Tidbits & Practically Perfect Pics July 2015

[Figment!]

Tidbits
July 2015

Out of Vogue

7/14/15 Disney’s Hollywood Studios has quietly replaced one of its retail locations on Sunset Blvd. Villains in Vogue closed on June 23rd for a several day refurbishment and re-opened as Reel Vogue. The new store is officially listed to feature, “plushes, toys, housewares and more”. INTERCOT Field Reporter Christine noted the following about the merchandise selection on opening week, “Not as much villains as there was. Candy. Glow with the show ears. Star Wars. A little villain stuff”.

In the Zone

7/14/15 Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios have each unveiled a new “D-Zone”. Although neither new relaxation and device charging area looks permanent, the length of their operation has not been announced. At Epcot, a new “D-Zone” has opened in Innoventions West near the Epcot Character Spot. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a new “D-Zone” has opened in the former lobby of Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow.

A Towering Addition

7/14/15 The Hub Re-Imagining project has started to reshape the area near Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom. The project recently unveiled two new Tower structures that contain speaker systems for shows. Based on concept art and on-going construction, it appears additional similar structures will be unveiled soon.

A New Heritage

7/14/15 The Heritage House in the Liberty Square area of the Magic Kingdom has changed its operations again. After converting from a retail store to a MyMagic+ Service Center, Character Cast are reporting that the building is now a Meet & Greet for Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen.

Tip Not Included

7/14/15 Disney’s Hollywood Studios Cast have reported that the tip board near the intersection of Hollywood Blvd and Sunset Blvd is slated to be removed. Similar to previous removals, Guests will be directed to use the My Disney Experience App.

6/28/14 Animal Kingdom Cast Members have reported that the park’s Tip Board has permanently ceased operation. No relocation or replacement of the Tip Board has been reported, Cast have reportedly been informed to direct Guests to use the My Disney Experience App.

InnovenChange

7/14/15 Epcot Cast are reporting that a new exhibit is in-process of being installed in Innoventions East. Colortopia by Glidden Paint is reported to be coming to the area currently sectioned off by a series of colorful construction walls displaying the message, “Pardon our pixie dust while we Imagineer a more colorful world”

Springing into Refurbs

7/14/15 Disney’s Coronado Springs resort began a major renovation to its leisure facilities earlier this month. The resort closed its Fitness Center, Salon, and the Casitas Leisure pool on July 5th for renovations lasting until October 12, 2015. During the renovations, the resort has opened a temporary fitness center in the Casitas section.

A Window into the Past

7/14/15 Guests of Disney’s Polynesian Village resort can now peer into the hotel’s storied past. A new display has recently opened off the Main Lobby. The display features items showing Disney’s historical tropical connections (such as Annette Funicello ‘s Pineapple Princess album cover and a photograph of Walt and Lillian Disney on a visit to Hawaii) and historical items from the resort (such as pictures of the “bob-a-round” boats and Disney Character statuettes from Moana Mercantile).

New to Discover

7/14/15 After the operating as temporary locations for the Flame Tree Barbecue menu items, the Gardens Kiosk and Beastly Kiosk have debuted some new menu items. The Gardens Kiosk is now offering a ‘Trek Power’ Salad with Quinoa, beets, & edamame and a Farmer's Salad with blueberries, goat cheese, &candied pecans. The Beastly Kiosk is now offering a Baked Lobster Mac ‘n’ Cheese and a Baked Pasta Marinara with Mozzarella. Both kiosks are located in the Discovery Island section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Once Upon a Façade

7/14/15 The Streets of America in Disney’s Hollywood Studios has recently replaced one of its facades. The Sherwood Jewelers façade has been replaced with a Mr. Gold Pawnbroker & Antiquities Dealer façade. The new false storefront is a homage to the ABC TV series Once Upon a Time. The display window features many items from the show.

[Figment!]

Practically Perfect Pics
INTERCOT Field Reporters Christine and John W. Bring You Pics of What's New

In this update:

• Reel Vogue store
• Beastly Kiosk Menu Board

[Figment!]

Practically Perfect Pics
INTERCOT Field Reporters Christine and John W. Bring You Pics of What's New

In this update:

• Mr. Gold Pawnbroker & Antiquities Dealer façade

[Goofy4TheWorld]

Ok, looking at the menu above, did the price of bottled water jump form $2.50 to $2.75 recently?

[Melanie]

Seriously? They are removing the tip board in DHS? Where have the removed previous ones, like noted?

[Hammer]

Seriously? They are removing the tip board in DHS? Where have the removed previous ones, like noted?

Thinking about it, I don't remember seeing the tip board when I was at Epcot in late April. Honestly, I do use the app now for checking ride availability.

[Melanie]

The tip board at Epcot is electronic, and also in three places within Future World. They were definitely still running when we were there in early April.

I don't know. Just another thing that burns me up. The tip boards are kinda nostalgic to me. Are they really all that costly to run? Are they an eyesore for some? Just curious.

[Hammer]

i actually don't remember where the tip board was located in DHS. Was it in that little kiosk where you turn to go to RNR and ToT? Maybe they are just removing the kiosk?

[AgentC]

i actually don't remember where the tip board was located in DHS. Was it in that little kiosk where you turn to go to RNR and ToT? Maybe they are just removing the kiosk?

Yes. that is where it is. They used to write the times in chalk. Maybe it wasn't accurate enough.

[PlutoToo]

I'm sorry they are doing way with the tip boards. It's very hard to use the app when you don't have a smart phone..... and yes, there are still people who don't have/can't use their phones at Disney Parks.

[Melanie]

I'm sorry they are doing way with the tip boards. It's very hard to use the app when you don't have a smart phone..... and yes, there are still people who don't have/can't use their phones at Disney Parks.

Exactly. I'm guessing they'll have iPads with this info on it though.

[Jeff]

Great info! Thanks!
When is the MK hub area due to be completed?

[VWL Mom]

I'm sorry they are doing way with the tip boards. It's very hard to use the app when you don't have a smart phone..... and yes, there are still people who don't have/can't use their phones at Disney Parks.

Even if you do one the WiFi is unreliable. We used a big chunk of our data plan (10GB) in May with MDE due to dropped connections. We finally just turned data off for the MDE app and played it by ear.

[KylesMom]

Out of Vogue

7/14/15 Disney’s Hollywood Studios has quietly replaced one of its retail locations on Sunset Blvd. Villains in Vogue closed on June 23rd for a several day refurbishment and re-opened as Reel Vogue. The new store is officially listed to feature, “plushes, toys, housewares and more”. INTERCOT Field Reporter Christine noted the following about the merchandise selection on opening week, “Not as much villains as there was. Candy. Glow with the show ears. Star Wars. A little villain stuff”.

Can I say how disappointed I am at this news? While a lot of the villain merchandise has been taken out in recent years, this was always one of my favorites. My family loves the villains!

[Figment!]

When is the MK hub area due to be completed?

Mid to Late Fall 2015.

Everything is expected to be wrapped up in time for the 2015/2016 Winter Holiday Season.

[Tekneek]

Removing the tip boards goes against what I had been told back when we were testing MDE/MM+ a couple of years back. We were told that "nothing would change" for those who did not bring a "smartphone" into the parks. Not having a way to gauge wait times (aside from walking around the park yourself) without one indicates a clear change in that approach.

[i'm grumpy]

None of us have smart phones. Changing FPs was annoying. Wait in line and there's nothing to change to.

[Snow's Mom]

No smart phone. But my DD has an iPod with a couple of different wait time apps. Not sure if it would work for changing FP times or not. We may have to bring her along next trip, just for iPod access...

[Tekneek]

No smart phone. But my DD has an iPod with a couple of different wait time apps. Not sure if it would work for changing FP times or not. We may have to bring her along next trip, just for iPod access...

Using the wifi, it should.