After we reported on extensive damage to the exterior Martian display in front of Mission: SPACE a few days ago, a row of planters is now blocking the area. This indicates a renovation of some sort is now in the works.

Red Planet Rescued at Mission: SPACE

Mission: SPACE is a centrifugal motion simulator in the World Discovery section of EPCOT, simulating the thrill of space travel through high G-forces that make guests feel as if they’re actually being launched to Mars. It replaced the beloved Horizons attraction twenty years ago.

Originally, only one maximum intensity voyage to Mars was available, until too many guests reported issues with motion sickness due to the centrifuge. As a result, a less intense version of the Mars mission was in place from 2006 until a tamer, more mild orbit around Earth replaced it in 2017.

Various portions of the shiny crimson orb are displaying heavy wear and tear, and the maroon glow characteristic of the display is giving way to bare grayness and warped material underneath. Dirt has also accumulated in the grooves of the sculpture.

Granted, in Florida, all buildings and set pieces at Walt Disney World are occasionally subjected to extreme weather conditions, thunderstorms, high winds, and catastrophic hurricanes. Hurricane Ian devastated southwestern areas of Florida and caused record flooding in the Orlando area. Regardless, maintenance for these structures is equally important, especially since this set piece doubles as the main entrance for the mild Green Team and more intense Orange Team ride experiences. It is the focal point of the attraction that every guest sees.

Seen from behind, much of the Planetary Plaza area, with various models of planets, the moon, and quotes from astronomers and astronauts is partitioned from the public with a tarp fencing.

The area is no longer accessible, and while no activity is discernible yet, it does seem our planetary neighbor will be receiving some much-needed attention from Earth.

Have you ever experienced this attraction? Which intensity do you prefer? Are you nostalgic for Horizons? Let us know in the comments.

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In an Instagram post made by Dr. Mark Penning today, Disney’s Animal Kingdom welcomed the birth of a yellow-backed duiker calf for the first time in over two decades. Dr. Penning serves as Disney’s Vice-President of Animals, Science & Environment.

Animal Kingdom Welcomes Newest Family Member

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A post shared by Dr. Mark Penning (@drmarkatdisney)

Join us in welcoming Penny, our newest addition to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park! This sweet yellow-backed duiker calf was born earlier this month to mom Pearl. The birth of Penny is an incredible milestone, as the last yellow-backed duiker calf born in our care was over 20 years ago. This birth is truly special to me, as yellow-backed duikers are one of my favorite animals. It’s been a pleasure working with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan to introduce this unique species to our guests. Mom and baby are backstage now, but you can look out for this adorable pair on Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail later this summer.

Yellow-backed duikers are shy forest-dwelling antelope found in portions of and Central and Western Africa. They are the largest of all duikers. While not yet considered endangered, they are categorized as “Near Threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature — meaning they may be vulnerable to endangerment in the forseeable future.

As mentioned in Penning’s announcement, baby Penny and mom Pearl will soon be greeting guests on the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. Right beside Kilimanjaro Safaris in the Africa portion of the park, this trail offers encounters with gorillas, hippos, zebra, and more.

Meander along the winding paths through Pangani Forest and encounter African animals at every turn. Peer at a meerkat on a rocky perch, or a Grevy’s zebra on the savanna. Come face-to-face with a gentle troop of western lowland gorillas on a grassy hillside. During your self-guided tour, snap pictures from convenient observation stations and learn more about Disney’s global conservation efforts to protect animals like this—and their habitats.

During Mother’s Day weekend, another baby was born at the nearby Animal Kingdom Lodge — red river hog Daisy gave birth to a healthy boy.

What is your favorite animal to visit at the parks? Have you ever had a more personal interaction with some of these creatures at the Affection Section in Rafiki’s Planet Watch? Let us know in the comments.

Be sure to check out other recent developments in the Animal Kingdom:

• PHOTOS: New Timon Sipper With 25th Anniversary Lanyard at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
• New Finding Nemo Spirit Jersey at Walt Disney World
• Guest Reportedly Gets Foot Jammed Between Boat & Unload Platform, Leading to Emergency Hole Being Cut in Na’vi River Journey Ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
• New Merchandise for ‘The Lion King’ Now Available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
• CEO Bob Iger Says Disney is ‘Closely Evaluating’ Theme Parks For Expansion Opportunities

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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Work is underway at the check-in entrance for Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel as it transforms into Disney’s Pixar Place Hotel.

Early Signs of Pixar Place

Construction trucks are parked at the front, and the porte-cochère mosaic first seen in early concept art is nearing completion.

Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel has endured several changes over the years, and was not a Disneyland Resort property until 1995, when it became the Disneyland Pacific Hotel. Just before Disney California Adventure (at the time Disney’s California Adventure Park) opened in 2001, the hotel swapped names again to reflect the Paradise Pier area it was now resting behind. When Paradise Pier became Pixar Pier in 2018, it seemed only inevitable that another modification would occur.

In the most recent official update made last week, Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock announced the reimagining would be finished this winter. New concept art for the check-in and lobby area was also released today, highlighting a contemporary look with Pixar imagery infused. This includes Great Maple, stylized as a modern American eatery inspired by the flavors of Southern California.

Large blue, yellow, and maroon lighted dots now line the lower portion of the building.

In the first publicly-available images, each of these were intended to resemble the Pixar Ball (or Luxo Ball), which plays a large part in the animation studio’s history and features in virtually all of their content.

Instead, each one may simply glow with one individual color.

Heavy machinery to maneuver workers around the outside appears to be getting its fair share of use, as much of the original Paradise Pier Hotel paint is gone. The original beige look, resembling sand, is only visible in a few places now, with a more basic and subdued pearl taking its place.

Red, blue, and yellow stripes have crawled up the side of the building, as the entire color palette for the exterior has been swapped out.

Scaffolding completely surrounds the ride share pickup area, with construction workers out and about.

While still officially Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel for now, the Pixar Place transformation is happening on the interior as well. Promotional artwork, Luxo lamp wallpaper, and a “coming soon” display occupy the first and second floors.

Work is being done everywhere, evidenced by the end of this hallway, with doors marked with “Not an Exit” and “Construction Access Only.”

Actively Changing

The Mickey in Paradise merchandise shop has been relocated to the Pacific Ballroom. According to Disney’s most recent announcements on how construction will impact guests, the check-in process will also be moving to this space, starting September 26. The fitness center, pools, and ATM are all unavailable at this time, though guests are being given access to amenities at the nearby Disneyland Hotel as recompense for the inconvenience. The fireworks viewing deck is also closed.

Later this summer, overnight guests will be able to access the new water play area inspired by “Finding Nemo.” Crush the sea turtle will be atop a 186-foot-high waterslide, Hank will be hanging out at the pop-jet splash pad, and more.

As the year progresses, a family play court will be added to the deck with activities inspired by Pixar’s famous short films. Interactive games and imaginative free play will celebrate favorite friends from “La Luna,” “Bao,” “For the Birds,” and “Burrow.” When it’s time to relax, guests may enjoy food and drinks under the love-struck umbrellas from “The Blue Umbrella.”

Once opened, this will be the only Disney resort themed solely to Pixar in the United States.

What are your thoughts on this re-theme? Will you be planning any reservations when Pixar Place officially makes its Disneyland Resort debut? Let us know in the comments.

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