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Ears the News with Richard

Universal raised ticket prices for the second time in two weeks. A One day ticket to Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure went up from $88 to $89.

Animal kingdom will be debuting a new indoor character meet n greet in the fall. The store, Beastly Bazaar, will close on 8/12/2012 and will be converted into this new meet-n-greet.

Image from Disney Parks Blog
Pinocchio Village Haus added 3 new flatbread pizzas to their menu.  The three new flatbreads include barbecued chicken, red onions, mozzarella and cheddar cheeses and a mango barbecue sauce, a caprese flatbread with plum tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, a blend of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan, balsamic glaze, and fresh basil, as well as a simple cheese and pepperoni flatbread for the kids.


There appears to be some progress on the new Splitsville that will be replacing the closed Virgin Mega Store. Crews arrived earlier this week and began partial demolition of the building.


Splitsville Image from Wdwmagic.com
Walt Disney World will be participate in the "World's Largest Swimming Lesson" again this year.  This has been held at Typhoon Lagoon in the past but this year's event will be at Blizzard Beach. Blizzard Beach will also serve as the event headquarters.

The nation's top water safety and training organizations are teaming up to present The World's Largest Swimming Lesson on 6/14/2012, to help build awareness about the importance of teaching children to swim to help prevent drowning. On 6/14/2012, waterparks, pools and other aquatic facilities around the world will host local worlds Largest Swimming Lessons simultaneously at 11am ET in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record. 

The lesson at Blizzard Beach will begin at 11 AM, with participants needing to register beginning 9 AM near the wave pool.  Regular park entrance is required, and anyone aged 8 or older can take part alone, anyone under 8 must be accompanied.

According to Disney, Blizzard Beach will still be operating as normal during the day.



“Carbon Freeze Me”, which debuted early this year at the first Star Wars weekend in May, will remain open until 6/16/2012. The price is still $99.95 plus tax and shipping and reservations can be made at 407-939-8324.

Disney has just released the lineup for this year's Candlelight Processional at Epcot.

11/23–25 Isabella Rossellini
11/ 26–29 Neil Patrick Harris
11/30–12/1 Whoopi Goldberg 
12/11–13 Jodi Benson
12/14–16 Olivia Newton John
12/20–22 Trace Adkins 
12/23–25 Gary Sinise
12/29–30 Marlee Matlin

Earlier reports that the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review would be closed for the last 3 months of the year appear to have been incorrect. They will however be operating with a new schedule starting on 10/1/2012. Disney tested new operating hours earlier this year and based on favorable reviews the new show times will be 4:00 PM, 6:15 PM and 8:30 PM. Pricing will remain the same.

Cars Land in Disney California Adventure officially opens today.

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