Update for March 2 – 9, 2015
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions
News and Views
2015 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival opens this week | Magic Kingdom's 2015 Special Events dates released | Pirates of the Caribbean scheduled for lengthy refurbishment through the summer | Magic Kingdom opens new parade and fireworks viewing areas | Marketplace Co-Op Gallery in March | Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel offers festival discount | Disney Egg-stravaganza returns to Epcot on March 27 | Views around the World | This and That | Crowd update
2015 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival opens this week
In a true sign of spring being just around the corner, the 2015 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival opens this Wednesday, March 4 and runs through Sunday, May 17.
The annual event showcases incredible topiary creations sculpted to look like classic Disney characters, and gardens filled with flowers of every color of the rainbow. Guests can also attend live demonstrations on how to grow their own gardens and sample a variety of international cuisine to throughout the 75-day festival.
Each weekend, Epcot presents special events that include music, seminars, tours and more. Make sure to check the guide below and/or pick one up at the parks to get information on how to make reservations. We'll have an event guide updated each week for MousePlanet readers.
Here's what you can expect for Week #1 of the 2015 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival:
| Friday, March 6 | ||
| Gardens of the World Tour: A three-hour tour of special displays and international Gardens. | 9:00 – noon | Epcot |
| Connect with Disney's Horticulture: Tips from Disney Horticulturists abut growing and maintaining the gardens of the Walt Disney World Resort. | 10:00 – 4:00 | Festival Center |
| Ask an Expert: Master Gardeners from IFAS at the University of Florida | 10:00 – 4:00 | Festival Center |
| Robert Bowden, Director, Harry P. Leu Gardens; Disney Chef demonstration | 11:00, 2:00 | Greenhouse Stage |
| Jenks Farmer, Plantsman and Author | Noon, 3:00 | Fresh Epcot Stage |
| “Planting Pointers” | 1:00, 4:00 | University of Florida Stage |
| English Tea Garden Tour | 1:00, 3:45, 6:15 | Tea Caddy |
| Chef Demo | 3:00 | Port of Entry, Showcase Plaza |
| Garden Rocks Concert Series: Gin Blossoms | 5:30, 6:45, 8:00 | American Gardens Theater |
| Saturday, March 7 | ||
| Gardens of the World Tour: A three-hour tour of special displays and international Gardens. | 9:00 – noon | Epcot |
| Connect with Disney's Horticulture: Tips from Disney Horticulturists abut growing and maintaining the gardens of the Walt Disney World Resort | 10:00 – 4:00 | Festival Center |
| Ask an Expert: Master Gardeners from IFAS at the University of Florida. | 10:00 – 4:00 | Festival Center |
| Robert Bowden, Director, Harry P. Leu Gardens; Disney Chef demonstration | 11:00, 2:00 | Greenhouse Stage |
| Jenks Farmer, Plantsman and Author | Noon, 3:00 | Fresh Epcot Stage |
| “Planting Pointers” | 1:00, 4:00 | University of Florida Stage |
| English Tea Garden Tour | 1:00, 3:45, 6:15 | Tea Caddy |
| Chef Demo | 3:00 | Port of Entry, Showcase Plaza |
| Garden Rocks Concert Series: Gin Blossoms | 5:30, 6:45, 8:00 | American Gardens Theater |
| Sunday, March 8 | ||
| Gardens of the World Tour: A three-hour tour of special displays and international Gardens. | 9:00 – noon | Epcot |
| Connect with Disney's Horticulture: Tips from Disney Horticulturists abut growing and maintaining the gardens of the Walt Disney World Resort | 10:00 – 4:00 | Festival Center |
| Ask an Expert: Master Gardeners from IFAS at the University of Florida | 10:00 – 4:00 | Festival Center |
| Robert Bowden, Director, Harry P. Leu Gardens; Disney Chef demonstration | 11:00, 2:00 | Greenhouse Stage |
| Jenks Farmer, Plantsman and Author | Noon, 3:00 | Fresh Epcot Stage |
| “Planting Pointers” | 1:00, 4:00 | University of Florida Stage |
| English Tea Garden Tour | 1:00, 3:45, 6:15 | Tea Caddy |
| Chef Demo | 3:00 | Port of Entry, Showcase Plaza |
| Garden Rocks Concert Series: Gin Blossoms | 5:30, 6:45, 8:00 | American Gardens Theater |
| Monday, March 9 | ||
| Gardens of the World Tour: A three-hour tour of special displays and international Gardens. | 9:00 – noon | Epcot |
| English Tea Garden Tour | 3:45, 6:15 | Tea Caddy |
| Tuesday, March 10 | ||
| Gardens of the World Tour | 9:00 – noon | Epcot |
| English Tea Garden Tour | 3:45, 6:15 | Tea Caddy |
Magic Kingdom's 2015 Special Events dates released
Party fans, get out your calendars.
Disney released the dates for the 2015 Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom last week.
These annual, hard-ticket events invite visitors of all ages to celebrate these holidays in a variety of magical ways, from dressing up in costume and trick-or-treating around the Magic Kingdom during the Halloween party to enjoying cookies, cocoa, live shows and so much more during the Christmas party.
The Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party for 25 evenings from September to November:
- September 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, and 27
- October 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, and 31
- November 1
Based on this schedule, Disney decided to start the party about two weeks later this year compared to the premiere night of September 1 in 2014. This year's schedule also has one fewer day than last year.
Then, in November and December, the Magic Kingdom welcomes Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party for 20 nights:
- November 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, and 29
- December 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, and 18
Anyone looking to travel to Magic Kingdom during these months should keep these dates in mind, as the park closes at 7:00 p.m. on scheduled party days. Visitors may want to plan their park days accordingly.
Disney announced that tickets for both events go on sale in April. Disney Parks Blog plans to announce specific dates soon.
Pirates of the Caribbean scheduled for lengthy refurbishment through the summer
Disney announced last week that one of the Magic Kingdom's most popular attractions, Pirates of the Caribbean, will be closed all summer due to a major refurbishment project.
The project, which Disney scheduled for May 11 through September 25, focuses on a number of items that need attention. MousePlanet fans may recall reading about two accidents with injuries reported at Pirates of the Caribbean in 2014. Recent visitors also report numerous closures of the ride and claim there are issues with the pirate Audio-Animatronics not working properly, as well as other potential issues with the boats on the attraction.
We plan to let you know about the specific areas addressed in this refurbishment project as we learn about them.
Visitors scheduled to visit at this time should be aware that this closure could affect wait times at other major attractions in the Magic Kingdom.
Magic Kingdom opens new parade and fireworks viewing areas
Workers are wrapping up the first phase lengthy construction project in and around the Magic Kingdom hub in front of Cinderella Castle. The Central Plaza area between Main Street U.S.A and Cinderella Castle opened, adding gardens, new pathways and expanded restaurant seating.
The new Central Plaza park has opened along with signage indicating that it's dedicated at night to Fastpass+ viewing. Notes the sponsorship as well with Pandora. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
A new Fastpass+ viewing section for the fireworks and parade relocated to the Main Street Plaza Gardens, which is adjacent to The Crystal Palace, according to a post on Disney Parks Blog.
To make Fastpass+ reservations, visit the My Disney Experience website.
A view of that same west side park facing back toward Main Street U.S.A. Note the exit signs for the fireworks viewing. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Marketplace Co-Op Gallery in March
The WonderGround Gallery in Downtown Disney's Marketplace Co-Op is expanded starting in March, according to a post on Disney Parks Blog.
The gallery, which hosts its grand opening on March 6 and 7, features drawings, limited edition photographs, signs, and other valuable pieces of art. Many of the original pieces in the gallery came from the Downtown Disney District in California.
The MarketPlace Co-Op offers a unique experience for visitors, as the space is often used for new retail space and and experimenting with store concepts before they hit the general public.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel offers festival discount
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel has a 40 percent discount for visitors who book a stay between March 4 and May 17, 2015.
These dates make up the 2015 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, and the hotel decided to provide an extra incentive for anyone wanting to come down to enjoy the annual festival.
According to a report from the Orlando Sentinel, the Swan and Dolphin also plans to offer Easter activities for guests during April 1 and 8, 2015. Some of these activities include egg hunts, races, meet-and-greets with favorite characters and more.
For more information on rates and how to book a trip, visit the Swan and Dolphin official website.
Disney Egg-stravaganza returns to Epcot on March 27
Between March 27 and April 25, 2015, Epcot visitors have the chance to participate in a Egg-stravaganza filled with special hidden eggs around World Showcase.
Visitors can pick up a map and stickers for $4.95 per tax at either Heritage Manor Gifts at the American Adventure Pavilion, Pin Central, Plaza Towers (Port of Entry) and World Traveler (International Gateway). These maps help egg hunters make their way around the park to find the elusive colorful eggs. Once an egg is found, the hunter places a sticker in the appropriate pace. Once the map is complete, the hunter can return to pick up a special prize.
Even those who do not purchase a special map and stickers can still participate in the Egg-stravanza and return an incomplete map to redeem a prize. Participants must claims his or her prizes by April 30, 2015.
Views around the World
More shots from our photographers showing some of the new viewing areas around the Magic Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios courtesy of months of hard work by construction workers.
Magic Kingdom
From the walkway leading to Cinderella Castle, one can see the construction underway on both sides. Here, old Victorian-style ramada are being removed, and new castle turrets are being installed to house audio/video support for the castle shows. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The fountains are quickly becoming a popular spot to take a photo in front of the castle, especially given construction closer in. Note that the statues of Disney characters such as Chip 'n' Dale surround the fountains. They used to be closer in to the Partner's statue of Mickey and Walt. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Another shot of the fountain on the east side, this time with Pluto. The east side is opening up shortly. It is fairly identical to the west side park. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The braille map has been replaced, but this time on the right side of the street entering the park. What is noticeably missing is the tip board that used to be across from Casey's on the left side. With the online additional helps of MyMagic+, it is possible that the tip board will not return. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
An old familiar site has returned to the end of Hollywood Boulevard, now that the Sorcerer hat has been removed. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Closer up the Chinese Theater seems sort of barren. The original design had a low Mickey-nose planter in front with tall palms flanking the theater on both sides, sort of framing in the view. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Inside The Great Movie Ride, new marquee posters line along the interior queue right before the theater queue. Here we see a poster showcasing Fantasia. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Fans of Starring Rolls will be happy to know that this corner spot in the park did not go away when the larger Starbucks opened across the street. And, there's a place to sit and enjoy your refreshments, no matter which eatery you bought it at. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Guests visit the Cinderella sneak preview underway at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The film premieres March 13th. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
This and That
…Disney announced Bob Chapek would become the chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, taking the place of Tom Staggs, who was recently named chief operating officer of the Walt Disney Company. According to a report from Variety, Chapek has been with Walt Disney World for more than 27 years, including serving as president of Disney Consumer products since 2011.
…Disney released a new video about the changes coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom with the AVATAR construction.
…On Friday, March 6 from 6:00 to 10:00 a.m. the public is invited to join the 15th anniversary celebration of The “Mike and MIke” show festivities at the Waterside Stage at Downtown Disney Marketplace. The “Mike & Mike” show airs nationally on ESPN2, ESPN Radio and ESPNRadio.com and features Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic giving the daily rundown of the top sports news.
… Disney Cruise Line received 12 first-place designations from The Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Awards last week. Awards are given based on the personal experiences of cruisers who sailed in 2014. All four Disney ships received recognition in categories such as Best Overall, Best for Families, Best Service and Best Entertainment. Thanks to Disney Parks Blog for sharing the news!
…Have you seen the new Cinderella Coach souvenir, premium popcorn container coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios posted on Disney Parks Blog?
…In honor of the upcoming release of the live-action Cinderella movie on March 13, Disney is offering a special sweepstakes with a grand prize that gives one lucky family a taste of what “happily ever after” is about. Cinderella's Perfect Fit sweepstakes awards one grand prize, consisting of:
- A one-night stay inside the Cinderella Castle suite
- Three nights at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel
- Four 5-day Magic Your Way tickets with Park Hopper and Water Parks and More options
- A Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeover for one child ages 3-12.
- A $500 gift card
Entries can be submitted online through the sweepstakes' official webpage until March 29.
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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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
2015
- 2015 Atlanta Braves Spring Training – March 4 to April 14.
- 2015 Epcot Flower and Garden Show – March 4 to May 17.
- 2015 Epcot Garden Rocks Concert Series – March 6 to May 17.
- 2015 Mickey's Not So Scary Hallowen Party – September 15, 18, 20, 22, 25 and 27; October 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29 and 31; November 1
- 2015 Epcot Food & Wine Festival – September 26 to November 16.
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
- Expedition Everest Challenge – May 1–2. 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
- Cinderella's Royal Table – closed through March 6 for refurbishment.
- Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid – closed through March 6 for refurbishment.
- Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin – closed March 4–5 for refurbishment.
- Peter Pan's Flight – closed March 5–6 for refurbishment.
- “it's a small world” – closed March 10–15 for refurbishment
- Harmony Barber Shop – closed through March 30 (dates subject to change).
- Jungle Cruise – closed April 13 through May 8 for refurbishment
- Dream Along with Mickey – closed April 13 through May 20 for refurbishment
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed April 27–30 for refurbishment.
- Pirates of the Caribbean – closed May 11–September 25 for refurbishment.
- Liberty Tree Tavern – closed July 6 through November 20 for refurbishment
- Liberty Square Riverboat – closed August 4–10 for refurbishment.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Kali River Rapids – closed March 10–13
- Flame Tree Barbecue – closed through March 31.
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular – closed March 14–15
- Lights, Motor, Action Extreme Stunt Show – closed April 20 – 25
- Voyage of the Little Mermaid – closed September 7– 10
Resorts
- Polynesian – refurbishment of the lobby and pool area 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.
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Discounts for Canada Residents |
None at this time. |
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