Goodbye Main Street Bakery

Okay, so I know that I'm a little late to the party on this one. It isn't that I didn't know it was happening or wasn't aware of the story, it's just that I was so upset about it I honestly didn't want to talk about it.
However, as with everything in life, ignoring it won't make it not happen so here it goes...

In January the Main Street Bakery in the Magic Kingdom will close for a major refurbishment. The beloved bakery is becoming a Starbucks. Yup, a Starbucks.

The good news is that at least you'll be able to get a decent cup of coffee at Walt Disney World come the summer. The bad news is that well, the Main Street Bakery is becoming a Starbucks.

There are a LOT of angry and upset people right now. It's understandable. As adults we love Walt Disney World because of how it makes us feel like kids again. We don't like change. Even if the change is a good thing.

People are complaining about the price of Starbucks. Have you seen how much it costs to get a cup of dare I say crappy coffee at Walt Disney World today? At least with Starbucks you know you'll get a decent cup of coffee and you'll get a LOT more choices. The coffee aspect of this change is a great thing. I'm excited about it. The thought of enjoying a nice cold caramel frappacinno while walking around a hot theme park makes me a happy little Lady. The thought of seeing a Starbucks logo on Main Street... not so much.

Then I think about all of the other logos on Main Street and I sort of get over it. I mean, Edy's has giant logos over the ice cream shop and Coca Cola has giant signs over Casey's. It really isn't such a big deal when you think about it.
I was so excited when I came up with a fabulous idea for a logo and then felt silly because apparently everyone had the same idea. I didn't create this image I found it on Google but I love it and would embrace it if Disney actually used it instead of the actual Starbucks logo.

I think it's only fair to mention that I was once a Starbucks employee. I am not a Starbucks lover. I don't live for a cup of coffee and personally I'd choose Dunkin Donunts coffee over any other brand any day of the week... but I can say that as a former employee I think it's actually a good match. Keep in mind that the people who will be working at the Disney locations will be DISNEY Cast Members and not Starbucks employees. They'll be in costume and not the horrible green aprons everyone is used to seeing.

Also, keep in mind that Starbucks already exists in Disneyland and the world hasn't come to a horrible end just yet.

What do you think? Are you excited about having a good cup of coffee or are you upset and angry about the change? I'd love to hear your thoughts here and on Facebook!

Big Thunder Mountain Reopens Monday May 28th!

After being closed for 5 months for a major refurbishment, I am happy to say that Big Thunder Mountain has started it's soft opening and will officially today, Monday May 28th!

There was extensive work done on the track, the show scenes, and the queue.
The best part is that all of the show/ride elements are now working including the geysers!

If you have any photos of the newly refurbished queue and/or ride, please let me know. I'd love to share them with my readers.

Walt Disney World March Atrractions Refurbishments and Closings

For those of you heading to Walt Disney World next month, here is a quick list of refurbishments and closings that you should be aware of so that you can plan accordingly. I wish I had looked into this a few years ago... Hubby and I put off riding Splash Mountain because I was terrified (it has since become one of my favorite rides) until our last day and were SO disappointed to see all the water drained and the ride closed for refurbishment. If I had known it would be closed we definitely would have ridden it earlier in our trip. I hope this list can help prevent a similar situation for you and your family. I will post this list every month.

Magic Kingdom® Park
Plaza Ice Cream Parlor Dumbo the Flying Elephant Big Thunder Mountain Railroad	01/04/12 - 03/27/12 01/09/12 - 03/11/12 01/09/12 - 05/27/12
Epcot®
Tutto Italia Ristorante Innoventions: House of Innoventions	01/08/12 - 04/27/12 12/04/11 - May 2012
Disney's Hollywood Studios®
Sounds Dangerous Studio Backlot Tour	Closed; Operates Seasonally 02/13/12 - 03/09/12

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
Annual Refurbishment	12/04/11 - 03/17/12

Walt Disney World February Atrractions Refurbishments and Closings

For those of you heading to Walt Disney World this month, here is a quick list of refurbishments and closings that you should be aware of so that you can plan accordingly. I wish I had looked into this a few years ago... Hubby and I put off riding Splash Mountain because I was terrified (it has since become one of my favorite rides) until our last day and were SO disappointed to see all the water drained and the ride closed for refurbishment. If I had known it would be closed we definitely would have ridden it earlier in our trip. I hope this list can help prevent a similar situation for you and your family. I will post this list every month.

Parks:

• Typhoon Lagoon

Shops and Restaurants:

• Basin - closed through mid March
• Tutto Italia - closed through April 30th

Shows/Attractions:

• Innoventions (House of Innoventions)- closed through May 20th
• Fantasmic - closed through February 12th

Rides:

• Magic Carpets - closed through March 11th
• Big Thunder Mountain - closed through May 27th
• Dumbo - closed through March 12th
• Kali River Rapids - closed through February 9th

Will any of these refurbishments affect your vacation? Have you ever been disappointed by an unexpected ride/attraction refurbishment on a past trip?