Update for October 8 – 14, 2013
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News and Views
Dining reservation policy changes | New 2014 room discounts | Farm to table dinner | Christmas parade filming dates | Construction update | Quick takes | Crowd update
Dining policy changes coming this month
Starting on Thursday, October 31, all table service restaurant dining reservations will require a credit card to guarantee the reservation. In addition, any reservation that is not cancelled before 11:59 p.m. the night before the reservation date will be assessed a $10 fee at all restaurants in the parks and resorts.
Locations that already require pre-payment, such as the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue, will continue with their existing policies. The new policy may help to alleviate the problem of people making multiple reservations on the same night, and perhaps make it easier to get table service dining reservations than it has been recently. A special cancellation line has been set up to avoid any issues with navigating the regular dining line. Read more details, and discuss these changes on our MousePad forum. Thanks to reader Cheshire Figment for alerting us to this change.
New 2014 room discounts
New room rate discounts of up to 35% are going public today for select dates starting January 5 and continuing through April 12, 2014. These rates have been available to Disney Rewards card holders for a few days now, so act quickly if these dates correspond with an upcoming trip you have planned. To keep on top of these developments between updates, make sure to monitor our twitter and Facebook feeds. For additional details on eligible resorts and percentage discounts, see our MousePad thread.
Special Farm to Table dinner event
Although not an official Tables in Wonderland event, an upcoming dinner features many of the Walt Disney World Resort's top chefs. The Inaugural Edible Orlando Field to Feast Dinner takes place from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on October 27 at Long & Scott Farms in Zellwood, Florida, with proceeds benefiting the Kid’s Café program of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. The menu for the event includes:
| Venue | Chef | Sommelier | Menu Offering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria & Albert’s | Chef Scott Hunnel | Sommelier Rebecca Lewis | Lake Meadow Chicken Sausage with Zellwood Corn Succotash |
| California Grill | Chef Brian Piasecki | Sommelier Michael Scheifler | Spice-crusted Local Calico Scallops with Zellwood Pumpkin Ravioli, Toasted Pumpkin Seed Vinaigrette, Baby Sage, Buttered Brussel Sprouts, and Pumpkin Dust Brittle |
| Flying Fish Cafe | Chef Tim Keating | Sommelier Stig Jacobsen | Asian-inspired Uncle Matt’s Citrus-marinated Rock Shrimp and Local Calico Bay Scallop “Cocktail” with Salad of MacGregor Farms Greens, Herbs, Epcot Cucumber, and Bhut Jolokia-Kaffir Lime Vinaigrette |
| The Wave… of American Flavors | Chef Frank Brough | Sommelier Damaris Jimenez | Locally sourced Sweet Potato Agnolotti with Bourbon-Maple Pork Belly, Liquid Caramel Corn, and Vanilla Powder |
| Epcot Events | Chef Leonard Thomson | Sommelier Olaronké Olatunji | Suwannee Farms Florida Fresh Cab Beef Tenderloin over Balsamic Charred Onion Bread Pudding topped with Wine Reduction and served with Duck Fat Fries and Zellwood Sweet Corn Gelato |
| Florida Local at Epcot International Food & Wine Festival | Chef Jens Dahlmann | Sommelier Tom Kovacs | Pasture Prime Mangalitsa Pork Arepa with Long & Scott Corn Esquites and Cahaba Farms Micro Cilantro |
| Cítricos | Chef Phil Ponticelli | Sommelier Keith Gimbel | Florida Pink Shrimp with Sunny Meadow Farms Egg Pasta with Sarasota Black Sturgeon Caviar |
| Disney Desserts | Pastry Chef Stefan Riemer | Sommelier Vicky Thompson | Squash Beignets served with Habañero-Corn Ice Cream with Madeira Glaze and Cocoa Dust Chocolate Pot de Crème with Bosc Pears, and Rye Bread Tuile |
Tickets, $175 for singles or $325 for couples, are still available at the eventbrite site.
Christmas parade filming dates
A website that books packages for dance groups who perform in the Walt Disney World Christmas parade, DancetheMagic.com, has listed the parade filming dates on its site as December 6-8 at the Magic Kingdom. If this year's schedule holds true to past years, expect the Castle performances to be Friday, the parade itself on Saturday, with Sunday reserved for filming in the event of rain or other delays.
Keep in mind that the filming is subject to change with no notice, can involve long waits, and can create traffic issues on Main Street and around the Castle. Due to the unpredictability of the production schedule, we don't encourage readers to make a special trip just to see the filming.
Construction update
This week's photo roundup includes updates on construction as well as character greeting changes.
The Jungle Cruise has come out of refurbishment and it's once again OK to take photos of the elephants. Their trunks are on and fully functional. Photo by Jeff Kober.
A good deal of dead vegetation has been trimmed back, exposing some of the surrounding bamboo fencing. Photo by Jeff Kober.
Clearing has begun at the Polynesian Resort in preparation for the new Disney Vacation Club construction. Photo by Jeff Kober.
The princesses and Minnie have vacated the Town Square Theater, and only Mickey Mouse remains. Photo by Jeff Kober.
Minnie Mouse now has her own Art Deco dressing room at DIsney's Hollywood Studios to greet guests. Photo by Jeff Kober.
The cranberry bog has returned for Epcot's International Food & Wine Festival. Photo by 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…
…Cast members are invited to tour The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa on Tuesday, October 14, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
…The Pooh and friends meet-and-greet area is set to reopen at Epcot today. Guests will now enter through the former exit in the courtyard and now exit into the shop.
…Over 9,000 runners finished the Tower of Terror 10-Miler this past weekend in heat and humidity for its second annual running. Garrett Drogosch of Windermere, Florida, beat last year’s inaugural winning time by almost four minutes with a time of 54:09. Mindy Sullivan of Woodbridge, Virginia, was the first woman to cross the finish line, at 1:02:10.
…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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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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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 Stephanie 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 – October 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31; November 1.
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – through November 11
- 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; 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. Keep an eye on our MouseAdventure Facebook page, and register for our MouseAdventure Newsletters for more details as they are announced.
- Candlelight Processional – November 29 through December 30. Dining packages on sale now.
- Pop Warner Football – December 6–14. Participants are staying at Disney's All-Star Resorts, Caribbean Beach Resort, Coronado Springs Resort, and Pop Century Resort.
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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Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 8–9.
- November 8 (p.m.): Wine & Dine Pre-race Taste – 94%
- November 9 (a.m.): runDisney Kids' Races – 60%
- 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 – 93%
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 – 50%
- February 21–22: runDisney Kids' Races – 50%
- February 22: Enchanted 10k – Sold Out
- February 23: Disney's Princess Half Marathon – Sold Out
- February 22–23: Glass Slipper Challenge (Enchanted 10k and 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
- Peter Pan – closed through November 13 for refurbishment.
- Walt Disney World Railroad – closed through November 20 for refurbishment.
- “it's a small world” – closed December 1–8 for refurbishment.
- Splash Mountain – closed January 6, 2014 through March 22, 2014 for refurbishment.
Epcot
- No known refurbishments.
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.
- Disney Hollywood Studios closes at 6:00 p.m. on October 26 for a private event.
Animal Kingdom
- No known refurbishments.
- Festival of the Lion King scheduled to move to a new theater—currently under construction—sometime 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. Remember, Value resorts do not include in-room refrigerators.
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All-Star Sports
- Arcade closed for conversion into a temporary grab-and-go food location. Expected to reopen in December.
- Food court closed through mid-December for refurbishment. During this time, snacks and drinks will be available from a grab-and-go location in the former arcade. Hot food will be available from the All-Star Music Food Court, and Disney will offer bus service between the resorts.
- Polynesian – Access to the east portion of the Polynesian Beach (closest to the Transportation and Ticket Center), as well as Sunset Point will be unavailable due to a scheduled refurbishment. Some rooms in certain room categories in impacted buildings have been taken off the market during the renovation period. No completion date given at this time.
Water Parks
- Typhoon Lagoon – closed October 27 through December 21, 2013 for refurbishment.
- Blizzard Beach – closed December 23, 2013 through March 15, 2014 for refurbishment.
Elsewhere
- Disney Palm Golf Course – closed through mid-November for refurbishment.
- Disney Osprey Ridge Golf Course – permanently closed to play.
- Downtown Disney Lots H, I, J, and K (in Westside area) are closed until further notice for construction of Disney Springs.
- Cirque du Soleil La Nouba – performs Tuesdays through Saturdays. Will not be performed on the following 2013 dates: November 5–6
Current Discounts & Promotions
Discounts for Everyone |
Room Discounts Through December 23 A discount of up to 30% off regular room rates is available at select resorts for most nights from November 10 through November 22 and November 30 through December 23. Advance reservations required. 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, and standard rooms at Disney's Art of Animation Resort 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. Full details on the offer website. Book by November 3 for reservations from November 10 through November 22 and November 30 through December 23. 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).
Save up to 35% on Walt Disney World resort rooms January 5, 2014 through April 12, 2014 Special rates for resort hotels (excluding Art of Animation Little Mermaid rooms, Fort Wilderness campsites, the Villas at Grand Floridian, and 3-bedroom villas). Book through December 31. Advanced booking required. Use booking code JHO. Discounts include:
Additional details are available on our MousePad forum. PhotoPass+ pre-arrival discount Disney'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 |
Save up to 35% on Walt Disney World resort rooms through November 22 and November 30 to December 24 Florida resident rates for resort hotels (excluding Art of Animation Little Mermaid rooms, Fort Wilderness campsites, the Villas at Grand Floridian, and 3-bedroom villas). Book through December 14. Discounts include:
Read full details here (passholder login required). Up to 35% off Tickets to Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba Passholders can purchase $69 (plus tax) Category 2 tickets or $79 (plus tax) Category 1 tickets for Tuesday to Saturday performances on the following dates:
Passholders may purchase tickets for themselves and up to 3 guests. Advanced purchase required. 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 Rewards VISA & Debit Card Holders |
20% off food at Paradiso-37 in Downtown Disney through October 31 Disney 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 tours Disney 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 restaurants Disney 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 merchandise Disney 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 |
Save up to 35% on Walt Disney World resort rooms through November 22 and November 30 to December 24 Florida resident rates for resort hotels (excluding Art of Animation Little Mermaid rooms, Fort Wilderness campsites, the Villas at Grand Floridian, and 3-bedroom villas). Book through December 14. Discounts include:
Read full details here.
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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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