Tidbits February 2012

[Figment!]

Tidbits
February 2012

InnovenChange

2/27/12 The new Habit Heroes exhibit at Innoventions East in Epcot closed on February 25th. An official announcment has not been released regarding the closure, but Epcot Cast are reporting that the closure is likely for a re-work and not a permanent closure.

2/23/12 Earlier this month a new exhibit opened at Innoventions East in Epcot. The Habit Heroes exhibit presented by Florida Blue and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield aims to teach healthy lifestyles for Guests of all ages. The exhibits features an interactive blaster game where Will Power and Callie Stenics help Guests battle villains such as “The Snacker” and “Sweet Tooth”.

A Contemporary Brew

2/23/12 Disney’s Contemporary resort has introduced a new amenity for its Guests. Guests staying at the Disney’s Contemporary Resort (including Bay Lake Tower) are invited to a complimentary beer tasting Saturdays from 3:00 – 4:00 pm in The Wave lounge area. The tasting features organic beers from The Orlando Brewing Company. Guests may reserve a spot at the tasting by calling 7-1347 from a Resort phone.

Referbaroni

2/23/12 A new kiosk has opened in Epcot’s Italy pavilion to compensate for the lengthy Tutto Italia Ristorante refurbishment. The kiosk is offering items such as spicy shrimp pasta, baked cheese ravioli, panini sandwiches, and chocolate cannoli priced $7 - $10. The location also offers Italian beer and wines.

1/25/12 Epcot Cast have reported that the Tutto Italia Ristorante refurbishment has been extended. The new opening date has been announced as April 28, 2012.

1/11/12 Tutto Italia Ristorante in Epcot’s Italy pavilion closed for a multi-month refurbishment on January 8, 2012. Epcot Cast have reported that multi-month refurbishment include remodeling the restaurant interior and adding a new wine bar. The new wine bar will be called “Gusto” and specialize in Italian wines

Taller Tea

2/23/12 The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa has recently announced a change to their policy for the Wonderland Tea Party event. The event has extended the age range of participating Guests from ages 4 – 10 to ages 4 – 12.

Surveying the Landscape

2/23/12 Walt Disney World has announced the lay-out of the Landscape of Flavors food court at Disney’s Art of Animation resort. The food court will offer a Soup-Salad-Sandwich shop featuring create-your-own salads, a World Flavors Shop, a Pizza Shop featuring make-your-own-pasta, a Burger Shop, and Market Shop featuring grab-n-go items. The food court will also offer a large beverage selection including made-to-order fruit smoothies.

Cards to the Kingdom

2/23/12 The Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom interactive game officially debuted yesterday (2/22) after months of soft openings. The interactive card game allows Guests to interact with animated scenes hidden throughout the Magic Kingdom. Using a map, Guests travel around the Magic Kingdom park where they use cards to unlock magic portals and cast spells to defeat Disney Villains. Guests may sign-up for the new attraction at the Firehouse on Main Street USA. The hours of operation for the new attraction are park opening till one hour prior to park close. Currently, the attraction will not be offered during Extra Magic Hours.

[disneymom15]

Thanks for the info. The food court sounds interesting, may have to take a trip over there and give it a try.

[vizsla]

Thanks for the updates.

[diz_girl]

Thanks Jason!

[pdrlkr]

Thanks Jason!

[Melanie]

Apparently Habit Heroes has already closed due to bad reviews. ????

[Altair]

Apparently Habit Heroes has already closed due to bad reviews. ????

The article I read said "an outpouring of negative reactions", no details were given.

Wow, how bad could it be?

[BriarRose0708]

The article I read said "an outpouring of negative reactions", no details were given.

Wow, how bad could it be?

With characters named Will Power and Callie Stenics, I can't blame them. EPCOT is the right environment, but I'm not sure a vacation destination like WDW is the place most people want to learn about a healthy lifestyle.

[Joannelet]

Thanks for the info! Cannot wait to do the Magic Kingdom interactive game!

[FriendsofMickey]

I had read some bad reviews of the ride as soon as the opened it. From the outpoor of upset people, I can understand them closing it and quickly.

[Figment!]

Apparently Habit Heroes has already closed due to bad reviews. ????

Yes, it has closed without any official announcment.

The aggregate of the bad reviews is a concern that the presentation of the blaster game may be more demeaning than motivating to those who do not currently engage in the healthy choices that the exhibit promotes.

[BriarRose0708]

Just read an article with more details. Jason, you're right. According to the article, most of the complaints came from those that considered the message of the exhibit too aggressive toward those who are considered overweight (the term they used was "fat-shaming"). Additionally, the article suggests the exhibit doesn't take into account other factors that influence obesity like genetics, socio-economic status, etc. The media relations rep from Disney quoted in the article said they are reconsidering the exhibit and may re-introduce the same concepts of healthy living in a different way. I won't post the link to the article, but it's easily found on a search engine that rhymes with Wahoo.

[Jared]

Yes, it has closed without any official announcment.

The aggregate of the bad reviews is a concern that the presentation of the blaster game may be more demeaning than motivating to those who do not currently engage in the healthy choices that the exhibit promotes.

Don't even get me started...

[ronandjulie]

2/27/11
The new Habit Heroes exhibit at Innoventions East in Epcot closed on February 25th. An official announcment has not been released regarding the closure, but Epcot Cast are reporting that the closure is likely for a re-work and not a permanent closure.

So sad. It makes sense if you just look around at the majority of the guests the next time you're at WDW.