Update for May 12 – 18, 2015
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions
News and Views
Hearing scheduled for 2011 Disney worker death | Rebel Hangar: A Star Wars Lounge Experience to debut at Disney's Hollywood Studios | New tour available at Disney's Animal Kingdom | More garage walkways open in Downtown Disney/Disney Springs area | 2015 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Guide: May 15 to 17 | Views around the World | This and that… | Crowd Update
Hearing scheduled for 2011 Disney worker death
Orange County Circuit Court had a hearing scheduled for yesterday (May 11) for a lawsuit filed against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts by the family of an employee who died while working on an Animal Kingdom ride in 2011.
Russell Roscoe, a 52-year-old attractions mechanic, died in 2011 after a ride vehicle hit him wile he performed maintenance on Primeval Whirl, according to a report from the Orlando Sentinel. Roscoe's family filed the suit in Orange County Circuit Court in 2012.
The accident happened as Roscoe and other workers were “wet testing” the ride, where some employees spray water from the top of the lift platform while others inspect systems such as brakes.
Disney wants the claims to be dismissed, saying Roscoe's family is already entitled to workers' compensation benefits and that employer immunity from lawsuits is a protection under that system.
Lawyers for Roscoe's family is arguing that immunity does not apply because Disney knew the dangers involved with testing the ride, but that danger was not apparent to Roscoe, and that Disney misrepresented it. Disney disputes this claims and is fighting it in court.
Rebel Hangar: A Star Wars Lounge Experience to debut at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Another new dining experience debuts at Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios later this month.
Every weekend from May 15 to June 14, the Rebel Hangar opens to the public. This Star Wars lounge experience, located at Echo Lake, gives visitors a chance to enjoy some delicious themed food and drink that celebrates the science fiction franchise.
The menu includes:
- Pilot's Pomme Frites – tossed with parmesan cheese, garlic and parsley with a garlic aioli for dipping
- Ensalada Naboo – seared chicken breast, bibb lettuce, grape tomatoes, watermelon radish, almond frica, and a parmesan-peppercorn ranch dressing
- Lightsaber Bites – hand-dipped corn-battered knockwurst sausages with house-made chips and mustard dipping sauce
- The Dark Fried – Chicken and Darth Vader waffles served with maple syrup and sweet barbecue sauce
- Trio of Thermal Detonators – spicy pork wings topped with spicy piquillo-pepper sauce and slaw
- Slider Sampler featuring “The Sith” barbecue-braised brisket with cole slaw and “The Jedi” with barbecued pulled chicken with arugula
- Fruit and Cheese “Sabers” featuring Tillamook cheddar, Brie, goat cheese, pickled vegetables, crostini, cheddar crackers, blueberries, raspberries, honeydew melon, strawberry, olives and gherkins
- Chips & Sith – hummus with red pepper coulis, black sesame dust, and corn tortilla chips
- Yoda Key Lime Cake
- Trio of Star Wars mini cupcakes, including Mini Darth Vader (chocolate-peanut butter), Mini Yoda (chocolate-hazelnut), and
- Mini Jabba the Hutt (salted caramel latte) served in the Han Solo Carbonite Souvenir Box
The Rebel Hangar also plans to have a special drink menu, as well:
- Imperial Blue – Maker's Mark Whisky, Cointreau, Blue Curacao, sweet and sour, topped with Sprite
- Tatooine Sunset – Stoli vanilla, Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, pineapple juice with grenadine
- Rebel Red – Grey Goose vodka, Chambord, sour mix and a splash of grenadine
- Dagobah Swamp Juice – Midori, Tito's Handmade Vodka, sweet and sour, topped with lemon-lime foam
- The Dark Side – Stoli vanilla vodka, Bailey's liqueur, crème de cocoa and brownie garnish, and
- Alderaan Ale
The Jabba the Hutt and Yoda cupcakes can also be found at Tusken Fridge Raiders, Trolley Car Café, Starring Rolls Cafe, and Backlot Express. The Darth Vader cupcake will be available at all quick-service locations, including Starring Rolls Cafe, and Trolley Car Cafe and Tusken Fridge Raiders at Darth's Mall.
For reservations, visit DisneyWorld.com/dine or call (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463).
New tour available at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Disney's Animal Kingdom offers a brand new tour experience, Backstage Tales, to its visitors.
During this tour, guides offers a four-hour tour to those interested in getting a glimpse behind the scenes at Disney's Animal Kingdom including animal care, studies and education. Guides also provide insight on how Disney's Animal Kingdom works on raising awareness of global conservation.
The tour includes walking and riding around the park and visitors are encouraged to ask questions and participate in the activity.
Park areas to be seen on the tour include the aviary on Pangani Forest Exploration, the black rhino and elephant barns and the Animal Nutrition Center. And, of course, there are a number of surprises along the way.
A portion of tour admission supports the Disney Conservation Fund, so you can not only make an impact on global conservation, it's also a great reminder of the world of wonders all around us.
Backstage Tales replaces the Backstage Safari tour and only guests ages 12 and over are allowed to participate. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No cameras or video are allowed in backstage areas. It's offered from 7:30–11:15 a.m. daily, and anyone taking the tour is asked to be at the park's main entrance 15 minutes before scheduled arrival time. Theme park admission is not included. For reservations, call (407) WDW-TOUR (939-8687). Experiences, content and animal encounters are subject to change.
More garage walkways open in Downtown Disney/Disney Springs area
The Orange Garage escalators, elevators and pedestrian connecting bridge on the west side of Downtown Disney has opened as the Disney Springs transformation continues. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
As construction continues in the Downtown Disney/Disney Springs area, last week marked a new milestone for the project: the opening of two new direct access walkways to the West Side promenade in two locations: next to Splitsville Luxury Lanes and the second one near Planet Hollywood, according to Disney Parks Blog.
The new bridges to the property are accessible via the second level of the garage and give guests the option to use stairs, elevators or escalators. With beautiful landscaping and new hardscape finishing out the space, the walkways are a lovely new addition to what will eventually be Disney Springs. Visitors need to park in the Orange Garage to experience this new connection.
2015 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Guide: May 15 to 17
It's Week 10 at the 2015 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival; there's only one week more to go after this. The months are really flying by, aren't they?
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 the final week (#11) of the 2015 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival:
| Friday, May 15 | ||
| Gardens of the World Tour: A three-hour tour of special displays and international Gardens. | 9:00 – noon | Epcot |
| Rob Williams, Disney Horticulturalist | 11:00, 2:00 | Greenhouse Stage |
| Dave Dewitt, speaker and author | Noon, 3:00 | Fresh Epcot Stage |
| “Planting Pointers”: join experts as they present great gardening ideas for everyone | 1:00, 4:00 | University of Florida Stage |
| English Tea Garden Tour | 1:00, 3:45, 6:15 | Tea Caddy |
| IFAS at the University of Florida Stage | 10:00 – 5:00 | Festival Center |
| Garden Rocks Concert Series: Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone | 5:30, 6:45, 8:00 | American Gardens Theater |
| Saturday, May 9 | ||
| Gardens of the World Tour: A three-hour tour of special displays and international Gardens. | 9:00 – noon | Epcot |
| Dennis Cathcart of Tropiflora Nursery | 11:00, 2:00 | Greenhouse Stage |
| Dave Dewitt, speaker and author | Noon, 3:00 | Fresh Epcot Stage |
| “Planting Pointers”: join experts as they present great gardening ideas for everyone. | 1:00, 4:00 | University of Florida Stage |
| English Tea Garden Tour | 1:00, 3:45, 6:15 | Tea Caddy |
| Garden Rocks Concert Series: Herman's Hermit's starring Peter Noone | 5:30, 6:45, 8:00 | American Gardens Theater |
| Sunday, May 10 | ||
| Gardens of the World Tour: A three-hour tour of special displays and international Gardens. | 9:00 – noon | Epcot |
| Dennis Cathcart of Tropiflora Nursery | 11:00, 2:00 | Greenhouse Stage |
| Dave Dewitt, speaker and author | Noon, 3:00 | Fresh Epcot Stage |
| “Planting Pointers”: join experts as they present great gardening ideas for everyone. | 1:00, 4:00 | University of Florida Stage |
| English Tea Garden Tour | 1:00, 3:45, 6:15 | Tea Caddy |
| Garden Rocks Concert Series: Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone | 5:30, 6:45, 8:00 | American Gardens Theater |
Views around the World
It's the last week of the 2015 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, plus there's a lot of construction going on over at Disney's Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Downtown Disney. Let's take a look!
Epcot
Construction cranes assist in the expansion of Soarin' at Epcot. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Bonsai trees are on display along the shore of the World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot's Japan pavilion during the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival which ends this weekend, May 17. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Illuminations fireworks can be viewed beyond the topiaries of Mickey and Minnie Mouse during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
A giraffe keeps a watchful eye on a truckload of guests on the savannah area of Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
On a warm spring afternoon, a lioness sits high enough atop the rocks to be seen by riders on Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Construction continues on the future Rivers of Light nighttime spectacular at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Downtown Disney/Disney Springs
Construction is going vertical on the final district, The Landing. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
A Chris Craft boat opens up to make a dining space at the new Boathouse Restaurant. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Here is Gadget, a very intimate tugboat. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
A new entrance to the garage finally opens between AMC movie theaters and Splitsville. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Here we see a new bridge that will cross the springs near Planet Hollywood. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
This and that…
…Are you a Walt Disney World merchandise fan? Then, you should check out the May schedule of events released by Disney for all the merchandise events in and around the parks.
…Don't forget the that 24-Hour Day at Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom is on May 22 and kicks off the “Coolest Summer Ever.” Stay tuned to MousePlanet for more event details as we get them.
…Have you heard about the new Disney Trading Packs? These monthly boxes contain limited edition pins for collectors looking for something a little more rare that they are used to picking up, collecting or trading. The first box will be available May 14 and a new box comes out each month. This is NOT a subscription-based program.
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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 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
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 6–7. Most events are sold out.
2016
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 6–10, 2016. Many events are sold out.
- 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
- Pirates of the Caribbean – closed June 8 through September 25 for refurbishment.
- Liberty Tree Tavern – closed July 6 through November 20 for refurbishment
- Dream Along with Mickey – closed July 19 through August 22 for refurbishment
- Liberty Square Riverboat – closed August 4–10 for refurbishment.
- Walt Disney World Frontierland station – closed September 29 through November 5 for refurbishment.
- Walt Disney World Main Street U.S.A station – closed September 29 through November 5 for refurbishment.
- Walt Disney World Fantasyland station – closed September 29 through November 5 for refurbishment.
- Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage – closed June 12–14 for refurbishment
- Voyage of the Little Mermaid – closed September 7–10 for refurbishment
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Triceratop Spin – closed through May 23.
Resorts
- Polynesian – ongoing refurbishment of the lobby and pool area.
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 – 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.
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Discounts for Everyone |
Save Up to 30 percent with room discount Summer travelers looking to save money on Walt Disney World trip have some new options with last week's new room discount announcement Visitors traveling between June 16 and August 27, 2015 can save between 15 percent and 30 percent off regular room rates with this promotion. Room inventory is limited and this promotion only lasts until June 12 and certain exclusions apply (see below). To make reservations, contact your travel agent or visit the official Walt Disney World website. June 16 – August 27, 2015 Save 30%
Save 20%
Weekdays June 16 – August 9, 2015 Save 20%
Save 15%
Weekends August 10-27, 2015 Save 25%
Save 20%
Free Dining Plan Offer Get a free dining plan when booking a non-discounted 6-night/7-day Walt Disney Travel Company package that includes a room at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels and ticket with either a Park Hopper or Water Park Fun & More option. Offer is valid for arrivals most nights from August 28 to October 2, October 25–31, November 8–19, and December 15–21. The booking window is now through July 10, 2015. Guests receive the Disney Dining Plan if they stay at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, Disney Deluxe Resorts, or a Disney Moderate Resorts. Guests receive the Quick-Service Dining Plan if they stay at select Disney Value Resorts. The offer excludes:
Dining plans exclude alcohol and gratuities. Children ages 3 through 9 must order from the children's menu. To check for availability, visit either the Walt Disney World official webpage, call a Walt Disney World vacation specialist at (407) 827-7181 or contact a travel agent. Up to a 30 percent room-only discount offered for fall season For those who either choose not to or cannot use the free dining package, Disney also announced a discount of up to a 30 percent off on rooms for the late summer/early fall. Here are the offer details: Offer is valid August 15 through October 3, 2015 The booking window is now through August 7, 2015 Save 30%:
Save 25%:
Save 20%:
Save 15%:
To check for availability, visit either the Walt Disney World official webpage, call a Walt Disney World vacation specialist at (407) 827-7181, or contact a travel agent. 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. |
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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. |
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Discounts for Florida Residents |
None at this time. |
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Discounts for U.K. Residents |
None at this time |
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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.
