Update for December 24 – 30, 2013
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions | Comments
News and Views
Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade celebrates 30 years of magic | New Disney Dollars feature theme park mountains | Special holiday events around the parks and resorts | Details revealed for 2014 Night of Joy | Construction update | Quick takes | Crowd update
Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade celebrates 30 years of magic
The Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade, which was taped earlier this month, celebrates its 30th anniversary tomorrow, Wednesday, December 25 at 10 a.m. EST (9 a.m. CST, MST and PST) on ABC-TV. It also airs on Canadian television (CBC Network) and globally on the Armed Forces Network. Check disney.com/christmasparade for local listings.
Neil Patrick Harris leads a chorus line during a parade musical number. Photo © Disney.
The Walt Disney World portion of the telecast is hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, who performs in a musical number with the Broadway cast of Newsies.
The Newsies catch some air during their parade segment. Photo © Disney.
Other performers at the Magic Kingdom include Grammy Award-winning R&B artist Ne-Yo, English-Irish boy band The Wanted, Italian vocal trio Il Volo, and “American Idol” Season 12 champion Candice Glover.
Castle fireworks light the sky as the parade cast fills Main Street. Photo © Disney.
New Disney Dollars feature theme park mountains
The first series of Disney Dollars for 2014 are set to be released this week, and feature three of Disney's classic mountain attractions. Splash Mountain is depicted on the $1 bill, Big Thunder Mountain on the $5 bill, and Space Mountain on the $10. Mickey Mouse is pictured in the corresponding ride vehicle on the back of each.
The 2014 Disney Dollars feature Disney's iconic mountain attractions. Photo © Disney.
At the Walt Disney World Resort, you can find them at:
- Guest Relations (all four theme parks and in the Downtown Disney Marketplace)
- Information Desk at the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney Marketplace
- Concierge/Front Desk at Walt Disney World Resort hotels
Special holiday events around the parks and resorts
There are a lot of special events going on during the peak Christmas to New Year period, so we've rounded up a select few to keep an eye out for if you'll be in the parks during this time. As always, be sure to check the entertainment schedule at your individual resort and as you enter each park for any additional events.
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Disney's Hollywood Studios
- Purchase a “Taste of Hollywood to Go” boxed meal at Min & Bill's Dockside Diner from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. now through January 5 and get special Fantasmic! seating.
- Food trucks are parked on the Streets of America now between 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- The Comedy Warehouse holiday special performances take place daily through January 5 at 12:45, 1:45, 3, 5, 6, and 7 p.m., except on December 31, when performances will be at 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9 p.m.
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Epcot
- Test Track opens at 7 a.m. to the first 500 to 600 guests from the main entrance on December 24, 26, 28 and 29.
- Soarin' opens at 7 a.m. to the first 500 to 600 guests from the main entrance on December 24–30
A special gingerbread display in The Land showcases various Disney parks and resorts from around the world. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
- Magic Kingdom – Operating hours on December 31/January 1 have been extended to 2 a.m.
- Boardwalk Resort – Santa visits from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 24
- Contemporary – Religious services will be held in the Fantasia ballroom. Catholic mass at 8 and 10:15 a.m.; Protestant service at 9 a.m.
- Coronado Springs – Santa visits from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 24
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Fort Wilderness
- Holiday character greeting from 4:45 to 8 p.m. on December 24
- Santa visits from 5 to 8:45 p.m. on December 24
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Grand Floridian Resort
- Holiday character greeting from 5 to 8:45 p.m. on December 24
- Santa visits from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 24
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Old Key West
- Holiday performers at 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. on December 24
- Santa visits from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 24
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Port Orleans Riverside
- Holiday character greeting from 8 to 9:15 a.m. on December 24
- Santa visits from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 24
- Port Orleans French Quarter – Holiday character greeting from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. on December 24
- Polynesian – Santa visits from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 24
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Pop Century
- Holiday performers from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on December 24
- Santa visits from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 24
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Saratoga Springs
- Holiday character greeting from 9 to 10:45 a.m. on December 24
- Santa visits from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 24
- Wilderness Lodge – Santa visiting from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 24
Details revealed for 2014 Night of Joy
The artists for the 2014 Night of Joy have been revealed this week. The 32nd edition of the event will take place on Friday September 5 and Saturday September 6. Tickets will go on sale in spring; check NightOfJoy.com for more information. The current line up is:
Friday, September 5, 2014:
- Hillsong United
- Chris Tomlin
- Matthew West
- For King & Country
- Mandisa
- Building 429
- Matt Maher
- The Neverclaim
Saturday, September 6, 2014:
- Skillet
- Casting Crowns
- MercyMe
- Israel Houghton & New Breed
- Britt Nicole
- Colton Dixon
- Rhett Walker
- We As Human
- One Girl Nation
Construction update
A photo roundup of construction and other changes around the resort.
The gateway was looking a little faded, but has now received a fresh coat of color. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
A bridge crossing has been completed at the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train attraction. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Work continues on the dwarf cottage while trees are added everywhere at the new attraction. The rock work is being completed and painted, and soon meadow grass will be added to the top portions. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Concrete pilings are in place for the new Downtown Disney parking structure. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
A new Joffrey's Coffee kiosk has been built in Pixar Place, blending well with the surrounding brickwork. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Quick takes…
…Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba celebrated its 15th anniversary on December 23. At the beginning of its 7,124th show, there was a special opening moment with Mickey and Minnie Mouse in attendance.
The 15th anniversary of 'La Nouba' by Cirque du Soleil with a special pre-show moment and balloon drop finale. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse were joined Neil Boyd, Company Manager of La Nouba, Keith Bradford, Vice President of Downtown Disney, and 'Les Cons' to kick off the 7,124th performance of the show. YouTube video by © Disney.
…A prank call on Saturday, December 22 resulted in a temporary closure of Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland. Operations resumed after two hours without incident.
…The All-Star Sports End Zone food court has reopened after a long refurbishment. The layout is similar to the food court at Art of Animation, and the increased space should ease congestion. One of the new food stations serves a variety of gelato.
…Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First will be joining the characters at the Disney Junior Play 'n' Dine meal at Hollywood & Vine in Disney's Hollywood Studios at the end of January, 2014.
…The AFI Showcase exhibit at the end of the Backlot Tour has some new additions: Indiana Jones' whip and Batman's suit (from the Michael Keaton years).
Indiana Jones' well-worn whip is currently on display at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Michael Keaton's outfit from his first Batman film is also currently housed in the AFI Showcase. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
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Resort Events
2013
- 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
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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 – 80%
- January 9–11: Pasta Party in the Park – 75%
- 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 – 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.
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All-Star Sports
- Surf's Up Pool – closed January 6–24, 2014 for refurbishment.
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Polynesian
- Never Land Club Children's Activity Center – closed for refurbishment January 28, 2014 through January 1, 2015.
- 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.
- 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
- Blizzard Beach – closed December 22 through March 17, 2014 for refurbishment.
Elsewhere
- The Resort and Express monorail beam will close between 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily starting on January 21, 2014 for maintenance.
- 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. |
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Discounts for Annual Passholders |
Room Discounts from January 4 to April 12, 2014 Annual passholders enjoy a discount of up to 37 percent off regular room rates at select Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts from January 4 to 18 and March 14 to 29, 2014. Advance reservations required; other discounts available during this time period. Must book before April 12. 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 (annual passholder login required). 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). From January 4 to 18 and March 14 to 29, 2014:
From March 6 to 13, 2014 (Spring Break Travel):
Check with a travel agent or Walt Disney World for other rate discounts during this time period. |
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 |
Room Discounts from January 4 to April 8, 2014 Florida residents enjoy a discount of up to 37 percent off regular room rates at select Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts from January 4 to 18 and March 14 to 29, 2014. Advance reservations required; other discounts available during this time period. Must book before April 8. 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). From January 4 to 18 and March 14 to 29, 2014:
From March 6 to 13, 2014 (Spring Break Travel):
Check with a travel agent or Walt Disney World for other rate discounts during this time period. |
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. |
