Tidbits
January/February 2019


Echo Foxtrot

2/19/19 Walt Disney World Operations Cast are reporting a rolling refurbishment for one of Disney’s Hollywood Studios signature attractions. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is schedule to operate at a reduced capacity during a partitioned refurbishment of the drop shafts from Spring through Summer 2019. Due to the reduced capacity, the amount of same day and 30 day FastPass+ reservations are planned to be reduced during the affected period.

Springing-Up

2/19/19 New retail offerings are continuing to Spring up around Disney Springs. ‘The Art Corner’ has recently opened in the space formerly occupied by the Little Missmatched. The new Marketplace shop specializes in made-on-demand art work including watercolor, calligraphy and artistic marbling. In Spring 2019, a new 10,000 square foot Ron Jon Surf Shop will open in the Town Center replacing the space formerly occupied by the Disney Corner.

Don’t Be a Soda Jerk

2/3/19 A popular minor diner is set to close for a major refurbishment at the end of Summer 2019. From Early August – December 2019, Beaches and Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Beach Club resort will be closed for renovations. As part of the refurbishment, the Lafferty Place Arcade will permanently close and the space is planned to be used to expand the Beaches and Cream seating area. During the refurbishment Disney’s Yacht Club resort will operate a temporary Soda Shop serving a smaller menu of Beaches and Cream’s famous sundaes. The abridged menu will reportedly not include the Kitchen Sink. No further details on the temporary location were announced.

Shopping Shake-Up

2/3/19 Sunset Blvd. at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has had some significant shop switches in recent years. After the total replacement of its two corner stores, change is making its way further down the boulevard. The Planet Hollywood Super Store closed on February 2, 2019. The next door Legends of Hollywood is reportedly planned to expand into the former location.

A Surprise Snack

2/3/19 Marketplace Snacks at Disney Springs has recently surprised Guests with a classic Disney snack. The Marketplace dining location can now be added to the short (but growing) list of Walt Disney World locations serving the Dole Whip. Initial reports are that only the classic Pineapple flavor is currently being served in regular and float versions.

Meal on the Move

2/3/19 Guests purchasing tickets for Early Morning Magic for Toy Story Land will find their breakfast in a new location beginning this week. Effective February 6, 2019; the breakfast portion of the hard ticket event will be held at the Backlot Express.

Popping Up

2/3/19 If you think Mickey’s 90th Birthday celebration is everywhere in the Magic Kingdom. You may be surprised to hear it has popped up in another new place—in the popcorn. The park has recently added a new Birthday Cake flavor to its line of Main Street Popcorn Company pre-packaged popcorn. The new flavor is popcorn with a colorful ‘birthday cake’ flavored coating. The new (and probably limited) flavor is priced at $5.99.

Making Grapefruits out of Lemons

2/3/19 Originally announced as the Lemon garage, the third parking structure for Disney Springs has encountered some delays in opening. In addition to the ‘Grapefruit' name change, the opening date has been postponed till Spring 2019.

8/12/18 More details are becoming concrete for the third parking garage at Disney Springs. The Lemon Garage’s pedestrian bridge has recently been raised and appears it will connect Guests near the Basin store as its point of entry to Disney Springs. The Lemon Garage is currently schedule to open in Early 2019.

4/2/17 New stores and dining spots aren’t the only things still springing up at Disney Springs; there’s still more infrastructure work to come. Construction has begun for the Third Parking Garage for the shopping, dining, and entertainment area. The Walt Disney World Casting parking lot closed on April 1st as part of the project commencement. The third garage will be connected via a pedestrian bridge across Buena Vista Drive. The new garage will reportedly be mixed use for both Guests and Cast Members.

A Crabby Operation

2/3/19 Only several months after opening, Sebastian's Bistro at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort has modified its operating schedule. In Late January, the Caribbean themed table service location ceased its Lunch Service. The restaurant now operates 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm daily.

Take a Closer Look

2/3/19 As part of the 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Arts, Walt Disney Imagineering has been busy hiding some works of Disney Animation art around World Showcase. During the festival, look for Disney Characters painted onto the walls of various buildings in the World Showcase pavilions. Based on recent Guest reports, the hidden works of art are can currently be discovered in the China, France, Germany, Italy, Morocco, United Kingdom, and American Adventure pavilions.

Wide World of Concessions

2/3/19 The concessions stands at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex continue to get a major upgrade. The Arena has opened two Concession Stands featuring fan favorite eats from Floridaian gastronomy all-stars 4 Rivers, The COOP and 4R Cantina Barbacoa.