Disney has just rolled out an upgrade to the Wi-Fi
infrastructure across all four Walt Disney World theme parks.
The update aims to increase performance and network
stability for the ever-increasing number of guests trying to use the service.
Part of the upgrade has been made possible by removing support for old devices
that were connecting on the 802.11b band. This means that owners of some early
Wi-Fi phones and iPods will no longer be able to access the Disney Wi-Fi
service in the parks.
Due to the importance of accessing My Disney Experience,
access to the Internet in the theme park has become a critical part of a day in
the parks. AT&T has also been working at improving cell based data services
as an alternative to Disney's Wi-Fi service.
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| Image courtesy Disney Parks Blog |
D-Tech Me expands figurine line-up with TIE Fighter Pilot
and Jedi Knight.
The Pilot and Jedi Knight are joining the existing lineup of
Carbon-Freeze Me figurine, Alderaan
Princess figurine, and male and female
Stormtrooper and X-Wing pilot figurines.
D-Tech Me uses a high resolution 3D face scanner to capture
your facial features, and then a 3D printer to produce the figurine.
The Star Wars – D-Tech Me 7-inch figurines are $119.95 each,
plus shipping and tax. 16-inch figurines are $999.95 each, plus shipping and
tax.
Reservations can be made now by calling 407-939-8324, with
the experience only available during Star Wars Weekends days.
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| Image courtesy WDWMagic |
Trader Sam's Grog Grotto and Tiki Terrace opened on Saturday
bringing the hugely popular concept from Disneyland to Walt Disney World.
Trader Sam's brings two new lounge areas to Disney's
Polynesian Village Resort - inside is Trader Sam's Grog Grotto, and then
outside is Trader Sam's Tiki Terrace. The two share the same menu, but both
have separate entrances and are essentially separate experiences.
Inside at Trader Sam's Grogg Grotto, you'll find seating for
just 51 guests, but lots of detailed theming and an environment worthy of a
theme-park attraction. The menu offers a range of speciality cocktails, ranging
in price from around $20 to $50 - served in a specialty take-home souvenir
glass. Also on offer is a selection of appetizers, including Sushi Rolls and
sliders.
Outside at Trader Sam's Tiki Terrace there is seating for 80
guests, with live music, a walk-up bar, and table service offering the same
menu as inside at Trader Sam's Grog Grotto.
Both are open from 4pm to midnight, with Trader Sam's Grog
Grotto only admitting guests aged 21+ and over after 8pm. Outside on the Tiki
Terrace there is no age restriction.
If you want to visit Trader Sam's Grog Grotto you'll need to
go to some effort. Firstly, there is no parking available at the Polynesian
Resort for anyone other than resort hotel guests, or those with a confirmed
dining reservation. Guests visiting by car for Trader Sam's will be denied
entrance at the security checkpoint and sent to the TTC for parking, which
means another 30 minutes or so to get back to the resort by foot or the
monorail.
Assuming you manage to overcome the transportation
difficulties, you will then need to somehow get past the high demand for the 51
seats. On opening night, pagers were given out to those guests waiting after
the initial 51 seats were taken, but demand for the pagers was so high that
their distribution was halted at 4:45pm, leaving guests with no way to get onto
any kind of wait list, leaving it to a first come first served, luck of the
draw situation. As you can imagine, given the difficulties getting in, many
guests once inside stay for a couple of hours at least. Much of the initial
high demand will no doubt decrease over the next couple of weeks, and getting
in to Trader Sam's should become easier.
Outside at the Tiki Terrace, the 80 seats give you a better
chance to get in, but for many it will be the secondary choice after all the
elaborate theming inside at the Grog Grotto. There is live music outside
however, and there will soon be a waterfall to enhance the area. The terrace is
not covered, so during the summer months weather may become an issue.
There are no discounts available at either Trader Sam's, nor
are reservations accepted. Trader Sam's is currently in soft opening, with an
official opening set for later in April 2015 as part of a series of
enhancements to Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, including a new lobby, main
pool area and addition of the DVC Bungalows and Deluxe Studios.
The Diamond Horseshoe at the Magic Kingdom is currently
opening for quick service lunch, and for family style table service dinner.
You can find sandwiches, snacks and beverages for quick
service lunch through to April 11 2015, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Menu items
include Barbecued Turkey Sandwich, Hand-carved Pork Brisket Sandwich,
Portobello Sandwich, Hand-carved Turkey Sandwich, Tuna Salad with Croissant -
all for $9.49 each.
From 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM, the restaurant will be open for
table service family-style turkey dinner through to April 11 2015. Offerings
include Roasted Turkey Breast, Carved Beef, and Sliced Pork with Mashed
Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, Herb Bread Stuffing, and Macaroni & Cheese.
Desert is Tavern-made White Cake filled with Apples and Craisins Dried
Cranberries, topped with Ice Cream. Dinner is $34.07 for adults, and $17.03
ages 3-9.
A new quick service kiosk has opened in Epcot's Future World
offering gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.
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| Image courtesy WDWMagic |
'Taste Track' is located just outside of Test Track, next to
the Cool Wash play area in a space that was previously Cool Wash Pizza.
Menu items include some exotic takes on the traditional
grilled cheese sandwich, using ingredients
such as gruyere, sour dough bread,
fontina, apple butter and cinnamon raisin bread. The sandwiches are served with
a choice of soup or salad, and all sell for just under $10.
Also available is a Roasted Chicken Salad, a Tomato Bisque
and range of bottled beers.
There is no dedicated seating, but there are some standing
tables nearby, and benches throughout Future World.
Taste Track is open daily from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
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