Update for January 6 – 12, 2015
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News and Views
Sorcerer's Hat deconstruction begins January 7 | New Balance to release limited edition, retro running shoe | Disney offers Cinderella Castle Suite stay in new contest | Views around the World | This and That | Crowd update
Sorcerer's Hat deconstruction begins January 7
Deconstruction of Disney's Hollywood Studios' icon, the Sorcerer's Hat, begins this week on January 7. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Disney confirmed last week that deconstruction Hollywood Studios' Sorcerer's Hat starts tomorrow, January 7. The company had announced the removal of the park's icon back in October 2014, but finally confirmed the demolition start date on January 2 according to the according to the Orlando Sentinel.
The hat, which debuted in 2001 and stands 122 feet tall, served as a larger-than-life tribute to the classic Disney movie Fantasia, where Mickey Mouse steals the hat from his wizard master Yensid only to find that magic isn't as simple as he thought. The hat also had a retail store featuring various souvenirs, particularly official trading pins. The park plans to relocate the merchandise to a Sunset Boulevard retail shop.
While Disney confirmed the demolition start-date, the company provided no timeline to the projects completion nor made any announcements regarding a new location for the icon. Based on this, it appears that fans will say their final farewell starting this week to their beloved hat.
New Balance to release limited edition, retro running shoe
As runners arrive to Florida for this weekend's Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, fans of the runDisney-branded New Balance shoes once again have the rare opportunity to purchase the shoe manufacturer's high-demand, limited-inventory shoes.
Last Friday, New Balance posted an announcement at its website offering a sneak peek to its newest addition to the line-up of runDisney shoes. Referred to as the “Retro Mickey” and “Retro Minnie” models, New Balance is introducing these shoes, along with its existing runDisney shoes, during the WDW Marathon expo at the Wide World of Sports this week.
The official press release explains how the company was inspired by the iconic Disney animated short “Steamboat Willie” in its new shoe design. The shoes themselves are model 990v3, a motion control shoe and part of the 990 line-up, which has been part of the New Balance collection since 1982. [Editor's note: Steve Jobs, who at one point headed Pixar, always wore a pair of New Balance 991, which looks very similar to the 990.]
Those who have shied away from runDisney New Balance shoes in the past because the models were too technical or too colorful for normal wear should take a look at these Retro Mickey and Retro Minnie models. The colors will be neutral (likely a combination of grays with some black), and the model is a favorite among those who want a solid pair walking shoes or casual office shoes. If you haven't been able to sport your bright orange Goofy shoes at work, you might be able to show your Disney side with a pair of Retro Mickeys to go with your Mickey golf shirt or Mickey tie.
New Balance offered a sneak peek at its new retro design for Disney in 2015. The design was inspired by “Steamboat Willie”. Promotional photo by New Balance.
New Balance is once again offering it Fastpass-style virtual queue system throughout the weekend, allowing you to sign up online for a return time to try on and purchase the shoes. If you are officially registered for any of the races and have a bib number, you can sign up for the queue tomorrow morning (Wednesday, January 7) at 6:00. If you miss that window, you will be able to sign up again on Friday morning. If you are not racing and do not have a racing bib number, the earliest that you can sign up is Thursday morning, although you can also sign up for Saturday morning.
In addition to the new retro design line, New Balance announced the return of last year's shoe collection including the 860v4 Sorcerer Mickey and Pink Minnie in addition to the 890v4 Goofy and Cinderella shoes. This collection will be available during both the Walt Disney World Marathon and the Star Wars Half Marathon.
Disney offers Cinderella Castle Suite stay in new contest
Ever dream of staying in the Cinderella Castle Suite right in the middle of the Magic Kingdom? Walt Disney World's latest contest offers a chance to not only make that dream come true, but gives winners a chance to experience a full resort vacation.
- a 1-night stay at the Cinderella Castle Suite in the Magic Kingdom Park
- a 3-night stay at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel
- up to four 5-Day Magic Your Way Tickets with Park Hopper and Water Parks Fun & More Options
- a $500 Disney Gift Card
- a personalized “Disney Side” welcome basket
- a Glass Slipper gift inspired by the new live-action film “Cinderella,” in theaters March 13
- Round-trip coach airfare (If the winner resides more than 250 miles from the Walt Disney World Resort)
Views around the World
Holidays around the World
MousePlanet welcomes photographer Alan Dalinka, who had the opportunity to visit the theme parks around the holidays to give us the chance to experience the magic.
Magic Kingdom
Mickey, Goofy, and Minnie join other holiday characters in a show in front of Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka
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Mickey and Minnie appear in Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade at the Magic Kingdom. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Goofy rides high in front of his candy factory float in Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade at the Magic Kingdom on. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The Liberty Belle paddlewheel makes a rare nighttime cruise on the Rivers of America at the Magic Kingdom. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Holiday Wishes fill the sky above Main Street Station when viewed from outside the turnstiles at the Magic Kingdom. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Epcot
Many guests gather on the bridge to the island between the UK and France pavilions at Epcot an hour before the early showing of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Temporary locations sell drinks in festive glasses on New Year's Eve at Epcot. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Backstage walkways are clearly marked to ease congestion around the World Showcase Lagoon on New Year's Eve at Epcot. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Four-hour wait times greet guests without Fastpass+ reservations on New Year's Eve at Epcot. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
New lasers create clearer (and easier to photograph) images on Spaceship Earth counting down to the New Year at Epcot. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
New lasers shine across the World Showcase Lagoon from the American Adventure displaying a countdown clock on Spaceship Earth at Epcot. Meanwhile, the globe usually used in Illuminations also displays countdown clocks. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The final Illuminations: Reflections of Earth showing for 2014 lights the sky above World Showcase Lagoon minutes before midnight. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Mickey Mouse-shaped ornaments adorn shop windows at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
A festive star frames one of Disney's Hollywood Studios' star attractions: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The location of the former American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios served as the temporary home for the seasonal Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Coming Attractions from Around the World
The Walt Disney World resort brings in the new year the same way it wrapped up 2014: continuing changes. This week's photos show progress in a number of projects at Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs and Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Inside the Great Movie Ride, new costumes and props are on display, such as this soldier's uniform from “The Wizard of Oz.” The attraction will soon be sponsored by TCM. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
New rock work and pathways are being created at the center intersection of Discovery Island at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
New rock work apparently will include sculptures of animals. A deer, seal, and an elephant head can be seen in this photo. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Here we see a low-lying gator sculpted at the far left. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Joffrey's coffee shop has opened next to Flame Tree Barbecue. Photo by J. Jeff Kober
Work continues on the new African marketplace at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Here we see an old wall under construction, and a roof top well on the top. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Here we see the back side of the current gift shop, with fortress like walls in the background. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
On the left one can see that extensive foliage once found on the path to the Safari Theater has been removed. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Construction equipment seems to be doing work behind Pizzafari. You can see the bridge to Avatar on the far left. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
After being closed for an entire year, steel is finally reaching a significant height. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The lot in front of World of Disney has been closed to begin construction on the second parking garage. The parking lot adjacent to Once Upon a Toy has also been completely closed for construction. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The road in front of these parking lots are also under considerable reconstruction. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
A hotel is beginning to rise in Flamingo Crossings. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.This and That
…Walt Disney World became the center of the social media universe in 2014 as the most geo-tagged location on both Facebook. Meanwhile, across the country, Disneyland earned top honors on Instagram.
…”I'm going to Disney World!” is an iconic TV commercial that usually follows the winners of a big sporting event who excitedly exclaim their plans to celebrate in Walt Disney World. This year, Disney decided to have a little fun with the NCAA's 2015 Inaugural College Football National Playoff Championship Game and created a TV spot including the mascots from the University of Oregon and Ohio State University as they await the outcome of the game.
…A Magic Kingdom guest recently challenged Gaston to a push-up contest to show who was stronger. Take a look at this YouTube video to see what happened.
…A Disney source reported additions and changes to the lifeguarding staff of Disney Cruise Lines. Recently, the Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream cruise ships hired additional lifeguards to staff the Mickey pools. The Disney Magic's Aqua Lab now also has more lifeguards on board. Another soon-to-be addition is a lifeguard at the Mickey pool on the Disney Wonder. All of these new positions are additions to currently staffed lifeguards at all family pools across the cruise line.
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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
- Richard Petty's Junior Ride-Along Experience – at the Richard Petty's Driving Experience
2015
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 7–11.
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 19–22.
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.
2015
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 7–11. Most events sold out.
- Disney Castaway Cay Challenge – January 12 – sailing on the Disney Dream cruise ship.
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 19–22. All races are sold out, but some associated events are still available.
- Expedition Everest Challenge – May 1–2, 2015. The event, which was announced as being the final time it was being offered, sold out within minutes of registration opening.
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 6–7. Registration opens March 17.
2016
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 6–10, 2016. Registration opens April 28.
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 18–21, 2016. Registration opens July 14.
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
- Splash Mountain – closed through January 30.
- Cinderella's Royal Table – closed through January March 6 for refurbishment.
- Liberty Square Riverboat – closed January 23–27 for refurbishment.
- Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid – closed February 2 through March 6 for refurbishment.
- Harmony Barber Shop – closed February 2 through March 30 (dates subject to change).
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed March 4–7 for refurbishment
- “it's a small world” – closed March 10–15 for refurbishment
- Jungle Cruise – closed April 13 through May 8 for refurbishment
- Dream Along with Mickey – closed April 13 through May 20 for refurbishment
- Liberty Tree Tavern – closed July 6 through November 20 for refurbishment
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Flame Tree Barbecue – closed through March 31.
- Kali River Rapids – closed January 20 through February 4; March 10–13.
Resorts
- Polynesian – refurbishment of the lobby ongoing.
Water Parks
- Blizzard Beach – the the entire park closed through March 3.
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 |
Memory Maker pre-arrival discount Disney's PhotoPass service provides a discount on Disney Memory Maker pre-arrival packages. For $199 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 $169, a $30 savings. Applicable taxes are charged to all orders. Purchase 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 |
None at this time. |
Discounts for Disney Rewards VISA & Debit Card Holders |
15 percent off select guided tours Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 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. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas:
Disney's BoardWalk Inn and Villas:
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort:
Disney's Contemporary Resort:
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground:
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:
Disney's Old Key West Resort:
Disney's Port Orleans Resort:
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa:
Disney's Wilderness Lodge:
Disney's Yacht Club Resort:
Disney's Hollywood Studios:
Epcot:
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. 15 percent off all Disney spa and salon services Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of any salon treatment valued at $45 or greater or any 50-minute or longer spa service at the spas and salons at Walt Disney World Resort listed below: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
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 |
14 days for 7-day park tickets plus up to 4 nights free in 2015. Get up to 4 FREE nights when you book a 7-night or longer stay at a Disney hotel for select dates in 2015 and you can also get Disney’s Ultimate 14-Day ticket for the price of 7 offer! Applicable to arrivals between February 1 and December 6, subject to availability. Restrictions apply – see official website for details.
Book by March 31, 2015.
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Discounts for Canada Residents |
None at this time. |
Don't keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. Email Marie here.
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