Travisma

For every person that will no longer go to this because of the changes, there will be 20 people clamoring to take your place. Just like the Fort, for every family that decides to stop coming there are 100 willing to take your spot. Like TCD says, Disney always wins!

A bus rear ended another bus at the toll plaza this morning. 51 people were on the 2 buses. 15 people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. On a similar note there were 35 accidents involving lawyers rushing to the hospital ! 😂

Adult

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2018/12/reserve-your-epcot-international-festival-of-the-arts-workshop-experience-today/ They are not going to let those kiosks sit idle for any length of time! Now, more than ever is the time to start planning your trip to the Epcot International Festival of the Arts that will run Jan. 18– Feb. 25, 2019. The 39-day event offers a palette of immersive experiences that we can guarantee you won’t want to miss! Immersing guests in the worlds of the visual, culinary and performing arts, Festival of the Arts is a feast for the senses. For the visual arts, interactive workshops and seminars are among the festival’s most popular experiences. You can learn artistic techniques from professionals skilled in floral design, ink and paint, photography, and more. Seminars typically run 30 minutes and are included with park admission; they can be reserved day-of at the Odyssey Festival Showplace. Workshops are hands-on, interactive experiences that allow you an opportunity to create your own work of art to take home. Workshops run 75 minutes and are offered Friday-Monday for an additional fee. We have great news for you – you can book your favorite workshop experience starting today! Call (407) WDW-TOUR to book, and for more information on workshop and seminar offerings, visit ArtfulEpcot.com. Also returning this year is the fan-favorite “Paint with a Disney Artist” experience. Offered select Fridays and Sundays, a talented Disney Artist will guide you in creating your own masterpiece! The event is perfect for seasoned painters and those just learning this beautiful art form. Bonus – continental breakfast is also included! For more information or to book your painting adventure, call (407) WDW-TOUR. Now, let’s talk about the tastiest form of art…food! The festival will feature 13 Food Studios throughout Epcot, boasting menus of sweet and savory options that are sure to satisfy every palate. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the festival’s new dishes for 2019, and check out the full menu of festival offerings at ArtfulEpcot.com. And don’t forget the performing arts – the Disney on Broadway Concert Series returns with its own expanded menu of performances, running seven days a week! The concert series is included with park admission, and you can enjoy guaranteed seating for the show by booking a dining package at select Epcot restaurants. Reservations for dining packages can be made at ArtfulEpcot.com or by calling (407) WDW-DINE. You can also give your regards and delight in favorite show tunes from the Disney on Broadway Concert Series playlist. Listen on Apple Music: apple.co/EpcotFestival (Trial or subscription required.) As a reminder, here’s the incredible line-up of Disney on Broadway performances for 2019: January 18 to January 19, 2019 – Kerry Butler & Kevin Massey January 20 to January 21, 2019 – Meredith Inglesby & Steve Blanchard (NEW) January 22 to January 23, 2019 – Kerry Butler & Kevin Massey January 24 to January 25, 2019 – Meredith Inglesby & Steve Blanchard January 26, 2019 – Kerry Butler & Kevin Massey January 27, 2019 – Meredith Inglesby & Steve Blanchard January 28 to January 29, 2019 – Arielle Jacobs & Adam Jacobs (NEW) January 30 to January 31, 2019 – Heidi Blickenstaff & Gavin Lee (NEW) February 1 to February 2, 2019 – Arielle Jacobs & Adam Jacobs February 3 to February 4, 2019 – Heidi Blickenstaff & Gavin Lee February 5 to February 6, 2019 – Arielle Jacobs & Adam Jacobs February 7 to February 8, 2019 – Heidi Blickenstaff & Gavin Lee February 9, 2019 – Arielle Jacobs & Adam Jacobs February 10, 2019 – Heidi Blickenstaff & Gavin Lee February 11 to February 12, 2019 – Ashley Brown & Josh Strickland February 13 to February 14, 2019 – Kissy Simmons & Alton Fitzgerald White February 15 to February 16, 2019 – Ashley Brown & Josh Strickland February 17 to February 18, 2019 – Kissy Simmons & Alton Fitzgerald White February 19 to February 20, 2019 – Ashley Brown & Josh Strickland February 21 to February 22, 2019 – Kissy Simmons & Alton Fitzgerald White February 23, 2019 – Ashley Brown & Josh Strickland February 24, 2019 – Kissy Simmons & Alton Fitzgerald White February 25, 2019 – Ashley Brown, Josh Strickland, Kissy Simmons, Alton Fitzgerald White

https://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2018/12/10/yet-another-classic-disney-attraction-may-soon-close-at-hollywood-studios Yet another classic Disney attraction may soon close at Hollywood Studios With a new Beauty and the Beast singalong headed to Epcot, the fate of the Beauty and the Beast stage show at Hollywood Studios is once again being speculated upon. Since opening in 1991, the outdoor musical stage show has seen very few updates. Despite the slight costuming updates that occurred after the release of the 2017 live-action remake Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage! At last month’s D23 Destination D event, Disney Parks chairman Bob Chapek confirmed that “very soon” the new musical will be opening the France pavilion alongside the pavilion’s current “Impressions de France” film attraction. With the new attraction designed to pull people into Epcot, the dated Hollywood Studios show seems like an obvious place for a quick replacement, as Disney looks to refresh the offerings in that park, as well. The outdoor covered theater, which holds 1,500 guests, regularly hosts other shows, including last year’s popular though temporary Music of Pixar Live! A Symphony of Characters live concert. On a recent episode of the Disney Dish podcast, industry insider Jim Hill mentioned Tangled as a possible replacement. Tangled has remained an evergreen property for Disney with everything from a themed restroom area in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland and a hit musical onboard the Disney Magic. That musical is the best idea of what the rumored new DHS may entail though notably shorter. Other possibilities have included Moana, who received her own stage show recently in Hong Kong Disneyland, and a villains themed show. Hollywood Studios has previously hosted villain focused shows, as part of specialty-ticketed events, and one of the annual flagship attractions at Mickey’s Not So Scary event is a villains-based stage show. Disney may also use the theater space for other offerings, including special performances by Disney, signed artists, similar to performances that frequently take place at Epcot as part of various festivals. For now, Disney has yet any indicate any changes are coming to the Beauty and the Beast musical at DHS nor have they given any specifics regarding Epcot’s upcoming singalong.

I believe back in the dark ages, gas carts were not allowed. My brother in law brought his and got stopped a couple times by rangers. But we were at the Fort last night and saw (an heard) plenty of gas carts. So if they are no longer allowed either the word didn't get passed around, they aren't enforcing it, or it's not quite a true statement. Also saw a cart accident across from the Castle in 703. Someone in a cart ran just about full speed into the back of a parked cart.

It seems the site used the glaring headlines about showing ID as click bait. After they got a few negative comments, they changed the body of the story to reflect it was the parking lots (which always used to ask for ID) but they kept the somewhat misleading headline. And I don't mind showing ID, but of course with Disney their procedures are never consistent.

Another site that I will not name posted this Breaking News: Photo ID is Being Required for Annual Passholders with Magic Bands They said two of their reporters had to show ID, then they showed a sign instructing DRIVERS to have IDs ready to show. The sign was before the toll plaza! All they are doing is enforcing the old way of getting into the parking lot. They had become lax recently about showing ID if they scanned you band. last 8 or 9 times I drove I think I only showed ID once. And they changed the original post and added (parking lot) after the word gate. With their blaring headlines and deceptive wording, they made it sound like you had to show ID at the scanners into the park themselves.

Better yet build one in Brazil, that would alleviate a lot of the crowding and chanting issues.

Here's the "official" update https://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2018/12/04/disneys-latest-character-dining-experience-opens-in-two-weeks-heres-everything-we-know-about-it Disney's latest character dining experience opens in two weeks, here's everything we know about it Back in August, when Disney announced the upcoming Snow White-themed Storybook Dining at Artist Point, few details were shared. Now with the new character dining experience less than two weeks from opening, we have plenty of information on precisely what diners can expect. Artist Point, the Wilderness Lodge’s finest dining establishment, has been given a slight update with the columns sculpted to look more like natural trees. Large fake trees have sparkling firefly lights with glass lanterns hanging from the ceiling. The dining room will be filled with music and sounds from the classic Disney film while Snow White, Dopey, and Grumpy will meet guests. A special meet-and-greet with the Evil Witch will also be available during the dining experience. In newly released artwork, the current seating remains though it is unclear if the large custom mural that cover the walls of the restaurant will also remain. The prix-fixe menu is $55 for adults and $33 for children ages 3-9. The meal begins with a shared appetizer, an individually plated main entrée, and a shared dessert. For those using the Disney Dining Plan, the one table service credit also includes an alcoholic beverage. Four specially themed alcoholic drinks are found on the menu. Those diners without the Dining Plan can purchase the beverages for $11 to $12 each. Image via Disney Parks Blog The Smoking Mirror drink has Johnnie Walker Black, wildberry, with lime and will be served in a rosemary smoke-filled glass. The Enchanted Apple has Skyy Citrus Vodka, DeKuyper Pucker Sour Apple, and white cranberry juice. A drink called Alchemy combines lime, agave, cucumber, and Uncle Val’s Gin Vodka. The final drink, Evil to the Core, adds Habanero to orange juice and blackberry with Patrón Silver Tequila. Two non-alcoholic drinks include a Transformation Potion sparkling lemonade that includes a color changing spoon and a Berry Breeze iced herbal tea. Image via Disney Parks Blog While shared, the appetizers look to be made up in easy to divide portions. They range from a Winter Squash Bisque to a Wicked Shrimp Cocktail. A pot pie with chicken, black truffle, and stone fruit preserve plus a cheese and fruit plate with a make your own honey butter are available. Six entrees include a veal shank, seafood stew, snapper, and a squash-based vegetarian entrée. Desserts also keep with the Snow White theme. Miner’s Treasures, themed to Drawfs, is a sponge cake with chocolate gems and buttercream icing. The Hunter’s Gift to the Queen is a crackled maple popcorn with a ganache heart. A “Poison” Apple white chocolate and apple mouse has a sour center. A gooseberry and meringue pie rounds out the dessert options. Image via Disney Parks Blog A kid’s menu includes classics like chicken tenders and pasta but also a vegetarian steam bun and a prime rib roast. Reservations are now open for the new character dining experience which starts on December 16.

Not sure if this was posted a while back... https://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2018/12/04/marriott-confirms-that-new-hotel-tower-the-cove-is-headed-to-disney-world Marriott confirms new hotel tower 'The Cove' is headed to Disney World In September, after months of speculation, Marriott confirmed that it was planning a third resort hotel at Walt Disney World next to its Swan and Dolphin hotels. At the time, little was known about the new 14-story hotel tower. However, it was clear that the new project would focus on business travelers, with meeting spaces and business suites. Nearly half of the 343 rooms in the hotel will be business suites that can transform from a traditional hotel room into a more professional meeting space with large conference tables, built-in AV systems, and other meeting-focused amenities. In recent days as a groundbreaking for the new hotel took place, a plethora of new details have been released. Known as "The Cove," the hotel will replace the current tennis courts with a contemporary, glass-clad tower featuring more than 22,000 square feet of meeting space, including two ballrooms, a rooftop reception space, and 12 meeting rooms. The rooftop reception space was specifically designed for views of the nightly WDW fireworks. A 90-seat restaurant with an additional 50-seat lounge, a second lobby bar with craft cocktails, and a grab-and-go market will offer guests plenty of dining options. The Swan and Dolphin, coming off a more than $150 million upgrade across the two hotels, have numerous other dining options, all within walking distance of the new tower. Disney’s Boardwalk, Yacht and Beach Club, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios are also all within an easy walk of The Cove. A lushly landscaped elevated 16,800 square foot pool deck has a fire pit, multiple seating options, and fountains. Other amenities at the modern looking resort include a health club and business center. When finished The Cove will bring the Swan and Dolphin Resort (which includes The Cove hotel) to over 2,600 rooms and 350,000 sq.-ft. of meeting space. This makes the three tower resort the third largest hotel at Walt Disney World. Two other hotel towers, both owned and operated by Disney, are also under construction at WDW. Another hotel, Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge, was also recently announced. All but Reflections should open ahead of WDW’s 50 Anniversary in late 2021. Reflections will open in 2022. The Cove is slated to open on March 1, 2021. Information on group reservations is now available. Those interested can call (407) 934-4290 for more information.

Another thread said it's two different systems, and another reason is you can give your band to anyone so they can get the AP discount. Now if they set up the MB and pass cards like the SeaWorld/Busch Parks do, you would be secure. They take your picture the first visit to each park, then when you enter a park your image pops up on a hand held scanner when the scan your pass. They did away with finger scans over a year ago. I don't think it would be a lot harder to have your image pop up on a screen, after all, your name pops up when you scan your band.

Well this didn't take long... Fri, November 30, 2018 https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2018/11/walt-disney-world-resort-celebrates-1-million-mobile-orders-in-my-disney-experience-app/ Walt Disney World Resort Celebrates 1 Million Mobile Orders in My Disney Experience App And today, Walt Disney World Resort celebrated a very special milestone for this service: 1 million mobile orders! Chef Mickey Mouse was on hand at Magic Kingdom Park to commemorate the occasion with the Walt Disney World Resort Ambassadors, as well as cast members who have helped guests order, pick up and enjoy many of these million mobile orders. Together, they surprised and honored the Ramos family from Winston-Salem, North Carolina as they picked up their mobile order of Dole® Whip items at Aloha Isle. Take a look below to see their reaction! In addition to this unforgettable moment, the Ramoses received a gift card which they can use to pay for up to $500 of food and beverage mobile orders at any of the more than 20 participating quick service dining locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort. The mobile order service has provided guests like the Ramos family with the convenience and flexibility of ordering hours or even minutes in advance from wherever they happen to be – whether waiting in line at an attraction, on the monorail headed to the parks or even upon their arrival at the restaurant. The service debuted last year and has since expanded to Disneyland Resort as well, currently available at more than 20 quick-service dining locations across Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park. And a comment by one of the readers ” the Ramoses received a gift card which they can use to pay for up to $500 of food and beverage mobile orders at any of the more than 20 participating quick service dining locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort.” How will they be able to use the gift card when the app doesn’t take gift cards for payment?

A friend of ours on her first visit to FL and the Fort encountered a lizard in the ladies shower. She told us she came out screaming there was a baby alligator 🐊 in with her.

I think I asked before, but what lens are you using to get your dim light shots and not have blurs.