Update for March 4 –10, 2014
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News and Views
2014 Flower & Garden Festival blooms this week | Fans invited to show their Disney Side during a 24-hour party | Disney Side of Summer Sweepstakes | A new look planned for Magic Kingdom's central hub | Disney World restaurants introduce Braille menus | Negotiations begin between Disney and union | Wine & Dine half marathon registration opens today | Register today for the Rebel Rendezvous | Reservations open for Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic | Easter services at Walt Disney World | Quick takes | Crowd update
2014 Flower & Garden Festival blooms this week
The 2014 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival opens this Thursday, March 5, and runs through May 18. For many fans, the highlight of this annual event, presented this year by HGTV, are the fanciful topiaries of Disney characters displayed throughout Epcot park.
Gardens featuring the Muppets are new to this year's festival. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The event also includes gardening, home decór, and do-it-yourself presentations from the network's stars; the Flower Power concert series; special food and drink offerings from the outdoor kitchens; and of course, lots of shopping opportunities featuring products designed specifically for the event.
A few topiaries are already on display in advance of the 2014 Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Many of the familiar topiaries and gardens have returned this year. Here Bambi and friends are located next to Canada rather than at the butterfly garden. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The playground at Future World West has been rethemed to Monsters University, utilizing topiaries from last year. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The smokehouse that stands behind Sheriff Woody is one of the new outdoor kitchens for the 2014 event. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
A variety of materials are used to create the colors and textures of these topiaries from “The Lion King.” Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Fans invited to show their Disney Side during a 24-hour party
Magic Kingdom park is again hosting a 24-hour party to kick off the summer season, and this year invites attendees to show their “Disney Side” by dressing as their favorite Disney character. The “Rock Your Disney Side: 24-Hours” event begins at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, May 23 and runs 24 hours until 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 24.
Adding the costume party element to this 24-hour event is sure to bring out the creative side of Disney fans, but keep in mind the rules regarding costumes and accessories as published by Disney. These are pretty much the same as those in place for the in-park Halloween events, but they bear repeating:
- Costumes should be child-friendly and adhere to any guidelines determined by Disney.
- Costumes should not be obstructive, offensive or violent; drag on the ground; contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest; contain any weapons or objects which resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
- Masks may be worn, but they must not obstruct vision, and eyes must be visible at all times.
- Guests who dress like Disney characters may not pose for pictures or sign autographs.
- Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused admission.
Beyond the list of rules regarding costumes, and the disclaimer that “only select attractions, entertainment and services will be available,” Disney has not released many details about this year's event. You can look at our preview of the 2013 event at the Disneyland Resort to get an idea of what you may expect.
Disney Side of Summer Sweepstakes
Disney Parks is offering one Disney fan the opportunity to visit both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World and attend the Rock Your Disney Side: 24-Hours event during one whirlwind seven-day, six-night vacation by entering the Disney Side of Summer Sweepstakes via Twitter.
The grand prize vacation starts in Walt Disney World, where the winner and up to three guests will spend four days and three nights. From there, the group will travel to the Disneyland Resort for three days and two nights. The prize includes hotel accommodations along with airfare, an $800 Disney gift card and 8 hours with a VIP tour guide at both Resorts. The vacation must be taken May 20, 2014 through May 26, 2014.
This is a Twitter-only contest, and you must have or create a public Twitter account to enter. Complete rules are on the Disney Parks blog. You can enter once per day now through March 31, and the winner will be announced on or around April 4.
A new look planned for Magic Kingdom's central hub
Disney released a video last week showing planned changes to the Magic Kingdom's Central Plaza in front of Cinderella's Castle. Work has already begun on the project, including the current expansion of the seating area in front of Casey's Corner and the work underway on the Plaza restaurant, which is closed through March 15 for refurbishment.
A virtual preview of the new Central Plaza layout. YouTube video © Disney.
The larger plans calls for many of the grassy areas around the Central Plaza to be used to build additional walkways around the central hub, which will ease congestion considerably during parades. Unfortunately, the construction also means the removal of the rose gardens on the Tomorrowland side of the Plaza, considered to be one of the most peaceful and beautiful spots in the Magic Kingdom.
Disney says the new Central Plaza design also includes new viewing areas for the fireworks, but has not indicated whether these will be reserved via the FastPass+ system, or be another added-cost offering like the Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert party.
A screen capture from the Disney video shows the new design of the Magic Kingdom's Central Plaza.
This Google Maps image shows the current layout of the Central Plaza, and gives an idea of which areas will be renovated during the Central Plaza expansion.
Disney World restaurants introduce Braille menus
Sixteen Walt Disney World restaurants now offer Braille menus for guests with visual impairments. The locations are:
Magic Kingdom
- Columbia Harbour House
- Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe
- Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
- Pinocchio Village Haus
Epcot
- Electric Umbrella
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
- Liberty Inn
- Sunshine Seasons
Hollywood Studios
- ABC Commissary
- Backlot Express
- Pizza Planet
- Rosie's All American Cafe
Animal Kingdom
- Flame Tree BBQ
- Tusker House
- Pizzafari
- Restaurantosaurus
Cast members are also available to read menus to guests at locations that do not yet offer Braille menus, or at a guest's request. The Braille menus are a brand-new offering, so you will likely need to ask for a lead or manager to find the menu—most front-line servers or cashiers won't know about it yet as the training rolls out.
Disney agreed to provide “certain Braille schedules, menus, and maps” as part of a settlement reached in 2013 in a class action lawsuit claiming Disney failed to meet the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The domestic Disney theme parks have made other changes stemming from this settlement in recent months, including installing Braille maps in the theme parks and Downtown Disney; adding and installing signs for service animal relief areas on Disney property; and providing crates where visitors can leave service animals while riding attractions the dogs are not permitted to ride.
Negotiations begin between Disney and union
Negotiations began this week between Disney and two unions that represent 24,000 full-time Walt Disney World cast members. UNITE HERE Local 737 and UNITE HERE Local 362 are the two largest Disney World unions, and represent hourly workers in foods, attractions, main gate, custodial and housekeeping departments.
Florida's News 13 reported that about 1,000 workers held a rally at a non-Disney hotel in late February asking for wage and benefit increases. A union representative said that the majority of its workers make less than $10 per hour.
Wine & Dine half-marathon registration opens today
Registration for the 2014 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort opens today, March 4, at noon (Eastern). The events are November 7–8 in Orlando, and include the Wine & Dine Half Marathon, Mickey's Jingle Jungle 5K or runDisney Kids Races. Tickets are also available for the Finish Line party, an after hours event that allows race spectators to enjoy the Epcot Food and Wine Festival while their running friends and family are on the race course. MousePlanet's Lani Teshima considers the Wine & Dine Half Marathon to be her favorite runDisney event—check out her 10 reasons why she adores this nighttime race. Entry fees are:
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Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon
- $185 by April 1
- $200 between April 2 and May 13
- $215 on or after May 14
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Mickey's Jingle Jungle 5K
- $55 by August 19
- $65 on or after August 20
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runDisney Kids' Races
- $15 by August 19
- $20 on or after August 20
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runDisney 1-Mile Run
- $30 by August 19
- $35 on or after August 20
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Disney Wine & Dine Pre-Race Taste Tickets
- $79 for Adults (ages3 and up). Children under 3 do not need a ticket
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Finish Line Party Tickets
- $75 by August 12
- $85 between August 13 and October 28
- $95 on or after October 29
Register today for the Rebel Rendezvous
After first announcing the extension of Star Wars Weekends to five weekends for 2014, Disney last week introduced The Rebel Rendezvous, a seperately ticketed merchandise event Thursday, May 15, from 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The Rebel Rendezvous gives attendees access to Darth's Mall and the Star Wars Weekend merchandise one day before the event opens to the general public. Attendees also have access to meet-and-greet opportunities with Disney and Star Wars characters, Disney artists, and performers like Ashley Eckstein (from Star Wars: The Clone Wars).
The biggest appeal of this $250 event may be the exclusive Rebel Rendezvous “recruitment pack,” which includes a messenger bag; pin lanyard, lanyard medal and pin; hat and tumble, along with the ability to prepurchase limited edition Star Wars Weekends merchandise.
Registration opens today, March 4, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time via the Disney Parks Merchandise website.
Reservations open for Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic
Tickets are now on sale for the Fifth Annual Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic, happening on October 31 and November 1 at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels.
Friday and Saturday nights, the Food & Wine Classic centers around the Crescent Lake causeway between the Swan and Dolphin hotels, with booths offering tastes from the hotels' restaurants, including chef Todd English's bluezoo. A new Beer Garden is offering craft beer tastings with housemade bar snacks. Causway-only tickets are $89.45 per person, or $108.26 including acess to the Beer Garden.
The event includes 10 food and beverage seminars, including three new food pairing experiences, that offer insight into a specific area of the food and wine industry. Seminar tickets range from $42.40 to $56.51 per person.
One- and two-night hotel and Causeway packages are available starting at $315 per night. Make your reservations through the event website, or call (888) 828-8850 for information about hotel packages.
Easter services at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World is hosting three religious services on Easter Sunday, April 20, in the Fantasia Ballroom of Disney's Contemporary Resort:
- Catholic Mass: 8:00 a.m.
- Protestant Service: 9:00 a.m.
- Catholic Mass: 10:15 a.m.
Parking at the Contemporary Resort is restricted to guests with hotel reservations only; all others must take Disney transportation to reach the Contemporary Resort.
Guests staying at a hotel on the Monorail line (Grand Floridian or Polynesian Resorts), or who will park at the Transportation and Ticketing Center can take the Resort Monorail to the Contemporary Resort. All other resort guests can take a bus from their Walt Disney World hotel to the Magic Kingdom, and from there, transfer to a bus to the Contemporary Resort.
Quick takes…
…Walt Disney Imagineering released a ride-through video of the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ride during a live chat last week. The video offers a side-by-side comparison of the actual ride (filmed at night during construction) with a CGI rendering of the ride. Disney has still not released the opening date for the new attraction, but we expect it to be early May.
Disney released a video of the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ride during a live chat with an Imagineer last week. YouTube video © Disney.
…Effective immediately, Disney Cruise Line has banned guests from bringing their own extension cords onboard. Passengers who need an extension cord can borrow one from Guest Services with a $50 refundable deposit.
Alice in Wonderland greets visitors near one of the Nikon Photo Spots in Epcot. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
…As a reminder, the new Festival of Fantasy Parade debuts Sunday, March 9 at the Magic Kingdom. The parade is eligible for FastPass+ reservations, so if you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World after March 9, you can start adding the parade to your FastPass+ plans now.
…Team MousePlanet columnist Lorree Tachell notes that registration for the runDisney Tower of Terror 10-miler is now at 73 percent, a big jump in just one week. Lorree estimates the race will sell out about two months earlier than the 2013 event.
A new temporary tip board has been installed at Disney's Hollywood Studios while the area is being renovated for FastPass+ stations. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
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Resort Events
2014
- Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival – March 5 through May 18
- Festival of Fantasy Parade – debut March 9 at the Magic Kingdom.
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train media event – April 30 – May 2. This may indicate the ride will open to the public May 1 or 2.
- ?Expedition Everest Challenge – May 3
- Star Wars Weekends Rebel Rendezvous – May 15, 2014
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Star Wars Weekends
- Weekend I: May 16 – 18, 2014
- Weekend II: May 23 – 25, 2014
- Weekend III: May 30 – June 1, 2014
- Weekend IV: June 6 – 8, 2014
- Weekend V: June 13 – 15, 2014
- Epcot International Food and Wine Festival – September 19 through November 10
- Disney's Night of Joy 2014 – Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6.
- ?Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend – October 3–4
- Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic – October 31 and November 1. Tickets and packages now on sale.
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 7–8
- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party – 2014 event dates not yet announced.
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – 2014 event dates not yet announced.
2015
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 7-11, 2015. Registration opens April 22, 2014. No additional details available at this time.
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 19-22, 2015. Registration opens July 15, 2014. No additional details available at this time.
runDisney events
If 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.
2014
- Expedition Everest Challenge – May 3
- Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend – October 3–4
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 7–8. Registration opens March 5
2015
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 7-11, 2015. Registration opens April 22
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 19-22, 2015. Registration opens July 15
For current information on registration dates and capacity, see Lorree Tachell's runDisney Race Capacity Updates in the Team MousePlanet forum.
Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Magic Kingdom
- The Plaza Restaurant – closed through March 15 for refurbishment.
- Splash Mountain – closed through March 22 for refurbishment.
- Pinocchio Village Haus – closed through March 30 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
- No known refurbishments at this time.
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 28 for refurbishment.
- 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. Monday – Friday starting on January 21 due to construction work at the Polynesian Hotel. The construction site is near the Monorail beam.
- 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. |
