This is the weekly news, rumors and refurbishments update for Walt Disney World for the week of December 7, 2014.
Here are the three biggest updates from around the resort for the past seven days…
1. More details are released about the bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Last week we mentioned the possibility that the re-imagined lobby at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort may be opening later this month.
The walls on the main floor of the Great Ceremonial House have now been removed and replaced with curtains. The lights fixtures have also been installed and decorative trim is being added. With the final details being put in place, the grand reveal can’t be far away.
Disney has released concept art for the Bungalows over Seven Seas Lagoon and the Deluxe Studio Disney Vacation Club rooms.
There will be 20 Bungalows in total over the Seven Seas Lagoon. The Bungalows can sleep up to eight guests and will feature a private plunge pool.
The Deluxe Studios will sleep up to five guests and will have the ability to connect to the neighboring Deluxe Studio. Each Studio will have split bathrooms, one with a shower and a sink and one with a sink and tub/shower. I presume that one will include a toilet, but Disney didn’t specify. This is similar to the setup found in the Staterooms onboard Disney Cruise Line ships. The Deluxe Studios will also have kitchenettes and enhanced storage space.
All Disney Vacation Club rooms including the bungalows will be available to rent by guests that are not Disney Vacation Club members. The new rooms will be available sometime in 2015.
2. New lasers for Illuminations: Reflections of Earth confirmed
If you’ve seen Illuminations with the Peace on Earth finale this year, then you have witness some spectacular new lasers. Disney has finaly released a statement making it official.
The new lasers are not only brighter, but they can do complex graphics and colors. This allows for patterns never before seen. More importantly, the new solid-state lasers are much more energy efficient. They use about the same amount of power as your hair dryer and will save 64,000 watts of energy each show when compared to the older ion lasers. They also don’t require a water cooling system and will reduce water consumption by thousands of gallons.
The new lasers are definitely a win for everyone and adds a great element to Illuminations: Reflections of Earth.
3. The Haunted Mansion opens sooner than expected
The Haunted Mansion at the Magic Kingdom closed back on December 1 and was scheduled to remain closed until December 20. Luckily, the attraction has reopened a week early for the busy holiday season.
It’s not usual for Disney to open attractions ahead of schedule, but it will be a welcome change for those visiting who were not expecting to ride. Although it does not seem like the on-ride photo opportunity is available yet, but we’ll keep a look out. Most likely it will require Memory Maker and a MagicBand to automatically sync the photos to guests account.
