Update for March 17 – 23, 2015
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News and Views
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Guide – March 20-23| Views around the World | Crowd Update
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival Guide: March 20-24
The 2015 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival completed its first full week, and the sights and smells around the park are fantastic.
For the first time ever, Chip 'n' Dale appear as topiaries with the rest of the Disney gang. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
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 #2 of the 2015 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival:
| Friday, March 20 | ||
| 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 |
| Kendra Lott of Edible Orlando Magazine – Tips on how tips on how to plant your own garden. | 11:00, 2:00 | Greenhouse Stage |
| Danielle Sherry of Fine Gardening Magazine | 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: En Vogue | 5:30, 6:45, 8:00 | American Gardens Theater |
| Saturday, March 21 | ||
| 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 about growing and maintaining the gardens of the Walt Disney World Resort | 10:00 – 4:00 | Festival Center |
| Kendra Lott, Edible Orlando magazine | 11:00, 2:00 | Greenhouse Stage |
| Danielle Sherry, Fine Gardening magazine | 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: En Vogue | 5:30, 6:45, 8:00 | American Gardens Theater |
| Sunday, March 22 | ||
| 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 |
| Kendra Lott, Edible Orange magazine | 11:00, 2:00 | Greenhouse Stage |
|
Danielle Sherry, Fine Gardening magazine |
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: En Vogue | 5:30, 6:45, 8:00 | American Gardens Theater |
Views around the World
Spring is in full bloom at Epcot's 2014 Flower & Garden Festival and one of our photographers wanted to make sure we had a chance to experience its beauty! He also stopped by the Magic Kingdom and Disney's Animal Kingdom to give us an update on construction projects.
Epcot
Topiary Peter Pan stands on the rooftop of the United Kingdom pavilion, out of reach of topiary Captain Hook for the 2015 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Topiary Tick-Tock the Crocodile lurks near topiary Captain Hook at the United Kingdom pavilion for the 2015 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka
Characters from Disney's Beauty and the Beast appear as topiaries at the France pavilion for the 2015 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Buzz Lightyear greets Epcot guests near Mission: Space during the 2015 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Topiary Mickey and Minnie are ready for the 2015 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Magic Kingdom
As the newly constructed portions of the hub at Magic Kingdom have opened, the Rose Garden is now undergoing construction. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The Rose Garden at Magic Kingdom is now behind construction walls as the new hub areas nearby have opened. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Animal Kingdom
From near the top of Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, construction cranes are visible beyond Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
With Bob Iger's mention that Disney's Hollywood Studios will soon be renamed (again), this dedication plaque likely will change (again). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
New lobby attraction posters have appeared in the queue for the Great Movie Ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
This and That
…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 to 12.
- A $500 gift card
Entries can be submitted online through the sweepstakes' official Web page until March 29.
The MousePlanet Newsletter is here!
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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
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
- 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
- Space Mountain – closed April 20-23 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
- Flame Tree Barbecue – closed through March 31.
- 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. |
|---|---|
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. |
Don't keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. Email Marie here.
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