Tidbits
May 2010
Auf Wiedersehen und Hallo
5/19/2010 Epcot Cast have reported that the Germany pavilion will be undergoing a major retail change this Fall. It has been internally announced that the Goebel retail location will be replaced by a Werther's Candy Shop. The new location is planned to give Guests the opportunity to watch some of the candy being made and will feature a giant cauldron. The new Werther's location is scheduled to open "September 2010", although a closure date for the Goebel store has reportedly not been announced.
Showcasing New Tastes
5/19/10 More information has been internally announced regarding the major renovations of the Cantina de San Angel. The location has been announced to be re-christened "Hacienda de San Angel" when it re-opens in September 2010. Additionally, it has been announced that the location is planned to serve Quick Service lunch seatings and then convert to Table Service dinner seatings.
3/24/10 As construction continues for the new Cantina de San Angel, it has become apparent that a pier will be constructed that protrudes into World Showcase lagoon. While the outdoor seating area for the new location was initially speculated to add a new viewing location for Illuminations, it has been more recently speculated that the pier area may intrude on the fall-out zone for the nightly fireworks and only be available for day-time seating. Such use of this area has not been confirmed by an official announcement, but is being speculated by some Cast Members.
Character Curtain Call
5/19/10 Earlier this week Goliath was retired from the Hollywood and Vine Play-n-Dine Character Meal appearances. As planned, Handy Manny has been added to the Play-n-Dine Character Meal line-up. Contrary to the initial plans, it does not appear that JoJo has been retired from the Character Meals. It has yet to be confirmed if JoJo and Goliath were retired from the Animation Courtyard Meet & Greet as originally planned.
2/7/10 Character Cast have reported that Jojo and Goliath will be retired from regular operations Spring 2010. This change will affect the regular Meet & Greet appearances in Animation Courtyard and the Play-n-Dine Character Meals. Although not confirmed, it has been reported that Handy Manny will be added to the Play-n-Dine Character Meal line-up as a replacement offering.
Rock'n the Night Away
5/19/10 It has been announced that Disney's Hollywood Studios will be holding a special nightly event as part of the Summer Nightastic! event series this Summer. On Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights during Summer Nightastic! 2010, the Rock N’ Glow Dance Party will be held in the Sorcerer Hat plaza. The event will feature a DJ and dance floor.
Falling into Refurbishments
5/14/10 Two major refurbishments have been scheduled for Fall 2010. Despite the “Last Tour to Endor” hard ticket event happening August 14th, Star Tours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been scheduled to close for its anticipated multi-month refurbishment on September 8, 2010. “it’s a small world” at the Magic Kingdom has been announced to close for refurbishment from August 1 through October 22, 2010.
Summer of Stars
5/14/10 Lotoso has begun Meet & Greets as scheduled in the Magic of Disney Animation Building. Lotso is currently appearing intermittently from 10:30 am till 2:30 pm and from 3:45 pm till 6:00 pm daily.
4/21/10 Character Cast have reported updated information concerning the two Meet & Greets internally announced in February. It has been reported that the Prince Dastan Meet & Greet has been postponed indefinitely, while the Lotoso Meet & Greet has been scheduled to begin May 9th, 2010 in the Magic of Disney Animation building. It has been additionally reported that Lotso will join the line-up of Pixar characters in the Pixar Block Party Bash parade.
2/17/10 Character Cast have reported that Lotso is scheduled to start daily Meet & Greet appearances in Early May 2010 in the Magic of Disney Animation building. Lotso will reportedly replace the spot vacated by the UP characters.
Game, Set, Refurb
5/14/10 The tennis courts at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa have been closed for extensive renovations until May 22, 2010. During the closure, Guests of the Grand Floridian may use the tennis courts at the Contemporary Resort.
Powering Down
5/14/10 Studios Cast have reported that the long running Power Rangers Meet and Greet at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will come to an end later this Summer. Cast has reported that the daily Meet and Greet in the Streets of America section will cease operation in Early August 2010.
El Meet y Greet
5/14/10 Character cast have reported that Donald Duck can be found for daily Meet & Greets at Epcot’s International Gateway during the construction for his new Meet & Greet area. The new permanent Meet & Greet is expected to open near the end of this month.
4/21/10 A new permanent Meet & Greet location for Mexican Donald Duck is currently under-construction in Epcot’s Mexico pavilion. The new location is expected to feature a photo backdrop, prop, and queue area. The area is expected to open in May 2010
