Written by: Brittany Madden – Catch up on all Brittany’s Disney Articles
One of the things I love most about Disney is that it is constantly changing. There is always a new surprise I can look forward to while at WDW. Whether it be a shop, store, attraction, or even a refurbishment, these fresh additions keep trips to “The World” exciting and interesting, especially for people like me who frequently visit Disney.
Within the last year, a ton of projects where completed all over WDW and beyond. For more details about these enhancements, read below! =)
Star Tours – This classic Hollywood Studios ride was redesigned and opened back to the public in May. The coolest update is that each ride experience is different. In fact, there are 54 story lines guests can encounter, making riding Star Tours a constant surprise.
Downtown Disney – Loads of new additions have been added to the WDW’s Downtown Disney (DTD) area. Here are the latest:
- AMC Dine-In Theatre – The AMC Theater at DTD has been updated and now includes a dine-in theatre. Dubbed “Fork and Screen”, guests can eat right at their seats while watching the newest movies. Movie goers can choose anything from pizzas to salads to country fried steak!
- LEGO Imagination Center – This always popular store was recently expanded, reaching almost 3,500 square feet! New LEGO sculptures, like Woody and Buzz from A Toy Story, were also created and can be seen in and around the building.
- Apricot Lane Boutique – Apricot Lane Boutique opened this summer and features clothing from some of your favorite celebrities, plus jewelry, purses, and other accessories. It will be located in the old Harley-Davidson store.
- Harley-Davidson – After a 3,635 square-foot expansion, DTD is now home to the largest Harley-Davidson store. Innovative enhancements make it like no other Harley-Davidson store around. Perfect for all the motorcycle dudes and gals vacationing at “The Most Magical Place on Earth”, right?! =P
Aulani – Disney’s newest resort isn’t located in Florida or California. Instead, Aulani resides in Ko Olina, Hawaii! On it opening date of August 29, expect to see that same kind of grandeur and exceptional touches that you have come to expect while staying at other Disney hotels. In keeping with the native culture, there will also be nods to Hawaii’s history and customs. All in all, Aulani has 840 rooms, two restaurants, amenities for conferences and weddings, its own spa, children and adult pools, hot tubs, a lazy river-esque attraction called Waikolohe Stream, and even a snorkel lagoon.
Tinker Bell’s Magical Nook – Tinker Bell and her other pixie friends now have a special place to meet and greet their guests. It’s called “Tinker Bell’s Magical Nook” and is located at MK’s Adventureland.
Disney Dream Cruise Ship – The newest Disney cruise ship was completed earlier this year and features some pretty revolutionary additions. The most innovative of these additions is the Aqua Duck, the world’s first water coaster on a cruise ship!
La Cantina de San Angel/La Hacienda de San Angel – Encompassed into one building, these two Epcot restaurants serves both counter service and table service guests. Along with a new, more authentic menu, the restaurant was reconstructed so that it could seat more guests and also allow a better view of the World Showcase Lagoon and IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Both restaurants will hit their one-year anniversary at Disney in the fall.
Via Napoli –Via Napoli is located in Epcot, snugged in the very back of the Italian pavilion. The menu, design, and atmosphere are all inspired by Naples, Italy. Via Napoli’s doors were opened to the public in August 2010 and has been a hit with Disney guests ever since.
Don’t they all sound wonderful? I don’t know about you gals and guys, but I currently feel a strong urge to go back to WDW…like as soon as possible, ha ha! If you are one of the lucky ones who are planning a trip to Disney (or better yet, visiting Aulani or taking a Disney cruise), be sure to check out these new additions. When you get back, send a quick email or comment below to let me and the Saving Everyday readers know what you think about them!
Sources: http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ships-activities/ships
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog
http://disney.go.com/disneyinsider/insider/article/20110510
