Weekly Orlando Theme Parks Rumor and Refurbs Update (November 2, 2013)

This is the weekly rumor and refurbishment update for Orlando-area theme parks for the week of October 27, 2013.

Walt Disney World:

New flavors are coming to Club Cool. Club Cool is a shop in Epcot next to Fountain View, were you can try a selection of sodas from around the world.

Club Cool© Disney

On October 30, 2013 all the flavors in the soda fountains, except one, were replaced. The one flavor that remains is the infamous Beverly from Italy. These are the new flavors as released by the Disney Parks Blog.

Fanta – Fanta debuted in Europe in the 1940s and was introduced in the U.S.A. in 1960s. It’s now available in more than 90 flavors.
VegitaBeta – This Japanese beverage combines apricot and passion fruit flavors.
Fanta (Melon Frosty) – This melon-flavored soda is number one in Thailand.
Bibo – This fruit-flavored juice drink originates from South Africa.
Sparberry – This raspberry cream-flavored soda has been a favorite in Africa since 1955.
Guarana Kuat – This drink, flavored after the guarana berry, is popular in Brazil.
Inca Kola – This Peruvian favorite offers a sweet, almost bubblegum-like taste.

Club Cool Flavors© Disney

I was never a fan of the old flavors, so I definitely will be trying the new ones on my next visit. Are you going to miss any of the old flavors? Here’s the list to jog your memory.

Krest Ginger Ale from Mozambique
Fanta Kolita from Costa Rica
Vegeta Beta from Japan
Kinley Lemon from Israel
Lift Apple from Mexico
Smart Watermelon from China
Mezzo Mix from Germany

Club Cool© Disney

Magic Kingdom:

The last Mickey’s not-so-scary Halloween Party was on November 1, 2013 and the fall decorations are now being replaced by holiday décor. The first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is on November 8,2013 and the Magic Kingdom will have its Christmas decorating completed by then. Remember that the giant icon tree in the center of Main Street will not be placed until after the filming of the Christmas Day Parade on December 7, 2013. The rest of the parks and resorts should have all the Christmas decorations completed by Thanksgiving, but most will probably be finished before then within a few weeks.

Dining:

A new reservation policy was supposed to go into effect on October 31, 2013 has been delayed. The new policy would require any reservation made at Walt Disney World to require a credit to be charged if the reservation is missed without being cancelled 24 hours in advanced. This rule currently holds for signature restaurants only. No reason has been given for the delay.

Resorts:

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa are now open. Construction on the bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Resort is seeing visible progress and the test hallways for Disney Vacation Club was spotted. You can find a complete photo report here.

Refurbishments:

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad:
Big Thunder Mountain will be closed for one day on November 5, 2013.

Cirque du Soleil:
Cirque du Soleil at Downtown Disney will not be performing between November 3, 2013 and November 6, 2013

Typhoon Lagoon:
Typhoon Lagoon is now closed until December 21, 2013. Blizzard Beach is open as an alternative.

Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show:
Lights, Motors, Action! Will be closed from November 18, 2013 to November 21, 2013.

Peter Pan’s Flight:
Peter Pan’s Flight is currently closed and will reopen on November 14, 2013 from ten-week refurbishment.

Golf:
The Palm Golf Course is currently closed and will reopen on November 16, 2013.

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Adventure Zone:
The Honey, I Shrunk The Kids Adventure Zone is currently closed and will reopen on November 20, 2013.

Disney’s All Star Sports:
The End Zone Food Court is at All Star Sports is currently closed and will reopen in late December. The food courts at Disney’s All Star Music or Disney’s All Star Movies are available as an alternative.

Universal Orlando:

Cabana Bay Beach Resort:Construction continues on the Cabana Bay Beach Resort at Universal Orlando. It will be the first Universal resort to feature family suites and is set to open March 31, 2014. Plans were revealed that shows a new bridge over Hollywood Way connecting the resort with the theme parks. The bridge will feature trees and greenery to make it feel as if you have not left the resort and are crossing a busy street. Construction on the new bridge should begin in early 2014.