Update for June 3 – June 9, 2014
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions | Comments
News and Views
2014 Food and Wine Festival to introduce new events | Festival of the Lion King returns to the stage | Seven Dwarfs Mine Train officially opens at Magic Kingdom | New menu items offered for Typhoon Lagoon's 25th anniversary | Harmabe Nights premieres June 7 | Views from around “The World” | This week at Disney's Hollywood Studios Star Wars Weekends | Quick takes | Question of the Week | Crowd update
2014 Food and Wine Festival to introduce new events
The 2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival begins on September 19 and runs through November 10, according to Disney Parks Blog. For a record 53 days, festival visitors will enjoy culinary creations from more than 270 chefs from Disney and across the United States.
Fan favorites such as Party for the Senses, Eat to the Beat concerts, and the ethnic food marketplaces around World Showcase are returning this year. Those looking for something new and exciting have a few events to try out as well, including:
- A “Back to Basics” Festival Center series
- “Food for Thought” event, a Friday morning celebrity chefs cookbook event
- The Patagonia Marketplace, which will bring together flavors of Argentina and Chile
- The Farm Fresh Market, which replaces last year's Florida Local Marketplace
- New dishes at the Brazil Marketplace and Poland Marketplace.
Epcot visitors can attend most Food & Wine festival events at no additional cost. However, the Party for the Senses, signature dinners, and other special events require reservations. Disney is announcing booking dates later this summer. Guests can call (407) WDW-FEST (407-939-3378) or visit epcotfoodfestival.com for more information or to make reservations once announced.
Festival of the Lion King returns to the stage
After an extended refurbishment, Disney's Animal Kingdom's Festival of the Lion King reopened on June 1 at the brand new Harambe Theater. The show, which debuted in 1998, features live performers who retell The Lion King story with traditional culture costumes, dances and music from the motion picture soundtrack.
Disney Parks Blog has a number of photo galleries which showcase the new theater and performances.
Disney's Animal Kingdom visitors can catch see Festival of the Lion King by either making a FastPass+ reservation or dropping by one of the numerous performances given throughout the day. Check the daily park times guide for more details.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train officially opens at Magic Kingdom
May 28, 2014 marked the official opening of the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster at Magic Kingdom's New Fantasyland. Soft openings began the previous week during Magic Kingdom's 24-hour event, but the official ceremony welcomed Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida along with Orlando Magic stars Victor Oladipo and Tobias Harris as the first official riders.
Disney dignitaries and special guests officially opened the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in New Fantasyland on May 28, 2014.
New menu items offered for Typhoon Lagoon's 25th anniversary
Typhoon Lagoon celebrated its official 25th anniversary on June 1, but the water park plans to continue the festivities by offering guests a few new menu items to enjoy during their stay, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Until August 1, Lowtide Lou's is serving a waffle chicken sandwich and a chocolate chip waffle with fresh fruit and cinnamon sugar.
Anniversary celebration events included an all-day dance party, free cupcakes with an adult meal and specialty adult beverages.
Harmabe Nights premieres June 7
This week marks the debut of the newest Walt Disney World after hours party with Disney's Animal Kingdom's Harambe Nights.
The weekly hard ticket event, which runs from June 7 through August 9, features a welcome reception, a special performance of he Lion King – Concert in the Wild featuring celebrity narrators, dancing, character greetings and an all-inclusive buffet.
Premium seating tickets sold out quickly after Disney announced the new event. All shows have general seating tickets available and cost $119 for adults and $79 for ages 3 through 9, plus tax.
For more information on Harambe Nights, click here to read our previous report on this upcoming event.
Epcot commemorates World Oceans Day on June 4
On June 4, Epcot visitors can stop by The Seas with Nemo & Friends to participate in a special World Oceans Day celebration.
Visitors can meet and talk with ocean and animal care experts to talk about their responsibilities and how to care for the sea creatures both at the pavilion and in the wild.
If you're looking for a more hands-on effort, visitors can adult a sea turtle nest at The Seas with Nemo & Friends as part of an ongoing program where Disney Animal Programs cast members care for sea turtle nests on Vero Beach.
Views from around “The World”
Walt Disney World saw some new attraction openings, continuing progress with Disney's Polynesian Resort's refurbishment and the introduction of some Epcot favorite sweet treats over at the Magic Kingdom.
Magic Kingdom
Tinkerbell's new meet and greet home recently opened at Magic Kingdom's Town Square Theater. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Visitors wanting to see Tinkerbell get to experience a shower of “pixie dust” before meeting their favorite fairy at Magic Kingdom's Town Square Theater. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Tinkerbell looks very happy with her new home at Magic Kingdom's Town Square Theater. The detailed theming provides a great backdrop for fans to meet their favorite pixie. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
A few lucky Magic Kingdom guests had the chance to ride the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster during its soft opening runs before its official May 28 opening. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The Starbucks in the Magic Kingdom now sells La Boulange bakery products on Main Street U.S.A. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Disney's Polynesian Resort
Crews continue to work on a new bridge connecting the Magic Kingdom parking lot to Disney's Polynesian Resort, which will make walking from the lot to the resort easier for guests. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Workers finally put up a wall in the Disney's Polynesian Resort's atrium as they begin construction in the area. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
A sign points guests to the new Club Disney children's activity area at Disney's Polynesian Resort. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The new Club Disney children's activity area decor still features Neverland elements, even though Wendy's old nursery and the opportunity to climb and slide into Neverland no longer remain. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
This week at Disney's Hollywood Studios Star Wars Weekends
Anyone attending Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios this weekend should expect larger than usual crowds due to the first-ever appearance of Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) and the return of Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian). Get there early and make sure to follow our handy guide to find your favorite characters and events.
Tour information:
- Celebrity Lineup: Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) will not be signing autographs, Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian), Ray Park (Darth Maul), 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Friday, June 6 – Sunday, June 8 |
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|
Stormtrooper Welcome |
7:30 a.m. |
Hollywood Boulevard |
|
Star Wars Character Encounters |
8:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. |
Check Times Guide for locations |
|
Jedi Training Academy |
Starting at 8:45 a.m. and runs 18 more times. Check Times Guide for all times. |
Echo Lake |
|
Celebrity Autographs – reminder: Mark Hamill will NOT be signing autographs |
Starting at 10:00 a.m; check times guide for all sessions |
Echo Lake |
|
Jedi Training Academy |
Starting at 8:45 a.m. and runs 18 more times. Check Times Guide for all times. |
Echo Lake |
|
Legends of the Force Motorcade |
11:00 a.m. |
Hollywood Boulevard |
|
Behind the Force: Star Wars Rebels |
1:30 p.m. |
Streets of America |
|
A Conversation with Mark Hamill (FastPass+ event) |
3:00 p.m. |
Streets of America |
|
Stars of the Saga Star Wars Celebrity Talk Show |
4:45 p.m. |
Streets of America |
|
Visit to the Maul, starring Ray Park |
6:15 p.m. |
Streets of America |
|
Obi Wan and Beyond |
7:45 p.m. |
Streets of America |
|
DJ Lobot Dance Party |
7:00 p.m. |
Sorcerer Hat Stage |
|
Symphony in the Stars Fireworks |
9:45 p.m. |
Sorcerer Hat Stage |
Quick takes
…Soarin' fans can find some new merchandise over at Epcot. Visitors can purchase a youth aviator jacket, an adult long sleeve t-shirt, a youth fleece, mug, a collector's pin, and a leather luggage tag with a scultped metal logo. Epcot's Green Thumb Emporium have the new merchandise available for sale.
…The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex hosted the Disney Memorial Day Shootout presented by Danimals, according to Disney Parks Blog. The three-day event featured 19 U12 level teams, where one team would not only walk away with the championship, but also with an all-expense paid trip to Brazil to compete against teams from nearly 40 other nations. In the end, the Jacksonville FC team took the title with a 1-0 win over fellow Florida team Weston FC.
…Figment fans can purchase a new, limited edition Figment Actor figurine until June 27. Sculptor Jacqueline Perrault will make a special appearance at a June 28 signing event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m at Epcot's Art of Disney store. For more information, visit the official Disney Merchandise website.
Question of the Week
One of MousePlanet's more popular threads asks readers to share their idea of a great time at Walt Disney World.
So, let's have some fun and ask that question right here:
Imagine yourself at Walt Disney World. What would you be doing right now? Share your thoughts by clicking on the link and posting you daydream/wish of what you'd be enjoying at Walt Disney World if you could be there!
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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! |
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
- Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival – through May 18
- Epcot After-Hours Wind Down – through September 15. Epcot, World Showcase. (reservations required)
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train opens – May 28 in New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom
- Star Wars Weekends Rebel Rendezvous – May 15, 2014
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Star Wars Weekends
- Weekend I: May 16–18, 2014
- Weekend II: May 23–25, 2014
- Weekend III: May 30 to June 1, 2014
- Weekend IV: June 6–8, 2014
- Weekend V: June 13–15, 2014
- Final Performance of Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade – May 31. Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Harambe Nights – every Saturday night from June 7 through August 9. Disney's Animal Kingdom
- 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
- 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 Trade Celebration Imagination Gala September 5–7 at Epcot
- Epcot International Food and Wine Festival – September 19 through November 10
- Disney's Night of Joy 2014 – Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6.
- Disney Fit Challenge – September 26–28. Registration opens Tuesday, March 18. 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
- 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.
- 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
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.
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 – cosded 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 is slated to begin March 14.
- Polynesian – Captain Cook's closed for refurbishment March 14 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. |
|---|---|
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. |
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