Update for July 22 – 28, 2014
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News and Views
Reservations for Epcot Food & Wine Festival premium events opening July 31 | Spaces still left in 2015 Disney Princess 5K and Kids Races | First look at new Trattoria al Forno Restaurant | Inaugural ESPN Fantasy Football Convention kicks off August 22 | Disney and union reach contract agreement | Disney Cruise Lines to celebrate 'Halloween on the High Seas' | New La Nouba behind-the scenes tour available | Views from “Around the World” | Quick takes | Question of the Week | Crowd update
Reservations for Epcot Food & Wine premium events opening July 31
Reservations for the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival premium events open on July 31 for the general public.
Disney releases a full list of events on July 24 to allow interested visitors to review the activities and plan to make their reservations. Then, beginning at 7:00 a.m., Disney opens the phone lines for reservations to all of the events.
Last week, Disney provided a sneak peek at some of the new premium events coming to the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, rich runs from September 19 through November 10:
- Wednesdays – Mediterranean Food & Wine Pairing ($55 per person)
- Fridays, plus Saturday, October 11 – Food for Thought ($169 per person)
- Fridays, on October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 – Italian White Truffle & Wine Pairing Dinner ($295 per person)
- Saturday, September 20 – Experience Puerto Rico – The All-Star Island ($99 per person)
- Friday, October 24 – Dining Through the Decades, A Tribute to Walt Disney ($99 to $119 per person)
- Sundays, on September 21, October 5, 12, 19, Nov. 2 – Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Boot Camp Series interactive epicurean adventure ($119 per person)
Visitors can also anticipate some returning events to this year's festival:
- Saturdays – Parisian breakfast ($39 per person)
- Fridays, on October 3, 10 and 17 – “3D” Disney’s Dessert Discovery ($59 to $99 per person) – this also can be booked at epcotfoodfestival.com
- Culinary Adventures in Signature Dining (more than 20 dinners throughout the festival; prices vary)
- Saturdays beginning September 27 – Shake and Indulge Like the French Featuring Grand Marnier ($55 per person)
- Saturdays – Cheese seminars ($79 per person)
- Saturdays, on October 4, 11, 18, and November 1 – Party for the Senses ($149 to $299 per person) – this also can be booked at epcotfoodfestival.com
- Saturday, October 25 – Party for the Senses featuring Disney chefs from around the World ($149 to $299 per person)
- Tuesdays and Thursdays – Food and wine pairings ($55 per person)
- Sundays – Sunday Mornings With… ($99 per person)
- Italian and French pairings and lunches
- Japanese “Hibachi Experience”
- Mexican tequila lunch
- Culinary demonstrations ($15 per person)
- Mixology seminars ($15 per person)
- Wine seminars ($15 per person)
If you are interested in reserving a space for these events, call (407) WDW–FEST (939–3378). All of these events require the purchase of a separate event ticket, and is not included in park admission. The event tickets do not provide park admission.
Spaces still left in 2015 Disney Princess 5K and Kids Races
Space in the 2015 Disney Princess Half Marathon, Glass Slipper Challenge and Enchanted 10K races sold out quickly last week. The annual race draws tens of thousands of runners each year and the 2015 race weekend is scheduled for February 19–22, 2015.
Although many races during the Princess Half Marathon Weekend sold out quickly, as of Sunday night, three competitions still have spaces remaining: the Disney Princess 5K, the runDisney Kids Dashes and the runDisney Kids Mile. Each of these races stands at about 75 percent full; any interested parties should sign up soon before all slots fill up.
To register, visit the official 2015 Disney Princess Half Marathon website.
First look at new Trattoria al Forno Restaurant
Disney Parks Blog announced the debut of Trattoria al Forno, a new restaurant coming to Disney's Boardwalk Inn later this year.
Trattoria al Forno's menu intends to feature “Old World Style” cuisine such as wood-fired pizzas, hand-crafted mozzarella, homemade pasta dishes, pork, chicken, fish, and beef. Diners can order off the all-Italian wine list to complement their meal and finish the evening with traditional Italian desserts, such as tiramisu, lemon panna cotta, and bombolini (Italian donut holes) served with dark chocolate and vanilla gelato.
Disney opens reservations for Boardwalk's newest restaurant in a few weeks, but has not yet announced a specific opening date.
Trattorria al Forno replaces the Kouzzina by Cat Cora restaurant, which is scheduled to close on September 30.
Inaugural ESPN Fantasy Football Convention kicks off August 22
Fantasy Football fans should mark their calendars for August 22 and 23, when the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex hosts the inaugural ESPN Fantasy Football convention, according to Disney Parks Blog.
The convention features ESPN commentators and experts, including:
- Fantasy sports analyst Matthew Berry
- NFL Insider Adam Schefter
- Sports reporter Chris Mortensen
- SportsCenter anchor Sara Walsh
- Former NFL player and football analyst Mark Schlereth
- Sports commentator Stephania Bell
- Retired NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Tim Hasselbeck
The television hosts sit down for a live question-and-answer session. Event visitors can be in the audience of a live broadcast of Fantasy Football Now, celebrate at a tailgate party, and sample chili made by Disney chefs. Visitors also have the opportunity to create fantasy football leagues to compete in the upcoming football season. Season winners receive a trophy at the end of the season.
The two-day event costs $349. To register, visit the event's official website.
Disney and union reach contract agreement
WFTV.com reports that union officials have reached a tentative labor agreement with Walt Disney World last week.
The tentative agreement raises starting hourly pay this year, from just over $8, to $9. In 2015, starting hourly pay goes up to $9.50 and then to $10 in 2016.
The contract, which covers 21,000 full-time workers, must be ratified by union members on August 1.
Disney Cruise Lines to celebrate Halloween on the High Seas
Disney Cruise Lines announced a new “Halloween on the High Seas” event for passengers coming this fall to most voyages on all Disney Cruise Line ships from September through October.
The celebration features Halloween-themed parties, live entertainment, decorations, including a Pumpkin Tree, which magically transforms throughout the cruise. Other events include:
- Mickey's Mouse-querade Party – Disney characters dress up in special Halloween costumes and join passengers for games, dancing and, of course, lots of candy
- A Nightmare Before Christmas Sing and Scream – an interactive movie where guests participate in the action, followed by a meet-and-greet with Jack Skellington and Sally
- Haunted Stories of the sea – passengers gather under the stars to enjoy tales of the sea told by a mysterious sea captain storyteller
- Creepy Cabaret – Halloween-themed, music-filled party in the atrium
- Halloween Isn't Just for Kids – adults-only nighttime entertainment district transforms into a Halloween bash featuring costume contests and Villainous Takeover on the dance floor
- Ghoulish Delights – chefs create special treats for Halloween, including chocolate cake with pumpkin filling, spider cakes, and “Spooky Juice”
- Spooky Movies – passengers can see Halloween-themed movies in the Buena Vista Theatre, on Funnel Vision by the family pool and guest staterooms.
To celebrate Halloween:
- Disney Magic – sails three-, five-, and seven-night Bahamian and Caribbean cruises, departing September 27 to October 26
- Disney Wonder – sails four-, five-, and six-night Bahamian cruises, departing September 26 to October 31
- Disney Dream – sails three- and four-night Bahamian cruises, departing September 7 to October 31
- Disney Fantasy – sails seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises, departing September 6 to October 25.
For more information visit the Disney Cruise Lines call (888) 325-2500 or your travel agent, or visit disneycruise.com.
New La Nouba behind-the scenes tour available
Our sponsors TouringPlans.com wrote a blog post about a new behind-the-scenes tour at Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba located in Downtown Disney.
The tour, called L'Experience, includes not only a Front and Center category ticket for the 6:00 p.m. show, but also a never-before-seen look at the show's backstage events. Tour participants can get an up-close look at the costumes, as well as meet a show performer.
Guests also receive popcorn, soft drink, a gift bag of Cirque du Soleil merchandise, and a 10 percent discount ticket to The Cirque Boutique Shop.
Visitors can only purchase package tickets for Friday and Saturday performances. The package costs $250 (plus tax) for adults ages 10 and up and $215 (plus tax) for children ages 9 and under.
For more information or to buy tickets, call (407) 934-7639 or the Cirque du Soleil box office at (407) 939-7600.
Views from “Around the World”
Each week, we offer a glimpse of life around Walt Disney World via some fabulous photos. This week, we have a lot of behind-the-scenes shots to share along with a few fun things the camera captured along the way.
Magic Kingdom
Looking from Town Square, construction continues toward developing a second path behind Main Street U.S.A. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
On the Tomorrowland Terrace side, dirt mounds show the new pathway to link directly into the pathway behind Main Street U.S.A. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The moat in front of the Crystal Palace is also still under a great deal of construction. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Both the Astro Orbiter and the People Mover remain closed for refurbishment. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Epcot
At Epcot, the area around Club Cool is still closed off while they deal with the terrain. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The heat is intense in Central Florida. Even the squirrels need some shade and rest. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Just as Epcot celebrates the 4th of July, other national holidays are celebrated, including Bastille Day in France, which was just last week. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Disney's Polynesian Resort
Many of the pedestrian areas at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort are under construction. This is near the Club Disney child care center. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Looking down from the Ceremonial House, the main path leading to the pool is completely closed off to construction. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The new villas at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort continue through their construction phase. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
…Guardians of the Galaxy merchandise blasts into Disney Parks at light speed in anticipation of the feature film's release next week, on August 1, 2014. Disney Parks Blog featured some of the newest items last week including T-shirts featuring both the entire crew and one highlighting Rocket the Raccoon. Movie fans can find Rapid Fire Rocket, Star-Lord Blaster, Hero Ship and Pursuit Spacecraft play sets at various Disney Parks shops. D-Tech specially designed an iPhone case, and collectors can pick up a new Guardians of the Galaxy limited edition pin within the next few weeks.
Shops carrying the new merchandise include:
- Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort – Donald’s Double Feature
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Fantasia Market
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Superstar Shop
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside – Fulton’s General Store
- Downtown Disney Marketplace – Once Upon A Toy
- Downtown Disney West Side – D-Street
- Epcot – Mission Space
- Magic Kingdom Park – Fantasy Faire, Merchant of Venus
…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.
Question of the Week
Are you already making plans to attend the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival?
Join the conversation already happening over at the MousePad forum, where MousePlanet members discuss their must-do's, wish lists, Advanced Dining Reservations and plans for featured events. You may get some new ideas from the discussion and share some of your best tips for enjoying this popular event.
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Crowd Forecast
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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.
- 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. Most events sold out.
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.
- Walt Disney World Railroad Fantasyland Station – closed September 28 through November 8 for refurbishment.
- Walt Disney World Railroad Frontierland Station – closed September 28 through November 8 for refurbishment.
- Walt Disney World Railroad Main Street U.S.A. Station – closed September 28 through November 8 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 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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