Update for May 27 – June 2, 2014
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions | Comments
News and Views
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train opens during Magic Kingdom's 24-hour event | Two Disney Cruise Lines ships to set sail from Port Canaveral in 2015 | New junior experience coming to Richard Petty Driving Experience | Walt Disney World Speedway hosts Fittipaldi Cup event on June 13 | All Harmabe Nights premium tickets sold out | Views from around “The World” | This week at Disney's Hollywood Studios Star Wars Weekends | Quick takes | Question of the Week | Crowd update
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train opens during Magic Kingdom's 24-hour event
Visitors who took park in the Magic Kingdom's 24-hour event this past Friday and Saturday got an extra special surprise with the opening of the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train for the general public.
Earlier in the month during a special media preview event, Disney announced that the New Fantasyland coaster would open to the public on May 28. However, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train started offerings rides early Friday and kept going throughout the day, much to the delight of park visitors.
Two Disney Cruise Lines ships to set sail from Port Canaveral in 2015
Disney Cruise Lines announced its full 2015 itinerary last week with the Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream both sailing from Port Canaveral to various locations in the Caribbean. Disney Cruise Lines also announced a relocation of the Disney Dream for sailings from Miami and Barcelona. The 2015 Port Canaveral sailing schedule includes:
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7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise to:
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7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise to:
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7-night Western Caribbean cruise to:
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7-night Western Caribbean cruise to:
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| Disney Dream | |
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3-night Bahamian cruise to:
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4-night Bahamian cruise to:
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For more information on Disney Cruise Lines Port Canaveral sailings, visit DCL's official website.
New junior experience coming to Richard Petty Driving Experience
A new Cars-inspired junior ride-along experience is debuting at the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World on June 15, according to MousePlanet sponsor TouringPlans.com.
Rikki Niblett reported the new experience for children can ride in a race car with a professional driving instructor for three laps around the track. Professional driving instructors include famous Pistons Cup racers Aiken Axler and Sage VanDerSpin. The cars will have special wraps to “bring the cars to life” with the drivers' personalities, according to Petty Holdings Director of Marketing Chris Kirby.
Visitors can purchase tickets starting at $59 and cannot make reservations. The track will take riders on a first-come, first-served basis only. Children must be 6 through 13 years old and at least 48 inches tall. For more information, visit the Richard Petty Driving Experience's Junior-Ride Along official website.
Walt Disney World Speedway hosts Fittipaldi Cup event on June 13
In other racing news, Orlando's WESH 2 News reported that Walt Disney World Speedway is hosting a new racing event, the Fittipaldi Cup, on June 13, 2014.
Visitors to this event can get behind the wheel of Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches, and other American sports cars and high-performance go-karts. Participants can go on ride-alongs and get instructions and tips on how to race the powerful machines from -rofessional driver Christian Fittipaldi. The driver with the fastest time at the end of the day takes home the inaugural Fittipaldi Cup trophy.
Tickets cost $999 per person, which includes the driving event and lunch. Visit the event's official website or call (855) 822-0149 to reserve a spot.
All Harmabe Nights premium tickets sold out
General tickets are still available for Disney's Animal Kingdom's Harambe Nights, but premium tickets have sold out.
The weekly hard ticket event, which runs from June 7 through August 9, features a welcome reception, a special performance of “The Lion King – Concert in the Wild” featuring celebrity narrators, dancing, character greetings and an all-inclusive buffet.
General seating tickets are $119 for adults ($79 for ages 3 through 9), plus tax.
For more information on Harambe Nights, read our previous report on this upcoming event.
Views from around “The World”
As summer gets underway at Walt Disney World, visitors can see and experience new features and special events. Take a look at just a few of the happenings in Walt Disney World last week!
Star Wars Weekends – Disney's Hollywood Studios
During Disney's Hollywood Studios Star Wars Weekends, fans can play the Padawan Mind Challenge &endash; Family Edition, featuring C-3P0 to test their Star Wars trivia knowledge. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The Feel the Force Dining Event at Disney's Hollywood Studios takes a major chunk of the viewing area for the Symphony of the Stars fireworks event. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Shaak Ti greets guests in one of several meet and greet events at Disney's Hollywood Studios' Star Wars Weekends. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Characters like Gamorrean walk around Disney's Hollywood Studios during Star Wars Weekends. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Character meet-and-greets at Disney's Hollywood Studios Star Wars Weekends get so popular that many visitors line up at 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. outside the park gates. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Visitors to Disney's Hollywood Studios Star Wars Weekends can see vehicles throughout the park showcasing vehicle wraps available for sale at the Darth Maul. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The season finale of ABC's “The Middle” featured the Heck family at Walt Disney World. Fans can see memorabilia at Disney's Hollywood Studios ABC Commissary. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Disney's Hollywood Studios visitors can see items from the ABC show “The Goldbergs” on display in the ABC Commissary. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
This week at Disney's Hollywood Studios Star Wars Weekends
The 2014 Star Wars Weekends kicks off its second weekend at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and visitors can expect plenty of celebrities, parades, shopping and character meet-and-greet opportunities throughout the park. Check our our handy guide listing many of the main attractions and events for the upcoming weekend, Friday, May 30 through Sunday, June 1.
Tour information:
- Celebrity Lineup: Ray Park (Darth Maul), John Ratzenberger (Major Bren Derlin) and Taylor Gray (Ezra Bridge – Star Wars Rebels)
- Events and times may change. Consult daily times guides and tip board for daily updates.
| Activity | Time | Location |
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Stormtrooper Welcome |
7:30 a.m. |
Hollywood Boulevard |
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Star Wars Character Encounters |
8:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. |
Check Times Guide for locations |
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Jedi Training Academy |
Starting at 8:45 a.m. and runs 18 more times. Check Times Guide for all times. |
Echo Lake |
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Celebrity Autographs |
Starting at 10:00 a.m; check times guide for all sessions |
Echo Lake |
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Jedi Training Academy |
Starting at 8:45 a.m. and runs 18 more times. Check Times Guide for all times. |
Echo Lake |
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Legends of the Force Motorcade |
11:00 a.m. |
Hollywood Boulevard |
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Behind the Force: Star Wars Rebels |
1:45 p.m. |
Premier Theater |
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Stars of the Saga Talk Show and Q&A Session |
3:15 p.m. |
Premier Theater |
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Visit to the Maul, starring Ray Park |
5:15 p.m. |
Streets of America |
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Obi Wan and Beyond |
7:00 p.m. |
Premier Theater |
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DJ Lobot Dance Party |
7:00 p.m. |
Sorcerer Hat Stage |
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Symphony in the Stars Fireworks |
9:45 p.m. |
Sorcerer Hat Stage |
Quick takes
…MousePad forum administrator (and runDisney event participant) stan4d_steph posted last week about the possibility of a runDisney half-marathon coming to Disneyland Paris in 2015. According to her forum post, a Disneyland Paris cast member published a photo showing a button that announced the new event coming in September 2015. A number of past runDisney event participants from around the Internet reported receiving a survey from runDisney with a question about a possible Paris event. runDisney has made no official announcement at this time, but we will keep an eye out for updates.
…The Disney Food Blog reported that Dole Whips is now sold at Disney's Animal Kingdom's Tamu Tamu Refreshments. This adds a third location in Walt Disney World for the popular treat, which is usually only served in Magic Kingdom and Disney's Polynesian Resort regularly and at Epcot during festival weeks.
…Downtown Disney saw three restaurants open its doors last week, according to our sponsor TouringPlans.com. First, Wetzel's Pretzels re-opened its kiosk on in the West Side. Right next door, Haagen-Dazs also re-opened its kiosk location. Lastly, Starbucks opened in its new location by World of Disney in the Downtown Disney's Marketplace area. This Starbucks offers no inside seating and while it serves a full drink menu, its food menu has fewer options than a traditional location.
…Have you ever tried the Kitchen Sink sundae at Beaches and Cream located at Disney's Beach Club Resort and wished you could find it elsewhere on Walt Disney World property? You can now satisfy your sweet tooth in the Magic Kingdom with a visit to the Plaza Restaurant and order Mickey's Kitchen Sink. The Plaza presents this tasty treat in a “sink” that looks like Mickey's iconic red pants. The sundae consists of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream, covered with hot fudge, strawberry, and caramel topping. Then, adds chocolate and peanut butter chips with whipped cream and a cherry to top it off. Mickey's Kitchen Sink Sundae costs $14.99 and cannot be used with the Disney Dining Plan.
Question of the Week
Reader josephbandrews asks for “advice and experiences with places that offer holiday menu to try and get ADRs [Advanced Dining Reservations] Christmas dining for 8 people (including two kids).
Have you ever made Advanced Dining Reservations to eat in Walt Disney World on Christmas? Share your advice and experiences on our forum.
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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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We are looking for you!Do you write or blog about Walt Disney World or Disney-related topics? Do you have a Disney-related YouTube channel or independent website? If so, we want to meet you. MousePlanet is looking for established writers to cover new areas of the Disney universe, including the international Parks and Resorts.If you are interested in learning how your blog or site can work with MousePlanet, or you have an idea for a great new column, please contact us—we'd love to hear from you! |
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Resort Events
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Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Magic Kingdom
Epcot
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney's Animal Kingdom
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.
Water Parks
Elsewhere
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.
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
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.