Subtle Revelry
  18. Keep those nosey bugs out of your drink by using a cupcake liner on the top. Mom 4 Real
19. omitted by admin for spam
20. If you are in a hurry to get to the bathroom this emergency potty is a great thing to have on your campsite.Mom With a Prep
21. Sleeping on something soft is a must so try this foamy floor tile idea instead of an air mattress. A Little Campy
22. This briquette fire starter makes getting a fire going for cooking super easy and fast.Sew Many Ways
23. This pill bottle first aid kit is so handy it can even be carried in your pocket! Chasing Green
24. omitted for spam by admin
25. Use inexpensive magazine storage for holding all of your paper goods! Organizing Made Fun
 

This is to prevent Melty Mo, lol

Here is the article for those who don't want to go to the link, lol
http://wdwnt.com/blog/2016/06/breaking-walt-disney-world-introducing-fuelrod-service-to-revolutionize-how-guests-charge-electronics/
BREAKING: Walt Disney World Introducing FuelRod Service to Revolutionize How Guests Charge Electronics
16 comments - Leave comment Posted in:Walt Disney World Resort   Starting July 1-2, guests can purchase portable charging batteries at FuelRod kiosks that will be added to Walt Disney World theme parks, Disney Springs, and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

FuelRod kiosks dispense portable charging batteries for $30.00 each, which includes:
A portable charging battery 6″ USB Type A to micro-USB cable (for most Android devices) One Apple 30-pin to USB cable One Apple Lightning to USB cable The purchase is not a rental, the charging device will belong to guest after purchase.
The kiosk will be located in the following locations:
Magic Kingdom Tomorrowland Light and Power Co. Big Top Souvenirs Pecos Bill’s Curtain Call Collectibles Epcot Disney Traders Disney’s Hollywood Studios Celebrity 5 & 10 Disney’s Animal Kingdom Island Mercantile Disney Springs Marketplace Disney Photo Imaging DisneyQuest ESPN Wide World of Sports ESPN Clubhouse Shop The novel thing about the concept is that depleted batteries can be simply swapped out for fully charged ones at any of these kiosks. Depleted batteries can be swapped out for no added charge after purchase by guests, meaning they may never have to actually charge one themselves. Guests may also choose to charge the battery on their own with the included cable, of course.

You were the first person I thought of when I saw this and I posted it so you could see it.  I didn't want to upset you but thought you needed to see it right away.  

My good friend Arthur Lyons (who was very good friends with the brother that was killed years ago btw) was a the Poly Beach watching the MK fireworks (a couple of months ago) and politely went up to some people and told them that splashing and wading in the water was not a good idea because of the gators.  They told him to mind his own business.  I also have been seeing reports from CM's saying that people are actually feeding the gators too.  This usually leads to an attack of an animal or human soon after the feedings begin.  Alligators are never tame.  They usually lose their lives because of humans.  I would hate to think that humans feeding these animals was the cause of this.  It would send me into orbit.  It also maddens me that people would tell someone to mind their own business when they were trying to prevent this very thing from happening.  

Here are some more pictures from Chip and Co's blog.   http://www.chipandco.com/fences-constructed-grand-floridan-242526/
Fence being constructed on the beach at Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort
Posted By: Chipon: June 17, 2016  Print Email Share704 Tweet  
     
According to Twitter user @TharinWhite Disney is working on fencing around the beaches at the Grand Floridan Resort after the alligator attack earlier this week.
 
The video shows crew assembling the fencing today, which doesn’t look bad at all. Thebeaches are closed while crews are working in the area. So far there is no word when the beaches will open again.
  Fields marked with an * are required

Thanks to Kenny the Pirate for posting this.  Here are the changes that are going into effect right now as far as transportation and such.  Updates will become available when we get them.
http://www.kennythepirate.com/2016/06/16/changes-made-in-light-of-the-recent-alligator-attack-at-walt-disney-world/
 
 

Thanks to this post by Theme Park Tourist, here are the latest news tidbits on what is going on at the parks about security and what you need to know if you are going soon or in the future.
http://www.themeparktourist.com/news/20160615/32008/security-changes-disney-parks
 
5 Security Changes Happening Now at Disney Parks
Submitted by Amanda Kondolojy on Thursday, June 16, 2016 05:35
In the past year, Disney parks have gone through some massive changes in an effort to keep guests at their theme parks, hotels, and shopping areas as safe as possible. Last year saw the implementation of metal detectors at the front gates of every Disney park (both at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort), and last December, days after gun-related violence in San Bernardino made national headlines, Disney banned toy guns as well as adult costumes at all of its parks and resorts nationwide. 
It has only been a few days since the horrific violence in Orlando stunned the nation, but Disney has been quick to act in response, and has implemented sweeping long-term security changes at both Walt Disney World as well as Disneyland Resort that will impact all visitors this summer and beyond. Though you won’t notice all of these changes the next time you visit (and rest assured, that's by design), here are all the ways that Disney is doing its best to ensure the continued safety of visitors to Disney parks in the US this summer and beyond. 
The rest of the article is in the link.

It isn't possible.  That isn't reality.  I have seen where gators climb fences, they will go anywhere to get to a source of water, man made or God made.  They are the alpha predator of the food chain.  Disney was built on a swamp.  These are facts.  Just in the past few weeks this video of a monster gator vent viral that he walked a golf course during the day and everyone I talked to thought it was cute that was not a native of Florida.  The Floridians all said, I bet no one goes around there sunrise, sunset or at night or you wouldn't see them again.  Gators are not cute.
There is something to be said of Disney's policy on what is seen and what is not.  Obviously their policy of removing gators that are 5 feet or larger has to be revisited.  However, doing so is going to be a daunting task for the FWC and Disney itself.  
The people who say that because it is a man-made lake shouldn't have anything living in it are showing just how uneducated they really are I am sorry to say.  In Florida, if there is water, there are wildlife.  
It may happen again if people continue to feed the wildlife, including the gators, which I still believe is the cause of this horrible tragedy.  No one will ever be able to prove it, but if you ever catch someone feeding gators at Disney, I hope you go after them with everything you have, because I know I will.  I have seen what happens when people feed gators.  It never, ever turns out well for anyone and the gator always loses its life.

Here is another video to ponder.
https://www.facebook.com/WaltEliasDisney/videos/10153757548127615/

Here is a video from Inside the Magic as well of the opening.
 
http://www.insidethemagic.net/2016/06/video-shanghai-disneyland-celebrates-grand-opening-with-historic-concert-and-festivities/
 
https://youtu.be/HR_oUH-nSVw

This article is from the Orange County Register and has a neat slideshow with it on the opening in China.  Add one to the bucket list for me!
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/disney-719505-first-guests.html

My good friend Arthur Lyons (who was very good friends with the brother that was killed years ago btw) was a the Poly Beach watching the MK fireworks (a couple of months ago) and politely went up to some people and told them that splashing and wading in the water was not a good idea because of the gators.  They told him to mind his own business.  I also have been seeing reports from CM's saying that people are actually feeding the gators too.  This usually leads to an attack of an animal or human soon after the feedings begin.  Alligators are never tame.  They usually lose their lives because of humans.  I would hate to think that humans feeding these animals was the cause of this.  It would send me into orbit.  It also maddens me that people would tell someone to mind their own business when they were trying to prevent this very thing from happening.  

As someone who has grown up in Florida and had a close friend lose a brother to an alligator attack and several friends and neighbors lose dogs to them as well, I know all too well not to be near the water at sunrise or sunset, much less at night.  However, I am not the norm.  I don't think there has ever been a time I have driven near the waterfront at FW and not heard a gator along with the frogs.  Do you need to know what you are listening for?  Yes, you do.  Do I make it my knowledge to know?  Yes, I do.  However, I am not the norm.  Like everyone else has said, Disney gives most people a sense of euphoria where they think reality is somewhere else.  I am guilty of it too.  (i.e. WWW, lol)  I feel so bad for this family and hurt for them.  I wish more people would educate themselves before they come to Florida on the aquatic wildlife, even when they are at the happiest place (swamp) on earth so this will never ever happen to another family again.

I was there last week and used the WiFi all over the fort.  It did drop out quite a bit but you could get right back on.  It didn't bother me because I was so happy it was there!!!!!!???