Update for September 23 – 29, 2014
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions
News and Views
Disney's Hollywood Studios Backlot Tour closing permanently | Fire at Boma prompts evacuation | Seven Dwarfs Mine Train photo and video added to Memory Maker | 2014 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival opens | MagicBand “Link-it later” option details released | runDisney opens additional registration for 2015 Walt Disney World Marathon | Walt Disney World Merchandise Update| Views from around “the World”| Quick takes | Question of the Week | Crowd update
Disney's Hollywood Studios Backlot Tour closing permanently
One of Disney's Hollywood Studios original attractions gives its last ride this week when the Studio Backlot Tour shuts down permanently on Saturday, September 27.
This week, Disney announces the permanent closure of the Studio Backlot Tour. Disney has yet to announce its replacement, although rumors are strong around a Cars Land experience similar to Disney California Adventure. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
News 13 Orlando reported the closure on Friday, September 19 and Disney officials confirmed the news, saying that part of the area would house Wandering Oaken Trading Post on Streets of America. This new location would bring the shop closer to the For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along attraction. Both the shop and the show played a pivotal role in Disney's Hollywood Studio's popular Frozen Summer Fun event. Disney recently announced that these two experiences would continue throughout the holiday season.
The snow play area and merchandise of Wandering Oaken's Trading Post is slated to move to where the former American Film Institute Showcase was at the exit of the Studio Backlot Tour. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The Backlot Studio Tour opened in 1989 as the Backstage Studio Tour, one of the park's original attractions. Probably best known for Catastrophe Canyon, where unsuspecting riders are placed in the middle of a filming sequence featuring an earthquake, flood, and fire, the tour also used to include a glimpse at the studio's costume and set department, as well as some actual movie props and buildings. In recent years, though, Disney's Hollywood Studios cut back these details, and even removed live narration from the tour back in 2008.
The Backlot Studios Tour closure adds to a growing list of attractions and shows recently shutting down. Within the past few months, Walt Disney World lost the American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios, as well as Epcot's Mo'Rockin, Off Kilter, the American Fife and Drum Corp, the World Showcase Players and Norway's Maelstrom.
As for the rest of the soon-to-be-former Backlot Studio Tour, Rikki Niblett from our sponsor TouringPlans.com reports that Disney has not confirmed any other short-term changes. Many rumors persist, however, with regards to how it will be used in future development.
Fire at Boma prompts evacuation
Emergency crews responded to a fire on Monday, September 15 at Animal Kingdom Lodge's Boma Restaurant, forcing a temporary evacuation of the staff and guests.
“[It] wasn't a big fire, wasn't a lot of fire conditions, but it put out a lot of smoke,” said Bo Jones, assistant chief of the Reedy Creek Fire & Rescue Departments to the Orlando Sentinel. Staff and guests returned to the restaurant at about 8:00 p.m., a little over an hour after the emergency calls went out.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Reedy Creek Fire Department officials said no one suffered injuries, and although the fire is under investigation, it looks like it may have started near a paint can in a storage room.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train photo and video added to Memory Maker
Visitors to Magic Kingdom's newest roller coaster, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, have the opportunity to get both a photo and video souvenir of their ride if they purchase the Disney Memory Maker package.
According to Disney Parks Blog, a photo and video souvenir of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train trip can automatically be linked to a person's MagicBand via the Memory Maker options. Visitors with this option do not need to make a separate purchase to receive the video and photo; Disney automatically links them onto MagicBands following the ride. For more information, visit the official Disney Parks Blog.
2014 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival opens
Friday, September 19 marked the first day of the 2014 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. The annual event, which this year runs for a record-breaking 53 days through November 10, brings some of the world's most delicious cuisine and drinks to the park's World Showcase each day, along with special demonstrations, live music, signature dining experiences, and more. Returning to the festival are:
- Party for the Senses – a one-night only signature dining event featuring chefs from around the world offering an international culinary tour.
- The International Marketplace – sample dishes from around the world including cuisine from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Hawaii, Patagonia (new), South Korea and more!
In addition, the festival includes these new offerings:
- Epcot Food and Wine Festival Premium Package – a new VIP festival experience!
- Eat to the Beat concert dining package – get reserved seating for your favorite music artist and a delicious meal at select World Showcase restaurants
- Epcot Food and Wine Late Nights LIVE!
Another new festival feature is the wearable Disney gift card, which you can wear on your wrist for easy access while traveling from booth to booth in World Showcase. The card can also be used anywhere in the Walt Disney World resort for purchases.
MagicBand “Link-it later” option details released
You can now purchase Walt Disney World MagicBands ahead of time for use as gifts for friends and family, according to a new report on Disney Parks Blog.
Visitors can buy the solid-color bands and link them to a valid theme park admission at a future date. Until recently, only current Walt Disney World visitors could purchase the MagicBands and then link features such as park admission and Memory Maker.
You can buy these Link-it Later bands at select retail locations at Walt Disney World, including the Downtown Disney area, Disney liquidation stores in Florida, and Disney merchandising shops at the Orland International Airport.
Only the solid color MagicBands can use the Link-it Later option. New bands such as the Haunted Mansion or Frozen themes are unavailable for this option.
runDisney opens additional registration for 2015 Walt Disney World Marathon
runDisney announced last week that it would open additional space for the 2015 Walt Disney World Marathon following an enthusiastic response to the finale of the ABC network's Extreme Weight Loss TV show.
The particular episode focused on a father-daughter team who lost weight together, and finished the 2014 Walt Disney World Half Marathon as part of their weight-loss journey. Following the show, many viewers wanted to register for next year's race, only to find it sold out. runDisney officials responded to the massive social media outreach for this event by taking some of the still-available Goofy Challenge registrations and splitting up its marathon and half-marathon slots so people could register for the half-marathon by itself.
For more information or to register for the race, visit the official runDisney website. Once you register, make sure to visit our Team MousePlanet forum on the MousePad discussion board, where you can join our community of health-minded readers and staff and add yourself to our growing list of 2015 WDW half-marathoners.
Walt Disney World Merchandise Update
Disney made a number of announcements about merchandise last week, and here is a quick roundup of what's coming to stores soon:
- Did you recently get yourself an iPhone 6? D-Tech On Demand unveiled a new series of phone cases designed for the newest generation of iPhone featuring Disney characters such as Figment, Oswald the Rabbit, and Chip and Dale. These new cases make their debut on September 20 (cases for the iPhone 6+ are available in October). Those with other smartphones can still find something among the more than 170 designs at the Co-Op Marketplace at Downtown Disney Marketplace.
- Vera Bradley fans also have something new to look forward to, as the designer line releases a new color in the Disney Collection by Vera Bradley. Disney Dreaming brings together different shades of blue, white, and yellow into the classic Vera Bradley floral patterns. The new line debuts September 19 at Cherry Tree Lane in the Marketplace Co-Op at Downtown Disney Marketplace.
- Dooney and Bourke bag designers inspired by the Epcot Food and Wine Festival created a new collection with colorful designs featuring Mickey Mouse. The bags, scheduled for release on September 29, can only be purchased at the Festival Center in Epcot.
- Disney Parks Blog gave readers a sneak peek at some of the PANDORA charms to be released later this fall at select Walt Disney World retail locations. A specific release date has not been announced as of this update.
Views from Around “the World”
Lots of activity around Walt Disney World this week, especially with the start of the 2014 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival! We have a quick look around “the world” to keep you up to date on all the exciting events and changes happening at Walt Disney World.
Epcot
The 2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival opens to rainy skies last weekend. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Food and wine seminars occur in the Festival Welcome Center throughout the event. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Odyssey has been turned over to a craft beer experience throughout the event. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Puerto Rico's fairly elaborate kiosk has a quiet moment before opening for the day. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The Brazil kiosk provides a little food court with musical entertainment to enjoy while you dine. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
The Frozen Sing-a-Long will remain after Frozen Summer departs. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Downtown Disney/Disney Springs
Across the street from the new parking garage, pylons are being placed for the bridge that will connect the parking garage to I-4. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Being completed down the block and across from street from the other end of the new parking garage is a new cast services building. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Over behind Cirque du Soleil in the back parking lot is a support services building that is also being completed for the new Disney Springs. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Quick takes
…Disney recently updated the celebrity narrator list for the 2014 Candlelight Processional at Epcot:
- Jodi Benson – November 28–29
- Neil Patrick Harris – November 30 – December 2 (updated)
- TBD – December 3–4
- Whoopi Goldberg – December 5–6
- TBD – December 7–8
- TBD – December 9–11
- TBD – December 12–14
- Sharon Stone – December 15–17
- Ana Gasteyer – December 18–20
- Marlee Matlin – December 21–23
- Isabella Rossellini – December 24–25 (updated)
- Blair Underwood – December 26–27 (updated)
- Steven Curtis Chapman – December 28–30 (updated)
…Alamo Rent-a-Car launched a new contest where winners can choose from a seven-day vacation to Disneyland or Walt Disney World Resort, or on the Disney Cruise Line. Entrants must submit a virtual postcard telling the company which destination they'd like to visit. Alamo selects one winner each week through November 2, 2014.
Question of the Week
FiestyDisneyMom posted a number of questions on the MousePad forum this week in the hopes of planning the perfect Disney World vacation. Among her questions:
For a family with young children (ages 9, 7, 5 and 2), which parks are a “must” parks?
Is it better to downgrade lodging/be farther away from the parks and stay more days or sacrifice more days in the parks?
Join in the discussion over on our MousePad forum to offer your best trip planning strategies!
The MousePlanet Newsletter is here!
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Crowd Forecast
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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 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 – 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
- Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress – closed through September 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
Disney's Hollywood Studios
- Studio Backlot Tour – permanently closes on September 27
- 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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