Update for September 16 – 22, 2014
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News and Views
Frozen frenzy continues to bring changes to theme parks | Disney partners with Apple for new payment option | Magic Kingdom discontinues Tomorrowland phone-charging lockers | Epcot cuts back Food and Wine Late Night Event offerings | Quick takes | Question of the Week | Crowd update
Frozen frenzy continues to bring changes to theme parks
Frozen fans received a lot of great news last week as Walt Disney World continues to try to meet the public's demand for more experiences based on the blockbuster movie. Officials announced Frozen news connected to three out of the four theme parks:
New Frozen attraction at Epcot
Just two weeks after announcing major changes in Epcot's World Showcase live entertainment offerings, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts chairman Tom Skaggs confirmed the permanent closure of the Maelstrom ride at Norway to make way for a new Frozen attraction:
“The new attraction, which replaces Maelstrom, will take our guests to Arendelle and immerse them in many of their favorite moments and music from the film. The pavilion will also include a royal greeting location where Anna and Elsa can meet our guests. We think these Frozen elements are great complements to the Norway Pavilion, which showcases the country and region that inspired the film.”
This marks the second time the royals sisters make a home at the Norway pavilion. Disney fans may recall that Anna and Elsa made their first Walt Disney World appearance there earlier in 2014 with a meet-and-greet experience. Demand grew so quickly that in April 2014, Disney moved the Frozen sisters over to Magic Kingdom's New Fantasyland Fairytale Princess Hall to accommodate the crowds.
Epcot visitors only have a few more weeks to enjoy riding Maelstrom. The ride, which which opened in July 1988, shutters on October 5, 2014.
Olaf at Magic Kingdom
Over at the Magic Kingdom, Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf make their debut at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party in Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. And, starting November 5, Elsa uses her powers every night to transform Cinderella Castle into an ice palace.
Celebrations at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Guests at Disney's Hollywood Studios can continue to enjoy some of the most popular elements of the Frozen Summer Fun LIVE! event throughout the rest of the year.
Originally scheduled to end at the end of this month (on September 28), Disney decided to extend the For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration and Wandering Oaken's shop and Frozen Funland indefinitely. Kids of all ages can enjoy a larger play area with real snow.
Disney partners with Apple for new payment option
Apple announced last week its new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will include an easy, secure, and private way to make purchases: Apple Pay. Apple Pay will also work with the newly announced Apple Watch, extending Apple Pay to owners of iPhone 5, iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s worldwide.
Disney plans to be a partner in the Apple Pay system and implement the system around the Walt Disney World Resort in the coming weeks and months. Apple Pay intends to make shopping fast and easy for visitors and simplifies the check-out process for cast members, with just the touch of a finger.
Disney announced that guests can use Apple Pay at the Disney Store in October and at Walt Disney World by Christmas.
Apple Pay uses nearfield communication (NFC) technology, the proximity-based tapping system Disney MagicBands use. This is also the likely reason why Apple Pay will work in WDW, but not in Disneyland, which has yet to implement the MagicBand (or other NFC) system.
Magic Kingdom discontinues Tomorrowland phone-charging lockers
Disney announced last week that the pilot program that enabled visitors to charge mobile phones in lockers in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom ended last Saturday. The announcement said that Walt Disney World intends to look at the results of the testing to determine visitor needs.
If you are looking for electrical outlets to charge mobile devices with, you can find them in the Tomorrowland Arcade and the seating area near Pete's Silly Sideshow. In addition to the standard AC power outlets, USB ports are also available for visitors to charge their mobile devices in Fantasyland. Charging outlets are located in the 'stumps' at either end of the bench seating areas near Rapunzel’s village.
Portable accessories that charge mobile devices are sold in select merchandise locations. These devices provide an instant charge to most smart phones (charge amount varies).
Epcot cuts back Food and Wine Late Night Live event offerings
The Orlando Sentinel reports that the Disney officials decided to reduce the scheduled Epcot Food and Wine: Late Nights LIVE! hard-ticket events each week during the annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, scheduled to start on September 19.
Originally scheduled to run every Tuesday and Thursday night through the festival, the event will now only be offered on Thursdays. Disney officials provided no official reason for the reduction in party nights, but some experts speculate slow ticket sales as a possible reason.
This special event, located between the World Showcase Plaza and the United Kingdom pavilion, features food from select festival marketplaces (including Hawaii and Greece), live music, entertainment, and a DJ. You can purchase tickets, which are $79 plus tax,by calling (407) 939-3378. Ticket price includes admission to Epcot starting at 9:00 p.m. only.
Quick takes
…The Orlando Sentinel reports that Walt Disney World earned a Golden Ticket award based on an Amusement Today newspaper reader survey. Epcot's Illuminations: Reflections of Earth won the award for Best Outdoor Night Show based on survey results from an annual poll sent to “experienced and well-traveled amusement park fans around the world” asking them to rate parks in 25 categories.
…Walt Disney World's official newsletter, Mouse Mail, reported that the resort recently donated 52 pieces of contemporary art to the Downtown Arts District as part of the company's commitment to promoting a vibrant art scene in Orlando. The art pieces, which originally decorated Disney's Contemporary Resort since the 1970s, includes “colorful lithographs and pastels, unique woodcuts and etched art.Barbara Hartley, executive director of Downtown Arts District said, “The quality and caliber of the artists and their work is very exciting. We intend to showcase the art in downtown for Central Florida residents and visitors to enjoy.”
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:
Hi all!We'll be heading to WDW in October and will be visiting all the parks (except Studios). I've never been to the parks at this time of year (just [Downtown Disney] pre-cruise). Do Epcot or [Animal Kingdom] do anything for Halloween, or is the decor kept to MK? Also—do the resort hotels decorate, or do they hold that for Christmas?
Head over to the discussion thread and offer some assistance and talk about your favorite Walt Disney World holiday decor!
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 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28; October 2, 3, 5, 9. 10, 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31.
- 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. Most events sold out.
- 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
- Maelstrom – permanently closes on October 5, 2014
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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