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Ears the News: May 4, 2018 Edition


Welcome to the latest edition of Ears the News

Brought to you by our friends at WDWMagic.com.


The Pandora Utility Suit made its official debut at Disney's Animal Kingdom last week on Earth Day.

Developed by the Pandora Conservation Initiative, the 10ft tall Pandora Utility Suit is piloted by a
Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com
PCI scientist, who uses the suit to travel through the Valley of Mo'ara to study the Pandoran plants and fauna. During the travels, the pilot takes time to talk to guests and educates them on some of the details of Pandora.

During its opening week there were two shows per day at 9:45am and 11:45am, but the latest schedules are varying. So if you want to see the suit in action, try to get to Pandora early and wait near Pongu Pongu in the far corner of Pandora.

The Haramabe Theater at Disney's Animal Kingdom will be closing for a one day refurbishment next week.

As a result, the Festival of the Lion King show will not be performed on Wednesday May 9 2018.

Disney has released the first image shot inside the upcoming Alien Swirling Saucers attraction in Toy Story Land.

At Alien Swirling Saucers, which is an attraction that’s been designed to look like a toy from Pizza Planet and placed in his backyard next to his Buzz Lightyear’s Star Command playset, Aliens fly around in their toy flying saucers while “The Claw” appears overhead. As you whirl around the toy planets and space stations as part of the game, you’ll swirl to the beat of a fun electronic space music soundtrack that includes eight songs that may sound familiar, but will be heard in a quirky way you’ve never experienced before. Guests will also see pizza details throughout the attraction, including pizza columns, a pizza space station and the Planet Pepperonia.

Disney has also released a ride through video of the new Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster.


Video courtesy of the Disney Parks Blog.
Having trouble viewing the video? Click here to watch on YouTube.

A Wheezy Audio-Animatronics figure will be part of Slinky Dog Dash in the upcoming Toy Story Land.

At the end of the attraction, Wheezy sings “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” assisted by Mike
Photo courtesy of Disney.
(the tape recorder), who’s provided him with a microphone, and Mr. Spell, who “texts” funny commentary. The friends are surrounded by a collection of toys, including a Rubik’s cube, a canister for a game called Pick-Up Snakes, toy wooden blocks spelling out F-U-N, and toy packages for an RC Car and a triangle puzzle game, all framed by a towering book, Mr. Pricklepants Songs for Singing.

Toy Story Land opens June 30, 2018 at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

The Magic Kingdom's ticketed event, 'Disney After Hours' will continue into the summer of 2018.

Like before, the event gives guests extra time in the park to enjoy attractions after regular park closing. There are 11 dates currently planned, June 28, 30; July 7, 9, 14, 21, 28; August 4, 11, 30; September 20, 2018.

Disney After Hours at the Magic Kingdom tickets get you into the park from 7pm, with the event taking place from regular park close for three hours. 'Disney After Hours' includes complimentary ice cream novelties and beverages.

The cost is $119 plus tax for ages 3+ with advance purchase, or $124 for day of. Passholders and DVC can get a discounted rate of $89 plus tax. Theme park admission is not required.

Extra Magic Hours for Disney resort hotel guests are not impacted by this event, with Disney After Hours taking place on non-EMH nights.

You can call 407-827-7185 to book tickets or purchase them directly from the Walt Disney World website.

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com.

After a 35 year long run, Disney's hard ticketed Night of Joy event at Walt Disney World will no longer take place.

Night of Joy moved from the Magic Kingdom to ESPN Wide World of Sports 2016.

Although Disney has not offered a reason for discontinuing Night of Joy, most suspect that the decision was based on the number of operational difficulties event created.


Looking to plan your next trip to Walt Disney World? Contact the agents at Kingdom Konsultant Travel to help you plan your dream vacation. Email vacations@kingdomkonsultant.com for a free quote today.

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