Indy's Temple Takes Shape

Thanks to Bioreconstruct, we can see that Countdown to Extinction aka DINOSAUR at Disney's Animal Kingdom is quickly becoming the temple entrance to the new Indiana Jones Adventure. This will be the next in a series of temples in Walt Disney World. First, there are those in the Jungle Cruise at the Magic Kingdom. Next we have the pyramid and interior temples at the Mexico pavilion at Epcot. Now, this. We can debate whether or not Encanto and Indy fit, but the look and feel of Tropical Americas aligns perfectly with the park. Is it just my vivid imagination or is Disney's Animal Kingdom becoming the new World Showcase one step at a time?
 

Universal Builds Epic Universe and More While Disney Talks, and Talks, and Talks

While Disney executives Josh D'Amaro and Robert Iger talk and talk and talk some more, Universal Creative is hard at work building Epic Universe, the third major theme park for Universal Orlando Resort. Due to open in 2025, you can see in this image by Bioreconstruct, the dueling coaster tracks of the park's high profile Star Fall Racers are coming into their own. The great Theme Park Stop with host Alicia Stella provides the latest news. (See below.)

While Disney Imagineering is hamstrung due to finances- and the full on announcement of Indiana Jones Adventure and an Encanto and Coco themed attractions for Disney Animal Kingdom continues to be placed on hold- Universal forges ahead. The park's going to be game changer once again. 

Harry Potter and Nintendo may be the biggest headliners. (Who can resist a new Parisian themed area with a ride to save the Ministry of Magic?) But my bet is that Classic Monsters and How to Train Your Dragon themed lands will surprise and delight us as well. I'm counting down the days to the park's opening. The only question remains- What Disney park will I have to cut to make enough time at Universal?

(Photograph copyright Bioreconstruct.)

World Class Look at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

Ah, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, the original hotel that Walt Disney World dreams are made of! You're looking at what it looks like now as of mid-March 2023 in a great photo by Bioreconstruct. The new Honolulu high rise tower is being built in the upper right hand corner. It will not only change the sight line, but it will remove the sense of separation from Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.

Photo from My Favorite Disney Postcards

Back in the opening year, the Polynesian was much smaller, giving it a remote, exotic feel. The slightly color corrected version of this vintage postcard is seen below.

As any die hard Poly fan will tell you, the lobby waterfalls were much better looking and more inviting than the glass floats hanging from its ceiling guests see today. The hard to get into Trader Sam's Grog Grotto may be loads of fun, but the new vibe at the Poly is less relaxing than ever before. Still, it's a good place to hang out on a non-park day. But let's not talk about those outrageous room rates! 

(Images copyright The Walt Disney Company and Bioreconstruct.)

Three Great Shots From Bioreconstruct

Popular man that he is, Bioreconstruct may chronicle theme parks in their current form and those in development, but it is easy to forget he is also a great photographer. And here are three recent photos as proof. Above is Universal's Islands of Adventure and a great evening shot of Velocicoaster.  It's definitely one of the best attractions in the park. The evening lights behind it make an even more impressive shot, playing up the drama.

Who doesn't love Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at City Walk? The food is just so good and the atmosphere fun. Is it for everyone? Read our Dine or Ditch review and then make your own decision. 

Last but not least, an impressive shot of Mission: Space at Epcot. The attraction may be yesterday's news because of the nearby Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, but I'd argue that the evening lighting package makes it just as otherworldly. 

There you have it. Three terrific shots from both the Universal Orlando Resort and competitor Walt Disney World proving there's a lot of great photography coming from a favorite resource for all things Central Florida.

(Photographs copyright Bioreconstruct.)

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge from the Air

I'll tell you in tomorrow's article what Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge really needs to round out the experience and turn it into something that can do battle with Harry Potter's world at Universal Orlando, but for now, take a look at this great photo of the land found in Disney's Hollywood Studios. It's a beautiful shot! You get a great view of Millenium Falcon: Smuggler's Run as well as all the shops and restaurants in the main portion of the land. In the outback, the entrance to Rise of the Resistance is slightly hidden, only to be easily found by the very long line of visitors who head to Walt Disney World to get the ultimate Star Wars adventure. 

(Photograph by Bioreconstruct.)

This Islands of Adventure Photo Shows An Epic Universe All Its Own

What a glimpse of Universal Orlando Resort's new Epic Universe? You, me, and everyone else who's a fan! But this photograph from the always popular Bioreconstruct shows how epic Islands of Adventure is on its own! The Velocicoaster is captured against the blue waters of the lagoon from way up on high. Just incredible- but there's a bit of magic going on, isn't there...

(Photograph copyright Bioreconstruct.)

Connections Cafe and Eatery Looks to Be Another Win for New Epcot

Perhaps Imagineer Zach Riddley is on a roll. Take a look at this beautiful view form the brand new Connections Cafe at Epcot. As many other photos will show, the inside is sleek and fresh, but the views looking out are just beautiful! The old Electric Umbrella was tired and dirty. (We stopped in a few years ago, and honestly, it was pretty bad.) As this photo from Bioreconstruct shows, the place seems to be a winner.  

Early reports show the food to be very good as well. A variety of international themed burgers hits the spot. The Bahn Mi sandwhich is calling my name. With Starbucks right next door, well, this is going to be one busy place.

The wide open seating will be a hit as well. Guests choosing to bypass the family friendly coaster, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will have a nearby place to chill. Is this EPCOT Center of old? No. But maybe there are good things ahead for some portions of the park. Connections Cafe sounds like another win for everyone involved.

(Photograph copyright Bioreconstruct.)

A Beautiful American Adventure

Leave it to Bioreconstruct on Twitter to get yet another gorgeous photo of my favorite Disney theme park, Epcot. The American Adventure has never looked so beautiful! World Showcase is just lovely in the evening, and I certainly cannot wait to get there once again.

(Photograph copyright Bioreconstruct.)

A Golden Spaceship Earth and It's Striking New Pylons

Just an incredible early evening photograph of the new Epcot pylons gleaming against a golden hued Spaceship Earth! Really lovely. It's exciting to see work continuing on the re-Imagining of Walt Disney World's second- and perhaps greatest- theme park. Thanks to the much appreciated Bioreconstruct for the photo!

The Epcot I Love

This photograph may be THE one that best captures the essence of the EPCOT Center I loved and remember all so well! The suits and Imagineering have their plans, and there's no doubt they will come to pass. Yes, the park needed a refresh, but this pic by biorecontruct   shows the magic the park still has for those who look for it. (Still writing the last part of my September trip report...)

(Photograph copyright Bioreconstruct.

Disneyland Resort from the Sky

This morning, I'd like to present some recent shots of the Disneyland Resort, including Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and the Marvel expansion in Disney California Adventure. These are from the always welcome Bioreconstruct on Twitter. I just can't address another shooting in our state today. I'm grieved. Pray for us and those whose lives will be forever affected. 

Four shots, above, from the resort. You'll want to take a close look in a larger size as the area is in large for some very different projects that will change its look. Marvel is confirmed. So is Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway. Tron is strongly rumored, as are Fantasyland expansion projects and a whole reImagineering of Tomorrowland- finally.

Next three shots above, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, changing Disneyland forever- an ensuring it will remain the most E Ticket studded Disney theme park in history for years to come. Maybe for good. Fans will debate its placement, but no doubt, it will be a hit.

Between parks and a look at the Marvel expansion for California Adventure. It'll take more than what's planned to do it justice- and more than superheroes to bring peace and an end to the shootings and terrorist attacks worldwide. Lord Jesus, save us from ourselves.

(Photographs copyright Bioreconstruct.)

Flower and Garden Stuns at Epcot

Just one more reason why Epcot remains my favorite Florida park! The Flower and Garden Festival at Walt Disney World brings out all the lush beauty of the nature God created. This photo by Bioreconstruct captures it all beautifully! Click on it to see it in the largest size possible.

Tron Lightcycles Construction from the Air

Thanks to the photography of "bioreconstruct" we have the latest look at the development of Tron Lightcycles attractions in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. 

I'm certainly a fan of this coming to Tomorrowland - but I can't help but wonder if the iconic views of Space Mountain will be a thing of the past.

Once it opens, the race will be on for guests: Will it be running off to one side of the park for these two E Tickets or will they head to Frontierland for the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad / Splash Mountain combination? 

Could Muppet*Vision 3D Leave Hollywood Studios?

Hmmm... Looks as if Muppet*Vision 3D could be going away. Regardless of how often the Disney suits try to reboot Jim Henson's beloved characters, things fall flat. 

Take a look closely at the construction going on for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge (courtesy bioreconstruct). What do you see? I see the Muppets backlot area stuck in the middle of the Galaxy and the existing Star Tours / Tatooine Traders complex. Now, we now the store is going through an extensive remodeling of its own. 

From another angle.

The second photo shows how possible this really is. Would the suits really tear down the newly opened BaseLine Tap House on Grand Avenue? No, but they could cleverly close off the Muppets area and reuse it with a new entrance for more room to expand. Or provide additional access for the Star Wars themed hotel. Odder things have happened. Don't think so? Who would have ever guessed The Great Movie Ride would disappear? Now, anything is possible.

(Photograph copyright "bioreconstruct".)

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror from the Sky

Thanks to the aerial artistry of the amazing gifted photographer bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) on Twitter, we have a rare look at Disney's Hollywood Studios beloved Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. This incredible one of a kind attraction, an Imagineering classic upon opening, seems even more impressive from this view from up in the sky. I never thought that was possible! Folks might really appreciate the looks at the soon to open Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - and I do- but I find the other aspects of the parks and the whole of Walt Disney World just as mesmerizing.

(Photograph copyright bioreconstruct.)