Update for December 17 – 23, 2013
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions | Comments
News and Views
New Memory Maker product replaces PhotoPass+ | Expedition Everest Challenge registration opens| Universal announces CityWalk expansion | Enter the Show Your Ears Sweepstakes | Quick takes | Crowd update
New Memory Maker product replaces PhotoPass+
Disney has added another twist to its often-confusing PhotoPass service with the introduction of Memory Maker, a replacement for the current PhotoPass+ product. The new Memory Maker product still gives you digital access to all of your photos taken by PhotoPass photographers in the parks and at select dining locations, as well as ride photos at select attractions, but is now designed to be more closely tied to your My Disney Experience account.
Memory Maker is now a digital-only product, so customers will no longer receive physical photo prints at character dining locations, as were previously included with PhotoPass+.
When customers purchase Memory Maker at a Walt Disney World merchandise location, they're buying what Disney terms an “entitlement.” Customers then go online and link the Memory Maker purchase to assign that “entitlement” to a My Disney Experience account. The entitlement can only be linked to one My Disney Experience account, which seems to tighten, but not completely close, the loophole that previously allowed multiple visitors to “share” a PhotoPass+ account by merging several PhotoPass cards together. The entitlement can also be transferred to another person if they appear on your Friends and Family list on your My Disney Experience account.
Customers can still view and download as part of Memory Maker the PhotoPass photos taken by their friends and family (so the entitlement-holder need not appear in every photo), but this requires travel companions to enable photo sharing using their own My Disney Experience account. Shared photos must have been taken during your Memory Maker window, as described below. Disney cautions that photo sharing rules may change at any time, so consider yourself advised.
With the name change comes a new calculation of eligibility windows. PhotoPass+ had a strict 14-day pre-purchase window, because Disney mailed a physical voucher after the online purchase, which the customer then had to take in person to the theme park to receive the PhotoPass+ lanyard.
Since Memory Maker is now tied to the My Disney Experience account, there is no voucher to redeemand no lanyard to receive, and in theory, the entitlement can be post-dated. Disney still offers a pre-purchase discount, but there are strings.
If you purchase Memory Maker at full price ($199), you can decide when your 30-day window begins. If you decide halfway through your vacation that Memory Maker was a good idea after all, you can purchase it and add photos taken earlier in your trip by selecting them from your My Disney Experience account. Your Memory Maker window is then 30 days from the date the earliest photo was taken.
If you purchase Memory Maker at the advance purchase price ($149), you have a 3-day waiting period before photos can be downloaded as part of the Memory Maker entitlement. Photos taken during that 3-day window are not included in the entitlement, but you can still purchase them at the individual photo price (currently $14.99).
For more information and a FAQ, visit the Memory Maker website.
While we're discussing PhotoPass, here are three promotions that may be of interest to our readers:
- Complimentary Photo Extension. Use promo code XTENDGS. Extends the expiration of PhotoPass photos from Walt Disney World from 45 days to 60 days after the date the photo was taken.
- $10 off a PhotoPass archive CD (reg. $169). Use promo code DISCSAVE10. Offer valid through December 22, 2013, and only for online purchases.
- 3 digital photo downloads for $30 (reg. $14.95 each) Use promo code DIGSAVE30. Offer valid through December 22, 2013, and only for online purchases.
Expedition Everest Challenge registration opens
Registration opens today (December 16) at noon (EST) for the 2014 Expedition Everest Challenge at Disney's Animal Kingdom park. The main event—a 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) fun run through an obstacle course, followed by a scavenger hunt—is a nighttime race on Saturday, May 3, 2014. A family edition, with a shorter run and easier scavenger hunt, is hosted that morning at the Wide World of Sports complex, along the the runDisney Kids Races. Fees and deadlines are:
| Individual Registration |
|
| Team Registration |
|
| runDisney Kids Races (ages 4–10) |
|
|
Expedition Everest Challenge Family Edition |
|
| Post-Race Party Tickets |
Adults (ages 10 and up):
Children ages 3–9:
|
Our own Mark Goldhaber is running this event as his first runDisney race, and hopes to meet a lot of readers along the course. Be sure to stop by our Team MousePlanet discussion forum and add your name to the race roster.
Universal announces CityWalk renovation
We don't generally cover Universal Studios news in this Update, but last week's announcement of a major renovation to CityWalk is worth noting, as it is another way Universal continues to challenge Walt Disney World for a share of the Orlando tourism market. The renovation includes the recently opened Red Oven Pizza Bakery and eight new or expanded eateries for 2014.
- Red Oven Pizza Bakery (open now) – hand-tossed Neopolitan-style pizzas cooked in a 900-degree pizza oven.
- Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food – tapas and traditional Mexican fare featuring prepared-to-order tortillas and guacamole.
- Bread Box – “handcrafted sandwiches” on house-baked bread.
- Coldstone Creamery
- Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar – yes, you read that correctly.
- Hot Dog Hall of Fame – offering signature hot dogs from baseball stadiums around the country.
- Menchies Frozen Yogurt – replaces TCBY.
- Pranzo Italian Kitchen – featuring house-made pastas.
- Starbucks – the coffeeshop moves downstairs, and offers seating for 150.
Universal also announced a renovation of the Universal Studios Store. All work is expected to be complete by the end of 2014. This all accompanies the expansion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the Islands of Adventure park with the new Diagon Alley project in the Universal Studios park, and the construction of the Hogwarts Express to link the two lands. Universal has announced that The Leaky Cauldron restaurant will be part of the new Diagon Alley construction.
Enter the Show Your Ears Sweepstakes
Upload a photo of yourself wearing Mickey, Minnie, or Oswald ear hat, and you could win a Disney vacation in the Show Your Ears Sweepstakes. One winner is chosen at random from all valid entries to receive a five-day vacation to either Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World, including hotel, airfare, theme park admission, a Disney gift card and Photopass credit.
If you don't have Mickey ears, you can print out an ear hat using tools on the contest website, download a Disney app to digitally add an ear hat to an existing photo, or enter by mail. The contest is open to all legal residents of the 50 United States and Canada (excluding Quebec), which should thrill our Canadian readers who often grumble about being left out of other contests. Entries must be received 11:59:59 PM (PST) on December 20, so get your cameras out.
If you're a fan of tiny little fine print, or just want a peek inside the head of a Disney lawyer, read the full official rules. There are lots of interesting restrictions, including no visible logos on your clothing, a list of safety requirements if you took your photo on a Disney theme park attraction, and even an admonishment not to “show use of unapproved methods of accommodating disabilities.”
Quick takes…
…The croissant-doughnut hybrid that keeps New Yorkers standing in hours-long lines to get one has made its way to Walt Disney World. The deep fried delicacy is now available at the Refreshment Port in Epcot's World Showcase, the former McDonald's location on the right side as you walk to Canada from the Future World entrance. We don't know what the Disney-fied name of the pastry is yet—”Cronut” is now trademarked, and the item doesn't yet appear on the Refreshment Port menu—but the treat is $4.49, counts as a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan, and is considered a long-term addition to the menu. Just not to its sign yet.
…As part of this week's Limited Time Magic promotion, Mary Poppins and Bert will appear at a photo opportunity in the United Kingdom Pavilion at Epcot park in a dual promotion for the DVD release of Mary Poppins and the theatrical release of Saving Mr. Banks. Disney will also distribute Saving Mr. Banks movie posters, while supplies last.
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.
 |
 |
 |
|
|
||
|
|
||
 |
|
 |
|
|
||
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 – December 17, 19, 20.
- Candlelight Processional – through December 30. Dining packages on sale now.
- Holiday Time at Walt Disney World – through January 5, 2014
- Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights – through January 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 – 75%
- January 9–11: Pasta Party in the Park – 68%
- 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 – 65%
- February 21–22: runDisney Kids' Races – 72%
- 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
- Casey's Corner – closed January 6 through February 15, 2014 for refurbishment.
- Splash Mountain – closed January 6 through March 22, 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.
- The Plaza Restaurant – closed February 17 through March 15, 2014 for refurbishment.
- Pinocchio Village Haus – closed February 17 through March 30, 2014 for refurbishment.
Epcot
- No known refurbishments at this time.
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.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- 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.
- Surf's Up Pool – closed January 6–24, 2014 for refurbishment.
-
Polynesian
- Never Land Club Children's Activity Center – closed for refurbishment January 1 through 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.
- Port Orleans French Quarter – Doubloon Lagoon Pool closed January 13 through February 28, 2014 for refurbishment. Transportation will be provided for guests to use the Ol' Man Island pool at Port Orleans Riverside during this period.
- Port Orleans Riverside – Magnolia Bend Building 80–85 pool deck closed January 20–21, 2014 for refurbishment.
- Saratoga Springs – Congress Park Pool closed January 22–23, 2014 for refurbishment.
Water Parks
- Typhoon Lagoon – closed through December 21 for refurbishment.
- Blizzard Beach – closed January 6 through 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.
- 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 from January 5 to March 5, 2014 and March 14 through April 12, 2014 A discount of up to 35 percent off regular room rates is available at select resorts for most nights from January 5 to April 12. Advance reservations required; book before December 31. 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. You can make your reservation through the Walt Disney World 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 30% on Walt Disney World resort rooms March 6, 2014 through March 13, 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. Full details on the offer website. Discounts include:
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 from 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 from 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. |
