Update for June 24 – 30, 2014
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News and Views
Rock Your Summer Side with new dance party | New animal experience debuts at Disney's Animal Kingdom |Club Disney opens at Disney's Polynesian Resort, introduces higher child care prices |Disney tests new Direct to Room check-in process| New Frozen merchandise to hit Disney Parks store shelves soon | Fourth of July celebrations planned around Walt Disney World | Get a sneak peek at the Villains Unleashed guest list | New late summer discounts released for annual passholders| Anna and Elsa added to two Disney Cruise Line ships | Disney Vacation Account aims to help visitors save for trips| Quick takes | Joffrey's Coffee offers Coffee to Castle sweepstakes |Question of the Week | Crowd update
Rock Your Summer Side with new dance party
Disney's Hollywood Studios visitors can enjoy Rock Your Summer Side, a new dance party hosted on the Sorcerer's Hat Icon stage, according to Disney Parks Blog. The nightly event kicked off last week and runs through August 22.
During the Rock Your Summer Side party, live band The Hollywood Rockers takes the stage every night to play classic summertime songs and interact with the crowd. When the live band takes a break, a DJ takes over to continue the music and dancing. Visitors can get up and dance with some of their favorite Disney characters throughout the party.
The party also features a giant postcard where visitors can take their own souvenir pictures during the party.
Visitors do not need to make reservations, and admission is included in the price of theme park ticket.
New animal experience debuts at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Disney's Animal Kingdom's latest animal experience, It All Started with a Mouse, launched last week at Rafiki's Planet Watch.
Disney Parks Blog reports that the new show highlights Walt Disney's appreciation of the animal world by bringing in “animal ambassadors” such as birds, sheep, and porcupines to help share facts and conservation messages, and inspire conservation actions from the audience. The animals make appearances in, around and even above the audience.
After the show, visitors can meet and greet the show's stars and take pictures.
The 20-minute show runs once daily at 11:30 a.m.
Club Disney opens at Disney's Polynesian Resort, introduces higher child care prices
The new Club Disney opened at Disney's Polynesian Resort last week, replacing the former Neverland Club. The new club takes its inspiration from “classic Disney Little Golden Books,” and offers the usual array of activities found at Walt Disney World's group care centers, including dress-up, crafts and storytelling. With the opening of the new club, Disney also raised the hourly fee charged at the four on-property centers. Visitors must pay $15 per hour, per child, with a 2-hour per child minimum. The four centers currently open include:
- Club Disney at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
- Cub's Den at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
- Sandcastle Club at Disney's Beach Club Resort
- Simba's Cubhouse at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney tests new Direct to Room check-in process
Last week, Walt Disney World began testing a new hotel check-in option called Direct to Room. As the name implies, the new program allows select hotel guests to skip the front desk and go directly to their room upon arrival. The new offering is part of MyMagic+, Disney's billion-dollar technology initiative.
The test runs through June 28 and guests selected to participate receive an e-mail with instructions on how to take advantage of the opportunity if they want.
Participating hotels include these Value, Moderate, and Deluxe hotels, as well as Disney Vacation Club properties:
- Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas
- Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower Villas
- Pop Century Resort
- Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Riverside
To participate in the Direct to Room check in, visitors must first complete a number of steps to set up their online Disney profile, including creating a My Disney Experience account, linking their hotel reservation and ordering MagicBands.
For more details on the Direct to Room check in process, read our feature story, which outlines the entire process.
New Frozen merchandise to hit Disney Parks store shelves soon
Frozen fans having a hard time finding merchandise featuring their favorite characters have something to look forward to beginning this summer.
Disney Parks Blog announced that new merchandise from the blockbuster film should start arriving in Disney theme park stores soo,n with even more designs and items coming through the fall.
© Disney.
Shoppers can find items ranging from clothing and beach towels to magnets and hats that have some or all of the most popular Frozen characters including Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff. The big news, though, focuses on the wealth of new items featuring Olaf the Snowman, who has become one of the movies most beloved characters. Until now, finding merchandise with Olaf has been nearly impossible and Disney responded to the fans' requests for more items featuring the funny snowman who loves warm hugs.
Disney Parks Blog has even more photos of the fun merchandise scheduled to debut in the coming weeks and months at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
Fourth of July celebrations planned around Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World has a variety of special events planned for July 4 to celebrate Independence Day
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Magic Kingdom |
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Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky |
9:00 p.m. (also on July 3) |
Cinderella Castle |
| Disney's Hollywood Studios | ||
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Rockin' 4th of July Celebration DJ Party |
6:00 p.m. |
Sorcerer Hat |
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Mulch, Sweat & Shears – a musical road trip through America |
7:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m. |
Sorcerer Hat |
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Rock 'n' Roll Fireworks presentation |
10:15 p.m. |
Sorcerer Hat |
| Epcot | ||
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Meet and Greet Disney Characters dressed in patriotic attire |
Various times throughout day – check Times Guide |
Outside The American Adventure |
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Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corp |
1:00 p.m, 2:15 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 4:45 p.m. |
Outside The American Adventure |
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Voices of Liberty |
12:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 3:00 p.m.. |
Outside The American Adventure |
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Voices of Liberty |
4:15 p.m., 5:00 p.m. |
The American Adventure Rotunda |
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Sounds of Summer Concert Series: Don't Look Back |
5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:45 p.m., 9:00 p.m. |
American Gardens Theater |
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Illuminations: Reflections of Earth with grand finale in a salute to America |
10:00 p.m. |
Around World Showcase Lagoon |
Get a sneak peek at the Villains Unleashed guest list
As reported in a previous Walt Disney World Update, Disney's Hollywood Studio's hosts “Villains Unleashed,” a hard-ticket party event on August 23. The party runs from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
During this event, guests can mingle and party with nearly 50 of Disney's best-known villains. Last week, Disney released a partial guest list of who party guests can expect to see at the big bash.
Some of the expected guests include:
- Anastasia
- Asajj Ventress
- Big Bad Wolf
- Boba Fett
- Bowler Hat Guy
- Captain Hook
- Cruella De VilHades
- Darth Maul
- Darth Vader
- Drizella
- Emperor Palpatine
- Gaston
- Gideon
- J. Worthington Foulfellow
- Jafar
- Jango Fett
- Lady Tremaine
- Meg
- Mr. Smee
- Pain
- Panic
- Queen of Hearts
- Stormtrooper
- Zam Wessell
Visitors can dress up for the party, as long as they are within Disney guidelines.
Tickets cost $67 for adults ($62 for children), plus tax. Limited tickets still remain; visit the official Walt Disney World website to get your tickets before they sell out.
New late summer discounts released for annual passholders
Save up to 30 percent* on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels.
Disney released a number of summer travel discounts covering arrivals between August 16 and October 3,. They are tiered by resort and length of stay, with a 5 percent bonus for stays of 6 nights or longer. Book through August 8.
Offer Details:
- Save up to 30 percent at select Disney's BoardWalk Villas, Disney's Old Key West Resort, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (standard/pool view), Disney's BoardWalk Inn, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Polynesian Resort, Disney's Wilderness Lodge, and Disney's Yacht Club Resort
- Save up to 25 percent at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Port Orleans – Riverside, Disney's Fort Wilderness Cabins (August 29 through October 3)
- Save up to 20 percent at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Beach Club Resort, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (savannah view/club level) (August 16 through October 3 only); Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Port Orleans – Riverside, Disney's Fort Wilderness Cabins (August 16 through August 28); Port Orleans – French Quarter (August 29 through October 3); Disney's All Star Music Resort, Disney's All Star Sports Resort; Disney's Pop Century Resort; Disney's Art of Animation Resort Family Suites (August 29 through October 3)
- Save up to 15 percent at Disney's All Star Music Resort, Disney's All Star Sports Resort, Disney's Pop Century Resort (August 16 through August 28); Disney's All Star Movies Resort (August 29 through October 3); The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort (August 29 through October 3)
- Save up to 10 percentt at Disney's Art of Animation Family Suites (August 16 through August 28)
Visit the official Walt Disney World website for more information and to make reservations.
Anna and Elsa added to two Disney Cruise Line ships
Demand for Frozen's Anna and Elsa meet-and-greet opportunities remain at record wait times at the Princess Fairytale Hall in the Magic Kingdom's New Fantasyland. To help meet the royal sisters' continued popularity, Disney found another way for fans to get close to their favorite characters by having the Frozen characters hit the high seas on Disney Cruise Lines starting this summer.
Anna and Elsa plan to sail between Europe and Alaska on selected Disney Magic sailings starting June 14, and selected Disney Wonder sailings starting June 16. Your travel agent can let you know if Anna and Elsa are scheduled to appear on your cruise. The royal sisters have no plans to sail on the Disney Dream or Fantasy at this time.
Disney Vacation Account aims to help visitors save for trips
In case you missed it, last week MousePlanet staff Tony Phoenix shared a little-known feature released by Disney called the Disney Vacation Account.
Released in December 2013, the Disney Vacation Account works much like a bank savings club account, where participants schedule automatic deposits into a vacation account. In addition to an automated savings account, a Disney Vacation Account also provides guidance on how to budget for an upcoming Walt Disney World trip.
Want to learn more about this free service? Read Tony's full article, which reviews the account's features, and looks at its pros and cons.
Joffrey's Coffee offers Coffee to Castle sweepstakes
Contest lovers have another reason to celebrate, as Joffrey's Coffee & Tea Company has a new sweepstakes with a grand prize of a 3-night/4-day travel package to Walt Disney World for up to four people. The grand prize package includes:
- Round trip airfare
- Ground transportation to hotel
- Hotel accommodations at a Walt Disney World moderate resort
- Magic Your Way base tickets
- a $50 Disney gift card
Contestants can submit entries through July 11, 2014.
To read the official sweepstakes rules and to enter visit the official Joffrey's Coffee to Castle sweepstakes website.
Quick takes
…Last week, Disney Parks Blog featured some new collectible pins for Summer 2014 available at the Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort and/or the Disney Cruise Line. Erin Catalano, Disney Pin Merchandiser, announced nearly 250 open edition pins coming to market including designs featuring Aulani resort, Mr. Toad, Rapunzel and Donald Duck's “I don't tweet, I quack” pin. For more information on Disney pin releases and trading, visit the official Disney Pins website.
…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. One lucky person wins the grand prize: an eight day, seven night vacation for four 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 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.
…The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Universal Adventure 5K fun run takes place at Universal Orlando Resort on October 26. The 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) run provides participants with a tour through Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Universal CityWalk. Highlights include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the new TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, and many other attractions at Universal Orlando Resort to benefit Special Olympics. Registration for the event is $35, and participants must maintain a 20-minute mile pace. Participants receive both a T-shirt and participant medal. The first 750 registrants are guaranteed a shirt in their selected size.
Question of the Week
This week, Nikara asks fellow MousePad forum members where their favorite viewing spot is for Magic Kingdom's Festival of Fantasy parade. You can share your advice and tips with Nikara by going to the MousePad discussion forum and get in on the conversation.
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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Talk about these stories and more on our Walt Disney World discussion forum here.
Resort Events
2014
- Harambe Nights – every Saturday night through August 9. Disney's Animal Kingdom.
- Epcot's Sounds Like Summer Concert Series – through July 26. Epcot World Showcase, America Gardens Theater.
- Richard Petty's Junior Ride-Along Experience – at the Richard Petty's Driving Experience.
- Trucks on the Town at Downtown Disney West Side – 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Downtown Disney West Side.
- 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 – September 5–6.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
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 through August 4 for refurbishment
- Astro Orbiter – closed 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.
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. |
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Discounts for Annual Passholders |
Save up to 30 percent* on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels Disney released a number of summer travel discounts covering arrivals between August 16 and October 3, 2014. They are tiered by resort and length of stay, with a 5 percent bonus for stays of 6 nights or longer. Book through August 8, 2014. Offer Details:
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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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