Update for November 19 – 25, 2013
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions | Comments
News and Views
Nikon named official camera | Sid Cahuenga's closes | Trimming the trees | More layoffs at the top | Construction Update | Quick takes | Crowd update
Nikon named official camera of Disney Parks
Nikon and Disney Parks have announced a multi-year alliance today that makes Nikon the official camera of the Disney theme parks in the U.S. The formerly branded Kodak Picture Spots will now become Nikon Picture Spots. In addition, Photopass photographers will be equipped with Nikon cameras and accessories, as well as other official Disney photographers for Fairytale Weddings and Adventures by Disney outings.
Sid Cahuenga's closes
Sid Cahuenga's memorabilia shop at Disney's Hollywood Studios has closed to make way for the MyMagic+ service center. The merchandise formerly housed there is moving to the AFI Showcase Shop at the exit of the Backlot Tour. The MyMagic+ service center will allow guests without smartphones to book Fastpass+ reservations and deal with other issues.
Trimming the trees and decking the halls
The resorts have all been decorated for the holidays, and we were even able to witness some behind-the-scenes magic as we made our way through the Boardwalk lobby at midnight on Sunday. Here is a sampling of the decorations that have gone up around the parks and resorts this past week.
Racks of garland wait to be placed inside the Boardwalk resort. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
The gingerbread kiosk is ready at the Boardwalk. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
The Grand Floridian gingberbread house has been erected for the 15th year. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
The gingerbread house exterior includes many details, including multiple Santa figurines. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
Epcot's Future World contains some fittingly sparkly trees. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
France's decor includes giant Christmas ornaments with dioramas, like the Eiffel Tower. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
Another France ornament contains a diorama of the Arc de Triomphe. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
Giant snowflakes are suspended between buildings in the France pavilion. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
Canadian garlands contain tiny details like mittens and pine tree ornaments. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
More layoffs at the top for Disney Parks
Disney parks has laid off more upper-level theme park executives as part of the restructuring that has been undertaken this year. The three most recent departures are Rick Continelli, the senior vice president of park sales and services for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts (who oversaw the meetings and conventions business), as well as Laura Hall and Allen Fazio from the information technology group. Along with three other voluntary departures, the latest losses amount to 110 years worth of experience leaving the company. See the Orlando Sentinel article for additional details.
Construction Update
Take a quick trip with us around the resort to check on construction progress:
The Polynesian Resort's Disney Vacation Club construction continues, and is visible from the ferry dock. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
A temporary dock is being constructed near the resort monorail track, likely to assist with the ongoing Polynesian work. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
The Spice Road Table at the Morocco Pavilion in Epcot, when complete, is expected to have 120 outdoor tables and 60 indoor booths. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
An area adjacent to Pinocchio Village Haus in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom park has been walled off. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, one of the remaining attractions still under construction in the Magic Kingdom's New Fantasyland area, is a prominent feature these days. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
Welders work to attach additional rock features on the exterior of the new mine train attraction. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
Quick takes…
…ESPN Wide World of Sports is holding a Disney pin and Vinylmation trading night on December 17 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Sports Grill Restaurant area.
…Our MouseAdventure World Explorers completed the epic two-day event over the weekend. Congratulations to all who participated! The winners were the WDW Lifestylers, whose local knowledge proved invaluable in giving them the edge over West Coast teams. Our Coast-to-Coast challenge winners were Team Plutonium. Expect to see our full event recap soon.
…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.
Question of the week
Have you been to the parks since Magic Bands have been issued? What has been your experience with them and MyMagic+ in the parks and around the resort? Please share your experiences on our MousePad discussion forum.
 |
 |
 |
|
|
||
|
|
||
 |
|
 |
|
|
||
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
|
Advertisement “Do more. Wait less.”
|
Join our networks |
|||
|
|
||
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 Very Merry Christmas Party – November 21, 22; December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20.
- 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.
- Holiday Time at Walt Disney World – through Jaunary 5, 2014
- Osbourne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights – through Jaunary 5, 2014
2014
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 9–12
- Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 21–23
runDisney events and capacity updates
2014
-
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 – 66%
- January 9–11: Pasta Party in the Park – 56%
- January 9–12: Dopey Challenge (5K, 10K, half, and full) – Sold Out
-
Disney's Princess Half-Marathon Weekend – February 21–23.
- February 21: Disney Royal Family 5k – 58%
- February 21–22: runDisney Kids' Races – 60%
- 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
- “it's a small world” – closed December 2–12 for refurbishment.
- Splash Mountain – closed January 6 through March 22, 2014 for refurbishment.
- Casey's Corner – closed January 6 through February 15, 2014 for refurbishment.
- Magic Carpets of Aladdin – closed January 13–30, 2014 for refurbishment.
- Liberty Belle Riverboat – closed January 21–30, 2014 for refurbishment.
- The Barnstormer – closed February 3–5, 2014 for refurbishment.
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority – closed February 10 through March 27, 2014 for refurbishment.
- Pinocchio Village Haus – closed February 17 through March 30, 2014 for refurbishment.
- The Plaza Restaurant – closed February 17 through March 15, 2014 for refurbishment.
Epcot
- The Stave Church Gallery in Norway at Epcot reopesn on December 1, 2013 with the new exhibit, “Norsk Kultur, Inspiration for Disney's Frozen.”
Disney's Hollywood Studios
- Studio Backlot Tour – closed January 5 through March 1, 2014 for refurbishment.
- AFI Showcase – closed January 5 through March 1, 2014 for refurbishment.
Animal Kingdom
- Kali River Rapids – closed December 2–13, 2013 for refurbishment.
- Festival of the Lion King scheduled to close on January 5, 2014 for move to a new theater—currently under construction. Estimated to be dark for six months.
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.
-
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
- Never Land Club Children's Activity Center – closed for refurbishment January 1-April 1, 2014.
- Access to the east portion of the Polynesian Beach (closest to the Transportation and Ticket Center), as well as Sunset Point will be unavailable until December 2013 due to a scheduled refurbishment. Some rooms in certain room categories in impacted buildings have been taken off the market during the renovation period.
- Wilderness Lodge Villas – Hidden Springs Pool closed until November 15 for installation of gates and fence.
Water Parks
- Typhoon Lagoon – closed through December 21, 2013 for refurbishment.
- Blizzard Beach – closed January 6-March 17, 2014 for refurbishment.
Elsewhere
- Disney Palm Golf Course – closed through December 15 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.
- Downtown Disney: Wetzels Pretzels and Fuego – closed for refurbishment.
- 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 |
Room Discounts Through December 23 A discount of up to 30 percent 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. |
|---|---|
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 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. |
