Update for August 12 – 18, 2014
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News and Views
Frozen Summer Fun extended at Disney's Hollywood Studios | New standby line experience testing expands to Be Our Guest restaurant | Epcot worker accused of sex attack on co-worker | New Star Wars attractions to be announced in 2015 | Views from around “the World” |Quick takes | Question of the Week | Crowd update
Frozen Summer Fun extended at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney announced last week that the Frozen Summer Fun experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios would continue through September 28, 2014.
Originally, the special event series—including a parade, a live sing-along, retail area, ice skating, exclusive fireworks extravaganza and more—was slated to end on September 1. According to Disney Parks Blog, popular demand brought about the extension.
While most of the current events' schedule remains the same, the Frozen Fireworks Spectacular moves from a nightly event to only launching on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from September 1 through 28.
New standby line experience testing expands to Be Our Guest restaurant
Rikki Niblett from TouringPlans.com reports that a new standby line test began at the Magic Kingdom's Be Our Guest restaurant last week.
The test runs only during the lunch meal serving, which remains a counter-service option, and has visitors collect a paper ticket with a return time printed on it. Once the return time window begins, the visitors can return, order their meals, and sit down to eat. Cast members can only distribute a limited number of these tickets each day; in other words, once they are gone, no more are available.
A similar procedure has been tested recently at Magic Kingdom's Fairytale Princess Hall for the Anna and Elsa meet-and-greet experience, Epcot's Soarin', and Disney Hollywood Studios' The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow and the “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration.” The goal, according to recent reports, is to help reduce the amount of time vistors spend standing in one line for an attraction.
Disney has not announced an end date for this current test.
Visitors can still make Fastpass+ reservations in advance for the Be Our Guest lunch, which allows them to pre-order their meals for a specific time. Despite the changes to the lunch procedure, the table service dinner option remains unchanged at this time.
Epcot worker accused of sex attack on co-worker
The Orlando Sentinel reports that an Epcot janitor is accused of kidnapping and sexual battery after an alleged incident on Thursday, August 7.
An affidavit filed by the 21-year-old female victim claims that co-worker 49-year-old Gideon Paul Hunt “cornered her, forced her to the ground, declared he wanted to have sex with her and began to grope her.” The victim resisted during the alleged attack, which lasted three to five minutes. After breaking free, the victim reports she went to her supervisor to report the incident.
Hunte claims he and the alleged victim had been in a consensual, adulterous relationship and said in the affidavit that he was in the closet with her and only touched her genital region over her clothes during a “hug.”
Investigators told the Sentinel that when they questioned Hunte about his alleged consensual relationship, the man was unable to give the woman's first name.
Disney released a statement about the incident, according to WESH.com, which stated:
This is a law enforcement matter. He has been placed on unpaid leave pending the outcome of the charges. We have zero tolerance for this type of alleged behavior.
New Star Wars attractions to be announced in 2015
The Orlando Sentinel and many other media sources reported that Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger told earnings analysts last week to expect an announcement in 2015 about an increased Star Wars presence in the parks. According to the Sentinel report, Iger said:
As we spend money at the parks on new attractions that are based on known brands, the likelihood of their success is greater. You're going to see better bets being made.
In addition to Iger's statement, Disney's finance chief and senior vice president Jay Rasulo confirmed that franchises like Star Wars can “pull people from [saying] 'Gee, I'm gonna go someday,' to 'I'm gonna go this year.”
The next movie in the Star Wars saga is set for release on December 18, 2015, with new installments in the future.
Disney bought Lucasfilm Ltd. in 2012 for $4.05 billion, leading fans to hope that Walt Disney World would see more of their favorite characters in and around the resort.
Views from around “the World”
This week, we found lots of new things and activity happening around the Walt Disney World Resort, from new theme park features to construction project progress.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
It's Tough to be a Bug is closed while work commences around the Tree of Life. There is not only a large crane on the left, but also dark green canvas hiding scaffolding on the right. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Beyond the walls work proceeds on renovations at Flame Tree Barbecue. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Across the way, new retail is also being added to Discovery Island. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
More cranes continue work on the new Avatarland section of Disney's Animal Kingdom. But there is little that has gone vertical since Camp Minnie-Mickey closed at the end of 2013. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Disney's BoardWalk Inn
Kouzinna by Cat Cora is soon leaving to make way for a new italian eatery at Disney's BoardWalk Inn. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Downtown Disney area
The entrance to the foot bridge area from the Lego store side is still under considerable construction. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
From Paradiso 37, you can see the Landing area under construction. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Recently, a bust was added to the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences plaza at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Epcot
Flooding one day in the walkway in Future World at Epcot found Guests scaling the fence to get through to the other side. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Magic Kingdom
A new dress worn by Laura Bush appears the gallery of the Hall of Presidents. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Quick takes
….The Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom is scheduled for refurbishment from December 1–19, 2014. Click here for more information on upcoming refurbishments and closures.
…Characters from the upcoming Disney feature film Big Hero 6, scheduled for release on November 7, 2014, make their Walt Disney World Resort debut this fall, according to Disney Parks Blog. Big Hero 6 is the story of a robotics genius, Hiro Hamada, and his robot companion, Baymax, who get involved “in a dangerous plot and how Hiro must change Baymax and other friends into a group of high-tech heroes.” Disney has yet to announce where or when the characters will hold their meet-and-greet experiences.
…Last week, Disney gave fans a sneak peek at some of the new Haunted Mansion merchandise coming to the Walt Disney World Resort parks this fall. In our August 5 update, we reported Magic Kingdom visitors this fall can find merchandise themed around the classic attraction in a new gift store located in Liberty Square. Workers are refurbishing what was the Yankee Trader shop for the latest park addition.
…In other merchandise news, Epcot Food and Wine Festival fans can see a collection of merchandise for this year's upcoming event over at Disney Parks Blog. Some of the items include hats, mugs, plush animals, limited edition pins (including recipe cards), themed Mickey ears, and bags.
…It may be August right now, but we've got news about the 2014 Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights courtesy of our sponsor TouringPlans.com's Twitter feed, which posted a screen capture of the official Walt Disney World calendar listing November 7, 2014 as the opening date for the annual Disney Hollywood Studios'.
…Sponsor TouringPlans.com statistician Fred Hazelton posted an interesting piece about how the closure of the back row of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride has affected wait times. While the piece itself talks of the Disneyland version of the ride, Hazelton also announced that Disney has made a universal decision to close off the back row of all boats on every Pirates of the Caribbean ride until further notice. Disney has not given a specific reason, but some speculate it may have to do with the two accidents at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom that MousePlanet recently reported. First, in our July 14 update we reported about how a visitor lost two fingertips on his hand earlier in the month. Then, in our July 28 update we reported another injury of a boy who suffered lacerations on four fingers in April 2014. Various commenters on this post also speculate that the back rows may be closed due to the boats taking on a lot of water in the rear in recent months.
Question of the Week
This week's question comes from MousePad forum member carolinakid, who is considering a sunrise safari tour or twilight tour of the African savannah in Disney's Animal Kingdom:
We are staying club level at the AKL in November and we were informed that we have the option of taking a one hour sunrise safari tour of the Kilimanjaro Safari area at AK. I believe it leaves at 7am and costs $65 per person. Have any padders done this tour and was it worth it? My understanding is you don't get to really see anything different from the regular safari attraction; you just get to linger longer at every section which provides a better opportunity for pictures. My boyfriend and I are not picture takers so we're wondering if it would be worth the $$ and getting up before dawn. I do think it would be cool to enter AK from another “back” entrance as described in the tour info brochure. Any advice or thoughts/opinions would be most welcomed. Any thoughts on the twilight tour of the AKL savannah? That's also an option for us at club level…
Have you ever experienced either of these tours? What was your experience like?
Join the conversation about this topic and many more related to Walt Disney World travel over at the MousePad discussion forum.
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Seeking ShutterbugsAre you a frequent visitor to the WDW theme parks? Do you love taking and sharing photos of the lastest happenings around the World?Would you like to be paid for your work?MousePlanet is seeking Orlando-based photographers to share their theme park observations and photos with our readers. If you're an excellent photographer with strong communication skills, please contact us—we'd love to hear from you! |
Crowd Forecast
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Don't keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. Email Stephanie here.
Talk about these stories and more on our Walt Disney World discussion forum here.
Resort Events
2014
- Richard Petty's Junior Ride-Along Experience – at the Richard Petty's Driving Experience
- 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 – September 5–6.
- 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. Most events sold out.
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
- Mickey's Philharmagic – closed September 8–19 for refurbishment.
- Astro Orbiter – closed through September 19 for refurbishment.
- Walt Disney's Carousel of Progres – closed September 22–27 for refurbishment.
- Walt Disney World Railroad Fantasyland Station – closed September 28 through November 8 for refurbishment.
- Walt Disney World Railroad Frontierland Station – closed September 28 through November 8 for refurbishment.
- Walt Disney World Railroad Main Street U.S.A. Station – closed September 28 through November 8 for refurbishment
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin – closed November 10–November 21 for refurbishment
- The Haunted Mansion – closed December 1–19 for refurbishment
- Cinderella's Royal Table – closed January 5 through March 6, 2015 for refurbishment.
Epcot
- No known refurbishments at this time.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
- Fantasmic! – closed November 19–November 21, 2014 for refurbishment
- The American Idol Experience – permanently closes on January 5, 2015.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- It's Tough to Be a Bug – closed through August 11 for refurbishment.
Resorts
As previously reported by MousePlanet, 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.
- All Star Music Resort – refurbishment of its Intermission Food Court beginning on August 1 and scheduled for reopening on December 21, according to our sponsor TouringPlans.com.
- Polynesian – Never Land Club Children's Activity Center closed for refurbishment through January 1, 2015.
- Polynesian – refurbishment of the lobby ongoing.
- Wilderness Lodge – refurbishment of its Silver Creek Springs Pool from September 3 through late November 2014.
Water Parks
- Typhoon Lagoon – the entire park closed October 26 through December 20 for refurbishment.
- Blizzard Beach – the the entire park closed January 4, 2015 through March 3, 2015.
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 30 percent* on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels Disney released a number of summer travel discounts covering arrivals between August 16 and October 3, 2014. They are tiered by resort and length of stay, with a 5 percent bonus for stays of 6 nights or longer. Book through August 8, 2014. Offer Details:
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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. |
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