IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth to end in 2019

Hey Thrill Seekers,

After its fantastic 20 year run Disney have announced that Epcot’s IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth will finish at the end of summer 2019. Fear not though as the Disney Parks Liver Entertainment team are already busy creating something new that will debut immediately after the last IllimuNations so the tradition of a nightly show on the World Showcase Lagoon will continue.

 

Disney and Epcot have big plans for their transformation of the park that is sometimes overlooked (wrongly in my opinion) and they’re going to be bringing new experiences that will’ “WOW!” guests while still keeping true to the original vision of the park and the new fireworks spectacular will be a part of this exciting evolution.

Earth Globe reveals a torch at IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth

We already have lots of things to look forward to coming to Epcot in the future such as the Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster, Ratatouille inspired attraction and a new restaurant next to mission: SPACE.

Cant’ wait for updates about this show and if you haven’t already seen IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth then i suggest you get your butt over to Orlando to experience it before it ends!

Smiles Included,

Abby

Check Out The Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live! Show at Epcot

Hey Thrill Seekers,

As part of Disney’s Incredible Summer offerings Epcot has a little tribute to Marvel’s surprise hit Guardians of the Galaxy.

In the show at the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase, Star-Lord and Gamora from the “Guardians of the Galaxy” join forces with a live band visiting from the planet Xandar to take guests on a musical journey through the cosmos.

Check out this sneak peek video right now;

This looks like a really fun live show and I can just imagine how much energy these guys produce. I for one can’t wait to dance with Star-Lord and Gamora.

Smiles included…

Jamie

Everything We Learnt From Disney’s D23 Expo

Hey Thrill Seekers,

The annual Disney D23 Expo took place in Japan yesterday where Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts revealed a few new details to the official fan club.

Here’s all the info covering our favourite Orlando parks.

Guardians of the Galaxy

In Disney’s own words “we are going BIG with the “Guardians of the Galaxy”-inspired coaster”

Disney promised that this one-of-a-kind family attraction will be one of the world’s longest enclosed roller coasters when it’s added to Future World at Epcot.

It will include a unique story currently being created by Walt Disney Imagineering and feature a new innovative ride system that’s guaranteed to “wow” guests.

The most important thing for me is that its a ROLLER COASTER. Yay!!!

Opening date: By 2021.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will feature a new catchy theme song created especially for the attraction as well as a new experience that defies logic that we’re calling 2 ½-D. No glasses required.

On the attraction, the fun begins when you see the premiere of a new cartoon short with Mickey and Minnie getting ready for a picnic. As they head out, they drive alongside a train and find out that the engineer is Goofy. Then, one magical moment lets you step into the movie and on Goofy’s train for a wacky, wild ride.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will put you inside the wacky and unpredictable world of a Mickey Mouse Cartoon Short where you’re the star and anything can happen. And for the first time, we shared a preview of what the cars will look like when you board the attraction for a zany, out-of-control adventure filled with surprising twists and turns.

Opening date: 2019

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Bob Chapek shared an update on the progress of the highly anticipated land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and shared a sneak peek at the unique Toydarian merchandise guests will find exclusively in the land.

At Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, guests will visit the planet of Batuu, a remote outpost on the galaxy’s edge that was once a busy crossroads along the old sub-lightspeed trade routes. Here, guests will find themselves in the middle of the action at two attractions that take detail and immersion to the next level: one that lets guests take the controls of Millennium Falcon on a customized secret mission, and an epic Star Wars adventure that puts guests in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance.

Guests will also be able to explore a street market run by a Toydarian, a character first introduced in “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.” Among his wares will be handcrafted toys made by local artisans, like those seen above.

Opening date: 2019

Incredible Summer Celebration

A new Pixar-inspired experience is set for multiple parks as Walt Disney World Resort readies its “Incredible Summer” celebration.

At Magic Kingdom Park, guests can visit Tomorrowland to party with characters from “The Incredibles” – including for the first time, fashionista Edna Mode.

Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – just in time for the park’s 20th anniversary – a new show inspired by “Up” will star Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry-friend Dug.

Toy Story Land is also set to open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this summer. When it opens, guests visiting this new land will “shrink” to the size of a toy and join in on the fun Woody, Jessie, Buzz, and Andy’s other beloved toys are having in Andy’s backyard. Here, guests can take a ride on the Slinky Dog Dash family coaster, take a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers, or visit a playful guest-favourite – Toy Story Mania!

Opening date: 2018

Star Wars Resort

https://www.facebook.com/orlandoattractiontickets/videos/1868739743137800/

Last summer, Disney announced plans for an immersive Star Wars-inspired resort to be built at Walt Disney World Resort. Yesterday Disney shared a few  more details on what this thrilling new resort, which will be seamlessly connected to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, will be like.

This first-of-its-kind resort will combine luxury with complete immersion into an authentic Star Wars story. Guests’ journey through space will start when everyone departs together for a multiday Stars Wars adventure by boarding a starship alive with characters and stories that unfold all around them during a voyage through the galaxy.

At the resort, guests immediately become active citizens of the galaxy and can dress up in the proper attire. Every resort window will also have a view into space. The opportunity for immersion at this resort will also stand out among all Disney resorts around the globe, as it will be seamlessly connected to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, allowing guests a total Star Wars experience.

Opening date: 2019 we think.

Some very interesting reveals from Disney and shows the future looks bright.

Smiles included…

Jamie

Walt Disney World’s Incredible Summer

Hey Thrill Seekers,

The summer of 2018 is set to be a big one at Walt Disney World. We’ll be seeing new attractions, entertainment, experiences and much more at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom this summer and Disney have stated that it is going to be an ‘Incredible Summer’…

Lets take a look into what we can expect…

Magic Kingdom

The Incredibles Take Over Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park – Guests can party with Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, and Frozone from Disney•Pixar’s “The Incredibles” and the soon-to-be blockbuster “Incredibles 2.” Edna Mode, the greatest superhero costume designer, will also make her debut appearance. Each evening, guests can enjoy a “SUPER” dance party on the Rocket Tower Stage. 

EPCOT

The Guardians of the Galaxy Take the Stage at Epcot – StarLord, and Gamora from “The Guardians of the Galaxy” will join an alien band, taking guests on a journey through the cosmos. The party will feature hits from Awesome Mix Tapes 1 and 2 – fun and favorite tunes from the two movies’ soundtracks – building the anticipation for a new Epcot Guardians of the Galaxy attraction.

Animal Kingdom

“Adventurers Meet UP! A Great Bird Adventure” & A “Dino-Tastic” Celebration for Donald Duck Will Debut At Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Two new can’t-miss offerings will debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in time for the park’s 20th anniversary. First, guests can discover new bird species from around the world at the new show “Adventurers Meet UP! A Great Bird Adventure,” which will star Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry friend Dug. The park will also launch a “dino-tastic” celebration, in which Donald Duck takes over Dinoland, U.S.A., in a new character celebration.

Hollywood Studios

Toy Story Land Opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – One major highlight of “Incredible Summer” will be the grand opening of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This new 11-acre land will shrink guests to the size of a toy and allow them go explore the fun and adventure of Andy’s backyard. There, guests can experience two new attractions: the family coaster Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers. Toy Story Land also will feature an existing guest-favourite attraction, Toy Story Mania!, which will expand to add a third track into the rotation. The land’s Woody’s Lunch Box will be a new quick-service restaurant that will offer up tasty meals and old-fashioned soda floats to Toy Story Land guests.

We are still anxiously awaiting an exact opening date for Toy Story Land though….

Who can’t wait to get to Walt Disney World this summer?!

Smiles Included,

Abby

 

More Clues Lead to the Guardians of the Galaxy Coaster

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Back in October it was confirmed that the Guardians of the Galaxy ride will be a coaster – the first in EPCOT‘s history. WOOHOOOO! ( if you didn’t know, we love a coaster here at OAT) There was rumours back in October of the coaster being a ‘first of its kind’ ride system and will launch guests through a tunnel into a 10-story tall show building but today we have more rumours…

Over the last few days there has been a few rumours flying around regarding who is going to be making the coaster which will give us more clues and room to speculate on what type of coaster it will be. There is 2 manufacturer names that have been floating around the GOTG coaster – Mack Rides and Vekoma.

I’m going to start with what we DO know about the GOTG coaster.. We know that there will be a very cool queuing experience, guests will enter through a doorway that will take them into the Welcome Gallery consisting of ramps leading up through the line – it appears to be on multiple levels and will see guests climbing upwards as the queue progresses to reach the elevated load platform, the second queue room is Xander Gallery which then leads to a ‘merge point’ and the first pre-show. The second pre-show (see image below) will see guests undergo some sort of transformation with projections of Rocket, Groot and the Milano Ship. From there the guests will make way to the load area, the coaster will feature a dual – load and unload meaning 2 trains at a time (less waiting woohoo!) Each train can hold 20 guests. The train will then head to the launch tunnel where they will be shot straight into the building behind the old Universal of Energy which is 133ft tall.

The track looks as though it will consist of many tight turns and long straights with projection effects along the way. It does appear to be family friendly and there will be no inversions (boooo) There isn’t a huge amount of information about the story-line so I guess we will just have to patiently wait for that..

So from what we know (or think we know), it looks as though it will be a launch coaster experience and there has recently been some rumours that it would be a Mack Spinning Coaster. (like Cobras Curse at Busch Gardens which is a Mack ride) Disney chose Mack for Slinky Dog Dash so it kind of made sense to opt for them to make the GOTG coaster too however some sources have revealed that it is apparently going to actually be a new Vekoma coaster.

There has been no confirmation on what style of ride it will be but from my research (well, a browse on Wikipedia) Vekoma have never built a spinning coaster. Some of the Vekoma coasters built in Orlando are; Rock ‘n Roller Coaster in Hollywood Studios which is a LSM Coaster (launched coaster) Barnstormer in Magic Kingdom, Flight of the Hippogriff in IOA, Flying School in LEGOLAND (suspended family coaster) Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom and Freedom Flyer in Funspot which is also a suspended family coaster, 7 Dwarfs Mine Train in Magic Kingdom and they are making Tron which is coming to Magic Kingdom in 2021. This has led me to thinking what type of coaster we could be getting for GOTG…

Vekoma manufacture a lot of Boomerang coasters which we have not seen in a Disney park as of yet. A Boomerang coaster uses the same track multiple times. For example, the coaster may start by travelling backwards up a slope, it will then hurtle forwards, maybe do a few twists and turns and then you could find yourself travelling backwards again, maybe this time down a slope. Now it looks as though the GOTG coaster is going to be family orientated and family or ‘junior’ boomerang coasters look pretty awesome! Take a look at this family boomerang coaster in Paultons Park which was manufactured by Vekoma:

Vekoma have also made many ‘motorbike roller coasters’ which are.. well the title kind of speaks for itself. 😉 Now I don’t think it the GOTG coaster will be a motorbike style coaster due to TRON: Lightcycle Power Run coming to Magic Kingdom in 2021 (which is also manufactured by Vekoma) as the one in Shanghai is already a motorbike style coaster we can assume that the Magic Kingdom one will be too.

As it appears that the GOTG coaster is going to be a family coaster, the only other Vekoma coaster style I can think of is a Suspended Family Coaster like the Flight of the Hippogriff at Islands of Adventure or Flying School at LEGOLAND Florida:

There is loads of different models of coaster that GOTG could be and it has not yet been confirmed if Vekoma are going to be the ones manufacturing it but I’ve got a hunch and sometimes, just sometimes they’re right. :p

There is still no exact date for when the Guardians of the Galaxy attraction will open but Disney have promised that it will be open in time for the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World which is in 2021.

What style of coaster would you like to see?

Smiles included,

Abby

New Images of the Disney Skyliner Transportation System

Hey Thrill Seekers,

In October Disney announced that they would be introducing a new transportation system called Disney’s Skyliner, the new system will give resort guests an unforgettable journey and a picturesque view of Walt Disney World Resort as they take to the sky to travel from select Disney resorts to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Today Disney have released further news that should have Disney fanatics smiling from ear to ear.

Skyliner Cabin Design

Select Disney Skyliner cabins will have iconic Disney characters incorporated into their exterior design to give the appearance that a Disney pal is riding along with guests, such as characters from the ‘Fab Five,’ figures from Disney attractions, fan favourites from movies and more.

Disney Epcot Skyliner Station Design

The design of the Disney Skyliner station at International Gateway at Epcot will be inspired by the park’s nearby European Pavilions. The station will be covered with metal and glass canopies, hand-painted murals and ornamental steel structures that harken back to the early 18th century Art Nouveau style. Guests traveling to Epcot via the Disney Skyliner will be welcomed to the park with a rare birds-eye view of World Showcase.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Station

The Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station will be the hub of activity for Disney Skyliner. This station is inspired by the open air village marketplaces of the Caribbean and will showcase the nearby resort’s architectural detailing and colour schemes. At this station, passengers will be able to transfer gondola routes to reach their destination, or are invited to sit and admire the waterfront resort setting.

Disney’s Hollywood Studio’s Station

The design style of the station at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will fit with that of the park’s main entrance and bus stations. Passengers traveling here from the Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station can expect a new aerial perspective of the park’s iconic attractions, like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

Disney’s Pop Century & Disney’s Art of Animation Stations

Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will share a Disney Skyliner station that feels whimsical and contextual with both resorts. Upon departing the gondola station, Skyliner passengers will ascend over Hourglass Lake and enjoy a panoramic view of these two colorful resorts.
Finally, cabins will slow down at the Disney Skyliner turn-station along Buena Vista Drive, where guests can see the mechanical and aerial components that make up the Disney Skyliner.

An opening date hasn’t been confirmed yet but Disney have confirmed that they will be updating us soon.

Smiles included…

Jamie

 

The Guardians of the Galaxy Ride at Epcot will be a coaster

Hey Thrill Seekers,

*me dancing* that’s the dance I do whenever a park confirms an actual coaster and not a 3d ride is being built. So thanks to Disney I was able to brush off the old dancing shoes and celebrate.

Yesterday at the EPCOT 35 media event Vice President of Epcot, Melissa Valiquette, confirmed that the Guardians of the Galaxy ride will indeed be a coaster making it the first in the parks history.

Theming on this coaster will be key to Disney’s plans to create a storyverse at each of its park, according to the source of all knowledge, the internet, the GOTG coaster will load guests in the former Universe of Energy attraction, launching guests through a tunnel into a 10-story tall show building.

The coaster will reportedly be a first of its kind ride system, but all parks claim this and at the moment we’re not really sure what this means. More info to follow…

However, WE’RE GETTING A NEW COASTER…. YEY!!!

Smiles included…

Jamie

Abby’s Pre-Orlando Adventure

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Its nearly time…….

If you watch our bi-weekly Facebook Lives you’re bound to know that i’m due to go on a ‘Super Fam’ trip and in particular, how excited I am about it! Well it’s time and i’m finally leaving tomorrow to embark on what is sure to be the best trip EVER.

If you follow our Facebook or Instagram accounts you’ll be seeing loads of videos and photos from yours truly over the next week including all things Disney, Universal and SeaWorld. Before I start packing (yes I know I’ve left it very last minute) I thought I would give you guys a run-down of what my trip is going to involve.

Soooo.. I arrive in Orlando at 5pm -ish on Sunday and by 9.30pm i’ll be at Universals Halloween Horror Nights!! Nothing like throwing us in at the deep end aye?! I’m absolutely terrified but also mega, mega excited for this (I do feel sorry for the people who are going to have to keep picking me up off the floor in the houses though) The house i’m most excited for is SAW: The Games of Jigsaw, SAW hasn’t featured at HHN for 8 years now and i’m pretty eager to see what’s going to be involved this time around.

For the first few days i’m going to be staying at Universals Cabana Bay Beach Resort which I’ve heard is very nice indeed. 😛 On my first full day i’ll be visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley, Hogsmede Village and Universal Studios. I’m absolutely buzzing to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – I’ve heard so many amazing things about it and I just can’t wait to see it all for myself and i’m especially excited for  Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™.

On to the next day.. On this day I will be visiting Volcano Bay in the morning and Universals Islands of Adventure in the afternoon, woooo!!! I can’t wait to ride Krakatau™ Aqua Coaster and teeny bit scared to do Ko’okiri Body Plunge™ I feel like this is going to be a fantastic morning and I can’t wait to get loads of snaps of the Volcano! For Islands of Adventure I’ve been warned not to wear white tops or any denim and this is because i’m bound to get ABSOLUTELY SOAKED on the water rides.. Hopefully it’s a warm day (oh I forgot to mention, the weather forecast for next week is BEAUTIFUL.) Oh i’m also very eager to ride The Incredible Hulk Coaster We have a surprise evening with Universal on this day and i’m super excited to see what this is going to be, of course, i’ll keep you updated!

Day 4 is the day i’m most excited about… anyone who knows me will understand why. Ever since I can remember, I’ve wanted to swim with a dolphin and now i’m lucky enough to have the opportunity to do it YAY!!! If you haven’t guessed already, i’ll be visiting Discovery Cove in the morning. I’m not going to lie there will probably be some tears buy hey, who cares it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity! After Discovery Cove i’ll be travelling over to Busch Gardens where I cannot wait to ride all the big coasters and ALL of the pressure is on me to ride Falcons Fury.. i’ve got this!

On day 5 i’ll be visiting SeaWorld in the Morning , Aquatica in the afternoon and back to SeaWorld for the evening! 😉 Very excited to ride Manta and Mako at SeaWorld as everyone in the offices always raves about how good they are. Especially excited to be lucky enough to ride them in the dark also! Psyching myself up for Ihu’s breakaway falls at Aquatica!

I’ll be staying over night at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, ready for day 6.. On day 6 i’ll be visiting EPCOT in the morning and Animal Kingdom in the afternoon. Can’t wait to visit all of the different countries at EPCOT and i’m so buzzing for Pandora – The World of Avatar at Animal Kingdom, the reviews i’ve read about Avatar – Flight of Passage have all been great so I cannot wait to experience it for myself too.

On the 7th Day i’ll be off to Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom, I am really looking forward to seeing Cinderella’s Castle, meeting all of the characters and getting to experience the iconic rides and attractions such as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. I also hope I get to watch Happily Ever After, could possibly shed a tear or two here as well!

On my last day I get to go SHOPPING at the Orlando International Premium Outlets and the Florida Mall, I’ve got all my pennies saved up for this I’m just hoping i’ll have enough room in my suitcase!! After that it’s home time 🙁 🙁

Only 1 more sleep to go and i’ll finally be off!! If you would like to follow my action packed week make sure you keep checking our Facebook and Instagram as i’ll be trying to post as much and as often as possible.

See you all soon!!

Smiles Included,

Abby

 

New Skyway Gondola Transportation System at Disney Rumoured.

Hey Thrill Seekers,

There is currently a rumour ‘floating’ around about a new, wacky transportation system between Disney’s Epcot and Hollywood Studios parks that’s all well and good if you aren’t afraid of heights ;-)..

According to permits filed by Walt Disney World it appears that a ‘Skyway-type Gondola system’ might be put in to place to transport guests between Epcot, Hollywood Studios and some resort hotels. Looking at the permits, the cable car type carriages will stop at Epcot’s International Gateway, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, shared station at Pop Century and Art of Animation Resorts as well as Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

There was once a Skyway attraction that operated at Magic Kingdom between the years of 1971 – 1999 that took guests between tomorrow land and fantasy land. The new system would probably be a lot bigger and it would be lovely to have a Skyway back at Walt Disney World working as a real transportation system and not an attraction.

It is well known that Disney aren’t going to be building a monorail expansion any time soon due to cost and efficiency issues but personally I would think that this system would be even more expensive don’t you?

Personally, I love this idea and think it would add to the whole Disney experience as well as being a mega cool way to get between the two parks / hotels and just imagine the views!!

What do you think of this rumour?

Smiles Included,

Jess

Disney’s Retired Attractions

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Theme parks are constantly making improvements to their parks. Attractions are always coming and going; some we’re happy about and some we’re not. I’m going to take a look into some of the iconic Disney attractions that have been retired.

Disney’s Magic Kingdom is a great starting point with Extra TERRORestrial Alien Encounter which was a brilliant attraction that was replaced in 2003 with Stitch’s Great Escape! Rumour has it that even Stitch will be leaving us soon as the park has already scheduled Stitch’s Great Escape for seasonal closures! 🙁

Mr Toad’s Wild Ride is talked about on so many Disney forums so I can only imagine how amazing it was. Originally due to be a roller coaster, it ended up being a dark ride with the left and right tracks being 2 completely different experiences! Unfortunately, I’m too young to have seen this as it closed in 1998 to be replaced by The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

Snow White’s Scary Adventures opened way back in 1971 but was deemed a little too scary for some guests so closed for a refurbishment in 1994 before opening back up to the public until 2012. Princess Fairy-tale Hall is now in it’s place.

Let’s pop over to Disney’s Epcot and see what’s been changing here over the years shall we? One of my all time favourites that I remember from the first time I ever visited Orlando, Honey! I Shrunk The Audience! I’m not usually a fan of 4D attractions but how can you not love this?! I was gutted when this got taken away but it was temporarily replaced with Captain EO Tribute in 2010.

Maelstrom was an indoor log flume ride which would have it’s twists and turns before moving you backwards. Sadly, this ride closed in 2014 although I was so happy to finally see a Frozen ride, Frozen Ever After!

Horizons was a dark ride taking you through the ideas that could be used in the future to make the world even greater! Horizons was then replaced by Mission: SPACE, a motion simulator ride in 1994.

Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Journey into the Jungle Book was a theatrical show filled with animals as well as costumed-humans which closed in 1999 and was replaced later on by Tarzan Rocks.

Tarzan Rocks was another theatrical show lasting about 30 minutes (perfect for the AC) which closed in 2006 before being replaced with Finding Nemo – The Musical.

Pocahontas and her Forest Friends opened with the park in 1998 and had an array of live animals as well as the lead character from the movie. The theatre seated 350 guests at a time but ended for good in 2008! Nothing major has replaced this show yet even today, but you can still have a meet and greet with Pocahontas herself!

Next stop, Disney’s Hollywood Studios where it used to be best known as the home to Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat which was inspired by the apprentice segment in Fantasia! Since 2015, his hat can no longer be found at Hollywood Studios, but instead, a view of The Great Movie Ride.

Journey into Narnia: Prince Caspian was a walk-through attraction, testing your knowledge on the movie and even includes a character meet and greet! This closed in 2011 being replaced with The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow before becoming Toy Story Land. Toy Story Land is currently under construction to become even larger in the near future.

Isn’t it amazing how much Walt Disney World has changed throughout the years?! Can you think of any other Disney attractions that we can no longer visit?

Smiles Included…

Louise