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Ears the News with Richard

An expansion of the amenities at Aulani in Hawaii will begin in September 2012. New water features will be added to the Waikolohe Valley pool area, along with additional deck space for sunbathing and relaxing. Two new quick-service food locations also will be part of the enhancements, and the popular “Starlit Hui” show will move to a larger lawn. 

Picture from Disney Parks Blog
In addition, for a limited time, you can stay five nights for the price of three at Aulani.  This offer is valid most nights, September 10-December 22, 2012.



Jake and the Neverland Pirates will be performing at the Downtown Disney Marketplace in early August. The band will feature Jake, Sharky and Bones. The group will put on daily shows form 8/3/2012 to 8/12/2012. Show times will be at 2:00. 3:00 and 5:00 PM on the water side stage in front of World of Disney.

Disney has confirmed the dates for the Osborne Family Spectacle of lights for 2012. They will run nightly from 11/9/2012 to 1/4/2013.

'Big Top Souvenirs' in new Fantasyland's Storybook Circus will feature an on stage kitchen when it opens later this year.  The kitchen will be similar in setup to the Main Street Confectionery. Guests will be able to watch Cast Members create the treats, and then take their pick from the display cases. 

Along with the sweet treats, 'Big Top Souvenirs' will stock a whole range of merchandise, including Dumbo and Casey Jr items.

No specific opening date has yet been announced, but it is expected to open late this year, along with 'Under the Sea-Journey of the Little Mermaid', 'Enchanted Tales with Belle', and 'Be Our Guest Restaurant'.

The expansion of East Buena Vista Drive outside of Disney's Hollywood Studios secondary entry/exit is now complete.  A 4th lane has been added between the Studios and Victory Way, with a new dedicated exit lane from the Studios turning right onto East Buena Vista Drive.  A new dedicated right turn lane has also been added onto Victory Way.

Video from wdwmagic.com

Evening Extra Magic Hours will be reduced from 3 to 2 hours starting in 2013.

Epcot's 'Art of Disney' store in Future World will be closing for a short refurbishment from 7/23/2012 to 7/29/2012. It will reopen on 7/30/2012

Photo From Disney Parks Blog
Disney parks merchandise will be releasing an “At Home” version of the incredibly popular “Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom” Game. The trading card game will include seven randomly selected spell cards (including at least one super rare spell card), one of four game boards, game rules, new tokens and a complete spell card checklist. A villain’s themed “Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom” mystery pin set will also be released later this year. The spell cards will work with the in park game as well.
Photo from Disney Parks Blog





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