Update for January 14, 2014 – January 20, 2014
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions | Comments
News and Views
Marathon Weekend concludes | Spice Road Table opens | Traditional Fastpass loses more ground | Maleficent joins the Festival of Fantasy | Construction update | Quick takes | Crowd update
Marathon Weekend concludes
The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend took place this past week around the resort, beginning on Wednesday with the opening of the fitness expo and on Thursday with the first race, the 3.1-mile Family Fun Run 5K. This race was the first step for those who had signed up for the Dopey Challenge, which required participants to complete a 5K, a 10K, a (13.1-mile) half-marathon, and a (26.2-mile) full marathon on consecutive days (for a total of 48.4 miles). There were approximately 50,000 entrants in the race events taking place over the extended weekend. It was the inaugural year for the (6.2-mile) 10K course, which passed through Epcot and then looped around Boardwalk and Beach Club.
The two Brazilian men who have traded off first place in the marathon the past few years were at it again on Sunday, with Fredison Costa beating Adriano Bastos to the line. Costa finished in 2:21:39, while Bastos took 2:22:55. The women's winner was Angela Brito of Ecuador, with a time of 2:47:44.
Although there are always winners, many more stories are told in the rest of the pack. One of these was highlighted by runDisney on the Disney Parks Blog; a mother and daughter reunited to run the half marathon together after 40 years of separation.
A mother and daughter reunite at the Walt Disney World Marathon. YouTube video by Disney.
Congratulations to all who completed a race this past weekend, including our Team MousePlanet participants. Staff member Lani Teshima completed the inaugural Dopey Challenge, and was still smiling after 48.6 miles over four days!
Looking strong at the end of #DopeyChallenge! #TeamMousePlanet “@MPMox @MPLaniT passing Beach Club. #WDWMarathon http://t.co/hq9Gb5cW2J”
— MousePlanet (@MousePlanet) January 12, 2014
Spice Road Table opens
Morocco's new restaurant, Spice Road Table, quietly opened at Epcot over the weekend for walk-up diners. The new location offers a tapas-like menu, with small plates to share. There is indoor as well as outdoor seating that allows for views of Illuminations on the lagoon, although views of some parts of the show will be somewhat obstructed by the nearby islands.
Spice Road Table's menu includes some sampler platters as well as individual small plates. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
The host podium for Spice Road Table sits in front of the arched entrance to the indoor seating. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The outdoor seating area is shaded, with views of the lagoon. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
There is a standing bar area inside the restaurant for those who just want to sample some of the drink offerings. The full bar features beer, wine, and spirits from several Mediterranean countries, including Greece, Morocco, Turkey, and Spain. The neighboring gift shop has also reopened, offering packaged food and drink as well as apparel and other gift items.
The shop next to the restaurant has several sections featuring different products. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The Souk Al-Magreb gift shop contains items including tagines, a traditional Moroccan cooking tool. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
This area is set up to offer henna tattoos during the day. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Reviews of the new location have been mixed, with many criticizing the prices versus the size of the servings offered. The location hasn't been busy yet, but that is likely to change as word spreads and the restaurant is added to the online reseration system.
Traditional Fastpass loses more ground
Tuesday was the last day for traditional Fastpass at the Magic Kingdom. All paper Fastpass machines will be removed and attractions will only be reserved via the Fastpass+ system. Those guests who are not staying at a Disney resort must book their Fastpass+ on arrival at the resort. MousePlanet contributing writer Jeff Kober has some tips on how to navigate this process on MousePlanet today.
Maleficent joins the Festival of Fantasy
After several teases, the Disney Parks Blog revealed a new float for the upcoming Festival of Fantasy parade at the Magic Kingdom, featuring Maleficent's dragon form. The new float has a very steampunk feel, giving the appearance that the dragon is constructed of riveted-together sheet metal. The dragon joins several other floats that have been previously revealed in sketches. The float is 35 feet long and 26 feet tall; the height of the parade floats will affect this year's holiday decorations, which will not be able to drape across Main Street.
The dragon float is featured in the Festival of Fantasy parade set to debut in the spring. Photo (c) Disney.
Construction Update
J. Jeff Kober shares some construction photos from around the resort this week.
The holiday decorations as well as the “Let the Memories Begin” signage have been removed form in front of the train station. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
An area in Liberty Square is blocked off for refurbishment. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Most of the shops in Adventureland are blocked off by a tarp. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The outdoor areas at Cosmic Ray's are being enclosed. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train elements are nearing completion. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Trees and fencing establish a barrier between riders and the track. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Work continues over the weekend to complete the loading area for the attraction. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Quick takes…
…Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba will be dark until January 20 for a cast break.
…The newly-renovated Dawa Bar has been moved closer to the Tusker House building from its previous location. The size has been expanded and bar seating has been added.
The Dawa Bar can seat more people at the bar instead of using neighboring tables. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
…Typhoon Lagoon will be closed on January 15-16 due to predicted low temperatures.
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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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
2014
- Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 21–23
- Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival – March 5–May 18
- Expedition Everest Challenge – May 3
runDisney events and capacity updates
2014
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Disney's Princess Half-Marathon Weekend – February 21–23
- February 21: Disney Royal Family 5k – 68%
- February 21–22: runDisney Kids' Races – 74%
- 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
- Expedition Everest Challenge – May 3
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 through February 15 for refurbishment.
- Splash Mountain – closed through March 22 for refurbishment.
- Magic Carpets of Aladdin – closed through January 30 for refurbishment.
- Liberty Belle Riverboat – closed January 21–30 for refurbishment.
- The Barnstormer – closed February 3–5 for refurbishment.
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority – closed February 10 through March 27 for refurbishment.
- The Plaza Restaurant – closed February 17 through March 15 for refurbishment.
- Pinocchio Village Haus – closed February 17 through March 30 for refurbishment.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed April 7 through 9 for refurbishment.
- Pirates of the Caribbean – closed April 28 through 30 for refurbishment.
Epcot
- No known refurbishments at this time.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
- Studio Backlot Tour – closed through March 1 for refurbishment.
- AFI Showcase – closed through March 1 for refurbishment.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Festival of the Lion King – closed for move to its new theater, currently under construction. Estimated to be closed until July/August 2014.
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 through January 24 for refurbishment.
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Polynesian
- Never Land Club Children's Activity Center – closed for refurbishment January 28, 2014 through January 1, 2015.
- Port Orleans French Quarter – Doubloon Lagoon Pool closed through February 28 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 for refurbishment.
- Saratoga Springs – Congress Park Pool closed January 22–23 for refurbishment.
Water Parks
- Blizzard Beach – closed January 6 through March 17 for annual refurbishment.
Elsewhere
- The Resort and Express monorail beam closes between 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily starting on January 21 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.
- Downtown Disney Bridge 4 and restrooms on Paradise Island are temporarily closed for ongoing construction work.
- Cirque du Soleil La Nouba – performs Tuesdays through Saturdays.
- Winter side of the Winter Summerland mini golf course will close for refurbishment on January 20.
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:
Save up to 30%* on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels for stays most nights March 14-April 12 and April 20-June 15, 2014 Upgrade to a room and ticket package and get one more ticket day free. (Minimum 4-day Magic Your Way ticket required.) Offer Details:
Book Jan. 6 – March 31, 2014 Memory Maker pre-arrival discount Disney's PhotoPass service provides a discount on Disney Memory Maker pre-arrival packages. For $149 plus tax, Walt Disney World guests will be able to digitally download any photos associated with their Memory Maker account, including photos taken on attractions. The advanced purchase price is a $50 savings. Applicable taxes are charged to all orders. This special offer is only available from this link, and must be made more than three days prior to arrival at the Walt Disney World Resort. All sales are final, and not eligible for an exchange or refund. |
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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 |
Room and ticket discount for travel dates from February 24-June 15 No discounts available March 6-14 and April 13-19. Buy a minimum four day ticket and get a day free. Room discounts include:
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 receive 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. |
