Update for April 7 – 13, 2015
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News and Views
Celebrity lineup announced for Star Wars Weekends | Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Wine Classic Tickets available | Jiko to host two Tables in Wonderland events in April | 2015 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Guide – April 10 – 12 | Views around the World | This and that… | Crowd Update
Celebrity lineup announced for Star Wars Weekends
Last week, Walt Disney World announced a celebrity lineup for its 2015 Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The series of weekends, which run from May 15 through June 14, gives fans a chance to get up close and personal with some of the stars from the movie series and related shows.
Here are the celebrities scheduled to appear for Star Wars Weekends 2015 (entertainment is subject to change):
Weekend I (May 15–17)
- Ian McDiarmid: Senator/Emperor Palpatine (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
- Amy Allen: Aayla Secura (Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith)
- Tiya Sircar: Sabine Wren (Star Wars Rebels)
Weekend II (May 22–24)
- Warwick Davis: Wald, Wicket W. Warrick (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
- Silas Carson: Ki-Adi-Mundi, Nute Gunray (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith)
- Vanessa Marshall: Hera Syndulla (Star Wars Rebels)
Weekend III (May 29–31)
- Warwick Davis: Wald, Wicket W. Warrick (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
- Daniel Logan: Boba Fett (Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
- Steve Blum: Zeb Orrelios (Star Wars Rebels)
Weekend IV (June 5–7)
- Ray Park: Darth Maul (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace)
- Jeremy Bulloch: Boba Fett (Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
- Ashley Eckstein: Ahsoka Tano (Star Wars: The Clone Wars; Star Wars Rebels)
Weekend V (June 12–14)
- Frank Oz: Yoda (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi; Star Wars Rebels)
- Ray Park: Darth Maul (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace)
- Peter Mayhew: Chewbacca (Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith; Star Wars: A New Hope; Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
- Taylor Gray: Ezra Bridger (Star Wars Rebels)
Star Wars Weekends host James Arnold Taylor (Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels) will be appearing every week, and in addition to Ashley Eckstein’s Weekend IV guest spot, appears every day of the event as host of “Padawan Mind Challenge – Family Edition.”
Some of the new events Star Wars Weekends 2015 include:
- “Star Wars: Rebels” – Relive the adventurous twists and turns of the first exciting season of the Disney XD series Star Wars: Rebels in an all-new show with Star Wars Weekends host James Arnold Taylor and a special guest from the show’s voice cast … along with a few surprises.
- Autograph Opportunities – For the first time, autograph sessions with Star Wars celebrities will be held in an indoor location, just off Commissary Lane near Star Tours – The Adventure Continues. For complete details about autograph opportunities, be sure to visit StarWarsWeekends.com prior to your visit. Note: Neither Frank Oz nor Ian McDiarmid will participate in autograph signing during the respective weekends.
- Darth’s Mall – Can’t find the droids you’re looking for? Head over to this new complex of shops near Streets of America for the best selection of Star Wars merchandise in this galaxy or any other.
- Dozens of Star Wars characters appearing throughout the park, yummy Star Wars-inspired treats and the spectacular fireworks finale, “Symphony in the Stars.” It just goes to show you that Star Wars Weekends is as close to the Force as you can get.
Like last year, Disney will offer VIP packages and special dessert parties for those fans wanting reserved seating for certain events or wanting to experience special parties. Disney plans to release information on these packages soon.
Fastpass+ options are available for select attractions. For more information on these attractions and all things Star Wars Weekends related visit www.starwarsweekends.com.
Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Wine Classic Tickets available
The Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort announced the sale of overnight packages and event-only tickets for the sixth-annual Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic, Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31.
A Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic causeway ticket offers guests unlimited tastings at more than 40 stations featuring culinary selections from the hotel’s award-winning restaurants and wine from more than 30 wineries amidst a festive backdrop of live entertainment on the hotel’s scenic causeway. Upgraded ticket options allow guests to enjoy access to a beer garden featuring a wide selection of craft beers and Oktoberfest-inspired cuisine. The event also includes hands-on experiences with the hotel’s chefs and certified beverage experts in a variety of food and beverage seminars.
Several overnight and multiple-night package options are available for the sixth-annual Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic and can be booked by phone at (888) 828-8850:
- Package One, starting at $359, includes overnight accommodations and tickets to the outdoor festival for two
- Package Two, starting at $385, includes overnight accommodations, tickets to the outdoor festival and upgraded beer garden access for two
- Package Three, starting at $435, includes overnight accommodations, tickets to the outdoor festival, upgraded beer garden access and an interactive seminar experience for two
Individual ticket options are also available for the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic and can be purchased at www.SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com (pricing is inclusive of tax and service fees):
- Advance-purchase, event-only tickets to enjoy unlimited tastings on the causeway are $105 per person
- Upgraded tickets, including unlimited tastings on the causeway and access to the beer garden, are $125 per person
- Beverage seminars are $45 per person, per class with the purchase of a causeway ticket
- Pasta making, sushi and sake, and cheese seminars are $60 per person, per class with the purchase of a causeway ticket
For more information or to book your package, call (888) 828-8850 or visit SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com.
Jiko to host two Tables in Wonderland events in April
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge restaurant Jiko hosts two special Tables in Wonderland events in April, each one featuring a multi-course meal and wine pairings.
The first event, scheduled on Saturday, April 18 at 6:00 p.m., is the Jiko South African Wine Maker Dinner & Dessert Party. This seven-course meal features wine pairings from visiting winemakers and propiertors. The evening wraps up with a dessert and wine tasting on the Asante terrace. Hosts for the evening include:
- Abrie Beeslaar – Cellarmaster, Kanonkop Wine Estate
- Carl van de Merwe – Winemaker, DeMorgenzon
- Bruwer Raats – Cellarmaster & Proprietor, Raats Family Wines
- Peter de Wet – Proprietor, Excelsior Wine Estate
- Lars Maack – Proprietor, Buitenverwachting Winery
- Nicolas Bureau – Glenelly
- Judi Dyer – Morgenster
The cost for this event is $209.97, including tax and gratuity. Business casual evening attire is the expected dress code for this event.
The second event, the Jiko Wine Dinner, is on Sunday, April 19 at 6:00 p.m. starting with a reception on the Asante Terrace. Dinner follows at 6:30 p.m. in the Jiko Cape Town Wine Room.
The evening's host is legendary Bruwer Raats of Raats Family Wines and dinner features six courses paired with wines from Bruwer’s portfolio.
The cost for this event is $160, including tax and gratuity. Business casualevening attire is the expected dress code for this event.
For reservations, contact Victoria Thompson by emailing: Victoria.j.thompson@disney.com
These events are limited, and reservations are on a first-come basis.
These events require a credit card guarantee, and there is a three-day cancellation policy.
2015 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Guide – April 10 – 12
It doesn't seem possible that the 2015 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival is already is preparing for its fifth weekend, but time flies when you're having fun, right?
For the first time ever, Chip 'n' Dale appear as topiaries with the rest of the Disney gang. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The annual event showcases incredible topiary creations sculpted to look like classic Disney characters, and gardens filled with flowers of every color of the rainbow. Guests can also attend live demonstrations on how to grow their own gardens and sample a variety of international cuisine to throughout the 75-day festival.
Each weekend, Epcot presents special events that include music, seminars, tours and more. Make sure to check the guide below and/or pick one up at the parks to get information on how to make reservations. We'll have an event guide updated each week for MousePlanet readers.
Here's what you can expect for Week #6 of the 2015 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival:
| Friday, April 10 | ||
| Gardens of the World Tour: A three-hour tour of special displays and international Gardens. | 9:00 – noon | Epcot |
| Cindy Stump and Andrea Hanson: Tips and tricks you can use to plant your own garden. | 11:00, 2:00 | Greenhouse Stage |
| Steve Aitken of Fine Gardening Magazine. | Noon, 3:00 | Fresh Epcot Stage |
| “Planting Pointers”: join experts as they present great gardening ideas for everyone | 1:00, 4:00 | University of Florida Stage |
| English Tea Garden Tour | 1:00, 3:45, 6:15 | Tea Caddy |
| Chef Demo | 3:00 | Port of Entry, Showcase Plaza |
| Garden Rocks Concert Series: Village People | 5:30, 6:45, 8:00 | American Gardens Theater |
| Saturday, April 11 | ||
| Gardens of the World Tour: A three-hour tour of special displays and international Gardens. | 9:00 – noon | Epcot |
| Cindy Stump and Andrea Hanson: Tips and tricks you can use to plant your own garden. | 11:00, 2:00 | Greenhouse Stage |
| Steve Aitken of Fine Gardening Magazine. | Noon, 3:00 | Fresh Epcot Stage |
| “Planting Pointers”: join experts as they present great gardening ideas for everyone. | 1:00, 4:00 | University of Florida Stage |
| English Tea Garden Tour | 1:00, 3:45, 6:15 | Tea Caddy |
| Chef Demo | 3:00 | Port of Entry, Showcase Plaza |
| Garden Rocks Concert Series: Village People. | 5:30, 6:45, 8:00 | American Gardens Theater |
| Sunday, April 12 | ||
| Gardens of the World Tour: A three-hour tour of special displays and international Gardens. | 9:00 – noon | Epcot |
| Cindy Stump and Andrea Hanson: Tips and tricks you can use to plant your own garden. | 11:00, 2:00 | Greenhouse Stage |
| Steve Aitken of Fine Gardening Magazine. | Noon, 3:00 | Fresh Epcot Stage |
| “Planting Pointers”: join experts as they present great gardening ideas for everyone. | 1:00, 4:00 | University of Florida Stage |
| English Tea Garden Tour | 1:00, 3:45, 6:15 | Tea Caddy |
| Chef Demo | 3:00 | Port of Entry, Showcase Plaza |
| Garden Rocks Concert Series: Village People | 5:30, 6:45, 8:00 | American Gardens Theater |
Views around the World
As expected, Easter Week drew big crowds to Walt Disney World, and the resort offered plenty of seasonal fun for everyone. The theme parks hosted Easter parades, opened new food service options, reopened restaurants and so much more. Let's take a look at last week at Walt Disney World.
Magic Kingdom
It's 7:45 a.m. on Easter weekend at the Transportation and Ticket Center. Crowds await the rope drop for an 8:00 a.m. opening. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
To accommodate the crush of Spring Break visitors, guests queue to board Disney motor coaches to ride between the TTC and the gates of the Magic Kingdom. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Disney's most famous rabbits, sans Roger Rabbit, welcome guests as they head down Main Street, U.S.A. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Characters from “Fantasia” are found in the Easter pre-parade. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
“Young chicks” also dance their way down the street during the Easter pre-parade. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Flowers and butterflies dance their way down Main Street, U.S.A. during the Easter pre-parade. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Mr. and Mrs. Easter Rabbit are escorted down the lane. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Liberty Tree Tavern has re-opened after an extended closing to improve kitchen facilities. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Epcot
Taste Track has just opened at Epcot, obviously near Test Track. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The Taste Track menu offers a variety of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Construction began on a meet-and-greet area for Norway. This area once held a playground in the shape of a viking ship. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
At dusk at Disney's Hollywood Studio, the skyline of Hollywood Boulevard looks much like it did back when the park opened in 1989. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Construction walls surround the entry to Soundstage 1, the presumed expansion area for Toy Story Mania next door at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The water tanks at Catastrophe Canyon are dry, while nothing new has been announced for this former attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
This and that…
…Disney launched the Kids Remember Contest last week. To enter, participants must share a video of their child's favorite Walt Disney World memory. The video can be submitted via Instagram, Vimeo or Twitter.
One grand prize winner and their little ones will win a trip to Walt Disney World to experience the Ultimate Princess & Pirate Vacation for a family of four. The prize package includes:
- A night's stay in the Cinderella Castle Suite
- 5 nights in a Pirate Room at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
- Four 7-Day Magic Your Way Tickets with Park Hopper and Water Parks Fun & More Options
- Memory Maker package – Enjoy unlimited digital photos taken at Disney PhotoPass locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort
- Lunch at Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine with Sofia the First and Jake and the Neverland Pirates
- One Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or Pirate's League makeover
- A Disney Gift Card for extra magic during your stay
- Travel to and from the Walt Disney World Resort
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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
2015
- 2015 Atlanta Braves Spring Training – March 4 to April 14.
- 2015 Epcot Flower and Garden Show – March 4 to May 17.
- 2015 Epcot Garden Rocks Concert Series – March 6 to May 17.
- 2015 Mickey's Not So Scary Hallowen Party – September 15, 18, 20, 22, 25 and 27; October 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29 and 31; November 1
- 2015 Epcot Food & Wine Festival – September 26 to November 16.
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
- Expedition Everest Challenge – May 1–2. The event, which was announced as being the final time it was being offered, sold out within minutes of registration opening.
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 6–7. Registration opens March 17.
2016
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 6–10, 2016. Registration opens April 28.
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 18–21, 2016. Registration opens July 14.
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
- Jungle Cruise – closed April 13 through May 8 for refurbishment
- Dream Along with Mickey – closed April 13 through May 20 for refurbishment
- Space Mountain – closed April 20-23 for refurbishment
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed April 27–30 for refurbishment.
- Pirates of the Caribbean – closed May 11–September 25 for refurbishment.
- Liberty Tree Tavern – closed July 6 through November 20 for refurbishment
- Liberty Square Riverboat – closed August 4–10 for refurbishment.
- Flame Tree Barbecue – closed through April 22 for refurbishment.
- Lights, Motor, Action Extreme Stunt Show – closed April 20 – 25
- Voyage of the Little Mermaid – closed September 7– 10
Resorts
- Polynesian – refurbishment of the lobby and pool area ongoing.
Water Parks
- Blizzard Beach – the the entire park closed through March 3.
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.
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Discounts for Everyone |
Save Up to 30 percent with room discount Summer travelers looking to save money on Walt Disney World trip have some new options with last week's new room discount announcement Visitors traveling between June 16 and August 27, 2015 can save between 15 percent and 30 percent off regular room rates with this promotion. Room inventory is limited and this promotion only lasts until June 12 and certain exclusions apply (see below). To make reservations, contact your travel agent or visit the official Walt Disney World website. June 16 – August 27, 2015 Save 30%
Save 20%
Weekdays June 16 – August 9, 2015 Save 20%
Save 15%
Weekends August 10 – August 27, 2015 Save 25%
Save 20%
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. |
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Discounts for Disney Rewards VISA & Debit Card Holders |
15 percent off select guided tours Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 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. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas:
Disney's BoardWalk Inn and Villas:
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort:
Disney's Contemporary Resort:
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground:
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:
Disney's Old Key West Resort:
Disney's Port Orleans Resort:
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa:
Disney's Wilderness Lodge:
Disney's Yacht Club Resort:
Disney's Hollywood Studios:
Epcot:
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. 15 percent off all Disney spa and salon services Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of any salon treatment valued at $45 or greater or any 50-minute or longer spa service at the spas and salons at Walt Disney World Resort listed below: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
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. |
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Discounts for Florida Residents |
None at this time. |
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Discounts for U.K. Residents |
14 days for 7-day park tickets plus up to 4 nights free in 2015. Get up to 4 free nights when you book a 7-night or longer stay at a Disney hotel for select dates in 2015 and you can also get Disney’s Ultimate 14-Day ticket for the price of 7 offer. Applicable to arrivals between February 1 and December 6, subject to availability. Restrictions apply – see official website for details.
Book by March 31. |
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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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