Exclusive pictures of the new Downtown Disney magic store, Magic Masters, were posted to wdwparks.com recently. One of the pictures was of a back room that could only be accessed through a bookcase doorway. We have recently learned that this room is actually a magic teaching room where guests can learn skills and presentation tactics of the trade. The bookcase leading to this room only opens when guests speak the magic words.

Also featured in the new store will be an hourly presentation of the effect made famous by the Haunted Mansion, the “Pepper’’s Ghost” illusion.

Magic Masters, the new magic store at Downtown Disney, was supposed to open on July 4th. However, for reasons unknown, it did not. Here are pictures of all that can be seen from the Downtown Disney street. The one on the far right was the only glimpse of the interior of the store that was able to be seen, as the rest was blocked by black curtains. The door seen in the photo is actually a bookcase on hinges. It is unknown if this bookcase doorway leads to a back room or if it is actually part of the store.

The bust of future Hall of Presidents resident, George W. Bush, has been put on display in the rotunda of said attraction. Here are recently obtained pictures of the sculpture:

USA Today is running a feature about the various methods for shortening lines that are being implemented by different theme parks. As most of you know, most theme parks have been moving in this direction after Disney implemented the FastPass system.

The article has a great quote from a Disney spokesperson who claims guests “are saving 1½ to 2 hours of time that would have been spent in line and experiencing 25% more rides”. The rest of the article sums up some of the different approaches that parks are taking.

Read the full article:

http://www.usatoday.com/life/travel/leisure/2001/2001-07-13-fast-pass.htm