Walt Disney World Resort Update

Update for March 25 – 31, 2014

Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions | Comments

News and Views

Kouzzina to close September 30 | EGG-stravaganza returns in April | Mark Hamill appearing at Star Wars Weekends | Disney Parks celebrates “it's a small world” 50th anniversary | Vera Bradley Perfect Petals brunch coming to Epcot | Boma extends breakfast hours for Easter and Mother's Day | Epcot hosts Imagination Gala in September | T-Rex Cafe fish tank springs leak in Downtown Disney | This week at the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival | Construction update |Quick takes | Crowd update

Kouzzina to close September 30

TouringPlans.com yesterday reported that Kouzzina by Cat Cora, the Mediterranean restaurant located at Disney's BoardWalk, is closing its doors permanently after close of business on September 30, 2014. We spoke to a Disney dining reservation cast member, who confirmed the report, saying that cast members received an email earlier yesterday about the closure. The cast member provided no other details about the announcement, except to say reservations were still be accepted up through September 30.

If you are a fan of the Iron Chef's eatery and you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World this summer, you might want to make sure to make an advance reservation by calling WDW Dining directly at (407) WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).

EGG-stravaganza returns in April

From April 10–20, Epcot visitors have a chance to explore the park to find specially decorated eggs as the EGG-stravaganza event returns for a second year.

EGG-stravaganza debuted in 2013 as part of the Disney Parks “Limited Time Magic” promotion. Once again, visitors will be able to purchase a special, themed map and stickers to help them find various eggs hidden around World Showcase. According to the Disney Parks Blog, participants can purchase maps and stickers for $4.95 at the Heritage Manor at the American Adventure pavilion, Disney Traders, International Gateway, Pin Central, and Port of Entry. There are more than a dozen eggs to find, and you can turn in maps at Disney Traders for a special surprise, regardless of whether you find any eggs.

Mark Hamill appearing at Star Wars Weekends

Big news for Star Wars fans! The Disney Parks Blog announced last week that Mark Hamill, best known for his portrayal of Luke Skywalker in Star Wars Episodes IV, V and VI, is attending Disney Hollywood Studios' Star Wars Weekend events from June 6–8. Disney is yet to release more details, but it is safe to say crowds will be larger than usual that weekend. Visitors looking to attend Star Wars Weekend events will need to purchase theme park admission separately and will likely want to arrive to the park early to beat the crowds.

Disney Parks to celebrate “it's a small world” 50th anniversary

April 10, 2014 will mark 50 years since “it's a small world” opened at the 1964 New York World's Fair as a tribute to UNICEF and its work to help children around the world. Its popularity carried the attraction (and its catchy theme song) across the world as it eventually opened in Disneyland, World Disney World's Magic Kingdom, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland. To celebrate this major milestone on April 10 singers from each Disney park will join in a special sing-along to the iconic theme song.

Guests not able to witness this special event can still participate in the celebration, according to Disney Parks blog. Disney Parks and Resorts has created SmallWorld50.com, a website where “it's a small world” fans to post video tributes and create virtual international dolls. For every sing-along video recorded on SmallWorld50.com, The Walt Disney Company will donate $1, plus $1 for every virtual doll created on the website, up to $100,000, to UNICEF In addition, The Walt Disney Company will donate an additional $150,000 to assist UNICEF with their relief efforts.

Vera Bradley Perfect Petals brunch coming to Epcot

A new Epcot event featuring the company’s colorful Disney Collection is coming this May. “A Perfect Petals Brunch featuring the Disney Collection by Vera Bradley” will be held at the World ShowPlace on Sunday, May 4. The hard ticket event runs from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and features the release of a brand new color called “Mickey’s Perfect Petals.” According to the Disney Parks Blog, admission includes brunch, a special gift and the chance to purchase seven new items in the Disney Collection line. Vera Bradley co-founder Barbara Bradley Baekgaard is making a special appearance at the event. Also available are previously released colors from 2013, including “Midnight with Mickey” and “Where’s Mickey.”

Tickets are $125 and park admission is not included, so make sure to have your theme park admission ticket to get into Epcot. Registration is available at the Disney Parks Merchandise website.

Boma extends breakfast hours for Easter and Mothers Day

The Disney Parks Blog announced extended breakfast hours at the Boma – Flavors of Africa Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge for the Easter and Mother’s Day holidays.

Breakfast at Boma – Flavors of Africa costs $21.99 for adults and $11.99 for children ages 3 to 11. To make reservations, call (407) WDW-DINE or visit the Walt Disney World dining website.

Epcot to host Imagination Gala in September

The annual Disney Trade Celebration happens from September 5–7 at Epcot’s World Showcase. Among the three-day festivities is a new addition: the Imagination Gala – a Magic Carpet Event. This gala is awarding a “Golden Figment” to the “best” in Disney films, storytelling, characters, and attractions

Two event packages are available for fans:

Pin Trading Showcase – 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m, September 5-6. The $140 package includes:

• Pin trading games and activities
• Merchandise pre-purchase opportunities for select event items
• Silent auction of pre-production pins, artists proofs and more
• Special trade opportunities for exclusive Imagination Gala Pin Trading Showcase pins
• Disney pin merchandiser meetings
• Artist signings with Disney Design Group artists
• One (1) $30 Disney gift card
• Limited edition commemorative gifts

Vinylmation Showcase – 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., September 7. The $70 package includes:

• Pre-purchase opportunities for select event merchandise
• Vinylmation trading games and activities
• Silent auction featuring a variety of Vinylmation items
• Trading opportunity for specially designed Vinylmation items produced for the Imagination Gala Vinylmation Showcase
• Meeting with the Disney Vinylmation Merchandiser
• Artist signings with Disney Design Group artists
• One (1) $15 Disney gift card
• Limited edition commemorative gift

Special breakfast experiences will be available for Disney Trade Celebration 2014 guests. Event registration begins 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 22, 2014 EDT. For more information, see the Disney Parks Merchandise website.

T-Rex Cafe fish tank springs lead in Downtown Disney

The Orlando Sentinel reported last Monday that a large fish tank broke at the T-Rex Cafe in Downtown Disney, sending gallons of water spilling into the dining room on dinner guests.

Landry’s, a Houston, Texas-based company that owns the T-Rex Cafe, told the Orlando Sentinel via a statement that, “A seal failed on the tank causing water to leak. Employees took action and did a great job rescuing all of the marine life, caring for our guests and managing the situation. The marine life has been moved to holding tanks and the restaurant is open for business as usual.”

There were no injuries in the incident.

This week at the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

The flowers continue to bloom, delicious aromas fill the air and retro music can be heard throughout Epcot at this year's Flower &Garden Festival. If you're heading down to the festival to experience the fun and beauty, take along our guide to the scheduled presentations and entertainment offerings.

Visitors of the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival can see this life-size sand sculpture promoting the new Disney film “Bears” scheduled for an April 18 release. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Tour information:

• The Gardens of the World Tour –  is a three-hour tour led by a Disney Horticulturist. Theme park admission required and not included. Tickets are $64 per person, plus tax, and guests must be age 16 and up. Call 407-WDW-TOUR to make reservations, or check at Epcot Guest Relations for availability.
• The English Tea Garden Tour  – is a no-cost 20-minute tour presented by Twinings of London. Sign up at the Tea Caddy. Space is limited.

Construction Update

As spring arrives at Walt Disney World, some construction projects around the resort are winding down in preparation for opening, while other continue to make steady progress toward much-anticipated completion.

Magic Kingdom

The recently reopened Splash Mountain showcases some exterior upgrades, including grass from New Fantasyland on its cliffs. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Dwarf Meadow surrounding the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is nearly completed as workers add grasses, trees and floral elements. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Disney's Polynesian Resort

Fences surround both the Rapa Nui and Tahiti buildings for Disney Vacation Club renovations. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

New offshore bungalows are being added to Disney's Polynesian Resort. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Renovations at Disney's Polynesian Resort's Great Ceremonial House appear to be on hold despite a scheduled March 1 project start date. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Quick takes…

…The Magic Kingdom's Splash Mountain reopened on Saturday, March 22, 2014 following its annual winter refurbishment.

…Registration is open for the new Disney Fit Challenge and can be found at the Disney Fit Challenge website. The new competition is scheduled for September 26–28, 2014. Disney has promised that athletes of all levels can compete against others “of similar age and skill level,” giving everyone from recreational to elite athletes a challenge suited to their level. Points earned in the first two days of competition will determine which finalists advance to compete on day three.

…Reservations for Epcot's new Illumination Sparking Dessert Party are now open online via the Walt Disney World dining website. The party features a reserved viewing area in Showcase Plaza for Illuminations, with desserts and sparkling wines from World Showcase pavilions including Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Morocco, and the American Adventure. The Illuminations Sparking Dessert Party is held on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday Nights from 7:45 p.m. to 9:20 p.m. Tickets are $49.00, including tax and tip. Child tickets (age 3-9) are $29. Reservations can be made 180 days in advance either through the website or by calling (407) WDW-DINE

…Don't forget! Anna and Elsa’s Meet and Greet moves to the Magic Kingdom’s Princess Fairytale Hall beginning April 20. The royal sisters will appear together “until the early evening,” with Cinderella and the other princesses staying until the attraction's scheduled closing each evening. The good news is that Fastpass+ eligible visitors eligible can schedule their meet-and-greet using the system to avoid having to wait to meet the popular princesses in a line that can be as long as three hours on busy days. Anna and Elsa continue to appear in Epcot's Norway pavilion through April 19, then move to the Magic Kingdom on the April 20. Fastpass+ reservations are live now.

…The 2014 Tower of Terror 10-Miler is now sold out through Disney. Space in the 10K is still available through travel partners and charity groups – check the runDisney website for a list. Registration is still open for the Disney Happy Haunted 5K Trail Run and the runDisney Kids Races. Don't forget that runDisney recently changed the rule regarding race packet pickup for the Wine & Dine Half Marathon weekend events: YOU MUST PICK UP YOUR OWN PARTICIPANT PACKET (WHICH INCLUDES YOUR EVENT-ISSUED BIB NUMBER AND TIMING DEVICE) DURING REGULARLY SCHEDULED HOURS. Individuals will no longer be able to pick up participant packets on behalf of others For more information, check out MousePlanet's full report here

…Tickets are still available for the Rebel Rendezvous, a separately ticketed merchandise event that kicks off the 2014 Star Wars Weekends. The event is 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). Register via the Disney Parks Merchandise website.

…You can still enter to win a trip to both Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resort in the Disney Side of Summer Sweepstakes. Enter via Twitter once per day now through March 31. Full details and complete rules are on the Disney Parks blog.

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.

Join the MousePlanet Newsletter E-mail:

Crowd Forecast

Join our networks
Facebook MousePlanet MouseAdventure	Twitter @MousePlanet @MouseAdventure @MPMark (Mark Goldhaber) @MousePlanetAVP (Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix) @MPSteven (Steven Ng) @MPStephanie (Stephanie Wien) @MousePlanetJeff (Jeff Kober) @MPMox (Jeffry Moxley) @MPAdrienneK (Adrienne Krock) @MPDocKrock (Kevin Krock) @MPLaniT (Lani Teshima) @MousePlanetJen (Jennifer Rich)

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

• Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival – March 5 through May 18
• Epcot EGG-stravaganza – April 10–20
• Easter services at Walt Disney World – Sunday, April 20.  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 will be restricted to guests with hotel reservations only, and 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 shuttle bus to the Contemporary Resort.

• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train media event – April 30 through May 2. This may indicate the ride will open to the public May 1 or 2.
• Expedition Everest Challenge – May 3
• Perfect Petals Brunch featuring the Disney Collection by Vera Bradley– May 4
• Star Wars Weekends Rebel Rendezvous – May 15, 2014
• Star Wars Weekends
  • Weekend I: May 16–18, 2014
  • Weekend II: May 23–25, 2014
  • Weekend III: May 30 to June 1, 2014
  • Weekend IV: June 6–8, 2014
  • Weekend V: June 13–15, 2014
• Car Masters Weekend – June 14–15 in Downtown Disney.
• Disney Trade Celebration Imagination Gala September 5–7 at Epcot
• Epcot International Food and Wine Festival – September 19 through November 10
• Disney's Night of Joy 2014 – Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6.
• Disney Fit Challenge – September 26-28. Registration opens Tuesday, March 18. More information on the Disney Sports website.
• 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
• Destination D: Attraction Rewind – November 22-23. Additional details expected to be released this spring. The event was originally announced for July 26-27, but was rescheduled.
• 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.
• Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 19–22, 2015.

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

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.

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

• Pinocchio Village Haus – closed through March 30 for refurbishment.
• Swiss Family Treehouse – closed March 17 through 28 for refurbishment.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed April 7–9 for refurbishment.
• Pirates of the Caribbean – closed April 28 through May 1 for refurbishment.
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover – closed May 3 through June 30 for refurbishment.
• Astro Orbiter – closed May 3 through August 20 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.

• Polynesian – Never Land Club Children's Activity Center closed for refurbishment through January 1, 2015.
• Polynesian – Refurbishment of the lobby is slated to begin March 14.
• Polynesian – Captain Cook's closed for refurbishment March 14 through June 14.

Water Parks

• No known refurbishments at this time.

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!

Don't keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. Email Stephanie here.