This is the weekly news, rumors and refurbishments update for Walt Disney World for the week of October 5, 2014.
Here are the three biggest updates from around the resort for the past seven days…
1. The Toy Story Midway Mania Fastpass+ testing is a test for another test?
There has been plenty of speculation about the two-day fiasco that is testing Toy Story Midway Mania as a Fastpass+ only attraction. You can read more about the test here.
Why? That is the question everyone seems to be asking about these Fastpass+ only tests. There have been rumors that this could be because the new Frozen attraction at Epcot may be Fastpass+ only, but that may not be all.
Toy Story Mania currently operates with two tracks and a third track is currently being built next door to expand capacity. Disney now has a few options. Do they convert the current two-track layout to Fastpass+ only and allow the standby line to use the new single track? Or do they use the new single track as Fastpass+ only and make the current track completely standby? Now that Disney has tested how well the two-track layout works for Fastpass+ only, they can plan accordingly, but that’s not all.
The expansion of Toy Story Midway Mania is a test in itself. Soarin’ is long rumored to be getting an additional third theater. Whether it does may depend on the success of the Toy Story Mania expansion. We even saw testing over the summer to determine how much of Soarin’ can operate under Fastpass+.
So there you have it. Fastpass+-only testing is a test for an expansion that is a test for another expansion and we just so happen to be the guinea pigs. Disney’s version of Inception I guess.
2. The Canadian Lumberjacks makes its debut at Epcot
Gather your axes everyone, it’s time for the Canadian Lumberjacks! Unfortunately, there’s not much I can say about the show.
You’ll see Canadians, you’ll see axes, and you’ll see lumber. More importantly, you’ll see Canadians throw axes at lumber. Wow! But wait, there’s more, because you’ll see handsaws and you’ll see (and hear) chainsaws. More importantly, they cut the lumber. Into pieces!
I apologize for any spoilers that may tarnish future vacations.
3. You can get a one-day Memory Maker package during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Here’s a test I can agree with, a one-day Memory Maker package. The test is only for guests attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
For $39 you can add a one-day Memory Maker to you Halloween Party ticket from now until October 31. Any Disney Photopass or attraction photos taken during that day are included. Even photos that are taken before the party begins are included. There are no limits to the amount of photos you can take.
You can visit the Transportation and Ticket Center to purchase the one-day Memory Maker. I hope this is a success because sometimes I wish I could just pay for Memory Maker for one day and spend a day going on as many attractions as possible to collect all my photos for only $39 instead of the usual $199.
