Update for June 17 – 23, 2014
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions | Comments
News and Views
Reports indicate American Idol Experience to close in January 2015 | Changes made to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios Fastpass+ tiers |New summer schedule for monorail system |Food truck event pulls into Downtown Disney June 21| Aurora and Snow White move to Town Square | Disney's All Star Music Resort refurbishment scheduled | Former Royal Plaza Hotel reopens June 16 | Walt Disney World has World Cup fever | Views from around “The World”| Quick takes | Question of the Week | Crowd update
Reports indicate American Idol Experience to close in January 2015
Multiple reports have surfaced in the past week that Disney's Hollywood Studios is closing its American Idol Experience attraction next January.
According to our source, Disney officials notified cast and crew at a meeting last week that, as of July 30, the park would schedule two fewer shows before the finale each day, and that the attraction is shuttering its doors permanently after the final January 4, 2015 performance.
A number of websites published what looks like a joint statement released on June 13 by Walt Disney World Resort, along with American Idol producers FremantleMedia, and 19 Entertainment:
After more than five successful years, The American Idol Experience will be coming to a close at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park in January 2015. Our partnership with FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment has been a great addition to the park and we are very appreciative of the amazing cast and guests who have devoted their time and talent to make this experience special and memorable. We are incredibly proud of the more than 2,000 Dream Tickets that have given guests a chance to live their very own Cinderella story and audition for ‘American Idol’. This past season alone, three of the Top 13 contestants were originally discovered through The American Idol Experience and we expect the attraction to continue providing top contestants for ‘American Idol’ XIV in the coming year.
The American Idol Experience opened in 2009 and invited visitors to audition to become contestants at performances throughout the day on the attraction's stage. At the end of the day, winners of the semi-final performances returned to sing once more for a chance to win a “Golden Ticket.” This Golden Ticket gave the singers a chance to go to the head of the line at an actual American Idol audition (although it did not help them bypass the TV show's initial audition process).
Changes made to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios Fastpass+ tiers
Visitors planning a trip to Walt Disney World who use the My Disney Experience website or smartphone application should look carefully for changes in Fastpass+ options at Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios Fastpass+ reservations continue to have a tiered system, where you can choose only one option from tier 1 attractions and two options from tier 2 attractions. The changes made last week to the system shifted around some of the parks' attractions from one tier to another.
The latest Fastpass+ options now include:
| Epcot | |
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Tier 1 (choose one)
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Tier 2 (choose two)
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| Disney's Hollywod Studios | |
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Tier 1 (choose one)
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Tier 2 (choose two)
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To make Fastpass+ reservations for any Walt Disney World theme park, visit the My Disney Experience website or download the app on your smartphone.
New summer schedule for monorail system
Starting June 22, the Walt Disney World monorail schedule changes to allow workers to automate the entire system, according to our sponsor TouringPlans.com.
The monorail's new summer schedule is:
- Magic Kingdom resort – 8:30 a.m. to midnight
- Magic Kingdom express – 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
- Epcot – 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
During the summer maintenance schedule, resort and park visitors can access additional watercraft and buses to get to their destination.
The new, automated monorail system allows for quicker train switches on and off the beams and more frequent dispatch of trains, to help the system run more consistently. Travelers can also see monorail arrival information at the stations.
Walt Disney World has not yet published a specific timeline for the refurbishment project's completion.
Food truck event pulls into Downtown Disney June 21
Disney Parks Blog announced the “Trucks on the Town at Downtown Disney West Side” event coming this Saturday, June 21.
This premiere food truck event runs from 5:00 p.m. through 10:00 p.m., showcases14 trucks from various restaurants serving everything from bite-sized appetizers, such as gator bites, tacos, empanadas, seafood, sliders, and barbecue, to desserts, such as cupcakes.
Visitors can listen to live music provided by a DJ on the event lawn located near House of Blues and Cirque du Soleil.
Food trucks scheduled to appear include:
- El Cactus Azul
- Ellie Lou's Brews & BBQ
- The ESPN Food Truck
- Fantasy Fare from the Magic Kingdom
- La Empanada
- Magic 4 Ur Palate
- Mayan Gril
- Med Fresh Taverna
- Namaste Café
- Philly's Best Cheesesteaks
- Superstar Catering from Disney's Hollywood Studios
- TJ's Seafood Shack
- World Showcase of Flavors from Epcot
- Yum Yum Cupcake Truck
The Disney Parks Blog also announced a new, permanent food truck park coming to Downtown Disney later this summer between Bongos Cuban Café and the new Starbucks at Downtown Disney West Side. Disney has yet to release more details about this addition.
Aurora and Snow White move to Town Square
On Sunday, June 15, princesses Aurora and Snow White relocated to their new meet-and-greet homes at Magic Kingdom's Town Square on Main Street., U.S.A.
Both originally received visitors in Magic Kingdom's New Fantasyland's Princess Fairytale Hall, usually as special guests of either Cinderella and Rapunzel or Frozen's Anna and Elsa.
Sleeping Beauty's Aurora now meets her visitors at the Town Square Courtyard every afternoon through early evening.
Snow White's fans can find the princess each day at Center Street on Main Street, U.S.A.
Cinderella, Rapunzel, Anna and Elsa remain at the Princess Fairytale Hall location in New Fantasyland.
Disney's All-Star Music Resort refurbishment scheduled
Disney's All-Star Music Resort announced a major refurbishment project for its Intermission Food Court beginning on August 1 and scheduled for reopening on December 21, according to our sponsor TouringPlans.com.
All-Star Music plans to provide its guests with a number of dining alternatives including changing the Note-able Games arcade in Melody Hall to a grab-and-go area serving sandwiches, salads, desserts, and baked goods. Guests can access a Rapid Refill station there, as well.
In addition to the grab-and-go option, All-Star Music guests can hop a bus to Disney's All Star Sports Resort or Disney's All Star Movies Resort to enjoy the food courts there.
Guests can also call for in-room pizza delivery from 3:00 p.m. through 1:00 a.m. each day.
Refurbishment details include an updated seated area, new meal stations with many create-your-own-meal options.
Former Royal Plaza Hotel reopens June 16
WESH Orlando reports that The B Resort & Spa Resort, formerly known as the Royal Plaza Hotel and located in the Walt Disney World Resort, celebrated its grand reopening on June 16.
The resort's 394 guest rooms have an entirely new look that includes a 47-inch high-definition LED flat-screen television, free Wi-Fi service and free loaner iPad tablets, according to the report. Guests can choose from a variety of rooms including 20 family-friendly room with bunk beds, 17 one-bedroom suites, five master suites, and two master poolside suites.
A 3,000-square-foot saltwater pool, the Indulged Spa, and B Active Fitness Center all reside on the resorts grounds, as well as American Q, a restaurant featuring an a la carte barbecue menu.
Walt Disney World has World Cup fever
- Epcot visitors can see a special topiary of Goofy where they can pose for a special photo opportunity to defend a goal.
- Visitors can test their soccer skills at a Disney-created soccer experience near the Germany pavilion at Epcot now through July 13.
- Selected retail locations in Epcot and at the new United World Soccer store at Downtown Disney offer specialty merchandise.
- Locations around the Walt Disney Resort invite visitors to watch the 2014 FIFA World Cup matches, including select resort hotels, Epcot, the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, and the Downtown Disney area.
Views from around “The World”
Need a little view of Walt Disney World to brighten your day? Want a look at what's been going on around the resort? We've got a little Walt Disney World picture fix for you.
Downtown Disney
In time for the World Cup, United World Soccer opens up for business as well. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
View of a new bridge almost completed to improve guest connections to Disney's Saratoga Spring Resort. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Work continues on the path being extended from Rainforest Cafe across the lagoon to the Lego Store area. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Because of the construction in front of the Lego Store, guests must walk around the back of the store. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
This area in Dinoland now hosts Donald Duck in a meet 'n' greet. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Beyond the parking lot, vertical construction towers are in place for the new Avatarland. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Quick takes
…Starting July 4, Disney's Hollywood Studios' ABC Sound Studio hosts a special sneak preview of the upcoming Marvel movie Guardians of the Galaxy, scheduled to open August 1. Visitors can experience this sneak preview in 3D.
…On June 10, Disney's Art of Animation Resort hosted a special ceremony honoring actress Pat Carroll, who voiced Ursula in Disney's The Little Mermaid. As part of the celebration in the resort's main lobby, Carroll added her signature to the feature chandelier's collection of autographs and storyboards from various Disney films. This celebration helped marked The Little Mermaid's 25th anniversary.
….Disney Weddings' Ever After Blog announced that engaged couples can now exchange their “I do's” in the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Train Station. This Magic Kingdom ceremony can only be performed at 7:30 a.m. due to park operating hours. For more information, visit Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoon website.
…Do you love to take fun photos? Want to win a Walt Disney World vacation? Then, take a look at Disney's latest contest: Be the 8th Miner for your chance to win. One lucky person wins the grand prize: an eight day, seven night vacation for four people to Walt Disney World including airfare, Magical Express transfers to a Walt Disney World resort, four 7-Day Magic Your Way Park Hopper Tickets, an $800 Disney gift card, a character meet and greet photo opportunity and winner's choice of any Disney Photopass service, up to $300.The contest, which ends July 22, asks entrants to show off their “Seven Dwarfs-inspired skills” with pictures or smartphone video. Each week, the official Be the 8th Miner website publishes a new challenge for entrants to use as inspiration for their pictures and/or videos. Once entrants submit their photo or video, they need to follow @WaltDisneyWorld on Twitter and tweet their entry with the hashtag #8thMinerContes. he Be the 8th Miner contest has a number of specific rules to follow to make sure your entry does not violate any copyrights, so please go to the official rules website and read them carefully before you enter.
Question of the Week
MousePad forum member WaltDisneyFantatic wants to know what Walt Disney World crowds are like during President's Day weekend.
Help WaltDisneyFanatic get an idea of what to expect and even offer some advice on how to best handle the holiday crowds by head over to the MousePad discussion forum to offer your expertise.
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Talk about these stories and more on our Walt Disney World discussion forum here.
Resort Events
2014
- Harambe Nights – every Saturday night from June 7 through August 9. Disney's Animal Kingdom.
- Epcot's Sounds Like Summer Concert Series – June 8 through July 26. Epcot World Showcase, America Gardens Theater.
- Fittipaldi Cup Event – June 13. Walt Disney World Speedway.
- Car Masters Weekend – June 14–15 in Downtown Disney.
- Richard Petty's Junior Ride-Along Experience – begins June 15. Richard Petty's Driving Experience.
- Summer Solstice Signature Dining Experience – 6:30 p.m., June 19, Raglan Road Pub and Restaurant, Downtown Disney.
- Trucks on the Town at Downtown Disney West Side – 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Downtown Disney West Side.
- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party – September 1, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28; October 2, 3, 5, 9. 10, 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31.
- Disney's Night of Joy 2014 – Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6.
- Disney Trade Celebration Imagination Gala – September 5–7 at Epcot.
- Epcot After-Hours Wind Down – through September 15. Epcot, World Showcase (reservations required).
- Epcot International Food and Wine Festival – September 19 through November 10.
- Disney Fit Challenge – September 26–28. More information on the Disney Sports website.
- Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend – October 3–4.
- Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic – October 31 and November 1. Tickets and packages now on sale.
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 7–8.
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – November 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, 30; December 2,4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19
- Destination D: Attraction Rewind – November 22–23. Additional details expected to be released this spring. The event was originally announced for July 26–27, but was rescheduled.
2015
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 7–11, 2015.
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 19–22, 2015.
runDisney events
If you participate in (or are considering signing up for) runDisney events, visit our Team MousePlanet forum on the MousePad discussion board, where you can join our community of health-minded readers and staff.
2014
- Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend – October 3–4
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 7–8
2015
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 7–11, 2015.
- Disney Castaway Cay Challenge – January 12, 2015 – sailing on the Disney Dream.
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 19–22, 2015. Registration opens July 15, 2014.
For current information on registration dates and capacity, see Lorree Tachell's runDisney Race Capacity Updates in the Team MousePlanet forum on our MousePad discussion board.
Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Magic Kingdom
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover – closed June 2 through August 4 for refurbishment
- Astro Orbiter – closed June 2 through September 19 for refurbishment
- Liberty Square Riverboat – closed August 4–8 for refurbishment
- Mickey's Philharmagic – closed September 8–19 for refurbishment
- Walt Disney's Carousel of Progres – closed September 22–27 for refurbishment
Epcot
- No known refurbishments at this time.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
- No known refurbishments at this time.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- It's Tough to Be a Bug – closed July 7 through August 11 for refurbishment
Resorts
As reported in July, some refrigerators in non-Disney Vacation Club rooms at Walt Disney World are being replaced due to a product defect. All Walt Disney World Resort rooms with the exception of DVC Villas, the family suites at the Art of Animation and All-Star Movie resorts, and the cabins at Fort Wilderness are impacted. Disney says “the schedule for replacing the refrigerators at these Resorts is expected to last several months.”
In the interim, if you have a reservation at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel and need a refrigerator for medical reasons, we recommend contacting your resort directly to inquire about availability during your trip. The hotel should be able to arrange for one if your room does not yet have a new refrigerator, but supplies may be limited while they work to replace all of the malfunctioning units.
- Polynesian – Never Land Club Children's Activity Center closed for refurbishment through January 1, 2015.
- Polynesian – refurbishment of the lobby ongoing.
- Polynesian – Captain Cook's closed for refurbishment through June 14.
Water Parks
- Typhoon Lagoon – the entire park closed October 26 through December 20 for refurbishment.
Elsewhere
- Disney Osprey Ridge Golf Course – permanently closed to play.
- Downtown Disney Lots H, I, J, and K (in Westside area) closed until further notice for Disney Springs construction.
- Downtown Disney Bridge 4 and restrooms on Pleasure Island are temporarily closed for ongoing construction work.
- Cirque du Soleil La Nouba – performs Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Current Discounts & Promotions
Note: MousePlanet does not edit past Updates to reflect price increases; for up-to-date prices, check the most recent Walt Disney World Resort Update. For your convenience, we have grouped the discount offers based on the intended audience. Check out the category that best matches you, and pick the offer that works best for you. And keep those tips coming—let us know if you find a better or different offer, so we can share it with other readers!
Discounts for Everyone |
2014 Free Dining offer for general public Sue from Small World Vacations reports the general public can book a free dining package for specific dates beginning Wednesday, May 7. Offer details: 2014 Vacation Dates
FREE QUICK SERVICE PLAN
FREE TABLE SERVICE DINING PLAN
Offer Restrictions
Save up to 30 percent with Room Only Discount Visitors can receive up to a 30 percent discount when making a room only reservation at the Walt Disney World Resort on most arrival days from August 16 through October 3. Offer exclusions include all of Bay Lake Tower, the Grand Floridian & Spa Villas, and the Art of Animation Little Mermaid Rooms. Memory Maker pre-arrival discount Disney's PhotoPass service provides a discount on Disney Memory Maker pre-arrival packages. For $149 plus tax, Walt Disney World guests can digitally download any photos associated with their Memory Maker account, including photos taken on attractions. The advanced purchase price is a $50 savings. Applicable taxes are charged to all orders. Special offer only available from this link, and must be made more than three days prior to arrival at the Walt Disney World Resort. All sales are final, and not eligible for an exchange or refund. |
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Discounts for Annual Passholders |
Save up to 35 percent* on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels Disney released a number of summer travel discounts covering arrivals between June 15 and August 28, 2014. They are tiered by resort and length of stay, with a 5 percent bonus for stays of 6 nights or longer. Book through June 6, 2014. Offer Details:
Disney's All-Star Movies Resort is NOT included in this discount. |
Discounts for Disney Rewards VISA & Debit Card Holders |
2014 Free Dining Offer for Disney Rewards VISA & Debit Card Holders Sue from Small World Vacations reports the Disney Rewards VISA and Debit Card Holders can now get a free dining discount when booking a qualifying Walt Disney World vacation package. Offer details: 2014 Vacation Dates
FREE QUICK SERVICE PLAN
FREE TABLE SERVICE DINING PLAN
Offer Restrictions
Room and ticket discount for travel dates from February 24 through June 15 No discounts available March 6–14 and April 13–19. Buy a minimum four day ticket and get a day free. Room discounts include:
20 percent off select guided tours Disney Visa cardholders receive 20 percent off the non-discounted price of selected guided tours for up to 10 people. The cardholder must participate in the tour, and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card. Tours included:
10 percent off select restaurants Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent off the check when you pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Discount excludes alcohol.
10 percent off merchandise Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent off at participating Disney-owned retail location when you spend a minimum of $50 and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Read all of the restrictions on the Disney Visa website. Free 5×7 character photo at a private meet and greet location at Epcot Present your Disney's Premier Visa Card or Disney Rewards Visa Card for access to a private character meet and greet at Epcot for the cardholder and up to 5 guests. The event is hosted daily from 1pm to 7pm inside Innoventions West at Epcot. You'll receive one free 5 x 7 character photo per day. |
Discounts for Florida Residents |
Save up to 35 percent* on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels Disney released a number of summer travel discounts covering arrivals between June 15 and August 28, 2014. They are tiered by resort and length of stay, with a 5 percent bonus for stays of 6 nights or longer. Book through June 6, 2014. Offer Details:
Disney's All-Star Movies Resort is NOT included in this discount. |
Discounts for U.K. Residents |
2014 Free Dining offer for U.K. residents 2014 Free Dining offers for U.K. residents have been released. From the information posted on the Virgin Holidays website, it appears the 2014 program offers free Quick Service Dining Plan plan when booking at a Moderate resort, and free Dining Plan when booking at Deluxe resorts, Old Key West or Saratoga Springs. There are also offers for a free $200 Disney Gift Card and/or a 14-day ticket for the price of a 7-day ticket depending on travel dates. These particular offers are valid for U.K. residents only. |
Don't keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. Email Stephanie here.
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