Update for November 3 – 9, 2014
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions
News and Views
No injuries reported from Seven Dwarfs Mine Train fire | Photopass now automatically syncs to My Disney Experience account | Disney releases more information about “A Frozen Holiday Wish” | Disney Springs news includes restaurants and parking updates | Disney's Swan and Dolphin announce $125 renovation project |Walt Disney World merchandise news | MousePlanet Meet-Ups November 8 and 9 | Quick takes | Discussion of the Week | Crowd update
No injuries reported from Seven Dwarfs Mine Train fire
The Magic Kingdom's Seven Dwarfs Mine Train caught fire Saturday night, November 1. Fire officials said no injuries resulted from the fire.
Fox 8 reported that word of the fire began appearing on social media just after 10:20 p.m. The Reedy Creek Fire Department responded quickly to the fire and extinguished the flames within minutes, according to a Disney spokeswoman.
Passengers on the ride had to be evacuated as the fire began, and no injuries resulted from the evacuation or the fire, even though officials had a hard time accessing the affected area due to its location. The fire department used an aerial ladder to put out the fire, according to the news report.
Bo Jones, Reedy Creek Fire Department spokesman, made the following statement later in the evening:
“We believe fireworks fell from the Magic Kingdom fireworks show and the ash landed at the top of the attraction, catching the fake grass on fire. The fire was contained to just the grass and did not get into the building or structure.”
The ride remained closed for approximately two hours following the incident, but eventually reopened around midnight.
Photopass now automatically syncs to My Disney Experience account
If you've been to Walt Disney World within the past 45 days or intend to head there soon, any Photopass pictures taken are now automatically upload to your My Disney Experience account.
A recent Disney Parks Blog update says this automatic link can be used by visitors with or without a MagicBand. The photo links connect automatically for anyone who has a MagicBand—you need not do anything to find the pictures on on My Disney Experience account. If you do not have a MagicBand, all you need to do is go to a touch point at Magic Kingdom (currently at Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, Space Mountain, and Splash Mountain) and touch your park ticket to the device. The photos will link directly from the touch point.
Disney plans to install more touch points at Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom in the near future. Another upcoming improvement includes attraction videos linking to My Disney Experience accounts. Purchase a Memory Maker package to share these videos.
Stay tuned for more Photopass upgrade news coming soon from Disney.
Disney releases more information about “A Frozen Holiday Wish”
This Wednesday, on November 5, the Magic Kingdom debuts a new live show to celebrate the holiday season. “A Frozen Holiday Wish” features Frozen's Anna and Elsa on the Castle Forecourt Stage, along with Kristoff and Olaf the snowman. At the end of the show, Elsa uses her magical powers to change Cinderella Castle into an ice palace.
Disney Parks Blog reports that visitors can see the show every night from November 5 through December 31, 2014.
Disney Springs news includes restaurants and parking updates
We read a lot of news out of the Disney Springs last week. Construction continues to move forward, and Disney released a number of updates about the project's progress:
- An Orlando Sentinel report confirmed the addition of two waterfront restaurants: Morimoto Asia and The Boathouse. Iron Chef star Masaharu Morimoto said he is “very excited to bring this new concept to Disney, something I've always dreamed of. It's a wonderful chance to share some of my favorite foods from across the Asian continent.” The Boathouse restaurant has a scheduled opening in Spring 2015. The restaurant designers—Schussler Creative—also designed Disney's Animal Kingdom Yak & Yeti Restaurant, as well as the Rainforest Cafe. The decor features boats from the 1930s through the 1950s, with a menu that includes steak, fresh seafood, chops, and a raw bar.
- Another report by the Orlando Sentinel announces that a new five-level parking garage is opening on November 20 with 1,700 spots available. Disney employees begin using the new garage sooner as a trial run.
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The Orlando Business Journal reports:
- Music electronic retailer Sound Lion signed on as part of the Disney Springs project. The store deals with headphones, wireless music players, docking stations, and more, and marks the first Sound Lion in Florida.
- A notice of commencement was filed with Orange County by BabyCakes NYC for a store tentatively called Erin McKenna's Bakery Valentine, which features desserts, along with cooking and baking utensils.
Walt Disney World's Swan and Dolphin announce $125 million renovation project
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel issued a press release announcing a new $125 million renovation project.
According to the release “The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is getting the largest makeover in its history. The hotel has launched a multi-phase, multi-year… redesign project that will transform every guest room in the 758-room Swan Hotel and Dolphin Hotel.”
The project, which comes as the property celebrates its 25th anniversary, will not disrupt the guest experience because the majority of rooms will be available during the process. Also, all public spaces, including pools, restaurants, shops, recreational areas, will remain open during the redesign.
Crews intend to begin in the Swan with 500 rooms redesigned by the end of 2014. Workers then move to the Dolphin, where the first phase begins in early 2015. The entire project is scheduled to end by the end of 2016.
Walt Disney World merchandise news
As the calendar changes from October to November, we find some updates about Walt Disney World merchandise:
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Walt Disney World scheduled a variety of merchandise events around the resort for November, including:
- Silver Screen Journey – Ink & Paint Purchase Opportunity – a chance for fans to purchase a new hand-painted ink & paint cel starring Mickey Mouse in front of a cinema featuring the latest hit movie in town. The online sale began October 24 and runs through December 4, with only 650 items available.
- Artist Showcase with Tim Rogerson (Disney Fine Art) – Through December 23, Tim Rogerson makes special appearances to meet fans and sign his “Food and Wine” inspired artwork at The Art of Disney Store in Epcot. For dates and times, visit the event's official page.
- Artist Showcase with Greg McCullough – Through December 31, Greg McCullough makes special appearances to meet fans and sign artwork at The Art of Disney Store, Downtown Disney MarketPlace. For dates and times, visit the event's official page.
- Artist Showcase with Larry Dotson – Through December 23, Larry Dotson makes special appearances to meet fans and sign artwork at The Art of Disney Store, Downtown Disney MarketPlace and at Main Street Cinema in the Magic Kingdom. For locations,dates and times, visit the event's official page.
- Precious Moments Dolls Showcase – Through November 30, Precious Moments Dolls representatives will meet fans at Once Upon a Toy, Downtown Disney Marketplace, and Santa's Village at Epcot. For dates, times and locations, visit the event's official page.
- For more November event information, visit the official Walt Disney World Merchandise page.
- New PANDORA jewelry makes its debut in Walt Disney World this month. The charms, made of hand-finished .925 sterling silver and 14K gold, feature designs including Mickey's Sorcerer's Hat, a Walt Disney World Resort destination charm with cubic zirconia star details and a “Mickey Swirls” charm with an openwork design with a Mickey icon swirl design.
MousePlanet Meet-Ups November 8 and 9
You're invited to join MousePlanet staff and readers at two meet-ups the weekend of November 8 and 9:
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Pre-race group photo – The first meet-up is for those running Disney's Wine & Dine Half Marathon. Join us for our pre-race group photo meet-up at the starting area main stage area at 8:45 p.m. before the race on November 8. The timing is such that it should be after the last resort buses arrive, but before the announcers start asking runners to move toward the starting corrals at 9:00.
Look for racers in official Team MousePlanet gear, take a few moments to hang out with fellow MousePlanet staffers and fans, and be a part of our group photo. MousePlanet staff expected to participate include Lorree Tachell, Lani Teshima, and Mark Goldhaber (yes, he's actually running a half marathon!).
Show your team spirit by wearing Team MousePlanet gear! Whether it's an official tech shirt, running cap or visor, look spiffy and show the world that you're a healthy MousePlanet fan. Order today so you get yours in time to wear on race day! And don't forget to join us on the Team MousePlanet forum and let us know you're racing, then show up to be part of our official group photo!
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“Bring Your Bling” meet-up – On Sunday, November 9 at noon at Tomorrowland Terrace in Magic Kingdom Park.
We don't dare hold the meet earlier, as those who leave the race after-party at 4 a.m. will need their beauty sleep. If you're not a runner, don't worry. The meet is open to everyone. We're just theming it to the race so those who run have a chance to share their stories and celebrate together.
Look for us on the lower level of Tomorrowland Terrace (where we can get Cinderella Castle in the background of a group photo) from noon to 1:00 p.m.
We hope to see you at one or both meet-ups!
QuickTakes
…You still have time to book a special La Nouba Dinner Package. The package offers a meal at either the Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe, Planet Hollywood, or Splitsville Luxury Lanes, and a ticket to see a 6:00 p.m. performance of La Nouba by Cirque du Soliel. The meal includes an entree, dessert and a non-alcoholic drink. A category 2 ticket costs $99 each for adults and $89 for children ages 3 to 9. A category 1 ticket costs $109 each for adults and $109 for children ages 3 to 9. The package offer ends November 22, so book soon by visiting the package's official page or calling (407) 939-7328.
…As the holidays quickly approach, Emeril's Orlando of Universal's CityWalk shared some of their favorite recipes to pass on to MousePlanet readers. For cocktails, there is the 1944 Mai Tai Roa Ae and the Pacific Rimmer. Next, we have Emeril's Salad, a popular meal starter at the celebrity chef's restaurant. Finally, everyone loves dessert and this Banana Cream Pie with Caramel Drizzles and Chocolate Sauce looks like a classic.
Discussion of the Week
MousePad Discussion Forum member Disneyphile posted this week's discussion topic:
So, we're staying offsite the nearby Marriott Residence Inn in Lake Buena Vista next year (we'll have a full kitchen there), and renting a car. For those who have stayed offsite, is there any hassle with traffic, parking, etc? Do you find it takes the same amount of time as waiting for WDW transportation to/from onsite hotels? We'll have Premier APs, so won't have parking fees, so that's not a worry. And, how convenient was it to leave for a couple hours during the day for some hotel time?
Head over to the MousePad forum and share your upgrade experience!
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
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 7–8.
- Epcot International Food and Wine Festival – through November 10.
- 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. 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.
- Expedition Everest – May 1–2, 2015. Registration opens December 16, 2014
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 6–7. Registration opens March 17, 2015.
2016
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 6–10, 2016. Registration opens April 28, 2015.
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 18–21, 2016. Registration opens July 14, 2015.
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
- Wishes Nighttime Spectacular – closed December 20–31 for holiday weeks.
- Splash Mountain – closed January 4–30, 2015
- Cinderella's Royal Table – closed January 5 through March 6, 2015 for refurbishment.
- Liberty Square Riverboat – closed January 23–27, 2015 for refurbishment
- Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid – closed February 2 through March 6, 2015 for refurbishment.
- Harmony Barber Shop – closed February 2 through March 30, 2015 (dates subject to change).
Disney's Hollywood Studios
- The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow – closes permanently on November 7, 2014
- 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) – closed permanently on October 19, 2014
- Pangani Forest Exploration Trail – closed through November 25 for refurbishment
- Kali River Rapids – closed January 20 through 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.
- 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
Specific discounts:
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 per 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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