Theme park news round-up - 29th October 2012

Characters from "Wreck-It Ralph" are now putting in appearances at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Image © Disney

It's been a while since Disneyland featured heavily in a movie, but that is set to change with Tom Hanks due to strut his stuff at the park next week. Meanwhile, Annual Passholders can still preview New Fantasyland at Disney's Magic Kingdom, and Thorpe Park is moving ahead withs its plans for an unconventional on-site hotel.

Disneyland Resort's Downtown Disney

The Disney Parks Blog confirms that a new Earl of Sandwich restaurant will open on November 2 at Downtown Disney. It will become the first outlet of the chain in California, with 14 different sandwiches available at a price of $6.99 each.

Full story: Disney Parks Blog

Disneyland

Over at Disneyland itself, expect to find some areas of the park walled off on November 6 and 7. Shooting will be taking place for Tom Hanks' new film, Saving Mr. Banks, which will tell the story behind the creation of classic Disney movie Mary Poppins. Hanks will play Walt Disney himself.

Full story: Examiner.com

Disney's Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World has extended the range of dates during which Annual Passholders can visit the yet-to-officially-open New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom. The previews will run in 3.5 hour time slots from November 6-16.

Full story: Inside the Magic

Disney's Hollywood Studios

We reported last month that characters from Disney's latest animated movie Wreck-It Ralph would begin meet-and-greets at Disney's Hollywood Studios soon, and they are now firmly installed at the park. Orlando Attractions Magazine has caught lead characters Ralph and Vanellope Von Schweetz on camera.

Full story: Orlando Attractions Magazine

Universal Studios Florida

With Universal Orlando set to confirm the addition of Transformers: The Ride on November 1, further construction images continue to appear online.

Full story: The Daily City

Carowinds

Our friend The Coaster Critic has posted an extensive trip report from the annual Scarowinds Halloween events.

Full story: The Coaster Critic

Thorpe Park

Thorpe Park is moving ahead with its plans to install a temporary hotel for the 2013 season, and is now advertising the accommodation on its official website.

Full story: Theme Park Tourist

Dreamworld

Ardent Leisure, which owns Dreamworld on Australia's Gold Coast, reported a 3.9 percent rise in profits for the quarter ending September 30. The firm's three properties - Dreamworld, the WhiteWater World water park and the SkyPoint observation deck - pulled in $9.87 million during the period.

Full story: Yahoo! News