Walt Disney World Resort Update

Update for June 30 – July 6, 2015

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News and Views

Walt Disney World bans selfie sticks | Military discounts extended through December | Changes coming to 2016 Magic Your Way Plans | Disney Dining Plan prices, inclusion changes for 2016 announced | Captain EO to return to Epcot | How to celebrate Independence Day at Walt Disney World | Disney Savings Plan complaints continue | Did you catch these quick takes? | Crowd Forecast

Walt Disney World bans selfie sticks

After trying to limit the use of selfie sticks on attractions by visitors earlier this year, Walt Disney World decided to up the ante and completely ban them from the theme parks.

The new ban, which begins on June 30, means that the photography tool cannot even brought into the parks and security guards at the entry checkpoints will be on alert to finding them. Visitors caught with a selfie stick can choose to either turn in the stick and get a claim ticket to pick it up on the way out or return it back to the car or hotel room.

The ban upgrade came as a result of visitors continuing to try to use the selfie sticks on rides and attractions, despite the previous rule, which Disney clearly had posted around the parks.

Military discounts extended through December

Late last week, Disney announced the continuation of military discounts through December 2015.

Room rates

The Disney Armed Forces Salute offers Disney resort rooms and tickets at Walt Disney World

Qualified personnel may book up to a maximum of three rooms at a time during the period of the Disney Armed Forces Salute. This discount may be used as many times as you'd like during the offer period.

• 40 percent off Deluxe Resorts
• 35 percent off Moderates and Fort Wilderness Cabins
• 30 percent off Value Resorts including Art of Animation (except Little Mermaid rooms)

The number of rooms and room types at these rates are limited.

The resort discount may be used up to and including December 23, 2015.

Ticket discount

Eligible service members can purchase 4-day Park Hopper passes for $177 until December 20, 2015

Tickets can be purchased through December 17, 2015.

Eligible service members are limited to purchasing no more than 12 Disney military promotional tickets.

Changes to Magic Your Way plans for 2016

If you're looking to book a Disney Magic Your Way Package for next year, you should know that Disney changed a number of the package offerings by adding and removing what a customer receives when they book the package, as well as how and when a package is booked.

Additions to the package:

• Mini-golf vouchers increase from two (2) to four (4) players at Fantasia Gardens or Winter-Summerland. The vouchers must still be used before 4:00 p.m.
• Disney added four (4) vouchers for a one-day admission to the ESPN Wide World of Sports.

Removals from the package:

• Arcade game card (was a 100 point card per room)
• Dining discounts at Bongos (was 15 percent), Fulton’s Crab House (was 10 percent), and Paradiso 37 (was 20 percent)
• Children’s Activity Center Discount (was 15 percent)
• Disney Tours discount (was 15 percent for most tours)
• DisneyQuest admission vouchers (was two per room)
• Recreation discounts for horseback riding (was 15 percent), guided bass fishing (was 15 percent), and marina rentals (was 10 percent)
• Spa and salon services discount (was 15 percent for services 50 minutes or longer)

Booking Terms changes

Disney also changed booking terms for the Magic Your Way Packages. They can be booked up to one day in advance both online and by phone. A $200 deposit is now required (compared to a one-night stay with room-only reservations) and the final payment is due 30 days before arrival (this used to be 45 days). Packages can be cancelled without penalty 31 days before arrival. A $200 fee will be charged for anyone canceling a packages 30 to two days before arrival. A one-day cancellation means no refund to the person who booked the trip.

Many thanks to Laurel Stewart from our sponsor TouringPlans.com who shared all the details about these important changes.

Disney Dining Plan prices, inclusion changes for 2016 announced

Last week, Disney released pricing information for its dining plan option for 2016:

• Quick Service: adults: $42.77/night; child 3-9: $17.54 – was $41.99 and $16.03
• Regular plan: adults: $61.82/night; child 3-9: $20.98 – was $60.64 and $19.23
• Deluxe Plan: adults: $111.73; child 3-9: $32.56 – was $109.53 and $29.86

A number of websites report that not only have the prices changed, but also the options for the Deluxe Plan have, as well. In particular, the current information from Disney omits the appetizer from the deluxe plan, leaving only the entree, dessert and drink as the meal offered on the plan. It is important to note that Disney can make changes before the end of the year, so keep an eye out for possible updates.

Thanks to Laurel from our sponsor TouringPlans.com for the new price information and wdwmagic.com for the plan change details.

Captain EO to return to Epcot

It looks like Epcot's Imagination Theater is once again hosting Captain EO, starring Michael Jackson. Back in April, the 4-D film went on hiatus as Disney decided to use the theater for special previews of Tomorrowland and then the current preview of Inside Out. According to the Orlando Sentinel, the film returns to Epcot on July 19, 2015.

How to celebrate Independence Day at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World has a patriotic lineup of entertainment around the theme parks to celebrate our nation's 239th birthday on July 4. In fact, so much entertainment is planned, that Disney scheduled two days to honor our country: July 3 and July 4! Here's a quick run-down on what to expect for Independence Day festivities:

Resorts:

All resorts should have poolside games, crafts and movies under the starts for the holiday. Over at Port Orleans Riverside there will be a Riverside Fair: Red, White & Blue on the Bayou which features a barbecue from Noon until 5:00 p.m and live entertainment form 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Theme Parks:

• Disney's Hollywood Studios – Visitors can enjoy the“Rockin’ Fourth of July Celebration” fireworks show.  It will be a rock n’ roll tribute across America. The DJ will start at 5:45 p.m. and the fireworks will start at 10:15 p.m.
• Epcot – Disney characters will be dressed in their patriotic costumes to meet visitors around the park. Voices of Liberty performs a concert at the American Gardens Theater in World Showcase at 12:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. Finally, Illuminations: Reflections of Earth will have a special Fourth of July “tag” at the end of the show.
• Magic Kingdom – At 10:00 p.m., the park will present “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.”

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Crowds at Walt Disney World get especially heavy during the Fourth of July weekend, so make sure to get to the park of your choice early, as Disney may decide on phased closures due to crowed levels. 

Disney Savings Plan complaints continue

The Disney Savings Plan website continues to receive complaints about its reliability and user experience. The story first surfaced last week when customers complained that too much money had been taken out of their accounts, even causing some bank overdraft fees. 

Earlier this week, Disney announced that it would disburse refunds shortly and that the technical glitches were addressed. Despite that announcement, more people came forward with a variety of stories outlining various problems, including:

• Not being able to access the website at all
• A malfunction with the refund request form
• The inability to cancel automatic deposits into Disney Savings Plan accounts

Disney Savings Plan customer Tapan Parmar wrote to the Orlando Sentinel, expressing frustration:

For many, like myself, we just want to see our balance to ensure that the funds are still there, but not being able to see my balance for a week is concerning. 

Meanwhile, Disney spokesman Bryan Malenius apologized for “any inconvenience this has caused our guests and are happy to talk with anyone who has concerns. “Refunds have been processed, and we’re working diligently to bring the website back online.”

Did you catch these quick takes?

• A couple of Walt Disney World Resort restaurants announced changes last week. Over at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Artist Point has a new chef and menu items. Meanwhile. the Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge located in Disney's Hollywood Studios has new menu items, as well.
• A few websites picked up a tweet from Dave Cobb regarding the demolition of the Adventurer's Club in the former Pleasure Island entertainment complex. Fans of Adventurer's Club shared their memories of the location and their sadness at it's ultimate removal.
• Three classic Disney movies celebrated milestone anniversaries last week: Lady and the Tramp opened 60 years ago on June 22, 1955, Pocahontas celebrated its 20th anniversary, with an opening date of June 23, 1995 and The Lion King turned 21; it opened on June 24, 1994. 
• Speaking of Pocahontas, Disney's Animal Kingdom visitors have a new meet and greet area to see her at Discovery Island Character Landing. Remember, this is the only place at Walt Disney World where you can meet Pocahontas.
• Heading to the 2015 D23 Expo in Anaheim in August? Here's a sneak peek at some of the exclusive merchandise you'll find there! 

Views Around the World

As summer temperatures soar, Disney's Hollywood Studios has a cool option for visitors with Frozen Summer Fun. This week, we give you a tour around all the special events!

A Frozen Summer Fun sand sculpture greets guests at the entrance to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Frozen Summer Fun has returned to Disney's Hollywood Studios and is scheduled to run through September 7, 2015. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Royal Arendelle Flag Corps leads the Frozen Royal Welcome parade, twice daily, during the Frozen Summer Fun, at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Olaf the snowman appears in the Frozen Royal Welcome parade, twice daily, during the Frozen Summer Fun. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A group of ice cutters leads Kristoff's float in the Frozen Royal Welcome parade, twice daily during the Frozen Summer Fun. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Frozen Royal Welcome parade stops twice during each of its two daily runs through Disney's Hollywood Studios, inviting guests to join in singing “Let It Go” while it snows. Queen Elsa and Princess Anna get off their floats and greet the crowds during the parade stops. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Princess Anna greets guests during the Frozen Royal Welcome parade at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Frozen Royal Welcome parade includes Kristoff during its two daily runs through Disney's Hollywood Studios during Frozen Summer Fun. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Olaf has his own stage show this year during Frozen Summer Fun at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

…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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Resort Events

2015

• 2015 Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween 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

Magic Kingdom

• Pirates of the Caribbean – closed through September 26 for refurbishment.
• Liberty Tree Tavern – closed July 6 through November 21 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.

Epcot

• Captain EO – closed through July 19.
• Living with the Land – September 8–18.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

• Frozen Fireworks Spectacular – closed July 5
• Voyage of the Little Mermaid – closed September 7–10 for refurbishment.

Blizzard Beach

• Entire park closed from October 25, 2015 through January 3, 2016 for refurbishment

Typhoon Lagoon

• Entire park closed from January 3, 2016 through March 13, 2016 for reburbishment.

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.

Don't keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. Email Marie here.