Around the World Update

There have been several developments around Walt Disney World in the last few days that I wanted to share with you. (I was out of pocket--at a homeschool convention in Cincinnati. Many thanks to my reader Ellice who graciously allowed our family to visit the Creation Museum with her guest passes while we were there!) Here's what has been going on "Around the World":

• The on-again/off-again refurbishment of Test Track is on again! It is even listed on the Epcot park map. Currently, the attraction is expected to be closed through late November--at least. This is a major "re-imagining" of the attraction, still to be sponsored by GM, and focusing on the Chevrolet brand. Cool Wash Pizza nearby is also closing, and an a capella music group is slated to entertain guests during the refurb. In addition, the Land and the Character Spot will stay open late in Epcot to help fill the giant gap left by Test Track's temporary close.


• The Orange Bird has returned to Adventureland! This cute little mascot that was first introduced at the MK opening in 1971, and was sponsored by the Florida Citrus Growers. He went away in the early 80s but has now returned with a vengeance--on T-shirts, pins, collector's cups, etc., and especially at the Sunshine Tree Terrace, where guests can enjoy tropical treats such as the Citrus Swirl.


• Vision House has finally opened in Epcot's Innoventions--just in time for Earth Day. This "smart home" allows guests to see various forms of green technology that are beginning to be used in some new construction homes.


• The Animal Kingdom Explorers game can now be played on Facebook. Haven't had time to check this one out personally--let me know if you have and how you like it!


• The monorails have a new audio spiels. But don't worry--they still open with my favorite phrase: "Please stand clear of the door. Por favor mantengase alehado de las puertas." (Although, my Spanish scholar nephew tells me that there is some discrepancy about the subject/verb agreement or tense or something like that on the recording--not sure if mine is correct here, but it's what they put on the T-shirts.)