What's New In Orlando?

Disney's Art of Animation Resort is scheduled to open by the end of 2012 featuring nearly 2000 family suites.  The new hotel complex, located near the Pop Century Resort, will feature interiors and exteriors themed to The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Cars, and Finding Nemo.  A 35-foot tall King Triton will tower over guests at the resort.

In Downtown Disney, a hip new store called D Street has opened on the West Side.  The store will sell trendy and retro clothing and accessories, and it will be the headquarters for buying and trading Vinylmation figures, the hottest new Disney collectible.  Fans of the Adventurers Club will enjoy a visit to the store just to reminisce over the props on display from the former club. The former McDonald's will be the new home of Pollo Campero, but you won't recognize the building by the time the redo is complete.  It's been totally gutted to make room for the new restuarant, which will feature Latin-style chicken dishes.  At the old Virgin Megastore site, Ridemakerz is  opening for a limited time.  Customers will be able to design their own toy and remote control cars.  There's no word how long this store will be open.

Over at Hollywood Studios, there are lots of changes.  Disney has sold the rights to Power Rangers back to the original owner, so that show disappeared August 7.  Toy Story Mania has already gotten an addition to promote the Toy Story 3 movie, and Lots-O-Huggin' Bear (aka Lotso) is meeting guests in the Magic of Disney Animation.  Though he's not so nice in the movie, he's giving out hugs at the park, and appearing in the Block Party Bash.

In the Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland, visitors will see lots of construction walls while Ariel's Grotto and Pooh's Playful Place are closed.  Toontown will be closing as well.  Cinderella's Golden Carousel has a new name.  It's now the Prince Charming Regal Carousel. Disney says the name change is to "further develop the rich storylines in Fantasyland and help tell the rest of the Cinderella story."

Captain EO, the 3D Michael Jackson movie that played in Epcot 1986-1994, returned in July to the same theater it where it originally played, replacing Honey, I Shrunk The Audience.  We hear some new effects have been added.  Word is that Captain EO is a limited engagement, so HISTA or something new will return in the future.

Stay tuned for info about Disney's new luxury pet resort!