This is the weekly news, rumors and refurbishments update for Walt Disney World for the week of May 25, 2014.
Here are the four biggest updates from around the resort for the past seven days…
1. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is officially open at the Magic Kingdom Park
After four years of construction the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train officially opened on May 28, 2014. Disney is calling the attraction the “crown jewel” of New Fantasyland as it completes the expansion that was announced back in 2009.
© Disney
The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is an attraction unique to the Magic Kingdom, allowing the mine cars to gently swing as you ride along the track. The Mine Train is a perfect addition to Fantasyland, the land for children of all ages. It breaks the mold of a traditional dark ride inside a box, bringing a new experience to the park.
With its panoramic views of Fantasyland and advanced audio-animatronics, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train has been widely praised.. Sure it could be longer with another show scene and more track, but that’s irrelevant at this stage. No matter what anybody thinks, you know you’re going to ride it next time you visit the Magic Kingdom just because you can!
2. ‘Festival of the Lion King’ is returning on June 1
© Disney
The popular stage show Festival of the Lion King will be returning to Disney’s Animal Kingdom on June 1 in the new Harambe Theater. The show first debuted in 1998 in Camp Minnie-Mickey. Due to the construction for Pandora – The World of Avatar, Camp Minnie-Mickey was closed on January 5, 2014.
The new theater is located in Africa in the village of Harambe. The show is usually scheduled to run every hour. Check the parks Times Guide for details.
3. Anna and Elsa will now greet guests all day at Princess Fairytale Hall
Starting June 1, Anna and Elsa from Disney’s Frozen will be greeting guests from park open to park close at Princess Fairytale Hall. Previously, the sisters would stop greeting around 5pm to make way for Snow White. With the new times, Snow White will now be greeting guests at the Town Square Courtyard.
FastPass+ will be also expanded to meet the new hours.
4. Starbucks opens at Downtown Disney West Side
The flagship Starbucks at Downtown Disney has now opened. A walk-up location at the Marketplace opened last week in front of World of Disney. The West Side Starbucks is a full store with the complete Starbucks offering.
