Update for June 10 – 16, 2014
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News and Views
Villains Unleashed coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios on August 23 | Marketplace Co-Op officially opens in Downtown Disney | Car Masters Weekend returns to Downtown Disney | New details about Disney's Animal Kingdom Pandora released | Typhoon Lagoon bus schedule changed for construction | Anna and Elsa meet and greet hours extended | Be the 8th Dwarf photo contest announced | Views from around “The World” | This week at Disney's Hollywood Studios Star Wars Weekends | Quick takes | Question of the Week | Crowd update
Villains Unleashed coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios on August 23
On August 23, Disney's Hollywood Studios visitors can get up close to nearly 50 classic Disney villains during a new nighttime, hard-ticket event “Villains Unleashed,” which runs from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
According to Disney Parks Blog, party guests can enjoy a variety of special events hosted by the villains, including:
- Hades Hangout & Dance Party
- Oogie Boogie's Variety Show
- A Star Wars villain zone
- A new Villainy in the Skies fireworks show
- A new, villain-inspired pre-show to Fantasmic!
- “Ex-Scream” makeovers – get your face painted to look just like your favorite Disney villain
- Specialty food and drinks available for purchase
- Event merchandise available for purchase
- Rides on The Twilight Zone – Tower of Terror, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, Toy Story Mania!, and Star Tours
Party guests can also dress up and show their “Disney villain side,” but must follow Disney guidelines.
Villains Unleashed tickets include Disney Hollywood Studio's admission during party hours only. Tickets cost $67 for adults ($62 for children ages 3-9) plus tax. To purchase tickets, visit Disneyvillainsparty.com
Marketplace Co-Op officially opens in Downtown Disney
Marketplace Co-Op officially opened last weekend in the Downtown Disney Marketplace. Visitors had the chance to get a first glimpse of the variety of merchandise offered at Downtown Disney's newest retail location during a grand opening event on June 6.
Downtown Disney's Marketplace Co-Op opened in the former Team Mickey location. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Disney Parks Blog first announced the building of the new shop back in November 2013. Located next to the Tren-D shop, Marketplace Co-Op has six distinct boutiques with a large variety of items designed just for Disney theme parks.
- Beautifully Disney – women's beauty accessories, make-up and perfumes
- Cherry Tree Lane – scarves, shoes, bags, and jewelry
- Disney Centerpiece – home goods featuring room furnishings, fabrics and everyday house wares
- D-Tech on Demand – personalized and customized electronic accessories
- The Trophy Room – vintage-style sports wear and collectibles
- Zoey and Pickles – girl's fashion with a glamorous and modern flair
Downtown Disney Marketplace Co-Op's Beautifully Disney has a one-stop destination for makeup, fragrances, and accessories. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
D-Tech on Demand allows guests to customize electronics at Downtown Disney's Marketplace Co-Op. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Marketplace Co-Op, Downtown Disney's newest store, offers a variety of Disney merchandise, including purses and other fashion accessories. Photo by Frank Cambisi.
On Saturday, June 14, shoppers can get autographed headphones from celebrity DJ Pauly D during his scheduled appearance at the Downtown Disney Marketplace Co-Op location.
Those not able to visit the new shop in person right away can go to its official website to browse and purchase items from the comfort of their own home.
Car Masters Weekend returns to Downtown Disney
Car Masters Weekend runs from June 15 to 16 at Downtown Disney West Side. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
On June 15 and 16, car enthusiasts have a chance to enjoy a classic car show at the Car Masters Weekend hosted by Downtown Disney's West Side.
Disney Parks Blog reports The Muscle Car Network of Central Florida showcases more than 100 vehicles at the Downtown Disney Car Show presented by Megular's. Fans vote for their favorite and can choose from classic, muscle, or exotic cars. The scores from both fans and judges are combined to declare winners at the Sunday evening awards ceremony.
Fans of Disney's Cars movies can see Lightning McQueen, Mater and Fin McMissle for photo opportunities and watch a Cars movie marathon at AMC Downtown Disney 24. Visitors can stop by and see Pixar filmmaker Jay Ward during a special question and answer session.
The Chevrolet Performance Mobile Tour gives visitors the opportunity to sit inside some of the latest Test Track vehicles, see actual race cars and meet Piston Cup racers Aiken Axler and Save VanDerSpin.
Visitors who like hands-on experiences can participate in activities from Disney Interactive and DisneyQuest animators, as well.
Those looking for something to eat and drink can stop by one of the Downtown Disney food trucks, which offer great selections from a variety of restaurants.
New details about Disney's Animal Kingdom Pandora released
Last week, Orlando's Channel 2 WESH reported new details about the future Avatar-inspired land under construction at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
WESH cited a report from Slashfilm.com about Avatar director James Cameron's appearance at the May 31 Hero Complex Film Festival (held in Los Angeles), where he discussed the park's expansion, slated for 2017. During his remarks, Cameron revealed the full name of the upcoming land—”Pandora: The Land of Avatar.” Cameron also shared his excitement about Disney's vision of Pandora.
“It's really just a place you're gonna wanna go and hang out. It's gonna be gorgeous. Of course it's gonna be gorgeous at night and they're using every new trick, every new bit of technology that they've created,” he said.
Bus schedules altered due to construction
As the Downtown Disney expansion continues, construction crews begin redirecting traffic as work starts on widening Buena Vista Drive to total of 10 lanes, including two bus lanes and a ramp from Epcot Center Drive.
The construction work means crews must redirect traffic to alleviate congestion. As of today (Tuesday, June 10), a new bus schedule begins to and from Disney's Typhoon Lagoon:
- Before 2 p.m. – Visitors can still travel to and from Typhoon Lagoon on the Downtown Disney/Typhoon Lagoon bus.
- After 2:00 p.m. – Visitors traveling to and from Typhoon Lagoon must take a bus or monorail to Epcot and then transfer to another bus to get to their final destination.
In addition to the Typhoon Lagoon bus change, a new, consolidated bus schedule for Downtown Disney starts on June 11 to the expanded Marketplace area with extended hours to 2:00 a.m.
Anna and Elsa meet and greet hours extended
MousePlanet sponsors TouringPlans.com reported last week My Disney Experience now lists extended meet and greet hours for Frozen's Anna and Elsa at the Magic Kingdom's Fairytale Princess Hall in New Fantasyland.
Since the royal sisters moved from Epcot's Norway pavilion to Fairytale Hall more than a month ago, they've greeted visitors daily from park opening until 5 p.m. However, with standby-line waits not shrinking from peak times of about 300 minutes, Disney decided to allow Anna and Elsa to continue to meet with visitors throughout the day.
The My Disney Experience website and smartphone application now list Anna and Elsa's meet-and-greet hours from opening until nearly park closing (not including Extra Magic Hours). Fastpass+ reservations are also available throughout the day now, as well.
To accommodate Anna and Elsa's extended hours, Sleeping Beauty's Aurora joins the Frozen sisters as their special guest and Snow White moves into Fantasyland to greet park visitors.
Be the 8th Dwarf photo contest announced
Do you love to take fun photos? Want to win a Walt Disney World vacation? Then, take a look at Disney's latest contest: Be the 8th Miner for your chance to win.
Entrants have a chance to win one of seven weekly prizes of $500 and an official Seven Dwarfs Mine Train trading pin.
One lucky person wins the grand prize: an eight day, seven night vacation for 4 people to Walt Disney World including airfare, Magical Express transfers to a Walt Disney World resort, four 7-Day Magic Your Way Park Hopper Tickets, an $800 Disney gift card, a character meet and greet photo opportunity and winner's choice of any Disney Photopass service, up to $300.
The contest, which began June 4 and ends July 22, asks entrants to show off their “Seven Dwarfs-inspired skills” with pictures or smartphone video. Each week, the official Be the 8th Miner website publishes a new challenge for entrants to use as inspiration for their pictures and/or videos. Once entrants submit their photo or video, they need to follow @WaltDisneyWorld on Twitter and tweet their entry with the hashtag #8thMinerContest.
The Be the 8th Miner contest has a number of specific rules to follow to make sure your entry does not violate any copyrights, so please go to the official rules website and read them carefully before you enter.
Views from around “The World”
This week's photo update features the first in a series of photos about a few of the major refurbishment projects happening at Disney's Animal Kingdom. From a new theater for the Festival of the Lion King to additions constructed to make getting around easier, you can see how Animal Kingdom continues to be a hub of activity.
The new Lion King Fort provides new space to Harambe for Disney's Animal Kingdom visitors. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The new theater for the Festival of the Lion King sits as the crown jewel of the Disney's Animal Kingdom addition. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The entire Harambe addition hugs the Discovery River in Disney's Animal Kingdom. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Disney's Animal Kingdom's Festival of the Lion King queue has options for Fastpass+ and standby lines. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The interior of Disney's Animal Kingdom Festival of the Lion King theater almost perfectly matches its previous location and the show remains the same. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
This week at Disney's Hollywood Studios Star Wars Weekends
Star Wars Weekends wraps up this weekend and includes more stars and stories to excite Star Wars fans of all ages. As always, arrive early to events for the best possible chance to see your favorites and schedule Fastpass+ reservations to secure your place.
Tour information:
- Celebrity Lineup: Dee Bradley Baker (Captain Rex/the Clones, Bossk – The Clone WarsThe Clone WarsThe Clone WarsThe Clone WarsStar Wars Rebels)
- Events and times may change. Consult daily times guides and tip board for daily updates.
| Activity | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
|
Friday, June 13- Sunday, June 15 |
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|
Stormtrooper Welcome |
7:30 a.m. |
Hollywood Boulevard |
|
Star Wars Character Encounters |
8:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. |
Check Times Guide for locations |
|
Jedi Training Academy |
Starting at 8:45 a.m. and runs 18 more times. Check Times Guide for all times. |
Echo Lake |
|
Celebrity Autographs |
Starting at 10:00 a.m; check times guide for all sessions |
Echo Lake |
|
Jedi Training Academy |
Starting at 8:45 a.m. and runs 18 more times. Check Times Guide for all times. |
Echo Lake |
|
Legends of the Force Motorcade |
11:00 a.m. |
Hollywood Boulevard |
|
Behind the Force: Star Wars Rebels |
1:45 p.m. |
Streets of America |
|
Stars of the Saga Star Wars Celebrity Talk Show |
3:30 p.m. |
Streets of America |
|
Obi Wan and Beyond |
7:00 p.m. |
Streets of America |
|
DJ Lobot Dance Party |
7:00 p.m. |
Sorcerer Hat Stage |
|
Symphony in the Stars Fireworks |
9:45 p.m. |
Sorcerer Hat Stage |
Quick takes
…Epcot's Africa Refreshment Cool Post in World Showcase has new menu items meant to beat the heat or quench the adult thirst. Visitors can order the new coconut or pineapple frozen yogurt (or get them both swirled together) served in a dish for $3.99. Grownups looking for a more “adult” treat can pick up an African Rum Mango Smoothie for $9.50.
…Epcot's Sounds Like Summer concert series debuts this week on June 8 at the American Gardens Theatre featuring Hotel California – A Salute to the Eagles. Click here for our report on the full Sounds Like Summer lineup.
…Downtown Disney's new Starbucks location has something extra special for its customers: a “magic chalkboard” that can automatically draw whatever stands in front of it. According to BusinessWeek.com, customers can also draw on the 70-inch touchscreen to create their own pictures or play games like hangman or tic-tac-toe. The digital chalkboard connects to the Downtown Disney Starbucks location in Anaheim, CA so visitors can share what's going on in each store.
A touch screen at Walt Disney's World's Downtown Disney Starbucks allows users to interact with the Starbucks at Downtown Disney in Anaheim. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Question of the Week
This week's question focuses on the best way to transport little ones around the parks, a challenge for all parents bringing young children to Walt Disney World.
MousePad forum member DoodleMushyBoo wants recommendations on which double stroller would meet their family's needs of being light weight, folding easily and offers decent shade from the sun.
Do you have the perfect stroller for touring the parks or know of one that might help a fellow reader and Disney fan? Head over to the MousePad discussion forum to offer your advice.
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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Resort Events
2014
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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
- Harambe Nights – every Saturday night from June 7 through August 9. Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Epcot's Sounds Like Summer Concert Series – June 8 through July 26. Epcot World Showcase, America Gardens Theater.
- Fittipaldi Cup Event – June 13. Walt Disney World Speedway
- Car Masters Weekend – June 14–15 in Downtown Disney
- Richard Petty's Junior Ride-Along Experience – begins June 15. Richard Petty's Driving Experience.
- Summer Solstice Signature Dining Experience – 6:30 p.m., June 19, Raglan Road Pub and Restaurant, Downtown Disney
- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party – September 1, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28; October 2, 3, 5, 9. 10, 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31.
- Disney's Night of Joy 2014 – Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6.
- Disney Trade Celebration Imagination Gala September 5–7 at Epcot
- Epcot After-Hours Wind Down – through September 15. Epcot, World Showcase (reservations required).
- Epcot International Food and Wine Festival – September 19 through November 10
- Disney Fit Challenge – September 26–28. 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 Very Merry Christmas Party – November 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, 30; December 2,4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19
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
- 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.
- Disney Castaway Cay Challenge – January 12, 2015 – sailing on the Disney Dream
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 19–22, 2015. Registration opens July 15, 2014.
For current information on registration dates and capacity, see Lorree Tachell's runDisney Race Capacity Updates in the Team MousePlanet forum on our MousePad discussion board.
Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Magic Kingdom
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover – closed June 2 through August 4 for refurbishment
- Astro Orbiter – closed June 2 through September 19 for refurbishment
- Liberty Square Riverboat – closed August 4–8 for refurbishment
- Mickey's Philharmagic – closed September 8–19 for refurbishment
- Walt Disney's Carousel of Progres – closed September 22–27 for refurbishment
Epcot
- No known refurbishments at this time.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
- No known refurbishments at this time.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- It's Tough to Be a Bug – closed July 7 through August 11 for refurbishment
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 ongoing.
- Polynesian – Captain Cook's closed for refurbishment through June 14.
Water Parks
- Typhoon Lagoon – the entire park closed October 26 through December 20 for refurbishment.
Elsewhere
- 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 |
2014 Free Dining offer for general public Sue from Small World Vacations reports the general public can book a free dining package for specific dates beginning Wednesday, May 7. Offer details: 2014 Vacation Dates
FREE QUICK SERVICE PLAN
FREE TABLE SERVICE DINING PLAN
Offer Restrictions
Save up to 30 percent with Room Only Discount Visitors can receive up to a 30 percent discount when making a room only reservation at the Walt Disney World Resort on most arrival days from August 16 through October 3. Offer exclusions include all of Bay Lake Tower, the Grand Floridian & Spa Villas, and the Art of Animation Little Mermaid Rooms. 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 can 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. Special offer 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. |
|---|---|
Discounts for Annual Passholders |
Save up to 35 percent* on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels Disney released a number of summer travel discounts covering arrivals between June 15 and August 28, 2014. They are tiered by resort and length of stay, with a 5 percent bonus for stays of 6 nights or longer. Book through June 6, 2014. Offer Details:
Disney's All-Star Movies Resort is NOT included in this discount. |
Discounts for Disney Rewards VISA & Debit Card Holders |
2014 Free Dining Offer for Disney Rewards VISA & Debit Card Holders Sue from Small World Vacations reports the Disney Rewards VISA and Debit Card Holders can now get a free dining discount when booking a qualifying Walt Disney World vacation package. Offer details: 2014 Vacation Dates
FREE QUICK SERVICE PLAN
FREE TABLE SERVICE DINING PLAN
Offer Restrictions
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 percent off select guided tours Disney Visa cardholders receive 20 percent 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 percent off select restaurants Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent 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 percent off merchandise Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent 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 to 7pm inside Innoventions West at Epcot. You'll receive one free 5 x 7 character photo per day. |
Discounts for Florida Residents |
Save up to 35 percent* on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels Disney released a number of summer travel discounts covering arrivals between June 15 and August 28, 2014. They are tiered by resort and length of stay, with a 5 percent bonus for stays of 6 nights or longer. Book through June 6, 2014. Offer Details:
Disney's All-Star Movies Resort is NOT included in this discount. |
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. |
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