Update for October 29 – November 4, 2013
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News and Views
“Jingle Cruise” debuts at Disneyland and Magic Kingdom this winter | Disney Magic sets sail with a new look | New Year's Eve dining offers around Walt Disney World | Quick takes | Crowd update
“Jingle Cruise” debuts at Disneyland and Magic Kingdom this winter
Joining the Haunted Mansion, “it's a small world,” and Space Mountain holiday overlays, Disney Parks announced the transformation of the Jungle Cruise into the “Jingle Cruise” at both Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom this winter:
In this new seasonal storyline of the attraction, the Skippers have grown homesick for the holidays, so they've added holiday cheer to the Jungle Cruise queue and boathouse with decorations that have been mailed to them from home (plus a few they’ve created themselves). The Skippers have also added a slew of new jokes to their tours that are the perfect way to get guests in the holiday spirit. Additionally, Jungle Cruise boats have been renamed with the holidays in mind, and if guests listen carefully, they may hear a holiday-themed radio broadcast playing in the background.
Disney has officially stated that the work to install the overlay will happen at night after park hours, without requiring an attraction closure as is the case with other holiday overlays. We've also heard that the decorations are limited to the boats, queue, and skippers' spiels, so don't expect to see tiny little Santa hats on the piranha or reindeer antlers on the zebra.
While all reader comments on the Disney Parks Blog itself are positive about this new overlay, the reaction on social media is mixed. In a casual poll of our Twitter followers, about two-thirds are looking forward to the overlay, and the rest are either taking a wait-and-see approach, or already dislike the idea.
Disney Magic sets sail with a new look
We reported last week that Disney Cruise Line canceled the October 20 sailing of the Disney Magic with just four days notice after the company announced the ship was not ready to greet passengers after its lengthy dry dock refurbishment in Cadiz, Spain. Disney attributed the delay to bad weather both at the shipyard in Spain and during the return voyage to the U.S.
The three-story grand atrium features a new chandelier in place of the original Dale Chihuly fixture, but Helmsman Mickey still stands watch outside Lumiere's Restaurant. Photo © Disney.
Five days later, the ship finally set sail on a two-night cruise filled with media and travel professionals invited to get a look at the ship, following a refurbishment that added a new water slide and water play area, updated the dining rooms and children's activity spaces, and enhanced the staterooms and adult nightclubs. Several MousePlanet readers were on that sailing and said it was obvious the crew was still working around the clock to finish the renovations.
Among those on the October 25 sailing was vacation specialist Mary Kraemer with MousePlanet sponsor travel agency Cruising Company/MouseEarVacations.com, who posted dozens of photos on her Facebook page. Along with official press photos from the Disney Cruise Line, we're sharing some of Mary's photos here with her permission, and invite you to visit her page to see all of the photos from the newly imagined Disney Magic.
Water slides and more
From the dock, the most noticeable change to the Disney Magic is the addition of the Aqua Dunk, a three-story-tall water slide that begins with a near-vertical drop and sends riders 20 feet over the side of the ship. The Twist 'n' Spout water slide is a tamer alternative for riders age 3 and up. The pool decks also feature a new Aqua Lab water playground and Nephew's Splash Zone.
The new Aqua Dunk water slide sends riders over the side of the Disney Magic cruise ship. Photo by Mary Kraemer.
The new Aqua Dunk water slide on the Disney Magic cruise ship has a steep drop and a sudden stop. Photo by Mary Kraemer.
Twist 'n' Spout slide offers gentler thrills for those not quite ready for the Aqua Dunk. Photo by Mary Kraemer.
The Aqua Lab and Nephew's Playground offer younger passengers lots of water play options. Photo by Mary Kraemer.
Children's areas
Disney's Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab (for ages 3-12), and the It's a Small World Nursery have been updated, with some elements re-created from the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy cruise ships. The Disney's Oceaneer Club is home to the new Marvel Avengers Academy, the first time Marvel characters have appeared on the Disney Cruise Line. Other areas are themed to re-create Andy's Room, Pixie Hollow, and the Mickey Mouse Club.
Magic Bands have made an appearance on the Disney Magic, and are now used in place of the older RFID bands to log children in and out of the controlled activity areas.
A Youth Team member demonstrates the use of Magic Bands to check in and out of the controlled areas on the Disney Magic cruise ship. Photo by Mary Kraemer.
Disney's Oceaneer Club includes a play area based on Andy's Room from Toy Story. Photo © Disney.
The youth areas have a lot of room for crafts and games. Photo by Mary Kraemer.
Avengers Academy is the first appearance of the Marvel characters on the Disney cruise ship. Photo © Disney.
Tinker Bell and friends have a new home on the Disney Magic in Pixie Hollow. Photo © Disney.
The Small World Nursery is designed for children 3 and under. Photo by Mary Kraemer.
Vibe and Edge offer teens and pre-teens a place to hang out with their friends. Photo by Mary Kraemer.
Dining
There were several changes to the restaurants of the Disney Magic during this refurbishment, starting with the overhaul of Parrot Cay. The tropical-themed restaurant has been renamed Carioca's, and offers a more elegant atmosphere that won't make tuxedo-clad guests feel overdressed on formal night. Animator's Palate now features the “Drawn to the Magic” interactive animation show from the Disney Fantasy, and updated decor.
Parrot Cay has been redecorated as Carioca's, a Brazillian-themed family restaurant. Photo © Disney.
Carioca's replaces the over-the-top tropical theme of Parrot Cay with more subdued decor. Photo by Mary Kraemer.
The entertainment at Animator's Palate was updated to include the latest Disney movies. Photo by Mary Kraemer.
Animator's Palate now features the the “Drawn to Magic” dinner animation show. Photo © Disney.
The adults-only Palo restaurant was redecorated during the Magic's dry dock. Photo by Mary Kraemer.
Adult areas
After Hours is the new theme for the adult lounge area, which includes Fathoms night club, O' Gill's Pub, and Keys piano bar.
Fathoms night club is the largest of the three venues in the After Hours area on the Disney Magic cruise ship. Photo by Mary Kraemer.
O'Gill's Pub is the new sports bar on the Disney Magic cruise ship. Photo by Mary Kraemer.
New Year's Eve dining offers around Walt Disney World
If you're still looking for a way to ring in the New Year, check out these New Year's Eve dining options at Walt Disney World:
Epcot
- Biergarten Restaurant (Germany) – lunch and dinner menus
- La Hacienda de San Angel (Mexico) – dinner menu
- Le Cellier Steakhouse (Canada) – three seatings
- Monsieur Paul (France) – special menu begins at noon
Magic Kingdom
- Tomorrowland Terrace (New Year’s Eve fireworks dinner and dessert party)
Resort Hotels
- Flying Fish Cafe at Disney’s Boardwalk
- Citricos at at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Victoria & Albert’s at at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Narcoossee’s at at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Chef Mickey’s (New Year’s Day brunch) at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Boma – Flavors of Africa (New Year’s Day breakfast) at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Whispering Canyon Cafe (lunch and dinner) at at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Make reservations online or call 407-939-3463
Quick takes…
…Pecos Bills at the Magic Kingdom has added sweet potato fries to its menu, in addition to regular fries.
…Twitter user @ImagnryCupcakes reports that a gift shop in Epcot's Canada pavilion now sells packaged Tim Hortons products, including ground coffee, cappuccino, and hot chocolate mix.
…The LEGO store in Downtown Disney is hosting a Master Builder event November 8–10 as part of the 38th annual Festival of the Masters event taking place in Downtown Disney. This year's Master Builder sculpture is a Star Wars TIE Fighter. All participants in this free event receive a certificate, and have the opportunity to receive a free Republic Frigate LEGO with a LEGO Star Wars purchase of $50 or more.
…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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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 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 – 95%
- November 9 (a.m.): runDisney Kids' Races – 62%
- 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 – Sold Out
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%
- 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.
- “it's a small world” – closed December 1–12 for refurbishment.
- Splash Mountain – closed January 6, 2014 through March 22, 2014 for refurbishment.
Epcot
- Puffin's Roost shop in Norway partially closed for conversion to Frozen meet-and-greet. Set to reopen in early November.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
- Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Playground – closed through November 19 for refurbishment.
- Lights, Motors, Action stunt show – closed November 18–21 for refurbishment.
- Studio Backlot Tour – closed January 5 through March 1, 2014 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—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.
- Wilderness Lodge Villas – Hidden Springs Pool closed until late November for installation of gates and fence.
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) closed until further notice for Disney Springs construction.
- Cirque du Soleil La Nouba – performs Tuesdays through Saturdays. Will not be performed on the following 2013 dates: November 5–6
- Cap'n Jack's Marina (boat rental location) at Downtown Disney closes permanently after October 19.
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 |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
