Update for August 25 – September 1, 2014
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions | Comments
News and Views
New villain experiences coming to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party | 2014 Festival of the Masters event canceled |Move It! Shake It! Street Party gets upgrade this fall | Disney Springs backstory comes to life in new video | New Marketplace bridge and boat dock opens to Downtown Disney | Views from around “the World” |Quick takes | Question of the Week | Crowd update
New villain experiences coming to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
The 2014 Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom debuts a number of new Disney Villain events at its annual Halloween hard ticket event, according a Disney Parks Blog announcement last week. Party guests can expect to see even more of their favorite mischief makers at this year's party, which will be held on select nights between September 1 and October 31, 2014.
New experiences for the 2014 Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party include:
- New meet-and-greet opportunities with Jafar in Adventureland, the Queen of Hearts near Fantasyland's Mad Tea Party, and Lotso from Toy Story 3 in Tomorrowland near the Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin attraction.
- Princess Fairytale Hall in New Fantasyland hosts two new guests this year. The Evil Queen and Maleficient joins Snow White and Aurora for a special meet-and-greet opportunity.
- The villains take over The Diamond Horseshoe in Liberty Square to create Club Villain. Party guests can experience the spooky atmosphere and dance to music with characters such as Dr. Facilier, Cruella De Vil, Anastasia, Drizella, Lady Tremaine, and others.
- The popular Boo to You Halloween Parade includes an expanded Phineas and Ferb Creepa Crew pre-parade. Crowds can enjoy more interactive experiences along the parade route. Also new this year in the parade: Wreck-It-Ralph and Vanellope!
Annual favorites such as the trick-or-treat trails, Happy Hallowishes fireworks, the Monstrous Scream-o-Ween Ball in Tomorrowland, the Headless Horseman, and Jack and Sally from Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas return to entertain audiences of all ages.
Ticket prices range from $62 to $71 for adults and $57 to $66 for children ages 3–9. Prices vary depending on which night you want to attend. Note: the October 31 party are already sold out. For more information on Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party or to order tickets, visit the official event website.
2014 Festival of the Masters event canceled
WESH.com reported last week that Disney announced the cancellation of the 2014 Festival of the Masters event held in Downtown Disney.
Citing an announcement posted on the Disney Parks Blog, the report indicated that the festival could not be hosted in its normal venues due to the major construction project going on now in the Downtown Disney area as it transitions into Disney Springs.
In the announcement, Disney Social Media Directory Thomas Smith said:
We appreciate the enthusiastic support we’ve received from the arts community, both locally and nationally, which has contributed to the long-running success of the Festival. Walt Disney World Resort is a strong supporter of the arts and we remain committed to nurturing the arts.
Smith did not say whether the festival would return in 2015.
Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party to get upgrade this fall
Disney announced some major changes coming to the Magic Kingdom's current Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party that takes over Main Street U.S.A. and the Central Plaza daily. The first big change people might notice is a new name. Beginning sometime in mid-September, the daily festivities change to the Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It! Party.
The announcement gave no specific start date, but did give a sneak peek at what to expect from the new show:
- Partygoers can expect to hear “a medley of remixed classic party songs” according to Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment to get the action started.
- Stitch and Phineas & Ferb join the star-studded party, which also features Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy standing on top of gigantic gift boxes.
- Toward the end of the party, the crowd gets to choose from one of three current hits to end the celebrating with a bang.
The current Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Party continues to pump up the crowd several times a day until the new show debuts at the Magic Kingdom.
Disney Springs backstory comes to life in new video
Since Disney's announcement last year about Disney Springs replacing the current Downtown Disney area, questions about what visitors can look forward to in this all new shopping, dining and recreation center.
Even though the projects completion date remains a long time off, executive creative director Theron Skees appeared in a video giving fans a first look at what the completed area will look like, thanks to computer simulation.
Disney Imagineers released a new video last week featuring the backstory of Disney Springs, which will take the place of Downtown Disney starting next year.
Skees also talked about the Disney Springs backstory and how Disney Imagineers have invested countless hours of research and design time to develop an actual history for the area that is similar to other waterfront communities in Florida.
As you know, everything in Disney starts with a story. You start to think about why we even approached the imagination of Downtown Disney and you start to think of three different districts at Downtown Disney and they really don't connect to each other as a storyline… It's really about bringing story to this venue that has been around for three decades.
Skees also promised more videos showing behind the scenes activity as the project moves forward.
New Marketplace bridge and boat dock opens to Downtown Disney
Guests staying at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa now have two convenient ways to get to Downtown Disney now that workers have completed a new Marketplace boat dock and bridge.
The pedestrian bridge offers a nice walk over to the shopping, dining, and entertainment venue for guests. Anyone looking to go over to the West Side or Pleasure Island area of Downtown Disney can board the free water taxi at the Marketplace boat dock.
Daily trips via water taxi begin at 10:30 a.m.
Views from around “the World”
Last week, Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom saw some of the best and the worst that summer can bring. Let's take a look at what our photographer found at the park.
A sudden storm comes through Disney's Animal Kingdom on Saturday, downing this tree and others throughout the park. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
In the wake of the storm, Mother Nature leaves a path of leaves and twigs throughout the entire park. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
A new animal exhibit is being created to the left of just before you cross the bridge to enter Africa at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Beyond the fence is an animal enclosure as well as a tree-like structure, probably intended for some kind of fowl. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Quick takes
We have a few news items courtesy of Rikki Niblett over at our sponsor TouringPlans.com:
…As of September 2, Disney Hollywood Studios visitors can select “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” as a tier 2 Fastpass option. This changes the original procedure where visitors would pick up a paper ticket with a return time for the show.
…Disney's Animal Kingdom Sunrise Safari closes permanently as of December 28. This excursion has only been open to Disney Vacation Club members or non-members staying in Club Level rooms.
…Visitors can now purchase additional MagicBands without having to link tickets to the band. Anyone can purchase up to five additional bands as gifts and souvenirs, but only the solid color variety. No specialty bands can be purchased this way. Visitors can buy the MagicBands at any of the four theme parks, Downtown Disney, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Pop Century Resort, Disney's Art of Animation Resor and Disney's Port Orleans Resort.
…The Orlando Sentinel reported that Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba has a special discount available through September 27. The discount prices range from $49 through $104 (the original prices range from $57 through $124. To purchase these tickets, call (407) 939-7328 or visit lanouba.com.
Question of the Week
This week's question comes from MousePad forum member mickeymom5:
Can you pool hop between Disney's Art of Animation Resort and Disney's Pop Century Resort?
Join the conversation about this topic and many more related to Walt Disney World travel over at the MousePad discussion forum.
The MousePlanet Newsletter is here!
The newsletter contains a recap of the week's articles (in case you miss a day), news that may have developed since the weekly Updates were published, and tips about what's happening at the Disney theme parks for the coming weekend. We'll also include a fun MouseAdventure bonus, such as an Eye Spy or a trivia question. To subscribe to our free newsletter, just enter your e-mail in the box below.
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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
- The American Idol Experience – permanently closes on August 30
- Fantasmic! – closed November 19–21 for refurbishment
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- It's Tough to Be a Bug – closed through September 27 for refurbishment
- Sunrise Safari (for DVC members only) – permanently closes on December 28
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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