Update for September 29 – October 6, 2014
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions
News and Views
Food and Wine Classic returns to Walt Disney World Swan And Dolphin Resort | La Nouba dinner package starts September 30 | Disney Floral and Gifts introduces Mickey's Spooktacular Celebration 2014 | Second baby gorilla born at Disney's Animal Kingdom | Two Epcot restaurants add new menu items | Walt Disney World Merchandise Update | Views from around “the World”| Quick takes | Question of the Week | Crowd update
Food and Wine Classic returns to Walt Disney World Swan And Dolphin Resort
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin resort hosts the 5th Annual Food & Wine Classic from October 31 through November 1.
This year's event features more than 40 stations offering a variety of food and wine selections, as well as 10 seminars led by renown master chefs from signature restaurants, such as Il Mulino New York Trattoria, Shula's Steak House, and Todd English's bluezoo.
New event highlights this year include:
- The Cheese Course seminar – pays homage to fromage with a unique look at the art of wine and cheese pairing.
- The Fine Art of Sushi and Sake seminar – guests how to identify quality sushi and sake flavor profiles and pair the two.
- A hands-on Caipirinha seminar – guests learn both the traditional recipe and try some unique twists to this ever-popular Brazilian cocktail.
- Tequila University – offering an in-depth look at tequila, its different styles, the artisans who make it and the secrets to making the perfect margarita.
- A beer garden – features local and seasonal brews from around the world, alongside homemade bar snacks made by the hotels culinary experts. An upgraded ticket option provides guests access to the beer garden.
Event fans can also enjoy returning favorites such as pasta-making, mixology seminars, wine blending, and more.
The general public can buy one- and two-night packages starting at $315 (including tickets to the outdoor festival and overnight accommodations.) Advance-purchase, event-only tickets cost $95 per person (taxes included), whichincludes unlimited food and beverage samples on the causeway. Upgraded tickets including the beer garden cost $115 per person, including taxes. Beverage seminars cost $45 per person, per class and pasta-making classes are $60 per person.
To book tickets, call (800) 227-1500 or visit the event's official website at SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com.
La Nouba dinner package starts September 30
Starting tomorrow, September 30, Cirque du Soleil in Downtown Disney offers the latest dining show package at Walt Disney World.
Three Downtown Disney West Side restaurants—Wolfgang Puck Cafe, Planet Hollywood, and Splitsville Luxury Lanes—offer meals packages to accompany the 6:00 p.m. performance of popular La Nouba show by Cirque du Soleil. Visitors can make dinner reservations at either 4:30 p.m. or 8:00 p.m.
Ticket prices range from $99 plus tax for a Category 2 ticket to $119 plus tax for a Category 1 ticket.
To book tickets, visit the dining package's official website.
Disney Floral and Gifts introduces Mickey's Spooktacular Celebration 2014
Disney Floral and Gifts just introduced a new in-room celebration to tie in with the popular Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom.
Mickey's Spooktacular Celebration 2014 gives Walt Disney World Resort visitors added special touches to their on-site resort stay, such as:
- Light-up Mickey pumpkin sash over the door of the Walt Disney World Resort room.
- Welcome letter from a favorite Disney character.
- Large Mickey Mouse plush doll.
- One-of-a-kind keepsake character bin with lots of holiday treats.
- Orange Halloween blanket.
- Candelabra, luminaries, cobwebs, hidden activities, and more.
The order can also include personalized items at an extra cost.
The Mickey's Spooktacular Celebration 2014 costs $399.95 plus tax, and anyone interested in ordering can visit the the official Disney Floral and Gifts website.
Second baby gorilla born at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Disney's Animal Kingdom welcomed a second baby gorilla born at the theme park this year, on September 3. The newest gorilla, a boy, became the fifth baby gorilla born at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Two Epcot restaurants add new menu items
Two Epcot restaurants recently introduced new menu items to satisfy theme park visitors looking for quick, yet delicious options.
Over in the World Showcase, the American Adventure's Liberty Inn debuted four new dishes:
- The Red, White and Blue Salad ($7) – served with field greens, Ocean Spray craisins, pecans, apples, and blue cheese
- The Surf and Turf 1/3-pound Angus burger ($11.49) – topped with a house-made crab cake and spicy tartar sauce
- Maryland Crab Cakes and fries ($10.99)
- Louisiana-style Shrimp with Cajun tomato broth ($9.99) – with roasted green peppers, onions served over hot rice.
Over in Future World, the Electric Umbrella has three new dishes:
- A new French Dip burger ($10.99) – created from a 1/3 pound Angus burger topped with beef brisket, crispy onions and Muenster cheese.
- A Sausage and Pepper Sandwich with Provolone cheese ($9.49).
- A Veggie Naan Wich ($9.49) – featuring broccoli slaw and edamame with tofu wasabi dressing on warm naan bread.
Walt Disney World Merchandise Update
This week's merchandise update focuses on the spooky, yet beautiful new Haunted Mansion Makeup Collection coming to Walt Disney World in the next few weeks:
- A mini nail polish set including colors such as “Wall to Wall Creeps,” “Hurry Back,” “Doom Buggies,” and “Three Thumbs Up,”
- A eye shadow palette with decorative case featuring the colors “Find a Way Out!”, “Ghouls Night Out,” and “Hurry Back.”
- A mini lipstick set packed with four hauntingly beautiful shades like “Ball & Chain,” “Look Alive,” “Bride and Doom,” and “Ghost Host,”
Shoppers can find the new collection at the Downtown Disney Marketplace Co-Op.
Views from Around “the World”
Construction continues to be a theme winding its way around Walt Disney World, as many locations around the resort either have works in progress or are preparing a new phase of building. Our views around “the World” give us a glance at what's growing and changing around Walt Disney World
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
A new sign has been installed for Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The dining area at Captain Cooks has been re-opened with signs advertising islands of the South Pacific. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Much of the swimming pool area outside of the Great Ceremonial House has been fenced with images of palm trees. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Magic Kingdom
The river on the west side of Central Plaza has been covered, as work continues in the Magic Kingdom. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Epcot
An electric vehicle charging station has been added to the parking lot at Epcot. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The former meet-and-greet area for Anna and Elsa in World Showcase's Norway remains closed off. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Last week saw the Pointer Sisters perform, during the Eat to the Beat Concert. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
The Frozen Summer has come to a conclusion. Here, Kristoff waves to the crowd during the last processional for Anna and Elsa. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The new Starbucks coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios is under construction. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Downtown Disney/Disney Springs
Brick work is being added to the new remodeled buildings in the former Pleasure Island corridor at Downtown Disney. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Only a framework remains from the former gift shop that was at the entrance to Planet Hollywood. The restaurant is still open for the time being. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Near Planet Hollywood is the entrance to the garage structure being constructed. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Construction commences on Flamingo Crossings out on the far West side of Walt Disney World. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Quick takes
…Congratulations to the Festival of the Lion King stage show over at Disney's Animal Kingdom, which celebrated a major milestone of one million guests who have enjoyed the show since it opened in its new Harambe Theater this past June.
…The Animal Kingdom Lodge's Victoria Falls Lounge introduced a new menu offering African and Indian flavors to its guests. New items include a artisan cheese plate featuring Valdeon blue cheese, Petit Agour sheep's milk cheese, and Cabot Clothbound Cheddar with Marcona almonds, honeycomb, Egyptian Flowers and wild strawberries, tandoori-spiced chicken wings, Peri Peri scallops, hot tapas, bread service with hummus, mango chutney, lentil spinach and citrus spread, and much more. Visitors do not need reservations to enjoy a meal at the Victoria Falls Lounge.
Question of the Week
anniem8 posted a number of questions on the MousePad forum this week about planning a Walt Disney World trip while staying at the Shades of Green Resort, including the availability of extra magic hours, FastPass+ planning and more.
Join in the discussion over on our MousePad forum to offer your best trip planning strategies!
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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Talk about these stories and more on our Walt Disney World discussion forum here.
Resort Events
2014
- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party – 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.
- 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
- Enchanted Tiki Room – closed through October 3 for refurbishment
- Walt Disney World Railroad Fantasyland Station – closed through November 8 for refurbishment.
- Walt Disney World Railroad Frontierland Station – closed through November 8 for refurbishment.
- Walt Disney World Railroad Main Street U.S.A. Station – closed 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
- Splash Mountain – closed January 4–30, 2015
- 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
- Maelstrom – permanently closes on October 6, 2014
Disney's Hollywood Studios
- Fantasmic! – closed November 19–21 for refurbishment
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Pangani Forest Exploration Trail – closed through November 25 for refurbishment
- Sunrise Safari (for DVC members only) – permanently closes on December 28
- Kali River Rapids – closed January 20-February 4, 2105
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 is 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 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: Now 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 |
None at this time. |
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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