Hey gang, welcome back to another edition of the Orlando Parkhopper. While news was slow this week, we were able to pick up on a few interesting things happening at the Magic Kingdom. We also dropped by Busch Gardens Tampa to shop at their newly renovated Emporium and see the new Let's Dance show featuring Burn the Floor. We even check in on Universal Studios Orlando and SeaWorld too to see what's going on. But first, a chance to win free stuff in our two Orlando Parkhopper contests . . .

~ORLANDO PARKHOPPER HELPER CONTEST~

Did you spot something interesting in the Orlando parks? Want to share? If you submit a photo, tip, news or even a whole section of info that we are able to use for the column, we'll enter you in a contest to win a $50 Amazon gift card. If we run your item in the Orlando Parkhopper this month, we'll automatically enter you into the contest. A winner will be selected at random at the end of the month.

Just send your entry to [email protected] and be sure to mention that you are entering the Orlando Parkhopper contest. Let us know as much as you can about the item you are submitting as well as the name we can use to credit you with on the site.


-ORLANDO PARKHOPPER READER CONTEST-

Even if you aren't in the Orlando area and can't compete in the contest above, we still want to give you a chance to win! Read our updates carefully and then comment below on your thoughts about what you like and don't like in any of the parks we cover in Florida. We'll give you one contest entry for each of our Orlando Parkhopper updates that you comment in (one entry per update regardless of the number of posts you make). At the end of the month, one reader will be chosen at random to win a $50 Amazon gift card!




The Grand Floridian project continues to progress. More earth has been brought in to shore things up and level the area out.








Welcome to the Magic Kingdom and a few bits of news we collected for you this week from Fantasyland and Adventureland.

SPACE MOUNTAIN:
Space Mountain seems to have new digital projectors. They appear to be testing them right now. Currently, they project images of meteors, stars, giant chocolate chip cookies and other space related images. Although this could just be a normal projector upgrade replacing the old rotating slide projectors, it does allow for the possibility of something much greater. Couple this with the rampant rumors that both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom versions of the ride will be upgraded sometime in the future, and perhaps we may see something impressive soon. Only time will tell.

FANTASYLAND:
The Fantasyland construction project is still quite a way off from being done. Construction can be a disruptive process. For instance, the sight lines on the west side of the construction project have been completely destroyed. They removed all the trees so you can now see the back of the unthemed show building for "it's a small world" from Frontierland and Liberty Square. It is a very odd and rather jarring thing to see from on stage. With any luck, they'll get through this sooner rather than later.





And a very special thanks to Kevin Yee for his construction photos this week.


The area near Haunted Mansion

While we are on the subject, let's take a look at the current Fantasyland construction projects.




























More of the new Castle Wall barriers are going up now.












BE OUR GUEST RESTAURANT AND BELLE MEET AND GREET:
Here we have the exteriors of the Belle meet and greet and the Be Our Guest Restaurant.








THE LITTLE MERMAID:
We hear that the ride is essentially done on the inside and would be ride-ready within the next few months. However, due to its placement in the construction area it is inaccessible to guests. The exterior queue continues to amaze as more details are added each week.








The area between Storybook Circus and Little Mermaid.


SEVEN DWARFS MINE COASTER:
Last week, we showed you that the mine coaster had finally gone vertical. But since then, there isn't much new for us to show you here.








ADVENTURELAND:
The torches are finally working again after having been out of service for about the last four years. EXCELLENT!








CHANGES ALL OVER:
This past weekend saw big changes at EPCOT - the end of 2 eras. Of course, the biggest news (though surprisingly hushed by Team Disney Orlando until the doors were shut) was the closure of Test Track on Sunday night. For months, the rumors swirled about the closure of the attraction since the Disney Parks blog announced the big changes coming to the attraction, changing the former testing facility theme to the "Chevrolet Design Center at Epcot." Nothing was ever mentioned of its actual closing date, causing the Internet to burn with rumors. Finally, word did begin to trickle out that Test Track would be closed beginning April 16th, despite the lack of official word from Disney to its guests. Eventually, the doors were shut, the walls were put up, and the construction began the following day (yesterday), even if the official Disney website still didn't admit it was being closed until June 1. This has left many guests angry as there was not warning about the closure for them to plan their vacations around. As of yesterday Disney came clean and posted the official refurbishment dates on their website here Disneyworld.com.

Despite the communication mix up, to alleviate the gap in the attraction lineup, EPCOT is testing some new ideas to make the loss less apparent. The biggest is the Test Track All Stars, a singing group themed to travel songs. In addition, the grab and go section of The Land, as well as all 3 of its attractions, as well as the Character Spot meet and greet will be open until 10PM on a trial basis. This means that while the park will still close at 9, these places will remain open to help the crowd levels. It's nice that Disney is trying something, but what is painfully obvious is the need for new attractions in the park for them to be able to close an E ticket and still have enough major attractions for the guests. Plus, being honest about closing dates might help too.

MONORAIL SPIEL:
The spiel for all Walt Disney World monorails changed in mid-April. Yes, the Jack Wagner "Please stand clear..." spiel is still there.

A recording is attached below. Notice that the narration is almost exactly the same as it's previously been, but the voice has changed. Reactions to the voice are somewhat mixed. Some are saying it's similar to the voice of a GPS unit, while others claim it's less "used car salesman" and more sedate and calm. What do you think?


Weekend 2 (May 25- 27)Weekend 3 (June 1 -3)
Weekend 4 (June 8- 10)Activities & entertainment (subject to change)That is all that we have so far. The weekend events and appearances can change at any time so please check back for more updated info as the events get closer.


Communicore Weekly on the MiceTube

Do you miss Horizons at Epcot? We do! This week's Communicore Weekly takes a look at this much missed attraction as well as a new This Week In Disney History segment, Five Legged Goat, and even a Bathroom Break.

If you enjoy these awesome Communicore Weekly videos, please be sure to share them with your friends and leave a comment.



SPECIAL DEAL FOR ANNUAL PASSHOLDERS:
Load up the car with everyone you know and head on down to the park for a very special park admission deal. Now through June 30, passholders can get a $20 discount on admission for family and friends.

Go to the BGT site for specific rules and details

EMPORIUM:
The main gift shop has been given a total makeover and it looks great! Merchandise is better categorized and a new cash wrap has been added to the back wall, freeing up more space for merchandise displays (the old cash registers were in the middle of the store.







































It's really a fun store.

LET'S DANCE! Featuring BURN THE FLOOR:

This show, featuring the international dance troupe, is back performing several times daily for a limited engagement at the Desert Grill. Set against a fast-paced soundtrack of familiar favorites, the troupe brings a new twist to contemporary ballroom dance with the Foxtrot, Tango, Jive, Swing, Mambo and more!






















ANTARCTICA:
From what we can tell, this part of the old Penguin habitat is going to remain.







DINING WITH SHAMU:
The walls have come down, and new signage has been put up. The tank has been filled, and the "quick rising floor" is still raised, but all signs are point to the opportunity that this attraction/restaurant might reopen this summer.














MIDWAY GAME:
Here is a new midway game that they installed near Manta. Good or bad? Let us know what you think.




TURTLE TREK 3D:
Turtle Trek is almost here folks! April 26th is the scheduled opening date so we will bring you the info the second it happens.














CITYWALK:
CityWalk's new installation is moving along with cement pillars now installed.




DESPICABLE ME:
Construction walls have come down around half the building, with a two different paint schemes, and windows paintings. It will be interesting to see how this is executed in the end. Perhaps it's a test?

















GOODBYE MARDI GRAS:
April 14th was the last day for Mardi Gras this year at Universal Studios Orlando. We love this annual festival and are sad to see it go, but we are excited for the upcoming Summer Concert series, the new parade, the new firework show, and the new Despicable Me attraction that are coming this summer.






CINEMATIC SPECTACULAR:
Universal has added themed elements to the outside of the barges to help dress up the industrial look. This is a welcome change, though we wish they had found a way to sink them during the day.








Congratulations go to michael darling for guessing last week's Hidden Parkhopper by posting...
"Hidden parkhopper is the rockwork behind scaffolding on the new Little Mermaid attraction? "




Good job! Let's try this again. Look into the magnifying glass below and see if you can figure out where the park hoppers are this week. Post your guess in the comments area below. If you are the first to answer correctly, you will be featured in next week's update. GOOD LUCK!




Want to meet up with other Disney fans while at Disney World? Several of the Orlando Parkhopper team members are part of a group that meets every weekend.


DON'T FORGET OUR TWO CONTESTS THIS MONTH. COMMENT BELOW OR SUBMIT YOUR OWN ENTRIES INTO THE PARKHOPPER FOR YOUR CHANCES TO WIN!



Join the public Facebook group and get notified of events (the locations are different every time.)

If you appreciate this column, share this page with your friends and don't forget to click that Facebook thumbs up button at the top of the page (it give us the encouragement to bring you even bigger and better updates)!

Please join us in thanking the fantastic and talented crew of writers, photographers and news contributors who worked so hard this week to bring you the latest information from the parks. This week's team included:




- Eric M. Davis (King Eric)
- Professor Brainard
- Aimster - Pictures by Aimster
-Kevin Yee
- Editors this week: Fishbulb, Dustysage

Thank you all for reading, we hope you have a wonderful week and are inspired to explore the amazing variety of attractions on your next visit to central Florida. We'd love to hear your comments below.