Update for September 9 – 15, 2014
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions | Comments
News and Views
Disney's Polynesian Resort's Pineapple Lanai opens | Oct. 31 Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party sold out | Select Walt Disney World restaurants testing new allergy-friendly menu | Changes made to Be Our Guest lunch policies and procedures | Harmony Barbershop schedules early 2015 refurbishment | Disney Food Truck to serve meals at Disney's All Star Music Resort | Pangani Exploration Trail begins partial refurbishment | La Cava del Tequila to host party at Disney's Coronado Resort on Sept. 12 | Views from around “the World” | Quick takes | Question of the Week | Crowd update
Disney's Polynesian Resort's Pineapple Lanai opens
Dole Whip lovers were happy to hear that they could satisfy their sweet tooth once again at Disney's Polynesian Resort's newest restaurant, Pineapple Lanai.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, the walk-up counter is located just outside of the Great Ceremonial Hall, in the main entrance of the hotel.
Die-hard Dole Whip fans may be disappointed to learn that the menu is limited to only pineapple, vanilla, or a swirl of both, and a pineapple float (the pineapple soft serve with pineapple juice). Anyone wanting to add rum to their float, however, can head upstairs to the bar to request the drink.
Unlike its predecessor, Capt. Cook's, there is no-self serve station for Dole Whip at the Pineapple Lanai. Cast members serve the frozen treat to visitors here.
The Pineapple Lanai's current hours are from between noon and one hour after the nightly Magic Kingdom fireworks.
Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party sold out on Halloween night
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on Friday, October 31, is officially sold out. Currently, tickets are still available for:
- September 1, 9, 12 ,14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26 & 28
- October 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 13, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28 & 30
Ticket prices start at $62 per person for adults and $57 per person for children ages 3 to 9. To order tickets, visit the party's official website.
Select Walt Disney World restaurants testing new allergy-friendly menus
Walt Disney World restaurants scheduled a new pilot program from September 9 through October 20 that focuses on new allergy-friendly menus for common food allergies and intolerances. The locations participating in this pilot include:
- Disney’s BoardWalk – Flying Fish Café.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios – ABC Commissary, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, The Hollywood Brown Derby.
- Disney’s Polynesian Resort – Kona Cafe and Capt. Cooks.
- Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort – World Premiere Food Court.
Changes made to Be Our Guest lunch policies and procedures
September 1 saw some changes to the Magic Kingdom's Be Our Guest restaurant during the lunch meal service. TouringPlans.com's Seth Kubersky took the time to drop by and test out the new system.
Harmony Barbershop schedules early 2015 refurbishment
The Harmony Barber Shop in Magic Kingdom Park is closing for refurbishment February 2 through March 30, 2015 (dates subject to change). Guests will not be able to book reservations for this time.
Disney food truck to serve meals at Disney's All Star Music Resort
Anyone staying at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort should be on the lookout for a new dining experience. With the Intermission Food Court refurbishment continues, the Disney food truck will roll in to help save the day for hotel guests. The Disney food truck will be parked near the Singing Spirits Pool Bar everyday from 7:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. The menu should include items like egg, bacon, and cheese croissants; strawberry-covered waffles; kielbasa and caramelized onion biscuit sliders with gravy; doughnut holes; and more.
Pangani Exploration Trail begins partial refurbishment
TouringPlans.com also gave more details about Disney's Animal Kingdom's Pangani Exploration Trail refurbishment project that just started and is scheduled to concluded on November 14. Both the aviary and underwater hippo viewing areas are reopening November 15. The other portions of the trail, including the gorillas, remain open.
La Cava del Tequila to host party at Disney's Coronado Resort on Sept. 12
On September 12, Epcot's La Cava del Tequila hosts a Patron Party at Rix Lounge in Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. Advance reservations must be made to attend this party and tickets cost $30 per person. According to our sponsor TouringPlans.com's Derek Burgan, each ticket includes a shot of Patrón Single Barrel Reposado, a Patrón margarita, and light appetizers. Guests can make a reservation via email to CavadelTequila@me.com. The party is limited to only 150 guests, so sign up soon to claim your spot.
Views from around “the World”
This week, our photographer, Jeff, went out to explore the many refurbishments continuing over at the Magic Kingdom and the Downtown Disney/Disney Springs area. As you can see, construction crews have kept busy in recent weeks and months.
Magic Kingdom
While not a refurbishment project, Magic Kingdom crews get the park ready to celebrate fall and Halloween. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Construction continues on bridge linking toward the divide between Casey's Corner and Crystal Palace. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Construction also continues on the bridge linking the divide between Plaza Restaurant and Tomorrowland Terrace. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Sections of the Astro Orbiter are refreshed and being put in place. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The PeopleMover has reopened with a new paint job at the load/unload station. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The return of the PeopleMover affords a view of temporary stanchions on rooftops throughout Tomorrowland. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Snow White merchandise is being sold out of Pooh's Thoughtful Spot in Fantasyland while the former store adjacent to Princess FairyTale Halle continues to be remodeled. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Downtown Disney/Disney Springs
Bridge facades are being installed along the walkway across the former Disney Marketplace. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
A major dock addition is being constructed to make room for the Hangar restaurant being constructed. The Boathouse restaurant continues under construction as well. Photo by J. Jeff Kober
What was once simply a canal extension of the lagoon to create Pleasure Island is now being formed into the actual springs for Disney Springs. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Shops and clubs in Pleasure Island have been pushed out to add additional square footage. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The signs said “Opening Summer 2014” but the Food Truck Park still has considerable work before it is completed.
Garage ramps between levels are being added to the structure. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
This ramp will bridge across Buena Vista Drive and connect with I-4. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Quick takes
….Downtown Disney parking rates changed last week, according to Rikki Niblett over at our sponsor TouringPlans.com. Rates are now based on how long a visitor parks in the lot:
- 0-2 hours: $10
- 2-3 hours: $15
- 3 hours or more: $20.
…Niblett also reported that Downtown Disney's internal water service taxi expanded its operating hours to 2 a.m. for park visitors, with the last pick-up of the night at 1:30 a.m.
…Epcot recently added four electric vehicle chargers at the front of the Journey parking lot, according to a report by TouringPlans.com's Julia Mascardo. This fee-based service allows visitors to charge electric cars at one of two stations (each with plugs for two cars) and is provided by ChargePoint. These are the only chargers available at a theme park. Other stations include one at Fort Wilderness Cabins, a wall outlet at Disney's Contemporary Resort, a wall outlet at the Dolphin available upon request and an “unofficial” outlet at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. Charging rates of $0.35 per kWh with a minimum $1.50 purchase. For more information, visit the official ChargePoint website.
Question of the Week
This week's Question of the Week deals with something no one wants to deal with on a Walt Disney World vacation:
Does anyone have a good solution to ride sickness? Does Dramamine work? Other homeopathic? Or not? Thanks! This Momma wants to do all the rides with her family!
What are your go-to cures or tricks to avoid the dreaded nausea? Head over to the discussion thread and offer some assistance!
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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Seeking ShutterbugsAre you a frequent visitor to the WDW theme parks? Do you love taking and sharing photos of the lastest happenings around the World? Would you like to be paid for your work? MousePlanet is seeking Orlando-based photographers to share their theme park observations and photos with our readers. If you're an excellent photographer with strong communication skills, please contact us—we'd love to hear from you! |
Crowd Forecast
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Don't keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. Email Stephanie here.
Talk about these stories and more on our Walt Disney World discussion forum here.
Resort Events
2014
- 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.
- 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.
- Richard Petty's Junior Ride-Along Experience – at the Richard Petty's Driving Experience
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 through September 19 for refurbishment.
- Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress – closed September 22–27 for refurbishment.
- Astro Orbiter – closed through September 27 for refurbishment.
- Enchanted Tiki Room – closed September 27 through October 3 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.
- Harmony Barber Shop – closed February 2 through March 30, 2015 (dates subject to change).
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 through 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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