Walt Disney World Resort Update for April 3-9, 2018

Walt Disney World Resort Update for April 3-9, 2018

Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions

Writer's note: As you might imagine, it was a rather quiet week for news at Walt Disney World Resort. Before the end of spring, we expect some bigger announcements will come along. As you may recall, the 20th Anniversary of the opening of Disney's Animal Kingdom is just ahead on April 22, and, then, as we head toward the “Incredible Summer” and the June 30 opening of Toy Story Land, we will see bigger stories.

Along the Walt Disney World Railroad Fantasyland Station, signs of spring are apparent. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

I hope you are enjoying what you celebrate in spring: Easter, Passover, or even just the season itself. Spring Break “season” continues this week, so there likely will still be crowds around Walt Disney World Resort (as our friends at TouringPlans predict below in the Crowd Forecast). Let's get started…

Magic Kingdom's gate bustles throughout Easter Sunday. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

News and Views

Recapping Easter Highlights at Magic Kingdom & Disney's Contemporary Resort | New Art Exhibit Coming to Epcot This Summer | New Mobile Digital Keys to the Room | Epcot Concert News & Calendar | Views around the World | This and That | Crowd Forecast

Recapping Easter Highlights at Magic Kingdom & Disney's Contemporary Resort

The Easter Bunny has departed Magic Kingdom's Town Square Courtyard for the season, but there were plenty of sights to see and photo opportunities leading up to Easter Sunday, April 1 (this past weekend). Many of the Citizens of Main Street U.S.A. dressed in their finest to celebrate the season, and on Saturday and Sunday Magic Kingdom also featured a special Easter-themed pre-parade down Main Street U.S.A. with Mr. & Mrs. Easter Bunny, Daisy Duck, Thumper & Ms. Bunny, White Rabbit, Rabbit, Clara Cluck, hippos, ostriches, dancing chicks, and the annual appearance by the Azalea Trail Maids from Mobile Alabama.

Many of the Citizens of Main Street U.S.A. dress in their Easter finest outfits. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade showings this past weekend were preceded by an Easter pre-parade. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny ride down the parade route in an antique car. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Azalea Trail Maids from Mobile Alabama are led down the parade route by Daisy Duck. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Azalea Trail Maids fill the parade route with their spring colored outfits. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Clara Cluck waves to guests along the parade route from the upper window of her barn-float. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

We presented the Easter Pre-Parade on our Facebook Page on Easter Sunday, Live, just before noon Eastern Daylight Time. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Citizens of Main Street make regular appearances daily: be sure to check the Times Guide or the My Disney Experience for their appearance schedule. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Next door to Magic Kingdom, Disney's Contemporary Resort & Convention Center's bakery team also showed off its hand-crafted Easter eggs in the first floor lobby. Last week, we also showed photos from the prominent Easter egg displays located at Disney's Beach Club Resort (with a few pieces displayed at the neighboring Yacht Club) and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

The lobby of Disney's Contemporary Resort & Convention Center displays Easter eggs crafted by the bakery cast. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The egg on the right (also shown on the left of the preceding photo) has character autographs that appear as the egg slowly rotates past an ultraviolet light. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The inspiration for some of the eggs, like Disney's “Aladdin” are clear, while others are of a more abstract design. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Among the smallest of the eggs in the lobby of Disney's Contemporary Resort, the details on the one depicting the lions is among the most intricate on display. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

From this angle, three of the eggs appear to be placed to form a familiar (Mickey-head) shape. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Minnie Mouse decorates an egg at the front desk of Disney's Contemporary Resort & Convention Center. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Easter eggs likely will continue to be on display for another week or so. If you want to make a trip over to one of the resorts with an egg display just to see it, it may be wise to phone ahead (you can ask the front desk or concierge of any Disney Resort for them to check for you).

New Art Exhibit Coming to Epcot This Summer

Back in the Walt Disney World Resort Update for March 13-19, 2018, we mentioned that The Kinsey Collection of African American art and history, which has been on display for the past five years at Epcot's American Heritage Gallery inside The American Adventure, would be returning to the Kinsey Family at the end of March. The Disney Dreamers Academy saluted The Kinsey Collection during its commencement ceremony at Disney's Contemporary Resort and Convention Center earlier in the month.

“Re-Discovering America: Family Treasures from The Kinsey Collection” has been on display in the American Heritage Gallery for the past five years. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

This week, Disney Parks Blog announced that the next exhibit coming to the American Heritage Gallery will be called “Creating Tradition: Innovation and Change in American Indian Art.” The exhibition, created in collaboration with the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture (Santa Fe, New Mexico) and the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian (Washington, D.C.), will include interactive displays where artists share the creative processes and inspirations behind their works. Featured artists will include fashion designer Loren Aragon, doll maker Glenda McKay, and Juanita Growing Thunder.

As we have noted in other recent Updates, the Mexico pavilion's new “Remember Me” art gallery (which includes the authentic art's influences on Disney-Pixar's Coco) also continues to receive updates which, at least as of last week, had not yet been completed. The gallery inside the Stave Church at Norway pavilion is also currently closed for refurbishment.

New Mobile Digital Keys to the Room

For several years already, guests staying in Walt Disney World Resort Hotels could use their Magic Bands to unlock the doors to their rooms, as well as the common area doors (like doors to hallways that are locked late at night and swimming pools) and parking lot gates. Now Disney is adding mobile key features to the My Disney Experience app.

Starting soon with Disney's Wilderness Lodge, and eventually expanding to other resorts, the new feature in the latest version of the My Disney Experience app will allow your Bluetooth-enabled mobile device to unlock the door to enter your hotel room. Guests will need to opt in and activate the feature on check-in day in the app. When at your hotel room door, you will tap the “Unlock Door” button and then hold the phone against the door lock (just like your Magic Band). Several international hotel chains have offered this feature for several years as well (and I have used it quite a few times at Hilton Hotels in several cities).

Disney Parks Blog posted a demonstration of the mobile key feature in action at Disney's BoardWalk Resort (though the feature's first scheduled availability is to be at Disney's Wilderness Lodge). Video ©Disney.

Epcot Concert News & Calendar

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival's Garden Rocks Concert Series takes the stage at the America Gardens Theatre three times nightly on Fridays through Mondays through May 28. For the convenience of our readers, we list all of the performances in our Google Calendar of Epcot Events. You can also add it to any Calendar that supports the iCal format (like iPhone and Mac) by copying this link.

Little River Band performed at Epcot last month as part of the Garden Rocks Concert Series. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The calendar is provided “As is, where is” and without any guarantees, as a courtesy. Given the effort it took to create it, we do respectfully request that you do not post our entire calendar on another site without first asking our permission. We do not know why Walt Disney World Resort has not created this sort of functionality outside of the My Disney Experience app itself.

Views Around the World

In addition to the Views shared in the News, this week we have a few more views of Magic Kingdom, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Epcot, and Disney's BoardWalk Resort. As usual, photo captions provide you with bits of news too.

Magic Kingdom

Exterior scrims surround the upper part of the building including Tony's Town Square Restaurant along Main Street U.S.A. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Refurbishment and “enhancement” is underway at the “famous” Purple Wall in Tomorrowland. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Closer up, it is apparent that the “enhancement” of the Purple Wall apparently includes a rather abstract design. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Beyond the Purple Wall (further away from the hub in Tomorrowland), the rest of the exterior of the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor is also being repainted. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Closest to Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, the exterior wall of the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor now has a new decorative paint scheme. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Also in Tomorrowland, exterior construction continues at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café remains open during the refurbishment (look for signs pointing to available doors). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

As is usual on a busy day at Magic Kingdom, on Easter Sunday, from Liberty Square past “it's a small world” and Peter Pan in Fantasyland the pathway was among the most congested in the park. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Now available in the Emporium: mugs resembling the turrets of Cinderella Castle. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

At nearly 90 years old, has Mickey Mouse finally started wearing reading glasses to read a park map? (Maybe it is just the stitching of his eyes.) Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot

The 25th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival continues through May 28. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The spring flower baskets on the lamp posts along the shore of World Showcase Lagoon add even more colors to the park during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

One of the many residents of Epcot explores the World Showcase side of the Lagoon. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

During the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, a kiosk on World Showcase Plaza sells these decorative spinning pieces that you often also can find from a vendor in the Marketplace area of Disney Springs. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Construction cranes can now be seen from several vantage points around World Showcase. Those shown here are likely assisting in constructing the new tower to the park's west at Disney's Coronado Resort & Convention Center. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Contemporary Resort

The new PIXAR PlayZone debuts later this month, taking the space previously occupied by the Game Station arcade in the Grand Canyon Concourse on the fourth floor near the entrance to the Monorail station. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's BoardWalk Resort

With some of the resort's check-in desk now used for the resort concierge (likely due to the popularity of online check-in), the former concierge desk has been converted to a mini-concession stand, including popcorn and resort refillable mugs among its offerings. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

This and That

…Disney Parks Blog concluded its five week celebration of National Women's History Month by saluting more talented women on the Food and Beverage team at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

…Sticking with the foods theme, Vivoli il Gelato at Disney Springs is serving up some April sundae specials made with fresh and local ingredients of the season. Its limited-edition hand-made Italian gelato menu offerings include:

• Blueberry Pie – Blueberry sorbet, vanilla gelato, biscotto gelato, blueberry sauce, fresh blueberries, graham cracker crumbles, and whipped cream
• On the Pitch – Peanut butter gelato, banana gelato, chocolate gelato, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and fresh bananas
• Pineapple Upside Down Cake – Pineapple sorbet, black cherry gelato, vanilla gelato, cherries, yellow cake, cherry sauce, whipped cream
• The Chocolate Storm – Chocolate gelato, chocolate banana gelato, chocolate chip gelato, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream

Blueberry Pie Sundae is one of Vivoli il Gelato's limited-time menu offerings this month at Disney Springs. Image courtesy Patina Restaurant Group.

…Thinking about foods and beverages, snacks and desserts at Magic Kingdom, Disney Parks Blog has a rundown of the latest offerings from the new Flower Crown Cupcake at Main Street Bakery, to a new Mint Julep Lemonade Slushy and the Cuban Hot Diggity Dog at Casey's Corner, to the Orange Cream swirl that joined the Citrus Swirl at Sunshine Tree Terrace, and more, including details about the dessert trio coming to the Be Our Guest Restaurant along with its new summer dinner menu.

…Eligible Disney Vacation Club Members (and their guests) interested in beverages can now consider even more beverage tasting options around Walt Disney World Resort. We have previously written about the Beverage Tasting Series at Top of the World Lounge (which continues to offer a $40 sessions on many Tuesdays and Thursdays scheduled through June). Now DVC has announced two more “Membership Magic” options coming soon—call Member Services (800)800-9800 for details and reservations.

• Olivia's Café at Disney's Old Key West Resort
  Starting April 15, each Sunday (excluding holidays), from 3-4 p.m., Olivia's will host a wine-tasting experience for up to 20 Members ages 21 and older. The $30/person (including tax and gratuity) sessions will include bite-sized foods with the wine while exploring the legend of Olivia Farnsworth (the restaurant's namesake) and the Resort itself.
• Reunion Station at Disney's Wilderness Lodge (Reservations open April 4; venue opens April 30)
  In the brand new venue built along with the recent Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, DVC will host a $40/person Beverage Tasting Series on Mondays, beginning May 7, from 1:30-3 p.m., focusing on different beverages from “Speak Easy Craft Cocktails” to “New World Wines” accompanied by small-plate food pairings. For Members staying at Boulder Ridge Villas or Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, they may add-on an additional new food-and-beverage-inclusive lounge option at Reunion Station for the length of their stay (priced at $50/night for adults; $33/night for kids ages 3-9): it includes pastries, fruits, cereals, juices and more from 7 to 10 a.m. daily, and wine, beer, cheeses, salads, soups, desserts, crudité and more from 4 to 6 p.m. (The option must be purchased for the entire length of stay and for everyone on the reservation.)

…While we are talking about DVC's new Reunion Station, eligible Members may also (starting tomorrow) make call Member Services to make reservations for two new workshop series ($40/person including tax and gratuity) coming to the venue:

• Phone Photography – offered on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 3 p.m. starting on May 8, will teach guests to “expertly capture vacation photos on their phones,” by discussing (like many of our One Passholder's Tips, I am sure) how best to capture fireworks, characters, family, and more.
• Animation 101 – offered on Thursdays from 1:30 to 3 p.m., starting on May 10, will be taught by noted Disney animator Todd Bright (whose work credits include The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Tarzan, Lilo & Stitch, andBrother Bear) focusing on Disney animation history and application of basic principles to creating a flip book.

Reunion Station will also be open to all eligible Members (whether or not staying at Disney's Wilderness Lodge) nightly (expected to start April 30) from 7 to 10 p.m., with a lounge host on hand to answer questions and offer assistance like the hosts do at the DVC Member Lounge at Epcot.

…And, for another wine tasting Membership Extra for eligible DVC Members, the soon-to-open Wine Bar George at Disney Springs will also be hosting experiences and monthly wine dinners. On Tuesdays, from 3:30 p.m. until 5 p.m., up to 30 people will have the opportunity to sample six wines paired with cheese and charcuterie ($45/person including tax and gratuity). On select Wednesdays, from 6 to 9 p.m., Master Sommelier George Miliotes (and, when available, a featured winemaker) will host a reception and three-course dinner with wine pairings for up to 10 people ($115/person, including tax and gratuity). Call Member Services for information and registration; everyone can visit WineBarGeorge.com for information about the new two-story, 6,000-square-foot, 210-seat establishment opening in The Landing neighborhood of Disney Springs soon.

…One more food and beverage option for everyone (repeating from recent weeks): Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs continues its month long Sakura Festival celebrating the arrival of spring and cherry blossoms through its April 15 Matsuri Festival ($45/person – 12-4 p.m.) which will include family fun, games, food and more. The other special ticketed events include:

• Morimoto Asia's Guest Chef Series – April 3: 7-9 p.m. ($120)
• Ramen Seminar and Tasting – April 7: 12-3 p.m. ($36)

More information about the Sakura Festival, its special events and tickets are available on this page of the Patina Restaurant Group's website.

…If taking selfies at Tomorrowland's Purple Wall is your thing, maybe you also want to catch up on the Disney Parks merchandising team's latest new accessories and apparel now available in “millennial pink.” Check out this rundown from Disney Parks Blog.

Purple Wall hats are sold all over Walt Disney World Resort; this one was available on a merchandise cart near the wall itself. 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 bonus, such as an Eye Spy or a trivia question. To subscribe to our free newsletter, just enter your email in the box below.

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Resort Events

Check here to see if a park event might fall during your next trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. If you know of any in-park events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, please send us an email.

2018 Resort Events

• 25th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – February 28 – May 28, 2018
• Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend – April 19 – 22, 2018.
• Dapper Day (unofficial events) – Spring: Magic Kingdom: April 28, 2018; Epcot: April 29, 2018;
  Fall: Disney's Animal Kingdom (until 3-5 p.m.) and Magic Kingdom (eventing): November 17; Epcot: November 18, 2018
• Star Wars: Galactic Nights event at Disney's Hollywood Studios – May 27, 2018
  Visit this page of DisneyWorld.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
• Gay Days at Walt Disney World 2018 (“#RedShirtDays” – unofficial events) – Disney's Animal Kingdom: May 31;
  Disney's Hollywood Studios: June 1; Magic Kingdom: June 2; Epcot: June 3
• Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom – August 17, 24, 28, 31;
  September 3, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30;
  October 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31
• Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 1-4, 2018
• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – August 30 – November 12, 2018
• Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic – October 26-27, 2018
    –Sunday Bubbles Brunch – October 28, 2018.
• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom – November 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, 30;
  December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21
• Holidays at Walt Disney World – TBA
• Epcot International Festival of the Holidays – TBA
• Candlelight Processional at Epcot – TBA

2019 Resort Events

• 2019 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 9-13, 2019
  Registration opens on April 17, 2018
• Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – TBA.

2018 Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic Events (Including Event Reservation Opening Dates)

• Moonlight Magic at Disney's Animal Kingdom – April 17; May 16, 2018
  All Members (now open but filled to capacity; check for cancellations)
• Moonlight Magic at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon – May 30; June 11, 2018.
  Members with Resort Reservations: April 19, 2018
  All Members (pending remaining availability): May 3, 2018
• Moonlight Magic at Epcot – July 16; August 15, 2018 (note date change!)
  Members with Resort Reservations: June 6, 2018
  All Members (pending remaining availability): June 20, 2018
• Moonlight Magic at Disney's Hollywood Studios – September 19 & 26; October 3, 2018
  Members with Resort Reservations: August 30, 2018
  All Members (pending remaining availability): September 13, 2018

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Note: Not all attraction closures have been officially confirmed by Disney, and are all subject to change at any time. All refurbishment schedules are estimates only. We recommend checking for updates as you plan your visit. All information is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, visit DisneyWorld.com or use the MyDisneyExperience App on your iOS or Android device.

Magic Kingdom

• Liberty Square Riverboat – closed for refurbishment.
• Stitch's Great Escape – My Disney Experience lists as “available seasonally throughout the year.”

Epcot

• Stave Church Gallery at Norway pavilion – closed for refurbishment.
• Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe at Norway pavilion – closed for refurbishment through summer 2018.

A few Kringla favorites are now available at the Midnattssol Bakeri kiosk along World Showcase Promenade. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

• Ellen's Energy Adventure at Universe of Energy – Permanently closed on August 13, 2017.
  Guardians of the Galaxy-themed roller coaster-type attraction opens in approximately 2021.
• Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable – closed February 3, 2018. Theater to be repurposed.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

• The Great Movie Ride – Permanently closed August 13, 2017. The new “Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway” attraction to open in Chinese Theatre in 2019.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

• Flights of Wonder (Caravan Stage) – Show Closed on December 31, 2017. “UP! A Great Bird Adventure” starring Russell and Dug and their bird friends opens April 22.

Blizzard Beach

• No known closures at this time.

Typhoon Lagoon

• No known closures at this time.

Disney Springs

• World of Disney – phased store closings for refurbishment underway. The Disney Corner now open in Town Center offering select merchandise during refurbishment.
• DisneyQuest – Closed as of July 3, 2017. The NBA Experience expected to open Summer 2019.
• Portobello Country Italian Trattoria – Closed April 24, 2017. Terralina Crafted Italian expected to open in Spring 2018.
• La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil – Show closed on December 31, 2017. A new Cirque du Soleil show is now in development with its premiere date to be announced.
• Wolfgang Puck Grand Café – closed August 1, 2017. Location is being transformed into Jaleo, a restaurant featuring Spanish cuisine, expected to open 2018. A new Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill is under construction next door to the Coca-Cola Store, expected to open 2018. Wolfgang Puck Express continues to operate in its existing location in the Marketplace.

From atop the neighboring Coca-Cola Store, the extensive wood beams of the future Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill can be seen. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Construction work at the future Jaleo restaurant site has transformed the shell of the former Wolfgang Puck Grand Café into a more curved building. Panoramic Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Resorts

• Caribbean Beach – Centertown, the resort's marketplace, will be expanded with new waterfront dining and retail shopping areas. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed in Summer 2018, with the overall project completed 2019-20. Due to the work, the following food service and retail locations are currently closed:
  • Old Port Royale Food Court
  • Shutters at Old Port Royale
  • Banana Cabana Pool Bar
  • Calypso Trading Post
     
• Coronado Springs – A new 15-story tower overlooking Lago Dorado, the resort's central lake, will add 500 rooms featuring suites and concierge level services, and a rooftop dining facility that will include panoramic views of nighttime fireworks shows at the Theme Parks. The resort also plans to refurbish current resort rooms and transform some of its landscape. The project is expected to be completed 2019-20.

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.

Walt Disney World Resort theme park tickets are rarely offered at deep discounts unless you are a resident of Florida or eligible for U.S. Military Personnel benefits. It is increasingly true that non-Florida residents tend to benefit the most by purchasing tickets in advance (and, of course, being mindful of the rules relevant to those tickets). As prices go up, it becomes even more important to pay heed: Don't get scammed! Never buy tickets from an unofficial or secondary outlet, such as through eBay or Craigslist. Never rent or purchase tickets from people approaching you outside Disney property stating they have remaining days or leftover tickets. This practice is against the terms of use for Walt Disney World Theme Park admissions, and may result in denial of entry. There is no way to determine if these tickets are valid until you try to use them to enter the parks. Only purchase Disney theme park tickets directly from Disney, an authorized seller, or a travel agency like MousePlanet travel partner Get Away Today.

Be sure to move the calendar to at least seven (7) days out, to see what ticket options and discounts are available for your planned visit.