Update for February 4 – 10, 2014
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions | Comments
News and Views
Super Bowl MVP visits Walt Disney World | New discount on Annual Passes for DVC members | New Membership Magic program and special events for DVC members | Early registration opens Wednesday for Tower of Terror 10K | Disney Cruise Line news | Disney rolls out resort airline check-in service to international visitors | Construction Update | Quick takes | Crowd update
Super Bowl MVP visits Walt Disney World
It's a tradition that dates back to 1987, when Phil Simms visited Walt Disney World to celebrate the N.Y. Giants' win in Super Bowl XXI, and it continued Sunday afternoon when Super Bowl XLVIII Most Valuable Player Malcolm Smith uttered the now-famous words, “I'm Going to Disney World!” following his team's victory over the Denver Broncos. As promised, Smith was the guest of honor in a parade down Walt Disney World's Main Street U.S.A. Monday morning. Smith was joined by Mickey Mouse for the confetti-dusted processional down Main Street, and accompanied by a host of Disney characters and performers.
Mickey Mouse and Super Bowl XLVII MVP Malcolm Smith ride down Main Street, U.S.A. in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom to celebrate the Seattle Seahawks' victory. Photo by Linda Neeley.
Malcolm Smith tosses footballs to a crowd of fans lining the Magic Kingdom's Main Street, U.S.A. Photo by Linda Neeley.
Goofy, Minnie Mouse, Dale and Disney performers celebrate the Seattle Seahawks' victory in Super Bowl XLVII. Photo by Linda Neeley.
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Malcolm Smith signs a fan's jersey during a Super Bowl victory celebration at the Magic Kingdom. Photo by Linda Neeley.
Following the processional, Smith posed for photos and signed autographs outside Cinderella Castle before participating in interviews with invited media.
In a follow up to an offer we wrote about earlier this month, residents of the state of Washington can receive the 3rd night free at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin when they book a two-night stay. The promotion must be booked by February 28 for travel by February 3, 2015, and is not valid December 22-31, 2014. Call 1-800-227-1500 or visit the hotel's special offer website for details.
New discount on Annual Passes for DVC members
Disney Vacation Club launched its new “More Member Magic” program last week with a special discount offer on two Disneyland Resort annual passports:
- Walt Disney World Premium Annual Pass – $484, a $245 discount off the regular price.
- Disney Premier Passport (good at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World) – $849, a $130 discount, and the first time this pass has ever been offered at a discount
The discounts are valid February 6 through April 30. You can purchase the Walt Disney World Premium AP through a new online ticket store that launches this Thursday, February 6. You must, however, purchase the Disney Premier Passport in person at either Walt Disney World or Disneyland ticket booths.
There is a note on the offer that reads, “Even if you've already purchased one, you can still take advantage of these limited-time savings. Purchase before April 30, 2014, and you can activate your new Pass or Passport when your old one expires.” Shortly after posting the offer, Disney amended the website to add, “anytime between now and Jan. 31, 2015.”
New Membership Magic program and special events for DVC members
Disney Vacation Club has announced the first events from the Membership Magic program, including a weekly members-only bowling opportunity at Splitsville Luxury Lanes.
Disney Vacation Club Member Night at Splitsville Luxury Lanes
DVC members and their guests can join a weekly bowling night at Splitsville Luxury Lanes. The events are Wednesday nights starting February 12, with two sessions at 5:00 and 7:30 p.m. Advance reservations are required. Tickets are $47 for adults, $38 for children. Call Member Services at (800) 800-9800 for more information and to make reservations.
Culinary Magic events at Walt Disney World restaurants
DVC is adding a series of dining events similar to the Tables in Wonderland dinners. These are great for DVC members who are local to Orlando or who will be vacationing during these periods. Three events have been announced:
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February 27, 2014 |
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March 13, 2014 |
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| March 27, 2014 |
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Bookings open February 6, and full prepayment is required when you make your reservation. They have a very generous one-day cancellation policy. No discounts apply to these events.
Early registration opens Wednesday for Tower of Terror 10K
Registration for the 2014 The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler race opens to the general public next Tuesday, February 11, but Disney Vacation Club members and Disney annual passholders can register starting this Wednesday, February 5. Early registration opens at Noon Eastern time / 9 a.m. Pacific.
With the growing popularity of the 10K race distance, and last week's record sell-out of the 2014 Disneyland 10K, runners who are eligible for early registration should take advantage of the opportunity to confirm their spot before registration opens to the general public.
Links haven't been released yet, so keep an eye on our Team MousePlanet discussion forum – we'll post the links as soon as we get them.
Disney Cruise Line news
The folks at Disney Cruise Line have been busy rolling out a whole series of new programs and policy changes:
New Internet plans and pricing
Disney Cruise Line is rolling out a new Connect@Sea Internet plan in the coming weeks to its four cruise ships. The new plan is based on the amount of data you use, not the time spent online, with packages available. Here's the new pricing structure:
- Pay As You Go – $0.25 per MB
- Small package – 100 MB for $19 ($0.19 per MB)
- Medium package – 300 MB for $39 ($0.13 per MB)
- Large package – 1,000 MB for $89 ($0.09 per MB)
Guests booked in Concierge Categories S, T and V Staterooms will receive the Small package (100 MB) at no charge. If they exceed that, they can purchase one of the packages described above.
Concierge Guests will continue to receive special internet package benefits:
Guests booked in Concierge Category R Staterooms receive free internet service for the length of the cruise.
The rollout is effective for each ship as of the following sailing dates:
- Disney Magic – Monday, February 3
- Disney Dream – Sunday, February 16
- Disney Wonder – Wednesday, February 26
- Disney Fantasy – Saturday, March 8
New policy regarding passenger-carried food
This new policy will have little impact on most passengers, but is a huge win for passengers with food allergies or other dietary restrictions, as well as for those traveling with toddlers.
Effective immediate, passengers can take “non-perishable, government-approved snack food items in their sealed, original packaging” with them when they disembark the ship in ports of call, as well as at the end of their cruise.
Disney allows passengers to bring this food onto the ships, but until now has forbidden passengers from taking any food off the ship, regardless of whether or not it is sealed. For people with food allergies or other dietary restrictions, this has limited their ability to participate in day-long shore excursions because they could not ensure the availability of safe-to-eat food at the various ports of call. Parents were not allowed to bring baby food off the ship.
Even with the new policy, passengers are not allowed to bring opened containers of food back onto the ship, so it's best to bring single-serving packages of the desired food with you so you don't wind up tossing the rest of an opened container. This is important for families who pack larger containers of formula.
As always, passengers may not bring perishable food, homemade food, pre-cooked food, or open containers onto the ships in any port, and may not take open containers off the ship at any time.
Passengers may bring a cooler no larger than 12″ x 12″ x 12″ onto the ship only for the purpose of storing medication or baby food.
Food brought onto the ship must not require any food preparation assistance, and cast members are not allowed to assist passengers in preparing the food items. Food brought onboard can not be stored in the ship's galley, and must be stored in the passenger's stateroom.
Breast milk is not impacted by this policy, and may be brought on or off the ship as needed. Breast milk cannot be checked, and must be in the passenger's carry-on luggage.
New wine pairing dinner at Palo
The adults-only Palo restaurant has added a new “Esperienza del Vino” wine pairing option during dinner service. Esperienza del Vino is a five-course fixed menu of dishes from the current Palo menu, paired with a set selection of Italian wines. The dessert course is paired with Passito Di Pantelleria Pellegrino 08.
The price for this new wine pairing option is $59, in addition to the current $25 dining fee. No substitutions are allowed in the Esperienza del Vino pairing, but you can still order off the menu if you prefer, at the standard $25 dining fee, and choose your own wines from Palo's wine list at an additional cost.
New pregnant passenger policy
Earlier this month, Disney Cruise Line amended its Terms & Conditions to update the policy regarding pregnant passengers. Previously, DCL would not allow you to sail if you had already entered the 24th week of pregnancy as of your sail date. Under the new policy, you may not sail if you will enter your 24th week at any time during the cruise.
The new policy reads:
“Women who have entered their 24th week of pregnancy as of their embarkation date or who will enter their 24th week of pregnancy during the cruise will be refused passage due to safety concerns. Neither a physician's medical statement nor a waiver of liability will be accepted. In addition, Disney Cruise Line cannot be held responsible or liable for any complications relating to pregnancy at any stage.”
This policy is already in effect, so expectant women who have a Disney cruise planned should double check their dates to make sure they are still OK to sail.
New pricing structure for nursery service
The cost of It's a Small World and Flounder's Reef nursery service has been increased on all four cruise ships. Pricing for the first child is now $9 per hour, a 50 percent increase over the current $6-per-hour fee. Pricing for the second child in a family (staying in the same stateroom) jumped from $5 to $8 per hour.
New embarkation day hours for poolside sundry shops
The poolside sundry shops on three Disney Cruise Line ships will be open on embarkation day while the ships are still docked in Port Canaveral.
Whozits and Whatzits (Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy) and Quacks (Disney Magic) will open once embarkation begins so passengers can purchase sundries, toiletries, and pool items. If you've sailed with Disney Cruise Line, Quacks on the Magic is the tiny kiosk near the Mickey pool that seemingly appears out of nowhere—it actually folds into what looks like a support pillar of the ship. Quacks sells towels, sunblock, goggles, and small water toys.
Whozits and Whatzits is a larger store on the newer ships, and has a much larger selection including bathing suits.
Hours are as follows:
- Quacks – Noon to 6:30 p.m.
- Whozits & Whatzits – Noon to 8:30 p.m.
Both shops are closed during the boat drill, as per regulation.
Previously, these stores were closed on embarkation day, leaving passengers no way to replace their forgotten sunblock. One of my tips for families traveling with pool-crazy kids is to wear or carry bathing suits onto the ship, and use those first hours before the boat drill to get in some pool time before the other passengers get their luggage. It's one of the least-crowded pool experiences you'll get unless you stay on the ship during a port day.
All other DCL shops remain closed during embarkation as usual, and generally open once the ship is in international waters.
Disney rolls out resort airline check-in service to international visitors
International visitors who have their departing flights booked on one of eight participating airlines can now, or very shortly, take advantage of convenient airline check-in service from their Walt Disney World Resort hotel, which allows passengers to check their luggage and receive their boarding passes right at their hotel on the morning of departure, potentially saving a great deal of time at the airport. This service is already offered for domestic passengers; Disney is adding international service on a hotel-by-hotel basis now through March 17.
As with the domestic service, passengers must have a departing flight booked on one of the following participating airlines:
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- AirTran Airways
- Delta Air Lines
- JetBlue Airways
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
- US Airways
Unfortunately, Virgin America and Virgin Atlantic are still not part of this program.
The service is available to guests staying at these Walt Disney World Resort hotels:
- Art of Animation Resort
- BoardWalk Resort
- Contemporary Resort (including Bay Lake Tower)
- Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
- Grand Floridian Resort
- Old Key West Resort
- Polynesian Resort
- Saratoga Springs Resort
- Wilderness Lodge
- Yacht and Beach Club Resorts
Service will be expanded each week to the remaining Walt Disney World hotels on this schedule:
- February 10 – Pop Century Resort
- February 17 – Animal Kingdom Lodge & Kidani Village and Coronado Springs Resort
- February 24 – Port Orleans Resort
- March 3 – All Star Movies Resort
- March 10 – All Star Music Resort and All Star Sports Resort
- March 17 – Caribbean Beach Resort
The airline check-in desk is open at each hotel from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. daily. Passengers must check in at least three hours prior to departure, regardless of whether they are using Disney's Magical Express service to the airport. Passengers with flights that depart before 8:00 a.m. must check in at the airport. You must have a valid passport for each member of your party to check in.
While this service by Disney itself is free, you must still pay for any checked baggage fees imposed by your carrier, such as for extra, heavy, or oversized bags. These fees are payable before you visit the airline check-in desk at your hotel – call (407) 284-1231 to pay the fees using a major credit card.
Construction Update
Jeff Kober notes that workers have made a lot of progress on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster at the Magic Kingdom over the past few weeks.
The Seven Dwarf's mountain is topped off with trees and shrubs. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
A closer look at the artificial, but very life-like trees sitting above Prince Eric's Village. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Landscapers work around one of the cave openings of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Detailed bridge detail is added along the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train roller coaster track. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Workers frame the exterior of the loading area of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Quick takes…
…Now that traditional FastPass kiosks have been deactivated in the Magic Kingdom park, park guests not participating in the My Magic + program must use FastPass+ kiosks stationed around the park to schedule or change their FastPass reservations. Jeff Kober snapped a photo of this long line in Tomorrowland last week, but noted that the line for the FastPass+ kiosk in nearby Storybook Circus was nearly empty. If you find a long line at the first kiosk you come to, check the park map to see if there is another nearby kiosk that might have a shorter line.
Magic Kingdom visitors wait in a long line to access the FastPass+ kiosk in Tomorrowland, while the line for the kiosk in Storybook Circus is nearly empty. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
…The Disney Parks Blog released a preview of the merchandise to be available at the 2014 Flower and Garden Festival. The new collection builds on the popularity of some topiary merchandise that was included in the 2013 Festival assortment. The 2014 Flower and Garden Festival opens Wednesday, March 5 at Epcot.
The popular topiary collection from the 2013 Flower and Garden Festival was the inspiration for the 2014 event logo and merchandise. Photo © Disney.
A new set of Vinylmation figures will be released during the 2014 Flower and Garden Festival. Photo © Disney.
…RetroDisneyWorld.com released a high resolution downloadable map of 1982 EPCOT Center. The map is free for you to download and print from their website.
Nikon now host these Picture Spots throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
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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Resort Events
2014
- Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 21–23
- Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival – March 5 through 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 – 85%
- February 21–22: runDisney Kids' Races – 85%
- 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
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Expedition Everest Challenge – May 3
- Expedition Everest Challenge – Sold Out
- Family Edition – 64%
- Kids Races – 52%
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Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend – October 3–4
- Early Passholder registration opens February 5
- Regular registration opens February 11
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Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 7–8
- Early Passholder registration opens February 26
- Regular registration opens March 5
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
- The Barnstormer – closed February 3–5 for refurbishment.
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority – closed February 10 through March 27 for refurbishment.
- Casey's Corner – closed through February 15 for refurbishment.
- The Plaza Restaurant – closed February 17 through March 15 for refurbishment.
- Pinocchio Village Haus – closed February 17 through March 30 for refurbishment.
- Splash Mountain – closed through March 22 for refurbishment.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed April 7–9 for refurbishment.
- Pirates of the Caribbean – closed April 28–30 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.
- Bay Lake Tower children's play area – closed until February 7 for refurbishment.
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Polynesian
- Never Land Club Children's Activity Center – closed for refurbishment 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.
Water Parks
- Blizzard Beach – closed 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 Pleasure Island are temporarily closed for ongoing construction work.
- 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 |
Save up to 30%* on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels for stays most nights March 14 through April 12 and April 20 through 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 now through 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 through April 12, 2014 Annual passholders enjoy a discount of up to 37 percent off regular room rates at select Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts March 14–29. 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 March 6–13 (Spring Break travel):
From March 14–29:
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 through 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 through 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 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 March 6 to 13, 2014 (Spring Break Travel):
From March 14 to 29, 2014:
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. |
