Walt Disney World: A Year In Review & What's Next

This afternoon we will take some time to review some of the great new attractions and additions that recently debuted around the Walt Disney World Resort. In addition to that, we will also take a peek at some of the future new experiences that will soon come to the Walt Disney World Resort Be mindful that much more is in store. These are just a few of the new additions that were officially announced):

- NOW OPEN -

- New Fantasyland Debuts at Magic Kingdom Park

Guests will be greeted by New Fantasyland, which grand opened December 6 at Magic Kingdom. More fantasy is on the horizon. Among attractions now open:

• Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid, a major attraction where guests riding in clamshells can travel with Ariel and her friends through their exciting adventures above and below the waves – all against a musical backdrop of songs from the film. Once “under the sea,” guests will find themselves immersed in the story of “The Little Mermaid,” sharing Ariel’s adventure through a magical cast of characters and a captivating musical score that will entice everyone to sing along. Before the experience, the fun is whimsical and interactive in the queue area under Prince Eric’s Castle. After the attraction and below the seaside cliffs, the fun continues at “Ariel’s Grotto,” a meet-and-greet with the mermaid heroine herself.

• The castle of the Beast stands majestically upon a hill across an old stone bridge from Ariel’s new home. The Be Our Guest Restaurant features a lavish dining experience in the elegant ballroom, gallery, and mysterious “West Wing” of the castle. With seating for 550, this magnificent facility will offer “great food fast” service by day and full-service table dining in the evening. Nearby in Belle’s Village, guests will find the rousing Gaston’s Tavern and Bonjour! Village Gifts.

• Just outside the village is Belle’s cottage and Enchanted Tales with Belle. The adventure begins in Maurice’s workshop, where an enchanted mirror is the doorway to a captivating new kind of storytelling experience: guests are transported to the Beast’s library to meet Belle and Lumière, and share in a lively, interactive re-telling of the “tale as old as time.

There’s even more in store as the expansion of New Fantasyland continues:

• Princess Fairytale Hall (2013) will be the new home for Disney princesses to meet their loyal subjects in the Magic Kingdom. To open in the Castle Courtyard in the center of Fantasyland, the regal space will provide the perfect setting for meeting Cinderella, Aurora, Tiana and the other Disney princesses.

• The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (2014) will take Magic Kingdom guests on a rollicking, musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” The family-style coaster will feature a first-of-its-kind ride system with a train of vehicles that swing back and forth.

- Design, then Test Drive! The New Test Track Presented by Chevrolet

The new year revs up with a re-imagined, design-centric Test Track Presented by Chevrolet which grand opened Dec. 6, 2012 with a sleek new “Chevrolet Design Center.” Amid upbeat music, engaging media, dramatic lighting and a collection of Chevrolet concept cars and model vehicles, guests themselves become automotive designers and create their own custom concept vehicles.

The adventure then shifts into high gear as guests buckle into their 6-person “SimCar” ride vehicle and put their design through its paces on the exhilarating hills, switchbacks and straight-aways of the Test Track circuit. Their performance testing complete, guests move into a post-show area filled with more interactive fun.

- The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow Now Open

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow debuted Dec. 6, 2012 at Disney's Hollywood Studios, immersing Walt Disney World Resort guests in all the action and adventure of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" film series. Aspiring pirates can experience the story of Captain Jack Sparrow like never before to discover if they have what it takes to join his jolly crew. State-of-the-art technology brings the swashbuckling world of Captain Jack, from an eerie treasure cove to an epic ship-to-ship battle. The attraction is located in Soundstage 4.

- Monsieur Paul Restaurant at Epcot

Replacing the former and more formal Bistro de Paris for Epcot guests, Monsieur Paul restaurant captures classic French architecture with bright colors and a touch of modernism.

Monsieur Paul is decorated with mementoes of Chef Paul Bocuse’s extraordinary culinary honors – he achieved three Michelin stars for 48 straight years at his famous Lyon restaurant, Auberge du Pont de Collognes.

The new menu, created by Chef Francesco Santin who worked with Chef Bocuse in his restaurant in Lyon for 15 years, is built on the Bocuse tradition of French classical cuisine with  fresh ingredients. For instance, a classic Bocuse fish entrée prepared in France with rouget (red mullet) is re-imagined at Monsieur Paul with red snapper from Florida.

Monsieur Paul is open seven days a week for dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. Call 407-WDWDINE, or online at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/reservations/dining/

- Splitsville Entertainment Complex Rolls into 2013

The age-old image of bowling is updated with the new Splitsville, America’s Bowling Alley, at Downtown Disney West Side. Splitsville’s 50,000 square feet, two-story location is unlike traditional bowling alleys — with 30 lanes separated into several clusters to create a one-of-a-kind perspective immersed in hip and retro elements. The Downtown Disney location also will boast billiard tables, live entertainment, a dramatic balcony and ample outdoor seating.

Placing a whole new spin on the bowling experience with its emphasis on unique design, Splitsville greets guests with upscale sushi bars, plush booths and dynamic decor overlooking the bowling lanes. Between strikes and spares, guests can feast on menu items including hand-tossed pizza, fresh-rolled sushi, grilled mahi-mahi with “Voodoo” shrimp and hand-cut filets alongside alley classics such as cheeseburgers and crinkle-cut fries served right at the lane.

Splitsville at Downtown Disney is the Orlando-based chain’s fifth location joining venues in Tampa and Miami, Fla., Fairview, Texas and Fredericksburg, Va. The expansion to Downtown Disney comes amid a growth era for the sport of bowling, which is the most popular participation sport in America with nearly 70 million people participating in the sport each year, according to the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America.

- Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

A soothing escape to a world of pampering and relaxation is just steps away from Disney theme park fun at the newly re-imagined Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. The newly remodeled spa blends Grand Floridian Victorian elegance with modern touches – plus a dash of Disney whimsy.

All the senses are engaged in an ultimate relaxation experience – flavorful and soothing elixirs, color variations in lighting and Disney orchestral music harmonize with the treatment selected. Spa-goers walk through the new Victorian-style entryway and indulge in the spa’s relax, renew, or imagine themes aimed at creating a custom experience.

Fifteen treatment rooms offer pampering services such as water therapy, sugar exfoliation body treatment, rejuvenating citrus facial, a restorative hand and foot ritual with Chinese Jasmine oils, plus a Princess Pedicure or Magical Manicure for youngsters ages 4-12. Lounges, whirlpools and treatment rooms all provide rejuvenation through the healing nature of Florida citrus and botanicals.

The new menu of services also includes a signature 80-minute Grand Floridian treatment featuring a special aromatherapy massage. Guests can book a spa appointment at the new Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort by calling 407-WDW-SPAS (407-939-7727) or learn more by visiting www.disneyworld.com/spas

All of the spas, salons and fitness centers will be owned and operated by Disney beginning Jan.16, 2013. On that same day the spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort will temporarily close for renovation and reopen in the summer as Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort.

- COMING IN 2013 -

- For a Limited Time Only! Disney Parks Rolls Out the Unexpected with Weekly Surprises, Delights for a Little Extra Magic

Disney Parks guests will get an extra dash of pixie dust in 2013 with Limited Time Magic. Themed weekly surprises and special offers will surprise and delight Disney Parks guests with 52 weeks of the unexpected. Plans include everything from dance parties, new festivals and character meet and greets to culinary treats, special entertainment and commemorative keepsakes.

The bicoastal offering — created to remind guests about the importance of family vacation time together — is full of unique, magical, memory-filled experiences – all available for a limited time only. Special experiences include a week with enchanting dinners, or photo shoots with famous Disney character couples; limited edition souvenirs; or the popular Dapper Dans barbershop quartet swapping their old-time melodies for surprise renditions of today’s boy band hits.

Each Limited Time Magic offering will have a varying length from a day to a week to a season adding to the element of surprise.

- The Kinsey Collection Opens at Epcot in 2013

The African-American story of determination, courage, hope, struggle and inspiration will be told through more than 40 pieces of art, artifacts, books, sculptures and documents on display at the Walt Disney World Resort. Previews begin in late February and the official opening will take place March 9, 2013.

At Epcot, the American Adventure pavilion will be home to the Kinsey’s personal treasures of African-American art and history, amassed from their travels to 90 countries and dating back to the 17th century.

The Kinsey Collection is the intersection where art and history meet, a virtual history book opened wide, giving voice to untold stories of accomplishment and contribution. The Kinsey Collection, at the American Heritage Gallery, will be included in Epcot admission.

- Atlanta Braves Spring Training returns to Walt Disney World with a marquee lineup of 18 games at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

The Braves, who earned a National League Wild Card berth in 2012, report to the complex for two weeks of training in early February, before opening at Champion Stadium on Feb. 22 against the Detroit Tigers.

Marquee opponents visiting Champion Stadium include the New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals. This year’s schedule will also include four night games, select promotional themed games, along with the traditional Disney family-oriented fun, including in-game entertainment, Disney character appearances and on-field fan experiences. Kids will again have the opportunity to run the bases after every game.

Individual game tickets for the Braves’ home spring training season are on sale through Ticketmaster (800/745-3000 and ticketmaster.com) and at the sports complex box office. Information on the Braves’ spring training season, group tickets and mini-packs is available by calling 407/939-GAME (4263) and online at www.espnwwos.com/atlantabraves.

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