Rumors of changes to the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway are resurfacing yet again, as we mentioned on the show a few months ago. Seems as though the name may be changing slightly to remove the references to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy name altogether. Signs and logos have already begun to be removed, and I have been told that even the overhead narration has been modified to remove the Indy name as well.

In the mean time, tests continue on the gas/electric hybrid ride vehicle on the soon-to-be-called Tomorrowland Speedway. Full attraction Staff are reportedly scheduled to be trained on the new ride vehicle in the next few weeks with the first Guest preview of the new vehicle expected to take place prior to late April 2008. There is currently no expectation on when the whole fleet of ride vehicles may be changed over. I'm also hearing rumors that a second, environmentally friendly Ethanol-85 powered car was tested late last year, and may also be implemented as well as the hybrid car. 

There is also a VERY unconfirmed rumor that, as has happened with other attractions that have gone through some changes, characters may be added to the attraction and/or scenery within the next few years. No rumors of a full conversion to a "Cars" themed attraction seem to have any merit at this time.

I spoke a few weeks ago about the rumor of WALL-E making his presence felt in Disney's Hollywood Studios once the film was released this summer, but it appears as that may not be true… as he is expected to appear at the Studios within the next few weeks as a walkaround, Lucky the Dinosaur type character that would interact with Guests, along the same lines as the recent Muppet Mobile Labs tests in Epcot. Who knows, maybe he’ll make his appearance in time for Star Wars Weekends, when the geek quotient (and that’s a good thing) will be at its highest. Don’t worry, I can say that because I’ll be there in full Jawa - I mean Jedi - regalia.

Star Wars Weekends are rapidly approaching, and I’ve got a very good feeling about this, as once again the event will be hosted by Warwick Davis for all four weekends. Some special guests have yet to be confirmed but definite appearances include Peter Mayhew ("Chewbacca") and David Prowse ("Darth Vader") on June 13th – 15th , Matt Wood ("General Grievous") on June 20th – 22nd, and Jeremy Bulloch ("Boba Fett") on June 27th to 29th. There will also be appearances from Disney characters too, including Leia Minnie, Vader Goofy and Stormtrooper Donald.

It appears that the Concourse Steakhouse at Disney's Contemporary Resort will now close for good on May 31, 2008, to be replaced as rumored earlier with a counter service location. Downstairs, the Food & Fun Center conversion to "The Wave" is on schedule, and the new table service restaurant should open sometime in June. In the meantime, the "Tempo Grab and Go" is operating on the Grand Concourse level, near the Outer Rim Lounge, as a temporary counter service option. 

If you have any rumors to report, email Lou here or leave a voicemail at the WDW Radio Show voicemail box: 206-202-4WDW (4939).