Update for July 14 – 21, 2014
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News and Views
Monorail evacuated after possible lightning strike | 2014 Candlelight Processional packages now on sale | Magic Kingdom visitor loses two fingertips on Pirates of the Caribbean | Walt Disney World Railroad refurbishment announced | Views from “Around the World”| Quick takes | Question of the Week | Crowd update
Monorail evacuated after possible lightning strike
Walt Disney World visitors, stranded for over an hour inside a monorail yesterday evening after lightning caused its power to go out, had to be rescued by crawling up and walking out on the tops of the monorail cars with the help of rescue crews.
Emergency crews had to evacuate nearly 120 people from a Walt Disney World Monorail around 6:00 p.m. Sunday following a weather-related power outage, according to multiple media reports.
Walt Disney World Monorail passengers are stranded in their car after a possible lightning strike causes a power outage Sunday evening. Photo by Erin.
“There was just some bad weather in the area and because of the power outage, the monorail guests were evacuated,” said Disney spokeswoman Jacquee Wahler to USAToday.com. She added that none of the monorail cars caught fire, and that rescuers from the Reedy Creek Fire Department evacuated everyone on board.
Reedy Creek Fire Department Assistant Chief Bo Jones told NBC News that rescuers used a movable platform to get to some of the passengers stuck on the train, while others in the forward cars used an escape hatch to get to the first car, which was near a staircase leading to the ground.
In a special interview, MousePlanet was able to speak with some of the monorail passengers who were evaucated off of the monorail. Orlando residents Erin (who asked that her last name not be used) along with her sister Lisa and another family member, Hollis, boarded the Epcot monorail at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC).
“We were still very close to the TTC,” said Erin. “We didn't make it far before the lightning hit.”
After the lightning hit and caused the power outage, Erin estimates that she and her family were stuck in the monorail for about 80 minutes. Although conditions in the monorail car were hot and humid, Erin said it was no worse than the parks. “We did fog up the windows, though, so we drew Mickey's head in the condensation,” she said.
When firefighters finally reached Erin's monorail car, Erin and her family had to be evacuated by climbing out onto the top of the car without a safety harness.
Emergency crews from the Reedy Creek Fire Department raise the ladder on their ladder truck to reach up to the monorail car at Walt Disney World after a possible lightning strike caused a power outage in the monorail yesterday evening. Photo by Erin.
“I only walked up one car and then into the hatch of another car—maybe about 5 to 6 feet total,” Erin explained. “No harness. Just three firemen up there to hold our hands and guide us. [There] wasn't enough length for a harness.”
Fortunately, Erin said they never felt that they were in any danger. “I held one fireman's hand to get out, he handed me to another, who handed me to a third, who helped me down the hatch, where a fourth met me at the door and walked us down the platform and stairs,” she said. “[I] never felt unsafe. Just hot and thirsty.”
Assistant Chief Jones confirmed to the media that the rescue took about 90 minutes, and that none of the passengers suffered any injuries or required emergency medical treatment.
WFTV reported that Disney workers responded immediately to the power outage by attempting to restart the monorail and return the passengers to the station safely. However after their attempts were unsuccessful after half an hour, they contacted Reedy Creek Fire Department to request assistance with an evacuation
WFTV also reported that once emergency crews got all passengers safely to the ground, crews escorted them to nearby Disney buses to take them away from the scene.
Several vehicles from the Reedy Creek Fire Department are still in the vicinity after passengers are safely evacuated and transported via Disney bus away from the incident. The stranded monorail is still on the track above the vehicles. Photo by Erin.
“When we got out, [the Disney officials] gave us water, took our names, gave us some Fastpasses and put us on a bus,” Erin confirmed. “Disney did a great job.”
“Disney personnel and the Reedy Creek Fire Department handled it with streamlined efficiency,” Erin's sister Lisa said. “At no point was anyone in danger; only hot and briefly inconvenienced. It was a delay in reaching a destination that could not have been prevented, and one that Disney was clearly prepared to handle. We were at a critical point in the track that prevented easier evacuation. They managed it very well.”
2014 Candlelight Processional Dining packages now on sale
Tickets for Epcot's 2014 Candlelight Processional Packages went on sale last week. This year, the Candlelight Processional runs from November 28 through December 30, 2014.
Each year, The American Gardens Theater presents the Candlelight Processional, a retelling of the Christmas story that features a live, 50-piece orchestra, choral groups from around the country and a celebrity narrator.
Ordinarily, visitors can only get seats on a first-come, first-served basis, and wait times for the performances often run for hours. This year, however, those who purchase a Candlelight Processional dining package receive seating in a reserved section of the theater, in addition to a lunch or dinner at one of the following Epcot restaurants:
- Biergarten
- Chefs de France
- Coral Reef
- The Garden Grill
- La Hacienda de San Angel
- Nine Dragons Restaurant
- Restaurant Marrakesh
- Rose & Crown Pub & Dining
- San Angel Inn Restaurante
- Teppan Edo
- Tokyo Dining
- Tutto Italia Ristorante
- Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria
Disney Parks Blog released a preliminary schedule of celebrity narrators for this year's production. Show times run at 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. nightly with the following:
- Jodi Benson – November 28–29
- TBD – November 30 through December 2
- TBD – December3–4
- Whoopi Goldberg – December 5–6
- TBD – December 7–8. The show only on these dastes runs twice nightly.
- TBD – December 9–11
- TBD – December 12–14
- (New) Sharon Stone – December 15–17
- (New) Ana Gasteyer – December 18–20
- Marlee Matlin – December 21–23
- TBD – December 24–25
- TBD – December 26–27
- Steven Curtis Chapman – December 28–30
Narrators can change without notice.
Package price start a $35 per person for lunch and $50 per person for dinner (adults). Visitors should expect limited availability for this package; consider booking tickets as early as possible.
To purchase package tickets, call (407) WDW-DINE (407-939-3463) or go online to the official Candlelight Processional package website.
Magic Kingdom visitor loses two fingertips on Pirates of the Caribbean
A man from the United Kingdom visiting the Magic Kingdom on Thursday, July 10 suffered a serious injury during a ride on the popular Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.
According to multiple news reports, the park visitor had the tips of his ring finger and pinky on his right severed as a result of the accident. The Reedy Creek Fire Department, which serves as emergency responders to the Walt Disney World Resort, confirmed the accident occurred, but released no information about the cause of the accident.
Following the accident, Disney officials closed the attraction for approximately five hours to perform safety inspections. Pirates of the Caribbean opened later in the day when inspectors declared the ride in good working order and safe for visitors to return.
Walt Disney World Railroad refurbishment announced
Last week, officials at the Magic Kingdom announced a series of refurbishments coming to the park in the near future, according to our sponsor TouringPlans.com.
Starting Sunday, September 28, the Magic Kingdom starts work at the Main Street U.S.A. station, the Fantasyland station and the Frontierland station on the Walt Disney World Railroad. The announcement projects a lengthy refurbishment, scheduled to end on Saturday, November 8.
For more information on all Walt Disney World closures and refurbishments, check our weekly guide below.
Views from “Around the World”
This week, we head over to Downtown Disney to see the progress made on the many construction projects happening in the area.
The new parking garage at Downtown Disney has topped out at the West end. It is expected to be completed by the holiday season of 2014. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
One of two new Cast Services buildings coming to Downtown Disney area. It is located adjacent to the Team Disney building across the street. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The new bridge connecting both ends of the Marketplace continues to take shape. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
A major fountain takes the place of a marina at the Marketplace end of Downtown Disney. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
A new construction wall across from the Marketplace Co-Op suggests the area may take on a title and theme referencing Magic Kingdom's Sunshine Tree Terrace. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The nearly completed bridge connecting Downtown Disney and Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort will also house the boat dock formerly around the corner and adjacent to the Rainforest Cafe. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
…The Disney Parks Blog announced a series of new merchandise coming to Walt Disney World in the coming weeks and months, including clothing, pins and music from Planes: Fire & Rescue (scheduled for a July 18 release in theaters), new Hidden Mickey pins featuring character MagicBands, mobile phones, villainous sidekicks, Disney birds and chaser pins, as well as decorative trays, “I'll be your prince/princess” T-shirt, Gravity Falls Vinylmation figures, and Disney Villains baby plush dolls, including Maleficent and Cruellla de Vil.
…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.
…The Be the 8th Miner contest has only two challenges left for those wanting to enter. fOne 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 MadasaHatter:
Hey all y'all crazy MPers out there….
Thinking about the TRAIN TOUR as a possibility and wondered if anyone has done this?
Also thinking about the NIGHT SAFARI at AKL…..I am planning on staying at the resort there….is this the same tour as in the park during the day? If you did this would you skip doing the tour during the day? Also considering the ANIMAL TALK at Sanaa Restaurant…..would you do one OR the other AND not both? 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!
Get in on the conversation about trip planning and the night safari/train tour over at MousePlanet.com's MousePad forum and share your Disney expertise!
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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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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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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