Update for December 23 – 29, 2014
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions
News and Views
Apple Pay and Google Wallet payments begin this week | Holiday views around the World | This and That | Crowd update
[Marie Rossiter has the holiday week off to spend with her family. She returns next week to catch up on all the news from Florida, including the debut of the controversial new lobby at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort.]
Apple Pay and Google Wallet payments begin this week
Beginning tomorrow (Christmas Eve), select Walt Disney World locations begin accepting payments via Apple Pay and Google Wallet smartphone technology. Customers wearing Disney MagicBands will also be able to make payments at many of these locations, using the device's tapping method. Those using their smartphones need nly hold their supported device near the payment terminal to initiate payment.
For now, Apple Pay and similar systems will be accepted at ticket booths, and at most Disney-owned stores, bars, and quick service restaurants. Table service restaurants, and shops, and eateries owned by Disney's operating participants may yet not be set up to handle wireless payments. Look for the Universal Wireless Payment symbol (below) to identify locations that accept Apple Pay.
Holiday views around the World
This week, please provide a warm MousePlanet welcome to new our new photo contributor Alan Dalinka. Alan shares a few images from Disney's Holiday Studios in his photographic debut.
Classic holiday decorations accent the streets of Disney's Hollywood Studios. Photo by Alan Dalinka.
The dancing Minnie ornaments, a popular holiday display at Disney's Hollywood Studios, are back for 2014. Photo by Alan Dalinka.
Disney's Hollywood Studios welcomes back Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special as part of its special entertainment offerings for the holidays, and has added the show to the Fastpass+ offerings. Photo by Alan Dalinka.
The Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special is presented at Disney's Hollywood Studios' Superstar Television Theater (the former home of the American Idol Experience) from December 20, 2014 through January 4, 2015. Photo by Alan Dalinka.
The part-holiday show, part-improvisational comedy experience offers a family-friendly and humorous spin on the holiday season, including on-the-spot Christmas carols, improvised retellings of classic holiday stories, and more. Photo by Alan Dalinka.
Many longtime former Pleasure Island performers and musicians perform the Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Photo by Alan Dalinka.
Construction walls were recently removed to reveal the new “Trolley Cafe” on the corner of Hollywood Blvd. and Sunset Blvd. at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This former store location is expected to be the new home of Starbucks in the park.
The bottom portion of the Trolley Car Cafe sign, likely the Starbucks logo, is still covered. Photo by Alan Dalinka.
MousePlanet contributing photographer Jeff Kober visited the Polynesian Village Resort right before the construction walls came down, and shares these photos:
A new title has been given to the former Neverland Club, as it now has become Lilo's Playhouse. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Work is proceeding on the pool area of Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
A preview of the new lobby at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, including the new water feature some have dubbed the “pile o' rocks.” Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
New decorations can be found in the New Fantasyland, such as here at Maurice's cottage. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Huge trees and shrubs were completely removed along the walkway leading up to Cinderella Castle. In its place are much more low lying vegetation. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
More details of the hub renovation are revealed as work continues. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
A new attraction poster for “Wishes, presented by Pandora” is displayed at the entrance to Magic Kingdom. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
This and That
…2015 is the final year runDisney is holding the Expedition Everest Challenge, and runners eager to add that medal to their collection helped the event sell out in under three hours. Non-runners can still register for the post-event party at Animal Kingdom.
…The One Group announced last week that a new location of its STK chain of high-end steakhouses will open at Disney Springs in 2015. STK's other locations include tony spots like New York, Beverly Hills, London, and Las Vegas. STK Orlando will occupy a 14,000 square-foot, 2-story building in The Landing.
…Tusker House at Disney's Animal Kingdom park is expanding character dining into dinner, starting March 8. Until now, character dining was an option only at breakfast or lunch. The base price for the new character dinner offering is $41.99 for adults ($19.99 for children ages 3-9), though prices will likely be higher during peak season.
…Walt Disney World has posted a casting call for “male and female a cappella vocalists of all ethnicities for a new entertainment offering.” Auditions are scheduled for Atlanta (Georgia), Orlando, and New York City in January.
…The Disney Cruise Line has posted a casting call for male dancers and tumblers for the new Tangled show, expected to debut on the Disney Magic cruise ship next year.
The MousePlanet Newsletter is here!
The newsletter contains a recap of the week's articles (in case you miss a day), news that may have developed since the weekly Updates were published, and tips about what's happening at the Disney theme parks for the coming weekend. We'll also include a fun MouseAdventure bonus, such as an Eye Spy or a trivia question. To subscribe to our free newsletter, just enter your e-mail in the box below.
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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
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.
2015
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 7–11, 2015. Most events sold out.
- Disney Castaway Cay Challenge – January 12, 2015 – sailing on the Disney Dream cruise ship.
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 19–22, 2015. All races are sold out, but some associated events are still available.
- Expedition Everest Challenge – May 1–2, 2015. The event is sold out.
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 6–7. Registration opens March 17, 2015.
2016
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 6–10, 2016. Registration opens April 28, 2015.
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 18–21, 2016. Registration opens July 14, 2015.
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
- Wishes Nighttime Spectacular – replaced December 20–31 by Holiday Wishes.
- Splash Mountain – closed January 4–30, 2015.
- Cinderella's Royal Table – closed January 5 through March 6, 2015 for refurbishment.
- Liberty Square Riverboat – closed January 23–27, 2015 for refurbishment.
- Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid – closed February 2 through March 6, 2015 for refurbishment.
- Harmony Barber Shop – closed February 2 through March 30, 2015 (dates subject to change).
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed March 4– 7, 2015 for refurbishment
- “it's a small world” – closed March 10–15, 2015 for refurbishment
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Flame Tree Barbecue – January 5 through March 31, 2015
- Kali River Rapids – closed January 20 through February 4, 2105; March 10–13, 2015.
Resorts
- Polynesian – Never Land Club Children's Activity Center closed for refurbishment through January 1, 2015.
- Polynesian – refurbishment of the lobby ongoing.
Water Parks
- Blizzard Beach – the the entire park closed January 4, 2015 through March 3, 2015.
Elsewhere
- Disney Osprey Ridge Golf Course – permanently closed.
- 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 Stay/Play/Dine Discounts through December 29, 2014. Offer details: Stay / Play / Dine Discounted Magic Your Way Packages
Room Only Discount – Tickets and Dining Can be Added
Specific discounts:
Call your travel agent, contact Small World Vacations, or call Walt Disney Travel at (407) 939-7741 to book these offers. Memory Maker pre-arrival discount Disney's PhotoPass service provides a discount on Disney Memory Maker pre-arrival packages. For $199 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 $169, a $30 savings. Applicable taxes are charged to all orders. Purchase 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 |
None at this time. |
Discounts for Disney Rewards VISA & Debit Card Holders |
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″ x 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 five guests. The event is hosted daily from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. inside Innoventions West at Epcot. You'll receive one free 5″ x 7″ character photo per day. |
Discounts for Florida Residents |
None at this time. |
Discounts for U.K. Residents |
None at this time. |
Discounts for Canada Residents |
None at this time. |
Don't keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. Email Marie here.
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