Update for September 2 – 8, 2014
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions | Comments
News and Views
Long-standing Epcot live shows see sudden end | New dessert party comes to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party | Disney applies for drone use patent | Monorail schedule changes for early September | Disney Parks Mom Panel search begins | Plaintiffs look to expand case against Disney | Starbucks coming to Hollywood Studios | Views from around “the World” | Quick takes | Question of the Week | Crowd update
Long-standing Epcot live shows see sudden end
Last week, Disney announced some major changes in Epcot live entertainment in the upcoming weeks, including a sudden end to four long-standing World Showcase performances. According to the announcement, Morocco's Mo'Rockin', Canada's Off Kilter, the United Kingdom's World Showcase Players, and the American Adventure's Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps have come to the end of their performance run.
Several performing groups are to be retired at Epcot to include Mo' Rockin, The Spirit of America, World Showcase Players, and Off Kilter. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Final performance dates are:
- World Showcase Players – Thursday, September 25
- Mo'Rockin, Off Kilter, and Spirit of America – Saturday, September 27
Replacement acts include:
- Morocco – traditional Berber music and dancers
- Italy – a flag corp
- Canda – a lumberjack show
- United Kingdom – a Celtic folk music ensemble
The announcement did not specify start dates for these new shows.
Disney fans jumped on social media almost immediately to share their views on the changes, with reactions ranging from those looking forward to something new in World Showcase, to outrage at the groups' dismissal:
“A stinking travesty! World Showcase Players are what turned me around on Epcot. I was 7 hours into touring this park and was thinking it was kinda dull. I just wasn't getting it. Then I caught the WSP Holy Grail show… and I was hooked on Epcot. I suddenly “got it”. So I'm not going down without a fight. I'm posting a link to a fan page to keep the Players from leaving. Who knows if we can change someone's mind.” – DisneyGator, MousePad forum member.
“…after our next planned trip… we may need a break from @DisneyParks. #offkilter is our favorite. love them.” – @CeciliaKy, on Twitter
“Wow. No more #offkilter or #morockin'? That's a bummer. But, excited to see what Disney can do with a lumberjack show.” – @monorailcoral, on Twitter
“I will miss Off Kilter, but change is always refreshing. I love how The Walt Disney Company always evolves.” – Jacqueline, in a comment on Disney Parks Blog
“While I will miss my favorite groups, I understand that Disney needs to keep things fresh and different. There’s a new generation making memories at the parks and they need their chance to do so with thing relevant to them. One of the great things about Disney is its ability to keep itself relevant.” – Monica, in a comment on Disney Parks Blog
Do you have any memories of Off Kitler, Mo'Rockin', the World Showcase Players, or the Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps? Leave them in the comments or head over to the MousePad forum to share your thoughts and reactions.
New dessert party comes to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
Disney continues to expand its special event offerings with a new dessert party within Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, which began yesterday.
Those who are attending Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party can now purchase an additional ticket to attend the Villain's Sinister Soiree: A Wicked Takeover of Cinderella Castle.
During the Villains Sinister Soriee, visitors join Lady Tremaine as she takes over Cinderella Castle and invites a number of her wicked friends for a delicious dessert party following Mickey's Boo to You Parade and the HalloWishes Fireworks Spectacular. Party guests can enjoy live music and desserts inspired by Disney villains.
Tickets to the Villain's Sinister Soiree include:
- Preferred viewing for the 8:15 p.m. Mickey's Boo to You Halloween Parade
- Preffered viewing for the HalloWishes Fireworks Spectacular
- The Dessert Party at Cinderella's Royal Table
This is the first time Walt Disney World has offered a hard ticket event within another that give guests even more perks than the normal party.
Tickets for this event cost $99 plus tax for everyone ages 3 and over (gratuity included). Admission to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party must be purchased separately. Tickets are limited and a number of days, including Halloween night, that are already sold out.
Reservations can only be made by telephone by calling (407) 939-5262. Online reservations are not available for this event.
Disney applies for drone use patents
Sorcerer Radio (via srsounds.com) reported last week that Disney filed for patents related to usng drones within the theme parks. Some of these patent applications are for technology already used, in a limited capacity at the parks, while others break entirely new ground.
According to the published report, Disney filed for three unmanned aerial vehicles patents:
- Aerial Display System with floating pixels
- Aerial Display System with floating projection screens
- Aerial Display System with marionettes articulated and supported by airborne devices
Sorcerer Radio reports Disney applied for three drone patterns for potential use in their theme parks. Video by dsramps.
Disney currently uses technology similar to the floating projection screens using water, as they have in Disney's Hollywood Studios' Fantasmic show. As for the other patents, Sorcerer Radio explained that Disney may use the floating-pixels concept for light shows and the marionettes technology to allow Imagineers to make marionettes move and dance in the sky.
Disney has not commented specifically on these patent applications and no one knows exactly when the technology might be implemented in the parks.
Monorail schedule changes for early September
Our friends and sponsors over at TouringPlans.com gave us a heads up about some upcoming changes to the Walt Disney Monorail schedule for the next few weeks.
Starting September 1, the updated monorail schedule is:
- Magic Kingdom Resort Beam – 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (12:00 midnight on hard ticket event nights)
- Magic Kingdom Express Beam – 9:30 a.m. to 1 hour after the Magic Kingdom fireworks
- Epcot Beam – 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
When the monorails are not running, Disney provides additional boats and buses to trasnport visitors.
Disney made no indication reguarding how long the schedule changes may last.
Disney Parks Mom Panel Search begins
Today, September 2, marks the first day of the annual Disney Parks Moms Panel Search.
Each year, thousands of ordinary people with an extraordinary love for all things Disney Parks apply to become part of this small, official group, which answers questions submitted online from readers on everything from how to choose where to stay to the ins and outs of making Fastpass+ reservations, or which excursions are best on Disney Cruise Lines.
Applicants have from 10:00 a.m. (Eastern) September 1 to noon (Eastern) Friday, September 5 to submit their applications for consideration. While the specific process is top secret, previous applicants have shared their experiences.
After the application deadline closes, Disney screens each application and decides who will move on to the second round of screening. This may involve writing an extended response or a series of questions that might be similar to what readers may submit online. Disney narrows down the applicant pool from there and, typically, a phone interview is next.
Disney selects only a handful of people to join the Moms Panel each year.
For more information about the Disney Moms Panel and how to apply, visit its official recruiting website.
Plaintiffs look to expand autism case against Walt Disney World
According to a report published at last Wednesday by entertainment industry news site Deadline Hollywood, lawyers representing a group of plaintiffs suing Walt Disney Parks and Resorts over its Disability Access Service program are trying to increase the number of plaintiffs from the current 26 to over 100.
In order to reduce the incidence of misuse, the current program did away with the automatic head-of-line access for guests with disabilities that the previous Guest Access Card system permitted.
Under the new program, park visitors with disabilities now receive a return time for a ride or attraction, but still need to wait on line once they return. Previously, visitors were usually escorted to the front of the line upon their appointed return time.
The plaintiffs, in their lawsuit, contend that the new program is “disruptive and detrimental” to children with cognitive impairments, who do not possess the ability to wait in long lines, and thus violates the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Disney said they have “a long-standing, unwavering commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive and accessible experience for guests with disabilities.
According to Deadline Hollywood, the lawyers said they received “an outpouring of phone calls and emails from victims and their families,” many of whom wanted to join in the suit due to similar experiences.
The case goes before a federal judge in October 2014.
Starbucks coming to Hollywood Studio in February 2015
It looks like Disney's Hollywood Studios jumps on board the Starbucks bandwagon as the park opens its own location in February 2015, according to Disney Parks Blog.
Disney's new Starbucks store at Disney's Hollywood Studios will be known as the Trolley Car Cafe. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Park visitors looking for a cup of coffee can head over to Hollywood Boulevard to the Trolley Car Café, which will serve the famous coffee brand along with its La Boulange pastry items.
Walt Disney World previously opened Starbucks locations at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Downtown Disney.
Views from around “the World”
All Walt Disney World Parks
Halloween merchandise is now available for purchase at the Walt Disney World parks. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Magic Kingdom
The “Jingle Cruise” is once again returning to the Magic Kingdom this holiday season. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
For the remainder of the year, a portion of the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail closes for remodeling. This includes the naked mole rat exhibit, along with the aviary and the hippo exhibit. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
The American Idol Experience hosted its last show this past weekend. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
AFI Showcase is no longer open at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Guests disembarking from Backstage Studio Tour simply exit around the corner. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The Osborne Family lights are starting to be put up on the backlot. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Quick takes
…The American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios hosted its last performance on August 30. Disney still has not announced replacement plans for the space.
…More news from Disney's Hollywood Studios! Our photographer reported seeing crews working on putting up the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. The annual event runs from November 7, 2014 through January 4, 2015.
…Over at Disney's Animal Kingdom, the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail closed for remodeling for the rest of the year. Refurbishments include the naked mole rat exhibit along with the aviary and the hippo exhibit.
…The Magic Kingdom literally went to the dogs last week when the park opened its gates for the inaugural Disney Side Dog's Day. This special event welcomed 101 costumed, four-legged furry friends and their owners to walk the green carpet up and down Main Street U.S.A. The dogs dressed in Disney costumes, including princesses, Mickey Mouse, Cruella de Vil, Peter Pan, and more. Disney Parks Blog posted a cute photo gallery for the day's events.
…Walt Disney World officially announced that visitors during the holiday season can once again enjoy the “Jingle Cruise” at the Magic Kingdom—a holiday twist on the fan-favorite Adventureland attraction that features new holiday-themed jokes and decor while sailing through the wilds of the world.
Question of the Week
Disney's announcement of the Villain's Soiree has stirred up a lot of conversation over on our forum MousePad. One question in a comment from MousePlanet staff member Stephanie Wien stood out:
I'm just concerned about the encroachment of “premium” viewing areas into formerly open spaces. Will everything soon be blocked off and resold for an upcharge? The hub is already a crazy mess during the parade, so I really hope that the special viewing is at another location along the route.
What are your thoughts or concerns about the newest dessert party? Head over to the discussion thread and share your opinions!
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 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
- World Showcase Players – permanently closes on September 25
- Mo'Rockin, Off Kilter and Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps – permanently closes on September 27
Disney's Hollywood Studios
- Fantasmic! – closed November 19–21 for refurbishment
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- It's Tough to Be a Bug – closed through September 27 for refurbishment
- Pangani Forest Exploration Trail – closed September 3–November 25 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. 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 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 through November 25, 2014 and November 29 through 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:
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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. |
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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