Update for August 19 – 25, 2014
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions | Comments
News and Views
New fall discounts released for annual passholders | Free dining offered for Canadian visitors |Two attractions to close in August at Disney's Hollywood Studios | Ultimate Day VIP Tour to debut at 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival | MyMagic+ adds video to Twilight Zone Tower of Terror | D23 Expo 2015 tickets now on sale |Captain Cook's reopens at Disney's Polynesian Resort | Quick takes | Question of the Week | Crowd update
New fall discounts released for annual passholders
Walt Disney World annual passholders can take advantage of new discount room rates this fall. Valid travel dates for this discount are from September 28 through November 25, 2014 and November 29 through December 23, 2014.
Discounted nightly rates begin at $79/night, plus tax at Walt Disney World value resorts and $228/night, plus tax for deluxe resorts for stays from Sunday through Thursday. The prices for Friday and Saturday night stays range from $95/night, plus tax to $228/night, plus tax.
For more information on the latest annual passholder room discounts, visit the official Walt Disney World resort website or consult our Discounts and Promotions section in this update.
Free dining offered to Canadian visitors
Our friend Sue from Small World Vacations gave us a heads-up on the latest discount for Canadian visitors to Walt Disney World: free dining this fall.
A variety of travel dates are available between August 17 through December 23, 2014 with rooms available in every resort category.
Visitors booking specified value rooms at Disney's All-Star Resorts, Disney's Pop Century Resort, and Disney's Art of Animation Resort receive a free quick service dining plan for each person on the room reservation. Those booking specific rooms at Disney moderate, deluxe and deluxe villa resorts receive a free Disney Dining Plan for each person on the room reservation.
Disney limits the number of free dining rooms each season and they book up quickly. For more information, visit the official Walt Disney World resort website or consult our Discounts and Promotions section in this update.
Two attractions to close in August at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Two of Disney's Hollywood Studio's long-standing attractions are scheduled to permanently close at the end of August,.
According to TouringPlans.com's Rikki Niblett, the last day for the American Film Institute's Showcase and Shop was scheduled for this past Sunday, August 17. Located at the end of the Studios Backlot tour, park visitors could wander through the attraction, which included a museum-type display of costumes, props from some of history's most famous movies, along with an attached shop that sold movie memorabilia, autographs, and more. Shop relocation is not planned for the park. The Backlot Studios Tour will not change as a result of this closure. Disney has not announced what visitors can expect to take the place of this attraction and retail space.
Meanwhile, the Orlando Sentinel reports that the closure date of the American Idol Experience has moved up to August 30, 2014 from an originally reported closure on January 5, 2015. The attraction opened in 2009 and gave park visitors a chance to win a golden ticket to an actual audition for the Fox network's American Idol singing competition show. Disney made no announcement for the date change, nor any indication on what will take over the space that previously hosted Doug Live and Superstar Television. A Disney spokesman only said that the closure is part of “a continuous review of the company's entertainment options.”
Last week, we reported that Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger said to expect an announcement in 2015 about a possible new, expanded Star Wars presentation at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Disney has not officially connected these two announcements, but many sources note the timing seems coincidental.
Ultimate Day VIP Tour to debut at 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival
Walt Disney World added another hard ticket event last week when they announced the debut of the Ultimate Day VIP Tour at the 2014 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Diehard fans of the annual festival, which runs this year from September 19 to November 10, can experience the event with exclusive perks, including:
- Access to the VIP Lounge in the Festival Center in the Wonder's Retreat (formerly the Wonders of Life pavilion)
- A beverage tasting event, including a champagne toast
- A six-course tapas-style lunch
- Private backstage tours
- Rides on some of Epcot's most popular attractions
- Food and beverage pairings with Disney chefs
- VIP seating at the Eat to the Beat concert series
- Reserved seating for Illuminations: Reflections of Earth fireworks spectacular
- Other surprises along the way
The schedule tour runs on select Thursdays and Sundays, and lasts six and a half hours.
Cost for this hard ticket event is $399 per person and is for visitors ages 21 and over only. To reserve a tour spot, call (407) WDW-TOUR/939-8687.
Interested visitors can also go to the official online Disney VIP Tour Services Guide for more information.
MyMagic+ adds video to Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Looking for a special souvenir from your ride through the fourth dimension? MyMagic+ now offers fans of Disney's Hollywood Studios' Twilight Zone Tower of Terror a video of their drop from the top of the iconic hotel, according to a post last week from Disney Parks Blog.
As part of the Disney PhotoPass service, guests with MagicBands and an active Memory Maker option receive a video of their thrilling ride experience that is automatically linked to their My Disney Experience account. This video can be linked to family, friends and managed guests on the individual's account and can be shared, as well.
The post also said Walt Disney World visitors should be on the lookout for this feature on other attractions and experiences.
D23 Expo 2015 tickets now on sale
Tickets for the D23 Expo 2015, hosted by D23, the Official Disney Fan Club, are now on sale to the general public. The three-day event, which is scheduled to run from August 14–16, 2015 at the Anaheim Convention Center in California, is known as the “ultimate Disney fan event.” During this event, all areas of the Disney corporation, including Parks and Resorts, Walt Disney Studios, Disney Interactive, ABC, LucasFilm, Pixar, and more, come together to showcase the most current projects and to offer fans a look at what's coming down the road from Disney.
During the expo, the Disney Legends ceremony honors employees who have “made a significant contribution to the Disney legacy.” Also, fans can enjoy the brand new Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit.
Ticket prices for the D23 Expo 2015 are:
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Expo Pass Prices |
Early Bird Aug 14 – Dec 31, '14 (one-day/three-day) |
Advanced Purchase Jan 1 – June 30, '15 (one-day/three-day) |
Regular Admission July 1 – Aug 16, '15 (one-day/three-day) |
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| D23 Member | ||||
| Adult | $52/$149 | $58/$169 | $65/$188 | |
| Child | $37/$104 | $42/$122 | $48/$139 | |
| General | ||||
| Adult | $61/$176 | $67/$196 | $74/$216 | |
| Child | $42/$122 | $48/$139 | $54/$156 | |
Order your tickets by visiting the D23 Expo 2015 registration website.
Captain Cook's reopens at Disney's Polynesian Resort
Multiple online sources confirm that Captain Cook's restaurant at Disney's Polynesian Resort reopened last week. The restaurant began its refurbishment back in March and the quick-service restaurant has many changes, according to our sources at MousePlanet sponsor TouringPlans.com.
According to the site's report, the restaurant removed its touch screen, changed the decor and color scheme and made changes to its menu. A sample of current menu items includes:
Breakfast
- Bounty Breakfast Platter ($8.99) – scrambled eggs with bacon, sausage, breakfast potatoes, french toast sticks, and a biscuit
- Breakfast Burrito ($6.49) – soft tortilla filed with eggs, pancakes and cheddar cheese
- Breakfast Sandwich ($6.49) – a croissant filled with eggs, bacon and cheddar cheese
- Mickey Waffle – the classic Mickey-shaped waffle served with a choice of bacon, sausage or strawberry sauce
Lunch/Dinner
- 1/3 lb. Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($8.99) – hamburger served with American cheese, lettuce, and tomato
- All Beef Hot Dog ($8.59) – served with mango relish and garlic-ketchup.
- Big Kahuna Sandwich ($9.29) – sandwich filled with roast beef, cheddar, and caramelized onions with sweet chili mayo on house-made bread
- Chicken and Waffles ($7.99) – crispy buffalo chicken fritters on a waffle topped with romaine lettuce and ranch dressing
- Hawaiian Flatbread ($8.19) – flatbread served with marinara sauce, pineapple, onions, ham, mozzarella and parmesan cheeses
- Pulled Pork Nachos ($8.29) – nacho chips topped with onions, cheese, spicy mayo, tomatoes and pineapple salsa
- Udon Noodle Bowl with Shrimp or Beef ($8.49 – $8.99) – udon noodles and seasonal vegetables on broth served with shrimp or beef
Unfortunately, the renovated Captain Cook's no longer has the self-serve Dole Whip station, but fans of the frozen pineapple treat can look forward to seeing it at the new Polynesian restaurant, Pineapple Lanai. No opening date has been announced at this time.
For a full rundown of Captain Cook's menu, visit the restaurant's page on the official Walt Disney World website.
Quick takes
….Don't forget about the Great Irish Hooley hosted by the Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in Downtown Disney from August 29 to September 1, 2014. This traditional Irish party combines live music, dance, and traditional food to celebrate the Irish culture. Visitors can attend workshops on Irish step dance and line dancing throughout the long weekend.
…Disney's Animal Kingdom welcomed a new baby gorilla to its family last week. Disney Parks Blog reported that mom, Azizi, and her new son are doing well. The newest addition is the fourth gorilla to be born at the theme park as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan.
…Disney announced the full artist lineup for the upcoming Night of Joy event at the Magic Kingdom on September 5–6, 2014. This annual music event brings together the best Christian pop, rock and gospel artists from around the world. This year's artists include: Matthew West, Chris Tomlin, Mercy Me, Mandisa, Casting Crowns, and more.
…Disney and Pandora Jewelry announced last week a new partnership that will bring an exclusive line of jewelry to the theme parks and other locations around the world. The sterling silver and 14K gold charms feature favorite Disney characters. Pandora designed the collection of 25 different charms, plus an additional 16 styles found exclusively at Disney Parks. The companies also announced that Pandora is the new sponsor for the Magic Kingdom's Wishes Nighttime Spectacular and will take over sponsorship of the 2015 Tinker Bell Half Marathon in Disneyland.
Question of the Week
This week's question comes from MousePad forum member ainsley09, who wants details on a Premier Annual Pass and how it works with making Fastpass+ reservations:
I'm taking a hiatus from having a [Disneyland Annual Passport], and am planning a trip to WDW for October 2015. I just booked the hotel as a room only. I was planning on purchasing a Premier AP just before the trip (activating early October) so it would be good through September 2016. Am I understanding correctly that I need ticket media in addition to the resort to book FP+ 60 days out? Is there such a thing as a Premier “voucher” that I can add to my account? I don't mind buying the pass earlier, I just don't want to activate it.
Join the conversation about this topic and many more related to Walt Disney World travel over at the MousePad discussion forum.
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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
- 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
- Mickey's Philharmagic – closed September 8–19 for refurbishment.
- Astro Orbiter – closed through September 27 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
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin – closed November 10–21 for refurbishment
- The Haunted Mansion – closed December 1–19 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
- American Film Institute Showcase and Shop – permanently closed on August 17, 2014
- The American Idol Experience – permanently closes on August 30, 2014
- Fantasmic! – closed November 19–November 21, 2014 for refurbishment
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- It's Tough to Be a Bug – closed through September 27 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 |
Rates starting at $79/night on select dates this fall Disney released new fall discounts for annual passholders for the following travel dates: September 28 – November 25, 2014 and November 29 – December 23, 2014. Rates begin at $79 for value resorts (Sunday through Thursday stays) and go up from there. Book through December 20, 2014. Sample rates:
Advance reservations required. No group rates or other discounts apply. Length of stay requirements
Discounts only applied to travel dates that are valid offer travel dates Additional per adult charges may apply if more than two adults per room Number of rooms allocated for this discount is limited. Offer excludes: 3-bedroom villas, Disney's Art of Animation Resort – The Little Mermaid standard rooms, The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian & Spa, and Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort. |
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. |
Discounts for Canada Residents |
Fall 2014 Free Dining offer for Canada residents Offer details: Free Quick Service Plan
Free Table Service Dining Plan for moderate resorts
Free Table Service Dining Plan for deluxe resorts
Free Table Service Dining Plan for deluxe villa resorts
Offer Restrictions
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