Update for October 14 – 20, 2014
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions
News and Views
Two new discounts released by Disney for late 2014/early 2015 travel | Disney tests Fastpass+ only option for Toy Story Midway Mania | Memento Mori opens in the Magic Kingdom | One day Memory Maker option available during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party |runDisney releases medals for 2015 Walt Disney World Marathon | Woman arrested following incident with officers at Epcot | New contest to award Haunted Mansion party and Cinderella Castle stay | Victoria & Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian & Spa names a Top 5 US restaurant | Walt Disney World merchandise update | Quick takes | Discussion of the Week | Crowd update
Two new discounts released by Disney for late 2014/early 2015 travel
Sue from Small World Vacations sent us the latest details on the discounts Walt Disney World announced last week for their Stay/Play/Dine packages as well as a room only discount.
Highlights of the two new discounts include:
Stay / Play / Dine Discounted Magic Your Way Packages
- Stay, Play and Dine Discount Requires a 3 night stay with at least 2 days of tickets.
- Booking Dates – October 6 through December 29, 2014
- Travel Dates – December 14–20, 2014; January 5, 2015 through March 7, 2015.
- Not all dates and resorts available. Subject to availability
- Disney Value Resorts: Magic Your Way with Quick Service Dining Package Required
- Disney Moderate, Deluxes and Deluxe Vacation Villa Resorts: Magic Your Way Plus Dine Package Required
- Excludes: Little Mermaid Rooms at Disney's Art of Animation, Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian, Disney's Bay Lake Tower, Disney's Fort Wilderness Campsites, Disney's Polynesian Villas, 3 bedroom Villas at Disney's Deluxe Vacation Villa Resorts
Room Discount – Tickets and Dining Can be Added
- Booking October 6 through December 29, 2014
- Travel January 5, 2015 through March 28, 2015
- Excludes Little Mermaid Rooms at Disney's Art of Animation, Disney's Grand Floridian Villas, Disney's Bay Lake Tower, Disney's Fort Wilderness Campsites, Disney's Polynesian Villas, all 3 bedroom villas at Disney's Deluxe Villa Resorts
- All Discounts are not guaranteed and are subject to limited availability.
Discounts are:
- Disney Value Resorts (except Disney's All Star Movies as listed below) – 15% weekend, 20% weekday
- Disney's All Star Movies – 10% weekend, 15% weekday
- Disney's Moderate Resorts (except as listed below) – 25% weekdays, 20% weekends
- Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter – 10% weekend, 15% weekday
- Disney's Coronado Springs Suites – 10% weekday and weekend
- Disney Deluxe Resorts (unless listed below) – 30% weekday and weekend
- Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge Savannah View and Club Level – 20% weekday and weekend
- Disney Deluxe Resort Suites – 10% weekday and weekend
- Disney Deluxe Vacation Villas – 30% weekday and weekend: Saratoga Springs, Old Key West, Beach Club Villas and BoardWalk Villas
- Villas at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge – 20% weekday and weekend
Call your travel agent, contact Small World Vacations, or call Walt Disney Travel at 407-939-7741 to book these offers.
Disney tests Fastpass+ only option for Toy Story Midway Mania
Last week, Disney's Hollywood Studios tested a Fastpass+ only option for one of its most popular attractions: Toy Story Midway Mania.
An Orlando Sentinel report said the test, which lasted from October 6 through October 9, closed down the standby line option for park visitors and only allowed those with a Fastpass+ reservation on the attraction. During the test days, visitors who had not already chose Toy Story Midway Mania as one of their Fastpass+ options could pick up a paper Fastpass from Cast Members outside the attraction, but the quantities of those were limited.
Disney previously ran similar tests in the Magic Kingdom for the Princess Fairytale Hall Anna and Elsa Meet and Greet and in Epcot for one of its major attractions, Soarin.
At this time, Disney has made no announcements on the results of these test or what the short and long term outcomes might be from what they saw during the test period.
Memento Mori opens in the Magic Kingdom
Fans of the Magic Kingdom’s Haunted Mansion have a new place to find souvenirs of their favorite attraction. Memento Mori officially opened last week and it carries a variety of Haunted Mansion-themed merchandise.
Disney Park Blog gave readers a look inside the new retail location and also shared some guidelines for those looking to visit the shop:
- The store has a purchase limit of six items per style, per guest, per day for any products in the store
- The new Haunted Mansion open edition pins can be found both at Memento Mori in Liberty Square and in Frontierland’s Frontier Trading Post
- Visitors can find The Haunted Mansion-themed Dooney & Bourke bags at Uptown Jewelers on Main Street and not in Memento Mori or Cherry Tree Lane in the Marketplace Co-Op in the Downtown Disney Marketplace
One day Memory Maker option available during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
Visitors attending the Magic Kingdom Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party now have an opportunity to purchase a single day Memory Maker photo package.
Cited as a new product test through October 31 by Disney Parks Blog, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party visitors can add on the photo package for $39, even on the day of the party. According to the announcement, those who purchase the one day Memory Maker package can even have any photos taken earlier in the day, before the party officially begins. During the party, all photos will be included in the package, including character meet and greets, as well as select dining and attraction photos.
Disney typically offers the Memory Maker photo package to visitors for the duration of their stay for $149.
runDisney releases medals for 2015 Walt Disney World Marathon
Runners registered for the 2015 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend got a glimpse of the medals they can win by completing the marquee event and other weekend races, courtesy of the Disney Parks Blog.
Each race—from the kids race all the way up through the Goofy Race and a Half Challenge—has its own design that represents the spirit and challenge of its specific event.
In 2015, runDisney celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Goofy Race and a Half Challenge and a designers created a special, commemorative medal to mark the occasion. The Goofy Challenge can be completed by a runner finishing both the half-marathon (13.1 miles) and the full marathon (26.2 miles).
A few spots still remain in the Walt Disney World Marathon race, the runDisney Kids Races, the Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, the Race Retreat and Pasta in the Park. Visit the official Walt Disney World Marathon website to register before everything sells out.
Woman arrested following incident with officers at Epcot
Police arrested a Canadian woman on Sunday, October 5 in Epcot after she allegedly impersonated a police officer and assaulted another law enforcement official.
According to WESH 2, Anne Tremblay, 48, went in through Epcot’s employee entrance and fled from a security officer who confronted upon her entry. From there, another deputy approached the woman, who said she was a Canadian police officer. The deputy began to arrest the woman after she could not produce law enforcement identification. During that time, Tremblay allegedly stomped on the deputy’s foot and offered the officer sexual favors. After this, the police report indicated she threatened the man with his job.
Officers charged the woman with impersonating a law enforcement officer with the intent to commit a felony and battery on a law enforcement officer.
During a search through the woman’s bag after her arrest, officers found Canadian identification and passport.
New contest to award Haunted Mansion party and Cinderella Castle stay
Disney Parks kicked off a new contest that gives entrants a chance to win a private “Midnight at the Haunted Mansion Party” and an overnight stay in Cinderella Castle.
The Haunt Your Disney Side contest runs until November 4 and entrants need to submit a favorite Disney Parks-themed Halloween photo from the following four categories: home decor, food and beverage, pumpkin carving and costumes. Each Monday, the Disney Parks Blog will feature ideas to spark the public’s creativity.
The contest’s grand prize is a private Haunted Mansion Party in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, followed by an overnight stay in Cinderella Castle. Disney will also award four gift basket prizes: one for each of the contest themes.
For more information on the contest and how to enter, please read the official rules.
Victoria & Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian & Spa names a Top 5 US restaurant
TripAdvisor named Victoria & Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian & Spa one of its top 5 restaurants in the United States as part of its 2014 Travelers' Choice Awards.
Disney Parks Blog cited TripAdvisor's website, which described the restaurant as a “one-of-kind dining experience in Orlando” and “a special meal in a special place.”
TripAdvisor honors recipients based on reviews from its travelers collected over a 12-month period. The website reaches nearly 280 million unique visitors monthly and receives more than 170 million reviews of hotels, attractions, and restaurants.
Walt Disney World merchandise update
Are you a fan of EPCOT Center? Do you like retro merchandise? This week's update features a new line of clothing and accessories based on the early days of Epcot.
The latest merchandise arriving at Walt Disney World includes designs inspired by classic graphics used in EPCOT Center, which are updated from the recent 30th anniversary of Epcot items in 2012. Included among the merchandise are t-shirts, sweatshirts, baseball hats, an iPhone case and a keychain featuring artwork from classic EPCOT Center attractions such as The Living Seas Sea Base Alpha, Figment and more!
QuickTakes
…Rikki Niblett over at our sponsor TouringPlans.com shared a few tidbits of news we wanted to pass along. Thanks for the info, Rikki!
- Any visitors heading to Typhoon Lagoon on DIsney transportation after 2 p.m. must go to Epcot and then take the bus to the water park. This is due to the continued construction at Disney Springs.
- Disney's Animal Kingdom's Out of the Wild Shop now offers snacks such as fruit cups, hummus, apples with caramel, and ice cream.
- The Hess gas station near Disney's Boardwalk Inn temporarily closes October 13 due to maintenance work. No official end date is available, but the work is expected to take about three weeks. All other Hess gas stations on Walt Disney World property remain open during this time.
…The Orlando Sentinel reported some changes in the Walt Disney World culinary department last week which has a Walt Disney World veteran returning while others take on new roles:
- Jens Dahlmann, former Epcot executive chef, is now the general manager for Epcot Food and Beverage operations.
- Gregg Hannon takes over as executive chef at Epcot, which includes overseeing the annual International Food & Wine Festival. Gregg was most recently chef de cuisine and catering at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
- Michael Pythoud is the new executive chef for resorts. He was executive chef at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
- Robert Adams, former Magic Kingdom executive chef, takes over as executive chef for Walt Disney World catering operations.
- Robert Gilbert is the new executive chef for the Magic Kingdom. Previously, he served as executive chef, Walt Disney World catering operations.
- Christine Weissman returns to the fold after serving as executive chef at Disneyland Resort replacing Pythoud as executive chef of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
…MousePlanet reported last week about rumors surrounding the opening of a new lumberjack show at Epcot. Numerous sources, including the Orlando Sentinel and our sponsor TouringPlans.com confirmed this report and provided a first look at the soft opening of the new show, which takes the place of Off Kilter in World Showcase.
…The Association of Zoos and Aquariums awarded Disney’s Animal Kingdom with its top honor: the 2014 Edward H. Bean award at the organization’s annual meeting last week. The association gave the award for the park’s Taveta golden weaver sustainability program. The Edward H. Bean Award goes to the management program that contributes the the reproductive success of one or more species or subspecies. Since 1998, Disney’s Animal Kingdom program successfully bred more than 900 Taveta golden weaver chicks.
Discussion of the Week
Members of the MousePad discussion forum had no issue sharing their thoughts and opinions about the latest Toy Story Midway Mania test of eliminating the standby line. We'd love to have you join the conversation and share your thoughts on the possibility of a Fastpass+ only attraction.
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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 – October 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31.
- Epcot International Food and Wine Festival – through November 10.
- 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
- 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. All races are sold out, but some associated events are still available.
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 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).
Disney's Hollywood Studios
- Fantasmic! – closed November 19–21 for refurbishment
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Affection Section – closed October 7–November 10 for refurbishment
- Sunrise Safari (for DVC members only) – closes permanently on October 19, 2014
- Pangani Forest Exploration Trail – closed through November 25 for refurbishment
- 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 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 Stay/Play/Dine Discounts through December 29, 2014. Offer details: Stay / Play / Dine Discounted Magic Your Way Packages
Room Only Discount – Tickets and Dining Can be Added
Disney Value Resorts (except Disney's All Star Movies as listed below)
Disney's All Star Movies
Disney's Moderate Resorts (except as listed below)
Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter
Disney's Coronado Springs Suites
Disney Deluxe Resorts (unless listed below)
Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge Savannah View and Club Level
Disney Deluxe Resort Suites
Disney Deluxe Vacation Villas
Villas at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Call your travel agent, contact Small World Vacations, or call Walt Disney Travel at 407-939-7741 to book these offers. 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, 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″ x 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 five guests. The event is hosted daily from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. 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 seven-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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