This is the weekly news, rumors and refurbishments update for Walt Disney World for the week of January 4, 2015.
Here are the three biggest updates from around the resort for the past seven days.
1. Sales begin for Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is adding 360 Deluxe Studios and 20 Bora Bora Bungalows as part of Disney Vacation Club. Sales for the villas and bungalows begin on January 12, 2015 for Disney Vacation Club Members. Sales begin on February 9, 2015 for all other guests. The first phase of opening begins on April 1, 2015.
Pricing for the Bungalows is a common question. For non Disney Vacation Club members, the Bora Bora Bungalows are expected to go on sale between $2100 and $2900 per night, depending on the season.
Disney also released new concept art for the refurbished main pool. The volcano has been replaced with a more mountainous structure.
2. A crane will be removing the Cinderella Castle Dream Lights
A crane will be next to Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park as crews remove the Castle Dream Lights.
The crane is planned to stay from now until February 21, 2015. The lights mentioned are part of ‘A Frozen Holiday Wish’ and feature over 200,000 LED lights.
3. Flame Tree Barbecue and Oakens Trading Post are now closed
Flame Tree Barbecue quick service food and beverage location at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is now closed for a lengthy refurbishment that will expand the covered seating area and covered queue. Although the restaurant is now closed, some of the food items are available at different kiosks.
Turkey Legs and Pork Sandwiches (my favorite) are available at Trilo-Bites near Dinoland USA. The Half Chicken and Ribs are available at Beastly Kiosk near It’s Tough to be a Bug.
Wandering Oakens Trading Post at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has now closed with no plans to reopen at a different location. Wandering Oakens originally opened back in July of 2014 in Soundstage One as part of Frozen Summer Fun. It was later moved to the former AFI Showcase location in September and has now closed for good. That area is likely to be part of the Pixar Place expansion.
