Tidbits
April 2011



Market Replacement

4/26/11 Marketplace Fun Finds actually opened earlier this month. Base on initial Gust reports the store features merchandise $20 and under. The store carried-over the Grab Bag section from Mickey's Mart, but also features a new 5 for $20 section.

4/23/11 LittleMissMatched has recently re-opened in its new Marketplace location. Signage for the new incarnation of Mickey’s Mart has been installed, although the location has yet to open. The new bargain retail location will be named “Marketplace Fun Finds”.

12/27/10 Three Downtown Disney Marketplace retail locations are slated to close in the New Year, two permanently and one temporarily. Summer Sands, Pooh Corner, and Mickey’s Mart are slated to close January 15, 2011. After renovations to the building, new LittleMissMatched and Mickey’s Mart locations will open in Spring 2011. The LittleMissMatched Downtown Disney Westside location is planned to close and transfer operations to the new Marketplace location.

Finer China?

4/26/11 The Yong Feng Shangdian store changed names after re-opening from refurbishment. The store is now called, The House of Good Fortune. Additional Guest reports have indicated that the interior has been extensively refurbished cosmetically in addition to the more open layout.

4/23/11 The Yong Feng Shangdian store re-opened earlier this month . Based on initial Guest reports, the merchandise selection is mostly unchanged; however, the store now features a more open floor plan.

2/27/11 One of Epcot’s World Showcase stores has closed for a significant refurbishment. The Yong Feng Shangdian store in the China pavilion has closed for renovations. The reason for the renovations has not been reported, but the store is expected to re-open in Early April 2011.

Only Rehabs Can Prevent Inferno Fires

4/23/11 Epcot’s Illuminations nighttime show will be missing its signature inferno effects for part of this Spring. Show Cast have reported that the Inferno Barge show element will be undergoing major maintenance and refurbishments from April 27 through May 27, 2011. During this time period the show will proceed unabridged, but without the inferno barge element.

New Dog on the Corner

4/23/11 Casey’s Corner at the Magic Kingdom has made some new permanent additions to its menu. Several “gourmet” style hot dogs that had recently been offered for trail periods at the location have now become part of the regular menu. The gourmet styles include Chicago-Style with Tomato Slices, Dill Pickle, Chicago-style Relish and Banana Peppers; Chili Cheese-Style with Chili and Shredded Cheddar Cheese; and Barbecue Slaw-Style with Pulled Pork, Cole Slaw, and Barbecue Sauce. All three gourmet style hot dogs are priced at $8.09.

Character Change-Up

4/23/11 The Pirate Meet & Greet in the Magic Kingdom’s Advenutreland has been updated with a new swashbuckler. As of April 15th , Pirate Goofy has been replaced by Angelica from the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean – On Stranger Tides. Angelica is currently meeting Guests intermittently from 10:00 am till 5:00 pm. Goofy is scheduled to begin a new Meet & Greet near Splash Mountain in Frontierland beginning April 24, 20011.

Wi-Free

4/23/11 The complimentary Wi-Fi internet access trial at Disney’ Contemporary resort, that began in Late March, has been expanded. Unlike the Contemporary resort trial, the expanded trial is being exclusively conducted in Guest room areas. As of April 16, 2011; Guests staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in the Sugarloaf Building and at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in the Casitas Building One may experience complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. The trail continues at Disney’s Contemporary resort in the public areas of the Wave restaurant, the lobby, the main pool area, and the Convention Center common areas. An end date for this trial offering has yet to be reported.

The Wine Place

4/23/11 Jiko has begun a new culinary experience for wine lovers. Every Wednesday from 3 - 4 pm, the Animal Kingdom Lodge restaurant will host a wine and cheese tasting showcasing the wine regions of South Africa. The experience includes sampling three vintages paired with cheese and fruit. The experience is $25 per person plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are recommended and can be made directly via 407-938-7149.