See the latest news from the central Florida theme parks and attractions at http://www.doingflorida.com/

Here's the archive from June 2007:

Jun 30 : Universal Studios - Father & son spotted

We all know that Back to the Future is now to be replaced by a similar attraction but based on the Simpsons. There were supposed to be characters from the Simpsons appearing in the park but no one had reported spotting them …..until now. Both Bart and Homer have been spotted in the last week, so the promotion has started.Click here to see the video of the latest sightingJun 29 : Disney Yacht and Beach Club ResortsThere are a few reports about the campfire (held at 8.00pm) and a movie (shown at 9.00pm) on the water near the shipwreck on the beach at this resort. They apparently have a powerful sound system and a large inflatable screen. Movies shown include 'Cars' and 'Lilo and Stitch'.Details of how you get to see the films or even whether you are allowed to watch if you are not a guest in the hotel, are still sketchy but more details to come!Jun 28 : Universal Studios - Halloween Horror NightsUniversal Studios have announced they are to have the characters Jason, Freddy Krueger and Leather Face from The Slasher films appearing at the studios Halloween Horror Nights this autumn from September 28th to November 3rd.They will be used in their annual night time scare-fest around Halloween but exactly how has not been revealed. You do have to buy tickets for the event which cost $64.95, no child prices as it’s deemed to be too scary for the younger audience!Jun 28 : Disney MGM Studios - Toy Story ManiaThere is speculation that the new ride at MGM studios, Toy Story Mania, may be opening at the end of April next year. This is only a tentative opening date but should be confirmed nearer the time.Jun 27 : International Drive - Cricketers Arms new opening date.The date has now been confirmed for the reopening of this popular British Style pub. It will now open on the weekend of the 6th July so if you're in the International Drive area at this time it may be worth a trip down to the Festival Mall!Jun 27 : Disney MGM StudiosHere's a few updates from the Studios:Good news for Star Wars fans. You can join the Jedi Training Academy whenever you visit as it is to become a regular entertainment. The stage installation is due to begin July 9th 2007.Voyage of the Little Mermaid may be closing for refurbishment at the end of the summer/beginning of Autumn 07 but what will be done is yet to be announced.Playhouse Disney will have new segments added in February 08. The new parts will include Jojo’s Circus, Little Einsteins and Mickey’s Club House. What sections will be removed have not been announced.The Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade is to be replaced by a new version of Block Party Bash (the parade from Dineyland California) from March 08.The ABC theatre is also planning to host a new show from May 08. What it will be has not yet been revealed but Disney people have been seen walking around the building with plans and climbing up ladders!Jun 26 : Epcot - Canada film updateO Canada will be closed for refurbishment from 20/8-24/8/07. This means the new film may premier on 25th August.Jun 26 : Disney MGM Studios - Rock 'n' RollercoasterRock’n’Roller coaster is rumoured to be closed for a refurbishment from 2/9/07 to 30/9/07. Exactly what will be done is not yet known, and the dates are yet to be confirmed. Apart from that, everything is clear... ;-)Jun 26 : Magic Kingdom - Parents arrested for leaving daughter in strollerOn Saturday two parents were arrested after leaving their 3 year old daughter in her stroller while they rode on Pirates of the Caribbean! She was found at 4.45pm after being spotted by a guest. She was hot, turning red and covered in sweat. She failed to respond when shook by the paramedic and so was taken indoors where she was revived by giving her water.Deputies said that the temperature would have been deadly that day as it was in the low 90’s. The parents' excuse as to why they left their daughter was that the girl was asleep inside a double stroller and got lost in the shuffle as their group of two adults and four children approached the ride. The parents only realized their daughter was missing when they exited the ride. The child recovered and has been put in the care of relatives.Jun 25 : Epcot - Secrets Revealed!Ever wondered how the globe, for the fireworks at Epcot, gets to the World Showcase Lagoon? There is a drawbridge between China and Germany that can open to let firework barges come from the back of Epcot to the Lagoon.It’s very rare to see this drawbridge open but this video shows the bridge open and the enormous globe sailing through.Enjoy!Here's the link to the videoJun 25 : Magic Kingdom - Independence DayJuly 4th is one of the busiest days at Magic Kingdom but expect even more people to descend on the place this year! The park will hold the citizenship ceremony for hundreds of people in front of Cinderella’s Castle. The national anthem will then be sung by Gloria Estefan.So if you were intending to go to magic kingdom on 4th July you had better get there early or you won’t get in!Jun 24 : International Drive - Bus service from Orlando InternationalFor the independent traveller there may be good news on getting to your hotel from the airport. Lynx are to schedule a shuttle bus between Orlando International Airport and International Drive with the service to possibly start as early as Autumn 07.Jun 24 : International Drive - Cricketers ArmsCricketers Arms now has a re-opening date. It is relocating at the new Festival Bay Mall on International Drive, moving from its old location at the Mercado Center. Most of the fixtures and fittings have moved with them to try and keep that special British Pub feel! The opening date is either 25th or 26th June depending on final inspections.Jun 23 : International Drive - Another RobberyEarly Friday morning police were called to a robbery taking place at Amigo’s restaurant on International Drive. The four robbers were pursued by police and three were arrested after crashing the car. At one point police fired two shots but no one was hurt. This restaurant is right in the centre of International Drive near the Mercado Centre. Many tourist hotels are in this area so this highlights again the need to be careful while on holiday and to perhaps not be out on the streets too late at night!Jun 23 : Epcot - American AdventureThe American Adventure has now re-opened with the main changes being to the ending of the video. It’s a little longer and contains scenes from 9/11, Oprah, fire-fighters and police officers. Seems to be getting a good reaction from audiences.Jun 23 : Magic Kingdom - Independence Day FireworksAs last year, there will be two displays - one on July 3rd and one on July 4th. It's rumoured that these will be the last shows in the present format, as everything will be redesigned for 2008.Jun 22 : Downtown Disney - Security stepped upWalt Disney World is increasing its efforts to make Downtown Disney a safe area to be. The security guards and off-duty Orange County deputy sheriffs increased their presence in the area last weekend.There will be 11 off-duty sheriffs added to the normal 4 member team at Downtown Disney for 4 weekends. They are concentrating on groups of young adults and teenagers who are seen to be “hanging around”. It will also reassure tourists after the alleged abduction that (may have) happened there recently.Jun 21 : Epcot - Wonders of LifeIt is now rumoured that the inside of Wonders of Life is to be stripped and the space will be used for corporate events, parties etc. The murals inside the dome are to be painted over, Body Wars and Cranium Command will remain but will be separated from the dome area. Seems a shame that another part of Disney is to be given over to corporate entertaining.Jun 21 : Epcot - Spaceship EarthSpaceship Earth will not now close in June, the date has moved back to 9th July. As a result the refurbishment due to end 1/11/07 has now been extended until 13/11/07.Jun 20 : Epcot - O CanadaO Canada will be closing from August 20th-24th. It will be having a refurbishment but it is also rumoured that the O Canada film will be replaced.Jun 20 : Downtown Disney - Don’t go swimming!On Wednesday a man was rescued from the lake at Downtown Disney but may face charges from the police because of the story he told them. The man was swimming in the lake after a night of drinking but got into trouble when he developed cramps. He was rescued but told officials he was with another man which proved to be false. As a result they searched for a further three hours which wasted valuable resources. He will face charges of filing a false police report.Jun 19 : MGM studios - Magic of AnimationThere are some interesting Disney characters to meet and great from the new film “Ratatouille” appearing at the Magic of Animation Building.They are very loveable-looking rats in quite an elaborate set of oversized ingredients and other kitchen items. This is only a short term opportunity to meet the characters so if you are there pay them a visit. The film opens end of June.Jun 18 : Epcot - Wonders of Life pavilionThis has now closed again and this time it may be forever, although they have been known to open it for special events such as Thanksgiving. If anyone is going this summer though they won’t be able to see Cranium Command or Body Wars!!Jun 18 : Disney Free Dining PlanIf you are booking your summer holiday this year and doing it all independently you may want to take advantage of free meals at Disney hotels.If you book a stay at one of their hotels staying between August 26th and September 22nd you can have the free dining package for the period of your stay. The minimum stay is 3 nights and a minimum of 1 day theme park entry for each person. Good deal if you can get the flights for that period but you have to book by June 24th!Jun 17 : Islands of Adventure - Hydro Action Ski ShowOn Saturday the Hydro Action Ski show opened at Islands of Adventure. When you watch it beware as there are the customary “Splash Zones” where you will get the full spray from the jet skis, good if you need a cool down.If you do need the shade or a sit down the best place is probably near Toon Lagoons Me Ship, The Olive, from here you should get a good view of the ramps. The action involves lots of driving around on jet-skis with the occasional launch over a ramp. There is a very impressive display of side-by-side skiers who also go over the ramp.The most unusual section is where the skier looks like they are floating above the surface by way of some clever effects. The show seems to be going down well with plenty of people watching. The show lasts 15 minutes and runs 4 or 5 times during the afternoon from June 29th to August 18th.Jun 16 : Busch Gardens - SheiKra reopens todayThe best coaster at Busch Gardens, Shreikra, is open again today after a short closure to make it a floorless coaster. Reports say it makes the ride a lot more “liberating” and really tests the nerves. For a video of a ride through before the official opening check out the link below. Looks awesome!!!!!See the video hereJun 16 : Contemporary Resort constructionThis video taken 13/6/07 shows how the building of the new Disney Vacation Club accommodation is really coming along now. Sounds like there is quite a lot of noise coming from on-site machinery but hopefully it doesn’t start up too early! The new crescent shaped, 16 storey tower is expected to be completed late 2009.Here’s the link to the videoJun 16 : Downtown Disney - Cigar Shop opens!!Something you don’t see over here is happening in Downtown Disney Pleasure Island. A new “Cigar Bar” has opened allowing cigar smokers to have a place to enjoy a cigar, or other tobacco products, in an intimate lounge where wine, beer, spirits and coffee are served 11am-2am.The lounge is very tastefully decorated with pendant style lighting and a glass bar top which looks like a floating block of ice. The place is called Fuego by Sosa Cigars who have had a long standing relationship with Walt Disney World over the last 10 years.Jun 15 : Epcot - American Adventure closes MondayThe American Adventure will be closed for refurbishment from June 18th to the 21st. No big changes just some updates to the film in the finale of the attraction.Jun 14 : Disney MGM Studios - name to stay?Today Disney denied that the whole of MGM theme park is being re-named “Disney-Pixar Studios”. They did though confirm that the area around the new Toy Story Mania attraction will be re-named as “Disney-Pixar Studios”. This sounds a lot more likely as changing the name of the park itself does seem a step too far.Jun 13 : Disney MGM Studios - or is that Disney Pixar Studios...?!It appears that many of the areas around the new Toy Story Mania attraction are to be renamed to coincide with the opening of the new ride and the rumoured re-naming of the park itself to Disney-Pixar Studios. There may be a new Quick Service Pizza location in the Streets of America area, which may be renamed as part of a new Chicago Area. There are also rumours that Mickey Avenue may be renamed “Pixar Studios”.Jun 13 : Downtown Disney – Robbery updateThe couple who alleged they were robbed at Downtown Disney earlier this week have now decided not to assist Orange County investigators with the investigation. They were asked to help create an image of the culprits and take a voice-stress examination but declined. Both victims signed a declination of intent, which stops the investigation. The investigation has now been closed, pending any new additional information. There are now rumours alleging that they may have invented the whole thing!Jun 12 : Disney World Resort Hotels - Refurbishment plansThere are plans for pool upgrades and some room renovation in some of the Disney World hotels. Here are the details released so far:- All-Star Movies Resort - Refurbishment of the Mighty Ducks pool this summer. Guests can use the Fantasia pool in the meantime.- All-Star Music Resort - All buildings, except those with family suites, are being renovated but expected to be completed by the end of June.- All-Star Sports Resort - All buildings will be renovated between June and November.- Caribbean Beach Resort - The feature pool will be closed from January 2008 until June 2008. - Grand Floridian - Building 6 closes in September for refurbishment.Jun 11 : Downtown Disney - Two tourists robbedJust after midnight on Sunday morning two American tourists were walking across the car park at Downtown Disney when they were called over to a parked car. They were forced into the car, taken to an ATM to make a withdrawal then dumped out of the car. A reminder to us all - just because you are on holiday don’t drop your guard and always be aware of your surroundings.Jun 11 : New Technology for guests with DisabilitiesDisney has developed a new handheld device to help guests with disabilities enjoy the parks and attractions. The PDA-sized device knows its location by using sensors around the parks. The device is enabled now for handheld captioning and closed captioning. They hope to have amplified audio for assisted hearing to be up and running by September. It’s planned that the device will eventually also provide descriptive audio for people who are blind or with low vision. If you need a device ask at Guest Services at the parks.Jun 10 : Magic Kingdom - Haunted MansionThe Haunted Mansion has now officially closed for its refurbishment over the summer. The walkway is now blocked off and a note has been placed on the construction wall from Master Gracey. Nice touch from Disney to let people know its closed. Look forward to the reopening in the Autumn.Here's the wording on the note:My Dear Guests,We're terribly sorry but I'm afraid The Haunted Mansion is closed this summer for renovation. Meanwhile, I'm roaming the netherworld in search of a few new spirits to join our family of happy haunts.Supernaturally, they'll be dying to meet you when they move in this fall! I do hope you'll 'hurry back'. Until then...Yours in eternity,Master GraceyYour 'Ghost Host'To see a picture of the notice click hereJun 9 : MGM Studios - Star ToursThere are rumours that there will be a new film for the Star Wars ride at the end of 2007. Anthony Daniels (the voice of C-3PO) recently confessed, at a convention he was attending, that he had just completed filming portions of a film for the Star wars Attraction. He didn’t give any further details except it would be added late 2007. The film was looking a little dated so a reworking of the film and possibly the interior is probably about due.Jun 9 : Magic Kingdom - Famous visitor spottedUma Thurman has been seen at Magic Kingdom this week. She is on vacation with her family at Walt Disney World Resort. Just shows, keep your eyes open when you are there as you never know who you might see!!Jun 9 : Kennedy Space Center - Space Shuttle Atlantis LaunchThe space shuttle Atlantis and its seven-member crew lifted off on Friday from Kennedy Space Center at 7:38 p.m. EDT to continue construction of the International Space Station.Here's the official NASA Launch VideoJun 8 : Wet’n’Wild - Brain Wash RideThey seem to be having problems sorting out the opening of Brain Wash. Seems that the ride was running a little too fast so some final adjustments are now needed. They are talking about a new opening date of June 11th……possibly?Jun 8 : Universal Studios - Blue Man GroupThe show, which opened this week, seems to be going down well with audiences. There seems to be a good reaction to the show and audiences are really getting into the strange world of the “Blue man Group”. If anyone is not sure what they are about there is a great video with clips of the show and an interview with people involved.Here’s the link - www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwLBBK4eXcMJun 7 : Downtown Disney fireThere is now some dramatic footage of the car fire that recently happened at the car park in Downtown Disney. You can see why some shops were closed for a while as the smoke seems pretty bad!Here's the link - www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z26MnSZU3AMJun 7 : Wet’n’Wild - Brain WashThis is now expected to open on Friday 8th June. This is along with the parks Summer nights promotion where it will stay open until 11pm on Friday and Saturday night until July 29th.Jun 6 : Epcot - Spaceship EarthRumour has it that when Spaceship Earth is closed for the big refurbishment there is also a plan to remove the giant magic wand that reaches over the top. This probably won’t happen though until the end of the project as then crowds will be lighter when they close the pathway on that side of the ride.There have been rumours of the wand coming down for quite a while although why the dislike for it appears to be so strong remains a mystery? Let's have some theories please - serious or not!Jun 5 : Epcot - Soarin’ QueueThe changes to the queue area for Soarin’ are now well under way. Apparently all the large pictures have been removed and the stand-by queue is closed, although this was only temporary.Jun 5 : Epcot - Tip BoardsHow frustrating is it to walk for half an hour through the theme parks for a fast pass only to find they have all gone for the day or the only times left are when you plan to be well gone.Well this will no longer a problem at Epcot. They have installed new electronic tip boards which will not only tell you how long the queues are but also the current return times for FastPass tickets.Jun 5 : Busch Gardens - SheiKraThere are reports that the new floorless trains on SheiKra are already being tested. There will be a media day for the opening on June 15th before the official opening on the 16th.Jun 4 : Downtown Disney fire?There have been stories around that Disney Quest has today been on fire!! There have even been some dramatic pictures. There is no need to worry as the smoke seen was due to a car fire in the car park. The only thing affected was the parking lot and no parts of Downtown Disney itself.See one of the photos hereJun 3 : Epcot - New Snack locationsIt is reported that two new snack locations are planned for Epcot. One will be at The American Gardens Theater which will be a concession-style kiosk positioned outside the theater. The second will be a snack and beverage kiosk at the entrance of World Showcase near Future World. Installation may start Summer 2007.Jun 3 : Animal Kingdom - Jungle CruiseReports from cast members state that the Jungle Cruise may be scheduled for a major refurbishment early 2008. No details of the refurbishment have been released but has been described as “a multi-month maintenance and refreshing refurbishment”.Jun 3 : Disney MGM Studios - Toy Story ManiaToy Story Mania construction is about to expand more into guest areas effecting the Mickey Avenue area of the park starting 25th June 2007 to the end of 2007. The Kim Possible Meet and Greet location will be moved to the Streets of America. The Friends of JoJo's Circus and Little Einsteins Meet n Greet locations will be moved to the Animation Courtyard near Playhouse Disney Live on Stage!The Mickey Mouse Meet & Greet location will be moved to the Sorcerer Hat. The park area between Journey into Narnia and the Backlot Tour Entrance will be closed to Guest traffic. This may make this area very congested in the busy summer period as its one of the main ways through to The Backlot Tour.Jun 2 : Animal Kingdom - Yak & Yeti restaurantThis new restaurant at Animal Kingdom now has a scheduled opening date of 8th October 2007. It will be themed to fit in with its surroundings of Everest. It will house both a table service restaurant and a quick service eatery.Jun 2 : Universal Studios - Simpson’s RideThe new ride is now being referred to as Project Fish and permits have been requested by the park for the installation of new dome projection screens and new audio/video systems. Sounds like the attraction will be having a complete overhaul and should be very different.Jun 1 : Islands of Adventure - Wizarding World of Harry PotterThere is video of the announcement made by Universal Studios yesterday, giving details of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It all looks VERY exciting.Here is the link to the video…..enjoy!