Update for September 17 – 23, 2013
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News and Views
Halloween parties begin | Villains cause trouble | Tour of Terror? | Disney rolls out food trucks | Food sensitivity kiosk test | Construction update | Quick takes | Crowd update
Not-So-Scary Parties begin
If you're interested in the special Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card at the party, you may encounter long lines like this one. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
This year's Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party season has begun at the Magic Kingdom. There are some new treats for sale during the parties this year, including a spiced pumpkin waffle sundae at Sleep Hollow Refreshments, ghost cupcakes at Gaston's Tavern, and candy corn soft serve at Storybook Treats.
The Seven Dwarfs have a special greeting location near the site of their new coaster, which is still under construction. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
The Boo-To-You Halloween Parade is a highlight of the party and happens twice a night. There is a slight change to the cowboy parade unit this year, with Clarabelle Cow riding behind and calling out square dance moves. As usual, you can get your fill of candy from the treat stations and meet all of your favorite characters in their Halloween finest. [See the full list below, at Resort Events.]
The candy corn soft serve ($3.49) at Storybook Treats is swirled orange and vanilla soft serve with candy corn bits. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
Pumpkin spice fans will enjoy the spiced pumpkin waffle sundae at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
A fondant-covered marshmallow is the “ghost” of the ghost cupcakes at Gaston's Tavern. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
Unleash the Villains turns into a nightmare for many
This weekend's past Limited Time Magic event, Unleash the Villains, turned into a crowd control nightmare on both coasts as fans struggled to deal with gridlocked traffic and long security lines before they even reached the parks. At Disney Hollywood Studios, the parking lot closed early in the afternoon causing traffic to be diverted to Epcot for overflow parking. Once inside the park, the lines didn't get any better, and walkways quickly began to fill up with people waiting for the villains meet and greet locations.
Long lines greeted those who wanted to meet the villains around Echo Lake. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
The Villainy in the Sky fireworks show was an amazing barrage of explosions set to an instrumental score highlighting some famous Disney villain musical moments. Unfortunately the logistical failures of the evening's events soured the party for many, causing flashbacks to the One More Disney Day events.
Tour the Tower of Terror
Disney's Hollywood Studios is hosting a series of behind-the-scenes tours at the Great Movie Ride and Tower of Terror this week from September 16 – 20. The tours take you into the ride experiences before the attractions open to the general public. The Great Movie Ride opportunity is already fill, but there are still five opportunities each day for groups of 25 people to get a special tour of the Tower of Terror. The Disney Parks Blog has full details on the sign up periods for each day.
Disney enters the food truck wars
Orlando's Downtown Disney will be getting a group of food trucks, each representing a Disney theme park with a special menu. For example, the Magic Kingdom truck, called Enchanted Fare, will highlights food from the other Magic Kingdoms around the globe, the Epcot truck will serve international cuisine, and the Animal Kingdom truck, Namaste Cafe, will serve Indian food. The trucks will start serving some time this fall, so keep an eye out.
Food allergy advice kiosk starts test in Animal Kingdom
For those with various food allergies, a new kiosk at Animal Kingdom park may provide a good resource. We had a chance to stop by a new kiosk over the weekend and take a look at the products and information that are available.
The kiosk is located on Discovery Island. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
It's a great resource for anyone with food sensitivities who is unsure whether they are able to eat certain items for sale in the parks. The cast member at the location has a binder with all of the information on food offered in the park, as well as a variety of packaged snacks on offer for purchase. If the kiosk is a success, similar locations will be added at the other theme parks.
A variety of packaged snacks are available for purchase. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
Construction update
Take a look at construction progress around the Walt Disney World Resort this week.
The Pooh and Friends meet-and-greet area is currently undergoing refurbishment. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
The future home of Festival of the Lion King is taking shape. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
The construction wall comes up directly behind the Dawa Bar. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
Much of the rock work on the east side of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster is now completed. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Rockwork in the foreground will serve as a barrier between the walkway and the coaster area. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The metal framework is likely the beginning of a Fastpass location or queue entry structure. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Registration now open for MouseAdventure World Explorers
Join us on November 16 and 17 for an exploration of Walt Disney World like no other. Our fifth Florida MouseAdventure event takes players all around Walt Disney World in a two-day challenge that is sure to make you see WDW in a whole new light.
Registration for our two-day MouseAdventure World Explorers event in Walt Disney World is now open online at MouseAdventure.com.
Pricing for this two-day event is $175 for a team of at least two players up to a maximum of four players. Registration does not include park admission (park hopper admission is required; water park admission is not).
The Coast to Coast Challenge
Every team that participated in the Spring 2013 MouseAdventure event in Disneyland and plays in MouseAdventure World Explorers V in Florida, will receive a special recognition of their dedication.
And, for the true competitors, there will be a special prize awarded to the team with the highest combined score for the Spring 2013 MouseAdventure Musical event at Disneyland and MouseAdventure World Explorers V in Florida. This prize will be awarded at the resort results meet in Florida.
To participate in this challenge, teams must have a score from the Spring 2013 MouseAdventure Musical event at Disneyland (Basic or Advanced division) and complete the Fall 2013 event in Walt Disney World. The majority of players from the team must participate in both events.
Quick takes…
…Get a free exclusive mini Volkswagen T1 Camper Van with purchases of $75 or more at the Downtown Disney LEGO Store, while supplies last.
…The new Starbucks location has an homage to the previous Communicore attraction at Epcot.
…The Senses spa at both Disney's Grand Floridian and Disney's Saratoga Springs have extended their daily operating hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
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 all 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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Advertisement Crowd information and forecasts are provided by TouringPlans.com, the website of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, to help you better plan your trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. TouringPlans.com gathers wait time data from a team of in-park researchers and users of their Lines mobile phone application, and then predicts crowd levels for the next 365 days. Using a scale from 1 to 10, TouringPlans.com has a 90 percent accuracy of predicting the crowds to within 1 point, helping visitors prepare for their trips so they can “Do more. Wait less.”
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Don't keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. Email Adrienne here.
Talk about these stories and more on our Walt Disney World discussion forum here.
Resort Events
2013
- Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – September 17, 20, 24, 27, 29; October 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31; and November 1.
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – September 27 through November 11
- Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend – October 4–5
- Disney Hollywood Studios – closing at 6 p.m. on October 26 due to a private event for the American Academy of Pediatrics, according to EasyWDW.com.
- Holiday Time at Walt Disney World – begins November 8
- Opening night for Osbourn Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights – November 8
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – November 8, 11, 14, 15, 17, 21, 22; and December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20.
- Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 8–9
- MouseAdventure World Explorers V – November 16–17. Registration is now open at the MouseAdventure page.
- Candlelight Processional – November 29 through December 30. Dining packages go on sale July 9.
2014
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 9–12
- Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 21–23
runDisney events and capacity updates
2013
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Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend – October 4–5.
- October 5 (a.m.): Happy Haunted 5K Trail Run – Sold out
- October 5 (a.m.): runDisney Kids' Races – 68%
- October 5 (p.m.): The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler – Sold out
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October 5 (p.m.) – 6 (a.m.): Disney Villains Hollywood Bash – 58%
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Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 8–9.
- November 8 (p.m.): Wine & Dine Pre-race Taste – 87%
- November 9 (a.m.): runDisney Kids' Races – 56%
- November 9 (a.m.): Mickey's Jingle Jungle 5K – Sold out
- November 9 (p.m.): Wine & Dine Half Marathon – Sold out
- November 9 (p.m.): Finish Line Party (for spectators; half-marathon includes admission to party) – 72%
2014
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Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 9–12.
- January 9: Family Fun Run 5K – Sold out
- January 10: 10K – Sold out
- January 11: Half Marathon – Sold out
- January 12: Marathon – Sold out
- January 11–12: Goofy Challenge (half and full) – Sold out
- January 9–11: runDisney Kids' Races – 53%
- January 9–11: Pasta Party in the Park – 51%
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January 9–12: Dopey Challenge (5K, 10K, half, and full) – Sold out
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Disney's Princess Half-Marathon Weekend – February 21–23.
- February 21: Disney Royal Family 5k
- February 21–22: runDisney Kids' Races
- February 22: Enchanted 10K – Sold out
- February 23: Disney's Princess Half Marathon – Sold out
- February 22–23: Glass Slipper Challenge (Enchanted 10k & Disney's Princess Half Marathon) – Sold out
Do 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.
Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Magic Kingdom
- Jungle Cruise – closed through September 30 for refurbishment.
- Space Mountain – closed September 23–26 for refurbishment.
- Peter Pan – closed September 30 through November 13 for refurbishment.
- Walt Disney World Railroad – closed September 30 through November 20 for refurbishment.
- Princess Fairytale Hall – opens September 18.
Epcot
- New rest room between America and Japan pavilions – scheduled to open September 18.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
- Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Playground – closed through November 19 for refurbishment.
- Both parades (Disney Channel Rocks and Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun Parade) have ended their run. No new parades have been announced.
Animal Kingdom
- No known refurbishments.
- Festival of the Lion King scheduled to move to a new theater—currently under construction—some time in 2014. No dates have been announced.
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.
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All-Star Sports
- Arcade closed for use as a temporary grab-and-go food location. Expected to reopen in December.
- Food court closed through mid-December for refurbishment. Snacks and drinks are available from a grab-and-go location in the former arcade; hot food from the All-Star Music Food Court. Disney is offering bus service between the resorts.
- Grand Floridian Resort – Courtyard Pool is closed for refurbishment through September 21.
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Polynesian Resort
- Never Land Club children's center closes for refurbishment January 1 through March 31, reopening April 1, 2014.
- Access to the east portion of the Polynesian Beach (near the Transportation and Ticket Center, as well as Sunset Point will be unavailable due to a scheduled refurbishment. However, no other amenities will be affected. Some rooms in certain room categories in impacted buildings have been taken off the market during the renovation period.
Water Parks
- Typhoon Lagoon – closed October 27, 2013 through January 4, 2014 for refurbishment.
Elsewhere
- DisneyQuest's lobby closes for refurbishment September 11. During the construction, guests will enter and exit through the gift shop.
- Disney Palm Golf Course – closed through mid-November for refurbishment.
- Disney's Osprey Ridge Golf Course – permanently closed for play.
- Cirque du Soleil La Nouba – performs Tuesdays through Saturdays. Will not be performed September 17–21 and November 5–6
- Parking lots H, I, J and K at Downtown Disney (near the Westside) are closed for Disney Springs construction.
Current Discounts & Promotions
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Discounts for everyone |
Free Fall DiningFirst Disney announced a new Free Dining offer for U.K. residents, then an offer for Disney Visa cardholders visiting selected dates this September. Now the Fall Free Dining offer is available without using a Disney Visa card. Check in at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel from September 29 to October 2, October 18 to November 2, November 11 to 23, or December 12 to 22 and everyone in your party gets free dining. Stay at a:
There are some restrictions:
For full details, visit the Disney special offer site. PhotoPass+ pre-arrival discountDisney's PhotoPass service provides a discount on Disney PhotoPass+ pre-arrival packages. For $149.95 plus tax, Walt Disney World guests receive a voucher to exchange for a PhotoPass+ card upon arrival at the resort, a Photo Gallery CD with more than 400 stock photos ($39.95 value), a unique code to create and order a photo CD upon return from their trip ($169.95 value), print packages at select dining locations ($29.95 value each), and digital photos from select attractions ($14.95 value each). Applicable taxes are charged to all orders. This special offer is only available from this link or by calling the Guest Support line at (407) 560-4300 before you arrive at Walt Disney World Resort. All sales are final, and not eligible for an exchange or refund. The package might take as long as 14 days to arrive, and you must bring your voucher from the package to redeem it, so make sure that you order far enough in advance to allow your materials to arrive. Attractions currently participating in the program are Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, Expedition Everest, and Dinosaur. Current participating restaurants are 1900 Park Fare, 'Ohana, Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show, Chef Mickey's, Cinderella's Royal Table, Tusker House Restaurant, Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue, and Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. |
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Discounts for Annual Passholders |
Passholder room discounts through September 26A discount of up to 35% off regular room rates is available for annual passholders at select resorts for most nights from August 16 through September 26. Advance reservations required (book by September 26). More details can be found on the offer website (AP login required). Additional information on sample discount rates not listed on the Disney site (provided in the table below) may be found at MouseSavers. As with all discounts, rooms available at these rates are limited, and minimum length-of-stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals. No group rates or other discounts apply. Campsites, three-bedroom Grand Villas, standard rooms at Disney's Art of Animation Resort, and the Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian are not included. Discounts vary by accommodation type and date, and availability varies by date. Moderate and Deluxe Resort suites may be available at a lower discount – check with your travel agent. You can make your reservation through the Walt Disney World Passholder website or by calling (407) 939-7926 or your favorite travel agent. MousePlanet's preferred Disney travel providers are MouseEarVacations.com (link), Small World Vacations (link) and Get Away Today (link).
20% off Tickets to Cirque du Soleil's La NoubaPassholders save 20% off Category 2 tickets for Tuesday to Saturday performances through September 14. Passholders may purchase tickets for themselves and up to 3 guests. A current, valid annual pass must be presented at the box office to receive the discount when picking up tickets. To purchase tickets, call (407) 939-7328. |
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Discounts for Disney Visa cardholders
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20% off food at Paradiso-37 in Downtown Disney through October 31Disney Visa cardholders receive 20% off food purchases when you pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card until October 31, 2013. Cardmembers must bring a printed coupon (available at the Disney Rewards site) to be eligible for the discount. Discount applies to food only. 20% off select guided toursDisney Visa cardholders receive 20% 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% off select restaurantsDisney Visa cardholders receive 10% 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% off merchandiseDisney Visa cardholders receive 10% 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 – 7pm inside Innoventions West at Epcot. You'll recieve one free 5 x 7 character photo per day. |
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Discounts for Florida residents |
Florida resident hotel offersThe Waldorf Astoria Orlando has announced Florida resident rates valid through September 5. Residents receive 10 percent off of the best available rate, along with free transportation to the Walt Disney World Resort. Book using the Florida resident offer website. The Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort has announced Florida resident rates valid through September 5. Residents receive 10 percent off of the best available rate, along with free transportation to the Walt Disney World Resort. Book using the Florida Resident offer website. Save up to 35% on Walt Disney World resort roomsFlorida resident rates for resort hotels (excluding Art of Animation Little Mermaid rooms, Fort Wilderness campsites and 3-bedroom villas) end September 26. Discounts include:
Information provided by Mary Kraemer of MouseEarVacations.com (link). |
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Discounts for US Military |
2012–2013 Military Salute offerFrom now through September 28, active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with either the Park Hopper or Water Parks Fun and More option for $156 per ticket, plus tax (up from $138 last year), or with both the Park Hopper and Water Parks Fun and More options for $184 per ticket, plus tax (up from $165). No Base ticket is available with this offer. These tickets expire after September 28. Blockout dates are March 24 through April 4 at all ticketed locations, and July 4 at Magic Kingdom park only. Eligible service members include active or retired members of the U.S. military including the U.S. Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reservists. Disney Military Promotional Tickets can be purchased at Shades of Green or at a participating military base (MWR/ITT) office. There is no tax charged for these tickets but they must be activated at a theme park ticket window. Tickets may also be purchased at Walt Disney World Park Ticket Offices and Guest Relations Offices where tax will be charged. Tickets may be purchased by active and retired military personnel for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends. One of the Disney four-Day Military Promotional Tickets purchased on each occasion must be for use by the Eligible Service Member or spouse. This offer is for active or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists and the U.S. Coast Guard. Valid military identification is required. The tickets are non-transferable and may not be resold. You may upgrade the tickets to Seasonal Passes or Florida Resident Weekday Select Passes (for Florida Residents), or Annual Passes, Premium Annual Passes, or Disney Premier Pass with credit toward the upgrade based on the actual price paid. The no-expiration option and other upgrades, such as additional days, are not available. In addition, specially priced rooms are available to active and retired U.S. military personnel at select Walt Disney World resorts for stays most nights through September 28. For complete information regarding Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets and discounted resort rates, military personnel may call (407) 939-7830, visit the Walt Disney World website, or participating U.S. military base ticket offices. 2013-14 Military Salute offerFrom August 12, 2013, through September 24, 2014, active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with either the Park Hopper or Water Parks Fun and More option for $169 per ticket, plus tax (up from $156 last year), or with both the Park Hopper and Water Parks Fun and More options for $198 per ticket, plus tax (up from $184). No Base ticket is available with this offer. These tickets are valid September 29, 2013, through September 27, 2014. Blockout dates December 20–31, 2013 and April 13–20, 2014,at all ticketed locations; and July 4 at Magic Kingdom park only. Eligible service members include active or retired members of the U.S. military including the U.S. Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reservists. Disney Military Promotional Tickets can be purchased at Shades of Green or at a participating military base (MWR/ITT) office. There is no tax charged for these tickets but they must be activated at a theme park ticket window. Tickets may also be purchased at Walt Disney World Park Ticket Offices and Guest Relations Offices where tax will be charged. Tickets may be purchased by active and retired military personnel for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends. One of the Disney four-Day Military Promotional Tickets purchased on each occasion must be for use by the Eligible Service Member or spouse. This offer is for active or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists and the U.S. Coast Guard. Valid military identification is required. The tickets are non-transferable and may not be resold. You may upgrade the tickets to Seasonal Passes or Florida Resident Weekday Select Passes (for Florida Residents), or Annual Passes, Premium Annual Passes, or Disney Premier Pass with credit toward the upgrade based on the actual price paid. The no-expiration option and other upgrades, such as additional days, are not available. In addition, specially priced rooms are available to active and retired U.S. military personnel at select Walt Disney World resorts for stays most nights through September 27, 2014 with the exception of the following blockout periods:
For complete information regarding Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets and discounted resort rates, military personnel may call (407) 939-7830, visit the Walt Disney World website, or participating U.S. military base ticket offices. |
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Discounts for UK residents |
2014 Free Dining offer for U.K. residents2014 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. |
