This is the weekly news, rumors and refurbishments update for Walt Disney World for the week of February 1, 2015.
Here are the three biggest updates from around the resort for the past seven days.
1. Sorcerer Mickey’s Hat is nothing but steel
The 100 foot tall hat is no more. All of the blue material from the former Sorcerer Hat Icon at Disney’s Hollywood Studios was removed this past week.
The view down Hollywood Blvd is improving everyday. I have never visited Hollywood Studios (former MGM Studios) without the Hat Icon and will not be missing it. The Chinese Theater makes Hollywood Blvd feel complete. Soon we will once again see the view Imagineers originally intended.
2. Lunch reservations for Be Our Guest will be available later this month
Starting February 25, 2015 Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom Park will accept lunch reservations. Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance on the My Disney Experience website, app, or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.
Guests can also pre-order meals up to 30 days in advance to 5 minutes before the reservation time using the My Disney Experience website, app, or order using the kiosks inside the restaurant.
A credit card guarantee is required and a $10 no-show fee will apply if the reservation is not cancelled by the day before.
3. Walls around the Tree of Life come down.
The Disney Parks Blog revealed photos of the Tree of Life around Discovery Island at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The new area features elaborate animal carvings and a widened walkway.
This area was one of my favorite spots in the park. It was a small nature trail that not many guests visited.
Before:
Notice how the walkway is now closer to the Tree of Life, losing much of the vegetation. I’m sure it was a smart move when the crowds descend upon the park in the coming years.
