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Ears the News with Richard

Photo courtesy the Walt Disney World website
The official Walt Disney World website is adding new animated flyovers of each Walt Disney World Resort hotel.

The animations take guests for a birds-eye look at each resort, with an emphasis on showing the location in relation to the theme parks. So far, three of the Magic Kingdom resorts have been added. Click on the links below to take a look.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

The Nanea Volcano Pool area is now closed for a major refurbishment. The entire feature pool area, including the pool bar, will be closed until Spring 2015.




Photo courtesy WDWMAGIC.com
During the refurbishment, a hot tub will be added, along with an expansion to the pool deck area. The refurbishment is following the established pattern of upgrading a resort's amenities ahead of the introduction of Disney Vacation Club accommodations. The quiet pool at the Polynesian also remains available, along with a temporary pool bar at that location. The pool area officially closed  on July 28.
Photo courtesy WDWMAGIC.com


A few construction walls are now in place, and currently it is still possible to walk around the pool area. It would seem likely this will be completely closed off soon once construction begins. The refurbishment of the Nanea feature pool at Disney's Polynesian Resort is now underway, and is expected to last through until Spring 2015.



During the refurbishment period, Disney is providing access to the Blizzard Beach water park for guests staying at the Polynesian. Here is how it works:
  • Bus transportation to Blizzard Beach is provided directly from the resort.
  • At Blizzard Beach, a dedicated area at the front of the park will allow Polynesian Resort guests to check in with a touch of the MagicBand or RFID card.
  • Along with the complimentary admission to Blizzard Beach, Polynesian guests will also receive complimentary towel rental, and for those guests who purchased a resort refillable mug, access to the Blizzard Beach beverage refill stations.
Although initially it was expected that only one day of admission would be provided, the complimentary admission is now available to guests throughout their stay at the Polynesian and allows multiple visits to Blizzard Beach.

The Astro Orbiter refurbishment at the Magic Kingdom has been extended by a week. Originally scheduled to take place from June 2 to September 19, the refurbishment will now run until September 27.

Photo courtesy the Disney Parks Blog
'Epcot Food and Wine Late Nights LIVE!' is the latest after hours premium event coming to Walt Disney World in 2014. Taking place each Tuesday and Thursday, 'Epcot Food and Wine Late Nights LIVE!' will cost $79 plus tax, which includes admission to the event from 9:45 PM to 1:00 AM. Guests will be able to enter Epcot via the main entrance or World Showcase International Gateway from 9pm.

For your $79, expect to sample six dishes from several of the Food and Wine Marketplace Kiosks, and take in entertainment with a live DJ and musical performances. The kiosks available may vary, but are planned to include Canada, Greece, Hawaii and Desserts & Champagne.
The street party will be held between the United Kingdom and World Showcase Plaza, starting on September 23 2014. To book, call 407-939-3378.

Photo courtesy the Walt Disney World website
Disney is offering a new 'Food and Wine Festival Premium Package' during this year's 2014 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. The cost is $199 + tax (does not include park admission), and is available to Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests, which includes the Swan and Dolphin, and Golden Oak.



 The package includes:
  • In-room gift bag including a select bottle of wine, a festival wine glass, delicious truffles, and Premium Package Area credential. In addition, guests will receive a themed Food and Wine Festival MagicBand and a $50 gift card.
  • Exclusive Premium Package Areas located around World Showcase promenade where guests can order items from select marketplace and have them delivered right to them without waiting in lines.
  • Admission to one Epcot Food and Wine Late Nights LIVE! event taking place every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:45pm to 1am. This new event features an after-hours street party located between the United Kingdom and World Showcase Plaza and includes six complimentary items from several of the Food and Wine marketplace, musical performances, entertainment, live DJ and more.
The 'Epcot After Hours Wind Down' event has been extended through the fall period. Originally announced to end its run on September 15 2014, Disney has now extended the ticketed event to run until November 9, 2014. This takes the 'Epcot After Hours Wind Down' to the end of the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Note that the Rose and Crown Pub location will not be available for the Wind Down on Thursdays from September 23 onwards, due to the space being used by the new premium event - 'Epcot Food and Wine Late Nights LIVE!'

Costing $35, the 'Epcot After Hours Wind Down' gives you the chance to enjoy a flight of beverages and light snacks in one of four Epcot lounges. Participating locations include La Cava del Tequila - Mexico Pavilion, Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room - United Kingdom Pavilion, Spice Road Table - Morocco Pavilion, and the Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar.
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