Update for July 8 – 14, 2014
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News and Views
Disney announces new Frozen Summer Fun Premier Package | Park guests part of daily Anna and Elsa Royal Welcome Procession | No injuries reported in crash during Lights, Motor, Action stunt show | runDisney introduces new Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend medals | Views from “Around the World”| Quick takes | Question of the Week | Crowd update
Disney announces new Frozen Summer Fun Premier Package
To meet expected high demand for Disney's Hollywood Studios' Frozen festivities that run through September 1, Disney announced a new VIP package that gives fans royal treatment throughout the day.
Anyone who books the Frozen Summer Fun Premier Package receives:
- Refreshments at Min and Bill's Dockside diner at 10:30 a.m. along with a reserved viewing area (no seating) for the 11:00 a.m. Anna and Elsa's Royal Welcome procession down Hollywood Boulevard.
- A reserved seat for one performance of For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, which runs between 12:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
- Access to an exclusive dessert party starting at 8:30 p.m., held in a reserved area to watch the Frozen Fireworks Spectacular.
The package costs $59 for adults and $34 for children, including tax. No discounts apply to this offer. VIP package holders must pay for park admission to participate in the events. To purchase tickets, call (407) 939-1939.
Kids can participate in daily Anna and Elsa Royal Welcome Procession
The daily Anna and Elsa's Royal Welcome procession has a surprise for Disney's Hollywood Studios' guests looking to participate in the royal parade, according to Disney Parks Blog.
Anna and Elsa's Royal Welcome procession at Disney's Hollywood Studios looks more like a parade and features not only skaters and ice cutters, but Kristoff himself. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Disney Social Media Manager Jennifer Fickley-Baker reports that each day, cast members randomly select 20 to 30 children to march in the royal procession as “honorary royalty.” Fickley-Baker suggests that children wanting to be chosen should dress in their Arendelle finest and be seen around the park. While Fickley-Baker did not guarantee this would get a child selected, she said “word on the street” points to this tip as helping out some lucky kids during the July 5 premier of the parade.
No injuries reported in crash during Lights, Motor, Action! stunt show
On July 1, a visitor at Disney's Hollywood Studios reported witnessing a crash during a morning performance of the Lights, Motor, Action! Extreme Stunt Show that involved one of the stunt cars.
According to photos posted to Instagram by user Tony Caggiano (@TonyCagg), it looks like the accident happened during the final scene of the show. A red stunt car is supposed to drive out a second-story window onto a ramp built inside a converted semi truck. A black stunt car immediately follows the red car as part of the chase scene.
During this stunt, the photos seem to show the red car clipping a support beam over the ramp during the jump, causing damage to the car and the truck. According to Caggiano, the black car followed as planned, but skidded to a stop and backed up the ramp without colliding with the red car. He also reported that no drivers suffered injuries from the accident.
An Instagram photo shows an accident during the Lights, Motor, Action stunt show. Photo by Tony Caggiano.
This YouTube video shows what the finale scene should look like (jump to the 7-minute mark if the video does not automatically start there.)
A video taken during Disney's Hollywood Studios' Lights, Motor Action Stunt Show shows the final, exciting scene executed perfectly. Video by SoCal Theme Parks 360.
runDisney introduces new Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend medals
Runners participating in the 2014 Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend can look forward to some “glowing” encouragement and rewards thanks to the new medal designs introduced by runDisney last week.
The 2014 Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend race medals feature two glow-in-the-dark awards and a Donald Duck-themed medal for the younger runners. Photo by Disney Parks Blog.
Any child crossing the finish line during one of the kids races receives a Donald Duck medal featuring the popular character trick-or-treating.
Participants in the Haunted 5K Trail Run who complete the course receive a medal with the Haunted Mansion's hitchhiking ghosts that also glows in the dark.
Tower of Terror 10-Miler runners who finish the race get a Tower of Terror medal, complete with glowing windows.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend is on October 3 and 4, 2014. The adult races are sold out, but spaces remain in the kids' races. Visit the race's official website for more information.
Views from “Around the World”
From the Fourth of July and the debut of Disney's Hollywood Studios' Frozen Summer Fun, to World Cup excitement and continued construction at the theme parks, Walt Disney World keeps things buzzing around the resort. Here are this week's highlights:
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Disney's Animal Kingdom's Discovery Island continues to experience a number of refurbishment projects, including this one to the shops on the eastern side as you enter the village. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Construction continues in Disney's Animal Kingdom's Africa on the east side of Harambe Village. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Three large cranes sit on the site of Disney's Animal Kingdom's biggest construction project: Avatar Land on the west side of the park. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
A new Fastpass+ area takes the place of Disney's Hollywood Studios' former tip board and a new Hollywood sign welcomes guests to the area. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Construction walls cover the Power and Light building at Disney's Hollywood Studios as a new refurbishment project begins. Rumors suggest a Starbucks could take the place of the former retail area located at the end of Hollywood Boulevard. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Frozen Summer Fun premiered July 15, 2014 at Disney's Hollywood Studios and continues through September 1st. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Disney's Hollywood Studios's visitors can see Anna and Elsa's Royal Welcome every morning at the Sorcerer Hat. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
“For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” provides Disney's Hollywood Studios' visitors the opportunity to join Queen Elsa, Anna, Kristoff in singing some of the film's favorite songs. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Disney's Hollywood Studios now features a special sneak preview of “Guardians of the Galaxy,” the first Marvel flim featured in the Walt Disney World parks. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Epcot
Chip and Dale, dressed in patriotic uniforms, greets guests at the American Adventure pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase as part of Walt Disney World's Fourth of July celebration. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The portions of Innoventions facing the east and west sides of Future World are spruced up with a new coat of paint. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Crews fence off a massive area at Epcot just south of Club Cool to tend to a possible a sink hole extending from the nearby lagoon. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
World Cup fans enjoy a match between Columbia and Brazil at a viewing area created in the Odyssey Restaurant. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Epcot guests in World Showcase line up to try to score a goal against a skilled cast member as part of the World Cup festivities. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
… A sneak preview of the new Marvel film Guardians of the Galaxy began showing at Disney's Hollywood Studios on July 5. The movie, which features the popular Avengers characters, hits theaters on August 1, but park visitors can head over to see a 3D sneak preview at the ABC Sound Studio.
…Walt Disney World's latest contest, “Recreate the Magic,” invites entrants to recall magical memories made during a previous trip, in order to win a future trip to Walt Disney World, including an 8-day, 7-night vacation package for six people to the Walt Disney World Resort, round-trip airfare for six people (the winner and five guests), round-trip airport transfers to and from the Walt Disney World Resort (Magical Express service), accommodations at one 2-bedroom suite or villa at a Walt Disney World hotel, Magic Your Way tickets, and more. All entries must include a photo of people having a great time at Walt Disney World (preferably between 1971 and 1990, but not limited to that time period) along with a brief (no longer than 1,500 words) description of the magical memory experienced in the photo. Entrants can submit their photos and memories until 11:59 p.m. on August 11 and judging should end on August 11, 2014, according to the contest's official rules.
…Looking for more contests? Then, take a look at another Disney-sponsored 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.
Question of the Week
Our Question of the Week comes from MousePad Forum member Tinkermommy:
Hi all! We have the crazy idea that we'd like to squeeze in a trip to Florida before the Tinkerteen moves to college in August (Yah, already) I'm finding what we'd like to do sort of complicated, however, for a not-so-talented trip planner like myself, and am looking for any tips/suggestions you may have.
What we'd like to do is spend two full days at WDW (Magic Kingdom and Epcot), then two full days at Universal. The Tinkerteen is a HUGE Potter fan and has been pining to visit Wizarding World since it opened its doors. Since part of it will just have opened and our time is so short, I'd like to spring for the front-of-the-line experience at Wizarding World.
From Orlando, we'd like to go to Miami for a couple of days to meet family. I know it's never going to be cheap, but I'd like to figure out how to do all of this as cost-effectively as possible, since tuition and housing payments are going to send us to the poorhouse very quickly.
How would you schedule a trip like this? Would you stay at one resort, then move? I would be very grateful for any help anyone can offer. Thanks!
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Resort Events
2014
- Epcot's Sounds Like Summer Concert Series – through July 26. Epcot World Showcase, America Gardens Theater.
- Harambe Nights – every Saturday night through August 9. Disney's Animal Kingdom.
- 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.
- Liberty Square Riverboat – closed August 4–8 for refurbishment.
- Mickey's Philharmagic – closed September 8–19 for refurbishment.
- Astro Orbiter – closed through September 19 for refurbishment.
- Walt Disney's Carousel of Progres – closed September 22–27 for refurbishment.
- Cinderella's Royal Table – closed January 5 through March 6, 2015 for refurbishment.
Epcot
- No known refurbishments at this time.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
- The American Idol Experience – permanently closes on January 5, 2015.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- It's Tough to Be a Bug – closed July 7 through August 11 for refurbishment.
Resorts
As previously reported by MousePlanet, 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.
- All Star Music Resort – refurbishment of its Intermission Food Court beginning on August 1 and scheduled for reopening on December 21, according to our sponsor TouringPlans.com.
- Polynesian – Never Land Club Children's Activity Center closed for refurbishment through January 1, 2015.
- Polynesian – refurbishment of the lobby ongoing.
- Wilderness Lodge – refurbishment of its Silver Creek Springs Pool from September 3 through late November 2014.
Water Parks
- Typhoon Lagoon – the entire park closed October 26 through December 20 for refurbishment.
- Blizzard Beach – the the entire park closed January 4, 2015 through March 3, 2015.
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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