Tropical Americas

Saturday morning Jenn and Susan returned to the book convention. During their lunch break they went up to the Dezerland Mall for a Duffy Market. Saturday evening they packed up their booth. 

Sunday afternoon Jenn went to Magic Kingdom with some friends. They rode Big Thunder Mountain, and Jenn took photos of the work on Cars’ Piston Peak from the queue. 

Over at Lakeshore Lodge, they have added the start of a structure on the new dock, and palm trees around the second pool area. 

This afternoon a friend of Jenn’s came into town, and I got her into Animal Kingdom. She and Jenn went to ride the safari ride, and I walked around and took photos. The entrance of the new Tropical Americas area is taking shape, and Kevin from Up was meeting in front. 

Looking south from north of the new area, I could see some of the old Dinoland buildings being rethemed. The Encanto ride will be on the left. 

Monsteropolis

This weekend there is book convention near Disney World, and some of the authors and vendors came in early to enjoy the parks. Tuesday morning Jennifer joined them at Animal Kingdom. In the afternoon they visited Epcot, and stayed for the fireworks. 

Wednesday morning they went to Hollywood Studios, and after lunch at Hollywood and Dine spent the afternoon and evening at Magic Kingdom. 

Yesterday afternoon I helped Susan and Jennifer set up for the convention. It was held at the Orlando World Center Marriott, the largest Marriott hotel in the world. 

This morning, while Susan and Jennifer signed and sold books, I spent a few hours at the Studios. I rode Star Tours and made a loop around the park. There’s lots of scaffolding on the buildings of the old Muppets courtyard as they are being converted to Monsteropolis.

I rode the Friendship Boat from the Studios to Epcot and visited with some of the captains. Disney recently announced new experiences would be coming to the Boardwalk. There are construction walls in front of the old Jellyrolls and Big River Grille. 

On the way out of the parking lot, I took a photo of the backside of Monsteropolis at the Studios. The building for the future door factory coaster has started going vertical.

Disney Springs

Susan and I have been too busy in late June and early July to do anything fun, but Bryan spent time in Disney Springs with a friend the week of Independence Day and brought us back some Gideon’s cookies. Around the corner, the owners of Gideon’s are preparing to open a new restaurant, Six Ravens. 

Meanwhile Ghirardelli opened a temporarily location in the old Sprinkles cupcake building while their regular location is being refurbished. 

On the West Side, Level 99 opened at the end of June in the former NBA Experience building. It features games and challenges to be overcome by small teams. 

The Floridian Way widening and realignment continues, along with the revamped entrance to the Polynesian resort. This week they closed the Floridian Way & Seven Seas Drive intersection.