The Walt Disney Company always has something in the pipeline. Here’s what’s new in the world of Disney.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort at Walt Disney World will be adding 26 waterfront cabins to the property’s Disney Vacation Club portfolio. The units will be set up along the shores of Bay Lake and if the prices of the similar bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort are any indication, a nightly stay won’t be cheap – we’re expecting rates around $2,000. The new development will also feature a new pool, boardwalk, and restaurant.
When guests want to have fun at Walt Disney World beyond the parks, many head to Downtown Disney. The entertainment, shopping, and dining district has been undergoing its transformation into Disney Springs over the last few years. Now, according to WESH Orlando, the name change is taking full effect and the complex is now officially known as Disney Springs, topped off by a ceremony to mark the occasion. Over the last few months, it has seen the closing of some venues, the reworking of others, and the opening of completely new ones. More are set to open over the next year.
Another eatery that’s new to the Disney scene is the Indiana Jones-themed Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, which opened for business on Sept. 22. The lounge has outdoor seating and serves cocktails and light bites, including goat cheese-stuffed dates, bratwurst, and more. The back story is based on the fictional Jock Lindsey, whose love of aviation is evidenced by the spare plane parts, postcards, and antique maps on the walls.
In August, we gave you the scoop on all the new Star Wars happenings taking place on both coasts. Now, we’ve got more details on the Season of the Force event at Disneyland Resort. On Nov. 16, the “Happiest Place on Earth” will debut the Star Wars Launch Bay exhibit, add a new scene from Star Wars: The Force Awakens to the Star Tours attraction, turn Space Mountain into Hyperspace Mountain, and offer special merchandise, food, beverages, and more.
Lastly, being that Star Wars Land will break ground in 2016, the company is announcing some closures at Disneyland Park to make way for the new section. On Jan. 10, 2016, the Disneyland Railroad, Mark Twain Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia, Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes, and Fantasmic! will close temporarily. Closing permanently at the end of that same day are Big Thunder Ranch, including Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue, Big Thunder Ranch Petting Farm, and Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree.
