T-Rex, Rix, Yak and Yeti, Toy Story Mania Construction & Christmas at MGM (October 31, 2007)

I was hoping to start the Animal Kingdom photo walk today, but I got a late start (and I had an afternoon volunteer shift at Give Kids the World – just making sure to get a plug in for this wonderful organization!)   I was able to cover a lot of ground with my updates, though I’ll have to save the Contemporary for next week.  Thanks to Lance at Screamscape also for the mentions this week!

I have been asked about the T-Rex restaurant and Rix at the Coronado, so those were the ones I hit first. 

T-Rex is going in next to McDonalds:

 

The walkway around the construction area (out in the parking lot): 

Next, I drove to Coronado Springs.   Rix (which is going to be a cafe/live-entertainment discotheque) is still under construction.  It looks like it should be done by the end of November!   The opening date keeps changing, but it’s getting close!

I don’t consider myself a reporter, but occasionally I do ask questions.  Today I spent a half hour or so with a manager who was quite proud of Rix as well as what other changes will be happening soon.   It was quite an interesting conversation!  Coronado Springs is slated for nice room rehabs in 2008 (hopefully starting in the first half of the year).  The Pepper Market may become a more user-friendly food court (that is one big complaint, that it’s confusing).  Rix should be the go-to place once it’s open!   The artwork is incredible!    The Coronado Springs Resort already has many of the characteristics of a deluxe resort (higher-end restaurant, convention center, fitness center and spa), it’s heading further in that direction.  They also hope to have better room-service in the future.

Also, the bar outside was meant to be temporary.  It appears it was so successful that they plan to keep it! 

You can see the work going on behind Panchitos: 

And closer to the Pepper Market:

 

 

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort had a pumpkin contest going on as well:

 

 

Next, I went to Yak and Yeti at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park.

From there, I stopped at MGM Studios.  Maybe it’s just me, but it’s a bit early for this:

I’m not too picky about a lightbulb out, but we are now at “The Great M”. 🙂

Toy Story Mania construction:

A little tilty, the sun was such that I couldn’t see what I was taking photos of most of the time at MGM!  🙂  But  you can see the Christmas decorations (I plan to do park and resort Christmas walks by the end of the year!)

Merry Christmas from sunny Orlando! 

Thanks for reading and I’ll post more soon.